The Importance of Preserving Automotive History

In a landmark moment at the recent 73rdPebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a preserved Bugatti Type 59 Sports once owned by King Leopold III of Belgium was named Best of Show, marking a significant shift in the world of luxury cars. For the first time, a car celebrated for its originality and historical authenticity took the top prize over those restored to perfection.

In fact, it was so unexpected that the owner had already packed his family up and left the show, having to rush back in to collect his prize. And it signals a growing appreciation for preservation in rare cars, and a shift to long-term thinking when it comes to your car.

If you own a limited edition hypercar, you should be looking decades into the future; how can you keep as much of the engine, the bodywork, the paintwork and the interior as original as possible– even in 50 years’ time. One day it could be your car sitting on the lawns of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and with a long-term preservation mindset from day one, it can be presented looking almost like the day it left the factory.

That’s part of our proposition at SHY Automotive. We’ve created a facility for storing precious cars that maintains them in peak condition. The ideal conditions to prevent corrosion and decay, dedicated stacking bays to prevent damage and fire suppression systems and 24/7 security for absolute peace-of-mind. It means that from the moment your car is store with us, it’s almost frozen in time.

It’s important no matter what the car, but if you have a significant model limited in production numbers, then maintaining it as a rare piece of automotive history becomes even more important. In recent years, models like the Lamborghini Reventòn – limited to just 20 units –or the Ferrari SA Aperta, with only 80 built are extreme examples of models that need careful preservation. Or even slightly less rare, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II 'Giallo Ginestra', produced in only 220 units and theFerrari 458 Speciale, with less than 500 made.

Even among these rarities, in 25 years’ time your car could be elevated above the rest due to its impeccable condition.And that preservation is one of consistent care and attention that begins with how your car is stored. With a renewed emphasis on preservation and originality, by taking the right steps from the very beginning, you can ensure that your car not only retains its value but also stands as a testament to its history and heritage.