THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Historics says it’s crucial that the lessons learned from the growth of online bidding play a big part in resuming live sales

‘We’re very confident there’s still a massive appetite for good quality classics’

Preparations are now underway for one of the UK’s first ‘ live’ classic auctions since lockdown was introduced – but the organisers say that using online bidding too will help to encourage stronger prices.

Historics is pushing ahead with plans to hold a socially distanced auction to mark its tenth anniversary on 18 July, and said that it’s had an enthusiastic response from sellers and potential bidders alike.

The auctioneer plans to use a new venue – Windsorview Lakes in Berkshire – to enable social distancing to be carried out more effectively. The classics (of which there’ll be at least 150) will be four metres apart, and a ‘thorough cleansing regime’ will be in place throughout the sale to prevent the spread of infection.

However, while it will be one of the first auctions since lockdown was introduced in March to allow buyers to bid in person, Historics is also planning on heavily promoting the option of online bidding to allow as many people as possible to take part in the anniversary auction.

Mark Perkins, auction director, said: ‘The internet

– and online bidding – is a fantastic tool to reach a more global audience, and of course those more local who are unable to attend in person. Today our auctions are truly international events with thousands of people, in the UK and globally, engaging with us and bidding on sale day. And so yes, the internet has been great for the classic community at large, but we still believe that you can’t beat the buzz of a live auction room.

‘Despite the unique circumstances, we are very optimistic that there is still a massive appetite and demand for good quality classics from a reliable auction house with a proven track record.

Our new venue is the perfect setting for these very different times and ensures that we are able to manage every aspect of the auction safely and responsibly.’

Lots consigned so far included a 9000-mile 1978 Triumph Spitfire, a rallyprepared Volvo 144 being sold to raise funds for University College of London Hospital and a Triumph Stag originally owned by former England football captain, Gerry Francis.

Richard Barnett, CCW’s markets editor, said: ‘In the 10 years since it set up shop, the company has been in the midst of substantial changes to the classic auction scene, with the rise of the internet substantially re-shaping the buying and selling process.

‘Historics sees it as beneficial rather than a hindrance, although remote bidding lacks a saleroom atmosphere.’