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Mecum Kicks Off Spring With $25 Million Auction In Houston
Walworth, Wis. – It was not a quiet weekend for Houston’s Reliant Center as Mecum Auctions brought the sounds of revving engines and falling hammers echoing through the venue packed with collector vehicles and car enthusiasts from across the nation. The three-day auction held April 4-6 saw 1,034 cars cross the block and nearly 200 pieces of Road Art and memorabilia. With a sell-through rate of 72 percent, auction sales reached a $25,062,931 total.
The cars were the stars filling the Reliant Center to capacity with an incredible “something for everyone” mix of muscle cars, classics, hot rods and more. Discovery’s Velocity Network broadcast the auction action live all three days as a total of 740 cars exchanged hands.
Hammering at $220,000 and garnering the top sale was a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S134) with its original drivetrain and interior. The local-to-Texas restoration is a low-mile and extensively documented example of its breed, one of only 499 built and a one-owner vehicle for the past 20 years – all coveted features that helped drive the desirability of this already revered muscle car. Bringing a $185,000 sale and grabbing the second seat on the top 10 sales list was an extremely rare-production Cadillac, a 1931 V-12 Roadster (Lot S159.1) complete with accessory trunk and rumble seat complementing its distinguished vintage flair.
The complete top 10 sales for Mecum’s second annual Houston auction include (all sales reflect hammer prices):
1. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S134) at $220,000
2. 1931 Cadillac V-12 Roadster (Lot S159.1) at $185,000
3. 1954 Buick Skylark (Lot S130) at $140,000
4. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod (Lot S227) at $135,000
5. 2009 Dodge Challenger (Lot S258) at $130,000
6. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (Lot F190) at $125,000
7. 1972 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS (Lot S254) at $125,000
8. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe (Lot F233) at $122,000
9. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot F203) at $107,500
10. 1970 Plymouth Superbird (Lot S251) at $107,000
For access to complete auction results and other member benefits, sign up for the free InfoNet service offered at www.Mecum.com.
Not only was Houston a marked success, but Mecum proved once again that two auctions in one weekend isn’t too much for the world leader in collector car and Road Art sales. As more than 1,000 cars crossed the block in Houston, nearly 200 tractors simultaneously went under the hammer at the Spring Gone Farmin’ Vintage Tractor Auction in Davenport, Iowa, April 5-6 achieving an astonishing 98 percent sell-through rate. Full results for the tractor auction are also available via the Mecum InfoNet.
The gavel never rests for long in Mecum hands and in just weeks the next event will be held in Kansas City, Mo., April 25-27 followed by Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic this May 14-19 in Indianapolis. 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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Photos: 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS
High-performance aerodynamics highlight changes for 2014 Camaro
The 2014 Camaro represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept car in 2006.
“The 2014 Camaro is our opportunity to apply what we have learned listening to our customers, and our continuing development of high-performance models,” said Tom Peters, Camaro exterior design director. “We look for solutions that are both functional and beautiful so that the result is genuine Chevrolet – simple, powerful, honest, and more than expected.”
Source: Chevrolet
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Auctions America Readies for Highly Anticipated Spring Carlisle Collector Car Weekend
· Auctions America returns to Carlisle, Pennsylvania for its annual Spring Carlisle sale, April 25-26
· Two-day sale lifts the gavel on a diverse roster of approximately 300 quality collector cars
· Notable highlights include a rare 1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” Fuel-Injected Roadster, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS5 Convertible and a 1999 Bentley Azure Convertible
· Sale held during Carlisle Events’ highly anticipated Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Corral weekend, April 24-28
AUBURN, Indiana – Auctions America is excited to return to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for its third annual Spring Carlisle auction, April 25-26, 2013. Building on the event’s strong track record, the two-day sale will feature approximately 300 quality automobiles, including a diverse range of American classics, muscle cars, customs and hot rods to satisfy any enthusiast’s appetite.
