Drop-head gorgeous

Leading vehicle auction specialist, British Car Auctions (BCA) is predicting a great turn out for its first in a series of convertible sales featuring cars from Lloyds TSB Autolease/Black Horse. The first will take place at the Blackbushe auction centre on 11 March and will see around 100 convertibles for sale with the selection ranging in value from under £4,000 to over £40,000, meaning there is something for everybody. The sale is open to all buyers.

“This is a definitely a sale for drivers who want to get a great deal on a soft top” confirmed Tim Naylor, PR Manager, BCA. “Lloyds TSB Autolease/Black Horse have selected a great range of cars for the sale, from low mileage nearly new models, to older higher mileage examples. And with used car prices just starting to rise again, now could be a great time for clued-up buyers to get the convertible they always wanted.”

Among the selection of ‘drop-head gorgeous’ cars on offer are:
2003 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro DSG, Roadster, 42,346 miles
2005 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro S Line Tiptronic Convertible, 2 doors 38,565 miles
2005 BMW 320 CI 2.2 SPORT, Convertible, 2 doors, Auto/Manual 50,520 miles
2007 BMW 650I 4.8 Sport Convertible, 2 doors, Auto Petrol, 15,349 miles
2003 Mercedes CLK 2.6 240 AG, Convertible, 2 doors, Auto/Manual, Petrol, 45,186 miles
2005 Mercedes SLK 3.5 350, Roadster, 2 doors, Auto/Manual Mode, Petrol, 68,133 miles
2007 Citroen C3 Pluriel 1.6 110 Exclusive Sensodrive Convertible, 3 doors, 6,214 miles
2006 Ford Street Ka 1.6 Winter Edition Roadster, 2 doors Petrol, 12,525 miles
2004 Lotus Elise 1.8 Tourer Roadster, 2 doors, Petrol, 16,494 miles
2004 SMART Roadster 0.7 80, Coupe, 2 doors, Sequential, Petrol, 9,781 miles
2004 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 16V, Convertible, 2 doors, Manual Petrol, 39,011 miles
2004 Toyota MR2 1.8 VVTI, Roadster, 2 doors, Petrol, 33,093 miles
1999 Porsche 911 3.4 Carrera 4 Tiptronic S (996), 2 doors, Auto/Manual 65,791 miles

“We see demand for convertibles at all times of the year, but especially in Spring at events like this sale at Blackbushe, this really attracts the buyers” concluded Tim Naylor. “With such a broad range of ragtops on offer there will be something for everyone, whatever their tastes and budget.”

BCA’s top 10 tips for buying a convertible at auction:

Do your homework – know what you want before you go to an auction and have an idea what the car you are after is worth.

Terms and conditions – each auction house has its own terms and conditions explaining how you can buy, what the fees are etc. Familiarise yourself with these so that you don’t get surprised later on.

Don’t rush – arrive early and take time to examine the vehicle that interests you.

Do ask questions – ask auction staff, they will be happy to help.

Check the car – it’s up to you to check the car’s condition, so examine it prior to entering the auction hall. And listen to the engine running as it is driven into the auction hall.

Hood – pay particular attention to the hood mechanism when checking the car – does it fit properly? Does it work smoothly?

Budget – set a limit and stick to it. Save some funds for a post sale service and any minor repairs that might be needed.

Be flexible – if you miss your first choice, don’t give up and don’t throw the budget out the window just because you like the colour of the car you’re bidding on!

Auctioneer’s description – this is legally binding, so listen carefully. The terms and conditions will explain all the terminology used.

Bid clearly – don’t wink or tap your nose, simply raise your hand or the catalogue.