Car Collecting: Everything You Need to Know

In today’s market, Businessweek recently remarked, “it’s hard to get hurt buying a good collector car. If you do your homework, buy the right car, and enjoy it sensibly, you'll maximize the return on your investment.” This book is aimed at making just such a rewarding purchase possible. For anyone considering buying a collector car, whether for profit or pleasure, veteran appraiser and restorer Steve Linden clearly outlines the pitfalls to avoid, rules to follow, factors to consider, and terms and procedures to know. His book provides an introduction to the process of buying a collector car, with sections looking at the special issues that arise before, during, and after a purchase, as well as a chapter devoted to general questions.

Choosing and locating the right model, budgeting, purchasing at auctions (on-line, local, and out-of-state), insuring, restoring, and maintaining; Linden addresses all of these topics in an expert and accessible way. His book also contains helpful checklists--covering questions for sellers, documentation, and inspections--as well as a glossary and a complete appendix of resources. The result is a unique and invaluable reference, one that no prospective collector should be without.

See Motorbooks author Steve Linden interviewed by Jay Leno on JayLenosGarage.com: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/steve-lindens-car-collecting/816381/

For anyone considering buying a collector car, this book outlines the pitfalls to avoid, rules to follow, factors to consider, and terms and procedures to know.

Steve Linden grew up in a time and place where cars were worshipped, and none more so than the American car. His father enjoyed nice, fast cars, and he and Steve spent many evenings and weekends in the family garage tending to them. By the age of twelve, Steve was repairing just about anything with an engine.

Recognizing Steve's early need for speed, his father strongly "suggested" a 1967 Lincoln Continental as Steve's first car, believing that his son would be best protected in a "tank." But high performance prevailed, and the Lincoln was followed shortly by a 1970 Mustang, a 1964 LeMans, and a memorable yellow 1970 Cuda. Over one hundred cars have since followed.

In addition to writing and cars, Steve is an avid classic motorcycle collector. He provides expert witness testimony in court cases involving collector cars, and he is a classic automobile appraiser. He currently lives on Long Island with his wife, Pam, son Josh, dog Sky, and a small stable of fine automobiles and motorcycles.