‘It’s business as usual’
Classic auction houses are ready for any problems likely to be caused by the coronavirus.
Most have said that they are ready to switch to online auctions if necessary and some would stagger viewing times to accommodate smaller crowds. None had seen a decline in enquiries or interest in vehicles for sale.
Tristan Judge, of web-based auction house The Market, said: ‘We sincerely hope that the coronavirus outbreak won’t stop people from being able to buy and sell classic cars at public auction, but in that unfortunate instance, we’d like to reassure classic car enthusiasts that online auctions are a reliable and popular alternative.’
Traditional auctioneers have said that they are ready to take their salerooms online. Chris Holmes, CEO of Poole, Dorset-based South Western Vehicle Auctions, said: ‘As far as we’re concerned it’s business as usual. The market is buoyant at the moment and we can’t see any change. The world must go on, but we are following government guidelines.’
H&H’s next sale is at the Imperial War Museum’s Duxford site next Wednesday (18 March) with viewing the previous day. Head of motorcar sales, Damian Jones, said: ‘We are in touch with the site owners and don’t forsee problems. We would be able to switch to an online auction more or less at a flick of a switch if necessary. There would still be a real auctioneer and people could submit bids online.’
Brightwells is planning to go ahead as normal with its classic sale on 20 May.
Head of classic motoring, Matthew Parkin, said: ‘We haven’t noticed any decline in interest. We do have the facilities to switch to online auctions, and people will be able to view and bid live. We own our site and could introduce flexible times for viewing if necessary.’