As fantastic lots cross the Auctions America block at the Carlisle Expo Center, hobbyists can also enjoy the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral weekend, April 24-28. Presented by Carlisle Events, the weekend features one of the world’s largest automotive swap meets and car corrals, providing the ideal meeting place for the collector car community and a fun-filled event for the entire family.
“The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral is a staple of the collector car calendar and a long-running tradition for motoring enthusiasts. We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Carlisle Events as we kick off our busy spring events calendar and work to deliver yet another memorable collector car weekend,” says Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America.
Leading sale highlights for the Spring Carlisle auction is a rare, first generation 1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” Fuel-Injected Roadster. One of only 142 produced, and quite possibly the only example finished in the desirable Tuxedo Black with Red interior trim, this Vette boasts a professional, no-expense-spared, body-off restoration by marque specialists. Equipped with a 283-cid, 290-hp fuel-injected V-8 engine, T10 four-speed manual transmission and a Posi-traction rear axle, the car was built with performance in mind. Bloomington Gold certified, it is well-documented with judging sheets and boasts a complete owner history dating back to its original delivery on March 3, 1959.
Additional notable entries set for Auctions America’s Carlisle auction stage include a 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible with one-year-only styling, fitted with a 348-cid V-8 engine, tri-power carburetion and power glide transmission, and featuring a power top, power steering and a tri-color interior; an all-American 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS5 Convertible striking in Cranberry Red with black stripes and a black interior, and equipped with a four-speed transmission, factory A/C, bucket seats and console, and a power top; a 1999 Bentley Azure Convertible just two owners and 36,000 miles from new; and two custom-built motorcycles based on fighter planes made famous during World War II’s Battle of Britain and owned by G. Gordon Liddy.
A limited number of consignment opportunities for the Spring Carlisle auction are available. For further information, to view a frequently updated list of offerings or to discuss consignment opportunities, please contact an Auctions America specialist toll free at 877-906-2437 (or +1 260-927-9797 outside of North America) or visit auctionsamerica.com.
EVENT DETAILS – AUCTIONS AMERICA SPRING CARLISLE
Sale dates: April 25-26, 2013; auction commences at 3 p.m. daily
Preview dates: April 25-26, 2013; preview runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Location: Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 17013
Admission: A $10 day pass to the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Corral also admits one person to the auction
For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live at auctionsamerica.com to provide real-time coverage of the event.
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.
About Carlisle Events
Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of 17 annual collector car, truck, motorcycle and outdoor-themed events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Bloomsburg Fairgrounds (Bloomsburg, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), Auburn Auction Park (Auburn, IN) and Festival Park (Zephyrhills, FL). The season schedule hosts a sports and outdoors event, seven automotive swap meets of varying size, six auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, imports and kit cars and tuner and modern customs. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract more than a half a million enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available via www.CarlisleEvents.com and www.CarlisleAuctions.com.
Photo Caption:
1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” Fuel-Injected Roadster (Photo Credit © 2013 Courtesy of Auctions America)
Media Contact:
Meghan McGrail – mmcgrail@auctionsamerica.com or 519-437-3061
Beth Ridenour – bridenour@tprm.com or 407-474-6698
For further information on the Spring Carlisle swap meet and car corral presented by Carlisle Events, please contact:
Michael Garland – michaelg@carlisleevents.com or 717-243-7855 ext. 133
Source: Auctions America
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Hot Wheels Chevrolet Camaros Rolling Around Indy As 500 Festival Cars
INDIANAPOLIS - The 33 directors of the 500 Festival received their Indianapolis 500 Chevrolet Camaros in a ceremony Wednesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a longtime tradition leading into the Month of May and “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The “Festival cars” have reminded Indianapolis-area residents of the upcoming Indianapolis 500 since the 1960s, and this year’s unique cars will capture more attention and start more conversation than usual as they are driven around Central Indiana.
Each of the 500 Festival cars this year is a special Camaro Hot Wheels® Edition convertible, which will arrive at Chevrolet dealerships this spring after a limited, one-time production run. It’s the first time a full-size, production Hot Wheels car has been offered for sale by any manufacturer.
