The question of Commer values seems to raise its head with increasing frequency, particularly in the context of the cost of restoration. It is a subject which I have been familiar with myself with the restoration of my Renault 17. I am likely to spend more in restoration than the vehicle will ever be worth when finished (I have probably spent more in rent for my workshop already). However, I will get a lot of satisfaction bringing the old girl to life and hope to get many years of enjoyment when she is finished. [^]
By comparison, I know plenty of people who pay considerably more for their vehicles than they will ever get back and lose far more money than you will ever lose on a Commer. They are of course buying new cars and experiencing depreciation from the moment it is registered, but nobody ever questions the cost of purchase in the context of the resale value as they do a classic vehicle. [V]
Restoration cost need only be an issue if you are restoring vehicles for resale. However, perception of low values can result in good or restorable vehicles being scrapped for economic reasons. [:0]
If it wasn’t for the dedicated souls on this forum who rescue, restore, maintain and improve Commers for love, not money or status, then these icons of British motoring history would be lost forever. The same probably applies to the majority cherished classic vehicles. Value can be judged in far more that monetary value.
I once met a so called car enthusiast in the late 80’s with a collection of exotic Italian supercars which he kept in a climate controlled barn. His only interest was their appreciating value and he never used them on the road. He thought I was mad to be interested in low value everyday vehicles of yesterday. I may well be mad, but he was sad!
I’m sure nostalgia has something to do with it (what did we do before we had nostalgia?), but if you were to park a Ferrari and an Austin 7 in a car park, I bet I know which would get the most attention!
If you have managed to get this far I apologise if I have bored you [|)] and I will climb down from my soapbox. Keep up the good work all you Commervanfans.
'It's not a proper slider'
By comparison, I know plenty of people who pay considerably more for their vehicles than they will ever get back and lose far more money than you will ever lose on a Commer. They are of course buying new cars and experiencing depreciation from the moment it is registered, but nobody ever questions the cost of purchase in the context of the resale value as they do a classic vehicle. [V]
Restoration cost need only be an issue if you are restoring vehicles for resale. However, perception of low values can result in good or restorable vehicles being scrapped for economic reasons. [:0]
If it wasn’t for the dedicated souls on this forum who rescue, restore, maintain and improve Commers for love, not money or status, then these icons of British motoring history would be lost forever. The same probably applies to the majority cherished classic vehicles. Value can be judged in far more that monetary value.
I once met a so called car enthusiast in the late 80’s with a collection of exotic Italian supercars which he kept in a climate controlled barn. His only interest was their appreciating value and he never used them on the road. He thought I was mad to be interested in low value everyday vehicles of yesterday. I may well be mad, but he was sad!
I’m sure nostalgia has something to do with it (what did we do before we had nostalgia?), but if you were to park a Ferrari and an Austin 7 in a car park, I bet I know which would get the most attention!
If you have managed to get this far I apologise if I have bored you [|)] and I will climb down from my soapbox. Keep up the good work all you Commervanfans.
'It's not a proper slider'
