The process
Provenance, restoration, transaction
What separates Ferrobello from auction-house experiences and standard dealers. Documentation standards, condition grading, restoration partnerships, and transaction handling. Done correctly, this is what specialty deserves.
Authentication standards
FIVA + ASCM provenance verification
Original chassis number verification
VIN inspection at multiple chassis locations. Cross-reference with marque registries. Detect re-stamped chassis, body swaps, replica builds. Critical for all transactions above $200k.
Matching numbers documentation
Engine + transmission + axle serial numbers cross-referenced with chassis. Original-numbers vehicles command premium; corrected-numbers vehicles are honest but priced accordingly.
Original color verification
Paint code records, factory build sheets, period photographs. Original-color vehicles command 15-30% premium over correctly-restored-but-different-color examples. Documentation provided.
FIVA documentation
International Federation of Historic Vehicles authentication. Especially important for European concours eligibility. Standard for vehicles over $300k. Documentation maintained on file.
ASCM authentication
American Specialty Classic Marketplace authentication standards. US-equivalent of FIVA. Maintained for our American clients + vehicles intended for US concours.
Service + ownership history files
Comprehensive history files maintained on every vehicle. Service records, ownership chain, concours appearances, magazine documentation. Files transferred to buyer at sale.
Condition grading
What our condition ratings mean
#1 — Concours condition
Show-ready. Detailed to museum standards. Suitable for top concours appearances (Pebble Beach, Amelia, Goodwood). Comprehensive recent restoration. Investment vehicle, often kept in climate storage.
#2 — Excellent condition
Beautifully maintained. Drive without worrying about most issues. Eligible for many concours appearances. Recent service + interior + cosmetic refresh. Sweet spot for many collectors.
#3 — Driver-quality
Honest condition. Use freely. Some patina expected. Recent mechanical refresh ensuring reliability. May have older paint or interior. Excellent ratio of cost to ownership pleasure.
#4 — Driver-quality with needs
Functional but needs attention in specific areas. Some buyers prefer this — projects with potential. Pricing reflects the work needed. Honest disclosure of what’s required.
#5 — Project / restoration candidate
Significant restoration required. Honest condition disclosure. Pricing reflects total restoration cost realistically. We rarely list these — most go to specialist restorers directly.
Condition grading conservatism
We grade conservatively. Where another dealer might call something a #2, we might call it a #2-3. Buyers consistently report our condition descriptions match their independent inspection findings.
Restoration partnerships
Concours-grade preparation when needed
Carrozzeria Cremonini (Modena, Italy)
Italian concours-level restoration specialists. Particularly strong on Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo. We’ve worked with them on 14 acquisitions. Lead times 18-30 months. Quality justifies it.
GTO Engineering (UK)
British concours-level shop. Particularly strong on Ferrari V12s, Aston Martin DB-series, Jaguar E-Type. We coordinate restorations directly with their team. Lead times 12-24 months.
Aston Workshop (UK)
Aston Martin specialist with concours-level capability. Especially DB4/5/6 + DBS. We’ve sourced multiple restorations through them. Lead times 14-22 months.
PFAFF Reuter (Germany)
German engineering specialty — Mercedes, BMW M-series, air-cooled Porsche. Especially Mercedes 300SL + 280SL. Lead times 12-20 months.
Selected US partners
Eastern US: Bond Motors (CT), AMS Performance (NJ), Werks Werks (NY). Western US: GMP (CA), Garage 3 (NV). Different specializations, all concours-capable.
Concours preparation only
Many vehicles don’t need restoration but need concours preparation: detailing, mechanical refresh, paint correction. We coordinate this through our partners. Typical investment $25k-$85k.
Inspection protocols
Pre-acquisition due diligence
Comprehensive mechanical inspection
Engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical, body integrity. Performed by our specialists or third-party. Documented findings with photographs. Issues disclosed before deposit.
Body + paint integrity
Body swap detection (chassis vs. body alignment), paint thickness measurement, panel gap analysis, evidence of accident repair. Critical for high-value vehicles where body integrity affects value.
Frame + chassis inspection
Frame straightness, evidence of accident damage, structural integrity. Some classic frames are easy to bend slightly + difficult to straighten. We document with measurements.
Independent third-party inspection
We welcome independent inspections by your chosen specialist. We facilitate access to vehicle, transport to your inspector if needed. Inspector reports shared transparently.
Test drive protocol
All vehicles test-driven before acquisition (where ownership use intended). Initial 30-mile drive, comprehensive systems check. Some collector-only vehicles never driven; this is acceptable for those.
Concours pre-eligibility review
If concours appearance is intended, we review eligibility against the specific concours standards before acquisition. Some vehicles are eligible for one concours but not another; we know the differences.
Transaction handling
From agreement to closing
- 1Letter of intent + deposit5% non-refundable deposit upon agreement to purchase. Deposit held in escrow. Letter outlines transaction terms, inspection rights, contingencies.
- 2Due diligence period (typically 14-30 days)Comprehensive vehicle inspection, provenance review, financing finalization, ownership structure decisions. Either party can withdraw with documented cause.
- 3Funds + title escrowFunds wired to escrow attorney. Vehicle title transferred to escrow. Both parties protected. Closing documents prepared.
- 4Closing + deliveryFunds released to seller. Title transferred to buyer. Vehicle delivered via enclosed transport (domestic) or specialty international shipping. Insurance + storage finalized. Most transactions close in 4-8 weeks.
Process questions
What collectors ask
- Independent inspection is welcomed. We grade conservatively + honestly. Where independent inspection finds different conclusions, we discuss + adjust if warranted. Sometimes the inspection finds something we missed — that’s why we welcome them.