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Future Classics - Buy at Your Own Risk.

A friend of mine has a '74 Dino.  I sat next to him at the auction when it went across the block, and all but held up his hand to bid on it.  He bought the car at a very fair price, and it has since appreciated pretty significantly.  This was the only time in my illustrious career in the auto industry that I was right about a market trend.

Of course, the classic car market is in just as much turmoil as every other industry right now, so things are a little different than they were 5 years ago.  This may be the time to buy, though, as there may be some fire-sale deals out there this year.  But what to buy?  

Here's my take on things:
  • Ferrari - 12-cylinder Ferraris are now, and may always be, unobtanium.  So unless you're THAT wealthy, forget it.  "Other" Ferraris aren't really that exciting, with the exception of the Dino, which I still think is a good buy.  I think the Dino will hold and even steadily increase over time.
  • Lamborghinis - Old Lambos (Miuras and 400GTs, anyway) seem to have gone through the roof lately, but if you can pick up a good early Countach (preferably a periscopa) for a reasonable number, then I say go for it.  Isleros have gotten stronger lately, but who knows what will happen with them?  If you really want old 12-cylinder Italian, pick up an Espada.  It looks cool and they're still cheap to buy (if not to maintain and restore).
  • Alfa Romeo - I don't know why the Alfa SZ and RZ haven't done more, given the rarity and that they are truly coach built cars.  They may not be pretty, but they are unique, and they're Alfas so they must be sexy.  Or wait a few years until you can pick up a 8C Competizione for less than the ridiculous sums they're currently fetching.
  • Porsche - The 993 Turbos have held values very well and don't seem to be going anywhere.  I think if you pick up one of these, you're safe for a long time.  And that car just rocks.
  • BMW - Buy an M Car.  If you can afford an M1, get one.  If not, find an M-Division car from the late '80's (E24 M6, E28 M5, E30 M3) and keep it and drive it.  Enough said.  (I may be a little biased on this one, but they really are holding up well.)
Comments are always welcome.  Let me know what you think.


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