Few people have spent as much time around exceptional cars as William Loughran. Here’s what our founder had to say about building the business and the changing prestige car market.
What was the vision when you first started the business?
Cars have always been my passion, so when I started the business at 17, there wasn’t a grand business plan or blueprint to follow. I simply wanted to buy and sell interesting cars. I had no experience — just a genuine love for what I was doing and the belief that if I could find remarkable cars, other enthusiasts would want them too. At the time, no one in the industry was doing things quite the way I was, so I had to trust my instincts and build the business from the ground up.
How has the prestige car market changed over the years?
The market has changed beyond recognition. When I started, independent prestige dealers were a rarity, and we were among the first to challenge the traditional franchise model. Today, buyers have more choice than ever before, but that has only increased the importance of experience, reputation and sourcing the very best cars.
What brands have always held a special place for you?
For me, it has to be Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin. I’ve been lucky enough to own some of the great Ferrari and Aston Martins, along with some extraordinary cars from other marques. I’d say the ultimate is Ferrari. It’s impossible to talk about great cars without talking about Ferrari.
What's the rarest or most unusual vehicle to pass through your hands?
I’ve had the privilege of seeing some incredibly rare cars pass through the business over the years. Discretion has always been an important part of the business, so I tend not to talk about individual cars. That said, currently we own two of the nineteen DB4GT Zagatos and previously have had seven over the years. Their rarity is one thing, but it’s the history behind them that makes them truly special.
Are there any modern classics you think will become tomorrow's icons?
The modern classics market is one I find incredibly exciting. The Big Five for example: 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo and LaFerrari. Every generation has a different perspective on what makes a car special, and that’s what keeps the market evolving. Watching those changing tastes shape the future of the collector car world is one of the things I enjoy most. For me, the people have always been just as important as the cars themselves. Limited-production cars, such as the 812 Competizione, F12 tdf and 599 GTO, are ones to watch for the future.