SEPTEMBER 2010
Special Events
Exciting Offerings Emerge for Upcoming Auctions
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A L L O F F E R E D AT
NO RESERVE
The World's Greatest Chevrolet Collector
NOVEMBER 5-6
Bob McDorman Chevrolet Canal Winchester, OH (near Columbus)
Bob McDorman offers the heart of his Collection, the final 150 Cars Pre-Register to Bid Including the World’s Most Complete Corvette Collection today to receive the Hundreds of Collectibles, Signs, Neons and Parts McDorman Collection
catalog. (A $25 value)
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Car Auction News SEPTEMBER 2010 Collector from MECUM AUCTIONS
CONTACT
MECUM AUCTION?
Via Mail, E-mail, Phone or Fax: Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers 950 Greenlee Street Marengo, Illinois 60152 Website: www.MECUM.com Office: (815) 568-8888 Fax: (815) 568-6615 E-mail: info@mecum.com
SELL A VEHICLE
AT A MECUM AUCTION?
Download a “Request for Position” form today. Visit www.MECUM.com. Click on the Seller info tab at the top of the home page to download all forms. Print out and fax completed forms to 815-568-6615. Be sure to fill out separate forms for each vehicle when requesting positions.
BUY A VEHICLE
AT A MECUM AUCTION?
Mecum provides three ways to become a registered bidder and purchase vehicles at our auctions. In addition to conventional onsite bidding (recommended), we also offer absentee services to bid online or via the telephone. For complete bidder registration information, visit www.MECUM.com, click on the Bidder info tab at the top of the home page. For any questions contact the bidder department at 815-568-8888.
Mecum Auctions has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for over 23 years, and has become America’s largest Collector Car Auction Company offering nearly 5,000 vehicles per year. With auctions spanning coast to coast, Mecum is able to provide the utmost in customer service while giving both buyers and sellers the greatest of options.
Copyright © 2010 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved.
DANA SAYS Greetings from “Special Event” headquarters! In the course of the next 8 weeks, Mecum will host three (3) incredible Special Event Auctions, none of which were even on our calendar at the beginning of 2010. Mecum Auction continues to make its mark in the classic boat industry by offering the Warner Collection, an eclectic mix of more than 100 vintage wooden boats built from 1909 to 1996, along with an additional 150 vintage engines, collectible accessories, and hard to find parts. This auction is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for hobbyists to find rare boats ranging from several hundred dollars to more than $1M and for restorers to secure original parts for their projects. The Warner Collection Vintage Boat Auction will take place October 15-16 in Winsted, MN, and will be sold at no reserve. Two weeks later, Mecum will offer the 1964, 63’ Motor Yacht “Elegante” for auction during the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 30. A one of a kind creation of the Whiticar company, the “Elegante” was commissioned by multimillionaire John Hay Whitney. Returning to classic automobiles, Mecum Auction will host the Bob McDorman Special Event on November 5-6 at Canal Winchester, OH. This spectacular event will feature 150 cars, including the world’s most complete Corvette collection, Neon Sign, Memorabilia, and Vintage Parts … all at NO RESERVE! Next month we’ll provide a further recap of recent events. Until then, we look forward to seeing you in MN, FL, and OH!
AUGUST 13-14
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa Monterey, CA
RESULTS
Year 2 Brings DOUBLE the MONEY Mecum Auctions returned to Monterey for a successful second annual auction at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course, where the top sale was a rare ex-DeLorenzo 1967 Corvette L88 Roadster - one of only 20 produced and the earliest RPO-ordered L88 known to exist - that sold on the block for $1,250,000. With a high-quality inventory of remarkable collector cars, Mecum’s Monterey Auction had total gross sales (excluding buyer’s premium) reach over $15.4 million. “While last year’s event was monumental because
of our record-breaking $7.25 million sale of the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe, this year’s event was hugely successful in its own right. In fact, if you take the Shelby out of the equation, we more than doubled our sales over last year,” said President Dana Mecum. “As Monterey’s only free, open-to-the-public auction, we have truly carved our own market niche. With growing brand awareness, Mecum in its sophomore year has established itself as a primary destination on the peninsula and has built a very firm cornerstone upon which to have a long-term event in Monterey.”
