Testimonials
What our clients say about us
Jean-Pierre Slavic, Swiss Watch making Industrialist and Ferrari Collector
'En ma qualité de collectionneur d'automobiles prestigieuses, je ne peux que me féliciter d'avoir rencontré Simon Kidston. Qui, par sa connaissance approfondie du marché et sa parfaite maîtrise de l'automobile, m'a permis d'acquérir des véhicules importants ou de vendre des véhicules pour lesquels j'étais moins attaché, par l'intermédiaire de Bonhams, en vente aux enchères, ou de gré à gré. Je tiens à préciser que son honnêteté va bien au-delà de ce que l'on peut attendre dans les négociations d'achat ou de vente d'objets prestigieux confiés à un tiers. J'ai encore en mémoire les phrases de Simon Kidston qui m'ont permis d'obtenir des valeurs supérieures à celles que j'attendais. J'espère que par mon témoignage cela permettra à mon ami Simon d'atteindre, à travers sa nouvelle société, le succès qu'il mérite.'
Dr. Costantino Franchi, Co-Founder and Organizer for 25 years of the Historic Mille Miglia
‘Nella mia veste di organizzatore della Mille Miglia, molti partecipanti attuali e potenziali, nonche’ amici, mi chiedevano consiglio sulla macchina giusta da scegliere oppure come cambiare da una all’altra. Durante gli ultimi decenni sono venuto a contatto con molti specialisti intorno al mondo ma ho sempre trovato che Simon Kidston fosse particolarmente preparato e sopratutto serio, e la mia prima (e normalmente unica) segnalazione è sempre per lui, certo di far bella figura con i potenziali partecipanti alla gara.’
W E ‘Chip’ Connor II, Hong Kong based Industrialist and Car Collector
‘Having known Simon for the better part of 15 years and having worked with him in the capacity of auctioneer, consultant, and friend, Simon will undoubtedly prove a valuable resource to novice and experienced collector alike.’
Dr. Fabrizio Violati, Italian Gentleman Driver and Ferrari Collector
‘La mia passione per le auto nacque in me fin da adolescente, troppo presto forse, ma ancora più immediato fu l'amore per le Ferrari allora esordienti. Ho conosciuto, vissuto, lavorato fianco a fianco con Enzo Ferrari ed ho guidato, spesso vittoriosamente le sue incomparabili vetture nei più famosi circuiti internazionali...... quando incontrai per la prima volta Simon Kidston ne percepii quella scintilla di genuina passione oltre ad una già ottima preparazione tecnica e storica. Oggi posso dire di apprezzarne la grande capacità per il "dettaglio rivelatore" e la sua professionalità in un mondo che troppo spesso accoglie "improvvisati improvvisatori" a braccia aperte. Un caro saluto ed un augurio di raggiungere nuovi e più importanti traguardi con la tua nuova bandiera.’
Miles Collier, US Investor, Philanthropist and Museum Owner
‘Simon Kidston has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the collectible car market. It seems that there is no by way or garden path of that world that he has not trod.
Comprehensive knowledge and solid common sense combined in someone as prodigiously articulate as Mr. Kidston makes him an expert to whom I pay great attention.’
Peter Sugden, British Advertising Impresario and lifelong Ferrari Collector
‘My recent transaction with Simon Kidston was very professionally handled. A price was agreed and the car was delivered on time and exceeded expectations - no shenanigans, all very straightforward.’
Dr. Andy Manganaro, American Physician and Collector
‘The Fiat Dino I purchased through you is wonderful. I'm very pleased with the car and especially with the professionalism, efficiency and kindness of your staff in helping with the purchase and transport.’
Nicolas and Axel Sursock, Sadruddin Aga Khan Foundation (stepson and step-grandson)
‘I wish to thank Simon Kidston for all his efforts in the sale of my motorcar. It was not as simple task as we had first anticipated but he persevered in spite of the few disappointments and his tenacity finally paid. I also want to commend his most helpful team. My son and I shall praise his outfit every chance we get!’
James Lindsay, Investor, Racer and son of the late Hon. Patrick Lindsay, UK historic car and aircraft Pioneer.
‘Simon met me in Milan and took me to where his client stored the Daytona. After a successful inspection and test drive Simon then took us all out to lunch. I then drove the car back to the UK, via a couple of splendid hotels, and arrived home all without a single mishap. How much more civilised can a car purchase be than that?!’
Jonathan Turner, Oil Man and Car Collector
'No nonsense, very straightforward and excellent customer service: just the way I like to do business. Kidston SA have a very professional set-up.'
Dr Luigi ‘Gino’ Macaluso, CEO of Girard Perregaux (watches), 1970s FIAT/ Lancia works rally driver, President of the Italian Motorsport Commission and Sports/ Racing Car Collector.
'Ho sempre messo avanti le mie scelte il gusto per il bello, la rigorosa originalità e la profonda competenza. Non è facile mettere insieme queste caratteristiche fondamentali. Se poi aggiungo la passione e l’emozione, che per me sono molto importanti, Kidston è il compagno di viaggio ideale!'
Davis Weszeli, Austrian Entrepreneur and Italian Sports Car Collector
'I was interested in acquiring the very best example in existence of a certain rare model for my collection. Kidston SA suggested the appropriate car, negotiated its sale and arranged delivery to my home. To me the high quality of the car and the service were worth paying the price, and I know that the advice I received was professional and long term.'
Graham M. Dacre, Property/ Automotive Businessman and Classic Mercedes-Benz Collector
'Kidston SA were a pleasure to work with, and Mr Simon Kidston in particular. He returned my calls, communicated well and ably described the vehicle. The company handled my enquiry straightforwardly and delivered on what they promised. Clearly they understand the more seriously minded. It’s not often these days that one finds such a package.'
Adrian Newey, World Championship Winning Formula 1/ Indycar Designer and Historic Racer
'Having seen the Ferrari 512F in Kidston's brochure, Simon's handling of the process of negotiation, viewing the car, paperwork and delivery, was done with a good balance between the seller's interests and mine and was a pleasurable event that was also conducted very efficiently. Even lunch was included!'
Dr. Alexander J.H. Schröder-Frerkes, German Lawyer and Car Enthusiast
'The car runs well and I have a lot of fun with it!'
Graham Adelman, US Entrepreneur and Historic Ferrari Collector/ Racer
'The things that most impressed me in my dealings with Simon Kidston were:
1. He and his staff very quick to return telephone calls and emails and address the questions or requests that I put to them
2. Although this was the first time we had done business, he was quite relaxed and seemed confident I would live up to my end of the bargain that had been struck
3. The seller, although courteous and pleasant, was a bit difficult - but Simon either deflected or absorbed this so it did not become an issue between us as it might have done
From the buyer's perspective, he was the perfect go between - cordial to both parties and able to professionally address their particular requirements without giving either the impression the other was being unreasonable.'
Harald R. Steger, Swiss Banker and Investor
I hold the view that only few people are capable to achieve world record prices for vintage cars. Actually Simon is trustworthy, has in-depth knowledge of the market and has an excellent network. It is a pleasure to work with Simon and his team in Geneva.
Anton Bilton, British Property Entrepreneur
“I was considering auctioning my Ferrari 250GT SWB but prudently called Kidston SA first. They found me a buyer who paid the right price within 48 hours, and Kidston’s team handled all the logistics and paperwork to perfection. I only wish there was a similarly efficient and professional service in real estate!”
Jim Spiro, American Collector and Enthusiast
“I have found your advice to be refreshingly candid. Further, I have found that you have what I feel are particularly good insights on market trends somewhat before they develop.”
