Oh yes, selling classic automobiles is a serious business, and yet, RM understands that the "thrill and fun of an auction" plays a large part also. I perhaps understand this better than most journalists, as I have personally managed 3, although considerably smaller, public auctions myself.
The buzz that one gets from being part of these auctions is hard to explain to anyone who has never attended one. The atmosphere is purely electrifying. That might sound like I'm exaggerating slightly, but believe me, once you hear the auctioneer's banter, and see the excitement in the eyes of the bidders, you'll realize that I'm not.
Of course buyers at these events come from all walks of life, and all backgrounds. There are the serious collectors, who have been endlessly searching for that one "must have" vehicle to add to their personal collection.
Then, there are occasionally buyers who are acting under the instructions of an automotive museum somewhere. After all, in the world of classic car auctions, rare and sometimes totally unique vehicles go "under the hammer", as they say.
Of course, there are always plenty of people like me, who have a passion for old cars and attend these events hoping to pick up an affordable classic.
Prices? Well they can range from a modest amount for a vehicle "requiring restoration" to, "how much money will your bank manager let you have"???
I'm not joking here, it is well known that companies such as RM have obtained prices for vehicles, in the millions!
Naturally, vehicles, which the auction house feel worthy of those kind of prices, are often sent to rather more exotic locations than Toronto, but even so, the Ontario events can occasionally bring a shock.
Don't let all this put you off, there are always a few "bargain priced" vehicles to be found.
Don't believe me, just look at the pictures of the red 1971 Jaguar E-Type Coupe. You will clearly see the bidding figures on the board. $7,000 and change for an E-Type Jag! If it wasn't for the fact that a divorce would have cost me more, I'd have had that!!
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The buzz that one gets from being part of these auctions is hard to explain to anyone who has never attended one. The atmosphere is purely electrifying. That might sound like I'm exaggerating slightly, but believe me, once you hear the auctioneer's banter, and see the excitement in the eyes of the bidders, you'll realize that I'm not.
Of course buyers at these events come from all walks of life, and all backgrounds. There are the serious collectors, who have been endlessly searching for that one "must have" vehicle to add to their personal collection.
Then, there are occasionally buyers who are acting under the instructions of an automotive museum somewhere. After all, in the world of classic car auctions, rare and sometimes totally unique vehicles go "under the hammer", as they say.
Of course, there are always plenty of people like me, who have a passion for old cars and attend these events hoping to pick up an affordable classic.
Prices? Well they can range from a modest amount for a vehicle "requiring restoration" to, "how much money will your bank manager let you have"???
I'm not joking here, it is well known that companies such as RM have obtained prices for vehicles, in the millions!
Naturally, vehicles, which the auction house feel worthy of those kind of prices, are often sent to rather more exotic locations than Toronto, but even so, the Ontario events can occasionally bring a shock.
Don't let all this put you off, there are always a few "bargain priced" vehicles to be found.
Don't believe me, just look at the pictures of the red 1971 Jaguar E-Type Coupe. You will clearly see the bidding figures on the board. $7,000 and change for an E-Type Jag! If it wasn't for the fact that a divorce would have cost me more, I'd have had that!!
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