Are Auctions Influencing The Values Of Classic Cars?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Following my July 9th article entitled Buying Classic Cars As Investments - What Are Your Chances of Making Money?, I realized that I had created a bit of controversy. Some readers took it to mean that I thought that classic cars are not a good investment, others took it to mean that if your timing was right, you could still make money on your investment. Both can be true. There simply are no hard-and-fast rules. Certainly you're not limited to the cars mentioned in the list that was compiled by Hemmings Daily. Trends can change in an instant when a new fad is introduced, rendering predictions totally invalid. But, we can take a look at history and see that some trends are repeating themselves. What does this mean to us now, as the country is struggling to recover from years of economic turmoil?

There's no doubt that the financial world has taken a huge tumbling over the past few years. Depending upon the area of the country you live in, the effects ranged from drastically impacting you, to causing minor inconveniences, but overall, it's pretty safe to say that the bad economy has affected everyone in some shape or form. Wall Street has become a very volatile place, with extremely wild swings. True investors have been looking at alternative investments to diversify their portfolios. Some have turned to classic cars! Are auctions influencing the values of classic cars and trucks for enthusiasts?

Barrett-Jackson has reported increased interest in classic cars at their auctions, and the fact that values over the past decade have increased in some cases by 10% or more could be the reason. Compared to the stock market's dismal growth rate of under 4.5%, this is a much better investment opportunity.

The cars that Barrett-Jackson auction are high-end, show quality, or rare automobiles that demand high dollars. They are usually a bit above the average enthusiast's spending threshold, but for wealthy investors, they look at classic cars as a potentially better way of fighting the extremely low interest rates that bog down their other investment earnings. Many of the "newbies" to classic car auctions don't really know much about cars, and for these investors, they may be entering a dangerous world.

On a positive note, their involvement with classic cars could have the benefit of driving up prices of cars and trucks that don't make the "elite" list of high-end action cars - the ones you and I own or dream of owning. The downside is that this may be an artificial inflation of a car's worth, and when the bubble bursts, things could get ugly. After all, it's not so easy to liquidate and sell off quickly if the classic car market turns downward. Losses can be dramatic when this happens. For the average classic car buyer/owner, its my opinion that the big national auctions on high-end collectible classic cars does not affect the value of the low to mid-range classics. This is probably because it is you and I - the buyer - who dictate prices. If the buyer is asking too much we simply do not buy. The market seems to regulate itself pretty well, however, once again, when the bubble bursts, it still hurts to lose money if you must sell at a loss.

For now, the professional investor interest in classic cars keeps them a pretty attractive investment for all. However, I stand by my previous statement that, "The fun of owning a classic car or truck is NOT in the financial gain you might get from owning one. This can be a big mistake by buyers. It is purely in the joy that driving one can bring...even if the restoration costs more than the value will ever attain." Guy Algar states, "Owning a classic car, muscle car, or old truck - whatever it is that you like - should be for the nostalgia or the pure enjoyment you get from owning it, no matter what it's condition. There's no better feeling in the world than to own something that you've been dreaming about for years and years."

Andrea offers a possible rule of thumb to follow if you're at all squeamish or hesitant about spending money on a project car: "Don't invest more in the restoration of your car than you are willing to lose on it in a quick-sell situation!" Our bottom line: passion first...investment (if it even has to enter your thoughts) always last.

AUCTION RESOURCES:
List of Auction Companies that handle American Classic Cars
Auctions America by RM
Auctions America Raleigh Classic
Barrett-Jackson
Bonhams
Carlisle Events hosts Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction
Classic Motorcar Auctions
Crown Collector Cars
Koko Classic Car Auctions
Leake Auction Company
McCormick's Classic Car Auctions
Mecum Auctions
MidAmerica Auctions
Palm Beach Car Auction
Russo and Steele
Silver Auctions
Smith's Auction Company
Vicari Auctions
Zephyrhills Auctions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.