• Understanding yesterday’s comments of note

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “OH WOW! I can (foggily) remember day dreaming about these cars in HS in 1957/58. I got chastised for drawing one on my desk calendar at my first job! I’m expecting “grandissimo” numbers from our BAT community.”

    19

    Sunbeamdon commented on 1957 Maserati 200SI by Fantuzzi

    “There have been a lot of good comments on cooling and radiators.
    My Griffith was upgraded with all of the mentioned modifications but nothing worked until I installed a chin spoiler under the radiator. All cars today have chin spoilers, for a reason.
    Regarding cabin temperatures, my headers are ceramic coated and there is proper insulation under the carpet, keeping me cool as a cucumber, even on the hottest days.
    This is all for my Griffith but a 2500M is basically the same only…”

    8

    RussR commented on 302-Powered 1974 TVR 2500M 5-Speed

    “Every time I get off of mine, I think to myself what a great machine it is! These also look so much better than the brand new RT, at least to my eye. For prospective buyers, it’s worth knowing that BMW pays for driveshaft service every 12,000 miles, with replacement at their cost somewhere in the 36,000 mile range. It might take some time for this low mileage example to get there, but knowing they service it free is added peace of mind. I’m so impressed by my 2015.”

    8

    Helmethead commented on No Reserve: 1,500-Mile 2016 BMW R1200RT

  • Yesterday’s comments of note — Explained

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “The seller has done a good job giving a brief history of Cisitalia. I have studied these cars for over 40 years and have four of them (Two 202 coupes and two D46s) and had a 202 Cabriolet so perhaps I can provide some clarification. Approximately 110 coupes were made and about 60 cabriolets. Pinin Farina (later changed to Pininfarina) made the first batch of coupes in 1947-48, but then ramped up on working for Ferrari, etc. so most of the remaining coupes were done by Stabilimente Farina and…”

    21

    Cisitalia_Guy commented on Ex–Mille Miglia Storica 1952 Cisitalia 202 SC Gran Sport Cabriolet by Stabilimenti Farina

    “I am the farmer who owned this car for years and everything the seller says is true. It was never in any kind of wreck while I owned it. I drove it for about 100000 miles. It had about 22000 miles on it when I purchased it. I drove it like a 930 should be and never had any problems with it, other than I decided to have the engine rebuilt as stated. If you’ve never driven an older Porche over a hundred mph be sure to have both hands on the wheel and pay attention!! The buyer sent a person…”

    24

    Fmdriver commented on 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera

    “A Talisman AND an airbag! Cool! Love that interior!”

    12

    e9er commented on No Reserve: 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Talisman

  • Yesterday’s comments of note You Should Know

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “The 50-year-old realist I’ve become knows better, but the 18-year-old all gas/no brake motörhead buried inside me is guiding my mouse towards the Place Bid button”

    24

    Transcon commented on Mid-Engine, Vortec-Powered 1970 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus

    “I had one 50 years ago. Definitely fun and to say driving is a “vintage experience” doesn’t really cut it. It’s pretty much pre-war in feel, but with more power. You are exposed to the elements to about the same degree as a motorcycle with a windshield, and the chassis is the best British custom: suspension that allows you to drive over a dime and tell if it’s heads or tails, and tires with similar width to a current electric mountain bike.”

    13

    Leif_in_Calif commented on 1959 Triumph TR3A

    “In high school I drove a ’66 mustang with a 289 and a ’66 red convertible 6 cyl similar to this. I always really enjoyed the 6 cyl version. It was much easier to steer, and somehow felt more fun and nimble.
    Still have the 289 (notchback, Ivy Green Metallic). It was my Mom’s car from new and has been lovingly taken care of. One day it will pass to my nephew.”

    8

    digita6 commented on Wayne Carini–Restored 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible

    “Wow. I am at a loss for words. First time bidding and on a seriously gorgeous wagon. This will be used for testing new software for a motorsport project believe it or not. Home will be in NC and R&D testing on the Blue Ridge Parkway then demonstrated at The Vintage! Thanks for a great bidding battle!”

    10

    AnalogDigitalSystems commented on No Reserve: M62-Powered 1994 BMW 530i Touring 6-Speed

  • |

    Design and Empathy with Raffi Minasian — Explained

    Please help us extend a warm welcome to one of BaT’s favorite designers, teachers, sellers, and all-around renaissance men: Raffi Minasian, known in these halls as @raffi. He talks with Alex about his father’s “trial by fire” mechanical training program; the roots of his obsession with car design; learning to drive in a 1952 Crosley (with doors!); human- and object-based empathy; a novel way to stay calm in the BaT comments; accidentally becoming a star seller for other people’s cars; the odd calmness that 1,200 live BaT auctions can provide; his unorthodox, Pegaso-centric introduction to Art Center College of Design, his future alma mater; his 16 years in die cast design at Franklin Mint; insights into shifts in popular culture; embracing the ridiculous; and the Beetle as a gateway drug.

