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Reader Request: Cool Classics That Won't Break the Bank
The Daily Vroom
Good Morning Vroomers!
Welcome to all our new Vroomers that joined us over the weekend. Today we’re back to our ‘usual(ish)’ format.
Right let’s dive straight into yesterday’s numbers.
Catch you tomorrow,
Sam
MARKET LEADERBOARD
💰 The figures shared below don’t count any other sales such as car seats, memorabilia etc… All online auction sites are analyzed to put this leaderboard together.
I only include websites that have sold 5+ vehicles in the chart below.
We're back to our usual Monday sales figures, but unfortunately, it's not the kind of numbers we like to see—less than $5m in sales. As for today's auctions, I’m seeing plenty of potential deals, but nothing that’ll really push the needle on big figures. Wednesday has a shot at changing that though, with a potential big sale (not on BaT), which I’ll break down in tomorrow's edition. In the meantime below is a breakdown of the top makes sold yesterday.
YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES
Want to dive deeper into any of these listings? Just click on the car to take you directly to the listing.
Feedback From Yesterday
Yesterday, after sharing the details of the incredible event BaT put on over the weekend, we asked you, ‘Have You Ever Attended a Car Event Run by an Online Auction Platform?’ And, maybe a little surprisingly, 68% of you said ‘Not yet, but I’d like to in the future.’ Below are a few of your comments.
If there’s a ‘hint’ here for others to take action, as I mentioned yesterday, these responses make it clear—there’s a real appetite for getting more events going across the country.
Living in the Midwest, not many come around here. The BaT Iola event last summer was a blast!
I would love to meet Doug Demuro at a quirky car event. Hope they listen to your suggestion and put some on, it can’t be that hard.
Great way to put a face to the person you have been chatting to online. Also great to know they are humans too.
911r hosted a Bring A Trailer alumni event this past spring that looked amazing, however, I was still working at Barrett-Jackson and in Florida at that time! Would love to go!
We have a lot of Cars and Coffee, Octane and Gasoline, etc, events around Denver, and a couple of great annual shows, but I guess we are too far from the coasts for an auction house to host here.
Yesterday, I mistakenly gave credit to Tom Nisco for the photos I shared. Those were actually my very amateur shots from the weekend.
Now, here are the truly AMAZING photos taken by Tom, both above and below!
Auctions To Keep An Eye On
Here are three auctions that caught my eye, and I’ve been getting daily requests to showcase more affordable, yet seriously cool cars like these. Lately, the spotlight is always on the big-ticket vehicles, but there’s a growing demand for hidden gems—well-maintained classics or under-the-radar future legends.
These cars deliver way more than their current bids suggest, giving enthusiasts a shot at something special without breaking the bank. Whether you're after classic Mercedes elegance, Italian charm, or some rare JDM firepower, these auctions offer incredible value. Let's take a look at a ‘70s Benz that's ready to hit the road, a nimble Lancia with vintage flair, and a super rare Nissan Stagea that packs GT-R performance. If you're after real value, these auctions are where it's at!
This 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250C, originally delivered through the European Delivery program, is dripping with classic Mercedes elegance. Finished in Blue Metallic over Parchment leather, it’s powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The current owner has clearly taken this coupe to the next level, updating everything from the Weber carburetors to the suspension. It’s a real driver’s car, dialed in for someone who wants to hit the open road, not just park it in the garage.
Keith Martin, a well-known name in the collector car world, put over $25,000 into this car, making sure it’s ready for events like the SCM 1000. That means this isn't your average 250C—this one has a story, and a pedigree, with European headlights, upgraded suspension, and a high-capacity radiator to keep things cool while cruising at 75 mph. There’s been some rust repair, sure, but that’s to be expected. The important part is, this car is sorted.
My Take: With the current bid of $14,000, with just over a day left, this is a car to watch. It’s got the right upgrades, the right care, and frankly, the right price. The fact that Keith Martin’s been behind the wheel only adds to its credibility. This is the kind of car that delivers both style and substance—whether you’re cruising the highway or heading to a show. If you’re in the market for a ‘70s Benz with character, this 250C is it. Don’t sleep on it; cars like this don’t stay under the radar for long.
This 1970 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3 S is the kind of Italian classic that delivers way more than its price suggests. The original Azzurro Acquamarina paint and tan vinyl interior give it the right mix of charm and style, while the 1.3-liter V4 with twin Solex carbs makes sure it’s no slouch on the road. With 90hp going to the front wheels through a four-speed manual, this is the kind of car that’s all about driver engagement—light, nimble, and packed with character.
My Take: Anything close to the current bid for a car with this level of pedigree and vintage flair is hard to find. The V4 engine, Italian design, and original features like the wood-rimmed steering wheel make this Fulvia a true classic driver’s car. If you want something that’s equal parts fun and collectible, this should be at the top of your list.
This 1997 Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech is the ultimate mix of GT-R performance and wagon practicality. You’ve got a 2.6L twin-turbo straight-six under the hood—the legendary RB26DETT engine from the R33 GT-R—paired with a 5-speed manual and all-wheel drive. This thing is an absolute beast, pushing around 280 horsepower, and it’s already titled in the U.S., making it road-ready.
With extensive mods like an HKS standalone ECU, HKS turbos, an ARC intercooler, and a Nismo exhaust, this car is tuned to go well beyond stock performance, but it still maintains that stealthy look from the outside. The Stagea 260RS was made to compete with high-performance wagons like the Subaru Legacy, but this one’s a rare gem with only 1,734 ever built.
My Take: You’re getting GT-R performance in a wagon that can haul both speed and practicality. Honestly, I’d love to own this one myself. The combination of mods, rarity, and the fact that it’s already U.S.-titled makes it one of the coolest imports you’ll find. If you’re into fast wagons, you won’t find a better deal than this.
Nearly Sale of The Day
This ‘, located in Japan, didn’t meet its reserve with a high bid of $400K, and it’s no surprise the seller didn’t let it go.
With just 1,000 miles on the clock and in pristine condition, this car is a true collector’s dream. It’s one of the last and most coveted R34 GT-Rs ever built, packing that legendary RB26DETT engine and all the street cred that comes with it.
The seller, listing on Bring a Trailer for the first time, was likely just testing the waters. He knows the real payday will come in 2027 when this beauty becomes eligible for U.S. import, and its value skyrockets.
This is the kind of car that has motorsport heritage, rarity, and sheer cool factor all wrapped into one—trust me, I’d love to have it in my own garage.
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