Archive for the ‘Classics’ Category

Many investors and auto hobbyists alike are understandably still pretty shaky about putting money down on the stock market. But that hesitation hasn't shown any lasting sign of translating to the top of the market for collector cars.

That's the verdict after last weekend's big Monterey auctions, long considered some of the top sales of the year, and strong indicators of what's moving and shaking.

According to the LA Times, this year's Monterey auctions together made more than $116 million; that's down from last year's pre-stock-market-plunge $130 million total, but very respectable all considering.

While those without a personal fleet...

It's just three weeks away--the biggest classic-car weekend in the country. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance opens to the rich and famous--and the media--on August 12, and TheCarConnection.com and our partners at MotorAuthority are planning a weekend of coverage of the latest luxury cars and exotics we'll see at the annual extravaganza on 17 Mile Drive.

The classic-car weekend in Monterey, of course, is unrivaled for classic-car watchers. From the Concorso Italiano, to the Quail and the Monterey Historics races, the weekend display of vintage machines and equally vintage drivers careering around Laguna Seca and nearby Highway 1...

Even after banks crumbled last fall, interest in top-tier collector cars has remained surprisingly strong into this year. While sales at big-time sales like January's Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction have shown no indication of a downturn, the bottom has already been falling out over the past couple of years, with values of less-than-perfect classics taking a nosedive.

So, experts have predicted for some time, it won't be long before the market as a whole loses its luster, with a sagging general market taking its toll on the crème de la crème.

There are some indications that overall enthusiasm for collector cars is a bit muted this year....