Buying Classic Cars at Auction

How to Buy Classic Cars

Are you looking to purchase a classic/older vehicle at auction but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. We aim to walk you through all you need to know about buying classics including what defines a classic car, what makes them so popular, what to look out for when buying one and finally, where to buy one.
Let’s get started!

What is a Classic Car?

As the name suggests, classic cars (also known as vintage cars) are older vehicles that were created some time ago and have now developed some level of favourable interest, which deems them collectable over scrapable.

Whilst some rare classics are sought after for their skyrocketing value, others simply provide buyers with a sense of nostalgia that they can no longer find in modern cars.

Why Should I Consider Buying a Classic?

Whether you’re a loyal classic buyer or considering your first purchase, the allure of a classic car is undeniable. But what is it about a classic that makes them so desirable?

Style and character – The first (and for most buyers, the most important) aspect of purchasing a classic is its eye-catching appearance. Unlike any vehicle found on the road today, classic cars unique sense of style and character is what enables them to hold their strong position in today’s modern market. Why have looks changed so much? Each decade brings with it fashionable new features but there’s also the important fact that classics were predominately hand-crafted rather than machine built, which gave them their recognisable shape and characteristics.

Simplicity – Whilst modern car buffs have become accustomed to the convenience of multiple smart controls in the car, there are some buyers who prefer a more simplistic experience, and this is exactly what a classic can deliver on.

Yes, classics are known for their simple interiors, but did you know that they also make ideal project cars? If you’re looking to purchase a car to repair and re-sell, a classic is a great way to go. Most modern cars on the road today are controlled by one single unit, but classic cars were constructed using multiple parts; making them perfect for novice repairers, who just want to get under the hood and start tinkering around.

Driving experience – For the right buyer, driving a classic car is a truly unbeatable experience and arguably, can make you a better driver. This is due to the manual input needed from the driver. With the lack of power steering, traction control and technical devices, the driver is really at one with the road and must pay a high level of attention to every action carried out. While this might not sound appealing for high-tech modern drivers, for true car fanatics there’s nothing else like it.

Value - Classic cars tend not to depreciate as much as newer cars do, especially if they have been well maintained by their owners. And of course, if the models become rare, you could expect their value to increase significantly making them ideal yet high-risk investments. Classic car buyers can also now benefit from the zero-road tax which applies to all vehicle over 40 years of age. For more information visit Gov.uk.

Who Should Buy a Classic Car?

Due to the variety of conditions that a classic vehicle can be sold in, it’s almost impossible to give one straight answer to this. Using our knowledge of used and salvage cars, we recommend the following:

The older, more unique cars that have a complex construction would be more suitable for an experienced repairer, garage, or perhaps a classic car enthusiast who has knowledge of classic models and knows how to source rarer parts.

This also applies to a classic vehicle that has suffered severe damage, as the repairer would need to have a thorough understanding of how to approach the damage.

Both points being said, restoring a classic car to sell on could be a very rewarding challenge, regardless of prior classic repair experience, if you have the time and budget to dedicate to it.

What to Look out for When Buying a Classic Car?

All classic cars will have a past, and some signs of wear are to be expected. Areas you might want to check when buying a classic include:

• Odometer – Check how many miles the vehicle has covered over the years as this could have a significant impact on its resale value. Remember to complete further research into this in case there is any incompatibility with online records.
• Previous repairs – A classic vehicle will most likely have been repaired at some point in its life, and it’s important to look closely at these repairs to make sure that they have been completed properly, as this could end up costing you more time and money when restoring the car.

• Rust/corrosion – Most online guides will tell you to avoid any kind of rust when considering a classic. But the truth is, it’s hard to find a classic without rust, and writing a vehicle off purely for this reason could be a mistake. It’s all about looking into the type of rust that the vehicle has. A small amount of rust on the surface or pitted metal of the vehicle caught at the right time can be simply fixed by sanding it down and applying primer/paint. Rusted-through panels on the other hand, can be much more severe and would involve a higher level of repair or even replacement.
   

As noted in the points above, it’s important to check any classic vehicle over in-person to be able to identify and investigate any areas of concern. We also recommend completing background research of the vehicle prior to purchase to make sure that the vehicle has a full service-history and that any previous repairs have been noted down.

View our Buyer Checklist for more information. 

Where Can I Buy a Classic Car?

Classic vehicles can be purchased through a variety of methods including dedicated dealers, online and offline auction companies, private owners and more. It’s important that the method you choose gives you the vehicle information you need prior to purchase to be able to complete your background and in-person checks.

At Copart UK, we list all vehicles on our website prior to the live auction to give you a chance to look through the vehicle information, browse the pictures and come to your own verdict.  Vehicle viewing appointments are also completely free of charge to all Copart Members.

How Do I Buy a Classic Car with Copart? 

To be able to bid and buy a classic vehicle through the auctions of Copart UK, you must sign up to be a Member. Head to our registration page to get started today and please ensure you send us the following:

Please note: You will not be able to bid on vehicles until the above steps are complete and your account has been activated.
 

View our full range of classic cars.