Who Is Bigger, Barrett-Jackson Or Mecum? A Look At Collector Car Auctions
For anyone captivated by the gleam of chrome and the roar of a classic engine, the names Barrett-Jackson and Mecum Auctions probably spark a good bit of excitement. These two giants rule the collector car auction world, drawing huge crowds and setting impressive sales records year after year. It's a common question among car fans and, you know, even those just curious about big sales events: Who is bigger, Barrett-Jackson or Mecum?
Trying to figure out which one holds the top spot isn't always a simple task, as a matter of fact. Both companies have unique approaches and strengths that make them stand out. They each draw a slightly different kind of crowd and offer a particular kind of experience, which, you know, really shapes their overall presence in the market.
Today, we'll peel back the layers on these two auction titans. We'll look at what makes each one tick, their typical sales, and what kind of vehicles they tend to move. Understanding their differences helps us see why, you know, both are so important to the world of collector cars right now.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Auction Giants
- Comparing Their Scale and Reach
- What They Sell and How They Sell It
- The Investor Perspective and Market Trends
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Making Your Choice as a Buyer or Seller
Understanding the Auction Giants
To really get a feel for who is bigger, Barrett Jackson or Mecum, we need to first grasp what each company is all about. They both sell cars, of course, but their core identities are, you know, quite different in some respects.
Barrett-Jackson: The Lifestyle Event
Barrett-Jackson is often seen as the glitzy, high-profile event, a place where the rich and famous gather. It's, you know, more than just an auction; it's a spectacle, a big party for car lovers. Their Scottsdale event in January is arguably the most famous collector car auction in the entire world, drawing massive television coverage.
They tend to focus on high-end, often custom or celebrity-owned vehicles. The atmosphere is, you know, pretty electric, with lots of entertainment and a real sense of occasion. It’s a place where, as a matter of fact, many go to see and be seen, not just to buy a car.
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A key aspect of Barrett-Jackson is their "no reserve" policy. This means every car sells, regardless of the price it reaches. This creates a lot of excitement and, you know, sometimes really pushes bids higher. For a seller, this guarantees a sale, which is, you know, a pretty big deal.
Their approach is, in a way, about creating a premium, almost exclusive feeling. It's a place where, you know, big deals happen, and the media attention is, well, just huge. They also have a strong charity component, which adds a lot to their public image, too.
Mecum Auctions: The Volume Leader
Mecum Auctions, on the other hand, is known for its sheer volume. They hold many more auctions throughout the year in different locations across the country. Their Kissimmee, Florida, event in January is also a huge draw, often running for many days and featuring thousands of vehicles, you know, literally thousands.
Mecum typically offers a broader range of vehicles, from entry-level classics to multi-million-dollar muscle cars and rare exotics. They cater to a wider audience, including serious collectors, first-time buyers, and, you know, even dealers looking for inventory. Their focus is, arguably, on moving a lot of cars.
Unlike Barrett-Jackson, Mecum offers both "reserve" and "no reserve" lots. This means some cars have a minimum price the seller must get, while others sell to the highest bidder. This gives sellers more control, which is, you know, pretty good for them.
Their events are, in a way, more about the cars themselves and the sheer number of opportunities to buy. It's a very active environment, often with multiple auction blocks running at the same time. You know, it's pretty impressive to see.
Comparing Their Scale and Reach
When people ask "Who is bigger, Barrett Jackson or Mecum?", they are usually thinking about total sales, how many cars are sold, and how many events each company puts on. Let's break that down, you know, a little more.
Total Sales and Dollar Volume
Historically, Mecum Auctions often reports a higher total dollar volume across all its events in a given year. This is largely due to the sheer number of cars they offer and, you know, the many auctions they conduct. For instance, in recent years, Mecum's total sales can easily surpass a billion dollars annually, which is, you know, pretty incredible.
Barrett-Jackson, while holding fewer events, often achieves incredibly high individual sale prices for specific vehicles. Their Scottsdale event alone can generate hundreds of millions of dollars. So, while their total annual volume might be lower than Mecum's, their average price per car can be, you know, quite high, especially for those special vehicles.
It's like comparing a huge department store with a few very exclusive boutiques, in a way. Both are big, but their definitions of "big" differ. Mecum aims for the collective total, while Barrett-Jackson often aims for the top individual sale, you know, at their main event.
Number of Vehicles Sold
This is where Mecum truly shines in terms of "bigness." They consistently sell a significantly higher number of vehicles each year. Their multi-day auctions, like Kissimmee, might feature thousands of cars. This means more opportunities for buyers and, you know, a wider selection to pick from.
Barrett-Jackson, by comparison, sells fewer cars overall. Their focus on quality over quantity, especially at their premier events, means they curate a more select group of vehicles. So, if you're looking at sheer car count, Mecum is, you know, pretty clearly the one with more.
This difference in volume really impacts the auction experience. At Mecum, you're seeing car after car roll across the block, a steady stream of opportunities. At Barrett-Jackson, there's more time between cars, allowing for more, you know, showmanship and detailed presentations.
Auction Frequency and Locations
Mecum holds auctions frequently throughout the year, in many different cities across the United States. They have a truly national footprint, bringing their events closer to various regional markets. This broad reach makes them, you know, very accessible to many different collectors.
Barrett-Jackson holds fewer auctions, typically four to five major events a year, often in well-known locations like Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Las Vegas, and Houston. Their strategy is more about creating destination events that people travel to. So, while Mecum is more widespread, Barrett-Jackson's events are, you know, often bigger spectacles individually.
