About John Glynn: In-Person Expert Classic Car Valuer


I am an independent classic car valuation specialist with almost forty years’ experience in the motor trade. Born into a family music business in Ireland in the late 1960s, my passion for cars ignited at a young age. Autocar magazine was my favourite, with writers like Steve Cropley and Phil Llewellin, who inspired dreams of working as an automotive journalist.

I began my motor trade career in Ireland, as a mechanical apprentice. At 19, I moved to London to pursue this journalist dream. Following my innate curiosity, I gained extensive motor industry experience, working with car dealers, finance companies, in retail and fleet purchasing, and selling hundreds of cars.

After a decade in the motor trade, my desire to write about cars remained strong. While recovering from a motorcycle accident, an Assistant Valuation Editor’s position with Glass’s Guide—the premier motor trade publisher—caught my eye. Securing the position and quickly rising to Valuations Editor, I was mentored by the Chief Car, Motorcycle, and Commercial Vehicle Valuation Editors, and a gifted MD who went on to found the valuation and trend analysis firm Delta Point, which eventually sold to AutoTrader.

As a Valuations Editor, I spent over ten years running Glass’s Guide to Older Cars and Modern Classics, also developing and managing the UK’s first online valuations platform. Valuing tens of thousands of cars and motorcycles every month for a decade was the ultimate learning experience.

In 2003, I travelled to the south of France to buy my first air-cooled Porsche 911. This was an adventurous purchase that sparked my entry into the Porsche world, where I am now a noted expert. The 911 led to the founding of an online community for Porsche 911 fans now with over 8,000 members, and a lifelong collaboration with the world-famous photographer, James Lipman, culminating in our book, “The Cult of Porsche.”

A Glass’s Guide press release about a 1970s Cadillac I had bought caught the attention of my boyhood hero, Steve Cropley, Managing Editor of Autocar magazine. A phone call from Steve and an invitation to lunch with his team led to my first feature for Autocar, finally achieving my dream of becoming a car journalist. Realising that my true passion lay with bespoke vehicle valuations, I founded my freelance classic car valuations consultancy in 2004 and, in 2010, left Glass’s to focus on my own valuations business.

Now 57, with over 70,000 hours of high-level market experience, I am the go-to expert for insurers, lenders, solicitors, and private clients needing impartial expert support in or out of court. My extensive experience includes historic motorsport, co-owning Twinspark Racing in Amsterdam, 15+ years working with Tuthill Porsche and many years buying cars for organisations including Singer Design in the UK. I curate a personal collection of 15 cars and motorcycles.

Classic Car Valuer Career Highlights

  • Ten years as Valuations Editor of Glass’s Guide to Older Cars and Modern Classics
  • Creator and Valuations Editor of Glass’s Consumer Values: the original ‘We Buy Any Car’ database
  • Tens of thousands of vehicles valued every month for a decade using the Glass’s valuation system
  • Thousands of bespoke valuations created for private clients since 2004
  • Over 70,000 hours of professional valuation experience – this is unmatched in the industry
  • Appearances on BBC media including Radio 4 and as a consultant to ‘Antiques Roadshow’
  • Former Assistant Valuations Editor on Glass’s Motorcycle and Commercial Vehicle guides
  • Creator of Glass’s Part Exchange Values: as seen on many car and motorcycle manufacturer websites
  • Years in professional retail and fleet car purchasing
  • Almost forty years activity in the classic car field
  • Acknowledged motor trade and used car expert via Autocar, Top Gear, MSN Cars, BBC Radio 4 and more
  • Published Porsche author and community leader
  • Highly experienced and widely referenced used car journalist
  • Author of many car magazine ‘Buyers Guides’ and used car features

 

Expert Witness Experience

  • Vetted member of the UK Register of Expert Witnesses
  • Consistent provider of classic and modern car valuations since 2000 with no break in practice
  • Experienced court expert witness in divorce valuations and civil cases, working for insurers, solicitors, Trading Standards and private clients
  • Experienced Single Joint Expert to civil and family courts across the UK
  • Experienced in creating case reports, adding insight as an Expert Advisor, supporting mediation/arbitration or assisting counsel with cross-examination preparation
  • All Expert Witness reports completed to FPR Part 25 or CPR Part 35
  • Previous single cases into the millions of pounds
  • Previous court reports for collections of over 50 vehicles and museum collections
  • Cost estimates, detailed CV and availability/report timescales on request

What my customers say about my online Classic Car Valuations:

"Hi John, Your valuation report is truly a work of art, and I feel that the vehicle deserves a throne rather than a garage. I’m thinking of actually framing the valuation to hang proudly on my wall! 

