Our History

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.

1952

First automotive Cars & Star Auto Show in Baltimore.

1963

Price of gasoline less than 25 cents per gallon.

1968

Bel Air Auto Auction celebrates Dealer Appreciation Day.

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.

1981

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

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.

1990

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

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.

1995

Tallahassee Auto Auction opens.

1996

First GSA auction held at Bel Air Auto Auction.

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.

2002

Clayton Station opens.
Ray Nichols becomes NAAA President.

2004

Simulcast bidding expands BSC America’s remarketing reach online.

2007

Powersports and OVE open.

2008

Joined ServNet.
First Powersports Sale.

2009

Smart Auction begins.

2010

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

2011

Tallahassee Auto Auction expands.
Logistics facility opens.

2012

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

2013

Riverside Marshalling Yard Expansion.

2016

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

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.

2019

Phase 2 Expansion.

2021

Marshalling Lot Open.

2022

Charles Nichols becomes NAAA President.