The Daily Vroom

Good morning, Vroomers!

Yesterday was one of those almost days for the heavyweights. The 2023 Ferrari 812 GT hit $511k RNM (power seller, not buyer, 911r came close with a $500k bid—probably had a buyer lined up), the 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody fell short at $544k RNM, and the 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 topped out at $2.33m RNM (catch my take on that one below).

That’s how it goes sometimes, but plenty of action still took place, like the sale of a very cool 1992 Lancia Delta. And the beauty of this world? There’s always another auction around the corner—some tasty ones are ending soon.

Catch you next week,
Sam

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.

It's clear that these four platforms are the most consistent performers day in and day out. However, there's something worth noting about Cars & Bids recently—their daily listings have dipped to around 25, down from the steady 30 we were seeing for a while. Is this a sign they're having trouble attracting new cars, or is it just a temporary blip? Time will tell, and I’ll be keeping a close watch. Over in the UK, Car & Classic seem to be in a similar spot, but for them, this trend has only surfaced over the past two weeks.

YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES

Want to dive deeper into any of these listings? Just click on the car to take you directly to the listing.

The Countach That Didn't Sell: Marketing Ploy or Missed Opportunity?

Is the seller using Bring a Trailer as a marketing tool rather than a serious sales platform? It’s a question worth asking, especially after this 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4’s auction yesterday.

Let’s start with the facts. The bidding reached an impressive $2.33m, but the reserve wasn’t met. A puzzling moment came earlier when the seller commented, “Soooooo close… someone is taking this beauty home!”—leading many to believe the reserve had been hit. Moments later, another comment exclaimed, “Mr. ReserveNotMet finally defeated.” Confusing? Absolutely. Especially when the auction ended with the reserve still unmet.

Now, let’s dig deeper. The seller’s history shows a pattern: none of their $1M+ auctions have resulted in a sale. Coincidence? Maybe. Or perhaps it reflects a reluctance to meet the market where it is. Dealers often set reserves slightly above market rate—understandable if they’re holding out for a premium. But could this dealer from Newport Beach be leveraging BaT more for exposure than actual sales?

It’s not far-fetched. BaT offers an unparalleled audience for high-end car dealers: enthusiasts, collectors, and buyers who are deeply engaged. Listing on BaT is relatively inexpensive for the visibility it provides. Dealers know this, and some undoubtedly use the platform to promote their brand rather than move inventory. Every click on their auction brings eyeballs to their dealership’s other listings, creating a ripple effect that BaT’s vast audience amplifies.

This isn’t a criticism—it’s smart marketing. Plenty of businesses have built brands by piggybacking on established platforms. Look at Amazon sellers who use the marketplace to launch entire product lines. BaT is no different. For dealers in high-rent areas like Newport Beach, the exposure is worth every dollar spent on listing fees, even if a sale doesn’t close.

That said, there's a trade-off. When reserves are set too high, bidders start to lose interest, especially when there’s a history of unsold cars. It creates skepticism and erodes trust. Buyers might wonder if they’re being used as pawns in a marketing play, which could ultimately backfire for sellers who rely too heavily on this tactic.

In this case, the Countach auction raises eyebrows. Was the seller genuinely trying to sell, or were they banking on the free advertising BaT provides? We’ll never know for sure. But one thing is clear: BaT remains a powerhouse for building automotive brands, whether you’re selling cars or just making a statement. And if you're not using platforms like BaT, Cars & Bids, or Collecting Cars as part of your dealership’s strategy, you’re leaving money—and exposure—on the table.

So, was this Countach auction a marketing play or a miscalculated reserve? Either way, the dealership likely got what they wanted: attention.

Auctions To Keep An Eye On

There are special builds and then there is this spectacular beast. Not a conversion or a clone, this W09 VIN supercar was designed by, and for, the boss himself. Originally registered to Alois Ruf, Jr. and displayed at the 2003 Essen Tuning Show, this particular car was built to highlight the latest and greatest offering in 2003 from RUF.

With options of 520, 550 and 590 horsepower, this one naturally was offered with 590. With a pedigree and documentation from new, this RT12 stands apart from the rest, in an already rare and special crowd. With a full service, some paintwork and a dry ice cleaning from RUF North America a successful bidder will be bringing home a fully sorted historically significant RT12 that is ready to enjoy.

Hopefully that new owner will add more than the 400 miles that the current owner added in current ownership. Bids have increased through the week, but the current bid (at the time I am writing this) of $320K is certainly not above the reserve, which is likely close to twice that number, if not higher. I know where I will be when this listing closes...

This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is pure class, the kind of car that doesn’t just turn heads—it owns the room. The bright red paint paired with a black leather interior and that iconic white steering wheel? It’s the full package of elegance and nostalgia. After a meticulous restoration, with just 317 miles since the overhaul, it’s practically showroom fresh, which isn’t something you see every day with a car this age.

Now, at $150k with bids still coming in, this isn’t just a casual purchase—it’s a serious investment. But here’s my take: the 190SL isn’t about raw performance; it’s about the experience, the statement it makes. It’s not as aggressive as its big sibling, the 300SL, but it oozes charm and sophistication in a way that’s uniquely its own. If you’re after a car that’s as much about the journey as the destination, this is your contender.

That said, you’re paying for perfection here—every detail restored, right down to the fitted luggage and tool kit. Is it worth it? If you want a classic that feels like stepping into 1961 but with none of the headaches, I’d say a firm yes.

A solid and clean 993 cabriolet in great colors with a 6 speed. Not sure there is a way to go wrong here. This seems like air cooled nirvana to me. Despite long registration history in NV and CA, this car seems to have a common spot of rust forming near the windshield, but this is not unusual and should be a simple, isolated fix. I am surprised that the seller didn't just address it. That being said, this may be a bargain in the current market and like all things air cooled, seems like it could be a solid long-term investment.

This 1993 Nissan Patrol Safari is an off-road legend, and with a high bid of just $6,500 and no reserve, it’s shaping up to be an absolute steal. This isn’t just some project SUV—it’s a left-hand-drive, 4WD beast that’s already titled in the U.S. and loaded with rugged charm. Whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising around town, this Patrol is ready to deliver serious adventure. At this price, it’s a no-brainer for anyone who wants capability, character, and a touch of classic cool without emptying their wallet. Someone’s getting a deal here.

With so many listings going live every day, it’s easy for a gem like this 1976 Beetle Convertible to get lost in the shuffle. Yet, with the auction ending over the weekend this is no reserve, and a current bid of just $1,100! This one might end up being the bargain of the weekend.

Classic Beetles have always had a timeless appeal, and this convertible version adds an extra layer of charm. Personally, I’ve always wanted a Beetle, and if this one were closer to me, you’d better believe I’d be keeping a very close eye on it.

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.