Hemmings Disaster Class 😩

PLUS: BMW 3-Series trends, Accura top the leaderboard & more...

The Daily Vroom

Good morning Vroomers,

This morning, I had every intention of sticking to our usual schedule, sharing key insights and trends without any detours. But it seems Fridays have a knack for stirring things up, just like last week's Hagerty episode.

I've touched on Hemmings in The Daily Vroom more times than I can count, but the user experience I encountered today was truly something else. I'll leave it to you to judge whether my upcoming vent is justified.

Now, without further ado, let's dive into today's news and analysis.

MARKET LEADERBOARD

Yesterday we had the UK🇬🇧 companies fighting back with increased sales, from previous stuttering numbers, can they keep this up?

Meanwhile, Cars & Bids yet again having a stellar day selling 87% of their listings. Can we now say that they consistently have the highest sell-through rate of all platforms?

BMW 3-SERIES

Today, I plan to embark on a concise exploration of this month's sales, or at least one particular make.

The top five car makes below consistently make the monthly leaderboard, albeit with some variation in their rankings.

Just the other day, we cast our lens on Porsche, as detailed here. Now, I'd like to shift our focus to the next make on our list: BMW.

While I was aware that the 3-Series had a reputation as BMW's crowd favorite, I was taken aback by just how much it outshines all other models in the popularity stakes.

Below are the top five 3-Series sales in July so far.

1987 BMW M3

Diving deeper into the data, we can identify which specific 3-Series models were most popular among buyers. This analysis offers a fascinating glimpse into the preferences of car enthusiasts and collectors.

The clear winner in terms of popularity was the M3 model. With a total of 32 sold, the M3 embodies the balance of performance and luxury that the 3-Series is renowned for. Following the M3, the 330Ci and 325i models also proved to be popular choices, with 11 and 8 sold, respectively.

These findings illustrate the enduring appeal of the BMW 3-Series. The M3, with its blend of power and elegance, continues to be a fan favorite. However, the variety of 3-Series models sold indicates a diverse range of tastes among buyers.

Here's a chart showing the breakdown of the specific 3-Series models sold:

It's summertime! The season when the sun is shining, the skies are blue, and the open road beckons. When such a day arrives, there's nothing quite like driving a convertible with the top down. This sunny scenario got me pondering about BMW 3-Series convertibles, their popularity, and how they're priced on the market.

To answer these questions, I analyzed all the BMW 3-Series sales so far in July. In total, 86 BMW 3-Series cars were sold. Out of these, 25 were convertibles and 61 were non-convertibles. A variety of models from different years were sold, ranging from the classic 1987 M3 to the more recent 2018 M3 CS.

The most popular model was the M3, with a total of 32 cars sold. Other models such as the 330Ci, 325i, and 328i also made the list. The prices varied greatly, with the highest-priced 3-Series convertible being the 2012 M3 Frozen Silver Edition, sold for approximately $105,000.

2012 M3 Frozen Silver Edition

The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the BMW 3-Series convertibles sold, their prices, and the platforms they were sold on.

Each car tells a unique story and offers a different driving experience. Whether you prefer the raw power of the M3 (like me) or the smooth handling of the 330Ci, there's a 3-Series convertible for everyone.

So, which one would you like to take for a drive?

Top Three Sales Of The Day

SALE OF THE DAY

🚀 Just Sold! 2022 Acura NSX Type S finds its new owner for $235,000! 💥

Yesterday, the 2022 Acura NSX Type S made waves with its remarkable sale price of $235,000. This limited-production model is a true gem in the car world, showcasing Acura's commitment to innovation and performance.

The Acura NSX has a rich history, dating back to its initial debut in the 1990s as a groundbreaking sports car. Fast forward to today, and the NSX Type S represents the pinnacle of Acura's engineering prowess. Only 350 Type S examples were produced for the 2022 model year, making it a highly sought-after and exclusive vehicle. I would personally love to drive this!

Featuring a stunning Long Beach Blue Pearl exterior and exquisite Ebony leather upholstery, the NSX Type S commands attention from every angle. Its design is complemented by captivating features such as "Jewel Eye" LED headlights, front and rear spoilers, and side-skirt extensions.

Under the hood, the NSX Type S is powered by a formidable twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, working in harmony with three electric drive motors. This combination generates a thrilling 600 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque, delivering an electrifying driving experience.

With its cutting-edge technology, including a nine-speed dual-clutch transaxle and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, the NSX Type S ensures exceptional handling and precise control on the road.

This particular NSX Type S, numbered #289 in the series, was meticulously maintained and has only covered 219 miles. It comes with a clean Carfax report and a clean Missouri title, assuring the new owner of its pristine condition.

Congratulations to the lucky individual who secured this extraordinary 2022 Acura NSX Type S!

WHAT ARE HEMMINGS DOING??

Exploring the BMW 3-Series wouldn't be complete without spotlighting a selection that's up for bidding right now. I've handpicked a few standout models that I'll be highlighting below.

In my quest to curate this list for you, I ventured onto the Hemmings website - a task that, truth be told, is seldom enjoyable. Today's experience was particularly challenging to say the least! Take a look at the screenshot provided below. It's hard to understand how such a layout could make for a satisfactory user experience.

It's mind-boggling to witness not just one or two, but a whopping five ads invading your screen while visiting Hemmings' website. To add insult to injury, they even have a competitor's ad flashing at the bottom of the page. It's a bewildering choice that raises serious questions about Hemmings' brand integrity and business acumen.

Imagine walking into McDonald's only to be greeted by someone holding a big Burger King sign, urging you to ditch McDonald's and head over to their restaurant. It's an absurd scenario that defies logic and leaves you scratching your head.

This decision by Hemmings is undoubtedly one of the craziest and most questionable business moves in recent memory. How can they allow their own platform to be cluttered with ads that distract and potentially divert customers to their competitors? It's a contradiction that undermines their credibility and casts doubt on their commitment to their own brand. Look at all the other online auction companies websites. Do they have a user experience like this?

And just in case you're imagining they're raking in a fortune from this, think twice! The returns on these types of ads are surprisingly modest.

If you run a business targeting a similar demographic, it's absolutely mind-boggling that you can actively choose Hemmings as an advertising platform through Google AdWords. You can actually do this today- try it! The irony is hard to ignore. It's like entering a realm of sheer madness where conventional business wisdom goes out the window.

Is it a coincidence that sales at Hemmings are at the bottom of the sales heap?

This serves as a stern reminder that even established brands can make perplexing decisions that leave consumers bewildered and questioning their motives. It's crucial for companies to prioritize brand coherence and customer experience to maintain their reputation and build trust.

Looking on the bright side, there's still time for them to change course. They can take a page out of the top performers' books and mimic their strategies. It’s really not that difficult.

BMW 3-SERIES UP FOR AUCTION

1998 BMW 323I CONVERTIBLE (E36)

2007 BMW 335i Sport Convertible

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