Motor Monday, public auto auction sells nearly 500 cars to highest bidders

First there was Black Friday, then came Cyber Monday, and today was Motor Monday.

It's doubtful any auto dealership sold 500 cars today. But at Manheim Auto Auctions near Grantville that's about how many cars and trucks went to the highest bidder. It was the final auction of the year of state surplus vehicles.

There were Chevies, Dodges, Fords and Jeeps, Chryslers and GMC's, vehicles no longer used by state agencies.   Prospective buyers also looked over the Lexus, Volvos and Cadillacs.

Buyers had since Thursday to inspect the vehicles. Monday, they put their money where their mouths were.

There were private citizens and car dealers, nearly all men. The only female bidder visible was amber murphy, among all those males.  Amber was looking for a pick up truck for her personal use.

All the money raised goes back to the state, perhaps to help buy new cars for the fleet.

The next public auction is Monday, February 11. It will include muscle, vintage and classic cars, including a 1918 Buick with 9,000 original miles, and a wooden motorboat in pristine condition.