As spring returns to Auburn, Indiana, so does one of the collector car world’s most anticipated annual events. From April 25–26, Worldwide Auctioneers will present its largest Enthusiast Auction to date, with 250 vehicles crossing the block—more than 150 offered at no reserve. True to its name, the sale celebrates every corner of car culture, from pre-war icons and American muscle to European exotics, prototypes, and celebrity-owned classics.
Kicking off with the fifth annual Enthusiast Tour (April 22–25), the event invites collectors to hit the road together before rolling into two days of high-energy auction action.
To get a closer look at what’s in store, we spoke with Worldwide Auctioneers’ Principals and Auctioneers—Rod Egan and John Kruse—about this year’s standout lineup, the spirit of the sale, and why Auburn remains a cornerstone of the collector car world.
Barnebys: This year’s Enthusiast Auction is being billed as the biggest yet. What makes this 2025 edition stand out from previous years?
John Kruse: This will indeed be our biggest and most diverse Enthusiast Auction offering to date—two days, 250 cars, three collections, and over 150 cars offered at no reserve. Visitors can look forward to the most substantial spring auction in Auburn, Indiana’s storied history as a collector car destination. Beyond sheer numbers, the range of automobiles is truly unprecedented. From century-old antiques to modern supercars, American muscle, ‘50s classics, celebrity-owned vehicles, and prototypes, we have something for every kind of enthusiast.
Rod Egan: To say I’m excited about this upcoming auction is an absolute understatement. If you’re looking for an American or European pre-war car—we’ve got them. Muscle cars? Absolutely. European sports cars? Yes. ‘80s and ‘90s youngtimers? Definitely. Big-finned American cars from the Fifties? Of course. RestoMods? No problem—we have those too. If you love collectible cars, you’ll find something here in Auburn.
The name ‘Enthusiast Auction’ really sets a tone. How would you describe the spirit of this sale—and the kind of collector it attracts?
John Kruse: The name says it all—it’s about passion for the automobile. This is an auction for people who love to drive, preserve, and share automotive history, across the board. The vibe is intentionally laid-back and welcoming. That inclusive spirit draws a wide range of collectors, from seasoned veterans with multi-car collections to younger enthusiasts buying their first classic. And in keeping with the enthusiast spirit, most of the cars on offer are meant to be enjoyed and driven—assembled by people who built them for exactly that purpose.
Worldwide Auctioneers is known for having principals who are also auctioneers. How does that shape the way you run your sales?
Rod Egan: The sale and acquisition of collector cars is our core business—and no one is better qualified. We’re unique in serving as both owners and auctioneers, so our customers deal directly with us, and we’re fully invested in achieving the best result for each one. No one knows each motorcar better, because we consigned it, researched it, and marketed it. As owner-auctioneers, we’re hands-on from consignment all the way through the final gavel drop. It’s not just a transaction for us—it’s an ongoing relationship. That personal investment really resonates with both sellers and buyers.
There’s an impressive range—from a 1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV Monterey Edition to a 1913 American Underslung Tourist. How do you curate such a diverse lineup?
John Kruse: We approach curation with intention. It’s about building a dynamic catalogue that reflects the wide scope of automotive history and taste. Each vehicle is selected based on quality, provenance, and appeal. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive car in the world, but we aim to ensure that every car we consign is among the best of its kind. Our goal is to deliver an experience that’s both comprehensive and surprising—where every enthusiast can find something to get excited about.
Can you tell us more about the Passport Collection and what makes these consignments particularly special?
Rod Egan: The Passport Collection is a globally respected assemblage of automobiles, and we’re honored to feature it as a cornerstone of this year’s sale. What makes it truly special is the sheer quality and variety—an exciting mix of carefully curated pre-war classics, European sports cars, and contemporary exotics that perfectly reflects the diverse spirit of the Enthusiast Auction. Notably, many of the 68 cars in the collection will be offered at no reserve, which adds another level of excitement. It’s a collection with broad appeal for discerning collectors around the world.
One of the star consignments is the original Cadillac from Driving Miss Daisy. How important is storytelling and provenance in today’s collector car market?
John Kruse: Provenance is everything. A great story can tremendously elevate a car’s desirability and value. A great car with great history becomes more than just a machine—it becomes part of culture. Provenance not only builds value, it creates emotional connection. The Driving Miss Daisy Cadillac is a perfect example. It’s cinematic history on wheels, and owning it is like owning a piece of Americana.
Many of these vehicles are being offered at no reserve. How does that impact the energy in the room—and the opportunity for buyers?
John Kruse: Having a large portion of cars at no reserve—meaning they’ll sell to the highest bidder no matter the price—fundamentally changes the atmosphere and the outcome. It injects electricity into the room. Bidders know that when a no-reserve lot comes up, the high bidder will get the car, period. That certainty encourages more people to jump in and bid, and it lets the market determine the final price. No-reserve cars often bring strong results because the format creates urgency. People don’t want to miss out—and the psychology kicks in. Nobody likes to be outbid when they know the car is definitely selling.
The Enthusiast Tour sounds like an incredible lead-in to the auction itself. What can participants expect from this year’s route?
Rod Egan: The Enthusiast Tour gives us all a chance to do what we love most—blow off the winter cobwebs, hit the open road, and enjoy our cars in the company of friends. It’s all about camaraderie, beautiful drives, and sharing stories behind the wheel. This year’s route explores scenic Midwest backroads and features some hidden gems along the way. For many participants, it’s the highlight of their year—a chance to experience these cars in their natural element. We’ll visit unique private collections, specialist automotive stops, distinctive local attractions, and enjoy some fine Indiana dining, all before rolling back into Auburn for two full days of auction action.
Auburn is often referred to as a hub for car collectors. What makes this small Midwestern town such a big player in the global auction world?
John Kruse: Auburn is hallowed ground for car collectors—the place where it all started. It’s the birthplace of the classic car auction business and earned its nickname as the “Classic Car Capital of the World” through a rich and storied automotive history. Some of the most important and luxurious cars ever built have been bought and sold here—first by those who made the journey to the Auburn Automobile Company in the 1920s and ’30s, and later by generations of collectors coming for the auctions.
The town is also home to world-renowned museums, like the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum—housed in the original Auburn Automobile Company headquarters—and the National Auto & Truck Museum. It’s where Worldwide’s own global headquarters is located, in our state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot facility on 30 acres.
There’s a true sense of homecoming when collectors return to Auburn. It’s where memories have been made, where big deals happened, and where legendary cars found new caretakers. We’re proud to carry that torch forward here in our hometown. In Auburn, the auction isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of automotive history, in a place that’s forever a part of that history.
Enthusiast Week will run from April 22-26 at Kruse Plaza, Worldwide’s Auburn, Indiana headquarters. The sale will take place on April 25-26. Full details on auction admission and bidder registration, as well as the Enthusiast Tour, are available online at worldwideauctioneers.com.
