VALETED cars sell at auction, according to Manheim Auctions, where a recent sale raised nearly £2.5million.

Most of 304 the cars, supplied by Arval PHH and LeasePlan, were cleaned inside and out before going under the hammer.

More than 100 buyers bought 283 cars at an average of 103.7% of CAP clean at Manheim Coventry, and organisers are convinced vehicle condition was largely responsible for the success of the conversion rate.

All the cars received a full valet and those with a solid body colour were machine polished. All tyres were blacked and alloy wheels were given an acid clean. They all had warranted mileage and 99% were supplied with V5 documents. MoT details were declared on the sale catalogue, as were details on whether the car was VAT-qualifying.

Martin Potter, Manheim Auctions' corporate sales director, said: 'The sale was a brilliant example of why Arval PHH and LeasePlan have such a strong following at auction. They invest in presenting cars in excellent condition and see an immediate return on their investment.'