Question 01: Is there a way to look at my 1969 Jaguar XKE and tell how much damage it has under the paint?

Tom's Answer: Not really. How a vehicle ages depends on a variety of factors such as where it was stored, the climate in the region, and how it has been kept up. You will never really know about hidden damage until you start dismantling it, and are able to strip the paint.

Question 02: Do I have to do the whole vehicle restoration at once? 

Tom's Answer: While we recommend doing it all at once, it is possible to segment the restoration process out. You can choose to do just one aspect of the process, like a mechanical restoration, and then move on to other aspects. You can do the interior one time, and then do others, but if you have a convertible, then it would be best to do it in conjunction with a full paint job since you will be fitting it to the body, and those two work best when done together. The proper sequence of restoration would be best to follow, but you can work with your shop to determine what your budget can afford, and which stage to do first.

Question 03: Will my Jaguar E-type be worth more than the cost of the restoration?

Tom's Answer: If the car was in very good condition before the restoration, then you might be able to restore it, with keeping your expenses in line, so that you can help the resale value. Generally speaking, it is not a good financial decision to restore a car in order to make a profit selling it. Jaguars have been doing well with some models increasing in value, or at least holding steady. If you can keep costs in line, you can possibly see some profit from a full restoration.

Question 04: How do I choose the right shop for my restoration? 

Tom's Answer: The first thing is to find a shop with a good reputation, and one that is experienced with the kind of car you want restored. We recommend that you go to car shows, check out other people’s cars like yours, and ask what their experience was like. If you like the vehicle, and the work that has been done to it, and the owner reports a good experience, then that shop may be a good candidate for you to check out. Also, try reading restoration industry specific websites/publications for recommendations, such as the Jaguar Club North America for Jaguars, or the Porsche Club of America for Porsche’s. Interview the shop you are considering using, and see if they are on the same page as far as what you want, and what they can do.

Question 05: What is the payment process for a full restoration?

Tom's Answer: We offer a payment system that is set up to match the five phases of restoration. We take the total cost of the restoration, and divide it into 5 payments. The 1st payment is paid upfront to begin the project, the 2nd - 4th payments are paid as the car progresses through the restoration process, and the last payment is due upon completion. This helps the customer to plan and budget for when the funds are needed.

Question 05: I was wondering how you determine the value of a classic car when you are trying to buy or sell...

Tom's Answer: We use "CPI" which is published by Black Book. It is an incredible, informative price guide and reference, and we highly recommend it!


Five Steps Towards Better Battery Behavior

Here’s hot news about your car battery that may seem surprising: It’s not so much the cold that gets it down as it is high heat. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why it’s a good idea to check your battery as the seasons change from hotter to cooler or if you’ve been driving in a hot part of the country.

Another reason for shortened battery life is overcharging. That is, a malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, can allow too high a charging rate, leading to slow death for a battery, explained Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.
In addition, colder temperatures can increase the thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over, causing the battery to have to work more. These factors lead to harder starting.

What You Can Do:

To get the most life out of a battery, we suggest the following simple steps:

• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

• If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly. Add distilled water when necessary.

• Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

• Have the battery checked if you notice headlights and interior lights dim, accessories that fail to operate, or the “check engine” or battery light illuminated.

• Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.








Upcoming Events
   
January 5-14, 2018

Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee, FL


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January 13-21, 2018

Barrett-Jackson Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ

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January 13-21, 2018

Worldwide Auctions, Scottsdale, AZ

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January 18, 2018

Bonhams Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ


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January 18-19, 2018

RM/Sotheby's Auctions, Phoenix, AZ

Always kicking off the collector car auction season on a strong note, RM Sotheby’s returns to the vibrant grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, 18–19 January, for its 19th annual Arizona sale.

Our 18th annual Arizona auction was one for the books as a one-off, owner-commissioned 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster sold for a final $6,600,000. Numerous best-of-category Ferraris also took top honors, led by a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS, which surpassed its pre-sale estimate and realized $3,602,500—nearly triple the previous auction record for the model.

Attracting bidders from 30 countries—20 percent of which were new RM Sotheby’s clientele—the company’s 18th annual Phoenix sale was a truly global event, once again illustrating that Arizona is the epicenter of the collector car world in January.

