FIVA boss warns more must be done to promote historic vehicles to entry level enthusiasts
The increased values of models like the Ford Capri MkIII is great news for classic car traders and specialists, but not everyone is convinced higher prices are a good thing.
The rising prices of classic cars is making it difficult to maintain the perception that enjoying them is a popular hobby, the head of global organisation representing the historic vehicle movement has said.
Patrick Rollet, president of the Féderation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA) said that while he was pleased that the market for classic vehicles was performing strongly, the increased values was making it more difficult for some enthusiasts to get involved with the movement.
He said: ‘While it is good that the market is strong, the rising prices of some of the vehicles we cherish makes it increasingly difficult for us to say our hobby is a popular one.’
Among the models which have increased significantly in value over the past four years are the Triumph TR5, Sunbeam Tiger and the 3.0-litre versions of the Ford Capri, putting them out of reach of a portion of the classic movement who would have been able to afford them at the lower prices of five years ago.
The FBHVC said the price rise phenomenon affected the higher end of the classic car market more acutely, and that its member clubs hadn’t raised any concerns about value increases putting off new recruits to the classic car movement.
Geoff Lancaster, communications director, said: ‘Like any popular pastime, like football or golf, once a hobby gets more and more popular some of the prices associated with it will inevitably start to go up.
‘However, there is always a new influx of cars being recognised as classics which are at available at a much more affordable price point, and we completely support these cars being enjoyed as future classics.’
Lou Lusardi, press officer for the Sunbeam Tiger Owners Club, said: ‘I don’t think it’s a phenomenon that affects all classics, but it’s definitely been the case with the Tiger. Prices have risen to the point that you’ll struggle these days to get a good car for less than £30,000, which does affect the ability to buy the cars.
‘We have had an influx of younger members after the publicity the car’s 50th anniversary at the NEC show last November gave us, but even now we don’t have many owners under the age of 40.’