Mazda MX-5 voted most likely to be a classic

The Mazda MX-5 has been a big favourite with car owners and motoring journalists for years and this looks set to be the case for decades to come, following the publication of a new survey.

The vehicle was voted the car most likely to become a classic icon of the future in a new poll carried out by specialist insurance brokers Footman James.

A sample of 3,608 classic vehicle owners from the Classic Motor Show were questioned in November 2011 and seven per cent of respondents predicted that the Mazda MX-5 was the vehicle most likely to be a classic icon in 50 years' time.

This was greater than the proportion afforded to any other vehicle and meant the Mazda edged ahead of the Bugatti Veyron, which came in second place with five per cent of the vote.

Modern sports cars fared very well in the poll, with the Audi TT predicted to be a future classic by four per cent of classic vehicle owners, who found the car's aesthetic and enduring appeal to be a good indication that it will stand the test of time.

A number of other modern favourites were close behind, with classic vehicle owners giving the Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8 and Jaguar XKR, XF and XK models all receiving three per cent of the votes.

It is not only sports cars that are held in high-esteem, with the hugely popular Fiat 500 also garnering five per cent of the total vote.

Andy Fairchild, Footman James' managing director, said it is interesting to note that 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of many classic icons, including the Renault 5, and this poll gives a good indication of future trends.

He added: "It is fascinating to obtain an insight into what classic vehicle owners deem to be the classics of the future. With regards to which ones can claim iconic status in 50 years time - I guess we will just have to wait and see!"

Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg