The Daily Vroom

Good Morning Vroomers!

Welcome to all the new readers who joined us over the weekend—it’s great to have you here. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of sales and stories that are bound to unfold this week, I want to take a moment to talk about leadership at some of the major platforms and how it’s tied to their performance. It’s a topic that often sparks debate, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

One thing I know many of you enjoy is spotting potential bargains. Today, we’re taking a slightly different angle—highlighting vehicles that might not scream “bargain” at first glance but could surprise you under the right circumstances.

Let’s get into it!

The Importance of Leadership

Leadership can make or break a platform, and the online car auction market offers a masterclass in how much impact the right—or wrong—person at the helm can have. A quick look at some of the industry’s key players shows how strong leadership drives success, while a lack of clear direction often leads to instability.

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Bring a Trailer: Leadership Done Right

Randy Nonnenberg has been synonymous with Bring a Trailer from the very beginning. His open, transparent leadership style has been instrumental in BaT’s rise to market dominance. When Hearst acquired BaT, their decision (or most likely it was both parties) to keep Randy as the face of the brand was one of their smartest moves. It ensured continuity in culture, values, and the community-centric ethos that had attracted such a loyal user base.

Randy’s presence reassures sellers and buyers alike that the core DNA of BaT—fairness, engagement, and expertise—is intact. Hearst recognized that stripping away leadership that defines the brand would be a catastrophic move, a lesson many platforms could learn from.

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Cars & Bids: A Shifting Leadership Landscape

Doug DeMuro’s launch of Cars & Bids was a clever pivot to secure his family’s future beyond YouTube. He built the platform with his name, reputation, and charisma, successfully growing it into a household name for car enthusiasts. The sale to The Chernin Group was a win for Doug, but it also marked a turning point.

Private equity, by nature, is laser-focused on growth, and when major growth doesn’t materialize quickly, changes come fast. Cars & Bids experienced significant staff turnover last year, leaving many to wonder what direction the platform was heading. Recently, they hired Daniel Harman, former head of growth at Bird, as CEO. Strangely, this move hasn’t been publicized—a curious decision, given the importance of setting a clear vision and rallying both sellers and buyers. It’s an opportunity they could still seize by presenting Harman’s vision for 2025, which would help build confidence in the platform’s direction.

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SBX Cars: A Leadership Opportunity

Meanwhile, SBX Cars presents a different case study. The company recently brought on Ro Choy, formerly CEO of Cars & Bids, as its new leader. Choy and SBX owner Nik Hirschi outlined their vision in a recent interview with Robb Report, which was a positive move in the right direction. However, SBX’s struggles with leadership have been well-documented, with concerns over the owner’s tendency to micromanage and override decisions.

If Hirschi wants SBX to thrive, now is the time to step back and let Choy steer the ship. Consistent interference from an owner can paralyze a team, undermine trust, and prevent the company from moving forward. SBX would do well to look at platforms like SOMO, which overcame early struggles by empowering Colleen Cash to take charge and chart a path forward. Cash’s leadership, supported by top brass, has turned SOMO into a success story.

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Collecting Cars: Visionary Leadership at the Core

Edward Lovett at Collecting Cars shows how strong, steady leadership can drive long-term growth. With deep roots in the car industry, Lovett’s clear vision has guided the platform to success. His car-world credibility gives him the insight to make strategic decisions, and the results speak for themselves.

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Hagerty: The Perils of Leadership Gaps

On the other hand, Hagerty demonstrates the consequences of a lack of leadership in their online auction platform. While Hagerty is a powerhouse in other areas, their auction segment has floundered as we’ve covered here many times, largely due to unclear direction, lack of clear focus and an inability to match competitors like BaT or Collecting Cars. It’s a reminder that even big names can stumble without strong leadership driving a cohesive vision.

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The Takeaway

Leadership isn’t just about having someone in charge—it’s about having the right person in charge. A leader’s style, expertise, and ability to build trust and empower their team are critical in the competitive world of online car auctions. Platforms like BaT and Collecting Cars thrive because their leaders embody the brand’s values and vision. Others, like Cars & Bids and SBX, face challenges that stem from either transitions in leadership or a failure to let leaders lead.

As the online auction market grows, leadership will continue to separate the winners from the also-rans. Strong, visible leaders who align their teams and inspire confidence are the ones who’ll navigate their platforms to success in 2025 and beyond.

Potential Unlikely Bargains

I had to highlight this one because I don’t think it’s going to be a bargain today—but hear me out. This 2024 Lexus RC F Track Edition, finished in Caviar with just 1,300 miles, is one of those cars that’s quietly creeping up the collector radar. Lexus is discontinuing the Track Edition in 2025, which means these could start to appreciate sooner than people think.

The only comparable one sold in Sweden through Collecting Cars back in October for $88,500. This one’s got all the right stuff: carbon fiber everywhere, Brembo ceramics, forged BBS wheels, and that 472-hp naturally aspirated V8 we all love. It’s dealer-listed, so a killer deal might be off the table, but if it stays in check, this could be a smart buy for the long game.

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This 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is on auction at no reserve! That’s right, a Bentley—usually the poster child for six-figure luxury—is suddenly in the realm of a sleeper deal. With just one owner from new and finished in Beluga over quilted black leather, this is the kind of executive luxury sedan that originally stickered north of $200k.

Powered by a 600hp twin-turbo W12 and boasting AWD, this thing does 200mph and wraps you in opulence along the way. Naim audio, rear entertainment, and more options than a Vegas buffet round out the package. Sure, it’s got 80k miles, but it’s well-maintained, with recent service records and a clean Carfax.

At $19,000 with no reserve, this could be the kind of car that sneaks through the cracks. Bentleys don’t usually scream "bargain," but if this one goes for anything close to current bidding, it might just be the steal of the year—if you’re okay with paying Bentley-level maintenance bills, of course.

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Here’s one that might slip under the radar—a 2001 GMC Jimmy SLE at no reserve. These SUVs don’t get much attention these days, but they’ve got a lot going for them, especially this one. It’s spent most of its life in California, has just 90k miles, and packs the trusty 4.3L Vortec V6—a simple, naturally aspirated engine that’s as reliable as they come.

Finished in Indigo Metallic, it’s clean inside and out, with power everything, recent AC service, and fresh brakes. Add in 4WD with a dual-range transfer case, and you’ve got a capable little SUV ready for just about anything.

At $3,000 so far, this feels like one of those sleeper deals that could surprise you. Simple mechanics, a rust-free past, and plenty of life left—this Jimmy could be a great buy if it stays affordable. Definitely one to watch.