Back in early January, I shared my predictions for the 2026 car market based on observations I made in 2025. Since then, we’ve had an entire quarter’s worth of auction activity to use in assessing those predictions. One such auction — the Aguttes Collector Aircraft & Automobiles Spring Sale — wrapped up in France just a week ago. In this week’s Market Monday, we’ll use this auction’s results plus our insights from Q1 to get a sense of what sells in today’s collector car market.

I’ve covered Aguttes before, but if you’re not aware of them Auguttes was founded by Claude Aguttes in 1974 and is a family-run auction house and major player in the art market. In addition to art, wine, antiquities and other rare works, the house also auctions classic cars and automobilia under its luxury and “art of living” arm.

Auguttes Collector Aircraft & Automobile Spring event included a wide variety of European motor cars for sale, in addition to motorcycles and some very interesting aircraft and engine components. In terms of cars, the house consigned a total of 98 motor vehicles. 33 of the lots were unable to meet reserve, resulting in a sell-through rate of 66%. Total dollar volume was $5.3 million, with the top sale going to a 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO.

Take the observations below more as confirmation of buying behaviors we’ve been observing in the public auction market since the start of the year. None of these should be particularly surprising, but they appear to be serious considerations for collectors thinking of selling in the current market.

It’s a mantra here at Wolf and Mare, and for good reason. When looking at the vehicle brands with the most lots for sale at the Aguttes Collector Aircraft & Automobile Spring auction, a common trend among the no-sale listings are condition-related issues.

Of the 11 Ferrari cars for sale at Aguttes, 5 were no-sales. Of those no-sales, it would appear that the majority featured significant condition issues including a non-original color, major service required or mechanical flaws. For example, a 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello guided at 110-150,000 EUR, suggested a major belt service. Being a front-engined car, the service doesn’t require the engine-out procedure needed for mid-engine cars, but bidders still shied away. Fortunately, these conditions were noted in the catalog quite prominently. It would seem bidders favor a turnkey experience in their purchases.

Aside from condition, it would seem that the current market favors cars from 1980 and newer. Of the 98 lots consigned, 61 lots hailed from 1979 or earlier, while the remaining 37 lots dated from 1980 to present day.

23 of the Pre-1980 cars were unsold, resulting in a sell-through rate of 62% — about on par with the overall sale. Post-1980 cars performed better, however, with a sell-through rate of 75%. 

Something I’ve noticed pretty consistently is that competition vehicles tend to struggle at auction. 10 race-prepped vehicles were consigned to the Aguttes sale, yet only 3 were able to find new owners. Race cars are frequently ineligible for driving on public roads, limiting them to historic racing events. This narrows their appeal to a small nice audience, who may or may not be in attendance. Paris might not have been the right venue for these cars, and sellers may have had an easier time at an event like the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Pre-war cars and classics need to be in overall excellent condition or have other attributes like strong provenance to do well in the current market. Stellar presentation, including outstanding photo and video assets, an appropriate venue, and the right timing can help mitigate condition issues somewhat. Sellers of these cars should keep such considerations in mind.

If you’re looking for a 1960s classic, now might be a good time to buy. Prices are stagnant and cars that are in anything other than in excellent restored condition are open for negotiation.

As predicted, it would seem that we’re in a market that favors youngtimer and modern classics, so if you’re in the market for one of these cars, pick one up soon.

Have a great week, everyone!

Wolf and Mare provides car finding, appraisals, and auction services for buyers and sellers of collector European cars. If you’re interested in acquiring an overseas car, give us a call or drop a line!