How can I buy cars at auction?

There are two types of auctions—public car auctions and dealer car auctions. Public car auctions are open to anyone. Dealer car auctions, like those held by Manheim, are private and require you to have an auto dealer license as well as the necessary credentials, insurance and business license requirements as outlined by your state and/or county. You can also hire an auto broker to find and bid on a car for you. The car auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public.

How can I get a dealer license for car auctions?

Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) should list the rules required to become a licensed automotive dealer. You’ll need to apply for a business license, a dealer registration number and a tax or employer identification number to adhere to any sales tax and income rules. Most states require applicants to also create a DBA, submit a detailed business plan and undergo a background check. Lastly, you will also need a surety bond for insurance purposes to protect your customers and yourself.

How do car auctions work?

Most car auctions, either public or private dealer car auctions, are in person or online. A car auction can be overwhelming since there are many rules to follow during the bidding and sales process. There's a starting price listed for each car. If you find a car you like set your maximum bid. If your bid wins, the car is yours. All auctions have fees which are in addition to the vehicle’s final bid price. Be sure to understand these fees and account for them in your budget. All online auctions also have a shipping partner to fulfill delivery of the vehicle to you.

How much does a car auction license cost?

The cost of a car auction dealer license is $600 to $800 to get a business license and to set up your corporation. Then there is $15,000 in annual building and insurance costs.

How can I buy a car from an auction without a dealer license?

You either must know a licensed car dealer or someone you trust in the automotive industry. But most people wouldn’t want to go through this much trouble to buy a single vehicle. All the auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public and do not require buyers to have a dealer license. If you still insist on buying a car from a private dealer auction, your best bet is to find a car broker who focuses on representing clients, like you, to buy a vehicle at a dealer car auction.

How do I find car auctions near me?

Car auctions found on Classics on Autotrader occur weekly and monthly depending on the location and include a wide variety of vehicles—classics, RVs, motorhomes, trailers, ATVs, motorcycles as well as present-day vehicles and heavy-duty equipment. Most auctions listed on our site are open to the public although some may charge a bidder registration fee. We update our auctions page often so you can find a car auction near you.

Classic Car Auctions

Find classic and antique cars for sale at auction

Featured Auctions

Vicari Auctions Presents the 26th Annual Crusin the Coast

Three Full Days of Auctioning Bliss! Or Bid Online from home! Dates: Thurs, Fri. & Sat., October 6-8, 2022 Location: ...

GAA Greensboro Auto Auctions

FOOD & BEVERAGES: Complimentary food and beverages will be provided at the Classic Car Diner for all registered bidders, c...

Vicari Auctions Presents the 26th Annual Crusin the Coast

Where:: 2350 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39531, USA
When:: Oct 06, 2021 - Oct 08, 2022

Three Full Days of Auctioning Bliss! Or Bid Online from home! Dates: Thurs, Fri. & Sat., October 6-8, 2022 Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center 2350 Beach Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39531 Admission: $20.00 (Age 10 and under free with paid adult) Gates open: Thurs, Fri. & Sat. at 8... More Info ›

Clasiq - Weekly Classic & Collectable Car Auction

Where:: 3951 Higuera St, Culver City, CA 90232, USA
When:: Dec 08, 2021 - Dec 31, 2022
Lots close every Tuesday & Thursday starting at 5:00 PM

Auctions ending every Tuesday & Thursday - Online Only More Info ›

Guywithrides.com Auctions

Where:: 5 Colts Ln, Flemington, NJ 08822, USA
When:: Jan 10, 2022 - Feb 01, 2023
Daily

GuysWithRides.com: Redefining Collector Car Auctionshttps://www.guyswithrides.com Guys With Rides is the Dealer-Free Community and auction site enthusiasts use to auction, buy, sell, and enjoy classic collector cars for less money. More Info ›

Shiftgate Automotive Auctions - Weekly Online Classic & Collectable Car Auctions

Where:: Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
When:: May 03, 2022 - May 31, 2023
Lots close every Tuesday & Thursday starting at 1pm EST.

