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Our History

  1. Blue Star Icon 1

    1947

    Bel Air Auto Auction open its doors. One of the country’s original auto auctions, it's located in a former livestock auction facility.

  2. Blue Star Icon 2

    1952

    First automotive Cars & Star Auto Show in Baltimore.

  3. Blue Star Icon 3

    1963

    Price of gasoline less than 25 cents per gallon.

  4. Blue Star Icon 4

    1968

    Bel Air Auto Auction celebrates Dealer Appreciation Day.

  5. Blue Star Icon 5

    1974

    Nichols Auction Company begins to pursue real estate and equipment auctions as the auction method of selling proves popular with lenders and owners.

    Elaine Nichols oversees the Nichols family involvement in the auction business, boat shows, auto shows and real estate projects.

  6. Blue Star Icon 6

    1981

    Lee & Mason and Banking Services Corp. first offers innovative insurance and loan services to financial institutions nationwide.

  7. Blue Star Icon 7

    1987

    As the thrift crisis hits Maryland, several Maryland State Insured corporation institutions are plagued with liquidity and loan problems. The State Government contracts with Financial Conservators, Inc. to oversee the asset management of distressed thrifts that are placed under state receivership.

  8. Blue Star Icon 8

    1990

    Bel Air Auto Auction proves it can add value to damaged vehicles at auction as well.

  9. Blue Star Icon 9

    1992

    Expansion of Property Management Group in Ocean City, MD.
    Raymond C. Nichols is chosen as Maryland’s Master Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young.

  10. Blue Star Icon 10

    1995

    Tallahassee Auto Auction opens.

  11. Blue Star Icon 11

    1996

    First GSA auction held at Bel Air Auto Auction.

  12. Blue Star Icon 12

    1998

    Atlantic Auto Auctions, Inc. conducts auction of major office complex in downtown Baltimore, MD. Development of BSC Center is started to accommodate company’s future growth.

  13. Blue Star Icon 13

    2002

    Clayton Station opens.
    Ray Nichols becomes NAAA President.

  14. Blue Star Icon 14

    2004

    Simulcast bidding expands BSC America’s remarketing reach online.

  15. Blue Star Icon 15

    2007

    Powersports and OVE open.

  16. Blue Star Icon 16

    2008

    Joined ServNet.
    First Powersports Sale.

  17. Blue Star Icon 17

    2009

    Smart Auction begins.

  18. Blue Star Icon 18

    2010

    GM Sale comes to Bel Air.
    Opened New Body Shop.
    Built New Mechanical Shop.
    First Truck & Equipment Sale.

  19. Blue Star Icon 19

    2011

    Tallahassee Auto Auction expands.
    Logistics facility opens.

  20. Blue Star Icon 20

    2012

    65th Anniversary.
    Charles Nichols becomes SERVNET President.
    New Clayton Station building.
    Riverside Marshalling Yard opens.

  21. Blue Star Icon 21

    2013

    Riverside Marshalling Yard Expansion.

  22. Blue Star Icon 22

    2016

    Groundbreaking on Bel Air's new auction site in Belcamp, MD.

  23. Blue Star Icon 23

    2017

    Bel Air Auto Auction moved to a new state-of-the-art location in Belcamp, MD.
    Ribbon Cutting in September & Grand Opening in October.

  24. Blue Star Icon 24

    2019

    Phase 2 Expansion.

  25. Blue Star Icon 25

    2021

    Marshalling Lot Open.

  26. Blue Star Icon 26

    2022

    Charles Nichols becomes NAAA President.

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