Data from Europe’s leading classified site for classic cars reveals pandemic has led to substantial changes in the marques and models buyers are looking for
Overall searches are up 39 per cent across top 200 cars
Interest in ‘dream’ sports cars surges with Porsche 911 number one search (was fifth in Q1 2020). Jaguar E-Type (second), Ford Mustang and Nissan Skyline also rising
Everyday classics such as the Ford Cortina have dropped in the rankings
Capri loses top spot but three Fords still in the top 10
Big jumps in interest for Japanese modern classics such as Nissan Skyline, Toyota AE86 Corolla and Supra
Data from Europe’s leading website for classic car sales, Car & Classic, highlights a significant shift in the volume and type of cars enthusiasts are searching for after a year of restrictions and lockdowns.
Popular classics such as MGB GT, Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Cortina, (the latter falling from second to ninth when comparing Q1 2020 and Q1 2021), have slipped down the rankings, with ‘dream’ sports cars moving up. The Porsche 911 is now the most searched for vehicle on Car & Classic, followed by the Jaguar E-Type. The 911 replaces the Ford Capri on the site that has seen a 39 percent rise in vehicle searches of its top 200 cars, with buyers feeling now is the time to search for the dream car they always wanted.
The data comparing Q1 2020 and Q1 2021 highlights other substantial movements that reflect trends in the wider European classic car market. Young timers or modern classics have risen in popularity with the 1980s E30 BMW 3 Series now the third most searched for car on the site. Japanese classics have also experienced a surge in interest. Enthusiasts have also warmed to 80s hot hatches with a 25 percent rise in the number of searches for an XR2 and 44 percent for the Ford Escort XR3i. Japanese marques are also increasing in favour, with the Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7 and Toyota MR2 now featuring in the top 16 with the Nissan Skyline moving up 131 places to 27th place.
“So many of us spend time ‘car and classicing’- searching through the 40-odd thousand cars we list for sale either in our classifieds or auction,” says Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Car & Classic. “The searches highlight how the pandemic is driving and accelerating change in the classic car field. For some, it has meant more time to start a new project, for others, money saved not going on holiday could mean now buying the dream car they always wanted to own. The data also underlines that the classic car world is always changing. Whether that’s a new wave of cars such as 80s and 90s modern classics that are increasingly in vogue or a new generation of enthusiasts coming through with more time looking for some nostalgia. Or even pre-war or early post war cars becoming more affordable as fashions change. It’s truly fascinating to see what people are looking for. I still can’t quite believe there were 10,000 searches for Reliant Robin!”
Alongside its classified offering, Car & Classic launched its stand-alone auction site in July 2020, as a reaction from the market demanding online-only car sales. Car & Classic offers the sellers protection with free escrow as well as 0 per cent buyers’ fees. The specialised auction site is currently having its busiest period with over 100 auctions on the site in the month of April, the same time that the UK lockdown rules eased therefore proving that auctions are here to stay and it is not just a Covid-related project.
Seen for the first time ever on the roads, the 100% electric Ariya coupé crossover chose the glamour of Monaco for its debut drive
Set against a fitting backdrop of the spectacular Formula E street circuit, Ariya’s first public drive marked an exciting milestone in Nissan’s electric vehicle journey
Nissan Ariya has made its first public appearance, fittingly undertaking its debut drive around the iconic Circuit de Monaco in the glamourous French Riviera.
The all-electric coupé crossover’s sleek and seamless design was perfectly complemented by the stylish Monaco backdrop, as Ariya completed laps of the famous street circuit which has hosted Nissan’s latest electrifying journey in Formula E.
“Ariya’s public driving in the streets of Monaco is a great way to witness the capabilities of our e-4ORCE technology. Ariya is the epitome of Nissan’s innovation in electric mobility and this event marks a defining moment in the next chapter of Nissan’s EV journey.” said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO.
Combining powerful performance, connected technologies and a revolutionary new EV design, the Ariya all-electric coupé crossover is the icon of Nissan’s innovative and electric future. Featuring advanced connectivity, technology, a competitive range of battery capacities and the unique e-4ORCE drivetrain, Ariya is designed to enrich people’s lives through a seamless, intuitive and adaptive experience.
Nissan’s electrification strategy draws on over a decade of EV expertise and transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road, providing the best possible electric vehicle offering for customers.
Formula E has captured the imagination of people around the world and spotlighted the thrilling possibilities for electric vehicles. Ariya’s first outing on the iconic Circuit de Monaco demonstrates to a global audience the excitement of zero-emissions electric vehicles is something everyone can experience.
