One owner 430 to be sold at Classic Car Auctions - any info?

[Chuck21]

Does anybody know anything about this car:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

A one owner, 17,500 mile car and a 430 to boot, certainly caught my eye! If the auction report is to be believed it's in very good order and that being the case the guide price is quite attractive. Just wondering if anybody has any info on it as frustratingly it's a long way from where I live! Reg is L246 GMO.

Thanks!

[Brithunter]

Only that it was for sale as a normal used car sale earlier this year. I saw the listing but my funding had not cleared back then so could not do anything about it. The market is very up'n'down it seems some cars sell well others do not and I certainly cannot make head nor tail of it

[Chuck21]

Agreed, some very nice cars and seemingly appropriately priced cars have been for sale for weeks and weeks now (assuming they haven't simply forgotten to remove the ads!) whereas some move quite quickly. I suspect the TVR world has a lot of 'lurkers' who are interested in buying but are worried by reliability scare stories....

[Brithunter]

Chuck21 said:

Agreed, some very nice cars and seemingly appropriately priced cars have been for sale for weeks and weeks now (assuming they haven't simply forgotten to remove the ads!) whereas some move quite quickly. I suspect the TVR world has a lot of 'lurkers' who are interested in buying but are worried by reliability scare stories....

Or have insurance problems like being told to go away and get some performance car experience first!!

I was lurking waiting for funds to be released via a house sale.

[TV8]

I like the look of that car!

[N7GTX]

TV8 said:

I like the look of that car!

[Belle427]

The report seems to suggest its immaculate, chassis included.
Got to be worth a punt, difficult without viewing but you must have some sort of insurance if the car isn't as described?

[Chuck21]

Belle427 said:

The report seems to suggest its immaculate, chassis included.
Got to be worth a punt, difficult without viewing but you must have some sort of insurance if the car isn't as described?

That's what I was wondering, according to the CCA website you can view for a period the day before or on the day of the auction so very little scope for a proper inspection, getting it on a ramp etc; who's to say what the auction house's inspection standards are?

Does anybody have any auction experience?

[N7GTX]

This is from the auction house site:

WARRANTIES
All lots are sold on an 'as seen' basis. You may wish to bring a competent mechanic with you to inspect any Motor Vehicles on your behalf. The catalogue will describe the lots to the best of our ability on information supplied. You should, however, satisfy yourself as to the condition, age, and integrity of any lot prior to bidding as no warranties whatsoever are given in relation to any lot.
Once the auctioneer drops the hammer a contract is made and you are obligated to proceed with the purchase. It is therefore vital that you are satisfied with the condition of the lot you intend to bid upon before doing so.

Your competent mechanic really needs to know what he's looking for - "no warranties whatsoever".

[Belle427]

A chassis inspection is hard work without a ramp but not impossible but it could work in your favour if there are few bidders and no reserve.
Not sure how much poking and prodding beforehand they would allow though.

[Chuck21]

Belle427 said:

A chassis inspection is hard work without a ramp but not impossible but it could work in your favour if there are few bidders and no reserve.
Not sure how much poking and prodding beforehand they would allow though.

That's what I wondered. I know a specialist who can do the inspection (takes jacks and axle stands) so will call CCA ans see what they'll allow.

[ianwayne]

I went to the last CCA auction in Leamington in June. 90% of the cars are indoors, so you can look under them torch in hand. You need to ask for keys for closer inspection and you'll be accompanied. No starting them up. Some of the cars were outside on the grass! The cars are sold static so I'm surprised how much some of them go for considering the risk.

Oh, and be prepared for a long day if you want to see the whole thing. It didn't finish til almost 6pm. 7 hour auction!

This one in June went for under £7k because it had had a 'repair' to the chassis, the n/s window didn't work and the bonnet mounting at the front was broken.

https://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/tvr-chimaera

A dealer bought it because the same car was at Overbrook for months for a big potential profit at over £13k. Taking the p**s a bit because it was untouched. It was for sale for months but gone now.

This one got no bids:

https://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/tvr-chimaera-...

Because the outriggers were absolutely shocking.

Some cars at classic auctions are low mileage gems that will get big money, but many are being listed to 'get shut' I think. the auctioneer has to be honest with the description but as we know, with a TVR, there can be huge expenses lurking if you're not careful

Edited by ianwayne on Friday 1st September 19:58