Inside the World of Luxury Car Collecting With Manny Khoshbin

For some, cars are a way to get from point A to point B. For others, they’re rolling works of art, legacies on wheels, and investments that rival fine wine or rare watches. Not exactly your mom's old minivan...

No one knows this more than Manny Khoshbin. The real estate developer and car content creator (with over six million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube) has fourteen luxury vehicles including supercars in his famed Orange County garage that he often shoots viedos in. While he has made bank buying and selling these cars, all of which cost more than the average house, it's more about the pleasure he takes in drving them.

I recently had the privlidge of speaking to Manny about his iconic car collection, from his very first Porsche to a one-of-a-kind Bugatti Chiron upholstered by Hermès to learn more how he invests in luxury vehicles.

What was your first luxury vehicle, and when did you buy it?

In 2008, I purchased a 2004 Porsche Carrera GT for $325,000.

What made that particular Porsche such a smart investment?

The Carrera GT is an icon. It’s incredibly rare, and it’s the most powerful naturally aspirated Porsche ever made with a manual gearbox. For collectors, that combination of engineering and exclusivity makes it irresistible.

What’s the crown jewel of your collection today?

My Bugatti Chiron. But it’s not just any Chiron—it’s the only one in the world with this specification. The seats and grill were custom designed, and the entire interior was upholstered by Hermès in Paris. The design and build took three years. It’s truly a one-of-one.

Is maintaining cars of that price different from maintaining regular cars?

Absolutely. For example, an oil change for a Bugatti costs around $22,000. It’s that expensive because the process takes several days—each cylinder has its own oil drain plug, and you have to remove multiple body parts just to complete the annual service. Even replacement parts are costly; the hydraulics on the rear wing can cost $130,000 for a pair. I had to replace them on one of my Bugattis a few years back.

How do you know when you’re making a good investment?

I look at rarity and the legacy of the brand. Not all brands hold value or appreciate among collectors. I also watch auctions closely and track pricing trends. I don’t invest in newer brands because they don’t have a historical sales record to indicate long-term value.

Which one of your cars is your favorite?

I’d have to say my McLaren P1 with a full carbon fiber body. Its unique design, combined with Formula 1 technology, produces over 900 horsepower. It’s incredibly exhilarating to drive. Plus, it has hybrid features, which makes it versatile. Out of all my cars, this is the one I drive the most.

Have you ever made a bad investment? If so, which car, and what did you learn from it?

Yes, more than a few times. One example was a McLaren 650S Can-Am edition. Only 50 were made worldwide, so I thought it would be a huge investment opportunity. Three years later, I sold it at a significant loss. That experience taught me that not all limited editions automatically appreciate in value.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start investing in cars?

Stick to brands that have proven value over time—Ferrari, Porsche (specific models), Pagani, and certain Lamborghinis. Sometimes older generations appreciate more than the newest releases. At the end of the day, investing in cars is about passion and patience. The best returns come from vehicles with both heritage and heart.