Introducing Classic Driver Talks — a new video podcast series exploring the people, passions, and perspectives driving the collector car world. Hosted by J.P. Rathgen, each episode features a leading figure from the automotive community in conversation at the Classic Driver Garage in Switzerland.
In the first episode of Classic Driver Talks, host J.P. Rathgen sits down with Augustin "Gus" Sabatié-Garat from RM Sotheby's to dissect the evolving landscape of the collector car market. Drawing from his background as a mechanical engineer turned commercial expert, Gus explores the adrenaline-fueled, unpredictable nature of live auctions and chronicles the market's historical shifts from the post-financial crisis era through the post-pandemic surge. The duo dives into how international tariffs and complex homologation regulations are effectively transforming a once-global marketplace into highly isolated, regionalized segments, driving astronomical record prices for low-mileage, limited-edition hypercars — particularly modern Ferraris — within the United States.
The conversation also highlights how auction houses actively cultivate new collector interests, such as RM Sotheby's pioneering role in creating a robust and soaring market for modern Formula 1 cars by blending automotive sales with contemporary art platforms. Beyond specialized racing vehicles, the discussion touches upon the enduring appeal of prestigious, surviving legacy brands like Porsche and Bugatti, noting how factory certification programs and lifestyle-driven track events like Ferrari's Corse Clienti heavily influence buyer confidence and vehicle premiums. Ultimately, Gus identifies hidden and undervalued gems in the current market, but emphasizes a grounded final piece of advice for any collector: the ultimate financial and mental hedge against market volatility is to always buy the cars you genuinely love and actively drive them.
Subscribe to Classic Driver on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts for early access to the next episode of Classic Driver Talks.
