416: Hagerty's Dave Kinney on Where Collector Car Values Are Heading

“Valuation tools” are methods or platforms that estimate what a car is worth using past sales, condition data, and market demand. In collector-car circles, these tools often rely heavily on auction comps and dealer retail pricing.

Paris style wealth is presented as a wealth-management partner for collector-car enthusiasts, specifically named as the Ferrari Club of America’s official wealth management partner. The mention is relevant because collector-car investing often overlaps with estate planning and long-term stewardship.

NCM Insurance is an insurer that focuses on collector-car coverage, including classic-car policies designed around how enthusiasts actually own and use their vehicles. The key idea is that collector cars often need coverage that matches their value and usage rather than a generic auto policy.

A collector car is typically a vehicle owned for its enthusiast value—often older, rare, or historically significant—and maintained with care rather than used like a normal commuter. Because of that, collector cars often need specialized insurance and documentation to reflect their true market value and how they’re stored and protected.

Agreed value coverage means you and the insurer set the car’s value up front, and that agreed amount is what the policy pays in a covered total-loss situation. For collector cars, this helps avoid disputes where a standard policy would only pay “actual cash value,” which can be far lower than what the car is worth to enthusiasts.

Service history is the documented record of maintenance and repairs (often including dates, mileage, parts, and receipts). For collector cars, a complete service history can strongly affect buyer confidence and resale value because it proves the car has been cared for and helps justify condition claims.

The phrase “insane prices” is used to describe unusually high auction results, which can shift perceived market value quickly. In collector-car markets, auction pricing often becomes a reference point for private sales and dealer pricing.

Kissimmee is a major collector-car auction hub in Florida, often associated with large seasonal sales. When the hosts cite “insane prices” from Kissimmee, they’re pointing to auction-driven market signals.

Barrett-Jackson is one of the best-known auction brands for collector cars in the U.S. Mentioning it alongside other auctions highlights that multiple venues are seeing strong pricing simultaneously.

RM Sotheby’s is a high-end auction house, and the Phoenix sale is one of its major U.S. events. The host is using it as another data point showing elevated collector-car pricing.

Broad Arrow is an auction/collector-car marketplace brand that specializes in selling high-end vehicles. The host cites Broad Arrow’s “best sale ever” as evidence that collector demand is strong.

“Bottom sale” appears to refer to a specific auction event or sales category that the host believes is performing well. In market discussions, these events can indicate whether values are holding even outside the most headline-grabbing lots.

RM is referring to RM Sotheby’s, an auction house known for high-end collector cars. When the hosts say RM had “hits out of the park,” they mean RM’s auction results showed strong demand and pricing for certain cars.

The hosts emphasize that auction outcomes aren’t perfectly predictable: some cars sell for less than they “should,” others sell for the same money, and some exceed expectations. This reflects how buyer competition, timing, and condition/documentation can swing results.

This describes early bespoke customization—custom colors and options—before Ferrari offered formal personalization programs. The key idea is that provenance and the story behind a specific build can matter, but it doesn’t automatically guarantee today’s prices will “go through the roof” just because similar customization is now offered as a standard option.

Rolls Royce is cited alongside Bentley as having learned the same lesson: brands should accommodate customer requests rather than resist unusual preferences. In collector-car terms, that can affect how certain personalized cars are valued.

Bring a Trailer (BaT) is referenced as a platform that drives attention and sales for collector cars. When certain models or colors “make headlines” there, it can influence broader market perception and value trends.

“Paint the sample stuff” refers to special or standout paint choices that are meant to catch attention—like a unique color that becomes a talking point. In collector circles, unusual or visually striking colors can boost interest and perceived desirability.

The host uses a Ford F-150 shopping example to explain how color availability affects what people buy. They note that the truck was offered in multiple silver shades, and buyer demand often clusters around familiar, popular colors.

The phrase “predictable and the same” is describing a market preference for consistent, repeatable configurations rather than highly individualized custom builds. In collector-car pricing, that can translate to stronger demand for cars that match recognizable “specs” buyers already understand.

“Day two builds” refers to modifying a car after it’s already been purchased or delivered—often as a second phase of ownership. In collector-car culture, it’s a way to personalize the car, but it can also affect originality and value depending on how the modifications are done.