This season, the Nissan Formula E team is strongly connecting its competitiveness to its production EVs. New for the 2020/2021 season, the team has named car No. 22 after Nissan’s all-electric LEAF road car and car No. 23 after the Nissan Ariya all-electric crossover SUV.
Consumers can register here and join the 34,000 people who have already shared their interest in Ariya.
Jaguar UK and Everyman join forces to support women filmmakers as cinemas reopen to audiences this week
Rare Beasts, starring and directed by Billie Piper is the first of BFI’s ‘Woman With A Movie Camera’ projects to be spotlighted by Jaguar through Everyman cinemas as part of a new multi-partner collaboration
Jaguar, Everyman and BFI partnership officially launches with gala screening of Rare Beasts at Everyman’s London Broadgate cinema, introduced by Billie Piper herself
Special guests Emilia Clarke, Jenna Coleman, Immy Waterhouse, Thomas Turgoose Kerry Fox, Leo Bill, Aimee Lou Wood and Bradley Simpson take to the red carpet and Everyman’s luxury sofas to support Rare Beasts release
Tonight, the stars aligned for Jaguar UK’s latest partnership launch. In its mission to nurture creativity and celebrate women in the arts, Jaguar UK’s partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) and with Everyman officially commenced with an all-star screening of Billie Piper’s much anticipated directorial debut, Rare Beasts at Everyman Broadgate.
Through an integrated partnership approach, Jaguar will present a selection of ‘Woman With A Movie Camera’ screenings at Everyman venues nationwide throughout 2021. The first of those is Rare Beasts, a pitch-black comedy about a woman named Mandy (Billie Piper). Mandy is a modern woman in a crisis. Raising a son, Larch (Toby Woolf) in the midst of a female revolution, mining the pain of her parents’ (Kerry Fox, David Thewlis) separation and professionally writing about a love that no longer exists, she falls upon a troubled man, Pete (Leo Bill), who is searching for a sense of worth, belonging and ‘restored’ male identity.
Billie Piper says, “It’s a huge honour to be part of the BFI’s ‘Woman with a Movie Camera’ family, aligned with such an incredible group of inspirational female filmmakers. I am beyond thrilled that Rare Beasts has its official Premiere at Everyman and thank Jaguar, Everyman and the BFI from the bottom of my heart for their amazing support.”
The strong female characters and feminist narrative of Rare Beasts made the film the perfect match for Jaguar’s most recent collaboration, Jessica Douce, Senior Marketing Manager, Jaguar UK reflects, “Since we announced our ‘Woman With A Movie Camera’ partnership in March, we’ve been waiting for cinemas to re-open so that we can engage with audiences on the topics that really matter.
“We are passionate about bringing a touch of the extraordinary to people’s lives and by telling the story behind the story, by shining a light on the creative process and by amplifying the reach of the works of these enormously talented women, we hope we can do just that.”
A special-guest audience of cast, crew, friends and family took to their luxury, socially distanced, Everyman sofas for the premier, personally introduced by Billie in a short interview by Anna Smith, film critic and host of the popular Girls on Film podcast. Billie’s insights and inspiration will be captured live and simulcast to 14 Everyman screens across the UK for audiences to enjoy nationwide.
Anna enthused, “Rare Beasts is a joy to watch, and it announces Billie Piper as a hugely talented writer-director. It’s so important to spotlight British female filmmakers like her, and bring them to a wide audience. It’s what we do on Girls On Film, and I’m thrilled that Everyman and Jaguar share our passion for bringing brilliant women to the forefront of the film conversation.”
Amelia Miranda, Head of Brand Partnerships at Everyman said, “The UK is ready once more to be entertained. We’re excited to head that call and partner with Jaguar to bring audiences extraordinary experiences throughout 2021, all with our unique offering of film, food, drink and exceptional service. Together, we’ll be keeping you on the edge of your seat…or sofa!”
A Blue Light favourite, the Octavia Scout returns for 2021
Only available to UK Emergency Service customers
Choice of 150PS or 200PS 2.0-litre TDI engines
Chassis raised by 15mm and Rough Road Package as standard
Supplied directly by ŠKODA, with ‘One-stop Shop’ service offering the peace of mind of a ready-converted all-inclusive purchase package
ŠKODA’s Octavia Scout has long been a favourite choice of emergency services customers thanks to its combination of classic ŠKODA dependability and enhanced off-road potential.
The new Scout is set to be no exception; more reliable and capable than ever, it is also available fully converted to the user’s requirements through ŠKODA’s ‘one-stop shop’ service.
