Any serial number collectors around?

Hello Ferrari friends around the world,

For about 17 years now, I have been keeping a database on individual Ferrari cars by serial number (chassis number, VIN). Since about six years, I have added a similar database on modern Lamborghinis too (Countach to current production).

This means I collect details like model, colours, plate and ownership history, when/where a car has been for sale (with mileage and price), crashes and modifications.
For me it is very interesting to follow the individual cars this way, as many have quite surprising histories. You will see some examples originally delivered in Europe being sold to the USA, going through several owners & dealers there, being sold to Japan, then back to the USA, meanwhile having been restored with new paint & interior. Just as an example!

Now, there are thousands of people (or should I say: men) worldwide taking down numbers and keeping databases on airplanes or trains ("spotters"). But car-s/n-spotters are somehow a much more rare species. So I'm wondering, are there more people with the same hobby/passion like me out there? If yes, it would be nice to get in touch with you!
You can respond to this thread, or send me a pm if you like.

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

Well, you´re right on the amount of modern cars now being made. Indeed these are many, and of course most cars will not be very significant for most people. But that is not the point of my database either. First of all it is for my own personal pleasure, seeing where cars go and what happens to them. But I will also be able to help current and future owners, even of the more modest models. Just imagine an enthusiast fulfilling a dream and buying a used Gallardo 20 years from now. For this person, I think the history of his new pride and joy will be very interesting: Seeing the dealers that previously sold it, prior owners, maybe finding out the car was repainted or had crash damage 15 years ago. Just an example.

Or maybe another example: a car I came across just 30 minutes ago on the internet: My dad saw a white LP 640 Roadster at the Dutch importer last April. Probably this car was shown at the Amsterdam Auto Show (I'm working on getting confirmation on this). The strange thing was that the VIN showed it being a US-model, not a Euro VIN which would be logical for a car new in the Netherlands. Now, two months later, this very car is for sale at Lamborghini Las Vegas! Probably not even their sales staff will know about this car's short presence in the Netherlands.

Well, that's what keeps my hobby so interesting for me and I think many current and future owners will be able to benefit from it.

Best regards

Lars T.

 

Thanks for the replies guys,

As I got quite a few, also by pm, I´ll try to work through these and answer all this weekend, ok?

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

Thanks for the advice! KWN contacted me and we are now exchanging pm´s. Indeed it sounds like he has a very impressive database!

Concerning your Lamborghini database at Premier, approx. how many cars do you think you have records on?

Thanks and ciao,

Lars T.