Who Is Bigger, Barrett Jackson Or Mecum? Unpacking The Auction Giants

For someone saving their hard-earned money to buy that dream collector car, understanding these differences is quite important. This isn't some fantasy buying situation; it's your money, and you're doing all the financing. So, knowing where to put your focus, whether it's on a massive selection or a high-energy show, can make a real difference. We'll look at what makes each one tick, from the sheer number of cars to the kind of crowd they tend to draw.

We'll explore their unique flavors, from the sheer scale of cars Mecum handles to the celebrity sparkle Barrett-Jackson puts on display. Record sales, unexpected finds, and truly iconic rides await at either place, you see. But figuring out which one might be a better fit for you, that's what we're here to help with. It just comes down to what you're hoping to get out of the whole experience, doesn't it?

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Table of Contents

• The Scale of Operations: Car Counts and Auction Length
  • Mecum's Impressive Numbers
  • Barrett-Jackson's Approach to Volume
• Auction Atmosphere: Showmanship Versus Selection
  • The Barrett-Jackson Vibe
  • Mecum's Down-to-Earth Feel
• Car Selection: What You'll Find at Each
  • Mecum's Wide Array of Cars
  • Barrett-Jackson's Diverse Offerings
• Claims of Size and Public Recognition
  • Mecum's Global Standing
  • Barrett-Jackson's TV Appeal
• Key Metrics for Auction Success
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Scale of Operations: Car Counts and Auction Length

When we talk about "bigger," one of the first things that comes to mind is simply how many cars each auction house handles. It's a pretty straightforward way to measure size, you know. Both organizations put on massive events, but they approach the sheer volume of vehicles in slightly different ways. This really does impact the overall feel and duration of their auctions.

Mecum's Impressive Numbers

Mecum, especially at their Kissimmee, Florida event, is known for its truly vast inventory. For example, they once ran 3500 cars during a single event, which is a lot of vehicles to get through. To handle such a huge number of consignments, Mecum actually requires ten days of auctioning, typically from January 18th to the 27th in Kissimmee. That's a very long time, allowing for many, many cars to cross the block. This sheer volume is a big part of their identity, and it means there's almost always something new to see.

The variety within those numbers is also quite striking. Out of those 3500 cars, a good 10% were Corvettes, and not just any Corvettes, but a lot of very special ones. You also find high-end exotics and a good number of Shelbys there. It's a lineup that leaves you feeling pretty impressed, honestly. Mecum has, in a way, made its name on offering an enormous selection, giving buyers a wide pool to choose from, which is rather appealing for many.

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Barrett-Jackson's Approach to Volume

While Barrett-Jackson also handles a lot of cars, their focus seems to be a little different. The information suggests that while they move a good number of vehicles, the emphasis might be less on simply the highest quantity and more on the presentation of each vehicle. I've sold a few cars at Barrett myself, and while the experience wasn't bad, it felt like a different kind of show. They still get plenty of cars, of course, but the way they present them and the overall atmosphere shifts the focus a bit.

They might not always hit the same raw car count as Mecum at their largest events, but their auctions are still enormous undertakings. It's more about the individual stories of the cars and the excitement surrounding each sale, in a way. This approach means they can still have record sales and surprising moments, even if the total number of cars isn't their primary bragging right. It's a different strategy for managing volume, you know.

Auction Atmosphere: Showmanship Versus Selection

Beyond just the numbers, the feeling you get at an auction is a huge part of its appeal. Both Barrett-Jackson and Mecum have distinct personalities, and this really shapes who attends and what kind of experience they have. It's about more than just buying a car; it's about the whole event, isn't it?

The Barrett-Jackson Vibe

Barrett-Jackson is often described as more of a "dog and pony show." This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it means they tend to cater to celebrities and the mega-wealthy. There's a lot more "fluff," as one might put it, and it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a high-energy spectacle with bright lights and famous faces, this is very much their style. It's almost like a big party with cars as the main attraction, you see.

