Selling Classic American Cars In Australia: Strategies For Success

how to sell classic american cars in australia

Classic American cars are sought-after collector's items in Australia, with some companies and auction houses specialising in their sale. If you're looking to sell a classic American car in Australia, there are a few options to consider. You could use an online platform, such as Cars Wanted, which has been in the business of buying classic cars for over 30 years and offers immediate payment and a same-day buying service. Alternatively, SEVEN82MOTORS provides an auction and marketing platform for sellers, taking care of the entire process and showcasing cars to a wide audience. Another option is to contact a specialist importer directly, such as Road Rage Industries, which can assist with buying, selling, and importing vehicles.

Characteristics Values
Marketplace Private car sales and marketplaces
Dealers Licensed motor dealers
Online Online car buying service
Payment Immediate payment
Time Same-day buying service
Hassle Zero hassle
Running costs Depreciation and running costs
Test drives Uninsured test drives
Strangers Time-wasting strangers
Valuation Fair valuation
Condition Flexible on the condition and restoration progress of the car
Forms Easy valuation form
Marketing Marketing platform

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Online marketplaces for classic cars

There are several online marketplaces for buying and selling classic cars in Australia. These include:

  • Just Cars: This platform caters to classic, vintage, and unique car enthusiasts and offers free advertising for individuals. It features a range of classic cars, from the 1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS to the 1955 Standard sedan.
  • Cars Wanted: With over 30 years of experience, Cars Wanted is a licensed motor dealer offering an online car-buying service for classic and collector vehicles. They specialise in various classic cars, including American muscle cars, German classics, and British marques. The platform provides a fast and simple same-day buying service with immediate payment and handles all the paperwork.
  • Collectable Classic Cars: Based in South Australia, Collectable Classic Cars claims to be the largest sports and classic car dealer in the region. They offer an online application process for a quick approval to purchase their vehicles.
  • Australian Muscle Car Sales: Australian Muscle Car Sales positions itself as Australia's number one website for muscle and classic car sales. The platform offers a diverse range of classic cars, including Mitsubishi, Holden, Mustang, and Valiant models.

These online marketplaces provide a convenient and specialised platform for buying and selling classic cars in Australia, connecting enthusiasts and ensuring a smooth transaction process.

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Licensed motor dealers

If you are looking to sell classic American cars in Australia, one option is to sell to a licensed motor dealer. Cars Wanted, for example, is a licensed motor dealer that buys classic cars and has been in operation for over 30 years. They offer a fast, simple, same-day buying service with immediate payment and zero hassle.

When selling to a licensed motor dealer, you can expect a quick and easy transaction. For example, Cars Wanted offers an instant sale where you will be paid before handing over the keys. They are flexible regarding the condition and restoration progress of the car.

Overall, selling to a licensed motor dealer can be a convenient and reliable option for selling your classic American car in Australia, as it allows you to avoid the hassle of private car sales and provides a trusted and experienced buyer.

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Pros and cons of private sales

Private sales can be a great way to sell your classic American car in Australia, but there are some pros and cons to consider before deciding on this route.

Pros

One of the main benefits of private sales is that you deal directly with the owner, cutting out the middleman and any associated costs. This means you can often get a better price than you would through a dealership sale. Private sales can also be completed quickly once you find the right buyer, and you have more flexibility in negotiating the price.

Cons

However, there are some drawbacks to private sales. It can be time-consuming to find the right buyer, and you may have to list your car on multiple websites to reach a wide audience. Private sales also don't offer the same level of legal protection as a showroom sale, and buyers have fewer rights. For example, in Tasmania, Australian consumer law doesn't apply to privately purchased cars, and there is no statutory warranty or cooling-off period offered. It is also the buyer's responsibility to ensure the vehicle isn't stolen or can't be legally sold, which can involve additional checks and costs.

Overall, private sales can be a great option for selling your classic American car in Australia, but it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and take steps to protect yourself and your interests.

