$124K raised when 419 bid on 129 vehicles at police auction

4/13/2003

A total of 419 bidders turned out yesterday for this year's first Toledo police auction of seized and abandoned vehicles, which raised $124,150.

More people attended this one than previous auctions because of summer-like weather, Officer Dalton Wilkinson said. Bidders bought all of the 129 vehicles for sale at the city parking lot bounded by Cherry and Michigan streets and Constitution Avenue.

A 1991 Chevrolet Corvette received the highest bid, selling for $7,500. The cheapest item was a 1982 Honda 500 motorcycle that sold for $75.

“That was a very successful sale, with the average vehicle selling for just over $800,” Officer Wilkinson said.

The $28,600 raised from the sale of 11 forfeited vehicles will go to the police department's law enforcement trust fund.

The department usually acquires forfeited vehicles during drug-related seizures.

The sale of 117 abandoned vehicles yielded $95,550. Some proceeds will cover tow company fees and auction expenses. The rest goes to the city's general operating fund, he said.