It’s a Changing Market for All 

Classicmobilia E’News Issue 154 November 2023

Dear Classic Car Enthusiast

There is NEVER a dull moment in the classic car world; it may even be made amusing by the armchair experts reporting one auction’s results and extrapolating current trends from that one set of data (therefore getting it totally wrong).

It is, as always, an exciting world out there, and it keeps changing.

As we don’t suffer from tunnel vision (see above), this last month we have witnessed a range of interesting auctions with some surprising and varied results.

Who would have guessed a large number of Ferraris selling with no reserve would ‘explode’ a series of discussions and still not affect the Ferrari market itself? That’s a mature attitude towards the classic car market’s delicate balance that we know so well.

Later on in the month, we did clock a Ferrari record: some critics may still say it should have gone for more, but did we all think that?

We also had the customary pleasure of seeing so many modern classics cross the blocks at the Classic Motor Show in Birmingham, which was as busy as always. The numbers prove the market is still strong, if a little ‘soft’.

Bringing up the rear of this busy November was a fine array of good quality classics doing well in Germany despite the weather. So, it is not just a British thing, now!

Glamorous and famous people turned up to support the last F1 race of the year, which was an interesting one managing to get some good results.

Whilst classic car shows are always well attended, this time they just lacked a little sparkle, perhaps due to the impending winter gloom but purchases were still made, and dealers still felt encouraged.

Reports in the press are mentioning that sales are down, and prices are falling. We can all make excuses for softening prices, but if you look around, major players are still moving stock and even if you do not read of the ones going under the radar, it doesn’t mean they are not happening, and with frightening regularity.

Not everyone likes to advertise to the world a special car’s ownership changing; we would go as far as saying that the last people you inform is the press!

As ever, we do not tire of warning punters about the ubiquitous online auctions popping up like jack-in-the-boxes and sometimes with the same degree of seriousness.

Just be careful, we have uncovered some prime examples with very chequered background and sparse documents. Make sure all boxes are ticked before making that final move.

Although we are seeing a lot of bargains around, they ought to be investigated even more thoroughly than other sales to make sure there are no hidden surprises.

If you are looking to sell your classic, exploring the option of a new purchase or considering a restoration, we are here with some friendly advice and/or assistance, so please do let us know.

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

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Cars for Sale

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 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 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.

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.

Known from new.

This Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Manual Concours winning car finished in Cumberland Grey with Dubonnet leather interior.

A car which ticks all the right boxes. Very smart car.

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

Great touring car effortless enjoyment, hood down touring.

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.

 Aston Martin DB2, is very famous as the Jean Bloxam car. In fact, she bought the car from Major Woods the first registered owner in 1956.

A car with excellent history on the road and track.

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.

Currently on the market, it is quite something special.

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 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.

One of the last 1988 Aston Martin V8 Coupe EFI and one with so much supporting documentation.

Onew outstanding motor car in the right colours and drives as good as it looks.

Part of the Aston martin history.

1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante left hand drive has covered a scant 9,300 original miles from new and really is like new in condition.

It is finished in flawless Raven Black paintwork to the exterior and black hides along with black carpets to the interior. It is a left hand drive and automatic example.

1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante with a Manual transmission , having had the complete chassis refurbished, the car is totally rust free.

Stunning colours and a great driving car. They do not come along very often.

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 Aston Martin Virage Volante was one of only two left hand drive cars to have the full 6.3 conversion and the only car with manual transmission form.

Outstanding condition and drives so well.

Rare car with so much attitude and drives so well.

Design Concept for a “Supercar” of the future
Aston Martin Project Vantage

In January 1998 Aston Martin released to the world that the Design Concept for a “supercar” of the future was being launched.

Totally unique future desgin of Aston Martin cars and one which will never date, like a DB5.

A must for any serious collection.

Original colours of Old English Pewter with Fawn leather trim. 

The car is in exceptional condition and just had a service and new tyres.One of those rare cars in splendid condition and will not be repeated.

Aston Martin Virage built for Royalty to special V8 Coupe specification and has too be one of the fineness examples.

Just 11,000 documented miles, finished in British Raceing Green with Red Leather interior.

Aston Martin had never used the name Limited Edition before and first used with the run out of Virage and prior to the launch of the V8 coupe.

This individual car has great history and ownership.

This particular Aston Martin Vantage is one of the most original cars we have had the pleasure of handling.

Being a very special motorcar with the Aston Martin Engineering special touches makes this car very unique in so many ways. Known from new.

This V8 Vantage V600 was transformed at a early age to the full V600 Driving Dynamis package with every option available.

Every document from new to support this fine example.

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.

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.

Outstanding motoring with ease

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Classicmobilia –  Milton Keynes – UK

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