Hagerty used to be THE trusted name in the collector car world. They took something as uninspired as insurance and built a brand around it that car enthusiasts actually wanted to represent. Nearly 800,000 members in the Drivers Club, a billion in revenue—Hagerty’s success is hard to overlook, it’s super impressive.

But in recent years, the shine has worn off, especially in their attempts to break into the online auction space. The platform is not only failing to live up to expectations; it’s just not in the same league as the big players.

When Hagerty ‘purchased’ the platform that would host their online auctions (for ridiculous money), they likely envisioned a marketplace worthy of their brand and mission. But the reality has been anything but. In a space dominated by heavyweights like Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and Collecting Cars, Hagerty’s offering feels shockingly underwhelming. The platform lacks the sleek experience and personality that make competitors’ sites addictive and engaging. And let’s be real—Hagerty’s online auctions don’t have a prayer of catching up to BaT or even the smaller players like Cars & Bids. It’s not just an uphill battle; it’s a losing game.

Then there’s the inventory issue. With such a massive audience at their fingertips—loyal car lovers who insure their vehicles with Hagerty, read their content, attend their events—the platform should be bustling with top-notch cars. Instead, Hagerty’s auctions feature a meager selection, often lacking the allure to attract serious attention. It’s almost baffling that a company with Hagerty’s reach and resources can’t leverage that into a stronger, more compelling lineup.

Meanwhile, Broad Arrow is a different story altogether. Hagerty didn’t just set up another auction house—they’ve aggressively built Broad Arrow into a powerhouse with a team of over 50 top-tier specialists, poaching the best talent in the industry. Broad Arrow’s ambition is clear: they’re going head-to-head with the old established players. In a show of fierce rivalry, (and a story too long to share here) RM Sotheby’s even launched ModaMiami,(with no expense spared) a competing event timed with Hagerty’s own at Amelia Island, a move that’s anything but subtle. This isn’t just competition; it’s a grudge match.

With Broad Arrow, Hagerty has the chance to carve out a real position of authority in the live auction space. Not only is there big money in live and private collector sales, but Broad Arrow is positioned to attract the serious buyers and sellers that Hagerty needs to solidify their presence in this arena. The resources are already there, and Hagerty has the capital to take on the costs—along with the ambition to make this platform a huge success. And they’re not stopping there; with plenty of chatter of future (and maybe imminent) strategic acquisitions, Hagerty is laying the groundwork to turn Broad Arrow into a serious competitor.

Which brings me to the real question: why bother with the online platform? For a brand built on trust, credibility is everything, and that trust has always been one of Hagerty’s greatest strengths. But an underwhelming online auction platform only undermines that reputation. They could easily wrap up the online platform with some well-crafted marketing language and move on—no one would fault them for redirecting their focus where they truly have an edge.

At this point, Hagerty has a choice. Stick with an online auction platform that will never compete with BaT or Cars & Bids, or double down on Broad Arrow, where the real potential lies.

If Hagerty wants to stay relevant, they need to play to their strengths and focus on becoming the authoritative name in high-end, live collector car sales. That’s where they can not only grow but thrive—without spreading themselves thin on a platform that’s, frankly, not doing them any favors.

Here I wanted to highlight two auctions that bring us the best of both worlds for drivers and collectors alike. On one side, you've got refined performance and collector appeal; on the other, pure JDM charm with a dose of practicality. Whether you’re after prestige or personality, these cars have it. We’ll be exploring more standouts like these all week, so stay tuned for some truly special finds.

If you’re in the market for a 911 Turbo S that doesn't just turn heads but captivates with pure class, this 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe in Oak Green Metallic is exactly what you’re looking for. It's the kind of spec that could make even the most hardened Porsche aficionado pause. The factory paint-to-sample Oak Green is a nod to Porsche’s legacy, balancing flash with an understated elegance that today’s market has clearly embraced—one commenter nailed it: “ It’s a color that should be standard, especially given how it elevates the presence of this car without shouting.

The interior, crafted through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, is an absolute throwback to Porsche’s glory days. The Saddle Brown leather with houndstooth-style cloth inserts feels fresh but nostalgic in all the right ways. “This is Oak Green Metallic magic,” as someone aptly put it in the comments, and they’re spot on—this spec isn’t just tasteful; it’s collectible.

Performance-wise, it’s everything you’d expect from a Turbo S. The twin-turbocharged 3.8L flat-six engine with 580 horsepower and that over-boost function gives it 553 lb-ft of torque when you need it. It's equipped with the full suite: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, Sport Chrono Package, rear-axle steering, and PDCC. And let’s not forget, this one’s loaded with $30k in Special Wishes options, including body-color-matched engine bay cover and side air intakes—details that set it apart as truly one-of-one.

What seals the deal is the seller's rep, Matt Farah, of The Smoking Tire fame, listing it through Westside Collector Car Storage in Playa Vista. Having this car backed by someone with his credibility means you know it’s been well-kept and honestly represented. If you’re after a car that’s both investment-worthy and joyfully drivable, I haven’t seen one this refined in a long time.

If you’re hunting for a cool, rare wagon without breaking the bank, this 1997 Nissan Stagea RS Four could be your shot. It’s packing the RB25DET turbo 6-cylinder under the hood and comes with AWD, so it's not just a looker—it’s built to perform. Plus, it's already titled in the U.S., which means none of the usual import headaches.

With 109k miles, it’s got enough miles to keep the price approachable but still plenty of life left to hit the road. The no-reserve setup means this could go for a bargain, especially with that killer Dark Blue Pearl paint, Recaro seats, and classic JDM touches. Sure, there are some quirks, but for a Stagea this well-equipped and unique, that’s all part of the charm.

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