SALES SHELVED AS LOCKDOWN RULES TIGHTEN
Classic auctions called off as buyers lose the chance to look at cars beforehand – we reveal how the latest sales are affected
Tighter rules on essential travel during the latest UK-wide lockdown to stop COVID-19 have prompted some of Britain’s biggest classic car auctioneers to put their latest sales back, or call them off altogether.
South Western Vehicle Auctions, Anglia Car Auctions and Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions have confirmed that they are pulling back from holding sales on their original dates, citing the restriction on bidders being able to view cars.
Anglia Car Auctions consultant, Guy Snelling, said: ‘It is now time again to reflect on and work out how we as a company can best operate whilst most importantly keeping our valued customers and staff safe.’
Tighter rules on travel during the new lockdown have prompted some of Britain’s biggest classic auctioneers to put their sales back. South Western Vehicle Auctions, Anglia Car Auctions and Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions have all confirmed that they’ve now postponed their first 2021 sales.
South Western Vehicle Auctions, which was originally planning to hold the year’s first UK classic auction on 29 January, confirmed that it’s decided to move the sale back, which it said was due to would-be buyers not being able to access its site in Poole.
Chief executive, Chris Holmes, said: ‘Further to the government’s announcement regarding a new national lockdown, we have had to make some changes to ensure our business is complying with the rules and for the safety of our staff.
‘ We have made the decision to postpone our 29 January auction until Friday 26 March – we will combine this with the April sale and hold a big Easter auction. We are hopeful that by March we will be able to offer viewing appointments on the week of the auction. All of the vehicles currently entered are staying on site and will be offered in the March sale.’
Anglia Car Auctions said that its decision to hold back its sale, originally planned for 30-31 January, was a ‘direct response’ to the latest spike in COVID-19 cases.
Auction consultant, Guy Snelling, said: ‘Just as we evolved in 2020 in order to make the classic auctions both a safe environment and successful formula, it is now time again to reflect on the new restrictions in place and work out how we as a company can best operate while most importantly keeping our valued customers and staff safe.’
H&H Classics has also shelved plans to hold one of its ‘ABC’ themed sales next month, and has proposed a later April date for its first live sale of the year, at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford.
Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions said that while it had learned how to hold sales effectively in lockdowns during 2020, it had called off its 11 March sale and brought its June sale forward to May, although its system of offering private sales by appointment would continue.
Auction director, Brian Chant, said: ‘Long-term movement restrictions suddenly imposed at the New Year means the team will have difficulty in viewing entries in preparation for an auction on 11 March. DVCA remains adamant that each vehicle must be properly inspected and photographed so that they are fully conversant with each one and are able to discuss them in detail with prospective purchasers.
‘Relying solely on vendor’s descriptions and photographs is not within DVCA’s remit and lacks the professionalism we try to maintain.’