MARKET LEADERBOARD

💰 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. Which means Hagerty and many others did not sell 5 cars yesterday!

Yesterday marked a milestone in the auction world, with platforms clocking in more sales than any other January day on record. The spotlight was on the more accessible side of the market, with an average sale price of $35,000. It's refreshing to see the diversity in the auction scene, proving that there's a treasure for every budget. It's days like these that remind us of the dynamic nature of the auction landscape.

Of course, not every gem hits its mark, as was the case with the RUF I delve into below. But that's the ebb and flow of the auction tide – some you win, some you just barely miss. Peering into the horizon, it's clear that we're in for a treat. The upcoming lineup is brimming with spectacular cars, a few of which I've spotlighted below.

Alright, let's dive into yesterday's top sales. Just click on the image, and boom, you're right at the listing.

As the auction for the 31-Years-Owned 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo Special Wishes Slantnose Coupe edges closer to completion, currently standing at $89,000, it's evident that this isn't just any car auction. It's a narrative unfolding in real-time, a Grand Prix White masterpiece at its heart.

This Porsche is no ordinary vehicle; it's a rare breed. With its distinguished Special Wishes distinction, slantnose design, and a robust turbocharged 3.3-liter engine that positions it intriguingly between a standard 930 and a powerhouse RUF BTR, it's a car that commands respect and admiration.

Yet, the journey of this auction has been as riveting as the vehicle itself. The seller, renowned for their prestigious listings on BaT, has found themselves in an unusual predicament. The Porsche community, ever vigilant and detail-oriented, has brought forward probing questions and observations, turning this auction into a hive of intrigue.

Particular points of contention, like the authenticity of the front bumper and the unique stature of the car's engine, have sparked intense discussions. The presence of a photograph, believed to be signed by Wolfgang Porsche, adds layers of depth and personal connection to the car's history.

However, amidst the vibrant discourse, a shadow of uncertainty lingers over the car's mileage history. While meticulous records and consistent servicing in California since 1993 speak of its maintenance, the absence of a comprehensive narrative leaves a gap, a missing piece of the puzzle that the community is eager to complete.

In this auction's final moments, it's clear that the seller, usually adept at navigating the nuances of high-caliber auctions, may have been caught slightly off-guard by the intensity and specifics of the community's inquiries. This 911 Turbo Slantnose isn't just a testament to Porsche's engineering excellence; it's a reminder of the intricate dance between seller, vehicle, and community in the auction world.

Choosing to list your car in a No Reserve Auction is undoubtedly a bold move. It's that heart-thumping gamble where you relinquish control over the minimum sale price, embracing the uncertainty of the market's response. The thrill here is in the unknown – will the auction reach, or perhaps even surpass, the seller's expectations?

However, this approach isn't just about risk. It carries a unique allure that often leads to a flurry of bidding activity. The absence of a safety net, in the form of a reserve price, tends to liberate bidders. They dive into the auction with fewer hesitations, driven by the possibility of snagging a deal or the fear of missing out. This dynamic often results in a vibrant, competitive bidding environment, where the final sale price can soar beyond initial estimates.

Now, as someone who swears by data, I'd typically advocate for a thorough analysis to validate these observations. But given the myriad of variables unique to each auction – from the car's condition and rarity to market trends and buyer sentiment – pinning down a definitive pattern is no small feat. In this realm, my most reliable barometer has been my own observations, witnessing firsthand how these auctions unfold.

Understanding this, it's easy to see why many sellers opt for a reserve auction. It's their safety harness, ensuring that their cherished asset won't change hands unless the bidding crosses a predefined threshold. External factors, be it market fluctuations or simply the timing of the auction, can dramatically sway the outcome. The reserve is a seller's strategic countermeasure against the unpredictable, potentially safeguarding them from a disappointing sale.

In essence, whether to go with a No Reserve Auction or set a reserve price is a strategic decision, laden with potential risks and rewards. It's a choice that requires careful consideration, weighing the allure of a spirited bidding war against the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed minimum sale price.

During my deep dive into the listings across a multitude of auction websites, my intention was to uncover a broad spectrum of vehicles from different platforms to showcase. However, the reality was unexpectedly limited. Many sites either had no No Reserve cars or just a sparse collection that didn't quite rise to the level of distinction I was looking for.

This scarcity sparks an intriguing thought – perhaps there's a niche in the market just waiting to be filled. Imagine a dedicated site exclusively for No Reserve auctions. Could this be a groundbreaking concept or a misstep waiting to happen? (I’m thinking prob not the best idea…)

The idea possibly has merits: it would be a haven for those who love the thrill and unpredictability of no-reserve bidding, providing a concentrated platform where every listing promises the excitement of an unrestricted auction. On the other hand, ensuring a steady stream of quality listings and maintaining buyer and seller confidence could present significant challenges. It's a notion worth pondering, as it could either revolutionize the auction landscape or serve as a cautionary tale in the niche market's viability.

Now, let's take a moment to spotlight 4 of the most captivating No Reserve Auctions currently live: (click on the image to be taken to the live listing)

Listed and not sold in 2022 with a high bid of $170,000 here is this beautiful 44-Years-Owned 1964 Jaguar XKE Coupe Race Car.

Not sure you’ll see a better Wagon all year, can’t say more than that!

The 2007 RUF Rt 12 we recently featured didn't manage to find a new home, stalling at a final bid of $380,000. Now, that might sound like a hefty sum, but when you stack it up against past RUF sales, this one clocked in with a bit more mileage than we're used to seeing. It's an age-old truth in the auction world – a car's value is ultimately determined by what someone's willing to shell out for it. However, from where I stand, considering the specs and how these beasts have performed in previous sales, the seller made a savvy call holding out for a bid that starts with a '4'. Sometimes, patience in the game can lead to a bigger payoff down the road.

Yesterday's no-reserve auction for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, previously owned by YouTube sensation MKBHD, turned quite a few heads, closing at an impressive $87,000. But what's even more striking is the staggering 363,000 (probably more now!) views the auction attracted – a figure sets a new record for Cars & Bids. In fact only one other auction from ALL the online auction platforms has had more views and that is this one with 364,000. This turnout isn't just about the car; it's a testament to the influence and reach a prominent YouTuber can have. It goes to show how the right personality and community engagement can supercharge an auction, driving remarkable visibility and excitement around a listing.

Over the past six months, I've noticed an intriguing trend on several auction sites – there's been a significant uptick in listings featuring art, memorabilia, car parts, and various vehicle-related collectibles. This emerging niche is not just proving to be profitable, but it's also a treasure trove of stunning items. Many of these pieces, often tucked away in storage units or forgotten in garages, are finally seeing the light of day.

While we at The Daily Vroom primarily focus on vehicles, and don't include these unique sales in our leaderboard, we're definitely not turning a blind eye to them. For instance, take the exquisite Porsche M28 V8 Coffee Table that sold yesterday for a cool $19,928 – it's items like these that keep our interest piqued. Rest assured, I'll be keeping a keen eye on these gems and sharing the most noteworthy finds with you.

Yesterday I asked in a poll if you thought this was a true 129 Mile Porsche?

A huge number of you voted and the results thus far were that 67.27% of you feel that it is NOT a true mileage car. We’ll be watching how the auction goes and I’ll report back to you once it closes.