We search for the classic car you have in mind, period or modern, and introduce you to its owner. The more precise the request (model, year, specification, original colours), the more precise the search.
A classic car is judged on its history as much as on its condition: previous owners, maintenance invoices, matching chassis and engine numbers, the manufacturer’s certificate where one exists. We present it with these records, and the inspection is then arranged between you and the seller, with the specialist you appoint.
Some of these cars change hands from one collector to another, without a listing or an auction. The search covers cars offered publicly and those that are not, and your name is given to no seller without your agreement.
Dealer, consignment, auction house, broker: our article on the classic car broker sets out whom each one works for. How a private search unfolds, from the brief to the presentation, is covered in a separate article.
Buying a classic car, step by step
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The brief
Model, year, specification, original colours, and how much latitude you accept on each. -
The search
Listed cars, forthcoming auctions, and cars that change hands without a listing. -
The presentation
The car is presented to you with its history, records and photographs, without your name being disclosed. -
The checks
Matching numbers, invoices, the manufacturer’s certificate, then an inspection by the specialist you appoint. -
The introduction
Negotiation and sale between you and the seller, with your own advisers. Transport is arranged afterwards.
What we search for
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Period cars
From pre-war cars to the classics of the 1980s. -
Modern classics
More recent cars, already sought after by collectors. -
History and documentation
Previous owners, invoices, certificates of authenticity and registration documents. -
Inspection
Carried out before purchase by the specialist you appoint, using the records gathered.
What we are asked
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Are you a classic car broker?
The term is often used for what we do. Our work is search and introduction: we look for the car that meets your request and introduce you to its owner. Negotiation and the sale take place directly between you.
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Can you search for a car in another country?
Yes, the search is not confined to one country. Import, registration and tax formalities are then a matter for your advisers.
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How can a car’s authenticity be established?
Through its records and an inspection. The manufacturer’s certificate where one exists, the chassis and engine numbers, the invoices and the ownership history are checked before any decision, by the specialist you appoint. We gather these records and present them to you.
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How long does a search take?
It depends on how rare the model is and how precise the request. We give you a realistic horizon from the first conversation, then keep you informed at every stage.
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Should I buy at auction or privately?
An auction gives a fixed timetable and a public price, to which the buyer’s premium is added. A private sale leaves time to inspect and to discuss terms. The search covers both, and a car is presented to you whichever route it is sold through.
See also
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Acquisitions
Search and introductions for the aircraft or the car you have in mind, whether you are buying or selling. -
01
Private jets
The aircraft that suits the way you fly, sought without your name going any further. -
03
Supercars
The specification you have chosen, among cars already delivered. -
04
Selling
Your aircraft or your car shown to identified buyers, never to the public.
Write to us,
we take it from there.
Describe the car you are looking for, even if none is on offer today. A first conversation is enough to open the search.