By Cathy Luebke

PHOENIX, AZ (Jan. 18,2012) – Brass cars, customization, original-condition cars, vintage motorcycles and even pickup trucks are hot in the world of classics.That’s the scoop from a panel of experts invited for a discussion of the industry by the Phoenix Automotive Press Association as the Valley’s annual auction frenzy heats up.

The panel: Jim Pickering, managing editor of Sports Car Market and editor of American Car Collector magazines; Ken Gross, former director of the Petersen Museum, selection committee member for and judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; and McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance and founder of the Historic Vehicle Association.The trio agree classic cars have become an industry as well as a hobby.

“It’s all of those things now,” Gross said. But the core of it is a love of cars, according to Hagerty.As for newcomers, the panel advises caution. It’s easy to buy the first car you find, Pickering said, but that’s not the best idea, you need a plan.

And a budget. Hagerty agrees, saying buyers should do some research and seek advice. Tastes change so they also need an exit strategy for their early choices, he said.There also was some debate about original condition cars versus restorations and tribute cars, copies of classics.

Hagerty said copies may be fun to build and drive, but don’t see much in the way of reward from the market.As for restoring old cars, he said sellers usually make some money, but those in the original condition are getting more interest. “Their stories just kind of come alive.”

The three also picked a few of their favorites up for auction. Pickering likes the Saturn Yellow 1970 Buick GSX, while Hagerty cites the BMW 507, a ’50s era roadster, and Gross fancies Marlene Dietrich’s former 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom.

PAPA also invited representatives from all of the January auctions to talk about their events, including the latest additions, Bonhams and Scottsdale International Auto Museum. The latter is working to organize a festival and parade of autos to go along with auction week next year.The consensus from auction reps and the panel is to expect a good year.

MotoeXotica’s Scott Brandt marked his second year in Phoenix Jan. 14 and 15 and promises to be back for a third.“I think it’s going to be a fantastic year,” Hagerty said.Pickering agreed some “nutty” stuff has happened in the industry, such as last year’s world record sale at Gooding & Co.’s Pebble Beach auction, a $16.4 million 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa prototype. That helps drive the market, he said.

There are new bidders and some of the old collectors are coming back, the experts said, predicting a 10 to 15 percent or more increase in sales this year.