The MB Classics blog: what I write about and where to start

My name is Michał Barski. I have been selling classic cars and youngtimers since 2015, with more than 350 transactions with buyers from Poland and across Europe. I run MB Classics — a boutique broker of classic and collectible cars — and its hall in Sowia Wola near Warsaw. You can read more about me.

What is this blog about?

This blog answers the questions that come up when buying, selling and owning a classic: which model to choose, how to check a car, what it costs to run, what paperwork applies in Poland and when importing from the EU, and what drives the price. Every post starts with the answer, and I give figures, rules and prices with a source and a date. Where I can, I show cars from the MB Classics showroom and archive.

Who is it for?

I write for three groups of readers:

• buyers — especially those buying their first classic who want to avoid costly mistakes,
• owners thinking about selling — how to value a car, how to prepare it, how to choose a way of selling,
• people interested in specific models — history, versions, weak points, what to look at when buying.

What categories does the blog have?

Posts are grouped into seven categories:

• Selling a classic — valuation, preparing the car, choosing how to sell.
• Models and buyer's guides — history and versions of specific models, from the Jaguar XJS to the Fiat 500.
• Buying and inspection — how to search, check and buy.
• Market and prices — what affects a car's value, market data with sources.
• Michał's garage and events — personal posts, events and cars that have passed through the hall.
• Paperwork and Europe — registration, taxes, import and export within the EU.
• Ownership and care — servicing, storage, laying up for winter.

Where should you start reading?

If you are only thinking about a classic, start with three guides:

1. Your first classic car in six steps — budget, choosing a model, inspection and the first season.
2. A shortlist for your first classic — six models that are simple to run and well supplied with parts.
3. How to buy a classic car — contract, payment, Polish tax and excise, registration and historic plates.

If you are interested in the market, read Are classic cars a good investment?, and before buying a specific model look at the model guides, for example the history of the Jaguar XJS.

How are the posts structured?

Every post opens with a short answer to the main question, and the following sections answer more detailed questions — you can jump straight to the one you need. Prices are always given with a source, a date and in the source currency, and rules with a link to the official page. I do not promise that any car will gain value: I describe the market with data. Posts end with common questions and short answers.

How does MB Classics work?

MB Classics sells classic cars, youngtimers and collectible cars to buyers from Poland and across Europe; the average time to sale is about six weeks. An owner can leave the car in the hall in Sowia Wola (399 zł a month) or keep it at home — in that case the car is inspected for 790 zł, which is deducted after the sale. Commission is paid only after the sale. Details are on the Sell your classic page, and the cars available now are in the showroom.

I also write the "Garaż MB Classics" newsletter on LinkedIn — about what is happening in the classic car market.