Paul Russell and Company

Before buying and/or restoring a car, considerable thought must be given to what you want the end product to be and how you will use it. It is important that you get the right car, the one that will give you the most enjoyment.

Typically, car collectors seem to fall into two categories:

The Casual Collector

If your objective is to enjoy weekend drives or the occasional vintage tour, you should consider buying a nice street car. You will need to pay enough to get one that is already very clean and basically road-worthy, but it will be far less costly than fixing up a bargain car with problems. Similarly, if you already own a car that is in need of a lot of work, it is often less expensive to trade up. While there will always be minor restoration and service work to do on any car that is 40+ years old, it can usually be done while the car stays in use.

Profit should be last on the list of reasons for getting involved in an extensive restoration project. Historically, the best value appreciation comes from selecting a sound original car with moderate mileage and a good history, and then maintaining it well over time. Those who wish to turn a fast buck will have no patience for the unpredictable schedule and costs of first class restoration work. The increase in value as a result of the restoration work rarely exceeds the monetary investment.

The Perfectionist

For those who prefer to own a classic car that has been made new again, we recommend our unique remanufacturing process; typically double the cost of acquiring and servicing a street car. Every part of the car, from the engine, running gear, upholstery, paint, and chrome to the smallest detail, will be brought back to the original manufacturer's specifications. The car will be built to order - to your order, just as the workshops of the era would have done.

Personal satisfaction is the best reason to revive one of these great classics. The European classics built prior to the 1960s have a quality of construction not found in modern cars, and their low production numbers assure you that you own something very rare and special. Over the long term, the finest example in any group of collectibles brings the greatest rate of appreciation and a comparatively higher selling price.

Do it once. Do it right.

Whatever the level of your interest in car collecting, the selection of a suitable car will have a major impact on your ultimate satisfaction. We are always available for consultation, to review a car you have found, or to locate the car of your dreams.

Define your goals, choose an appropriate car to meet those goals, and you will achieve success. Do it once. Do it right.

“Russell and his staff discourage prospective customers whose cars lack the intrinsic value to support the firm's remanufacturing efforts, yet they're also reluctant to work for people who are merely speculating in old cars. ‘We advise them to find a car, and to do a car that they really love,’ says Russell. ‘It may not be a fabulous return on investment, but it'll be a pleasure to own and drive. This is supposed to be fun.’”

David E. Davis, Jr.
“Rebuilt to Last”
Forbes FYI