You don't have to be rich to invest in classic cars
My journey started at 26 with £6,000 and a passion for cars. Today, I'm helping others discover that classic car investment is more accessible than they think.
I'm Adam Chinn, founder of The Car Investor. My journey in the classic car world began when I was 26, combining my passion for driving with smart, accessible investment strategies. I wanted to prove that you don't need a trust fund or lottery win to build a collection of appreciating classics.
My Current Garage
BMW 8 Series (E31)
The car that started it all - bought for £6,000, now worth nearly 3x
BMW M5 (E60)
V10 powered super saloon - the pinnacle of BMW engineering
MG ZR 160
My reliable daily driver - even dailies can be future classics
It's Not Just About Money
For me, classic car ownership is about the complete experience. The cars I buy celebrate two of my greatest passions: the pure joy of driving and the intelligent art of investment.
Yes, the financial returns are important - they make the whole adventure sustainable. But there's nothing quite like a sunrise drive on empty roads, the smell of old leather, or the stories shared at car meets. That's what makes this more than just an investment strategy.
Why I Started The Car Investor
In my mid-twenties, I found myself on the typical path - working my way up in a decent corporate job, but nowhere near affording the latest M car. Like many enthusiasts, owning and enjoying classic cars felt like a distant dream.
But I decided that wasn't going to stop me.
I spent months researching modern classics that were both affordable and had the right ingredients for future appreciation. I analyzed market trends, ownership costs, and value drivers. Eventually, I settled on a BMW 8 Series for £6,000.
That decision changed everything.
Drive It AND Make Money?
I didn't buy the 8 Series to hide it under a cover. I drove it - including a 3,000-mile European road trip, countless weekend adventures, and classic car shows.
Within a few years, it was worth nearly 3x what I paid. Even accounting for maintenance, insurance, and running costs, the appreciation more than offset everything.
It felt like free motoring - because it essentially was.
3,000 miles across Europe, including the Alps - proving classic cars are meant to be driven, not hidden
From Spreadsheets to Software
As I repeated this process with other cars, I found myself drowning in spreadsheets - tracking purchase prices, running costs, valuations, and calculating returns. That's when I realized other enthusiasts must face the same challenge.
The Car Investor was born from my own need for a better way to track and analyze classic car investments. It's the tool I wish I'd had when I started - making it simple to see which cars are performing, calculate real returns, and make informed decisions.
Whether you're starting with £5,000 or £50,000, the principles are the same. Smart research, careful tracking, and patience can turn your passion into profit.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Use the same tools and strategies that helped me build my collection. Start with our free ROI calculator to analyze your first potential investment.
"I'm still holding onto that original 8 Series. At this point, it's worth far more than money - it's proof that with the right approach, anyone can turn their automotive passion into a sustainable investment strategy."
- Adam Chinn, Founder