Branson Auction continues tradition of service

A time-honored Branson tradition continues – with a recent change in ownership.

The Branson Auction was established more than 45 years ago. The popular automobile auction began in the early 1980s when it was founded by Branson pioneer Mark Trimble. Trimble sold the Auction to Jim Cox in 1988. Jim and his wife, Kathy owned and operated the auction until last September, when it was purchased by Roger and Mary Napper.  

Roger and Mary, along with their son, Joshua, are looking forward to working with their customers and expanding their new business.  The Nappers have been in the automobile business since 1988 and have been friends and customers of the Branson Auction for more than 35 years, beginning when the event was held in the parking lot of White Water.

"We moved to Branson to take an early retirement, and Jim offered to sell the auction to us in early 2024," explained Roger Napper.

Due to having lost their son in a car accident in March of 2024, Roger and Mary decided to wait until September to finalize the purchase of the auction, and enjoyed their first auction as the new owners in October of last year. The Napper family will continue a longstanding tradition established for the Branson Auction of service: service to the collector, the restorer, the mechanic, transporter, insurance provider and all who come in contact with the individuals that love their cars, bikes, boats or memorabilia.

"We have been extremely fortunate to have such an outpouring of kindness from the collector car market customers," Roger noted.  "We have about 235 vehicles consigned for the upcoming auction, as of March 31, so I am anticipating about 250 total."

Napper shared some of the vehicles that will be up for auction this month. “We have a large Corvette lineup, including some very rare editions, and we have a 1937 Packard Super 8 Deluxe Phaeton, also," said Roger. "We also have a Saleen Mustang selling at No Reserve on Saturday, with 100% of the proceeds going to a nonprofit cancer research company."

In addition to in-person bidding the Branson Auction offers online bidding and phone-in bidding.

Said Napper, "They just need to go to our website, bransonautoauction.com and get all the info on how to go about that. You can do bidder registration on our website as well."

The spring auction is set for Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, beginning at 10 a.m. each day. The auction is held at the Branson Convention Center.

"On Thursday night, April 10, we have a charity auction for the Taney County 100 Club, to raise money for them.  We have a 1953 fire engine that was donated by a local businessman, Zeke Williams, and it will be sold to the highest bidder, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Taney County 100 Club," Napper explained.

Roger and Mary extend an invitation to any local residents to come out and see the many unique vehicles offered for sale.

"Entry fee is $15 for one day or $25 for both," said Roger. "Current or retired military price is $10 for one day or $15 for both with ID. We have vehicles built on national television shows, celebrity ownership cars, very rare vehicles and wild custom vehicles this sale. Something everyone would love to own – or at least see!  Come see for yourself what all will be in store at the Branson Auction April 11 and 12."