The big story
Classics from the 1980s are still pulling in eye-raising prices from UK buyers
1980s classics on the rise
‘It goes well beyond fast Fords’
While the old guard might still be harrumphing into their warm beer and bemoaning the present state of the classic movement, choice 1980s cars continue to attract strong interest and consequently strong prices. And with even the youngest cars from that decade being nearly 30 years old, good examples of many 1980s models are becoming increasingly hard to find.
Going well beyond fast Fords, onto other hot hatchbacks and long-legged grand tourers (as well as the more esoteric), demand for 1980s cars has seen some dramatic prices in the past few months, none more so than the £101,100 paid for at a CCA auction for a two-owner 15,000-mile 1985 BMW M635CSi.
Cynics will suggest that the price paid was way too much but as always the adage ‘try finding another’ applies.
In black with black interior, the paint and panelwork was first class, besting even what would come out of a top-flight bodyshop. But being in such good, original order certainly helped its cause.
SWVA’s last sale carried on the trend in big 1980s GTs gaining ground in value appreciation: its 1988 Jaguar XJS V12 convertible had been estimated at £10,75011,750 but it had a strong history (the vendor having owned the car since 1993), including maintenance carried out by Jaguar main dealers and specialists. That history was almost sidelined by the car’s superb condition, which showed no signs of the usual corrosion that can affect these models, and it was good enough to be hammered away for £25,000.
ACA’s 17 June sale already has a 1980 Porsche 924 (est: £4750-5750) and a 1988 Nissan 300ZX (est: £4500-5000) entered, but for the ultimate in rarity the no-reserve 1983 Talbot Matra Rancho that has covered 34,000 miles from new fits the bill perfectly. This pretend offroader sold in small numbers and survivors are extremely rare, making this an interesting alternative to
a regular estate car. ACA is also offering a 1984 Citroën Méhari (est: £9000-12,000) that is described as ‘the best Méhari we have ever seen’.
For those with more patience SWVA’s July sale is offering a 1987 BMW 525i that has covered just 11,600 miles from new. Offered by the late owner’s widow, the history file includes 22 service stamps with the supplying dealer. The BMW comes complete with the original glovebox torch and factory toolkit (which is missing just one spanner). The manual gearbox model is described as ‘outstanding’.