Thank you for your comprehensive scripture. It is interesting to hear the view of a vehicle specialist, and to see some examples of recent sold listings. It will give me great pleasure to submit your report to Adrian Flux this evening!"

Neil in Doncaster - concours Mk2 Ford Escort RS2000 restoration

"John, thank you for the report. It's perfect."

Ian in Sussex - low mileage Mk2 Ford Fiesta Ghia insurance valuation

"Dear John, we both really enjoyed reading this document. Thank you for your care, expertise, and research that evidently went into this report. We’re in touch with a customs agent  and will let you know how it goes with HMRC"

Johannes in Cambridge - 2013 Renault Clio Import Valuation for HMRC

"Dear John, Thank you so much for travelling all the way to see us, we really appreciate it. It was so nice meeting you! We already feel a lot better now that we’ve found you. We honestly thought a car evaluation would be a simple task, but it turned out to be more complicated than we expected. Thank you for all your suggestions and recommendations, we truly appreciate them and will definitely look into each one and hopefully we will find a garage capable/willing to do it!"

Antonia in Sheffield - 2017 Jeep Import Valuation for HMRC

"Dear John, Thank you so much for the attached valuation and recommended insurance valuation with which I am entirely content. The bespoke valuation makes fascinating reading; incredibly thorough with great and highly relevant attention to detail. Your knowledge and experience is greatly appreciated and valued."

Nigel in Shoreham - 1999 BMW E36 M3 Coupe insurance valuation

"Hi John, I just wanted to thank you for your help with your valuation and research for my Terrot Velomoteur. I have just received my DVLA registration number for it."

Martin in Swindon - 1931 Terrot 100 VM HMRC valuation

"Hello John, Thank you for your valuation of my MGA. I submitted it to the insurance broker and it was accepted, so their valuation of £23,000 was increased in line with your valuation of £28,000."

Tim in Ludlow - 1958 MGA insurance valuation

"Hi John, Thank you so much! So much more detailed than expected - this is brilliant. I will speak to the family and see what they think and want to do."

Sam in Bognor Regis - Series 1 Land Rover 86-inch market value report

"Hi John, Thank you very much for sending the reports so quickly. They are excellent; detailed and accurate, with plenty of supporting information. You have made this valuation process much easier than I expected, so many thanks for your helpful, professional service."

David in Basingstoke - Triumph & Kawasaki HMRC Import Valuations

"Thanks John for your very swift response and valuation which has been forwarded to Arian Flux. We appreciate your swift and expert service and you will be our first port of call if needed in the future."

Eric in Norfolk - low mileage Mk1 Land Rover Feeelander insurance valuation

"Thank you for such an incredibly rapid service and I was delighted with such a detailed and expert report, which my insurers accepted without question. I would certainly recommend your service without hesitation and will be singing your praises whilst on the impending show circuit."

Chris in Kent - Cosworth-powered Ford Escort Mk2

"Many thanks indeed for your prompt service, it’s a very complete and professional report, I found it to be a very interesting and enjoyable read ! Thank you for a job well done and I would have no hesitation in recommending your excellent service!"

Simon in Colwyn Bay - Mercedes 300SL Probate Valuation

"Thank you very much John for your report and valuation. It has taken some time to go through and it is very interesting reading - much more comprehensive and detailed than I was expecting and a very satisfactory valuation."

John in Sussex - Saab 900 T16S Insurance Valuation

"Afternoon John, I have gone through your report again this afternoon and have concluded that this car is not for me. I will keep looking. I am impressed with your detail in what you call a small report. Excellent!"

JJ in Leeds - Datsun 240Z pre-purchase inspection

"John, this is great. Thanks very much, I really appreciate your work. I’ll be back in touch with you probably once it’s at the state I wish to keep it in. Best wishes."

Boglarka - Bristol - Series Land Rover Overlander insurance valuation

"Hi John, many thanks for your well-researched and sensible valuation. This has been submitted and accepted by HMRC. Will keep in touch!"

Andrew in Market Harborough - Classic Pontiac Import Valuation

"Hi John, Thank you very much indeed. This is perfect, and exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate your time and insight, and this will be very helpful indeed with the insurance company."

Stephen - Isle of Man - Mk1 Mini Cooper S insurance valuation

"Hi John. Many thanks for the valuation of my Morgan Plus 4, an excellent prepared report, great detail and a very professional job.

David in York - 1993 Morgan Plus 4 4-seater insurance valuation

"Dear John, thank you for sending this on. The insurance valuation makes me feel that perhaps in my car buying experience over the years I might just have bought it right. I really do appreciate your input into the whole experience and it has made my wife and I feel very happy about our latest car purchase."