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Classic car auctions

Chicane Auctions

Chicane Auctions is a well-known auction house that specialises in classic cars. They offer a seller-friendly approach, making it relatively easy for individuals to consign their vehicles for auction. Their auctions feature a diverse range of vehicles, including vintage cars, muscle cars, sports cars, and luxury vehicles. The bidding process is timed and live, with registered bidders competing to secure their desired vehicles. Chicane Auctions also provide post-auction services, assisting with logistics and documentation to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

Donington Auctions

Donington Auctions is another auction house that operates throughout Australia and New Zealand. They specialise in fine motor cars, antiques, and collectables, and are known for their exceptional selection of classic cars. Donington Auctions often feature rare and unique vehicles, such as vintage trucks and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to numerical number plates that are highly sought after by collectors.

Cars Wanted

Cars Wanted is a licensed motor dealer that has been in the business of buying classic cars for over 30 years. They offer a fast and simple same-day buying service with immediate payment and zero hassle. This option may be suitable if you prefer a quick and easy sale without the need for an auction process.

When preparing to sell your classic American car in Australia, it is important to consider the condition, provenance, and history of the vehicle. Auction houses like Chicane Auctions conduct thorough evaluations, including detailed inspections of the engine, chassis, interior, and exterior, to assess the car's overall value. Potential buyers will also have access to important documentation such as service records and ownership history.

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Importing American cars to Australia

Importing American classic cars to Australia is a complex process that involves multiple government agencies and specific requirements. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

Understanding the Requirements:

Before initiating the importation process, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the regulations and standards set by the Australian government. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts plays a significant role in overseeing vehicle imports. Ensure that you thoroughly understand their requirements and those of any other relevant agencies.

Choosing a Reputable Importer:

Selecting a reputable and experienced company, such as Dazmac, can significantly streamline the process. These companies can guide you through the necessary steps, documentation, and compliance requirements. Dazmac, for instance, is a Licensed Customs Brokerage and can assist with asbestos testing and removal, which is a critical aspect of importing used vehicles to comply with Australian standards.

Vehicle Eligibility:

When importing American cars to Australia, certain eligibility criteria must be met. The eligibility criteria depend on factors such as the age of the vehicle, modifications, and your residency status. For example, vehicles manufactured before 1989 without major modifications may have different requirements compared to newer vehicles. Additionally, if you are migrating to Australia, the government offers a specific import permit for your situation.

Obtaining an Import Permit:

Securing an import permit is essential before shipping your vehicle. Failure to obtain this permit before your car arrives in Australia may result in it being ordered for re-export or, in some cases, destruction. The process typically involves engaging a Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) Workshop, which will handle the compliance process and issue the necessary import permit.

Shipping and Costs:

When choosing a shipping method, you may opt for container shipping or Roll on Roll off (RORO). The costs associated with importing a car from the USA to Australia vary depending on factors such as shipping method, vehicle type, and additional services required (e.g., asbestos testing, modifications). Obtaining a free quote from reputable importers like Dazmac can help you understand the exact costs involved.

Registration and Compliance:

After successfully importing your American classic car to Australia, ensure that it complies with national road vehicle standards, including Australian Design Rules. Additionally, be prepared to address any requirements related to state or territory registration, insurance, and any applicable taxes, such as the 5% import duty and the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the value of taxable importation.

Importing American classic cars to Australia requires careful planning, attention to detail, and compliance with various regulations. By following the steps outlined above and seeking guidance from reputable importers, you can successfully navigate the process and bring your dream car down under.

Frequently asked questions

Some companies that can help you sell your classic American car in Australia include Cars Wanted, Seven82Motors, and Road Rage Industries.

Using a company to sell your car can save you the hassle of private car sales and marketplaces, and can also help you avoid issues like uninsured test drives, time-wasting strangers, and depreciation and running costs.

The process of selling your classic American car in Australia will vary depending on the company you choose to work with. Some companies, like Cars Wanted, offer a fast, simple same-day buying service with immediate payment. Other companies, like Seven82Motors, provide an auction and marketing platform that can help you sell your car to buyers in Australia and beyond.

Classic American cars that are popular in Australia include those from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Lincoln, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, and Pontiac.

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