914s are rad.

I think that there's a "tipping point" for what we deem to be classic/collectible items. The 911 has enough ppl talking about it to be perpetually classic. Even folks who are definitely NOT car enthusiasts recognize the 911 by name, by shape, and by reputation. Whenever I point out a 914 to a friend with little or no automotive interests, they mostly just scoff and act incredulous.... "THAT thing is a PORSCHE?!"

The key, as I see it, is for an item to be prevalent enough to already have a fairly large amount of recognition among hardcore collectors as well as casual observers. That key factor, coupled with pervasive favorable opinions and enough initial value/exclusivity when new, will ensure collectibility/classic status once they're old enough to become relatively scarce.