If you want to make money out of your automobile habit, Autofolio are here to help. They’re the British-based start-up specialising in investment advice for those of us who believe that motoring can be profitable, rather than a money pit. Spotting the next big thing is never easy - but let’s face it, having a Ferrari tucked away appreciating nicely is a lot more fun than talking about pension funds. Key of course, is the right advice, and that’s where Autofolio come in.
Question is where to start. Every car buff wants to spot the next appreciating modern classic. Clue: it’s not going to be next door’s much-loved Nissan Qashqai. Autofolio founder Harry Edworthy puts it like this: "This niche involves identifying contemporary vehicles poised to become classics. It's about acquiring these cars near their depreciation lows and holding onto them until they attain classic status, potentially appreciating.”
Affordable options
The most affordable modern classic on Autofolio’s current watchlist is the Mk 7 VW Golf GTi Clubsport S. Limited to 400 examples, just 150 came to Britain when it was released in 2016. Motoring journalists dubbed this stripped-back hot hatch the "understated ultimate Volkswagen Golf,” and it’s the last GTi with a manual gearbox. Around £30,000 should get you one. The sensible thing would be to store it and watch the price rise. The hard part will be following that advice.
At the other end of the scale, how about an Aston Martin Vanquish Shooting Brake? You’re unlikely to go hunting in this elegant, Zagato-designed Aston estate. It’s a celebration of the long-standing collaboration between the individualistic Italian styling house and James Bond’s favourite brand. Monte Carlo might be more appropriate. Just 99 were made, and demand was so high, Autofolio notes, that some sold for over £1-million—twice the list price. If you can find one at £400,000, "this presents an intriguing opportunity.”
Porsches, naturally, are favoured: from a 991.2 generation 911 GT3 Touring to a 918 Spyder, though you’ll need over £1-million for the latter. Or consider an Audi R8 V10, the last hurrah for Audi’s sonorous V10 engine and a real favourite here. At just under £100,000, a Ferrari 599 GTB is attractive too because “front-engined V12 Ferraris have a track record of appreciating over time.”
Autofolio: Spend money to make money
An untouched Nissan GTR is something of a rarity, given just how many have been modified intentionally by enthusiasts or unintentionally on a track day at the Nurburgring. Find a good R35 at around £50,000 and you might be looking at a profit, suggest Autofolio. Our advice: ask Autofolio first.
There’s much more from Autofolio, available in their more than somewhat addictive guides, available to buy on their website. Naturally, they also offer a bespoke service, whether you’re looking to invest in a classy Jaguar XK120 or a street-smart Ford Puma Racing. We’d quite like a Ferrari Testarossa, if you’re buying?
Next up: The best classic cars of all time.