Our Work
Central Car Auctions
When your business sits beside one of the UK’s busiest motorways, you only get a few seconds to make a lasting impression. For Central Car Auctions, one of Scotland’s leading car auction specialists, those few seconds mattered.
They wanted a sign that couldn’t be missed — something bold, bright, and unmistakably theirs. So, they turned to the team at Signs Express (Glasgow) for help.
Contact us on:
📱0141 896 2914
The Brief
Central Car Auctions is a well-known name in Glasgow’s motor trade, buying and selling more than 1,400 vehicles a week. With their site located directly alongside the M8, one of Scotland’s main transport arteries, the company saw a major opportunity to transform their building into a powerful advertising landmark.
Their vision was simple:
- Create an illuminated fascia sign that would be instantly recognisable, even from a distance.
- Keep energy costs low and maintenance simple.
- Ensure the structure could withstand the extreme weather the exposed motorway location often brings — with winds sometimes exceeding 100 mph.
Our approach
After several site visits and design consultations, our team proposed a large, illuminated flex face lightbox fascia, built for high visibility and long-term durability.
Spanning over 7 metres in length, the sign features the company’s signature ‘Hammer Time’ branding — a nod to the auctioneer’s gavel — paired with the Central Car Auctions logo in striking, high-contrast colours. The combination of scale, clarity, and illumination makes it stand out perfectly to passing drivers day or night.
Challenges and Solutions
Because the site faces directly onto the motorway, structural integrity was just as important as design. The flex face lightbox was fabricated using reinforced aluminium framing with an engineered tensioning system to secure the face material. This ensured it remained taut and safe even in the strongest winds.
We integrated eco-friendly LED lighting, which not only provides even illumination but also cuts energy consumption by around 50% compared to traditional fluorescent systems. LEDs also reduce maintenance needs — an important factor given the height and exposure of the installation.
Our team also handled the planning permission process, ensuring the design met all local regulations while delivering the high-impact visual presence the client wanted.
Working at height and alongside one of Scotland’s busiest roads presented unique challenges. Every element of the project — from safety planning to installation timing — had to be carefully coordinated to minimise disruption.
The Outcome
The finished fascia transformed the building’s visibility. By day, the clean design reinforces the Central Car Auctions brand to anyone driving past. By night, the illuminated face stands out brilliantly against the skyline — acting as both signage and advertisement.
The combination of smart design and technical precision means Central Car Auctions now benefits from:
- High-impact motorway visibility
- Reduced running costs through LED efficiency
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Minimal maintenance requirements
For our team at Signs Express (Glasgow), this project was the perfect example of how great signage combines creative design, engineering expertise, and practical problem-solving.
The flex face lightbox doesn’t just advertise a business — it turns a building into a statement. And on a motorway like the M8, that’s exactly what’s needed.
Share This Case Study:
More like this
Why Choose
Signs Express?
Quality
Experienced
Extensive
Bespoke
Local
Recommended
What our customers say
