Supercars: More Than Just Toys
At Montbards, we’ve seen a steady rise in clients asking for help structuring their ownership of both new and classic cars. Whether it’s for personal use, rallies, or as part of a longer-term investment play, these vehicles now need the same level of planning usually reserved for yachts or fine art.
With cars like the La Ferrari, McLaren P1 and Mercedes AMG One now commonplace in collections and auction records still being broken, it’s clear these cars aren’t just for show—they’re serious assets.
Why Structure Ownership?
At Montbards, we firmly believe supercars should never sit in personal names or informal setups. These are high-value assets and they need to be treated as such. Using a proper structure ensures:
- Tax efficiency (VAT, import duties, local taxes).
- Simplified sales and transfers.
- Liability and reputational protection.
- Easier financing, leasing or securitisation.
And crucially it means the car is properly integrated into the client’s overall asset reporting and financial planning.
Tax and Eco Costs Can’t Be Ignored
Supercars attract serious tax burdens across Europe, with VAT alone ranging from 17% in Luxembourg to 27% in Hungary. Add to that environmental taxes (France’s eco tax can hit €20,000 or more for high-emission vehicles like the Ferrari Pista 488 or Lamborghini Aventador SVJ), and the costs stack up fast.
We help clients make use of legitimate structures including Luxembourg SPVs and leasing companies to manage these exposures carefully.
There’s also the reputational risk. In a world increasingly focused on ESG owning supercars is more complicated than ever. We help clients position these assets carefully, including carbon offset strategies and thoughtful event use.
Insurance and Claims Management: Don’t Cut Corners
Insurance is often overlooked but it is a key part of protecting these assets. Cutting corners here is false economy. Montbards manages claims and restoration projects end-to-end to make sure any repairs maintain the car’s value and pedigree.
Insurance can cost anywhere from 0.75% to 7.5% of the vehicle’s value annually.
Storage, Import, and Registration
For investment-led owners, we arrange secure storage facilities.
Bringing vehicles into Europe requires careful handling of certificates and import schemes. Montbards manages the process to ensure compliance and smooth registration.
A Smarter, Family Office-Aligned Approach
Montbards integrates supercar ownership into a client’s wider financial ecosystem:
- Luxembourg SPVs or securitisation platforms for ownership.
- Family trusts for succession planning.
- Consolidated reporting as part of overall asset management.
- Full claims, restoration, and event management through our Protect and Conserve services.
Supercars shouldn’t sit outside a client’s financial planning. We help bring them inside a smart, well-managed framework that protects value, simplifies ownership, and lets clients enjoy the cars with peace of mind.
