DECEMBER 2011
2012
HOUSTON APRIL 13-14
The Reliant Center • Houston, TX TIME TO CONSIGN 262-275-5050
WWW.MECUM.COM
BROADCAST LIVE ON
NOBODY SELLS MORE THAN MECUM. NOBODY.
DECEMBER 2011
DANA SAYS
Collector Car Auction News from MECUM AUCTIONS
TO CONTACT MECUM AUCTION
Via Mail, E-mail, Phone or Fax: Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers 445 South Main Street Walworth, Wisconsin 53184 Website: www.MECUM.com Office: (262) 275-5050 Fax: (262) 275-3424 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 262-275-3424. 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 262-275-5050.
Mecum Auctions has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 24 years, and has become America’s largest Collector Car Auction Company offering over 7,500 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 © 2011 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved.
Happy holidays to all and to all I pose this question. Are you pre-registered to bid for Kissimmee? If the answer is no, I highly recommend going to the website right now and filling out the forms. It’s fast, it’s easy and it will save time when you arrive! With more than 1,800 vehicles consigned to date, I am happy to officially report that Mecum’s top two auctions have created the collector car industry’s world championship title bout, competing to be this year’s world’s largest collector car auction. Last year at Indy, 1919 vehicles crossed the auction block achieving “World Champion” status. Will Indy keep the title in 2012? We will begin accepting consignments for The 25th Original Spring Classic on January 3rd, so let the competition begin! Winter may just be getting started in America, but Mecum can already smell the Spring in the air. Spring Kansas City is right around the corner, March 29-31 and I am pleased to announce a brand new auction in a brand new city. Mecum will host its first ever auction at The Reliant Center in Houston, Texas on April 13-14. Stay tuned for more information and get ready for some incredible auction action this year! - Dana
MECUM TOPS $12 MILLION AT 2011 GRAND FINALE KANSAS CITY AUCTION
OVER 800 CARS 70% SELL THROUGH
Mecum ended the 2011 auction season on a high note, with record sales, consignments and attendance for their Kansas City Auction, Dec. 1-3, 2011, at the Kansas City Convention Center/ Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo. More than 800 vehicles crossed the auction block with a 70% sell-through rate. Total sales topped $12.3 million, which encompasses total hammer sales of more than $11.6 million plus Mecum’s low 6% buyer’s premium on vehicles. “This year’s grand finale was the largest auction Mecum has ever had in Kansas City, smashing every company record for this event,” said President Dana Mecum. “The total sales, cars offered and sold, registered bidders and overall attendance all far exceeded the response in years past.” Mecum’s top seller was a rare 4-Speed 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible finished in Gulfstream Aqua with White interior which hammered for $165,000. Additional highlights included a 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Six Pack for $122,500 and a well-documented 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 selling at $72,500. M
KC 2011 Top 10 Vehicle Sales (all sales reflect hammer prices) 1. 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible (Lot S99) ......................$165,000 2. 1970 Plymouth Superbird (Lot S69) ................................$122,500 3. 1967 Ford Mustang Resto Mod (Lot S111).....................$121,000 4. 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible (Lot S90) ...........................$120,000 5. 1956 Ford Thunderbird (Lot S69.1) ....................................$90,000 6. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback (Lot S86)..................$78,500 7.1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot S97) ..................$78,000 8. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Resto Mod (Lot F139).....................$77,500 9. 1958 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible (Lot S146) ....$75,000 10. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (Lot S63) ............................$72,500
JANUARY 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
IT’S TIME TO
GET THIS PARTY STARTED! KISSIMMEE KICKS OFF OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Where the Cars Are C
ome 2012, Mecum Auctions will begin a yearlong celebration of our 25th year in business, and we can think of no better place to kick off the festivities than the Kissimmee Auction, which is shaping up to be our biggest event ever. Over 1,800 vehicles have been consigned to date, with spaces continuing to fill up quickly. On the other side of the equation, last year’s Kissimmee Auction attracted over 6,000 registered bidders. This year Bidder Pre-Registration is more active than ever before, and with the January 13th deadline (5PM CT) coming fast, we urge you to maximize your onsite time and preregister to bid. To accommodate the incredible demand for vehicle consignments, we have expanded our auction hours. Rather than our usual 11 AM start, vehicles will begin crossing the block at 9am on Wednesday through Saturday, bringing a full 8 more hours of action your way. Discovery’s Velocity Network will also be expanding its coverage to capture as much of this must-see event as possible.
