On this page we catch up with and diagnose the search trends on eBay from the previous week. We get our information by matching the top 20 items spiking daily in search trends from eBay itself with other topics currently being searched on outside the eBay walls.
Top Search Trends: Week ending Friday May 18, 2012
Once again we join the eBay community in mourning the passing of another legend, American car designer and race car driver Carroll Shelby. We saw a marked increase in searches for “Carroll Shelby,” and found interesting associated items up for sale, including this original oil on canvas painting entitled “Bitten by the Snake,” signed by Carroll Shelby. In addition, as you can see below in our high-value section, a rare 40th Anniversary edition 1965 Shelby Cobra sold last week:
The listing describes the car:
“ONLY 40 OF THESE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CARS WERE PRODUCED. THIS CAR IS #18/40. I am the 2nd OWNER. THESE CARS ARE SO SPECIAL THAT CARROLL SHELBY TOOK THE FIRST ONE PRODUCED FOR HIMSELF, BUT LATER SOLD IT FOR $200,000.00 AT THE KRUSE AUTO AUCTION.
CARROLL SHELBY MODELED THESE 40TH ANNIVERSARY COBRAS TO THE ORIGINAL 427 COBRA, FROM ITS BODY STYLING AND STREET COBRA INTERIOR TO ITS CHASSIS CONFIGURATION AND SUSPENSION.”
There are sometimes other Shelby Cobras for sale on eBay, but this anniversary edition is something special. Carroll Shelby will be missed; as a friend of mine, TK, wrote recently, “Carroll lived big in all the best ways, and gave us all a ‘great ride.’ Hats off and bon voyage!”
Other searches last week included people looking for Manchester City gear, after that soccer team pulled off an amazing, come-from-behind victory in its game against the Queens Park Rangers last week. With that win, Manchester City was crowned champions of the English Premier League after 44 years without a title. A quick search reveals signed jerseys, soccer balls, and other gear.
Not to be outdone, eBay shoppers on this side of the Atlantic increased their searches for the New York Rangers, as folks looked for tickets to see the NHL playoff action between them and the New Jersey Devils. Surprisingly, there were not many searches for either team in the other playoff series between the Los Angeles Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes. This situation is sure to change once one of these two teams makes it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Selected high-value items listed or sold on eBay this week:
Please note this a sample of high-value items on eBay. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a representative list.
1965 Shelby Cobra – Rare 40th Anniversary Edition – All Aluminum – $140,000.00
Printing Press Heidelberg 1984 Speedmaster 102SP – $65,500
Germany + Napoleon: Kingdom of Westphalia, 1810. Speculative Bond with Coupons – $50,100
2006 Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute Stratocaster Complete – $23,500
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.71ct H VS1 – $20,000
2012 SILVER CANADIAN MAPLE LEAF MONSTER BOX OF 500 1 oz. COINS – $15,823.20
Would you consider accepting one of my organs and a monthly payment?
This car was most recently featured on History Channel’s “Pawn Stars.” At the Gold and Silver Pawn shop in Las Vegas, this is the most valuable vehicle currently in their inventory.