Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa Real Estate Investor Magazine March 2018 | Page 65

INVESTMENT CARS
S
o, you’ve managed to track down the classic car of your
dreams, and you’re pretty certain that it’s going to be worth
quite a lot more one day to boot. Now comes probably
the hardest part of investing in cars - if you’re passionate about
them.
Not driving it! Much, at least.
Obviously, classic and investment cars are not intended to re-
place your daily driver. Sure, taking it out every few weekends,
or even every couple of months perhaps, to dazzle the audience
at your favourite classic car get-together, is probably a risk you’re
going to feel is worth taking. But just remember, the more kilo-
metres you stack up onto that odometer, the less it will ultimate-
ly be worth. Not to mention increasing the risk of experiencing
a (probably quite costly) failure of some nature. Or worse still,
accident damage!
So here are our top tips on storing your investment vehicle
with an eye on maintaining future value.
Location. Sun is the enemy. So is exposure to excessive moisture,
especially if it’s of the salt-infused seaside nature. A washed out
paint job and dry, cracked upholstery do not “add character” – they
rob value! A shaded storage spot, preferably indoors, is a must.
Wrapping it up. Naturally, you need a fitted car cover. Tar-
paulin sheets and plastic-based covers are not the answer. These
materials don’t breathe, causing moisture to build up beneath
the cover, which will end up settling on and start to eat away
at the paintwork and exposed metal. Cotton breathes well, and
is soft enough to not scuff even the most delicate coachwork
going on or off.
Preparation essential. You can’t just park your classic car up
in your garage, whip the cover over its shapely bodywork, and
walk away. If your intention is to store it for quite a while, take
the time and drain the fluids. It’s difficult to get all the petrol
out and can be dangerous for your fuel pump as well, so get
hold of a fuel stabiliser, pour it into a ful l tank, and drive around
for 15 minutes to get the compound mixed through your entire
fuel supply.
Also ensure that joints and fittings are well greased. Spray
some silicone-based lubricant onto metal not protected by the
paint, such as door hinges and boot and bonnet catches. Finally,
a light, see-through lubricant should also be sprayed over the in-
terior seals and linings, so they don’t disintegrate while standing
or permanently adhere to the windows.
Meticulously clean. Make sure to hand wash the exterior before
dropping that cover. First, clean thoroughly, followed by a chrome
treatment, generous waxing, and don’t forget to take similar precau-
tions in the interior with high grade upholstery treatments.
Put it on a pedestal. Well, not really. But jacking it up will
ensure those period tyres don’t get nasty flat spots, requiring
a costly change of rubber. Drop the air pressures in the tyres
dramatically, just remember to pump them back to the recom-
mended pressures before heading on any planned outings.
Sealing up. Make sure the ventilation system is set to the re-
circulate position, and stick some steel wool wrapped in a plastic
bag into inviting apertures like the exhausts and air intake.
Hydraulics. To prevent the clutch sealing up completely over
time, use a sturdy anchor to jam the clutch pedal to the floor.
Regularly pump the brake pedal to ensure hydraulic fluid re-
mains in the braking system.
Following these tips may look a little expensive, with all of
the specialist lubricants, polishes and treatments to get hold of.
But when it comes time to capitalise, these costs will all be more
than paid back by the new buyer based on the exemplary con-
dition of the vehicle. Or if the investment in time seems too
onerous, consider employing the services of one of the many
classic car storage and maintenance specialists in major cities to
do all of these small but crucial steps on your behalf.
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine MARCH 2018
63