RMajor car auctions are responding to the pandemic by going mostly virtual this year. Arizona’s famed annual auctions had only two notable in-person previews this season. We were there last week to cross-reference the offerings with what's available on eBay Motors.
The Top Sellers at Arizona Auctions
Bonhams - opens in new window or tab. offered in-person previews of their cars in Scottsdale. It's always exciting to get an upfront look at the most rare and extraordinary specimens.
After prospective buyers got a glimpse, all bidding shifted to online. That didn't stop the firm from selling nearly 80 percent of the 37 listed vehicles, bringing in about $6 million. The top seller was a black 1959 BMW 507 Roadster that went for $1.809 million.
The 507 Roadster is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable BMWs ever made.
RM Sotheby's - opens in new window or tab. also offered in-person previews, and the auction house allowed some on-site bidding. The company sold 90 percent of its offerings for a total of over $35 million. Eight vehicles broke the $1 million mark. A 1955 Jaguar D-Type sold for a whopping $6 million, and a 2019 McLaren Senna supercar went for $1,044,000.
The highly optioned 2019 McLaren Senna supercar went for $1,044,000.
Three Cars from Arizona and Their eBay Counterparts
Here are three more accessible classics that caught our eye in Arizona. It’s fascinating to compare the prices to similar models available now on eBay.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
RM Sotheby's featured a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible that sold for $95,200. (All prices reflect a 12-percent buyer’s premium). The Sotheby's Bel Air had a frame-off restoration. It features a 265 V-8 and a two-speed Powerglide.
A Tri-Five convertible is always in demand.
Compare that to the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertibles available on eBay - opens in new window or tab.. There's an eBay 1956 Chevy, which has a similar powertrain package and restoration, carrying a price tag of $80,000.
This is the middle year of the Tri-Five Chevys.
Both cars have the Continental Kit for the spare tire on the rear bumper. And both Chevys also offer solid documentation of restoration efforts. However, the Arizona car has an impressive set of dealer-supplied luxury options, like a tissue holder and a signal-seeking Wonderbar radio.
1957 Thunderbird
A Blue Oval fan bought this 1957 Thunderbird for $44,800 at Sotheby’s. It comes with a 312 cubic-inch V-8 and three-speed automatic.
This 1957 convertible can take on hardtop with the Thunderbird's signature porthole design.
The T-Bird with a porthole hardtop was painted red during a frame-off restoration. It features a Holley four-barrel carburetor. The striking Thunderbird offers power steering, manual windows, and a modern radio.
eBay Motors has scores of classic Thunderbirds for sale - opens in new window or tab.. We like this white convertible offered with a $30,000 Buy-It-Now price. It’s a 20-year-old restoration. Just like the Sotheby's T-Bird, it has the hardtop option and a 312 cubic-inch engine.
The white-on-white 1957 T-Bird is offered on eBay for $30,000.
Both cars have wide whitewall tires - opens in new window or tab., chrome wire wheels, and fender skirts. The eBay seller noted some recent work to ensure the car road worthy, including a new master cylinder, gas tank, and a rebuilt carburetor. Any uncertainty lowers the asking price, but could make for a good deal.
1968 Chevrolet Corvette
At Bonhams, a 1968 Corvette was offered with the L79 327 cubic-inch engine and a four-speed transmission. The seller claimed a 350-horsepower output helped by its four-barrel carburetor. At first glance, the paint was quite dark. But the custom holographic paint job shifted color as we walked around. The car, which showed just over 60,000 miles on the clock, sold for $24,600.
Meanwhile, the 1968 Gen3 Corvette - opens in new window or tab. is a popular offering on eBay Motors. This blue hardtop is similar to the L79 example at Bonhams, but includes a convenient luggage rack for storage beyond the car's tight cockpit.
This 1968 Gen3 Corvette is similar to the L79 example at the 2021 Bonhams in Arizona.
The eBay seller swapped in a L88 hood for a little more room in the engine compartment. He replaced the brake calipers and added a new aluminum exhaust. The eBay ’68 Corvette has a bit more wear with 76,000 documented miles. That helps explain its attractive price tag of $19,500.
There are currently about 35 examples of the 1968 Corvette offered on eBay Motors. Prices range from an eye popping $179,555 to the low teens. The blue T-Top survivor 'Vette, with its sub-$20,000 Buy-It-Now price, strikes a compelling balance of quality and price. It's one of the most "watched" cars available now on eBay.
Hopefully, in-person car auctions will return by next season. In the meantime, eBay Motors continues to hold year-round bidding of countless remarkable and affordable classics.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.