Collecting Icons: My Journey

Few pursuits blend emotion and expertise as seamlessly as collecting classic Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley & Datsun. To me, these marques are living legends — each curve, every crackle of a six,  eight or twelve cylinder engine, a complete history file & every hand-brushed coat of paint, carries a story. Whether you’re expanding a long-held collection or taking your first steps into the world of analogue motoring, you’ll find passion dovetails with precision.

A Legacy That Speaks:

I still recall the first time I saw a Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheelbase in person—its bodywork gleaming under the Floridian sunshine at the annual Cavallino Classic. Those early days taught me that Enzo Ferrari’s dream, Ferdinand Porsche’s innovation and Walter Bentley’s precision,  share a common thread: a relentless pursuit of excellence….. collecting and enjoying these cars is about honouring more than a century of art and engineering.

“I first saw my supercharged Bentley in 1974, it’s been the centrepiece of my collection since 2015”

The Collector’s Mindset:

Collecting is more than buying cars—it’s taking stewardship of pieces of motorsport heritage. As custodians, we preserve machines that once thundered round Le Mans or carved record-breaking lap times in the Targa Florio. Yet emotion alone isn’t enough: rigorous research—documenting matching-numbers authenticity, tracing every owner and restoration—turns enthusiasm into sound judgement.

“If your heart leads you to the car, your mind must confirm its authenticity.”

Provenance and Research:

I’ve seen perfectly restored exteriors hide mismatched gearbox tags, and witnessed multiple true barn-find gems, shine after meticulous investigation. At Vita Rossa Classico, through our own Global network of historians & specialists, we research factory build sheets, service ledgers and marque archives. This attention to detail turns every purchase into a chapter of living history.

“Never underestimate the value of a full ownership log; it’s the story that justifies the price. You can’t buy a history file”

Investment Value, Spotting Smart Buys:

While my heart guides my choices, I’ve learned to recognise models that also carry strong investment credentials:

• Rarity & Production
  Models like the Ferrari 250 GTO (36 built), Porsche 911 R (991 made) & original Blower Bentley (55 made) command premium values for good reason.
• Motorsport Provenance
  Race-prepared cars — 250SWB, Daytona Comp, 512 BB LM, RSR, RSK & 962 C — often appreciate faster than road-only examples, more documented competition history, the better
• Originality
  Matching-numbers, documented authenticity, original factory paint codes, OEM & period-correct restoration, protect your investment.
• Market Timing
  I track sales activity very closely — for example, values of early air-cooled 911s surged after 2015, while mid-engine Ferraris such as the Dino 246 GT enjoy renewed interest from ’24 onwards
• Next-Gen Collectibles
  In the Porsche-world, later 964/993 series, limited GT variants (GT3 RS, Turbo S) & branded re-imagined 911’s, continue to gain traction.

“I always advise clients to think long term—buy the very best, most complete example you can afford, let time do the rest.”

The Thrill of the Hunt:

My favourite moments still come from unexpected leads: a phone call from the retiring owner of a Venetian Carrozzeria (which lead me to a treasure trove of Ferrari V12  chassis, engines & parts) & more recently to a former service Manager of a Swiss Porsche dealership, who had coveted his M471 Lightweight Touring for more than thirty-five years….the moment of “I found it” is what keeps every collector hooked.

“Last year I flew to Ireland on a whisper of a single ownership, roadworthy, Dino 246GTS tucked away in a barn — a unique weekend, now recommissioned & being enjoyed by a regular client.”

Caring for the Past:

Once you’ve won the chase, care becomes paramount. I maintain my own collection at 18 – 20 °C with 45–55% humidity, run up engines fortnightly & oversee restorations that range from full concours-level rebuilds (including our own 330GT MK2) to sympathetic conservation of original patina.

“I treat every car as I would my grandmother’s heirloom—gentle, respectful & always with an eye on preservation.”

Connecting Communities:

Collecting is also about friendships. I’ve found lifelong friends at Villa d’Este, the Goodwood Revival & Cavallino Classic, amongst many others. Specialist clubs host road tours & workshops that deepen both skill and camaraderie. Sharing insights in specialist magazines & online forums extends that community far beyond the paddock.

“Come find me at the Spa Six Hour Classic this year — I’ll be in the paddock with a coffee & some fresh stories.”

Advice for New Collectors:

Starting out, I recommend defining your priorities—pleasure drives, concours ambition or investment focus — begin with a “driver-quality” model for hands-on enjoyment. Budget realistically for ongoing care: storage, maintenance & insurance can run to 10% of a car’s value annually. Finally, work with a knowledgeable marque specialist, who brings both passion & expertise to every decision.

“Don’t rush in—learn the language of these marques before making your first move.”

Looking Ahead:

As the automotive world embraces electrification, the analogue purity of Prestige, Super & Collectors cars, whatever the marque, becomes ever more precious. Yet technology enhances our ability to research, source & even view cars remotely. Still, the core of collecting remains unchanged: a love of mechanical artistry & the thrill of discovering human stories, hidden in metal & glass.

Collecting an automotive icon is a lifelong journey — one that blends exhilaration of driving with the pride of ownership. It demands heart, curiosity & the exacting standards of a true enthusiast. By combining passion with precision, you build a collection that resonates with authenticity and inspires future generations of collectors.

“Every classic car has its own soul. At VRC, our mission is to help you find the one that speaks to yours.”