I love the classic, have a couple myself and some in the past, however do we think it will reach defender status in the 'classic' environment, personally I think it will but I am biased.

What do we think?

Cheers

Rosco

Here's one of mine off for a refresh, was a while ago but due back January !! minus LPG hole

I think certain models will such as the CSK, the LSE, early 2 doors, the first of the Vogues, Overfinch 570 etc. But the common ones are still plentiful enough to be cheap.

I agree mzplcg, but I look at the prices paid for frankly ropey defenders and cant help but think the classic is at least in the same league?

Whoever manages to second guess the vagaries of the 'Classic scene' will make a few quid, that's for sure. There is a definite attempt by garages/sellers to make the Classic, well, classic, but I'm with the other posters; the two door and 'special editions', yes, but the four door is a long way off.

I rather hope they don't reach classic status….no offence intended OP.

No end of cars from my youth are now unattainable or impractical because they are in the hands of speculators rather than enthusiasts and on a personal level I think that is a crying shame, cars being used as a commodity rather than enjoyed with passion.

Once again Giantlandyman I find myself agreeing, most of these cars are a heap of poo and I have them cause I love them/referring to my childhood/mad. Whatever we think there is a mindset for 'classics'. Not where I am coming from as I use them as intended

Normally in classic cars it is the early first models, late models and special editions/sports models that get the bigger bucks.

I still have my 94 Classic Vogue SE Sofdash, I bought her 13 years ago, and was used as my everyday car for @ 11 years.

Needing some TLC, but she's safe in the shed!!

I am sure Classic prices will rise, I love defenders, but not prepared to pay inflated prices over a Classic Range Rover, but as Defender prices rise, Classics will follow

I have a few classic cars, and tend to go for special editions sports models if I can, last purchase was a 1998 Rover 200 BRM Regards
Royston

2008 4.2 Supercharged Autobiography
1994 Classic Vogue SE
1999 Rover BRM
1987 Rover Vitesse Twin Plenum

Last edited by 3528cc on 9th Dec 2015 9:14pm. Edited 1 time in total

I agree, most people associate "old" with "Classic", so if it still runs and it's, say 30+ Years old, by definition it's got to be a Classic.

Mind you, that means I must be a Classic! Job done! Must tell the wife! mind you, she might stick me in the garage and cover me in a car cover  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Rosco wrote:

I agree mzplcg, but I look at the prices paid for frankly ropey defenders and cant help but think the classic is at least in the same league?

Well, I *think* we kind of agree. But a ropey old Defeaner can still command over 5 clap, especially the 300TDi ones, God knows why really 'cos they're old, noisy, gutless and a lousy driving experience. A half decent Classic RR on the other hand can still be had for under 3. I know which I'd have.

Some years ago I had a 4.2 LSE with the late soft dash and it was a lovely drive whilst it was reliable. Once it got to the stage of falling apart at 200k miles I got shot of it, kind of wish I had kept it but that's the romance of good memories. The harsh reality was a rusty nail which would have got rustier.

Now, talk to me about some of those updated Classics with newer suspension, newer engines, refurbished bodies, decent modern brakes..........and the price tag north of 50K

That's it really. A decent 4 door with no special editions or updates is still cheap, but the rarer or modernised ones are strong money.

Now, the one I really wish I'd hung on to was a 1978 Escort RS1800. Sold it for 2 grand 30 odd years ago.

^

You've piqued my interest with "Now, talk to me about some of those updated Classics with newer suspension, newer engines, refurbished bodies, decent modern brakes......…."

Who does them?

Kingsley Classics.

£90k for their Signature model!

The only “classics” both green oval & non that make serious money are low volume sales! So meaning, Ferrari 355’s a typical case...

For example take a Classic RR & a Merc G wagon... Classic RR’s sold my the gazzilion and are struggling to make strong money!

Ferrari 430’s & Lambo Gallardo... The Lambo will IMHO not make “classic/collectable” status as TOO many have been sold! Only rare low production models will hold value...

Just my opinion for what its worth...

I would have thought that the Classic 2 door was already a classic, I'm sure that the insurance see them that way. Any way with the way that they rust, they are becoming harder to find in a whole condition rather than a hole condition  Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

A car with classic status doesn't always have to be one which is worth a lot of money, or appreciates way beyond its original selling price, or was made only in limited numbers.

I believe the Classic RR is a classic car as such and that early 4-door models have certainly attained that status.

The RR may have been manufactured in large numbers, but many have died and good ones are becoming rarer and, consequently, values are holding.

Look at the '68-'70 Dodge Charger to illustrate my point. Made in vast numbers, but find a decent one and you'll pay a lot for it these days. It's the same with many 60's Mustangs, too. And look at MK1 Golf GTi prices.

I agree that it'll be a long time until each Classic will be worth significant amounts of money as too many still survive but a good one will, these days, never depreciate and more than likely rise a little in value.

Looking further afield, look at early Discovery 1 prices. Stupidly, I sold my early immaculate low mileage V8 D1 with the Conran interior and cubby bag to buy my first FF. That was nearly 5 years ago. Find me another just like that. A classic? Yes, I think so. Worth much? Nope. Built in high numbers? Yep. Many left?..you've got to be joking! Will prices rise? The usual rule applies that as the older model rises in value, the younger one will become more sought-after. Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

It's like most cars of late. If you have a nice one then it's gone up in value... which makes a nice change as normally everything I buy looses money hand over fist....
I agree with Bellini on the S1 Disco's. I've been looking for an early 3 door for a while now.

Edited to add - Just been nosing through some old emails (January 2011) when I was trying to buy an '82 Long shift 4 door for £3.5k and didn't want to go to the £4.5K he was asking because it put me nearer CSK money and I was really after a 3 door....... Oh... and they say Hindsight is 20:20...... Regards
Mark

2009 D4; 1993 Classic 3.9 VSE

Unless they are a 'special' of some kind I can't see them becoming a classic. The deafener has that accolade in the bag. I have noticed some 'classical' pricing of some very well looked after / well restored examples.

Are D1 prices getting better?, my 3 door was a good example in Jewish racing gold with cuggy, full set of LR branded equipment and leaking top lights (would seem rude not to have them leak) I see quite a lot of D1's offroading, at a guess as parts and panels are cheaper than 90/110 and as the defender is a 'classic' more ppl are buying to keep and make money. Is this where I put the car details and a bit about myself ?........