Ok, so you've decided you're selling your classic car. You are keen to do it yourself, besides, who knows your car better than you - right? Well before you whiz through a couple of photos and create a basic listing like all of the other 1,000s of cars listed, take a look at some of these tips from those who've sold a car or two in their time.

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Do’s and Don’ts of Selling Your Classic Car Online
 

✅ Do’s:

• Be honest and transparent: Mention the condition accurately – buyers of classics often expect quirks and small issues, most cars aren’t perfect – even the good ones!

• Prepare the car: A clean, detailed vehicle sells faster and for more money. If you were selling your house, you wouldn’t leave dirty dishes in the sink in the photos would you?

• Use high-quality photos: Buyers will often judge the car based on visuals first. If you’ve captured your thumb, or your feet, or the photo is potato quality, try again.

• Respond quickly and professionally: Treat inquiries like business leads. Time can kill deals, if you don’t communicate with your potential buyer, you’re already behind the 8-ball when it comes to selling it.

• Know your car: Be ready to answer detailed questions (model history, originality, modifications, etc.) and if you don’t know the answer to the question, find out.

❌ Don’ts:

• Don’t oversell or hide flaws – it always backfires during inspection.

• Don’t list it until all paperwork is in order (receipts, service history, etc.).

• Don’t undervalue – but don’t ignore market trends either.

• Don’t engage in emotional negotiation – keep it businesslike.

• Don’t rush – take your time when you put the advert and photos together.

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📸 Tips for Photographing Your Classic Car

Best Locations:

• Quiet, open space with good lighting — a neutral background like an empty car park, warehouse, or tree-lined road.

• Avoid distractions like busy roads, shadows, other cars in the background, or clutter.

• Don’t take the photos at your house – this gives you privacy and peace of mind, and also gives you a chance to be a bit creative too!
   

Best Angles:

• Full front and rear ¾ views (the “hero shots”), styled like a magazine cover shoot.

• Straight-on front, rear, and side profile on both sides.

• Any exterior specialties, like badges or optional fittings.

• Interior shots: from both passenger and driver sides.

• Put the steering wheel straight before you take the interior photos

• Dash and odometer close-ups.

• Engine bay and boot, and cgve those ‘hidden’ areas a wipe before photos

• Underbody if you can safely get a clean shot.

• Any significant flaws – buyers appreciate honesty.

• If possible, reference a sales brochure for that car, and model the car just like it.

• Move the car, not the location. The best photos keep a consistent background.

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​Lets compare two similar cars which were listed online for sale via a popular online classifieds page.

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​One is photographed in a an area that is clear, with consistent light, and a focus on the best angles. It presents the car in a very appealing manor, which really makes the car jump off the screen.
One is photographed in a cluttered and narrow area, with darkness and bright light, and where no attention to detail has been given. Look at the steering wheel, the popped bonnet, the dark engine bay. 

There is no doubt which car will have more enquiries, and will likely sell first. Which do you prefer?

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Lighting Tips:

• Shoot during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon).

• Avoid direct sunlight that casts harsh shadows or reflections.

• Cloudy days often provide a far more consistent light than sunny days.

• Interior and Engine Bay photo are often best without the flash on.
   

📝 How to Write a Great Listing

Key Advert Structure:

1. Headline: Year + Make + Model + Highlight
   (e.g. "1971 Ford XY Falcon GT - Genuine GT, Matching Numbers")

2. Intro: One-liner on why it's special or rare, and what makes it desirable.

3. Overview:

   • History of the car

   • Ownership (especially long-term or family ownership)

   • Modifications or originality highlights

   • Mechanical condition and recent works

   • Interior/exterior condition

   • Known issues (if any)

4. Extras: Books, keys, spares, logbooks, service history

5. Reason for sale: Optional, but builds trust, but only if it is true.

6. Call to action: "Serious enquiries only. Available for inspection in [location]."

Writing Tone:

• Informative, not salesy.

• Speak to enthusiasts, not just everyday buyers.

• Buyers will see through the fake, so be honest and open.
   

💰 Framing the Asking Price

• Do your research: Look at current listings, sold listings, auction results.

• Consider:

  • Condition

  • Rarity

  • Originality

  • Documentation

• Start slightly higher than your “acceptable” price to allow negotiation room.

• Use round numbers with meaning (e.g., $69,000 rather than $68,447).

• Mention if you're open to offers or looking for a quick sale, if that is the case.

• Get a Desktop Valuation from VIP Automotive Solutions – who can give you an independent expert opinion on the value and potential sale price.
   

🛡️ Seller Tips: Avoiding Scams & Securing Payment

Do:

• Always meet in a public, well lit, safe location (ideally, bring a friend with you).

• Request ID from serious buyers before test drive.

• For test drives:

  • Insist the buyer is insured or drive them yourself.

  • Hold their license and take a photo of it.

• Use a bill of sale and receipt template (easy to find online).

• Require a non-refundable holding deposit. If they are committed, then you can remove your listings and stay exclusive to their offer and agreement.

• Accept payment via:

  • Bank transfer (wait until cleared) or use OSKO for instant transfer.

  • Bank cheque (verify at bank) but not personal cheques.

  • Avoid cash-only for larger sums due to security risks.

Don’t:

• Don’t ship the car without full cleared payment.

• Don’t share personal banking details beyond BSB/Account.

• Don’t fall for overpayment scams (e.g. buyer sends too much, then asks for refund of excess).

• Don’t drive the car once you’ve shaken hands on a deal. Park it up, and leave it. The last thing you want is an unfortunate accident if you take it for one last ride!
   

🕵️‍♂️ Buyer Tips: Due Diligence Before Buying

• Do a PPSR check (Personal Property Securities Register) to ensure there’s no money owing or it’s not stolen. For more information, you could also do a CarHistory check.

• Match the VIN/chassis/engine numbers to paperwork, ensuring they are the same.

• Ask for:

  • Service history

  • Logbooks

  • Receipts for recent work

  • Copy of registration papers, if applicable

• Inspect for rust, accident damage, mismatched paint, and oil leaks.

• Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a classic car specialist like VIP Inspections and Transport 

• Research common issues for that make/model online.

• If possible, talk to the mechanic who last worked on it.​

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You don't have x-ray vision, and you can't pull all the panels off to inspect under the sheet metal, but the next best thing is having an expert assist you with a qualified, educated opinion. Contact Joe at VIP Inspections and Transport on 1300 169 042 or visit https://www.vipvehicleinspections.com.au/ and make a booking!

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📦 Logistics: Insurance, Cover Notes & Transport

• Insurance:

  • Get a cover note before driving home (some classic insurers like Shannons offer this).

  • Consider agreed value insurance for classics, not just market value.

• Transport:

  • Use a reputable car transporter (covered and classic-car-specialised options exist).

  • Get a quote from VIP Inspections and Transport: https://www.vipvehicleinspections.com.au/

  • Document vehicle condition before handover (photos + checklist).

  • Don’t forget to remove personal items.

• Registration transfer:

  • Follow state-specific rules (some allow online transfers, others need RWC or inspection).

  • Be clear if you're selling with or without rego and plates.

 

This overview should help you be informed as both a buyer or seller. If you are still unsure, feel free to contact VIP via contact@vipautomotivesolutions.com.au and we will do our best to give you advice on your unique situation.