Dealer View

Summer auctions are getting, tricky; spring is easier

Mathewsons

‘Perhaps a modern classics sale is the answer’

You have more sales in a year than any other auctioneer – how do you find sufficient cars to prevent a sale being diluted with less classic stock?

As I’ve said before, the number of sales held are not profi t-driven but an attempt to limit entry numbers without disappointing both new vendors and, most importantly, our many regular supporters, both buyers and sellers. It’s common knowledge that all auction companies have a similar problem. Perhaps a separate sale dedicated to modern classics is the answer? Sourcing ‘proper’ classics is a constant problem and becoming increasingly difficult. The dilemma is deciding which vehicle to chase up because it’s not always the ‘dead-cert’ seller that does the business on the day.

How did 2018’s market work out for you? Was it as you expected, or better/worse?

This year has been our best since we started our auctions in 2011. Having said that, individual sales were not as successful as we had hoped they would be. Mid-summer sales are proving to be more difficult despite most of those including many lots generally regarded as being in the ‘much in demand’ category. Perhaps this is due to purchasers buying in the spring for the coming season and in the autumn disposing of their classics just before winter.

How are the traditional classics (Minis, Minors, Stags and Jaguar Mk2s) doing? Are they still in demand? And have you seen any growth in modern classic demand?

Looking at the sales results to date, we feel that 2018 has been much as expected. Vehicles considered to be traditional classics are, in our opinion, suffering a lack of demand due to the age group that favours them. It has become obvious to many of us that late 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s sporty models are in high demand, especially blue oval badges (Ford). Sunbeam Rapiers, Coopers, Riley 1.5s and Vauxhall VX 4/90s are much in demand. I can see only long-term growth in modern classic demand and worry about the technology built into them being manageable as they age.

You’re very keen on pre-war cars: Is demand still there, or does it only apply to certain cars such as Austin 7s and Ford Model As?

You are bang on the money when you mention Austin 7s, Ford Model As and perhaps Morris 8s seeing continued demand. The rest, I doubt it! I often have the need to explain to the vendor of a superb Austin 10 Lichfield that we have moved on two age groups in 20 years and that only 50-year-old enthusiasts were buying them 20 or 30 years ago, so draw your own conclusions!

How many sales are you holding in 2019?

Nine sales are in for 2019, with our television show airing in April. It should be an interesting year. ❚ mathewsons.co.uk