This difference in strategy means Mecum has a constant presence in the auction calendar, while Barrett-Jackson's events are, you know, more anticipated, almost like annual holidays for car fans. Both approaches have their merits, arguably, depending on what a buyer or seller is looking for.
What They Sell and How They Sell It
The type of cars they offer and the way they conduct their sales also play a big part in their overall size and influence. It's not just about numbers, you know, it's about the market they serve.
Vehicle Types and Market Focus
Mecum's inventory is incredibly diverse. You'll find everything from affordable hot rods and restomods to rare European sports cars, vintage motorcycles, and, you know, even road art. They really aim to have something for every budget and taste. Their strength is in offering a vast selection across many different collector categories.
Barrett-Jackson tends to focus on high-quality, often meticulously restored or original American muscle cars, hot rods, and custom builds. They are particularly known for charity cars, which often sell for very high prices, and, you know, for cars with unique stories or celebrity ties. Their market is, arguably, a bit more specialized, leaning towards the upper end of the mainstream collector market.
This difference means that if you're looking for a very specific, perhaps obscure, classic, Mecum might have more options. If you're after a perfectly restored, investment-grade muscle car, Barrett-Jackson might be, you know, where you'd look first. It's like, you know, a different kind of "bigger deals" for different kinds of investors, sort of.
The Auction Experience
The experience at a Mecum auction is often described as fast-paced and efficient. With so many cars to get through, the action on the block is pretty constant. It's a place where, you know, you can really feel the energy of the bidding, and things move quickly. For serious buyers, it's about seeing a lot of cars and making quick decisions, you know, almost like a real estate investor looking at many properties.
Barrett-Jackson's experience is more about the spectacle. The cars are often driven across the block with much fanfare, and there's a lot of focus on the stories behind the vehicles. The atmosphere is, you know, quite festive, with vendors, car displays, and celebrity appearances. It's a show, and the auction is a big part of it, of course.
Both offer unique ways to engage with the collector car world. Mecum is for the buyer who wants options and a steady flow of cars, while Barrett-Jackson is for the person who wants an event, a grand display of automotive passion, and, you know, perhaps a higher level of social interaction.
The Investor Perspective and Market Trends
For many, collector cars are not just a hobby; they are an investment. This is where the idea of "financial freedom" from our earlier text, you know, comes into play, even for cars. People want to know if a car is a smart investment, much like they would use a rental property calculator for real estate.
Current trends show a strong market for specific types of collector cars, particularly those with good provenance or rare features. Both Barrett-Jackson and Mecum play a huge role in setting market values and, you know, reflecting these trends. When a car sells for a record price at either auction, it can, you know, influence the value of similar vehicles across the market.
Mecum's high volume means it provides a broader snapshot of the overall market, including the more accessible segments. This can be very useful for, you know, understanding general trends in value. Barrett-Jackson, with its focus on high-end sales, often highlights the peak of the market, showing what the very best examples can command.
If you're looking to do a "brrrr" (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) type of deal in the car world, where you buy a car, improve it, and then sell it for a profit, you'd likely follow both auctions closely. The biggerpockets forums, if they were about cars, would be buzzing with discussions about which auction offers the best "biggerdeals" for specific types of vehicles. You'd want to use a "deal finder" for cars, just like for real estate, to, you know, really spot those opportunities.
The current collector car market is, you know, still very active, with strong demand for quality vehicles. Both auction houses are seeing good results, even in changing economic conditions. This shows the enduring appeal of these classic machines, and, you know, their potential as something more than just a hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which auction house sells more cars?
Mecum Auctions typically sells a significantly higher number of vehicles each year. They hold more events and, you know, offer a greater volume of cars at each auction, especially at their larger shows like Kissimmee.
Is Barrett-Jackson more expensive than Mecum?
Barrett-Jackson often achieves higher average sale prices per car, especially for its top-tier vehicles and charity lots. However, Mecum offers a wider range of price points, including many more affordable options. So, it depends on what kind of car you're looking at, you know, really.
What kind of cars does Mecum sell compared to Barrett-Jackson?
Mecum sells a broader range of vehicles, including many muscle cars, hot rods, vintage motorcycles, and entry-level classics. Barrett-Jackson often focuses on premium, high-end American muscle, custom builds, and celebrity-owned cars. Both have, you know, very impressive inventories, but with different leanings.
Making Your Choice as a Buyer or Seller
So, who is bigger, Barrett Jackson or Mecum? It really depends on how you measure "bigger." If you're talking about sheer volume of cars sold and total annual dollar volume across many events, Mecum often takes the lead. If you're looking at the average price per car at a premier event and the overall media spectacle, Barrett-Jackson often stands out. They both have, you know, their own kind of greatness.
For a buyer, deciding which auction to attend or watch depends on your budget and what kind of car you're after. If you want a vast selection and a fast-paced environment, Mecum might be your pick. If you prefer a curated selection, a big show, and are aiming for a high-value piece, Barrett-Jackson might be, you know, more your speed. Both are great places to explore the world of collector cars, arguably.
For sellers, the choice might come down to the type of car you have and your selling goals. If you have a unique, high-profile car and want maximum exposure, Barrett-Jackson's no-reserve format could be appealing. If you have a more common classic or need to sell many vehicles, Mecum's high volume and reserve options might be better. You know, it's pretty important to pick the right spot.
Ultimately, both Barrett-Jackson and Mecum are vital players in the collector car market. They each bring something unique to the table, serving different segments of the enthusiast community. They help keep the passion for classic cars alive and, you know, moving forward. You can learn more about recent auction results and trends to see how they continue to shape the market, even as of early 2024.
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