THINKING OF BIDDING?
❚ While many of the auctioneers will hold sales behind closed doors, they still offer you the chance to look at the cars on socially distanced viewing days beforehand, usually by appointment. If you feel comfortable doing so, and restrictions allow, I’d recommend looking at a car first before jumping in and making a bid.
❚ Most of the auction houses have responded to online-only sales by firing the classics up and taking them for test drives before the sale, and films of these test runs and inspections can be seen on their websites. It’s a good idea to watch these before the big day – you might not be able to feel an issue with a clutch or the steering, but you’ll be able to hear any rough running or unusual squeaks, rattles and knocks.
❚ If you can’t attend a sale in person, there are a variety of ways you can put your bid in, either by telephone or online bidding. If it’s the latter, make sure that you’re familiar with how the bidding system works and that you have the right log-ins before the sale – and double check that your broadband is up to scratch, to avoid losing connection at that vital moment!
❚ Get in touch with the auction house beforehand if you want to find out more about a car’s history – in some cases, like with Classic Car Auctions and Silverstone Auctions, there is a named consigner and their contact details appear next to each car’s listing. They’ll be able to help answer any questions, and may be able to send scans of documents giving you more information about the car’s history.
❚ Remember to set a realistic price limit, and don’t go over it in a rush to get a particular car you’ve got your eye on – you’ll only end up regretting paying too much for it later on. It’s a very busy market for classics at the moment, and chances are that another example of the car you’re tempted by will appear at another sale before too long. Keep a cool head.