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Daily Express

Historic vehicles are one of the few asset classes that are seeing interest increase, up 32 percent year on year and up 34 percent in the last three years, according to the globally recognised HAGI Top Index. The classic car industry in the UK is estimated to be worth £18billion, which places it alongside the arts and ports industries.

With more enthusiasts looking to get into the industry themselves, tools are available to help motorists get their foot on the ladder when it comes to getting on the market.

Vehicles like the Ford Fiesta (1977-1983) can be purchased for as little as £1,400, but could dramatically increase in price following the announcement that the Fiesta model would be put to an end.

Similarly, the Citroën BX (1982-1994) starts from £800, with some lucky investors having the potential to see the vehicle spike in price, based on Hagerty’s 2023 UK Bull Market List.

A new service, Tetra Rouge Assets PLC, has seen immense growth in the investment of classic cars and has listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

Classic car sales set to rise as drivers see ‘immense value’ in growing collection.

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Co-founded by Steven Schapera, who has extensive listed company experience, and André Ahrlé, who has over 30 years of experience investing in this space.

The two joined forces with motorsport giants David Coulthard MBE, Mika Häkkinen and Allan McNish who bolster the Board and deepen the company’s extensive network.

TRA’s launch marks the first time that collectable vehicles and motorbikes are being recognised as an alternative asset class on a major stock exchange.

Following a successful pro-racing career with Mercedes-Benz and Porsche GT throughout the Nineties and early Noughties, André Ahrlé has enjoyed a lucrative profession working in the private security sector.

Mr Ahrlé, CEO and Co-Founder of Tertre Rouge Assets PLC said: “I’ve always been interested in competitive motorsports.

“In my life I have dedicated quite some time curating my own private collection of classic and modern cars and motorcycles, utilising my ever-growing global network in the motorsports and classic motor car community.

“Through my career in motor racing, I’ve been lucky enough to connect with some of the world’s best and brightest in the industry and learn the importance of having a good team around you.

“When TRA was still in the concept stage, one of the most important aspects of the business that Steven [Schapera] and I talked about was getting the right people on board.

A classic car.

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“We were extremely selective with whom we approached and were looking for people whose sporting prowess was matched by a sharp business intellect.

“Our mission is to build a business that creates generational wealth through access to exceptional tangible assets, with full liquidity, and proper regulation. With this team, we are very confident we can achieve it.”

TRA is focused on the long- and short-term investment opportunity of classic cars, by leveraging the company’s blue-chip vehicle collection and social media opportunities.

Mika Häkkinen, former Formula One driver and Non-Executive Director of TRA said, highlighted the interest in classic cars, saying it was an excellent opportunity.

The former F1 driver, nicknamed the “Flying Finn”, added: “When André [Ahrlé] and Steven [Schapera] asked me to join them on their mission to create a SPAC focusing on investment-grade classic cars and motorcycles, the opportunity immediately resonated with me.

“I’ve spent my whole life around cars, and I see immense value in investing in these tangible assets.

“Top-of-the-line cars and motorcycles, with a unique history, are known to be stable investments and are well insulated from the market’s volatility.

“I’m looking forward to working together with David [Coulthard, MBE] and Allan [McNish], putting my knowledge to good use and collaborating with the TRA team.”