---
title: "Getting Started - API Documentation"
description: "Learn how to get started with the Old Cars Data API for classic car auction data."
url: "https://oldcarsdata.com/docs/getting-started"
dateModified: "2026-06-19T00:00:00.000Z"
type: "api-docs"
tags: ["API", "documentation", "getting started"]
---

# Getting Started with the Old Cars Data API

## Step 1: Create an Account

Visit [oldcarsdata.com/login](https://oldcarsdata.com/login) to create your free account.

## Step 2: Get Your API Key

After signing up, navigate to your dashboard to retrieve your API key.

## Step 3: Make Your First Request

```bash
curl "https://api.oldcarsdata.com/auctions?make=Toyota&model=Land+Cruiser&limit=10" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## API Endpoints

- [Get Auctions](/docs/auctions) - Retrieve paginated auction listings
- [Get Live Auctions](/docs/auctions-live) - List active Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and PCAR Market auctions with ending windows, source filters, and current listing data
- [Get Auction Bids](/docs/auction-bids) - Retrieve bid-by-bid history for supported Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and PCAR Market auctions where bid data is available
- [Get Stats](/docs/stats) - Get statistical information about auctions
- [Get Makes](/docs/makes) - List all available makes
- [Get Models](/docs/models) - List models for a specific make

## Rate Limits

- **Starter (Free)**: 10 queries per month
- **1k Plan**: 1,000 queries per month
- **10k Plan**: 10,000 queries per month

## Need Help?

Contact us at [support@oldcarsdata.com](mailto:support@oldcarsdata.com)