THE 'CLASSIC' RANGE ROVER. IS IT WORTH IT?

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The 'classic' Range Rover. Is it worth it?

My boss has a couple of dodgy old long wheelbase Range Rovers which he raves about. He needs two, he tells me, because one is always being repaired! Yesterday he took me for a spin in one of them (wouldn’t let me drive his precious ‘collector’s item’). It was like being driven around in a wardrobe. On Wednesday I had a conversation with Richard H-E about a Series 1 1970 Range Rover that sold for £10.5k last week at Richard Edmond’s latest auction. Then later on Wednesday I read something about Land Rover posting record profits this year largely as a result of a 30% increase in Range Rover sales. As a result my blog this week is a feature on the Range Rover. I actually love driving modern Range Rovers as they are capable of going off road despite having some fairly fancy technology going on. Not only that but they’re quick on the roads and provide you with that feeling that you can destroy all lesser mortals that get in your way. They’re good cars hence the sales figures and the only downside I can see with the current Range Rover selection - with tinted windows - is that they will make you look like a drug dealer. Until this week I must confess that ‘classic’ Range Rovers were a car I had never really given much thought to. But when I did I was stuck on the idea that the idea of the Range Rover really was a flash of brilliance. I imagine a board meeting at British Leyland going something like this; Designer -‘Sir, I’ve been thinking about it, Land Rovers are great if you’re in the army or you’re a farmer but if you value your eardrums and your spine they’re not quite so brilliant.’ Chairman – ‘Ok so what should we do about it? Create a load of SUVs or pickups and turn Britain into a country of ghastly cowboys?’ Designer – ‘Oh no, we may not be American but I’m sure we can still come up with a car that is frightening when cornering but will appeal to rich British people. Think about it, rich people have money, unlike the rest of BL we should probably try to make something that makes money, let’s just design a Landy, but a bit posher.’ Chairman – ‘I don’t know how I feel about creating a profitable British car but the rest of what you said made sense. Do it, but so people know it’s British make sure it rusts like no tomorrow and ensure none of the panels meet up properly.’ When you look at the Range Rover from a business sense it really is a fantastic idea that I don’t think has been afforded enough credit. The Range Rover has always been good off road and even the early ones are surprisingly practical on the road. For rural Britain in the early 70s you can easily see why this would have caught on. When launched it was loved by the motoring press as it really was equally capable both on and off the road. It was sturdy and its 4 wheel drive was easily capable of handling most off road situations. On the roads it would go from 0-60 in 15 seconds which in 1970 was about standard for a normal car. In addition it could reach 95mph proving it a sensible option for motorway cruising. I drove a 1985 Range about 2 years ago on a motorway and although I wouldn’t describe it as pleasant (little bit twitchy over 60mph) it was a much nicer experience than driving a 1985 998 Mini Mayfair on the same road. To try to make this relevant for today and for collectors I searched our auction database to look at values. Two years ago very similar Range Rovers were making only 2/3rds what they are today and I’ve spoken to several classic dealers over the last year who said these are cars to watch out for. Early series 1s from 1970 are usually the most collectible and tend to be the most valuable of any pre 96 Range Rover. Looking at how things are going though I can see 80s and early 90s Range Rovers really starting to pick up in value. I would almost guarantee you that any landowner with 10 acres or more in the UK will have one rolling around somewhere. A modern Range Rover may be very capable off roads but when was the last time you saw one that wasn’t driving around either West London or the Home Counties? Very few people who own a new Range Rover would even contemplate driving it through muddy fields, which is a shame because it is eminently capable of doing so. Old Range Rovers on the other hand are consistently covered in mud. It’s as if the classic Range actually thinks it’s a rugby player. As these were built by British Leyland it is understandable that build quality may not be 100% (apparently they’re worth more if you find an original decomposed sandwich under the passenger seat) but although not conventional this car shouldn’t be ignored as a classic. Look at our auction database over the last couple of years and you’ll see how values are rising, but looking on CCFS you’ll also see you can still pick these up for very low sums. If you don’t believe me spend £2k on a 80s Range and go to the nearest field you can find, (with the owner’s permission of course), then go absolutely nuts. I’d be surprised if you ever find a car you can have more fun in for this kind of money. That’s it from me this week but next week I’ll be back with an investigation into some of the seedier practices taking place with sellers of classic cars. Phil philcooper@classiccarsforsale.co.uk

BUY BRUCE FORSYTH'S MERCEDES

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Play your cards right with Brucie's Merc

A Mercedes-Benz E320 originally owned by Sir Bruce Forsyth has been put up for sale by a classic dealer in Bournemouth.

Black and White Cars is advertising the 1994 model for £10,995. It was one of 90 Sportline-spec models sold in the UK and was originally bought by The Generation Game star from Normand, a Mayfair-based luxury car specialist.

Clearly a fan of big saloons, Brucie put his W-plate Mercedes S280 up for sale for £3,990 in 2011 and his 1991 Bentley Eight saloon, with just 29,000 miles on the clock, was sold by Coys in 2013 with an estimate of £7000-£10,000.

YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW MUCH THIS COLIN MCRAE RALLY IMPREZA IS WORTH

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A Subaru Impreza rallied by 1995 World Rally Champion Colin McRae is going under the hammer with H&H’s Duxford auction on 14 October – and it’s more than doubled in value.

Synonymous with McRae, the 555-liveried 1997 car was the first Impreza that Prodrive built to WRC Specification. Chassis number PRO-WRC-97-001 saw Colin McRae and Co-Driver Nicky Grist use the car ahead of the 1997 season for testing and development purposes.

