The Automotive Dream “One man and his dream had not simply left the world with an engine and four wheels; Henry Ford and his Model T had influenced people's everyday lives - where they lived, how they spent their leisure time, even how they viewed themselves.” - Gary...
Car Collecting Hobby Explained
Written by Irina
Recent posts
Lagonda 16/80 Special Six 1933
English Touring The car we present to you this week is the Lagonda 16/80 Special Six in the Demers Car Collection. Lagonda was a luxury British car brand that Aston Martin eventually absorbed. Through its association with Aston Martin, it is sometimes hard to remember...
An Introduction to Lagonda
Before Aston Martin “The history of Lagonda cars is synonymous with sophistication, opulence, and groundbreaking performance” - An article for Discovery UK Today, we may recognize the name Lagonda from its association with Aston Martin. Before these two brands...
Cadillac Model A 1903
The Standard of the World “No other American car on the market in the first decade of the century was constructed to higher standards than Cadillac.” - Stephen W. Sears in The Automobile in America Some of you may know that Cadillac has long had the slogan “Standard...
Beyond Investment and Aesthetics
“Car collecting is not about cars but about people.” – Robert C. Yeager in The Next Gen Guide to Car Collecting
According to the author of The NextGen Guide to Car Collecting, Robert Yeager, humans tend to collect things. Be it rocks, teapots, stamps, art, model trains, handbags or cars, collecting seems to be part of human nature. Collecting cars as a hobby, although it may appear to be the privilege of a small elite group, touches more people than we might think. The love of cars is much more widespread and offers benefits like the creation of a community and the preservation of history. Keep reading to delve into the emotional connection between people and cars, what defines a collectible car, and get a glimpse into the Demers Car Collection.
Cars and Emotions
“By the time the caretaker of the estate let me in to look at the car, I was near feverish with desire.” – Ralph Stein in The Automobile Book
There is no easier conversation between two strangers than a conversation between car enthusiasts. Cars play a significant role in most people’s lives, serving as reliable companions to get us where we need to go. Over time, it is natural that a relationship develops between a car and its owner. Not unlike the attachment some have for their childhood home, many would give everything to be able to drive their first car again or to buy the first car that made them dream.
Talking about the emotional connection between a person and their car is not just fluff, it is the subject of research. Indeed, it is believed that the relationship we have with a car is similar to a friendship bond. Consequently, parting with a car can be an emotionally taxing experience. Despite the potential monetary value of collectible cars, they are seldom put up for sale. Car collectors bypass this natural breakup: they rarely get rid of their cars. One can conclude that the emotional connection between the car and the collector is often more important than capital gain.
The way cars create relationships does not end between a car and a person either, they can also bring people together. Numerous stories highlight how working collaboratively on car restoration projects can strengthen parent-child relationships. Collaborative projects provide a platform to set aside differences and work towards a common goal. Think about the countless road trips, late-night drives for the pure joy of it, and deep conversations held in the car parked in the driveway prolonging the drop-off. In the words of Bob Yeager, cars “strengthen the ties that bind us to our families.”
What Is a Collectible Car?
“The definition of a collectible car is simply this: a car, truck, SUV, pickup, or motorcycle that you like.” – McKeel Hagerty in The Nextgen Guide to Car Collecting
Numerous factors determine whether a car is collectible. In broad terms, collectible cars are those that are either popular, rare or desired for various reasons. Some view them as good investments. Unlike everyday vehicles, collectible cars can gain in value over time rather than depreciate the moment they roll out of the dealership. While some cars are appreciated for their investment potential, others are valued for their stories, brand history, and the people associated with them. Other cars are loved for their aesthetics, many view them as works of art.
A car does not need to be old to be collectible. Some cars, like the Aston Martin DB9, are declared instant classics. Other brands, like Ferrari and Corvette, consistently produce vehicles that seem to all become collectible over time. At its core, a collectible car is just a car that someone likes.
The perception of what constitutes a collectible car has evolved. While it was once relatively clear-cut, the definition has expanded significantly. As new generations of collectors emerge, the criteria for desirability broaden. For example, there’s a growing interest in vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s, particularly Japanese cars and some enthusiasts develop niche preferences, such as trucks and SUVs.
The Demers Car Collection
“It requires more than just a lot of money to become a car collector. It requires passion, patience, love and determination…” – Merlin Auto Group
Car collections come to be in different forms and under different circumstances, but one thing unites them all: someone’s passion for automobiles. It is no different for the Demers Car Collection. All the different themes explored in this article are applicable here. The collection binds generations of a family and ignites the flames of passion. Amassing hundreds of cars in one place is no small feat and demands genuine affection for these vehicles and what they represent.
When asked why they acquired a specific car, whether it’s been part of the collection for over two decades or a recent addition, the owners consistently provide the same response: because it’s special. The brothers select cars for their collection based on rarity, beauty, and uniqueness, attaching great value to the story behind each car. This is why I can write articles on every car in the collection: they each have value and significance.
What Now?
If you’re looking to start your own car collection, I highly recommend reading Bob Yeager’s book The NextGen Guide to Car Collecting. It is full of insights on the current market, market trends and practical advice on how to choose and take care of your first car.
For those interested in delving further into the Demers Car Collection, we now offer semi-private guided tours. Vanessa and I will lead you through a selection of cars within the Demers Car Collection, providing insight into their stories. If you wish to explore this opportunity, you can find all the details here.
If you can’t make it to Thetford, stay connected with us on social media. We feature a car in The Collection every other week. For example, next week, we will introduce you to the Minerva in the Demers Car Collection.
You can also catch us at different events like Car and Coffee and Concours d’Elegance; we’ll announce where we go in our stories.
