Seasonal patterns in the car market
The collector car market has seasonal influences, though these are less pronounced than with regular used cars. In general, certain periods are stronger than others, but there are always active buyers.
Spring: the classic selling period
Spring is traditionally a strong period. The weather improves, buyers want to drive, and there is a sense of optimism. Convertibles and summer cars often do particularly well during this period. Many buyers who thought about their next car during winter now make their move.
Summer: vacation but also opportunities
The summer months are mixed. Many people are on vacation, which can shrink the buyer audience. On the other hand, convertibles and GT cars are at their best when the sun shines. Supply in summer is often smaller too, meaning less competition for your car.
Autumn: second peak
Autumn can be surprisingly good for sales. Buyers who did not find what they were looking for in summer are still searching. And sellers who want to sell their car before winter create an active market. Closed cars do relatively well during this period.
Winter: quiet but not silent
The winter months are traditionally the quietest, but that does not mean no sales take place. Serious buyers are active year-round, and the smaller supply in winter can actually be an advantage. There is less competition, and buyers searching in winter are often particularly motivated.
Market cycles and trends
Beyond seasonal patterns, the collector car market moves in broader cycles. Some years are stronger than others, influenced by economic conditions, interest rates, and general consumer confidence. But passion drives this market more than purely financial considerations.
Also pay attention to model-specific trends. The popularity of certain cars shifts over the years. Models that appeal to a generation become desirable when that generation has buying power. The current interest in cars from the 1980s and 1990s is a good example of this.
Your personal situation
At least as important as market conditions is your own situation. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have time to wait for the ideal moment, or do you want to sell quickly?
- Is the car in optimal condition, or does it need maintenance you would rather not do?
- Are there financial reasons to sell now?
- Do you already have a successor in mind that demands your attention?
- Is your motivation to sell strong enough, or are you still hesitating?
The perfect moment does not exist
The truth is that the perfect selling moment rarely exists. You can wait endlessly for the ideal combination of season, market, and price, but in the meantime you may miss good opportunities. A car that is well-presented and honestly described always finds buyers.
More important than the perfect moment is the quality of your presentation and reaching the right buyers. An excellently presented car in January can achieve more than a poorly presented car in April.