There are many classic car auctions around our nation. Some are every week and some are once a year events. These can be tricky events if you are not prepared. There is time before each auction to inspect all of the cars. Make a complete inspection of all the cars you may want to bid on.
If you are the type of person that gets tunnel vision, then maybe you should avoid the auctions or have a friend accompany you. It is best to find at least three cars, if not more that you are interested in. Inspect each one and take notes. Test every component you can. Turn on every accessory just to make sure it works. Look at each light and ensure that they are all one. If possible stick a rod on the engine and listen for noise. Remember a deep thump is a main bearing while a light tap is in the valve train.
Before going to the auction see if you can find the same type of car you are looking for and ask the owner if you can inspect it. This will help give you a better idea of what to look for, especially the engine noises. If you do not know what noises to listen for in the engine then listening to one at the auction is meaningless. Be prepared.
As the cars you have looked at go past make sure you stick to your limit. There are times an outside bidder will want it no matter what. If you get stuck in one of those bidding wars, it will cost you dearly. Every once in a while the bidding wars are a plant by a shill to increase the price. Never look too eager and always act as if the car is just a car. This is the hardest thing to do. But at a classic car auction it is a must, if you can.
There are millions of used cars being sold every single day and at these American classic car auctions if you miss this one dream of a lifetime, just remember there is another one right around the corner that will get your juices flowing. Never go over your bid limit no matter how cute the auctioneer tries to be when coaxing out just one more bid increment. Remember the auctioneer could give a crap about the car. He just wants a little more commission money.
