Buying at auction

It’s clear that more buyers are turning to auctions because ever more classic sales are being held, but they can be intimidating for newbies. Richard Barnett shares his top tips on how to get a great deal

A beginner’s guide

There’s no getting away from it – classic auctions are the best way for many would-be owners to find their next classic. But hang on – aren’t there downfalls, too? An auction can be an off-putting place for the uninitiated, but there’s no need for it to be. Classic auctions take place up and down the country, week-in, week-out, with established auctioneers adding extra dates to their calendars and new businesses offering competition to the more entrenched auctioneers. Given the panoply of auctions there’s a greater chance of people finding the car they want, and possibly at a price lower than a dealer or a private seller might be asking – and for some there’s the reassurance of not having those potentially embarrassing face-to-face conversations with the vendor. For choice and potential affordability, auctions offer a sensible way of getting your next classic, but if you’re new to the auction scene, follow our guide to make the buying process less stressful. Here’s how to bid on your next car.