“Day one build” describes ordering a car from the factory with the desired look and options, rather than waiting to modify it later. For collector values, this matters because factory-correct configurations can be more desirable than later, owner-made changes.

“Signal orange” is a specific, recognizable paint color used to make a vehicle stand out. In collector terms, distinctive factory colors can create a clearer buyer “target” and potentially improve demand versus more generic shades.

“McLaren orange” refers to the orange color associated with McLaren’s branding, used here as an example of a very identifiable shade. The collector-car takeaway is that colors with strong visual identity can be easier for buyers to recognize and value.

“Irish green” is another specific paint color mentioned as a way to create a clearly defined, repeatable configuration. In value discussions, the emphasis is on predictable, desirable factory combinations rather than one-off custom colors.

“Tartan interiors” means interior upholstery with a tartan/plaid pattern. This is a customization lever that can make a car feel more “special” and easier to sell, especially when it’s done consistently as a factory or dealer-delivered configuration.

“Guard red” is a well-known red paint color name used by some automakers, referenced here as an example of a less interesting choice. The host’s argument is that some colors are so common they don’t create differentiation in the collector market.

Millennials are being described as a growing force in the collector car market. The idea is that as different age groups gain buying power, the cars they prefer (and the prices they’ll pay) can change.

Generation X is mentioned as another demographic stepping into collector car buying. This matters because different generations often have different tastes, budgets, and nostalgia triggers, which can influence market direction.

“Motor Miami” is mentioned alongside Pebble Beach as another event where the speaker discussed the next generation of collectors. Event-driven conversations can be a useful indicator of shifting tastes and demand.

The “cars and coffee” effect refers to how casual, short-duration meetups changed collector-car culture. Instead of long, planned events, people show up, spend a couple hours, and leave—making the hobby feel more accessible and social.

“Coolness factor” is the idea that some collector-car purchases are driven more by personal taste and cultural appeal than by traditional metrics like rarity or investment logic. In value discussions, that can matter because demand follows emotion and identity as much as it follows fundamentals.

The “collector market” is the segment of the automotive world where buyers pay premiums for limited-production, desirable, or historically significant cars. As more manufacturers and buyers participate, supply and demand shift—often changing which eras and models hold value best.

Porsche is referenced as a major example of how automakers are actively building cars for collectors. The discussion highlights Porsche’s limited-run, special-spec approach—using small production numbers and unique finishes to attract buyers.

“Special color” refers to limited or unique paint/finish offerings used to differentiate collector cars. In collector circles, distinctive colors and finishes can increase desirability because they’re harder to find and often tied to small production runs.

“Cut it off at 48 worldwide” describes a limited-production strategy—only a small number of cars are made globally. Limited numbers can support collector value by constraining supply, especially when the cars also have desirable specs or unique colors.

The speaker describes a custom-spec Porsche GT3 Touring based on a 2014. The GT3 Touring concept is about combining the GT3’s performance with a more usable, comfort-oriented touring package, and it’s especially attractive to collectors when paired with unique options and limited finishes.

“Custom-spec” means ordering a car with tailored options—like specific wheels, trim, or finishes—rather than choosing a standard configuration. In the collector world, custom specs can create a more unique and sometimes more valuable car, but they also depend on whether the requested details are desirable to future buyers.

A “feasibility study” here means Porsche’s special-operations team would evaluate whether a requested custom finish (and related trim changes) is practical to produce. It’s a gatekeeping step that determines whether a one-off or low-volume customization can be engineered and manufactured.

The hosts are talking about how some 1970s cars were heavily customizable—paint, interior, and trim choices that made them stand out. The key idea is that extreme personalization can age poorly in the collector market, even if it was popular at the time.

A vinyl roof is an exterior covering (often on older cars) that mimics the look of a convertible top or adds a distinct style. In collector circles, vinyl roofs can be a plus for authenticity on certain models, but they can also be a deal-breaker if the car is modified or the roof is deteriorating.

The hosts emphasize a collector-market reality: you can’t guarantee a car will become valuable just because you modify it. The best strategy is to buy what you genuinely enjoy, while still maintaining it well and keeping documentation, because collector demand is unpredictable.

