The cars are the stars on ‘Life on Mars’ sequel - ‘Ashes to Ashes’

Those missing BBC TV’s highly successful ‘Life on Mars’ will be looking forward to ‘Ashes to Ashes’, the new series that will see the return of DCI Gene Hunt, scheduled for its debut on 7th February 2008. This time the action takes place in 1981, with Gene swapping his Ford Cortina for an Audi Quattro. And leading vehicle auction specialist, BCA (British Car Auctions) is predicting a rise in nostalgia for 80s cars as a result.

Robin Lawton, Head of BCA’s ‘Classics’ department commented “We’ve seen a rising interest in cars from the 1980s in recent sales and we expect the start of the new BBC TV series to fuel this even further. People are beginning to feel a sense of nostalgia for 80s fashions and this includes cars like the Golf GTI, Rover SD1, Ford Cortina, BMW and Mercedes models of that era, several of which feature in our next Classics sale.”

The first BCA Classics sale of 2008 is on 26th February 2008 at Blackbushe and a selection of 80s classics are on offer, including a Mercedes Benz 500 SEC once owned by Bob Monkhouse, a Lotus Esprit S3 and a Porsche 911 Turbo. But so far no one has put a 1980s Audi Quattro up for sale, although Robin Lawton, Head of BCA’s Classics Division isn’t surprised. “The early Audi Quattros that do come up for sale create a great deal of interest with enthusiasts, but with only 11,452 built over the eleven year production period they are pretty thin on the ground now.”

The era of Rick Astley and shoulder-pads is coming back with a vengeance and a quick visit to the next BCA Classics Sale could uncover some hidden gems. Whether it’s an old model Ford Fiesta or the eternal appeal of the Jaguar XJS – BCA has got something for all potential time travellers. Lawton concluded “Values for 80s classics range from a few hundred pounds to many thousands, but it is quite possible to pick up a well-preserved MGB for less than £5,000, for example. And with the excellent classic clubs and associations that operate, you will never be short of advice or help if you are a novice.”