Once again, we found ourselves in the wonderful city of Auburn, Indiana. This small town might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of global gatherings, but every Labor Day weekend it becomes the epicenter of something extraordinary: Worldwide Auctioneers’ legendary event.
If you’ve ever been around passionate car collectors—or even just people who appreciate fine craftsmanship—you’ll know that an auto auction isn’t just about buying and selling. It’s about history, storytelling, design, and the shared thrill of watching some of the rarest automobiles in the world roll across the stage.
And Auburn isn’t just the backdrop. It’s the birthplace of America’s collector car auction industry and proudly holds the title of “Classic Car Capital of the World.” That heritage isn’t just marketing speak—it’s deeply woven into the DNA of this town.
Why Auburn? A Town Built on Wheels
Auburn’s connection to cars runs deep. In the early 1900s, the Auburn Automobile Company turned out some of the most innovative designs of its era, eventually merging into the legendary Auburn Cord Duesenberg company. These were the kind of cars that defined American luxury—sleek, powerful, ahead of their time.
It’s fitting, then, that Auburn became the home of the first collector car auctions. What started decades ago as gatherings of enthusiasts trading their prized vehicles has evolved into a global stage where millions of dollars’ worth of cars change hands.
Each year, people don’t just come for the cars—they come for the culture. There’s something about Auburn over Labor Day weekend that feels like a pilgrimage. Families, seasoned collectors, first-time bidders, and curious onlookers all find themselves shoulder to shoulder, united by their love for rolling art.
The Worldwide Auctioneers Labor Day Event
Worldwide Auctioneers has become synonymous with top-tier automotive auctions. Their Labor Day event in Auburn draws collectors from across the country—and even across the globe. Some buyers make the trip in person, while others call in their bids from overseas, eager not to miss out on rare opportunities.
This year’s event was no exception. Walking through the display floors felt like stepping into a museum where everything is not only on display but also up for grabs. Chrome gleamed under the lights, engines whispered promises of power, and every car had a story attached.
There were American muscle cars polished to perfection, European exotics that seemed almost too beautiful to touch, and historic classics whose provenance made them priceless.
Among all the breathtaking options, one stood out in particular for us: the Lamborghini Countach. Sleek, angular, and unapologetically bold, it’s the kind of car that doesn’t just turn heads—it stops people in their tracks. We couldn’t resist climbing inside, soaking in the feel of a machine that defined an era of automotive ambition. Next year, our goal is simple: we don’t just want to sit in the Countach—we want to drive away in it.
The Magic of the Auction Floor
If you’ve never been to a live car auction, picture this: the room is buzzing with anticipation. Cars roll across the stage one by one, each announcement accompanied by a backstory from the auctioneer. Bids come fast and sharp—hands rise, phones buzz, voices call out from every corner.
There’s a rhythm to it, almost like music. The auctioneer’s cadence builds excitement, and the crowd leans forward as numbers climb higher and higher. Even if you’re not bidding, the energy is contagious. You find yourself rooting for certain cars, guessing which will spark a bidding war, and feeling a rush when the gavel finally drops.
It’s part theater, part competition, and part marketplace—but above all, it’s a celebration. Every car that crosses the stage represents a piece of history, a dream realized, or in some cases, a dream waiting for its next owner.
Auburn’s Bigger Picture
Beyond the auction, Auburn itself transforms during Labor Day weekend. Car shows line the streets, museums open their doors to visitors, and local businesses join in the festivities. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is a must-see, offering a deeper dive into the city’s automotive legacy.
For those making the trip, it’s more than just an auction—it’s an entire experience. You can spend the morning admiring a pre-war classic that looks straight out of The Great Gatsby, and by evening, you’re sipping coffee in a diner surrounded by fellow enthusiasts swapping stories of restoration projects and bucket-list cars.
That sense of community is what makes Auburn’s events so special. It’s not just about the cars—it’s about the people who love them. Whether you’re a lifelong collector with a climate-controlled garage or someone who just appreciates good design, there’s room for you here.
Looking Ahead
As we packed up and headed home, the weekend’s memories replayed in our minds: the dazzling chrome, the roar of engines, the cheers when bidding wars reached their climax. And, of course, that unforgettable moment sitting inside the Countach, dreaming of the day we’ll claim one for ourselves.
Worldwide Auctioneers will be back in Auburn next year, and so will we. Because once you’ve experienced the magic of this event, it’s impossible to stay away.
For anyone who’s even remotely interested in cars, Auburn during Labor Day weekend is a bucket-list experience. It’s where history, passion, and adrenaline meet. And it proves something simple yet powerful: cars aren’t just machines. They’re stories on wheels.
Next year, maybe—just maybe—we’ll finally drive away in that Countach...or better yet the 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.
