Dealer View

Famous ownership continues to draw bidders – and demand for modern classics remains strong

Silverstone Auctions

This is your last sale of the year - looking back, how has 2018 performed?

2018 has been another successful year for Silverstone Auctions and we’re delighted with our achievements and the progress we’ve made over the last 12 months. As well as setting several new world record prices, we’ve successfully introduced another brand-new marque-specific sale, held a sale at an exciting brand-new venue and helped dozens of new buyers and sellers acquire or sell a classic. We’ve also been entrusted with the sale of classics from world famous celebrities and car enthusiasts including Sir Elton John, Rowan Atkinson and Jay Kay.

Have you seen any changes in terms of cars being bought? For example, do you think modern classics are here to stay?

As we’ve often said, there is always strong demand for the very best of breed examples, especially those with an interesting history and full history file, and this still remains true. Having said that, we have seen a slight shift in the popularity of certain classics.

A few years ago, ’50s and ’60s cars were some of the strongest sectors of the market, whereas now, modern classics are probably experiencing the highest levels of interest resulting in some incredibly strong prices, which show no sign of abating any time soon.

How important is originality compared with restored condition?

This is an interesting question, but one that isn’t easily answered! For some buyers, originality as it left the factory is everything, whereas for others, a classic that has been restored by a marque specialist still holds massive appeal. As there will be different types of buyers for both types of car, from our perspective it’s important that cars are properly defined so that potential bidders know what the car represents.

Are there any especially outstanding cars in the NEC Classic Motor Show sale?

Absolutely! In fact it’s probably the most outstanding catalogue we’ve ever presented at the NEC. In total we’ll be offering 120 cars and as you’d expect from us, many represent the best of breed and others have a truly fascinating history. For example, we’ve got a Willys Jeep previously owned by none other than Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra’s Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible and a collection of seven amazing cars from Jamiroquai front man, Jay Kay. There’s also the personal car of the Escort RS designer, Stephen Harper, and even a charity Beetle lot that was restored for Channel 4’s

For The Love Of Cars – the full list is truly amazing and one that we’re incredibly proud of!

How many sales are you holding next year? And will you be using the Dallas Burston Polo Club again?

We’re in the final stages of confirming our full list of sale dates for 2019, so watch this space!