Our Story

Cars have been the constant in my life for as long as I can remember—not just owning or admiring them, but really understanding them: how they’re built, how they’re driven, and what makes one truly special.

Before starting Avant Garde, I worked in traditional automotive sales with some of the world’s most exciting brands—Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Ducatis, and more. But I realized there was an opportunity to do things differently: to slow down, focus on the details, and present cars in a way that truly resonates with enthusiasts.

Everything changed when I discovered Bring a Trailer in its early days. I listed a Renault 5 Turbo, and the response was immediate. It wasn’t just buyers who showed up—it was enthusiasts. People who cared about history, condition, and the subtle details that make a car meaningful. I knew right away this was something different.

So in 2014, Aimee and I founded Avant Garde Collection and exclusively have been selling on Bring a Trailer ever since. We weren’t interested in just consigning vehicles—we were determined to prepare and present them properly. That means complete in‑house preparation, service, mechanical work, photography, and video; nothing gets overlooked.

Today, under the name 911r, we’re proud to be one of the top sellers on Bring a Trailer—handling roughly 20–25 cars a month and managing every step of the process from start to finish. While Porsche will always have a soft spot in my heart, we give that same level of care and attention to every car we touch.

What matters most to me is trust—between seller, buyer, and the car itself. We treat every car the way I’d want one of my own treated: with transparency, thoughtful preparation, and genuine passion. Because great cars deserve to be represented the right way, and great relationships deserve honesty.

—Matt Crandall