In the antiques and collectibles world, one of the hottest subjects to collect is antique cars. It’s an international multi generational phenomenon that is cherished by the young and old or men and women alike. It is also one of the biggest attractions in the auction world, the only auctions that are televised events similar to the Super Bowl but for gearheads. It’s not like there is a five to seven day week series on the live sale of Picasso’s, Renoir’s, or Modigliani portraits. However, what is it like going there? Being in the action if you are interested in buying a classic to drive home. Let me tell you, you better know exactly what you are looking at.
For classic and vintage cars, the auction leaders are Mecum Auctions and Barrett-Jackson. A close third would be RM Sotheby’s, but they’re more of a newcomer to the muscle and vintage car scene. Historically they were always the more bust out your salmon pants and cruise in your 1930 Cadillac or 1961 Ferrari convertible. Regardless, they’re all the same in that it’s high profile, every car looks spotless, and you really feel like you’re at a Disney World of cars. I recently attended Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida which is their largest event of the year consisting of 3,500 plus cars available for sale. While the auction is going on there was a Dodge Hellcat test track, food, booze, live music, and every other form of entertainment. Even Bumblebee and Optimus Prime were walking around. But after all the lights and cameras, it is truly like every other auction in that you need to know what you’re buying. Everything is sold as-is, where-is with no real guarantee if the car is truly 100% ready to roll or all original as expected. Don’t get me wrong, there is a vetting process before the cars enter the auction, but whether or not the details given on the windshield are truly accurate is up to your interpretation. Prime example, I was strongly considering a 1991 Toyota Supra turbo advertised as an all original example with 33,000 miles. Had a “clean carfax” to boot! The reality was regardless of carfax the car had clearly been repainted and in a minor collision at one time. There was white overspray on moldings in areas and the body lines were not equal in the fenders and bumpers. Major red flag right there, but it still achieved $27,500 to a happy absentee bidder. I’m curious what his opinion will be when he sees it in person but hey, he should have been there and previewed. It’s an auction.
In closing, I will say Mecum Auctions or Barrett-Jackson is definitely the place to go and buy a car if you’re looking for one. Go there with an open mind and you will definitely find a car to take home. There are great deals to be had and also great investment pedigree cars to be purchased. Regardless of what your budget is and what you’re looking for there is something there for you. Trust me, I took home a 2000 Honda S2000 with 11,000 original miles, and it was the coolest auction experience I’ve had.
