The big story
The UK’s ongoing hot weather is giving plenty of traders a boost – but classic sellers reckon it’s business as usual
Is the heat affecting sales?
‘They can then enjoy the sunshine and still bid on the cars they want’
UK auction houses are reporting a steady demand for classics – despite the temptations for customers to disappear on holiday or head to the seaside in search of ice cream during the current heatwave.
Traditionally there are very few auctions in August and dealers expect a slowdown once the schools break up, but according to one auctioneer people are still bidding – it’s just they’re not there when the auction is held.
Barons’ Tim Gascoigne says: ‘Numbers have been about the same. What we have seen a little bit more of is people coming to view either late the evening before or early in the morning of the sale day, and then registering for absentee bidding.
‘They can then enjoy the sunshine and still bid on the cars they want.’
As the mercury rose punters were still out and about, but some of those who attend these sales had an uncomfortable wait until ‘their’ car came along.
H&H’s Damian Jones says: ‘The Buxton sale was very well-attended but then again the summer one there always is. The sunshine was great for prompting dreams of buying an open-topped sports car and driving it home via a favourite road, but not so good for all those who bravely sat through the entire sale despite the thermometer reading creeping ever higher!’
Those who want to buy a car clearly won’t be put off by the heat
– if anything, it has been the school holidays that have been an influence – but in a positive way.
TA Classics’ Mark Springett says: ‘When the heat started business was steady but that was probably because our customers were taking holidays before the school holidays started. Now we’re flat out. I’ve sold nine cars this week, with plenty of MGs and Triumphs off to new homes.’
But could the talk of hot weather be just that – talk? Charterhouse’s Richard Bromell thinks so, and that
even if people aren’t at the sale, they’re still getting involved.
‘With live internet bidding available at all our auctions you can be sitting at home with the wife, kids and friends having a barbeque and still bid/join in with the auction proceedings. Alternatively, you can book a telephone bid or leave an absentee commission bid,’ he says.
‘There will always be someone who is away on business, getting married or off on holiday who cannot make it to the auction, the weather does not affect them. Neither will it affect the serious buyer.’