He seems rather bitter, though I have to agree with his summing up at the end, the pre sale estimates are very optimistic for most and the money being asked (and sometimes achieved ) for Mk1 Lotus Cortinas and Escorts and those A35s is bewildering, no matter whose race team prepared them. I am a little confused by the eligibility rules for classic racing over there -for example the much modified front geometry on the Cortina Lotus cars etc etc. I agree with only genuine cars ie no replicas being allowed however when some of these are turning up as virtual silhouettes of the original? In the sixties the Alfa Romeo GTAs were running a clean sweep of the European touring car champs with Autodelta and their drivers -yet these same cars dont get a look at the Ford hotrods turning up at Goodwood lately, perhaps a 500k race is needed to show the difference.
He seems rather bitter, though I have to agree with his summing up at the end
Yeah, he does seem to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The thing is, the classic car market has been crashing for a while now, it's been commented on loads of times by many different people. The only people in denial seem to be those who have a financial interest in keeping prices inflated - ie those who want people to see cars a a financial investment vehicle rather than a piece of machinery that exists to be driven and enjoyed.
As far as I can see, this is a good thing for car enthusiasts as it depresses values to points where previously unobtainable cars might be affordable for people with more normal incomes. It's also good (or it should be) for classic car mechanics/restorers. If your exotic classic isn't worth anything, then you may as well drive the thing rather than just admiring it in your garage and boasting to your mates how much it's worth. More cars being driven means more cars needing maintenance, repairs, and restoration.
Tim H. 1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
You don't necessarily have to combine hobbies with profit motives or a commercial approach.
If you like going on cruises or going to the pub every night, you'll burn money without ever getting a penny back.
In this respect, I don't care if my Morgan 4/4 or my old Indian Chief drastically depreciates in value, riding, wrenching and owning is still just as much fun. I wouldn't sell either of them without a compelling reason anyway.
Jens, when younger the market value of whatever sports car I owned at the time was important, as if any of life`s little emergencies cropped up, without savings enough to cover it the Sportscar would be the first thing to try to turn back into cash.... Even a few years back when I thought to buy a tin top sports car, I thought all be it half heartedly to sell the Morgan to part fund the proposed acquisition, habits of a lifetime are hard to dismiss... as it seemed somewhat excessive to own two sports cars.... These days and at my stage in life, I now tend to think much like yourself, even though I do not get the same level of achievement returns, from lying on a cold concrete garage floor as I once did... These days getting up from the floor after greasing the Mog can be challenging enough... (-:
OZ, as you are into auction values I thought you might find interest in this auction perspective....? Seems to be presented with a degree of resentment for those of us who are babyboomers, but none the less he does put some effort into presenting the data, so perhaps worth watching..?
Very interesting post Luddite, thank you. He clearly has a jaundiced view of 1950s cars and older, but I think he is right.... However, I don't think a Countach represents the modern market for the general punter BaT has a U.S. focus, so Yank 60/70's muscle cars do well. The same applies to Holdens and Fords of similar age in this part of the world. Quality Europeans like the 1936 540K Benz will ALWAYS pull good money, but again, well beyond the reach of the average contestant. The big mover has been later model Japanese sports cars pulling massive money. My comment regarding BaT prices was based on recent "Morgan" sales of an M3W and some trads.
A Morgan Identified Fastidious Owner... 2011 4/4 Bespoke, 1981 Delorean, Auburn Boat Tail
Oz, I am pleased you found interest in the vid, thanks for taking the time to let me know you did. The Japanese car valuation caught me by surprise perhaps four years back, when a neighbour drove up in a Nissan that sounded more sporting than it`s exterior shape suggested might seem fitting, it was in the same colour as a 1200cc Nissan my good lady had owned a few years previously and a similar semi boxy shape.... That was my first sight of a Nissin Skyline GTR Nurburg edition...Once he opened the bonnet I became far more impressed... At the time he told me of it`s market value...And that it would soon be of an age to make it eligible to be exported to the US, which would seemingly increase it`s market value by some factor.. Apparently as the result of similar machines being featured in a film "Fast & Furious".... Apparently a Porsche beater..? Must be just an age thing as I would rather have a 911 derivative than a Nissan, regardless of BHP figures quoted..
I agree re his manner and deep sarcasm but I guess where he sits in the trade is literally where the rubber hits the road so he has probably seen every inflated expectation there is!
The Skyline was not allowed into the US for ages (RHD only plus a few other issues) and as you mention the films drove a frenzy of interest. A few R33 did manage to get in somehow and they attained cult status and so never came out in daylight sadly. I think the last few years have unlocked them and allowed import to the US. Nett result, someone applied the Skyline GTR hoover to Japan and moved them all to the US making prices go nuts for everyone sadly. This meant the UK suddenly had a few left at stupid prices as well. Even the GTR-35 prices have remained quite solid considering how long they have been around and the issues Nissan have right now.
The age thing you mention applies to a lot of things. I am currently tidying up my life and have a large set of posh Crystal that cost a fortune a long time ago. Apparently I cannot even give it away now, almost zero value and the charity stores are not interested. Generational change is a difficult thing to process Mr L. You are very right.
Everyone loves a Morgan. Even me, unless it's broken again.
