With over 50 years of experience helping enthusiasts find their next classic vehicle, SWVA has built a strong reputation for sourcing some of the finest classic cars from across the South of England. Every auction offers a carefully selected range of vehicles, ensuring there is always something special that captures attention, sparks nostalgia, and creates excitement as bidding begins.
Our classic car auctions attract buyers, collectors, and enthusiasts who enjoy the atmosphere and experience of viewing vehicles in person before they go under the hammer. From timeless British classics to rare and desirable collector vehicles, each auction provides a unique opportunity to discover exceptional cars and enjoy the thrill of the sale room.
For customers unable to attend in person, SWVA offers several convenient ways to take part in the auction. You can arrange for one of our dedicated team members to act as your hall bidder, bidding on your behalf while keeping you updated live over the phone. This personal service allows you to stay fully informed throughout the bidding process while ensuring you remain within your chosen budget.
Alternatively, customers can register for online bidding, with registration opening approximately one week prior to each sale. To complete registration, a refundable £1,000 holding fee is required. Should you successfully purchase a vehicle, this fee will automatically be transferred towards your transaction.
Whether you are an experienced collector, a first-time buyer, or completely new to vehicle auctions, the welcoming and knowledgeable team at SWVA are always available to offer guidance and support. We pride ourselves on delivering a friendly, professional service and helping every customer enjoy a smooth and enjoyable auction experience from start to finish.
All of our classic cars are assessed by expert valuers and the catalogue description is detailed and accurate to enable you to understand the vehicles for sale, and the estimated guide price. We operate transparent pricing policies, so when buying you will not face any hidden charges.
Quarterly classic auctions are held on Thursdays. Prospective buyers can visit the auction hall prior to the auction date to view all cars displayed in our indoor facility.
All bidders are required to register with SWVA and complete pre-auction registration documents (including a form of ID) to comply with money laundering regulations.
Whether you register online or on-site you will be asked to provide payment details we can use to secure a deposit. We will take a £1000 deposit authorisation from the card provided from all bidders. No payment will be taken unless you successfully purchase on the day of the sale.
If you register for any form of bidding online we will call you to clarify which format you require and give you any further assistance you may need.
Bidding registration for any format via our website opens exactly a week before the sale at 9am.
Buyers are reminded to allow time for pre-registration on the day of auction. (Online registration for all forms of bidding will open on the Saturday prior to the auction at 9am and close the day prior to the auction at 10pm.)
Once purchased, classic vehicles must be collected within 14 days. After this period a storage fee of £15.00 per day will be payable.
1. Bidding in the hall
When attending in person you must have completed your pre-registration (up until 8am on the day of auction). There is no registration fee, however, a fully refundable deposit pre-authorisation of £1000 is required. The auction takes place in the main hall where each car will be displayed on the video screen with a running update on all current bidding.
2. Online Bidding *No Online Fee!*
Our online auction system is a fantastic way to bid remotely. Once registered and logged in you will hear the live progress of the auction as our auctioneers accept each running bid.
Any bid you make will automatically show in the auction hall.
Registration for online bidding is FREE but requires a £1000 deposit authorisation. No Payment will be taken unless you successfully purchase on the day of the sale.
3. Telephone Bidding
We offer a telephone bidding service which provides you with an opportunity to bid by proxy during the auction. A member of our team will call you during the auction and give you a live update on current bids. On your instruction, they will place your bid.
Please note that there are only 8 telephone bidding slots per lot. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
Pre-registration is required and a £1000 deposit pre-authorisation payable. No Payment will be taken unless you successfully purchase on the day of the sale.
4. Proxy Bidding
If you cannot attend the auction and are unable to bid remotely, you can leave a proxy bid on a lot before the start of the auction or during.
To bid by proxy you will need to register via our website to create an account. From here you will able to leave a bid on your desired vehicle(s) via our online catalogue.
Registration is required and a £1000 deposit authorisation payable. No Payment will be taken unless you successfully purchase on the day of the sale.
View our classic auction catalogues or register for LiveBid
If you require any guidance or further information about buying or selling a vehicle at SWVA contact us.
