Except as is otherwise provided in Section 25-1-85, Mississippi Code of 1972, the commissioner shall, before buying any equipment or other materials where the amount is in excess of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), advertise in at least one (1) newspaper published in the city of Jackson, his intention of buying such materials or equipment (and, if such be the case, his intention to trade in any used equipment on the purchase price of said materials or equipment) by at least one (1) publication in such paper at least ten (10) days before the equipment or materials shall be purchased, and shall receive bids thereupon. In advertising for bids for automobiles and motorcycles, the commissioner shall have the authority to specify the make and model desired. Said equipment or materials shall be purchased from such persons, firms or corporations submitting the best and lowest bid for the particular class of equipment or materials desired. In the case of purchasing automobiles or motorcycles, there shall be at least two (2) bids submitted for each type desired.