How do I choose the cars that go into my collection?

If there's one thing I've learned in all these years collecting classic cars, it's that choosing a model for your collection isn't just a matter of money.. That's why I'm going to tell you all my experience and secrets about how I choose the cars that go into my collection.

There are those who see a beautiful, rare car and immediately want to buy it. But a true collection isn't built on impulse.. If that were the case, I'd already have a shed full of scrap metal and collector plates.

Here, every car that comes in has a story. It has a reason. And, above all, it follows a standard.

If you've ever thought about building your own collection or just want to know how a classic car enthusiast chooses his gems, sit back, pour yourself a drink, and let me tell you about my process of choosing cars.

The car I always dreamed of owning and how I finally bought it

Step by step how I choose cars

1. The car has to have soul

I take this criterion very seriously when and how I choose the cars that go into my collection.

It may sound crazy, but any true collector will understand. It's not enough for it to be pretty, rare, or expensive. The car has to have soul..

And what does that mean? It means it should make me feel something.. It may be nostalgia, admiration for its history, or even the memory of a special moment.

It doesn't matter if it's a Mustang Fastback or a '66 Volkswagen Beetle. If seeing it doesn't stir something in me, then it's not in the collection..

And it's happened to me before. I've seen very rare cars for sale, with reasonable prices, but they didn't move me one bit. I passed them by. Because a collection isn't about appearances, it's about passion.

2. It has to be special for some reason

This is where the strategy comes in. Some cars don't have to be incredibly expensive to be iconic. The important thing is that they've defined an era..

For example, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It's not just a pretty old car.. It was one of the models that defined automotive design in the 1950s.

Another case in point: the '69 Dodge Charger R/T. If you've seen "Bullitt" or "The Fast and the Furious," you know what I'm talking about. That car represents an era.

So, every time I consider a model, I ask myself, "What does this car represent for the history of motorsport?" If the answer is "nothing," I move on to the next one.

3. Conservation status matters, but it's not everything

There are those who just want cars in pristine condition, as if they left the factory yesterday. I understand that, but in my collection, that's not a mandatory requirement.

For me, a car with history can bear the scars of time. Worn paint, a seat with that old leather smell, a steering wheel with signs of wear… That's part of its charm.

Now, there are limits. If the car is rotten, with structural rust and an engine that's beyond saving, I'll let it go. Restoring a classic is a pleasure, but some things just aren't worth the effort.

If the chassis is solid and the engine can roar again, then it can be a good project.

4. Rarity has its weight in the decision

Does a car's rarity automatically make it valuable? Not always. Some rarities no one wants.

But if a model had a limited production, a special version, or some unique detail, then I do pay attention.

Take the '63 Corvette Stingray Split-Window, for example. That split rear window only existed for one year, making it one of the most coveted models. That's the kind of rarity that's worth it.

On the other hand, a car of which only 500 units were manufactured, but nobody is interested, it means nothing.

5. I must know where I am going to store it

This is a criterion that many forget. A collection takes up space..

I've already made the mistake of buying a car without planning where I was going to park it. The result: a classic sleeping outdoors until I found a solution.

So now, a new model only comes in if I have a decent place for it. No more leaving a gem out in the rain.

6. It must fit into the collection

This is where many people go wrong. Buying a single classic car is one thing. But building a collection requires consistency..

My collection, for example, follows a clear line: iconic models from the 50s, 60s and 70s, which marked an era and have a sporty or luxury style..

If I'm offered an amazing car that doesn't fit that profile, I'll think twice.

Because in the end, a collection should tell a story. If it becomes a collection of random cars, it loses its charm.

Collecting is more than just buying cars

If I could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to start a collection, it would be this: don't buy on impulse.

Collecting classic cars isn't about quantity, it's about meaning. Each car should have a reason for being there.

And above all: it should make you feel something every time you open the garage.

If it doesn't give you a feeling of excitement at the sight, then maybe it's just a pretty car... and not a classic worthy of your collection.