Not much to say as regards the current state of the market except that the recent auction results, at a time of year when traditionally sales attract the highest number of buyers and achive some of the best prices, have not been positive. Few buyers and with some obvious exceptions, low overrall sales rate. To me, that is good news as for too long the market has been led by auctions when logically it should be the reverse- retail sales should lead whilst auctions operate as a mixture of trade outlet and non-retail quality. After all, how much can you actually verify when buying at auction? You cannot drive a car, seldom hear it running and are at the mercy of what scant information is usually provided by the auctioneers. So why would anyone want to pay retail prices without being able to properly assess the purchase? Risky!

How about this for value? No.39 of a limited edition run of 100 Bentley Brooklands 'R' Mulliner, the final incarnation of ther famous Turbo R to mark the end of its production. Ultra rare, highly collectible, packed with the ultimate specification gizmos, 56,000 miles coverd with Full Service History and all for £21,990. A bargain by anyone's reckoning. Posted by Auto Invest, [03/05/2013] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

It is a strange old world, Seen the results of the february micro car sale in the USA? A quarter of a million dollars for a Messerscmitt bubblecar or how about $80,000 for a Peel. Utterly mad and a bit sad.
Elsewhere, auction prices during the busy February opening of the season sales period exhibited a relative degree of caution and sense amongst buyers. There were the inevitable inflated prices being paid for certain Enzo era Ferraris and a ridiculous £7,000 for a basket case early Mini but for the most part prices were sensible.
So what should buyers look for? With plenty to choose from in every era and bodystyle, my advice would be to ignore the pundits recommendations as to which model "is a bargain, grab one before prices rise" and choose a car which appeals to you within your budget regardless of whether it represents exceptional value or is priced bang on the market. If you have always hankered after an MGB, buy one from the miriad on offer. Too often those new to classic cars seem to feel obliged to follow market recommendations from so-called experts in the motoring press. They do not know anything more than the rest of us and just like the stock market, prices rise and fall as a result of speculation. Nevertheless, seemingly contrary to everything which has just been said, here is a market tip. Neo-classics from the 1990's which are presently ludicrously cheap having just reached the end of their depreciation cycle. For example, the 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider Lusso with 45,000 miles which we have in stock at £3,990 or any of the many Mercedes R129 roadsters which are available (just make sure you find a good one!) available for around 10% of their cost price. Just think, these are utterly useable, fast open roof sports cars for less than 6% the cost of the unuseable glorified wheel barrows that go by the name Microcars.


Posted by Auto Invest, [25/03/2013] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Posted by Auto Invest, [04/03/2013] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Market review first. Well I must claim a 'told you so moment' here- £650,000 paid at retromobile for a DB4 convertible in far from perfect condition just about sums up the current and continuing insanity where Aston Martin DB's are concerned. The two which will appear at Bonhams in May will no doubt exceed that in terms of overvalued stupidity.
Of much more importance is the latest news on the UK Alpine Challenge historic regularity rally which got a mention in this months Classic Cars magazine.
I have just driven the course through Devon & Cornwall with my Swiss colleague (architect of the swiss-based Alpine Challenge Club) and can confirm that it is fabulous!! Far from an easy stroll, it will challenge competitors with the variety of roads that are used, some quite extreme in terms of narrowness and steepness. One hill is a staggering 1:4 or 25% gradient- truly steep!! Lots of hairpins through the deepest Devon combes which are every bit as tortuous as those you might find in the Alps plus the wide open expanses of Bodmin Moor and Exmoor. The special stages include use of the Pentillie Castle hillclimb course, the abandoned former WW2 bomber base at Davidstowe airfield and of the famous Porlock Hill, the long and extremely steep pre-war hillclimb arena which winds up from the coast over some 3 miles to the cliffs on Porlock hill.
A must-do event for anyone with a classic car (speed is not important) who appreciates the challenge of regularity route finding and precision time-keeping in a staggeringly beautiful part of the country.
Entries at www.ukalpinechallenge.com
Photo (at Davidstowe) is of our surprisingly reliable Triumph Stag taken from stock and fitted with a Brantz Tripmaster which covered some 500 miles almost trouble-free to prepare the Roadbook for the event.

Posted by Auto Invest, [04/03/2013] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Aston Martins yet again!! At least the hype with Ferraris is sporadic but what is it with Astons that every week produces another 'barn find' gem estimated to make the equivalent of a suburban detached house at some upcoming auction and which then exceeds that figure by a mile? Never mind the small matter of the cost of the restoration which inevitably must follow.
The classic car press is once more hysterical about a DB4 and a DB5 which have supposedly been buried away for some 30 years by entirely seperate owners. The DB4 is estimated to make "around £150" whilst the DB5.....perhaps the same sort of figure? No way Jose, £300,000. The great and good of Bonhams have the honour of selling it and we all know that Messrs Bonhams invariably underestimate top billing cars only to see them disappear into the stratosphere when two wealthy and misguided bidders obstinately refuse to back down. This has happened countless times over recent years and will occur again in May when this DB5 goes on the block at the annual Newport Pagnell madhouse event. Let's suppose that it sells for £350,000, plus Bonhams commission of 18% makes £63,000, plus Vat £12,600 making a total of £425,600 before the restoration has even been considered. Utterly stupid in my view but then I prefer the 1959 Jaguar XK 150 'S' in the photo which we are restoring. Same performance as the DB5, similar 2+2 design from the same era but much, much rarer! Around 1700 DB5's were produced but less than 400 XK150 'S' covering all models. Even at the absolute top end of the XK 150 'S' FHC spectrum, a beauty sells for around £100,000, many multiples less than the Astons. Posted by Auto Invest, [12/02/2013] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

A simple plug for a superb event designed for owners of classic cars to enjoy two days of challenging driving in the beautiful surroundings of Devon & Cornwall, good company, fine food and wine with the added bonus of providing the navigator/co-driver with the real work to be done!
Yes, it is the inaugural running of the UK Alpine Challenge Regularity Rally for classic cars organised by the Alpine Challenge Club which is now well established for the prestige event held each year in the Swiss Alps.
Details at www.ukalpinechallenge.com
In keeping with the Alpine Challenge Club tradition, the emphasis is on FUN combined with a challenging route and special stages plus excellent social side with the overnight stop at the 4 star Saunton Sands Beach Resort Hotel whose view out over Saunton Beach is stupendous.
Very inexpensive by the standards of this type of event so why not give it a try? Experienced regularity rallyists and novices welcome in equal measure.



