AutoVIA Classic Car Appraising

Serving Classic Car owners, dealers and buyers on the Northern California coast, from San Francisco to Carmel-By-The Sea

We specialize in mid-century modern vehicles 1945 – 1975 of all makes and models that are restored, unrestored survivors, factory stock, modified and custom-built vehicles, prototypes and Concept Cars presented by manufacturers.

We currently do not offer appraisal services for motorcycles, watercraft or aircraft. We are ‘car people’ first, who are also enthusiasts that specialize in appraising in the market of collectible vehicles.

Your Auto Appraisal Needs

Our professional appraisal reports provide classic car owners, dealers and buyers with accurate classic car values based on the comparable data that we collect and analyze, and the opinions that we conclude in consideration of the current market and trends. A data supported current market appraisal is essential for the following reasons:

  • Classic Car financing
  • Classic Car insurance
  • Pre-purchase or pre-sale inspection
  • Estate and retirement planning
  • RS charitable donation valuations

Legal related services

  • Expert Witness
  • Divorce or bankruptcy valuations

Our Auto Appraisal Process

Our process begins with a thorough physical inspection and professional photography to document your vehicle’s condition and history. We then conduct rigorous market research; analyzing comparable sales, auction records, and expert insights to establish a credible value. This culminates in a professional digital PDF report featuring a formal opinion of value and high-quality visual documentation.

Vehicle Research

We gather as much data as possible in the time that we spend on your vehicle inspection, including the recording of features, model significance, finishes, gaps, paint depth, condition and overall stance and appearance. We also intake documentation that you provide about heritage, provenance, and in some cases, limited model production numbers. Through this process, your vehicle is extensively photographed including details of the exterior, interior, engine, and under the vehicle.

Auto Appraisal

The data is then used to produce your appraisal report where we compare similar vehicles in the same market within an appropriate reasonable geographic distance of the appraised property. We objectively gather facts and data to form a credible and essential opinion of value for the report. This includes relevant, public, comparable vehicles offered for sales both online and off, auction records, information from trade publications, and occasionally, when necessary, we will voluntarily contact more expert outside advice from another appraiser or a specific vehicle expert such as a restorer, or a recognized classic car show judge.

Appraisal Report

From all the data collected and inquiries made, we will formalize our option of value as your Appraisal, that in addition to the comparable data, includes high quality photographic visual references. The appraisal report is delivered to you in a digital format (PDF) that is suitable for printing if required.

Who we are

Our qualified American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Candidate appraisers have completed at least six months of in-depth Personal Property training including Research and Analysis, Report Writing, and IRS, Legal and Commercial parameters that adhere to the quality and control standards as determined by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Why use AutoVIA?

AutoVIA founder Bill Barranco has been collecting and restoring classic cars for more than 50 years. After a successful career in automotive design working in Detroit, Southern California and Europe, Bill launched Autovision Inc. which produced made-for-TV episodes focusing on classic cars from an automotive design perspective.

Later and for over 20 years, Bill was a top recruiter of automotive talent for most of the major automotive manufacturers in the US, Europe and Asia.

Appraisal Cost and Timing

The report will be delivered within 21 calendar days of each appraisal.

In accordance with ASA and USPAP regulations and recommendations, our fees are fixed at $750 per vehicle, regardless of the time we spend gathering data and preparing the report.

Mileage is charged at the current IRS rate. The hourly rate for legal related services is $100.

Upon delivery of the appraisal, payment is due via Zelle, or with a 3% processing fee added if via QuickBooks, PayPal, or credit cards, etc.

Contact AutoVIA

For any inquiries concerning the benefits of a professional appraisal, please Send Us a Note. To arrange an appraisal appointment, kindly contact us directly via email or text/phone.

AutoVIA Inc.
565 Hartnell Street
Unit 269
Monterey CA 92942
[email protected]
(650) 305-8400

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Send Us a Note