I spend a lot of time extolling the virtues of a well-prepared classifieds listing. Whether it’s on Bring A Trailer or your local craigslist page, there’s no denying that a car with deep documentation and a clear love of ownership is going to entice buyers out of the woodwork. But like most things in life, there are no guarantees - and, quite simply, the vehicle has to be the kind of car that stirs emotion and signals opportunity.
This recent auction on Bring A Trailer for a 2000 BMW 740i Sport resulted in a no-sale outcome for what looks like one of the best “Sport” trim E38s I’ve seen in a while. The seller had all the boxes checked, including excellent photos, extensive records, and of course, outstanding cosmetic condition. The short-wheelbase 7-Series is a terrific example of a sports sedan, and the seller was counting on a strong result given bidding wrapped up at $28K with the reserve unmet.
The E38 is certainly a respected car in the enthusiast world, with excellent road manners and chassis reflexes that seemingly belong to a much smaller and lither vehicle. Still, it’s safe to say the E38 is not a top 10 vehicle target among enthusiasts in terms of a “must own” list. It’s hardly a legend in the vintage vehicle world. And as far as future collectability goes, it will likely never be worth significantly more than it is now.
Which brings me to my point: for as much prep work as you do to make a car or truck more saleable, don’t forget about the most basic rule there is when it comes time to sell your pride and joy - the rules of attraction. When you are planning to buy a new hobby vehicle, be sure to weigh its desirability among the masses against your own before deciding to add it to your fleet.