Classicmobilia E’News Issue 182 March 2026

is it the right time to buy a classic car?

Dear Classic Car Enthusiasts, Collectors and Followers,

The 2026 classic car market appears to be in a very different place compared to just a few years ago. In short, it’s no longer booming. Instead, it may be cooling, self-correcting, and becoming more selective and layered.

A current snapshot of the market may help put things into perspective.

If you’re buying: it’s very much a buyer’s market—and one of the best windows in years.

Around 70/80% of classic car values have either fallen or remained flat. Supply now outstrips demand, discouraging competition, which makes negotiation – and, crucially, negotiating skill – more important than ever.

Sellers are becoming more realistic, and cars are sitting on the market for longer. The upside? This market correction (not a crash) means better value and greater choice.

If you’re selling: it can be challenging (unless you’re in the right segment). Many classic cars have declined in value and are harder to sell. Buyers are cautious, and auction results are softer.

The market is increasingly split: top-end cars continue to perform strongly, while the mid-range sector remains weaker.

The auction scene has shifted again, with American markets leading the field and achieving strong results – particularly with Ferraris and Porsches.

By comparison, British classics have reached rock-bottom across the board, and sales are struggling across the pond.

We all know Jaguars are not looking up – yet. Perception isn’t helped by poor auction results, which often receive the wrong kind of publicity… frequently from those who never attend auctions, handle the cars, or truly understand them.

The number of cars entering auctions each month has increased significantly – not necessarily in absolute value, but due to a lack of buyers. Values are being driven down, a trend often inaccurately reported as simply “poor results.”

At the same time, the number of so-called experts reporting on auction results and market conditions has grown, with some offering inconsistent interpretations – raising questions about the depth of real expertise.

We’re seeing a growing number of enquiries from owners considering selling their classics, and it’s encouraging to see people taking a sensible approach, asking questions and exploring different options. That said, many are still anchored to past values, and the reality is that the market has changed, however unfair that may seem.

On a positive note, shows continue to attract strong attendance, with increasingly professional displays. Let’s hope this momentum continues in the months ahead.

If you are considering selling your classic or searching for something special, we are always here to assist.

Safe and happy motoring

Keith

keith@classicmobilia.com

+44(0)7889 805432

+44(0)1908 270672classicmobilia.com

About Keith:

PS: Cars for sale not advertised

PPS: Visit our online showroom

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante Prince of Wales LHD

The “Prince of Wales” (often shortened PoW) specification refers to a special, more discreet version of the Vantage Volante — combining the powerful Vantage engine with a more understated body style, closer to the standard Volante rather than the aggressive “X-Pack” styling of the regular Vantage Volante.

Of those, 22 were right-hand drive (i.e. for the UK/home market) three of these were converted by Aston Martin Works Service to left hand drive in period, this being one of the three.

The jewel in the Newport Pagnel crown, one of the most desirable Aston Martin V8 model cars elegance and refine, the ultimate V8 for the era.

Just two owners from new and an excellent example.Read More

Aston Martin V8Vantage Zagato

€225,000 (Euro)

With only 20 of the 50 production cars built being left hand drive and one of only eight with automatic transmission, makes this a very desirable collectors motorcar and one, which can be driven with a smile.

We have known this car from new, well documented and European registered.Read More

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Race Car

UNDER OFFER

OTHERS AVAILABLERead More

Aston Martin DB2/4

This stunning 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 was purchased in 2016 as a “barn find”, it had been sitting under a tarpaulin for over 40years in a heated workshop!

The car was subsequently dismantled and subject to a complete nut and bolt restoration. Quite outstanding example. Eligible for the Mille MigliaRead More

Aston Martin DB2/4 Convertible

The car today has been totally stripped and is in the process of a total nut and bolt rebuild to the exact original specification, including all the very special extras the car was supplied with.

One very special and unique motor car. When ONLY the best will do.Read More

Aston Martin DB MKIII Drophead

This beautiful 1958 Aston Martin DB MK III, is one of 84 cars made and even less in left hand drive format as this one is. Finished in dark blue paint with black mohair hood and black leather trim, just outstanding car.

Supplied new by US Importer H.S Inskip in USA and sold new to The Weathermatic Corporation of Long Island City, New York, USARead More

Aston Martin DB4 Series 2

This outstanding Aston Martin DB4 The car has been subject to a total body off restoration with detailed photographs of the work carried out.

The engine was rebuilt by Oselli and gearbox and axle overhauled by BPA Engineering. The attention to details on the restoration is just amazing, it is just a work of art, faultless in every way.Read More

Aston Martin DB4 Series 4

This Aston Martin DB4 Series 4 is quite special and totally unique, its NOT just a standard DB4 Series 4, No its a well constructed and thought about car with so many nice to have extras, which enhance the car so well in so many ways.

