Maintenance and restoration of investment cars

When it comes to investing in collectible cars, many enthusiasts focus solely on the purchase price and potential for future appreciation. However, one often overlooked aspect of car investment is the critical role that maintenance and restoration play in preserving and even enhancing the value of a vehicle. Whether you're dealing with a vintage Ferrari, a Porsche from the 1980s, or a more modern supercar, ensuring that your car is properly maintained and restored can have a significant impact on your overall return on investment. In this article, we’ll explore how taking care of an investment car—through both proactive maintenance and strategic restoration—can maximise value and improve long-term returns.

Proactive Maintenance: The Foundation of Preserving Value

For any investment car, ongoing maintenance is essential. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, brake servicing, and keeping the car in good running condition, goes beyond simply ensuring the vehicle can be driven. A car that has been consistently maintained is far more likely to hold its value over time than one that has been neglected. Failing to stay on top of basic maintenance tasks can lead to costly repairs down the line, which can quickly erode the value of your investment.

One of the first things potential buyers look for when considering a collectible car is its service history. A comprehensive service record that shows the car has been cared for by specialists is often a key factor in driving up demand—and consequently, the price. At Autofolio, we always recommend keeping meticulous records of all maintenance work, as these documents not only reassure future buyers but also allow you to better track the ongoing costs associated with the car, providing a clearer picture of your net returns.

Equally important is the environment in which your car is stored. Storing a collectible car in a climate-controlled space helps prevent issues such as rust, fading, and interior wear that can significantly decrease a car’s value. A well-maintained car is not just about how it drives; it’s about how it looks, how it’s been cared for, and the overall condition of its components. With regular maintenance and proper storage, the deterioration of your investment car can be minimised, preserving its value over the long term.

Restoration: Enhancing Value Through Selective Improvement

While maintenance focuses on preservation, restoration is about improving and sometimes rejuvenating a car’s condition to a higher standard. Not all cars will require or benefit from a full restoration, but for certain vehicles—especially older classics—a well-executed restoration can significantly increase value. However, restoration is an area that must be approached with caution and precision, as not all restorations are created equal. A poorly done restoration can, in fact, harm the value of a vehicle, while a top-quality, sympathetic restoration by marque experts can transform a car’s worth.

The first step when considering a restoration is to evaluate whether the car warrants the investment. For high-value, historically significant cars—such as a Ferrari 250 GT or an Aston Martin DB5—a concours-level restoration can dramatically enhance the car’s appeal to top-tier collectors. However, for lower-tier or less rare models, the cost of restoration can sometimes exceed the potential increase in value. At Autofolio, we work with clients to carefully assess whether a restoration project is likely to provide a positive return on investment and whether a full or partial restoration is the right course of action.

Restoration doesn’t always mean bringing a car back to its original factory condition. Sometimes, careful modernisation—known as a “resto-mod”—can enhance a vehicle’s usability without compromising its character. For instance, upgrading an older car’s brakes or suspension can make the car more enjoyable to drive and own, which in turn can make it more attractive to potential buyers, an example of a value-adding resto-mod is a Singer 911. However, it’s important to strike a balance. Adding too many modern features can alienate purists who prize originality, potentially reducing a car’s appeal in the market.

Balancing Costs and Returns

One of the major challenges of maintaining and restoring a collectible car is managing the costs involved. Maintenance costs, such as replacing parts, repairing wear and tear, and keeping the car in showroom condition, can quickly add up over time, eating into your returns if not managed correctly. Restoration, on the other hand, is often a more substantial one-time cost that can either boost a car’s value significantly or end up being a financial burden if done poorly or unnecessarily.

Investors must weigh these costs against the potential return on investment. For some cars, maintaining originality and leaving certain aspects untouched—such as preserving the original paint or interior—can be more valuable than a full restoration. This is especially true for cars where “patina” is prized, as collectors sometimes seek cars that show their age and history. On the other hand, for highly collectible models that have suffered from years of neglect, a full restoration can be the difference between a car that’s worth six to seven figures and one that’s worth significantly less.

At Autofolio, we guide our clients through this decision-making process by analysing the market demand for both unrestored and restored examples of a particular model. We also connect our clients with trusted specialists who can execute restorations to the highest standards, ensuring that the work done on the car meets the expectations of serious collectors and potential buyers.

Maintenance and restoration are key components in maximising the value of an investment car. While regular maintenance preserves a car’s condition and appeal, a well-planned restoration can enhance its desirability and significantly increase its market value. However, both strategies require careful consideration and expert execution to ensure the costs don’t outweigh the benefits.

Investors should view maintenance and restoration as an integral part of their investment strategy, not as incidental expenses. At Autofolio, we believe that investing in the upkeep of a collectible car is essential to ensuring long-term value appreciation. By staying on top of maintenance and making informed decisions about restoration, car investors can enhance their vehicles’ market appeal and protect their investment, positioning themselves for stronger returns in the future.

In the end, as with any investment, the details matter. By focusing on the finer points of maintenance and restoration, you can ensure that your car not only remains a pleasure to own but also continues to appreciate, providing both personal enjoyment and financial gain.