Unlike other conventional assets, classic cars offer a unique combination of aesthetic pleasure, historical significance, and the potential for financial appreciation. However, navigating the world of classic car investments requires more than just an appreciation for vintage vehicles.
Due to the extensive values of certain classic cars, it’s essential to buy from reputable dealers who can provide authentic, well-maintained models that hold or increase in value over time.
As a specialist in classic car finance, we’ve had customers deal with a wide range of dealers throughout the country, and they often tell us about their experience. So, based on their feedback, our experience and research, in this article, we walk you through the importance of buying from trusted sources and introduce you to the top dealers in the UK where you can find high-quality classic cars.
The Importance Of Buying From A Reputable Dealer
When it comes to investing in classic cars, the dealer you choose to work with can significantly impact your investment’s success.
This is because reputable dealers provide a wealth of expertise, ensuring that the cars they sell are not only genuine but also well-maintained and correctly valued. This reduces the risk of overpaying for a vehicle or, worse, investing in a car that doesn’t meet its advertised specifications.
As well as their expertise, reputable dealers often offer comprehensive services, including thorough inspections, detailed provenance records, and after-sales support. These services are crucial for safeguarding your investment, as they help maintain the car’s value and provide peace of mind that you’re making a sound financial decision.
Not sure where to buy your classic car? Below are some of our top recommendations in the UK.
The Best Classic Car Dealers In The UK
1. Classic Motor Hub (Bibury, Gloucestershire)
Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds, the Classic Motor Hub offers more than just a dealership; it provides a full-fledged experience for classic car enthusiasts. Set on a former RAF base, this location has been transformed into a hub of automotive history and passion.
The Classic Motor Hub is renowned for its selection of high-end classic and collector cars, ranging from pre-war rarities to post-war icons. Each car is also carefully curated, and the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide insights into the cars’ histories and investment potential.
If you want peace of mind when buying a classic car, Classic Motor Hub’s reputation for quality and authenticity makes it a top choice for discerning buyers.
(Image Source: Classic Motor Hub)
2. Silverstone Auctions (Warwickshire)
Silverstone Auctions is synonymous with prestige and high-end automotive auctions in the UK. Regularly hosting events at the famous Silverstone Circuit, the company specialises in auctioning a broad spectrum of classic cars, including some of the most iconic models ever produced.
For investors, buying through Silverstone Auctions offers the advantage of competitive bidding and access to a wide range of vehicles. The auction house is known for its rigorous vetting process, ensuring that all cars presented meet high standards of authenticity and quality. Their auctions also attract serious collectors, making it a fertile ground for discovering investment-worthy vehicles.
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/
3. Fiskens (London)
For those seeking truly exceptional classic cars, Fiskens in London is a must-visit. Specialising in historic racing and sports cars, they have built a reputation as one of the foremost dealers in high-value classics.
The dealership operates out of a stunning showroom in Kensington, where an array of beautifully restored and well-documented vehicles are available.
A unique aspect of this dealership is that Fiskens’ expertise is particularly valued by investors looking for cars with significant provenance and rarity. The dealership’s focus on the upper echelons of the market ensures that every car they sell is not only a pleasure to own but also a sound financial investment.
4. Hexagon Classics (London)
Hexagon Classics, based in North London, has become a cornerstone of the classic car market in the UK. This is because the dealership offers a wide selection of iconic models, from early Porsches and Ferraris to British classics like Aston Martin and Jaguar.
Among classic car enthusiasts, Hexagon Classics is known for its meticulous attention to detail in both sales and after-sales service. This is mainly due to the fact that every car sold is thoroughly inspected and presented in immaculate condition, making it a reliable choice for investors.
https://www.hexagonclassics.co…
5. Joe Macari Performance Cars (London)
Joe Macari Performance Cars combines luxury with a deep passion for classic and high-performance vehicles. Located in London, this dealership focuses strongly on Italian marques, particularly Ferrari and Maserati.
Joe Macari is unique in its offering of both modern supercars and timeless classics, providing a diverse inventory for investors. The dealership’s commitment to quality is also evident in the pristine condition of every car on the showroom floor.
For those looking to invest in a piece of Italian automotive history, Joe Macari Performance Cars is an excellent choice, supported by a team of experts who understand both the emotional and financial aspects of classic car ownership.
