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+ cars in the chart below. Which means Hagerty, Hemmings and many others did not sell 5 cars yesterday!

Let's take a closer look at the current dynamics among the major and emerging players in the market. The leaderboard predominantly features two U.S. platforms and two from the UK. While occasionally we see a few others making their way onto the leaderboard, the dominance is largely held by these four.

Bring a Trailer stands undisputedly at the top, setting the gold standard in the market. While their sales in January haven't quite matched their 2023 peak of 100 sales per day, this seems more reflective of the number of listings than a dip in performance. The question now is, will they ramp up their listings to meet or exceed last year's high?

Cars & Bids has carved out its niche as a powerhouse in sales, boasting the best sell-through rate due to their consistency. This year, I anticipate them not only increasing their listings, akin to BaT, but also achieving their first $1 million sale, a milestone that's sure to be the first of many.

Collecting Cars impresses with their average sale price, consistently dealing in high-end cars globally. Their challenge for this year is to elevate their sell-through rate back to the impressive standards of 2022.

Car & Classic may not be the most vocal in the quartet, but their dominance in selling cars at the low to medium level in Europe is undisputed. With recent enhancements to their website, will they manage to leverage these changes to boost their sales further?

Looking beyond these frontrunners, I discussed a list of contenders last week, each vying for that coveted third spot. Although no one has distinctly broken away from the pack yet, it's only a matter of time before one emerges, and I'm eager to see who that will be. The stage is set for an exciting showdown in the online car auction market.

Alright, let's dive into yesterday's top sales. Just click on the image, and boom, you're right at the listing.

In yesterday's poll, you highlighted 'seller transparency and presentation' as the pivotal element in driving auction sales. The sale of the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS by 911r is a resounding affirmation of this sentiment. Amidst discussions about market dynamics, this particular transaction vividly demonstrates that impeccable presentation and a solid reputation can significantly influence a vehicle's allure and value.

The Porsche, sold for a staggering $415,992—soaring above its initial sticker price—challenges the prevailing narrative of a blanket market downturn. It underlines a nuanced market reality: specific models, when presented with meticulous care and attention, continue to ignite robust buyer interest and achieve premium prices.

The community's response to this listing was overwhelmingly positive, echoing sentiments about the car's exceptional presentation. Commenters lavished praise on the seller, 911r, for their "amazing photos and kickass driving videos," underscoring the significance of a compelling and transparent presentation in capturing the interest and imagination of potential buyers. The driving experience was hailed as unparalleled, with the car's grip and handling receiving special mentions. The meticulous care in servicing and presenting the car didn't go unnoticed, adding layers of trust and desirability to this already coveted model.

In essence, this sale isn't merely a transaction; it's a reflection of the enduring appeal of extraordinary vehicles coupled with stellar presentation and seller transparency.

Keeping up with the theme of a vibrant market, the Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe seems to be the new darling among enthusiasts. Remarkably, the good ones, like this 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe that sold yesterday for $16,2000, raked in $5,000 more than what they fetched just 3 1/2 years ago. And it's not a one-off thing—another Turbo Coupe flew off the auction block for $17,750 just two weeks ago.

In my view, this generation of T-birds is a feast for the eyes. A manual Turbo Coupe is a rare breed indeed. What's more, the generous insights from previous owners, all singing praises of the car, only add to its charm. It's a crying shame Ford doesn't make beauties like this anymore—a fun ride that doesn't blow your budget.

And how about that buyer's comment? "If I am lucky enough to get this beauty, you won’t be seeing it back on here for 20 or 30 years!" That's the kind of passion that turns a car into a legend. Sure, I have a soft spot for those high-end machines, but there's something irresistibly authentic about a car like this. It's fun, it's accessible, and it just goes to show the many flavors the market has to offer.

I've been relentlessly spotlighting the sheer potential simmering in the online auction space, and the situation with the 2014 McLaren P1 is a textbook case. With an current bid of $696,969, it starkly contrasts another 2014 P1 showcased at a traditional auction house, where buyers face the stark reality of shelling out an additional $200,000+ in fees.

This clear-cut scenario underscores why even the most established traditional auction houses are now eager to dip their toes into the online realm, with more companies planning to make their entrance in 2024. The drive behind this shift is crystal clear: the potential in online platforms is immense, and the traction they're gaining is undeniable. For traditional houses, venturing online is not just about staying relevant; it's about harnessing a burgeoning market, expanding their reach, and adapting to the changing preferences of buyers and sellers.

The 2014 McLaren P1 up for online auction isn't merely a car; it's a symbol of the burgeoning force of online platforms. Its mesmerizing MSO Volcanic Orange Coarse finish, its barely-touched 3k miles, and the raw power of the twin-turbocharged 3.8-Liter V8 and McLaren E-Motor make it a marvel. But beyond its specifications, it embodies the changing tide in how luxury items are traded, appreciated, and valued.

While the charm and drama of physical auction houses are timeless, online auctions are carving out their niche, promising transparency, inclusivity, and a global reach. The buyer who's vowed to treasure their find for decades isn't just investing in a car; they're buying into a revolutionized way of collecting – one that's accessible and straightforward.

As these digital platforms continue to evolve and innovate, they're not just challenging the traditional giants; they're redefining the game. The influx of established auction houses into the online space is a testament to this shift. They see the writing on the wall: online auctions are the future. They're expansive, they're dynamic, and they're reshaping the landscape of luxury trading.

We're at a nascent stage, laying down the first stones of what's set to be a monumental structure in the market. The potential is colossal, and the trajectory is unmistakably upward. The 2014 McLaren P1 is not just riding this wave; it's at the helm, steering us into a future where every bid marks a new chapter in an industry that's rapidly transforming. In a few years, we'll look back at today as the infancy of a market that was on the cusp of something monumental. Believe me when I say, big things are happening in online auctions, and they're unfolding right before our eyes.

I couldn’t not mention this awesome 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX 22B STI Coupe that sold yesterday. It’s a testament to how a stellar presentation can elevate a car's value, fetching a robust $135,000. The seller, TheCultivatedCollector, has once again proven their mettle, showcasing this limited edition, rally-inspired beast to perfection. One commenter's words say it all, "As soon as I saw the photos, I knew it was Cultivated Collector. Consistently bringing us the heat."

It's no surprise that this particular 22B STI, a gem among Subaru's rally dynasty, commanded such a price, which I also think is a very good price for both seller & buyer. With just 1 of 400 produced, its Rally Blue Pearl finish, and a host of tasteful modifications like Maxim Works headers and a MOMO steering wheel, the car is a dream for enthusiasts. The 5-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive system harken back to Subaru's golden era in rally sports, making it a collector's delight.