A recent survey by specialist classic car and motorcycle insurance broker Footman James shows that most classic car owners think Mazda MX-5 will become a classic icon in 50 years time. The little Japanese roadster scored more votes than Bugatti Veyron and Audi TT which came second and third. That’s interesting because the MX-5 is not rare or exclusive. But it is a very special car.

The MX-5 is special because it is the closest thing to the original British sports cars you can buy today. The car has a certain charm and charisma that you can’t find in other roadsters, even cars with twice or three times its price. It’s really hard to explain, you have to own it for a while to understand!

In Footman James survey of over 3,500 classic vehicle owners and visitors to their classic car motor show, the MX-5 won seven per cent of the votes, the Veyron five percent, and the TT four percent. Aston Martin DB9, Fiat 500, Audi R8, Lotus Elise and Jaguar XKR, XF and XK models each received three per  cent of the votes.

Andy Fairchild, Footman James’ managing director, said: “2012 marks the 50^th anniversary of many classic icons including: the Lotus Elan, MGB and Renault 5.  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!”