Edition 04/2008 49.311 subscribers
Forward to a friend >
EDITORIAL
Steady as she goes! SS World Economy is sailing on rather choppy seas right now. However, I'd like to offer a few words of solace to concerned Classic Driver readers worried about their automotive investments. Is it déją vu — in the form of a late-80s price crash — all over again?
Talking with an expert this week (who can carry the can if I get it all horribly wrong), he points out the following —
1. Low–production–run super–Ferraris apart, there are few 'new' cars that have received 'collectible classic' status since those days. The market still wants Aston Zagatos, Ford GT40s and Alfa Romeo Monzas, while lesser-ranked machinery such as a 275GTB/4 has simply moved from 'expensive' to 'very expensive'.
2. There are more people now who are interested in, and more importantly can afford, these cars. I seem to remember something in sixth form Economics about supply and demand.
3. Road cars. Remember the time when Testarossas and 911 Turbos were sold at multiples of list price? Apart from modish machinery such as the Audi R8 and Ferrari 599GTB commanding small premiums for quicker delivery, there's little of that about.
4. House prices. If you think values of the crème-de-la-crème classics has risen, just look at the equivalent bijou Chelsea or Kensington pad. It's soared, leaving collectible cars in its wake.
And the results from last weekend's Arizona sales bear this out, albeit before the alarums and excursions on Monday and Tuesday. Very good, solid performances at Gooding and RM that you can read about below.
So don't despair just yet. If you are in Great Britain, put your feet up and watch the new historic racing series 'GT Racer', and if you really do need cheering up, rejoice in the fact that there are two days left to enjoy the UK's National Rabbit Week.
 |
Steve
Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
'GT Racer' - Historic Racing on TVHaving spent a year following top-level historic sports car racing in Europe and the USA, film director Alexander Davidis's short series is now showing on British TV. Regular Classic Driver readers (who aren't actually on screen!) will be familiar with many of the cars and drivers. read more... |
 |
Ferrari ApprovedThe new Ferrari Approved programme from Ferrari GB Ltd will be a source of comfort to buyers considering a used Ferrari up to nine years old. The thought of a 12-month warranty underwritten by Ferrari and an extremely comprehensive, 190-point technical inspection devised by the manufacturer itself, takes peace of mind to another level. read more... |
 |
RM Auctions and Gooding & Company in Arizona 2008Includes full resultsTop North American auction houses Gooding and RM held sales on consecutive days last weekend. Despite the vicissitudes of global markets the results were solid. read more... |
 |
New BMW M3 ConvertibleFirst M car with a retractable hard-topBMW's new M3 Convertible, due to go on sale in April, will be the first M car with a retractable hard-top. It joins the Coupé and Saloon as the third new M3 derivative and boasts the option of a brand-new seven-speed M 'Double Clutch Transmission'. read more... |
 |
Felipe Massa's New Car: a 120bhp Fiat 500The word 'icon' is horribly over-used but in the case of the Fiat 500 — both the 1950s version and the new, super-cute supermini — it's justified. Everyone wants one: including Felipe Massa. read more... |
 |
CLASSIC LIFE
The Darjeeling Limited: Luggage by Louis VuittonTo travel in classical style across India requires an elegant vehicle and suitable luggage. That thought was clear to the celebrated film director Wes Anderson, when planning the props for his new film 'The Darjeeling Limited'. read more... |
 |
THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Bentley Azure
colour Tungston Silver |
 |
|
19" Six Twin Spoke Alloy Wheels |
|
Straight Eight International LimitedTown/City: London, UK |
 |
CLASSIC
Aston Martin V8
|
 |
|
Amazing recreation of the Aston Martin V8 used in the 1987 Eon productions, 007 film, 'The Living Daylights'.
|
|
Nicholas Mee and Company LtdTown/City: London, UK |
 |
SPORTING
Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta
colour Silver |
 |
|
This particular Ferrari SWB alloy competition was the 20th of 20 similar examples completed by the Ferrari Factory. Internally they were simply identified as "comp./61" but today they are most often referred to as "SEFAC Hot Rod" due to their outright pure competition nature, fearsome period and contemporary reputation on the track.
|
|
Symbolic Motor Car CompanyTown/City: La Jolla, Ca., USA |
 |
EVENTGUIDE 2008
|
31.01. — 06.02. Rallye Monte–Carlo Historique, Monaco |
SERVICE
Copyright: |