January is all about auctions when it comes to the enthusiast car market. Last year at this time, sales streaming in from Arizona and Florida accounted for more than a quarter of 2023's annual results for traditional houses, and 15 percent of 2023's combined live and online tallies. This year will likely land in the same range.
Casual car fans assume the January auctions are limited to Barrett-Jackson's presence, which is understandable since the 53-year-old company is the originator and anchor of the January sales and has also turned its premier event into a TV pastime for millions. But the month has grown beyond one auction house and one state to now include five distinct sales in and around Scottsdale, as well as the year's biggest physical auction event in Kissimmee.
Speaking of Kissimmee, contributor Rick Carey was present to witness Mecum's 4000-car auction and describes how the sale is about a lot more than its record-setting results. Looking ahead, the Hagerty Insider team will be on the ground in Arizona this week, reporting our observations and insights on our live blog here . Check back on it starting Wednesday to see running totals, commentary on interesting sales, and all the charts you could wish for. And if you'll be in Arizona along with us and would like to meet up, drop me a line at brabold@hagerty.com. Chances are we'll be in the same auction tent at some point anyway, and I'd love to connect.
Until next week,
Brian Rabold
Editor-in-Chief, Hagerty Insider
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