💰 The figures shared below don’t count any other sales such as car seats, memorabilia etc… All online auction sites are analyzed to put this leaderboard together.

I only include websites that have sold 5+ cars in the chart below.

It was too good to be true that last few days sales numbers. Yesterday we were brought back to earth with a bump. Total sales were 6.2m

Below, you can see the breakdown of sales into their respective price segments. Notably, the higher price segments that were bulging yesterday are back to our ‘normal’ levels. No 10+% for the $100k+ sales.

Yesterday was a first. BaT didn’t have any of the top 3 sales, in fact they only had 1 out of the top 5.

Top of the table goes to SOMO with the sale of the 2005 Ford GT. Followed by Collecting Cars who had 3 other sales in the top 5.

To view each listing, you can click on the cars.

There are no comparable sales with the Fiorano Handling Pack

Who saw this price coming?

In the world of car auctions, you expect to see some high bids and jaw-dropping sales, but every now and then, something truly wild happens that leaves everyone scratching their heads. The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T SEL Final Edition Convertible sold yesterday for an astonishing $67,000, and it’s safe to say that this sale fits squarely into the “insane” category.

First off, let's talk about what makes this Beetle special. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Beetle; it’s the Final Edition, the last hurrah for an iconic model. Finished in Pure White with a power-operated brown convertible top, this Beetle boasts diamond-stitched black leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch wheels, heated sport seats, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. With just 1,100 miles on the odometer, it’s practically brand new.

But even with all these features, $67,000 is a lot of money for a modern Beetle. The car’s window sticker price was $31,735 when it was new, which means this car sold for more than double its original value. So, what drove this price up so high?

The comments section offers some clues. Several enthusiasts pointed out that this Beetle is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. The fact that it’s a Final Edition model adds to its allure, marking the end of an era for the Beetle. Collectors often pay a premium for such milestone cars, especially ones in pristine condition with incredibly low mileage. As one commenter put it, "This was the perfect storm!! The players were all here, and the seller had an excellent presentation." (presentation always helps to a certain degree).

There’s also the undeniable nostalgia factor. Many people have fond memories of Beetles, whether it’s from their childhood or just an appreciation for its unique design and place in automotive history. This emotional connection can drive prices up significantly, as bidders get caught up in the moment, eager to own a piece of the past.

Another factor that might have contributed to the high price is the car’s rarity in such condition. One commenter noted, "There aren't many Beetles still around with these low miles." When you combine rarity with desirability, prices can skyrocket, especially in a no-reserve auction where the highest bidder takes it all.

Despite its impressive features and the emotional pull, some folks were left baffled by the final bid. One user humorously remarked, "Wow! I like the Beetles but $70k+ with fees for one of these is insane." It’s a sentiment that was shared by many watching the auction unfold. The car’s price eclipsed those of other more traditionally “valuable” cars, sparking debates about market dynamics and collector behavior.

In the end, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T SEL Final Edition Convertible's sale for $67,000 showcases the unpredictable nature of car auctions. Whether it was nostalgia, rarity, or just the right combination of bidders, this Beetle's insane sale price will be talked about for a long time. For the new owner, it’s a dream car come true, and for the rest of us, it’s a reminder of just how wild the auction world can be.

This gorgeous 2005 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo Competition Package, an iconic American supercar, failed to sell at auction yesterday for $715,000, despite its undeniable allure and rarity. Several factors likely played into this outcome.

One major issue was the engine. It's not the original, and that’s a deal-breaker for many serious collectors. Originality holds significant value in the collector car world, and having a non-original engine can dramatically impact the perceived worth of a vehicle. This Saleen, despite its impressive specs, fell short in this crucial area.

Timing and the right crowd are also critical in auctions. Sometimes, it just isn't the right day with the right bidders. The last time a Twin Turbo Competition Package was up for auction in 2021, it reached a high bid of $655,000.

The broader economic context can't be ignored. Over the past two years, the market for some high-end vehicles might have weakened, impacting the sale. With many high-net-worth individuals potentially tightening their belts or focusing their investments elsewhere, this Saleen didn’t capture the needed attention.

Moreover, the car’s modifications, while improving performance and reliability, might have deterred purists. This Saleen is a beast with 1,000 horsepower and a stunning Lizstick Red paint job, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the purists' desire for untouched originality.

On the flip side, there’s also a sense of timing within the Saleen brand. With the future of Saleen hanging in the balance, some might see better investment opportunities elsewhere, rather than than take a ‘risk’ with a company that might not be around tomorrow.

Ultimately, the auction comments reflect a mix of admiration and skepticism. While some were dreaming of this car since childhood, others were put off by the engine issue and the broader market context.

Despite the undeniable allure and rarity of the 2005 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo Competition Package, it wasn’t the right moment, or perhaps the right crowd, for this stunning car to find its new home. The love for the car is clear, but love alone doesn’t always seal the deal when substantial money is on the line.