Exclusive: September Sales Surge & Market Trends

The Daily Vroom

Hey Vroomers!

Let’s dive straight into the numbers from the U.S. platforms now that the month has wrapped up, and the results might surprise you. These figures are strictly for vehicle sales. Here’s what’s going on:

Hagerty had what appears to be a standout month, jumping from $1.1 million in September 2023 to $1.6 million this year. Cars & Bids, on the other hand, sold nearly the same number of vehicles (less than a 10-car difference), yet their total sales dropped by $1.7 million.

And then there's BaT, the industry heavyweight. They sold over 25% more cars this September compared to last year, pushing their total sales up by nearly $18 million.

So, is the market softening? Well, total sales this September saw a 9.94% increase compared to 2023. To clarify, that’s total sales — a positive sign that more cars are moving. As for prices, yes, we are definitely seeing some softening across many models, but there are still some bright spots where certain cars are holding strong. I’ll dive deeper into specific models later this week, but today I wanted to cut straight to the underlying numbers.

And remember, we’re bringing you this latest data that no one else can provide, keeping you ahead of the curve. (surely that’s worth a share 😀).

Catch you tomorrow, 

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.

Is This Alfa Really a Project?

When you see "Project" in a car auction title, certain assumptions come to mind: incomplete restoration, major mechanical overhauls, or even non-runners. But when you take a closer look at this delightful 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, it’s tough to classify it as a true "project." Yes, there are issues to address, but by calling it a "project," it might be underselling itself—and that label could potentially affect the final price.

First, let’s talk about the key points. The car runs and needs some service before regular use, which is fairly standard for a classic vehicle. It’s not in pieces, and it’s certainly not a non-runner. The Alfa has undergone a refurbishment in Mexico and has been recently tuned up in 2023. While it's not perfect, it's far from the pile of parts many associate with the word "project." It comes with an Alfa Romeo Classiche Certificato di Origine and a clean Arizona title, which further sets it apart from the typical project car.

Now, let's address some of the concerns raised in the comments, which mostly revolve around wear and tear. For instance, the selling dealer mentions that the tires are older and should be replaced, and the brakes will need servicing. There's some visible corrosion and a few dents in the undersides, and commenters have pointed out potential misalignment issues with the front panel and grill. These are all manageable fixes for someone handy, but none of this screams "project."

A commenter even remarked that “all the hard work is done,” emphasizing how this could be a great driver with just a few nights of work. And they’re right—the major systems seem to be intact, and it wouldn't take much to get this car road-ready. The seller could definitely help the situation by engaging with these questions and clarifying what’s needed in terms of service. Better yet, they might want to consider removing "Project" from the title altogether, as it could be putting buyers off or unfairly lowering expectations.

At the end of the day, while this Alfa does need a little love, calling it a "project" car is an exaggeration. With a bit of attention to detail, this car is much closer to being a fantastic weekend driver than a long-term restoration job. And that "project" tag? It might just be doing more harm than good when it comes to getting the right price.

From Classic to Custom: This Porsche 964 Carrera 4 is Built to Be Driven

The Porsche 964 Carrera 4 is a beloved classic, but this 1990 example takes things to a whole new level. Inspired by the legendary RUF CTR, this car has been transformed into a modern driving machine. Finished in Grand Prix White with RUF-style bumpers, a Carrera decklid, and a whale-tail spoiler, it commands attention with its aggressive stance and purposeful modifications.

Under the hood, the rebuilt 3.6L flat-six engine paired with a TT Exhaust system delivers an unmistakable air-cooled growl, giving it a driving experience that rivals newer models. Performance upgrades like Öhlins coilovers, H&R sway bars, and the Carrera 4’s all-wheel-drive system make this car more than just a pretty face—it’s built to handle anything the road throws at it.

And luckily for buyers, it’s a no-reserve auction. With relatively low bidding activity so far, this could be a fantastic opportunity for a savvy buyer to scoop up a well-built, RUF-inspired 964 at a great price. For anyone who values the thrill of driving over collecting, this car offers the perfect blend of vintage Porsche charm and modern-day performance, all without breaking the bank (so far).

DeSean Jackson’s Custom Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Luxury, Power, and a Signed Jersey

After the success of selling Tom Brady's Rolls-Royce, SOMO is back at it again with another star-studded luxury SUV. This time, it’s a 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan owned by NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Currently sitting at a bid of $280,000, this Black Diamond beauty is loaded with over $70,000 in options, including a rear theater setup, a Shooting Star headliner, and 26" Forgiato wheels. As a bonus, it comes with a signed #10 Philadelphia Eagles jersey from Jackson himself.

Powered by a 6.75L V12 engine delivering 563hp, this Cullinan blends opulence with serious performance. With just 8,000 miles on the clock and still under factory warranty, it’s a prime example of Rolls-Royce luxury. The meticulously maintained SUV includes features like lambswool foot mats, bespoke audio, and night vision with pedestrian recognition. With one day to go on the auction, it will be interesting to see where this ends up.

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