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Feb 09, 2011 12:07 pm
Feb 09, 2011 12:07 pm
Subject: Re: Lagonda Rapide 61-64 Wanted
Super stuff - and the black one is on wires too!
Essentially, so far as I can see, the cars all fall into one of three categories (perhaps all classics do so): (1) projects; (2) good drivers; and (3) very good cars. IIRC, only category (1) and (2) cars have come onto the open market in recent times.
In the main, the category (2) cars have popped up at auction. They seem to make now circa £70-80k. Such category (3) cars that have changed hands in recent years (so far as I am aware) have done so privately, and for (of course) undisclosed sums, between collectors. A good example would be the so-called Cartier car. This was bought in 2008 by someone I know for (I imagine) several hundred thousand pounds. But, it will be in perfect or near perfect concours condition (naturally).
The market for these cars is necessarily tiny. The value of category (1) and (2) cars has, until very recently, been low (even very low). Now, just like the DB Aston market, my impression is that many (if not almost all) remaining DB Lagondas (at least the 3 litres and the Rapides) are now being bought by those prepared to spend significant amounts of money on their complete restoration. In other words, it seems to me that the Lagonda market now is mimicking the Aston market of the last decade or so, for first the 4, 5 & 6s and then (latterly) the 2, 2/4, MkIII, and Ss.
In terms of the Rapides, when you are dealing with only 55 cars manufactured I imagine that in 10 or 15 years time they will all be in the hands of collectors and driver-enthusiasts, all will be in very good condition or better, and all will be very expensive.
However, right now, it is clear that if you are very lucky indeed, you can still pick up a car in the £5-35k bracket. Just be aware that £100k+ worth of work will be required to bring the car up to where it should be.
Tim
Super stuff - and the black one is on wires too!
Essentially, so far as I can see, the cars all fall into one of three categories (perhaps all classics do so): (1) projects; (2) good drivers; and (3) very good cars. IIRC, only category (1) and (2) cars have come onto the open market in recent times.
In the main, the category (2) cars have popped up at auction. They seem to make now circa £70-80k. Such category (3) cars that have changed hands in recent years (so far as I am aware) have done so privately, and for (of course) undisclosed sums, between collectors. A good example would be the so-called Cartier car. This was bought in 2008 by someone I know for (I imagine) several hundred thousand pounds. But, it will be in perfect or near perfect concours condition (naturally).
The market for these cars is necessarily tiny. The value of category (1) and (2) cars has, until very recently, been low (even very low). Now, just like the DB Aston market, my impression is that many (if not almost all) remaining DB Lagondas (at least the 3 litres and the Rapides) are now being bought by those prepared to spend significant amounts of money on their complete restoration. In other words, it seems to me that the Lagonda market now is mimicking the Aston market of the last decade or so, for first the 4, 5 & 6s and then (latterly) the 2, 2/4, MkIII, and Ss.
In terms of the Rapides, when you are dealing with only 55 cars manufactured I imagine that in 10 or 15 years time they will all be in the hands of collectors and driver-enthusiasts, all will be in very good condition or better, and all will be very expensive.
However, right now, it is clear that if you are very lucky indeed, you can still pick up a car in the £5-35k bracket. Just be aware that £100k+ worth of work will be required to bring the car up to where it should be.
Tim