Number of classic cars sold at auctions worldwide 2018-2023

In 2023, online auctions accounted for the highest number of classic cars sold at global auctions. That year, roughly 42,500 classic cars were sold via online events, rising from 39,300 in 2022. Meanwhile, Kissimmee recorded the highest figure among live auctions in 2023, with over 3,000 vehicles sold.

Online auctions drive classic cars' sales value

Online auctions not only led in the number of cars sold, but also generated the highest sales value at auctions of classic cars worldwide in 2023, fetching nearly two billion U.S. dollars. That said, when looking at the sell-through rate (STR) of global classic car auctions, online events recorded the lowest figure in 2023. The STR indicates the share of sold listings out of the total listings.

Classic cars as an investment

According to a 2023 survey of wealth manager professionals, classic cars took the top spot in the list of investments of passion that are becoming more popular among ultra-high-net-worth individuals in North America, ranking ahead of watches and art. Meanwhile, when considering investments of passions becoming more popular in Europe, classic cars ranked third, together with wine.