Antique, Classic & Collectable vehicles up for auction weekly - located in US & Canada More Info ›

Spanky's Freedom Car Auctions in association with Choctaw Casino & Resort will host a Collector and Special Interest Car Auction

Where:: 3702 Choctaw Rd, Durant, OK 74701, USA
When:: Aug 31, 2022 - Oct 01, 2022
Auction Preview 12 noon to 5 pm - Friday, September 30th - Choctaw Event Center, 3702 Choctaw Rd, Durant, OK 74701

To celebrate America's Freedom, Spanky's Freedom Car Auctions in association with Choctaw Casino & Resort will host a Collector and Special Interest Car Auction on Saturday, October 1st, 2022. More Info ›

Days Gone By Museum Collection - Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Where:: 122 Davis St, Portland, TN 37148, USA
When:: Sep 08, 2022 - Sep 28, 2022
LOTS BEGIN TO CLOSE ON 09/28/2022 AT 6:00 PM CDT

FOUR BIG DAYS! - SEPTEMBER 27, 28, 29, AND 30TH 2022 - TRACTORS/TRUCKS, ENGINES, FARM ANTIQUES & MAYTAG - LIVE & ONLINE BIDDING More Info ›

Classic & Collectable Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Live & Online Auction

Where:: 1280 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122, USA
When:: Sep 15, 2022 - Oct 15, 2022
Lots begin to close on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 10:00 am EST

Classic Cars & Trucks – Gravely Tractors – Motorcycles. Up For Auction!! More Info ›

Hansen Auction Group Presents Live/Online - Hummers Auto Inventory Reduction - Payloader, Cat 313 Wheel Excavator, Rust Free Square Bodies, 4 Tow Trucks, Shop Equipment and Car Hoist - Ettrick, WI

Where:: N22693 US-53, Ettrick, WI 54627, USA
When:: Sep 16, 2022 - Sep 30, 2022
Sep 16 @ 1:15pm CDT (Start) Sep 30 @ 10:58am CDT (End)

Live/Online - Hummers Auto Inventory Reduction - Payloader, Cat 313 Wheel Excavator, Rust Free Square Bodies, 4 Tow Trucks, Shop Equipment and Car Hoist - Ettrick, WI ONE DAY LIVE/ONLINE ONLY SALE on Friday, September 30th. Live auction items start at 9:30am. Online auction items start at 11:00am... More Info ›

Saurborn Estate Auction - Classic Car & Truck - Online Bidding Only

Where:: Mannington, WV 26582, USA
When:: Sep 16, 2022 - Oct 13, 2022
Lots begin to close on Thursday, October 13th, 2022 at 6:00 PM EDT

Featured Items: 1966 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop - Mr. Saurborn’s AWARD WINNING show car, fully restored and 2006 Ford F-150 - up for auction! More Info ›

Gilbertsville Estate Auction - Collector Cars & UTV's - Online Bidding

Where:: 3125 Middle Creek Rd, Gilbertsville, PA 19525, USA
When:: Sep 19, 2022 - Oct 09, 2022
Online bidding closes Sunday, October 9th 2022 at 6:00pm EST

Collector Cars, UTV's, Outdoor Bronze Sculptures & more!! More Info ›

Classic Car, Truck & Tractor Auction - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: 406 W Ave A, Spearville, KS 67876, USA
When:: Sep 22, 2022 - Oct 15, 2022
Online bidding ends Saturday, October 15, 2022 | 12:00 PM Central

Packards, Edsels, Fire Trucks, Tractors and more! More Info ›

Alderfer Auction - Classic Cars & Equipment - Online Only

Where:: 501 Fairgrounds Rd, Hatfield, PA 19440, USA
When:: Sep 27, 2022 - Oct 11, 2022
Lots will begin closing on Tuesday, Oct 11 @ 6:00pm EDT

1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 30th Anniversary Edition, 1999 BMW Z3 Convertible, 1998 Harley-Davidson Road King and a collection of (5) 1967 Lincoln Continentals including an Executive Limousine. More Info ›

Automobilia, Petroliana & Railroadiana - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: 2000 N Reading Rd, Denver, PA 17517, USA
When:: Sep 30, 2022 - Oct 03, 2022
Absentee bidding is now open. Live auction begins at 9 AM EST Friday, September 30.

