DEALER TALK
Five minutes with Horsepower Hangar.
Following years spent serving discerning collectors away from the public eye, the duo behind Horsepower Hangar have forged an enviable reputation as first-class suppliers of immaculate classic cars to the wider enthusiast scene. We took time out to discover more about the brand... When was Horsepower Hangar established?
We’ve been trading to the general public since 2016, but before then, my business partner and I spent many years working privately with classic car collectors, sourcing and trading rare and lowmileage examples of standout vehicles, including modern classic Porsches. We wanted to develop a strong brand for our services and, when increased demand for us to use our hard-earned network of contacts to source special cars boiled over beyond the clientele we were already serving, we knew the time was right to open up to the world. Horsepower Hangar was born!
How would you describe the kind of cars Horsepower Hangar sources and sells?
Classics and modern classics. We don’t really concern ourselves with too many new cars unless they’re specifically requested by clients or, as is the case with the 2014 991 GT3 currently advertised on our website, a vehicle has covered an unusually low number of miles. Ultimately, it’s an eclectic mix of many high-end marques, including Porsche, Jaguar, Rolls-royce, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Lotus and Ferrari, but we also like pristine examples of cars from non-premium brands, such as the Citroën 2CV Azam, Ford Escort Harrier and Austin 7 Pram-hood Chummy currently in our custody. A collector may have a fondness for a particular manufacturer’s output, but most appreciate excellent examples of all makes and models, an attitude reflected in our stock list.
How has trading been during the pandemic?
We attended the London Classic Car Show in February 2020, taking a fantastic selection of cars to display in the main exhibition hall at the
Olympia in Kensington.
We successfully sold vehicles and enjoyed a huge number of enquiries, but as lockdown kicked in a month later, those hot leads turned cold, with apprehension notable from clients who were relying on the sale of properties or other large assets to finance their classic car purchase. Obviously, we prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. Thankfully, our worries were unfounded — many collectors and enthusiasts soon found themselves sitting on disposable income as a consequence of not being able to go out and spend their earnings. We were promptly in the fortunate position of sourcing and trading a high number of premium classic cars for a reignited client base.
Does Horsepower Hangar serve customers outside the UK?
Absolutely. We’ve sent cars to many different countries, including Singapore and locations all over mainland Europe. We also source cars from across the globe, which is why you’ll find a selection of left-hand drive vehicles in the stock list published our website.
Tell us about the standout Porsches you’ve supplied to clients in recent months.
We recently sold an immaculate 1988 Carrera 3.2 Sport with the most extensive and ridiculously fastidious history file we have ever seen. First registered on the 20th September 1988, the car was supplied new by Porsche GB through AFN Guildford and finished in Baltic Blue Metallic over a Marine Blue leather and pinstripe cloth interior. The bodywork is excellent and there is no sign of corrosion occurring in any of the usual G-series weak spots. It’s a really lovely 911 coupe, much like the Hellbronze 930 we’re currently in the process of restoring. On a Y-plate, the car’s upholstery is a mix of brown leatherette and Pasha.
You carry out corrective work on sourced cars where required, then?
Yes. Through a network of trusted service providers, we always make sure every aspect of a car, including bodywork and engine mechanicals, is in tip-top condition. We pride ourselves on being open and honest about every aspect of what we do. This has been our calling card since before the business went public and is the cornerstone on which it operates today. Client satisfaction is of paramount importance. To achieve this, it’s essential we supply cars in the very best condition.
What trends do you see developing in 2021?
With lockdown restrictions easing and summer fast approaching, I anticipate huge demand for classic cars. Forty-somethings are becoming particularly restless, seeking out the modern classics they grew up admiring as teenagers. It’s a generational thing. This is partly why the 964 and 993 have become so popular in recent years and why good examples of the 996, particularly in Carrera 4S and Turbo guise, are now sought after.
Can we follow Horsepower Hanger online?
Visit our website at horsepowerhangar.com. You can also find us on social media. Search for @ bhp_hangar on Insta, @Bhphangar on Twitter.