Avant-Garde Collection

Avant-Garde Collection is a Portland, Oregon dealer and consignment house for high-end vintage, exotic and specialty cars, with Porsche-certified technicians. The website describes it as a source of high-end motor sales and consignment and says it is a top-rated seller on Bring a Trailer under the name @911r. It is an independent business and is not affiliated with Classic Cars Arena.

How the business works

The company says it was created after decades in the high-end car business, combining sales and service so collectors can use one provider for marketing and maintenance. It says no salespeople are involved. Its own descriptions say it buys, sells and takes consignments locally, nationally and internationally. A separate site for its @911r seller account describes locations in Portland and Scottsdale, Arizona, while Hemmings lists the Portland address. Hemmings lists it as by appointment only.

Selling and consigning

Consignment is a main part of the offer. The site says it presents cars with history, photos and video, and that it is a top-rated seller on Bring a Trailer. No commission, fees or reserve policies are published, so ask for them in writing. Our guide to classic car consignment fees explains what to compare between sellers.

What it sells

The home page shows no inventory. The site describes the stock as rare collector automobiles and exotic, vintage and specialty vehicles. Check recent auction results and the listing history for any car before you bid.

Services listed

• Consignment, with cars presented on Bring a Trailer.
• Service and restoration by Porsche-trained technicians, covering most makes including European and exotic cars, from basic service to performance upgrades and full restorations.
• Buying cars, which the company says it does.

We did not see financing, shipping or trade-ins mentioned. Ask about transport if you win a car from out of state.

Reputation

The Better Business Bureau lists an accredited business with an A+ rating for a profile under the name Avant Garde Auto LLC that lists the same phone number. We did not see a complaint count. Its Facebook page has about 6,900 followers. For a high-value purchase, review the listing and any inspection reports and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a third party. To compare other sellers, browse classic cars for sale in Oregon.

Visiting Avant-Garde Collection

The shop is at 678 N Thompson Street, Portland, Oregon 97227. Its own site does not publish hours, and Hemmings says visits are by appointment only. Call 503-505-6200, the number on the Hemmings and BBB listings. Some directories show 503-305-8011 instead.