What is a Collectable?

The Collectable

A Collectable is often a car you don't need, but want. So far, that’s the statement that covers it… you might think.

Usually, it's not a rational purchase, although more and more buyers have in the back of their minds that the car they have their eye on is a better investment than a share or interest in the bank. Often, it’s bought because it’s ‘different’. A special engine, unique driving characteristics, or distinct design. Increasingly, people also look at driving pleasure per euro. You don’t need 1000 hp to drive sportily. In fact, horsepower can be a hindrance, because you can never really push the car to its limits—except on a circuit you don’t visit every day. That’s why the Clio Williams, RS, or a Peugeot 205 GTI are beloved youngtimers or collectables. Enough power, low weight, brilliant driving characteristics, and often a ‘cuddly’ look. Because there are most likely cheaper, better, easier, and more reliable options.

Discussions ran high when we advertised a Fiat 695 SS Abarth and a 2022 Cayenne on our site. "Those Fiats, you're drowning in them," was heard, and "such a Cayenne is just an ordinary car, isn’t it?" Both sold very well. A Cayenne remains more exclusive than a 911 in terms of numbers in the Netherlands (a Cayenne is driven much more often, and that’s why you see it more often. Plus, a 911 has been produced for 60 years, but still), and it’s not an SUV you just buy because you need space. There are far cheaper alternatives. We sold the Fiat to a 19-year-old race driver. Who says young people are no longer interested in nice cars?

The Alpina we touted as a Collectable did not reach its expected value. Actually, it had too many miles, an automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. Maybe just not what an Alpina driver is looking for?

How about a Porsche Boxster RS60? Limited, so always good, but again an automatic (nothing wrong with that) which again might not be what the enthusiast is looking for. Additionally, not all limited Porsches are truly different from the base model. A 987 Spyder (with that tent roof) might come closer, but with a corresponding price tag. Perhaps partly due to a nice story attached to it because the car was once spotted on a trailer underneath a boat, en route to Lake Garda behind a big camper.

BMW's M models, Mercedes' AMG, and Audi’s RS models also come our way regularly. Often, it’s: the older, the more exclusive (especially in terms of numbers) and the less milked. Unfortunately, many brands these days tend to quickly slap a badge on something that’s actually just not it, especially when compared to what used to be considered distinct. Back then, you had truly different engines, chassis, and interiors, specially made for that model. Now, it’s mostly a different engine management system that extracts more horsepower and some extra trimmings to give the look more ‘body’.

Actually, everyone can decide for themselves what they consider a Collectable. Some swear by low mileage, others by a limited edition of a model or type. For some, the story behind the car is important. Bought new and owned for 32 years, and now suddenly being sold—what’s the reason, why would someone do that? A combination of everything (it ticks all the boxes) is of course the ultimate version.

An original Mazda MX5 NA with no rust, never welded or repainted, and with low mileage. Go ahead, try and find one. 25 years ago, we didn’t pay attention to them, now a pristine one fetches a high price. You could say a Collectable grows during its life cycle. This is by no means true for all brands and types. Sporty driving characteristics, brand history, and possibly racing genes are often an important factor.

Of course, there are also new Collectables. Unfortunately, for many, unattainable, like a 911 ST or a Ferrari 812 Competizione. Not just in terms of price, but also already sold out before the first picture of the car was released. What’s unfortunate is that often only the owner gets to enjoy it (statically), due to the mileage and value retention. While it’s precisely these cars that should be driven, preferably on track—fun for both owner and visitor!

Collectables are also cars that really involve you in driving them. Shift gears yourself, use the clutch, no power steering or other life-saving aids. Just do everything yourself. It’s very satisfying and keeps you on your toes.

The ratio applies, of course, to the buying or selling process. You want assurance that everything goes smoothly. So, for that, The Collectables.