Posted by Auto Invest, [21/01/2013] - 1 reply to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Welcome to 2013 which will hopefully be a better year weather-wise for all of us classic car owners.
Not a lot to say about the market at this time since it is quiet to say the least. However, Auto-invest bloggers will see that our featured car this week is a Triumph Stag. "Rare and Interesting Classic...."? Well actually, yes. It is a MK 1 and entirely original apart from a set of later alloy wheels which anyway look so much better than the fake Rostyle hubcaps over steel wheels that it would have had originally. It is also a manual of which far fewer were produced than the automatics. Above all it retains the purity of the early Mk 1's- no stripes, chrome sill covers or even door mounted wing mirrors to ruin the undoubtedly graceful lines.
What other full four seater, fully convertible classic sports car/grand tourer can you buy? Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and Alvis TD 21 convertibles spring to mind but good examples of these are £50,000 and £70,000 respectively. Mercedes 3.5 cabriolet? Huge and equally expensive, you will need at least £50,000 for a good one. Which brings us back to the Stag-....and its price? £7790 plus its got that sweet V8 which makes a superb noise and this one has covered just 6,000 since being fully rebuilt.
New Year's bargain.
Any thoughts on Stags generally or this one in particular?


Posted by Auto Invest, [08/01/2013] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

For those who follow this blog on a regular basis, you might get a sense that I have a soft spot for some of the more quirky types of classic machinary, the Allard Quasimodo being an example, now with a new owner in Holland.
Todays blog and photo is of a recent acquisiton which I just could not resist. Dealers are often contacted by relatives of someone who has died leaving behind a classic car needing to be sold. Invariably the car being offered is not of particular interest and on many occasions they are in far from pristine condition, nevertheless I feel that those of us in the trade should try to assist where possible even if only to give advice on value or suggest an outlet for disposal. Last week I went to see a Triumph Stag whose deceased owner had loved and cherished the car since buying it 1988, keeping it Mot'd every year even though the annual mileages seldom exceeded double figures. On agreeing to buy it, his widow mentioned that there was another 'Sports car' in the garage which also needed selling. Visions of sleeping Maseratis flashed through my head but on opening the door I was not at all disappointed to find the little Burlington (sorry 'Triumph') you see in the photo. Key in ignition, pump the accelerator, full choke and it fired straight up with a lovely raspy exhaust note from the competition manifold and short side-exiting tail pipe. Inevitably I bought it on the spot and having now driven it, what a super fun-car it is and what a variety of inexpensive motor sport possibilities it offers for a minimal outlay. Even a superb Christmas present for any desperate wife unable to find a present for their car-mad spouse.
Not so much a kit car but registered as a 1967 Triumph Sports with no mention of Burlington Arrow or the dreaded Q plate anywhere! Under the bonnet does not lurk the usual ubiquitous 1200cc Herald engine that this model used as standard but a 1600cc Ford Pinto OHC, the race tuners dream power plant.
Just like Quasimodo, this type of oddball special represents incredible value in a market where people ask £40,000 for MGA's- so much more exclusive and so much more fun!!
What do you think?


Posted by Auto Invest, [13/12/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Time to revisit that old chestnut 'restoration projects'. This is the time of year when the classic car press and auction houses are hard at work pushing the tantalising opportunity for buyers to embark on "a straightforward winter project to occupy those long evenings". Nothing could be further from the truth.
Restoring an old car is an immensely long and costly process even for those who know what they are doing and for those who have never undertaken it before, the vast majority never reach their nirvana and the vehicle is subsequently advertised or consigned to auction with the sad caption 'unfinished project' or 'abandoned project', often with 'due to unforseen circumstances' thrown in as an attempt at an explanation. This type of project is the very worst of all to take on since someone else has dismantled the original car, probably lost many of the parts along the way and attempted to make repairs which are more often than not unsatisfactory and now need correcting. The original template of the vehicle has gone. Unless a home restorer is prepared to devote many thousands of hours undertaking the work themselves (and learning how to do it in the first instance if they lack the necessary skills at the outset), the only alternative is to simply hand the car over to a professional restorer. With labour rates running at around £60 per hour at many professional establishments, it is not hard to see why restoring an E Type FHC, for example, can cost upwards of £70,000. A friend of mine has done just this- five years on and still unfinished, the car must stand him in at around £55,000 plus the original purchase price measured against a probable market value of around £65,000 with a tail wind! The economics of buying a resto project and having it professionally restored simply do not work except in very exceptional circumstances where a car is of such rarity and high end-value that the project is viable. In all other cases, my advice is if you are not doing it yourself or are not in the business and can more or less judge the viability (there are always surprises and cost overruns even for those of us who restore on a regular basis), go out and buy the car of your dreams in good, sound operating order.
The photo is of a rare Jaguar XK 150 'S' FHC which we are currently 'recommissioning' (oh that it were that simple!) following 37 years storage in a dry garage. Remarkably rust free, it seemed like a straightforward process to get it running and driving again. One year on (!!!) it runs and drives under its own steam and even has front brakes working. It is currently on the ramp dealing with a 'small amount' of corrosion which was visible around the edge of the boot floor. A bit of probing very quickly led to the total collapse of the entire boot floor and rear body mounts revealing extensive corrosion to the rear structure although mercifully the chassis is sound. A 'recommissioning' project estimated to be completed in a few weeks will now continue all winter but at least we can sleep easy in the knowledge that ultimately this car is one of only 76 of the 3.4 'S' models produced of which probably less than half that survive today which makes it rare, valuable and worth all the effort.
What do you think? Any comments on the lure of restoration projects?

Posted by Auto Invest, [01/12/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

From the comments received from various quarters it seems that this years NEC Classic Car show was not quite as good as it could have been. Dealers sales were predictably affected by the very real competition of having an auction to compete with, especially as Silverstone Auctions threw open the doors to all visitors to enter free of charge! This apparently had two negative consequences, firstly it mightily irritated those who had paid to enter the hall previously and secondly it led to a scrum around the cars making it very difficult for serious prospective buyers to inspect them. This is yet another example of an auction company attempting to 'make' the market when in the opinion of many they should reflect it. The claimed 60% sales rate achieved is reasonable in the context of the current climate and time of year but not when you consider the special circumstances which applied at the NEC - a captive audience of some 100,000 attendees!!
For those who regularly view our website it might be puzzling to see the variety of 'modern classics' currently on offer as compared to the more unusual and exotic offerings which traditionally apply. Whilst there are still some very very rare and beautiful classics available from us, I make no apologies for the addition of the 'moderns' The reason is that they represent fantastic value, models which have fully depreciated and are on the cusp of becoming classics in their own right for reasons of being beautiful, limited editions or extraordinarily well built and therefore durable. The 2003 Vauxhall Astra Bertone Cabriolet is a good example (see photo). This is the top of the range 2.2 litre Bertone special edition model luxuriously equipped with aircon, electric hood, black leather trim and it really motors! Forget about the Vauxhall badge (this model actually excludes it anyway on the front grille) and enjoy a really useable and unusual sports cabriolet for £2890. Absurdly good value especially as this one had only covered 52,000 miles in the hands of two owners and comes with a full Service History.
Posted by Auto Invest, [23/11/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

