Classicmobilia E’News Issue 101 April 2019
Dear Classic Car Enthusiast,
The classic car world seems to be in some turmoil: on one side, cracking US auctions; on the other, not quite so smooth European ones. Pre-war cars are coming out of the woodwork and doing well, and at the same time some newly-found classics are hitting the headlines.
Auctions
European auctions may still be the darlings of the press this side of the pond, but with lower estimate prices and the hammer going down at that level or even below, it is clear that, recently, the quality of what’s on offer has not been the best. In fact, one could venture that, in some cases, the shop floors have been having a clear-out.
The smaller auction houses may have been making news, doing well even under the radar and functioning profitably at the lower end of the market, but larger outfits are struggling to get the real show-stoppers.
As it is so often the case, ‘new kids on the block’ are hitting the headlines: we spotted some great results for Lancers in Essen and, we are told, more surprises await in the pipeline.
Events
Total sell-out of classic cars events are continuing (when did they ever stop?): as always, a great turnout and glam event at the 77th Goodwood Members’ meeting, and the 11th Flying Scotsman Vintage Motor Rally, at the beginning of this month, ran some real head-turner entries. Indeed the rally world is just starting to warm up, just like the weather.
As for the classic car shows, a new Essen layout heralded this year, with talks of future plans for extensions. It is still a great show, but a lot of the usual faces were missing. Is this the first sign of change? We do not think so, and long may the growth continue.
The Market
What is of main interest, at the moment? That’s the question you want our newsletter to answer! If you are over the pond, the magic words are “pre-warcars” with some low-mileage Yanks, but in Europe it is a specific marque: Lancia. Also in Europe, some pre-war vehicles will be of interest, but only the low-mileage, few-owner, great history specials are making the headlines.
We have noticed a fall in some headline hits compared to past bullish crowing; perhaps dealers are not too sure about the stock they hold, although this tends to be transient.
Tapping into the dealer network’s gossip, the main focus seems to keep the classic carworld busy. Clearly this is still happening, and classic cars are still the best investment, with values going up, so our advice is not to wait for the market to change.
If we are able to assist with buying, selling, importing, storage or just open, friendly advice with any classic car query, please let us know here at Classicmobilia.
Happy motoring.
Keith
+44(0)1908 270672
+44(0)7889 805432
