Dear Classic Car Enthusiast,
This year is fast coming to an end, and up to now it has not disappointed: we are still buzzing with excitement from great shows and even a little surprised, courtesy of the auction world.
Now is the time when our pride and joy gets cleaned up and tucked away for the winter, but this is also the time when owners and collectors alike sit down and reflect on the past year, have a look at finances and deliberate on the future. The self-analysis may result in a few cars being moved around, and/or the realisation that an itch needs to be scratched about a car always dreamt about and hankered after. What needs to be added to the stable?
We now start to see a slow influx of very fine motor cars coming to market and most, at the top end, will change hands through word of mouth; others though may be advertised everywhere. The odd surprise will be displayed, at shows, on the main stage!
Online auctions are multiplying by the month with new ones popping up all over the place. Even the motoring press cannot keep up (but do they really want to?).
This is a major area for my concerns: are we really seeing the true picture or is it a case of smoke and mirror as to what sold and what the highest bid was? The jury is out on this subject and I do not feel we will ever know the truth until the ‘beans are spilled’.
The open auctions, where you can see what’s going on, are still growing and being served with the right mix of vehicles. We still hear of records being broken, but the unsold cars are swept under the carpet. Or are they…
This is the biggest problem with unsold cars at auction: they are perceived to be worth what the highest bid was on the day. The car is tarnished, and everyone has a story to tell as to why it did not sell. This is total nonsense.
How can we get these unsold auction cars to new owners? How do we take away the stigma created by these armchair experts who ruin the car’s chance to find a new home? I am really not sure and feel that this is very much a question for the future. In the meantime, blame the social media.
It was such a pleasure walking around the Classic Motor Show this month. It always brightens my day when loyal and passionate fans of a marque show they know so much about the cars and history of their favourite company. They do it all for the love of the marque, and to them goes my heartfelt gratitude.
Thinking of buying a new project or selling the one you currently have? Looking at a restoration or even finding the car that triggers your best memories? Let’s see if we can assist: we are here to help in any way possible.
Valuations, commission sales and vehicle inspections, that’s what we are all about.
Happy motoring and keep safe.
Keith
+44(0)1908 270672
+44(0)7889 805432
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt7Zie0E5Ss
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