The Best Collector Car Auctions USA Guide

For automotive enthusiasts and collectors, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a collector car auction. These events are where automotive history, passion, and investment opportunities converge. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of classic cars, understanding the landscape of collector car auctions is essential for making informed purchases and getting the most value from these events.

The Basics of Collector Car Auctions

What is a Collector Car Auction?

A collector car auction is a specialized event where rare, classic, and historically significant vehicles are sold to the highest bidder. Unlike traditional car sales, these auctions are built on competition and passion for classic cars, where vehicles often sell for premium prices due to their uniqueness, condition, or historical significance. These events range from prestigious in-person gatherings that attract global attention to modern online platforms that have expanded access to the collector car market.

What Factors Influence Collector Car Prices?

The collector car market is dynamic, and various factors can significantly impact vehicle values. Understanding these elements is important for buyers and sellers attending classic car auctions.

• Rarity – The number of vehicles produced and how many survive today significantly influences value. Limited production runs, special editions, or vehicles with unique features typically command premium prices.
• Condition – Original condition, restoration quality, and documentation of maintenance history are key in determining value. Vehicles with complete restoration documentation, original parts, and minimal modifications typically hold a higher value.
• Historical Significance – Cars associated with significant historical events, innovative technological features, or important figures in automotive history often command higher prices. This includes vehicles that marked important milestones in automotive development or were owned by notable individuals.
• Market Trends – Classic car values are influenced by current market preferences and generational shifts in collecting interests. As different generations enter the collector market, their preferences often drive demand for specific eras or types of vehicles.
• Originality – Original features, paint, and components often command premium prices compared to restored or modified vehicles. However, exceptional restorations can sometimes surpass original condition values for certain models.

Top Collector Car Auctions in the USA

Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Barrett-Jackson is one of the most recognized names in collector car auctions, known for their spectacular events that combine entertainment with high-stakes bidding. Their flagship event, the Scottsdale Fall Auction in Arizona, regularly attracts over 300,000 attendees and features more than 1,800 vehicles. The company is known for auctioning charity cars, raising over $150 million for various nonprofits. Their auctions frequently feature rare muscle cars, classic American vehicles, and modern supercars, making them a premier destination for collectors of all interests.

Mecum Auctions

Mecum Auctions has earned its reputation as the world’s largest collector car auction company, hosting multiple events throughout the year across the nation. Their signature event, “Mecum Kissimmee,” features over 3,000 vehicles annually. Mecum specializes in offering a diverse range of vehicles, from entry-level classics to multi-million dollar investment-grade automobiles, making its auctions accessible to both newcomers and experienced collectors.

Bonhams

Bonhams brings European auction expertise to the American market, specializing in rare and high-end collector cars. Their auctions often feature some of the most historically significant vehicles available, with a particular focus on pre-war classics and European sports cars. The company’s events at Amelia Island and Monterey Car Week are known for setting record prices and attracting serious collectors from around the world.

Gooding & Company

Gooding & Company has established itself as a boutique auction house known for handling some of the most valuable and prestigious collector cars in the world. Their carefully curated events feature exceptional vehicles with impressive provenance, often achieving record-breaking sales. Their Pebble Beach auction during Monterey Car Week is particularly notable for presenting some of the finest automotive examples available to collectors.

RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s represents the pinnacle of collector car auctions, combining RM’s automotive expertise with Sotheby’s centuries of auction experience. Their events are known for featuring exceptional vehicles with remarkable histories and provenance. The company’s auctions during Monterey Car Week routinely set world records for various marques and models, attracting the most discerning collectors and investors.

Russo and Steele

Russo and Steele offers a unique auction experience with their “auction in the round” format, where cars are driven into the center of a circular bidding arena. This creates an intimate and exciting atmosphere for buyers and sellers. They specialize in European sports cars, American muscle cars, and custom hot rods, with their Scottsdale auction being particularly notable.

Bring a Trailer (BaT) Auctions

Bring a Trailer has revolutionized the classic car auction space by moving the entire process online. Their platform combines detailed vehicle presentations with a knowledgeable community of enthusiasts who actively participate in the discussion of each listing. BaT’s format has made collector car auctions more accessible while maintaining high standards for vehicle documentation and presentation.

Worldwide Auctioneers

Worldwide Auctioneers focuses on offering exceptional motorcars to discerning collectors, with events that emphasize quality over quantity. Their auctions typically feature carefully selected vehicles with significant historical importance or exceptional preservation. The boutique nature of their events allows for a more personal auction experience.

GAA Classic Cars

GAA Classic Cars has built a strong reputation in the Southeast, hosting three major auctions annually in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their signature events typically feature over 650 vehicles each, making them one of the largest collector car auctions on the East Coast. Known for their diverse offerings, GAA specializes in American classics from the 1950s through the 1970s. Their events feature a wide range of collector vehicles, from affordable classics to high-end investment pieces, making them an excellent venue for both new and experienced collectors.

