Barry Snyder made his name in banking, venture capital, and private equity. From Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan to the helm of a successful West Palm Beach-based private family office, the long-time Florida resident Snyder is known for his business prowess.
More recently, he established himself as a successful and outspoken Brain Cancer research fundraiser and awareness advocate. But this philanthropic private equity professional is more than just passionate about business and fundraising. He’s similarly enthusiastic about collecting and restoring antique cars.
Collection and Restoration
America’s love of collecting and restoring antique cars is nothing new, nor is Barry Snyder’s passion for the field. However, according to the expert, the field’s popularity has surged notably in recent years. He believes this is driven in no small part by an ever-evolving combination of cultural, economic, and personal motivations.
Cars have been central to American culture for as long as they’ve existed. Antique models, particularly those from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, now evoke huge nostalgia among Snyder and countless others for a golden age of American innovation and style.
Moreover, well-restored and maintained antique cars have often become solid investments. This fact has seen the field attract growing numbers of people focused squarely on investment alongside more traditional collectors who see antique cars as a hobby first and foremost.
Rare models in excellent condition continue to fetch record high prices, particularly at auction.
Beyond the Garage and Auction Room
People often overlook that the hobby of antique car collecting and restoration extends well beyond the garage. Away from the garage—and the auction room—collectors like Barry Snyder often revel in the social and community aspects that surround the field.
Antique car shows, parades, and meet-ups are now more popular than ever. Such events bring together those who share similar passions, offering fantastic opportunities to socialize and meet like-minded individuals. Crucially, this is in a time where social gatherings can still feel few and far between for many hobbyists.
Elsewhere, antique car collecting and restoration have garnered new environmental and sustainability appeal levels, particularly among younger individuals. At the same time, generational wealth and time availability—particularly in retirement—continue driving the surrounding markets for parts, services, tools, and more.
Antique Car Collector Barry Snyder
Snyder remains a proud car collector and credits the hobby and surrounding community for a massive sense of personal achievement and satisfaction – something many of those who collect and restore antique cars reported.
The philanthropic real estate, venture capital, and private equity professional explains that successfully restoring vehicles, in particular, is deeply rewarding. Alongside fundraising for cancer research and promoting awareness of the topic, his love of antique car collection and restoration provides a similar sense of accomplishment, especially after completing the more challenging projects.
Whether driven by financial gain, nostalgia, a love of socializing, or something else, antique car collectors and restorers, both new and existing, continue to find unique fulfillment in such activities. That’s true in record numbers going into 2025, too, and Palm Beach County-based Barry Snyder is no exception, remaining as passionate about cars as ever.
Published By: Aize Perez
