Are you someone who likes to collect things? Some people collect vinyl records, while others collect comic books. In the automotive industry, there are dealers who collect cars. According to Hagerty Insurance, there were 18 million vehicle owners who collected cars as a hobby in 2020.
While Big Valley Auto Auction has been a dealer-only auto auction since 2008, we are familiar with classic and collector car auctions.
In this article, you will learn the 4 best collector car auctions, what features they offer, and which one is right for you.
After reading this article, you'll have the information needed to decide if any of the following collector car auctions fit your needs.
The 4 Best Collector Car Auctions in the United States
There are 4 collector car auctions that rank above some of the best.
Mecum Auctions
Founded in 1988, Mecum Auctions is known as “The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction”. There are 3 features that help them stand out from the rest.
Sales
Mecum Auctions hosts 4 major sales throughout the year:
1. Kissimmee 2024:
Mecum Auctions will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Kissimmee event by selling 4,500 vehicles. The event will take place January 2-14 in Kissimmee, Florida.
2. Las Vegas Motorcycles 2024:
Mecum Auctions doesn’t stop at cars. They are also the world’s largest vintage motorcycle auction. They host an annual Vintage and Antique Motorcycle Auction, selling 2,000 motorcycles, taking place on January 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3. Glendale 2024:
Mecum’s 3rd event of the year will be March 5-9 in Glendale, Arizona, where they will feature 2,000 vehicles and 100 motorcycles.
4. Houston 2024:
On April 4-6, Mecum will host their 4th event in Houston, Texas, auctioning off 1,000 vehicles.
Services
There are 6 services Mecum Auctions offers their participants:
1. Financing:
To apply for financing, you must follow 3 steps:
- Apply online
- Finalize application
- Bid and Buy
2. Transportation:
You can consign your vehicle to auction and book shipping in one phone call. If you’re a buyer, you can schedule delivery to your home right from the auction floor.
Mecum drivers will document and photograph each vehicle prior to loading it on the transport truck, and Mecum can track it the whole way with GPS-equipped trailers.
3. Estate Services:
Mecum offers Estate services to help sell your collection once you’ve stopped collecting or the collection of someone who has passed away. They have organized sales of collections, from 1 collectible vehicle to a garage full of vehicles. They have held these sales on-site at museums, private display spaces, and larger Mecum events.
4. Bid Goes On:
If the vehicle you wanted didn’t meet its minimum bid, you have the opportunity to work with the Mecum “Bid Goes On” department to help secure it. As long as you’re a currently registered bidder with Mecum, you can place additional bids for up to 21 days after the auction closes.
For sellers, if your vehicle doesn’t sell on the live auction block, Mecum continues to work toward a sale by communicating directly with all interested parties for up to 21 days after the auction is over.
5. Detailing:
303 the official detailer and car care product line of Mecum Auctions.
6. Photography:
Mecum Auctions sends a photographer directly to the customer to take high-quality, editorial-style photos of their vehicles.
Televised Auctions
If you want to view a Mecum Auction in real-time, there are 2 ways to watch live coverage of their auctions:
- MotorTrend+: MotorTrend+ is a streaming subscription service.
- MotorTrend TV: You can access MotorTrend TV through your cable television package.
To register for Mecum Auctions, you must visit their website and create an account.
GAA Classic Cars Auctions
Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, GAA Classic Cars Auctions is part of The Automotive Palace, which is a fully enclosed, climate controlled facility that is capable of storing over 700 vehicles. GAA is open for registered dealers and their guests, with a $40.00 per person charge for daily general admission.
Examples of the vehicles you’ll find are a 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado Brougham and 1934 Ford Coupe.
1934 Ford Coupe
Bidding Methods
There are 3 ways you can bid at GAA Classic Cars Auction:
- In-Person
- Telephone
- Online
1. In-Person Requirements
Buyers Fee:
- 8% on vehicles over $10,000
- $800 minimum on vehicles $10,000 and under
- 15% on mini bikes with a maximum of $800
- 15% on all memorabilia.
- Registration fee of $150 for early registration and $200 for week of registration. This includes 1 bidder badge and 1 guest badge.
- Additional guest passes are $100 each, but children under 5 can attend for free.