Vintage Motor Cars

Vintage Motor Cars is a distinguished auction house with signature events in multiple locations across Texas and Oklahoma. Their auctions typically feature 150-200 carefully selected vehicles per event, with a particular emphasis on American classics from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as European sports cars. Their Fort Worth auction has become particularly notable for featuring exceptional examples of pre-war automobiles and rare muscle cars, while their Oklahoma City event often showcases unique barn finds and preservation-class vehicles.

What to Expect in Collector Car Auctions for 2025

Predicted Top Collector Cars for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, several emerging trends are shaping the collector car market. Japanese cars from the late 1970s and early 1980s are seeing renewed interest, with models like the Datsun 280ZX showing remarkable appreciation. Vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s are particularly hot among younger collectors, with iconic models like the DeLorean DMC-12 benefiting from both nostalgia and pop culture appeal. Performance-oriented wagons and SUVs from the 2000s are gaining significant traction, as well as European sports cars and grand tourers. Additionally, affordable classics from the 1980s and 1990s are seeing increased demand from younger enthusiasts, particularly well-preserved examples of sport compacts like the Honda Prelude and Mini Cooper S.

Technology and Collector Car Auctions

Technology is revolutionizing the collector car auction landscape. Virtual and hybrid auctions have become mainstream, allowing collectors to participate from anywhere in the world. Advanced digital inspection tools and detailed video documentation enable buyers to make informed decisions without physical presence.

Blockchain technology is beginning to play a role in verifying vehicle histories and ownership records, adding an extra layer of security and transparency to transactions. Enhanced live streaming capabilities and interactive bidding platforms are also making remote participation more engaging than ever.

Auction Recommendations for Beginners and Seasoned Collectors

For newcomers to collector car auctions, starting with online platforms like Bring a Trailer can provide valuable experience in the bidding process without the pressure of in-person events. Research is crucial. Take time to understand market values, study vehicle histories, and connect with marque-specific communities.

Seasoned collectors should focus on emerging trends and consider diversifying their collections with vehicles that show potential for appreciation. Both groups benefit from developing relationships with reputable inspectors and transport companies to ensure smooth transactions.

How to Transport Collector Cars After Auctions

Transportation

When it comes to getting newly acquired collector cars home, there are several options. Self-driving the vehicle might seem appealing, but it exposes valuable classics to unnecessary wear and potential damage. While towing with your own equipment offers control over the process, it requires expertise and appropriate equipment. Additionally, towing is generally only recommended for short-distance travel.

Professional auto transport provides the most secure and reliable option, particularly for valuable collector vehicles. The cost difference between methods becomes negligible when considering the potential risks to high-value cars.

Auto Transport Options

Professional auto transport offers several specialized services tailored to collector car needs. Enclosed carrier transport provides premium protection from weather and road debris, making it ideal for valuable classics. Open carrier transport, while more economical, is generally less suitable for significant collector pieces.

Door-to-door shipping offers the convenience of direct delivery to your specified location, while terminal-to-terminal services might reduce costs but involve additional handling. For collector cars, enclosed door-to-door shipping represents the gold standard, ensuring maximum protection and convenience. Expedited shipping options are available when time is of the essence, though standard transport timeframes are typically sufficient for most situations.

Safely Transport Collector Cars with RoadRunner Auto Transport

With over three decades of experience in specialized vehicle transport, RoadRunner Auto Transport understands the unique requirements of collector car shipping. Our enclosed transport fleet is equipped to handle high-value, classic, and collector vehicles, ensuring maximum protection during transit. Our professional drivers are trained in proper loading and securing techniques for valuable classics, providing peace of mind throughout the journey.

We also offer real-time shipment tracking, so you can monitor your collector car’s journey every step of the way. When it comes to protecting your investment, trust RoadRunner to deliver your collector car safely and securely.

Need to transport your auction purchase? Use our car shipping cost calculator for a personalized quote and get ready to experience our white-glove auction car shipping service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which collector car auction is considered the most prestigious in the USA?

While several auctions are highly regarded, RM Sotheby’s and Gooding & Company events during Monterey Car Week are considered among the most prestigious. They consistently feature some of the world’s most valuable and significant collector cars.

What is the largest collector car auction in the United States?

Mecum’s Kissimmee auction is the largest collector car auction in the United States, typically featuring over 3,000 vehicles during its annual January event in Florida.

How do I participate in a collector car auction as a first-time buyer?

Start by registering with the auction house of your choice, which typically requires proof of funds or a bidder’s deposit. Research thoroughly, set clear budgets including buyer’s premiums, and consider starting with online auctions to gain experience. Many auction houses also offer buyer’s representatives who can guide you through the process.

What are the best collector car auctions for finding entry-level classics?

Mecum Auctions and GAA Classic Cars regularly feature a wide range of vehicles at various price points, making them excellent venues for entry-level collectors. Online platforms like Bring a Trailer also frequently list more affordable classics, providing good opportunities for new collectors.