Where do classics come from?

If there are bright kids asking, "Where do children come from?", It is clear "They are brought by the stork." But where do classics come from? That will be more difficult. Classics often come from private individuals and dealers.

But how do they get their stuff?

The stories go that brave classic hunters, at the risk of their own or other people's lives, scour the world to find the most beautiful specimens. And of course, there are such heroes. And if you are in 'the world', then the chance of catching ripe, shiny classics is quite high. But 'barnfinds' are also the subject of legends. Because all that has been forgotten and abandoned. In Auto Motor Klassiek we have already seen a lot of that beautiful. And also around the corner there may be a forgotten classic in a shed or garage. But you will only find it when you ring the bell and ask for it.

We find classics easiest with private individuals or dealers

And we find them abundantly on the Internet. First, some searching shows that there are quite a few 'professional individuals'. Therefore, check the data on the license plates. But there are also many honest individuals who offer their classics. On the Web. And then the contacts follow. On the Web. Suppose you have a nice classic for sale between 5.000-10.000 euros. Let it be up to 15.000 euros. Then there is a chance that someone is interested and closes the case with a warm handshake after some short negotiations.

But there is a much greater chance of a mild stream of responses of the kind that makes Marktplaats - and earlier Speurders - something of a spittoon for the mentally ill. Cloud runners, arch supports, doorsteps, Crazy Henkies… Just think of a name.
In response to your MP ad you will receive messages such as: “What a rascal you are with those prices”, “Man, you really don't know what you're talking about. You have to be a hell of a dick to ask so much. ” "If you just don't want to get rid of it, you shouldn't put it up for sale." “I offer you two miel. I will come and get it tomorrow without any notice to the contrary. ” And what about the response: "But what a nice horny rammer I am, gna, gna, gna."

You can take one or two of those messages off with a shrug

But if your classic has not been sold after three months and a bid of 500 euros comes 'because you have to get rid of the thing anyway'? Then there is a good chance that it will be time for plan B. And that will certainly not yield the main prize, but at least you will get money and space. You call one or more classic dealers. Classic traders are clear people. They like classics. Otherwise they would have started selling video games or solar panels.

Moreover, it is clear that a classic dealer should be able to profit from his purchase. He will therefore bid according to commercial value. That can take a while. But payment and proper administrative processing are guaranteed. What if your unsellable classic is sold by the dealer after a week? Then he has a good week. If the classic is still for sale after six months +? Then that's his problem if it's already a problem for him.

Oh, yes: There is another group of people who prefer to sell to the retailer or give on consignment: These are the people who realize that the home visit of the potential buyers who come to see in the afternoon could be prosecuted at night. with a closed tandem axle and a piece of sausage with sleeping aid for the dog. Then the next day you have a well-rested dog and you have lost your classic. But you have no money ...

Incidentally, the Opel in the header photo is not for sale