The Daily Vroom

Hey Vroomers!

Ever notice how some things look one way at first glance but reveal their brilliance the closer you look? This weekend, that thought kept coming up as I browsed the latest auction lineup. It’s easy to assume the online auction world is riding the same high as last year, but the signs suggest something more nuanced.

Let’s get into it…

Are Online Car Auctions Hitting the Brakes on Growth?

Over the weekend, I found myself asking a question I hadn’t considered deeply before: What if the assumptions I’ve made about the market are wrong?

Last week, I highlighted how the online auction market grew by around $100 million in sales last year. More auctions, more sales—great news, right? Especially when paired with live auction houses seeing declines despite some record-breaking individual sales. My assumption has been that online auctions are the future, (I firmly believe they are the future and present) and I’ve even laid out what each major platform needs to do to grow and move forward.

But here’s the catch: that assumption rests on the idea that these platforms are in the same position as last year. What if they’re not?

So far—and yes, it’s very early—the numbers aren’t looking great. Many platforms are seeing fewer listings. And that raises the question: Can these platforms maintain, let alone grow, the momentum they had last year?

The Sellers Are Key

Think about it: we often talk about how online auctions are the place to be. But the success of these platforms starts with supply—sellers. Without a steady flow of cars to auction, there’s no market. Sellers aren’t tied to online platforms. They have other routes to sell their cars, from traditional methods to private sales and even new social-media-driven opportunities.

And what if, for socio-economic reasons, fewer people want to sell this year? Can platforms assume sellers will keep knocking on their doors to list cars? Or do they need to work harder to attract them?

The Marketing Hustle

To answer this, I stepped out of my comfort zone and looked at the ads these platforms are running. Here’s what I found:

• Hemmings: Averaging just seven auction listings a day, you’d think they’d be hustling to bring in sellers. But their ads focus almost exclusively on promoting cars they already have. It makes you wonder: do they want to grow?

  

• Hagerty: Their focus is still firmly on insurance. Their ads show zero attention to growing their online auction market. Without a mindset shift, they’ll struggle to find success in this space.

  

• Cars & Bids: From an outsider’s perspective, they’re running the best ads. They’re targeting both buyers and sellers with well-rounded campaigns.

  

• Bring a Trailer: This one shocked me. For the first time (I’ve ever seen), they’re running ads aimed at attracting sellers. Historically, BaT has had an overwhelming number of submissions, often turning away vehicles. So, why the sudden change? Are submissions down compared to their peak last year? Or are they trying to expand their reach even further?

Interestingly, BaT’s ads promote “submission to auction in as little as three days.” If that’s accurate, it suggests they’ve streamlined operations, possibly due to fewer cars being submitted. But based on conversations I’ve had, it’s not clear that this speed is the norm. (email me and let me know how long it takes you from submission to auction)

A Year of Consolidation?

Perhaps 2025 will be a year of consolidation for these platforms rather than growth. The marketing moves I’ve observed suggest that even the biggest players are feeling some pressure. If BaT—long the market leader—needs to run ads for sellers, it signals that maintaining their dominance isn’t as automatic as it once was.

So, I ask you:

No Reserve Auctions To Keep An Eye On

If you're a fan of period-correct mods and iconic Porsches, this 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe should make your heart race. Finished in classic Guards Red over Champagne Leather, it's got all the right upgrades: a K27 turbocharger, Andial Racing intercooler, adjustable wastegate, and European-spec gears, to name a few. These aren’t just flashy additions—they elevate the already legendary 930 driving experience.

The RUF-style front air dam and boxed rocker panels add just the right touch of aggression, while Bilstein dampers and cross-drilled brakes ensure it handles as well as it looks. Inside, the VDO gauges, including a tell-tale boost gauge, are a nerdy nod to performance enthusiasts.

At 59k miles, this car has clearly been cherished, and with no reserve, it’s a chance to own a turbocharged slice of Porsche history. For $115,000 so far, this is a lot of car for the money—and with hours left to bid, it’s likely heading north fast.

If you’re hunting for an E30 that’s all about driving fun without breaking the bank, this 1990 BMW 325i Coupe might just be the ticket. Sure, it’s got high mileage at 201k (TMU), but anyone familiar with the M20 engine knows it can take plenty more with the right care. Plus, a lot of buyers might shy away because of the odometer, giving you a chance to snag a true driver’s car at a solid price—especially if you’re local and can dodge shipping costs.

This E30 ticks all the enthusiast boxes: a 5-speed manual, a limited-slip differential, and some tasteful mods like Ireland Engineering headers, Koni shocks, and H&R springs for better handling. The Euro-spec bumpers add a bit of flair, while the 16-inch Koenig wheels and upgraded seats give it a personal touch. It’s not without its quirks—rust, an inop A/C, and a clunk from the rear—but for anyone willing to invest a little elbow grease, this could be a great entry into classic BMW ownership.appen. Few cars can make you smile just by looking at them. This is one of those cars.

At first, spending $75,000 on restoring a Fiat Spider 2000 sounds insane—after all, these cars typically trade hands for a fraction of that. But then you see the results, and suddenly, it all clicks. This isn't just a restoration; it’s a reinvention.

Let’s start with the details. The old-school chrome mirrors scream vintage charm, perfectly complementing the reworked grille and sleek European-spec bumpers. The car’s Grigio Fumo paintwork, paired with tan quilted leather upholstery, exudes sophistication that Fiat never imagined back in 1981.

But the upgrades go beyond aesthetics. A lightweight flywheel gives the car snappier acceleration, while Wilwood brakes and a lowered suspension provide modern handling to match its timeless style. Inside, you’re treated to Vintage Air climate control, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and Speedhut gauges—classic looks, modern reliability.

Yes, the $75k invoice is eye-watering. But when you consider the craftsmanship and attention to detail, it starts to feel less like a price tag and more like a love letter to Italian motoring.

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