Are limousines back in fashion?
08/07/2021
Vintage and classic car buyers seem to prefer sleek coupés and convertibles to classic saloons. This is not a new trend; it has been the case for the last few decades. But it is not a law of nature. And of course there are exceptions. But the rule today is that a coupé or convertible version of a model is usually more expensive and more sought-after. This applies to pre-war cars anyway, but post-war vehicles up to almost modern times also fit into this pattern. One reason for this is, of course, the usually smaller numbers, another is the somewhat sportier lines and often more powerful engines. Convertibles are very popular anyway when it comes to leisure and hobby vehicles.
But, as I said, this doesn't have to be set in stone. Things change. The days when pre-war saloons were available in large numbers, for example, are long gone. Convertibles have also lost some of their appeal in times of increasingly cancer-promoting UV rays, and in the colder seasons - perhaps prolonged by climatic shifts - anyway. And perhaps the sense of form is also changing right now. Perhaps today's everyday SUV drivers will find an elegant saloon more appealing than a gnarled convertible in the future? Who knows? Let no one say that a strong increase in demand for classic saloons could not have been anticipated ...
P.S. The limousine shown here is an Alvis SA 16.95 Saloon from 1933 with bodywork by Charlesworth. A certain elegance would certainly not be denied to this car, the six-cylinder engine also provides some sportiness and an attractive soundtrack. Bonhams will auction the car on September 4, 2021 in Beaulieu . The estimate is EUR 47,000 to 58,000, but just over a year ago, this exact chassis 10301 changed hands for £ 25,875 or EUR 30,239. This is not a lot of money considering the advanced technology at the time and the considerable sums that have been invested in the car over the years. And this saloon is probably one of the few that was not converted into a sporty two-door special ...
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