RM Sotheby’s 2018 Arizona sale is set to continue the company’s strong track record in Phoenix, presenting more than 100 blue-chip automobiles from the world’s most iconic marques. Hand-selected by RM Sotheby’s international team of specialists, the catalogue will span the spectrum of the market, from pre-war classics and contemporary supercars through important sports and racing cars.

More Info Here

   
January 19-20, 2018

Gooding Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ


Arizona is long-known as an ideal winter destination, and each January Scottsdale hosts a thriving automotive marketplace adjacent to the Fashion Square Mall and charming Old Town Scottsdale. Gooding & Company has brought a refined approach to this lively and well-established event, offering stunning vehicles across marques and eras. When our viewing showcase opens on Wednesday of Arizona Auction Week, enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the high-quality assortment of vehicles up for auction and connect with Gooding & Company’s top-notch staff and fellow collectors. Over the past nine years in Scottsdale, Gooding & Company has consistently raised the bar for the collector car year, with records that reset the market. Our exceptional collection often becomes the talk of the town and beyond.

More Info Here

   
January 19-22, 2018

Death Valley Porsche Days, Santa Barbara Region

Join us the weekend after Martin Luther King holiday for four-day tour of Death Valley.

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January 20,
2018

Desert Stars 2018 Mercedes Benz Enthusiast Dinner, Scottsdale, AZ

As Arizona becomes the center of the automobile universe in January, we are again celebrating the classic car auction week with the Mercedes-Benz Enthusiast Dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant in Scottsdale. This year’s event will be on Saturday evening, January 20th, 2017 at 16405 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ.  Activities start at 5:30 P.M. with the viewing and judging of the “People’s Choice” contest featuring MBCA members personal cars in our reserved parking area.  Following the voting, join us on Maggiano’s patio to mingle around some new Mercedes-Benz vehicles on display courtesy of Schumacher European.  The party then moves inside to the private dining room for a family style dinner service of some of Maggiano’s classic Italian dishes. We guarantee no one will leave wanting. Last, but not least, our after dinner program will feature industry experts to give their perspectives on the past week’s auctions and the current state of the classic car market. Bring your questions and join the discussion.

   
January 23-27, 2018

Mecum Motorcycle Auctions, South Point Hotel & Casino, LasVegas, NV

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January 24-28, 2018

The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, Palm Beach, FL

The Annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic will be presented in the beautiful and exotic setting of Palm Beach, Florida on January 24 to 29, 2018. This extraordinary gathering is a multi-day convention for automotive owners and collectors, with participants and their 400 rare, exotic and classic automobiles attending from the Americas, Europe and Asia. The premier event of the weekend is the Concorso d’Eleganza on the front lawn of the famous Breakers Hotel, on Saturday, January 28. 140 immaculate Ferrari automobiles are judged by leading international experts for elegance and originality, for the important Class Awards and the distinguished Major Cups, along with the prestigious Cavallino Cup for Best in Show.

More Info Here

   
January 24-28, 2018

Bonham’s Motorcycle Auction, Rio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

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February 23-25, 2018

McCormick’s Auction-Convention Center, Palm SpringsCA

Keith McCormick's relentless dedication to excellence and integrity has produced one of the most prestigious, respected, and successful car auctions in America. The Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions are held in November and February each year on the grounds of the Convention Center in beautiful downtown Palm Springs.

This event is shaping up to be one of the most interesting auctions with quite rare and unusual early entries.

The McCormick family known for running a very detailed event for the past 31 years are attracting cars from their database that have not been on the revolving auction circuit before.

More Info Here

   
February 23-25, 2018

Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance, Boca Raton, FL

We invite you to join us over three spectacular days, February 23, 24 & 25, as we commemorate the 12th Annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance.  With the attendance growing dramatically every year & raising more than ten million dollars for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance is the fastest growing Concours in the nation and the world’s largest for charity.

