Garage Kept Motors

Garage Kept Motors is a classic and specialty vehicle seller in Grand Rapids, Michigan, working mostly through consignment. Its website describes the business as a seller of classic and specialty cars online, and says it sells most of its cars outside Michigan and overseas. The showroom at 420 36th St. SE is open by appointment only, which tells you something about how the business runs: this is an internet-first operation with a private showroom behind it, not a lot you drive past and wander into.

How the business works

Garage Kept Motors calls itself a broker for its consignors. Owners hand over their cars, the company prices, photographs, advertises and negotiates the sale, and the owner is paid when the car sells. For buyers, that means the cars are generally owned by someone else, so ask early about title status, ownership history and what the consignment agreement means for any condition promises. The company says it offers a free appraisal to help set an asking price, and that its listings run on major vehicle advertising sites and on Bring a Trailer.

What it sells

The company lists classic cars, collector cars, vintage 4x4s, classic trucks and other specialty vehicles. Stock changes constantly and some of it is later-model enthusiast machinery rather than strictly vintage, so check the current inventory rather than assuming a particular make or era. Among the other services on its site are a car finder, for people who want the company to hunt for a specific vehicle, and an estate planning and collection assessment service for families and owners dealing with a larger group of cars.

Buying from Garage Kept Motors

The company says its listings carry 100 or more photos, including undercarriage pictures, plus walk-around videos of the car running and a narrative write-up of its history and features. Because buyers are often far away, it says it expects many sales to happen sight unseen, while recommending a pre-purchase inspection when a buyer cannot view the car in person. Its site lists these buyer services:

• Financing described as classic and specialty financing.
• Shipping with enclosed and open trailer options, and express delivery on select vehicles.
• Insurance and warranty pages for buyers who want coverage.

Anyone new to remote purchases should do their homework first, then confirm the VIN, title and any known repairs in writing before sending money.

Selling through Garage Kept Motors

Consignment is the center of the model, and the company is open about what it offers: a free appraisal, climate-controlled showroom storage, professional photos and video, a narrative write-up, worldwide online exposure, and financing and shipping options for potential buyers. Its distinctive promise is what it calls a Transparent Sale Disclosure: when a car sells, the consignor gets a copy of the bill of sale showing who bought the car and the sale price. The company also says nine out of ten cars sell outside Michigan, with an average sale period of four to six weeks. Those are the dealer's own figures and have not been independently checked. Specific commission rates are not published on the site, so ask for the fee in writing before you sign anything. For general background on fees and terms, see how classic car consignment works.

Reputation

The Better Business Bureau lists Garage Kept Motors LLC as accredited since March 2022 with an A+ rating, as shown in search listings at the time of research. The company's own site carries customer reviews and a news section, which are the dealer's selection and should be read with that in mind. As with any dealer, judge it on the specific car: ask for the bill of sale history, request extra photos of problem areas and arrange an independent inspection.

Visiting and contact

Garage Kept Motors is at 420 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548, by appointment only, and can be reached at 616-888-3230. The company says it is not a gallery and that visitors get its undivided attention, so call ahead to arrange a viewing. If you are comparing options nearby, browse classic cars for sale in Michigan.