Amidst revved up auto market, Amelia Concours fires up

Should you doubt about the lingering strength of the collector-car market, that four of the five most expensive cars of that ever sold at auction were sold in the year 2013. These four three sold in the last six months.

This weekend in Amelia Iceland of Concours d'Elegance will be completed and first-time buyers looking for hidden value to spend collector with millions.

"Car connoisseurs come in every size wallet," said Bill Warner, founder and Chairman of the event.

Over the decades, the Amelia Concours d' Élegance Iceland - at the Ritz-Carlton Florida Island Resort - has the world's senior classic car auctions are recognized as one. The Concours d' Elegance (i.e. in French a "competition of elegance") has everything from classic cars evoking memories of past decades to newer hot wheels.

Judges rank entries based on attributes such as authenticity, the history and the quality of the restoration. A perfect score is 100. Just like a beauty contest judge you choose first, second and third place for each category. Then they transferred the award "Best in Show" on a single car of the entire group.

But before they even judge district, subjected to these rare and collector classic car lovers a thorough review. There is a physical control, an investigation of the factory codes, serial numbers, mechanical recovery to correct period and a racing heritage search or in the ownership of a celebrity or well-known public figure in the past. All affect the car value.

"We are not so worried about picking grass from the tires, because these cars are driven, not stand around and act as" trailer Queens "are", Warner said. But no matter, origin and condition of the automobile.

"There is less benefit from these cars and more reflected the beauty and makes these beautiful cars." ... Our collectors want"awards, not dollars, said Warner.

Nostalgia is also important for the participation in the event.

"Most like a vehicle to buy, which she first fell in love with as a young adult," Warner said."So for example I am 70 years old, and therefore the Cadillac is 'it' paradise for me. Totally un-PC! Cars back were then lower, longer, wider, and extravagant."

But for the connoisseurs who love vintage and hope that their investment a profit eventually at some point will make, Hagerty insurance compiled the largest database of post-war collectible automobiles and values in the world. Has year-to-date, their data show that the market for high-end cars to new heights has been suspended.

Dave Kinney, Publisher of Hagerty price guide, takes two up and como collectibles, offering both awareness and active owners Acura NSX and Buick GNX - - for long-term investment potential in this year.

"I don't think that this is a greater fool market waiting for the music to stop." But there are some slippery slopes ahead. Most importantly, the fact complain that you don't buy a 289 Cobra in $5,500. There is always another car out there"said Kinney.

Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty, provides another piece of advice for new collectors: "the important thing is out and have a few miles on your car to use and fun!"