In the world of luxury and classic cars, the name Ferrari resonates like no other. It's not just a brand; it's an emblem of prestige, performance, and unparalleled investment potential. For many, the dream of owning a Ferrari is the ultimate symbol of success. But beyond the enticement of the prancing horse emblem, lies a compelling case for considering these Italian masterpieces as more than just cars—they can be lucrative investments if considering the right indicators. Let's shift gears and delve into why diving into Ferrari investment might just be the smart move you're looking for.

From Racer to Race-car maker

In 1908, the car racing scene captivated a young Enzo Ferrari, aged just ten, marking the start of a lifelong passion. Following his service in the Italian army during World War I, Enzo embarked on a career with several small car manufacturers.

By the 1920s, Enzo's career had shifted into high gear with a position at Alfa Romeo as a racing driver. This led to the founding of Scuderia Ferrari in 1929, which quickly evolved into Alfa Romeo's official racing team by 1933. However, by 1937, Enzo decided to close Scuderia Ferrari to lead Alfa Romeo's Alfa Corse racing department. In 1939, constrained by a non-compete clause, Enzo launched his own automotive company, debuting the first car bearing the Ferrari name in 1947.

The post-war period was pivotal for Ferrari, instigated by Luigi Chinetti, an accomplished Italian-American racer. Despite Ferrari's focus on competition, Chinetti convinced him to start manufacturing sports cars for the broader market. This led to the opening of the first Ferrari dealership in the U.S. in the early 1950s, significantly altering the company's trajectory. Iconic models like the California Spider, GTO, and Testarossa soon followed.

Facing the need for greater resources to ensure its competitiveness and survival, Enzo sold a 50% stake in Ferrari to FIAT in 1969.

Following Enzo's death, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo took the helm as President and then Chairman, steering Ferrari into the status of a global luxury marque.

Nowadays, Ferrari continues to dominate both the racetrack and the high-end car market, with its supercars and hypercars commanding prices in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars and continuously being at the forefront of innovation while maintaining their strong reputation.

What makes Ferraris valuable?

The concept of a car as an investment, particularly a luxury car like a Ferrari, might seem unconventional to some. Yet, the numbers speak volumes. The classic car market has witnessed remarkable resilience, with Ferrari leading as a beacon of investment potential. When considering a car as an investment, it's crucial to take into account factors such as the rarity of the model, its condition, maintenance history, and market demand when evaluating the appreciation potential. Additionally, cost factors such as storage, maintenance costs, and insurance should be taken into consideration when evaluating whether they outweigh the appreciation potential or not.

Other factors you should consider are:

• Historical significance
• The production volume
• Celebrity ownership
• Unique features, technology or design
• Racing pedigree from winning races or that are influenced by an era of Ferrari dominance in Formula 1.

Over the previous decade, classic cars have witnessed a remarkable increase in valuation, surpassing the growth observed in other high-end assets. In a survey conducted for the 2024 Knight Frank Wealth Report, over 600 private bankers, wealth advisors, intermediaries and family offices were asked which passion investments are becoming more popular among their clients. On average 38% of the respondents selected classic cars, highlighting the globally increasing demand (Knight Frank, 2024). Ferraris, in particular, have been at the forefront of this surge, with some models appreciating in value by over 300% in the past decade such as the infamous F40 or F50. While these examples have scored exceptional returns on investment they offer a small hint towards the tangible financial rewards of investing in a Ferrari.

The Cult Factor

The shift towards electric vehicles is expected to increase the value and appeal of classic cars, with Ferraris leading the way. According to industry experts, this move to electrification will make classic cars more sought-after, making them cult objects and turning them into treasured collectables. In the auction world, Ferraris have shown their worth, with an average auction price of $589,000 in the 2021-22 period, outpacing other prestigious brands like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The community of classic car enthusiasts has grown and diversified over the years. Initially dominated by experts with extensive knowledge of these vehicles, it now includes a wider range of people who appreciate the beauty and value of owning a classic car and can afford to purchase an asset that also retains its value.

Ferrari stock vs. car investment

Some alternative investments such as classic cars offer individuals the option to invest in the brand instead of a specific asset the carmaker created. Both options carry distinct advantages and potential risks. Investing in Ferrari's stock offers liquidity and ease of entry, allowing investors to benefit from the brand's overall financial health and growth in the luxury automotive sector without the substantial upfront costs associated with purchasing a classic model. However, stock investments are subject to market volatility and can be influenced by factors beyond the company's control, such as economic downturns.

On the other hand, investing in a physical Ferrari, particularly vintage or limited-edition models, can yield significant appreciation over time, driven by rarity and desirability among collectors. Yet, this form of investment requires substantial initial capital, along with ongoing maintenance costs and insurance, not to mention the illiquidity of selling such specialized assets.

As a resolution to these challenges, fractional investing emerges as a compelling solution. This innovative approach allows investors to own a share of a classic Ferrari, combining the tangible appeal and potential for appreciation of a physical car with the accessibility and flexibility of stock investment. Through fractional ownership, investors can mitigate some of the financial barriers and risks associated with classic car investment, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts and investors alike. With Konvi you can invest in classic cars supported by industry experts starting from €250 with maintenance and storage being taken care of.

Recently Konvi and its classic car expert, CarCrowd, sourced a rare low-mileage Ferrari 348 Spider for its community of investors worth over €90,000.

What you should consider before investing

Do Your Homework: If you're thinking about buying a Ferrari as an investment, start with some serious homework. Get to know the different Ferrari models, how many were made, how much they've been worth in the past, and what they're selling for now. This info will help you make smart choices.

Talk to the Pros: It's also a good idea to chat with people who know a lot about investing in classic cars. They've got the experience and know-how to guide you through the process and can help you avoid mistakes and find the best deals.

Remember the Extra Costs: Buying a Ferrari isn't just about paying the sale price. You've got to think about the money it'll cost to keep it running smoothly, pay for insurance, and store it properly. Keeping your Ferrari in top shape is important if you want it to keep or increase its value.

Think Long-Term: Investing in a Ferrari isn't a quick way to make money. It's more about playing the long game. While their prices can go up and down in the short term, Ferraris tend to become more valuable over time. Being patient can really pay off.

Investing in a Ferrari can be really exciting and rewarding, both for your heart and your wallet. By doing your research, staying up to date on market trends, and listening to advice from experts, you can make wise investment choices. So, if you're ready to invest in a Ferrari, get ready to do some learning, talk to knowledgeable people, and enjoy the journey of owning a piece of car history. However, as with all investments timing plays a pivotal role. Check out this article if you wanna find out how you can recognize green flags before you start off your classic car investment journey

In our most recent project in collaboration with our industry expert, CarCrowd, we are enabling the Konvi community access to invest in a Classic 80s Icon with a capital goal of €105,000.

Note: this article only engages the opinion of its author and does not constitute financial advice.