Shoreham Vehicle Auctions’ first-ever centre for a day sale for Zenith has hit a 100% conversion rate while raising money for the Candlelighters children’s cancer charity.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Sale by the Sea in late August saw the Shoreham auction rostrum remodelled as a 1920s-themed Punch and Judy stall, complete with an ice cream van, caricaturist and a large sandy beach, to stage the sale of ex-lease and salary sacrifice vehicles.

All 170 used cars sold first time, including a selection of high-value, high-spec used EVs.

The event was attended by 50 physical buyers while 140 online buyers from the Orkneys to Plymouth bought 60% of the stock, all taking advantage of the SVA’s special £199 buyer fee.

Buyers, along with Zenith and SVA, helped raise £5,652 on the day for the Candlelighters children’s charity, which provide a lifetime of support to the 150 families in Yorkshire affected by childhood cancer each year.

The sale also showed rising demand in the used market for zero-emission vehicles.

SVA’s MD Alex Wright said: “It’s pleasing to see used EVs continuing to find favour with dealers in response to retail demand rising, particularly for the larger higher value models which have previously been slower to sell. This coincides with the September plate change where we are likely to see more used EVs reaching the second-hand market.”

Stephen Barlow, head of remarketing at Zenith, said: “As the UK’s leading independent leasing company, it’s vital that we work with suppliers such as SVA to bring quality used electric vehicles to the market as we continue on the road to net zero.

“The 100% conversion rate of ex-lease and salary sacrifice vehicles highlights the growing retail demand for EVs and the need for stability in the used market. This success, the unique seaside theme and the money raised for Candlelighters, which is a charity close to our hearts, was enjoyed by everyone involved.’’