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

AutoHunter

THE HUNT IS ON!!

GAA Greensboro Auto Auctions

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

AutoHunter

Where:: 1345 E Chandler Blvd STE 101, Phoenix, AZ 85048, USA
When:: Jan 01, 2022 - Dec 02, 2023
Auctions ending and going live every weekday

THE HUNT IS ON!! More Info ›

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & ATV's and RV's - Weekly Auction

Where:
When:: Jan 01, 2023 - Dec 31, 2025
Auctions end every Friday starting at 4:00 pm

Miedema Auctioneering Weekly Auctions - featuring classic cars & trucks, powersports and RV's More Info ›

Clasiq - Weekly Classic & Collectable Car Auction

Where:: 3951 Higuera St, Culver City, CA 90232, USA
When:: Jan 01, 2023 - Dec 31, 2025
Lots close every Tuesday & Thursday starting at 5:00 PM

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

PowerBidding

Where:: 9393 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66210, USA
When:: Feb 01, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023
Weekly Auctions

Highlights: Pre-Purchase inspected items for a more accurate description. Weekly auctions on Tues and Thurs afternoon. Check out our "Still for Sale" section for great deals. We make it simple by helping you through the auction process. Low Buyer and Seller fees More Info ›

Rabin Worldwide Auctions Presents Public Auction of Entire Classic Car & Parts Collection!

Where:: 8110 Power Ridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95826, USA
When:: Feb 23, 2023 - Apr 14, 2023

DATE CHANGE: Auction April 14th. Public Online Auction.. All vehicles located in Sacramento 50+ Vehicles for Restoration Enthusiasts • Mid 50’s Buick 4 door hardtops & wagon • 59 Lincoln Continental Mark IV convertible • 60 Cadillac Coupe Deville & 39 Lasalle rag top • 40 Ford woody; 38 Ford ... More Info ›

Estate of Delmas Metheny: Trucks, Tractor, Guns, Tools - Online Only Auction

Where:: Alpine Lake Rd, West Virginia 26764, USA
When:: Mar 01, 2023 - Mar 30, 2023
Lots begin to close on Thursday, March 30 at 6:00 PM EST

1970 Jeepster Commando, 1996 Ford Ranger XLT, 1991 Ford Explorer LT and 1993 Ford Ranger XLT - up for auction! More Info ›

Gateway Classic Auction

Where:: 1237 Central Park Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269, USA
When:: Mar 08, 2023 - Dec 30, 2023
Our exclusive auctions run weekly and showcase the newest arrivals to our inventory. With 70-120 vehicles added every week, every auction features top quality classic cars. Auction Start – Wednesdays - 10am Central Time Auction End – Mondays – 12pm Central Time

Our exclusive auctions run weekly and showcase the newest arrivals to our inventory. With 70-120 vehicles added every week, every auction features top quality classic cars. More Info ›

Pat's Towing Surplus Vehicle & Tool Auction - Online Only Auction

Where:: 118 N Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ 08012, USA
When:: Mar 16, 2023 - Apr 05, 2023
Online bidding closes Wednesday, April 5th at 6:00pm EST

Rollback Tow Trucks, running vehicles, parts vehicles, tools and equipment - up for auction! More Info ›

Motorcycle Auction - Saxon & Harley Davidsons - Online Only

Where:: 600 Winfield Rd, St Albans, WV 25177, USA
When:: Mar 21, 2023 - Apr 05, 2023
Lots begin to close on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 6:00 PM EDT

St Albans, WV – Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Saxon Motorcycle! More Info ›

1979 Mercedes 450SL Convertible - Online Only Auction

Where:: 600 Winfield Rd, St Albans, WV 25177, USA
When:: Mar 21, 2023 - Apr 10, 2023
Lot begins to close on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 6:00 PM EDT

1979 Mercedes 450SL Convertible - One Owner, Garage Kept & Immaculate Condition! More Info ›

Classic & Performance Vehicle Auction - Online Only

Where:: 600 Winfield Rd, St Albans, WV 25177, USA
When:: Mar 21, 2023 - Apr 18, 2023
Lots begin to close on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 6:00 PM EDT

2017 Nissan Altima SR, 1984 Cadillac Seville, 2001 Jaguar XK8 - up for auction! More Info ›

Recreational Vehicles & Power Sports Auction - Online Only

Where:: 601 Gordon Industrial Ct SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, USA
When:: Mar 29, 2023 - Apr 18, 2023
Lots begin to close on Tuesday, April 18th at 10:00 AM.

