One aspect of the online auction market that doesn’t often see daylight is how established sellers leverage platforms like Bring a Trailer, Cars and Bids, and Collecting Cars as marketing machines just as much as sales engines. Take a well-known seller listing a car with a high reserve – fully aware it might not sell. The reason is simple: every bid, view, and comment transforms that auction into a showroom of its own, gathering visibility that reaches far beyond just that one car. The exposure is gold – it’s not only a strategy to attract buyers but also a way to bring other sellers into their network.

Once the auction wraps, the real action kicks off. These experienced sellers know that post-auction interest will likely come directly to them. Buyers who are genuinely interested often prefer to take things offline, sidestepping the platform altogether to negotiate without the added fees. This dynamic means we don’t see too many post-auction sales happen through these platforms, even though most offer streamlined services to facilitate the transaction. For the sellers who’ve built a name and are easy to track down, those offline offers are the payoff of a well-crafted, high-reserve listing.

It’s a mutually beneficial loop. Platforms get premium listings that draw in massive traffic, sellers attract an audience and build their brand, and the buzz around successful listings motivates more sellers to jump in, many of whom now run full-fledged businesses just by listing cars on these platforms. This is a new type of marketplace, where the big names in online auctions serve as brand-building stages for seasoned sellers. In turn, these sellers bring more quality cars to the auction table, creating a cycle that drives the entire industry. It’s a win-win setup that’s reshaping the collectible car scene in ways that are as savvy as they are effective.

Continuing my theme from last week of spotlighting cars with serious potential, here are three gems up for grabs (today): a French-bred go-kart with butterfly doors, a California-kept '70s icon, and a Japanese roadster that's all about pure driving joy. Each one brings its own unique flavor to the mix and, right now, they’re all sitting at prices that make them seriously tempting.

This Renault Sport Spider might be one of the coolest cars I've ever seen pop up on Cars & Bids. What we're looking at is basically a French go-kart with butterfly doors – and judging by the comments, it's an absolute head-turner that gets more attention than Ferraris and Lambos. The current owner in the comments mentions it's "a dynamic driving experience" that makes him say "HELL YA!" which tells you everything you need to know about its personality.

What I love about this auction is that this isn't just some boring imported JDM car – it's a hand-built French oddball that was made in the same factory as Alpine sports cars. The yellow paint is perfect for something this wild, and with only 1,800 ever made, you're basically guaranteed to be the only one at any car meet. Several commenters who've seen it in person mention its incredible road presence, and one guy remembers being taken for a ride in one as a kid by a Renault test driver – that's how rare these things are.

Sure, it's got some ‘quirks’ – apparently the suspension arms need a look and the doors might need adjusting – but come on, it's a 1990s French sports car with billionaire doors and no heater. That's exactly the kind of beautiful madness we love to see up for auction.

Currently sitting at $25,550 with a few hours left – and honestly, for something this unique and entertaining, that feels like a bargain for the right enthusiast. Plus, it's already got a US title, so the hard part's done. Definitely one to watch if you want the coolest car at your local cars & coffee.

This one-owner 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SL feels like a time capsule straight from the set of The Six Million Dollar Man — a show I grew up watching and can’t help but think of when I see this classic icon of ‘70s style. Owned since new by a Pasadena resident who bought it back in October of ’77, this R107 has lived its entire life on California roads, racking up a modest 70k miles over the decades. Finished in Astral Silver Metallic over red leather, it’s got that unmistakable blend of cool and class that made these SLs famous.

The seller, a friend of the original owner, seems keen to see this piece of history go to a good home, though interest has been surprisingly low so far, with the current bid sitting at just $5,100, ending today. With its 4.5-liter V8, removable hardtop, and all the original documentation still in hand, this SL could be the steal of the week. And who knows — if it doesn’t sell here, maybe it just needs a little more time for the right buyer to recognize that, much like The Six Million Dollar Man, this car is more than worth the rebuild.

If you’re after a genuine sports car experience without breaking the bank, this 2008 Honda S2000 might be just the ticket. Synchro Silver over black leather with red stitching gives it that classic, no-nonsense look, and with under 46k miles, it’s got plenty of road ahead. The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four kicks out 237 bhp to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual – the purist’s setup.

This S2000’s been kept garaged and well-maintained, with a recent service at Rybrook Lamborghini and a healthy stack of service history that goes back to the beginning. It’s also got some typical wear for its age: a patch on the soft top, a filled chip in the windscreen, and the underbody treated with underseal. But the interior is pristine for a car that’s seen its share of spirited drives, and the boot looks practically untouched.

Current bid’s under £10k – not a bad start for a car that’s more than capable of delivering endless driving joy, whether you’re tackling weekend B-roads or just taking it out to appreciate that high-revving soundtrack.

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