Car

A classic car auction is a great buying opportunity: check it out!

Buying a classic car at auction is a rare opportunity that comes along from time to time, but it requires some precautions. Learn everything here!

Advertisement

Classic car auction: learn how to take advantage of the opportunity.

Saiba como conseguir um carro antigo em um leilão. Fonte: AdobeStock.
Learn how to acquire a classic car at an auction. Source: AdobeStock.

For collectors of classic cars, good opportunities shouldn't be missed, but what few people know is that it has become relatively common to find classic cars from auctions at car sales. Incredible, isn't it?

Frente e lateral de carro antigo vermelho e branco

How and where to buy a classic car at auction?

Check out the main options for buying a classic car at auction and getting a great deal!

With that in mind, we're going to show you where a classic car from an auction comes from and what precautions need to be taken to make the most of this opportunity. Keep reading!

Where does a vintage car from an auction come from?

This is a very common question when we talk about classic cars from auctions. If it's not possible to finance classic cars and they're no longer sold at dealerships, how could a car like that end up at an auction?

Unlike most cars that go to auction, older vehicles are not the result of loan recovery, but rather judicial recovery.

In other words, in the vast majority of cases, that old car, perfectly preserved and just waiting to be auctioned off, belongs to someone whose legal issues are overdue. 

In other words, it is an asset that has been seized due to some type of debt. So, typically, old cars are auctioned off to pay off outstanding debts to the Internal Revenue Service, for example.

It could also be a labor lawsuit or a claim for moral damages. Therefore, when a person is subject to a court order for enforcement and doesn't have the money to pay, the old cars may be seized and auctioned off.

Why buy a classic car at auction?

Conheça motivos para adquirir um carro antigo de leilão. Fonte: AdobeStock.
Discover the reasons to buy a classic car at auction. Source: AdobeStock.

Although younger generations aren't as into cars as they used to be, it's very common to find a young adult who says they miss a particular car from their childhood. 

That's why models like Beetles, Brasilias, Chevettes, Opala, Monza, and Kombi are always the most sought after and desired at classic car auctions.

Furthermore, another reason to buy a vehicle of this nature in this type of deal is the possibility of making good money. After all, classic cars generate a lot of revenue.

So, managing to buy a copy for up to half the price is a sure profit. But to get a good deal and avoid losses, you need to take some precautions even before you start bidding. 

4 things to consider when buying a classic car at auction

While they can be a great deal, classic cars at auction are, first and foremost, old. And, in general, older vehicles have the potential to have problems or be difficult to find replacement parts for.

Therefore, if you're a collector of vintage cars and would like to buy an old car at auction, before starting your hunt it's a good idea to check out the precautions we're about to show you. 

4. Read the classic car ad very carefully.

The first thing to do before even bidding on a classic car at auction is to read the listing description very carefully, as it contains a lot of important information about your future classic car.

So, when reading the ad, do a detailed analysis and calmly evaluate whether the classic car being advertised is really what you need. There may even be other classic car options in the same auction.

Although rare, it's not impossible, right? Therefore, be sure to look for alternatives offered by the same auction company. This way, you guarantee the ideal purchase of the classic car you've always wanted. 

3. Find a reputable auction company.

Here's another very valuable tip that shouldn't be overlooked by anyone looking for a classic car at auction: you need to be careful when choosing a company that organizes classic car auctions. 

That's because they will act as intermediaries between you and your classic car. Therefore, it's essential to verify that the auction house you're considering buying your classic car from is truly a reputable company.

The first way to check the security of an auction house is by verifying its address. In other words, you need to check if the physical address provided on the website actually exists. 

Logo Leilão Judicial Eletrônico

Electronic Judicial Auction: Learn more!

In this era of high inflation and interest rates, buying a car outright or financing it is for the few. How about bidding on a car at an Electronic Judicial Auction? Learn more!

That's because, unfortunately, there are a large number of scammers who create fake pages and offer equally fake addresses. So, you can check on Google Maps, Waze, and also on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram. 

Another very effective strategy when it comes to ensuring safety is to check if the company is registered with the state's commercial registry. After all, only registered companies can operate in the car auction business. 

And last but not least, you should also look for the Secure Auction seal, which guarantees that the auction company is trustworthy, okay? Don't forget!

2. Go see the car in person with a mechanic you trust.

Here's a very valuable tip that should never be overlooked. Many people still don't know this, but it's not possible to test-drive a car that has been auctioned off. 

It's also not possible to start the vehicle before the auction is finalized, and this applies to any and all types of classic cars at auction, okay?

Therefore, even with many photos and detailed descriptions, it's important that you go see the car in person. In fact, did you know it's possible to schedule visits in advance? And don't forget to bring a mechanic or specialist! 

After all, although auction vehicles cannot be started or test-driven, they can be looked at, touched, and even smelled. Therefore, a professional can notice specific issues and thus save you from bad deals. 

1. Pay close attention to the announcement.

And here's our last tip to help you buy your classic car at auction smoothly: pay close attention to the auction terms and conditions. Whenever a reputable auction company organizes a vehicle auction, there will be a set of terms and conditions. 

The auction notice is simply the document that legalizes, or rather, allows, the vehicle to be auctioned, as is the case with the classic car you so desperately want to buy. 

Furthermore, the auction notice contains information not only about the vehicle but also about the auction itself. The main information that can be found in this document is:

  • The minimum bid amount;
  • The date on which the auction will take place;
  • The origin of the old vehicle.

In addition to many other details you need to know, such as the time, location, and method of payment, for example. Finally, never participate in an auction without first carefully reading the auction terms and conditions.

And if the auction doesn't have a public notice, don't participate, as it may be fake, okay?

How to buy a classic car at auction?

After finding out where a classic car comes from and the reasons for buying one at auction, you'll probably want to know where to find one to bid on. 

Therefore, our experts have selected the best auction houses for you to find and bid on your classic vehicle at safe and reliable auctions. Intrigued? Then click the button below! 

Frente e lateral de carro antigo vermelho e branco

How and where to buy a classic car at auction?

Check out the main options for buying a classic car at auction and getting a great deal!

Trending Topics

content

Car Rim: car photo editor!

Transform your car photos with the Car Rim editor. Customize and add stylish wheels to enhance the look of your vehicle.

Keep Reading
content

Aceena car subscription: how to register and subscribe

Searching multiple websites for the best car subscription option? Aceena brings together several rental companies in one place: find out how to rent!

Keep Reading
content

Is it better to buy a car or take an Uber?

To determine whether buying a car or using Uber is better, you need to compare costs, convenience, and comfort. Learn more here!

Keep Reading

You may also like

content

How to buy a Honda HR-V: Learn how to get a good deal.

Mr. Cars | The best articles about cars on the internet! How to buy a Honda HR-V: Learn how to get a good deal

Keep Reading
content

Buy cars for up to 70% below the original price.

You can buy your new car on one of the best vehicle auction websites available on the internet. There are offers with discounts as low as 70%!

Keep Reading
content

Localiza Meoo: How do I register to subscribe?

Localiza Meoo is a great alternative for renting a car by subscription: find out how to subscribe and get the car you need with ease!

Keep Reading