COMPASS BLOG
Two things in one. Random news and tid-bits highlighting Compass Racing Collective in the wild.
It also provides a forum for our team to share content that may be of interest to our Compass clients.
PALM DESERT COUPLE’S LOVE OF CARS DRIVES THEIR BUSINESS, RELATIONSHIP
Decades ago, before they met each other, they both experienced the thrill and victory of racing cars. Years later, they operated a professional auto racing team — based first in Toronto and later in San Diego. They now own another automotive business in Palm Springs, built a new home in Rancho Mirage and moved in last February.
ONE MILLION DOLLARS FOR A CAR AND NO TEST DRIVE? REALLY?
Many collectors buy their classics online and never touch them until they arrive in their garage. And the practice is growing.
SELLING YOUR CAR USING AN ONLINE AUCTION PLATFORM IS AN ART
When the time comes to sell their car, many people assume the online platform will do all the work for them. “Put it on Bring a Trailer, it’ll bring big money” is probably true often enough that people believe it. But it is not a strategy. The platform can bring the audience. The seller still has to build the confidence.
A MASTERCLASS ON HOW NOT TO RUN AN AUCTION
Which brings me to this 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo. On paper, this should have been a home run. Black on black, purportedly 16,000 miles, clean Carfax, and exactly the sort of car that tends to attract attention from Porsche enthusiasts.
Instead, it turned into a lesson on how not to run an online auction.
EVENT COVERAGE: BaT MEET-UP, FEBRUARY 21 IN PALM SPRINGS
After days of uncharacteristic rainstorms and high winds, the Palm Springs area pulled the nicest day imaginable out of a hat for us on the morning of Saturday, February 21. Cars of all shapes and sizes gathered from the famous playground at the feet of the San Jacinto Mountains, the outer reaches of the Coachella Valley, and from points as far afield as Arizona and the San Francisco Bay Area.
PALM SPRINGS BaT MEET-UP, FEBRUARY 21st
We’re excited to announce that our first Meet-Up of the year will be hosted at the future home of Desert Dunes Preserve, a project of Oswit Land Trust, in Palm Springs. The event will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, and is free to attend for all! Also on hand will be the fine folks from BaT Local Partner Compass Collective, who are opening a new facility in Palm Springs as we speak.
SECOND LOCATION NOW OPEN IN PALM SPRINGS
Now in our third year as a Bring a Trailer Local Partner, Compass Racing Collective is incredibly excited to share that we’ve just opened our second location in Palm Springs, California.
A (SURPRISINGLY) STRONG END TO 2025
I’ve been especially surprised by the strength of the market in the fourth quarter, which is normally a time when we see a big slowdown — not because of the economy, but due to winter, when many car enthusiasts in northern climates stash away their vehicles and put the hobby on hold until the weather warms up. Not this winter! In fact, this year, our results have shown the exact opposite — pointing to a strong economy, but also a healthy marketplace on Cars & Bids.
Originally published in Cars & Bids Q4 2025 market report
WHEN A $4M BUGATTI SELLS ONLINE, PAY ATTENTION
A 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport selling for $4,000,000 is, on its face, not shocking. What is remarkable is where, when, and how it happened. This car closed on Bring a Trailer on December 23 – quietly becoming the fourth-highest sale in the platform’s history – while much of the traditional auction world would tell you this is precisely the moment when serious money is supposed to be asleep.
Originally published on The Daily Vroom
THE RISE IN CARS BEING STOLEN DURING TRANSPORT: INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY INSIDER STEVE YARIV
The vehicle transport industry is facing a new wave of challenges, and it’s clear that trust, reputation, and diligence are more important than ever. Yariv believes that technology, stricter regulations, and better consumer education will all play a role in combating these crimes. But until then, the best defense is awareness and knowing exactly who you’re handing your keys to.
Originally published in duPont REGISTRY