A total one off at a realistic asking price.Read More

Aston Martin DB6 

This 1969 Aston Martin DB6 was one of the last batch of cars built before the DB6 MKII was launched. Sold new by HR Owen in London and order in Silver Birch with Black trim.

Purchased by the current owner in 2006 and has been subject to a full stage by stage refurbishment with the following work carried out by known Aston Martin specialist:Read More

Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Volante

£498,000 (GBP)

One of 29 right hand drive cars produced . This was the penultimate car produced, so quite unique.

The car has a lovely history file and has been very well looked after using known people to take care of this special motor car.

The exterior colour is now Pearl Black with the original Black leather trim and a new Black Mohair hood and the car also has a full tonneau cover.Read More

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

This delightful Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante was delivered new in 1987 to Aston Martin North America and sold new to Mr. Thomas F Sheehan.

Finished in Dover White paint with Dark Red leather trim and contrasting piping, Dark Red Carpets and Red Mohair hood covering.Read More

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

This perfect 1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante X Pack, Manual Right Hand Drive car was supplied new from Stratton Motor Company.

Excellent condition with a well documented history file.Read More

Aston Martin V8 Volante LHD Manual

Traditional Aston Martin British Racing Green with Tan Leather interior, black Mohair hood, this manual left hand drive car is so stylish and a cool motor car.Read More

Aston Martin 6.3 Virage Coupe Works

PRICE REVIEW

The Aston Martin Works Demonstrator Minky January 1992 the new cars sales was in the depths of slow down, so the Aston Martin Service and Restoration department launched the Aston martin Virage 6.3 conversion. The demonstration vehicle known as Minky was the most published Aston Martin of the era, making the front page of many magazines.Read More

Aston Martin V8 EFI Coupe

Following the purchase the current owner underwent a rigorous and in-depth cleaning of the whole car uncovering any part of the nook and cranny which required cleaning, rust treatment or replacing.

This car was going to win concours events, NOT just any old concours the target was Elite, the very best.Read More

Aston Martin DB7 Vantage GTS II

This low milage Manual car has an interesting history with known owners one being Alan White drummer of Oasis, the documented history file confirms the low milage and perfect all round condition.

The manual transmission and the rumble of the sports exhaust really makes the car a unique drivers car a true GT.Read More

Aston Martin V anquish S

This car is a 2005 Vanquish S production model and was sold new in Rome, Italy.

It was purchased by the previous owner in 2016 when it was delivered to Brussels Belgium.

The car is finished in Meteorite Silver paint with Obsidian black and Chancellor red leather trim.

Now UK registered.Click Here

Aston Martin Vanquish SDP

This concours winning car is probably the BEST prepared Vanquish and is fitted with the SDP (Sports Dynamics Pac) which went on to be the Vanquish S without the super light weight wheels. The car started life as the company demonstrator being the car used for PR and customer demonstration use. The car is packed with extras others were not a-custom to, with the Linn music system, pop up dash screen and so much more.Click Here

Aston Martin DBS Vantage LHD

This factory all matching numbers Left Hand Drive DBS Vantage with manual transmission and A/C is the best of the best, restored by all the right people to perfection.

It does NOT get any better!Click Here

Aston Martin DB9 Volante 

The car has a full main dealer service history and four known previous owners.

The paintwork is exceptional, no damage or defects, the wheels and tyres are spotless, the roof is in very good order and the interior trim in very good condition.Click Here

Aston Martin Wide Body Virage Volante

This factory wide body Aston martin Virage Volante was supplied new in March 1995.

Finished in Rolls Royce Royal Blue with Parchment leather trim Piped Dark Blue with Dark Blue carpets and Blue Mohair Hood covering.Click Here

Aston Martin 6.3 Virage Volante LHD

This Aston Martin Virage Volante was one of only two left hand drive cars to have the full 6.3 conversion and the only car with manual transmission form. Outstanding condition and drives so well. Rare car with so much attitude and drives so well. Sounds amazing.Click Here

Aston Martin V8 Volante

This very fine example finished in its original Windsor Red exterior paint with Magnolia leather trim with dark red piping and Beige Wilton carpets piped dark Red.

Left Hand Drive EFI with ONLY 22,000 kms and well documented, supporting the outstanding condition.

Excellent exampleClick Here

Aston Martin V8 Volante

Outstanding specification 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante Left Hand Drive with a six litre V8 and Six Speed Manual Gearbox.

Just unbelievable example with breathtaking performance and handling, undertaken by all the right people.Click Here

keith@classicmobilia.com

+44(0)7889 805432

+44(0)1908 270672