It was sold by the works rally team in 1998 and spent several years being run by a privateer. It then went back to Prodrive for a full restoration, before being sold and bought once again.

It’s being sold at the auction with a £175-200k estimate. Last time the car came up for sale was in 2009, priced at £85,000, a staggering £100,000 less than it’s currently estimated to fetch.

Tristan Longden, director at Japanese car specialist Torque GT said: ‘Imprezas are really increasing in price, special edition models like the 22B have doubled in price since 2009 - from £25k to near £50k - so it wouldn’t surprise me if it reached its estimate.’

H&H Sales Director Damian Jones added: ‘Tragically, Colin McRae was killed in a helicopter crash aged just 39, but his legend lives on in the sport, and this iconic car was driven by perhaps the most iconic figure in world rally history. It’s a privilege to be able to offer it for sale alongside the many other outstanding vehicles.’ 

2002 TII IS A BARGAIN INVESTMENT

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2002 Tii is a bargain investment

When you look at the Market Tracker graph in the latest issue of Classic Cars, it’s natural to be put off buying a BMW 2002 Tii by its steep rate of climb. With prices doubling since 2010, can it really be good value? 

But in this crazy world of rising prices, it’s all about context, and the Tii’s natural rival, the Alfa 2000 GTV is almost twice as expensive in equivalent condition. With the growing following for classic BMWs, fuelled by a new generation of enthusiasts who grew up worshipping the propeller badge and finally having spare cash to blow on the classic of their dreams, these sharp suited and quick saloons are likely to keep on moving upwards.

Buying advice and market analysis is part of 16 pages of buying information in every issue of Classic Cars magazine, including Quentin Willson’s Smart Buys, Russ Smith’s Market Watch, in-depth buying guides and Ads on Test.

For more details of the latest issue, visit www.classiccarsmagazine.co.uk

TIME TO GET AN ANGLE ON AN ANGLIA?

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Time to get an angle on an Anglia?

The humble family car, once the entry level to a classic car world obsessed with sexy sports and performance machinery, is now competing for the wallets of nostalgic buyers.

Take the Ford Anglia, with its wacky reversed rear windscreen and perky tailfins. Up until 2007 these cars were stuck below a £3k ceiling, but as the Market Tracker graph in the latest issue of Classic Cars reveals, prices have been ramping up quite sharply since, outstripping the once-preferred Morris Minor two-door models. Relative scarcity and the challenge of finding restoration parts has driven demand for sorted examples, unlike the appearance in a Harry Potter movie. 

Buying advice and market analysis is part of 16 pages of buying information in every issue of Classic Cars magazine, including Quentin Willson’s Smart Buys, Russ Smith’s Market Watch, in-depth buying guides and Ads on Test.

For more details of the latest issue, visit www.classiccarsmagazine.co.uk

FIVE MODIFICATIONS THAT COULD DRIVE UP YOUR CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE POLICY (AND FIVE WAYS TO KEEP IT DOWN)

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We’ve all heard the stories: tell your insurance company that you’ve fitted an aftermarket exhaust pipe and your premium goes up. But are such tales based in truth?

Five modifications that could drive up your classic car insurance policy (and five ways to keep it down)

We asked classic car insurance specialists Hagerty to help us identify five modifications that could potentially drive up your policy- and five things you can do to keep your costs down.

Bad Mod 1: Bespoke Paintwork

Tempted as you may be to get an airbrushed picture of your wife on the bonnet of your Austin Healey Sprite, think again. For insurers, bespoke paintwork, especially highly-detailed airbrush work, is a nightmare to cover and could drive up your premium. Any damage could be really difficult to match and so could result in a substantial re-spray- and good airbrush artists are not cheap.

Bad Mod 2: Modern Engine

Dropping a Subaru engine into your VW split screen bus may seem like a great idea, but expect your insurance premium to rise along with your top speed. Although the engine may fit, other running gear components such as brakes and suspension may not be able to cope as well. Experience has told insurers that this modification often leads to more claims, hence the rise in cost.

Bad Mod 3: Motorsport Modifications

While period motorsport modifications would probably see no increase in insurance cost, a full race-prepared engine car cost a huge amount of money. Drop an £80,000 lump into your Mk II Escort and suddenly your insurer will take note.

Bad Mod 4: Specialist Bodywork

For many of the same reasons as bespoke paintwork, if you replace the body panels on your car with aluminium or carbon fibre, your policy may go up. This one is not definite- it would depend on the car and the panels, but ask your insurer to find out.

Bad Mod 5: Mille Miglia Entry

OK, so it’s not really a modification but we were running out of ideas here. As Ian Arthur from Hagerty explains, contrary to popular belief, altering your classic car doesn’t necessarily mean your policy will go up. "Add forged pistons and racing cams, upgrade the suspension and add alloy wheels- we would be delighted to hear about these modifications, but they won’t affect your policy. Even road rally events are covered… it would have to be something like the Mille Miglia before we raised the policy price!"

OK, so while we had our expert on the line, what can classic owners do to keep their policy cost down. Here are his suggestions:

Good Idea 1: Storage

Keep the car in a locked garage, and the risk of theft reduces greatly. As a result, your policy price will drop.

Good Idea 2: Realistic Mileage

The more you use the car, the higher the risk of an accident, so your policy goes up. If you’re only driving it 1,000 miles a year, don’t insure it for 5,000 miles per annum, as your cost will be higher. Always keep a track of your mileage though- and let your insurer know either way.

