There hasn't been a new, multi paged, well argued thread on here for some time. I want to talk about about something I've been considering for a while. Nominally concerning 993 values. Also about the future of motoring as we know, or have known it.
The times they are a changing. I read an article in the Sunday Times yesterday, talking about the increased use of digital cameras on the motorway network. There are already digital cameras in use between jnc 5 and 6 on the M25, geared to issue fines for those driving in excess of the speed limit. Probably a real world 80mph plus and you are looking at a fine. These cameras will replace all those using wet film and over the next few years. They will proliferate all over the UK motorway network in time.
I recently took part in the TFL consultation regarding the proposed ultra low emission zone in London. In short this is suggesting that vehicles failing to meet the latest, stringent emission requirements, won't be allowed to enter an area ( the current congestion zone) without paying an additional charge. I think £15 per day. The end of the consultation asks for opinions about rolling out something similar to other towns. All about protecting air quality you see...
On the other hand I'm aware how 993 prices have spiked in the past few years. My own car has risen in value close to 50% over the past 5 years. I bought an Elise in 1998. At that time I could have also bought a used Dino. That same Dino has jumped in value closer to 80% in the same time frame.
So here's the question. Attitudes to speed and emissions are changing. I think in the next 10 years digital cameras will be everywhere. Early morning drives out for fun will become harder to enjoy as speed limits reduce and enforcement becomes more draconian. It's likely that you won't be able to drive old, polluting cars in many larger towns without paying heavily for the privelige.
Where will this leave values of older, fast cars?
I can see if you have an ultra low miles example of something classic or interesting, the values will likely continue to go up. I don't see a price crash for old Porsche, Ferrari or anything like that.
But what about older, interesting cars that aren't fit for concours or display purposes? If you can't drive them in towns without getting financially clobbered and you can't drive them quickly for fear of reprisals then what exactly is the point of having them?
You can fire it up in your garage. Sit in it, Rev it. But take it on the road for a trip to a town and find yourself paying dearly for the pleasure. Petrol prices currently at a 7 year low. We know this won't last and £1.50 plus per litre isn't far away. What will all this do to values?
In the future I think driverless cars, which don't have emissions to speak of, will be the way cars go. Assuming I'm right, what happens to the values of heavily polluting sports cars that ARENT quite good enough to be admired as art?
I'm in two minds as to what's likely to happen. What do you think?
The times they are a changing. I read an article in the Sunday Times yesterday, talking about the increased use of digital cameras on the motorway network. There are already digital cameras in use between jnc 5 and 6 on the M25, geared to issue fines for those driving in excess of the speed limit. Probably a real world 80mph plus and you are looking at a fine. These cameras will replace all those using wet film and over the next few years. They will proliferate all over the UK motorway network in time.
I recently took part in the TFL consultation regarding the proposed ultra low emission zone in London. In short this is suggesting that vehicles failing to meet the latest, stringent emission requirements, won't be allowed to enter an area ( the current congestion zone) without paying an additional charge. I think £15 per day. The end of the consultation asks for opinions about rolling out something similar to other towns. All about protecting air quality you see...
On the other hand I'm aware how 993 prices have spiked in the past few years. My own car has risen in value close to 50% over the past 5 years. I bought an Elise in 1998. At that time I could have also bought a used Dino. That same Dino has jumped in value closer to 80% in the same time frame.
So here's the question. Attitudes to speed and emissions are changing. I think in the next 10 years digital cameras will be everywhere. Early morning drives out for fun will become harder to enjoy as speed limits reduce and enforcement becomes more draconian. It's likely that you won't be able to drive old, polluting cars in many larger towns without paying heavily for the privelige.
Where will this leave values of older, fast cars?
I can see if you have an ultra low miles example of something classic or interesting, the values will likely continue to go up. I don't see a price crash for old Porsche, Ferrari or anything like that.
But what about older, interesting cars that aren't fit for concours or display purposes? If you can't drive them in towns without getting financially clobbered and you can't drive them quickly for fear of reprisals then what exactly is the point of having them?
You can fire it up in your garage. Sit in it, Rev it. But take it on the road for a trip to a town and find yourself paying dearly for the pleasure. Petrol prices currently at a 7 year low. We know this won't last and £1.50 plus per litre isn't far away. What will all this do to values?
In the future I think driverless cars, which don't have emissions to speak of, will be the way cars go. Assuming I'm right, what happens to the values of heavily polluting sports cars that ARENT quite good enough to be admired as art?
I'm in two minds as to what's likely to happen. What do you think?