More Info Here

   

March 8,
2018

Bonham's Auctions, Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Amelia Island, FL

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March 8-9,
2018

Gooding Auctions, Amelia Island, Florida

Gooding & Company’s East Coast auction generates excitement and record sales. Held at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, a classic beachfront resort near Jacksonville, Florida, this venue caters to the enthusiast looking for a relaxed yet rewarding winter getaway. Held on the Friday before the celebrated Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Gooding & Company’s auction showcases a curated lineup of cars, inviting spirited bidding in a comfortable setting. Since debuting at Amelia Island in 2010, Gooding & Company’s prices realized have more than doubled, earning the event its reputation as the premier East Coast collector car auction.

More Info Here

   
March 10, 2018

RM Auctions - Amelia Island, Florida

Since 1999, RM Sotheby's has held the esteemed role of the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, presenting an incredible selection of the world's most desirable automobiles at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton. Now in its 20th year, RM's 2018 Amelia Island sale is again set to reinforce the company's clear market leadership. Extended to two days with the addition of Friday's exclusive presentation of 'A Gentleman's Collection: The Pride & Passion of Orin Smith,' RM's 2017 Amelia Island sale lifted the gavel on a carefully curated roster of 150 blue-chip vehicles, generating an outstanding $70.9 million in sales with 90 percent of all lots sold.

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March 11, 2018

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

"Cars are freedom. They give us the power to go where we want when we want. They demand our constant attention and involvement and the really great ones reward excellence. They can be objects of  desire, beauty, utility, convenience and entertainment all at once and the people who love them know it. That’s why we keep doing this"

- BILL WARNER, Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Founder & Chairman

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March 22-25, 2018

Tequila Rose, Southwest Regional Event

The San Diego sections historic regional event, tequila rose is back for 2018. Mark your calendars for March 22, 23,24,2018. We are returning to the Borrego Springs Resort and spa in the quite high desert town of Borrego Springs. There will be something for everyone, car show, gymkana, and a rallye, Sightseeing, shopping, dining and a putting contest, but best of all meeting many nice friendly Mercedes-Benz folks from all over the US of A.

   

April 6-7, 2018

RM Sotheby's Fort Lauderdale, FL Auction, Broward County Convention Center

Celebrated as South Florida's premier collector car auction, RM Auctions' Fort Lauderdale sale returns to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center this 6–7 April. Previously held under the Auctions America banner, the 2017 Fort Lauderdale sale generated an impressive $17.3 million total with bidders hailing from nearly all 50 states and 11 countries around the world. The sale was topped by a beautifully restored 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster at $1,200,000, as well as the noted JLG Autocrib Collection, a group of 26 influential Porsche models offered without reserve. RM Auctions' 2018 Fort Lauderdale auction, the 16th annual event, will see approximately 300 quality collector cars cross the podium during a two-day sale, ranging from American classics to European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs, and modern collectibles. With locations worldwide and offering services in a number of languages, RM has the largest and most experienced team in the industry, and we are the only company that can ensure your consignments are marketed to a truly global audience to achieve the best possible results.

More Info Here

   
April 7-8, 2018

La Jolla Concurs D'Elegance, La Jolla CA

View 300+ spectacular, exemplary vehicles situated along the Pacific Ocean, peruse the offerings of our fabulous vendors, and check out the exciting offers from our top-notch sponsors.

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April 12-14, 2018

Barrett-Jackson

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April 21-22, 2018

 

Gran Concourso Internacional De Elegancia, Huixquilucan, México

Club Jaguar of Mexico City hosts over 500 classic cars, comprised of 25 classic car clubs, including 25 of our own pristine Jaguars. Set in the mountains, 20 miles on the outskirts of Mexico City.

This is the largest concours in Mexico, with people attend from all over the world. It is a wonderful setting with spectacular and warm hospitality. This is a must-attend event, so mark your calendar!

More Info Here

   
April 26-29, 2018

Drive The Crooked Road. Hurricane Region 2018 Spring Tour

The 2018 Hurricane Spring Tour travels the Crooked Road of Virginia and will offer flexible options to fit everyone’s time schedule. The Crooked Road is a guide to Virginia’s music heritage trail and Floyd is one of the major destinations on the Crooked Road. The Friday Night Jamboree, held at the Floyd Country Store, has been featured by PBS and the BBC. Bring your clogging shoes! The drives will include scenic VA8, VA221, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Destinations will include photo ops at Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge and Mabry Mill, wine tasting and lunch at Chateau Morrisette, Peaks of Otter Lodge, and the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. The optional Sunday program includes lunch and a blue grass jam session at the Floyd Country Store.

