December 1, 2025
4 min(s) to read
Online car buying and selling has completely transformed the automotive world—especially for classic and collector car enthusiasts. One of the platforms leading this space is Hemmings, a long-established marketplace known for rare, vintage, and specialty vehicles. If you’re considering buying or selling your car on Hemmings, you’re probably wondering: Is Hemmings legit? How does it work? And what should you expect as a buyer or seller?
In this guide, Payless Auto Shipping Services breaks down everything you need to know—including auctions, fees, pros & cons, and how to safely transport your vehicle after a sale.
Hemmings is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the automotive marketplace. Founded in 1954 as Hemmings Motor News, it originally served as a print publication for classic, collector, muscle, exotic, and vintage vehicle listings.
Today, Hemmings has evolved into a modern digital marketplace offering:
Online auctions
Direct “Make Offer” sales
Classified ads
Automotive news & editorial content
Collector car parts & services
With millions of monthly visitors and a highly specialized audience of car enthusiasts, Hemmings is a go-to destination for both buyers and sellers of unique vehicles.
Hemmings is built around three main selling formats:
Auctions- Live online bidding on classic and specialty cars.
Make Offer- Buyers submit offers directly to the seller—no bidding required.
Classified Ads- Online and print listings similar to traditional classifieds.
Whether you’re buying or selling, the process is designed to be user-friendly and heavily focused on vehicle presentation, accuracy, and transparency.
Hemmings makes purchasing a classic or specialty vehicle straightforward. Here’s how the process works:
1. Create Your Free Hemmings Account
Registration is required for bidding and requires a valid credit card.
2. Browse Listings
Each listing includes detailed photos, specifications, history reports, and a comments section where buyers can ask the seller questions.
3. Place Your Bid
Bidding is free, but once submitted, it cannot be canceled.
Buyer’s fee: 5% of purchase price
Minimum: $500
Maximum: $10,000
4. Win the Auction & Complete the Sale
If you win, Hemmings automatically charges the buyer’s fee and provides the seller’s contact information for final arrangements.
5. Arrange Safe Vehicle Transport
Once the sale is complete, you’ll need to get the vehicle delivered.
Payless Auto Shipping Services specializes in shipping classic and collector vehicles, with options including:
Enclosed transport
Open transport
Cross-country delivery
Expedited shipping
We work directly with buyers and sellers to ensure a smooth, stress-free transport experience.
Selling on Hemmings gives you access to one of the largest audiences of auto enthusiasts in the United States.
1. Register an Account
Free and required before listing.
2. Select the “Auction” Option & Submit Your Vehicle
A Hemmings representative reviews your car’s details, history, and condition. Approval depends on appeal and past auction performance of similar vehicles.
3. Vehicle Approval & Listing Prep
Once approved, you’ll work with a Hemmings listing specialist.
Seller fee: $99.95 for auctions.
If your vehicle isn’t approved, Hemmings may convert it to a Make Offer or Classified listing.
4. Auction Launch
Your auction typically runs for two weeks. Check frequently for comments, questions, and bidder activity.
5. Complete the Sale
When the auction ends:
Hemmings collects the buyer fee
You connect with the buyer to finalize payment
Documents are exchanged securely
6. Arrange Vehicle Shipping
Many sellers prefer to handle transport directly or let the buyer decide.
Payless Auto Shipping Services provides fast, secure delivery options tailored to classic and collector cars, ensuring they arrive safely and on schedule.
Pros
Massive community of classic-car enthusiasts
Trusted brand with 70+ years of history
High-quality, professionally written listings
Multiple selling formats: Auction, Make Offer, Classified
Cons
Buyer fee maximum is higher than some competitors
Not every seller’s vehicle qualifies for auction
No guarantee a vehicle will sell
Marketplace caters more to niche buyers
Environmental Impact
Buying used vehicles reduces manufacturing waste and carbon impact, making online car shopping an eco-friendly choice.
Market Trends
Classic cars, muscle cars, and vintage trucks fluctuate in value based on demand. Hemmings makes it easier to track trends and shop confidently.
Regulatory Changes
Interstate transactions may involve tax rules or title transfer laws that vary by state. Hemmings simplifies the process, but it’s important to stay informed.
Yes. Hemmings has been in business since 1954 and is one of the most reputable marketplaces for classic and specialty vehicles.
Yes—particularly if you’re dealing with collector, vintage, or specialty vehicles.
| Feature | Hemmings | Bring a Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer’s Fee | 5% (min $500, max $10,000) | 5% (max $5,000) |
| Seller’s Fee | $99.95–$129.95 | $99–$349+ |
| Bid Adjustments | Cannot be changed | Can be adjusted (not canceled) |
Auction: $99.95
Make Offer: $99.95
Classified Ad: $129.95
Yes—5% of the final sale price ($500–$10,000 cap).
Bennington, Vermont.
Yes. The Hemmings Marketplace app is free to download.
Whether you’re buying or selling a classic car, safe transportation is essential.
Payless Auto Shipping Services provides:
Nationwide delivery
Enclosed or open transport
Expert handling for collector & vintage vehicles
Affordable rates with no hidden fees
Get a free instant quote today and transport your vehicle securely and stress-free.
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