Top Classic Car Auctions of 2025: Where to Buy and Sell Rare Vehicles
The classic car market remains active in 2025, thus presenting enthusiasts with numerous opportunities to buy and sell rare ones. Participation in the right auctions is paramount to any collector, whether seasoned or novice and looking to invest in classic cars. Presented below is a curated list of the best classic car auctions for 2025, including time-honored techniques and igneous online approaches.
1. Collecting Cars – Preeminent Online Auctions
Collecting Cars has strengthened its leading position among online auction sites offering collectible cars, bikes, and automobilia. An overarching 24-hour work cycle seems to be satisfactory in the hands of buyers and sellers from all across the world.
Reasons To Choose Collecting Cars?
Internationally Accessible: Reaches out to a myriad of audiences all over the world, thus increasing the likelihood of finding the right buyer or seller.
No Buyer Fees: Bids can be placed with the blessed assurance that there are no buyer fees to be concerned about in addition to the hammer price.
Expert Curation: All listings are strictly controlled by competent curators who examine every detail to ensure quality and authenticity.
Collecting Cars fills that gap between the buyer and the seller when the rare vehicles in question can be bought or sold regardless of geographical boundaries.
2. RM Sotheby’s – Onstage Auctions of the Highest Prestige
RM Sotheby’s is pre-eminent in each field, with public viewings featuring some most sought-after classic cars.
Outstanding Auction of 2025:
Stuttgart Sale: During February 2025, RM Sotheby’s set a record with the auction of a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 car for €51,155,000 ($53,917,370). That placed it as the most expensive F1 racing car sold at auction ever.
3. Bonhams – Historic Auction House
Bonhams combines traditional and excellent sales, always getting to display cars with great provenance.
Highlight of 2025:
Paris Sale: In February 2025, Bonhams sold a 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta by Touring for €2,817,500 ($2,935,835), showing its dedication to presenting great vehicles.
4. Gooding & Company – Boutique Auctions
Famed for its specially curated events, Gooding & Company attracts the most discerning of collectors.
Recent Development:
Acquisition by Christie’s: Late in 2024, Gooding & Company was acquired by Christie’s, backing its enhanced presence in the classic car market.
5. Barrett-Jackson – The Experience Auction
Barrett-Jackson is known for its vibrant auction atmosphere that blends entertainment and automotive excellence.
Upcoming Event:
Scottsdale Fall Auction: held between October 16-19, 2025, will showcase a myriad of classic and collector cars.
6. Mecum Auctions – Volume and Variety
With a very wide inventory, Mecum Auctions appeals to a wide spectrum of automotive tastes.
Notable Sale:
Kissimmee Auction: A 1969 Porsche 917K once owned by Steve McQueen and Jerry Seinfeld was offered in January 2025 and did not meet the reserve at the $25 million bid, thus underscoring the preferred status of such cars.
The Right Choice of Auction Platform
When deciding where to buy or sell your classic car, factors to consider include:
Audience Reach: Online platforms like Collecting Cars have far-reaching exposure across the globe, whereas traditional auctions may attract a localized audience.
Fees/Commissions: Understand how each auction platform will charge fees or commissions, ensuring they correspond to your financial expectations.
Type of Vehicle: Some auctions are aimed at particular eras or types of vehicles, and choosing the one best suited to your car's profile is thus very important.
By choosing the right auction platform, you now stand a chance of entering the market for classic cars in the year 2025 rather easily, giving both the buyer and seller of rare cars a delightful experience.
