A salvage auto auction platform is a popular and economical way of buying a salvage, rebuilt, or clean title car. At the beginning of 2022, car auctions made $469 million in one week exceeding all expectations and predictions. Even though fewer cars were sold at the salvage auto auctions, the price of the models amounted to high sales numbers.
Some of the most expensively sold vehicles in US auctions were classic cars. If you want to know the make and model of each auctioned vehicle, keep reading!
Most Expensive Cars Sold at Auctions
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Aluminum Gullwing Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (1955) was the most expensive car sold in 2022 at an auto auction. It is the first time in the past six years that 300SL has been on the auction block and a decade since it was sold. This Mercedes model is a two-seat classic sports car based on the Mercedes 1952 racer. However, it has more engine power with a three-liter overhead camshaft straight-six engine.
1965 Shelby GT350R
Shelby GT350R (1965), also known as “the flying mustang,” is the second most expensively sold car of 2022. The vehicle has a manual transmission with 4-speed levels. This model was primarily used for racing, hence the name, “flying mustang.”
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider
The Ferrari 410 Sport Spider is a 1955 sports car originally built for highway racing. Therefore, it has a powerful engine that comes with a five-speed transaxle. The suspension has an independent A-Arms up front, which is typical for cars made in that era. The brakes were massive drum brakes that were mounted at a great height to stay clear of the wheels and allow drum cooling.
1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante
The first Bugatti 57 was introduced in 1934. For the next six years, Bugatti kept renewing the model with new specifications and features. The model sold in the 2022 auction was a 1937 Bugatti 57 that is a grand tourer car. The vehicle engine power is 72mm bore and 100mm stroke, producing 135 bhp at 5,000 rpm.
1992 Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40, launched in 1992, is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. It was designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ferrari. The car’s interior had a simple laid-out dashboard with uncarpeted composite floor material. It also has a three-point harness to provide extra protection during racing. The car engine can go up to 200 mph while generating 471 hp and 426 lb-ft of torque.
Top Salvage Auto Auctions in the USA
If you are looking for a dependable open auction in the USA to buy a salvage car, the best options are the auction marketplaces mentioned below:
A Better Bid
A Better Bid (ABB) is a 100% online auto auction that is open to the public. The platform offers trucks, cars, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and jet skis at wholesale prices. You do not need a dealer’s license to participate in the auction, place bids, and purchase a car. Moreover, ABB has a vast vehicle inventory that consists of more than 300,000 vehicles. As a result, you can easily find the car of your dreams.
Purchasing a car from ABB is relatively cheaper than other forums. This is because you don’t have to deal with a middle party. In addition, you get to access cars that are exclusively available for car dealerships to bid on and buy.
ABB is a Copart-registered broker; so, you don’t have to worry about the authenticity of the car listings. You can also become a pro or premium ABB member to access the vehicle history report that shows odometer readings, past owners, previous accidents, repairs, and other vehicle specifications.
You can become A Better Bid member by following these steps:
- Open A Better Bid’s website
- Register with a valid email ID
- Insert information such as name, country, state, and government-issued ID
- Choose a membership package (Standard $0/year, Pro $349/year, Premium $199/year)
- Deposit money to receive buying power
- Select a vehicle
- Bid in the live auction and place the highest bid
- Pay the total vehicle amount
- Order delivery and wait for the car to arrive at your doorstep (home delivery is available in the USA, and port shipping is available worldwide)
Columbus Fair Auto Auction
Columbus Fair Auto Auction is a public car auction that organizes auctioning events on-site. The auction is held every Wednesday, and you must take your state-issued driver’s license with you to enter the premises. Columbus Auction will provide you with a bidder badge and a pink vest. You will need to return the vest undamaged at the end of the auction, or a $25 fee will apply.
Columbus Fair Auto Auction does not allow you to bring guests to the auction event. Moreover, you have to reach the location a couple of hours beforehand to check the vehicle listings. Before entering the auction, you will need to place a $1,200 deposit to gain buying power. After placing the bid, you must pay the total amount by the next day or forfeit the deposit and future buying privileges.
Birmingham Auto Auction
Birmingham Auto Auction is an on-premise auction open for dealers and public buyers. However, public buyers (without a dealer’s license) will have to pay a buyer’s fee, 3.75% sales tax, title fees, and processing fees. In comparison, dealers only have to pay a buyer’s fee. All auction participants must check into the Birmingham auction office before entering the auction area. You also need to have a valid state-issued ID or driver’s license that proves you are above 18.
Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest (DAASW)
Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest, or DAASW, is a wholesale car auction forum for dealers. It organizes auctions every Wednesday in Phoenix, Arizona. Once you place and win a bid on a vehicle, the total amount must be paid by Monday at noon. Otherwise, you will be liable to pay a late fee of $150 per week. You can use a credit/debit card or cash to pay for the car.
Wrapping Up
Car auctions are quickly becoming the first choice to purchase a vehicle. This year, people have procured classic and salvaged automobiles from public salvage auto auctions to add to their vehicle collections. If you also want to buy a car at an economical price, check out a public open and wholesale rate auto auction such as A Better Bid.