How to Buy

Many people are put off buying and selling at auction because they feel intimidated by their lack of knowledge of the process.

While there are no guarantees of success, there are certain factors that buyers need to take into account when deciding whether or not to take the plunge. Here is a brief general guide to buying at auction.

N.B. Prospective purchasers are respectfully advised to read our Terms and Conditions of Sale carefully before bidding on any lot, as they form the terms of your contract with us, whether or not you are a successful bidder.

Is there a catalogue available?

Catalogues are available on the front desk at the sale or prior to the sale by post and give prospective buyers full details on all the automobilia, bicycle, motorcycle and motor car lots in the auction. In the catalogue there are photographs and descriptions of the lots on offer.

£20 on the door
£23 posted in the UK,
£25 posted in Europe & Eire, and
£27 posted to rest of the world.

Please be aware that H&H Classic Auctions Ltd. has the right at its sole discretion, without assigning any reason whatsoever, to refuse admission to any of its sales or indeed its premises by any person.
The purchase of a catalogue does not constitute an entry ticket or guarantee entry.

Is there much there worth coming for?

There are normally in excess of 80 motor cars or motorcycles, 20 bicycles and 300 lots of automobilia. However if you want to see if there is something there that you fancy prior to buying a catalogue, we are the only auctioneers who list and photograph every single lot available for auction on our website.

How will you know who I am?

Our auctions are based on trust and we try not to be too intrusive into your life. However we do need to know that you are who you say you are and to enable the Auctioneer to recognise bidders during the sale. We therefore require all intending purchasers to complete a Bidder's Registration Form, which is in the back of the catalogue, giving full identification and appropriate references, and also to produce identification in the form of a current UK driving licence or passport. This will enable you to bid at the sale by means of a number allocated to you.
We also need to know that you can pay for any items that you bid for and so we require you to provide bank references for any significant potential purchases (above £50,000) and this should be completed at least 48 hours before the appropriate sale.
All Lots sold will be invoiced to the registered bidder and if you lose your catalogue or bidder's number please notify reception immediately.

Can I view the lots and the history files?

Official viewing takes place the day before the auction, usually between 2pm and 7pm, and on the morning of the sale from 9.00am. Vehicles are sold as static exhibits and are not driven through an auction hall, but during viewing on the day prior to the sale vehicles may be started by our resident engineer. This is not possible on the day of the auction.
The documentation office is open during those times stated above and we recommend that the history files for the lots are examined in detail prior to bidding on any lot.

Are there any warranties offered?

No, all vehicles are offered on an ‘as seen’ basis.

However you should remember that most motor cars are for sale because for one reason or another they have not been used enough and we advise that at least a cursory inspection by a mechanic prior to road use is in order. The catalogue describes the motor cars to the best of our ability using information supplied by the vendor but should we receive pertinent information about a lot after the publication of the catalogue we shall add a note to that effect ot the bottom of the 'motor car details sheet' which can be found on the windscreen of the motor car.
We are happy to offer our opinion as to the integrity of any vehicle at the sale and our resident engineer will always be available to help in this respect, however this is an opinion only and should not be relied upon. In short, you should satisfy yourself as to the completeness, condition and integrity of any lot prior to bidding.
It is also important to note that some catalogue illustrations are historical and may show the vehicle in a better condition than it is now offered.

Can I change my mind after I have purchased a vehicle?

Not under any circumstances.

Lots are not sold as an option and there is no ‘cooling off’ period. Once the auctioneer drops the gavel (hammer) a contract is made and you are obligated to proceed with that said contract.

Are there any other charges?

Like the vast majority of auctioneers, H&H Classic Auctions charge what is known as a buyer’s premium.

For full details of our charges, click here.

How fast will the auctioneer go?

You should expect the auctioneer to offer circa 30 Vehicles and 100 lots of Automobilia per hour and we usually envisage the sale lasting about three to four hours.

If I buy something how can I pay?

For immediate clearance of Lot(s) full payment must be made to H&H Classic Auctions Ltd. by means of Banker's Draft, Building Society Cheque, Switch/Delta or Connect Debit Cards, Cash or Interbank Transfer by 12.00 noon the day following the sale. Payment by credit card is acceptable, but is subject to a surcharge of 4% plus VAT on the Total Amount Due. In any event purchasers are reminded that clearance of Lot(s) may only be effected once we have received cleared funds in our account.

For Purchaser's wishing to pay by bank transfer our bank account details are as follows:

National Westminster Bank Plc., 23 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1XH
Account Name: H&H Classic Auctions Ltd.
Account Number: 71060480
Branch Sort Code: 01-09-17
Swift: NWBKGB2L
IBAN: GB98NWBK01091771060480

When can I remove what I have bought?

All lots are held at the purchaser's risk at the fall of the hammer and must be removed not later than 4pm on the day following the sale. If they are not removed by then we shall have them taken into store at the buyer's expense.

Can someone deliver the motor car for me?

Yes.

Our preferred transport company, along with representatives of other companies will be on site to give advice but if you have any questions at all please talk to Mark Hamilton in the office.

Can I insure my purchase and drive it home?

Yes.

First of all you must check that it has a current MOT and road fund licence but a representative of Footman James & Co. are on site to give instant quotations and cover.

Can I bring my trailer?

There will be adequate parking available for trailers, transporters and motor cars alike but please come early as we do get very busy and the parking close-by can become full.

If I can't make it to the sale how can I bid?

We will execute commission bids or telephone bids when instructed and prospective bidders must complete the appropriate forms at least 24 hours prior to the auction. References are required for either method and interested bidders are required to pay a refundable deposit of approximately 10% of the intended bid amount.
Lot(s) will be bought as cheaply as is allowed by other bids and reserves.

Will refreshments be available on site?

Most venues we attend have their own on site cafe or restaurant. Those that don't are usually not far from local amenities.

We look forward to being able to be of service to you be it now or in the future. In the meantime if you have any queries at all do not hesitate to contact us and we will do everything possible to help you.

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