Morphy’s secures right to auction peerless Bobby Knudsen Jr Collection of Petroliana & Soda Pop Signs!! More Info ›

F & E Collector Auto Auction

Where:: 9951 B-29 Way, Great Bend, KS 67530, USA
When:: Sep 30, 2022 - Oct 01, 2022

Kothe Estate Auction - Classic Car, Truck & ATVs - Live Auction

Where:: 558 Prairie Wind Ct, Wentzville, MO 63385, USA
When:: Oct 02, 2022 Lots begin to close on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 10:30 AM

What a sale, super clean 4×4 pickup, one of the nicest 1978 Chevrolet pickups you’ll see. Along with 2 – like new ATVs & 4-wheelers!! More Info ›

RM Sotheby's - 16th Annual Hershey Auction - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: 325 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
When:: Oct 04, 2022 - Oct 06, 2022
Auction starts at 5:00 PM both days - October 5th & 6th, 2022.

RM Sotheby’s Hershey sale is the benchmark sale for early collectibles, ranging from Brass Era through to Pre-War cars with new auction records achieved each year. More Info ›

2022 Iron Invasion Auction - Route 32 Auctions

Where:: 2815 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52804, USA
When:: Oct 08, 2022 Lots begin to close on Saturday, Oct. 8th at 10:00 AM

Car Parts - Tools - Automobilia - Pertolinia - Advertising & More at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds!! More Info ›

The Super Auction- 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

Where:: 5121 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
When:: Oct 08, 2022 Lots begin to close on Saturday, Oct. 8th at 10:00 AM

1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray w/ 327 V8 Engine, 4 Speed Manual & 5,829 Miles! More Info ›

Kiko Auctioneers Presents 70 Vintage & Collector Motorcycles ONLINE

Where:: 9456 Columbus Rd NE, Louisville, OH 44641, USA
When:: Oct 12, 2022 - Oct 17, 2022
Starts: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - 3:00 PM Ends: Monday, October 17, 2022 - 11:00 AM

Online Only 70 Vintage & Collector Motorcycles Several Early Indian Motorcycles Harley Davidson – Moto Guzzi – Thunder Mtn. Suzuki – Yamaha – Can-Am – Buell Whizzer – Ridley – Vespa All From 1 Private Collection No Shipping Available More Info ›

Passion For The Drive - The Cars of Jim Taylor Auction - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: Gloversville, NY, USA
When:: Oct 14, 2022 - Oct 15, 2022
Lots begin to close on Friday, October 14th at 9:00 AM

More than 120-motor cars represents one of the finest assemblages of European, British, and American sports and vintage cars!! More Info ›

Three Day Classic Car, Automobilia & Petrolinia Auction - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: 114 E Red Cross Rd, Oakboro, NC 28129, USA
When:: Oct 21, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022
Auction starts at 9:00 AM EST on all three days.

