This is the second time Mecum has been through Dallas but I couldn't make the initial go around so this was my first swim through. Velocity Channel carries live streams or replays of their auctions Monday through Friday. That has made me pretty familiar with the auction house but curious as to what a live event would be like. How close could I get to the cars? Would it be too crowded to be enjoyable? Is the Dallas Convention Center parking overpriced? (Hell yes)
$240,000 1969 Camaro. A rare and much coveted Yenko version
Wednesday was reserved for a liquidation of the Hallbrook Estates collection. They had some true jewels pass through as I watched on TV. But then I thought: crap, those cars will be gone before I get there! I had planned a leisurely stroll through on Friday but decided I better haul ass down on Thursday before any more gems slipped through my fingers. And since they save the best cars for last to auction I wondered how anyone could wait until the final day to see the best bidding with so many already out the door.
$152,000 Lincoln 1938 Cabriolet
Damn I'd love a ride back there!
Fearing what I'd miss if I waited to eat plus a tad annoyed at parking that cost almost as much as a ticket, I was in a pissy mood as I made my way in. I'm hungry all over again just thinking about it.
Convention center entrance
Registration booths for sellers and buyers
Red carpet greets you first thing
But all misgivings disappeared the minute I walked through the doors. It was like a Playboy mansion of cars: which body do I lust for first?? Cars, cars and more cars as far as the eye could see, over 1,200 according to the auction website. I could hardly get my bearings. Cars to the left of me, cars to the right of me, stuck in the middle with you!
Was overwhelming when I stepped into the room
I turned right at the stage and like Dorothy I was lost in a land where I needed to explore every inch. What would I find beyond the next bend??
Best part was this was much better than any auto museum. These cars were for sale which means open access for everyone, buyers and non-buyers alike. On one hand it's kind of insane considering some idiot carrying a camera bag could stumble and scratch the paint on an impeccably restored classic costing $100,000 (luckily I didn't but I was aware of it at all times) but on the other hand it was great to see cars from someplace other than behind a rope.
Not all cars are over the top restorations, exotics or pre-war classics. Some are just great examples of recent nostalgia that can be had for under $15,000. Cars that seemed a faraway dream as a kid are not so far away now!
I really wanted this 1979 Lincon Mark V
How about this 76 Caddy for $11,500? Sold!
There were also a few oddballs as there are at any big auction. You never know who has what that's been lying around for years they suddenly want to get rid of. Barn finds, personal restoration projects, a family member dies, and something you never expected to see shows up.
Welcome to Texas! (Don't know if step ladder is included)
1970 Stutz Bearcat - owned by Sammy Davis, Jr.?
A 1942 Jeep! This is quite a find to see one that is not a replica.
Sold for $30,000. Try telling that to a soldier in WWII,
he'd never believe it!
My most pleasant surprise was finding that, yes, cars sold previously at auction were still there for the viewing. So go on any day at any time and you won't miss a thing. Just be prepared to reserve a good three hours for wandering around.
1931 Cadillac, $85,000. Sold the night before but still on display.
1977 "Bandit" Trans Am. Oh boy would I love this! East bound and down, baby! Didn't meet reserve price, high bid was $29,000.
Buy a 1988 Roll Royce for $14,500? I'm in!
I moved back towards the auction area to check out that madhouse. Bidding area was mostly full and since Mecum made a second trip here I assume Dallas must be pretty successful for them. It was also kind of cool knowing it was being shown live on TV as I walked by. Time for a streaking??
Cars are towed up front to the stage
There's Dana Mecum on the far right in blue shirt
In line to take the spotlight
A gorgeous lime green Hemi Cuda! Video of its sale is at the bottom
The noise and lights are nonstop the whole time, like a circus. There's certainly more than a little psychology to induce that buying feeling. And while cars are mostly towed up front, those with a more glorious engine are started up briefly at the stage to rev up the crowd. I know when I heard one of them fire up I certainly wanted to rush up there to check it out.
Car drives out the door after a no sale
I decided to look over the red carpet vehicles knowing they were a primo lot.
2005 Porsche GT. No sale on a $300,000 bid
(He should have taken it. Used exotics depreciate rapidly)
This 1961 Corvette race car really popped! A $1,100,000 no sale
This 1956 Packard was another stunning restoration. Some cars simply jump out at you and this is one of them.
Not seeing any Maseratis on the docket I decided to go on a Ferrari hunt. I'd heard a few different models could be had relatively cheaply. (Of course, that's not counting the $1,100 tune ups they require)
This 1994 Ferrari 348 Spider is considered undervalued by many.
First year of the unibody chassis but it gets overlooked by its
flashier siblings. Sold for $46,000.
A delicious 1983 Ferrari 512 Boxer. A no sale at $72,000.
Sweet!
1980 Ferrari 308, Magnum's car! A no sale at $24,000 (which really is too low but shows how some older exotics can attract little attention)
As always at any Mecum auction, there's plenty of Fifties bulging sheet metal that provided for an excess never seen before or will be again. One thing I love about auto styling is that it reflects the mood and temperament of the times. The Fifties were a time of extreme confidence as we rode the fortunate legacy of WWII. That legacy has all been pissed away now.
1959 Pontiac Bonneville - $85,000
1955 Buick - $65,000
An outstanding restoration of a 1957 Bel Air
Like sitting in a Fifties diner
Vette, Vette, Vette
Takes a college course to know the value or rarity of each model. Top selling car at the auction was a 1967 Vette for $285,000. But then another 67 Vette comes along and it sells for $55,000. Go figure.
1962 Corvette Resto Mod. Some cars are restored but with heavy modifications like this example. This more often happens with your Chevy Novas and Impalas who are good candidates to be souped up. This one was a doozy, which it should be for a classic Vette. A no sale at $250,000.
A legendary 1970 Plymouth Superbird. Sold for $95,000.
1969 Pontiac GTO "Judge". Most times when you see that Judge badge it's a replica but this was the real deal and is a highly coveted version. Sold for $185,000.
This boy was toast after three hours of lusting and wandering. Next time I'll be more prepared, know better how to focus in on dashes and be far more relaxed. The crowd was sparse too. I highly, highly recommend anyone going who is a car enthusiast. There's something there for everyone and I obviously only covered a fraction here. Come on back, Mecum, I'll be waiting!
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