Published: 06/12/2019
Classic car enthusiast? Reputable salvage repairer? Used car dealer?
Regardless of your classification, if you’re looking to purchase a classic car for a fantastic price, an auction can be a great way to go!
Classic car auctions usually take place in one physical location and allow for devotees to gather together, talk to each other about their shared love of classics, peruse the unique offering and bid for their chance to drive away with a car of their dreams. Due to the extensive classic knowledge of the seller, specialist buyers all looking to purchase the same type of vehicle and the limited number of cars for sale, purchasing a classic car in these auctions can be very expensive.
Don’t panic! There is another option for you in the form of Copart’s varied used and salvage online auctions which take place daily and contain a wide selection of vehicle types.
Classic Cars Auctions at Copart UK
At Copart UK Limited we specialise in the remarketing of accident damaged cars ranging from exotics and premium models to everyday vehicles and of course, classic cars.
Like all vehicle selections at Copart, the classic cars that come to us are not all damaged and will vary from CAT B Breakers (great for sourcing affordable classic car parts) to repairable salvage and used with little to no damage at all.
Why Purchase Classic Cars for sale at Copart?
Trade buyers can benefit from the following when purchasing through the classic car auctions of Copart UK:
- Vehicle Variety – our auctions take place online with vehicles from all over the UK, Ireland and Dubai, which means that you’re more likely to be exposed to a greater selection of globally renowned classic vehicles than those in a smaller, local auction.
- Degree of Damage – we have classic cars coming in, in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re looking to flip a classic car that requires minimal work or something that could be a challenging repair project, you’re sure to find it among our selection.
- Preparation Time – the vehicles listed on our online website are viewable weeks in advance of the auction, giving you time to complete any online research and make an appointment to view the classic car in person.
What to Look out for When Buying a Classic Car at Auction?
Below we’ve listed some of the key considerations to make when buying a classic car at auction:
Be Selective – In order to make a good profit at auction, it’s important to make an informed buying decision. When it comes to classics, the fact is that some are just more desirable to some than others, so it’s important to do your research (prior to auction) to determine whether the make and model you’re thinking of has high potential to resell to your customers.
Research Parts – If the vehicle you are looking at buying needs repairs, you’ll need to investigate how easy sourcing the replacement parts are, and the cost of purchasing these. Difficulty finding a part could make or break your classic car repair project and leave you out of pocket.
Tip! - There are multiple ways of sourcing parts for repairs, such as searching breaker yards, stripping CAT B Breaker vehicles or surfing the web.
Identifying Damage – Classic cars are older and therefore prone to a higher level of wear. So, make sure to check the vehicle over and identify any signs of age such as rust/corrosion. If the car has been in an accident at some point, it’s also important to look over the impact of the damage and the quality of any former repairs completed.
Auction Fees – Most auctions will charge additional fees for purchasing through them. Remember to look these over, before joining the auction, so you can factor these into your designated budget for the project. Copart UK’s fees can be found on our Member Fees page.
Ready to Purchase a Classic Car?
For more information about buying classics, including what makes them desirable and common concerns before buying, or to view the range of classic car stock we have here at Copart, head to our Classics page now.
Stay tuned! Our next classic article will feature information on repairing a classic car, selling it on and what to consider after the sale.