Good Idea 3: Join a Car Club

Hagerty loves people who are members of clubs- from experience they tend to be conscientious owners who have fewer claims. That’s why they give a reduction to any member of a recognised club.

Good Idea 4: Keep Your Slate Clean

Fewer penalty points mean smaller premiums- it is as simple as that. And if you do get some points on your licence, tell your insurer.

Good Idea 5: Move House and Change Your Job

Err… or not, according to Ian from Hagerty. "It’s a fallacy that your job and even your postcode have a bearing on your insurance premium. At Hagerty, we like to keep things simple, so premiums don’t change based on where you live or what you do- for us the risk hasn’t changed, so why should the cost of cover?"

So there you have it. If you must drive a carbon-fibre, airbrush-painted, motorsport-prepared classic car in the Mille Miglia, at least join your local car club and keep it in the garage. As they say, every little helps.

FIVE WAYS TO MAKE UP FOR FORGETTING FATHER’S DAY FOR LESS THAN £10K

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You’ve been working all the hours possible, and you’ve not been able to leave the office before the shops shut. The postman didn’t turn up. The online shopping transaction didn’t go through. I was robbed at gunpoint by an army of goblins somewhere near a KFC.

These are all excuses I have used to explain why my dad didn’t wake up to a card and a present on previous Father’s Days. This admittedly makes me an awful son. However, more than a few people reading this will be nodding sagely. Some will have a sudden realisation, then an unfettered outburst of Anglo-Saxon, and then be scrabbling to phone dad to apologise – and make some excuses.

For those who have forgotten, here are five cars that would definitely get you back in your dad’s good books. You just need to pick the car that best suits your father’s lifestyle. All these cars are available for less than ten grand and as it’s just one day after, you’ll at least have a year to pay off the loan. Here are our five choices.

1. OUTDOORSY DAD – LAND ROVER

Was your father always the first one up in the morning? Was a holiday not complete without a six-mile trek across the Yorkshire dales before dawn? Does he see himself as suburbia’s answer to Ray Mears, only with better-fitting shorts? Then this 1982 Land Rover Series III 88-inch Safari will more than do the trick.  

 2. LUXURY DAD – ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW

Is your father is far more Claridges than Cleethorphes? Does dressing down mean not wearing a tie t  go to the shops? Does he rate a sofa’s worthiness by how far he can sink into the cushions? Then this is the one for him. It may be a smidgen under ten grand but no-one will really know – this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow still looks like a millionaire's motor. And he’ll feel so much better about your memory indiscretion behind the wheel of this wonderfully refined Roller. 

 3. TINKERER DAD – LOTUS EUROPA PROJECT

Does your dad know his socket set better than he knows your other half’s second name? Does he call his shed home? Is he regularly covered in more oil than the floor of his garage? Then this Lotus Europa project is surely the answer. With relatively simple mechanicals, entertaining driving dynamics (when it’s done, circa 2025), and all the makings of a fantastic father-and-son bonding opportunity, it's a great story just waiting to happen. Just try not to misplace any sockets. 

 4. MOTORSPORT DAD – MGB TRACKDAY/RACE/RALLY CAR

Does your dad often go misty eyed when recounting tales of disappearing into remote forests at 2am with just a thermos, a bobble hat and the passing headlights of a Finnish rallying ace for company? Has he analysed the optimum apexes on his commute? Does he drive everywhere at the top of the rev range, despite your mother’s bemusement? Then why not give him what he really wants – and some relief to your probably very car-sick mum – with this fully track-prepared MGB. Your mother will probably pass on a go in it, however. 

5. ‘I HAD ONE OF THOSE, YOU KNOW’ – TRIUMPH SPITFIRE

Does your dad often regale you with tales of his racy roadster past? Does he tell you hilarious stories about the breakdowns he had? Are there awkward moments when he says ‘Ah, I had one of those –  your mother and I firs…. er…’? Then it’s likely he had a Triumph Spitfire, as it was cheap to buy, simple to look after and great fun. And the best bit? It still is – like this yellow number. 

NO TO 25-YEAR TAX EXEMPTION

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Treasury states why it’s sticking to the 40-year free duty rule

A return to a rolling 25-year rule would make 1980s cars like Ford’s Sierra cheaper to run.

The Government has ruled out reinstating the original 25-year road tax exemption for classic cars – despite more than 18,000 of you calling for it in an online petition.

The Treasury says it recognises that classics are an important part of the UK’s heritage, but feels the current 40-year rule is sufficient, allowing 10,000 vehicles to become exempt every year. It also recognises the importance of the historic vehicle movement, and reckons by its own data it supports the livelihood of 28,000 people across the country.

‘The Government is working to deliver a long-term economic plan to repair the public finances and will continue to take the difficult decisions to achieve this goal. Therefore, the Government currently has no plans to re-introduce a rolling 25-year exemption for this category of vehicle,’ a Treasury spokesman says.

He adds that in recognition of the contribution made in the 2014 Budget the Government announced a rolling 40-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) exemption for classic vehicles. 

The online petition calling for a return to tax-free status at25 years runs until 24 July, and had attracted 18,063 signatures as this issue of CCW went to press. Creator Logan Walker – who owns a Jaguar XJ-S and Mercedes-Benz SL R107 – says he’ll continue promoting the petition, but adds there’s a long way to go to reach the 100,000 signatures needed to prompt a Commons debate on it. 

‘I was flabbergasted to see it even reach 15,000 signatures but it needs more than me pushing the debate to get any change,’ says Logan. 

