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Rolex, Ford Escorts, and… What Else? Are Non-Traditional Investments Worth the Hype?

ended 12. August 2025

Rolex, Ford Escorts, and… What Else? Are Non-Traditional Investments Worth the Hype?

From meticulously restored Rolexes to classic Ford Escorts, some alternative assets are delivering astonishing returns. In fact, a rare 1976 Ford Escort RS1800 recently sold at auction for around £278,848, surpassing the price of a decent house in most areas —yet another sign that the collector market can defy expectations.

But are these assets smart diversifiers—or just speculative flash?

We want your insights:

Which non-traditional investments genuinely hold long-term value?

How do they compare with traditional assets like property, equities, or gold?

What risks are often overlooked—fakes, market fads, liquidity, ongoing costs?

Are they better treated as investments or lifestyle statements?

Financial planners, alternative asset experts, and serious collectors—drop your takes below or message us to be featured.

1 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Scott GallacherVerified
Director at Rowley Turton
Classic watches and classic cars can offer far more enjoyment than traditional investments, but they come with higher ongoing costs — servicing, insurance, storage — and are far more exposed to changes in fashion.

Take Ford Escorts: prices are peaking because those who owned or aspired to one in the 1970s are now in their 50s or 60s. As that generation passes, demand will almost certainly fall.

The same goes for Rolex. They’re fantastic watches, but how many young people even wear one today? In a few years, that generational shift could start putting serious pressure on values.

A friend once bid on, and narrowly missed out on, a Jimmy Savile “Jim’ll Fix It” chair just before the scandal broke — proof that timing and luck can be everything in the collectibles market.