For many, this showmanship is precisely what makes Barrett-Jackson so appealing to watch on TV. Even the "cheap days," when they have the really affordable stuff, are great to see. It creates a sense of excitement and entertainment that goes beyond just the transactions. It's a production, really, designed to capture attention and make every sale feel like a big deal. That kind of atmosphere draws a specific crowd, to be honest.

Mecum's Down-to-Earth Feel

Mecum, on the other hand, seems to cultivate a more down-to-earth environment. While they certainly handle high-value cars, the overall feeling is a bit more focused on the cars themselves and the people who genuinely love them. The text suggests that the people at Mecum are more approachable, which can make a big difference for someone who isn't a celebrity or part of the super-rich crowd. It's less about the glitz and more about the metal, in a way.

This more grounded approach means that while you still get record sales and impressive vehicles, the atmosphere feels less like a performance and more like a serious marketplace for collector cars. It's a place where buyers and sellers can connect without all the extra fanfare. Julia Thiel, the host of Mecum Auctions, has been a part of the team since 2015, bringing a steady presence to their broadcasts. Her background as a reporter and anchor perhaps helps keep the focus on the vehicles and the auction process, rather than just pure entertainment. This can be quite comforting for those making a big purchase, you know.

Car Selection: What You'll Find at Each

The types of cars available at an auction are, naturally, a huge factor in deciding which one to attend or watch. Both Barrett-Jackson and Mecum offer an incredible array of vehicles, but their specialties and the sheer breadth of their offerings can differ. This is where individual preferences really come into play, as a matter of fact.

Mecum's Wide Array of Cars

Mecum is well-known for its incredibly diverse inventory, as we touched on earlier. Their Kissimmee auction, with its 3500 cars, includes a significant portion of Corvettes, many of which are very special examples. This means if you're a Corvette enthusiast, Mecum is probably a top destination for you. They also feature a lot of high-end exotics and classic Shelbys, which are always a big draw. It's a place where you can find a truly broad spectrum of collector cars, from muscle cars to European sports cars and everything in between. They really do try to have something for everyone, you know.

The sheer number of cars means that even beyond the headliners, there's a vast selection of what you might call "normal fare." This gives buyers a lot of choices, whether they're looking for something incredibly rare or a more common, but still desirable, classic. The variety is a testament to their focus on consignments and making sure they have a deep pool of vehicles. It's almost overwhelming in a good way, to be honest, with so many options available.

Barrett-Jackson's Diverse Offerings

Barrett-Jackson also offers a wide range of vehicles, and they are particularly famous for selling cars with significant historical importance or celebrity ownership. While the text doesn't detail their car types as much as Mecum's, it implies a focus on iconic rides and vehicles that generate a lot of buzz. They are known for securing high-profile consignments that grab headlines and attract a lot of attention. This is part of their "dog and pony show" appeal, you see, where the story behind the car is often as important as the car itself.

What's interesting is that even on their "cheap days," Barrett-Jackson features affordable stuff that is still considered great. This suggests they also cater to a broader audience than just the mega-wealthy, even with their celebrity focus. So, while they might be known for million-dollar sales, you can still find more accessible vehicles. It's a mix, really, designed to keep viewers engaged and potential buyers interested, no matter their budget. This balance is quite clever, actually.

Claims of Size and Public Recognition

Both Mecum and Barrett-Jackson are major players, and naturally, they each have claims to fame regarding their standing in the collector car world. How they present themselves and how they're perceived by the public can tell us a lot about their strategies and strengths. It's about reputation as much as anything, isn't it?

Mecum's Global Standing

Mecum claims that it is ranked first in the world in terms of the number of collector cars offered and sold at auction. This is a pretty bold statement, and it speaks to their strategy of focusing on volume and sheer quantity of transactions. Back in 2014, Mecum was already the largest collector car auction company by the number of events held and vehicles consigned. However, at that time, they weren't the most recognizable name in the public eye. So, they set out to change that, implementing initiatives over five years that, according to Magers, worked. This focus on being number one by volume is a clear part of their identity, and it really sets them apart, you know.

