Preparing Your Classic Car For Sale

If you are looking to sell your classic car, you will surely want to make some good money out of it, and the only way to do that is to ensure that the car is in the best condition possible. This might require some preparation beforehand, depending on how well it’s been maintained, and what market you intend on selling it to. But what exactly needs caring for? We have put together a list of the things you will need to consider when preparing your classic car for sale that will help you increase its value. If you are looking to sell your E-type, then make sure you get in touch with us today.

Interiors

The interiors of your car need to be spotless if you want your sale to be successful. More often than not, all you will need to bring your interiors back to an optimum condition is the right cleaning supplies, depending on the material used, but if your car is in dire condition, you might want to consider a restoration instead. At E-Type UK we offer restoration services for E-Type Jaguars, and we pride ourselves on the quality of our work, so we encourage you to come and visit us here in Tonbridge so that you can see what we do and how we do it. But if you think you can manage on your own, here is how you should care for your car interiors.

Leather

Leather is an extremely easy material to care for. Use a cloth and some warm water, and if that still doesn’t do the job, add some non-aggressive leather cleaner product or simply some neutral soap to get rid of the dirt and grime. You can then gently rub it with a leather balm to nourish it and keep it soft.

Fabric

Remove dust from fabric interiors simply by using a vacuum cleaner. If there are any stains, the best way to remove them is by using a volatile cleaner, which should always be tested on another fabric first. Remember not to use too much product, and not to scrub too hard. Volatile cleaners should not be used on convertible hoods – stick to a neutral soap and some warm water.

Carpet

All your carpets need is some brushing, or vacuuming, and washing. In order to fluff the carpet and make it look brand new, blow dry it with some compressed air.

Exterior Your classic car’s exterior is more important than the interior when you’re trying to secure a successful sale. Wash it by hand with a cloth, working your way down from the roof and making sure the paint is cool to touch before applying any washing products or wax, which we recommend using to make your car shine. Use a toothbrush and cotton wool pads to remove dirt from hard to reach places, and be gentle when trying to remove marks – simply rub them with your washcloth until they disappear.

Once you’re finished cleaning use a stream of water to rinse the product off, then make sure you dry your classic car if you want to avoid any marks left by the minerals in the water. You can use professional cloths and drying towels, always being gentle and using gentle circular motions.

Don’t forget the wheels and tires – they are usually the dirtiest parts of a car. Always choose a professional cleaner, and use a very soft brush for the wheel, which can be easily scratched, and a firmer brush for the tires.

Repairs

Make sure you carry out any necessary minor repairs. If you do find any paint scratches, make sure you polish them to remove as much of the scratch as possible as it may just be in the lacquer. If it is a deeper scratch, we do recommend giving the job to a professional bodyshop. But if you would like to tackle it yourself all you will need is the right paint to match your car, a cloth to clean the damaged area, masking tape to apply to the area surrounding the scratch, a sand block to use on the damaged area, and a primer. Once sanded and primed, apply paint and polish evenly.

If your Jaguar E-type needs any major repairs before you put it up for sale, make sure you contact us, as we offer a wide range of services, and our team of specialists will help to increase the value of your car and make sure it is in the best condition possible.