It’s time to sell your classic car. There are many options you have for buyers, but the best options for you will depend on the vehicle and the condition. In the article below I’ll discuss where to find a classic car buyer, different buyers based on your situation, the basics of selling a vintage car, how to get the most money for it, and what I’ve learned from the place who buys classic cars near me.
Map of Who Buys Classic Cars Near Me
For “Who Buys Classic Cars Near Me” and “Sell My Classic Car Near Me”, see the options below…
There are many options to sell an antique vehicle. There are specialized classic car buyers, auction houses, private buyers, dealerships, and if your classic car is not in working condition…salvage yards. Below I will walk through the options for the types of places who buys classic cars near me.
Who Buys Classic Cars Near Me – Explore Your Options
For selling a vintage vehicle you need the right buyer. Each buyer has their own set of pros and cons. Here are some details about each buyer and when you should consider each one.
Private Classic Car Collector
This is your best option if you have a pristine vehicle (mostly if not all original), it’s rare or hard to find, and you have the network to contact the buyer. These are folks who own warehouses full of vehicles and typically have a lot of money to spend on cars. If your vehicle has records, you can speak to its specific history, and for any modifications you can often get a great offer from these buyers with less haggling and negotiating.
These folks don’t typically look for vehicles online, but they socialize at high end auctions, cars and coffee events, and other high end car shows. The downside to this buyer is that they are going to look for the creme de la creme, be very meticulous about the details, and you really need a direct contact to make the sale.
Auto Broker / Classic Car Broker
This is a “middle man” in the classic car buying world. Many of these folks represent private classic car collectors. Much of the same applies when sold here as selling to a private collector. You are more likely to make a sale if you have a pristine original vehicle and it’s rare or hard to find. You may even have some luck with a resto or resto-mod since they likely have a list of buyers who would be interested.
The difference between an auto broker and dealing with the private collector yourself is the offer you will get. The broker charges a fee for their service and therefore will cut into your cash bottom line. On the flip side though classic car brokers have the buyers and relationships already in place. If you have the right vehicle, a sale via a broker can go fairly quickly because they have a network of buyers.
There are generally two types of brokers: High end brokers representing high end clients and then brokers who advertise “We Buy Classic Cars”. Both are “middlemen” in the process, but the types of vehicles they will take are vastly different. When you choose to go the broker route you can opt for an exclusive or non-exclusive agreement.
Here is a great article on Edmunds on What to Look for in an Auto Broker.
Classic Car Dealership
These are places that are car dealerships that only deal in vintage vehicles. They will buy your vintage car, just as you might sell your daily driver to a standard car dealership.
The places have a standardized process for purchasing a car sell which makes transactions go smoothly and efficiently. The downside is the need to resell the vehicle, which means they need to leave room for profit. You can’t expect to get the actual book value from your vehicle at a dealership.
Classic Car Restoration Shop
There are different types of auto restoration shops. Some are classic car dealers, that restore vehicles and sell them like a dealership (for example JDM Classics in Virginia). Others are restoration shops that do private work and find a few project cars to restore and sell in between.
These auto restoration shops are not looking for perfect vehicles, nor are they looking for junked vehicles. They are looking for interesting opportunities to bring a vehicle back to life. The downside to selling collector car to a restoration shop is that they are “middlemen”. They are interested in buying an antique car for the bottom dollar, then investing labor and parts into it, and then reselling it for a profit.
When they purchase from you they know that this is an opportunity for “car flipping” and that means they have to leave room for profit. If you have a classic car that needs work and you want to see it properly restored, although likely modded, then these are good buyers. You likely won’t get the price you want, but there is less haggling, a standardized sales process, and they may even pick up your vehicle.
Live Auction and Online Auctions
There are plenty of auction houses that specialize in classic cars. An auction is often a good option if you have a good looking vehicle. It doesn’t have to be all original, restos are fine, but it certainly needs to look and sound the part to fetch a good price. Buyers at these events do spend money on great cars, and are often swayed by aesthetics, nostalgia, and emotion.
I recommend considering an auction if you think that your vehicle will be an emotional buy for someone. You must remember that when you auction a vehicle there are fees/commissions for the house and the auctioneer. So your final hammer price will need to cover the costs. Most auction houses are upfront about costs and will be able to make a fair assessment of what they think your vehicle might go for at auction.
Online auctions mean you are competing against other vehicles for attention, but there is a larger audience of bidders available.
Auto Salvages
This is an option strictly if you have a classic vehicle that is junk. It doesn’t run, it is in extremely poor condition, and fixing it to be functional would cost more than it’s worth.
Auto salvages in this case may be your only option. These are businesses that buy used vehicles and then sell off the functioning parts. For a classic car, you could consider a standard auto junkyard, but you may fetch a few extra bucks dealing with a classic car junkyard. The offer you get will likely be for the scrap metal value of the vehicle. If there are still valuable components attached you can try and negotiate a better offer.
Marketing to Who Buys Classic Cars Near Me
If you have a classic car in order to reach someone who buys classic muscle cars anywhere near me, you are going to need to market it. The old days of putting it out in your driveway is just not going to expose you to the right buyers.
The process may involve a call to a broker or signing up for an auction, but the most traditional ways still work; Classified ads and car shows.
Classifieds
This set of buyers falls into two categories: Online classified ad car buyers and old-school classified ad car buyers.
Online Classified Ad Classic Car Buyers
These are buyers who search for vintage vehicles on sites like: eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and classic car posting sites like Ryno.Co or even AutoTrader. These tend to be buyers with budgets often between $10k and $60K looking for a dream car, restored car, project car, and anything in between. In my experience cars worth less then $100k work well on these forums, cars worth more might not find the right clientele on these sites.