The “sewer top that came loose” is a metaphor for random, uncontrollable events that can ruin a car regardless of how carefully you plan. It reinforces the idea that collector investment outcomes aren’t fully in your control—risk management matters.

“Transportation value” is the idea that a car’s usefulness—how it fits your life and how you actually use it—matters alongside pure investment value. For collector cars, that means buying something you can enjoy now, not just something you hope will appreciate later.

The Ferrari Enzo is a flagship supercar that’s become a benchmark for modern collector value. In this segment, the discussion uses Enzo auction results and color desirability to illustrate how specific examples can swing in price.

The host calls a specific auction result “a total outlier,” meaning it doesn’t represent the typical market price for that model. In collector-car valuation, outliers can be caused by unusual provenance, timing, or buyer competition, so they’re often discounted when forecasting trends.

The segment highlights that collector-car values can be strongly affected by paint color and how the market perceives it. Even within the same model, a “least desirable” color can reduce demand and price compared with more popular hues.

“Unicorn sales” refers to rare, unusually high auction results that stand out from typical pricing. The speaker is arguing those extreme spikes won’t repeat often, which matters when predicting future collector-car value trends.

“Rising tide” is a market idea meaning that when many cars are increasing in value, the whole segment tends to benefit—even if a specific model isn’t the direct focus. It suggests broader sentiment and liquidity can lift prices across multiple collectibles.

RM Sotheby’s is a major auction house that specializes heavily in high-end collector cars and other luxury assets. Mentioning an RM Sotheby’s upcoming sale frames the discussion around how auction results can influence collector-car pricing.

Auction “estimates” (often given as a range) are the seller’s and auction house’s expected selling price band, not a guaranteed outcome. The speaker is challenging the low estimate by pointing to the car’s rarity and spec, which is a common way collectors evaluate whether a lot is under- or over-valued.

“Number four condition” refers to a common collector-car grading scale (often associated with Hagerty) where cars are typically driver-quality but not restored to top show standards. In this context, the host is saying more cars are slipping into lower grades because fewer people are restoring them right now.

“Quoting times” refers to how long it takes for restoration shops to provide estimates and get work scheduled. Longer quoting and scheduling delays can discourage owners from starting projects, which affects how many cars get upgraded from mid-condition to restored condition.

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can raise the cost of parts used in restorations. The host’s example illustrates how tariffs can double the effective price of items, and by extension can make collector-car restoration more expensive.

The segment connects value pressure to rising labor costs, meaning restoration work costs more even if parts prices were stable. Higher labor costs can reduce the number of restorations completed and keep more cars in lower condition tiers.

In auctions, the “hammer” price is the final bid amount when the auctioneer completes the sale. It’s often discussed alongside estimates to gauge whether the market is bidding above or below expected value.

“Rare color” is a major driver of collector-car value because it affects desirability, originality, and how well a car stands out in photos and at shows. The hosts connect rare color to higher auction outcomes, but also question whether those gains are sustainable.

The Duesenberg Model J is one of the most famous American luxury-performance cars ever built, known for its prestige and engineering. In collector markets, it’s treated as an “iconic” car—meaning demand can stay strong even when prices fluctuate.

“Market shifts” in collector cars refers to changes in buyer preferences, liquidity, and macro conditions that affect auction results and resale values. The hosts use iconic models to illustrate how values can soften and then firm up again as the market rebalances.

In collector-car talk, “blue chip” refers to vehicles that are widely recognized as high-status, liquid, and relatively resilient in value. The idea is similar to stocks: these cars tend to hold value better than more niche or trend-driven models.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS is a highly collectible vintage Mercedes-Benz sports car, and the hosts are discussing how its collector-car market is performing. They reference “comps” (comparable sales) and note that the 300 SLS market is stronger than it was a year earlier.

“Comps” are comparable sales used to estimate a car’s market value. Instead of relying on asking prices, collectors look at recent transactions for similar cars in similar condition.

Duesenberg refers to the classic American luxury/performance cars made by Duesenberg, and the hosts say the Duesenberg market remains vibrant. They also discuss how Duesenberg’s appeal is especially strong in the United States compared with Europe.

A “worldwide market” describes collector demand that spans multiple regions and countries, which can support liquidity and pricing power. The segment contrasts cars with broad global appeal versus niche models that may be valued more heavily in certain markets (like the U.S. versus Europe or Japan).

