If you’ve got your sights set on a European classic, like a Porsche 911 or Ferrari 308, chances are, you’ve started thinking about financing. Here’s what to know when financing a European classic car, so you can drive off with your next classic right in time for summer:
Why Finance a Luxury European Classic Car?
- Preserve Cash Flow: Many collectors and enthusiasts choose financing to avoid committing a large sum of cash to a single purchase. Financing makes it easier to pursue your passion without compromising other financial goals or investments.
- Investment Potential: Many European classic cars hold or even increase in value over time. With careful selection, you may find that your financed vehicle appreciates while you enjoy owning it.
- Tailored Low Payments: Woodside Credit offers long-term and specialized program that suit collector car buyers. It’s not about cookie-cutter loans, it’s about structuring a loan that complements your long-term goals.
What To Consider When Financing a European Classic Car
- Age & Value of the Car: Classic car financing isn’t one-size-fits-all. The vehicle’s model year, condition, and market value can impact loan eligibility and structure.
- Vehicle Market Appeal: A well-regarded European classic car, such as a Porsche 911 or a Mercedes-Benz SL, may have more substantial resale value and long-term collectability, making it more attractive as an investment.
- Loan Terms & Interest Rates: Specialty lenders like Woodside Credit offer long-term and competitive rates that are tailored for classic car purchases. These terms help reduce monthly payments while preserving the buyer’s purchasing power.
Popular European Classics to Finance
- Porsche 911 (Air-Cooled Models): Highly collectible and beloved by purists, air-cooled 911s, particularly models from the 1970s through the mid-1990s, are a staple of any serious classic car collection. Their unique driving experience, mechanical simplicity, and rising market values make them a substantial investment. Standout models include the 1973 Carrera RS, the 964-generation 911 Turbo, and the last-of-the-line 993 Turbo. Prices have steadily increased, and well-maintained examples continue to appreciate.
- Ferrari 308 & 328: These mid-engine V8 Ferraris offer a perfect blend of classic styling, exhilarating performance, and manageable ownership costs compared to their V12 counterparts. The Ferrari 308 and its successor, the 328, are both celebrated for their unmistakable Pininfarina styling and driving enjoyment. The 308 gained pop culture fame through Magnum, P.I., while the 328 refined the formula with subtle performance and engineering updates. Both models have attracted increasing collector interest and have shown consistent value growth over the years.
- Jaguar E-Type: Dubbed “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari, the Jaguar E-Type remains one of the most desirable classic cars. The E-Type offers a blend of British craftsmanship and exhilarating performance. It is available in coupe and roadster forms, with six-cylinder and V12 engine options. Its sleek, elongated hood, smooth power delivery, and historical significance make it a must-have for collectors, often seen gracing concours d’elegance events worldwide.
- Mercedes-Benz 300SL & 560SL: The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is one of the most legendary collector cars, combining breathtaking styling with advanced engineering. A true investment piece, this model has skyrocketed in value and remains a showstopper at auctions. Meanwhile, the 560SL from the R107 generation offers classic luxury with modern usability, making it a practical yet prestigious classic. Its robust V8 engine, solid build quality, and timeless design ensure strong demand among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
- Aston Martin DB5 & V8 Vantage: Few cars carry the cinematic and cultural significance of the Aston Martin DB5, forever linked to James Bond. Beyond its silver-screen fame, the DB5 is an exquisite grand tourer, blending hand-built British craftsmanship with a robust inline-six engine. For those seeking a more muscular and modernized take on the Aston Martin formula, the V8 Vantage from the 1970s and 1980s delivers a blend of power and presence. Its aggressive styling and increasing rarity make it an appealing choice for collectors looking beyond the traditional DB models.
Financing Your Next European Classic Car with Woodside Credit
At Woodside Credit, financing a classic car is about simplicity, transparency, and respect for what makes collector cars special. Here’s how the process works:
- Apply Online – A quick and simple application starts the process.
- Choose Your Car – Select your ideal European classic from a dealer or private seller. Have fun with this!
- Close with Confidence – With valuation expertise, electronic documents, and a knowledgeable team, the funding process is seamless, helping you get behind the wheel faster.
Whether you’re acquiring your first vintage Porsche or adding a rare Ferrari to your garage, Woodside Credit is the trusted name in classic car financing.
