For Sale Private ... Public Auction ... both ?

I have a F355 GTB that I have owned since new and I am thinking of moving on from it. It has approximately 3,500 miles. I have used a dealer to sell my vehicles in the past, but have noticed venues such as Bring a Trailer, Sotheby's and Collecting Cars etc. becoming an increasingly popular option. I fear the hassle and possible uncertainty of dealing with the uknown. A private buyer appeals to me, but the exposure of a world wide auction definately has its own appeal. I look forward to any thoughts this group is willing to divulge. Thank you in advance.

* If I have posted this incorrectly. I apologize and look forward to proper direction.

 

My one experience with being a trailer with a very rare corvette went very well and without any drama. Even the peanut gallery had nothing to say as everything was disclosed and in the very detailed description. This was the key.

 

Feel free to DM me. I assist clients with selling special cars like this (and a 3500 mile 355B certainly qualifies as special!). Sometimes the right choice is BaT, sometimes it's an in-person auction, sometimes it's a private treaty sale.

 

FWIW, I've done probably all of them, public brand-named auctions, Ferrari dealers, Ferrari Club, FC, BaT, private, and high-end dealers.

My first choice is to network with car friends and car clubs. Does not need to be Ferrari-specific. Show at major Cars and Coffee, Concours events. Not to list on social media. BaT can be an excellent choice IF they meet your reserve and timetable. That said, I prefer having a dealer well known to BaT list the car; rather than doing it privately - unless you have a BaT history.

Some dealers may have an active client that really wants your car without it going on consignment. I'm not a fan of major auction houses, too much magic, high commissions, shipping car, etc. If look at recent sales, there hasn't been a solid sell-through rate through auction houses. Good luck. Sounds like a very special Ferrari.

 

The fact that your F355 GTB is a one-owner 3,500 mile specimen will draw the right visibility on Bring a Trailer (BaT). However, you may want to post it here first to give this special community a chance for a few weeks before you try other venues.

That way, we continue supporting Fchat as it’s near & dear to our hearts. Either way, best of luck.

 

As a 66 year old man, I hope to purchase my 1st used Ferrari hopefully this coming year. My hope is to purchase a vehicle from a private owner who is a Ferrari enthusiast. That is why I am here. A few years ago, I purchased a 20K motorcycle in California from a private seller that I was in contact with on a specific website associated with the motorcycle make. At the time, I visited San Diego for a yearly conference and drove to LA to meet with the owner and purchase the bike that was later shipped back to WI. No middle man involved. I understand that your vehicle will sell for quite a bit more and you would want to get the best return on your vehicle. I believe it is also rewarding to sell a vehicle to someone you met and like. Just my two cents worth and good luck with whatever decision you make.

 

I was a member here for several years before purchasing my first Ferrari. I was nervous and unsure and out of the blue a long time forum member here reached out to me and said..."I'd like you to be the next owner of my Ferrari". After a couple of conversations by email and phone, I flew from Indiana to California to see it and consummate the deal. It was an absolutely incredible experience and I am forever indebted to Joe. Nearly the exact same thing happened with my DB9, which I still own.

If you are trying to capitalize on the market, then I'd either do BAT or M. Brandon or YellowCompass. (I had a great experience selling my 599 on BAT, however I would not hesitate using the FChat Sponsors mentioned). If the money is not the issue, then I'd spend time on here figuring out who should be the next owner of that very special 355.

FWIW, YMMV.

Jim

 

Thank you for your input ... it is appreciated.

 

Thank you for your input ... it is appreciated.

 

Thank you for your input ... it is appreciated.

 

Thank you for your input ... it is appreciated.

 

Thank you for your input ... it is appreciated.

 

Thank you for your input ... it is appreciated.

 

keep one thing in mind.....you speak as if BAT is a guarantee on ACCEPTING your listing. They certainly have their favorites. They have turned down multiple items of mine (keep in mind i have never bought nor sold anything with them before) all the while they list identical items of mine from OTHER sellers. With your car, and it's one owner allure and uber low mileage, you should have no problem getting your ask without the need for a BAT or large auction house. Mention it to you local dealer, contact guys like Mike Compass or Angelo Zaharakis. They know a lot of guys looking for specific cars....and are real gentlemen too....

 

$1 bid to start

 

Thank you for the additional thoughts. Appreciate the effort.

 

Howdy. As a one owner car, under 5000 miles, you have a special car. More than likely you will get more than you paid for it and should get considerably more even after maintenance, insurance and most expenses associated with 25 years of ownership.

My advice is not sell right now publicly, if at all, if you want to maximize your selling price and net proceeds. Market is soft and the heated passion from 12-18mo has cooled. If it is a must sell, then see if a Ferrari dealer will consign it for you. Especially if it is up to par and ready to go, no needs and just pristine. If it must be serviced, I would do it if spending money is ok for you to invest in it. Again, consign with a factory dealer.

BaT should represent it, and would like that car. But it opens up the lifetime of Internet history and data, as well as the commentary, good and bad. My least favorite part of BaT. And just because it closes with a winning bid, does not guarantee it is paid for. Most are, but seeing more and more cars not get paid for. A lot of people like BaT and it seems to be the market right now. RM would be my first choice for public high end auction. You might reach out to them for a consult.

Mike at Yellow is excellent to deal with and I highly recommend. He has a great network and knows these cars. Many others on here as well, that could maybe represent. Ultimately your involvement and how much you want to get for it and the work it takes to get there is up to you. I am pretty sure the cars value is increasing as time goes on and the next step up could see it as a $400k car. Many on here may disagree, but it should go there. The best of the best are heading in that direction. I have a similar car, but second owner and 2000 more miles. I was hoping to sell for huge money and now just keeping, enjoying and will sell if my finances require someday. I paid excellent money for mine a record price I am sure and the most expensive 355 I have ever owned or insured.

We all buy and sell at different times for different reasons. Timing is absolutely everything. I hope you find your answer and the right connection is made. All the best in your endeavor!


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Thank you for taking the time to provide your thoughts - I appreciate your input. Have a great holiday season and New Year.

 

I wonder if a Classiche certification would be a good addition for a car like that.
Would it bring more money ? Or of greater appeal for collectors.

 

for what its worth BAT if you can get them to agree to your reserve is pretty good . Where the big name on site auctions are likely to get you a larger number . you need remember that the seller is likely to only net about 90% of the hammer price or 80% of the published price . With either the best thing to do is know everything and disclose it clearly
to me selling it privately give it a shot on Ferrarichat. or elsewhere sometimes it works sometimes not so good ..

 

Just keep in mind that BAT will want you to remove any references to pricing and details like the VIN if you list it for sale here first and then move it to BAT later.

Also you'll want to note that the policy here is once you put information in an ad it stays there forever. Moderators or the admin here will not remove details from your listing, which will probably annoy you and give the folks at BAT a tiny heart attack.

I have not heard of anyone NOT being able to list their car on BAT as a result, just that it's an additional thing they'll hassle you about.

 

Thank you, Larry. I appreciate your thoughts. Have a great New Year.

 

Excellent advice. Thank you. Have a great New Year.

 

Happy New Year. What say you and your thoughts for 2024. Is it going up for sale. Any opportunity on here for a private sale? Hope all is well! Cheers.


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