Auctioneer View

Scottish auction house is seeing an increase in buyers paying a visit

Morris Leslie

Your second sale of 2019 is being held in a few weeks’ time - what’s your view of the classic market at the moment?

With our next sale being held on 25 May, we see no change in the interest and passion from collectors and enthusiasts. Telephone and internet enquiries generated from our online catalogue, social media and paper publications are very encouraging, no doubt driven by the diversity of the entries and forthcoming show season.

What is the main influence on the market? Is it political uncertainties?

Many aspects will influence the market to some degree but our own observation is that the main influence are buyers who when matched to a vast selection of entries become market influencers themselves. We also find visiting customers and establishing a good rapport is crucial, as is supporting local classic events across the country, so fellow enthusiasts can put faces to names.

Is there one area in the classic market where growth is notable?

As a generational movement, the interest obviously moves forward, thus fuelling the modern classic market. It is always encouraging to see younger enthusiasts buying their living memories – these are the important buyers who we encourage at sales and car shows across the country and they will ultimately be the responsible custodians for years to come.

Are there any differences in the Scottish market compared with the rest of the UK?

We attract buyers from all over the UK with many from the south coast area, as well as – in recent years – gaining customers from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the US. We offer potential buyers online bidding, telephone bidding or proxy bidding. We have also noticed a marked increase in on-site bidders from across the UK: Having a location that’s 90 minutes from 90 percent of the population suits so many people. So the Scottish market attracts many of the same buyers as our contemporaries, along with our own Scottish buyers.

Are there any especially notable cars in your next sale?

There are quite a few notable entries in the sale already, including a rare and unrestored Riley 2.6, a fantastic selection of MGs from a private collection, a rare and unusual 1932 Crossley 19.6 landaulette, a lowmileage Daimler 4.2 and a Daimler SP250 ‘Dart’. It’s always worth keeping an eye on our online listings and social media postings, too, in case of any late consignments.

‘We’ve seen a marked increase in on-site bidders’