Classic car buyers are increasingly searching for ‘dream cars’ rather than affordable models.
That’s according to online auction site Car & Classic. Data shows the Porsche 911 is now the most searched-for vehicle on its website – replacing the Ford Capri. Figures are based on analysis of site visits comparing the first quarter of 2021 with Q1 2020.
The second most searched-for car is the Jaguar E-Type, with the 1980s ‘E30’ BMW 3 Series in third place.
Enthusiasts have, however, also warmed to 1980s hot hatches in the past year, with a 25 percent rise in the number of searches for the Ford Fiesta 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 all featuring in the top 16. The Nissan Skyline has moved up 131 places to 27th.
Classic car world is ‘always changing’
In late 2020, Tom Wood, CEO of Car and Classic, told us visitor numbers had grown by 30 percent, and it appears the trend is continuing. The company attributes this to buyers having more time to search for their dream car during the recent coronavirus lockdown.
“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,” said Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Car & Classic.
“The data also underlines that the classic car world is always changing. Whether that’s a new wave of cars such as 1980s and 1990s modern classics that are increasingly in vogue, or a new generation of enthusiasts coming through with more time looking for some nostalgia.”
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