The Daily Vroom

Hey Vroomers,

Holiday weeks are all about knowing the lay of the land when it comes to auctions—who’s running them and on what days.

Today, everyone’s got auctions live. But tomorrow, the 24th, it’s a one-company show, and of course, it’s BaT. They’ve earned their reputation for running auctions nearly every single day of the year—363 to be exact! The only exceptions it seems are Christmas and Thanksgiving. You’d think with their size, they might ease up a bit, but nope. They keep the throttle down, thanks to the automated systems they’ve mastered over the years. Then all auctions houses here in the USA are back on the 26th, but our European friends must have extra holidays as they only come back on the 27th.

As for me, I’ll be hitting the road to spend some quality time with family, but don’t worry—The Daily Vroom keeps rolling. If auctions are running, I’ve got something to write about. This week’s schedule: expect your dose of Vroom Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

Now that the housekeeping’s done, let’s talk cars.

Sam

The Drama Behind a $2M+ Pagani Huayra Auction

The 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta, one of just 100 coupes built, is a breathtaking masterpiece of engineering and design. With its Tempesta package—featuring a titanium exhaust, Öhlins coilovers, carbon-fiber aerodynamics, and a twin-turbo AMG V12—this car is the pinnacle of Italian automotive artistry, making its $2M+ bid an unmissable spectacle.

But the real story here isn’t just the car—it’s the players behind this high-stakes auction.

The seller is no stranger to Bring a Trailer, with 32 auctions under their belt, but nothing remotely close to this magnitude. Their previous top sale was $220K, with most others falling far below, and in their last 10 auctions, 7 ended Reserve Not Met. This Huayra is a career-defining moment for them, and they’re undoubtedly hoping to finally see that reserve obliterated.

Then there are the bidders. The current high bidder joined BaT in July and has been incredibly active, placing over 1,000 bids since joining, yet only winning one car for $24K—and two car seats. On paper, their profile doesn’t scream “$3M buyer,” but their relentless bidding and willingness to go over $2M suggest they know exactly what they want and won’t hesitate to play big.

In contrast, the second-highest bidder is a complete enigma, joining just last month and placing only four bids so far. Their quiet profile adds an unpredictable element to this race—could they be the dark horse ready to swoop in at the last second?

But the real one to watch is bidder number three. With 133 auction wins and a history of closing post-auction deals when reserves weren’t met, this seasoned player is a master strategist. If I were betting, I’d say they’ll aim to position themselves as the highest bidder, hoping to negotiate a deal after the gavel falls—unless, of course, one of the top two bidders or a wildcard comes in to upset the balance.

This auction is a rollercoaster of high-stakes drama, fueled by a car that’s truly one of a kind. I’ll be watching closely and will report back tomorrow with the next chapter of this thrilling saga.

Auctions To Keep An Eye On

How could I not write about Smoky Nagata? For those who don’t know, Smoky is a legend in the JDM world, and this 1998 Toyota Supra Turbo is a jaw-dropping Top Secret tribute. With its gold pearl paint, wide body kit, and HKS 3.4L stroker kit, it’s a love letter to one of the most iconic builds in tuner history. Add in the T51R turbo, nitrous, and those Rays TE37 wheels, and you’ve got a car that’s as bold as it is beautiful.

Now, the base-map tune and TMU status are definitely hurdles—there’s no dyno sheet, and the true mileage is unknown. But for the right buyer, someone deep in the tuner scene who appreciates the rarity and craftsmanship here, this is a standout opportunity.

Of course, the $60K bid is where it stands with a few days to go, but we all know the real action happens at the end of an auction. Maybe a few spirited, post-Christmas-meal bids will spice things up? Either way, this is one I’ll be watching closely. It’s a car that captures the heart of JDM culture and the imagination of anyone who loves a proper build.

I love a good bargain, and this has all the hallmarks of being one! This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL might just be the perfect last-minute Christmas gift. The R129 generation is known for its smooth, relaxed driving experience—effortless on the highway and a dream with the top down. It’s finished in classic black with gray leather and packs that iconic 5.0L V8 under the hood, making it the kind of car you’d happily take for a weekend cruise or a long road trip.

With recent maintenance, including a new timing chain and fresh tires, it’s ready to roll. And with the current bid at $8,500 and no reserve, this could end up being what I said at the beginning a real deal.

If you’ve been looking for a holiday gift (for yourself or someone else), this one’s worth keeping an eye on. Who wouldn’t love finding this under the tree?

And the final car I’m highlighting today is, once again, very different from the other two. I like to mix it up and show you why each car is special in its own way—and this 1964 Porsche 356 C Restomod is no exception. This car is a Porsche purist’s nightmare but a restomod lover’s dream. It’s quirky, unique, and clearly built to be driven.

This one’s had a serious makeover, blending classic Porsche looks with modern performance. It’s rocking a 2.4L flat-four from a 1973 Porsche 914, putting out 150hp, paired with a five-speed dogleg manual—pure fun for the right driver. The Stone Grey paint with white racing stripes and retro graphics makes it stand out, while details like Fuchs-style wheels, Le Mans-style quarter windows, and a 911-inspired suspension add to the charm.

What’s interesting here is the location—it’s in the Netherlands. That might mean the price ends up lower than the market value you’d see elsewhere. Maybe that’s why the seller went for the ‘risk’ of a no-reserve auction, hoping the unique build will drive the bids higher.

With only 180 miles since the rebuild, this is a quirky, stylish restomod that’s built to be driven. Whether it goes for a ‘bargain’ or surprises us with a big finish, this is one to keep an eye on.

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