The Most Popular Car Auction, Ranked

Choose the car auction you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:32
Choosing the right car auction can be as daunting as picking the vehicle itself. Many buyers and sellers grapple with this decision, hoping to find a venue that offers reliability, variety, and fair deals. Without a clear gauge of a market, individuals may end up frequenting less than ideal auctions, potentially missing out on better opportunities elsewhere. This is where your votes become crucial. By participating in the live ranking of the most popular car auctions, you help paint a clearer landscape of where the best deals and finest vehicles are at. Whether you are a seasoned bidder or a newcomer looking to make your first purchase, your input aids in directing others to quality auctions while steering them clear of the less reputable ones.

What Is the Most Popular Car Auction?

  1. 1
    69
    votes

    Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

    Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson
    Known for its high-profile auctions of classic and collector cars, Barrett-Jackson is considered the most popular car auction in the world. Its events attract thousands of bidders and spectators, as well as millions of viewers on TV and online.
    The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is a renowned car auction company that specializes in the sale of classic, luxury, and collectible vehicles. The auctions organized by Barrett-Jackson are one of the most popular and widely recognized events in the automotive industry. Established in 1971 by Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson, the company has grown to become a leader in the auctioning of high-end automobiles. With a focus on providing a unique experience for both buyers and sellers, Barrett-Jackson auctions attract enthusiasts, collectors, and celebrities from around the world.
    • Founded: 1971
    • Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
    • Type: Public company
    • Auction Locations: Various cities in the United States
    • Specialization: Classic, luxury, and collectible vehicles
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Specializing in muscle cars, hot rods, and other American classics, Mecum Auctions is another major player in the auction industry. The company holds several auctions throughout the year, including its flagship event in Indianapolis.
  3. 3
    28
    votes

    RM Sotheby's

    Rob Myers
    As one of the largest and most prestigious auction houses in the world, RM Sotheby's offers a wide range of high-end vehicles, from vintage Ferraris to modern hypercars. Its auctions are held in various locations around the globe, including Monterey, Arizona, and Abu Dhabi.
    RM Sotheby's is a renowned international auction house specializing in the sale of classic and collector cars. With a rich history and a strong presence in the automotive industry, RM Sotheby's has established itself as one of the most prominent car auction companies worldwide.
    • Established: 1991
    • Headquarters: Blenheim, Ontario, Canada
    • Global Presence: Offices in Europe, North America, and the Middle East
    • Specialization: Classic and collector cars
    • Record Sale: $48.4 million for a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    Gooding & Company

    David Gooding
    Specializing in rare and important collector cars, Gooding & Company is known for its exclusive auctions and record-breaking sales. Its events are held at prestigious venues such as Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, and Scottsdale.
    Gooding & Company is a renowned automobile auction company that specializes in high-end classic and collector cars. It is known for hosting some of the most prestigious and successful car auctions worldwide.
    • Founded: 2003
    • Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, USA
    • Annual Auctions: Multiple
    • Expertise: Classic and collector automobiles
    • Specialty: High-end, rare, and pristine vehicles
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the oldest and most respected auction houses in the world. Its motoring division specializes in classic cars, motorcycles, and related memorabilia, and holds auctions in London, Paris, New York, and other major cities.
    Bonhams is one of the world's most renowned and prestigious car auction houses. It specializes in selling a wide range of classic and collector cars, offering a platform for enthusiasts and collectors to buy and sell rare and valuable automobiles. With a rich history dating back to 1793, Bonhams has established itself as a leading auction house for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Location: Bonhams holds auctions globally, with major sales taking place in the United Kingdom, United States, Europe, and Asia.
    • Types of Cars: Bonhams auctions a wide variety of classic, vintage, and collector cars, including luxury automobiles, sports cars, race cars, and more.
    • Historic Significance: Bonhams is known for auctioning historically significant cars, including those with celebrity or royal ownership, cars with racing pedigrees, and iconic classic vehicles.
    • Expertise: Bonhams has a team of experienced specialists who possess extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, ensuring the accurate valuation and authentication of the vehicles.
    • International Presence: Bonhams has a global network of offices and representatives, enabling it to reach collectors and enthusiasts across continents.
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Russo and Steele

    Drew Alcazar
    Known for its lively and entertaining auctions, Russo and Steele offers a diverse range of vehicles, from muscle cars to exotics, at its events in Scottsdale, Monterey, and Las Vegas. The company also has a strong online presence, allowing bidders to participate from anywhere in the world.
    Russo and Steele is a highly regarded car auction known for its unique and electrifying atmosphere. With a focus on European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods, and customs, it has become one of the most popular auction events for car enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Location: Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
    • Auction Format: Live, in-person auction
    • Annual Events: Multiple auctions held annually in different locations
    • Specialization: Emphasis on European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods, and customs
    • Selection: Curated collection of high-quality, unique vehicles
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Based in the UK, Silverstone Auctions is a leading specialist in classic and modern sports cars, as well as historic motorcycles and automobilia. Its auctions take place at the Silverstone Circuit, as well as other venues across the UK and Europe.
    Silverstone Auctions is a renowned car auction company known for hosting some of the most popular automotive auctions in the world. With a rich history spanning over a decade, it has earned a reputation as a trusted platform for buyers and sellers of classic and modern cars alike. Silverstone Auctions provides a unique and prestigious auction experience that attracts automotive enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe.
    • Established: 2011
    • Location: Warwickshire, England
    • Specialization: Classic and modern cars
    • International Reach: Global clientele
    • Frequency: Multiple auctions per year
  8. 8
    7
    votes

