Free Car Mag were lucky enough to corner Alex Manos for a couple of minutes in between him buying and selling at least 23 classics and ask him a few important questions about what he does and what he knows.
Photo Credit: Alex Manos | Beverly Hills Car Club
Classic cars have gone down in value in Europe. Has that happened in America?
Not in our experience. North America remains one of the largest and most dynamic classic car arenas in the world. At Beverly Hills Car Club, my team and I are constantly on the hunt for the best cars to offer, and we continue to sell cars internationally, including back to Europe. That speaks to the overall strength and global demand of the U.S. market.
Classics go through phases. Which ones are hot right now?
We see strong interest across a wide spectrum. Sixties Ferraris continue to attract attention, as do Mercedes Benz SL models such as the 230SL, 250SL, and 280SL. All eras of Porsche remain highly desirable as well. Personally, I tend to buy the cars I love, and for some reason those cars consistently do well. That passion-driven approach seems to align naturally with what collectors are excited about.
Do some classics go out of fashion as the buyers who remember them age out? Are pre war or 1940s and 1950s cars in trouble?
Tastes evolve, but true classics never disappear. Pre war and 1940s or 1950s cars may become more niche, but they continue to attract collectors who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and design. New generations often rediscover these cars as rolling art and important cultural artifacts, so there is always a place for them.
Do you miss London and its cars?
Yes, I always miss London. It is my motherland and where I was born. Even though it has become a very car unfriendly city, the passion and history surrounding automobiles there never really fades. London will always have a special place in my heart.
Jaguar E Types. Some might suggest it is not the prettiest car ever. Please mount a defense, even of the 2 plus 2.
Even Enzo Ferrari famously called the Jaguar E Type the most beautiful car ever made. Whether it is a 2 plus 2, a roadster, or a fixed head coupe, they are all fantastic. In my opinion, it is one of the most iconic classic cars in the world. They are an absolute joy to drive. They may not be the easiest car to get in and out of as you get older, but once you are seated and driving, it is pure enjoyment. If someone is not a fan, put them behind the wheel and watch them become one very quickly.
Are celebrities different from us, or just us with more money?
Mostly they are just like everyone else. They are enthusiasts who love cars, appreciate design and history, and enjoy the experience. The difference is access, not passion.
Why do celebrities choose you to find their special cars?
It comes down to trust, experience, and discretion. We source cars globally, we are honest about condition and history, and we understand that buying a classic car is often very personal. That level of care matters to all clients, celebrity or not.
European cars versus American ones. What is the difference?
Both are fantastic and emotional in their own way. A car like an Aston Martin DB5 is the ultimate James Bond car, elegant, smooth, and refined. On the other hand, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback from Bullitt with Steve McQueen is raw, aggressive, and full of attitude. They are simply different expressions of automotive passion, and both are brilliant.
What advice would you give to non celebrities on a budget entering the classic market?
Whether you are buying a project car or something that is already running and driving, the most important thing is choosing a car you genuinely gravitate toward and that makes you happy. Some people enjoy the journey of restoring a car, others want to enjoy it right away. There is no wrong answer as long as the car excites you.
Thank you Alex, we will be popping over soon to pick up a few classics
It is worth going to the brilliant Beverly Hills website not least because you will spend a good few hours pouring over his stock and working out just how quickly you could get a few back to Blighty. Follow the celebrity links below for a fabulous amount of detail on the cars Alex has sold. You know what, I’ll post the interview separately in the next day or so, it will be worth your while!
For Beverly Hills Car Club founder Alex Manos, buying and selling classic cars isn’t just a profession, it’s a way of life. The England-born, Los Angeles–based automotive connoisseur has spent over two decades channeling his passion into a premier destination for classic automobiles. Manos has built Beverly Hills Car Club (BHCC) into one of the largest European classic car collections in the United States, while also offering an extensive collection of American icons. At any given time, BHCC showcases hundreds of classic cars under one roof, from rare barn finds to concours-ready showpieces. With prices spanning from $5,000 to $2 million, approximately 80% of the inventory features European marques, including Aston Martin, Porsche (a specialty), Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Benz. The collection also includes rarities such as Autobianchi, Amphicar, and Berkeley, and a strong representation of Jaguars, particularly the beloved E-Type models.
Manos’s distinguished clientele includes renowned celebrities and collectors, with notable transactions such as Michael Jordan’s 1996 Mercedes-Benz S600 Lorinser and Miles Davis’s 1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi, as well as sales to Justin Bieber (1936 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Sedanca Deville), Jason Momoa (1929 Rolls-Royce 20HP Doctor’s Coupe), Tyler, The Creator (1981 Rolls-Royce Camargue), and Snoop Dogg (1966 Ford Mustang Coupe), among others.
“For me, every classic car tells a story. They are a piece of history you can touch, drive, and feel. Whether it’s a rare Porsche or a cherished Jaguar E-Type, my mission is to preserve these automotive treasures and connect them with enthusiasts who share that same passion,” says Alex Manos.
Alex Manos’s love of classic cars began in London, where his parents’ rock and roll careers brought him in contact with all makes and models, his father’s E-Type and his mother’s 1963 Volvo 1800S ignited a lifelong passion. After the Manos family relocated to Los Angeles, he found himself immersed in another global hub of automotive culture.
Following his graduation from Beverly Hills High School, Manos made a defining purchase in 2000 – a 1962 Lincoln Continental. After customizing the car, he was constantly approached by eager-to-buy admirers, including Shaquille O’Neal and Hype Williams. When one serious offer came through, he sold the vehicle, restored a convertible version, and soon after sold it to the owner of the Sahara Casino in Las Vegas following a chance encounter on Sunset Boulevard. Building on that momentum, and recognizing the growing global demand for collectible cars – he founded the Beverly Hills Car Club, a tribute to his alma mater.
Manos’s operation began modestly, collaborating with local mechanics and upholstery shops to restore just a few cars at a time before expanding in 2009 with a dedicated team. Starting from a small space in Whittier in 2008, he soon moved to a larger Downey facility during the economic downturn, where rapid growth quickly filled the space with more than 50 cars in rotation. As his business grew, so did his appreciation for European design, leading him to models such as the Mercedes-Benz 230, 250, and 280 SL, which further deepened his respect for craftsmanship and timeless automotive design. By 2010, Manos relocated to East Los Angeles, establishing a 13,000-square-foot facility that soon expanded into neighboring lots. Today, BHCC spans over 140,000 square feet of fully indoor space and employs over 60 people, reflecting both the company’s evolution and Manos’s unwavering commitment to excellence in classic-car restoration.
After thousands of sales, millions in revenue, glowing five-star reviews, and an ever-growing roster of celebrity clients and high-profile partnerships, Beverly Hills Car Club’s expansion feels inevitable. For now, however, Alex Manos stays plenty busy living out his calling – one classic car at a time.
