Auction House dispute

MEM62

Finneganae said:

Thank you for your prompt reply. 

A condition report was not requested.  This was the words that was on the advert: 

This vehicle was first registered on 1st May 1969. 

This has a black interior and a black hood.  

Full numbers matching car. 

Original paint in cream. 

A stunning genuine vehicle. 

Viewing is recommended.  

Nothing you have stated in your original post contradicts anything that is said here.  Any old / classic car needs careful inspection, usually by an expert in that marque, before purchase.  I can't see that you have a case here.    

RFW

Contact Trading Standards via the buyer's local council.

While a lawyer may be able to help it's fairly costly. Trading Standards would be able to step in and have powers above anything a lawyer can do.

That said, they may not be able to help, but they would be able to advise the best route, if there is any.

I would add that this would need to have been a personal purchase rather than buying with the hope of reselling for a profit. Trading Standards only deal with consumer rights.

RFW

Just as an extra point there are rules for auction houses, they can't just say "buyer beware" and send a pocket calculator to someone who thinks they've bought a MacBook.

I think an important question that could help is who delivered the car? If it was the auction house themselves that may be a big help. If it was collected on behalf of the buyer then it could have been checked before leaving, so rights diminish.

It might also be worth pointing Trading Standards in the direction of the idea that there was no winning bidder. If it was shill bidding on behalf of the auction house TS may well be interested in that.

k3lvc

Who was the auction house and what T&C's did your family member sign/agree to before bidding ? There's likely to be a big difference between Bonhams and Copart for example

As others have said the lack or prior inspection - particularly when recommended in the listing is likely to play against you - whether a physical examination or virtual with the ability to ask questions

What was the car/price paid and does that reflect it's condition vs others available 

theoretica

I believe it is a key point if the auction permitted viewing and in person bidding - as 'viewing recommended' implies - if it did not, then there are stronger buyer protections.

Looking at other cars advertised for auction many come with service histories/narratives. In comparison, this one is very lacking and does sound more like either a garage find or a project someone never got round to.

RFW

k3lvc said:

Who was the auction house and what T&C's did your family member sign/agree to before bidding ? There's likely to be a big difference between Bonhams and Copart for example

As others have said the lack or prior inspection - particularly when recommended in the listing is likely to play against you - whether a physical examination or virtual with the ability to ask questions

What was the car/price paid and does that reflect it's condition vs others available 

The OP may be better off not naming them. They may end up with this post taken down and/or it could affect any legal case.

One question that may help is if the auction house was a dedicated car auction or a general auction that was selling one, or just a few cars.