To all our regular visitors to the Auto-Invest stand at the NEC National Classic Car Show, an apology, we shall not be exhibiting there this year. Some of you might miss the interesting selection of cars which we always try to offer, for others it might be the fine wine usually served at around 5.00pm care of my colleague Didier from the Alpine Challenge Club who always assists us at the NEC as well as promoting the Alpine Challenge regularity rally.
The reason for our absence is two-fold. Firstly we are exhibiting for the first time at Epoque Auto classic car show in Lyons, one of the major french events of the year and an entirely suitable venue for the 1933 Hupmobile Roadster which was not only restored in France but retains french registration papers as well as UK ones. Secondly, the 2011 NEC show left much to be desired- too many far off halls linked by long passages, different types of stands mixed uncomfortably together and above all, Top Gear. The claimed increase in visitor numbers can be squarely explained as being due to Top Gear's show, the vast majority of visitors on Saturday and Sunday coming primarily to see the Clarkson & co. This meant that the trade strands were very quiet compared to previous years. The organisers have accepted a lot of the criticism levelled from all quarters for this 'soulless' 2011 show and improvements have been promised for this year including we understand no Top Gear!
We will no doubt return in 2013, meanwhile why not join us in Lyons this weekend where the wine will be even more special. A la prochaine!
Posted by Auto Invest, [06/11/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Interesting that one of the leading classic car publications has picked up on this blogs' comments regarding the superb value offered by the Mercedes SL 129 series- some might even say that they are ludicrously under valued at present. So look out for a quote from this column in due course!
On another note, Quasimodo, the Allard Mercury Ford ex-trials and hillclimb car has departed the UK to a new owner in Holland. Although a healthy percentage of our cars have always found buyers overseas, it does seem strange that such a typically British piece of eccentricity as Quasimodo did not attract more interest from UK buyers, leaving aside the irritation of some members of the Allard Club which Quasimodo seemed to incite (" a disgrace to the badge" being one memorable quote). It certainly attracted lots of comments as regards its asthetics and huge interest wherever it went out but all the serious interest from potential buyers was from either Europe or the USA. (final pic of Quasimodo showing off his 'humps' in profile).
The usual end of year blitz of classic car auctions is almost upon us and aside from the proverbial city-trader bonus-induced splurge one has to ask who is going to buy all those cars? Classic car dealers across the board are reporting a slow market which is supported by the identical stock being offered month after month in the magazine advertisements. Sorry to seem pessimistic but I predict a generally poor performance at auctions for the last two months of this year but lets hope that I am mistaken.
Posted by Auto Invest, [28/10/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Posted by Auto Invest, [05/10/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

It is not often that I agree with anything that the ex-Top Gear presenter and general wheeler-dealer Quentin Willson has to say and certainly cannot be counted as a fan, however his piece in the current edition of Classic Cars Magazine is right on the button. He is extolling the praises of the Mercdes Benz 129 series SL's, the model produced from 1989 to 1996. Likewise, I have been banging on all year about what incredible value these sports car represent so it is gratifying when someone else well established in this industry agrees (even if it is QW).
Forget about the Mercedes Benz quality blip of the late 1990's, the pre 1996 SL's were from an era when Mercedes quality was unmatched, period. The 129's were extremely well engineered and built and customers paid for it with the larger engined models costing over £50,000 twenty years ago. So how is it that the market has disregarded these magnificent machines so carelessly to the point where they are readily available from between £6,000 and £10,000 for good examples? (ignore the huge mileage, blinged-up, after-market alloy shod ones at sub £5K).
The answer is that they fall into that category of being 'old' examples of a modern car now obsolete but too 'new' to yet qualify as full-blown classics in their own right. The same thing happened with the preceeding 107 series SL's which this company was buying from Mercedes dealerships in the late '90's and re-selling them as useable and excellent value sports cars to classic car enthusiasts. The £10,000 107 of a decade ago is now worth £20,000. The same thing applies to the 129's although more so as they are both cheaper (in real terms) and are much better cars!
So take advantage of the two 129's we currently have in stock- a two owner SL500 with over 350 bhp on tap or an SL300 with 106,000 miles and a 21 stamp main dealer Mercedes Benz service history. The prices? £7,900 and £5,900 respectively.
Open roof motoring with the best removable hardtop system ever made plus electric hood, unrivalled luxury interior, unrivalled build quality, 150 mph motoring without fear of breakdown. Ridiculous really!



Posted by Auto Invest, [05/10/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

What a difference a week makes! If we are to consider two of the established classic car auction houses as bell-weathers of the current market, lets take H&H and Brightwells who both offer a reasonable mix of the exotic and abundant at all price ranges.
H&H managed just 30% sales rate at their Newbury race course sale following on from their previous poor 37% a couple of months previously. Brightwells huge catalogue this week achieved an astonishing 80% sales rate including the sale of three Rolls Royce Silver Shadows!! Most prices achieved here were below expectations and therefore moving back towards where auctioin prices should be- i.e below retail. However, there were a few anomalies (or should that be plain foolishness???) A Bugatti 'replica' was estimated at £100,000-£150,000 which struck this observer as wishful thinking. Honestly described as being the sum of lots of bits with only a very few parts confirmed as genuine Bugatti (a small section of chassis crossmember, fuel tank, steering wheel, rear springs and radiator cap), it was bought for £270,000. One can imagine the conversation when its proud new owner takes it to a Bugatti meeting.
"Nice car. What year is it?"
"Well, not really sure, no one knows."
"But it is a real Bug?"
"Well, yes and no."
"What is genuine then?"
"Well, a small bit of the chassis and the radiator cap."
"Hmmmm. How much did you say you paid for it?"
Personally, I would rather pay a bit more for the genuine article.
Anyhow, the point is that the results of these two sales demonstrate an instability in the market. Both offered a similarly diverse assortment of models but one bombed while the other boomed. Add this to the relatively lacklustre results of Bonhams recent sale (by their standards anyway and ignore the headline grabbing big figure cars) and it would seem that perhaps the auction phenomena is slowing. Thank goodness.


