 |
| Before
buying a classic,it helps to learn more about a marque through specialist
magazines and the 'Net'. |
How
does one honestly value a classic car? Age alone does not impart any value.
What matters greatly, in no particular order, is pedigree, rarity, condition
and desirability. Performance and everyday usability matter a great deal
too as do previous owners. Also on how much nostalgia they evoke.
All old cars are not always good investments, they should be bought for
enjoyment. Cars are also collectible because of the period's definition
of style, in an age when the engineering, craftsmanship, performance or
innovation were superior.
In India the more rare a car's presence, the more unique it is considered
to be and that depends on how few were imported or how many have survived
today. There are cars imprinted in our minds having seen them in popular
movies of our youth (the MG TC in the 'Love Story') or driven by a famous
personality. Cars that once belonged to the family bring back memories
of days gone by. These may not always be a good investment but they could
be bought for enjoyment.
It
can safely be stated that sports cars generally fetch the highest price.
For every exclusive thoroughbred sports racer, however there are hundreds
of more humble sports cars giving 90 percent of the pleasure at 10 percent
of the cost. Two-door convertibles and four-door convertibles are often
as sought after as they offer a good combination of comfort and style.
Next are the two-door coupes, the woody station-wagons, two-door station-wagons,
two-door sedans and the regular four-door sedans - a pillar-less sedan
holds more value than a regular sedan. Lastly but not the least are the
limousines - quite a few of these served in Indian metros as taxis as
late as the fifties.
Special-bodied cars like the fin-tailed American cars of the '60s can
be desirable but make sure they are not modified. The values of some remarkable
autos are severely hampered by an almost total absence of public awareness.
So if you happen to come across some of these, jump at the opportunity.
Some collectors thrive on collecting the rarest, most esoteric things
they can find.
In
general, remember that no marques or decades have a corner on great design.
Either excessive elegance or an ageless quality earmarks great styling.
Rarely both. Great styling is either an outstanding exemplification of
its era or a shape that transcends its era. A great design, which was
well acclaimed by experts, may be an economic failure for the creator/producer,
but this does not make it less attractive today. In fact the reverse could
be true. Great designs are great cars.
Positive increases in the price of a particular car can be due to various
reasons:
:- The car's condition (regardless what it is).
:- Acceptance a car receives from experts in the field.
:- Rarity, based on original production numbers as well as number
of surviving cars.
:- Performance, durability and availability of parts.
:- Design - engineering and styling. |
January 2003