There are quite a number of businesses and or events that serve as cultural staples in our area. Some of those are educational, like the Historical Aviation Memorial Museum or the Hudnall Planetarium, others entertain but are really national draws like the Tyler Rose Garden, and still others, simply serve a function like the Greater Tyler Auto Auction (GTAA). While it’s not the kind of event one might want out of town guests to experience for dinner and cocktails, it is definitely full of local color.
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When I first visited the GTAA I felt like I was observing a cultural ritual that had been taking place in this society since it’s inception. Oh sure the modes of transportation to be auctioned off are no longer of the four legged variety, but I’m fairly certain none the less, that had I been around a hundred and fifty years ago, and I needed a horse I could have found a local institution that sold repossessed quarter horses, or if I was in a financial crunch, maybe a used mule.
The Greater Tyler Auto Auction sells cars for area banks, title loan companies, and other forms of repossession. For the buyer, almost any kind of automobile can be found, often at very low prices. Sometimes the vehicles require some rudimentary repair that does little to take from the value of the vehicle but is easily repaired. Local pre-owned car dealers often shop the auction as a method of restocking their inventory. To make any purchases buyers must be a licensed motor vehicle dealer and be registered with the GTAA (forms are available on line). Individuals are welcome to attend but must work through a licensed dealer to do any bidding or make any purchases.
The auction is held every Tuesday night beginning at five. The staff operates four lanes which allows them to keep the sales going, and the flow of inventory moving. They also have a video auction beginning at five thirty, for “in-operative” vehicles. The Greater Tyler Auto Auction is located at 11654 on Highway 64 West in Tyler, Texas. For more information, visit their website at www.greatertyleraa.com. To reach their offices, call (903)597-2800, or email them at greatertylerautoauction@yahoo.com.