Posted by Auto Invest, [27/09/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

A rumour circulates that a certain celebrity radio presenter has sold his Ferrari 250 GTO. Acquired some 18 months ago, the car is thought to have been sold on for double the multi million pound original purchase price. Canny investment or luck?
Given the continued strength of the collectors car market (as opposed to the other 'ordinary classic car' market), it stands to reason that a model which is for many the holy grail of collector cars, when one becomes available will sell for whatever the seller thinks up and the buyer has available in those very deep pockets.
Rumours aside, I met a European collector in July who had bought a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing some five years ago- a two owner car from new, the best example he could find. He then proceeded to hand it over to the Mercedes Benz Classiche department in Stuggart with instructions to check the mechanical condition of the entire car and renew anything they considerd the slightest bit doubtful. The final bill cost him more than the original purchase of the car. Assuming five years ago he paid around £250,000 for the Gullwing- top money then- it stands him in today at £500,000, however having seen this car which is unquestionably one of the best available, it is worth at least the £750,000 being asked for top examples at prestige dealerships or indeed a similar afigure being paid at auction when they come on the market!
Again, an excellent investment. The question is when and if it will end. Can prices for the most desirable cars continue rising for ever? What happens when other forms of financial investments become more lucrative, for instance a resurgence of global stock markets or property boom? Might these high value cars then flood the market with disastrous effect? Personally, I believe that cars like the GTO are safe but do wonder if those buyers of £150,000+ Aston DB6's might be having some after thoughts.
In the 'ordinary' classic car market where most of us mere mortals operate, things are decidedly uncertain. Lots of cars being offered at lots of auctions and some amazing prices achieved- £33,000 for a Jaguar Ser 2 XJ6 coupe?!!!- but the sales rate has generally been slowing. H & H's 36% at Donnington must have hurt.

Posted by Auto Invest, [10/09/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Continuing the Pentillie theme from previous blog, for all those who love classic cars Pentillie Festival of Speed was superb , on the Sunday anyway as unfortunately the weather did its worst on the saturday turning this beautiful venue into something resembling the battle of the Somme. However the organisers recovered amazingly well and with a unique system involving three 'rolling paddocks', the racing went ahead in glorious conditions. Thousands of spectators crowded around the cars assembled in front of the castle when taking their turn to park at 'castle paddock' before descending down to the lower paddock on the Tamar where the start was situated. Aside from the superb course- narrow and fast- it reminded many people of Goodwood Revival in the early days before over-commercialisation and overcrowding ruined it.
Anyone noticed anything unusual about classic car auctions over the last few weeks?
Unless I am mistaken, sales rates have dipped rather low- even mighty H&H only managing 36% at Donnington Priory. My interpretation is fairly simple- too many auctions, unrealistically high reserves set by sellers, private buyers finally perhaps beginning to realise that buying at an auction may under present conditions be more expensive than buying form an established trade source or from a private seller without the inherent risks associated with auction purchases. Welcome to rational thinking! This theory is backed up by the low numbers of classic car dealers who are sourcing cars at auction when traditionally the trade has been the mainstay of the auction arena.
Any thoughts on this theme? Anyone want to comment on the company which has had the most effect on the current auction phenomena, those ever-so modest, caring and helpful souls at Bonhams???!!
(photo of the Auto-Invest XK resting between runs at castle paddock, Pentillie).

