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Million Dollar Muscle Cars At Mecum’s 26th Spring Classic In Indy
Record-Setting Mustangs Top All Sales at Largest Muscle Car Auction in the World
Walworth, WI – “Go Baby Go” was the buzz phrase of the week and the talk of the town in Indianapolis during Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic, May 14-19, 2013 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds as eyes from around the globe converged on Indy to take part in the largest muscle car auction in the world. The crowds were electric from start to finish and top sellers proved that million dollar American muscle cars are truly alive and well.
Six days and seventy-five hours of auction action saw a total of 2,350 lots cross the block including Road Art and racing memorabilia from the Grumpy Jenkins estate with total sales for the event reaching $49.2 million. 1,706 vehicles were offered of which 1,142 went to new homes achieving a 67% sell-through rate for the weeklong event. Top Sale honors go to legendary one-of-one Shelby Mustang supercar, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake (Lot F203) selling for a record-setting hammer price of $1.3 million. The most powerful Shelby GT500 ever produced now adds “most valuable Mustang” to its long list of rich history and accolades.
Those in attendance on Saturday May 18, witnessed one of the most energized crowds in the history of Mecum Auctions as the 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Hero Car (Lot S135) used in Touchstone Pictures’ “Gone in 60 Seconds” took center stage amongst a standing room only crowd. In addition to the 32 hours of live broadcast, Velocity and Discovery Channel featured a live simulcast for a full hour to cover the much-anticipated sale. As expected, the car received intense bidding from start to finish until the car finally exchanged hands at an astonishing $1,000,000.
The complete top 10 sales for Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction include (all individual sales reflect hammer prices):
1. 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake (Lot F203) at $1,300,000
2. 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor (Lot S135) at $1,000,000
3. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427/400 HP (Lot F197) at $610,000
4. 1965 Mercury Comet 427 SOHC A/FX Super Cyclone (Lot S154) at $410,000
5. 1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster CSX7049 (Lot S139) at $320,000
6. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot F227) at $255,000
7. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster (Lot S150.1) at $250,000
8. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe (Lot F199) at $240,000
9. 1957 Ford Thunderbird Phase I D/F (Lot F225.1) at $230,000
10. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S225.1) at $225,000
For access to complete auction results and other member benefits, sign up for the free InfoNet service offered at www.mecum.com.
Mecum’s next auction is just around the corner. The Bloomington Gold all Corvette auction will be held June 29 at the new location of the University of Illinois Assembly Hall Grounds in Champaign, IL. To consign a vehicle or to pre-register to bid at one of Mecum Auctions’ upcoming events, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.
About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 26 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
Source: Mecum Auctions
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Auctions America’s Auburn Fall Weekend Offers Outstanding Collection of Mr. Edward Ewing At No Reserve
· Auctions America’s Auburn Fall weekend to offer the noted collection of Mr. Edward Ewing at no reserve
· A Labor Day weekend tradition, sale held annually during the world-famous Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival
· Additional early highlights include select automobiles from several respected private collections
· Frequently updated list of entries available online at auctionsamerica.com
AUBURN, Indiana – Auctions America is delighted to announce the presentation of the outstanding collection of Mr. Edward Ewing at its highly anticipated Auburn Fall weekend, August 29 – September 1 at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana. A Labor Day weekend tradition among collector car enthusiasts, the event is one of the country’s premier celebrations of the hobby and after 43 consecutive years, is the longest running event in collector car auction history.
A noted Indiana automobile enthusiast and passionate collector, Mr. Ewing’s collection represents numerous incredible examples of a wide range of marques, many of which are considered the best of the very best. With over 100 cars offered at no reserve, the diversity of the selection reflects Mr. Ewing’s collecting philosophy as many of the vehicles represent periods of excitement in the Indiana native’s past. Highlighting the extensive collection is a previously restored 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X Five-passenger Sedan with coachwork by Fleetwood. Magical and mysterious, the Madame X sobriquet is applied to just four V-16 body styles, which appear in a number of variations. Their distinguishing characteristic is an 18-degree sloped windshield. Often described as a “Hollywood flavor,” it applies to this example, which was delivered to its first owner by Don Lee Cadillac of Los Angeles, the dealer to the stars.
Also on offer from the Ewing Collection is a 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback, one of the last examples completed at the Shelby American plant at the Los Angeles International Airport, and one of the first built with the 428 Police Interceptor engine. Rounding out the collection is a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible, fully-equipped with air conditioning, cruise control and a parade boot; along with a beautifully restored 1937 Lincoln Model K Berline with beautiful and unique coachwork by Judkins. Originally ordered by the Rockefeller family, the car boasts such unusual features as dual radios, compartment intercom, hidden jump seats and an umbrella fitted into the front seat. Each of the vehicles in the collection is presented in excellent driving condition and will be offered as a single owner segment during Auburn Fall’s premier Saturday offering.
