I've been shouting it from the rooftops for quite a while now: the weekend is when the auction scene truly comes alive. Just this past weekend, we witnessed another blistering round of sales, including the auction of two cars each fetching over $1 million. Total sales soared past $8 million, picking up right where Friday's impressive $7 million+ in sales left off. Clearly, the market is on fire right now. It seems a lot of folks might have recently converted their Bitcoin fortunes into hard cash!

For those (like me) that follow the 2005 Porsche Carrera, the sale price of this one (in Denmark) was pretty similar to the previous sale in February of $1,199,999. Maybe that’s where the market sits? We’ll find out in 10 days time when this auction ends.

To delve into the specifics of each auction, click on the images.

So, it finally happened! Remember when Elon Musk pulled the curtain back on the Cybertruck and all of us were like, "No way this beast won't end up on an auction site"? Well, Cars & Bids just went and proved us right. Hats off to them for scooping up the bragging rights. Seriously, regardless of whether you love or hate this wild ride (and man, do opinions fly), you can't ignore the buzz it's creating on Cars & Bids. We're talking 250+ comments and bids hitting the $150,000 mark. It's the same deal IRL; seeing one of these on the street is like spotting a unicorn. Sure, they might become more common, but that unique vibe isn't going anywhere.

And about snagging one for yourself? Tesla's saying you can get your hands on one in 2024 if you order now, but with them capping production at 200,000 units and over a million folks in line, the math's not exactly in our favor. That's why these babies are fetching top dollar.

Now, onto the juicy bit about Tesla's flipping fine. The seller laid it out pretty clear: wanna sell your Cybertruck within the first year? Better have a good reason and get it in writing from Tesla. They get first dibs to buy it back, but if they pass, you're free to sell it to someone else, again, in writing. Tesla's got this clause that could hit you with a $50,000 penalty for sidestepping the rules. But honestly, flipping it just amps up the hype, so would they really go after you? Doubt it.

So, what's the deal with this Cybertruck on the block? We're talking a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series, decked out with a 600-hp dual-motor AWD and that badass stainless steel look. It's practically new, with less than 100 miles clocked. This thing's loaded: 4-wheel steering, a panoramic glass roof, heated seats, a mega touchscreen, and the full self-driving package. Basically, it's the truck of the future, today.

Tesla turned heads when they dropped the Cybertruck, totally flipping the script on what an electric pickup can be. With a 340-mile range and 11,000 lbs towing capacity, it's as beastly as it looks. And this auction? It's your shortcut to skipping the line and getting a piece of the action. It's not just a truck; it's a statement. And I'm here for it.

Bring a Trailer have partnered with a company called Caramel to provide a new service they are calling Bring a Trailer Verified Checkout. Here’s what they are offering at no extra cost!

Bring a Trailer Verified Checkout will be available at the buyer’s choice on listings in all 50 US states, after an introductory ramp-up period; it will begin with private-party sales, and eligible listings will be clearly marked with the following box:

If Verified Checkout is chosen by a buyer, BaT will carry out the following services:

• Secure transfer of payment between the parties

• Enhanced ID verification

• Provide location-specific paperwork to be filled out online

• Collect and remit sales tax and registration fees

• Submit registration paperwork to the appropriate licensing office

• Handle title transfer, including mailing the title to the new owner

In addition, buyers will now have the ability to apply for vehicle financing or to purchase insurance or a service plan through Caramel.  

My Two Cents

Throw your mind back a month or so, when I interviewed Jonathan Shaw, the big boss over at Hemmings. He was all about this groundbreaking Pay & Title Service they're rolling out, thanks to a tight-knit collab with Key Savvy. It struck me as a pretty big deal, though now it looks like BaT's stepping into the ring with something that could shake things up even more. And let's be real, BaT moves more metal in a day than Hemmings might in a few months!

Now, BaT linking up with Caramel? That's massive news for both parties. Digging around, I found out Caramel charges 95 bucks for their service. So, you've gotta figure BaT probably cut some sweet deal, maybe around 50 bucks a pop? (my guess) This setup seems like a bargain for the added value it brings, minus the one-time headache of getting it all plugged in together.

Here's the skinny on how it works: Caramel steps in as the middleman, acting like a dealership to seal the deal, flip the title, and get the ride registered for the new owner. They buy from the seller first, then pass it along to the buyer. This way, everyone's covered if things get sticky.

But with every silver lining, there's a potential cloud. What snags could we hit with this setup? Well, if there's a squabble or a mix-up, who's jumping in to smooth things over? Will Caramel, with its dealer hat on, step up, or will BaT, which has traditionally kept its hands clean of post-sale drama, have to dive into the fray?

And here's another nugget to chew on: if sellers are nudged into this service because buyers want it, does that make life easier or just add another layer of hassle? That's something I'm poking around at with sellers, and I'm all ears for your take on it too.

It was inevitable that a service like this would make its way to Bring a Trailer. With Caramel receiving backing from Hearst, the same folks who own BaT, the collaboration couldn't be smoother. For those of us who've navigated the online car buying journey, the moment that virtual gavel falls, a wave of stress often follows. This seamless integration appears to be a game-changer, poised to relieve many of that post-auction anxiety.

Let us know what you think.