Their success in selling a massive amount of cars, like the Bullitt Mustang which sold for $3.4 million (or $3.74 million including buyer's fees) at a Mecum auction in Kissimmee, backs up their claims of being a dominant force. This kind of high-profile sale, combined with their vast inventory, solidifies their position as a top contender in the auction world. They've made a concerted effort to be seen as the biggest in terms of sheer output, and it seems to be paying off, honestly.

Barrett-Jackson's TV Appeal

Barrett-Jackson, while competing with Mecum, has a different kind of recognition. It's one of those things that many people absolutely love to watch on TV, hands down. This suggests a very strong public presence and a high level of brand recognition, perhaps even more so than Mecum in the general public's mind, at least for a while. Their televised events are a big part of their appeal, making collector car auctions accessible entertainment for a wider audience. This widespread viewing makes them a household name for many car enthusiasts, you see.

Their focus on the "dog and pony show" aspect, catering to celebrities and creating a spectacle, really helps with this TV appeal. It makes for exciting viewing, drawing in people who might not even be looking to buy a car but just enjoy the show. So, while Mecum might claim to be bigger in terms of cars sold, Barrett-Jackson has a strong argument for being bigger in terms of public visibility and entertainment value. It's a different kind of "bigger," isn't it?

Key Metrics for Auction Success

When trying to figure out which auction house is "bigger" or more successful, there are a few key things to look at. It's not just about one simple number; it's a combination of factors. The text points out that perhaps the top three categories for a successful auction are consignments, cars sold, and dollar sales. These really are the core elements that define an auction's impact and reach.

Consignments refer to the number of cars that owners agree to sell through the auction. A high number of consignments means the auction house has a wide selection, which is appealing to buyers. Mecum, for instance, requires ten days for its Kissimmee auction due to the sheer number of consignments. This tells you a lot about the volume of vehicles they handle, which is pretty impressive. The more cars they get, the more potential sales they have, too.

Cars sold, naturally, is about how many of those consigned vehicles actually find new homes. This metric directly reflects the auction's effectiveness in connecting sellers with buyers. Mecum's claim of being first in the world for collector cars offered and sold highlights their strength in this area. It's one thing to have cars, but another to actually sell them, isn't it?

Finally, dollar sales represent the total amount of money generated from all the sales. This indicates the value of the cars being sold and the overall financial impact of the auction. High-value sales, like the Bullitt Mustang at Mecum, contribute significantly to this total. Both organizations aim for record sales and surprises, which drive up these dollar figures. Ultimately, both Barrett-Jackson and Mecum have a long history of providing quality service to car buyers, and the decision about which is "better" often comes down to individual preference, you know, because they offer somewhat different experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Mecum and Barrett-Jackson?

The biggest difference often comes down to atmosphere and focus. Barrett-Jackson is usually seen as more of a "dog and pony show," attracting celebrities and a very wealthy crowd with a lot of entertainment value. Mecum, on the other hand, is generally perceived as more down-to-earth, focusing heavily on the sheer volume of cars and providing a straightforward auction experience for serious buyers. It's a bit like choosing between a grand spectacle and a very busy marketplace, you see.

Which auction sells more cars, Mecum or Barrett-Jackson?

Mecum claims it is ranked first in the world for the number of collector cars offered and sold at auction. For example, their Kissimmee event can feature as many as 3500 cars over ten days. While Barrett-Jackson also handles a large volume, Mecum's strategy often leans towards maximizing the sheer quantity of vehicles crossing the block, which means they frequently sell more individual units. So, by car count, Mecum often has the edge, honestly.

Is Mecum or Barrett-Jackson better for everyday car enthusiasts?

This really depends on what you're looking for. If you enjoy the spectacle, the celebrity sightings, and the high-energy entertainment, Barrett-Jackson can be incredibly fun to watch, even on their "cheap days" with more affordable cars. However, if you're a serious buyer looking for a vast selection and a more direct, less flashy experience, Mecum might feel more approachable with its down-to-earth people and massive inventory. It just comes down to your personal preference, you know, and what kind of vibe you prefer.

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