EBay economics: Want to buy a Bentley?

The U.S. auto industry has a potato in its pipe. According to the WSJ, J.D. Power reports that car and truck sales are stalling fast and are expected to be down 16% this year, compared to 2007.  The forecaster even suggested that the global auto market "may experience an outright collapse in 2009."

Over on EBay, Bentleys are for sale. A 2005 Bentley GT is selling for $77,750 -- with less than an hour to go. I can't help but wonder who is buying a Bentley on a Sunday. A 2007 one has 18 bids and the price is at $33,200 with 12 hours to go. This 1961 Bentley converted to a Rolls-Royce -- selling without a warranty or air conditioning in Wilmington, N.C.--reminds me of Mick Jagger and bygone decadence. Or Dudley Moore, as Arthur, swilling a glass of scotch on the rocks in the back seat. It's at $11,000 with 11 hours to go.

The cars selling for over $100,000 aren't getting any bites. Maybe even the richest of rich are on their own relative budget?

-- Monica Corcoran

Photo credit: EBay

Comments

[BigDeal]

I'm a sizable Ebay dealer in items no one really needs (but not in the Bentley class), and my sales are actually INCREASING since all the financial hoohah.