Latest news with #carcollectors
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Collectible Car Insurer Hagerty Eyes Off Australian Expansion
McKeel Hagerty is considering taking the listed Hagerty collectable car insurance success story to ... More Australia. Photo: Steve Jessmore Photography. The Shannons stranglehold on the Australian insurance market for rare, expensive and collectible cars could be nearing an end, with America's Hagerty Insurance eying up the Australasian market. Speaking during the Concorso d'Eleganza on Lake Como, Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty admitted his company had been approached to enter the market there. 'There are a significant number of people who want us to enter Australia,' Hagerty admitted. 'Those requests have come from other insurance companies and the only problem is the resource it would take us to do. 'But Australia would be a place we eventually get to, I think.' Any move into the Australian market would tread directly on the toes of Shannons Insurance business, with both companies specializing in the car-enthusiast and collector business, rather than mainstream car insurance. It's a niche, with cars often appreciating in value, with spare parts sometimes incredibly difficult or impossible to source and with valuers needing an encyclopedic knowledge of one-off cars from even a century ago. Incumbent Australian collectable car insurance firm Shannons is a long-term supporter of both niche ... More and mainstream Australian motorsport, including the Bathurst 1000. Photo:Traditional insurance companies prefer business models they're more familiar with, and often approach companies like Hagerty and Shannons to handle collectible cars for their clients, Hagerty said. 'The big insurance companies think of themselves as department stores and have to sell everything, but we are a boutique and not a department store,' Hagerty said. 'Nine out of the 10 biggest insurance companies in the US partner with us. They are the fiercest competitors and they all have agreements with us. 'The simple reason is that 2% to 3% of their general policies would include a car that we would be interested in, and they don't know what to do with it. 'The whole model of insurance is to handle depreciating assets and we only deal with appreciating assets, so we take a problem away from them and they can keep insuring the cars and houses and buildings they know how to do.' Hagerty Insurance does the opposite of most car insurers by mainly insuring appreciating assets. ... More Photo: Hagerty Insurance Hagerty has been making other moves, too, including poaching AT&T marketing wizard Marc Burns for its newly created Senior Vice-President of Brand and Marketing role, and it has a strong track record of beating financial forecasts. Unlike Shannons, Hagerty runs a growing auctions business, with the Broad Arrow auction house selling more than €31 million in sales, with a 78% clearance rate, at its recent Concorso d'Eleganza sale. Shannons ran Australia's most interesting car auctions for more than 40 years, but shuttered its Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne showrooms in 2023 after being absorbed by Suncorp. Shannons, founded by Bob Shannon more than 40 years ago, was absorbed by its long-term corporate partner, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Limited, in 2000, and has more recently fallen under the Suncorp umbrella. A long-time favorite of the Australian collectible-car scene, Shannons also supports more than 1,200 car and motorcycle events a year in Australia, and runs the Shannons Club, which it claims is Australia's largest online motoring enthusiast community. Hagerty does similar things largely in the USA, the UK and Canada, ranging from the highest of the high end events at Concorso d'Eleganza at the Hotel Villa d'Este on Lake Como and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, to Radwood, Cars and Caffeine and the British Festival of the Unexceptional. Its Drivers Club magazine is one of the biggest-circulation car magazines in the world.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why the Iconic Porsche 356 Is a Bucket-List Classic for Any Collection
When the automotive alphabet rolls around to 'P,' that usually means Porsche. That also means a near-infinite array of models for a marque with more than 75 years of history. Most every Porsche made is worth owning, and each, in some way, carries the DNA of the company's vehicular patriarch, the very first 356, quaintly called the 'bathtub' and looking like an inverted version of the same. Numerous iterations of the 356 were made, from the earliest 356 'Pre-A' in 1948 to the last 356 C in 1965. Today, the least of the 356s can cost well over $80,000 in good condition, and rare Carrera four-cam examples can soar well into million-dollar territory. For series-production models, cabriolets generally command double the price of coupes. More from Robb Report The 2025 C8 Corvette ZR1 May Turn Out to Be a Very Rare Collector's Car Porsche Just Unveiled 3 New All-Wheel Drive 911s The First Bugatti Bolide Could Fetch $6 Million at Auction When