VAT on UK classic car auctions - does it apply here?

[foibles]

Hi everyone,

To give some context to the subject line....

I'm looking at buying 1 or 2 cars at an upcoming classic cars auction.

I'm not a resident or citizen of the UK (or the euro) and I export these cars overseas.

I have been speaking with a particular auction house, which charges a 15% buyers premium - including the VAT. Hence it is 12.5% before the VAT.

The car storage facility I have been using does not charge me VAT, however the auction house is saying that I should be paying VAT.

Are there any bean counters here who can provide a fairly authoritative view on this?

Thanks,

Foibles