[GregWeld]

I was in the pit quite awhile today. IMHO prices have firmed up - and certainly the "action" is FAR better and faster than last years. My buddies in the biz are happy. But remember - they buy "inventory" - so if they bought well all last year... cars that they're selling now... they're going to be happy. BUT when the prices firm or go up - they have to replace the cars the sold with more expensive inventory. Luckily -- most auctions DO NOT get BJ prices... so they can buy elsewhere - and fix 'em up etc - and sell 'em here.

However... the MOOD -- and general sense that I get - is of "things going much better". Tons of people milling about outside. Bidder pit has lots of people in it.
One thing I did notice -- the people selling gas pumps - memorabilia - etc - seem to have a lot still for sale. In years past - if you didn't get this stuff early - by Friday you were SOL if you wanted to buy something. Neon is plentiful - the good stuff is tagged SOLD... the repops - not so much. Prices on the restored pumps and antique shop equipment is still stratospheric... Not many sold tags. I think a guy can still bargain a bit - especially if it ain't sold by late Saturday afternoon. I've got my eye on a couple pieces I'd like to have - but I'm not willing to pay "BJ retail plus".

The overall quality of the cars is much improved over last year (IMHO)... lots of Corvettes for sale... nothing very special that caught my eye... Prices for the good stuff seem to be "right". Not stupid - not a bargain either... just "right".