The last few years have seen a huge increase in the price of classic cars – a trend which gives no sign of letting up. A factor is the low UK interest rates meaning people with savings are looking to invest elsewhere.

Classic cars or even future classics offer the opportunity to own a tangible asset and live a dream. They are an asset you can enjoy at the weekends and on days off, whereas the latest investment bond is rather a dry subject for discussion in the pub.

A cracking investment that has rocketed in value
A friend of mine is a Car Parts Manager and over the years has built up a stable of future classics. He has a Ford Escort Cosworth, Ford Focus RS, Jaguar XJS convertible and a rather ropey early Range Rover. The Ford Escort has already proved a cracking investment and has rocketed in value from his initial £8,000 investment to well over £30,000.

My friend has done several things to help his investment grow. One is collecting history to support the car. You can try contacting previous owners of the vehicle, which is a challenge – long standing dealerships can sometimes help, but the internet can prove a most valuable resource. A search on Ebay can often provide original sales brochures and advertising – elements that bring to life the past of the car. Internet auction sites can also be used to source original parts that are missing.

Fill your diary with tours, shows and track days
Joining an owners club that represents your pride and joy can also open up a vast source of knowledge and before long your diary will soon fill up with tours, shows and even track days. Organisations such as HERO – the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (www.heroevents.eu) – hold fabulous Regularity and Classic Rallies throughout the year.

I myself invested in a BMW M3 E46, seen as a benchmark car for its era, and with careful professional storage I have seen its market value increase. 2016 marks the centenary year for BMW as a marque, so my car will get a trip to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and the BMW Club GB have arranged several large celebration events.

I was recently in conversation with Fuzz Townsend who is the mechanic tour-de-force on the television programme Car SOS. He mentioned that some 1980s Vauxhalls had recently been through his workshop for restoration. Following on from this I saw a mint Vauxhall Nova at the first Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble of 2016 so there must be some truth in these becoming an appreciated classic.

Make for some fun and memorable days
With wise investment, a classic or future classic car can be fun, open up totally new friendships and make for some memorable days. One thing I have learnt is to buy a usable classic – something happy to wear the patina of age. This is why marques with a rallying heritage, such as the pre-996 Porsche 911’s or 60s/70s Alfa-Romeo’s, are so popular. They look great turning up at any event with mud splashes up the side and the odd bit of paint missing!