In the wide world of investments, classic cars do not rank at the top of most people’s lists in terms of ways to ensure a good return on investment, although on the flip side, they are also not as big of a risk as, say, high yield stocks. Of course, most people view classic car buying and restoration as more of a labor of love than a plan for their financial future, but that doesn’t preclude them from being just as sound of an investment as other more common commodities such as real estate, gold, stamps, instruments, celebrity signatures, art, or literally anything else that may or may not retain and gain value. The trick is to know which classic cars are worth something, what is special about them that makes them valuable, how to find and restore them for less, and when they should be sold for maximum profit.

Whether you are looking at classic cars as a way to invest your money or simply as a lucrative hobby, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. First, how much money do you want to put into cars? If you have a lot to invest, then you can certainly attend auctions to find specimens that are in perfect (or near perfect) original condition, or have been restored to same. With the economy currently residing in such a sad state, you are likely to find a lot of good deals right now at auction, but generally speaking, auctions are the best way to spend more money than you would elsewhere, due to the fact that anyone selling in this venue has a good idea what their product is worth (as does everyone attending).

A better way to ensure a return on investment is to search for classic cars that may not be in the best of shape and try to restore them yourself. This involves several steps. First, you need to know what kind of cars you’re looking for. Value of an older automobile is not necessarily based on its original cost (although sometimes it is). For example, when Shelby Cobras were first released on the market, they were not considered terribly expensive (at about $7,000, they were only slightly more expensive than an average mustang). But today, a mint condition Cobra produced by Carol Shelby can net you over millions of dollars (the highest sale at auction was over $5.5 million). That seems like a pretty solid investment, alright.
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Fiskens have announced two more pedigreed competition cars to be displayed at the inaugural Chelsea Auto Legends show this Sunday at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

London’s foremost historic automobile specialists, whose showrooms are based in Kensington, have already revealed an impressive list of special cars to be displayed, including the Tommy ‘Scrap’ Thistlethwayte Bentley 3 litre that appeared at the 1926 Le Mans 24 Hours and a 1961 Ferrari 250 Short Wheel Base, which also took part in the legendary event, and have now added two more with a fine history of competition.

The first is a Ford GT40, chassis XGT-2, which is the cover star of this month’s Classic & Sports Car magazine and which Fiskens will display on behalf of its owner. The car is one of eight entered by the factory team in the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours where the Blue Oval scored a 1-2-3 finish, beating Ferrari for the first time. XGT-2 actually led much of the race in the hands of the legendary Graham Hill and Brian Muir and, after a second appearance at La Sarthe in 1969, returned to action in Europe for the first time this summer when it was demonstrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by Gregor Fisken, Stuart Graham – a TT winner on both two wheels and four – and respected journalist Mick Walsh.

The second is a 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, examples of which dominated sportscar racing during the late 1950s and early 1960s, winning at Le Mans in 1958, ’59 and ’60. Chassis 0752 TR was one of the very last batches of customer cars produced at Maranello and was shipped directly to the United States where it won its class in the Elkhart Lake June Nationals, finishing third overall in the process.

“They’re both stunning examples of two very important sports cars and will fit perfectly with the Le Mans theme at the inaugural Chelsea Auto Legends show,” explained Fiskens’ James Mitchell. “Both will appear on our stand with the kind permission of their current owners who are very keen to support the Chelsea Pensioners and this landmark event.”
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The 6th Annual Americana Manhasset Concours d'Elegance will be a Salute to Classic Coachbuilders of the 20th Century

The 6th Annual Americana Manhasset Concours d'Elegance, will take place on Sunday, October 10. The event has grown into one of New York's premier luxury car events featuring 200 rare, privately owned cars that compete for Best in Show as well as Best in Class titles.

The 2010 event is a Salute to Classic Coachbuilders of the 20th Century." In keeping with this theme, Americana Manhasset is pleased to present Peter Kalikow's 1971 Momo Mirage, along with a wooden production model of the car.

Other notable cars that will participate in this year's competition are (list in formation): a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Coupe, A 1961 Ferrari 250GT California, The Baja Boot, (which Steve McQueen raced in the 1968 Stardust 7-11 off-road race, and the 1969 Baja 1000), 1973 Alfa Romeo Zagato 1600, Aston Martin's new V12 Vantage and the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide.
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Over 100 Ferraris, with a total estimated value of over $75 million, rev their engines for the Second Annual Ferrari Hampton Rally, hosted by Founder Nathaniel Christian

Ferrari enthusiasts got their fix this past Saturday as Nathaniel Christian, Founder, and Ferrari enthusiast, hosted the Second Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally at Georgica Restaurant & Lounge. Drivers celebrated the summer season with an East End afternoon filled with exclusive world-renowned vehicles, stylish surroundings, gourmet bites and refreshing cocktails.

The luxe event was held at one of East Hampton’s finest dining and nightlife venues with an invitation-only guest-list of jet-setters, from celebrities and socialites, to media and business moguls. Over 100 Ferrari aficionados partook in the rally, cruising past breathtaking estates, polo fields, vineyards, marinas and the ocean, all of which was preceded by an intimate brunch reception. Following the rally, drivers and guests enjoyed a late afternoon fête, which was complete with specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

As founder and host of the event, Nathaniel Christian is a Ferrari enthusiast and collector — the long time New York resident credits his passion and fondness for the history and craftsmanship of the vehicles as his inspiration for the event. Nathaniel Christian has become a luxury lifestyle expert, as a real estate, fashion, restaurant and nightlife entrepreneur.

The impressive list of event lifestyle sponsors included Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Bombardier Flex Jets, Ameriprise Financial Services, Dayton & Sydney Wealth Strategies, Panoramic View Resort & Residences, and Putnam Leasing.

For further information, visit www.ferrarihamptonsrally.com