Autobahn Alpha, a newly launched investment platform, is preparing to give accredited investors access to the high-end classic car market without requiring a seven-figure outlay. The firm plans to unveil its first special purpose vehicle (SPV) before the end of 2026, according to founder and managing partner Glenn Harwood.
Speaking with InvestmentNews, Harwood described the offering as “an investment product first and foremost,” emphasizing that the goal is to maximize returns rather than provide a collectible for personal enjoyment. The platform will allow investors to take fractional ownership in investment-grade classic cars, a category Harwood places alongside art, watches, whiskey, and racehorses as alternative or passion assets.
The first SPV will focus on a 2002 Ferrari 550 Barchetta, a limited-edition open-top roadster of which only 448 were built. Harwood noted that the car is currently in Europe and will be stored there for five years before being sold. While he did not disclose the purchase price, recent auction results provide a benchmark: two examples sold at Monterey Car Week in California, one for $1.2 million and another for $1.6 million.
According to Credence Research, the global classic car market was valued at $39.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $77.8 billion by 2032. Harwood argues that classic cars offer diversification benefits, noting that their prices are “not correlated to the S&P 500” and are insulated from geopolitical events such as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Data from CarGurus shows the average used Ferrari sells for $435,075, a premium of 1,413.46% over the typical used car. As of Monday, Ferrari prices had risen 2.27% over the past month, while overall used car prices had declined 1.11%.
Autobahn Alpha’s model aims to lower the barriers to entry for classic car investing. “We’re able to offer people exposure without the high capital costs and without the heartache of maintenance, insurance, annual servicing, and storage,” Harwood said. The platform will also host annual “drive days” for investors, though cars with under 5,000 miles will not be driven to preserve value.
Harwood said the firm is already working on its next acquisition and remains “geographic agnostic,” with a primary focus on Europe and the United States. The platform is part of a broader trend of alternative investments gaining traction among advisors and family offices, as seen in recent moves like Verdence Capital Advisors reaching $5B in AUM and ETF assets hitting $23.09T.
While the classic car market remains niche, the growth of fractional ownership platforms could open new doors for advisors seeking uncorrelated returns. However, investors should be aware of the risks, including illiquidity and the potential for price volatility in a market that is not as transparent as public equities.
