[njsteve]

Yes, it is a standard practice in the auction industry since time immemorial, but most people have a problem with the insider trading aspect of a person who both owns the car, and owns the auction, doing it for his own car. As the market sees this, all it is, is an attempt to influence the future sale price(s) of this car and/or similar cars.

If this was a regulated security, the SEC would have a field day. But since cars are not regulated, it is not illegal.