A Milestone Achievement

Classicmobilia E’News Issue 150 July 2023

Dear Classic Car Enthusiast

Welcome to the 150th edition of Classicmobilia E’News. That number does sound as impressive as expressing this time as fourteen years of dutifully reporting about the classic car world to you. We have witnessed many changes over the years, which is not bad for a market which outsiders consider a static, traditional industry.

In reality, no matter what the changes are, the truth is that nothing rocks the classic car world too much: regardless of any issues, it continues to be one of the best investment hubs, adding to any returns personal, unique enjoyment in the process.

Some may still claim that the classic car market is on the downturn, but what consequences do we really expect if one considers the number of online auctions taking place and below par cars being offered?

We are still seeing ‘reports’ about auction results coming from the dubious source of armchair experts (well, if you dabble with online auctions, it stands to reason that your best viewpoint would be from a chair). Interestingly, we have only seen a handful of real writers at any physical auction recently, so results may not be that accurate.

July has been yet another busy month with several events being sold out and enjoyed by all bar the poor enthusiasts missing out on the Saturday of Goodwood Festival of Speed, owing to bad weather. What a blow that was, pun not intended, but typical English weather… as Lord March states, “if it proceeds it’s a bonus!”

It was a great pleasure to visit several European dealers to see first-hand how the market is for them; it is always a great insight talking to knowledgeable and enthusiastic, driven people who know exactly what to stock, what sells, and what goes to auction or is exchanged. Those conversations can never take place online…

It is quite refreshing to see the dealer network only stocking period-correct cars, with relevant history and therefore ones which set the market values. Yet we still get told by naïve, uninformed potential buyers that a car is “overpriced” as a similar one may have sold on auction, previously, for far less.

We do feel like saying, “wake up, buyers”.

We are still experiencing difficulties within Europe and regarding UK sales, because of the confusing maze of duties and taxes: many people are totally confused, and we think that even the people who should know are unclear. We trust that it will all fall into place soon.

If you are looking to buy or sell a classic car or want our opinion on importing/exporting; or are you perhaps thinking of that restoration you’ve had in mind for a while?

Please do get in touch or keep in contact. Like all self-respecting experts, we offer unbiased but knowledgeable advice.

Happy motoring.

Keith

keith@classicmobilia.com

+44(0)7889 805432

+44(0)1908 270672

www.classicmobilia.com

About Keith: 

PS: Cars for sale not advertised

PPS: Visit our online showroom 

Cars for Sale

During 2006 – 2009 this fine Aston Martin DB6 Vantage car underwent an extensive rebuild with the objective of bringing the vehicle back to its original condition and then through to full Concours condition, and winning a number of concours events. Cumberland grey colour was selected in combination with a Dubonnet leather for the seats and upholstery.

1987 V8 Vantage Zagato, just one of 52 examples and this is one of the best. Original left-hand drive with the five-speed manual gearbox, stunning example.

  Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato, Left Hand Drive with Automatic Transmission, so well documented finished in British Racing Green with Tan Leather trim.

A really original gentleman’s motor car, with all the  properties of a 1980’s era and still recognized with true style. 1981 V8 volante with only two previous owners.

Traditional Aston Martin British Racing Green with Tan Leather interior, black Mohair hood, this manual left hand drive car is so stylish and a cool motor car.

This concours winning car is probably the BEST prepared Vanquish and is fitted with the SDP (Sports Dynamics Pac) which went on to be the Vanquish S without the super light weight wheels. The car started life as the company demonstrator being the car used for PR and customer demonstration use.

This one previous owner car with only 15,000 documented miles, has endless history and a car we have known from new. Unrepeatable example with an excellent story to tell.

This outstanding Aston martin Vanquish delivered by Emil Frey, Switzerland in July 2002 to the first and current owner finished in Sky silver with tan interior trim, just perfect in every way. The car has had all its up-dates and main dealer serviced.

This special Aston Martin Vanquish S was the first production car delivered and is one of the smartest and well documented cars currentley on the market, it is quite something special.

This outstanding Aston Martin V8 Volante original left hand drive with automatic transmission and ONLY 22,000 documented kms. One of the last V8 Volante’s built and one NOT to miss.

This special Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante was inspired by the enthusiastic and passionate follower of Aston Martin cars, Andre Bloom. Andre had an eye for the unusual and a positive drive to get exactly what he wanted, and this unique car was his dream machine.

One owner from new, so original in every way, a car with so much style, admired by all and a true gentleman’s express. One of the best drivers ever.

Aston Martin Virage Coupe built for Royalty with so much to offer, plenty of desirable options making the driving experience so pleasurable. Great spec.

This Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate Edition number 50 of 50 was first delivered in June 2007 one of ONLY 20 right hand drive cars and one of the most original in outstanding condition. This is one of the last cars hand built at the Newport Pagnel factory.

This stunning Aston Martin V8 Lagonda Series IV was supplied to the original owner on 10th August 1989, he kept the car for some 27 years and supported by an outstanding service record.

Full matching fitted luggage.

A true unbelievable Aston Martin with the largest history file covering the whole story of the car.  Wonderful example and driving car. This is NOT your usual DB2/4, it is just right.

1960 Aston Martin DB4 converted in 1990 to a GT Zagato Race car with a twin spark head and triple Webers, nicely set up. The car was campaigned through the 90’s with quite a decent track record.

The two litre Aston Martin cars of this era are great to drive, always admired with a thumbs up. Good touring car and well maintained, ready to motor on.

Project Vantage is the car that changed Aston Martin’s future in more than just design and engineering future. A milestone of a car which will never date.

Manual DB7 Vantage, finished in Chiltern green metallic with Parchment with Forrest green leather interior. it is has the original Aston Martin instruction manuals, owners guide, service book, new car warranty book, DB7 Quick Reference guide, various old MOT’s and sundry invoices.

This Ferrari was originally delivered new in Italy in 1962 as a Ferrari 250GTE.

It was then bought by a prominent Ferrari collector who was also an official dealer for Ferrari at the time.

The exquisite lines of this beautiful all aluminium body were commissioned in the eighties and completed by the renowned Ferrari coach-builder Mario Allegretti of Modena; a man renowned for coach-built Ferrari cars.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante with Manual transmission (Only 36 RHD) and the only Aston Martin Racing Green. with only 21,000 miles, its a real collectors example.

1979 Aston Martin V8 volante with a Manual transmission , having had the complete chassis refurbished, the car is totally rust free. They do not come along very often.

Aston Martin DB6 Volante with Manual transmission in fine fettle and with a interesting documented history with a famous owner.

The unique Aston Martin Virage Coupe Works 6.3 Factory Demonstration car MINKY, a hero of its time and still in outstanding condition. What dreams are made of.

The most publicised car of its time and driven by some true greats. Outstanding in every way.

This excellent example has been in the same family since 1970’s and has been totally restored in the early years of ownership. The history is impeccable and well supported to verify the outstanding condition of the car, which has been totally pampered all of its well-used life.

Owned by the current lady owner/driver for the past three decades or so; this is the 4th from last car produced out of 118 total examples ever made. This is a well-known car in Swiss Rally circles and is now being sold. Fine example with a welth of history.

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Classicmobilia –  Milton Keynes – UK

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