Packard - 1939

Rule number one for buying literature to build a collection is to buy quality literature on popular, interesting and / or exotic makes. Cars that draw a crowd or attract attention usually are the ones you will also like. Brochures on these cars will be good investments and can be sold in the future for a profit. That profit factor is a good one to keep in mind when you are trying to make the decision on whether to buy it or not. And keep in mind that good condition and reasonable price are important. If you have been a faithful reader of the Automotive Chronicles you know all this.

Have you noticed that desirable, collectible cars at auctions increase in price during a good economy AND in a poor economy? Which cars attract the most attention at auctions? At car shows? In car collections? When a collector with a nice literature collection shows his brochures to you, which ones does he display first? The best cars and literature increase the most in price, and the fastest. While real estate, stocks and gold go up and down with the economy, very desirable cars and auto literature does not. And I have proven that — read my article 'Good Investment'.

Ferrari - 1958

Most collectors collect over a long period of time and their focus changes simply because no one make, model or year is the all encompassing single best car. The collector who starts off with Ferrari literature soon finds an interest in Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maserati, Porsche and other similar makes. Investigation of all that is out there is entertaining and educational and the collection becomes a good investment. The same applies to books. If you start out with 1960s racing, you may begin by concentrating on one make and end up wanting to read about the competition. Soon you have added books about drivers, tracks, annuals and individual makes. Books go up in value too. Try buying all the great books written about race car drivers since racing began and you will find it gets very pricey. But when you go to sell them you will be shocked on what you can sell them for.

Maybe you do want to stick to just one subject or make. You will still have the opportunity to build a magnificent collection. Think of what the ultimate Ford, Jaguar or Rolls-Royce collection looks like. All the brochures, books, dealer albums, manuals, art, memorabilia, posters, etc would fill a large room.

The quality of your collection is a reflection of you. Are you happy with your approach? Your approach probably has changed over the years and if not, maybe it is time to think about what you are creating. Clear out the less desirable items and add some very desirable literature that will keep your interest up and make your visits to the collection more frequent and bring more enjoyment to the time you spend with it .

Would some of these brochures be just what you are looking for?