About the UK’s Most Experienced Classic Car Valuer

John Glynn Classic Car ValuerBorn 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 with a local Renault dealer. Balancing an apprenticeship by day and playing music at night, I realised that I would have to be in England to stand any chance of writing for a living. At 19, I moved to London to pursue this journalist dream. Following my innate curiousity, I gained extensive motor industry experience, working with car dealers, finance companies, in retail and fleet purchasing, and selling hundreds of cars. But not writing.

After a decade in the motor trade, my desire to write about cars remained strong. An Assistant Editor’s position with Glass’s Guide—the leading motor trade publisher—caught my eye. I served a challenging apprenticeship, mentored by the Chief Car, Motorcycle, and Commercial Vehicle Editors, and supported by a thoroughly brilliant MD. I eventually 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.

In 2003, I ventured to the south of France to buy my first air-cooled Porsche 911; an adventurous purchase that sparked a sideline in journalism. This led to the founding of an online community for Porsche 911 fans and a wonderfully creative collaboration with the now world-famous photographer, James Lipman, culminating in our book, “The Cult of Porsche.”

A Glass’s Guide press release about a 1970s Cadillac of mine caught the attention of my boyhood hero, Steve Cropley, Managing Editor of Autocar magazine. This led to my first feature for Autocar, achieving my dream of becoming a car journalist. Following years of journalism, I realised that my true passion lay with vehicle valuations for interesting owners. I founded my freelance vehicle valuations consultancy in 2004 and, in 2010, left Glass’s to build 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 court. My extensive experience includes historic motorsport, co-owning Twinspark Racing in Amsterdam, and 15+ years with Tuthill Porsche. I maintain long-standing relationships with UK fabricators, car preparers and classic car restorers and curate a personal collection of 17 cars and motorcycles.

Explore my YouTube channel to learn more about my journey from mechanic to professional buyer, trader, valuer, and consumer journalist to classic car author and esteemed professional valuer. Join me as I share insights and stories from the fascinating, complex, and specialist automotive arena.

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 ‘We Buy Any Car’ database
  • Over 70,000 hours of professional valuation experience with thousands of bespoke valuations created
  • 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
  • Freelance valuation consultant since early 2000s
  • Several years in professional retail and fleet car purchasing
  • Over thirty 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 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 divorce 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
  • Cost estimates, detailed CV and availability/report timescales on request

My Work in the Press

Personal Classic Car History

My classic car history includes:

  • Lifelong classic car and motorcycle enthusiast
  • Hundreds of cars sold personally
  • Published classic car journalist
  • Experienced classic car and motorcycle trader and restorer
  • A personal collection of 16 classic cars and motorcycles

My expertise as a classic car valuer is underpinned by extensive market intelligence and deep insider knowledge of how the motor trade operates. Over three decades of market valuation experience gives me the confidence and credibility that matters in court.

The scope of data I have overseen means that I have supplied many thousands of vehicle valuations to hundreds of highly critical users over the course of my career. Such experience is rare and priceless, and my hard-earned expertise as a classic car valuer is in constant demand.

What our customers say about our online Classic Car Valuations:

“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, 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
Friday: 8AM - 1PM

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.