A rise in vintage and collector car values seen as a 'safe' investment, happened some years ago. Once the Stock Market and so forth picked-up, many people were left with a car that they had no real interest or knowledge of, and worse, was worth less than their original outlay. These cars were many and varied, Jaguars and many other British cars were the worst offenders. Infact the early VWs did not even dip as the other cars continued to fall in value, and, as we have seen, Split Windows, Oval Windows, semaphore Beetles and Split-Screen TypeIIs have enjoyed a steady rise in values over the years.
With the present financial crisis, we are seeing an increase in speed of rising vintage VW values. So much so that this is having a knock-on effect on 60s and 70s VWs' with them seeing an increase in values to, as buyers turn to them being unable to afford the early vehicles. In addition to this the new generations have a love of the early VW, seeing it as 'cool'.
In comparison the Morris Minor, seen as the 'British Beetle', has had no increase in values for years, and from experience, I can say that they have dropped in value. The Morris is not seen as 'cool' but 'sad' by younger people. I know this is the case as we have both types of cars. All generations chat to me about my Beetle, but only people of a certain age are attracted to the Minor.
1956 VW Beetle, 1962 Morris Minor, 1968 VW Beetle (Old Blue), 1972 Morris Mini, 2005 MGTF
Blue, blue, Electric Blue, that's the colour of Old Blue!