How to buy cars at auction

For both seasoned collectors and those entering the car world as an enthusiast, automotive auctions offer the opportunity to discover enduring classics and rare, sought-after models.

Our automotive auction house Gooding Christie’s specialises in the finest collector motor cars, ranging from the antique horseless carriage to the ultra-modern hypercar. Throughout the entire process from buying to selling, Gooding Christie’s specialists are here to help you purchase the right car with confidence.

Finding the right car

Whether there’s a particular model you find nostalgic, or a car you’ve long had your eye on, Gooding Christie’s auctions cater to every genre of collector. Recognised around the world as a leading automotive auction house, Gooding Christie’s currently holds world record prices for numerous marques, including Ferrari, Porsche, RUF, Mercer, McLaren, Dusenberg and Bugatti.

For each car offered at auction, catalogues typically provide an in-depth description, which includes a car’s history, provenance, images and restoration work, along with its participation in important events, races or concours.

If there are any additional questions you may have, our specialists are here to assist at every stage of your search, from initial research to finding a specific model. Their decades of experience and thorough knowledge of the intricacies of the market guarantee that both client and automobile will receive expert care.

Once you have found something you are interested in bidding on, take advantage of pre-auction viewings to examine a car’s physical and mechanical presentation.

Where to buy

Gooding Christie’s sells collector cars through auctions and private brokerage, both in the live auction arena and through our bespoke digital platform and mobile app.

Flagship auctions include Rétromobile Paris in January, Amelia Island in Florida in March, Pebble Beach in California in August and Rétromobile New York in November.

Browse the auction calendar to discover all of the live Gooding Christie’s auctions taking place throughout the world. Our bespoke digital Geared Online auctions also offer a selection of highly curated automotive and memorabilia lots presented at all price points.

How to bid

There are three ways to bid on a car offered at auction:

• In-room bidding – experience the auction by bidding in the room
• Online bidding – bid from anywhere with Gooding Christie’s online bidding platform, accessible via the website or Gooding Christie’s mobile app
• Telephone and absentee bidding – if you are unable to join us on the day of an auction, a saleroom representative can bid on your behalf

Whichever way you plan to bid, Gooding Christie’s makes the registration process simple and convenient. The general requirements for all methods of bidding include a completed Bidder Registration Application, a Bank Letter of Guarantee and a driver’s license or passport identification. After the submission of your application, a Gooding Christie’s representative will contact you to finalise your registration.

Start your registration by visiting goodingco.com. For any questions around bidder registration, contact our Bidder team at bidders@goodingco.com.

What happens following the auction?

If your bid has been successful, our client services team will be in touch after the final lot has been sold with your invoice, along with further instructions regarding payment, lot removal and ownership transfers.

If you have any questions after the sale, you can contact the team at clientservices@goodingco.com.

In summary

Gooding Christie’s offers access to some of the world’s most renowned cars. With a history of setting world record prices, our specialists are here to guide you through every stage of the auction process.

Explore upcoming auctions and take the next step in building your collection.

For more auction terms, visit our full auction glossary.