introduced, Porsche's giant killer was small, light, and nimble compared to most of its contemporaries, but also less powerful than all but a few. The engine was essentially a hopped-up Volkswagen power plant, and most 356 A examples, made from 1955 through 1959, were fit with a 1.6-liter flat-four, and could barely crank out 60 hp. The 356 Speedster, made from 1954 through 1958, was U.S. importer Max Hoffman's invention, and examples today are well beyond $150,000. The 356 B, made from 1959 through 1962, added twin grilles to the rear decklid and other modifications, including a less-attractive Karmann 'notchback' coupe design, somewhat controversial then and now. The most advanced and well-built versions (though all 356s were well built, if highly prone to rust) are the 356 C and SC, made in 1964 and 1965, trading places in the Porsche lineup with the then-new, flat-six-powered 911 during the 356's last year of production. The 912, introduced in 1965, was a 911 minus two cylinders, making it the true (and final) successor to the 356, though it wasn't a replacement per se, but rather, an entirely new car. Porsche's 356 is a wonderful classic to own and drive, and while power brokers won't be satiated, those with an appreciation for purity of concept and refined design will love it. Many enthusiasts gravitate toward the elemental 356 A, which is desirous in the same way a thin, non-automatic watch movement can be more satisfying than that found in a complicated chronograph. The 356 C and SC, fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, are especially appealing. The 356 SC delivers 95 hp through twin Solex carburetors, making its engine the most powerful pushrod Porsche mill ever made. A four-speed manual transmission was the only shifting option throughout the entire 356 dynasty. While a car with its engine hung over the rear wheels was a novelty at the time, the concept is very familiar to today's drivers, who will find a 356 manageable if the laws of physics are generally observed. The good news is that, with relatively modest power, no one is likely to get into much trouble. Trouble will come from a rusty or ill-repaired example. A project car is best left to professionals, and so a finished, restored vehicle is the smart choice. Original drivetrains and parts command a big premium in collector circles, where a concours-quality cabriolet can easily crest $250,000, and a Speedster double that. A basic 356 C coupe in good condition is about $85,000, with SC models nearing the $150,000 neighborhood, but values are greatly affected by condition, options, and even original color. Replacement and reproduction parts are plentiful, and these cars' simple mechanical underpinnings allow many enthusiasts to do their own wrenching. The 356 is also a great blank canvas for restomod interpretation, with 'outlaw' versions powered by everything from bored-out, flat-four monsters to a 911's engine. The good news for those thinking about a Porsche 356 is that there is no single right answer to the question, 'Which one should I buy?'Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall
SEVERAL iconic family favourite vehicles from the last three decades have a new worth today. From the Ford to Vauxhall, these cars that were once common among British families in the 1970s, '80s and '90s still have value in 2025. 9 9 9 Austin Allegro (1973-1982) Value today: £1,200 (Allegro 1.0 saloon) to £7,600 (Allegro Equipe, concours condition) The Allegro was one of the popular vehicle choices for car buyers with families, as well as being company vehicles for employers. In typical shades of Russet brown and Applejack green of the seventies, the Allegro brings a nostalgia. This is despite its known maladies as a vehicle in the contemporary world, and even back in the day. They have been justified to be a worthy classic car and collector item, due not only to the Austin brand, but also its unique Hydragas suspension and style. Editor of the UK Hagerty Price Guide, John Mayhead, has witnessed the steady rise in value of all Austin Allegro variants over the past decade whilst monitoring the value of classic cars in auction prices and policyholder quotes. He said: "Last year, only 7 per cent of all models in the Hagerty Price Guide rose in value." From the late 1960s up to the 2000s, families in Britain were likely to have one of the five generations of Ford Escorts. Children could enjoy riding in the back of these vehicles, whether in the lower trimmed Mk2 or more spacious and utilitarian third and fourth generations. Classic car graveyard found in field where a 1960s classic with rare feature worth up to $150K has been left to rot The Mk3 and Mk4 had a transverse engine layout, with a hatchback style rather than saloon. Models ranged from three and five-door hatches, as well as cabrio or sport versions with the XR3, XR3i, and RS1600i variants. To this day, there's still a lot to admire about the Escort, particularly with the Fast Ford racing and performance versions. They are highly collectable with a thriving club scene, and base models can still be found for cheap at around £3,000. Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986) Value today: £3,300 to £9,000 (GTE SE5a) The Reliant Scimitar GTE was an attractive choice of vehicle for those wanting something more exciting than a saloon or estate, but also looking for practicality. It became a performance motor offering a four-seat layout to appear as a family car too. In addition to the layout, the GTE provides a glass hatchback and proper boot, fibreglass body more durable against rust and well-proven Ford mechanics. Cost around £2,300 in 1973, the GTE became a viable cheaper alternative to something like an Audi 100 or 3.0-litre Granada GXL. Since last year, the Scimitar GTE has seen a slight dip in value, but remained relatively stagnant since 2016. John adds that some have been restored to a very high standard: "Lots of very cheap restoration cases available, but not for the faint-hearted." Austin Montego (1984 - 1995) Value today: £800 (Montego 1.3 saloon) to £11,000 (MG Montego Turbo, concours) Montegos have been considered the "most ordinary" of vehicles, but were certainly among the most popular of its time. A solid family car by Austin that had built its reputation for decades, Specifically, as a blue saloon built in 1989, they could regularly be seen parked in driveways or out on roads. Whilst they where just about everywhere in the 1980s, they became almost extinct by the 1990s. The Montego has increased in value as a vehicle model in 2025, following a flat period. 9 9 9 Citroen BX (1982 - 1994) Value today: £900 (S1 1.4 hatchback) to £10,100 (BX Sport, concours) This French saloon spanned the years of 1982 to 1994, with a styling that became a major success. The BX's lineup of XUD four-cylinders were among the best frugal diesels of the '80s. Whilst demand for the Citroen BX was not exceptionally high in the UK, the model reached great heights in France. A well-preserved 1992 BX 16S even sold for over €47,000 in 2021. Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991) Value today: £1,100 to £12,400 (Turbo D) Despite famously being a flop when first released for sale in 1984, the Espace soon became a European favourite as parents recognised its value. With several back seats, it was one of the easiest cars for loading kids in the back, who were able to thereby see through the vehicle's large glass windows. Families warmed up to this Renault's bold box shape, following 12 months of struggle for sales of this multi-purpose vehicle. John suggested: "Early versions of this groundbreaking vehicle are beginning to become very collectable. "Now rare in any configuration, they are not expensive cars and if you can find one, a fair runner could be under £2,000." Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992) Value today: £900 (Driver) to £23,800 (GTI 16v) The VW Golf GTI Mk2 was an exciting release for car-loving families, coming with five doors and more space for practical and better riding. It was a reliable car too with its Volkswagen reputation, better fuel economy and improved comfort. It was also capable of reaching more than 130mph. John said: "For a long time, Mk 2 Golf values lagged far behind their Mk 1 predecessors, especially in the iconic GTI configuration, but in the last couple of years, they have gained ground. "There's a lot of love for this model, and although prices are down a little from their 2023 high, the general trend has been growth for the past 12 years." Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000) Value today: £800 (first-generation 1.6) to £8,500 (ST220) After their release in 1993, Mondeos became a common sight on roads through the mid-90s. They served as private motors, company vehicles, police cars, trade workhorses, and even appeared in the British Touring Car Championship. "Excluding motorsport variants, the Mondeo is a very affordable classic with even performance versions being available for under £5,000," John said. They are likely to become increasingly collectable as first generation cars that are more of a rarity. Rover 75 (1999 - 2005) Value today: £900 (2.0 CDTi) to £16,100 (MG ZT, concours) The Rover 75 featured a retro design both internally and externally, providing class and comfort, more than image or rock-hard suspension. Popular particularly among the older enthusiasts, the 75 has not seen a major decline in customers since first releasing in 1999. It is a car that is greatly designed for the pothole-riddled roads of Britain, known for its toughness and rarity. The model has therefore not seen much of a change to its value, holding their price as many other classics are dropping. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) Value today: £550 (1.6 Base) to £7000 (1.8 Elegance, concours) Sales of this smaller MPV skyrocketed after being put on the market. As a seven-seater hatchback, it was a clever car with fine driving characteristics, and based on the Astra G platform. Today, they are rare to find in good condition. 9 9
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Great Places to See in Northern Ontario: New Liskeard Bikers Reunion
Motorcycles, classic cars and more will be on display June 27-29 at the New Liskeard Bikers Reunion.
