In the business world, there are people who rise to the pinnacle of success, achieving the freedom to pursue their passions. Distinguished real estate investor and luxury car collector Luc Poirier is the perfect example. In this exclusive interview with LUXE, Luc Poirier opens his garage doors to reveal why he invests in luxury cars.

What drove you to invest in luxury cars?

I’ve been fascinated by luxury cars for as long as I can remember. Coming from a poor neighbourhood, I dreamt of owning that type of car. Before I even turned 16, I used my savings—painstakingly earned by working full-time from the age of 14—to buy my first Porsche. I didn’t even have my driver’s licence yet!

 

I’m drawn to the unique characteristics of luxury cars and the challenge of hunting down rare models. It’s more than just a question of money. I love studying them, sharing them with other aficionados and—above all—driving them!

 

How do you choose which cars to add to your collection?

I have a penchant for Ferrari. It’s a brand that stands apart because of its history in the automobile industry when it comes to both elegance and performance. These cars are often considered works of art.

 

 

My collection consists largely of limited production models that will grow in value over time. Some models are so difficult to find that I’ve had to wait years to get my hands on them. Take my Ferrari F50—I had to buy it in Japan because there weren’t any available in North America!

 

Are there similarities between your passion for luxury cars and your career as a real estate investor?

Luxury car collecting is a lot like real estate. The market is constantly changing, and you need to know how to seize opportunities so that you’re buying at the right time. You need to know everything that can impact pricing. It’s also important to do your due diligence to avoid being duped, which is a real concern.

 

As in any field, if you’re smart, car collecting can generate good returns over the long term. You need to keep learning, but it is so rewarding.

What are the current trends in the luxury car market? What drives their value?

Old cars have shot up in value in recent years because few cars from the ’50s and ’60s are still in mint condition. For example, the Ferrari 250 GTO from the ’60s recently sold for more than US$100 million. There are also all the limited edition models that collectors snap up because they’re so rare.

 

As in any type of market, supply and demand set the price. More and more people are getting rich these days, meaning there are more buyers with money. But there will always be a finite number of old cars and prices will continue to climb.

Have you participated in car events with the cars in your collection?

Last year I entered a Concours d’Élégance at the annual Ferrari Club of America event in Mont-Tremblant with my LaFerrari Aperta, 458 Speciale, 430 Scuderia and F8 Tributo. I also attended the Montreal Auto Show last February with 19 exceptional cars, giving tens of thousands of people the chance to admire them. It was the first time that Ferrari’s five supercars—LaFerrari Aperta, Enzo, F50, F40 and 288 GTO—were shown to the public in Canada.

 

 

Another unforgettable experience was taking some of my cars out on the Circuit Mont-Tremblant. Driving the McLaren Senna on a race track, where it was designed to drive, is definitely my most cherished racing memory.

What is the centrepiece of your luxury car collection? Is there a model that tops your wish list?

I consider the Laferrari Aperta, Ferrari’s most powerful car, to be the centrepiece of my collection. There are only 210 of them! It’s a blast to drive, combining incredible power with smooth handling unmatched by any other supercar. It’s a magnificent car that I think will age well.

 

The Ferrari 250 GTO is top of my wish list. It’s virtually impossible to find, but a man can dream!

 

 

Writer: Alexandra Wegliszewski

Cover: © Andréanne Gauthier