The recent evolution of the classic car market has left us completely baffled.
We have seen all the established parameters, based on market experience, knowledge of the characteristics of each individual car, and logic, completely overturned.
When collectors ask me for clarification on market values and dynamics, I find myself genuinely embarrassed to suggest with certainty what course of action to follow.
In forty years of working in the field of historic cars, I have seen many evolutions, with moments of euphoria and depression.
Many collectors or investors have not experienced or do not remember what happened in 1992 and seem unaware that excessive speculation can lead to a bubble that sooner or later will burst, as in any other market, whether it be stocks or real estate.
Italian cars, in particular, are in the eye of the storm, followed by German cars, which undoubtedly deserve all the prestige attributed to them, but often one gets the impression that those who spend exorbitant amounts are perhaps risking a little too much and in the past, many have been left holding the bag.
Conversely, British cars have never let us down.
Their trend of increasing value over the years has always proved to be gradual but constant, they have never had vertiginous spikes but have always safely preserved our investments.
Today, compared to the prices of similar Italian or German cars, they are even extremely affordable.
For example, I don’t think a comparison can be made between an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider 1300 at €55,000 and a Morgan at €35,000.
With the price of a Giulietta, I can buy an Austin Healey 3000, and let the Alfisti try to keep up with me!
And don’t tell me that Alfas are technically superior, it means you’ve never found yourself alone trying to open or close the hood of a Giulietta Spider!
And so many other comparisons cannot hold up, the affordability of British cars is indisputable.
Moreover, many forget that the availability of spare parts for British cars, in addition to being practically total, has much lower and more advantageous prices compared to Italian or German cars.
And they are available everywhere. Want to go on vacation abroad? In any country, you will find a specialist who has the spare part you need and can easily assist you.
The advice I can give to my collector friends is not to be tempted by illusory investments but to consider that classic cars are not bought for speculation but for love and with prudence.