Classic Car Shows

If you`re in the market for a classic car there are many options available to you when you`re looking for a choice of vehicles. It`s becoming increasingly popular to buy at a Classic Car show from auctions or direct sales but there are many aspects to take into account if you`re thinking of purchasing your classic in this way.

Sales at classic car rallies come in three very distinct forms: Often there is a specialist auction house on site to provide many opportunities for bidding throughout the day and you can also find organised, fixed priced sales which will involve a mix of dealers and private sellers. Finally, on occasion, you will walk past one of the exhibits and spot a `for sale` sign attached to it.

The first two scenarios are by far the most common and if you`re heading to a show with the express intention of buying a classic then you`re likely to be met with auctions or sales that are part of the overall event itself.

Buying at auction can be a very frustrating affair and the quality of the cars on show will vary greatly. Under these circumstances it`s important not to fall into the trap of buying just for the sake of buying because many will be tempted just to throw their cash at any vehicle that comes along simply due to the fact that they don`t want to come away empty handed.

Similarly, set your budget before you travel and don`t be tempted to exceed it. If you fall into either of these traps then you`ll either have a vehicle that you`re not really happy with or one that you`ve paid far too much for. Either way the feeling of `buyer`s remorse` will quickly set in.

Naturally it`s important to check the terms and conditions of any auction house before you set off for the event and the most contentious issue for any prospective buyer is the `cooling off` period.

For standard car auctions there is a very small window, usually of about 30 minutes, to establish that you are happy with your purchase but for classic cars that vary so much in condition it shouldn`t be assumed that any period of grace exists.

This is just one of the many areas of fine print that need to be established before you even consider buying a classic car at one of the main events across the country.

For fixed price sales you have the luxury of having a little more time in deciding whether to make a purchase or not. Here you can discuss any servicing work with the previous owner if it`s a private sale and learn a little about the history of the car.

The majority of classic car owners are serious enough to keep all receipts and all documents pertaining to the work carried out on their vehicle. Ask to inspect whatever documentation is available before you buy.

Take time to look under the bonnet and to inspect the vehicle inside and out. Lastly, although you may not be able to take the car for a test run you could ask for it to be switched on just so you can hear the engine. It`s not ideal but it may give you a clue if there is a potential problem.

Buying at a classic car show can be difficult but as long as you are prepared and armed with the correct information then your purchase should be straightforward. Keep checking Netcars.com blogs for tips and for details of where all the major classic car sales are taking place during the calendar year.