  • Yesterday’s comments of note You Should Know

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “It wasn’t every day something this cute rolled into Fort Stockton. Folks were used to pickup trucks big enough to block out the sun, not pastel-colored cars that looked like they’d been dipped in lemon pudding and whipped cream. But there it was—parked right out front of Grounds for Divorce, turning heads like a visiting movie star.
    A 1956 Nash Metropolitan. Yellow over white. Chrome trim shining like a smile that’s been to the dentist.
    Lucinda leaned against the café window,…”

    59

    CaptainMyCaptain commented on No Reserve: 1956 Nash Metropolitan Hardtop for Corvilla

    “I remember that turbo kit from HO Racing Specialties out of California. I bought my 78 TA new (still have it) and once the 1 year warranty was up, i installed the HO performance kit with new jets and metering rods for the Q-Jet.”

    13

    IK54 commented on One-Owner, Turbocharged 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 4-Speed

    “Thanks @sludgo @Dazed_and_Amused @PDXBryan and @AJL1988 for your kind comments. I had a great time with Alex doing this podcast. Get me started talking about cars and I’ll go on for a while…just ask my wife and daughters!!
    Thanks to @BaT for hosting our conversation and sharing it with the community.”

    14

    Raffi commented on Design and Empathy with Raffi Minasian

  • Yesterday’s comments of note — Explained

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Yes
    She’s so excited – wants to create a channel to document the road to a million. Hopefully times up well with her senior year”

    32

    huibae commented on No Reserve: 965k-Mile 1992 Honda Accord EX Wagon

    “I wanted one of these for 33 years. FINALLY”

    8

    Flatfixer1 commented on No Reserve: 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo 5-Speed

    “What a fantastic driving video!
    Maserati’s 200S and Si were giant killers in their day with only the bigger engined Ferrari 860 Monza/290MM, 315 and 335 Sports able to keep up. The Maserati 300S and 450S were faster but never had the breaking or handling of the 200S and Si models.
    This is by far one of the best and the spares package alone worth the currently humble bid!
    Cheers,
    Bill”

    15

    Symbolic_International commented on 1957 Maserati 200SI by Fantuzzi

  • |

    New Make and Model Page Update: Essex, Dodge Demon, Rossion Q1, and Toyota Aristo: A Practical Look

    Temperatures are falling, but our collection of makes and models is hotter than ever. Check out the newest pages, and be sure to follow those that interest you in order to receive notifications when new auctions go live. You can also subscribe to the Make and Model Updates category to receive alerts whenever a new batch of pages is announced!

  • Yesterday’s comments of note — Explained

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Well, buying a Porsche wasn’t exactly on my bingo card for today, but this is the kind of stupid excitement I’m here for.”

    26

    ElSecundo commented on No Reserve: 1977 Porsche 924 Championship Edition 4-Speed

    “A high school friend had one of these. It was light on its feet and plenty quick. Ahead of its time with an overhead cam engine, and so rare today. Jay Leno’s build of his Firebird Sprint adds some value to this one, in my opinion.”

    10

    ppointer commented on Four-Decades-Family-Owned 1967 Pontiac Firebird Sprint Coupe 4-Speed

    “This is really lovely to watch – — three bidders who have not been successful yet on BaT – – this is a really great car to start with!!”

    6

    CTT commented on No Reserve: 2007 Audi A4 2.0T Avant Quattro 6-Speed

    “My first car was a 1963 Rambler that my uncle sold to me for $50. It ran forever — you can’t kill these cars! Although the vacuum powered windshield wipers would not move in cold weather, so in snow storms the passenger had to lean out of the window and manually swish the wipers so the driver could see!”

    7

    MAnthony commented on No Reserve: 1962 Rambler American Deluxe 2-Door Club Sedan 3-Speed

  • Yesterday’s comments of note You Should Know

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Well, it was fun bidding on this one. I’m thrilled to buy a 6.0 in such a unique color. Seller did a great job in answering all my questions. I look forward to her being part of the collection. Thanks again to all.”

    40

    BlackVapor commented on 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

    “Thanks all! Beautiful auction. Candidly, I know nothing about these cars! I am a Ferrari guy. The way I see it, my dream car is a 250 California spider and this is as close as I’m ever going to get. I’m going to drive the wheels off of it and, if anything should ever happen to the motor, I’ll throw a Colombo in there and will be halfway home!”

    18

    happiesttrees commented on 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

    “Wow! Not many cars show up here that makes me gasp, but when this rare (and wonderful) car appeared in my alerts, it got my attention. Back when these first came out, I was a college kid who had a 1988 Mazda cab plus pickup. The local Mazda dealer was very close to campus so getting it serviced there was super easy. This is back in the day when dealers were not always big shiny, fancy buildings. The dealer was small. The showroom held one car and had wood panelling.. but one day, while my truck…”

    13

    sjy66 commented on No Reserve: 27k-Mile 1992 Mazda 929

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    This Week’s Weird and Wonderful—October 31, 2025 — Explained

    While the masses don costumes and take to the streets, your faithful BaT scribes remain at their desks combing through over 1,100 live auctions in search of coolest and strangest vehicles to feature in our Weekly Weird and Wonderful list. As always, this is but a small selection of the vast array of interesting vehicles we’ve seen over the last seven days, and we encourage you to explore our live auctions page until your heart is content, your wallet is empty, or you fall asleep on your keyboard—whichever comes first.