Posted by Auto Invest, [30/08/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Today's blog is not so much a market commentary but a recommendation to all classic car enthusiasts- particularly of the speed persuasion- to get on down to Pentillie Castle on the banks of the Tamar just outside Plymouth this bank holiday weekend. Link attached- pentilliefestivalofspeed.com.
The owner of Pentillie Castle is launching the first motor sport event there in his attempt to establish a Westcountry version of Goodwood and this weekend will see an MSA sanctioned hillclimb up the mile long drive from the banks of the Tamar to the castle. It promises to be fantasctic- wonderful setting and extremely fast couirse where cars should hit 80 to 90 before slamming on everything to negotiate a 270 degree left hander with negative camber!
The Auto-Invest sponsored XK 140 will be in action on Sunday amongst a grid which contains many very interesting classics including several Fraser Nashes, a lightweight E Type, Healeys, 911 RS and so on.
See you there.
Posted by Auto Invest, [22/08/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Thanks for that comment, Simon.
Yep, he's ugly but as they say, there is a certain beauty in true ugliness. The Allard Club fraternity are not enamoured with it as I discovered when we displayed it on our tsand at last years NEC Classic Car show, hence the "disgrace to the Allard badge" comment. Nevertheless, it attracted huge attention at that show as it does everywhere and in fact I have just agreed a sale to a coolector in Holland. In a way it is a shame that such a quintessentially British piece of eccentricity is leaving our shores but I am sure that Quasimodo will return in due course.
Posted by Auto Invest, [04/08/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Yee haaa!! The Allard Mercury Ford V8 'Quasimodo' rides again following the "little unpleasantness" incident in the Devon lanes in November, Quasimodo has been repaired and now sports an even more elegant snout. I can say from personal experience that this old car is tough- very, very tough- and that makes it an ideal candidate for long distance endurance rallying where durability and simplicity are key requisites. The uncomplicated and robust, low revving, low compression Ford flathead V8 motor makes roadside repairs easy as there is little to go wrong. It even comes with comprehensive weather gear including a hood and side screens in case you get caught in a tropical downpour in the middle of the Kalahari desert (unlikely I will admit).
Relevance to the classic car market? It is unique, that is unique in the correct use of the term rather than as used to describe am MGB which someone believes to be a bit special. Uniqueness means exclusivity so whether you like the style or not you will never encounter another on your travels. Available at around 15% of the value of an Allard J2X and unquestionably rarer!! Even better for those contrarians like me, it has been described by one esteemed member of the Allard owners club as a "disgrace to the Allard badge"- fantastic!
Any views on Quasimodo's looks or indeed any other aspects of this unusual machine?
Posted by Auto Invest, [17/07/2012] - 1 reply to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Thank you to okbeer@163.com for your views on classic cars as an investment- I have approved your blog and will take a momemnt to respond to it.
Firstly, the classic car market as a means of investment opportunity is not comparable to other investment mediums that you refer to such as real estate or indeed stocks & shares, bonds and the whole gamut of paper credit instruments. The vast majority of buyers of premium classic cars do so for the enjoyment of ownership of something rare and special. Few are buying on credit as you suggest- that would be risky as the ownership timeframe is much longer for this type of asset. A secondary benefit is the possibility that, unlike what occurs with modern 'new' car, there is no depreciation- values are either static or in most cases steadily rise. If you have followed my previous blogs on the subject of Aston Martin values (and to a certain extent Ferrari values) over the last two years, you will see that although I personally think that the ever higher prices being paid for indifferent models such as the DB6 are frankly absurd, those who got in and bought even 6 months ago could turn a healthy profit even within that limited time frame. It may be mad but for those with the disposal cash of around £250,000+ buying any 1960's model Aston Martin will earn you money as things stand at present. But as I have also pointed out- I do not think it can last and at some point some'investors' will perhaps take a cold bath.
Returning to the 1933 Hupmobile, when you combine rarity with quality plus open roof motoring from the vintage era plus the benefit of a total A-Z restoration at one of the top European restorers- all for leass than half the cost of the original purchase plus restoration, someone is losing and someone is gaining. The value of this car will steadily increase in line with comparables. It offers everything that many British marques of the era do (c.f Alvis/Bentley/AC) for a fraction of the price plus it is much rarer, this being the only B-316 Roadtser known to be in Europe out of 10 known worlwide.
I suggested that it might end up going to Russia but equally why not China? We sold two classic cars last year to buyers in Hong Kong so that might suggest interest from chinese collectors finally, perhaps bored with the latest Rolls Royce or Ferrari available to anyone with the requisite means. Owning a Hupmobile Roadster would catapult you into the exclusive category of 'unique'- not available at your local dealership for any price!!
Another pic of the super-pretty Hupp
. Posted by Auto Invest, [15/07/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Thanks for that feedback- yes it is elegant!
The Hupmobile was apparently imported from the USA around 2005 by a somewhat eccentric and very wealthy Brit living in France. He sourced the very best example of this rare B-326 Roadtser model that he could find and then gave it to the top French classic car restoration company, l'Atelier des Coteaux, with instructions to restore it totally. After some £100,000 expenditure it is quite simply magnificent. Even some 6 years on from its completion it has only been driven less than 2,000 miles and at the asking price here represents a remarkable investiment opportunity as well as the chance to own a very useable, beautiful and rare vintage automobile.
Is it destined for Russia?!!! Posted by Auto Invest, [12/07/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Sheep. The flock instinct (or the herd instinct if you prefer the cattle analogy).
You might wonder what that has to do with the classic car market but it was my response to a question from an American enthusiast as to why the beautiful and rare 1933 Hupmobile we have had in stock for some time has not yet been sold.
The vast majority of higher-end classic car buyers are drawn to those marques amd models which are in vogue or being hyped by a combination of the classic car press, auction houses and speculative 'investors'. The current Aston Martin phenomenon to give substance to the theory. The relatively plentiful, visually compromised (compared to the purity of the early DB4's) and lacking in performance due to weight and bulk, DB6 should not be worth the £250,000 recently paid for a coupe. There are many better and far cheaper options available. It is the market hype around this model which encourages the herd to follow the perceived wisdom in 'investing' in a DB6 to take advantage of the assured increase in value which is promised.
This is exactly the profit-driven mentality which led to the hyper-inflation of classic car values at the end of the 1980's resulting in the inevitable crash of 1990 and the long, slow decade and a half of recovery that followed. I am not suggesting that the entire market will crash again- it is more mature and there are less institutional players such as the Japanese financial houses that were so heavily involved in the 1980's boom, but I seriously wonder whether the values of some models are becoming downright silly. Which brings us back to the type of rare and unusual, definitely non-hyped type of stock which we prefer such as the Hupmobile. Considering that there are less than ten of these roadsters remaining in the world, that it was restored at a cost in excess of £100,000 and that it is available for less than two thirds of that cost, the same price as a fully restored VW split window camper van (another of the grossly over-hyped brands) surely something has become a bit distorted?
What do you think?
(Photo of the Hupp to emphasise the point)
Posted by Auto Invest, [13/06/2012] - 1 reply to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Once again, I apologise for the absence of new material these last two weeks- must do better!
Aside from the expected madness (some would say stupidity) at Bonhams annual Aston sale, auction results have been for the most part indicative of the market with exceptional cars selling well and the rest either selling at lowish prices or remaining with their owners. The lack of interesting stock at auctions continues to be a problem. Yet there are more classic cars for sale generally than I can remember, literally thousands on the bigger online sites and the specialist magazines packed with them.
From time to time I am asked to give an opinion on the next 'good classic car investment' as if there might be some magic formula which can predict an overlooked model still available at modest cost when millions of others have been blind to its charms! Not so easy but I reiterate earlier comments in this blog that the Mercedes 129 SL's are particularly good value. In addition, with the recent announcement by the Government that it intends to exempt pre-1960 vehicles from an Mot test, this category might well see a slight boost in value as demand picks-up in the short term. Long term, I am sure that just as with the tax-free element, buyers will select a classic car that they really want rather than selection for reasons of savings on road tax or Mot compliance. The change in respect of Mot rules will also certainly give a boost to pre-1960 'projects' since one will theoretically be able to drive that 20 year stored Morris Minor straight out onto the road!! Frightening indeed. As usual, the powers that be have thrown out the baby with the bathwater. Instead of creating a simplified Mot test for classics- pre-1960 if you want but preferably pre 1973 to run in parallel with the historic tax status- totally untested and inevitably in some cases dangerous vehicles will now be legally allowed on the road. Whilst the current modern Mot test is ludicrously unsuited and severe towards classic machinary, some type of basic annual check might have been a better idea.
What do you think?
(photo of the XK140 in action at Wiscombe recently- no relevance to the blog but just for fun).
Posted by Auto Invest, [07/06/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

What is it about classic car auctions that often leads to common sense disappearing in the wave of an excited hand towards the auctioneers rostrum?
This blog has regularly expressed both astoishment and bewilderment at the rise and rise of ever more ridiculous prices being paid- at auction- for that over-rated marque, Aston Martin (look out for the annual Bonhams 'barn find' lunacy at Newport Pagnell next month). Now somebody has paid £210,000 for a DB6 Vantage fixed head coupe in far from mint condition albeit with claimed low mileage. H&H are to be congratulated on their success, after all they are only doing their job, but what a huge amount of money to spend on such a car. At the same sale a series 1 E Type roadster sold for £58,000 which is bang on the money and exactly right. Give me 3 & 3/4 E type roadsters in place of one DB6 any day. Another inexplicably high price was the £28,000 paid for a Jensen Interceptor Ser.3. Anyone for a bargain?
Similarly at Chaterhouse's Bristol Classic Car Show auction, the mainly 'everyday' classic stock was for the most part making the same money for which you could buy similar and probably better examples from both private and trade sellers outside of an auction arena with all its attendant risks and limitations. Example- £9,600 for an 80,000 mile Triumph TR6 stored for many years, restored in the past and now needing at least a 50% restoration once again, not in running condition (suspected problems with that notoriously well engineered Lucas injection system). What madness and what a risk at that money. Good, on the road, well restored examples are everywhere for around £10,000!!
And that is the point. Buying at auction has traditionally been the preserve of the brave and the trade. The brave (or foolhardy) private buyer is prepared to risk it because he believes that he is buying at prices well below 'the market' and therefore the lack of possibility for any meaningful testing of the vehicle is compensated by the perceived lower prices. The trade should know what they are doing and can more easily assess condition based on limited information. They must buy well below the market to ensure that the costs involved in preparing cars for the standards needed for retail sale and their end profit are covered. With such high prices being paid by buyers at auctions, most sensible dealers are simply keeping their hands firmly in their pockets and smiling wryly.
Any views on this subject? All comments most welcome even if you disagree totally with the foregoing!



