Will This 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS Break Sale Records?

PLUS: Why This '71 Benz Sold For A Bargain!!

The Daily Vroom

Good morning, Vroomers!

What a whirlwind it's been in the digital auction lanes! We've sped past $30 million in sales and the hammer hasn't hit the block for the weekend yet. Remember, the action tends to heat up over the weekend, so don't take your eyes off the prize!

A huge shout-out for all the fantastic insights you've shared with me this week—your emails are the fuel to my day. Catch you on the flip side come Monday.

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+ cars in the chart below.

YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES

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

1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 6-Speed $301,000

2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica $290,000

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet $270,000

1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR 4-Speed $151,000

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible 3LZ $142,000

Auction Highlight

So, the talk of the town over at Cars & Bids today is this drop-dead gorgeous 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS. It's decked out in a Glossy Blu Montreal that practically sparkles and with an interior that screams luxury. Cars & Bids is on fire lately, pulling out all the stops with some top-tier rides in 2024, and this Ferrari is no exception.

Now, this stunner is coming at us from Canada, and I'm betting those original price tags were a bit more wallet-friendly with the currency exchange. We're talking an MSRP around $540k, and the current bid's sitting pretty at $415k. But let's not kid ourselves, anything shy of $500k just doesn't cut it for this Italian masterpiece. That's the starting line. Last time (in Feb) we saw a beast like this up for grabs on an online auction platform, it went for a hefty $631k. While we're not expecting the seller to hit those heights necessarily, we know it's worth every penny.

It's all in the details with this Ferrari—nearly 130 miles on the clock, a V12 engine that's more like a symphony, and custom touches that make it one of a kind. It's got that whole package that turns heads and drops jaws.

We're down to the wire today, and I can't wait to see the final number. It's got to be north of half a mil to do this beauty justice. Anything less? Well, it just wouldn't sit right. So, here's to hoping the bidders step up to the plate. Keep your eyes peeled on this one—it's going to be a nail-biter.

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 the latest roundup of our Alumni auctions, we witnessed an impressive momentum where 6 out of the 7 classic cars listed found new owners, marking a successful day for the platform. Notably, the prices for these Alumni listings were considerably more favorable than the previous day, mirroring a broader trend of more accessible prices across all auctions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout Alumni sales:

Highlighting the roundup is the 2000 Qvale Mangusta 5-Speed, a true gem that fetched $32,551. This marks a modest increase from its sale price of $32,000 just 18 months prior. The Qvale Mangusta is a marvel of automotive engineering and design, often prompting the question, "What exactly is this car?" Thanks to the seller's recent updates, including a new battery and tires, it promises an exhilarating driving experience. It's challenging to find another vehicle in this price range that offers such rarity, distinctive styling, and the creative genius of a renowned designer. My verdict is a great buy and great sale.

Next in our captivating roundup is the 37k-Mile 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, a classic that was snapped up for $36k—a notable increase from its purchase price of $32k just last year in May. Remarkably, the new owner added merely 1,000 miles to the odometer. This sale was facilitated on behalf of a seller who, despite his affinity for the car, had to make the tough decision to part ways due to space constraints in his collection, underlining the E320's status as one of the last truly great, smoothly driving Benzes.

What made this sale particularly special, and perhaps a contributing factor to its price surpassing that of a few months back, was the intervention of the previous owner. In an unsolicited yet utterly charming gesture, he chimed in multiple times to detail the extensive care and maintenance the car had received over the year. His meticulous attention to its upkeep highlighted not just the physical condition of the car but also the emotional connection and legacy attached to it.

This spontaneous endorsement was not requested, yet it beautifully showcased the deep bond that can form between owners and their vehicles. Much like a cherished member of the family, the car's history and well-being remained a priority for its previous custodian, who found satisfaction and pride in the community's kind words and appreciation. This scenario is reminiscent of the pride a parent feels when their child is commended for good manners during a playdate. It’s a heartfelt validation of the care and values instilled, even if the comparison between kids and cars is made in jest (kind of!).

