‘It’s not leaking — it’s marking territory.’
Auction rooms are quieter, online bidders are louder, and dealers do brisk business if the car’s any good.
Some feel that new online auctions keep popping up like dodgy wine bars in Soho—all smoke and mirrors and overly optimistic estimates.
So, is the classic market in crisis? Not quite.
But if you’re still flogging a Morris Ital, brace yourself…
2023: The Comeback:
Live events roar back post-COVID: Goodwood, NEC, and Salon Privé packed to the arches.
Online platforms solidify for £20k–£80k cars.
The high-end market remains bulletproof – think Ferraris, Gullwings, and V12 Astons.
Early 2024: Wobble Incoming:
Living costs rise, and interest rates follow.
Attendance at auctions drops. Online bidding rises.
Mid-market cars dip. The 80s–2000s homologation specials? Still hot.
Late 2024: Market Tightens; Confidence Builds:
Inflation cools. Sentiment improves.
EV fatigue boosts classic desirability.
Strong prices return for air-cooled 911s, SL Pagodas, and old Landies.
Q1 2025: Reality Check:
Arrow Auctions shuts up shop after 30 years.
Estimates are more realistic. Good cars sell. Rubbish doesn’t.
Dealer network: thriving. Auction floors? Mixed.
The new blue chips are future classics (Ferrari 458, M3 CSL, Porsche 997).
What next?
Gen X and Millennials are now calling the shots.
Buyers want classics they can actually use.
The 70s saloon with shagpile carpets? Please leave it in the shed.
‘Classic car auctions are where dreams are made, wallets are emptied, and everyone pretends that rust is ‘character.’
