Put a group of auto enthusiasts in a room, ply them with suitable amounts of alcohol, and soon conversation will turn to 'future classics'.
The term refers to a modern car which gains the kind of respect and appeal of a classic vehicle in its lifetime, guaranteeing it a similar status many years in the future.
And according to some, the Tesla Model S electric sedan already makes the grade.
The Sacramento Bee reports that Detroit's National Automotive History Collection has already decreed the Model S a "collectible vehicle of the future".
Of all the models released in 2012, it's the Model S which is most likely to be desired by future car collectors--that's the suggestion of Friends of the NAHC, which supports the automotive archive at the Detroit Public Library.
Members vote annually on the North American-built vehicle most likely to reach classic status--and Palo Alto-based Tesla's sedan is the first non-Detroit vehicle to be declared a collectible.
The honor is the latest in an increasing roster of achievements for the electric luxury sedan, including our own Best Car To Buy 2013 title.
The Model S joins other big American names such as the 2010 Chevy Camaro, 2008 Dodge Challenger and 2005 Ford Mustang on the list--as well as last year's winner, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.
Given the car's significance, current-day appeal and it's assured future classic status, we'd go as far as saying the Model S is a modern classic--a significant vehicle which already defines its time, and praised highly by auto enthusiasts.
Can you think of any other green vehicles which might become classics? Let us know in the comment section below.
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