09th May, 2020

[UPDATED FOR 2020]: Car storage & SMSF’s have more in common than what you might think.



So you have yourself a hard-earned self-managed superfund (SMSF), and some uncertain economic times are steering your reliance away from conventional superfund investments. Unknown to some, investing in collectable assets is a common practice within the SMSF world. Such collectable assets can include wine, artwork, jewellery, right through to an array classic and collectable cars.


With regards to the latter, this blog article will touch on the general parameters of making such an investment, with a particular focus on the legislation surrounding use and car storage guidelines.


Can I Actually Buy a Car in My Superfund?


The answer is yes – so long as you pass the ‘sole purpose’ test, in which the car is purchased for the benefit of superfund members and does not provide a present day benefit to the superfund members or any of their related parties. A present-day benefit in this instance is driving or viewing the car for enjoyment purposes.



Why Invest In a Collectable Car?

porsche 356 roadster

Photo: Autohouse Storage


Beyond the diversification of an SMSF portfolio, investing in an appreciating collectable car can be a very profitable exercise.

As a historical example, according to the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index in the UK, in 2017 prestige wine offered investors a three per cent return over 12 months, with Watches at 4% and Coins at 10%. Classic cars came in at 28%. Furthermore, its not uncommon hearing about high-end collectable cars appreciating over 500% in value over longer timeframes.


Though please do note – like any investment, it can always go the other way, as collectable car markets are some of the hardest to predict. There is just something a certain element of sheer luck to a vehicle appreciating in value, but at the same time there is a degree of science to what you should be looking at purchasing in the first place.


If you don’t have a healthy knowledge in this industry, engage with someone who does – whether it be a friend or family member, or a trust classic car dealer.


Thorough pre-purchase due diligence and verifications are absolutely imperative before transacting any vehicle, to ensure you are getting what you pay for.



What Kind of Car Should I Be Investing In?


porsche 911 cars and coffee

Classic Air-Cooled Porsche 911s have seen a sharp growth in value over the last 5 years (Photo: Autohouse Storage)


Whether it be a current classic or future classic, the hardest part is usually choosing the right one that is most likely to appreciate in value. There is certainly no exact science relating to this, however beyond the type of car, the most common attributes to consider will normally include:

  • Physical Condition – has it been well-looked after?

  • Original Vs Restored – A nicely restored example can be attractive, but so can a well-kept original

  • Mileage – how high is it and can it be verified?

  • Quantity Manufactured – Simple supply & demand: Less made normally equals higher demand of certain models.

  • Quantity of Previous Owners – The lower the better

  • Colour – Usually subjective but some are more attractive than others

  • Country of Delivery – Can add to the value if it matches the country its being sold in

  • RHD vs LHD – Will be important based on what

  • History – Ownership, servicing, modifications, imports and exports etc

  • Level of Accompanying Documentation – The more the better here. Every seemingly meaningless document from the cars life can help tell its story.

  • Completeness of Originality – How complete is the car from when it came out of the factory? Specifically in relation to original books and issued documents, tool kit, radio




I’ve decided to purchase an SMSF investment vehicle – where can I keep it?


Certainly not in your garage at home, according to the ATO:


“Collectables and personal use assets can’t provide a present day benefit, so they can’t be used by members or related parties. Collectables and personal use assets must not be stored in the private residence of any related party”.


This effectively means that you, or any related parties to you, cannot drive or ‘enjoy benefit’ of the car, nor store it in your private residence (or the residence of a related party). Even being able to view your car in your garage is considered a benefit, of which is prohibited under the legislation.


This means car storage must take place in a secure professional environment (such as a vehicle storage facility), or stored in privacy with a non-related party. If you do opt for the professional service, most of these operations can maintain the vehicle through battery charging, cleaning & detailing, tyre pressure management and regular engine start-up & runs. As this is an investment, it also means your storage and maintenance fee’s will be tax deductible.


If you breach these provisions surrounding storage and use you can expect a fine of $2,100 per offence.



What if the car needs to be driven for maintenance or restoration purposes?


Needless to say, even a classic investment vehicle needs to be driven from time to time to ensure its mechanical health. The legislation stipulates:


If your SMSF owns a collectable car, related parties can’t drive it for any reason – not even for maintenance purposes or to have restoration work done – because this constitutes use of the asset. However, a person who is not a related party can drive the vehicle for such a purpose.


This means that a representative from the restoration shop or storage facility could drive the car for maintenance purposes, so long as the car carries valid registration and insurance.



porsche 911 restoration

2021-05-19T15:50:52+08:009th May, 2020|