David Gooding, the man who runs a company which specialises in dealing with classic cars for sale, has given an interview to the Los Angeles Times, outlining what it is he does and the tricks of the auctioneer's trade.

In 2011, Gooding & Co. was able to sell a Duesenberg Model J coupe for the princely sum of $10.3 million, a figure which broke records, to allow the vehicle to become the most expensive American car ever to go under the hammer.

Almost 300 classic cars were auctioned by Mr Gooding's firm in 2011, with average sale prices totalling out at around $441,000.

Mr Gooding was also involved in the famous sale of a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic in 2010, in which a transaction worth around $30 million is alleged to have taken place, although this is still unconfirmed at the request of both the buyer and seller.

Mr Gooding said that when it comes to auctions, a European marque is more likely to earn the big bucks than an American equivalent, although this is not universally true.

Mr Gooding founded his firm almost 10 years ago and it has gone from strength to strength in the interim, thanks to his expertise and guidance.