Beat Inflation With Classic Cars

With inflation soaring throughout the western world (and beyond), wellheeled investors are increasingly turning towards classic vehicles as a ‘safe’ choice during these uncertain times. That’s the view of Silverstone Auctions, taking its findings from the latest Knight Frank Wealth Report, which suggests that classic cars are outperforming many other forms of investment.

As an alternative to traditional investment options like gold, gem stones, fine art and even rare wines, high-end classics are in particular demand at present, a trend that’s set to continue according to a statement by Silverstone Auctions.

The auction house suggests that a headline inflation figure of 10 per cent in some countries will “motivate investors to look at alternatives”. Stocks and shares are seen as risky by many due to current global political issues, artwork is too long-term a strategy for some investors, and there are suggestions that the property market is due a correction. So, it has to be classic cars and classic bikes, with the additional pleasure that you can ride and drive them. The 2022 Knight Frank Wealth Report takes a slightly more cautious approach, quoting market expert Dietrich Hatlapa of Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI). Hatlapa suggests that his company’s main index — the HAGI Top — rose by three per cent in 2021, a figure that was “well below the long-term annual average”. He reported, however, that some sectors performed significantly better: The HAGI LPS Index for classic Lamborghinis managed almost 15 per cent for the year, followed by Porsche with eight per cent and Ferrari on six per cent. According to Hatlapa, demand for supercars and homologation specials in particular will remain buoyant: “l personally think early supercars or motorsport homologation road versions will do well. We are noticing a younger generation of emerging collectors gaining importance in the market. But examples need to be in perfect condition with the lowest mileage.” Cars with a royal connection often perform strongest, as do classics with famous former owners which continue to outperform the general market, according to the latest Power List report. Searching databases for celebrityowned cars offered for sale, Hagerty has compared each sale price with the value of a standard version of the same car — with often startling results.

Information for this story from Jaguar World, Knight Frank Wealth Report and Silverstone Auctions.