September 2, 2025
Brown v Ridley (Rev1) [2025] UKSC 7 (26 February 2025)
A buyer of a vintage car sought to rescind the contract due to misrepresentation after discovering significant defects. The seller relied on a contractual clause requiring the buyer to conduct their own inspection. The Supreme Court found the clause was unreasonable under UCTA 1977. Facts The claimant, Mr Ridley, purchased a 1928 ‘Phantom’ motor car from the defendant, Ms Brown, for a sum of £450,000. During negotiations, Ms Brown, a knowledgeable collector, represented the vehicle as being in ‘excellent original condition’ and ‘ready for immediate and reliable use’. The written contract of sale included Clause 5(b), a ‘non-reliance’ clause which