“Auctions America is honored that Mr. Ewing has entrusted us to offer his exceptional and eclectic collection,” says Donnie Gould, president, Auctions America. “Our Auburn Fall sale in the classic car capital of America provides the perfect setting to present a collection that represents such a long list of important moments in automotive history.”
Further illustrating Auctions America’s reputation as an auction house of choice for the sale of private and estate collections, Auburn Fall’s Saturday session will also lift the gavel on two American classics from the respected collection of Ross McEachran. Crossing the block is a highly desirable 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe, J-331, benefitting from a high caliber, award-winning restoration, along with a beautiful 1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan, J-139, also with coachwork by Murphy and one of only two sporting examples in existence. Also on offer is a 1935 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton with coachwork in the style of LaGrande offered from the Jerry Shaw Collection.
Additional early highlights for Auburn Fall include a selection of 17 automobiles from the distinguished collection of Richard and Linda Kughn, among them a 1928 Pierce-Arrow Model 81 Roadster, a 1933 Packard Twelve Sport Phaeton, and a 1956 Lincoln Premier Convertible.
Along with the approximately 1,500 classics, exotics, hot rods, muscles cars, select memorabilia and more slated for the auction block, the Auburn Fall collector car weekend, held in conjunction with the famous Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, will feature an exciting range of other automotive-themed activities designed to celebrate the hobby. A complete event program will be available online this summer at auctionsamerica.com.
Auctions America is currently inviting consignments for the Auburn Fall auction. For further information, to view a frequently updated list of entries or to discuss consignment opportunities, please contact an Auctions America car specialist toll free at 877-906-2437 (or +1 260-927-9797 outside of North America) or visit auctionsamerica.com.
About Auctions America
Formed in July 2010, Auctions America specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs. Headquartered at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, Auctions America boasts an expert team of full-time vehicle specialists, who offer over 140 years of combined experience buying, selling, racing and restoring collector vehicles, making them uniquely qualified to advise on all aspects of the hobby. To learn more about Auctions America, visit www.auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.
Photo Caption: Mr. Edward Ewing and his collection (Photo Credit Darin Schnabel © 2013 Courtesy of Auctions America)
Media Contacts:
Meghan McGrail – mmcgrail@auctionsamerica.com or 519-437-3061
Beth Ridenour – bridenour@tprm.com or 407-474-6698
Source: Auctions America
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Aston Martin’s Radical CC100 Speedster Concept Breaks Cover
Aston Martin is celebrating its centenary in world-class style with the debut today (19 May) of the exceptional CC100 Speedster Concept.
Created as a stunning celebration of the great British brand’s 100 years of sports car excellence the one-off CC100 looks both to the past and the DBR1 – Aston Martin’s greatest sporting triumph on the track – and to the future with its teasing glimpses of potential future design direction.
The 6.0-litre V12-powered concept car today makes its world debut by completing a lap of the famous Nordschleife at Germany’s ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring race. It is lapping the circuit together with the 1000km race-winning 1959 DBR1 with British racing legend Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel. It is the most tangible expression yet of the brand’s year-long 2013 centenary celebrations.
Viewed by tens of thousands of lucky spectators in Germany, the radical speedster is being driven today by Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. He said: “CC100 is the epitome of everything that is great about Aston Martin. It represents our fantastic sporting heritage, our exceptional design capability, our superb engineering know-how and, above all, our adventurous spirit!
“I have nicknamed it ‘DBR100’ because of its affinity to the great 1959 race-winning cars and, of course, our 100-year anniversary in 2013.
“But this car is more, even, than a simple ‘birthday present’ to ourselves: it shows that the soul of Aston Martin – the thing that differentiates us from all the other car makers out there – is as powerful as ever and I very much hope that everyone who catches a glimpse of it at the Nürburgring today enjoys seeing it.”
Designed and constructed in fewer than six months at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, working with key supplier Multimatic Inc, under the leadership of Special Projects and Motorsport Director David King, the finished look of the two-seater CC100 is the work of Design Director Marek Reichman working alongside the brand’s Chief Exterior Designer Miles Nurnberger.
Miles explained: “The brief was very simple, yet enormously testing: create something that reflects the 100 years of Aston Martin heritage and signals the future of the brand.
“The idea of an iconic speedster concept that nods to the Le Mans- and Nürburgring-winning cars of 1959 soon came, and we have had complete freedom to shape this car.”
Marek Reichman said: “I’m extremely proud of the entire team at Gaydon for creating this remarkable sports car concept in such a short time.
“The need to create a truly fitting tribute to 100 years of the Aston Martin brand has brought out the creativity and talent that makes Aston Martin such an exceptional luxury sports car maker.”
