💰 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.

Yesterday, the auction platforms witnessed a remarkable spike in activity, with $7.2 million in total sales. At first glance, it might appear that Porsche models were the stars of the show. However, delving into the details reveals that Porsche vehicles accounted for 'only' 10% of the total sales across all platforms. This insight aligns with our discussion last week about the availability of 'affordable' Porsche options for those aspiring to join the ranks of Porsche ownership. An exemplar of this accessibility is the 1992 Porsche 968 Coupe, which found a new home through Hagerty yesterday for $22,500.

This particular sale also highlights a trend we touched upon earlier this week: the phenomenon of vehicles 'platform hopping.' The 1992 Porsche 968 Coupe is a case in point, having previously changed hands on AutoHunter for $26,500 in late 2022. This movement between platforms underscores the dynamic nature of the auction market and the various pathways through which vehicles can traverse as they change ownership. Buyers are generally very astute and most do their homework to know the full history and where and when previous sales occurred.

Click on the cars to be taken directly to the listing.

Below are the top 5 Alumni sales yesterday. The arrows in the diagram below show whether the vehicle sale has gone down or up in value.

In our latest roundup of Alumni auctions, an impressive 12 out of the 13 cars listed yesterday have successfully found new owners. Notably, 7 of these Alumni listings were No Reserve, emphasizing how BaT do try to persuade sellers to go down the No Reserve route. As shown in the above diagram, only two remarkable vehicles managed to eclipse their original listing prices, demonstrating significant appreciation in value. Let's delve deeper into these two sales:

First up in our hall of fame is a vehicle that holds a special place in my heart – the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window, a true American classic. This beauty changed hands for $198,000, ascending from its 2021 sale price of $186,000. The journey to this valuation included meticulous care and maintenance, such as rebuilding the four-barrel carburetor, replacing the battery, and a comprehensive tune-up. Its iconic design paired with these enhancements ensured its standout performance at auction.

Next, we turn our spotlight to a masterpiece owned by a notable figure in the automotive world, Ralph Gilles' 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo. This vehicle not only represents an iconic chapter in rally history but also marked a significant investment return, selling for $93,000—a substantial leap from its original purchase price of $53,000 back in 2018.

With an additional 5,000km on the clock, the car received significant upgrades, including a rebuilt turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine, fitted with Colombo & Bariani camshafts, an Eprom ECU chip, and a Walkers Garage exhaust manifold.

This 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione's journey from Japan to the US, and into the hands of Stellantis' Chief Design Officer, Ralph Gilles, adds a rich narrative to its allure and value.

Who would've guessed back in 2018 that car prices would shoot up like fireworks?

In examining the sale of this 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale, it's essential to understand the nuanced perspectives of buyers in the high-end market. While financial value is a consideration, the allure of adding a prestigious vehicle to a collection or the sheer pleasure of driving such a masterpiece often transcends pure economic rationale.

The SF90 Stradale, which sold for $675,000 in 2022, saw a significant price adjustment in its latest sale yesterday at $480,000. This transaction occurred after the vehicle was purchased in October 2023 and subsequently driven an additional 900 miles.

To gauge 'good value,' let's compare recent sales. A highly modified 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale fetched $462k on BaT recently, while Collecting Cars reported a sale for $376k in the UK in January 2024 and another with similar mileage selling for $458k in May 2023. These transactions set a clear market precedent for the model's current valuation.

Given these comparisons, the sale price of $480,000 demonstrates a keen alignment with the market's current stance. For the buyer, this represents a solid investment, securing a coveted model at a price reflective of today's market dynamics. Though from a purely monetary perspective, this scenario may not favor the seller—especially without knowing their original investment—the price achieved is robust by recent standards. But sometimes taking a hit (if you can afford to) and moving on is the best policy.

Conclusively, while the seller might grapple with the depreciation from the peak market value, for the astute buyer, this deal is a strategic acquisition. It highlights the complexity of luxury car investments, where 'good value' intertwines with market insights, personal desires, and the prestige of ownership, confirming that the final sale price of $480,000 is indeed favorable for the buyer, based on current market data.

So, we tossed out a question yesterday to get your take on AutoTrader's foray into the auction scene: "Will AutoTrader’s auction platform hit it big, or is it doomed to fizzle?" Seems like the vibe from the crowd is a solid "we're still figuring this one out," with most of you landing on "it's too early to tell." And boy, did you have thoughts on it! (see below).

Diving into my own two cents—AutoTrader's rollout doesn't exactly scream 'we're all in.' If you've tried navigating to their auction bit, it's like they've buried it in their backyard, hoping only the most determined will find it. Not exactly the red carpet you'd expect for a shiny new feature, right? This got me thinking about how other platforms treat their launches like the premiere of a blockbuster movie (psst...stay tuned; I've got the inside scoop on something big brewing elsewhere).

Honestly, it feels like AutoTrader might just be dipping a toe rather than plunging into the auction pool. If the enthusiasm they're showing is anything to go by, I'm leaning more towards a "might not make a splash" verdict. In a world where user experience is king, this half-hearted launch could be the Achilles' heel that keeps AutoTrader's auction dreams from taking flight. While you guys are keeping an open mind, I'm over here wondering if they really care enough about this venture to make it fly.

Here’s some of your comments: