Driving Returns - How Miami Became the Investment Capital of Car Culture
While Europe patiently waits for spring, Miami’s engines are already roaring. Beneath the palm trees and high-rises, a new identity is emerging—one where luxury car culture and financial ambition meet in perfect harmony. From where I sit, at the intersection of performance and investment, it’s clear: Miami isn’t just hosting the party – it’s leading the parade.
By Lachlan DeFrancesco, Chief of Cars at MCQ Markets
Miami’s growing significance in the luxury car space mirrors its rise as a global financial powerhouse. In just the past few years, we’ve seen a surge of venture firms, family offices, and fintech giants establishing a serious presence in South Florida, with MCQ Markets joining the ranks. What’s fascinating is how this influx of capital is fueling a new
kind of culture—one where ultra-luxury automobiles aren’t just assets; they’ve become expressions of identity, access, and aesthetic taste.
That cultural shift was on full display at this year’s Moda Miami, a two-day concours event held at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. With over 275 of the world’s rarest and most valuable cars—from pre-war Duesenbergs to modern marvels like the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge—the event struck a rare balance between heritage and modernity.
Moda Miami’s true innovation lies in how it brings those worlds together. This isn’t just about cars—it’s about curated experiences. Driving tours through Coral Gables. Collector meet-ups. Intimate conversations around design, engineering, and legacy. You’ll find yourself standing next to a Mercedes 300 SL on one side and Queen Elizabeth II’s former off-road fleet on the other. Every vehicle is a chapter in a story that spans generations—and events like this are the new salons where those stories are shared.
But what makes Moda especially important for our industry is one word: access. Behind the velvet rope, this event connects serious investors with sellers who aren’t listing their cars publicly. These are private, often once-in-a-lifetime transactions, and for the right buyer with the right understanding, they represent powerful opportunities.
This year’s RM Sotheby’s auction at Moda Miami brought those opportunities to life, with nearly $75 million in sales over two days. Standout results included:
- A 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II, sold for $13.2 million
- A 1908 Mercedes 150 HP Rennwagen, sold for $8.25 million
- A 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS XP-64, fetching $7.7 million.
In today’s financial landscape, ultra-rare vehicles are increasingly viewed as a serious, appreciating asset class, leading the charge amongst other alternative asset classes like fine art, watches, and real estate. At MCQ Markets, we believe access shouldn’t be limited to those who can write seven-figure checks. Our mission is to democratize high-value vehicle ownership through fractional investment, allowing more people to participate in this market without sacrificing the prestige or upside.
We’re creating a new avenue for alternative investing — one that blends passion with performance. That’s why we’re now gearing up to IPO one of the most sought after supercars of the 21st century: the Lexus LFA. Originally released at $375,000, it’s now selling for up to $951,000, reflecting a 153.6% return on investment. Limited in production, unrivalled in engineering, and deeply revered by collectors, the LFA is a textbook example of why the future of luxury investment is on four wheels.
Join the LFA waitlist now at www.mcqmarkets.com and own a piece of automotive history — one share at a time.