The good part about these buyers is that they range from informed enthusiasts to someone who is trying to just own a piece of history. You don’t need a pristine vehicle, you just need to be able to accurately represent the condition and the specs.
Many in this audience are looking for a project car to restore, so it’s best price is a good medium if your vehicle needs work. The downside to buyers online is you will experience more price haggling.
Here is a resource on the Top 3 Sites to List a Classic Car for Sale.
Old School Classified Ads
If you decide to put an ad in Hemmings, a trade magazine, or even a newspaper you can still find a buyer via these mediums. In fact I find folks who still use these means of purchasing antique vehicles to be a little bit older, they know what they want, they are informed buyers, and tend to negotiate less than online buyers.
Here you can find folks willing to accept all different kinds of conditions and you can have an original, restoration, or resto-mod. There are plenty of these buyers looking to restore a car themselves so in all honesty your car doesn’t even have to be assembled.
Car Shows
Car shows and local meetups like Cars and Coffee are great places to list your vehicle for sale. It’s an opportunity to get out in the public and let people see your ride. It’s helpful if you have a flyer for interested people to take that has your contact, price, picture of the vehicle, and a list of its specs. If it’s a restoration, then anything that has changed should also be spelled out.
Basics of Selling a Classic Car
Selling a classic car can be as simple as selling another vehicle. I personally find the hardest thing to do though is figuring out what it’s worth. Here is a basic list of things you need to do to sell a classic car fast.
Prepare The Vehicle
- Complete any mechanical work and cosmetic work that will increase the value of the vehicle
- Get the vehicle detailed
- Get the title, service records and any paperwork together for the car
- Get any parts or accessories that come with the car together
- Take really good photos of the vehicle from multiple angles
- Write out a list of all the vehicles specs and modifications
- If its a classic restoration, differentiate between what is original and what was restored and when
Decide on a Price
- Do market research to find comparable vehicles
- Figure out how much you need to get based on any investments you have made into it
- Decide on the absolute lowest offer you are willing to accept
Think Through Who Buys Classic Cars Near Me
- Auto Broker or Dealer
- Vehcile Auction: Live or Online
- Classified Ads – Real print or online
Figure Out How You Will Market the Vehicle
- Where will you list it?
- When will you list it?
- Is there a cost to listing it?
- What are the steps you need to get the car listed?
Negotiate the Transport of the Vehicle
- How will the vehicle get to the buyer, who pays for it
- Do you need to look into classic car auto transport service
Sell It and Get Paid
- Find the right deal, that you can live with
- Never turn over the title without having secured the money
There is a great resource here from Hagerty on How to Sell a Classic Car.
Who Buys Classic Cars Near Me | Getting the Most Money
There are a few things that help drive the value of a vehicle. These will be influenced by the medium that you sell exotic cars on. Here are a few key tips on how I get the most money from someone who buys classic cars near me…
- Take really good photos
- Make a binder of all the paperwork
- Really detail out all the specs of the vehicle and play up the features
- Try and research information about the year and the manufacturing process. You want the vehicle to have a story, it becomes more of an emotional buy.
- Share your own personal story about how you obtained the vehicle (was it your dad’s car?)
Preparing Your Classic Car for Sale: Detailed Process
Getting Your Classic Car Ready
When you decide to sell classic cars, especially a cherished classic, preparing it properly can significantly impact the sale. The first step is to ensure your car looks its best. This means more than just a quick wash.
Consider a professional detailing to make your sports cars or classic models shine, both inside and out. If you own a Mercedes Benz, Alfa Romeo, or a Porsche, their high-value reputation demands top-notch presentation.
Addressing Mechanical Issues
Next, turn your attention to the car’s mechanical condition. For restoration projects or abandoned projects, it’s crucial to complete any outstanding work. Even if it’s a barn find, ensuring the car runs smoothly can significantly increase its value.
If you’re selling brands like Ford, Buick, or Chevrolet, common mechanical issues might be well-known, so addressing them beforehand is wise. Remember, buyers are willing to pay top dollar for a car that’s in good running condition.
Enhancing Appearance and Functionality
For those unique models like a Pierce Arrow or a classic Cadillac, their historical value can be a significant selling point. Make sure any replacement parts are as authentic as possible. This might mean sourcing parts from specialized garages or restoration businesses. Even if you need to tow the car to a specialist, it’s an investment that can pay off.
Documenting Vehicle History
The history of your car is as important as its physical condition. Gather all documentation, including service records, restoration details, and any historical information. This is especially important for luxury cars like Ferrari or unique models with a rich history. A well-documented history can be the deciding factor for collectors and enthusiasts.
Creating a Compelling Sale Package
Finally, consider how you’ll present your car to potential buyers. This might involve taking high-quality photographs, writing a detailed description for your website, or even creating a video tour of the car. Remember, you’re not just selling a car; you’re selling a piece of history. Whether it’s a Dodge muscle car or a sleek sports car, your presentation should reflect the unique character of your vehicle.
By following these steps, you can ensure your classic car is ready to attract the right buyer who appreciates its value and is willing to pay the price it deserves.
Who Buys Classic Cars Near Me – Conclusion
There are many options to sell a classic car locally or on a national scale. Not all buyers will be right for your vehicle. It’s best to understand who your buyer is and then think through where you think they shop.
For example, if I was selling an unfinished project car that is halfway complete, Craigslist would probably be a great option. On the flip side, if I had a pristine original 50’s Porsche, I would consider a high-end auction, private collector, or contacting a broker. This is what I have learned from who buys classic cars near me.