- $2,500 hold on a credit card or bank letter. (Not required for dealers)
2. Telephone Requirements
Buyers Fee:
- 10% on vehicles over $10,000
- $800 minimum on vehicles $10,000 and under
- 15% on mini bikes with a maximum of $800
- 15% on all memorabilia.
- Registration Fee: $150 Early Registration / $200 Week of Sale Registration
- $2,500 hold on a credit card AND a bank letter (Not required for dealers)
- If a bank letter cannot be provided GAACC will accept a $5,000 hold on a credit card
- Bid list
3. Online Requirements
Buyers Fee:
- 11% on vehicles over $10,000
- $800 minimum on vehicles $10,000 and under
- 15% on mini bikes with a maximum of $800
- 15% on all memorabilia.
- No Registration Fee
- Must register through Proxibid
Flooring Companies
Mecum Auctions accepts 5 Flooring companies:
- JJ Best Banc & Company
- NextGear Capital
- Kinetic Advantage
- Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC)
- Direct Financial Services
Livestream
If you aren’t able to attend in person, you can view their auction’s livestream on YouTube.
Upcoming auctions for 2024 are February 22-24, July 25-27, and November 7-9. If you want to attend, you can register on their website.
Barrett-Jackson
Known as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction”, Barrett-Jackson was established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. They hold their auctions in major cities like Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Examples of vehicles you’ll find at a Barrett-Jackson are 1940 Ford Custom Open-Top Pickup and 1971 Honda CB350 Custom Motorcycle.
1940 Ford Custom Open-Top Pickup
Bidding Options
There are 4 bidding options available:
- On-Site
- Online
- Telephone
- Proxy
1. On-Site
Bidders who attend on-site get the following perks:
- Bidder Badge (Adult admission for each day of the auction)
- Guest Credential (Adult admission for each day of the auction)
- Preferred Parking Pass (not available for every auction)
- Access to Bidder Seating Area and exclusive Bidder Bar
- Barrett-Jackson Event Catalog (Available for pickup in the Auction Office)
2. Online
You can become an online bidder by creating a Barrett-Jackson account, clicking on the current event and selecting “Registration for Online Bidding.” Once you complete the online form, you will receive an email to E-Sign the bidder agreement and instructions regarding submitting your driver's license and bank letter.
After being accepted, you may begin placing pre-bids (which means bidding on a lot before it is up on the auction block) or bid live during the event.
3. Phone
To register as a phone bidder, create a Barrett-Jackson account and select “Registration for Phone Bidding”. After this, they will walk you through the process. Be sure to put your phone number in order to be contacted if you win.
4. Proxy
You may place a bid by proxy, which allows a Barrett-Jackson representative to submit a maximum bid amount for you. Proxy bidding will require the same registration as phone bidding, with the additional requirement of a maximum bid amount.
Consigning
In order to sell your vehicle at a Barrett-Jackson auction, there are 5 requirements:
- Basic Vehicle Information, including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Minimum of 8 Photos that MUST include Front 3/4, Rear 3/4, Side, Interior, Engine, VIN, Trim Tag, and Odometer, plus detail shots showing flaws, blemishes, undercarriage and other close-up highlights.
- Short and Long Description
- Copy of Car Title (front and back)
- Supporting Documentation
If you believe Barrett-Jackson is the best choice for you, you can register on their website.
Cord and Kruse Auctions
Founded in 2020, Cord and Kruse Auctions is an online classic and collector car auction. While its headquarters is located in San Antonio, Texas, Cord and Kruse are online-only, offering timed events and live auctions.
There are 2 features that Cord and Kruse offer their customers:
1. Sales
They offer 3 opportunities to sell your vehicle:
- Initial online auction
- Second online auction
- 30 day still-for-sale period: Their sales team actively works to put deals together for your vehicle.
2. Services
Cord and Kruse Auctions offers 4 services to sellers.
- Financing
- Shipping
- Insurance
- Photography
If Cord and Kruse Auctions is the right choice for you, you can register on their website.
Which Collector Car Auction is Right For Me?
Being a collector can be a fun hobby. However, you have to know where to get the best quality items that you’re looking for. When it comes to collecting cars, there are a lot of auto auctions to choose from.
Whether you're a buyer looking to add to your collection or a seller ready to let go of your inventory, you can use this article as a guide to help you decide if any of these collector car auctions are best for you.
If you’re a dealer looking for a more specific type of vehicle, here are the 5 best dealer-only auto auctions in Texas.