Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Investment value of "classic" vehicles..?

Peter can you be more specific on this? I know about some cities restricting old cars from the city centre but if there is a country prohibiting my Morgan from motorways I would like to know which it is before I get in to trouble. As for restricting the number of miles driven in a year, I think that depends on whether you choose to register it as historic or pay for normal registration. In Austria for example my Morgan (and most cars over 30 years old) can be registered as "historic." This gives you cheap insurance and limits you to driving on 52 days in the year. But this is voluntary, not compulsory. One can choose normal registration and suffer no restrictions.

The value of classic cars? Collectables whether cars or paintings or pottery are driven both by fashion and by economic circumstances. The fashion bit is the most dangerous because rather less exclusive items get carried up with the really rare items until the market changes. So whilst the Mona Lisa will never ever fall much in value, lesser paintings definitely drift in and out of fashion and up and down on price.

Its the same with cars. I know a lot more about Ferrari prices than Morgans and I have certainly seen prices of the more volume models like the 328, 348, 355 go up, then down , then up again and currently are drifting down. 328s have been on offer at 20k then up to 80/100k and back down to 60k and falling. A 250 California is a different issue altogether.

The interesting one to watch will be the E type, which has rocketed up with sales as high as 180k but falling now. I didnt want one when new and I dont want one now.

But what does it matter? I've just paid silly money definitely too much for a 360 manual spider, the last of the analogue cars. It will fall sharply from here but at 74 I dont have the option of waiting to buy at the bottom. If did that ( and assuming I last long enough) I likely wouldnt be able to get in a low 2 seater.

I'm 6 weeks into Classic Morgan ownership and don't regret that investment one bit. Happiness is priceless.

You definitely get it Edwin enjoy your miles.

Spot on.
Nick

Auster,
I was under the impression, having lived there through the 1990s, that in Germany cars over a certain age had to be registered as historic, and then were restricted as discussed. But it only applies to cars registered in Germany. Not sure about France.
In the UK cars over 40 years old don't pay road tax, don't require a TUV, but are not restricted in where and how often they can drive. That said, most such cars are pampered pets, and are not driven excessively.

To me there are a few governing factors.
Marque and model as described by Howard for Ferrari. Also similar for Ford...look at Mk1 escorts and other similar marque niches of limited numbers of cars with provenance os special status.
Legislation in the form of eco/safety/cash cow situation.
Attitudes also comes into it based on age of owner, disposable income, ability to maintain, hobby status.
At the moment EV/hybrid is flavour of the month coupled with the “need” for tech in cars. Add to this the method used or financing of a car, its disposability, status symbol etc.. fashion is becoming increasingly visible too. SUV/colour schemes, eco badges.......
But unless alternatives to personal car ownership become sensible and available cars are here for some time. In a city/urban area perhaps less so. Rural....definitely a must have.
Remember...car ownership has opened up personal mobility hence the increase in numbers.
I see a huge change in attitude to transport/mobility being needed for the eco issues alone to be met.
A complex and emotive future is looming!
Me? I’ll keep my Mog for as long as possible for my own enjoyment.

Good news Edwin, Enjoy

Peter I can't speak with any confidence for Germany but maybe one of our TM members there can jump in with first hand knowledge. I suspect it's like Austria i.e. voluntary. If you register as historic there are certain restrictions but if you don't, and pay your taxes, then there aren't any restrictions except for those that apply to all cars. Just in case anyone is thinking Europe is restrictive and that you will have problems touring: Since 1915 my Austrian registered 1968 Morgan has been to central London (make sure you log on and pay the congestion tax) central Paris (no special requirements because I'm on the Austrian historic register) crossed Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Corsica, Hungary and Slovenia and I'm confident I was legal in all cases. It might change. It might not. Best to get out there and do it.

As I got into the geriatric age (75) I needed a project. So I assembled a +8 out of parts given to Me, sometimes I paid a bit, by My friends. When done, or at least operable, I was able to license it as a Morgan in the U.S. even though it was not assembled in the Morgan Factory. I was warned that when done, it would be of little value. So what, I will be 90 next year, maybe I will use it for a coffin. I learned a lot, My Wife was Ill and needed Me 24-7. It kept Me interested and alive. So what is the value of that? Just got back from a 2,500 mile round trip to Mog West in Southern California. What a hoot! Now repairing the road damage and fixing stuff I had neglected in the past. I am alone and I am lonely, but I have Morgan Friends through out the World. Can't be too bad!