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The secret that drives the love of British classic cars

Peter Braunwalder

CEO, HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA

As HSBC Private Bank once again sponsors the British Classic Car Meeting in St Moritz this July, Peter Braunwalder discusses why so many people still harbour a passion for such motors.

What is the secret behind the enduring love that so many have for British classic cars? Why do they still attract the affection of devoted aficionados so long after the true golden age of motoring?

"These vehicles are the perfect example of excellent wealth inheritance management"

Let’s look at driving today – it’s an altogether different experience. In the 21st century, performance is king. Certainly, no one can deny that today’s high status supercars have breathtaking power and electronic wizardry that could not have been dreamed of even by the most visionary classic car engineers. These days, discerning car owners expect cutting-edge computer technology with state-of-the-art devices that make everything from wiping the windows to driving up mountains as smooth and as effort-free as possible. So how can a classic car compete with that?

Well, maybe there is more to performance than just power and gizmos. The classic cars that we see at this meeting are the products of a different time when beautiful craftsmanship was revered more highly than speed, when the quality of the materials was prized more than their aerodynamic qualities and when tradition was just as important as innovation. These cars might not break the sound barrier but they are still stunningly beautiful and, as many happy owners will testify, still provide a wonderful driving experience. In fact, these vehicles are the perfect example of excellent wealth inheritance management: dedicated care and attention to detail enables present and future generations to enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of these fabulous cars.

The difference between a car and a British classic car might be likened to the difference between usual banking services and wealth management. One is perfectly functional while the other is a pleasurable experience that offers high performance coupled with the craftsmanship of an expert private banker. As classic cars blend traditional craftsmanship with smooth engineering, so private banking is essentially the creation of investment or wealth management opportunities which combine technical expertise with skilful fine detailing. And above all, private banking means giving our customers the time they need to enjoy a better quality of life.

The 15th British Classic Car Meeting takes place from 11 to 13 July 2008 in St Moritz, Switzerland.

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