The Daily Vroom

Hey Vroomers!

The live auction market is buzzing, and while Sports Car Market is the go-to for live event coverage, we’re all about the online action. This past weekend, we saw one of BaT’s biggest post-auction “make an offer” deals—a 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS that sold for $570k.

This week feels a bit unusual, with some platforms running today while others are taking a break for Martin Luther King Day. Even though we’re not seeing the record-high volumes of 2024, there are still some truly standout auctions on the horizon. I’ll be diving into the top picks, recent sales, news, and more throughout the week.

And not this week, but very soon, we’ve got an exciting interview in the pipeline—stay tuned!

This Week

Since Monday, we typically go off piste without the ‘regular’ format. I thought I’d try something new and summarize what is going with the ‘bigger’ platforms one by one.

So let’s start with the biggest, BaT.

1600Veloce, easily one of BaT’s top sellers, has just taken a bold step into the German market. And you know what? It makes perfect sense. After all, this is the same guy who consistently lists high-quality, well-presented cars that buyers can’t resist. In a year where growth has cooled off for everyone, this move feels less like chasing numbers and more like planting a flag for the future. We’ve talked before about how Europe’s untapped potential is massive, and now we’re seeing it start to happen. If you’re going to open up shop across the pond, you might as well start strong—and it doesn’t get bigger than this.

To kick things off, 1600Veloce is showcasing three stellar examples. There’s a 7-liter Iso Grifo with that iconic Chevy 427 big block, a perfect grand tourer that’s been painstakingly restored. Then there’s a Porsche 356A 1600S coupe, originally from the U.S., now back in Europe with Rudge wheels and Speedster seats—a proper driver’s car. And let’s not forget the Mercedes-Benz 230GE, a no-frills G-Wagen from the days before they were valet lot darlings. Each of these cars tells a story, and each one fits perfectly into 1600Veloce’s strategy of making a strong first impression on a global stage. This is just the start, and I’m betting it’s going to be fun to watch.

Talking of great sellers, Mohr Imports is making waves again this year with their Upshift Collection. This marks the second time they’ve kicked off the year with a curated set of exceptional cars, once again bringing an impressive mix of automotive history to the auction block. The first lots are already live, and more will follow in the coming days.

Leading the lineup are a pair of Gulf-liveried icons—a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition and a 2015 Porsche 911 GT3—each showcasing speed and heritage in equal measure. Also in the mix is a 1986 Porsche 928S, a triple-black Aston Martin V8 Vantage roadster with some tasteful mods, and a meticulously restored 23-window VW Deluxe Samba. Mohr Imports continues to set the standard for top-tier BaT listings, delivering a stunning range of vehicles that any enthusiast would love to get their hands on.

Next up is Cars & Bids. After a strong week of sales and an impressive sell-through rate, they’re kicking off this week with a fresh lineup of eclectic offerings. They might not have hit last year’s daily average listings yet, but the diversity and appeal of the cars on offer continue to shine—catering to all kinds of tastes and needs. Here are three standout examples that show just how different and cool their listings can be:

1. 2008 Factory Five GTM:
This GTM represents the high-performance, custom-built end of the spectrum. With a 405-hp GM-sourced LS6 V8 and a five-speed manual, it’s as thrilling to drive as it is rare. The red and black color combo is clean and understated, and the whole package has that unique, one-off charm you only get from a kit car built with care.

2. 1985 Lada 1200 Combi:
At the other end, you’ve got this charming Soviet wagon. Its simplicity and ruggedness give it a certain honesty, and the fact that it’s already imported and titled in the U.S. makes it all the more accessible. This Lada is a perfect example of a car that might not win drag races, but it’ll win hearts with its no-nonsense vibe and quirky character.

3. 2011 BMW 1M:
The 1M is a modern legend—a car that delivers big M-car thrills in a compact package. This one is barely broken in with under 3,000 miles, and its rarity, coupled with a six-speed manual and turbocharged inline-six, makes it an instant favorite among enthusiasts. It’s the kind of car you just know will be fun every time you take it out, whether for a twisty backroad run or a spirited daily drive.

What I really love about Collecting Cars is their knack for uncovering amazing vehicles from every corner of the world. This week’s lineup includes a trio of standout cars, each with its own unique appeal:

1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS (France)
This 993-generation RS is a pure driver’s machine. Its Speed Yellow finish, uprated 3.8L flat-six, and lightweight setup make it a rare gem. With just three owners and a fresh major service, this is the ultimate analog sports car for anyone who wants a track-ready classic with a distinctive flair.

1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi (Hong Kong)
A true 1980s icon, this 308 GTSi stands out not only for its timeless Pininfarina styling, but also for being one of just 67 right-hand drive examples. Finished in classic red with a beige leather interior, it’s a beautiful, well-preserved piece of Ferrari history that embodies the spirit of open-gate manual transmissions and mid-engine V8 performance.

2000 Mitsubishi Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen RS (Northern Ireland)
The Tommi Mäkinen Edition RS is the ultimate expression of rally-bred performance. This ultra-rare JDM-exclusive model features a stripped-down, no-nonsense setup and a titanium turbocharger for lightning-fast response. Combine that with a rot-free chassis, a Scotia White finish, and iconic Ralliart touches, and you have a piece of WRC legend that’s ready for road or track.

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