Commentary on Recent Auctions

[CamarosRus]

I ran across this commentary on a E-Bay "Wanted Board"Posted by rrubin (679) on Jan-25-01 at 11:38:56 PST Auctions
Hi gang,
Spent most of the past 10 days at the car auctions in Phoenix and Scotsdale. Everyone was in agreement, RM had the best cars and Prices. Barrett-Jackson did not have the cars and prices they did last year, but still was tops. Rawhide had a fair sale. Silver Auctions catered to the low end cars, but handle the sale in such a way they clearly are the best respected of all the auction companies. All agreed that the tailspin Kruse is in is continuing, maybe esculating, and was the least impressive sale of the bunch. Looks like Levisay's influence in Auburn is about as "in touch" as it was at ebay.

No bargains at any sale. These are the winter sales to sell at, not buy. RM claimed a post sale Duesenberg brought $1million and they failed to crack $1.5 million on a early Ferrari. RM only pulled $28,500 out of a nice 57 Tbird while they consistantly broke $30-40k at B-J. At B-J, 57 Chevy convertibles in flawless condition ranged from $40k to $65k. At Rawhide a nice 66 Pontiac Bonneville wagon brought $7500. Don't forget all these prices do not include the rip-off "Buyers Premium" % on top, ranging from 10% to 12%. These premiums have got to impact the bidders.

All eyes turn to the East coast now for the Atlantic City Auction, early February. Known for poor quality cars, but a big crowd, this sale is still considered by some as the bell weather of the eastern market and an indicator where prices will be at Spring Carlisle.