PAMO is driving the collector car scene around Lake Constance

Based around Lake Constance and founded by three friends in 2017, PAMO has become a hub of car culture for the region. Having specialised in ultra-high end collector cars such as the latest and greatest sports and hypercars from Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Pagani, and Porsche, PAMO are now expanding their business to cater to classic car enthusiasts with PAMO Classics. To learn more about this new addition to their business, we sat down with head of PAMO Classics Dennis Hummelsiep for a catch up.

Dennis, you’ve got 25 years of experience with classic cars, what made you decide to join the team and start PAMO Classics?

"My connection with the PAMO team goes back many years. We worked together in the same company, and while Kevin and Martin specialised in modern sports cars, my passion has always been classic vehicles. When the idea of joining forces came up, the decision felt completely natural. We quickly realised that we wanted to preserve and carry forward the rich automotive heritage here at PAMO."

Your goal with PAMO Classics is to preserve the historical heritage of classics around the Lake Constance, is there a thriving classic car scene there?

"Absolutely. I am a lifelong enthusiast and collector myself, particularly of classic Renault Alpine models, so I spend a lot of time on the road in the region. The classic car community around Lake Constance is very active. There are frequent meetups, events and even hill climbs in neighbouring Switzerland. The area is also home to impressive museums such as the MAC Museum in Singen and the Autobau Erlebniswelt in Romanshorn."

Almost every petrolhead has a soft spot for the amazing classics from Renault Alpine, but what appeals to you about these French icons — can we expect to see many of them in your showroom?

"My passion for Alpine began early in life. In the town where I grew up, Alpine and its motorsport successes were ever-present. Friends of my parents owned Alpine cars, and as a child I had the chance to ride along more than once. That experience left a lasting impression on me and shaped my enthusiasm for the brand. Over time, this passion has deepened, supported by the many friendships that grew within the Alpine community. My connection to the brand is still incredibly strong. For that reason, Alpine models will certainly continue to be part of our showroom, especially those with racing history and a compelling story behind them."

Your inventory ranges widely from a Ferrari 250 GT to a Porsche 997 Cup, is there any specific niche you cater to or are all cars welcome at PAMO?

"We are clearly focused on the exclusive high-end segment. We are open to different marques, but we specialise in vehicles with motorsport pedigree or exceptional provenance. We believe that this type of car will play an increasingly important role in the future. At the same time, we also keep an eye on youngtimers that will help shape the next generation of classic car enthusiasts."

We heard you sold an impressive collection that was hidden away in a church. Could you tell us about that?

"A key part of my work involves handling private collections that are usually traded off-market. I have built a strong network over more than 25 years, which allows me to discreetly place rare vehicles or support collectors who want to restructure or let go of selected cars. Some collections are stored in truly unexpected locations. In this particular case, the cars were indeed kept inside a church. Among them were historically significant supercharged Mercedes models, each with a unique story to tell."

What are some of the most interesting cars you’ve sold recently, perhaps Picasso’s 550 Spyder?

"The Porsche 550 Spyder once owned by Picasso is certainly one of the most remarkable cars I have handled. Another unforgettable example was the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso from Herbert von Karajan’s collection. In recent years I have also been involved with highly significant supercharged Mercedes models, various historic Ferraris including the 166 Spyder Corsa and the Miura SVJ, the Mercedes 300 SL, the BMW 507 and entire collections containing icons such as the Porsche 959, the Bugatti EB110, the Jaguar XJ220, the Ferrari 288 GTO, the F40, the F50, the Enzo and the LaFerrari. The list goes on. My philosophy has always been to follow whatever the heart desires."

Which brands and models do you think are rising in popularity that our readers should keep a close eye on?

"We are currently witnessing a generational transition. As a result, interest is shifting towards vehicles from the 1990s and early 2000s. Models such as the BMW M3 E30 and E46, the Lancia Delta Integrale, the Porsche 964 and 993 Turbo and the Mercedes 190 E EVO continue to rise in demand."

With so many classics now selling for big numbers, are there any undervalued bargains left out there in your opinion?

"Yes, there are still cars with strong potential. The BMW E36 and E39, the Porsche 968, the Mercedes W124, the Jaguar XJS and the Volvo 850 T5-R all offer impressive value and are likely to gain further appreciation as the market develops."

How do you think the push to electrification across Europe is changing the way people buy and interact with classic cars?

"I believe that the increasing shift towards electrification will lead to a renewed appreciation for analogue classics. As modern vehicles become more digital, more silent and more uniform, the desire for emotional, mechanical driving experiences will only grow stronger."