The Daily Vroom

Good morning, Vroomers!

Quick updates for you: it looks like Hemmings has resolved the issues we discussed yesterday—credit where it’s due. Of course, I’ll still be keeping a close eye on them and all the auction platforms. My goal isn’t just to critique; it’s to push for better across the industry.

On a high note, the beautiful 2002 Porsche 911 Targa that was featured yesterday went for a solid $33k—well done to the new owner on landing a fantastic car at a reasonable price.

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+ vehicles in the chart below.

YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES

In the top 5 listings of the day, BaT consistently dominates, and we regularly see cars from Collecting Cars, SOMO, and PCarMarket making the cut. But let’s be honest, it’s a rare day when a Cars & Bids listing cracks the top 5. Just yesterday, their average sale price was a shade under $21k, while BaT was soaring above $44k. And yes, most auction sites thrive on reasonably priced cars—it’s their bread and butter—but there’s a notable gap here.

We’ve talked about this before: Cars & Bids doesn’t often handle higher-priced vehicles, and they’re not exactly featuring them either. Maybe that’s intentional—sticking to the modern enthusiast cars that are their core audience—but it does beg the question of what they’re aiming to attract. A quick look at their advertising tells the story: one ad geared towards higher-end cars, and plenty of others focused on more 'average' sales. Look at the ad below showing a Mitsubishi 300GT for $14,325 which nets them just $716.25. Do you know how many Mitsubishi 300GT they’ve listed (not sold) in 4 years? It’s just 36, not exactly big numbers.

Here’s the thing: their fee structure rewards higher-priced sales (up to $100k), so why not aggressively target those vehicles? If it were me, I’d start by analyzing every sale between $80k and $120k, pinpoint the models that perform best, and use that data to craft hyper-focused ads aimed directly at dealers and private sellers in that range. It’s not complicated—it’s something that could be set up tomorrow.

Back to yesterday’s top sales.

Just click on the car to take you directly to the listing.

Nearly Sale of the Day

This 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet Conversion previously sold on BaT in September 2023 for $139k but failed to meet the reserve this time around, with bidding stopping at $98k. The seller attributed this to the "down market," but there are several additional factors at play that may have influenced this result.

1. Significantly Lower Traffic

This auction attracted about half the views compared to its September 2023 sale. Visibility is everything in an auction—fewer views mean fewer engaged bidders, which directly impacts the final result. Whether this was due to a lack of promotion or a general decline in interest for relisted cars, it clearly played a role in the outcome.

2. The Seasonal Factor

Selling a convertible in December comes with its own challenges. Buyers in many parts of the country are focused on winter storage, not adding a car they won’t be able to enjoy for months. In contrast, September offers a better window when enthusiasts are still thinking about driving and attending events, making it easier to attract motivated buyers.

Between lower visibility and poor timing, it’s no surprise the bids didn’t reach the level the seller hoped for this time. Whether the "down market" narrative holds true or not, auctions are about timing, exposure, and buyer sentiment. A spring relist should bring improved visibilitywhich could be a much stronger play for a car like this.

Auction To Keep An Eye On

I’m highlighting just this one auction today - with some context at the end.

This 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Widebody is, without question, one of the finest 964s I’ve ever seen hit an auction site. And the fact that it’s being offered at no reserve speaks volumes about the seller’s confidence—this one’s going to bring serious money, and deservedly so.

Let’s start with what makes this car so special. First off, it’s one of just 267 factory widebody coupes delivered to North America, making it a rare find to begin with. Add to that the Grand Prix White paint, Classic Grey leather interior, and just 58,000 miles, and you’ve got a truly exceptional example of a 964. This isn’t just another Carrera 4; it’s a showpiece.

The details here are impeccable. Recent work includes KW V3 coilovers, a rebuilt steering rack, new tires, and updates to everything from belts to spark plugs. This car has clearly been cared for with the kind of attention you’d expect from someone who understands its value. And then there’s the no-reserve aspect—it’s a bold move that shows the seller knows what they’ve got.

Mechanically, the 3.6L air-cooled flat-six is one of the greatest engines Porsche ever built. Paired with a five-speed manual and all-wheel drive, it delivers the kind of analog driving experience that modern cars can’t replicate. The widebody stance adds an aggressive edge while maintaining the timeless 964 design.

This auction is already off to a strong start, with bidding at $135,964 and six days to go. If you’re in the market for a 964 that checks every box—rare, immaculate, and ready to drive or show—this is it. There’s something truly special about this car, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it break records.

*SIDE NOTE – I wrote recently about how BaT often includes seemingly unrelated articles from the Hearst archive in listings, which, in my opinion (and many Vroomers agree), don’t do much to elevate the listing. And once again, here we are with another one.

If they’re going to keep adding these, my suggestion (for what it’s worth) would be to take five minutes with an editor and give it some relevance. For instance, something like this: (in my best magazine writing voice)

“Porsche’s 964 series was celebrated as a pinnacle of design and engineering in its time. As featured in a 1990 review, the Carrera's blend of performance and refinement made it an icon, and this 1994 Carrera 4 Widebody is an exceptional example of that legacy.” 

A little context goes a long way in making these additions more meaningful.

Enjoying The Daily Vroom?

Pay it forward by sharing this newsletter with an automotive aficionado in your circles. Your endorsement allows us to accelerate our growth.