Two-way traffic

AS mentioned above, we are now used to seeing rust-free early Land Rovers being imported to the UK, but it’s not all one-way traffic, you know. Top classic car auction house Coys says plenty of British classic – including Series Land Rovers and early Range Rovers – are leaving the UK bound for the EU, as European collectors benefit from the weak pound.

Coys say they have seen a “noticeably higher than average sale rate of cars being shipped to European countries” – sometimes in bulk. At a recent Blenheim auction, a collector arrived from Marseille and bought a Mercedes-benz 230 SL, a Fiat 500, a Jaguar E-type and a Ferrari 308.

Chris Routledge of Coys said: “The strength of the Euro against Sterling has undoubtedly created a very advantageous buying climate for European classic car collectors, with not only sensibly-priced cars but with the current exchange rate being perceived as being at least 25 per cent discounted against European asking prices.

“This is a unique set of circumstances – an alignment of the planets if you like. The quality of the stock in the UK is of the highest international standard, European buyers know it and are very keen to get their hands on it, as with current exchange rates, the prices could not be more attractive.

“For UK sellers of classic cars and other collectibles who wish to sell in Sterling to European collectors, the outlook is very strong while these exchange rates continue, and they should consider grabbing hold of this opportunity while they can."