10 TOP TIPS ON HOW TO BUY CLASSICS

1. FIND A BUYER FIRST
There's nothing better than already having someone lined up to buy a car from you before you've made the purchase. You may not have much of a chance to enjoy the car if you're moving it on swiftly, but you'll be on the next rung of the classic car ladder. Do beware of income tax implications, though.

2. STUDY YOUR MARKET
The likes of a Standard 8 may be cheap to purchase, but there may not be much profit to be had by the time it comes to selling. At this end of the market, you really need to rely on skills, time and facilities to make a profit.

3. DON'T FEAR AUCTIONS
Buying a classic car at auction is actually an exhilarating way to make a purchase. It can also lead you to unexpected bargains. But do remember that what you think it is a bargain may not necessarily be so in reality. Keep your own limitations in mind and know your cars.

4. ASK AROUND
If you're really keen to get a bargain, pick a locality and ask around. People in a local shop or a pub may well have heard that someone has an old car they might like to sell. Milk deliverers and postmen are also useful sources of unmissable local information.

5. USE OVERSEAS CONTACTS
It has long been acknowledged that the USA is a useful source of rust-free Brit tin. California is not the only place where dreams are made. In Australia there are many hidden gems lying idle in barns and garages and the Aussie domestic market for such delights is limited.

6. IMPORT TWO OR MORE CARS
It might be a bot more work, but if you're importing a car, why not make it two? Then one can be sold to help recover transport costs. If you have a whole container, fill it with parts as well by finding a reliable person to strip another couple of cars for export.

7. BE BOLD
If you see a car that fits your bill while out and about, don't be afraid to leave contact details. You may just find that the vehicle is available and at a decent price, thus dodging a bidding war, but don't be too intrusive. This method may take time to reap rewards.

8. BE IMPARTIAL
Work outside the limitations of your own taste. Only liking Rootes Group products may well give you expert knowedge of the marque encompassed, but the usual Jaguars and Triumphs will always sell more easily and often at greater prices.

9. ONLINE ADVANTAGE
Try searching online auction and sales sites using misspellings and typos. There may not be many folks looking for a 'Tiumph' (32 items noted), a 'Damler' (five items listed) or an 'Autin' (12 items listed). It may seem a tad unfair, but as the old saying goes, that's life.

10.TRADITIONAL SOURCES
There is of course your weekly classic newspaper Classic Car Weekly and this website Classic Cars For Saleas great sources of tempting tin. But also look on type-specific forums and clus websites, as they often feature a For Sale section. 

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