7 tips for selling a race car (new or used)

It is not always easy to know how to go about selling a race car. Whether you want to sell a rally car, hill climb car, circuit car, go-kart, or an off-road vehicle, be aware that cars dedicated to motorsport, often not road-legal, require a tailored sales strategy.

In this article, I share with you a list of 7 tips to attract qualified buyers, improve your visibility, and close a sale quickly while considering the specifics of the motorsport market 👍

1. Post on Classified Sites Dedicated to Motorsport

To sell a race car, it is wise to turn to classified sites specifically dedicated to motorsports, such as GoToTheGrid. These platforms are not limited to the sale of competition vehicles; they also cover the sale of spare parts, tools, and other services related to the motorsport ecosystem.

You can also find ads from providers such as freelancers, teams, and crews offering race cars for rent, race assistance services, or even event organizers. The audience of these sites is made up of amateurs and professionals, ensuring targeted visibility to motivated buyers who know the subject.

To make your ad more effective, start by clearly stating the selling price. Many potential buyers ignore ads where the price is not explicitly displayed. Then, add important details such as the maintenance history, mileage of key components, and any modifications made to the vehicle. This information improves the quality of the ad and reassures potential buyers about your transparency as a seller. 😉

Vehicles for sale on these platforms are generally categorized by discipline or category. Whether you want to sell a rally car, drift car, slalom car, or circuit car (prototypes, GTs, sedans, single-seaters, or historic competition vehicles - VHC), these sites allow you to reach a specific clientele directly.

Some sites even specialize in specific disciplines. For example, rallycarsforsale.net is dedicated to rally cars, classic-racing.fr focuses on historic competition vehicles, while parc-pilotes.com is oriented towards autocross and kartcross.

To help you choose, here are some of the main classified sites offering high visibility for selling a sports or competition car, especially in France and Europe:

• Mikado Racing
• RaceCarsDirect
• RaceMarket
• And of course, GoToTheGrid

Using these specialized platforms is one of the quickest and most effective methods to find buyers, whether you are selling a small rally car or a high-end collector's GT, such as a Porsche or a Ferrari that participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On GoToTheGrid, it is possible to post an ad for free in just a few minutes, while benefiting from international visibility thanks to automatic ad translation 😎

2. Post on Specialized Forums

Joining online communities dedicated to motorsport is another effective method for selling your race car. These forums not only allow you to post ads but also to interact with enthusiasts who might be interested in your vehicle or share your ad with potential buyers.

Rather than turning to general forums, target those that are active and specialized in a specific discipline, manufacturer, or even a particular car model. The choice of forum should match the type of vehicle you want to sell, in order to reach a genuinely interested audience.

You will find forums dedicated to owners of Porsche 911, Renault Super 5 GT Turbo, or youngtimers. There are also forums focused on rallies, the Alpine brand, or even trackdays, each offering an ideal platform for targeting specialized potential buyers.

Whether you use a classified platform or a forum, it is essential to present your car properly. Highlight high-quality photos and a complete and detailed description to capture attention and generate interest. This will maximize your chances of selling quickly.

When writing your ad on a forum, it is better to include lap times or specific competition results rather than just general statements about the vehicle's competitiveness. This information allows potential buyers to better assess the car's potential.

3. Motorsport Events and Gatherings

Depending on the type of race car you want to sell, participating in motorsport events, shows, or gatherings can be a very effective strategy. These occasions bring together enthusiasts and potential buyers who are often well-informed and ready to invest. It is therefore essential to choose events that match the type of vehicle you are selling and the audience you are targeting to maximize your chances of success.

Among the most prestigious events, one can mention the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom, as well as Epoqu’Auto and Rétromobile in France. These events attract crowds of enthusiasts and collectors, making them ideal places to present your car. There are also many other shows and exhibitions, ranging from local events to major international shows, which can match your target market.

If you lack time or prefer to have an expert handle the sale, you can consider entrusting this task to a professional. Brokers specializing in race cars have the experience and networks needed to attract qualified buyers, who are often present at these events.

To maximize your visibility and impact at these gatherings, make sure to prepare your vehicle well: clean it thoroughly, present it with a detailed history and relevant documents, and do not hesitate to provide visual aids such as brochures or videos. These details can make a difference and attract serious buyers.

4. Dealerships, Specialized Resellers, and Auctions for Historic and Competition Vehicles

Engaging with dealerships or specialized resellers in second-hand race cars, such as rally cars, historic competition vehicles (VHC/VHRS), or circuit cars, can be a quick and practical solution to sell your vehicle. Although this method usually involves a commission paid to the seller, it offers the advantage of benefiting from their network of buyers and the peace of mind of not having to handle the storage or sale yourself.

