"Not your granfather's Buick," the Regal GS joins the "Hot List" of current collectibles including the likes of the Porsch 911 and Nissan GT-R Black Edition.

Those of us who’ve driving long enough will likely recall “the one that got away,” the Jaguar E-Type or split-window Chevrolet Corvette that we coulda-shoulda hung onto because today it’s a hot ticket on the collector car circuit.

But what about the cars on the road today?  Are there some models that are more likely to become collectible than others a couple decades from now?  Absolutely, says our friend McKeel Hagerty, the head of collector car insurance specialists Hagerty Insurance and a go-to guy when it comes to spotting classic car trends in the making.

The fact is that those trends are rapidly evolving, and what one generation considers hot the next generation might not.  The trend in recent years has been favoring muscle cars and other ‘60s classics, but, as we recently reported on TheDetroitBureau.com, three new segments to watch are classic pickups, early Japanese imports, like the original Honda S800, and classic motorcycles.

But what are the cars you can buy today and count on being collectible tomorrow? The Hot List may surprise you.

A car to "lovingly keep," the newest version of the timeless Porsche 911.

The reality is that lower-volume cars and high-performance models have traditionally been more desirable, no surprise, though there aren’t many of us who can afford that new Ferrari or Bentley Supersports.  But in his annual “Hot List,” Hagerty comes up with 10 models that are both reasonably affordable now – and likely to gain value over the long-term.

What’s significant is that a full half of them are domestics – 11 if you include the the new Fiat Abarth, since the Italian maker is now partners with Chrysler and producing its 500 line-up in North America.  That includes both the relatively limited-production Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition –at position number 2, and ranked number 1 — the more mainstream Buick Regal GS, a model that’s been drawing strong praise since its launch last autumn.

“It’s been quite a long time since we could say, ‘that isn’t your grandfather’s Buick,’” jokes Hagerty.

Only one Japanese model makes this year’s Hot List, the Nissan GR-R Black Edition.

The Nissan GT-R Black Edition, the only Japanese model on the Hagerty Hot List.

There are three European models – four with the Abarth — ranging from the $22,000 Fiat, in position 4, to the 6^th-ranked, seventh-generation Porsche 911, at $82,100.

Collectively, predicts Hagerty, “This year’s Hot List includes cars that are sure to develop a cult-like following because their characteristics resonate with driving enthusiasts.”

The full list in rank, with prices and Hagerty’s reasons to buy:

1)      Buick Regal, $32,535. Buick, he says, “is doing it with the Regal GS”;

2)      Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, $48,100. “A beast on the track, yet tame enough to drive on the street”;

3)      Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, $61,785. “Rugged, go-anywhere looks” but “performance characteristics that would earn respect on a race track”;

4)      Fiat 500 Abarth, $22,000. “Small but wicked,” and already having buyers lining up;

5)      Volkswagen Golf R, $36,000. A “pocket rocket…geared towards someone who enjoys driving”;

6)      Porsche 911, $82,100. A car to buy now and lovingly keep, “holding its value over the long-term”;

7)      Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, $54,095. “Old school muscle is alive and well”;

8)      Nissan GTR Black Edition, $95,100.  The car that today’s young videogamers will crave “years down the road after their student loans are paid off”;

9)      Dodge Charger SRT8, $46,795.  Won over by the “performance pages” on the video display that constantly update driver on performance;

10)   Audi TT RS, $56,850. “A car with global appeal (that will keep) global demand several decades down the road.”