Hunting for a sound investment? Look no further than the luxury car market that proves you CAN make money from your motor
Values of modern classics are outstripping luxury property and art making them safe investments with guaranteed returns
CLASSIC cars offer better investment returns than luxury property, art and jewellery - with some models doubling in value inside five years.
Only fine wine has proved a better place for your money in the last year with cars from Porsche, Ferrari and Mercedes showing record increases.
The booming market is at odds with new cars which cost motorists thousands of pounds in depreciation as soon as a car is driven off the forecourt.
But the beauty of modern classics is that they're actually going up in value - and quicker than ever before.
And getting into the classic market has never been easier thanks to finance deals that mean you can secure a great investment for less than a peak return flight to Scotland each month.
Long-term finance deals are proving an increasingly popular way for owners to make money with affordable monthly payments.
And even taking into account the interest on these finance deals, the cars are still worth thousands more after just four years.
Cars from the 80s, 90s and 00s are proving the safest money havens with hot demand from buyers wanting to get behind the wheel of motors that once adorned bedroom wall posters.
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Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics, said: "The key thing is to always buy the lowest mileage, most perfect car you can possibly find - and buy it not because you want to get rich, but because you want it."
With the help of Darren Selig, CEO and co- founder of finance provider , we've picked out five models that all are set to rocket in value by almost a third in the next few years.
1989 Mercedes 300SL (R107)
Selig said: “In our opinion, this is a great car for those interested in collecting a classic. Made famous by TV series such as Dallas and Hart to Hart, the R107 is in strong demand with values rising in recent years and showing no signs of slowing down.
"It’s an understated beauty for weekend motoring with the soft top down."
1998 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta
Selig said: “The car that replaced the much-criticised 348, the F355 was faster and better in every way. In Berlinetta coupe guise, with a traditional Ferrari open-gate six-speed manual gearbox, it’s a textbook modern classic.
"For similar money you could get a 2005 Ferrari F430 – both boast a powerful V8 with terrific performance – but we think the F355’s iconic styling will see its status soar in years to come."
2000 BMW Z8
Selig said: “Inspired by the stunning BMW 507 of the 1950s, the Z8 is one of the most beautiful BMWs ever made and now a highly sought after and appreciating roadster.
"Under the bonnet lies the same V8 as the E39 M5 while its interior is a masterpiece in quality and style. Values have doubled in the last decade.”
2007 Aston Martin Vanquish S
Selig said: “The last car produced at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory and a starring role in the 2002 James Bond movie Die Another Day mark the Vanquish out as very special indeed.
"Our pick is the Vanquish S, a genuine 200mph machine, of which less than 1,100 examples were made. While not cheap, we believe they are modern classics in the making.”
2012 Porsche 997 Turbo S
Selig said: “Air-cooled Porsches have risen hugely in value over the last ten years, and now the spotlight is being shone on the more special water-cooled cars.
"One of these is the 997 Turbo S. Built in relatively low numbers, it combines 530bhp with everyday usability – it’s a high performance supercar that offers great investment potential."