Friday Spotlight - XJS prices

[PaulGover]

Today's Friday Spotlight email from the club points to a graph of XJS auction prices, some of which look wonderful (and others don't). I do get the feeling prices are beginning to move, mainly for late open top cars.

Ones like mine (91 facelift V12 hardtop) don't seem to have moved much. Probably more supply than demand (they're the first with (some) zinc plating to preserve the bodywork, and the electrics have evolved to be more reliable (if hideously complex)), so fewer have been scrapped. As to demand, my theory is a car is a "classic" if your dad lusted over it in your youth, which means they become classic after about 25 years - and stop being so classic (E-types apart, a special case) 10-15 years later. Hence I always wanted an E-type, but couldn't understand the enthusiasm for XK120 etc., but of course can only afford an XJS.

Anyway, anyone know anybody willing to pay £30K for an XJS, please contact me. They may also be interested in my shares in Tower Bridge

[cabriolet]

Hi,
I have owned various classic cars and my latest is a 1986 XJ-SC 3.6 manual. I believe unless you bought a car before a price hike and the vehicle is exceptional you generally do not make any profit from them. For me, being involved in classic cars is the enjoyment in driving something different from the modern vehicles. When I have sold my previous cars I have lost money but have had a great experience learning about the car, and preserving it for the future. The loss compared to what you would lose on a modern car makes it a viable hobby to pursue. Anyway this is what I say to my wife to justify buying classic cars. With regards to my XJS I intend to make a few improvements and then enjoy it for a while, then if I make a profit on it later it will be a bonus. I am a person that hates the selling process and generally I point out the cars faults, which can put people off but at least it is the only way I can do it. Saying this you can now see why I sell at a loss.