Ultimate Ultima: The GTR Auction You Don't Wanna Miss

PLUS: AutoTrader auction platform catchup...

The Daily Vroom

Morning, Vroomers!

Coming up very shortly, the graphs and the deep dives will be back. We try to mix it up here, keeping you abreast of the latest news as well as key sales, insights and trends, all while being mindful not to take up too much of your valuable time.

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.

Talk about a game-changer! While the start of the year might've felt a bit 'slowish' for BaT, yesterday marked a monumental shift as they zoomed into the triple-digit sales territory, they are on fire!!

When you really think about it, hitting that number in a single day is nothing short of phenomenal. Now, here's where it gets even more interesting: out of the entire market's $7m in sales yesterday, BaT claimed a massive $4.2m slice of that pie. Yes, you read that right. That's a huge chunk of the market's liquidity, showcasing not just BaT's dominance but also highlighting the vast opportunities that lie in wait for other platforms.

Rewinding to the end of 2023, I threw down the gauntlet, predicting BaT could hit the 150+ sales a day mark. With their introduction of the verified checkout feature and the strategic move to adjust topline fees from $5k to $7.5k, it's evident BaT is in full throttle mode, not just responding to the market but actively shaping it. This sets the stage for the rest of the field: the challenge isn't just to respond but to innovate and evolve, crafting platforms that not only serve but exceed the expectations of 2024's buyers.

Who's ready to step up to the plate? The market's ripe for the taking, and it'll be fascinating to see who rises to the challenge.

YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES

Click on the cars to be taken directly to the listing.

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS $380,000

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Black Series Kit $261,500

2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet $260,000

2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Weissach $241,000

1956 Porsche 356A European Coupe $239,000

Auction of the day

Ladies and Gentlemen, gear up for an auction event that's as much about heart as it is about horsepower. Today it’s all about the 2022 Ultima GTR, a marvel not just in engineering but in its very genesis. This isn't just any car; it's a dream built and brought to life by a father and his son, showcasing a bond as formidable as the car's supercharged 7.0-liter V8 engine.

With an odometer that reads a scant 500 miles, it's as pristine as it is powerful. The engine, a masterpiece, roars with 604 horsepower, all channelled through a meticulously built Porsche-sourced 5-speed manual transmission. This beast doesn't just run; it dances on the tarmac, wrapped in a striking red exterior paired with a sleek black interior, ensuring you not only hear its power but feel its presence.

But it's not just about what's under the hood. This Ultima GTR marries raw power with unexpected comforts, including air conditioning and leather upholstery, making it a titan on the track and a pleasure on the street. It's titled for street use, offering you the rare chance to own a Le Mans prototype for your daily roads.

A Rarity Reborn

Ultima GTRs are a rare breed, and ones this special are rarer still. Built with love, passion, and a vision, this car is a 1 of 1 creation, making today's auction a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's a chance to own a vehicle that promises to turn heads and stir souls wherever it goes.

Alumni Catchup

Below are the top 5 Alumni sales yesterday. The arrows in the diagram below show whether the vehicle sale has gone down or up in value.

In our latest roundup of Alumni auctions, an impressive 9 out of 9 cars listed yesterday have successfully found new owners. Notably, only two of these were No Reserve listings. We’ve written about the 1956 Porsche extensively here in The Daily Vroom, and it wasn’t a big surprise to see it hit $239,000. I could see this hitting $300,000 next year!

First on our list is the breathtaking 4,700-Mile 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, a true spectacle of engineering and design that found a new home back at the tail end of 2020. It’s pretty mind-blowing when you consider it went for below its original sticker price – a scenario that's practically unheard of in today’s market. Fast forward to now, and most sales we've seen lately include the Weissach package, making this particular sale even more intriguing.

What really sets this one apart, though, is its striking Miami Blue exterior – a color that I personally find absolutely stunning, though it's sure to divide opinions. Reflecting on the final sale price of $380k, I genuinely believe it struck a perfect balance, offering a fair deal to both the lucky buyer and the seller.

Next is the 1977 Ford Bronco Sport 302 which holds a dear place in my heart, and its journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initially sold for $19,000 in 2020, it briefly touched $45k in February, only for that deal to fall through, (it happens) then impressively closed at $49,250 yesterday. Each twist in its tale adds depth to its storied past.

The Bronco has seen substantial updates, from the replacement 302ci V8 engine to the refreshed interior upholstery, not to mention the striking Orange Paint with a White Stripe. These enhancements have prepared it well for the next chapter in its life.

Now, as it stands poised for new adventures, this Bronco embodies the spirit of classic car ownership—a blend of history, renewal, and the anticipation of the road ahead. It’s more than just a vehicle; it’s a legacy on wheels, ready to continue its remarkable journey with a new owner, creating new memories and stories.

AutoTrader Catchup

Since my last update on AutoTrader auctions, I've got to say, things took a turn – and not the kind you'd hope for.

Things have spiraled from bad to downright abysmal. If you thought their user experience was a nightmare before, brace yourself. Now, their auctions are basically ghost towns; we're talking crickets, zero activity.

And just when you think it couldn't possibly get any worse, guess what? It does. They're literally rolling out the red carpet for their competitors, placing ads for them right under their own nose-diving auctions.

I've seen my fair share of disasters, but this? This takes the cake, it’s an absolute sh&* show. It's one thing not to lead the pack right out of the gate, but a smidge of effort? Apparently, that's too tall an order for them. Hats off to the other platforms genuinely putting in the work.

Your Feedback

Just yesterday, I dished on that blockbuster sale of the 2024 Porsche 911 Dakar over at PCarMarket, clocking in at a cool $350,000. But, oh boy, did the comments section light up like a Christmas tree! The hot topic? A serious side-eye at the VIN playing hide-and-seek. We tossed the ball in your court, asking, “Who had the upper hand in the Porsche 911 Dakar auction squabble?”

A whopping 60% of you threw your weight behind the bidders, championing the call for transparency and the uniqueness of the ride. Here’s a peek at what you had to say.

Consistency and fairness should always be the case in business. Transparency is vital, as evidenced in the published notes, speculation becomes rampant when a lack of transparency is realized. My 2 cents…

He who owns the platform gets to make the rules, whiners should shut up or leave. Let the auction run its course. That's the problem with these auctions that anyone can sit in on, 95% of the people are just there to stir the pot with no vested interest in the transaction.

I think this person summed it up best - "@parmarket. You are purposefully hiding the VIN to assist the seller in avoiding possible retribution from CNA for flipping this car contrary to a written agreement? You don't have an ethical issue in doing that??? Wow." Where there's smoke.......

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