Automobilia
Review: Great Garage Sale, Classic Motor Cars Ltd, Bridgnorth Wv15 5hp, 5 October
Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC), the Shropshire-based car restoration company, held its fi rst Great Garage Sale at their Bridgnorth headquarters on Saturday 5 October – and it was a big success.
More than 300 eclectic lots of automobilia changed hands, raising £10,000.
As a result, the company has announced that it is to run two Great Garage Sales at their venue in 2020, which will also include classic cars, motorcycles and parts.
Managing director, Nigel Woodward, said: ‘We wanted to put our toe in the water and see if an auction would work. It was so successful that we decided to run two major auctions every year, as well as some ancillary dates.’
The fi rst of the latter will be a valuation day and book fair to be held on Saturday 29 February 2020. Dates for the two auctions will be announced soon, with one of them likely to coincide with CMC’s annual open day.
‘We had to turn away dozens of vendors wishing to enter lots for the sale and we had enquiries from people wishing to sell their cars and parts,’ Nigel added. ‘On that basis at least one of the sales will be held over two days so that everyone is catered for, and the sale can become a major event in the classic car calendar that will cater for all interests.
‘We will not charge a seller’s commission on any lots. For automobilia, parts, cars and motorcycles there will be a buyer’s commission of 15%.’
Guy Loveridge from Loveridge Agents and Auctioneers ran the Saturday sale for CMC and said that he was delighted with this fi rst result and was looking forward to working with the company again in 2020.
‘It was a great sale with bidders from all over the world taking part,’ he said. ‘Important lots included an original Enzo Ferrari-signed letter; a bound set of Autosport from 19501964 and a rare selection of Michelin items.’
There was a 50% sales rate at the auction, with live and online bidding, and plenty of interest in after-sale deals. Publications from two private motoring libraries were included among the lots.
One item that provided a pleasant surprise on the day was a Michelin man Thermos fl ask, estimated at £30-50, which sold for £155 including buyer’s commission and VAT.