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106 Private Air Luxury Homes So, investors shouldn't underestimate love at first sight. But for a first-time classic car buyer, what else would Haynes recommend having on the checklist? Historically, he says, exclusive and recognized luxury and sporting brands such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley and Mercedes-Benz are always a sound investment. Some Ferraris are worth many times more than others, with the ultimate value dependent on numbers built, sporting pedigree and that all important "sex appeal" as Haynes puts it – again, a matter of aesthetics. Once a buyer has decided they like the look of a lot, provenance and history play an important part, says Haynes: "Potential investors should ask questions including: Did it race in period?; Did it have a very famous first owner?; Was it a bespoke design; and Is it original or has it been crashed and rebuilt out of new parts?" Despite fluctuations in global economic markets in recent years, the collector car hobby has remained relatively stable, outperforming many other types of investment. Haynes cites the 10 most valuable cars ever sold at auction; the past year has seen three new entries on the list, and he expects more to be added. However, Just because there is money to be made in the luxury car auction market, it doesn't mean a multi-million dollar investment is necessarily the wisest choice, particularly for a market newbie. "We hosted a group of Air Partner clients at Monaco last week, and a guy that had just bought a new Learjet 70 said he liked cars but wouldn't consider paying more than $420,000 for his first classic," says Haynes – and he approves. In his opinion it's best to invest in one or two smaller models that you love to get a feel for things. However, if an investor did decide to throw caution to the wind, RM are able source something that extra bit special. For Haynes, the proudest sale of his distinguished career was a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spyder, sold in Monterey in 2013. "Take a beautiful car in beautiful condition," says Haynes, "Factor in its rarity, its usability, and factor in single ownership from new, and you have the recipe for a $27.5 million car." Another high-profile sale for RM was a James Bond Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 sold in 2011. And for those who like their motors with a touch of Hollywood sparkle, there's an exciting investment opportunity at an upcoming auction in Monterey this August. A 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, formerly owned by the "King of Cool", Steve McQueen, is coming to auction. e car – chassis 10621 – was specially ordered by Hollywood Sport Cars for McQueen in 1967, while he was filming e omas Crown Affair, and it's an incredibly beautiful model. And, as always, great beauty in the world of car auctions generally means a multi-million dollar sale. e next RM Auctions are in Monterey on August 15-16, London on September 8, and Hershey on October 9-10. For more information visit rmauctions.com INVESTMENTS James Bond Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 Talbot Lago

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