Three Day Auction featuring classic cars, trucks, automobilia, petrolinia and advertising items - up for auction!! More Info ›

Bunch Farms & Neighbors Retirement Auction - Classics Cars, Trucks and Powersports - Live Bidding

Where:: 14420 FM 924, Vernon, TX 76384, USA
When:: Oct 22, 2022 Auction starts Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10:00 AM CST

Robert is retiring from farming & the following will sold at Public Auction - Tractors, Vehicles, Farm Equipment, Trailers, Livestock Equipment and much more! More Info ›

THREE DAY NO-RESERVE FALL COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION - Online Only

Where:: 1204 Buchanan St, Carthage, IL 62321, USA
When:: Oct 24, 2022 - Oct 26, 2022
Classic Car Bidding Closes: Monday, October 24, 2022 - Starting At: 9:00 AM Central

NOW SEEKING CONSIGNMENTS - Collector and modern vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and other vehicles, vintage signs, neon signs, gas pumps, collector car parts and related items. More Info ›

2022 Fall Collector Motor Series Auction - Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Where:: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35210, USA
When:: Oct 29, 2022 Auction begins on Saturday, October 29th at 10:00 AM

Henderson Auctions’ Fall Collector Motor Series Auction will be held at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. More Info ›

GAA Greensboro Auto Auctions

Where:: 301 Norwalk St, Greensboro, NC 27407, USA
When:: Nov 03, 2022 - Nov 05, 2022
Thursday 8:00am: Gates Open 9:30am: Auction Starts with Classic Memorabilia 10:00am: Vehicle Sale Begins with Approximately 265 Vehicles Friday 8:00am: Gates Open 9:30am: Auction Starts with Classic Memorabilia 10:00am: Vehicle Sale Begins with Approximately 245 Vehicles Saturday 8:00am: Gates Open 9:30am: Auction Starts with Classic Memorabilia 10:00am: Vehicle Sale Begins with Approximately 185 Vehicles

FOOD & BEVERAGES: Complimentary food and beverages will be provided at the Classic Car Diner for all registered bidders, consignors and their guests. FREE PARKING: Over 2,000 spaces! (For safety reasons no strollers or pets allowed. No outside food or coolers are allowed.) AUCTION SEATING: Our ... More Info ›

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Car Auctions

How can I buy cars at auction?
+ −
There are two types of auctions—public car auctions and dealer car auctions. Public car auctions are open to anyone. Dealer car auctions, like those held by Manheim, are private and require you to have an auto dealer license as well as the necessary credentials, insurance and business license requirements as outlined by your state and/or county. You can also hire an auto broker to find and bid on a car for you. The car auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public.
How can I get a dealer license for car auctions?
+ −
Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) should list the rules required to become a licensed automotive dealer. You’ll need to apply for a business license, a dealer registration number and a tax or employer identification number to adhere to any sales tax and income rules. Most states require applicants to also create a DBA, submit a detailed business plan and undergo a background check. Lastly, you will also need a surety bond for insurance purposes to protect your customers and yourself.
How do car auctions work?
+ −
Most car auctions, either public or private dealer car auctions, are in person or online. A car auction can be overwhelming since there are many rules to follow during the bidding and sales process. There's a starting price listed for each car. If you find a car you like set your maximum bid. If your bid wins, the car is yours. All auctions have fees which are in addition to the vehicle’s final bid price. Be sure to understand these fees and account for them in your budget. All online auctions also have a shipping partner to fulfill delivery of the vehicle to you.
How much does a car auction license cost?
+ −
The cost of a car auction dealer license is $600 to $800 to get a business license and to set up your corporation. Then there is $15,000 in annual building and insurance costs.
How can I buy a car from an auction without a dealer license?
+ −
You either must know a licensed car dealer or someone you trust in the automotive industry. But most people wouldn’t want to go through this much trouble to buy a single vehicle. All the auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public and do not require buyers to have a dealer license. If you still insist on buying a car from a private dealer auction, your best bet is to find a car broker who focuses on representing clients, like you, to buy a vehicle at a dealer car auction.
How do I find car auctions near me?
+ −
Car auctions found on Classics on Autotrader occur weekly and monthly depending on the location and include a wide variety of vehicles—classics, RVs, motorhomes, trailers, ATVs, motorcycles as well as present-day vehicles and heavy-duty equipment. Most auctions listed on our site are open to the public although some may charge a bidder registration fee. We update our auctions page often so you can find a car auction near you.