‘It needs to be a bandwagon that gets more mainstream support – imagine if someone like Chris Evans lent his support to it.

‘It’s not helping rich people who buy classics as investments. It’s about supporting ordinary working people who love bread and butter cars, for whom paying road tax every year might be the difference between them choosing to preserve an old car or not.’

BUY THE QUEEN MUM’S ROLLS-ROYCE

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A Rolls-Royce Phantom V used by Her Majesty the Queen Mother is going under the hammer

A  Rolls-Royce Phantom V used by Her Majesty the Queen Mother is going under the hammer on 21 April.

The vendor states that the example is the first B Series Phantom V, coach built by James Young and originally supplied by Frank Dale. Believed to be the 1963 Phantom, which was displayed by the manufacturer at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show, which was subsequently taken into Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's stable of cars.

Finished in Yellow with a Black Roof and all of the usual Phantom options, including decanters, glasses, two-way telephone and air-conditioning.

The Rolls-Royce is being sold by Barons Auctions with an estimate of £60-100k.

WHY YOU SHOULD MAJOR ON THE MINOR

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Why you should major on the Minor

The growth of the classic car market has seen more and more private buyers prowling the auctions, often driving prices beyond what dealers need to pay in order to leave some profit for resale. But even in this heated environment some cars, particularly lower value models, can be overlooked by the auction hunter. 

In his Market Watch section of the latest issue of Classic Cars magazine Russ Smith tips the Morris Minor saloon as an opportunity for a canny buy. While pricier Convertibles and Travellers tend to go for strong money, the regular saloons are often overlooked, with 64 per cent of cars offered over the past year selling for an average of 12 per cent below estimate.

Buying advice and market analysis is part of 16 pages of buying information in every issue of Classic Cars magazine, including Quentin Willson’s Smart Buys, Russ Smith’s Market Watch, in-depth buying guides and Ads on Test.

SOME OF THE PITFALLS OF BECOMING A CLASSIC CAR DEALER.

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Some of the pitfalls of becoming a classic car dealer.

About 5 years ago at the humble age of 22 I had decided that the rat race had become too much for me. I had not only the pressure of working a full 8 hours each day, but the added pressure of having to head down to the pub every now and then combined with having to wash and iron my own clothes. Times were tough and I realised I needed to duck away from all this responsibility. I needed to get rich quickly to get out of this murky world of real work and my first plan, of buying lots of lottery tickets, had failed woefully. The next issue that came up was that I had no discernable talents. This meant that I couldn’t be a pop star or an actor. I suppose I could have applied for The Apprentice but Amstrads bore me at the best of times so that seemed a poor idea. Fortunately because I hadn’t had many girlfriends/friends growing up, I knew a surprising amount about classic cars, even if I had no idea how to repair them. Armed with £4000 to set myself up I decided to start a ‘classic car business’. I had quit work, was sleeping back at my parents and was living on a diet of Coco Pops and Pot Noodles. However none of this mattered as I was about to make millions in the classic car business. I had read an article about how this guy had bought something on E-bay for £5 and then by trading up ended up with a house. I had £4000 so I was pretty certain I was going to end up owning Bill Gates. I decided to start with something I knew very well which was obviously a Mini. For £3000 I bought a Mini Cooper Sportspack with only 12,000 miles on the clock which needed a ‘small’ amount of cosmetic work, which I reckoned would cost about £500. Then with the right marketing I’d sell it for £6k meaning I’d be able to buy a much better second car. Unfortunately I have a tendency of getting too excited and of using my rose tinted goggles a little too often. I had failed to notice the following: - Hole in the boot floor which had tape over it. - Service history virtually missing for 3 years and an MOT that said 48,000 miles. - Front sub-frame that had been put on at an angle. I had to visit the bank of Dad for the £2,000 it eventually cost to get the car properly sorted. I sold the car for £4,000 in the end after 3 months trying, losing £1000 and countless man hours trying to sell it. Shortly after this I re-entered the world of work and since then I have not even attempted to buy or sell a classic car with the intention of making a profit. There is a big difference between being able to geek out the stats on a series 1 E-type and knowing enough about that model to spot a dud when looking to buy one. In addition you also need to be able to appreciate the cars without getting too emotionally attached to them which I’ve never proven capable of doing. There are two reasons why I have decided to relay yet another dull anecdote from my rather tedious existence this week. Firstly I got an e-mail from someone wanting to know whether I thought he should set up on his own as a classic car dealer. In all honesty unless you have some mechanical skills, have a lot of knowledge about the cars you want to sell, can be pragmatic when required and have a good level of financial support don’t even think about it. I know the odd back-yard mechanics that supplement their income, by doing up a car then selling it on, but not very many who can do this full time and make money out of it. Operating profits are small and competition to buy good stock is vast. Without a reputation it is a very difficult market to break. My second reason for bringing this up this week was an e-mail I had from some chap moaning that all classic car dealers are pr*cks and they would sell their soul for a pack of peanut M&Ms (He didn’t actually say the peanut M&M thing but I thought it helped set the scene). I can say quite comfortably in the last 2 years I have spoken to at least 1,000 different classic car dealers from all over the world. Of those 1,000, I can remember only 7 that I really didn’t like. That is less than 1% of classic car dealers I don’t like. And let’s be honest, if you’ve read my weekly updates before, you’ll know there aren’t many people I do like. Compare this statistic with recruitment consultants where research* shows 98% contain no human soul and estate agents who don’t eat food because they can survive on pure ego. Classic car dealers do it because they are passionate about classic cars. They are usually highly intelligent people with many other interests who actually have opinions about things. Most take pride in what they do and the cars they sell and they love to chat about it. Honestly, if you want to get the price down on a classic car you want to buy from a dealer. Try to out-chat one, I don’t fancy your chances. This brings me to the moral of today’s story. Selling classic cars is actually quite hard and unless you’re doing so with very high end vehicles it is not vastly profitable. Classic car dealers get some flak and I’ve seen things in the press with court cases where classic car dealers have been involved and usually the plaintiff looks like the wronged party. For legal reasons I would never comment on an individual case but there have been times where you can see the dealer being sued didn’t realise the mistake himself or was just a passionate old chap putting his car in the best possible light. The loss of reputation to any car dealer after something like this is hugely damaging. So next time you think about pigeon holing classic dealers alongside normal car dealers, remember; these people keep the classic car sector ticking and usually do it because of passion rather than money. Phil Cooper philcooper@classiccarsforsale.co.uk * For legal reason I have to point out that I haven’t actually done any research into whether recruitment consultants actually have a soul. It does seem doubtful however

