Classic cars ‘most valuable passion asset’ | Footman James

08 September, 2017

Classic cars remain the top-performing ‘passion asset’ over the long-term, despite a dip in value over 2016, according to new data from Coutts.

The bank’s Objects of Desire Index found that while classic car values dropped by 10.4% in 2016, over the 12-year-life of the report values are up more than 330%.

Record-breaking sales

Classic cars’ performance in the index was boosted by the $18.2 million sale of a Ferrari 250 GT 1961 SWB California in August 2016, after it was found in a barn.

This year a new world record classic car price was set when a 1950s Aston Martin DBR1 was sold for $22.6 million.

Both sales clearly demonstrate an appetite for rare vehicles at the very top of the market.

Mohammad Kamal Syed, managing director at Coutts, said: “Provenance and rarity continue to be the two factors that are pushing prices higher. Classic cars have provided the healthiest returns since 2005, with average prices rising more than fourfold. However, after increasing rapidly in 2013 and 2014, price returns for classic cars fell in both 2015 and 2016.

“Moreover, this reflected falling auction prices for nearly all models in the index. Prices at the very top end of the market remain robust."

Passion assets rising overall

Overall, passion assets have increased in value, with a collective 1.2% rise in 2016 and a 77% rise since 2005.

In comparison, the FTSE 100 has grown by just over 52% since January 2005.