Thirty years ago, when the Nob Hill Gazette was born, I first raced my 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 Zagato at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, an event which, today, attracts entrants from around the world.  In that year, I also saw, for the first time, my dream car, a 1928 Alfa Romeo 6c1500 Zagato spider, the exact same car that I was able to buy just a few years ago.  I raced that car this year – and contemplated the 30 years behind us, and what the next 30 might bring.

Back in ’78, there were far fewer activities for motor hobbyists.  The collector cars were much cheaper, too.  In ’78 you might have bought a 1948 Packard Custom Super Eight convertible, 30 years old then, for $5,000, plus or minus.  A Ferrari from the late forties might have been yours for $25-50,000. Today, the Packard is six figures, the Ferrari, seven, with no sign of weakening demand.  People have lots of opportunities to enjoy old cars because somewhere in the world, every week of the year, there’s a significant show, tour, or race.

Back in 1978, those Packards and Ferraris were just old cars that appealed to a lunatic fringe.  Now they are seen as fine art of the industrial age, part of our heritage, and are extremely valuable.  That 1955 Alfa Romeo, valued today at around $500,000, drew sneers in ’78 when I admitted spending $25,000 on it.

Sixteen vs. Forty-six—Why Thirty Years Matters

If you were born in 1962, by 1978 you were sixteen years old.  What typically happens with collector cars is this: the sixteen year old is dazzled by a new car – in ’78 it might have been a Ferrari or a Porsche.  Thirty years later, he’s successful in his chosen field.  The memory of that car, seen when he was 16, has never dimmed.  Now, it’s a bit expensive, but the value of dreams is, as we all know, only limited by what you can afford.

What Are Sixteen Year Olds
Lusting After in 2008?

Determining which cars of today will be tomorrow’s collector cars is tricky.  Some exotics will make it simply because they are so exceptional.  So will some everyday cars, because they are charming and will bring back happy memories.  You may love that first 1965 Mustang or a Corvette.  Your son (or, more and more, your daughter) may, in the year 2038, look back on a Mini-Cooper or Porsche Boxster, or maybe even a 2008 Shelby-Mustang.  If there are still collector-car auctions, he or she may bring home a treasure some weekend.

A Mazda Miata, Nissan GT-R or SL 500 Mercedes-Benz might make that year 2038 list.  Most Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Maseratis and Aston Martins will be remembered.

The mini-vans, SUVs, and commuter cars of today will have been junked or recycled long before 2038.

Two to Die For

During the “Monterey Week” each August, auto manufacturers strut their stuff in front of the gatherings of knowledgeable car buffs (and buyers).  Two of the best this 30th Nob Hill Gazette year came from Bentley and Rolls Royce.  Those two venerable brands have enjoyed a renaissance since being acquired by the Volkswagen group (Bentley) and the BMW group (Rolls Royce).

The Bentley Brooklands is a two-door, four passenger coupe that owes nothing to the eco-warriors and everything to guardians of automotive elegance and excess.  The planned production of 550 cars is already being sold at $340,990 each. They will not produce more, regardless of demand. With 530 horsepower from its 6.75 litre V8 engine, the Bentley accelerates to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and can achieve 184 mph.  Its chassis, with superior steering and brakes, give this large car agility that you wouldn’t expect.  Get in line!

The Rolls Royce Hyperion is a different proposition.  It is a one-off by Italy’s Pininfarina designer and coachbuilder that was unveiled to the world at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

It uses the Rolls Royce Phantom chassis, but is shorter, because as a two-passenger roadster, it’s a lot sportier.  In the accompanying photos, you can see the speedboat-like decking forward of the windshield and behind the seats.  The huge wheels are perfectly proportioned to complement this big car.  You may recall that when NHG drove the Phantom Sedan, we found it to be a very capable and agile performer despite its large size.  You can be sure the Hyperion emphasizes the Rolls idea of “waftability”, or ease of motion.

How can one resist this amalgam of British, German and Italian style and performance?