Okay, so best classic car auctions in 2024 are straight-up my obsession, but lemme tell ya, they’re a wild ride. I’m sittin’ here in my messy garage in Ohio, the smell of old grease and stale coffee hittin’ me hard, starin’ at a ‘73 Pontiac Firebird that’s been collectin’ dust since I swore I’d fix it. I got hooked on auctions last year at Mecum in Indy, where I, uh, accidentally waved my paddle too soon and almost bought a tractor. Yeah, I’m that guy. Here’s my sloppy, honest take on where to hunt for vintage rides in 2024, from a dude who’s still learnin’ the ropes the hard way.
Why I’m Hooked on Classic Car Auctions in 2024
Classic car auctions in 2024? They’re like a rock concert, a flea market, and a panic attack rolled into one. I was at Mecum Indy last May, standin’ in a sea of gearheads, my boots stickin’ to the pavement from spilled soda. A ‘70 Dodge Charger rolled up, all black and shiny, and I swear my heart stopped. I bid too soon, got outbid in like two seconds, and felt like a total loser. If you’re new, set a limit before you go, ‘cause the vibe at these things can make you forget your own zip code. Check Mecum’s site for their 2024 lineup—they got Kissimmee (Jan 2-14) and Indy (May 10-18) comin’ up.
Sellin’s a whole different beast. I tried offloadin’ my cousin’s ‘81 Trans Am on Bring a Trailer last summer, thinkin’ I’d be rollin’ in cash. Nope. I forgot to mention the cracked dashboard, and the bids were pathetic. Lesson learned: be upfront about flaws and get those service records ready. It’s like confessin’ your sins, but for cars.
My Top Spots for Classic Car Auctions in 2024
Here’s the deal—my favorite classic car auctions in 2024, based on where I’ve been, what I’ve watched online ‘til 2 a.m., and what my buddy Dave won’t shut up about. They’re all different, like pickin’ between burgers, tacos, or sushi.
Mecum Auctions: The Wild West of Vintage Car Auctions
Mecum’s the king of classic car auctions in 2024, with like a gazillion cars at their Kissimmee event (Jan 2-14). I was glued to their live stream from my couch, popcorn everywhere, watchin’ a ‘69 Camaro SS sell for $200K. I’d never drop that kinda cash, but man, it was gorgeous. They got auctions in Kissimmee, Las Vegas (Oct 17-19), and Monterey (Aug 15-17). Scope out Mecum’s schedule for more.
- Why I dig it: It’s huge, loud, and you can bid online if you’re broke like me.
- My screw-up: I didn’t check the car’s history. Use Hagerty’s valuation tool to avoid my dumb mistakes.
Barrett-Jackson: The Flashy Classic Car Auction Extravaganza
Barrett-Jackson’s like the Super Bowl of classic car auctions in 2024. I went to their Scottsdale event last January, and it was nuts—think 100,000 people, half in cowboy hats, yellin’ over a ‘65 Mustang. I got so caught up I bid on a ‘74 Bronco I couldn’t afford. Lost, thank God, but my palms were sweaty for days. They’re doin’ Scottsdale (Jan 20-28), Palm Beach (Apr 18-20), and a new fall event (Oct 10-13). Hit up Barrett-Jackson’s site for details.
- Why it’s awesome: Pure chaos and star power. I swear I saw a celebrity, but it might’ve just been a dude with cool sunglasses.
- Tip: Register early for bidding, or you’re stuck watchin’ from the nosebleeds.
RM Sotheby’s: High-Class Vibes for Classic Car Auctions
RM Sotheby’s is the fancy-pants option for classic car auctions in 2024. I’ve never been—too broke—but I stalked their Monterey auction online, where a ‘61 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider went for $16 million. I spilled my coffee just watchin’. They focus on high-end stuff like Ferraris and Jaguars, with events in Miami (Mar 2), Dubai (Mar 9), and Monterey (Aug 15-17). Check RM Sotheby’s for the full scoop.
- Why I’m jealous: It’s like a museum where you can buy the art.
- Heads-up: Their fees are brutal. Don’t sell unless you’re ready to cry a little.
Tips for Buyin’ and Sellin’ Vintage Rides in 2024
Alright, time for some real talk. I’ve messed up enough at classic car auctions to know what not to do. Last fall, I tried buyin’ a ‘68 Chevy Nova at a local Ohio auction. Looked sweet, sounded sweeter, but I didn’t check the frame—rust everywhere. Cost me $1,500 to fix. Don’t be that idiot.
- Do your research: Dig into the car’s history. Sites like Vintage Car Collector got solid advice.
- Inspect like you’re paranoid: If you can’t see it in person, hire someone. Trust me, photos hide a lotta sins.
- Budget or bust: I got swept up and bid $500 on a hood ornament once. Yeah, I’m that dumb sometimes.
- Sellin’? Make it shine: Clean the car, get good pics, and list every flaw. CLASIQ’s guide saved my butt last time.
My Worst Auction Moments (and What They Taught Me)
Look, I’m no pro. I’m just a guy who loves vintage rides and keeps trippin’ over his own ego. At a tiny auction in Akron, I got cocky and bid on a ‘62 Cadillac DeVille. Misheard the auctioneer, thought I won, started celebratin’—then realized I was outbid by $10K. The crowd snickered, and I hid behind a hot dog stand. Lesson? Listen up and maybe skip that third Red Bull.
Sellin’ my ‘76 Corvette on Hemmings was another disaster. Didn’t polish it, took blurry pics, and forgot to mention the leaky seals. Sold for peanuts. If you’re sellin’ at classic car auctions in 2024, make your ride look like a prom queen, not a junkyard reject.
