Dealer View
After an ‘indecisive 2018’ for much of the market, Manor Classic Cars is feeling confident about 2019
Manor Classic Cars
Now we have passed the first quarter of the year, how is the market performing generally?
Contrary to what we may think with reports from Westminster, we’ve seen the safety catch come off a number of customers’ wallets and we’re back to business as usual. Perhaps it’s more telling of just what an indecisive year 2018 was, but we’re quietly very pleased with the start of 2019 and remain confident that it will continue.
Are there any price points or makes and models that are showing strong growth?
It’s always difficult to quantify where, what and why people buy what they buy, but it’s safe to say that there’s strong health in the market up to £30k-£40k simply because this is a more affordable level, but it’s impossible to say if this is stronger for Jaguar or Mercedes than it is for Ford or Porsche. It remains horses for courses. Above £150k, there appears to be thinner air for deal-making, but the right car will still get buyers excited.
Are people contacting you to buy or just to look?
Like an increasing number of my competition, we operate strictly by appointment, so we’re a little sheltered from those who just want to browse, though a friend of mine in the trade tells me he had two sales in the last fortnight from what he affectionately calls ‘walk-ins’ – so it clearly pays to be hospitable.
Original or restored – is there a preference? And are projects still in demand?
How long is a piece of string? It’s not a science and never will be. I think for the most part that the senior money is being spent on finished metal because people don’t want to buy a headache, but we recently attended the Practical Classics Show at the NEC and there was no end of enthusiasts buying widgets and gadgets for projects, so it shows there’s still demand there, too.
Is it difficult to find cars in the right condition?
Always. It’s a constant battle to unearth the desirable cars with the right pedigree and, importantly, to be able to prep them for retail and still offer them at a price point that’s fair price to all parties. Ideally, we all want them fresh-to-market, too. No-one ever said it was easy!
‘It’s a constant battle to unearth the right cars’