Measuring almost four and a half metres nose to tail, and more than two metres wide (including mirrors) the Speedster Concept body is a classic example of the almost infinitely flexible nature of Aston Martin’s trademark Vertical Horizontal engineering philosophy.
With a body and interior crafted from carbon fibre, tooled and provided by low volume specialists Multimatic, the CC100 utilises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine mated to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission. Controlled via steering column-mounted paddle shifts the lightweight ‘box delivers truly sporting changes perfectly suited to the Speedster’s track-focused nature.
The drivetrain will power the CC100 from rest to 62 mph in a little over four seconds, while the top speed is limited to 180 mph.
Dr Bez added: “The future of Aston Martin is, very clearly, more exciting now than perhaps at any time in its history and I’m looking forward to seeing the excitement and anticipation that CC100 creates among Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts worldwide.”
Source: Aston Martin
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Auctions America’s Highly Successful Auburn Spring Weekend Attracts Global Interest
· Auctions America generates more than $5.7 million in sales at annual Auburn Spring event, May 9 – 11
· Top-seller: 1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton realizes $198,000
· Auction attracts interest from global audience with one-third of bidders representing new clientele
· Inaugural AACA Central Division National Spring Meet a resounding success
· Auctions America continues its 2013 auction calendar, August 1 – 3 in Burbank, California
AUBURN, Indiana – Auctions America continued its 2013 season this past weekend with its annual Auburn Spring collector car weekend at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana. The highly successful auction, which included automobiles, motorcycles and memorabilia, generated more than $5.7 million* in total sales with over 77 percent of all lots sold. Bringing together the collector car community to celebrate all things automotive, bidders hailed from seven countries around the world and 38 states across the U.S., with nearly one-third of participants representing new clientele.
Following a spirited round of bidding, top sale honors at the Auburn Spring event went to an AACA National First Prize winning 1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton, beautifully presented in black with green leather interior and a black convertible top. Fitted with the desirable “Super 8” engine and benefitting from a well-preserved, first-rate restoration, the Packard achieved a strong $198,000 to applause from the crowd. A stunning 1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster also attracted enthusiastic bidding, realizing $159,500, while a fully-equipped 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback took third spot, garnering $121,000.
The highly anticipated selection of automobiles from the distinguished estate collection of John Soneff also sold well to a lively Saturday crowd. The top sale of the collection went to a resplendent black 1950 Hudson Commodore 8 Convertible Brougham for $112,200.
The Auburn Spring weekend also offered a number of attractions to suit any collector car enthusiast. Along with the swap meet and car corral presented exclusively by Carlisle Events, visitors to the Auction Park were thrilled with the chance to meet Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery’s hit TV show, Fast N’ Loud during two Saturday autograph sessions. The weekend was also host to the inaugural Antique Automobile Club of America Central Division National Spring Meet, which proved to be an exciting new attraction for AACA members and attendees alike.
“Thanks to a great team effort by the staff of Auctions America and AACA, our inaugural Central Division Spring Meet was a resounding success! We had almost 250 cars registered, 400 well-fed people at our banquet, and numerous empty wallets from attending the auction (and a few fat ones from selling)!” said Steve Moskowitz, Executive Director, AACA following the event. “The reaction from our members and the public alike was astounding. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Auctions America and a continued presence at Auburn, and extend our sincere thanks to both the Auctions America team and naturally, to all our volunteers.”
“We could not have been happier with the turn out of the AACA’s inaugural meet at Auburn Spring,” adds Donnie Gould, president, Auctions America. “The impressive showing, along with very strong interest from bidders both nationally and abroad certainly took us one big step further in putting Auburn back on the map as the classic car capital of America. We look forward to welcoming clients back to the Auburn Auction Park for our annual flagship event, the Auburn Fall collector car weekend, August 29 – September 1.”
Auctions America’s Auburn Spring Top 5 sales:
Lot 501 –
1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton
$198,000
Lot 540 –
1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster
$159,500
Lot 557 –
1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback
$121,000
Lot 524 –
1950 Hudson Commodore 8 Convertible Brougham
$112,200
Lot 500 –
1955 Chrysler 300
$107,250
Auctions America continues its busy 2013 season with its debut California sale, August 1 – 3, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank, California. The multi-day collector car auction is expected to feature more than 400 quality collector cars, including a diverse assortment of European and American classics and sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, and customs.
Auctions America will welcome the collector car community back to the Auburn Auction Park for the annual Auburn Fall weekend, August 29 – September 1. A Labor Day weekend tradition, the multi-day event is one of the country’s premier celebrations of the collector car hobby and the longest running event in collector car auction history.
