A CAR dealership is driving forward its success in the classic vehicle market.

Acklam Car Centre, near Middlesbrough, says it has seen increased numbers of motorists look to vintage motors as a future investment.

The family-owned firm attracts interest from customers across Europe, selling cars to France, Germany and Cyprus.

Manager Chris Andrews said its showroom features a number of classic models, including a Triumph TR4, a 1989 Ford XR3i, and a 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow with only 4,000 miles on the clock.

He said: “Since the start of the recession we have seen the motor trade grow and the classic car market increase with people looking at them as investments.

“The increase in values on some can go up to 400 per cent.

“The Rolls-Royce came from Tamworth, and was owned by a pig farmer and governor of the Royal Agricultural Society.

“He only ever used it to drive to the show and I've got all the badges.”

Earlier this year, the company expanded Down Under after securing a £35,000 sale to send an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage to an expat businessman in Perth, Western Australia.

The 14-year-old V12 DB7 had one previous owner and had done just 25,000 miles.