Dealer View
Derek Mathewson
You’ve held your first sale of the year – do you think it might tell us how the market will go this year?
Judging by the attendance on Saturday, 10 February ( CCW 21 February), we are optimistic that 2018 may see a marked increase in buyers. Despite poor weather forecasts, our regulars turned out in force, accompanied by many new faces keen to register for bidding.
What was noticeable was the strong money paid for the 1920s Austin and Crossley – does that say anything significant about the pre-war market?
At the end of the day we see little change in this sector, in that proper examples make retail money, with poor examples struggling to achieve over-valued reserves.
We are pleased with the sale of both the Austin and the Crossley. Three strong bidders on each vehicle resulted in them achieving exactly what they are worth. We still believe that these two results are the exception and not the rule; other than Austin Sevensz and Morris Eights, your average 12hp-18hp Thirties saloons are dead in the water.
How strong was interest in the Datsun Cherry? Did it have a lot of bidders or just one or two?
We thought the 1975 Datsun 100A would pull more bidders, although it made bang on its value [£2180].
Did you notice any potential trends developing in your first 2018 sale, such as more telephone bidders or no-reserve offerings?
Most certainly more telephone bidders register at each sale – probably due to the accuracy of our descriptions. Still very few entries with no reserve, which is a pity as they always do well.
How do you see ‘regular’ classics, and especially BMC/BL Minis and Morris Minors, doing in 2018? Are they still popular and if so, with what age groups?
With the commercial versions being the exception, we feel the age group purchasing Morris Minors is between 50 and 65. Minis are very much across the age spectrum, with basic 998cc models appealing to 18- to 38-yearolds and the more limited editions favoured by 40- to 60-year-old buyers. Having said this, we don’t feel Minis or Minors are as popular as they once were – perhaps far too many can be found at most sales.
Are there any outstanding cars in your next sale?
Our Saturday 17 March sale at Roxby Garage is already looking good – the usual MGBs include a 1981 GT with only 3000 miles on the clock. There’s also a Ford Capri 2.0 Laser with just 4700 miles registered and a Bedford M Type dropside truck.
‘More telephone bidders register at each sale’