Classic Data

Classic Data is a German company based in Bochum that determines market values for classic cars, youngtimers and other historic vehicles. It grew out of insurance claims work in 1984, when neither spare-part prices nor reliable value data existed for older cars, and has operated in its current form as Classic Data GmbH & Co. KG Marktbeobachtung since 2011. By its own account it neither trades in vehicles nor sells insurance, and it is a Professional Member of the FIVA.

Classic Data introduced the condition grades 1 to 5, modelled on German school marks, which are now in general use in German-speaking countries to describe the condition of a classic vehicle: grade 1 flawless, no signs of use in mechanics or appearance; grade 2 free of defects with slight signs of use; grade 3 used, roadworthy, no rust perforation, no immediate work required; grade 4 only partly roadworthy, with light to moderate rust perforation; grade 5 in need of restoration, not roadworthy, often incomplete. The benchmark is the manufacturer's delivery condition. Condition, originality and history are assessed separately and together determine the value.

A valuation has two steps: an expert affiliated with Classic Data inspects the vehicle and sets the condition grade; the head office matches type, model year and equipment against its records and supplies the market values for all five grades. The expert sets the final value. Classic Data calls this the four-eyes principle. There is a short valuation with a visual inspection and engine test run, mainly used for classic car insurance, and a full valuation with underbody inspection, paint thickness measurement, test drive and photo documentation for high-value vehicles and for buying or selling. On request a restoration value is added when the restoration effort clearly exceeds the market value. Classic Data also publishes the Marktspiegel, a regular reference guide with market values per condition grade.

For rally entrants Classic Data matters in two ways. Classic car insurers often require a valuation to set the insured sum, and many entry forms ask for the insured value of the vehicle. And the condition grades are a shared language: a car described as "condition 2" is understood the same way by organisers, dealers and insurers. A Classic Data valuation is not an official document: the German H-Kennzeichen requires a separate historic vehicle report under § 23 StVZO, and the FIVA ID-Card requires inspection by the national FIVA authority.