How to spot a fake

Outright fakes in classic cars are less common than in watches or handbags, but they exist and the sums involved make them worth serious attention. The more common problem is misrepresentation: a car presented as numbers-matching when it is not, provenance claimed without documentation, a restoration described as more correct than it is. The standard protection is a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist. Not a generalist mechanic

A specialist with specific knowledge of the model, who knows where the numbers are, what the factory records say, what a correct car should look like underneath. For Ferraris, a Classiche certificate from the factory provides authentication and increases value. For Porsches, a factory certificate showing original specification is available and worth obtaining. For other marques, the relevant owners clubs typically maintain records and can assist with verification.

CollectorGrade take

Never complete a significant classic car purchase without a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist. This is not excessive caution. It is the minimum standard. Any seller who objects is a seller to reconsider.