A Guide to Collecting Classic Cars
Paul and his wife Clare have been approached by Pen & Sword publishing house to write a book entitled A Guide to Collecting Classic Cars, due for release in 2028. Writing is well under way and we are delighted to share with you the potential cover for the book.
The book will be a pretty all-encompassing guide to starting or building a collection. Here’s an idea of the questions and their answers to be explored:
Before you buy a classic…
Whether the classic car is a significant investment or something less ambitious, there are a multitude of questions to consider before making a purchase. It’s complicated.
Having spent many decades in the classic car business, here are the most important questions to consider before buying.
Why? What motivates you to want a classic? Do you have a hankering for a particular marque and model? What will you use it
What’s your budget? Not just for the car but also ongoing costs to cover insurance, storage, servicing, maintenance and repairs, tax (if applicable)?
Does the classic need to be drivable now, or is it for restoration? If restoration, how long a project are you anticipating? And what’s the budget for that process?
Can you maintain it yourself or do you need a specialist? Do you know any? How will you find one that’s trustworthy?
Do you know how easy it is to find parts for your particular marque and model?
How important is its authenticity and provenance to you? Do you know about matching numbers and what documented history is required? Do you know how to check if the legal owner is the one selling it to you?
Do you know how to check if the legal owner is the one selling it to you?
How much research are you wiling to engage in to find the right one? How much time do you have to dedicate to the search?
Do you know where to look? Have you thought about the difference between buying privately, from a dealer, or at auction?
Where will you store the car?
Are you prepared to walk away if your heart’s fallen in love with it but your head says no?
There are many more but this is a good starting point.
The book is designed to address these questions, offer advice and suggestions and will incorporate many photos from Paul’s life-long experience with a multitude of classics.
Check back for updates!