Owning a classic, luxury or performance car is about more than simply having another vehicle in the garage. These cars often represent years of passion, investment and memories – and in many cases, they are becoming increasingly difficult to replace. Whether it is a beautifully restored classic, a modern supercar or a limited-production collector vehicle, proper storage plays an important role in preserving its condition and value. Your car is exposed even when it isn’t being driven. Many owners assume that the biggest threat to a vehicle is being out on the road. In reality, a car can experience significant deterioration simply from being parked in an unsuitable environment. Sunlight, moisture, temperature changes, dust and contaminants can all affect a vehicle over time. New Zealand’s climate makes this particularly relevant. Auckland has a subtropical climate with warm summers, plentiful rainfall and around 2,000 hours of sunshine each year. New Zealand also experiences high levels of summer UV radiation. For an everyday vehicle, some of these effects may be relatively minor. For a classic or luxury vehicle, however, they can become expensive problems.
Protecting the paint and exterior
Paintwork is one of the first things people notice about a special car, and one of the easiest areas to damage through poor storage. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can contribute to fading and deterioration of paint, plastics, rubber and exterior trim. Dust and airborne contaminants can also settle on the vehicle and, when combined with moisture, contribute to surface contamination and corrosion. Keeping a vehicle indoors and away from direct sunlight significantly reduces its exposure to these environmental factors. For a collector car with an exceptional paint finish, controlled indoor storage isn’t simply about making the car look good. It is part of protecting the condition that makes the vehicle special.
Moisture and corrosion
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of an older or collectible vehicle. Humidity and condensation can contribute to corrosion in areas that aren’t immediately visible, including underbody components, fasteners, brake components and parts of the vehicle’s structure. Classic cars can be particularly vulnerable because many were built before modern corrosion protection techniques became commonplace. A dry, well-ventilated indoor environment can help reduce these risks and provide a much more stable environment than leaving a valuable vehicle outside or in an exposed carport.
Protecting the interior
Leather, carpets, plastics, timber trim and other interior materials can all deteriorate over time. UV exposure can cause leather and plastics to fade or dry out, while moisture can contribute to mould, unpleasant odours and deterioration of interior materials. Keeping the car inside and limiting environmental exposure helps preserve the cabin as well as the exterior. Storage is about more than putting a cover over the car. A quality car cover can be useful, but a cover alone doesn’t turn an unsuitable storage environment into a suitable one. Proper long-term storage should consider the entire environment around the vehicle.
Important considerations include:
- Indoor protection from direct sunlight
- Good ventilation
- Reduced exposure to moisture and humidity
- A clean environment
- Protection from dust and contaminants
- Appropriate tyre and battery care
- Regular inspection and maintenance
- Safe access to the vehicle when it is required
For cars that may spend weeks or months between drives, having a proper storage routine is just as important as having somewhere to park.
Protecting the value of your investment with Matchbox
A special car is often an investment in more ways than one. Even when you have no intention of selling, maintaining the vehicle’s condition preserves its desirability and gives you more options in the future. For classic and collector cars in particular, originality, condition and history can all contribute to desirability.
The principle is this:
The better you preserve the car today, the better position you put yourself in tomorrow. Enjoy your car without compromising its preservation, proper storage shouldn’t mean hiding your car away and never using it. Quite the opposite. The purpose of good storage is to allow owners to enjoy their vehicles while minimizing unnecessary deterioration between drives. At Matchbox, we believe your car should always be ready when you are.
Our facility is designed for enthusiasts who want somewhere more considered than a driveway, garage or conventional storage unit, a dedicated environment where their cars can be stored securely alongside people who appreciate what makes them special.
Because these aren’t just cars.
They’re the cars you chose to keep.