GET YOUR CLASSIC CAR READY FOR SPRING

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Get your car ready for the Spring season with our simple, 12-step guide...

So you’re a diligent classic owner. You cherish your car, which is why you don’t drive it through the filth of winter. But when it comes to getting it out and ready for a reliable show season, is your inspection regime all it could be?

To help you get your car back on the road and running smoothly, we’ve put together this checklist of items, so you can ensure your classic will be reliable, safe and on the button for the perfect start to the classic season. There’s no time like the present to make your preparations to enjoy the summer.

TYRES

Examine your tyres minutely by removing each wheel from the car and inspecting for tread depth and minute cracks in the sidewall and tread areas. Ensure you examine the bead seat on the inner and outer faces too for deterioration. Remove the valve caps and set the pressures exactly.

BRAKES

HYDRAULICS

Brake fluid should be checked with a hygroscopicity meter, or, if the fluid is black, or hasn’t been changed in the past two years, replace it.

FRICTION

Remove wheels and look for deterioration in flexis and corrosion in metal pipes. Examine friction on pads and shoes. 1.5mm is legal minimum.

COOLING SYSTEM

Check coolant level in expansion bottles and radiator header tank. Antifreeze should be to strength — you can buy a tester for this — then adjust to suit. Examine all hoses for cracks and then check the expansion hole under the water pump. It should have no trace of residue or leakage.

OIL AND FILTER

Check engine oil level using the dipstick and adjust as necessary. Then remove the spark plugs to spin the engine on the starter without any load to get the oil pressure up quickly before you attempt to start the engine. Change the oil and filter for the new season after running the engine to temperature.

FUEL

If you’ve left the tank empty then replenish the fuel with fresh and add your favoured lead replacement additive if your car isn’t converted to run on unleaded. Leaving fuel in the car over the winter can result in a thickening, while ethanol-based fuels can result in corrosion.

WIPERS

With wiper arms removed, drip some oil onto pivot points where they protrude through the body then operate the wipers on fast to work the lubricant in. Oil the links on wiper gearboxes too, then replace the blades as a matter of course. If you’ve used a plastic wrap under the wiper in storage, remove it.

LIGHTS

With an assistant, check all the lights work in accordance with the car’s design. If lamps are dirty inside then remove them and wash/polish lenses. Replace any bulbs that have gone black inside, and also clean the inside of headlamp fairings on cars such as E-types to maximise light output.

SEAT BELTS

Check anchorages by giving a real good pull on belts at floor and B-pillar mounts, then check centre mount the same before plugging in and making sure the seat belt catches are working adequately and not releasing prematurely. If you have inertias, check for the mechanism locking too.

BATTERY

Remove the battery and give it a slow trickle charge to top it right up. Put it on a bench and remove the electrolyte covers and top up with distilled water if necessary. Connect both leads and only then switch the charger on. Don’t place the battery on a concrete floor, as this can damage the plates.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

From underneath the car, examine the exhaust pipes and silencer boxes for corrosion and deterioration, then check each of the rubber hangers (mounts) for cracks and splits — a broken mount can finish off a good exhaust system in short time. Replace any poor components.

PAPERWORK

Ensure you have your up-to-date paperwork in order. Remember, if you need to take your car to an MoT station it must be insured, and the MoT garage must have a record of its appointment for you to drive it legally to the MoT garage, and you mustn’t ‘pop in’ anywhere else on the way.

CLEANING

A real good spring clean is now in order. Wash with shampoo and leather off. Vacuum and clean the interior. Then use a gentle clay bar on the paintwork, wax polish, buff off, chrome polish and/or trim gel, to achieve your personal level of appropriate cleanliness for your cherished car.

CLASSIC CAR PRICES TO FALL

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Classic experts are predicting a 'slow puncture' for the classic car market as years of rising prices come to an end - but they don't expect a repeat of the late 1980s crash.

Classic experts are predicting a 'slow puncture' for the classic car market

Justin Banks, who runs the eponymous classis dealership in Kent, does not believe the market is heading for a crash but he does see price growth coming to an end.

'For the next few months I expect prices to remain exactly where they were last month - we cannot push the market. I think the market will be stable but will not grow at the rate we have experienced over the next year.

'The people declaring an imminent bust are usually those who want to buy a Dino but missed the boat a couple of years ago! The underlying market forces bear no resemblance at all to the crash of the late 1980s.'