    Auctions America

    RM Auctions
    With a focus on American classics, Auctions America offers a wide range of vehicles, from pre-war antiques to modern muscle cars. Its flagship event is the Auburn Fall sale, held annually in Indiana.
    Auctions America is one of the most popular car auction companies known for hosting premier collector car sales events across North America. With a focus on classic, muscle, and sports cars, Auctions America offers enthusiasts a platform to buy and sell high-quality vehicles.
    • Location: North America
    • Specialty: Classic, muscle, and sports cars
    • Frequency: Regular sales events
    • Online Bidding: Available
    • Catalog: Comprehensive catalog with detailed listings
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    Based in Paris, Artcurial is a major player in the European auction market, offering a diverse range of vehicles, from vintage Bugattis to contemporary supercars. The company also holds auctions in Monaco, Brussels, and other locations.
  10. 10
    6
    votes

    Historics Auctioneers

    Historics Auctioneers
    Founded in 2010, Historics Auctioneers specializes in classic and sports cars, as well as motorcycles and automobilia. Its auctions take place at Brooklands Museum in Surrey, UK, and attract buyers and sellers from around the world.
    Historics Auctioneers is a renowned car auction company specializing in classic and collector cars. With a rich history and solid reputation, it is known as one of the most popular destinations for car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The auctions attract a wide range of international buyers and sellers, offering an extensive selection of high-quality vehicles.
    • Established: 2010
    • Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
    • Auction Frequency: Approximately 6 auctions per year
    • Specialization: Classic and collector cars
    • Online Bidding: Available

Missing your favorite car auction?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular car auction

  1. Number of attendees and bidders
    A popular car auction will attract a larger crowd. The number of registered bidders also indicates the level of interest in the auction.
  2. Variety and quality of vehicles
    A wide range of high-quality, unique, and desirable vehicles will draw more attention to a car auction. This includes classic cars, luxury vehicles, rare models, and well-maintained used cars.
  3. Reputation and trustworthiness
    Buyers and sellers want to participate in a car auction that has a good reputation for fair dealings, transparency, and professionalism. An auction house with a long history and positive reviews is likely to rank higher in popularity.
  4. Location and accessibility
    A well-situated car auction venue, with good transport connections, will be more popular. Easy access to the auction for both buyers and sellers, as well as accommodations and facilities in the surrounding area, will improve the overall experience.
  5. Frequency and consistency
    Regularly scheduled auctions with consistently high-quality vehicles on offer will build a loyal following of buyers and sellers. This will contribute to the popularity of the event.
  6. Advertising and promotion
    Effective marketing campaigns, including targeted advertising and social media promotion, help to raise awareness of the auction and attract potential attendees.
  7. Online presence and digital platforms
    In addition to physical attendance, a popular car auction will likely have a strong online presence. This includes online bidding options, a well-designed website, and active social media channels.
  8. Media coverage
    Significant media coverage, including television broadcasts, articles in automotive magazines, and features in local and national news outlets, can significantly boost the popularity of a car auction.
  9. Customer service and support
    Professional, friendly, and helpful customer service can greatly enhance the experience of buyers and sellers. This will encourage attendees to return to future auctions and recommend them to others.
  10. Post-auction services
    Value-added services, such as vehicle transportation, financing options, and extended warranties, can increase the appeal of a car auction to potential participants. Offering these services can contribute to an auction's overall popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular car auction. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or auction is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1837 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each auction once every 24 hours. The rank of each auction is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular car auction

Car auctions have become increasingly popular in recent years, with buyers and sellers alike flocking to these events in search of their next great deal. While there are numerous car auctions to choose from, some stand out as being particularly popular among enthusiasts. One such auction is the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, which has been in business for over 50 years and has become a household name in the industry. Known for its high-end offerings and glamorous events, Barrett-Jackson attracts buyers from all over the world and has become a staple of the car auction circuit. Another popular option is the Mecum Auctions, which has been around since 1988 and has grown to become one of the largest auction companies in the world. With a focus on muscle cars and vintage classics, Mecum has established a reputation for offering some of the most sought-after cars on the market. Of course, these are just two of the many car auctions that exist today. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply looking to buy or sell your first car, there are plenty of options out there to choose from. By researching the various auctions and finding one that fits your needs and interests, you can ensure that you get the most out of your car buying or selling experience.

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