The 1600veloce Interview

[sugarwood]

https://bringatrailer.com/2024/04/11/bat-podcast-episode-64-the-1600veloce-interview/

BaT Podcast Episode 64: The 1600veloce Interview
1,400 listings, 25,000 comments, 32,000 thumbs-up, and counting.

At long last, Randy sits down with Anthony Serra—the driving force, along with his superstar team, of the highest-volume seller on BaT. They discuss Anthony’s lifetime in the car business, from the family trade in ’80s gray-market imports to a racing career to his first BaT listing and beyond; the importance of putting systems in place to operate at scale; focusing on the long view rather than a single sale price; how detailed photos can make a sale; becoming known as a purveyor of the Ferrari BB; inducing happy tears in the first winner of such a car; the rise of the 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster; falling into the role of Local Partner to the world; maintaining a well-deserved reputation as an engaged and high-touch seller; the additive nature of every comment on BaT, even the negative ones; specializing in “dog cars” and dearly departed longroofs; cars that “flunk the shop”; how COVID changed the business forever; achieving success by surrounding oneself with passionate enthusiasts, dedicated friends, and the worldwide BaT community; and how that community may soon get to experience Smell-O-Vision, 1600Veloce style.

[Cobalt]

I wouldn't buy a car from him. I have seen too many and they have all had undisclosed extensive work. Nice cars but!!

[jacksonm]

I enjoyed the interview. I don't know him nor have I purchased from him, but he sounded quite legit to me.

[Cobalt]

There are very few truly honest sellers. I am not saying he is being dishonest just you need to know your cars before dropping huge money. I have looked over far too many cars over the years and there is a huge difference between a nice example and an honest example. When spending top dollar I expect it to be an honest example. Repainting cars to a very high standard can make it nice but not honest.

[richardrobert]

I'm late to this, but I echo @Cobalt. 1600 is a seller, he is NOT an enthusiast. He may claim to be and may love cars. But he is a seller 1st and foremost. He is an expert at putting lipstick on a pig.

My friend bought a Euro 911 on BAT from (through) him. It had wood screws holding the dash on, lowes bolts in the seat rails, awful paint, and the motor AND transmission needed a full rebuild. With all the great pictures, drone videos, music and presentation, he was lead to believe it was a good running car, but turned out to be just another auction shoeshine.

When one sells a car and they KNOW the car isn't 100%...but don't divulge all the information and aren't transparent, in my book that is the same as telling a lie. An enthusiast genuinely cares about the vehicle, and the character of the future owner, not just the sale.