Mark Wilkinson, managing partner of Heritage Classic Car Insurance, said that while he could see certain upwards trends continuing - particularly the price rises for 1980s and 1990s models - he believes the overall market will suffer a 'slow puncture' rather than a price crash. He said: 'Coupled with relaxation of the pension regulations and a lack of capital gains tax on cars, it's tempting to think that current growth will continue. However, there are signs of an imminent downturn. Expected increases in interest rates will make non-yielding assets such as classic cars less attractive to investors.'

Wilkinson added that volatility in global markets, including the current situation in China, could lead to falling values. 'Closer to home, recent large-scale sales by high profile collectors could signal a likely downturn,' he said. 'Equally, a scandal involving a supposedly old vehicle sold as original, which turned out to be a high quality replica, could also see prices for certain vehicles plummet - rather like the current Volkswagen diesel situation.

'However, if the global recovery takes a hit, then all bets are off, and it's a case of battening down the hatches and hanging on tight for the long run!'

Keith Riddington, who runs Buckinghamshire-based specialist Classicmobilia, said the number of Ferraris struggling to sell at auction was a sign of a market that is levelling out. He told Classic Car Weekly: 'The state of the market has changed in the last two months. Buyers are taking a different view on acquisitions, and dealers are having to work a lot harder to compete against the many auction houses, then having to justify the car they are selling against the value of an auction car recently sold.'

Riddington's tip for growth is in modern classics. 'I see the 1980s, 1990s and 2000 cars moving so much in the last few months,' he said. 'There's new money on the horizon, and many younger cars are being bought and locked away. Pre-World War II cars are being left behind and the market that did well at the start of the year is stabilising I do not see so much of a downturn, so much as more sensible buying by people with a little bargaining power.'

PRICES ON THE UP – AND DOWN

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More than a quarter of classic cars have changed in value over the past three months, according to the prices update in the latest issue of Classic Cars magazine.

Prices on the up – and down

The Price Guide quarterly reveals 331 movers out of the 1200 models tracked, with 267 of them increasing since the last update. Growth is spread right across the market, from Austin 1100/1300 to Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheelbase, but inevitably there’s a lot of action around Ferrari models – not all of it upwards. While many of the traditionally coveted Sixties models have increased again, some of the more recent growth models like the 330 GT, Dino and 308 have fallen back.

At the more affordable end of the market, MGBs are showing signs of awakening after being left behind by other, more rapidly growing classics.

It’s a complex picture, proving that just because a model is on the up, it won’t necessarily continue the climb; and that just because other models are languishing, that doesn’t mean that they will remain affordable for ever.

Buying advice and market analysis is part of 16 pages of buying information in every issue of Classic Cars magazine, including Quentin Willson’s Smart Buys, Russ Smith’s Market Watch, in-depth buying guides and Ads on Test.

For more details of the latest issue, visit www.classiccarsmagazine.co.uk

WHAT'S ON THE RISE AND WHAT'S ON THE SLIDE IN CLASSIC CARS' PRICE GUIDE

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It’s been a busy few months for price movement in the classic car world. The Price Guide Quarterly in the latest issue of Classic Cars magazine reveals 271 climbers and 25 fallers out of the 1200-plus models that we track.

What's on the rise and what's on the slide in Classic Cars' Price Guide

Most of the models on the up carry Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar and Mercedes badges, as you might expect, but Fifties Ford Consuls, Zephyrs and Zodiacs have perked up this time and Mini Coopers have shown another surge.

That news will either have you rushing to buy in before those cars become even more expensive, or depressed that they’re already out of reach. In that case, the fallers represent an opportunity, with choices ranging from the Alvis Speed 25 Tourer to modern classics like the Porsche Boxster slipping back. A Speed 25 saloon will have to fall a lot further before it’s within my grasp, but I can be patient when I need to be.

Buying advice and market analysis is part of 16 pages of buying information in every issue of Classic Cars magazine, including Quentin Willson’s Smart Buys, Russ Smith’s Market Watch, in-depth buying guides and Ads on Test.

For more details of the latest issue, visit www.classiccarsmagazine.co.uk

PRICE RISES SPOILING INTEREST IN CLASSIC CARS

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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.’

THE CLASSICS TO WATCH IN 2016

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More modern classics are likely to be the best performers on the marketplace during 2016, according to a number of leading auction specialists contacted by CCFS' sister newspaper Classic Car Weekly.

Cars from the 1980s and 1990s seem set to be the winners this year, as interest from enthusiasts continues to grow and fuels values. However, the pay off against this is that prices are still cooling for older vehicles, with pre-World War Two machines suffering the most. 

‘Modern classics continue to sell well at auction, while original, right-hand drive cars with good provenance continue to prove in demand,’ said Callum Chamberlain, the PR representative for Warwickshire-based Classic Car Auctions, which holds its next auction on 19 March, Its general manager Guy Lees-Milne highlighted the BMW E30 M3 of 1986 and 1992 as one to especially look out for. ‘It’s a sound buy for those seeking an affordable classic that should offer great investment potential. These cars have a loyal, cult following and tremendous pedigree – all features buyers should be looking out for.’ He also pinpointed the Ferrari 348 as ‘a great value, useable modern classic for under £50,000 and, if it follows the price rise of its successor, the F355, then it could prove a valuable investment.’

