Dealer View
Buyers are becoming ever savvier, says Bucks dealer
How has the market been this year?
A challenge. It started off quite well and then stabled out. We are finding that buyers are becoming more fussy about a car’s history and condition, which is no bad thing. The market has now stabilised a little, but is still moving well.
Do you think the election results will have an effect on demand?
Before any political change the market always goes a little quiet, but it’s not long before it’s back on the rails and the phone starts to ring again. Until something major happens, we can see it staying quite stable.
Who’s buying – investors or enthusiasts?
The investor market is always on the move, mostly under the radar, but lately we have seen a number of enthusiasts starting to get on the collector ladder and adding to small garage collections.
Are cars being bought outright or on finance?
The finance buyer raised his head at the end of last year, but it’s not something which has turned the market around yet. But still, the cash buyer is the best option and the one who is always looking for that good deal.
Which cars are in, and which are out? For example, is the Aston Martin market changing?
The rare one-off beast is still top seller and the one most of the market is looking for. In the Aston Martin world, we see the 1980s V8 doing well, especially the Vantage. DB2/4s have picked up very well and DB7 has become a good one to keep an eye on.
What about Rolls-Royce SilverShadows and Corniches?
It’s always been a painful market for these. A few very good ones, which are more expensive, will sell quickly but too many examples let the side down. People say they’re only worth £10k but they’ll come and look at a good one and it’ll go. People are frightened of owning one but a good one is fantastic.
‘The rare one-off best is still a top seller’
Is there any make or model that’s experiencing a sudden rise in interest?
The modern classic is still doing well and I’m always asked if I have any 1970s or 1980s cars coming in. Jaguar E-types are still moving well and some early Porsche 911s (and even the 912) and the 928, are in demand now.
classicmobilia.com