We’ve been talking about Soft Auctions for a little over a year now and it seems like a good time to take stock.
Why Soft Auctions?
When we decided to gradually dispose of our collection vehicles, we searched for the best way to proceed and came up with the concept of Soft Auction.
Direct sales
First, in order to avoid additional costs for the buyer, we chose the option of direct sales. Another good thing about direct sales, is that interested collectors can come to see and test drive the cars before making a decision.
Private auctions
Then, knowing that setting an objective price is no easy task, private auctions appeared to be the best option.
Setting the starting price
Finally, to set a starting price for these auctions, we decided to start by proposing the cost price of the vehicle. We then lower it regularly until we find a buyer. The auction is then launched.
It should be noted that the first person to declare himself a “taker” benefits from a 5% discount on the price reached after the auction, if he wins.
In details
To date, JWA Classic has sold its first car on this principle: the 1931 Aston-Martin International “John Cadbury”.
The first person who came forward did so at a price of €60,000 (*).
The auction was launched but nobody bid higher. The car was sold for €60,000 less the discount, i.e. €57,000.
If higher bidders had come forward but the buyer had still won the auction at – for example – €70,000, the car would have been sold to him at the price of €70,000 less the discount, i.e. €66,500.
The first to declare himself a buyer therefore has a real and definitive interest.
(*) the buyer respected the “rules” of Soft Auctions and made a donation of €570 (i.e. 1% of the price paid) for medical research. This donation was matched by JWA.
Remember: these are the only “fees” that are applied to the sale price in the Soft Auction system.
And Now ?
As of today, two sale have started : Delahaye 135M Chapron and Rochet-Schneider 26-Six.
Next cars that will be sold at Soft Auction:
– Delahaye 135MS Chapron (1947)
– Delahaye 235 Chapron (1951)
– Delahaye 135MS Figoni (1951).
Soft Auction: 1948 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet Grand Luxe Chapron
The sale of the Delahaye 135 Chapron has started in September 2022 and is on-going.
The price is lowered regularly (it started at €245,000), until a participant says “ok” and the auctions start.
Note: registrations will remain open until a participant says OK. From that moment, registrations will be closed and the auctions will start with previously registered participants.
Soft Auction: 1930 Rochet-Schneider 26-Six
The sale of the Rochet-Schneider 26-Six has been interrupted as we had to do some repair work on the motor. We wait until the restoration of the motor os finished to re-lauch the sale. Hopefully, the motor will be soon back and the Soft Auction will re-open soon.