Motor 1
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Former Endurance Racing Boss Gerard Neveu Takes Retromobile to New York
The former CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Gerard Neveu, has taken on the role of CEO of Retromobile US, the first expansion of Paris' celebrated annual gathering of car collectors, vendors and enthusiasts. The 60 year-old Frenchman will steer the organizing team for the event at New York's Javits Center from November 19-22 next year. After 25 years in the motorsport and automotive industries, Neveu has an extensive contacts book and a deep experience of staging international events and operating in the US market. During his decade at the helm of WEC, he laid the groundwork for the championship as it is today, with hybrid technology attracting multiple manufacturers. Neveu was also one of the key protagonists in the convergence of regulations between the US based International Motor Sports Association (IMSA, owned by NASCAR) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO, owner of WEC and founder of the 24 Hours of Le Mans). Prior to WEC he served as the Director of Paul Ricard Circuit in the South of France. Retromobile Paris celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, and the New York show aims to capitalize on the burgeoning US classic car scene, where more than 50% of the global collectors' cars market is concentrated. Neveu's first moves in the role have been to secure 400,000 square feet in four halls in Javits Center and strike an auction partnership with Gooding Christie's. 'The concept of Retromobile is special,' says Neveu. 'You find both the biggest car collectors and vendors from all around the world at the same time, plus manufacturers and brokers. You also have a fan community attending the event, who can live out their dreams, see cars and people which may bring back precious memories. Retromobile is a celebration of all things automotive, including but not limited to, motorsport. And it is a place where you can live and share your passion for cars of all types.' The choice of New York, rather than the West Coast or Miami was based on a number of factors, with logistics being a key driver. 'But also because around New York you already have a huge community of car collectors and brokers,' says Neveu. 'For the inaugural show we are looking for 200-250 exhibitors (with more than 80% coming from the USA) and 50,000 to 60,000 visitors. 'The partnership with Gooding Christie's is great for the event because, with the combination of expertise from Gooding and the prestige of Christie's, we have every reason to hope for a spectacular classic car auction. The New York event has a lot to live up to. Retromobile Paris last year attracted 146,000 visitors, of whom 19% were from outside France and 600 exhibitors with auction sales of over $125 million. 'I'm trying to bring my experience of managing big automotive events and make sure we will be able to offer a great and unique experience to our visitors and participants,' says Neveu. 'The big challenge facing us will be to attain the heights of the prestigious Retromobile Paris. The 50th anniversary of Retromobile next year is the perfect opportunity to export the concept of this exclusive event elsewhere for the very first time and we will do our best to deliver an event in New York with the same DNA as Paris at its core but with the vibrant American colors running right through it.' More on Retromobile Rétromobile Partners With Gooding Christie's Auction House Retromobile Classic Car Exhibition Is Coming to America in 2025 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
