Purchasing a classic car (or an antique car) can be a good investment or it can be a money-pit. There are many factors that are involved in identifying a car that may actually generate a good return on investment. It is important to do your research to make sure that you end up with an investment, not an expense.
One of the most significant determinants in identifying a classic car that will continue to increase in value is the population of those cars in circulation; in general, the fewer the cars in circulation the greater the value. However, just because supply is low doesn’t mean a car’s value will grow. A lemon will usually remain a lemon, and taste just a sour even if the population is cut in half. While there may be some fanatics who will chase certain cars no matter how mundane, unless those cars become extremely rare, their value is destined to remained depressed.
This brings us to the “cool” factor. Ferrari is a perfect example. The company and cars have a long and storied history. Ferrari has manufactured champion race winners, they’ve produced a diverse, but limited number of street legal automobiles and their innovations have helped advance the automotive industry. However cool doesn’t have to mean expensive (though often there’s a correlation there); cool is the result of any number of factors, ranging from pure performance characteristics to iconography, such as is the case with the ’57 Chevy. The American muscle car is a great example of a class of affordable automobile that earns high marks from a cool perspective. The mitigating factor with American muscle cars is their relative abundance compared to other more valuable (rare) classic cars. Within this class though, there are some models that were manufactured on a much more limited basis than others.
Another major determinant in the value of a classic car is its originality. Not in the sense of the word that it stands apart from others, but rather what percentage of the actual car is original to its manufacturing. Does it have the original engine or a rebuilt convert from a similar car? The higher the percentage of original parts and the closer the car is to its original design usually support an appreciating value. Owners generally need to balance this with maintaining the car’s functionality and general appearance. A 40-year-old paint job may be original, but the flaking, chipping and cracking may not find favor with a potential buyer. If refurbishment is called for, maintaining the original look, feel or design usually maximizes the car’s value. Look for a car that has been refurbished using materials that are as close to the original manufactured specifications as possible.
Having purchased a car as an investment, it’s obviously important to take great care of it. Be sure to research cleaning products, use the appropriate fuel and keep it well maintained (yourself if you are capable or by a qualified mechanic). Keep it adequately insured (making sure not to underestimate the value); low cost car insurance can be easily found online these days. Lastly, it’s up to you, but take it for a spin now and again. Not all dividends are financial…
