Few luxury assets sit on a borrower’s balance sheet quite like a classic Ferrari or a modern supercar — high value, deep emotional attachment, illiquid in a hurry, and increasingly recognized as a financial asset class. A classic car loan lets the owner access the value without the irreversibility of a sale. The lender takes possession of the car, stores it in a climate-controlled, insured facility, and advances a percentage of appraised value as a fixed-term loan, structured like any other collateral loan.
Which Cars Hold Lending Value?
Investment-grade Ferraris
Vintage Ferraris — 250 series, 275, 365, F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari — and select modern flagships (488 Pista, 812 Competizione, Daytona SP3, F8 Tributo) trade with deep comp sets at the major auction houses and through specialist dealers. These are the strongest collateral.
Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin
The Countach, Miura, and modern halo Lamborghinis (Aventador SVJ, Huracán STO, Revuelto); air-cooled Porsche 911s, GT3 RS, GT2 RS, and the 918 Spyder; McLaren F1, P1, Senna; Aston Martin DB5, Vanquish, Valkyrie — all sit in the investment-grade tier with established secondary markets.
Rolls-Royce and Bentley
Pre-war Bentleys, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Phantom, Corniche, and modern Bentley Continental GT and Mulsanne references are accepted, with valuation reflecting condition, mileage, and provenance.
Vintage Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar
300 SL Gullwing, 280 SL Pagoda, BMW 507, Jaguar E-Type, XK120 — all accepted as collateral with active comp sets.
What is less liquid
Modified cars, rebodied chassis, restorations without documentation, and lower-tier collector cars (mid-market American muscle, modern non-flagship European sports cars) can still be financed but at lower LTV and with more conservative appraisal.
How Borro Appraises a Classic Car
Every car appraisal layers seven inputs:
- VIN and chassis verification. The chassis is examined for matching numbers (engine, transmission, body), restoration history, and any chassis-level modifications.
- Provenance. Ownership history, period photography, race history, factory documentation, and concours awards.
- Condition grade. 1 (concours), 2 (excellent), 3 (good), 4 (fair), 5 (project). Borro will accept condition 1-3 collateral; lower grades on a case-by-case basis.
- Originality. Matching numbers, original paint, original interior, original drivetrain.
- Mileage. Particularly relevant for modern collectibles.
- Service and restoration records. A documented restoration by a recognized shop supports a stronger valuation.
- Current market. Auction comp sets from RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Gooding, Mecum, and Broad Arrow.
Typical LTV, Terms, and Rates
- Loan-to-value: 50 to 65 percent of appraised value, with investment-grade Ferraris and Porsches at the higher end and condition 3 or modified cars at the lower end.
- Term: commonly 6 to 18 months, renewable.
- Rates: priced in monthly basis points.
- Fees: appraisal, climate-controlled storage, transport, and insurance are itemized.
The Process
- Inquiry. Photos, VIN, mileage, condition, and any documentation. Borro provides an indicative range.
- Inspection. A specialist inspects the car in person — Borro arranges enclosed transport from the borrower’s location to the secure storage facility.
- Loan offer. Written offer presented after inspection.
- Funding. Same or next business day after signing.
- Storage and repayment. Climate-controlled, insured storage for the term. On repayment, the car is shipped back via enclosed transport.
Borrowing Against a Classic Car vs. Selling
The case for borrowing rather than selling rests on the same three factors that apply to any luxury asset: the owner expects to want the car back, the owner expects the market to improve, or the owner wants to avoid the tax consequence of a sale. Vintage Ferraris in particular have rewarded long holders, and selling and re-buying the same chassis is often functionally impossible at a comparable price. Borro covers the tax framework in luxury asset loans and tax planning in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow against my classic Ferrari?
For an investment-grade Ferrari with matching numbers, documented provenance, and condition 1 or 2, expect 55 to 65 percent of appraised value. Restored or modified cars typically land lower.
Do you accept modern supercars?
Yes. 488 Pista, 812 Competizione, Huracán STO, Senna, 720S, and similar modern flagships are accepted, with valuation based on mileage, condition, and current comp set.
How does the car get to Borro?
Borro arranges enclosed, insured transport from the borrower’s location to the secure storage facility. Transport cost is itemized in the loan documents.
Will the car be driven during storage?
No. Cars in collateral storage are kept in climate-controlled, secure facilities and are not driven. Where appropriate, batteries are maintained on a trickle charger and tires are protected.
What if I want to drive the car during the loan?
Borro’s program is collateral-based, which means the car is held in custody. For owners who need access to the car during the loan term, alternative financing structures (asset-based lines secured by multiple cars, for example) may be more appropriate.
Talk to Borro About a Classic Car Loan
If you are considering borrowing against a classic, vintage, or modern supercar, Borro’s specialists can provide an indicative quote within one business day. Photos, the VIN, condition, mileage, and any documentation are enough to start the conversation.