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MONTEREY TOP 10 SALES S111.1
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(hammer prices)
1. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible (Lot S125) at $1,250,000 2. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta (Lot S111.1) at $1,250,000 3. 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder (Lot S122) at $1,050,000 4. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster (Lot S120) at $650,000 5. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 Convertible (lot S118) at $440,000 6. 1965 Shelby GT350 Drag Unit (Lot S106) at $350,000 7. 1922 Hacker Gentlemans Race Boat (Lot S130) at $320,000 8. 1940 Chris-Craft Racing Runabout (Lot S127) at $291,500 9. 1965 Riva Aquarama (Lot S128) at $290,000 10. 1929 Hacker Craft Deluxe Runabout (Lot S129) at $225,000
All 5 Vintage Wooden Boats consigned at Monterey SOLD!
Complete Monterey Auction results are available to Mecum InfoNet members, which is free to join at www.Mecum.com. M
MECUM101 The Early (Good-Looking) Bird... As the familiar, old saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm.” This well used idiom infers that the person who arrives early will be successful, and it actually has a direct application to consigning automobiles for auction! When you consign your classic car for sale at Mecum, it enters the “on ramp” to pre-auction marketing activities. These marketing activities may include, but are not limited to presentation online on the Mecum website with description and photos, inclusion in event flyers, brochures and catalogs, plus magazine and television advertising. Our studies have shown that Mecum customers who submit their consignments 60 or more days prior to an auction have a significantly higher sell through rate than those who act later and end up submitting
Quality photography combined with an early consignment are the ingredients that can produce increased visibility of your offered vehicle and greater results on the auction block.
their consignments less than 60 days prior. Throughout the year, the Mecum Auction website receives millions of visits! Qualified buyers use the Mecum website to “shop” for their next purchase, and having your car on the website well in advance of the auction event increases your chances of bringing the best possible price. And, the better the photography is that you submit can also play in your favor. In choosing a vehicle to be featured in a promotional piece such as a brochure or magazine ad, the more professional appearing photos are used instead of lesser quality images that do nothing to enhance the perception of the vehicle or the event. So… plan ahead and get your consignment(s) for a particular auction in early and include your highest quality images for absolute best results! M
Bob McDorman’s Final 150 Bob McDorman, a longtime Chevrolet dealer and passionate collector, will sell his personal collection of 150 superior cars at No Reserve on November 5-6 at Bob McDorman Chevrolet in Canal Winchester, OH. Included in the McDorman offering is the most complete assemblage of Corvettes in the world, featuring one Corvette from every model year 1953 to present and 12 Serial #1 Corvettes. “I’ve known Bob on both a personal and a professional level for more than 30 years, having consigned his items at our auctions, found unique vehicles for him to purchase and even bought my own family’s new cars from his dealership,” said Dana Mecum. “He is one of the finest Corvette collectors in our industry with a fantastic influence over the hobby, and this auction is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for
enthusiasts to acquire these high-quality vehicles.” Among the Corvettes crossing the block are Bunkie Knudsen’s 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray and the Pink Pearl – a specially built 1964 Corvette Sting Ray ordered by Knudsen for his wife, Florence. Mecum will also auction a 1938 Chevrolet Cabriolet designed by General Motors of France during an overseas styling exercise. Of the two prototype Chevrolet vehicles designed, this car – featuring unique European influences – is the only survivor, making it a truly unique piece. In addition to the cars, which range from a 1915 Chevrolet to the last SSR produced, there will be hundreds of collectibles, neon signs and automotive parts crossing the auction block. The complete lineup is viewable at www.Mecum.com. M
VINTAGE TRACTOR AUCTION
Tractor Auction Reaps Big Results Mecum sold $545,700 worth of vintage tractors during its inaugural Gone Farmin’ Tractor Auction in Walworth, Wisconsin, on August 7, 2010. “The Gone Farmin’ event drew a great crowd of both collectors and spectators who came out to enjoy the 200 antique tractors that were on display,” said Dan Mecum, operations manager for Mecum Auctions. “It was a very successful one-day auction, boasting a 65% sell-through rate, and we look forward to returning next year with a new inventory of vintage tractors.”
