12 of the Most Unique Items Sold on Municibid in 2023

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

From all the way up north in Massachusetts to down south in Texas, wherever you live in America, your municipality employs an array of service vehicles and equipment. That includes daily things like traffic lights and cop cars to more seasonal items like snow melters. Eventually, all of these things get replaced with something newer.

As the old goes out, it ends up for sale at government auctions. Affordable and often in good condition. Even better, districts sell publicly to ordinary people like you and myself.

What you can find on government surplus sites will shock you, and if you’re interested in something for yourself or a small business, then there’s plenty to choose from. Ambulances, motorcycles, drones, and so much more. Let’s check out the 12 most unique items sold on Municibid in 2023.

Where to find government auctions?

There are two places to keep in mind when searching for online government auctions. The first place is your state’s municipal website. There you can find information on bidding amounts, deadlines, pick-up locations, and photos of specific items. Governing officials will also list contact details for people who have questions.

If you’re not finding what you seek on the state’s website, or perhaps are interested in looking beyond your state, then you should head over to Municibid. On our website you can filter government surplus by state and type, check bidding prices, see how many people have bid, and other details.

Who can buy at government auctions?

Most often, the people who frequent state-specific auctions are residents of that state. This is because aside from being sold “as is,” the surplus is usually auctioned off without any delivery option. Buyers incur that full responsibility. However, if you are of legal age and can provide your own transportation, then you’re good to go!

Twelve of the Most Unique Items Sold on Municibid

8 Interactive Driving Simulators

Sold Price: $4,100

School buses and other school-themed equipment are commonplace at auctions. That’s why one of the most unique items listed on Municibid has been these 8 interactive driving simulators. They’re being sold out of Pennsylvania by the Unionville Chadds Ford School District.

Driving simulators can be used in a few ways, such as in a business setting where people can test their skills through a driving school. A company could even make use of them, training employees to operate specific vehicles. Another idea is to repurpose them for an arcade setup for a small business or something to keep at home. In that case, you could buy and keep one and sell the rest.

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2000 H1 Hummer

Sold Price: $40,100

This 2000 H1 Hummer was converted into an emergency water rescue vehicle, and is now being sold by the Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Company. The winning bidder may decide to use it for more firefighting or perhaps something like commuting or tailgating. The truck comes with emergency lighting, a diesel engine, auto inflatable/deflatable tires, and more. The seller also notes that the ac is not working.

Oftentimes, government surplus is sold “as is.” That includes vehicles. Whatever issues are present prior to purchase are taken on by the winning bidder. If possible, inspect your prospective vehicle with a trusted mechanic. That way, you don’t encounter any surprises down the road.

2017 Mahindra 750 UTV

Sold Price: $9,300

In Pennsylvania, the Eastern Lancaster County School District sold one 2017 Mahindra 750 UTV. This vehicle was sold in excellent condition, with 55 hours clocked and 290 miles logged. Some people believe the misconception that all government surplus is barely usable, but the reality is that institutions like schools, police, and fire departments have to ensure that their vehicles and equipment meet a certain standard. That especially applies to emergency services. Therefore maintenance is happening regularly.

Furthermore, items end up as surplus when they are no longer needed, not when they no longer function. In this case, the school discovered that the Mahindra was not being driven enough to warrant keeping it.

Newark, New Jersey Residential Land

Sold Price: $901,300

Vehicles and equipment are commonplace within government surplus, but they aren’t the only things sold. The Department of Transportation in New Jersey auctioned off some residential land that encompasses approximately 8,264 square footage.

2019 Kubota M5-111

Sold Price: $33,550

A 2019 Kubota M5-111 is coming out of the Jackson Township. The seller notes that this tractor is equipped with a Terrain King deck mower system. About 889 hours have been logged and the heavy-duty vehicle is in good condition, though the mower deck does bleed out while in use.

Camouflage Tactical Vehicle

Sold Price: $42,100

In New Hampshire, a military vehicle was auctioned by the Merrimack County Maintenance. You don’t see this sort of transportation everyday, but this camouflage tactical vehicle received similar treatment to that of first responders. They all get used for very specific purposes and receive regular maintenance. That ensures continued usefulness when they get decommissioned.

Owning a vehicle like this wouldn’t do well as a commuter, but many doors open up for supporting a small business. You could use it to transport goods and personnel at places like construction sites, or use it more creatively as a prop for a movie or a paintball field.

Police Operations Vehicle

Sold Price: $10,250

This police operations vehicle is a 1998 Chevrolet P30. It was sold as is, and therefore included emergency lights and a siren. As a civilian, if you want to drive this on the road, you legally have to modify the vehicle after purchasing. That entails removing decals and other signs of prior use.

Once all of that is done, with some fine-tuning and some conversion work, this ride could be turned into a food truck or even a mobile bar.

2016 Harley Davidson Electra Glide FLHTP

Sold Price: $11,500

The Richland Police Department noted that this 2016 Harley Davidson was taken out of service during the summer of 2023 and used mostly for traffic enforcement. The tires were recently replaced and before being decommissioned, the vehicle has in working condition.

1981 Dodge Pierce Mini-Pumper

Sold Price: $7,650

Fire trucks like this 1981 Dodge Pierce Mini-Pumper may sound like a strange thing to buy, but fire trucks are quite useful for tailgating, serving as fleet vehicles, or becoming food trucks. They are built for durability, offer storage room for supplies and people, and provide plenty of electrical capability.

2010 Ford F450

Sold Price: $15,700

This 2010 Ford F450 ambulance was previously owned by a volunteer group before being auctioned. The engine, which was replaced in 2019, logged 7,000 miles, while the body accrued 126,000 miles. It was taken out of service in 2022 after being replaced with something newer.

With spacious storage areas and plenty of electrical output, ambulances make great tailgating vehicles and work trucks. One man turned his ambulance into a tailgating masterpiece, converting the stretcher into a grill, and reforming the inside into a hangout area.

1960s Motel Monument Sign

Sold Price: $220

Aside from plots of land, which sometimes make a surprise inclusion on auction sites, the same is true for signage. If you’re a collector, a movie producer, or something in between, this 1960s motel sign would have likely piqued your interest. Hennepin County in Minnesota divested themselves of this in early 2023.

M1 Golf Carts

Sold Price: $12,400

Whether for yourself or a small business, government auctions are a great place to buy in bulk. Taxi companies often do this, along with used car dealerships. Buying in bulk ensures a smaller price than buying individually, and maintenance will be the same as opposed to being different for each vehicle. The same applies to this lot of M1 golf carts. They’re popular in retirement communities and buying through a government auction is great way to get one at an affordable price and you could even sell some to your neighbors in the retirement community.

State-Specific Government Auctions

If you’re curious to see what’s been sold in your area, check out these state-specific government auctions.

Conclusion

With all this information and all of these examples, what’s keeping you from placing your first bid? There’s a wide selection of things to choose from, whether you’re trying to build your business or add to personal life. Check out what’s in your area or nearby at Municibid and start bidding today!