Thinking of buying a collector car? Gooding Christie’s answers your questions

I’d like to buy a collector car. Where do I start?

Simply start with what you love. Perhaps it’s a model you find nostalgic, or a car you’ve experienced and pined for ever since. Collectors often start with a certain marque or model, and as they grow in knowledge and experience, they expand their taste to incorporate older models and more niche builds and so forth.

What is a collector car? 

A collector car can be defined as an automobile that has significantly increased in value due to its rarity, significance, production history, performance features and technical specifications. Values vary based on provenance, condition, desirability and other factors. Naturally, you will not find a unanimous consensus across the board on what is a collector car and what is not. This is especially true for the more modern cars, perhaps those from the late 1980s to the early aughts, as they have only recently begun to be considered true collector cars.

However, there are certain blue-chip models that are solidified in their status as a collector car – a Duesenberg Model J, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, a Jaguar E-Type, a Ferrari 375 MM or 250 GT, a Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, or one of the rare RUF CTR ‘Yellowbirds’ are among surefire collector cars in most anyone’s book.

Where and when is the best time to look for a collector car?

Gooding Christie’s specialists are ready to assist at any point in your search, whether you’d like to buy at auction or purchase privately. Live sales provide an opportunity to inspect a wide range of offerings in person, consult with specialists, engage with the archives, and fully experience the auction buying process. Gooding’s Amelia Island Auctions in March and Pebble Beach Auctions in August are amongst the house’s flagship sales. Gooding also holds additional bespoke live auctions throughout the world as well as Geared Online auctions each year.

I’ve found a car I love. What should I look out for? 

Inspect the car to understand its physical and mechanical condition. You can also consult a mechanic to ensure a thorough examination. It’s imperative to do your research. Read our in-depth catalogue descriptions to explore the car’s history, provenance, the number of owners it has had from new, any notable mechanical servicing, restoration work, or cosmetic alterations, and its participation in important events, races, or concours. Gooding Christie’s specialists offer decades of experience and thorough knowledge of the intricacies of the market.

How often can I drive my collector car?

Collectors vary in their approach to utilising their collector cars, depending on the intent or purpose of their purchase. Those looking to preserve the value of a low-mileage car pay greater mind to how many miles they accrue on the odometer. While others are drawn to the tremendous social component of collecting, participating in tours, rallies and shows or weekend drives with loved ones. Depending on the marque, model and era of your collector car, you could be granted access to the foremost international concours, exhibitions and driving events. Naturally, an ultra-low mileage modern supercar will demand different treatment than a vintage Porsche 911 from the 1970s with a robust provenance and event history, so best practices depend on the specific car.

How do I keep my collector car in the best condition?

Your collector car should ideally be stored it in a climate-controlled garage or facility. Keep it covered if possible. Properly maintain the car’s battery, and tend to all necessary servicing on schedule. Additionally, gentle exercise will ensure that your car remains in proper order for years to come.

What are some of the world record-breaking collector cars?

Throughout the years, Gooding Christie’s has set major world records for the most revered marques and models. Marque records set by Gooding include Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, McLaren, Duesenberg, Talbot-Lago, Toyota and Mercer. Gooding has also sold the most valuable American, French and Japanese cars at auction, the most valuable antique car at auction and the most valuable car ever sold at auction in Florida. Key model records include the McLaren F1, Ferrari 275, Porsche 917, Bugatti Type 59, Bugatti Type 57, Ferrari F40, Bugatti EB110, Ferrari Dino 246 GTS and Production Jaguar E-Type. The company has also set market-disrupting records via private sales of the world’s most important vehicles.