How to Sell Your Classic Car

As much as it may feel like a betrayal of sorts, there does come a time when some of us have to sell or trade in a classic car. This is not something that any classic car owner greets with equanimity. We will all have our reasons for doing it, but it still hurts when the time comes, because buying that car in the first place may well have been one of the most joyful days of our lives. If you are trading in for a “new” classic, the acquisition of the new one may soften the blow – but it may also add to the stab of betrayal, having let a car you loved go in order to bring in one you merely coveted, and intend to grow to love. 

There is also the possibility that you will have had to sell your classic car due to financial difficulties or a change in lifestyle, which made it impractical to keep the car however much you may have wanted to. This knowledge will make acceptance slightly easier, but will still do very little to wash away the feelings of disappointment over letting something go that meant a lot to you. However, if the time comes that you have to sell a car, the only thing you can do is try to ensure you get a good price for it and move on with your life. 

The practicalities of selling a classic car are something that few people will want to deal with when the time comes to sell, but nonetheless will have to be paid some attention. Firstly, it is vital to ensure that you set a price for the car which, although realistic, makes it worth your while to sell in the first place. There are pricing guides which will make this part of the practice a whole lot easier. Among the best and the most popular is Hemmings Classic Car, which features a comprehensive list of what you can expect to receive for a car of a certain brand and age (allowing for the condition of the car, of course). Making a sale will depend on not straying too far from this price in an upward direction, but at the same time it makes sense to keep as close to it without dropping in price, because you want the sale to be worth your while. 

As well as the above considerations, you can increase your chances of making a sale – and realizing a good price on it – by adopting a policy of full disclosure and making the necessary preparations. Make sure the car is as close to factory condition as possible. Collectors will pay a good price for a car that looks and drives like it did when it was produced. The policy of full disclosure is a more controversial one, but will serve you well. Classic car collectors will not buy on the basis of salesman flannel. If you lie about the state of your car, they will know – and they will turn on their heel and walk away. Better by miles to take a potential (and small) financial hit than be left with a car you cannot use and no money.