One of the nation’s oldest auto auctions held one of the industry’s longest-running promotions last month — and unveiled something brand new.

On Oct. 10, BSCAmerica’s Bel Air Auto Auction in Belcamp, Md., hosted its 52nd annual Harvest Sale, inviting dealers from the Eastern Seaboard and beyond to an event featuring prize drawings, food and a special consignment of classic cars.

The sale also marked the grand opening of two new lanes — one more for dealer consignments and an additional lane for fleet/lease vehicles — complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries. Doing the honors was Angie Bishop, a 40-year employee of Bel Air Auto Auction.

The auction, which celebrated its 77th anniversary in April, now has a total of 12 lanes.

During the sale itself, more than 2,600 vehicles crossed the blocks, with a 70% overall sale rate.

The highlight of the Harvest Sale was the traditional classic car sale, which included the most expensive car ever sold at Bel Air, a 2021 McLaren 765LT that brought $387,000.

This 2021 McLaren 765LT sold for $387,000, becoming the most expensive car ever sold as Bel Air Auto Auction. Photo courtesy of BSCAmerica.

The festivities included a preview party the evening before the sale, with a buffet dinner, music and the chance to preview some of the classic cars scheduled for auction the next day. The party also included a race car simulator from Hendrick Motorsports, providing the experience of driving a NASCAR race car around Darlington Raceway.

Bel Air Auto Auction also honored Tommy Rogers, general manager of the auction’s Specialty Sale, who was elected vice president of the National Auto Auction Association in October and is slated to become president in 2027.

Rogers will follow BSC chairman and CEO, Raymond Nichols and BSC president Charles Nichols, who previously served as NAAA president.