[TusharK]

The AstaGuru Vintage & Classic Car auction will be held in Mumbai from November 27-28, 2020.



Ahead of the auction, a preview event has been organized at High Street Phoenix from November 21-22, 2020. A range of vintage cars will be put on display at this event. Specialists will also be present to help with any queries.

AstaGuru is an online auctions platform for vintage cars and modern art. It was founded in 2008 by Mr. Vickram Sethi, who also founded The Arts Trust and Institute of Contemporary Indian Art Gallery, Mumbai.

Link to Team-BHP News

[anjan_c2007]

AstaGuru is triggering new benchmarks of highs in sale/ auction prices for the vintage cars in their menu. Though I cannot comment on the restoration quality not having seen these cars, but going by the images the work done is nothing extraordinary.

The new benchmark prices thus set are always a hot topic for discussions in a host of, or rather nearly every vintage forum/s. But the benchmark prices set for the particular brands and models by AstaGuru do not sustain in other non-AstaGuru mutual vintage transactions it is evident.

Hence, can we label these prices quoted as AstaGuru benchmarks ?

[KKapadia]

Looking at the astronomical valuations set by this auction house in last years auction. Most of the vintage and classic car sellers in india have jacked up the prices of their cars to ridiculous asking rates. At the same time the quality of the restoration and condition of the cars is simply sub standard when compared to better and pristine specimens available broad. From what I gather the Indian Govt does not allow any imports of classic cars post 1950 into the country. Pre 1950 cars are allowed upon payment of duties. This has really squeezed the supply for such cars resulting in ridiculous bids for such cars.
Going by the greater fool theory expect to have some new records being broken in the upcoming auction!

[manishk123]

Here's the auction catalogue. Some nice cars available.

[anjan_c2007]

Originally Posted by manishk123

Here's the auction catalogue. Some nice cars available.

After perusing the catalogue, I can vouch that I have seen some of them with their earlier owners and know their acquisition prices too, which were about 25 to 30 % of the prices quoted now. These were acquired by their then owners not more than 10 years ago.The catalogue speaks a lot about each respective brand and model and the milestones the model and brand achieved, which even a Std V kid can Google and search. But the catalogue tells little about the number of owners till date, condition of body, engine, tyres, kms run (approx) and such allied information that any old car buyer would like to know. The GST to be added to the final bid price is 18 % and their margin is 15% going by the website information.

But despite all such grey areas, please be assured that nearly all the cars will get new owners.

[ajay99]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

After perusing the catalogue, I can vouch that I have seen some of them with their earlier owners and know their acquisition prices too, which were about 25 to 30 % of the prices quoted now. These were acquired by their then owners not more than 10 years ago.The catalogue speaks a lot about each respective brand and model and the milestones the model and brand achieved, which even a Std V kid can Google and search. But the catalogue tells little about the number of owners till date, condition of body, engine, tyres, kms run (approx) and such allied information that any old car buyer would like to know. The GST to be added to the final bid price is 18 % and their margin is 15% going by the website information.

But despite all such grey areas, please be assured that nearly all the cars will get new owners.

Yes, they are not giving the most significant details related to the particular car.
Dont be so sure of that in one previous online auction (not sure whether by astaguru) some cars remain unsold and in 2 cars the winning bidder didnt pay up.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

. But the catalogue tells little about the number of owners till date, condition of body, engine, tyres, kms run (approx) and such allied information that any old car buyer would like to know. The GST to be added to the final bid price is 18 % and their margin is 15% going by the website information.

But despite all such grey areas, please be assured that nearly all the cars will get new owners.

I totally agree, most catalogues available on request provide chassis numbers , some brief history etc. What is not clear is how can one view the item before bidding.

A correction on the GST - it is 18% on the 15% margin. Call it an overall 20% surcharge!

Originally Posted by ajay99

Yes, they are not giving the most significant details related to the particular car.
Dont be so sure of that in one previous online auction (not sure whether by astaguru) some cars remain unsold and in 2 cars the winning bidder didnt pay up.

Was it because the condition was not as stated?

[ajay99]

Originally Posted by ajmat

Was it because the condition was not as stated?

I am not aware of that.The reasons are best known to the winning bidder and the auction house