MGCs & V8s on the up
DVCA reveal the market risers and what to look for
‘Poor paint doesn’t sell’
This is the second DVCA sale of the year – how do you see the latter half of the year performing market-wise?
We are already receiving entries for our autumn sale, which is being held on 13 September, including more motorcycles. Judging by the interest from vendors and buyers alike, we are confident that the historic vehicle auction sector is moving out of the doldrums of the previous six months or so.
The market can be fickle but it can also be quite conservative. Have there been any particular makes and models that have seen an increase in interest?
MGCs and V8s seem to be on the up, but they need to be restoration projects or restored to a very high standard; dodgy door gaps and poor paint work doesn’t sell! Good rust-free Ford 105E Anglias are very much sought-after, as are Riley 1.5 and Wolseley 1500 models, where it is a case of supply and demand.
Are there any price points where activity is especially strong? There must be some areas where there are still ‘real’ bargains to be had...
Lower value Aston Martins (such as the DB7) and the Alvis TD/TE range should be considered a good investment; providing they have been properly maintained (and in the case of the Aston, regularly serviced), and not suffering from ‘tin worm’. These models can only increase in value.
How beneficial is your location (Athelhampton House, near Dorchester) to your sales?
Athelhampton House is a superb setting for our business of selling historic vehicles – we have been established at the country estate for many years and appreciate the firstclass facilities and the fact that the Grade II listed gardens (and, during the summer, the house also) are open for our clients to have a wander round
– at no extra cost to the catalogue admission.
What’s the largest number of cars you would put in a sale? Do you feel that there’s a number you wouldn’t want to exceed?
We do not limit how many vehicles we accept for any auction sale, but always strive to retain our usual mix of interest, quality and high standards.