What Are the Most Famous Car Auctions?

Attending a collector car auction is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves cars and wants to check out some of the world’s finest vehicles. You get to see incredible automobiles up close and feel the excitement of the bidding process. From local sales to world-famous events, these auctions bring car enthusiasts together.
But which auctions truly stand out as the most popular? What makes certain events the top choice for serious car collectors? If you’re purchasing a collector car, attending a car auction, or simply exploring the world of collector vehicles, it can be a thrilling experience, but it also requires some preparation to ensure you make the most of it. Read on to discover more about the leading car auctions in the U.S.

What Are the 10 Top Collector Car Auctions in the US?

The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most prestigious collector car auctions, where rare classics, vintage icons, and investment-grade vehicles garner the attention of enthusiasts and serious buyers alike.

Here is a list of ten of the top collector car auction events currently operating in the United States:

1. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

Barrett-Jackson stands as one of the most prominent collector car auction companies in the United States, renowned globally for its flagship event, which is held annually in January in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Established in 1971, the Scottsdale Auction attracts car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. ​A defining characteristic of Barrett-Jackson car auctions is the “No Reserve” format, where the vast majority of vehicles sell to the highest bidder regardless of the price. This high-energy approach contributes to the event’s excitement.

These high-profile auctions also offer manufacturer displays, opportunities for performance driving experiences or “thrill rides,” educational symposiums, and often attract celebrity guests.

For those unable to attend in person, the auction is accessible remotely, and, for anyone who has missed this event, Barrett-Jackson also conducts major car auctions in other US locations, including Palm Beach, Florida, and Las Vegas.

2. Mecum Auctions – Kissimmee

Mecum Auctions is another leading name in the American collector vehicle auction industry, renowned for its expansive and diverse offerings. While the company hosts numerous car auction events throughout the U.S, its most defining auction is Mecum Kissimmee, held annually in Osceola Heritage Park in Central Florida.

This auction is renowned for its extensive selection of classic cars, vintage vehicles and exotic sports cars, as well as motorcycles, tractors, and automotive memorabilia, often showcasing over 4,000 vehicles.

3. RM Sotheby’s – Monterey Car Week

RM Sotheby’s, headquartered in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada, is the world’s leading collector car auction house by total sales. The company specializes in the sale of classic, vintage, and luxury cars. Its flagship event, hosted during Monterey Car Week in California, is renowned for featuring exceptional, high-end vehicles.

In addition to Monterey, RM Sotheby’s hosts exclusive auctions at major locations worldwide, including Paris, New York, and London, attracting a global network of collectors and investors.

4. GAA Classic Cars

GAA Classic Cars, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a prominent car auction house specializing in a diverse selection of classic muscle cars and collector vehicles. Their large auctions, held multiple times annually (typically in February, July, and November), attract car enthusiasts and collectors from across the country.

5. Gooding & Company

Established in 2003 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Gooding & Company is renowned for its prestigious car auctions and record-breaking sales. As the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance since 2004, Gooding & Company also hosts its flagship event during Monterey Car Week in California, as well as the highly anticipated Amelia Island auction.

6. Mecum Las Vegas

As another standout date on Mecum’s busy auction calendar, the Las Vegas auction brings world-class collector cars to the Strip. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, this event offers a massive selection of classic and custom cars, with a strong showing of muscle cars, vintage trucks, and rare and unique vehicles.

The Las Vegas auction also sets itself apart with Mecum’s renowned vintage motorcycle auction, showcasing hundreds of historic bikes from legendary manufacturers, including Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Triumph.

7. Bonhams – Quail Lodge Auction

With an exceptionally long history dating back to its founding in London in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world’s oldest and largest auction houses, renowned internationally for its expertise in fine art, antiques, jewelry, and various other collectibles. Alongside these areas, Bonhams also specializes in the sale of classic vehicles and motorcycles.

A key Bonhams auction event is the Quail Lodge Auction in California, held during Monterey Car Week. This prestigious sale has featured some of the most valuable cars ever auctioned, attracting serious collectors from across the globe.

8. Worldwide Auctioneers – Scottsdale Auction

Worldwide Auctioneers is located in Auburn, Indiana, and is a smaller player in the collector car scene compared to some of the big names mentioned above. The company emphasizes quality in its approach, presenting carefully selected vehicles and offering personalized client service.

Worldwide Auctioneers’ key events include auctions held at their Auburn facility, such as The Auburn Auction and The Enthusiast Auction, as well as their well-established annual Scottsdale Auction in Arizona, which takes place during the prominent Arizona Auction Week each January.

9. McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction

Known for its charming location and vibrant atmosphere, the family-run McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction deserves a place among the top U.S. collector car events. Held twice a year at the stunning desert location of the Palm Springs Convention Center, this auction has everything from rare vintage models to more affordable high-quality collector cars.

Attendees can benefit from perks such as free Friday admission and VIP bidder packages, which are often served with a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosas.

10. Russo and Steele

Founded in 2001 by Drew and Josephine Alcazar, Russo and Steele specializes in the sale of European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles to a global audience. They host events across multiple locations, with Scottsdale, Arizona, standing out as one of its most notable venues.

Russo and Steele are best known for their unique “Auction in the Round” format, which places bidders directly on the floor with the cars, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

What Do You Need to Know Before Attending a Classic Car Auction?

Attending a classic car auction can be very exciting, but without the right preparation, it can also be a bit daunting. Check out these essential tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Register in Advance if Possible

You usually need to formally register to bid, and this process can take some time, requiring identification checks and necessary paperwork. Most classic car auctions will allow you to pre-register online, helping to avoid any last-minute stress or long queues on the day. You will usually have to pay a registration fee, which typically includes an auction catalog.

Do Your Research

Study the auction catalog and any available online information about the cars beforehand. You should check the automotive history, important vehicle specifications, and research past sale prices. Knowing your stuff can give you a competitive edge when bidding.

Keep Fees in Mind

When figuring out your budget, remember to include additional fees, such as auction house fees (these typically range from 10-15% of the final sale price), sales tax and any other applicable local or state taxes, any potential repair costs, insurance fees, title and registration fees, and transportation costs.

Stick Around Until the End

As the day progresses, the crowd is likely to thin, potentially giving you a chance to find better deals on the remaining cars. Additionally, fatigue can set in for some participants, or last-minute bidders might mistime their entry, occasionally allowing a vehicle to sell without a final bidding surge. It’s worthwhile to pay close attention to other bidders during the process, as this can help you to gauge the competition and spot opportunities.

Don’t Get Too Attached

It’s easy to fall in love with a car after scrolling through the auction catalog. However, you should avoid getting too attached to a particular vehicle, as classic car auctions are competitive. So stay realistic and don’t get ahead of yourself!

Consider How You Will Ship Your Purchase

If you’re lucky enough to win your dream car at auction, make sure you have a plan for getting it home. Whether you’ll be driving it yourself or arranging transport, it’s important to think about the logistics in advance.

Enclosed transport methods are often the best option for transporting classic and collector cars, as they offer extra protection from the elements and any potential road hazards. You should also remember to check your insurance coverage to ensure that your new vehicle is fully protected during transit.

Ensuring Safe Shipment for Your New Collector Car With CFR Classic

Once you’ve secured your prized possession, the next step is transporting it home safely. At CFR Classic, we specialize in the safe and secure transport of classic cars, ensuring that your new vehicle is delivered with the utmost care, wherever you are located. In fact, we successfully ship over 2000 cars each month all around the world.

Contact CFR Classic Today

If you’re ready to arrange transport or want more details about how we can assist with shipping your latest auction win, contact CFR Classic today! You can request a free quote online, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.