Classicmobilia E’News Issue 95 August 2018

Dear Classic Car Enthusiast,

To be in California in August means to hit the jackpot when it comes to the classic automotive world; for Monterey County surely must have the event of the year: some of the world’s greatest and most wonderful motorcars throughout the universe come together.

Watching the cars go over the line and trying to predict what the next news headline would be was enormous entertainment – it’s one of those times when one’s profession and idea of fun coincide. Are Ferraris picking up again, are Astons taking the limelight, what about Mercedes? After the highest-selling car at auction, are Porsches being left behind? These are just a few of the questions racing through our minds.

The world’s largest and/or most famous motor dealers have been on their yearly pilgrimage to California, to see what’s selling and what’s not.

Telephones back in the UK may have been quiet this month, and sales reportedly slow, but the action has been elsewhere: besides, it is that reflective time of the year when we gather trend information which will help for the year ahead.

Star cars are still changing hands and prices are steady. In terms of supply, it’s refreshing to see a new batch of cars being advertised in the motoring press; there are still cars which have not been seen for so long, now coming out of the woodwork and stretching their… wheels. Rest assured that the market is still buoyant in so many ways.

What about replicas or continuation cars or even electric classics on the horizon, I hear you ask? The car manufacturers are always coming up with new ideas to promote their marque, but what will be their future, will they hold their prices or become a real collector’s item? Will all this affect the original car prices?

It goes without saying, when a marque classic hits the headlines, the manufacturer reaps the rewards with the sales of new cars, but at the moment the trend works both ways.

We have received several reports of imports being offered on the open market; just make sure you do your homework and know what you are buying; there are some really good reproductions out there, which may be good or bad news, depending on how you look at it.

If you need assistance with buying or selling or just need some open advice, please do let us know and we will be delighted to assist.

Happy motoring

Keith