When it comes to excitement and colorful characters, nothing is more extravagant than Las Vegas. A drive down the strip radiates energy, and you can hear the sounds of music, laughter, and people talking amongst themselves which give vibrancy to the asphalt and concrete. It’s not just casinos that draw people in; some people are there for the auto auctions. There’s no place like Las Vegas when it comes to auctions of any kind, and even salvage automobile auctions draw attention to the parade of cars.
When The Big Names Come To Vegas
Since Vegas is a mecca for all things shiny, it’s no surprise that some of the big auto auction houses like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson would head over to Las Vegas to show off their amazing display of exotic and vintage cars, trucks, and even motorcycles to bidders.
Barrett-Jackson
It’s been over 50 years since the first Barrett-Jackson car auction, and since then, it’s held the title of America’s No. 1 Attraction for Car Lovers. Their auctions take place in cities like Palm Beach, FL., New Orleans, LA, Scottsdale, AZ., and Las Vegas. Not everyone goes to a Barratt-Jackson auction to bid; some people go just to see all of the classic cars, bump elbows with celebrities, and get their adrenaline pumping while watching the high-stakes bidding.
If you’re going to a Barrett-Jackson auction, you’ll discover hundreds of collector cars up for sale. You’ll find a large Exhibitor Marketplace where you can buy car memorabilia and artwork, explore vendors with new car parts and the latest high-tech gadgets, and eat from various food and beverage vendors.
You’ll want to ensure that you have enough time to wander amongst the cars for sale. Because everything is high-tech here, your Barrett-Jackson app lets you “heart” a car you see on the lot and park it in your virtual garage. You can keep track of the car this way, and watch the bidding action.
Live bidding is always an adventure. While general admissions is on the skirts of the bidding area, you can still enjoy the show. If you’re a qualified bidder, then you can sign up online for your bidder badge and have a seat in the bidders area.
Even if you never bid on a car at a Barrett-Jackson auction, you can always have fun watching the cars and other people spending money. If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, then the auctions are broadcast on the History and FYI networks.
Mecum Auctions
Another big name that comes to Las Vegas is Mecum Auctions. Mecum Auctions is a spectacle in itself. They focus on muscle cars, hotrods, exotic cars, and vintage automobiles. If horses are under the hood then it’s a good fit for Mecum. They also have vintage motorcycles and tractors.
Mecum Auctions was started in 1988 by Dana Mecum in Marengo, Illinois, before moving to Walworth, Wisconsin. They host auctions throughout the United States in places like Indianapolis, IN; Tulsa, OK; Kissimmee, FL; Harrisburg, PA, and many other big cities.
If you buy tickets to a Mecum Auction, you can mingle with the masses while talking shop with other car builders and owners. You can wander amongst the hotrods and take a look under the hood. You can even register to bid on any of the auctions online or in person. The registration process is simple if you choose online, but in-person bidding is the most exciting.
Mecum Auctions broadcasts their auctions on MotorTrend TV and MotorTrend+ for those who prefer to stay home and avoid the crowds.
More Than The Famous
While the big names are always an excellent way to spend the day watching people spend a lot of money on cars, if you’re in the market for a new car or want to enjoy a car auction, check out the smaller auctions. Like the big names, you can also do all of your bidding online here. Unlike the big names though, you don’t have to wait for them to come around once a year; you can bid every week on hundreds of auctions.
SCA Auctions
SCA Auctions holds auctions daily from many locations across the United States. They’re considered the largest auction you can attend without having a dealer license. They offer cars from dealerships, financial institutions, insurance companies, rental car companies, and more. They have everything from clean titles to salvage title cars. You can sign up online and check out the cars that are up for sale. You’ll never need to leave the comfort of your home to buy a car here.
Other Las Vegas, NV auto auction companies include IAAI, Copart, A Better Bid, and many smaller auctions.
Bidding Online
While bidding online isn’t nearly as entertaining as being at a big auction in person, it’s much quieter, which means you can stay focused on the car you want without getting caught up in the excitement of the moment. While that’s not as much fun, it does mean that you’re less likely to overspend.
Ultimately, all that matters is finding the car you want without spending too much money. If you crave noise and bright lights, head to a big-name auction in Las Vegas.