Complete results from Auctions America’s Auburn Spring sale, along with further information on upcoming events, is available online at auctionsamerica.com.
*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of a 10 percent buyer’s premium for all vehicles and a 15 percent buyer’s premium for all motorcycles and memorabilia.
About Auctions America
Formed in July 2010, Auctions America specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs. Headquartered at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, Auctions America boasts an expert team of full-time vehicle specialists, who offer over 140 years of combined experience buying, selling, racing and restoring collector vehicles, making them uniquely qualified to advise on all aspects of the hobby. To learn more about Auctions America, visit auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.
Photo Caption:
1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton (Photo Credit Andrew Smith © 2013 Courtesy of Auctions America)
Media:
Meghan McGrail – mmcgrail@auctionsamerica.com or +1 519 437 3061
Beth Ridenour – bridenour@tprm.com or +1 407 474 6698
Source: Auctions America
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Stephen Cox: Short Track – Five Minutes with Hoosier Hundred Promoter Bob Sargent
The 60th running of the most prestigious dirt track race in the world is slated for Thursday, May 23rd at the Indiana State Fairgrounds where the USAC Silver Crown cars will compete in the 2013 Hoosier Hundred.
Yup, I am openly promoting this race and nope, they don’t pay me. I grew up attending the Hoosier Hundred with the greatest man I ever knew – my Dad – in the 70′s and 80′s, back when it was a September event. It was among our favorite events each summer.
I remember sitting in the stands and watching Larry Rice, who would later to become a good friend and TV colleague, try to chase down Jack Hewitt in the final laps of the 1986 race. I still have the ticket stub. We saw some great races at the Indy Mile each year. Yeah, I pretty much love this race.
So yesterday I called up Bob Sargent, president of Track Enterprises, and asked him a few questions that I thought might interest my fellow open wheel fans. Here they are:
SC: What’s up with the date change? You held the race on the Friday before the Indy 500 for several years.
BS: We thought with Carburetion Day being on Thursday years ago, that Friday worked perfect for us. And now they’ve moved it to Friday and we had to make some adjustments. We felt that Thursday night would be a good night for the fans and for people from the speedway.
SC: You guys (at Track Enterprises) have worked pretty hard to build this race back up after it fell on hard times. How’s it going?
BS: It’s still on the way up to being recognized as a national event and to being well-attended. Obviously the tradition is huge here. This is our 60-year anniversary for this event and USAC is doing a much better job promoting the race and the Silver Crown cars. We’ve even got a little NASCAR flavor with Ken Schrader coming to race the modifieds, so we feel we’re definitely going the right direction.
SC: Why the low car count last year? The Silver Crown fields just weren’t that big.
BS: (USAC) tried a different kind of fuel last year and some of the car owners just didn’t want to run it, so they were a little low on car count. It seems they’ve got some new and young car owners and drivers now and we’re going the right direction to build this car count back to where it was back in the day.
SC: If you were going to offer people just one good reason to attend this year’s Hoosier Hundred, what would it be?
BS: There aren’t a lot of different types of cars that can race on a dirt mile. Silver Crown cars fit the Indianapolis Mile just perfect… it’s the excitement and the history combined with drivers like A. J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and on and on racing these kinds of cars. We have a beautiful facility at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and a one mile dirt oval. This is very unique. We can watch asphalt races go round and round every Sunday but these dirt miles are very historic and there aren’t very many in the country left.
I hung up the phone thinking about Bob’s last comment. The Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is as close as you will ever get to a motorsports time machine.
This is the track where racing legend Barney Oldfield pushed an automobile past the 60-mph barrier for the first time in June 1903, and everything remains the same today. The grandstands are nearly identical in construction and on precisely the same spot. The start/finish line and flag stand are within inches of their original positions. The track surface hasn’t changed by an inch.
The Hoosier Hundred was first held at the fairgrounds in 1953. It was won by Bob Sweikert, who would seal his legacy by winning the Indy 500 in 1955.
Johnny Parsons set a track record at over 108 mph at the fairgrounds in the summer of 1975, just two years after 17-time national champion Mert Lawwill set a motorcycle speed record here.
Parsons’ 108-mph record was smashed in 1989 by the incomparable Rich Vogler.
Look… the history of this event and this racetrack would chew up ten more articles. Just do yourself a favor and be there on May 23rd.
I’ll be sitting in Turn One with my Dad.
Stephen Cox
Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions
#20 Boschett Timepieces/Ed & Co. Racing Supplies ARCA Truck
Co-host, Mecum Auto Auctions
Read Stephen’s book on the Can Am Champion L&M Porsche 917 – free online
http://www.facebook.com/SopwithMotorsports
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http://www.youtube.com/SopwithMotorsports
Photo Credit: Sopwith Motorsports
Source: Global Media/Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions
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