The Big Story
An increasing number of classic cars are being driven through auctions in front of buyers – but market experts are divided over how well the tactic works
Drive through auctions
THE BIG STORY ‘It doesn’t make a jot of difference to prices’
MATTHEW PARKIN BRIGHTWELLS
You might think that seeing an auction lot running sweetly would help woo potential bidders – but market experts are divided as to whether this has any impact on what buyers are actually paying.
Relative newcomer Bonhams MPH has joined Anglia Car Auctions and South Western Vehicle Auctions in firing up cars during its sale, arguing that it gives bidders more confidence and increases sale rates.
Anglia Car Auctions’ Rob George argues that a drive-through sale has benefits over a static sale. He said: ‘It gives people a chance to hear a car running and to see if all the dashboard lights have gone out. A car is a moving object and the engine is the heart of a car so people should be able to hear it. Going to a drivethrough auction is the best way to buy a classic.’
Chris Holmes of SWVA took a similar line, and said: ‘A drivethrough sale lets the buyer hear the engine and to see how well a car starts. It gives the buyer much more confidence to bid.’
Offering a flipside view is Brightwells’ Matthew Parkin, who says that while initially a good idea, there are problems too: ‘The reason we don’t do it for our classic sales is that some are non-runners, some don’t run that well and, dare I say it, are even a bit smoky! As they are not displayed in serried ranks outside, but well laid out undercover, it would create mayhem just getting them out, through the ring and then back into place again. The reality is it doesn’t make a jot of difference to prices either.
‘Unless the facilities are up to the job, offensive fumes and the safety aspect of moving cars amid throngs of buyers simply does not give the customers the buying experience they deserve.’
Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions’ Brian Chant believes drive-throughs mean more cost for buyers.
He said: ‘They drive up costs which ultimately arrive in the laps of buyers. While non-buyers find entertainment in seeing cars driven past the rostrum, to achieve this means more staff and extra space, plus installation of extraction systems and other hardware if it ito be done safely and healthily.’