Welcome to Our ‘Private Access’ Market Insights.
Just, for you, our loyal OBSESSION subscribers and valued clients, we’re starting something a little different: a private, ongoing look at the collector car market. Here, we’ll share not just the headline sales you see in the open market, but also the stories and activity that happen behind the scenes — the deals, the discoveries, and the insights that rarely make it into the public domain.
This page will be updated regularly, keeping everything in one place so you can follow the trends, see what’s moving, and get a sense of where the market has been and where it might be heading — all from a perspective grounded in experience and first-hand knowledge.
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For Private Use Only
This market briefing is shared with OBSESSION subscribers and clients of Tom Hardman Limited for general interest. It reflects our views at the time of publication and is not intended as advice or a recommendation. Please read the full disclaimer at the foot of this page.
Not intended for distribution to, or reliance by, the general public
February 2026 Market Update
My Perspective.
February has been another phenomenal month here on the farm. Looking back, we’ve done more sales than ever in our 16-year history. It feels very brisk — cars are going on the market and selling immediately. It’s a big compliment: people look at our social channels and website and have confidence to buy from the photos and descriptions. We’ve even placed cars unseen, from as far away as China.
Last month I mentioned we may have hit the muddy bottom — and the effect? I’ve seen a car I sold last year change hands off-market via myself this month, making a profit. This is the first genuine vendor profit I’ve observed in that bracket for some time.
Preparation remains critical. Well-presented cars reportedly sell quickly — which often means they sell well. Three cars this month went at full asking price, also reinforcing my feeling that the market may be stabilising. Sellers appear to be ‘putting the brakes on’ further drops, and I don’t disagree. Usability, history, and quality, underpinned by preparation — in that order — are the driving factors as we enter 2026. Buyers are keen to enjoy events, and the cars sold at list price were purchased by people with clear plans for them.
As I’ve said before, understanding why you want a car and how it matches your needs is key — and ultimately, the fun you get from it afterwards is what counts.
Pre-War Cars
Auctions for pre-war cars continue to be give me pain. Good cars are heading to sales where the market may not fully support them — a genuine shame. My heart is always pre-war; I grew up on the backseat of a 1926 Humber called Josephine, and it saddens me to see cars undersold via auction.
The ready market is smaller, but new buyers are arriving. They often need support — someone ‘expert’ on hand to guide them — which is what we see in the sales room. In my view, auctions don’t always suit these cars, and no-sales or low-sales hurt us all.
Collector Car Market — January & February 2026
The start of 2026 has given us a useful sense of how the market is moving. It’s not overheated, it’s not in trouble — it’s picky. Buyers appear to be out there, but they’re only chasing the cars that tick all the boxes: quality, history, usability, and presentation.
Auctions and Sales:
January kicked off big in the U.S. with the Kissimmee Mecum auction over 13 days — saw thousands of cars come to the hammer, including rare Ferraris and muscle cars – even with some interesting colour combinations! It showed strong interest for both headline lots and everyday classics.
February in the UK, at Race Retro, highlighted healthy sell-through for modern classics — think Subaru 22Bs or Renault 5 Turbos — often reportedly going above estimate. Online platforms also saw steady movement through timed and online-only auctions.
What We’re Seeing:
- Top cars still shine: Rare, well-documented, and well-prepared cars sell — often quickly.
- Modern classics are holding up: Strong demand exists for 1980s–2000s performance cars that are clean, documented, and ready to enjoy.
- Middle market is more cautious: Average-condition cars aren’t flying off the shelves; buyers are taking their time to choose carefully.
The Takeaway:
The market is smart. It rewards knowledge, patience, and preparation. Sellers: presentation and pricing remain everything. Buyers: there’s still a chance to secure something special without paying through the roof — but you must move decisively when the right car appears. The start of 2026 has felt brisk, but measured.
Let’s see what happens as the year progresses.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for general information only and represents the views and experience of Tom Hardman Limited at the time of publication. It is intended to comment on trends and observations within the historic and performance car market and does not constitute financial promotion, investment advice, valuation advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any vehicle, either openly or implied.
All information and opinions are inherently subjective and may change without notice. Market values, demand, and liquidity can fluctuate significantly, and past performance or commentary should not be relied upon as an indicator of future outcomes.
Tom Hardman Limited makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or ongoing relevance of the information provided. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Tom Hardman Limited accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or consequential costs arising from reliance on this content or from decisions made based upon it.
Any links provided are given in good faith and we take no responsabilty for any information held there, or damages which may arise from those links.
Readers should undertake their own independent research and due diligence and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice before making any decision relating to the acquisition, sale, ownership, or use of any vehicle.