Dealer View

Robin Lawton, V&C Cars

Looking at the year so far, how has it been?

We have found customers really engaging with our website and range of cars we offer, and they do come to view our cars after really doing their homework.

How has pre-war fared? Is it strong, or does it need an occasional VSCC event nudge?

This year has been a good year – we are finding the enthusiasm for prewar cars is as strong as ever and have sold a good number, including nine cars during August alone, six of which were pre-war. The VSCC has been encouraging younger people, which is great, and exactly what is needed. Also it’s wonderful to see more women campaigning cars at events and really enjoying our motoring heritage. Our sector of the market – quality vintage and classics – is mostly enthusiast-driven, as opposed to solely attracting investors. We are so fortunate to meet buyers who share our passion and enthusiasm for the wide variety of clubs and events on offer, particularly through the VSCC with Goodwood Breakfast meets and the Riley, MG and Austin clubs being so active. Passion has no age barrier – we’ve just sold an Austin-Healey Sprite to someone nearing their 90th birthday.

People are buying a lifestyle, camaraderie and an opportunity to get away from today’s all-consuming technology-driven life.

Have any makes become more popular during the year?

We find Austin Sevens are as perennial as ever and sporting marques such as Alvis, MG and Riley have fared well.

Are your customers well-informed about the type of car they are interested in?

Most of the buyers for our type of car are pretty well informed and know what they want.

With 50 years involvement with the type of cars we specialise in, we can assure our customers of extra service and care, introduction to the right clubs and specialist services (ie. trimmers, etc.) and we ensure that any newcomers are taught how to handle crash gearboxes or preselector types, and learn all the essentials regarding regular maintenance and so on.

With my wife joining the business over a year ago, we have also increased how we use social media to bring our cars to life and demonstrate the immense charm and fun that can be had by owning a piece of our classic motoring heritage.

‘We’ve just sold a Sprite to a 90-year-old’