U.S. Car Auctions You Don’t Want to Miss

Are you a car enthusiast looking to get more involved in the automotive community? Is it finally time to begin building your dream car collection? If so, there’s no better place to get started than an annual car auction. These cherished automotive events happen at select locations and attract millions of classic car collectors, antique bargainers, and high-end buyers from all over the globe. Just imagine an enormous room filled with tastefully restored prewar models and hidden gems that date back to iconic times in automotive history. We know, sounds like a dream! Yet whatever classic ride you’ve been eyeing in recent months, we know you’ll have pretty good luck finding it at one of the U.S. car auctions mentioned on our list.

Must-see car auctions in the U.S.

If you’re relatively new to the car scene, chances are you haven’t experienced the thrill and excitement of a live auction event. But one thing we know for certain, U.S. car auctions are a one-of-a-kind experience. Collectors travel thousands of miles just to spend a few hours in the presence of some of the greatest makes and models of all time. Apart from the abundance of classic cars on display, these auctions are a real opportunity to connect with fellow car enthusiasts in the automotive community. Once there, collectors have the ability to mingle with all kinds of auto enthusiasts, discuss restorations, and learn a thing or two about automotive culture.

All said and done, attending a car auction is a special treat. And it’s definitely worth the experience. Through the years, the number of people interested in classic cars has increased, as well as the amount of investors, antique collectors, and buyers who attend these events. After all, the cool thing about car auctions is that they take place at a variety of locations across the U.S. Sometimes you don’t have to go far to see your favorite models of all time.

Here’s a look at some our favorite car auctions to attend:

Mecum Auction Company

It’d be impossible to compose this list without paying homage to The Mecum Auction Company. This family-run auction house has become a fan-favorite by auto enthusiasts worldwide. And it’s no surprise why. Mecum attendees value the wide selection of vehicles up for bid and remain easily accessible for all types of buyers. Even spectators can enjoy the auction action and get a first-hand feel for the collector community. In general, Mecum is a great starting point for those who aren’t sure where to begin with their collection. They host the world’s largest U.S. car auction annually in Kissimmee, Florida, which is an experience like no other.

Barrett-Jackson

This car auction company has been in business for nearly five decades and is known for auctioning some of the most sought-after vehicles among collectors. In other words, Barrett-Jackson will likely have that rare beauty that you’ve never laid eyes on. On top of that, Barrett-Jackson was actually the first collector car auction to be televised on national T.V. Still to this day you can often stream these live events from home. However, if you do get the option to attend a B-J event in person, we highly recommend you check out The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, held in Palm Beach, Florida, Las Vegas, Nevada, Houston, Texas and Scottsdale, Arizona.

RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s was formed in 2015 after RM Auctions and the famed private seller, Sotheby’s, joined forces. The result was a rather elevated auction experience that tailored to high-end buyers and solely investment-quality models. What really sets RM Sotheby’s apart from other auctioneers is its close relationship with luxury manufacturers. They host events across the world and proudly remain the official auction house for Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin. So if money is no object and high-end vehicles are your greatest obsession, a RM Sotheby’s event is where you need to be this year.

Worldwide Auctioneers

There are a handful of U.S. car auctions that have the potential to overwhelm first time collectors. Yet one thing we love about Worldwide Auctioneers is the experience is entirely personal. Since the owners play an active role in every vehicle that is added to the bid block, you know you’re getting a highly curated collection of classic cars and vintage models for auction. Which means, only vehicles of quality and good reputation reach the block. Even though their car auctions are more intimate than the rest, we think Worldwide Auctioneers puts up some great events, more notably the Pebble Beach, CA auction. In some cases, you might even get to test drive an auction item before the bidding begins!

Tips for attending a U.S. car auction

Because the U.S. holds most of the world’s best car auctions, it’s important to know what to expect. Sure, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded car enthusiasts and remarkably restored vehicles. However if you plan to buy, there’s a few things you should know beforehand.

Here are some basic pointers to keep in mind before attending your next car auction:

• Always pre-register. You don’t want to spend your time waiting in line and filling out paperwork for bidding. Use your time wisely and get the formalities down beforehand. Most car auction companies allow you to pre-register online prior to the live auction event.
• Browse the auction company website to learn about the makes and models that will participate in the sale. This gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the auction block and do a little research beforehand to see if a certain model is worth the investment.
• Consider logistics. If you end up traveling far to attend a collector event with the intention to buy, make sure you’re prepared for the ride home. Remember that your winning bid will need a ride home. Therefore, we suggest contacting a trusted shipping provider ahead of time.
• Don’t forget about auto insurance. Though car enthusiasts dread this aspect of car ownership, the reality is you can’t avoid it. Your new muscle car will need insurance in order to drive. Get a few quotes so you have your coverage ready.
• Anticipate extra fees that are beyond your bid. You’ll need to pay an auction house fee, local taxes, cost of transport and insurance.

Final thoughts on U.S. car auctions

Some collectors don’t feel the need to attend car auctions as much thanks to   online dealerships and live streaming. But as most car enthusiast would agree, there’s nothing quite like attending one of these live auction events in person and getting to be around thousands of gear heads and antique collectors. If you have the opportunity to attend a U.S. car auction this year, remember to prepare ahead of time to make the most of your experience!