Autumn may still be a great time to sell your classic

When it comes to selling a classic car, timing can be everything. A well-chosen moment can help secure the best possible return, while listing at the wrong time might leave you with fewer buyers and lower offers.

Traditionally, spring and early summer are regarded as the peak selling season for classics, with warmer weather and a packed calendar of shows and road trips encouraging buyers into the market. But what happens if you’ve missed that window? Increasingly, autumn is emerging as a “second season” – a time when demand, convenience, and new selling platforms can still align in your favour.

 

Understanding the classic car market

Unlike modern cars, which inevitably depreciate as they age, classic cars sit in a unique space where passion, provenance, and rarity determine value. They’re often considered “passion assets” – investments that combine emotional enjoyment with the potential for financial growth.

Values can fluctuate depending on demand for specific marques, broader economic conditions, or even cultural trends. A car tied to a certain decade or celebrity can suddenly spike in desirability. That’s why keeping an eye on the broader market is just as important as polishing your chrome before selling.

There’s no denying that spring and early summer remain the high-water mark for classic car sales. It’s the time of year when owners start thinking about shows, club meets, and weekend drives. Buyers are motivated to get a car on the road in time to enjoy the season, which drives competition - and higher prices.

Auction houses often schedule major sales in spring to capitalise on this enthusiasm, and online platforms are busy too. If you’re chasing top dollar, this is usually the best time to sell.

 

The case for autumn: a “secondary window”

But if spring has passed you by, all is not lost. Late summer and autumn offer a second, sometimes overlooked opportunity to sell your classic.

For some buyers, autumn is the last chance to make a purchase before the weather turns. They may want to enjoy a handful of drives before winter or secure a project car to restore over the colder months. Restoration projects in particular see strong demand in autumn, as enthusiasts look ahead to long evenings in the garage.

Paul Lupson, co-founder of classic car values app, CarClimb.com, explains: “There are seasonal variations. Classic cars remain one of the few passion assets where emotional enjoyment and investment upside can align. We’ve seen particular models outperform expectations, especially where provenance and low-production numbers are clear. Going forward, better market data and AI forecasting - the kinds of insights CarClimb provides – will make it simpler for buyers and sellers to choose when to buy and sell. That said, treat classics as a specialist, long-term play rather than a short-term speculation.”

For sellers, this means that even if spring has passed, autumn can still present a window where committed buyers are looking, whether for a car to enjoy immediately or to invest in for the future.

Conversely, winter remains the toughest season. Short days, poor weather, and stretched household budgets during the festive period dampen buyer enthusiasm. Unless your car is exceptionally rare, or unless you find a collector hunting for a specific model, it may be best to wait until spring or autumn.

 

The economic picture

Seasonal patterns are important, but they’re not the whole story. The wider economy has a powerful influence on the classic car market.

During times of growth, buyers are more confident, and classics – from entry-level icons to seven-figure Ferraris – often see stronger demand. In downturns, buyers may hesitate, or focus on safer, proven models.

Giles Gunning, of The Classic Valuer, explains: “It’s easier than ever to sell your car. Fourteen days from having the first conversation with an online auction house, you could have your car sold and money in your bank account. Auctions are not always just about cars people want to sell - sometimes houses approach owners directly because the market is strong for a specific model.

“Classic car auction activity this year has been frenetic with the number of auctions up by almost 200% from January to June, against the same period in 2020. It is fair to say the number of online auction houses has increased massively. Collecting Cars started the trend this side of the pond – five years ago this wasn’t really a thing. Now there’s all manner of sites you can go to.”

The rise of online platforms has transformed the selling experience. Auctions are no longer confined to the major spring and summer sales; they now run year-round, giving sellers more flexibility.

 

Supply, demand, and softened values

The sheer increase in the number of auctions and platforms has meant more cars are coming to market than ever before. Supply is high, which has softened values in some segments.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to achieve strong results. Rare models, cars with impeccable provenance, or those in concours-ready condition can still command premium prices. For the more mainstream classics, however, sellers may need to be realistic on value – especially outside of peak seasons.

 

Preparing your car for sale

Whatever the season, presentation matters. Buyers are willing to pay more for a car that looks well cared-for. That means handling any essential mechanical repairs, tidying up cosmetics, and ensuring paperwork is in order. A fully documented history can add significantly to value.

For cars that need extensive work, there’s still a market among buyers looking for winter projects. In fact, autumn is the ideal time to list a project car, as it gives the buyer plenty of time to plan a restoration before spring. –

So, should you sell in autumn? The answer is yes – particularly if you missed the spring rush.

Autumn may not match the feverish demand of May and June, but it remains a strong “secondary window” for sellers. Buyers are still active, auctions are running year-round, and many enthusiasts are looking either for a last-minute addition to enjoy before winter, or for a project to occupy the colder months.

By preparing your car carefully, pricing realistically, and choosing the right platform – whether an online auction or a specialist dealer – you can still achieve a rewarding sale.

Ultimately, selling a classic car is never purely about numbers. It’s about finding the right buyer who shares your passion, appreciates your car’s story, and will enjoy it as much as you did. And whether you sell in spring, autumn, or even winter, that’s a return on investment in itself.