The classic car restoration industry in Europe thrives on craftsmanship and passion, catering to enthusiasts who value automotive history. Companies range from specialized restoration workshops to auction houses, offering services that include meticulous repairs, authentic part replacements, and complete overhauls. The industry is witnessing a resurgence fueled by a growing appreciation for vintage vehicles, attracting both collectors and investors. Technological advancements and sustainability practices are shaping the future, integrating modern tools with traditional techniques. As demand for classic models rises, this sector is set for expansion, creating opportunities for businesses focused on excellence in restoration and preservation.

The list of investors in the classic car restoration sector showcases an intriguing mix of private equity firms and corporate players. Headquartered primarily in London and Munich, these investors range in size from small teams to large organizations with thousands of employees. Established between 1800 and 2012, they collectively engaged in numerous deals in 2024, reflecting active interest in the market. Key players include BMW, a corporate giant, and smaller private equity firms like Phoenix Equity Partners, all contributing distinct resources to drive growth in this specialized industry.

Top 8 Classic Car Restoration Investors in Europe

1. Bmw

• Website: bmw.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Diedorf, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1800
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: sokratel-gmbh

BMW, founded in 1800, is a prominent automobile manufacturer based in Diedorf, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in luxury vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. The company has a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry. Notably, BMW has been actively involved in the classic car restoration sector through its BMW Group Classic division, which focuses on classic cars and motorcycles. In 2014, BMW acquired a plot of land in Munich's Milbertshofen district to consolidate its classic car activities, demonstrating its dedication to preserving and restoring classic vehicles. Furthermore, in 2024, BMW extended its collaboration with Alpina, a brand known for its classic and performance cars, ensuring the brand's long-term future amidst industry challenges. These transactions highlight BMW's active role in the classic car restoration market.

2. Ldc

• Website: ldc.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. It specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the automotive industry, including the acquisition of Motorclean, a company that provides vehicle cleaning services, and Ring Automotive Ltd, which specializes in automotive parts and accessories. Additionally, LDC's investment in Evolution Funding, the UK's largest used auto finance platform, further highlights their engagement in the automotive sector, which encompasses aspects that could relate to classic car restoration.

3. Investindustrial

• Website: investindustrial.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: investindustrial

Investindustrial is a private equity firm founded in 1990, based in London, England. The firm specializes in investments in mid-market companies across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, and technology. Notably, Investindustrial has made significant investments in the classic car industry, acquiring a majority stake in the UK's Morgan Motor Company, a brand renowned for its handcrafted sports cars with a rich heritage. Additionally, Investindustrial has been a major shareholder in Aston Martin, having purchased a 37.5% stake in the company, which is famous for its luxury sports cars and classic models. These transactions highlight Investindustrial's strategic focus on enhancing the value and operational efficiency of its portfolio companies, particularly in the classic car sector, facilitating their growth and international expansion.

4. Epiris

• Website: epiris.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: epiris

Epiris is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1976. The firm specializes in transforming businesses through strategic investments and partnerships, managing over £2.75 billion in capital. Epiris focuses on delivering outstanding returns for its investors by working closely with management teams to resolve complexities and unlock growth potential across various sectors. Notably, Epiris has made significant investments in the automotive sector, including the acquisition of Bonhams, a renowned global auction house known for its classic car auctions, and GSF Car Parts, a leading UK supplier of aftermarket automotive parts. These transactions highlight Epiris's active role in the classic car market and the broader automotive industry, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in classic car restoration.

5. Indutrade Life Science

• Website: indutrade.se
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The firm operates as part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Notably, Indutrade has made several acquisitions relevant to the automotive industry, such as Klokkerholm Karosseridele A/S, which specializes in automotive body parts, and Sepab Fordonsprodukter AB, which also operates within the automotive sector. These transactions highlight Indutrade's commitment to enhancing its portfolio with companies that can provide innovative solutions and products, which is essential for classic car restoration. Their decentralized structure allows subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources, further supporting specialized industries like classic car restoration.

6. Phoenix Equity Partners

• Website: phoenix-equity.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: phoenix-equity-partners

Phoenix Equity Partners Limited is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in supporting founder-entrepreneurs and their teams by providing investments ranging from £10 to £60 million to established businesses, helping them achieve growth and create lasting legacies. Notably, Phoenix Equity Partners has been involved in several significant transactions within the automotive sector, including the acquisition of HPI Group in 2003, IMO Carwash in 2002, Halfords Autocentre in 2006 for approximately $84.3 million, and Andrew Page Limited in 2010 for around $150.5 million. These investments highlight their commitment to the automotive industry, which may include opportunities in classic car restoration.

7. Project A

• Website: project-a.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups. Their investment strategy includes consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has participated in significant transactions such as Catawiki, Europe's fastest-growing online auction house, which has a dedicated section for classic cars. Their involvement in Catawiki's Series B and C funding rounds highlights their interest in the classic car market. Additionally, they invested in kfzteile24, an online retailer for automobile parts and accessories, which further connects them to the automotive sector. These transactions illustrate Project A's engagement with industries that intersect with classic car restoration, making them a noteworthy investor in this space.

8. BMW Group

• Website: bmwgroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1916
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: bmw-group

BMW Group, founded in 1916 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a prominent automobile manufacturer specializing in luxury vehicles and motorcycles. The company produces high-performance cars under the BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce brands, catering to consumers seeking quality and innovation. With a strong focus on sustainability and e-mobility, BMW Group addresses the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining a commitment to excellence in manufacturing. Notably, BMW Group has made significant acquisitions relevant to classic car restoration, including the acquisition of Hans Glas in 1966, which reflects their historical interest in classic automotive brands. More recently, in 2022, BMW Group acquired the Alpina brand, a long-term tuning partner, which will allow them to integrate Alpina's operations and branding into their group by 2025. This acquisition highlights BMW's commitment to enhancing the performance and heritage of classic vehicles, making them a relevant player in the classic car restoration industry.

Classic Car Restoration Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Bmw	Diedorf, Bavaria, Germany	5001-10000	1800	2
Ldc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
Investindustrial	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1990	5
Epiris	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	1976	1
Indutrade Life Science	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1978	14
Phoenix Equity Partners	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2001	1
Project A	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	51-200	2012	13
BMW Group	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1916	0

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