Classic car prices slightly on the rise
The Deutscher Oldtimer Index (German Classic Car Price Index) of the VDA rises by 2.9% – Despite ongoing pandemic the Deutscher Oldtimer Index is not susceptible even as of reference date 1 January 2021
Classic car prices in Germany rose slightly in 2020. The Deutscher Oldtimer Index, anually published by the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), achieved a score of 2,770. This corresponds to an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year and thus similar to the inflation rate.
The Deutscher Oldtimer Index is used to provide a trend statement about the performance of oldtimers’ value in Germany.
The valuation specialist classic-analytics determines the vehicle values. For this purpose, 88 representative vehicles are selected and weighted depending on their registration figures. Vehicles that are traded particularly dearly because of their rarity or their history are not taken into account. The Deutscher Oldtimer Index has been calculated since 1999. Starting from a base value of 1,000 points, there has been an increase in value of 177% in Germany since.
Despite the ongoing pandemic situation, the Deutscher Oldtimer Index has shown stability even as of reference date 1 January 2021. Although some models have gained value significantly stronger than the overall market, the broad mid-range of the vehicles examined shows only minor changes in value.
There are eight vehicles from German manufacturers in the top 10 value increases (observation period: 2017 to 2020 inclusive). The value of the Ford Capri I grew the most (+94.4%). The VW Beetle is represented in the top 10 with two models from different construction periods: The convertible has developed less strongly at 27.5%, but at a higher level than the previously manufactured standard model which shows a 59.8% increase.
BMW 02 and CS series have also developed significantly. BMW 02 rose by 53.8%, the CS by 53.5%. These are followed by two VW models: Golf III, which is still early in its classic car development, recorded a significant increase in value of 47.7%, the niche model VW 181 by 37.4%. The Trabant’s value has also grown by more than 30% in the past four years, increasing by 31.3%.
Among the Last 10, the value of two models remains unchanged, but the value of eight models even decreased. Possible reasons are lower demand due to age and a high initial rating.
It is shown that a differentiated consideration and assessment of the condition by an expert are decisive. According to information from classic-analytics, the current market situation is stable. Dramatic price slumps or even panic sales are not to be observed.