Posted by Auto Invest, [22/04/2012] - 1 reply to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

One often hears talk within the classic car world about what will be the 'next big investment' and indeed for both private investors and classic car dealers identifying an undervalued model which subsequently climbs can be very satisfying as well as financially rewarding.
This commentator believes that the time is ripe for the Mercedes Benz 129 series SL roadsters to rise in value. Values have been declining for years as these early 1990's Supercars have grown old and been superceded by subsequent series whilst their predecessors the 107 series SL's have become established classic cars in their own right. This company was one of the first to regularly hold a stock of 107's aimed at classic car buyers back in the late 1990's when they were largely considered as obsolete 'modern' cars regularly traded in against newer models at large MB franschises. Ten years ago you could buy a good, sub 100,000 mile 107 series for under £10,000, today you would need double that figure or more.
The 129 series will follow the same path (and it is a much better car than its predecessor) - it has reached the bottom of its depreciation curve. Cars of this quality which cost around £50,000 twenty years ago, offering both open and closed roof motoring with unrivalled power, reliability and build quality cannot remain in the sub-£10,000 bracket for much longer.
The SL500 we have currently in stock is a good example to underline the point- 3 owners from new, 78,000 miles, top of the range specification, £8,900- yes £8,900!
Point made? Don't get crushed in the stampede.
Posted by Auto Invest, [15/03/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Overheating classic car market? Not from this commentator's perspective although there are some continuing signs of isolated lunacy. I refer of course to the obsession with anything relating to that highly overrated brand Aston Martin. Congratulations to H&H for achieving the staggering price of £242,000 for a DB6 Automatic Coupe- yes, automatic and fixed head coupe! I genuinely hope that it fulfils all expectations for its new owner. Personally, with a quarter of a million pounds to invest in classic machinary, give me 5 Jaguar E Type series 1 convertibles over a DB6 automatic anyday. Something is not quite right when such an inferior car reaches such giddy heights of speculative buying.
Photo of the real mackoy to underline the point.
Anyone disagree?!!
Posted by Auto Invest, [02/03/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Fair comment and all views are welcome! I am not an expert on any replicas but I would add that there seems to be a distinct difference in quality between early Dax's built at DJ Sportscars and later ones built by succeeding holders of the brand. Posted by Auto Invest, [28/02/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

The beautiful AC Cobra Dax Tojeiro is now sold and staying in this country, rather unusual for our classic stock over recent years. What this sale shows is that quality matters a lot. As discussed in previous blogs, there are many Cobra replicas on the market from a large number of manufacturers, some better than others. What made this car unusual is the 'Ace' style narrow wheel arch bodyshell (one of only 10 made by Dax) sobre BRG paintwork, wire wheels and elegant yet 'used' feel to it, much as you would expect to find on a genuine 50 year old AC Cobra. So many interested potentail buyers made the same point- lovely to see an example without the muscled-up, beefcake 'stripes and bulges' look so frequently found. Our car being over 30 years old is already a classic in its own right, so what do other potential buyers of this type and style of Cobra do when so few exist on the market? One manufacturer still produces the Ace style replica, Hawk Cars, the downside being that they are expensive compared to just about all other current AC Cobra replicas, a good one costing in the region of £28,000- £35,000.
So congratulations to the shrewd buyer of our car advertised at £23,900 who did his research, studied the various models available and bought below the market!
What do you think? Posted by Auto Invest, [16/02/2012] - 1 reply to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Posted by , [29/01/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

How ironic that the ex-Sprinzel Mini Marcos which we have had for sale for some time has suddenly 'come alive' with interested purchasers. In fact it is now sold and destined to join a very fine European classic car collection. I am glad that this humble little hot-hatch will live alongside cars most of which are worth more than 100 times more than the Marcos. That said, it represents a genuine bargain to the astute buyer who is not only getting an entirely useable and rare Mini derivative for a third of the price of a comparable Cooper 1275 S but also the Sprinzel/Speedwell factor at no additional cost. The genuine Sprinzel badge so kindly provided by John Sprinzel himself which now once again adorns the tail alongside the Speedwell badge is the correct finishing touch to this car.
Anybody want to comment on Mini Marcos's? Posted by Auto Invest, [26/01/2012] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Happy Christmas to all who follow the Auto-Invest blog.
Back to analysis of the classic car market. There were those who, earlier in the year, predicted dire consequences for the market as a result of perceived serious 'overheating' in the prices of many classic cars. I myself predicted unsustainable auction prices for relatively plentiful models such as E Type Jaguars and a review of auctions results for second half of 2011 would seem to reflect this trend. Auction prices have definitely dropped back to more sensible levels and leaving aside the rarified fantasyland of the £500,000+ market place where purchases appear to be driven largely by speculative considerations, the asking prices for most mainstream classics would seem to be generally realistic. This may change in the coming year if even tougher economic forces apply resulting in both dealers and private sellers forced to off-load in order to raise funds. Increased supply with decreasing demand can only mean one thing- falling prices. Let's hope not.
However, reading the latest edition of one of the premium classic car monthlys, I do sympathise at the imagined reaction of someone new to the classic car world who perhaps has the money to indulge a long held dream to own one of the truly great pre-war sportscars, a Jaguar SS100. Such a sought after model is never found for sale in very high numbers therefore our buyer might be delighted that in the Christmas issue of the said magazine, two SS 100's are available from prestige dealers within two pages of each other. But why is one for sale at £280,000 whilst the other which has the more desirable 3.5 ltr engine can be bought for just £180,000? Both are described as having been restored although the 'cheap' one lacks history. Confusing for our novice buyer but the question must surely be asked, assuming no other significant distinguishing factors, is 'history' worth £100,000? And what about the value of the bigger engine in the cheaper car?
More confusion arises for the novice buyer of a more modestly priced classic icon, the Isetta bubblecar. For my own part, I have never understood the attraction of these weird late 50's mopeds with a bit of bodywork, sputtering along at 30 mph to the limits of their miniscule, shrieking 300cc two stroke engines whilst the occupant is deafened and roasted in equal measure. Anyway, assuming someone did want to buy one of these contraptions- not to use of course but simply to look at- he might be forgiven for asking why the two examples on offer in the same magazine are priced at £8,000 and £28,000 respectively!!- once again, both apparently restored cars. Even assuming a degree of difference in the quality of the restoration would it really take a further £20,000 to bring the cheaper one upto the level of the other? When one considers how tiny these things are, I don't think so, which brings us back to asking prices in the current market. For the most part sensible but take note of the clearly ridiculous particularly where sufficient numbers are on offer to allow comparisons, something which our own stock does not usually allow given that just about everything is unique or very very rare (photo of the truly unique 'Quasimodo' Allard to prove the point) !
What do you think?



