As this year winds to a close and 2004 looms over the horizon, we take a moment to reflect on the success of the classic car market, and the exciting developments in 2003.   

What causes a car to go up in value you ask? Demand over scarcity. The existence of any given original classic goes down year-by-year, making a good classic harder and harder to find. The demand for these cars, on the other hand, has not gone down, elevating the market value of some models astronomically compared to their original price tag. 

In particular, Jaguars have done very well this year. Commanding sizeable amounts and appreciated greatly, the success of the E-type is due primarily to the scarcity of the vehicle. A good core car is harder to find, making an original E-type a valuable commodity. The most popular of the series tend to be the 1965-1967 XKE series 1 4.2, as they retain the original classic E-type look with an improved gearbox, more comfortable seats, and are an all-around better driver. An original Series 1 XKE Roadster could have set you back around $6,000.00. Today, a fully restored factory-correct roadster will cost you anywhere from $85,000.00 to $120,000.00.

Collectable XK’s have also done very well, the best examples commanding substantial dollars. In addition to Jaguar, Austin Healey experienced a tremendous incline, in particular the BJ8 3000 and the 2-seater 3 carburetor Healey’s experienced renewed popularity. In all, the year brought considerable advancements into the classic car industry, proving once again that having a cool old car isn’t just a hobby; it’s an investment.

Here at Classic Showcase, we are gearing up for the annual Barrett-Jackson and RM Classic Car auction in January. Held in Scottsdale, AZ, sales are expected to soar, and we have a bevy of chrome wheeled, shined and buffed, leather lined, drop-top and covered beauties ready to be put on the block. A great barometer for collector car market, Barrett-Jackson is a world-renowned event and Classic Showcase is proud to be apart of the whole grand affair.

In 2004 we are going to be expanding our collector car sales to include high line contemporary European automobiles, such as late model Jaguars, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. These cars must all meet the meticulous Classic Showcase standards, and will be in prestigious condition, marketed for sale.

We have expanded the Classic Showcase team to include Bruce Miller, our very own contemporary car sales wiz. Want a beautiful foreign exotic or contemporary vehicle? Give Bruce a call. He’s been in the biz for over thirty years, and has plenty of know-how and charisma to spare. We’re proud to welcome Bruce to our staff.

Due to more and more collectors asking for restorations on their own personal cars in their collections, we’ve decided to offer services on customer cars. So if you own a classic you’re looking to fully restore, give us a call; openings are limited. Expect the highest quality restoration work.

We also made some very innovative updates to our website. Check out our brand new inventory listing, complete with a separate sold vehicle section, CS restored markers, and much more. Be looking for new and exiting things happening in 2004.  Have a very happy holiday, and a prosperous new year!

Click Here to go to our our Upcoming events Calendar.

Our 1967 Jaguar XKE Roadster in British Racing Green is currently undergoing restoration here at our restoration facility.

And now, a Christmas poem....

Twas’ the night before Christmas at Classic Showcase

Twas' the night before Christmas, and all through our shop

Impatient mechanics glanced at the clock

As they hurried amongst classics, franticly mopping

So they could go to Best Buy for some last minute shopping.

The wrenches were nestled all snug in draws,
while well-planted carpets hid oil on the floor.
And memos, and faxes and invoices were crunched;
amidst the piles of carne asada we’d lunched.

When out in the garage there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
Away to the back gate I ran like a shot,
tore open the door, and undid up the lock.

And, what to my wondering eyes should a-gog,
but a befuddled technician with too much eggnog.

And our upholsterer sat doubled over with laughter,

At the sight of his coveralls stuck on a ladder.

With curses abounding, so European and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Tarik.
The staff ran to see, our giggling faces aflame,
to the dismay of the boss who called us by name:

"Now Felipe! Now Javier!
Now, David and Ghio!
On, Erica! On, Bruce!
On, Liza and Wilfredo!
Back to work! Back to work!

You’re causing a fuss.

Now finish those cars!
Or you’ll get no Christmas Bonus!

We all sprang to action, the shop in a flurry,
to assemble the red E-Type Coupe in a hurry.
And Fred made reports of the year’s sales,

While Liza scurried about making the labels.

So from here at Classic Showcase, may all things be right;

Merry Christmas to all, and to all an E-Type!  

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Edition 1, Volume IV December, 2003

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