Old is gold, as classic cars steer towards market value of US$35 billion

SHREEJIT Changaroth has an understanding wife who doesn't mind his spending time with an Escort. But that might be because it has four wheels instead of two legs (it's a 1979 Ford Escort Sport), and because Changaroth could be sitting on gold if it rises in value.

The Escort is part of a collection that includes a 1973 Alfa Romeo Giulia and, from the same year, a Volkswagen 1303S, affectionately known as the "Super Beetle" among fans of the classic VW bug. "Technically, they are all my son's," says the railway engineer and freelance motoring writer.

Like many classic car owners, Changaroth is cagey about how much money has gone into his collection.