Classic collection cars: This is how the luxury market in Spain works

The classic car market, such as luxury watches limited editions, is growing. As a hobby, form of distinction … and also as an investment. It is on the other side of the puddle, where the luxury cars manager for celebrities, RD Whittington, has a television program, the same space in which he reached his fame West Coast Customs, the Californian workshop where they customize their famous cars such as Justin Bieber or Mark Zuckerberg. And it is also in Europe, where beauty competitions are increasingly popular, such as the British private salon, in which a Rolls-Royce of John Lennon and an isotta Frascchini of the Classic Hollywood star Rudolph Valentino, and the VIP experiences organized by the most exclusive brands themselves, with Ferrari to the head. However, to the vast majority of people, the classic car market It is alien to him no matter how much he knows of his existence and feels attracted to her. For this reason, we have set ourselves to radiograph the collecting sector and luxury classic cars in Spain.

There is no way to know in depth, and less at the national level, the classic cars sector that is not hand in hand with an expert testimony, a voice from within. Therefore, we have asked JJDuxe Garage, one of the few Spanish companies specialized in the classic cars market – sale, distribution, restoration, rental for weddings and audiovisual productions … -, that brings us light on the market of classic cars in general and in Spain in particular.

Julio Rodríguez, responsible for the company in Alicante, where the company has an impressive headquarters (in the town of IBI) that more than a workshop seems A car museum For the jewels he keeps, he acknowledges that “the classic car market has gained popularity in recent years, not only as a hobby, but also as a profitable investment.” And it also emphasizes that in Spain, “this sector presents interesting peculiarities that differentiate it from other international markets,” says Rodíguez.

To understand how the classic cars sector moves in Spain, it is first necessary to specify in the first place the concept of classic car. Julio Rodríguez explains that there are three main categories in which the sector is structured: Historical models, prior to 1945“Valued by their rarity and heritage value”; classics, manufactured between 1946 – after World War II – and 1972, “Often considered cultural icons”; And those known for Anglicism ‘Youngtimers‘, which are “sports cars of the 80s and 90s that arouse nostalgia in younger buyers.”

This that exposes the head of JJDuxe Garage is the classification by which the most respected publications of the sector at the international level, such as the Classic Car Auction Yearbooka classic cars that collects what happened at the most important auctions of the year, including detailed data of all cars and their auction price.

Particularities of the Spanish market for classic cars

Trends also exist in the classic cars sector. In fact, there are regional differences: the taste of the American client is not the same as Spanish, for example. In this sense, Julio Rodríguez explains that “the Spanish market for the sale of classic cars is mainly concentrated on collectors and fans,” and details that “in northern Spain, especially in regions such as the Basque Country and Catalonia, there is a great tradition of collecting and an active community of events and classic fairs.” In Catalonia, Isak Andic, founder of Mango recently deceased in a mountain accident, a great lover of classic cars, especially the Porsche.

The peculiarities of each region explain that the lists of classic cars are not the same between collectors around the world. For example, the insurance company Hagertyspecialized in classic cars, has prepared a list of classic cars – the majority ‘Youngtimers’, fashionable by New generations of collectors-whose value will grow in 2025. It includes models such as Delorean DMC-12 (valued at just under 75,000 euros), the Jaguar E-Type if 3.8 Coupé (180,000 euros) or the Lamborghini Gallardo 2003-2013 (155,000 euros), but also some more affordable model such as the MINI Cooper S 2002-2006, valued at just over 10,000 euros.

In Spain, explains Julio Rodríguez «There is a growing trend towards the Japanese classicsespecially models such as the Nissan Skyline and the Toyota Supra, which have gained popularity for their combination of iconic performance and design ». In addition, according to the expert, the ‘Muscle Car’ Americans also have a growing demand. For example, the Ford Mustang. «Unlike other European countries, In Spain there is a special approach to conservation and restorationsince many buyers seek to maintain the originality of the vehicle, ”says Jjduxe Garage. “The favorable weather also contributes to a lower wear of vehicles, which makes them more attractive to collectors,” adds Rodríguez.

However, there are pieces whose unique value makes them stay oblivious to the fluctuations of trends. Thus occurs in all classic car markets. In the United States, for example, according to Hagerty, the two most profitable categories are the Blue Chip Index, “the twenty -five most quoted cars from the postwar period,” and the Ferrari Index, composed of the most quoted thirteen Ferrari.

In our country, «European brands dominate the demand for classic cars due to their Historical prestige and legacy», Says Julio Rodríguez. The head of JJDuxe Garage quotes specifically Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, who “are especially popular for their timeless elegance and high resale value,” he argues. Anyway, the expert in the classic car market clarifies that the value “depends largely on the specific model, since not all vehicles of a brand have the same appreciation.”

In this sense, Julio Rodríguez highlights three European models that stand out for its high market value: the Mercedes-Benz 300sl, “known as the ‘Gaviota wings’, which is one of the most iconic and valuable models of the brand, with a high international demand”; The Porsche 911 – the favorite of stars like Maluma – “especially generations 964 and 993, which maintain a stable value due to their classic design and sports performance”; and the BMW M3 E30, “appreciated by motor racing fans, which has seen a constant increase in its price due to its sports and exclusivity character,” says JJDuxe Garage’s director. On Porsche 911, Rodríguez emphasizes that “it is an example of how continuous evolution can increase its attractiveness and time value.”

The head of JJDuxe Garage affirms that the company “has proven firsthand how certain European models not only maintain its value, but also are revalued over time». This detail is essential for those who actively participate in the classic cars market for a matter of economic profitability. «Our experience in meticulous restoration and collections curatorship allows us to advise customers to make smart investments. In addition, we help identify models with high potential for appreciation, which has consolidated our reputation in the classic market in Spain, ”explains Julio Rodríguez. And, Rodríguez continues, “the value of a classic car not only depends on the brand or model, but also for factors such as originality, conservation status and vehicle history.”

Five classic cars that are trend in Spain

As a culmination of this radiography of the classic cars market in Spain, Julio Rodríguez dares with a top five models that are currently between buyers in our country, where the buyer’s profile is divided into two large groups: «purist collectorsthat they look for completely original vehicles, valuing authenticity and the state of conservation, and Nostalgic fanswhich seek specific models for personal reasons, such as childhood memories or dream cars, ”explains JJDuxe Garage’s director.

1

Mazda RX-7

The head of JJDuxe Garage of this model says that it is “valued by its rotary engine and its sports design”, and that “has gained popularity among young collectors.”

2

Toyota supra mk4

The fame of this Asian model is “driven by the culture of tuning and its presence in the cinema”, and its upward trend remains in time. “It is still increasing value,” says Julio Rodríguez.

3

Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32 and R34)

Of this Japanese classic Julio Rodríguez explains that “the legend of the Japanese ‘Godzilla’ continues to attack fans around the world.”

4

Ford Mustang

Matiza Julio Rodríguez who have to be “classic of the 60s” models of the most popular ‘Muscle Car’, the model of this type, originally from the United States, par excellence. He also says the head of JDDLUXE GARAGE who has also grown up his demand in the rental market for events and weddings.

5

Porsche 911

Specifically, models 964 and 993. “They are iconic models with a constant appreciation in the collector market,” concludes Julio Rodríguez. Not surprisingly, Porsche has just launched a special edition (forty edition) of this exclusive model for the Iberian Peninsula for its four decades of activity in the area.