Classic Car Market Still On The Up

 

Classicmobilia E’News Issue 170 March  2025

Dear Classic Car enthusiasts, friends and followers,

It was an interesting start to March, with the big boys out in force on the US auction scene, and intriguing concours meetings taking place at the same time.

Let’s have a look at the numbers: many auctioned cars were offered with no reserve, but what does that mean in real sale terms?

Out of 394 cars on sale over three days and three auction houses, 89% (349) found a buyer, but out of that 89%, over half (54%) were offered with no reserve.

Is the ‘no reserve’ status a way of getting buyers through the door, or are there other reasons? Drilling deep further, 70% of those sales went under the estimate and only nine went over the estimated guide figure (results’ source, K500).

Back in the UK, we have seen a few auctions suffer a little, starting with the attendance figures, which are down with more online bidding taking place. Perhaps, with so many auctions today offering over 300 cars at any one time, the prospect of sitting through a few hours of that is not appealing, but that drop in physical attendance is starting to have a knock-on effect on sale figures.

The so-called experts reporting on the classic car market, however, are just feeding off the back of auction results to judge the current state of affairs.

The biggest concern is the number of on-line auctions still starting up, PLEASE PLEASE be careful, as sometimes these are not what they are cracked up to be. Some are indeed doing well and achieving some good results, but be aware that there is a lot of ‘smoke and mirrors’.

True reports from the dealer network show that sales are up, and good cars are selling – well done lads, long may it continue! – but, as always, only good cars are selling well.

Surprisingly, we have received reports of some events being cancelled for a number of different reasons, which is a shame. From recent outings we have seen a downturn in attendance, just like for the auctions, so here’s hope that this does not become the norm.

Evidence of a potential trend may be found next month at the Essen Techno Classic, which will be a good benchmark. Perhaps some of these events have just had their heyday? We will soon see.

Just a heads-up… we have witnessed a few back-street ‘experts’ working from their armchairs, recently offering cars which do not exist and/or selling some quite poor restoration examples.

As the great Red Adair once said, “if you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do a job, wait until you hire an amateur”.

If you are thinking of buying a classic car, or selling one, we are here to assist.

If you have a restoration project in mind, please do let us know.

Happy and 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 

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.

One of 29 right hand drive cars produced . This was the penultimate car produced, so quite unique.

The car has a lovely history file and has been very well looked after using known people to take care of this special motor car.

The exterior colour is now Pearl Black with the original Black leather trim and a new Black Mohair hood and the car also has a full tonneau cover.

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.

 Only 38 DB6 MkII Volante’s were ever built and with the King owning one, this is effectively one of only 37. It is still fitted with its original engine which was upgraded to Vantage-spec by the factory in period, totally refreshed and re-trimmed by the Works, a decade in the ownership

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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