When it’s time for your classic vehicle to go to a new owner and you have entrusted a consignment dealer or auction to handle the sale, what can you do to help ensure it gets top dollar and there are no problems when you drop it off?

Wash and Wax

The most obvious thing to do is a thorough wash and detail. Not just a quick wash in the driveway, but one that focuses not only on the exterior, but also the wheels, undercarriage, trunk, interior and very importantly the engine compartment. Nothing spoils a beautifully detailed vehicle more than opening the hood to see grease, oil, dust, and dirt. Yes, it’s a little bit of work, but important in the overall presentation. Make sure on the way to drop off the car at Classic Auto Mall it doesn’t get additional dirt on it after all of that hard work.

Remove Personal Belongings

Remove any unnecessary items from the car, including old plastic trophies you won at the local car show, garage door opener, sunglasses, pens, change, and EZ Pass?

Wheel Locks

If your vehicle as wheel locks, make sure the lug remover is in the vehicle so the new owner doesn’t have problems removing the wheels and tires.

VINs, Paperwork and Documentation

When is the last time you checked to see if your title matches the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on your vehicle? Is the VIN on the vehicle a proper manufacturers VIN plate or something someone had made at the local engraving shop? The correct title with matching VIN plate is crucial to selling the vehicle.

Some VIN numbers are very difficult to see as they may have been stamped on the frame and could be covered by years of grease or even worse, covered by a new fender or aftermarket part. Any paperwork, receipts, or factory documents are important to the new owner, and you should make an effort to locate them and include with sale.

Write down everything you know about the history and components of the car. A description that says, “red with a 4-speed” is not enough and neither is “the car speaks for itself”. Be very specific and accurate when writing the details, because it helps sell the car.

Following these simple guidelines will make the process much smoother and allow you to get top dollar for your classic vehicle while Classic Auto Mall does all the work.