The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition echoes the cues that Hot Wheels enthusiasts recognize, including a vibrant, graphics-accented metallic paint scheme and even the red-lined wheels. The result is instantly recognizable as a Hot Wheels.
Photos:
Available in coupe and convertible models and in 2LT (V-6) and 2SS (V-8) trims, the Camaro Hot Wheels Edition cars feature Hot Wheels grille and decklid logos and Hot Wheels Edition sill plates among its exterior and interior styling.
SS models feature a 6.2L V-8, which is offered in two iterations: the “L99″ on automatic-equipped vehicles and the “LS3″ on manual-equipped models. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) – and it features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm) of torque.
LT-based models feature the “LFX” 3.6L V-6 engine, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and direct injection. It’s rated at 323 horsepower at 6,800 rpm.
A dual-mode exhaust system is available on SS models with the six-speed manual transmission, as well as LT models with either the manual or automatic transmission. Similar to the systems found on the Camaro ZL1, the vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound during hard acceleration.
The original Custom Camaro 1:64-scale toy from 1968 was one of the original 16 Hot Wheels issued and remains one of the most valuable Hot Wheels toys among collectors.
A Chevrolet Volt also was presented to Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard during the ceremony.
The 97th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 26. Opening Day is Saturday, May 11.
2013 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26 at IMS.
Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.
Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.
Media Contacts:
J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, (317) 492-6412 or (317) 750-9277, dboles@brickyard.com
Tom Surber, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, (317) 492-6594, tsurber@brickyard.com
Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
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Eleanor Of “Gone in 60 Seconds” Will Cross The Block At Mecum’s Indy Auction
The Opportunity to Own the Original Movie Hero Car is this May 18 in Indianapolis
Walworth, Wis. – A true movie star will make its way down Mecum’s signature red carpet this May in Indianapolis. Known by most simply as “Eleanor,” the modified 1967 Ford Mustang from Touchstone Pictures’ “Gone in 60 Seconds” will cross the block as Lot S135 at Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction this May 14-19.
This collector car icon piloted in the movie by retired master car thief Memphis Raines, played by Nicholas Cage, is the real McCoy. Several cars were built to handle various duties in the filming of “Gone,” but this is serial number 7R02C179710, the “Hero” car driven by Cage during filming and the model used in movie close-ups, posters and promotional materials.
Built by Cinema Vehicle Services with the help of master designer Chip Foose, the body pieces of Eleanor were mocked up on a Mustang using clay and wood. Molds were then made to produce a new fiberglass front end filled with high-powered PIAA driving lights, new fender flares, side skirts and scoops, hood and trunk lid. To give the car big-screen performance, it was treated to a 351/400 HP Ford crate engine, which shares room with a front subframe body brace by Total Control Products, LLC. This progenitor of the Eleanor revolution is relatively untouched inside with the exception of an Autometer Sport Comp Monster tach, fire extinguisher, Go-Baby-Go shift knob button for Line Lock and a switch for activating a nitrous injection system.
“Eleanor has become one of the most widely recognized movie star muscle cars in the world, so when the decision was made to offer the ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ Hero car for sale, Mecum’s Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis seemed like the perfect venue,” commented Ray Claridge, owner of Cinema Vehicle Services. Set to be offered directly from the builder on Saturday, May 18 at the original, best and largest muscle car auction, this is truly the car that started it all.
Thirty-two hours of the Indianapolis auction will be broadcast live on Discovery’s Velocity Network with the entire auction streaming live on Mecum’s website at www.mecum.com. Mecum’s Indy auction is open to buyers, sellers and spectators. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day and general admission can be purchased at the door for $20 per person; children 12 and younger will be admitted at no cost. For more information on the auction or to register as a bidder, 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.
Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Admission:
$20 per person per day, children 12 and younger admitted free
Preview:
Gates open daily at 8 a.m.
Auction:
Vehicles start at 10 a.m. each day with Road Art 30 minutes prior
Live TV Schedule:
Wednesday-Saturday 1-9 p.m. (All Times Central)
Source: Mecum Auctions
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