Derek Mathewson, of North Yorkshire’s Mathewson’s (whose next sale is 27 February), also felt that ‘older modern cars’ were finally in the ascendancy. ‘Every sale, we have about 20 vehicles that perhaps shouldn’t be in a classic auction. Then we sell about 14 or 15 of them. However, values for 1920s and 1930s cars is very flat now, apart from evergreens such as Bentleys and Austin Sevens. Cars like MG TDs are very down; the market is flooded with them. But nobody goes for them anymore because they’re now too old. The interest is disappearing.’

Derek’s belief is that MkI Vauxhall Cavaliers, FE Victors and Landcrabs could be the next cars to see hikes in values, with Bristols and Jensens in the upper echelons. ‘Bristols in particular are going to rocket. They’re super cars.’ However, the situation was less rosy for some mainstream stuff such as Maestros and Montegos. ‘They’re not so good to shift,’ said Derek.

Rob George, of Anglia Classic Auctions, also flagged up modern classics as likely to see rising prices over the coming year, following strong sales in this sector over 2015. ‘Last year, we sold a Sierra Cosworth covered in dirt for £47,000. I think Subaru Imprezas will be the next big thing. Think Richard Burns and Colin McRae – people grew up playing the video games, now they can have the real thing. Nice, unabused examples will do especially well. ’ However, he did stress that classics shouldn’t be about the money. ‘It’s nice that they go up in price, but don’t buy them just for that. Why not use and enjoy them for what they are. We’ve always been enthusiasts first and foremost and it really shouldn’t be all about the money.’ 

THREE GREAT CARS YOU SHOULD BUY NOW

BMW Z3 

These compact BMW sports cars are at last sparking genuine enthusiast interest as they move out of the shadow of the succeeding Z8. Values are, naturally, stronger for the six-cylinder cars and the M-branded models. Intriguingly, it’s the M Coupe – regarded when new as an ugly duckling – that now attracts the most cash.

MAZDA MX-5

Japan’s reinvention of the Elan, MGB, Midget and all those great sports cars of the 1960s continues to pile on the cash potential. The first generation cars will always be the best-loved, but now the appeal of the second generation cars is starting to rise too. If only they had pop-up headlamps…

JAGUAR XJ

From the X300 onwards, values of these saloons have been in the doldrums. But as with any Jaguar, it’s only a matter of time before the money starts rolling in. Derek Mathewson of Mathewson’s describes them as ‘the equivalent of where the MkII was in the 1970s.’ The X350’s all-aluminium body makes it the best bet.

THREE CARS YOU SHOULD KEEP

MERCEDES-BENZ SL

Prices for Mercedes-Benz R129 SLs (1989-2002) are on the floor right now, with Derek Mathewson mentioning the ‘false market’ for them, whereby some people are asking too much money. However, once this has calmed down, the sensible cash will start going their way. After all, look at what’s happened with the previous series?

BMW E30 M3

If you’re lucky enough to have an E30 M3, hang onto it. Values rose steeply last year and show no signs of slowing down. Just don’t muck around with it, because the more original and untouched an example is, the more likely it will be to find buyers who are prepared to pay handsomely.

SUBARU IMPREZA

There are good Imprezas and there are bad Imprezas. The good ones have been kept pure by their owners while the bad ones have been tragically modified and run on a budget. If you’ve got the former, celebrate – you’re winning at life. If you’ve got the latter, get it back to how it should be.

THREE CARS YOU SHOULD SELL

MG T-TYPES

Values for pre-war cars as a whole are down, but it’s MG T-types, and the TD in particular, that are bearing the brunt most of all. With so many later MGs available to acquire and enjoy, these earlier Abingdon cars are becoming harder to sell. Sadly, there are few signs of this trend reversing.

AUSTIN MAESTRO/MONTEGO

With Maestros and Montegos being cited as hard to shift by Derek Mathewson, these 1980s and 1990s Austin Rovers have yet to financially sign. There’s a cult following for the cars, but that means that vehicles just seem to change hands within these circles. The wider enthusiast market has yet to see the appeal.

RANGE ROVER P38

Along with the first generation Discovery, the second series Range Rover is the problem child of the Land Rover family. Poor build quality and too many abused examples mean there’s little interest and even judicious care and attention seems incapable of stopping them going wrong. If you’ve a nice one, sell it before something on it blows up.

CLASSIC HIBERNATION: PUTTING YOUR CAR INTO STORAGE

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With winter now in full swing, are you thinking about putting your car into storage?

Tempting though it is to drive our classics all year round, there is always the nagging doubt about how much use they will actually get in the winter months (particularly if heating and weather protection are a bit rudimentary), and the effect that salt-laden roads might be having.

Plenty of owners choose to lay-up their pride and joy until the return of better weather and to help you, we have produced a three part help guide for effective storage.

Put it away in the garage

Keeping your car under cover is the ideal way of protecting it from the elements and if you’ve got the space, it isn’t too late to think getting yourself a garage.

Some are assembled by the supplier, though there is also the option of self-assembly depending on the construction. A single concrete section garage starts at around £2000 from GBC Group, while you’ll pay just over £3000 for a similar garage in steel from AutoBuild.

Steel items can be susceptible to condensation but a roof membrane combats the problem, and further insulation options are available. For a timber building, prices at Passmores start at around £2300 for a single garage, and £4200 for a double.

Before taking this route though, it’s worth bearing in mind that you may need planning permission while building controls might also apply. Generally speaking this depends on the size and location of the structure, and if the garage is less than 30 square metres and detached from your house it should be fine. The planning department of your local council can provide advice on the current regulations, so be sure to contact them before you start any work.

