PATINA SPLITS THE MARKET

Specialists spot a generational divide between buyers wooed by patina and those who prefer their classics to be already restored

Ayounger generation of buyers are increasingly looking for classics that have been restored rather than those retaining their original blemishes, trade experts have told Classic Car Weekly.

Dealers and auction specialists said that, increasingly, not only the age of the car but also the age of the buyer influence which cars are the most desirable. They add that patina and originality are tending to be prized by older buyers, with the quality of any restoration work being seen as more important to younger buyers.

Anglia Car Auctions’ consultant, Guy

Snelling, said: ‘Without stereotyping, younger buyers tend to favour restored cars over originality. The more valuable the car, the fewer unrestored original examples are likely to be found, and this will certainly increase the car's desirability. Remember, any car can only be original once!

‘You only have to walk around the car park at events such as the Goodwood Revival to see that a scru…y but original E-type will often have more attention given to it than to a similar but heavily restored car.’

Mark Elder of Bicester Heritagebased specialist, The Motor Shed, believes it’s impossible to pigeonhole, but had noticed trends in the current market.

He said: ‘There are no rules. People want originality but that’s trumped by condition, and most people will buy something that’s already sorted. Although older-generation types don’t mind taking on a bit of work, younger buyers – those under 50 – are typically less inclined.

‘Everything will sell at the right price but cars built from 1945 to 1955 are harder to sell if they are in mediocre condition. Restored cars will always sell better.’ Matthew Eade, manager of East Sussex-based classic dealer Nutley Sports & Prestige, said that with market stalwarts like the Jaguar E-type originality still tended to trump restoration quality for most buyers; however, there are now plenty of buyers out there who prioritise the latter.

He said: ‘A Series 1 E-type and a ‘Healey 100/4 will do better when patinated than later cars will. There is something unique about a car that’s been cared-for or just carefully stored. A restored car is good, but it can’t compete with one that’s completely as it left the factory and showing a little patination.

‘The modern buyer sees the shine and glitz of a restored car when compared with a patinated one, but it’s worth remembering that any car is only original once, and restorers don't present a car exactly as it left the factory.’ Richard Barnett

Buyers of classics like the Austin-healey 3000 still tend to prefer the car to be as original as possible, but increasingly restoration quality and driveability are featuring higher up their shopping lists.