You mentioned the internet. Did you ever buy any of your cars over the internet? (Continued)
Having said that, I must admit that several of the cars in my collection were purchased over the internet and so far, I’ve never been ‘burned’. The key is obviously to know the reputation of the seller, look at lots of pictures from every angle and if it makes you feel better, hire an independent inspector to look at the car for you before you close the deal. I’ve done that on occasion. Then, always use a shipper with an enclosed transport trailer, and request that your car be placed on the top row. Most haulers wait until they have several cars to transport before making a run. If yours is on the bottom row, oil or fluid leaks from the cars on top could damage your vehicle below.

What about auctions...any purchases ever made that way?
“Until recently, the answer to that question was ‘No’. But I actually did buy the ‘57 Bel Air Fuelie Convertible at auction. I was lucky to get it below market price, so even with the ‘Buyer’s Premium’ added to the hammer price, I felt I got an expensive bargain.

In spite of my attitude about certain aspects of auctions, I love auctions, of all kinds...and especially classic car auctions. I watch hours of Barrett-Jackson’s sale on the Speed Channel. But I watch to keep up with what kind of prices these cars are bringing. And honestly, I have always had a mental block about that ‘Buyer’s Premium’. That little concept popped up a few years ago in most auctions and I have trouble getting past it. I normally attend lots of auctions, but so far, only one car auction as a buyer.