Two very different corners of the car world collide here - and the result is a brutally honest blueprint for how to buy, prep, sell, and actually make money from cars in 2026. If you care about classics, modern classics, or running a dealership without drowning in comebacks, this conversation is packed with real-world tactics you can use immediately.
James and The Old Car Lady get into the shift from modern stock to older metal, why project cars can be smarter than perfect ones, and how social media has become a genuine sales tool rather than just a marketing side hustle. They break down what really makes a car valuable, why transparency beats polish, and how knowing exactly who you are selling to can save you from expensive headaches later.
You'll discover:
- Why rough-and-ready classics can be better business than immaculate restorations
- How project cars create room for margin, content, and future opportunity
- The difference between selling to experienced classic buyers and first-timers
- Why honesty about faults, paperwork, and expectations
- How YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram help build trust
- When a raffle model makes sense, and when it absolutely doesn't
- The conversation also digs into the modern dealership squeeze: rising prep costs, warranty pressure, and why low-margin cars under five grand are getting harder to retail profitably. Against that backdrop, they make a strong case for the dealers who can show their work, explain their process, and prove the value they add before a customer ever steps through the door.
If you're a car dealer, enthusiast, trader, or just someone who loves hearing how the business really works behind the scenes, this episode is essential listening. It's smart, funny, and refreshingly unfiltered - with plenty of ideas for anyone trying to turn cars into a sustainable business without losing the love for them.
A Nod To
Huge thanks to James for joining me this week, to find out more about James and his dealership, classic cars and raffles please look for Chops Garage on all them usual social media channels - an if you don’t already follow him please have a look at his brilliant YouTube channel.
Website: https://www.cgcarsales.co.uk/
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@ChopsGarage
You can see what’s going on in my old car garage by following The Old Car Lady on all the usual social media channels and please get in touch with any questions or to discuss collaborations.
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