For collectors' cars or prestigious supercars, auctions are another viable option. These auctions are particularly suitable for rare vehicles or those with historical value, where the potential for selling at a high price can offset the high commissions charged by auction houses. For example, RM Sotheby's holds the record for the most expensive car sold at auction: a 1955 Mercedes Coupé 300 SLR Uhlenhaut, sold in 2022 for the incredible sum of 135 million euros (around 143 million dollars).

Specialized brokers, such as Ascott Collection, also offer valuable expertise for selling exceptional cars. Their market knowledge and network allow them to better align supply with demand, thus increasing the chances of selling your car at an optimal price.

It is important to choose the sales method that best suits your situation and the type of vehicle you own. Auctions, for example, are better suited for historic race cars or prestige models, while dealerships and specialized resellers can be an effective solution for quicker sales of less exclusive vehicles.

When selling through an online platform or auction, consider using secure payment services like Escrow.com. These services protect both parties by holding the funds until the buyer confirms that the vehicle matches the description, thereby ensuring a safe and transparent transaction.

5. Using Social Media to Sell Your Race Car

Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, are powerful tools for reaching potential buyers and expanding your audience. These platforms host numerous groups and pages dedicated to motorsports where you can post targeted ads. Use specific keywords to find relevant groups related to selling race cars. A good strategy is to share an ad created on a specialized site and then distribute it through your own network of contacts to maximize its reach. Your friends and followers can, in turn, share this ad, further increasing its visibility.

To grab attention and make your ad attractive, make sure to write clear, concise, and engaging text. A well-presented ad, accompanied by high-quality photos showing the vehicle from different angles, as well as videos showing it in action on a circuit with overlaid performance data, can generate interest and encourage interactions. A well-crafted ad has the potential to go viral through comments and shares, which can significantly increase your chances of selling. Don’t forget to actively respond to comments and messages to build trust with potential buyers.

Don’t hesitate to use techniques such as adding relevant hashtags (e.g., #RaceCar, #Rally, #Motorsport) and tagging influencers or groups specialized in motorsports to further amplify your visibility. You can also consider investing in paid ads on these platforms, targeting potential buyers by interest, behavior, or geolocation, for a more direct and effective approach.

On Facebook, be aware of the limitations of their pricing system and use tactics such as indicating a symbolic price in the ad while specifying the real price in the description. Post your ads at times when your audience is most active, such as in the morning or early evening, to maximize visibility.

6. Selling a Car Through Word of Mouth

Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth in the close-knit world of motorsports. This field consists of enthusiasts who often know each other well and share common interests. Mentioning your intention to sell your race car to your contacts in this field can be extremely effective, as they may know potential buyers or relay the information to other interested enthusiasts.

Indeed, a driver or a team looking for a specific model will often turn to their circle of friends and acquaintances to see if someone has the vehicle they are looking for. Many transactions are concluded this way, informally but reliably. For example, it is not uncommon for rare race cars to be sold quickly after a simple conversation at a car event or club meeting.

7. Posting an Ad on General Classified Sites

To broaden your audience, you can also post your ad on general classified sites such as Leboncoin, or on car-specialized platforms like Leparking or mobile.de. These sites offer significant visibility and can allow you to reach a wider audience, which includes both amateurs and professionals.

However, in the case of a competition-dedicated vehicle, the profile of users on these platforms does not always match the type of car you are offering. You may therefore attract more curious visitors or less qualified prospects, rather than serious and knowledgeable buyers.

To maximize your chances of success on these sites, make sure to structure your ad well. Use relevant and precise keywords in the title and description, add quality photos, and be clear about the specific features and any modifications of the car. Also, be prepared to filter inquiries and respond professionally to identify genuine buyers.

Conclusion

To effectively sell a race car, it is crucial to choose the sales method that best suits your situation and the type of vehicle you own. Each approach—whether specialized platforms, social media, forums, or auctions—has its advantages and particularities. To maximize your visibility and reach a diverse audience of potential buyers, it may be wise to combine several of these strategies.

Moreover, preparing your car is essential to ensure a successful sale. Be transparent about the condition of the vehicle and the equipment included, set a price that matches the market, and ensure all required documents are in order, such as the technical passport, technical inspection, and maintenance invoices. Offering a test drive on a circuit can also be an excellent way to reassure buyers.

Finally, remember that selling a race car can sometimes be a long process that requires perseverance and patience. It is essential to stay active on the chosen platforms, communicate well with potential buyers, and adjust your strategies based on the feedback received. Good preparation, combined with suitable tools, will significantly increase your chances of closing a successful sale.

Also, make sure to verify the legitimacy of potential buyers and use secure payment methods to avoid any fraud. Adopting a proactive and flexible approach to different situations can make all the difference in concluding the sale under good conditions.