“Number one condition” is collector shorthand for top-tier, concours-level condition—often meaning the car is exceptionally preserved or restored and presents at the highest standard. Value discussions frequently hinge on this because the best examples can trade at dramatically higher prices than average cars.

The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar known for its rarity and high collector demand. In this segment, the hosts discuss how value is tied to originality and low mileage—specifically the “true” cars that haven’t been modified and have been restored correctly.

The Pontiac GTO is used here as a benchmark for how a future icon can become the “next generation” of a collector favorite. The speaker compares the McLaren F1’s collector trajectory to the GTO’s historic status, then shifts into how GTO values depend on provenance, racing history, and condition.

Collector-car value often concentrates in the most “original” examples—cars with very low mileage and minimal prior modifications. This segment highlights how even when more cars are restored, the market still prefers the rare subset that remains both low-mile and unaltered.

A “replacement motor” means the engine has been swapped out from the original. In collector markets, that can reduce value because originality and matching components are often major parts of what buyers pay for.

For many collector cars, value isn’t just about condition—it’s also about provenance and documented racing participation and results. This segment emphasizes that the “entire history” of a race car, including which events it entered and won, can materially change its desirability.

The Buick Grand National is a well-known American muscle-era performance car, and the host frames it as a vehicle that “held the muscle car torch” for years. In collector terms, that cultural and performance legacy can support strong demand even when compared to other muscle-car icons.

The host suggests collector demand is shifting as younger buyers discover cars that were previously popular mainly with older enthusiasts. This kind of generational shift can change which models appreciate fastest because it expands the buyer pool.

The Chevrolet Grand National is a late-1970s/early-1980s turbocharged performance car that became a cultural icon. In this segment, it’s referenced as the “torch-holder” for a long time, and the host connects its popularity to later interest in similar cars.

The Buick Regal is a mid-size car from Buick that has been produced across many generations. It’s often mentioned in collector stories because individual examples can have personal history—like a Regal that someone had painted or customized. In the podcast context, it sounds like the car is being tied to a specific owner’s story and appearance.

The GMC Typhoon is a compact, turbocharged performance SUV from the 1980s known for being unusually quick for its size. The host argues it should be doing better in the collector market, and compares its performance era to other famous cars.

The GMC Cyclone is the Typhoon’s sibling—also a compact, high-performance turbocharged SUV from the 1980s. The host groups them together as underappreciated collector cars and notes they were faster than a well-known benchmark sports car at launch.

The Ferrari 308 is a classic Italian sports car used here as a performance benchmark for the era. The host’s point is that the GMC Typhoon/Cyclone were reportedly quicker than a Ferrari 308 when they debuted, which helps explain why these SUVs are historically interesting to collectors.

JDM stands for “Japanese Domestic Market,” meaning cars built and sold for Japan (often with different specifications than U.S.-market versions). Collector interest in JDM cars can be driven by rarity, unique engineering, and the way certain models become “gateway” cars that shape long-term tastes and value.

The hosts describe “imprinting” as the idea that many enthusiasts form their earliest car preferences around one standout model. That early emotional attachment becomes a baseline, shaping what they later chase, which can indirectly affect collector demand and market values.

The Volkswagen GTI is a performance-focused version of the Golf, known for blending everyday usability with sporty handling and strong engine tuning. In the late 1970s/early 1980s, the GTI helped popularize the idea of “hot hatches,” where smaller cars deliver big driving fun.

The Dodge Omni GLH is a performance variant of the Omni, built to deliver enthusiast-level performance in a small, affordable package. It’s especially notable in collector circles because it’s a limited, characterful 1980s hot-hatch-style car.

The Mitsubishi Starion is a 1980s Japanese turbocharged coupe that became popular with enthusiasts for its performance potential and rally-inspired reputation. In the transcript, it’s mentioned as part of the broader “JDM” and 1980s collector-car conversation.

Badge engineering is when two brands sell closely related cars that are essentially the same platform, but with different badges and sometimes minor styling or trim changes. The host points out that some Dodge models were also sold under Mitsubishi branding, which is a common reason collectors see “twin” cars across brands.