RV’s, Campers, Boats, ATV’s, Snowmobiles, Quads, UTV’s and much much more! More Info ›

GAA Greensboro Auto Auctions

Where:: 301 Norwalk St, Greensboro, NC 27407, USA
When:: Mar 30, 2023 - Apr 01, 2023
Thursday • 8:00am: Gates Open • 9:30am: Auction Starts with Classic Memorabilia • 2:00pm: Vehicle Sale Begins with Approximately 125 Vehicles Friday • 8:00am: Gates Open • 9:30am: Auction Starts with Classic Memorabilia • 2:00pm: Vehicle Sale Begins with Approximately 125 Vehicles Saturday • 8:00am: Gates Open • 9:30am: Auction Starts with Classic Memorabilia • 10:00am: Vehicle Sale Begins with Approximately 150 No Reserve 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 ›

OK CLASSICS - CLASSIC CAR & MEMORABILIA AUCTION - Live & Online

Where:: 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, OK 74804, USA
When:: Mar 31, 2023 - Apr 01, 2023
Lots begin to close on Saturday, April 1, 2023 | 10:00 AM Central

This will be one for the books! You absolutely can not miss this event at the Grand Casino Resort! NOW SEEKING CONSIGNMENTS!! More Info ›

Automobilia, Petrolinia & Advertising Auction - Two Day Live Event with Online Bidding

Where:: Waterloo Firemen's Park, 500 Park Ave, Waterloo, WI 53594, USA
When:: Mar 31, 2023 - Apr 01, 2023
Lots begin to close on March 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM CDT and April 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM CDT

Day #1 Auction will be Oil Cans & Day #2 will be selling automotive related display, salesman samples, spark plug related items and more! More Info ›

Advertising, Americana & Automobilia Auction - Live & Online

Where:: 76 Ulyanovsk St, Hartwell, GA 30643, USA
When:: Apr 01, 2023 Lots begin to close on Saturday, April 1st at 10:00 am EST

Live gallery auction with online bidding! Vintage original advertising, petroliana, Americana, country store, and much more. More Info ›

Recreational Vehicle & Powersports Consignment Auction - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: 312 E South Hills Dr, Maryville, MO 64468, USA
When:: Apr 01, 2023 Lots begin to close on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Featuring: 4-Wheelers, Side-By-Sides, Motorcycles, Airplanes, Motor Homes, Boats, Lawn & Garden and More! More Info ›

Motorcycle and Automobile Collection Auction - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: 1515 Memorial Dr, Two Rivers, WI 54241, USA
When:: Apr 15, 2023 Lots begin to close on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at 9:00 AM CST

Approximately 104 motorcycles and 20 collector cars and trucks will be up for auction! More Info ›

Carlisle Spring Auction 2023

Where:: 100 K St, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA
When:: Apr 20, 2023 - Apr 21, 2023
Starts at noon daily

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction is at the Carlisle PA Expo Center. 400+ consignments are anticipated to cross the block. The auction starts at 12 noon daily and with three convenient ways to bid (phone, online and in-person) plus decades of automotive history available, consider Carlisl... More Info ›

8th Annual Salt Lake City Classic Car Auction/Classic Car Auction Group

Where:: 9575 State St, Sandy, UT 84070, USA
When:: Apr 20, 2023 - Apr 22, 2023
The auction schedule is as follows: Thursday, April 20th Auction Vehicle Check-in – 1:00pm to 6:00pm Friday, April 21st Auction Vehicle Check-in - 9:00am to 6:00pm Bidder Registration/Vehicle Preview - 4:00pm to 7:00pm Entry Fee $10.00 12 and older, Good for Friday Preview and Saturday Auction! Saturday, April 22nd Gates Open at 8:00am – Entry Fee $10.00 12 and older Bidder Registration and Vehicle Inspection - 8:00am-Close Memorabilia/Road Art Auction starts at 9:30am Classic and Collector Car Auction Starts at 10:00am

150 cars are expected with some of the region's finest classic and collector cars for sale at auction More Info ›

SPOMER CLASSIC'S 2-DAY SIGN MUSEUM & CLASSIC CAR AUCTION

Where:: 322 Oxford St, Worthington, MN 56187, USA
When:: Apr 21, 2023 - Apr 22, 2023
Lots begin to close on Friday April 21st & Saturday April 22nd - 10:00 AM each day

At least 6 classic & collectable vehicles will be offered in the collection too! More Info ›

Vicari Auctions Presents Biloxi Spring

Where:: 2350 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39531, USA
When:: Apr 21, 2023 - Apr 22, 2023

Vicari Auctions Presents Biloxi Spring Biloxi, MS – Spring 2 Days of Auctioning Bliss! More Info ›

2023 Spring Collector Motor Series Auction - Barber Motorsports Museum

Where:: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35210, USA
When:: May 05, 2023 - May 06, 2023
Auction begins on Saturday, May 6th at 10:00 AM

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

Specialty Auto Auction Classic Car Auction 2023

Where:: 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631, USA
When:: May 13, 2023

Specialty Auto Auction Classic Car Auction. May 13th, 2023. More Info ›

MAG Auctions - Collector Car Auction - Live & Online

Where:: LB Day Amphitheatre, 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97303, USA
When:: May 19, 2023 - May 20, 2023
May 19th & 20th, 2023 - Doors open @ 9am for General Admission

NOW SEEKING CONSIGNMENTS - Maximize your exposure with early registration!! 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.