Ford Escort was the most searched-for classic car in 2022

The Ford Escort was the most-searched classic car during 2022, according to new data from Car & Classic.

With around 30,000 vehicles listed at any one time, the auction and classified sales website can easily track and analyse key market trends. 

This marks the second year in a row that the Ford Escort has topped the most-wanted chart. 

Last year, sold examples of the iconic Ford ranged from a 1993 Escort Cabriolet for £1,300 to a Mk1 RS1600 for £66,000.

Blue Oval dominates again

Combined with the Escort, the Capri and Cortina accounted for more than half of all Ford searches on Car & Classic. The Fiesta also saw a surge in popularity, perhaps prompted by the announcement that production will end later this year. 

However, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis potentially resulted in fewer searches for the Ford Mustang muscle car.

Ford took the top spot for the most searched-for marque, followed by Triumph. Interest in the classic British brand was primarily driven by searches for the Stag and TR6.

Jaguar claimed the third podium place, followed by Porsche and Volkswagen.

Tugging at the heartstrings

Searches for the E30-generation BMW 3 Series proved popular in 2022 as well. Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Car & Classic, explained: “Original, low-mileage cars with good history continue to draw attention and will command a premium. As the E30 M3 becomes increasingly out of reach, alternatives will be sought.”

This led to a 1987 BMW 325i selling for £17,250, with a low-mileage 1989 325i Touring making £14,500.

On the overall trends seen last year, Pollitt said: “Car & Classic’s own data shows that, despite the current global economy’s challenges, there continues to be an obvious interest in classic cars. 

“It could be due to their dual appeal: never just a hard-nosed investment, classic cars pull at the individual’s heartstrings because of the emotive connection they may carry, as a memory, a piece of history, or simply something which – coveted at a younger age – is finally attainable later in life, when the individual is more financially comfortable.”

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