Our six market experts

Will Smith Sales manager, Silverstone Auctions, Warwickshire

Smith started in the classic auction industry in 2008 and helped to found Silverstone Auctions three years later. He heads up a sales team and has achieved a number of world-record auction prices for modern classics. His own cars include an Alpina B9 and early Mini.

John Mayhead Proprietor, Mayhead Media, West Sussex

As well as continuing to edit the Hagerty Price Guide, Mayhead has just started his own company providing motoring content and valuation services. An Italian car fan, in addition to his classic Alfa Romeo Spider he owns a VW Campervan and Porsche 944.

Emanuele Collo Managing director, Kidston SA, Geneva

While still at university Collo contacted Simon Kidston asking for work experience. The move paid off – he’s now the company’s managing director. He has a soft spot for homologation specials but that hasn’t stopped him buying a Mercedes-benz 300 SEL 6.3 restoration project.

Stephen Halstead Chief operating officer, JBR Capital, London

Halstead has a finance background and his long-standing interest in classic cars made a perfect fit with an opportunity to grow high-end vehicle finance provider JBR Capital. His own preference is for V12 engines and he aims to get a Ferrari with one up front.

Daniel Donovan Proprietor, DD Classics, London

Donovan has more than four decades of experience in dealing in classic cars through his companies Straight 8 and, later, DD Classics. He’s an ardent classic car enthusiast himself and his company stocks vehicles from all price brackets of the market.

Tim Schofield Director, Bonhams Motor Car Department, London

A member of the Vintage Sports Car Club and Veteran Car Club, Schofield has been involved in the classic car market since 1994. He joined Bonhams at the turn of the century and has handled the sale of many high-end collections. His daily runner is a BMW M5 Touring.