If a garage is too ambitious, a car port or temporary shelter could be just the job. Hamilton Classic has a range to choose from including the innovative ‘AutoPod’, a fully-enclosed, shelter that’ll keep the bad weather at bay. Or there is always the option of car storage companies. Space Contained charge around £50-70 per month for covered storage.

GET YOUR CLASSIC READY FOR WINTER

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Here are 10 practical ways to help you and your classic car cope with the winter months. So get the fire going, pop on your slippers and enjoy Fuzz's wise words...

Well, folks, winter is just around the corner and those darlings at the council depot have been busy all summer, experimenting with formulae for the stickiest and most corrosive road salt known to humankind. Word has it that the bods at the lab have dissolved several cars in a supreme effort to rid the roads of ancient cars but little do they know that we're playing a waiting game.

There is a temptation for any owner to shove his or her classic in the garage in November, lock the door and return on 1 March fully expecting the car to drive away given a battery charge and quick tyre pump-up. Or just as likely, an understandably, many people have good intentions but come the freezing weather mysteriously find themselves spending three months watching the box and eating mince pies with the central heating on full.

Ignoring your classic for the winter is unwise, could prove costly and can seriously affect the safety of your car. However, we're living in the real world where real human beings basically put things off.

None of the tips I've listed here cost a fortune or take ages to act upon, nor do you need to have won engineering awards to carry them out successfully. And don't forget that cars like to be used, or that the classic season doesn't end after November's Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. So, wrap up warm, and carry on winter classic motoring.

1. Drain your coolant

Anti-freeze nowadays is great stuff anf may ordinarily be relied upon to do its job well. But if your cooling system has sprung the odd leak during summer, it may just be that the coolant contains more freeze than anti. Draining it means you can be sure your block won't split.

2. Calipers

Uneven wear of pads and discs can often be down to seized caliper pistons or sliders. Gently ease the pistons back into the calipers after first ensuring that they are free from dirt and rust, using a little brake cleaner and a light abrasive pad. Failure to operate smoothly and evenly means that it's time for overhaul. Obviously it would be better to carry out this owrk as near to the time you actively use the car as possible, but it must be done. Do not forget!

3. Bearing down

Older classics' hubs often are fitted with taper roller bearings. These need to be greased by hand, which is a messy, bu vital job. However, getting at hub bearings can often require the use of a hub puller, so consult your club tech' expert and borrow the correct type.

4. Filters

Along with the engine oil, change the oil filter. This is an absolute must. To make it easier to achieve, have a good quality oil filter strap wrench to hand, to avoid having to use the butchering with a screwdriver method method as this can end up in pain and engine oil spread over a wide area.

5. Fuel hoses

It has probably been quite some time since your car was treated to a set of new flexible fuel hoses, especially those fitted around th nether regions of the tank and underside. New, fuel-spec' hoses are a must and please, do yourself a favour, replace those cheapo braided versions between your carburettors. They're probably fit to burst. Modern fuels can wreak havoc with ageing rubber hoses.

6. Wiggle it

While the old girl's in hibernation for the winter, get an assistant to rock the steering. What you're looking for ia 'jumpy' unproductive movvement at the steering joints, rack or steering box. Any worn items will need replacement or overhaul so now's the time to do it.

...and while you're sitting comfortably, check the steering column bearing by lifting the steering wheel up and down, rather than trying to pull it off the column. If there's anything more than the slightest lift, it's time to check further and see what's going on. Safety first, always.

7. Bulbs

No, not plating for springtime blooms, but ensure all the connections are free from corrosion. If there is any sign of cables becoming overheated, melting insulation and the like, there's either excessive resistance or too much power getting there. Clean all connections and fit new buls.

8. Lights

Bright shiny paint is always let down by grubby light lenses. In order to give them a really good clean, remove them from the car and give them a really good soak in warm water with a spot of light - excuse the pun - detergent. Inside the house, similar activity is known as 'doing the washing up'.

9. Protect your chrome

There's nowt worse than pitted chrome and it can be costly to put right. Smear it with some car body cavity wax, but do remember that it'll be you wiping it off again come spring time.

10. Dehumidify the interior

Due to fluctuating temperatures, condensation will be a problem inside the car and thus little rivulets will descned form glassy heights over rubbers onto hardboard door cards and into welcomingly absorbent carpeets and mats. A couple of regularly attended dehumidifying canisters will help catch the water vapour.

However, instead of hiding away, why not do all of the above and take the car out for regular winter spins in decent weather? It really is the best thing for your car and it'll keep your own spirits raised too. 

WHY IT'S BEST TO GRAB AN ASTON NOW

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With classic Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin prices at the centre of a feeding frenzy the chance for the common man to grab an exotic bargain seems like an evaporating dream. Of course there was always the Russian roulette game of spin the chamber and fear that the next pull of the trigger didn’t release a devastating repair bill, but at least you had a chance of holding on to the dream.

Why it's best to grab an Aston now

So none of the five Aston Martins in the latest issue of Classic Cars magazine are what you’d call cheap, but they can all be bought for a fraction of what they cost new, from the £15k DB7 to the £60-120k V8 Vantage, and are already showing signs of upwards movement. As their predecessors continue to soar, these cars will surely follow in their wake. Thanks to the ever-present maintenance bill Russian roulette that’s not a recipe for investment, but it remains a chance to buy something truly life-enhancing for the price of mere transport.

Buying advice and market analysis is part of 16 pages of buying information in every issue of Classic Cars magazine, including Quentin Willson’s Smart Buys, Russ Smith’s Market Watch, in-depth buying guides and Ads on Test.