We’ve worked with many clients who are looking to buy and finance a supercar through Joe Macari. From financing a Ferrari to million-pound classics, they really do offer everything.
(Image Source: Joe Macari)
6. H&H Classics (Warrington, Cheshire)
H&H Classics is one of the longest-established auction houses in the UK, specialising in classic cars, motorcycles, and automobilia. Their auctions are also uniquely held at prestigious locations such as the Imperial War Museum and the National Motorcycle Museum, which usually attracts a wide range of buyers and sellers.
Our clients who have dealt with the dealer have commented on how H&H Classics is known for its transparency and thoroughness. They also offer detailed descriptions and extensive histories of the cars they auction, which makes them a trusted source for investors seeking classic cars with verified provenance and potential for appreciation.
The variety of vehicles available at H&H auctions, from project cars to fully restored models, means there’s something for every type of investor.
7. Historics Auctioneers (Iver, Buckinghamshire)
Historics Auctioneers has established itself as a dynamic force in the UK’s classic car auction scene. Known for its vibrant and well-attended auctions, Historics offers a wide range of vehicles, from entry-level classics to high-end collectables.
Their auctions are a great place to find hidden gems and investment opportunities, with cars often sold at competitive prices. As a classic car dealer, Historics Auctioneers takes pride in its comprehensive catalogue, which provides potential buyers with all the necessary details to make informed decisions.
8. DK Engineering (Chorleywood, Hertfordshire)
DK Engineering is a family-run business that has built an international reputation, particularly in the Ferrari community. Specialising in the sale, restoration, and race preparation of classic Ferraris, DK Engineering is the ideal destination for investors with a penchant for the prancing horse. However, their expertise does extend beyond Ferraris, encompassing a range of high-value classic cars.
If you research the brand, you will find that DK Engineering is known for its meticulous restorations, often returning cars to better-than-new condition. Therefore, for those looking to invest in a classic Ferrari or another high-performance marque, DK Engineering offers unparalleled expertise and a track record of delivering investment-grade vehicles.
What About Private Auctions?
Although you wouldn’t get the same peace of mind as you would from buying from a reputable classic car dealer, there are online private auction websites where you can buy classic cars in the UK. These platforms provide a convenient way to access a wide range of classic vehicles, often from private sellers, collectors, or specialised dealers. Below are a few notable options that we would recommend:
1. Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars is a dedicated online auction platform for classic and collectable cars. Through Chris Harris, it has gained popularity fast and offers a wide range of vehicles, from affordable classics to rare, high-end models. However, what sets it apart from the others is that it offers detailed listings, high-quality photographs, and in-depth descriptions, making it easier to assess the condition and value of the cars on offer.
2. The Market by Bonhams
The Market by Bonhams is an online auction site that focuses on classic and modern collectable cars. Operated by the renowned auction house Bonhams, it provides a trusted platform for buyers and sellers. The site also offers no buyer’s fees, which is a significant advantage for purchasers (unlike Collecting Cars).
3. Car & Classic Auctions
Car & Classic is one of the UK’s largest online marketplaces for classic cars and also offers an auction feature. The auction section of the site provides access to a wide array of classic vehicles, with detailed descriptions and transparent pricing. The platform also offers escrow services to ensure secure transactions between buyers and sellers.
Financing Your Classic Car Investment
When investing in a classic car, understanding your financing options is just as important as choosing the right dealer. Given the unique nature of classic cars, traditional loans may not always be the best fit. Instead, specialist classic car finance providers (such as ourselves) offer tailored solutions that consider the car’s potential for appreciation and long-term value.
Options such as Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) allow you to manage your investment with structured payments, while classic car loans offer fixed terms that align with the vehicle’s market value. Therefore, these financing options enable you to make a sound investment without overextending your budget, ensuring that you can comfortably manage both the purchase and ongoing maintenance costs.
If you require further information regarding classic car financing, please get in touch with our team.
Conclusion
Investing in a classic car can be a rewarding experience, both financially and emotionally. However, the key to a successful investment lies in choosing the right vehicle from a reputable source. The dealers and auction houses listed above are among the best in the UK, offering a wide range of classic cars that cater to various tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a rare Ferrari, a British icon, or a more affordable entry into the classic car market, these trusted names provide the expertise, transparency, and quality you need to make a wise investment.