Why This ‘71 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Was A Great Buy

In the vast sea of classic car auctions, much like many of you, I find myself swept up in the whirlwind, my inbox besieged by notification after notification. Amidst this flurry, one auction in particular ensnared my attention more so than others—the sale of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet for a cool $270,000. The hammer price piqued my curiosity, as I was convinced I had witnessed a strikingly similar model fetch upwards of $300k not too long ago. A quick dive into my comprehensive data trove confirmed my suspicions: a comparable model, albeit with higher mileage (the accuracy of which is always a quaint mystery in the classic car world), had indeed commanded $380,000 just 10 days prior. This discrepancy begged the question: Had the market softened so precipitously in a mere week?

With the intrigue of a classic car sleuth, it became apparent that the explanation behind this beautiful Mercedes' seemingly bargain sale price was not shrouded in mystery. The vehicle's location in France emerged as the sole factor. Personally, the geographical hurdle presents no deterrent, as importing a classic to my shores is a well-trodden path for me. The process, encompassing shipping fees of around $8-10k plus duties and miscellaneous expenses (tallying under $10k), culminates in an additional outlay of roughly $20k. Furthermore, a smidgeon of patience is required, alongside a savvy understanding of the importation process, culminating in a 5-7 week wait to welcome the new addition to your garage.

It’s evident that the prospect of navigating international shipping and associated costs acts as a deterrent for some, while others may underestimate the time and financial commitment involved, leading to more conservative bids. This scenario unfolds as an opportune moment for the informed buyer—a golden ticket to secure a coveted classic at what could be considered a steal. For those in the know, understanding the intricacies of international car importation can transform a seemingly daunting process into a savvy investment, ultimately reaping the rewards of patience and knowledge.

WorldWide Sellers?

The auction of the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet for $270,000 really got the gears turning in my mind. It revealed a rather surprising fact about BaT's auctions—they're truly global. While it's common knowledge that the buyer pool is international, the realization that BaT also caters to sellers from beyond the U.S. and Canada was a revelation.

Particularly in Europe, where our featured Mercedes-Benz originated, BaT's auctions have presented a select but fascinating assortment of vehicles this year. Although the platform is frequented for its extensive collection of parts and memorabilia from the old continent, the vehicular offerings are just as compelling.

Highlighting European Sales on BaT This Year:

  • The Italian Vintage Vibes:

    • The 1970 Fiat 500F Jolly Conversion sold for a delightful $36,000.

    • Its elder, the 1968 Fiat 500 Jolly Conversion, captivated hearts and bids, selling for $27,350.

    • The 1963 Fiat 500D Trasformabile transformed its owner's fortune by fetching $36,750.

  • German Engineering Showcased:

    • A trusty 1997 BMW 318tds Touring 5-Speed found a new home for $6,200.

    • The 1989 BMW 318i Touring 5-Speed, rolled away for $8,500.

    • The Euro 1971 BMW 3.0CSi models proved their mettle, one with a 4-Speed selling for $62,500 and the other, a 5-Speed, reaching an impressive $180,000.

  • The British Contenders:

    • The 1991 Land Rover Defender 90 200Tdi 5-Speed ventured off to a new adventure at $24,000.

    • The vintage 1965 Land Rover 88 Series II Santana trekked its way to $12,500.

  • The Italian-American Hybrid & Japanese Powerhouse:

    • The Modified 1972 DeTomaso Pantera, a symbol of cross-Atlantic collaboration, roared to $112,000.

    • The 1994 Mazda Efini RX-7 Type R II 5-Speed sped off for $25,300.

  • The Alfa Romeo Affair:

    • The Twin-Spark 2.0L-Powered 1969 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior sold for $66,800.

    • The 1,750-Powered 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Berlina 5-Speed commanded $36,000.

  • British Motorcycle Majesty:

    • The 1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C, a two-wheeled titan, rode off into the sunset at $80,000.

Would you buy a car from Europe?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Reply

or to participate.