about cars

I have the need to publish something on the lighter side of things so I thought I would present this article and propose the question to you that Phelan asks his readers. I am developing my own list, but want to see yours. I will publish mine later.

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MARK PHELAN | BEHIND THE WHEEL: Vote for classics of the future

BY MARK PHELAN

Which modern cars will become classics that draw crowds at the Woodward Dream Cruise 20 years from now?

I've got my ideas, but think of your own for a moment before reading further.

E-mail me a note with your candidates for future classics, and in a couple of sentences say why you think these contemporary cars will stand the test of time.

The future of classic cruising looked bleak five years ago. I remember driving along Woodward during the Dream Cruise and being convinced that no cars in production at the time deserved, or would get, the loving attention, care and customization cruisers bestowed on their rides.

The picture is very different today.

Simply being old may be enough to qualify for a "classic" license plate, but we're setting the bar higher than that for future cruisers.

A crowd-pleasing classic car can be any of several things.

Beauty is a good place to start, but it's not required. Endearing eccentricity works, too. High performance qualifies. Rarity helps. Customization is a good thing, because it comes from devoted owners and makes each car unique.

Cost is not a factor, and a car that was a good value when new has a special appeal. Nobody argues with the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air's classic status, and it was an affordable mainstream model.

I'd say Chevrolet's SSR convertible pickup is a slam-dunk future classic.

It's got an exceptionally lovely shape thanks to its sensuously curved hood and fenders. Those same curves lend themselves to custom paint jobs that accentuate the SSR's visual appeal. Chevy sold just 22,395 SSRs, and it's not building any more, so that number will only rise by the few remaining on dealer lots.

Ford's Mustang is a sure thing; a great-looking car with a devoted owner base.

The Chrysler Crossfire coupe and convertible are among the prettiest cars ever built. The company didn't build a lot of them, so they'll turn heads in future cruises.

The Honda Element looks like another good bet. It's quirky, and owners have customized it like an earlier generation did with VW Microbuses.

Toyota's new FJ Cruiser SUV has the oddball charm to win generations of fans. Picking high-selling cars destined for classic status is tougher, but owners are busily customizing Chrysler PT Cruisers and Chevrolet HHRs.

Now tell me your choices and why you think the cars and trucks deserve cruising immortality.

Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.

Copyright © 2006 Detroit Free Press Inc.