Cars with a gray collector’s card, “young timers”, about 9 million vintage cars mark the heyday of enthusiasts and collectors in France, according to the French Federation of Antique Vehicles (FFVE). And as in all markets, some properties are more prominent. While the Retromobile show takes place in Paris from February 1-5, which models are currently the most popular with vintage vehicle enthusiasts?
From the 70’s to the 90’s
Apart from the locomotives of the sector -Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes among others-, the models that have been on the rise in recent months smell good of the 80s. “The collection is generational,” confides Benjamin Arnaud, commercial director of RM Sotheby’s France. A person born in the 70s dreamed of an 80s Ferrari as a child. Naturally, we will look for the models that marked us in our childhood”.
If according to the FFVE, the average age of vintage car owners is 59, those in their thirties and forties are turning more and more towards the 80s models of series manufacturers. And they largely overflow towards vehicles from the 70s but also from the 90s.
The huge price acceleration of the last decade has seen many buyers remarkably back to these newer and especially mass-produced models. “A Citroën Ami 6, an Ami 8 can be sold in good condition for 30,000 euros, continues Benjamin Arnaud. On the contrary, pre-war vehicles like the Traction are not on a rising market, vehicles are changed to 10, 15,000 euros”.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth, R5 Alpine
In these mass-produced models at still affordable prices, some cars will be more interesting for a collector, such as first editions, luxury or sports versions. “Those that have had few owners, those with the fewest possible kilometers are the cars that stand out,” explains Matthieu Lamoure, director of Artcurial Motorcars.
In its sale organized at Rétromobile, the auction house thus offers a 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, valued between 50,000 and 80,000 euros or a Citroën GSA (a much lesser-known model than a CX or a DS) with only 3,334 kilometers, estimated between 15,000 and 20,000 euros. “It is in incredible condition, on all its maintenance books, which makes it stand out,” continues Matthieu Lamoure.
The return to the front of the stage of certain brands or certain models in recent years has also given a little boost to the older vehicles in the collection. If it was already well valued, the A110 and, in general, the other Alpine models have fully benefited from the return of the brand since 2017 according to Benjamin Arnaud. “The comeback is extraordinary, a true tribute with the 24 Hours of Formula 1, it is a true positive breath”, continues the expert.
At a more affordable price, the R5 has also returned to grace, particularly following its update by Renault into a future modernized and electric version. The first versions in pop colors and with a vinyl interior or the R5 Alpine are, therefore, models that interest fans of the small car of the 80s.
Source: BFM TV
