Ask Tom

QUESTION 1 from Ken R. in Manhattan Beach, CA:

We are nearly 7 months into 2022, and would like to know what some of the buying trends you have noticed in the industry lately, and what classics have proved to be hot this year?

Tom's Answer: This year has found American muscle and custom hot rods numbers-matching are doing very well at auctions. Not only cars, but pickup trucks as well. They have proven to be very popular and are bringing in great money. High end and high performing European vehicles such as the Porsche turbo models are doing excellent as well, and other classic German automobiles. At Classic Showcase, Jaguars continue to show strong interest from both new as well seasoned collectors, and quite frankly, we are having a hard time keeping up with demand. The popularity of high end modified E-Types for frequent driving and road trips has also shown to be an area of tremendous interest and growth as well.

QUESTION 2 from Wayne C. of Cupertino, CA:

I have followed Classic Showcase for many years, and know that you are focused on adhering to factory correct restorations; but I have also noticed from your website, social media, and concours activity that you seem to be performing more and more resto modifications lately…I would like to know why these types of restorations have become so popular the last few years?

Tom's Answer: In the last few years, we at Classic Showcase have in fact experienced increased demand for such vehicles, so much so that they have accounted for nearly 50 percent of our facility’s restoration build activity. We have found that our clients who like to enjoy and drive their cars are desiring modern features and amenities that serve to only enhance and personalize their classic Jaguar driving and ownership experience….and we are more than happy to accommodate these requests in order to further personalize their newly restored car.

QUESTION 3 from Ronald L. of Cocoa Beach, Florida:

I am a Jaguar XKE owner that is 6 foot 1, and while I love my car, it sometimes gets a little uncomfortable after longer drives…What classic Jaguar models do you suggest for larger sized people? Can the smaller models be adapted to fit larger people?

Tom's Answer: There are several things that can be done to your XKE; one is, taking some of the foam material out of the seat bottom and back, and reshaping it a bit….The other thing that can be done is removing the E-Type’s seat tracks and make an angled wedge that is installed on the back of the track to help angle the seat, which will in turn grant more room to the driver.

QUESTION 4 from Jerry M. of las Vegas, NV

My family owns a Series 3 Jaguar XKE that was my father’s car in the late 70s. We plan to drive and enjoy the car more over the summer, but there is a blanking plate in the car’s dash in place of a stereo, which is not good! What are some modern stereo and speaker options for an E-Type?

Tom's Answer: Before answering this question, you must ask yourself if you are fine with making alterations to the car. You can take out the blanking plate and install a vintage stereo, but if you want to go with a modern stereo you would have to permanently alter the car’s dash area by cutting and removing some of the material to adapt it for the new square unit those modern stereos require. However, there is a great 3rd option here, and that is to add hidden Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity with 2 speakers in their original place. This 3rd option allows you to keep your car’s dash area stock and will retain its blanking plate for originality while the modern upgrades stay hidden behind it…this will ensure keeping a nice stock look to your E-Type while delivering modern sound technology for your driving enjoyment.

QUESTION 5 from Dave F. of Carmel, CA

I have admired classic 1950s-1970s Porsches my entire life, and after a lifetime of work am ready to reward myself with an example that I can drive (and possibly show). I have admired the 911 series as well as the earlier models such as the 356s, but would like to ask what you think are some of the more affordable classic Porsches to start collecting with?

Tom's Answer: The 1978 911 SC and Carrera models that followed are very popular, as well as affordable classic Porsches to cars to drive, own, and maintain. The coupe models are little bit pricier than the Targas, but a Targa will still provide you with a great versatile ride, with that classic Porsche look.

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