Classic Car Law

Often, the buyer of a vintage car discovers after delivery that the classic has been in an accident, has engine problems or is badly rusted. Frequently, the condition specified in the contract also differs from the actual condition. In such cases, the question arises as to whether the buyer of the classic car can withdraw from the contract and demand repayment of the purchase price. In addition to a right of rescission or withdrawal, claims for reduction and damages may also be considered. Our lawyers, who specialize in German classic car law, will examine the legal situation and represent you in and out of court throughout Germany in protecting your rights.

Especially in the high-priced segment, counterfeit vintage cars and racing cars are repeatedly appearing on the market. In some cases, only an identification number is faked, in others the entire vehicle is copied. If a fake classic car is sold as an original, the buyer suffers enormous damage. The rights of the buyer depend largely on the type of forgery and the content of the purchase contract. In addition, it is necessary to check on the basis of the specific German case law whether a defect of purchase or a reason for contesting the contract can be successfully asserted. Our specialized vintage car lawyers are familiar with cases of classic car forgery and are aware of the relevant vintage car case law in Germany.

When selling valuable vehicles in Germany, certain precautions should be taken. Firstly, there is a general risk that the buyer will not pay the purchase price. However, the seller also always runs the risk of being held liable by the buyer for alleged defects or damage. If the buyer can even prove that he has lost the profit of a resale due to a defect, the claims can sometimes be enormous. Our specialized lawyers prepare or review sales contracts and negotiate them if requested. We provide you with additional documents, such as confidentiality agreements or letters of intent, and advise you on how to secure the transaction.

When it comes to classic car transactions, the buyer usually bears the greater risk. Often, it turns out after the handover that the classic car is not “matching numbers” after all, that numbers have been looked up or that there is engine damage. Even an undetected rust infestation can mean a massive loss in value. If the vehicle was stolen in the past, the question arises as to whether the buyer was even able to acquire ownership. For the buyer, the content of the purchase contract is therefore particularly important. Our lawyers, who specialize in German vintage car law, will support you in purchasing classic vehicles in Germany. We check purchase contracts and, if you wish, accompany you during negotiations.

At classic car auctions, a test drive is usually not possible and the auction catalogs contain only scant information on the condition of the vehicles. At the same time, the auction conditions in Germany usually point out that the catalog information is not binding. Liability for defects is largely excluded. If the auctioneer acts as the consignor’s representative, the successful bidder does not even learn the seller’s name. But the consignor also exposes himself to particular risks when he entrusts his valuable vehicle to an auction house in Germany for sale. Our lawyers have in-depth knowledge and years of experience in German auction law and will assist you with the consignment as well as before or after the auction of a classic car in Germany.