In Spring 2013, the television show ‘California Life’ interviewed one of the largest vintage car dealers in the US, Marc Spizzirri. Marc has over three decades of experience in the retail automotive industry, specializing in antique automobiles. Since 1987, Mr. Spizzirri has owned over seven franchised automotive dealerships with a combined annual sale revenue of $400 million. With his combined automotive industry experience and overall love of antique cars, Mr. Spizzirri shares his opinion on the top vintage car models.
Classic Cars has proven to be one of the best performing asset classes over the last thirty years. Although there are many great alternative investment opportunities, Classis Cars stand alone as the best, most consistent performer well above Wine, Art and Jewelry. Listed below is a cross section of investment examples at different price points.
1963 Ferrari 250 GTO
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, known as the Holy Grail model, won the Tour de France in 1964, which is one of the world’s most famous and historic motor races. It is a 174 mph road-legal racing car and one of only 36 built between 1962 and 1964. When new, Enzo Ferrari selected the buyers and charged an extravagant $18,000 for the opportunity to owned what became a legend in the automotive community. In 2002, a model owned by Sir Sterling Moss sold for $8.5 million, 10 years later it sold for $35 million and recently a 1963 GTO sold for $70 million.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The 1977 Pontiac Trans Am is an antique car frequently seen at roadshows and purchased by collectors. Designed primarily as a pony car by Pontiac, this Firebird model became famous after its appearance in the movie ‘Smoky and the Bandit.’ The Firebird is known for its unique features such as four square headlamps, nostril design front grill, and powerful engine. The Trans Am has proven to be a great investment with values increasing every year.
1971 Mercedes 280 SL
The Mercedes 280 SL was the successor to other iconic SL models, including the 190 SL and the 300 SL. Approximately 49,000 were built from 1967 through 1971. The body was originally brought to market as a 230 SL in 1963 and then the 250 SL in 1966. The well performing, classically designed 280’s have been a consistent performer in the classic car investment community for the last 20 years. A quality investment at an affordable price that is certain to turn heads.
1965 Shelby Mustang GT350
One of the most iconic muscle cars of all time, the Shelby Mustang GT350, has become one of the most coveted and well-recognized Classic Cars. Released in 1965, Shelby American designed this Mustang specifically for the racetrack, and so has one of the most revered engines on this list. The Cobra insignia is recognized and respected world-wide. The Windsor 289 cu in (4.7L) HiPo K-Code 271 V-8 separated this Mustang from the competition and served as a “halo” for the entire Ford line.
1965 Porsche 911
Introduced in the fall of 1964 and continues to be one of the world’s most recognizable nameplates. The Porsche 911 series has become one of auto industries most successful series and in 1999 it was honored with the title “Car of the Century”. The reason for its success was its comfort and speed, a solution to the problems Porsche faced with the Porsche 356. The 911 is one of the most popular vintage cars to own. It’s classic design is immediately and uniquely recognizable and has remained one of the most coveted nameplates in the Classic Car community. A fun, high performance car that continually increases in value.