Bel Air Auto Auction Throws Celebratory 75-Year Blowout

BSC America’s Bel Air Auto Auction, one of the longest-running auto auctions in the country, marked its 75th anniversary on April 13-14, an event capped by more than 2,500 vehicles crossing the block, which set the stage for a memorable record-breaking auction that celebrated a three-quarter century of service to the industry.

The festivities began on April 13 as Bel Air Auto Auction welcomed its guests to a gala red-carpet event in the auction area. Greeted by the Nichols family and two champagne ladies, dealers from along the Eastern Seaboard were joined by representatives from bank and credit unions, industry professionals and auction partners for an evening of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dinner and music.  

Auction guests were treated to a short presentation outlining Bel Air Auto Auction’s history and contributions to the remarketing industry. The Nichols family was awarded a congratulatory citation from Hartford County, presented by Barry Glassman, Hartford County Executive and other county dignitaries. Before the event, the auction also received a Governor’s citation in recognition of its long history in the state of Maryland.

Fundraising Benefit

To cap off the evening, fireworks lit up the night over the auction. A cloudless sky set the stage for day two of Bel Air’s anniversary event, when eager bidders returned for the main event at 8 a.m., as the season’s largest consignment of vehicles ran across 10 auction lanes. The icing on the anniversary cake was the Classic Car Sale, a tradition at Bel Air Auto Auction, which this year included a special fundraising event to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The first item offered at the Classic Car Sale was not a vehicle but Bel Air’s #1 Bidder Badge, the top bidder gaining lifetime rights. Spirited bidding hefted the final price to $41,000, with Bryan Kilby from Jones Junction winning the #1 Bidder Badge. Then back-up bidder Neal Johnson from Rich Morton Mazda stepped up to donate an additional $10,000. With proceeds at $51,000, the Nichols family rounded the full donation to an even $100,000.

“We wanted to commemorate our 75th anniversary with a fundraising event, as a way to express our gratitude for the support we have received during our many years in business,” said Michelle Nichols-Neff, BSC America vice president, in a news release. “Because there are so many among us who have been affected by cancer, either struggling with it personally or seeing its effects in the lives of those we love, we decided to make this year’s donation to the American Cancer Society. The enthusiasm of our customers and their willingness to share was a thrilling way to conclude our two days of celebration.”

Bel Air Auto Auction is the flagship auction of BSC America, with a weekly sale on Thursday and a weekly public sale. The auction’s Clayton Station facility handles the sale of rental scratch and dent units, donations, salvage and inop units, along with a monthly Tuesday sale with powersports units, heavy trucks and equipment.  

In addition to the vast offering of vehicles from fleet companies and financial institution customers, Bel Air Auto Auction has grown to become the largest independent auto auction selling for new and independent dealers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Bel Air Auto Auction is a member of the ServNet Auction group and the National Auto Auction Association.