 Bring display flyers, signs,...  Bring display flyers, signs, awards, restoration photos, and the like-anything to make your car stand out in the crowd. |  When dealing with classic...  When dealing with classic cars, anything is possible. Make sure everything is in 100 percent operating condition before your car is called to the block. |  Although my '73 Corvette didn't...  Although my '73 Corvette didn't sell, bidding on the car reached a high of $27,000. |
Ten Auction Tips
- Make sure the VIN on your title matches the one on your car before registering for the auction.
- Estimate all of your expenses-from run-number fees and commissions to travel and hotel costs-ahead of time to make sure the trip will be worth the investment.
- Check previous auctions to see how much money similar cars brought. Prior-year results from the same auction will give the best indication.
- Register early. This will ensure your car gets maximum exposure in the auction's catalogs and mailings.
- Try to get a run number scheduled for midday. Numbers that run too early or too late will have you auctioning to an empty house. Saturdays are usually best, although Fridays seem to be getting more action as of late. Try to avoid Sundays, as there are usually few buyers around.
- Make sure your car doesn't have any leaks. They'll be quite noticeable if the auction is held indoors.
- Make sure your car has no more than a quarter-tank of gas.
- Check your car in on the first day of the auction, even if it's scheduled to run later in the weekend. Many potential buyers show up early to preview cars.
- Bring signs, trophies, flyers, or anything else that might help your car stand out from the crowd.
- Make sure you're on the auction block when bidding starts. More often than not, the auctioneer will have more questions about your car. As the bidding starts to slow, the ring steward may want to discuss lowering your reserve, cutting auction fees, etc.
| Auction-Expense Breakdown |
| Initial run number | $400 |
| Professional haul from Lubbock to Dallas | $150 |
| Professional haul from Dallas to Lubbock | $150 |
| Flyers for car | $15 |
| Complete detail | $65 |
| Two nights at hotel | $170 |
| Fuel costs | $75 |
| Total cost | $1025 |
| Note: Had the car sold, 10% of the sale price would have been due. |