What happens to cars that don't sell at Mathewsons?

Lots that don't sell in the live auction go into an online timed auction run during the week after the sale. Mathewsons can also put a bid below the reserve to the seller, and can sell an unsold lot privately after the auction under its terms.

Is there a list of Mathewsons unsold cars for sale?

Mathewsons does not publish a standing list of unsold cars. Unsold lots appear in the online timed auction after each sale; to ask about a particular lot, ring Mathewsons on 01751 474455 or use the contact page on its website.

Can I buy a car privately from Mathewsons after the auction?

Possibly. The terms allow Mathewsons to sell privately, at the reserve, any lot left on site after the auction, and to sell an unsold lot as the seller's agent within 14 days of the auction.

Bangers & Cash

Mathewsons unsold cars: What happens to lots that don't sell

By Jon Cosson · Last checked 3 November 2026

Checked against Mathewsons' how to buy page and terms and conditions on 3 November 2026. We are an independent village guide, not connected to Mathewsons; check Mathewsons' own site for the current position.

Not every car finds a buyer when the hammer falls at Pickering. This page explains what Mathewsons does with lots that don't sell, using its own published terms, and how to ask about a car you saw in the catalogue.

The short answer

Lots that don't sell in a Mathewsons live auction usually go into an online timed auction the following week. The auctioneer can also put a bid below the reserve to the seller, and the terms let Mathewsons sell an unsold lot privately after the sale. Mathewsons does not publish a standing list of unsold cars, so the timed auction and a phone call are the two ways to find one.

The timed auction

Mathewsons' how to buy page says it runs a timed auction after the live auction for any lots that didn't sell, and that unsold lots from its Classic Vehicle and Memorabilia auctions are entered into an online timed auction during the week following the sale. Bidding is online through your Mathewsons account. Our how to buy guide covers registering, fees and collection, which work the same way.

Offers below the reserve

Most cars carry a reserve, the lowest price the seller will accept. Under clause 15.5 of Mathewsons' terms and conditions, a bid that fails to reach the reserve may be put to the seller by the auctioneer. If the seller accepts it, the lot is treated as sold to that bidder at the bid, on the normal terms. A car shown as unsold on the day can therefore still change hands shortly afterwards.

Private sales after the auction

The same terms cover private sales. Clause 5.4 allows the auctioneers to sell privately, at the reserve, any lot left on site after the auction. Clause 5.5 allows them to try to sell an unsold lot as the seller's agent within 14 days after the auction, for their normal commission. Clause 5.1 also deals with the run up to a sale: a lot entered for auction should not be sold privately by its owner in the 21 days before the sale.

Derek's approach is described in a December 2022 Classic & Sports Car interview, which reported that Mathewsons will arrange private deals before a sale, for buyers who can't wait, and after it, for cars that don't sell on the day.

If you're the seller

If your car doesn't reach its reserve, it may be entered into the timed auction the following week, and any bid below the reserve may be put to you to accept or turn down. Mathewsons can also sell it privately at the reserve while it is on site, or as your agent within 14 days, with commission due as normal. Lots must be cleared from the sale ground within the time set in the terms, and storage can be charged after that. Check the current charge in the terms and conditions before the sale rather than relying on a figure from elsewhere.

How to ask about a lot

To ask whether a particular car is still available, ring Mathewsons on 01751 474455 or use the contact page on its website, quoting the sale and lot number. For the sales still to come, see our auction dates and the December 2026 sale preview; for what cars from the programme have sold for, see auction results.

FAQs

What happens to cars that don't sell at Mathewsons?: Lots that don't sell in the live auction go into an online timed auction run during the week after the sale. Mathewsons can also put a bid below the reserve to the seller, and can sell an unsold lot privately after the auction under its terms.
Is there a list of Mathewsons unsold cars for sale?: Mathewsons does not publish a standing list of unsold cars. Unsold lots appear in the online timed auction after each sale; to ask about a particular lot, ring Mathewsons on 01751 474455 or use the contact page on its website.
Can I buy a car privately from Mathewsons after the auction?: Possibly. The terms allow Mathewsons to sell privately, at the reserve, any lot left on site after the auction, and to sell an unsold lot as the seller's agent within 14 days of the auction.

Sources

Mathewsons how to buy: the timed auction for unsold lots.
Mathewsons terms and conditions: clauses 5.1, 5.4, 5.5 and 15.5, and lot clearance and storage.
Classic & Sports Car, December 2022: private deals before and after a sale.
Mathewsons contact: telephone and enquiries.

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