“New Car, Well Old Car Smell”

“New Car, Well Old Car Smell”

The Holidays are over, but now starts another Holliday of sorts, The Big Auctions that start off the year in the car Hobby World. Arizona in January has become an epicenter to start off the year with the car hobby and with reporters and hobbyists trying to predict the trends and health of the collector car industry. A horsepower circus and celebration that is all automotive. I’ve been there as a bidder and it’s fabulous and you see a little everything. There are a few things that we need to remember when going to the auction or any auction is not to get caught up in that new car, well old car smell. Those intoxicating fumes of gasoline and grandeur boasting and talk of the Glory Days can get anyone caught up in the auction action Well, as an auctioneer, that’s what we do best. It’s our job to market our client’s assets to the public and get the highest price for them. Build up that feeding frenzy and bidding war and “get the Money”.

When I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to drive and get my own first car. I tell you what, I would have drove anything to get that freedom of driving., In fact, I did. I drove 23 different vehicles out of the salvage yard from Freshman to Senior in High School. Some didn’t make it to school, mind you. But Dad would always say, “Don’t get caught up in that New Car Smell, look at the deal”. Well, that’s good advice. I remember seeing a Red Camaro and circled that thing about times before it was sold at the auction. I was so proud the whole way home, and then the work started, fixing things I didn’t see. This is a good lesson for all auction goers. It doesn’t matter how pretty on the outside a car is, there may be hidden problems underneath that pretty paint. Just like a box of assorted chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. That’s why I punch holes in the bottom before taking one! Yeah, it’s true. But remember you as a bidder, must do your diligence to look at the vehicle before you buy or bid on it. The terms of every auction are different and you must read the terms and agree when you get your number. All items at the auction are Sold AS IS, unless otherwise specified by the seller-owner, and All Sales are final. Just like a used car at a car dealer. There is paperwork that goes along to this fact. Some helpful auction tips and reminders. Get to the auction early and review the information on the lot BEFORE you get to the auction. Take and review the pictures, read the information, call the auction company if needed, and be prepared and know what you want to bid on. 2. When you get to the auction, have all your credentials in order and ready to get your number and review and agree to the terms and conditions, ask questions. 3. Locate your lot and start your inspection. Crawl under the car, lay on the ground, bring a magnet, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to look sat the item and bid accordingly. NOBODY IS PUTTING A GUN TO YOUR HEAD TO MAKE YOU BID! You alone are responsible for your bidding activity. That’s the end all- it’s your responsibility. I had a guy one time say, “The grass was a bit tall and I didn’t want to get on the ground”, really- I do, you can. Ask Questions. 4. Now once the items are declared SOLD, you are the new owner. It’s your job to ship, remove, and 1st of all pay for your new purchase. NO going to get lunch, prompt payment is expected. At Some auctions, a penalty can be in the terms and conditions for lack of payment or prompt payment. It’s a contract and you can be legally held responsible and this can be expensive.
Most of all, have fun and be a good bidder and do your research and we all get along better and you go home with the car or truck of your dreams. At my auctions, I’m more than happy to try and help you answer questions or try and get you the info that you need. Problems can start when you don’t do your job with your inspections or payment.

Now for trends, people always buy what they remember- if we don’t have memories of a car or truck- we don’t buy them. My age group, I’m not saying, is buying those cars we had back in High School- Chevelles, Camaros, GTO’s, Challengers, and more. They were a dime a dozen back in the 1970’s and 80’s, but popular today. The kids are gone, and the empty nesters are bidding on the Glory Days. I know, I am. I remember getting a wild ride in a 1970 Chevelle, and I was racing back from Jasper, MN driving a 1965 Chevelle. My husband remembers buying a 1969 Road Runner and so excited and the first run down the gravel road in MN the rear springs came through the rusty trunk. He defiantly got caught up in the thrill of that Road Runner.

I think we will see other lower because that generation is selling and not buying or it’s an estate. I also feel that the foreign market will be represented well. At Barrett Jackson this year, 2 of my Lambrecht Chevrolet Trucks have been cleaned up and welling Tuesday and Wednesday. I will be watching to see what they say about them and what they bring. WE sure had the Old Car Smell fever going that auction in Nebraska at the Lambrecht Chevrolet. So, have fun going to the Big Show and our Auctions, and remember be a good bidder and we’ll all have fun and good luck buying back those Glory Days!

Yvette VanDerBrink-The Lil’ Nordstrom’s Gal
The Salvage Princess
VanDerBrink Auctions, LL