If you had told me a few years ago that my garage would become a real rolling museum, I would have laughed in your face.. Find out now how I transformed hobby into collection.
Because, to be honest, I never imagined myself collecting classic cars. I was just a guy who liked old junk, the smell of gasoline, and the sound of a good V8 roaring in the early morning.
But here I am. With a collection that more than one fan would envy and plenty of stories to tell around a bar table.
It all started with a disaster…
The first time I bought a classic, I did it with more emotion than thought.
I saw a '67 Mustang Fastback in a newspaper ad and I immediately fell in love. It was black, with those aggressive lines that make anyone stop and stare.
I called the owner, we agreed to meet, and in less than an hour I had the money in my hand.
Without checking anything. Without asking questions. And without a second thought.
When I turned it on and took it out, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world. Until… to After 10 minutes it started smoking as if it was on fire.
Yes, I had bought myself a problem with wheels.
The engine was destroyed, the gearbox was making rumbling sounds, and rust was eating away at the underbody.
It was an expensive lesson, but a necessary one. That day I learned that, in this world, passion is important, but if you don't use your head, you'll go bankrupt.
+How do I choose the cars that go into my collection?
From error to strategy
After that blow to my wallet (and my pride), I decided I couldn't go on like this.
If he really wanted to build a collection of classics, he had to learn how to do it right.
So I dove headfirst into the world of restorers, mechanics, and old-timer vintage car wolves.
I talked to everyone with experience, learning about models, years, parts, and restorations. I discovered that the best deals weren't found in advertisements, but in dusty garages and the right connections.
And most importantly, I started shopping strategically, not just with my heart.
The golden rule for building a serious collection
If there's one thing I've learned along the way, it's that there are three types of classic car buyers:
- The impulsive enthusiast: Buys with his heart, without checking anything, and ends up spending more on repairs than on the purchase. (Yes, I was that guy at first.)
- The cold trader: He only looks for cars for investment, without any love for the history or legacy of the model.
- The intelligent collector: Combine passion with strategy. Buy well, restore with discretion, and build a collection with identity.
If you want your hobby to become something big, you have to be in the third group.
How I went from a disaster to a respectable collection
After years of trial and error, I managed to put together a collection that I'm truly proud of.
And I did so by following three key principles:
1. Every car should have a story
I don't collect for the sake of collecting. Every machine in my garage has a reason to be there.
Some have sentimental value, others represent a golden age of motorsports, and others were simply opportunities I couldn't pass up.
But none of them are there just to be there..
2. Buy wisely, restore patiently
The classic car market is a game of chess. If you don't think through every move, you end up losing money and time.
Before buying, I do a thorough investigation. I have expert inspections, review documentation, and evaluate whether or not it's worth restoring.
Because this isn't just about buying. It's about making each car worth more over time.
3. Surround yourself with the right people
This is a contact game.
The best cars aren't in ads. They're in the garages of guys who've been accumulating junk for decades.
Knowing the right restorers, making friends with trusted mechanics, and having access to original parts makes all the difference between a lovingly restored car and a Frankenstein on wheels.
From hobby to passion… and from passion to legacy
Today I look at my garage and I don't just see cars. I see history.
Each machine has its own character, its essence, and its past. And the best part is that each one is still alive, ready to roar at any moment.
Turning a hobby into a respectable collection isn't easy. But when you do it right, every car you add is a victory.
And believe me… the feeling of tearing open a classic that you rescued with your own hands is priceless.
Passionate about classic cars for as long as he can remember, Javier Montoro has dedicated his life to the search, restoration, and preservation of true gems on wheels. With years of experience purchasing, restoring, and maintaining vintage vehicles, he shares his knowledge, stories, and lessons learned on this blog.