VINTAGE AUTOMOBILIA

VINTAGE AUTOMOBILIA ARE collectors and purveyors of a wide range of garage & motoring memorabilia from a bygone era. Our passion and hobby for collecting all things motoring related goes back many years and has now grown to be a small family business sourcing, restoring and supplying items for other collectors and dealers around the world.

On our website you will fi nd for sale a variety of items including petrol pumps and globes, signs, petrol & oil cans, pouring jugs and other rare automobilia collectables from motoring history.

We are based in the UK and supply clients worldwide, such as private collectors, prop hire companies, museums and motoring organisations.

We can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where you will fi nd regular updates on our latest restoration projects.

◀ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 addition, events such as Goodwood Revival and the Silverstone Classic, where you can see these cars race to their limits, will show you how good these cars really are.”

This growth of grassroots interest and appeal seems to be matched by the classic car market as a whole and the higher end of the market (£1m +) remains extremely buoyant. But, hardnosed investors aside, when it comes to the upper-end of the classic car market, enthusiasts of all types are now wanting more from their classic car ownership experience and are heading to the tracks in record numbers.

“There has been a massive increase in amateur motorsports in the last decade,” says Guess. “Classic car owners now realise they can buy their dream car, get a race licence, and then actually go out at the weekend and race. There is no limit to what the amateur can achieve, with many even looking to race the Le Mans 24 Hours. However, only a few make it – you need a great deal of talent and a very large cheque book!”

And, if you do have a classic car or have recently bought one, now is the time to get it ready to be driven and enjoyed during the spring and summer seasons, says Barzilay: “ on’t forget to consider basics such as checking the fluid levels, tyre pressure and looking under the bonnet. Whether you do it yourself, or trust your local garage or restorer, will be a matter for you, but make sure you get the most out of the driving season.”

Not too far from the bright lights of the race circuit were the race tuned’ performance cars of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s – vehicles that offered a racing look-and-feel to the man on the street. As young men from this era come of age, the demand for these contemporary classics has grown exponentially.

“Cars like the BMW E30 M3, Ford Sierra RS500 and Mercedes 190 Evolution models are in huge demand,” says Smith. “We’ve seen a surge in interest in these models, as buyers wake up to their performance, homologated provenance and fashionable 1980s looks.”

Barzilay agrees: “As each year goes by new classics emerge based on different criteria: how old they are, what they are worth, historical interest or whether they are worth preserving rather than scrapping. Some will be more popular than others, and that is when the value really starts to climb.”

So, from safe investment to fun nostalgia, what is it that drives our obsession with cars?

“It’s really a boy thing isn’t it?” says uess. “Ever since the invention of the motorcar man has challenged himself to go faster and further than before. This has created amazing machines and drivers and, whether you play with cars for a hobby or to make a living, cars are simply irresistible!”

“Buying car,

H&H CLASSICS AUCTIONEERS

Today, the company boasts a continuous trading history which exceeds that of any UK rival. & Classics is staffed by hands-on enthusiasts and its specialist valuers are among the most knowledgeable in the industry. The company has gained a reputation for providing excellent service with charges that are among the lowest in the industry. No other auction house works as hard to ensure their clients’ possessions are marketed to the best advantage to ensure the maximum price. handh.co.uk be because you have always wanted one, you want to use it and get enjoyment from owning it,” says Barzilay. “However, as an investment it is probably going to outperform any other assets, including shares, that you may have.”

“I think the United Kingdom has always been a worldwide hub for the classic car industry,” says Smith. “We have a superb motoring heritage. Also, what is evident in times of uncertainty, is that alternative investments such as gold, wine, art and classic cars perform better than traditional investments, so clients are fi nding it more attractive than ever to purchase the classic car they have always dreamed of.” A

World-class restorers of classic cars

1966 ASTON MARTIN DB6 ‘SHORT CHASSIS VOLANTE’ LHD • £POA

Cumberland Grey, Red Hide, Black hood. Originally registered to the world’s largest tailoring empire, Montague Burton Ltd, for the personal use of Sir Montague’s son Raymond. This one of only 37 ‘Short Chassis Volante’ ever produced has just won the 2016 AMOC Autumn Concours, Compton Verney after a ground up restoration by Desmond J Smail Ltd and comes with its original hard top and the added benefit of power steering and air conditioning.