Posted by Auto Invest, [26/12/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

1928 Chrysler Imperial Le Baron Club Coupe- one of 25 built and one of two known remaining- a true example of a "rare" car! Posted by Auto Invest, [24/12/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Thank you for the positive comments in respect of the previous blog on the subject of the blatant overuse and mis-use of the term 'Rare' in the current classic car market. However, whilst my comments have obviously struck a cord with several correspondents I have also been challenged to further define what 'rare' should be, if you like, to quantify it.
Difficult to lay down rules but since many of todays classic car buyers are new to this sector, perhaps a clearer definition might assist- purely a personal view of course.
Given that most classic car models can be numbered in the hundreds or thousands, to qualify as rare should represent a model measuring a fraction of that figure, i.e tens of units. But caution is needed with such a simplistic definition! To use a specific example of a make and model which although numerous in pure number terms, thousands remain extant, almost all the very desirable Derby Bentleys are 'rare'. The most numerous model produced was the 3.5 litre 'standard' Park Ward four door saloon of which hundreds remain- not at all rare. The model is further broken down by other coachbuilders (Hooper, Gurney Nutting, James Young, Barker etc) and by different style of coachwork (saloon, DHC, Sedanca, Coupe etc) and amongst these some models are a lot moire numerous than others both as a result of very limited original production or due to low survival rates. Anything below 10 is undoubtedly rare, anything above 25 is not in my view. Multiplicity of coachbuilder and body style make an otherwise realtively numerous model rare.
Tip for newby classic car purchasers- put sellers description of their cars as being 'rare' to the test- how many of exactly that model remain? If more than 25, it should not be described as rare. A photo of the unquestionably rare 1928 Chrysler Imperial Le Baron Club Coupe which we have in stock is attached to add credence to this definition.
What do you think?
Posted by Auto Invest, [23/12/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Recreations or the genuine article? I have never really given much thought to replicas, or 'recreations' as they are now quaintly known as, however having fallen for a well used and genuinely patinated AC Cobra Dax Tojeiro, the question is worth exploring. Replicas tend to follow some of the most classic, beautiful and therefore valuable models ever produced such as Jaguar C & D Types, AC Cobras, Ferrari GTO's etc. In recent years companies have started offering replica E Types and Austin Healeys presumably sensing a market for buyers of these iconic cars who are unable to afford the current high prices for the geunine article.
So back to our AC Cobra. A genuine narrow wheel arch AC Ace from the early 1960's will set you back at least £120,000 and will be powered by either the Ford Zephyr straight six or a similar capacity Bristol 'six' engine, adequate but not exactly tarmac burning stuff. Almost all the quality AC replicas use either the Rover 3.9 litre V8 or for the more muscular wide wheel arch versions, the small and big block American Ford V8's all the way up to the mighty 7.0 litre gut-wrencher. In theory then, the replicas outperform all but the most powerful of the genuine ones and asthetically a good replica follows the lines of the genuine car very closely.
Are they good value? Unquestionably yes, in this writer's opinion. For a fraction of the price of the unaffordably expensive genuine article, you get the experience of driving a beautiful classically shaped sportscar which performs superbly and, in the case of our own Rover engined example, is easy and inexpensive to maintain. Added to which, this particular car is now 22 years old and after 62,000 miles has that lived-in feel of an older car. Some might prefer the 'as new' look and feel of the miriad low mileage examples which are available but conversely that is precisely why this one appealed so much to me- dark colour, no stripes, painted wires, not flashy! Value wise, these cars will never be worth a fortune and should be seen as offering immediate fun and practicality of use rather than as investments although the good ones from manufacturers such as Dax Tojeiro will certainly not diminish in value either. Treat yourself- £23,000 buys a great experience!
Comments welcome.
Posted by Auto Invest, [07/12/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Another NEC Classic Motorshow completed and after innumerable conversations over three days with journalists, other dealers, enthusiasts and owners, it is clear that interest in classic cars remains very strong indeed. However buyers remain cautious, torn between the ease of accessibility of funds in zero interest savings accounts (actually losing money with inflation running at 5%pa) and the lure of a classic car purchase which will not only givve pleasure of use but may well offer an increase in capital value over time. And that is the key point- which car to choose and how long to keep it.
From this commentators standpoint, rarity above all else, followed closely by quality, then useability then personal pleasure in the acquisition. Even if it represents a great investment but you do not like the car, do you really want to buy it?
Should you follow the crowd and buy Ferrari/Aston/Bentley where so much price inflation has taken place over the last three years? I would suggest not, unless you can afford one of the very rare, even unique, models where supply always outstrips demand. As we have seen with E Type Jaguars, prices will come down when driven artificially high by hype-created marketing and supplies remain plentiful. Recently acquired Aston DB6 owners beware!!
Once again I come back to a specific example from stock- the 1933 Hupmobile Roadster. super-rare, 10 remain worldwide, it was restored at a cost of £100,000+ and is now for sale at almost half that cost to the benefit of the next owner, beautiful lines, very useable post-vintage motoring capability, undoubted future capital investment growth potential. It really is an opportunity in the current economic climate, lets' see who takes it up.

Posted by Auto Invest, [15/11/2011] - 1 reply to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

A photo of the Mini Marcos as it is now- used to promote the 2011 Alpine Challenge regularity rally for classic cars. Posted by Auto Invest, [05/11/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Lots of contact received on the subject of the Mini Marcos and its recently confirmed Speedwell competition past. Would be great to see some photos of it rallying in 1972 with John Sprinzel at the wheel - can anyone help? It was apparently never painted at that time but competed in a dull beige gel-coat!


