Unexpected Surge in the Classic Car Market

Classicmobilia E’News Issue 169 February  2025

Dear Classic Car enthusiasts, friends and followers,

What a vibrant start to the year, according to some mind-blowing reports of monumental sales from dealers! Yet we are still hearing that the market is “flat”.

Yes, run-of-the-mill cars may not be performing well, and it is quite clear the market is objectively down in that segment, but well-documented, special cars keep the rest of the industry quite buoyant, and with good reason.

This year’s Paris Show was as exotic and full of glamours cars on display as always, but we did not witness many sales on the major stands; however, success cannot always be measured during the show, as most of the hard work is done after the lights are out.

We’ll never tire of saying what a pleasure it is to see so many great cars on display; the combined knowledge and experience in the halls were exceptional, and it is always uplifting to speak to people who know so much about specialist cars and their background.

The big three auction houses were out to impress, with over 330 cars going across the blocks over four days and some 281 sales through the auctions. We are sure that there were some sales after the show to account for, as well.

Sales figures were made to look good by the fact that 60% of the cars were sold with no reserve, but many selling under the estimated figures produce a knock-on effect on the market, as the last car sold at auction may reflect on the marketplace itself.

Not good for the classic car business…

Add to the above the fact that those cars’ true condition never gets correctly reported, and the result is a distortion of market values.

Talking about condition, though, venturing around the restoration businesses lately we see the opposite side of the coin: many important cars well under way with major, serious work being undertaken.

As those are the cars that end up being sold for grown-up prices, it stands to reason that many vehicles which had been laid up over the years are now being dusted off and sent for restoration, and that looks promising.

With the show season on its way, we will encounter some fabulous cars which have not seen the light of day for a long time, something to look forward to.

If you are thinking of a new classic car or of selling one, we are here to assist and ready to discuss your next move, help looking for a restoration project and avoid you getting lost in the minefield of what should be considered.

Happy, safe 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

This outstanding Aston Martin DB4 The car has been subject to a total body off restoration with detailed photographs of the work carried out.

The engine was rebuilt by Oselli and gearbox and axle overhauled by BPA Engineering.

The attention to details on the restoration is just amazing, it is just a work of art, faultless in every way.

This stunning example of a Aston Martin DB4 Convertible Finished in Sierra Blue, this car has not only received a documented restoration by the Aston Martin factory.

But also a recent concours-quality restoration by marque experts. Accompanied by an expansive and fully detailed history file

This  Aston Martin DB6 Volante, One of the 140 DB6 Volante’s built, with a massive documented history file to support the great condition and interesting ownership.

Open top touring at its very best.

This beautiful and rare example with one family owner with a great history and story to support the detailed ownership and low mileage.

Outstanding condition and drives so well, a true city car with the automatic transmission, finished in white paint and black with red insert trim. £29750. (GBP)

This delightful Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante was delivered new in 1987 to Aston Martin North America and sold new to Mr. Thomas F Sheehan.

Finished in Dover White paint with Dark Red leather trim and contrasting piping, Dark Red Carpets and Red Mohair hood covering.

The car today has been totally stripped and is in the process of a total nut and bolt rebuild to the exact original specification, including all the very special extras the car was supplied with.

One very special and unique motor car.

This beautiful 1958 Aston Martin DB MK III, is one of 84 cars made and even less in left hand drive format as this one is. Finished in dark blue paint with black mohair hood and black leather trim, just outstanding car. Supplied new by US Importer H.S Inskip in USA and sold new to The Weathermatic Corporation of Long Island City, New York, USA

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.

The Aston Martin Works Demonstrator Minky January 1992 the new cars sales was in the depths of slow down, so the Aston Martin Service and Restoration department launched the Aston martin Virage 6.3 conversion. The demonstration vehicle known as Minky was the most published Aston Martin of the era, making the front page of many magazines.

Following the purchase the current owner underwent a rigorous and in-depth cleaning of the whole car uncovering any part of the nook and cranny which required cleaning, rust treatment or replacing. This car was going to win concours events, NOT just any old concours the target was Elite, the very best.

We have had the pleasure to have previously sold this car which we are fully aware of the very well documented history file. The car has been subject to a complete chassis and underbody restoration, repainted in Silver Grey with gorgeous red leather interior, just the right specification. Having been service in the current ownership with Chiltern Aston with some eye watering invoice to support the well maintained car, money no objet. Stunning looking car and drives as it looks, just spot on and supporting the great history its a great all round car with looks.

Aston Martin V8 Saloon EFI Original Swiss registered with manual transmission . 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

PRICE REVIEW

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

We have known this car from new.

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.

The last of the best, in exemplary condition.

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. The car is packed with extras others were not a-custom to, with the Linn music system, pop up dash screen and so much more.

This factory all matching numbers Left Hand Drive DBS Vantage with manual transmission and A/C is the best of the best, restored by all the right people to perfection.

It does NOT get any better!

The car has a full main dealer service history and four known previous owners.

The paintwork is exceptional, no damage or defects, the wheels and tyres are spotless, the roof is in very good order and the interior trim in very good condition.

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.

This factory wide body Aston martin Virage Volante was supplied new in March 1995.

Finished in Rolls Royce Royal Blue with Parchment leather trim Piped Dark Blue with Dark Blue carpets and Blue Mohair Hood covering.

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. Sounds amazing.

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.

This car is a 2005 Vanquish S production model and was sold new in Rome, Italy.

It was purchased by the previous  owner in 2016 when it was delivered to Brussels Belgium.

The car was then purchased by the current British owner in 2019.

The car is finished in Meteorite Silver paint with Obsidian black and Chancellor red leather trim.

We have TWO Aston Martin Virage Volante’s one standard body and one wide body both will be ready for summer enjoyment.

Great story to tell.

Call now for more details, not to be missed.

This perfect example was first purchased by Lennox Lewis at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1996 and took delivery after a number of enhancements carried out like the extended seat runners to gain extra leg and head room. The largest music system was installed at great expense to satisfy the big mans music taste.

This stunning and rare Manual Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Coupe  to GTS II Specification is a real head turner and in perfect condition.Finished in  Grigio Granito Silver paint with Dark Red and Black leather trim, GTS cosmetic up-grades, sports exhaust and a lot more.

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