GOING GOING GONE
The Toronto Spring Car Auction
If
you’re like me you stay away from auctions
because mistakenly scratching one’s head may
buy you some god-awful item at some enormous
price then you understand why I pondered the
invite to the local spring car auction here in
Toronto. Thinking it’s bets to try this event
once in my life I made the mental note to a)
keep my hands in my pockets at all times and
b) do not bring the American Express Card.
The Toronto
International Spring Classic Car auction is
just one of five annual events produced by
RMClassic Car productions and only the second
auction per year in Toronto. While lacking in
the prestige that the Barrett Jackson Auction
has – no Escada fashion show here, the quality
and quantity of vehicles up for sale were
pleasantly surprising. In the course of 3 days
more than 300 cars would be passing through
with at least one to suit your taste
 and
pocket book. My fears of casual wave buying me
a LADA were foolish since all bidders must
register before. Without a bidder number you
cannot bid on a car. At this time pick up a
list of what’s offered so you can have the
approximate time schedule of each car’s turn
“on the block”.
RMCars suggest
you take the time to fully inspect a car.
While deals are meant to be made I strongly
advise bringing a well informed and trusted
car person with you. A close look inside and
out and of course, underneath can determine
the value of this car and a good listen to the
motor before purchasing can help pinpoint any
problems or defects the car might have. As one
big auction supporter said “Bid on what cars
you know about and you’ll be more likely to
get a deal”. Hence I scanned the Ferrari 246
Dino with wide eyes – from what I read it did
not meet it’s reserve. Now reserve is the base
amount
 the
seller wants for the car – but this can be
lowered at the auction block so don’t despair.
Some cars may come with a no-reserve which
will guarantee a sale at any cost. One
important thing to remember is the price you
bid doesn’t include taxes and a 5% buyers fee.
True automotive
enthusiasts know the historical importance of
documentation of the vehicle. One vehicle up
for sale was one of the last 2002 Trans Ams
produced. Factory tags and plastic in tact
would make this car highly collectable to the
GM fan. Original tools and records of a
classic Ferrari add value to the vehicle but
only to that Marque’s follower. While the
majority of the vehicles offered were of show
car quality – some were in need of TLC. As at
any auction some never sold, sometimes a true
showing of the market value. RMCars also
 ensures
that clear and free titles are available for
all cars sold. A very important point
especially when importing/exporting cars since
a clear title means there is no lien against
the car and the car has not been “salvaged”.
As I watched
some great cars roll off the auction block to
be sent to their new home – many destine for
the USA. With Free Trade certain American made
cars are not subject to duties and taxes –
even the rate for imports is viable when
currency exchange is brought into the picture.
If your pocket book only allows you to bid on
a hamburger ( and no they aren’t up for
auction) don’t worry – think of The Toronto
International Spring Classic Car auction as a
great mini-car show for us car nuts.
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