Paul Jolly: The one that got away

Classic cars of the 1970’s and earlier are now tailing off in value unless there is something very special about them, such as my own 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 as pictured here in an old photo.

I will not bore you with the figures but suffice to say this was a big mistake to have let go when I sold it in the 1980’s.

The fact remains that most classic cars over 50 years old are continuing to decline in value as the upwards curve starts around 25 years old and lasts a further 25 years. This has to be a good thing for most people who are thinking of investing. This is not a crash but a realignment of historical appreciation.

Previously considered ‘blue chip’ investments such as Jensen Interceptors and other 1960’s gems like Triumph TR6’s, Stags, MGB’s and yes, even Aston Martins are experiencing 25-30% drops from the Covid era heights of 2020/21.

This is simply nostalgia having an expiry date if you will. Put simply, the buyers of pre-war MG open sportscars are no longer in the market whereas the 40-50 years old buyers who idolised the Ferrari 360 and Porsche 911 of the 1990’s in their youth, are not only very much around, but they have the means to acquire the cars they dreamt about as teenagers. Why would they consider a leaky old E Type when for the same money a BMW M3 beckons?

This evolution of the market has to be good news as it puts new energy into our motoring heritage and brings it up to date with fresh impetus and support rather than just rolling over and accepting EV’s as the only road ahead.

Therefore, keep an open eye for emerging classics from the early Noughties such as Aston Martin’s Vantage and DB9 plus Hot Hatches like Renault Clio Sport 182 and great dropheads such as Porsche’s Boxster 3.2 for little money.

Then look to the back of the curve for Porsche 928, Ferrari 308/328, Aston Martin DB6 and Sunbeam Tigers. 

An E Type for under £30k? You bet.