Selling a classic car can be tricky and can take time. While plenty of people need and are looking to buy a practical, everyday ride, a classic car is not a necessity. Fewer people can afford a nonessential second (or third or fourth) car so it can be more difficult to find just the right buyer for a unique or classic vehicle.

When it’s time to sell your classic car, you’ll want to list it on the Pomona Classifieds for FREE, with an effective 90 day ad! Tempt potential buyers to contact you for more information, and prime them for buying your car. With the right ad, your classic car can go from zero to sold at the fastest speed possible.

Start with a straightforward headline. Catchy headlines are fun, but if you specify exactly what you’re selling, you’ll attract more serious inquiries. For example, rather than “Take a drive down memory lane,” include only specific information about the car, such as “1950 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Convertible.” Someone who is looking to buy a Coupe DeVille is likely to type just that into their search bar.

Ditch the abbreviations. Years ago, newspapers charged per line for classified ads so sellers used an array of abbreviations to keep ads as short and inexpensive as possible. These days, most classifieds don’t work that way, especially online classifieds like ours, but the abbreviating, unfortunately, lives on. Most online classifieds allow you to take all the room you need to fully describe your car. And copy such as “69 Jag E conv., 2 own., great cond., 5sp man.” will probably not get your phone ringing or your inbox dinging as much because some readers won’t be able to decipher the abbreviations. Spell your words out completely for a better response: “1969 Jaguar E-type convertible. Only two owners, in great condition. 5-speed manual transmission.” Sure, some abbreviations are acceptable (e.g. “OBO”), but keep them limited so your ad doesn’t look choppy or lazy!

Break up “walls” of text. Use a standard combination of uppercase and lowercase letters. Huge blocks of text are not inviting to the eye, and can cause readers to give up and stop short of finishing the entire ad. The same goes for ads written entirely in capital letters. If you’re going into detail about your car, break up the ad into several paragraphs, and ban yourself from using the caps-lock key.

Include the good and the bad. While it is smart to emphasize your classic car’s best selling points, be honest about any shortcomings. Mention, without dwelling on, the car’s flaws, especially anything that could be a major deal-breaker. For example, if the car is not running or needs a new engine, definitely include that in the ad. You don’t want to waste your time with buyers who aren’t interested in projects. And potential buyers will appreciate the honesty and find you more trustworthy, which could ultimately make the sale.

Think back to what sold you on the car when you purchased it. The same things that caused you to fall in love with the car will likely be what spurs its next owner to purchase it: gorgeous lines, rarity, an interesting owner history, all-original paint and interior. Don’t be shy about tooting your car’s horn and listing its most attractive and unique attributes.

Remember to be friendly and approachable. Include at least one sentence with a friendly, folksy tone that encourages people to contact you. For example, rather than “price firm, NOT negotiable,” include something more along the lines of “call any time, I am always in the mood to discuss the fine attributes of this this gorgeous beast.”

Last but not least, include plenty of clear photos. Photos are visual proof that your car is as fabulous as you say it is. Wash and detail the car, then snap away from a variety of angles. Pay attention to the background. Remove any distractions, such as people, pets, other cars, or garage clutter. Consider taking your car to a lake or park for a serene, attractive backdrop. Also, remember to take close-ups of small details. Take many more photos than you need, then select the very best for your ad.

Ready to sell your classic car? The Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show is an excellent venue to do just that… but in between shows, we’re still here to help with our free Pomona Classifieds. List your car today and who knows? By the next show, you might have cash in hand to buy your next classic!