The practice of choosing which vehicles will become future classics can sometimes be difficult to discern. To start, those items that claim to be “collector’s items” when new rarely are. Collectors, as a group, are non-monolithic and can often choose to focus on gathering those models that the general public overlooked. And yet, with the passage of time, the long foresight and deep understanding of the true collector can reveal itself, as those overlooked examples become appreciated for their rarity in the future market.

Thankfully, there are some reliable rules when it comes to collecting. Focusing on those makes and models that are exceptional when new is always a worthwhile choice. Whether or not the exact same car exists currently is not of principle importance. Even if the brand itself has long been shuttered, if the products they produced are legendary, so too will be their long-term collectability (Duesenberg and Packard are perhaps the ultimate expression of this idea). Today’s cover car, the formidable 1995 AM General H1 XLC2, sat comfortably atop the lineup of General Motors’ SUV and trucks twenty-five years ago. Now, with the release of the brand-new Hummer EV Edition 1, we can see that brand cache is still strong. With an impressive showing of international sports cars and American classics, RM Sotheby’s Fort Lauderdale sale is the place to spot a future classic. We have covered the first half of the single-owner Rey Collection in this space before, but in terms of modern collectibles, these highlights are equally worthy of your careful consideration:

2006 Aston Martin Vanquish S

Estimate: $110,000 - $125,000 USD

Part of the reason for the recent appeal of this Aston Martin Vanquish S is its stunning Ian Callum design, which presaged the look of the British brand for years to come and has only appeared better with age. With a recent above-estimate sale at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction, it appears that collectors have started to appreciate this flagship Aston Martin. This example is especially deserving of attention as it received receipts totaling more than $16,000 at The Collection Aston Martin of Coral Gables, Florida, since July 2019.

2001 Bentley Continental R 420

Estimate: $100,000 - $120,000 USD

Rarity when new also significantly factors into the appeal of a future classic. This turbocharged Bentley Continental R 420 was one of a mere nineteen examples produced for the US market in 2001. Instantly distinguishable from its flared wheel arches, the Continental R 420 was named for its outsized grunt, producing 420 horsepower from its 6.75-liter turbocharged V-8. As is common with the most sporting models to wear the Bentley badge, the torque output was especially impressive, totaling 650 lb-ft. Tasteful speed.

1995 Jaguar XJS 2+2 Convertible

Estimate: $25,000 - $30,000 USD

Another especially tasteful British example, this open-top Jaguar XJS 2+2 wears a subtle color combination of Jade Green over a Taupe leather interior. Cruising, rather than racing, is the aim of this mid-1990s Jaguar, which is perfectly suited to its Florida home as accessorized with air conditioning and a powered black cloth top. Even better, interested buyers will be able to take two backseat passengers along for the ride. A well-equipped, affordable classic with a superb color combination and timeless styling.

1968 Chevrolet Corvette L71 427/435 Convertible

Estimate: $90,000 - $110,000 USD

The next three lots are all examples of perhaps the most iconic American nameplate of all time in terms of performance. From the first year of the Corvette C3 generation, this example wears the designation of its powerplant, a code L71 V-8 engine with 427 cu. in. of displacement, factory rated at 435 horsepower. Wearing a standout, factory-correct color combination of Le Mans blue over a medium blue vinyl, this example is worth examining in greater detail in the linked lot listing, if only for its outstanding interior. With a contrasting white cloth top as well as the optional matching hardtop, this example earned a Gold Certification from a top-tier, Illinois-based American muscle car event, Bloomington Gold, in 2015.

1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000 USD

Having acquired a top-of-the-line, first-year Corvette C3 Convertible, The Rey Collection needed to follow-up with the ultimate designation from the C4 era as well. This Corvette ZR1 is also from the first year of production for its respective model, though not for its generation. While the C4 saw its debut in 1983, it took seven years of development from some of Chevrolet’s top engineers to release the top-spec ZR1. Thankfully, the American staff also had some backup from Group Lotus, which General Motors purchased in 1986. Powered by a 375 hp, 370 lb-ft DOHC 5.7-liter LT5 V-8 manufactured for Chevrolet by Mercury Marine, the ZR1 featured revised suspension braking systems, as well as an all-new engine management plan from the talented team at Group Lotus. A noteworthy entry in the history of the world’s sports cars, this example is even more special by virtue of its condition, showing a mere 380 miles at cataloguing.

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT Z51 Convertible

Estimate: $120,000 - $135,000 USD

While its release was seemingly destined for five decades, and teased by no fewer than nine prototypes, the mid-engine configuration finally came to the Corvette platform for the C8 generation starting in 2020. This second-year example is made even more desirable for the addition of its Z51 performance package, which encompasses improvements to the ride, handling, and power output of this already potent Corvette. Featuring a limited-slip e-diff, performance-ratio rear axle, and Magneride selective suspension with front lift adjustable height function, the C8 Corvette has seemingly lost no ground to its European competitors when it comes to supercar-like features. Powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 engine which is operated by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (a combination unique to the Z51), this example showed a mere 1,215 miles during cataloguing.

1922 Ford Model T Speedster

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 USD

Almost a century before the release of the cutting-edge Corvette we just covered, there was still a healthy appetite for speed among the American market. Upgraded Model T Speedsters like this one were a favorite among so-called “flivver” or “hop-up” enthusiasts, forerunners to the more modern post-war hot rodding craze. They would certainly appreciate this modern interpretation, with a relatively lightweight, armadillo-like body style executed in Salem, Oregon. Adorned with a “Fly’n Armadillo” logo and powered by a 177 cu. in. inline-four engine, this Brass Era Ford is a true classic and would be a delightful addition to any collection.

1995 AM General H1 XLC2

Estimate: $60,000 - $75,000 USD

Our final listing from the diverse Rey Collection is a true juggernaut of an automobile, the rugged, go-anywhere AM General H1, colloquially known as the “Hummer.” A favorite of the military-grade enthusiast as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger, who helped encourage AM General to release a consumer variant of their iconic off-roader in the early 1990s, the rights to distribute cars under the “Hummer” brand was acquired by General Motors in 1999. This example is one of the rarest H1 models ever released, an extended cab pickup, the XLC2. Perhaps the most practical variant among the civilian-spec H1, only ninety-one of these two-passenger pickups were manufactured during the 1995 model year. Showing less than 18,000 miles at the time of cataloguing, this red-over-tan example is worth preserving as a product of its time. Or interested buyers can follow Arnold’s lead and commission an EV conversion. Either way, with portal axels and a still-impressive 86.5-inch width (without mirrors), the original Hummer is still the ultimate off-roader and is sure to cause a stir among enthusiasts of American muscle when it goes up for auction later this month at RM Sotheby’s Fort Lauderdale sale at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from 25-26 March. Happy bidding!