More Info Here

   
May 5-6,
2018

Keels & Wheels established itself among the nation’s top concours events while in pursuit of multiple goals. The goals include raising significant funds for the charities the show supports, $1.4 million so far, while producing the best possible event that would draw participants and spectators from every corner of the country and even Europe. Side benefits have included an economic impact of over $3.5 million each year on the local community while simultaneously raising national awareness of Seabrook.

More Info Here

   
May 6,
2018

Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance

Cars and motorcycles of any marque, manufactured prior to 1974 are welcome to apply for entry in the concours. For one ticket price the concours and all food and beverages are included for the attendee, as well as access to the Greystone estate grounds and mansion, along with historic displays and lectures regarding the estate, the Doheny Family and other subjects of interest; and a program book and poster is also provided to each attendee as part of the ONE price of admission; and a "marketplace" of vendors will be present. THE EVENT IS THE FIRST SUNDAY OF MAY EACH YEAR and serves to raise funds for the ongoing restoration of the Greystone Estate, a nationally registered historic landmark, one of the very few in Southern California.

More Info Here

   
May 10-12,
2018

RM/Sotheby's Auburn Spring Auction, Auburn, Indiana

A spring tradition for collector car enthusiasts across the country, RM Auctions' Auburn Spring sale returns to the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, 10–12 May. Previously held under the Auctions America banner, the 2017 Auburn Spring sale resulted in $10.2 million in total sales with an 83 percent sell-through rate. Continuing the event's strong track record for the presentation of private collections, the weekend was led by the former Level 5 Motorsports Collection, offered entirely without reserve. RM Auctions' 2018 Auburn Spring auction, the 17th annual event, will see approximately 450 quality collector cars and a selection of automobilia cross the podium during a three-day sale, catering to a variety of automotive tastes and budgets and ranging from American classics to European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs, and modern collectibles. In addition to the auction excitement, Auburn Spring features an onsite swap meet and car corral, as well as a number of exciting attractions for the entire family. With locations worldwide and offering services in a number of languages, RM has the largest and most experienced team in the industry—and we are the only company that can ensure your consignments are marketed to a truly global audience to achieve the best possible results.

More Info Here

   
May 19,
2018

Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival, Fullerton, CA

The Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival is an invitation only event dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Southern California's automotive history. For consideration please complete the attached registration application and send it in along with a brief description and current photo. The judging staff of the Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival seeks to recognize those vehicles that demonstrate the best originality and authenticity while valuing design, styling and elegance.

Featuring early Jazz, Tin Pan Alley & Vaudeville tunes of the 1920s and 30s by Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys.

More Info Here

   
May 19,
2018

JOCLA 2018 Concours at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton, CA

More Info Coming Soon

   
September 30, 2018

Palos Verdes Concours D'Elegance

For more than two decades the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance has been a world-class show of classic, vintage historical, and special-interest automobiles, providing funds for charitable and community purposes. The Concours has promoted the beauty and opportunities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the South Bay of Southern California. From the first show held on the Ladera Linda playing fields, the annual event has been staged in distinctly different locations on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This year, we break new ground by pairing first-class, concours-level automobiles with vintage aircraft at the historic Zamperini Field in Torrance, California.

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October 31-
November 4, 2018

Hilton Head Island Motoring Fetival & Concours

Applications for the 2018 Motoring Midway are currently being accepted.

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October 31-
November 4, 2018

International Jaguar Festival, hosted by the JOCLA, Santa Barbara, CA

It will be held at The Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara, and will include rallies, tours, a Concours, and a slalom, not to mention numerous social activities. Stay tuned for more information to come!

More Info Here

   


This is a quarterly newsletter that is compliments of Classic Showcase, Inc., which caters to the classic car collector and enthusiast communities. We are always open to ideas and suggestions on improving and helping the collector and enthusiast with new and timely information, and would like to hear your feedback, comments, and other ideas you may have for future editions! Please contact the editor at webmaster@classicshowcase.com. We hope you have enjoyed the information provided, and that you found it useful! We wish you and yours happy motoring during the Winter season!

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