Who on earth values classics?

[ClassicMotorNut]

The title of this thread might come across badly, I for one love classics, but I mean who values the cars and creates the estimates when they go on sale at auctions? I say this because the estimates seem to be really low, from what I've read in the auction news, and many of the classics unsurprisingly surpass their estimates by miles. Of particular note are Jones's Ford Model BB van and Freddie Mercury's Rolls Silver Shadow. The Ford was estimated to go for something like £30k and, predictably, went for about £65k. The Roller was estimated at £10k and went for almost £75k. What kind of professional valuer thinks that having a previous owner as well-known and much-loved as Mercury will make no difference to the value? Normal Shadows sometimes go for more than £10k. I've only given two examples, but there are plenty more similar ones, so just who on earth is responsible?

Hang on, it's not old Dylan Tighttrousers from Classic Car Rescue, is it?

[neilcoker]

auction houses put low values on them to get intrest up, any classic is only worth what someone is happy to pay for it.

[Roy C]

...or you could say they haven't a clue.

[Pistom]

They can guess run of the mill stuff most of the time but if you have a rare car and 2 bidders then there is no way of knowing.

[silverfoxcc]

There is no accounting for stupid bidding at auctions, just look at some ebay offers!!
Having said that on a serious note The Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club, does an agreed value for ins purposes, you just send off several pics and its done like that. The VERY good news is that if you are insured with the recommended club insurer, should the car get totalled you get the 'agreed value' no hassle PLUS and here is the good news, If it is over 20ys old, you also get the car back!!!
The ins for my 90 Silver Spirit is £200.00pa. I really must get some pics done, following the 'time this and that was done' on the wood cappings, seat refurb, and some bodywork.
This isnt going to cost the earth either
The front wing was dinged (scraped it along a brick wall) and needs a blow in, plus touch up some door edge paint chips,and cut out a rusty front bottom edge of wing and knock out a 'raised dent' in the bonnet. given an estimate of about £250-300 for that
Relacquer 2 front door cappings £175
and refurb/repaint the two front seats £250
Methinks that is max £800 well spent

[Humper]

ClassicMotorNut said:

Hang on, it's not old Dylan Tighttrousers from Classic Car Rescue, is it?

No, cos if it was Dildo Miles the valuation wouldve been 75k and the actual sale price would be 10k

[alvis]

When I used to do valuations for the Alvis Owner Club for insurance purposes, part of the wording read " this value would apply between a willing purchaser and a willing seller", in otherwords its only worth what someone will pay for it, unlike your average 2 or 3 year old modern that has a track record in the market place and a listing in Glass's Guide which is based on actual auction results.

[neilcoker]

love this WOW..... WELL DONE TO WHOEVER BUILT THIS...

[V8 FOU]

Has anyone done a (re) valuation for the ex- Saville Range Rover??

Usual thing about prices asked vs prices achieved.

I think I will be marketing my DIY "Barnfind Kit". Includes salt water to make the chrome rusty, a mouse to nibble the upholstery, bag of sticky dust for the bodywork, special duff battery etc etc