Which auction company is best?

[dreemz]

In view of the recent post by LVCamaro I was curious what the concensus was on the best auction house if you were going to sell your original, documented, well restored GM or Mopar muscle car? Who truly attracts the discriminating buyer? Who does the best advertising? Is Colin around?

[Xplantdad]

Call Colin at 414-964-3747 (business number). If anyone would know it'd be him (or Charley)

[csx289]

All depends on the car. It is just like any other business, most steak houses have some seafood on the menu, but it isn't why people go there. B-J is good for over-the-top restos that have tons of eyeball. IMHO, the B-J buyers don't seem too concerned with buying a car that is really correct or what I would call a thoroughbred car. In other words, a really flashy, well done, regional-type show winning car may break the bank at B-J. With 100% no reserve, you have to make sure you send a car you are positive will find a buyer. I've done really well on cars at B-J, and I've also taken a few really bad hits. After 12 years of consigning cars there I like to think I know what will work (even though last year I did well on 2 and just average "no-brainer" money on 2).

High-end european stuff I have always sent to RM, and in fact have my 65 Shebly GT-350 R Model consigned there for this January. Some cars need a catalog description to tell the whole story, and it is a different group of buyers at RM. They know what they want, as in the exact car, and prefer the more civilized enviroment of a catalog sale. As a consignor, I like the fact that I can have a reserve in case the right buyer gets the flu and doesn't fly in to buy my car

But out of all the auction companies, the one I use the most as both a buyer and a seller is Mecum. Dana Mecum has treated me like a king since the first sale of his I went to many, many years ago. They are honest and really work hard for both sellers and buyers. If you've been there, you know. There is no "shot clock" on the podium, the car is there until a deal gets done. And Dana works nearly every deal to make everybody happy, even if it means cutting his already cheap (5%) fees to get it done. I think the amount of people that rave about Mecum is a fair indication that he has built a "car guy" auction company. Anybody that throws stones hasn't done business there. Mecum has loyal buyers and sellers. Yes, I take a few cars a year to B-J, just to be a part of it and roll the dice a little. But I have had many positive experiences at Mecum and have sold a lot of high priced stuff that I always felt was handled professionally and what I call "win-win" deals for all involved. If you look at sales like the Randy William's collection, or my #18 ZL-1 last year, you can see they get the job done.

All of this are just my observations. As a guy that uses all of the auction companies, there isn't one that I would tell anybody to avoid. In the end, it comes down to who has the right venue for your car, who has a sale that is convenient for you to get your car there, and who treats you right and gives you the best feeling that they will give your sale the attention it deserves. Year after year, I use Mecum for the majority, a handful at B-J, and a few at RM.

Hope this helps.

Colin

[Belair62]

Good 411 Colin..

[Denis]

Great information, Colin. Thanks. What's your take on Russo-Steele?

[TimG]

Interesting analysis, Colin. Thanks. We're heading to Barrett Jackson and there is no way that I can make it to Mecum one week later. I almost wish I was going to Mecum instead, spoke with Dana last week about a car and he filled me in on some of the inventory that will be there.

[raw muscle cars]

I would have to agree with Colin since he has taught me all I know about the auction deal. Dana treated me like a King this june and got me a great price for my hemi cuda and even bought 2 cars. Russo and Steel was a dissapointment for me, my car ended up aross the block an hour and a half late being 10.30 saturday night and I thought it bombed. My first auction was B-J with Colins help and I broke the world record on a amx and a hemi clone it was a great experience. This year we have 1 car at B-J a Yenko Chevelle and 4 cars going across at RM, this is my first time there. If I learned one thing it only takes 1 person to buy your car and they could be at any one of the auctions.. my 2 cents...
Richard Wies
RAW MUSCLE CAR INC.

[mc25t190]

I am in the retail Auto business for 22 years now, means nothing. We have small fees and reserve the right to sell or not. My advice, sell privately, less time and hassle, less expense, and if you're buying beware of who's bidding on the Hemi Cuda Convertible's, mostly friends and phones.The auctioneer, timing or placement is critical. I don't like anyone telling me what my cars are worth. Also you are under the public eye and everybody knows your business. If it is 5 pm somwhere that will work in your favor if Jack Daniels boosts the ego's. People do go there to buy, often way over market, then wake up? I know i contradict myself, but have never sold at auction.