Are racing cars really the next "big thing"?
04/28/2014
Colleague Peter Ruch recently predicted that racing cars are the next big thing. In his article (on Radical Classics) , he discusses the offerings at the RM auction in Monaco and recommends one or two cars as classics with the potential to increase in value. He is particularly certain that the 1974 Hesketh 308 will go for well over the estimated price of 350,000 euros. Is he right?
Racing cars are indeed becoming increasingly popular among collectors, but not all types and models. Of course, Le Mans winners are sought after, because with them you are also buying a valuable Palmares. From this point of view, and we said something similar in our announcement of the auction, the 1964 Alpine M64 (pictured above) is really worth considering, especially as it seems to have been valued relatively favorably.
The problem that often exists with racing cars is the limited use that such a vehicle brings with it. Even if road registration is possible, it's hard to imagine going on vacation in a vehicle with an uncompromising design. Even short traffic jams turn into torture, and the car's cooling system is usually not up to the job.
Maintenance can be very expensive due to the many special parts and the generally high maintenance costs and requires real specialists if the material is to be kept in optimum condition. This is particularly true for high-bred Formula 1 monoposti and Group C generation cars. A Cosworth F1 engine, for example, can quickly cost over 100,000 euros/CHF. Ideally, you should have a racing mechanic to help with starting and at the racetrack. Even if there is little driving, there is always work to be done on the vehicles. And that costs money.
This is why racing cars are often only an option for well-heeled collectors who also have a good infrastructure. However, as there are not that many relevant historic racing cars overall, even this small group of collectors and enthusiasts is enough to keep prices rising, at least as long as historic racing and the corresponding events are in vogue.
Well, that's our opinion, but now it's up to you. We want to know from our readers whether they think racing cars are good investments and have therefore formulated a corresponding question of the week .
