by Mike –

Our Never Ending Search for just the right Car.

This car is a one of one

This cliché is primarily used in the US, because many American collector cars were made in large numbers. To differentiate them, owners categorize their cars down to the option list that the car originally came with.

A “one of one” could mean that a particular car is the only one with the listed options and maybe the specific color combination.

Does this really matter? If the “one of one” designation is used because this car is the only convertible made in this model, then yes, it probably does matter.

If the “one of one” designation is used because the car has a list of random options combined with a unique color combination, then maybe it matters or maybe it does not matter.

But if that combination of options and colors is the only distinguishing feature that separates this particular car from the thousands of other examples like it, then the owner will play the hand he was dealt, and it becomes a valuable “one of one.”

In the video below the example cited is a real Ferrari from an auction in Monterey a few years ago (except for the color).

This video is 1 minute long, use full screen.

If you liked this you may like Car Collector Clichés And Contradictions.

Both photos supplied by Mike Clarke. This video was originally published on My Car Quest in November 2011.

If you have a classic car that you want to sell and would like some help from

My Car Quest – send an email to: mike@mycarquest.com.

Subscribe to My Car Quest