It was never any great shock to find the Honda S2000 in various 'future classic' listicles, even when it was still in production. Why? Because it so perfectly fit all the criteria typically associated with future desirability. Here was a fast, pretty, exciting and yet reliable two-seat roadster, one with a screaming engine, little in the way of fripperies and distractions, plus the enviable reputation of having never been replaced. Nothing works wonders for values like people wanting what they can't have.

Even as S2000 production came to an end a decade ago, it was clear that cars like it wouldn't continue for much longer. The world was mired in an economic downturn, which Honda responded to even more drastically than most, killing all of its fun stuff, and emissions regulation was becoming harder to get around. Even then, less than 30mpg and nearly 250g/km of CO2 was a tough sell, especially when cars like the Scirocco R arrived with another 20hp, 35mpg and comfortably less than 200g/km.

But, of course, that's flipped on its head as a secondhand purchase. The turbocharging and downsizing revolution has continued in earnest, making the S2000's blend of talents even more appealing. The F20 2.0-litre engine was remarkable in its time; nowadays it feels like a race car engine, liberated from torpid turbo response that afflicts so many cars, and sufficient reason on its own to buy the car. Especially so when matched to that sublime six-speed manual gearbox.

That the S2000 was never the very best driver's car is becoming less and less relevant as Honda (and the world) moves away from relatively simple, back-to-basics drop tops. Nowadays only the MX-5 replicates it, for which Mazda should be applauded. As something approaching a classic - the original having arrived 20 years ago, don't forget - the S2000 can be celebrated for what it offers as a weekend proposition rather than what it lacks as an everyday sports car. And the prospect of 9,000rpm, that gearbox, a simple, driver-focussed interior and the ability to drop the roof in just a few seconds must hold some considerable appeal in a contemporary world.

The S2000's significance and cult status now mean the days of good £5k cars are gone; this car is the most expensive currently available, one of the 100 very coveted GT Edition 100s, and it'll set you back £25k. With less than 30,000 miles and looking just as good as it would have in 2009, it's the best of the bunch as far as Honda's revered roadster goes.

Debate will rage as to whether the S2000 can now be worth what it cost new, though the general appreciation in secondhand values demonstrates the market's fondness for it. A Mazda RX-8 has an equally thrilling drivetrain, and is actually the better car to drive, but its dire reliability record has ensured values have remained in the gutter. Moreover, even the very best Mk1 TTs are only being advertised at £15k, with the same money also buying a late, low-mileage 350Z. Even a BMW Z4 M Roadster with similar mileage to the S2000 is less money, which says a lot about how in demand the Honda currently is.

All of which might suggest now isn't the time to buy an S2000, and that it's currently a sellers' market more than anything else. That said, the affection and enthusiasm for it doesn't look like waning any time soon, and may even strengthen as the car moves further into classic status. While it may cost more than ever to get into an S2000, it's probably looking a safer place for your money than it hybridisation won't happen in the mainstream again; any chance to experience it will surely only become ever more of a selling point. And what more excuse do you need than that?

SPECIFICATION - HONDA S2000 GT EDITION 100

Engine: 1,997cc, 4-cyl

Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Power (hp): 243@7,500rpm

Torque (lb ft): 163@6,500rpm

MPG: 28.3

CO2: 236g/km

First registered: 2009

Recorded mileage: 29,000

Price new: £29,086

Yours for: £24,995

