Cars

French financial fancy

Paddles, glasses, and questions were all raised throughout the weekend, with some results taking us all by surprise despite the accepted cooler market. The previous year not only saw some madness in the automotive world but also the real world, and such events will always influence what is, after all, a money market. As 2016 tailed off, there were celebrations from buyers and tears from sellers as the market changed.

It’s a common story – cars that were once raved about for their good looks are often forgotten after two years, while previously discarded design faux pas slowly become sought after for their quirkiness. We’re clearly not the only ones with a penchant for automotive ‘ugly ducklings’, as many of the collector car world’s trending machines are previously overlooked models from the 1980s and ’90s. These are 10 charismatic curios from the Classic Driver Market.

British Racing Beige

“This is my Enzo Ferrari look,” quips John Collins, leaning back in his office chair, sunglasses on and feet perched on his desk. And the Talacrest founder has better reason than most to liken himself to Il Commendatore, having sold some 1,750 classic Ferraris since 1986, worth over 1bn US dollars. It wasn’t always trading the bluest of blue-chip Prancing Horses that made Collins tick, however. His impressive career in photojournalism prior saw him cover everything from Princess Grace Kelly’s death and seal culling to a Papal visit in Ireland.

I remember only too well the first time I had the feeling. Deep inside, you feel a dull yet insatiable ache, unlike anything you’ve felt before. Your breath shortens and you suddenly become aware that you’re the only one in the world who understands why.