THE START OF A NEW YEAR is always a good time to peer into the crystal ball and attempt to predict (guess) where classic car values are headed.
The UK’s Silverstone Auctions suggest that the effect of the challenging economic situation is still anyone’s guess, but they have sat down and highlighted what they think will be the cars to watch in 2023.
Steven Keen of Silverstone says keeping an eye on any sports cars that “carry their DNA from the golden era of motorsport and rallying – all M3s, RS500, 190E Cosworth, Integrale Evos, special edition Subaru and Mitsubishi P1, 22b, TME etc.” He also thinks that Fast Fords will continue in popularity, but buyers are becoming increasingly careful, with cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s needing to be preserved and original or very well restored and correct in all details to bring top prices.
“Porsche Turbos will do well next year,” he predicts, “especially Type 964 and, for me, the original GT3R RS is a must-have for any serious collection. A right-hand-drive Ferrari Testarossa is a rare car and should command a real premium – especially the early single-mirror examples. A 550 Maranello is a great GT car and a right-hand-drive Challenge Stradale tick a lot of boxes. The 430 Scuderi is also looking strong as a future classic.”
Richard Greehalgh’s list of cars to watch includes some that are not available in Australia. “Early and exceptional Renault Clio Williams have really moved on this year, together with lots of other hot hatches such as XR2s, Citroen Saxo VTs, to name a few. Those with low mileage have made very good prices at auctions, and next year I see this trend continuing along with an appetite for Ford Sierra Cosworths and Audi Quattros.”
Ron Hubbard leans more towards pre-war cars and says, “We may also see a resurgence of interest in the pre-war market, as collectors can see the amazing early engineering and have access to many events to enjoy.” Looking at more recent cars, he comments “The BMW E46 M3 is still undervalued, as too are the Porsche 997s – these are the ones to watch in 2023.”
Lionel Abbott reminds enthusiasts, “The old rule still applies – the best of breed cars made in limited numbers, in high quality condition and with genuine provenance will always achieve great results. There is still a robust demand for the right cars, and the Princess Diana Escort that Silverstone Auctions sold back in the (northern hemisphere) summer is the prefect example of the power and value that a specialist auction house can add to a sale. It was a ‘one-of-one’ car with special provenance, marketed globally, presented to view at a well-attended and high-profile event which helped create the special atmosphere in the room and the result of all this was a price achieved that will go down in the record books.”