The Top 10 Sales (all sales reflect hammer prices) from the Gone Farmin’ Auction were:
1954 Farmall Super MDV TA Tractor (S44)................... $51,000 1953 Farmall Super H Tractor (S33).............................. $26,000 International 1456 Golden Demonstrator (S63)............ $24,250 2005 Kubota Tractor (S76.1)......................................... $19,000 1935 John Deere GP (S52)............................................ $14,000 1931 John Deere GP Tractor (S53................................. $12,500 1950 Farmall O-6 Orchard Tractor (S36)....................... $12,000 1960 Porsche Standard Star Tractor (S49)................... $11,500 1975 Oliver 2255 Tractor (S77)....................................... $9,200 Ford 8N V-8 Tractor (S78).............................................. $9,000
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For full details on all auctions and complete auction results join the Mecum infoNet. It’s FREE. Sign up at www.MECUM.com
Beyond Passion Some Thoughts from Dana Mecum
Making Wake At NO RESERVE
Mecum Auctions continues to make its mark in the classic boat industry with the addition of another special event to the Mecum calendar: the Warner Collection Vintage Boat Auction, Oct. 15-16, 2010, in Winsted, Minnesota, near Minneapolis. The Warner Collection, which will be offered at No Reserve, features an eclectic mix of more than 100 vintage wooden boats built from 1909 to 1996, including some of the finest examples in the world of Hackercraft, Garwood, Chris-Craft, Shepherd, Lyman, Century and Riva models. F. Todd Warner – owner of Mahogany Bay, a company that specializes in the sale, storage, transportation and restoration of wooden boats – began his unique collection in 1974. In addition to the boats, Mecum will offer more than 100 exotic engines, collectible accessories, tools and hard-to-find parts at the auction. M A SPEC MECU M IAL EVEN T
The Awakening of an American Treasure VINTAGE WOODEN BOAT AUCTION
Pre-Register to Bid today to receive a copy of the Warner Collection catalog. (A $25 value)
My words here are intended to help you know the man behind the Warner Collection and the reason this auction is taking place. This auction began for me as another piece of business. After a trip to Minnesota to inventory the auction, I became aware this was much more. When I arrived, there was already a team on site in full gear working on “get ready” of inventory including clean up and moving of boats to the auction facility. They were at full steam with a dedication comparable to a Mecum Auction crew at work. They were not a Mecum crew, they were Todd Warner’s Mahogany Bay wood boat business staff and crew. In the middle was Todd piloting the ship. When the Mecum crew landed on site, Todd’s group had us two to three days ahead of the power curve on this massive undertaking. Over two days of working side by side, I realized who this person was. Over the past several years the word passion has become vogue to describe people dedicated to their task at hand that enjoy what they are doing. Todd Warner is beyond passion. Wood boating is his culture. It’s his DNA. It’s his way of life. He began as a youngster and has remained at the forefront for over 40 years. For Todd to sell his beloved collection of boats, like a 17’ Higgins which he has had since he was age 14, has not been easy for him “to get his head around.” The auction is a necessity for Todd to
“The Awakening of an American Treasure” Todd Warner
raise needed capital to re-organize and re-energize. His business is Mahogany Bay Wood Boats which specializes in buying, selling and restoring wood boats. As all of us in business have over the last few years experienced the struggle to keep a business running with the shortage of participation from the banking industry. The equity from the auction of the collection will take the “pressure” off Todd and allow him to continue his life work and commitment to wood boats. The structure of the auction is “no reserve.” Todd realizes some boats will be bargains and he is confident that some of the treasures will bring a great return to his stewardship of them. While visiting with Todd, I’ve learned his desire and goal is to see the wood boat hobby come alive and achieve more value. Compared to classic automobiles these treasures have been greatly overlooked. He also realizes this auction will serve as a cornerstone in awakening the awareness of wood boat collecting and that his boats
