Two out of three classic cars do not retain their value

The rapidly growing classic car market and the great demand for vehicles that retain their value have also encouraged many dubious sellers to sell classic cars in recent years. The experts at Goodtimer warn: "More than 60%, i.e. around two out of three vehicles, are to be classified as non-original or not stable in value." Annually Marcel A. Widler, managing owner of Goodtimer (Autofocus AG), examines about 50 vehicles on behalf of his regular customers and for his own purchase. For this purpose, the classic car expert sits on average once a week in a plane or in a service vehicle and examines the offered gems around the globe. An expertise is worthwhile in any case, because the originality and condition of the vehicle are checked to determine its value, as well as the vehicle documents for their accuracy.

"It can happen that a vehicle is cheaper by a five-digit amount after the appraisal," says Widler "but unfortunately it also happens that after viewing the important vehicle numbers or during the measurement it has to be determined that it is not an original vehicle, which means that the value is not secured and a registration in Switzerland is not possible."

As of this year, Goodtimer offers every vehicle enthusiast who is considering the purchase of a classic car a program for checking the desired vehicle. In the first stage, the originality and registration possibility of the vehicle is checked on the basis of the vehicle documents and codes (chassis, body, engine number, etc.). For a stake of 200 francs, there is then certainty whether the purchase process can move to the next step.

www.goodtimer.ch