The Daily Vroom

Good morning, Vroomers!

You asked, we listened—the market leaderboard is back! I know plenty of you just want the straight-up daily numbers, and they’re here for you to dive into.

Yesterday’s post about the market's growth—or maybe the lack of it in these first 13 days of the year—definitely sparked some heated conversations. Lots of you weighed in with thoughts and votes (check it out below).

As always, there’s a solid lineup of auctions on deck this week. I’ve spotlighted a few of the standout ones to keep an eye on.

Catch you tomorrow!

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.

In total we had a very modest just over $4m worth of sales yesterday with an average sale price of $35k, both these numbers are below the daily average.

YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES

Not the big sales we’ve seen in the past, but it’s early in the week!

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

Your Feedback

In yesterday’s edition I asked you ‘Is assuming year-on-year growth for online auction platforms too optimistic?’

You answered in the droves and here’s how you voted with some of your comments.

The last point about live auctions this month definitely holds some weight. That said, I don’t think it’s the sole—or even the primary—reason why all platforms are experiencing fewer listings. Most of the cars we’re seeing listed online are significantly lower in value than what live auctions typically handle, so while there might be some overlap, the impact is likely minimal. The bigger question is whether this slowdown is just seasonal or if we’re witnessing a new baseline for the market. Only time will tell.

Auctions To Keep An Eye On

We’ve been talking about the online car auction market a lot lately—specifically, whether growth is slowing. But here’s the thing: while the sheer number of listings may be in question, the quality of sales is a different story. Platforms like SOMO, with an average sale price north of $200k, prove there’s still serious money flowing online.

That said, the true heavyweights—the multimillion-dollar sales—are still largely a live auction phenomenon. Why is that? We’ve discussed before how trust, tangibility, and buyer experience play into why certain sales haven’t transitioned online.

But today, we’ve got a car that might buck that trend: this 13k-kilometer 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort. With two days left, the bidding has already hit $1.75 million. And if the action heats up, this could become one of the most significant online sales of the year.

Why It’s a Big Deal

This isn’t just any Porsche. The 959 Komfort is a Group B legend—one of just 292 ever made. The last two notable sales set the benchmarks: one sold for $1.795 million in March last year, and the record-holder, a low-mileage example, hit $2.1 million in 2022. The March car had more miles, and the record-holder had just 1,300 kilometers compared to this one’s 13k. That mileage difference makes it unlikely this will surpass the $2.1M record—but with four bidders already over $1.5M, it could still surprise us.

The Backstory

This 959 was delivered new to Japan and imported to the U.S. in 2003 under the “Show or Display” exemption. Over the years, it passed through notable collectors and received a mechanical freshening at Canepa, including a $95k investment in updated suspension, brakes, and other details. Add to that its Silver Metallic paint, factory magnesium wheels, and signature Porsche engineering—it’s a car that checks every collector box.

Could This Sale Be the Catalyst?

If this 959 breaks $2M—or even comes close—it could signal a shift in the online auction world. While one sale isn’t a market indicator, a result like this could help draw more seven-figure listings to platforms like Bring a Trailer. As of now, 2025 hasn’t seen any million-dollar sales online, but this auction could be the moment that changes.

When it comes to classic 4x4s, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62 stands tall—literally and figuratively. This particular example has quite the auction history, having sold on this very platform for $50K in 2021, only to resurface in 2022 during the COVID-era boom, fetching an eye-watering $83K. Now, it’s back for round three, and with the current bid at $51K and days to go, it’s anyone’s guess where this one will land.

The Historical Context

Land Cruisers are renowned for their reliability, capability, and bulletproof build quality, and the FJ62 is no exception. But what sets this truck apart isn’t just its condition—it’s the documentation. We’re talking about service records dating back to its first oil change, handwritten mileage logs, and even notes from the original owner. It’s a time capsule that’s been meticulously cared for, with every chapter of its life documented like a memoir.

Modern Touches, Vintage Soul

Sure, this FJ62 has some updates: a Pioneer touchscreen stereo with Apple CarPlay, a backup camera, and an upgraded audio system. Purists may raise an eyebrow, but these additions make it a more practical daily driver without detracting from its vintage charm. If you’re a stickler for originality, the OEM radio is included, so you can always revert to stock.

Where the Market Stands

The 60-Series market has been unpredictable lately. Some recent sales have hovered in the $30K–$40K range, while others, like this one during its COVID heyday, have climbed past $80K. With records and provenance like this, it’s easy to see why it might justify a premium. That said, will it recapture its pandemic pricing glory? Probably not. But even if it doesn’t, it’s likely to serve as a barometer for where the market is heading.

Why It’s Special

The 4.0L inline-six engine paired with a dual-range transfer case makes this FJ62 a capable off-roader, but it’s just as comfortable cruising through city streets. With 75K miles, it’s barely broken in by Land Cruiser standards. Combine that with its stellar documentation, recent maintenance (tie rods, alternator, and brakes), and a clean Carfax, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s as solid as its reputation.

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