From the Auction Desk: The Growing Online Auction World

Internet auctions allow a freedom from time and place over land auctions. It doesn’t matter where the buyers are physically located, they just need an Internet connection (and the financial wherewithal) to join the bidding — no middleman required.

Given that expanded virtual access to clients and an increased willingness among bidders to participate this way, auction houses eagerly jumped in the online pool with both feet since the United States lurched into lockdown in mid-March.

I was impressed with the swiftness and smoothness that RM Sotheby’s transitioned their Palm Beach sale to the Online Only: Palm Beach sale.

The sheer volume that EG Auctions has pushed through their auctions in the last three months has been very impressive.

Both of those companies have continued their online auction presence with sales into June and more planned beyond this month. Many other companies have joined the fray of online-exclusive sales. The biggest name in the bunch is Barrett-Jackson.

Their Online Only May 2020 sale wasn’t a blockbuster in the same terms as their land-based sales, but I’m sure the lack of overhead mitigated much of the difference.

“I couldn’t be more appreciative of the response from our consignors and bidders for our most recent online only auction in May,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re building on that excitement with our Online Only July 2020 Auction. As part of our ‘Road to 50’ celebration, it will feature an incredible docket of more than 50 thoughtfully selected vehicles that exemplify the diversity for which our dockets are known. We’re especially excited to be entrusted with the world’s first auction of a coveted 2018 Ford GT supercar.”

The kick off to Barrett-Jackson’s “Road to 50” starts July 6 and ends July 10. The Online Only July 2020 sale is the first in a series of auctions that will lead to the company’s January 2021 50th Anniversary Sale.

Among the early highlights is that first-time-ever offering of a model-year 2018 Ford GT with 853 miles in Shadow Black, with a Dark Energy interior — possibly perfect for a wealthy Star Wars aficionado who doesn’t want to drive it any farther. Since this is Barrett-Jackson, you know there’s going to be a high number of staggering customs. “Shop Truck,” a 1954 Chevrolet 3100 done to the nines, and a SEMA-shown 1968 Dodge Charger resto-mod also join the docket.

Your office won’t have the giant American flag hung over a stage or turkey legs just outside the exit doors like a regular Barrett-Jackson sale, but you’ll be able to bid on the cars all the same. Until we can get back to in-person sales, sales like this one are as good as it gets.

And, until we’ve got a vaccine, keep washing your hands and putting on a mask when you’re in a crowd.