Whats your impression of the classic car market spring of '25?

[TJ Hopland]

Whats everyone seeing so far this year?  I don't need or have space, time, and budget for another car but I still like to look.  I'm in a hard freezing climate so it is still the start of the season up here but even with that it seems like I am seeing more cars than usual for sale, especially ones that have historically been my type, drivers or close to being drivers.

I'm seeing a lot of 60's-80's stuff in the $3,000-$10,000 range that are for sure not show cars but at least at a glance look decent and overall solid.  There are always a few of these but seems like there are more this spring than I usually see.  There are the higher asking price ones as usual some possibly worth it but many don't look to be any better than the more driver quality ones.   In some cases I'm currently seeing basically the same car, one asking $5k and one $15k. 

As far as Cadillac's specifically there are plenty of those too but I don't think an unusual amount.  Most of them seem to be I would say 88-93 range. Oddly very few newer than about 95 and then there is the usual few 70's like eldo converts and a few SDV's.   I'm not sure why there are so many of that around 90 range.  At 35 years its kinda late for the inherited grandpas car thing at least if it was grandpas daily driver.  Closer to 20 years seems to be about right for those.         

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

So far, I've only been to one classic car auction this year in person; the rest I try to glean as much as I can from various listings on BaT, eBay etc as well as the regular used car dealer auctions I attend weekly. 

My general observation is that top-quality examples- and especially those which are years/models that are highly sought-after- continue to bring increasingly strong money. For the best stuff, there are no bargains anywhere. Not in modern used cars nor in the collector arena.

However, there are still some reasonably priced older cars around if not overly particular about condition, colors, and not having sights set on big dollar collectibles ie: the kind of cars that bring big money even in only marginal condition. It's all about reconciling one's expectations with his/her budget. 

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

I have to agree with Eric.  In short "the good stuff always sells -- and not
cheaply". That applies for most all collectibles.  Cars are no different.
I'm involved with another collectible item and it's the same story there.

Mike
 

[2011DTS]

Only been to one auction, and I don't follow BAT because it is not in some cases a reflection of the market, but two or more guys see g who has the thickest wallet. However what I have observed that low milage original cars are what a lot of buyers are looking for, and even less popular models are bringing good money if they are original. Lastly, except for the seven figure classics, prewar cars are not where you want to be unless it is for your own enjoyment and not to make money and that is starting to ring true for the immediate post war cars (pre mid-fifties). Just my 3 cents worth.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Only been to one auction, and I don't follow BAT because it is not in some cases a reflection of the market, but two or more guys see g who has the thickest wallet.

The same thing can be said about any auction venue. It all boils down to what the last man standing will pay. 

[Lexi]

I have to agree with Eric.  In short "the good stuff always sells -- and not
cheaply". That applies for most all collectibles.  Cars are no different.
I'm involved with another collectible item and it's the same story there.

Mike
 

Yes, that trend is applicable to most other collectibles as well, unless extremely niche. Usually, the best of the best sell and retain their value. Clay/Lexi

[Cadillac Jack 82]

The 59-64 market seems nutty for cads.  Lots of folks sadly chopping these up for Resto Mods

[TJ Hopland]

No one else interested in or following the more driver quality cars?   Just wondering what other areas are seeing in that class of cars at the moment.