Chris in Dorset - Porsche 993 Cabriolet inspection, purchase support and insurance valuation

"Hi John, Thank you for the insurance valuation on my E Type. I must say it is very rare these days that a service is provided with such speed and so comprehensively. I can’t think of a better £80 that I have spent in a long long time. Your help and assistance is really appreciated."

Paul  in Warwickshire - Series 1 E Type OTS insurance valuation

"Hi John, Thank you for your excellent and comprehensive valuation report for my car. A great service provided by yourself and also a very quick response to my initial enquiry. I have forwarded it on to Adrian Flux for them to increase their much lower valuation. I will certainly endorse and recommend your service to other like minded classic enthusiasts going forward."

Roy in Carlisle - MG RV8 insurance valuation

"Hello John, Many thanks for the speedy reply and valuation. I have never used a service like this before and I am very impressed with your detailed report and overall service. I’ll certainly be back when I need another/update and I’ll recommend you where I can. Have a great day."

Andy in Wales - Aston Martin DB9 insurance valuation

"Thank you John so much for your kind attention to my valuation. Wonderful service all round."

Shirley in Brighton - 1963 Wood and Pickett Morris Mini Minor insurance valuation

"Hi John, very many thanks for your report. It makes very interesting reading and it is pleasing to note you consider the car is still in the bracket of a desirable acquisition and as such have increased the replacement cost. I’ve no current intention to sell but it’s always good to know my small collection is not likely to lose huge sums overnight."

Simon in Warrington - bespoke classic Porsche insurance valuation

"Hi John, my insurance company accepted your valuation and amended my policy to suit. The information provided and the way the valuation was composed was in my, and my family’s opinion truly excellent and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in the future should the need arise."

Simon in Essex - Classic Triumph Insurance Valuation

"Hi John, Thank you for your efforts in providing this valuation! I'm sure my grandad will be thrilled. I shall forward it onto him and advise him with regards notifying his insurance company. Again, can't thank you enough and shan't hesitate to employ your services again in future!"

Oli in Manchester - Riley Special Agreed Insurance Valuation

"Hi John, Thank you so much for your kind words and honest evaluation. I think your valuation and the accompanying justification are more than fair, derived in a very logical and professional way and shown in an easy to read format. If I can provide a reference or a review for your services please let me know as I would be more than happy to do this."

David in Switzerland - HMRC NOVA Valuation - Classic Motorcycle

"John, many thanks for all your help. I am especially grateful for how quickly you have done this valuation. I’m really happy with your valuation and glad that you have appreciated the work that has gone into creating this car. I will not hesitate to recommend your services."

Matt in Birmingham - Agreed Insurance Valuation - Frontline MGB GT

"Hi John, I can now understand why my insurance company recommended you to carry out an assessment of the value of my vehicle. You have done a splendid job, I am very impressed with the detail which you have included and you display an in-depth knowledge of the market. Please accept my grateful thanks for your efforts on my behalf and you can be sure that whenever the opportunity arises I will recommend your services."

Dave in Reading - Classic Ferrari 355 Insurance Valuation

Hi John, Many thanks for getting this back so quickly. Your market commentary is encouraging and I am very happy with the figure. I will send it over to the insurer and ask them to amend the agreed value accordingly.

Nick in Manchester - Agreed Insurance Valuation

"John, this is incredibly helpful, and I can see how much work you have put into it. I am enormously grateful - thank you so much - and Dad will be delighted, I'm sure."

Karen in Ipswich - Agreed Insurance Valuations on unique Jaguar conversions

"John, thank you for the excellent valuation report, most enlightening, particularly the points about the macro economics and how that influences the market demand. We will be in touch when the need arises to revalue our other classics."

John in Bristol - Agreed Insurance Valuation - Morgan 35th Anniversary

"Hi John, Many thanks for your condolences and for the speedy response. The valuation is just what we need as we go through the probate process. The report is very thorough and clear. Thanks again."

Jane in Slough - Probate Valuation - Rover Mini Mayfair

Hi John, I just wanted to give you an update on the car. I listed it for sale on Friday - for £78k to test the waters - and have accepted an offer for £75k, deposit paid, just subject to viewing. I had 3 very serious enquiries within 48hrs, one from Australia. Seems your fantastic insights were spot on - black 911s are very desirable. So just wanted to say thank you.

Simon in London: Porsche 964 market valuation (to sell quickly)

Email

john@classic-car-valuations.com

Phone/WHATSAPP

07565 348453

HQ

1 Percy Road
Woodford Halse
Northants NN11 3RN

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8AM - 5PM

Valuations EXPERT

Classic Car Valuations Specialist is part of Specialist Car Valuations Limited: UK company number 07983578. Values on this site are an opinion: markets can go down as well as up.