Powered by a choice of 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines outputting 150PS and 200PS respectively, the new Octavia Scout is offered exclusively with an all-wheel drive DSG transmission. The Scout provides excellent value to blue light fleet managers looking for one vehicle capable of performing a range of crucial duties.
The Scout’s versatility is thanks in no small part to its standard off-road modifications. With a platform raised by 15mm over the standard Octavia, for a total ground clearance of 161mm, the Scout boasts a 15.8° approach angle, 13.9° departure angle, and ramp angle of up to 19.7°. Its Rough Road Package – including a rear axle skid plate, revised suspension springs, and Scout-specific chassis tuning – leaves it even better equipped to handle unpaved terrain.
The Scout is also the only car in the Octavia model series to offer the optional Off-Road function. This feature adapts the settings of the stability systems (ABS, ASR, ESC and others) to off-road driving, ensures smooth power delivery and holds the DSG gearbox at higher rpm before shifting. Tightening of safety belt tensioners is deactivated (if Crew Protect Assist is available) and ambient lighting is adjusted, while Hill Descent Assist further aids driver focus.
In addition to its improved performance, the Scout offers all of the practicality and Simply Clever features found in the standard Octavia. The 640 litres of boot space can hold all the equipment that any police force, fire and rescue service or ambulance paramedic team needs. Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning ensures occupants remain comfortable, while disc brakes at all four corners and up to 10 airbags keep them safe. Crucially, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist and light and rain sensors allow them to concentrate on the task at hand.
Interior features unique to the Scout include black thermoflux upholstery with Tabor brown stitching and Scout logos found on the front seats and door sills. Alongside the 10.25” display of the Virtual Cockpit, ŠKODA’s Bolero infotainment system with 10″ touchscreen takes pride of place in the Octavia Scout’s spacious cabin. Compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto and Mirrorlink, and with five USB Type-C ports available for charging, the Scout offers all of the technical amenities required by modern emergency services users.
Externally, the Scout is differentiated by its unique off-road front and rear bumpers, Scout-specific black plastic trims and Scout badges on the front wings. For further modifications specific to individual use cases, buyers can make use of ŠKODA’s industry-leading ‘one-stop shop’ package.
ŠKODA’s ‘One-stop shop’, exclusively available to emergency services fleets, allows vehicles to be purchased directly or financed through Volkswagen Financial Services. ŠKODA can then provide vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, giving fleet managers the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one complete package.
1969 Aston Martin DB6 – an extensive engine re-build
1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC Flat Floor LHD – with matching numbers
2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish – with just over 10,000 miles
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Coupe – fitted with a desirable gearbox
Silverstone Auctions are having their May Sale this weekend and it is their first auction in over a year where bidders can attend auction in person at Stoneleigh Park.
In The May Sale this Saturday will be this 1969 Aston Martin DB6. This DB6 is rakishly elegant and was the ultimate evolution of David Brown’s blood-line of 1960s thoroughbred Grand Tourers. Finished in original Pacific Blue with Natural Connolly hides. With five former keepers, a comprehensive history file and an extensive £18,000 engine re-build – do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity, guided: £185,000 – £220,000.
Superbly re-finished in its original Old English White over black leather and going under the hammer this Saturday is this 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC Flat Floor LHD. This lovely Jaguar E-Type is an early 1961 Series 1 3.8-litre Fixed Head Coupe, “Flat Floor”. This left-hand drive car has been subject to a ground up restoration at a cost of around £100,000. With matching numbers status and supported by corresponding paperwork and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, Silverstone Auctions are delighted to be offering it.
Gary Dunne, Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions, added “We have a superb line-up of classic cars and motorcycles going under the hammer this weekend, don’t forget to register to bid prior to Saturday!”
With just two previous owners, a comprehensive history file and amazing maintenance is this 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. It is beautifully presented and the first-generation example of Aston’s V12 flagship with only 10,501 miles. Silverstone Auctions are delighted to be auctioning this stylishly finished example which has been guided at: £55,000 – £65,000.
The last of the cars previewed before The May Sale this Saturday is 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Coupe. With matching numbers, this is a superbly restored and exquisitely presented example of Jaguar’s elegant XK140 Special Equipment. This beautiful and recognisable Jaguar is fitted with the desirable overdrive gearbox for more relaxed touring. Estimated at: £42,000 – £48,000.
Silverstone Auctions will start The May Sale off with Automobilia at 10am, then Motorcycles at 11am and then Classic cars at 2pm. This will be the first Silverstone Auctions sale where bidders can attend in person for over a year, alternatively, bidding will still be available online, via The Saleroom or Proxibid by phone or via commission too.
The UK market leader classic car auction house can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.
