The Mullin Automotive Museum in California is renowned for its exceptional collection of French automobiles, particularly Bugattis, and pre-war classics. For automotive enthusiasts and serious collectors, understanding the nuances of participating in auctions featuring vehicles from such prestigious collections is crucial. Gooding & Company, a leading auction house for premium and collector cars, often hosts sales that include vehicles with significant provenance, sometimes directly from esteemed collections like those housed at the Mullin Museum. This guide provides essential information for prospective bidders looking to participate in a Gooding & Company auction, especially those that may feature or be related to the renowned Mullin Automotive Museum collection in California. It is imperative to review the full Conditions of Sale for complete terms and conditions, as all lots are sold “AS IS” as collector’s items.
Registering to Bid with Gooding & Company
To participate in a Gooding & Company auction, whether you plan to bid in person, remotely, or via telephone, registration is mandatory. Prospective bidders can register through several convenient methods. You can submit a Bidder Registration Application or a Telephone and Absentee Bidder Registration Application by mail, email to [email protected], fax to 310.526.6594, or in person at the auction venue. For digital convenience, online registration is available at bid.goodingco.com and via Gooding’s mobile apps for iOS and Android. After submitting your application, a Gooding representative will contact you to finalize your bidder registration.
The registration process requires completing and signing the necessary application forms and providing identification, such as a Driver’s License or Passport for individuals, or corporate documentation for companies. Crucially, bidders must also provide a Bank Letter of Guarantee or other proof of funds, in a format and amount acceptable to Gooding. This Guarantee verifies your ability to pay for potential purchases. By registering, prospective bidders authorize Gooding to verify their financial information for this purpose. It is highly recommended to complete your registration and provide the Guarantee at least 24 hours before the auction session begins. For detailed information regarding bidding and registration, please visit goodingco.com/register or contact [email protected].
Inspecting Lots at a Gooding Auction, Possibly from the Mullin Museum
Gooding & Company strongly encourages all bidders to personally inspect the auction lots before placing bids. This is particularly important when considering vehicles that may have been part of long-term collections, such as those potentially originating from the Mullin Automotive Museum. These vehicles, while historically significant and often beautifully preserved, may require mechanical attention or restoration to be operational. The auction environment provides a valuable opportunity to examine the condition of each lot firsthand.
Alt text: A prospective bidder closely inspects the engine bay of a classic French automobile during the preview at a Gooding & Company auction, highlighting the importance of pre-auction inspections, especially for vehicles potentially from collections like the Mullin Museum.
Bidders are responsible for conducting their own independent inspections and examinations. Gooding & Company staff are available to assist with inspections, including moving vehicles or raising them for underside examination. To arrange assistance with lot inspections, please contact [email protected]. Remember, vehicles from collections like the Mullin Automotive Museum are sold “AS IS” and may require significant work before road use.
Bidding at the Auction Venue
While pre-auction registration is recommended, bidders can also register to bid in person at the auction venue during viewing hours. However, completing registration in advance is advisable to avoid delays and ensure you are ready to bid when the auction begins. Once your registration is accepted, you can collect your bidder paddle at the Registration Desk.
Each bidder is accountable for the use of their assigned bidder paddle. You are personally liable for the full purchase price of any lot bid on using your paddle, regardless of whether you or another person uses it. By entering the auction site, all bidders, buyers, attendees, and participants agree to comply with all policies and procedures communicated by Gooding & Company, including safety, health, and other requirements posted at the venue.
Understanding Buyer’s Premium and Additional Fees
In addition to the final bid price, buyers are required to pay a Buyer’s Premium to Gooding & Company. For Vehicle Lots, the Buyer’s Premium is 12% of the final bid price up to $250,000, and 10% on any amount exceeding $250,000. Automobilia Lots are subject to a Buyer’s Premium of 25% of the final bid price.
Buyers are also responsible for all applicable state and local sales and/or use taxes, duties, tariffs, and license fees. Gooding & Company will collect sales tax if required and will detail any applicable taxes on the invoice. If Gooding is not required to collect sales tax, the buyer is responsible for paying these taxes directly to the relevant tax authorities. Consult with your tax advisor for specific guidance.
Payment and Lot Removal After a Successful Bid
Full payment of the Purchase Price is due by 5:00pm Pacific Time on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Successful bidders must make immediate arrangements for the collection and transportation of their purchased lots. All lots must be removed from the auction site by 5:00pm Pacific Time on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the buyer’s risk and expense.
Alt text: A freshly auctioned classic car, potentially from a collection like that of the Mullin Automotive Museum in California, is carefully loaded onto a transport truck, illustrating the post-auction process of lot removal and transportation logistics for buyers.
For assistance with removal arrangements, contact [email protected]. Gooding & Company provides referrals for domestic transportation through Intercity Lines, Inc. (Jim Bergeron 800.221.3936, [email protected]) and international transportation via Cosdel International Transportation (Jenny Rixford 415.777.2000, [email protected]). Lots not removed by the deadline will incur storage fees and removal fees. Buyers grant Gooding power of attorney to remove and store lots at a third-party warehouse at the buyer’s expense and risk. For further questions, please refer to the FAQ page.
Important Notice Regarding Photography
Photography, audio, video recording, or broadcasting within the bidding tent is prohibited without official press credentials and a signed agreement from Gooding & Company. Photography and recording outside the bidding tent are permitted for personal use only and cannot be used for commercial purposes or redistribution.
Participating in a Gooding & Company auction, especially one featuring vehicles with connections to prestigious collections like the Mullin Automotive Museum in California, offers a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional automobiles. Understanding the registration, bidding, and post-auction processes is essential for a successful auction experience. Remember to always consult the official Conditions of Sale and Gooding & Company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
