Reflections from the 2026 ASA Automotive Specialties Group Meeting: Professional Excellence in a Changing Classic Car Market BP Auto Appraisals had the privilege of attending the Automotive Specialties Group meeting on April 10–11, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Long Beach, California. As a dedicated member, BP Auto Appraisals makes it a priority to participate in these gatherings. They keep us at the forefront of our profession through rigorous standards, ongoing education, and deep discussions on the evolving classic and collector car market. The two-day agenda was packed with high-value sessions. We reviewed recent auction results and market trends, explored diminished value case studies, toured the Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Preparation Center and Classic Center, and examined condition reporting best practices. Informal discussions continued over lunch and at the Friday evening group dinner. A standout experience was the guided tour of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA (and its co-located Vehicle Preparation Center) led by Michael Kunz and Nate Landers. This world-class facility serves as the U.S. flagship for Mercedes-Benz heritage. The Classic Center specializes in the preservation, expert restoration, and sales of historic Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Their dedicated workshops handle everything from routine service and inspections to full concours-level factory restorations — all performed to the highest original-factory standards using over 50,000 genuine Classic Parts (many reissued exclusively here and in Germany). We saw firsthand the upholstery shop, refinishing department, parts department, and main workshop where rare and iconic classics are meticulously brought back to life. The tour also included the Vehicle Preparation Center, a major hub where thousands of new Mercedes-Benz vehicles arriving from overseas receive final quality inspections, detailing, accessory installations, and any needed paint, body, or mechanical refinements before heading to dealerships across the Western United States. What stood out most were the clear market signals emerging from our conversations. Several key takeaways highlight why staying actively engaged in professional development is essential for delivering accurate, defensible valuations to our clients: The “culture of fixing cars” is fading due to the high cost of restoration. Many enthusiasts are moving away from hands-on restoration projects, shifting buyer expectations and affecting long-term values. Values for Condition 3 and 4 vehicles continue to soften as demand falls due to the high cost of restoration and market saturation. There are simply more good driver-quality cars available than buyers seeking them. The sweet spot right now lies in transforming a solid Condition 3 car into a Condition 2+ example. Thoughtful upgrades that respect originality deliver the strongest return. Active car clubs are the lifeblood of value retention. Clubs that organize regular drives and events keep cars on the road, maintain community interest, and support higher transaction volumes. The strongest prices go to cars with real passion-market appeal—what the vehicle meant to the world historically and what it means emotionally to the buyer. Cross-generational interest fueled by media (films, books, social platforms) plays a major role. Japanese classics are on the rise, reflecting broader shifts in collector tastes. Build documentation is everything. Complete records of restorations, service history, and provenance are no longer optional—they are expected and directly impact appraised value. These insights didn’t come from casual observation; they emerged from candid, expert-level dialogue among Automotive Specialties Group appraisers who appraise thousands of vehicles each year. That’s the power of membership in the Automotive Specialties Group. Our organization demands rigorous training, adherence to strict ethical and technical standards, and mandatory continuing education. In a market flooded with self-proclaimed “experts,” this structured professionalism and our collective ability to interpret subtle market shifts set us apart. For our clients—whether you’re insuring a treasured family heirloom, settling an estate, buying or selling at auction, or simply seeking an independent valuation—the difference is clear. You receive an appraisal that is current, well-documented, and grounded in the latest market realities rather than guesswork or outdated assumptions. If you own, insure, or are considering a classic, collector, or special-interest vehicle, BP Auto Appraisals is here to help. Our ongoing participation in the Automotive Specialties Group ensures we bring the highest level of expertise to every assignment. Feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to discuss how a professional Automotive Specialties Group appraisal can protect and maximize the value of your automobile. Thank you for trusting BP Auto Appraisals with your automotive appraisal needs. We remain