will sell for a fraction of what their values may be in 5 years. He is excited and realizes that activity creates a market. And, he is proud his collection will bring so many collectible boats and motors to market and bring the hobby to the mainstream. Personally, I’m excited about Mecum’s future with Todd and Mahogany Bay after this cornerstone auction. Welcome to the awakening of an American treasure…The Warner Collection. - Dana Mecum
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WHITICAR 63’ MOTOR YACHT Commissioned by J.H.“Jock” Whitney
Exclusively Offered by Mecum Auctions at
Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show October 30, 2010 Auction Time: 3PM EST B-Dock Slip 223 Ft. Lauderdale, FL For Elegante Brochure and DVD Contact Shannon at 815-568-8888
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Exclusively Offering Elegante A one-of-a-kind creation of the Whiticar company, the Motor Yacht Elegante was commissioned by John Hay “Jock” Whitney, a multimillionaire sportsman whose multifaceted career included roles as a publisher, financier, philanthropist, and horse breeder. Based upon Whiticar’s sportfish hull design, the 63’ Elegante exhibits exceptional stability in rough seas while enjoying a top speed of 24 knots. It will comfortably sleep 4 people while hosting up to 25 for
day and sunset cruises. It sports all the appointments one would expect in a millionaire’s custom-made yacht. This exceptional craft will be sold at a special Mecum Auction event during the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 30, 2010. For auction details, please visit www.Mecum.com. For an informative Elegante Brochure and DVD, contact Shannon at 815-568-8888. M
MEET THE MECUM TEAM DAN MECUM is “The King of Thinking Outside the Box.” Dana’s eldest son was born with an entrepreneurial mind and is never afraid to take the risk and shoot for the sky. Working diligently with the family business filling the void wherever help is needed, Dan is involved in everything from photography to accounting to even being the brains behind one of Mecum’s latest new ventures. As operations manager of Gone Farmin’ 2010, Dan expanded the Mecum Auction business into the vintage tractor market reaping excellent results last month in Walworth, WI. In addition to vintage tractors his interests include auto racing where Dan has enjoyed the role of a driver as well as owner of his own racing team. M
SAM MONAHAN first met Dana Mecum through a mutual friend in Arizona a little over 20 years ago. Sam began work with Mecum Auctions as coordinator of west coast events and also played a key role in the development of Mecum’s The Bid Goes On program. This exclusive Mecum service provides auction staff that help to bring buyers and sellers together even after a car does not sell on the block. Count on Sam at every event. M
KEVIN EDWARDS joined Mecum Auctions as a bidders assistant through a referral from lead auctioneer Mark Delzell in 1989. Kevin remembers his first Mecum sale at Belvidere, IL as “a two lane sale equipped with headsets and the whole nine yards” and states he’s never seen Dana put on an event that didn’t include 110% effort and says that “Mecum strives to blow ‘em away every time.” The huge variety of vehicles and the number of high dollar cars always at the Indy auction make it his favorite event. Kevin lives and breathes cars working three wholesale auctions a week, every Mecum event, while also maintaining a full time sales position at a dealership at home in Iowa. M
AUCTIONS SCHEDULE MECUM SPECIAL EVENT
VINTAGE WOODEN BOAT AUCTION
OCTOBER 15-16
The Awakening of an American Treasure
Winsted, MN
(near Minneapolis)
Over 100 Boats, Rare Engines, Memorabilia & Parts
MECUM SPECIAL EVENT Commissioned by J.H.“Jock” Whitney
1964
WHITICAR 63’ MOTOR YACHT
OFFERED BY MECUM AUCTION AT
Ft.Lauderdale International Boat Show
OCTOBER 30 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
AUCTION TIME: 3PM EST B-DOCK SLIP 223
MECUM SPECIAL EVENT World’s Greatest Chevrolet Collector
NOVEMBER 5-6 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible “The Bunkie Knudsen Car”
Bob McDorman Chevrolet Canal Winchester, OH (near Columbus) 150 Cars Including the World’s Most Complete Corvette Collection Hundreds of Collectibles, Signs, Neons and Parts
IT’S TIME TO CONSIGN
BROADCAST LIVE ON
DECEMBER 2-4 Previous Lot Shown. Not Available At This Auction.
Bartle Hall Kansas City Convention Center Kansas City, MO 750 VEHICLES
KISSIMMEE 2011 JANUARY 26-30
BROADCAST LIVE ON
Osceola Heritage Park Kissimmee, FL 1200 VEHICLES Previous Lot Shown. Not Available At This Auction.
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Time to Consign
DECEMBER 2-4
Bartle Hall Kansas City Convention Center Kansas City, MO
750 VEHICLES
Broadcast LIVE on HD Theater
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