Posted by Auto Invest, [02/11/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Here is an example of the power of the internet to relay information. Apologies if some find this too 'home-grown'.
The Mini Marcos 'Speedwell' we have for sale, when stripped for repainting some months back, showed clear evidence of having had a roll cage in it at some time which in addition to the extra capacity twin radiator cooling system, comprehensive instrumentation and of course the unquestionably genuine Speedwell badge on its rear end, all suggests a competition past in some type of motorsport.
A call this week from an ex-BRM engineer and former racer who was casually trawling the web looking at interesting classic cars has now confirmed the early race history of the little Marcos! This car was built for no lesser ace saloon car racer than John Sprinzel, one of the founding partners of Speedwell Tuning, by this same engineer at their Lancaster Mews base. The new 'extended' Mk IV bare shall was ordered to cater for the 6' 6" frame of the very tall Sprinzel and the drivers seat located where the rear seats would normally be! A custom steering system was made, full Speedwell A series race engine apparently rated at 130bhp, 8" wide wheels, specially made drive shafts. The car was used by Sprinzel in a number of rallies before being sold sometime in 1972. But before it left Speedwell, the engineer who built it took it to Brands Hatch to see what it could do on a circuit and it apparently proved to be very quick indeed. He also informed us that Speedwell built another Mini Marcos shortly after completion of this one but it was destroyed very soon after in a fire.
So there we have it. From suspecting that this little car had been tuned by Speedwell at some point in the distant past, we now know that it was built by them for the boss to use in competition and is the sole surviving Speedwell Mini Marcos. All thanks to the power of the internet to provide information.
How does this affect the sale of the Mini Marcos? How does the addition of such interesting and unique history affect its value? What premium does race history put on a vehicle? Is it important or not of any consequence?
All comments most gratefully received.




Posted by Auto Invest, [28/10/2011] - 2 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Thanks to those who have contacted me regarding the last blog on auction prices- including a certain classic car magazine editor- very pleasing to know that I am not just talking to myself!
Leaving aside the state of the classic car market for a moment, I want to have a moan about the rampant overuse of the term 'rare' to describe just about every classic car one sees advertised for sale today. Dictionary definitions of the term rare include 'uncommon, unusual, few & far between exceptional, seldom found or occurring' etc etc. So how can a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow possibly qualify as being rare? To the seller of one such car currently advertised, it obviously does although he is probably deluding himself.
Nevertheless, far too many dealers and private sellers are guilty of inflating their descriptions by adding the adjective 'rare' to cars which are patently not nor ever will be. Can an E Type Jaguar be called rare? In my opinion no, apart from a handful of genuine lightweights all the rest are from a total production of some 80,000 of which tens of thousands survive. Lovely cars but not rare. What is truly rare then? A Ferrari GTO qualifies- only about 20 made but so do some unlikely candidates not due to low production numbers but because of low survival rate. The barn find Triumph Gloria currently in our stock is unquestionably rare despite many thousands being produced during the 1930's simply because according to the Pre-war Triumph Register, only 9 saloons remain with their original bodywork. Similarly, our 1928 Chrysler Imperial Le Baron Club Coupe is ultra-rare by both qualifications for the term- only 25 ever made and only two survive!
So lets hope for slightly less 'rare' descriptions for cars where plentiful supply is available and perhaps a little more imagination in highlighting other undoubted qualities which might interest a buyer.
What do you think? Posted by Auto Invest, [19/10/2011] - 1 reply to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Apologies once again to those who follow this blog as it has not been updated for several weeks. Will try to do better!
Thanks to those contributors who voiced their opinions on the subject of auctions prices and I should like to expand that theme once again as it is fundamental in trying to understand where the classic car market is heading.
The remarkable prices being achieved in the USA at premium classic car auctions might be easily explained as a mixture of both wealthy classic car collectors and wealthy non-classic car enthusiasts chasing so-called blue-chip investment quality cars as an alternative to risky stocks and shares or low interest paying traditional financial investments. As with gold in times of economic turbulence, if you can touch it and lock it away, you sleep better!
But the top end of the market for cars above £100,000 is one thing, the lower end where the vast majority of the auctions entries come from is something different. There, this commentator perceives a notable change. Over the summer, results at H&H, Brightwells, Barons, Siverstone and Brooklands sales have rarely exceeded 50% sales rate and whilst the auction companies continue to highlight one or two very significant prices achieved at each sale, the trend to realistic prices and relatively low sales rate is undeniable. That is good for all of us. Auctions involve a lot of risk for buyers which must be reflected in lower prices than much safer retail purchases from a reputable dealer where you have the opportunity to drive and test the car of your interest. I would even go as far as to suggest that a reasonable risk factor which one should apply to an auction purchase might be 30% to 50%. Hard to explain then the lunacy which took place at the one exception to the aforementioned trend- Bonhams- at their Beaulieu sale in september where a selection of dilapidated cars from three collections were bid to ridiculous levels by punters who could have bought much better examples of those marques at much lower prices by walking 50 metres to the Automart. And that is before we add in Bonhams famous buyers premium of 15% plus Vat (18%)!! Yet they still achieved an astonishing 95% + sales rate at Beaulieu, defying a distinct trend at the lower end of the market.
What do you think?

Posted by Auto Invest, [06/10/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say

Welcome to the Auto-Invest blog! Comments about to anything to classic cars will be redily accepted, scammers, advertisers, canvassers etc - best abstain.
Where is the classic car market going at this turbulent moment of the current global economic uncertainty? Classic car prices have been rising steadily for the last three years across all categories and in particular in the +£100,000 range.
Can it last? I doubt it, with for some notable exceptions, for a number of reasons linked to basic economic principles. Is an E Type Jaguar worth either £120,000 (series 1 roadster0 or £100,000 (series 1 FHC) when from a total production of some 80,000, many tens of thousands still survive? At any given time I would guess that there are at least 1000 E Types for sale globally (please disprove this guesstimate if you can) which means that supply and demand will determne the market. Recent prices for E Types at two large UK auctions prove the point- a superb series 1 roadster at Brightwells estimated at a very conservative £65,000-£75,000 struggled to achieve £53,000 which seems like a bargain compared to the ludicrously expensive H&H series 1 FHC at £70,000 in february!
Only the very rare and the very special will survive an inevitable correction in the market which I believe will occur over the next few months as disposable income tightens and the unjustified inflation of values of many marques settles back. A crash, almost certainly not, but some form of correction very probably.




Posted by Auto Invest, [11/08/2011] - 0 replies to this post

Want to comment on this thread? Click here to have your say