Online auctions are really cooking now.
Barrett-Jackson wrapped up its first exclusively online sale on May 17. Preliminary results show that this wasn’t a typical Barrett-Jackson auction, but we knew that going into it. By my count, only four lots had the no-reserve status that we normally associate with a Barrett-Jackson auction.
On Monday morning, I counted 43 of 85 cars selling for $3,466,525. Is this a good result or a poor one? I don’t really know at this moment. It doesn’t seem far off from some of the other online sales I’ve seen over the last two months — not far off from some other sales isn’t a position to which I am usually referring to Barrett-Jackson.
Well, I think we all realize that things aren’t normal anymore.
However — and this is most important of all — it was something. Barrett-Jackson gave us the opportunity to get into some classics when the majority of auction companies are sitting tight and waiting until we can gather together once again.
If you missed out there, your next chance to buy from a catalog sale is in just a few days.
RM Sotheby’s Online Only division is hosting another online auction starting May 21. The Driving into Summer sale features 148 cars and 21 pieces of automobilia.
For my money, the Driving into Summer lineup is filled with one of the wider ranges of cars I’ve seen for an RM Sotheby’s sale. Maybe you’re after the Enzo or F50 Ferraris or the 250 GT coupe by Ellena.
No? There are six Corvettes on offer, as well as a Corvair 95 Rampside pickup. That’s not the end of the oddities either, with a Citroën SM, Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica and whatever the hell a Jato Walker Executive is as part of the sale’s wide-ranging net.
With 10 Chevrolets, 15 Ferraris, 12 Fords, nine Mercedes-Benz cars and 18 Porsches (not counting the two tractors), this sale runs the gamut for many collectors.
For those seeking more British fare, Silverstone’s May Live Online auction is on Saturday, May 23. They never slouch for a sale, and, even online, this one is no different.
The first lots easily can match RM Sotheby’s in the quirky department: Borgward Isabellas (three!), a Jowett Bradford utility and a Polski Fiat 126p will all draw questioning looks from a crowd.
Still, sports and race cars are their bread and butter. Two of the top offerings on Saturday are the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing and a resto-mod 1960 AC Ace. Just for good measure, there is also a “Spectre” Land Rover Defender 110 for sale. It’s number nine of nine, with just seven remaining from the James Bond film.
Keep checking back here for the latest on consignments, online auctions and in-person sales.
Stay safe and (yes, still) keep washing those hands.