Did you know that the classic car market is estimated to be worth over £5.5 billion to the UK economy? If the time has come for you to part with a classic car, you may be wondering what the best way to go about it is. There are a few things you need to do to prepare your car for sale. With that in mind, here’s a quick guide on how to sell a classic car.

 

1 – Do some research

 

Before you part with your classic, it pays to do some research on the market and get a feel for whether things are hot or cold at the moment. Look online for examples of pricing and condition. Forums and dedicated Facebook groups are a good place to get some advice, sold listings on eBay and dedicated classic car-selling websites. This will help you determine a reasonable price for your car.

 

2 – Clean and prepare the car

 

Before selling a classic car, ensure it is in its best possible condition. Start by giving your vehicle a thorough clean inside and out. If your car has been sitting in storage for a while, then it might need more than just a quick once-over. You might need to polish the paintwork, buff out any scratches, and even get the interior reupholstered. Essentially, you want your car to look its best when potential buyers come to take a look.

 

If there are any small jobs that need doing mechanically, it is best to sort these out, as they will become a bartering point for potential buyers. A fresh MOT and service also help provide peace of mind for potential buyers.

 

3 -Take photos of the car

 

When it comes to photos, you can never take enough. Don’t be stingy with them, as it will look like you have things to hide. Good quality photos are essential for creating an effective listing, so make sure they’re taken in good lighting and that they show the car from all angles. Don’t forget to take close-ups of any areas of concern, such as scratches or dents in the bodywork. This way, buyers will know exactly what they’re getting, and there won’t be any nasty surprises when they come to view the car in person.

 

4 – Write the description.

 

Now it’s time to write your listing description. Be as honest as possible when describing the condition of your cars, both inside and out. It’s also a good idea to include some facts and history about the make and model so that buyers can get an idea of its value. Remember to include as much detail as possible so that buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

 

Talk about the car’s history and, where possible, include documentation in the sale to verify this. Be specific in your listing about the care the car has received while in your custody —this shows how it has been looked after.

 

A thorough listing will save you time in the long run, meaning potential buyers don’t have huge lists of questions that will need to be asked in communication prior to viewing the car or on the day of listing.

 

5 – Find specialised places to list the cars

 

Maximise your reach by listing in more than one place. When it comes to finding buyers for your classic car, you’ll likely have more success if you list it on specialist websites rather than general classifieds websites. This is because people who are searching for classic cars are more likely to find yours if it’s listed on a site that deals exclusively with classics. That said, don’t limit yourself to just one website – try listing your car on as many platforms as possible to maximise its reach.

 

Remember, it’s FREE to list your classic cars on Classic cars and Campers. You can start your listing by creating an account here.

 

6 – Show people the car

 

Once you start receiving calls from potential buyers, it’s time to arrange viewings so that they can take a look at the car in person. When showing people around, make sure you point out any areas of concern so there are no surprises later on down the line. You should also offer test drives so buyers can get behind the wheel and feel how well the car drives. Just bear in mind that test drivers will need their own temporary insurance before hitting the roads.

 

Following these simple steps will help you prepare your classic car for sale and maximise its chances of selling quickly and for a good price too! Good luck!