Classic Car News & Auto Appraisal Tips

Quote/Joke of the Week If the automobile had followed the same development as the computer, a Rolls Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year killing everyone inside. ~ Robert Cringley

1939 Porsche Type 64 Berlin-Rome at RM Sotheby’s Monterey The first car to ever wear a Porsche badge — and the direct ancestor of the 356 — will cross the block at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction. This 1939 Porsche Type 64 Berlin-Rome was the personal car of Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche.

Find out what your car was worth prior to the accident. If you have been in an accident and it has been determined that your car is a total loss, your insurance company will need to pay to replace your car.

For his son’s 10th birthday, Keith Martin, the publisher of Sports Car Market magazine and host of the TV series “What’s My Car Worth?” bought his son Bradley a 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite. Keith’s first car was a Bugeye, and he was indulging in a romantic recreation of his own past.

Sadie’s husband bought her a brand spanking new Cadillac for Christmas! With a big red bow on it just like you see in the TV ads! On December 30, with just 759 miles on it, coming home from Publix she was T-boned at an intersection by a red light runner!

More from Amelia Island: 1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo - Lot 102 (RM Sotheby’s) Sold for $53,200 Younger collectors are creating an increase in demand for ’90s Japanese sports cars, and while the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra and Acura NSX are getting the bulk of the attention, it’s a tide that’s raising all ships, including the Nissan 300ZX.

The 2019 Amelia Island Auction Week total now stands at $80 million. A 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB brought $2,205,000 at RM Sotheby’s — and was high sale at the 2019 Amelia Island Auction Week. RM Sotheby’s led all auctions houses with a $38.1 million total during their March 8-9 auction. Gooding and Company totaled $22 million during their March 8 auction. A 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Runabout was high sale at $1,765,000.

The Restomod is a relatively recent phenomenon in the collector-car world. As an alternative to the “survivor restoration” process, these new cars mix old and new technology to create the best of both worlds, matching classic styling with modern comfort, performance and reliability. From giant, retro-styled wheels to Singer’s hand-built Porsches, enthusiasts are able to have their cake and eat it too!

Through no fault of her own, Amanda’s 2017 Hyundai Elantra was involved in an accident. It needed $3,902 in repairs, which was paid for by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. As a result of the accident, and despite the fact that Amanda’s Elantra was professionally repaired, it suffered ‘Diminished Value’, or a sudden loss of value.

Tim M’s 2014 Kia Sorrento was stolen in December 2018, never to be seen again! His insurance company offered to compensate him $11,329 for his total loss. Tim felt this was less than fair market value so contacted us to help him. We advised him to inform his insurance company that he wished to invoke the ‘Appraisal Clause’ in his policy. We all have one in our policies!