When Shelby Smith, co-owner of Elite Autos in Jonesboro, AR began selling his exotic cars online a decade ago, demand was minimal.
Today, Smith—who specializes in sourcing and selling the Ford GT, a super car that was only made for two years (2005 and 2006)—says that 75% of his business is done through eBay. Over the last three years, his sales have doubled each year, and 2009 was his best ever.
Seems a little incredible, especially given our economy. However, it turns out that eBay Motors is the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive. The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and accessories. eBay Motors is consistently ranked the No. 1 automotive site on the Web. "eBay attracts people who become repeat customers," says Smith. "It's the ultimate way to reach a large audience."
A passenger car is sold every minute on eBay Motors, resulting in $8.4 billion in transactions annually (based Q4 2009 sales data). To date, more than 3.6 million vehicles have been sold on eBay Motors.
2009 Aston Martin Vantage 6-Speed, 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
In fact, luxury cars are one of eBay's top-selling categories overall. Over the last six months, the top-selling models over $50,000 for eBay Motors were Porsche's 911, Chevrolet's Corvette, Ford's Mustang and Mercedes-Benz's S-Class. In January 2010 alone, the auction site sold sold several models of Lamborghini, Bentley and Aston Martin, among others. A 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G55 AMG—a black SUV with all the add-ons, from heated seats to automatic locks—sold for $110,100. On the even more extravagant side, one lucky bidder scooped up a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera—a ten-cylinder sports car with navigation and xenon headlamps—for a cool $139,995. Other sales include a 2009 Aston Martin Vantage 6-Speed sold for $108,500 and a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder sold for $139,995.
Want to get in on the action? Check out these exotic vehicles, currently up for auction.
2008 Aston Martin DB9 (buy it now price, $134,900) This convertible boasts a twelve cylinder engine and a walnut wood and leather interior.
2008 Bugatti Veyron (buy it now price, $1.05 million) This 16-cylinder ride is the epitome of exotic. It features a two-tone blue and black exterior with a tan and navy leather exterior and a warranty through 2010.
2008 Maybach 57s (buy it now price, $259,500) With a white on white interior/exterior, Bose sound system, cooler as well as heated/air conditioned seats, this ride is truly luxurious.
2009 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner (buy it now price, $165,000) In a special color from Bentley's Arnage collection (it's called Burnt Oak), the GT Mulliner features an all-leather exterior, twin-turbocharged engine with 12 cylinders, 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That's fast.
1958 Jaguar Lister Knobbly (buy it now price, $1,000,000) For those who collect racers, this Knobbly model is legend. The car has competed at the Monterey Historic Automobile races for several years.
Lauren Sherman is a fashion and culture writer based in Brooklyn. She currently works as an editor at Fashionista.com.
