1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB auctioned by RM Sothbys

There are many reasons to own a car. For most car lovers, the obvious push factors are the artistic and heritage values. But the one least discussed, or at least only kept nominally in mind, is that unlike the purchase of a new car, owning a classic car is usually an investment.

On average, a new car depreciates in value at a significant rate – drive it out of the showroom and you’re looking a 2/3 the price. After 5 years, your new car is typically worth half by then. Classic cars, especially those that fine auction houses often offer, are a sound investment. If properly cared for, these out of production vintage beauties will go up in value simply because there aren’t any being made anymore. That said, most of classic car owners will never dream of parting with their classic cars but in the back of your minds, at least one can rest easy that it’s really an appreciating  asset, especially if you buy classic cars of esteemed provenance and heritage.

1958 Porsche 550A Spyder auctioned by Bonhams

For Auction Now: 3 Classic Cars to Own

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City once described this car thusly: The body’s subtle, swelling curves and depressions reflect carefully calculated geometries based on the ellipse. The most prominent feature—the long, projecting hood—is modeled with a distinctive ‘power bulge’ that runs down the hood’s center to accommodate the powerful engine. Louvered air-intake panels penetrate the otherwise smooth surface. The hood curves down to a grille-less nose that sucks in air to cool the engine. Introducing our first classic car to own:

Louvered air-intake panels penetrate the otherwise smooth surface. The hood curves down to a grille-less nose that sucks in air to cool the engine. – Museum of Modern Art, NYC, on the 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster auctioned by RM Sotheby’s offered at $250,000 – $325,000 without reserve

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster

Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, the 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster is offered at $250,000 – $325,000 without reserve. The open two-seater, Jaguar E-Type roadsters is quite simply one of the most famous and instantly recognizable classic cars ever built.

Taking design cues from the D-Type, the famous, sensuous curves were developed by Sir William Lyons, Malcolm Sayer, and William M. Heynes, using wind tunnel testing and aircraft principles, giving the 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster an aggressive countenance.

Constructed around a lightweight monocoque with tubular sub-frame for the engine, front suspension and steering, and an independent rear axle, this open two-seater Jaguar E-Type is documented by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate as having been originally delivered to Excel Electric Supply, of California, finished in special-ordered Black with a matching interior, soft top, and factory hardtop. Almost everything is original save for the refinished paintwork lovingly restored Jaguar specialist Shaun Saunders, returning the E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster into the Concours-level classic car that it is.

1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB

Ferrari just celebrated their 70th anniversary and LUXUO was on hand to witness the festivities involving the Prancing Ponies, following which we were invited to Ferrari Singapore’s corporate headquarters to talk to Dieter Knechtel, CEO of Ferrari Far East Hub. Offered for $450,000 – $550,000 without reserve, the 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB was introduced in 1973, and it was Ferrari’s first mid-engined production car, making it an important milestone in terms of Ferrari’s heritage.

Under the bonnet of this classic super car is a 4,390 cc engine, with four Weber twin-choke carburettors giving the 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB the output of 380 horses. The ‘pea shooter’ style exhaust pipes and triple rear lights distinguishes it from other similar looking 512B classic Ferrari. Furthmore, the Gerrari 365 GT4 BB is considered by classic car collectors as the purest of all the Berlinetta Boxer models and due to the fact it was more limited and delivered better performance thanks to its lightweight chassis.

1958 Porsche 550A Spyder

Auctioned by Bonhams, this Le Mans and Nürburgring podium finishing 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder is among the most original examples in existence. Further enhancing its provenance is the fact that this Spyder classic car is an Ex-factory works model.

Nicknamed “Giant Killer”, the 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder earned this moniker thanks to its 1.5-liter flat-four engine and its ability to push the Spyder into outperforming competitors with engines twice as big like those of Ferrari. This near-mint condition Porsche 550A Spyder has only superficial, minor repairs over the last 59 years. Reserve Price on Request.