Book excerpt: In today’s market, Businessweek recently remarked, “it’s hard to get hurt buying a good collector car. If you do your homework, buy the right car, and enjoy it sensibly, you'll maximize the return on your investment.” This book is aimed at making just such a rewarding purchase possible. For anyone considering buying a collector car, whether for profit or pleasure, veteran appraiser and restorer Steve Linden clearly outlines the pitfalls to avoid, rules to follow, factors to consider, and terms and procedures to know. His book provides an introduction to the process of buying a collector car, with sections looking at the special issues that arise before, during, and after a purchase, as well as a chapter devoted to general questions. Choosing and locating the right model, budgeting, purchasing at auctions (on-line, local, and out-of-state), insuring, restoring, and maintaining; Linden addresses all of these topics in an expert and accessible way. His book also contains helpful checklists--covering questions for sellers, documentation, and inspections--as well as a glossary and a complete appendix of resources. The result is a unique and invaluable reference, one that no prospective collector should be without. See Motorbooks author Steve Linden interviewed by Jay Leno on JayLenosGarage.com: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/steve-lindens-car-collecting/816381/