I was at the auction (in the front row no less) and I can confirm the following:
- there was no free fizz available (unlike previous years)
- the room was rather slow, with many lots not meeting reserve
- some of the no-reserve cars went for much less than their estimate (the exception was the 'Spectre' Defender - wow!)
- buyers premium is 15%+VAT (on lots below £200k). By the time you've paid the storage and transports costs you may as well add a flat 20% to the hammer price.
- some cars are bought by dealers, some by individuals. To say that the price paid at an auction like this is 'trade' is to over-simplify it greatly. Many cars are sold for retail prices.
- the AeroMax looked great going across the stage