2012
KISSIMMEE
Mecum’s commitment to offer a diverse range of vehicles will be fully showcased at Kissimmee right out of the gate. Super Tuesday will feature a vast array of entry- to mid-level collectibles highlighted by the Tommy Gibson Collection, a huge grouping of 40 high-quality cars all offered at No Reserve. An enormous array of classics and collectibles will cross the block all week, from such timeless treasures as a 1937 Cord 812 SC Phaeton and a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Limousine to awardwinning Corvettes, muscle cars, sports cars and more. Our reputation for offering the finest in vintage wooden boats continues with such offerings as Miss America VIII and the very first production 18’ Chris-Craft Cobra, while motorcycle aficionados will not want to miss the 1918 Harley-Davidson Board Track Racer. For the first time ever the Mecum Kissimmee Auction covers Six Massive Days! We are committed to bringing you the best throughout the entire event, and Sunday is no exception. Highlights include three great cars from General Motors’ golden Motorama era: a 1953 Buick Skylark, Cadillac Eldorado, and Oldsmobile Fiesta, and a Barn Find 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona- unrestored, and with just 9,700 original miles on the clock! Finally, we are proud to announce the William Eckhoff Collection. Comprising 34 cars, 5 motorcycles and hundreds of rare parts and great memorabilia, the Eckhoff Collection will be offered as our Sunday Feature collection. Go to mecum.com later this week for photos and information. Join us as we begin celebrating our 25th year serving all our friends in the collector car community at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction, January 24-29, 2012. You won’t want to miss a single moment! M
JANUARY 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
SUPER TUESDAY LOT
G65
1966 Pontiac GTO Barn Find 389 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
G66
1967 Chevrolet Camaro 396 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
Tommy Gibson is the quintessential hardworking American entrepreneur. A lifelong resident of Norway, South Carolina, Tommy owns several small businesses in his hometown of less than 300 people, including a car dealership, service garage and body shop. He is also a lifelong General Motors enthusiast who has built a collection of classic muscle cars ranging from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, highlighted by such finds as a restored, fully-loaded 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396, a matchingnumbers, Red-on-Red 1962 Corvette convertible and a well-optioned 1964 327/365 HP 4-speed Corvette coupe with just over 20,000 miles on the odometer. Offered without reserve at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction as the featured Tuesday collection, January 24th, the Tommy Gibson Collection comprises 37 top-quality machines, with something for practically every muscle car-era GM enthusiast. M
G67
LOT
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 2-Door Hardtop 454 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
G69
LOT
G73
1967 Chevrolet Nova 350 CI, Automatic
LOT
G84
1962 Chevrolet Impala 2-Door Hardtop 283 CI, Automatic
LOT
G88
4-Speed
LOT
G70
86 Actual Miles
LOT
G74
1966 Pontiac GTO 2-Door Hardtop 400 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
G85
1957 Chevrolet 210 Sedan 350 CI, Automatic
LOT
G89
1966 Chevrolet Impala 2-Door Hardtop 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible 396/325 HP, Automatic
G68
1967 Chevrolet Camaro 350 CI,
1964 Pontiac Lemans 2-Door Hardtop 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 389 CI, Automatic
FEATURE:
327 CI, Automatic
LOT
G71
LOT
G72
1967 Pontiac GTO 2-Door Hardtop
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible
LOT G81
LOT
350 CI, Automatic
348 CI, Automatic
400 CI, Automatic
396 CI, Automatic
G83
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
LOT
G86
LOT
G108
LOT
G87
1962 Chevrolet Impala Convertible 1960 Chevrolet Impala 2-Door 327/300 HP, Automatic Hardtop 283 CI, Automatic
LOT
G109
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 327/300 HP, 4-Speed
327 CI, 4-Speed
2012
Where the Cars Are
KISSIMMEE THE TOMMY GIBSON COLLECTION
LOT
G149
1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible 400 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
G110
LOT
G111
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 2-Door 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 2-Door Hardtop 396/325 HP, Automatic Hardtop 402 CI, Automatic
LOT
G115
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 2-Door Hardtop 283 CI, Automatic
LOT
G142
1985 Chevrolet El Camino 305 CI, Automatic
LOT
G146
1980 Pontiac Trans Am 4.9L, Automatic
LOT
G116
LOT
G112
LOT
G117
1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 327 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
G143
1965 Pontiac GTO Coupe 389 CI, Automatic
LOT
G147
1969 Chevrolet Camaro 350 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
G114
1966 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle 2-Door 350 CI, Automatic Hardtop 350 CI, Automatic
327/365 HP, 4-Speed
LOT
G144
1967 Pontiac GTO 2-Door Hardtop 400 CI, 4-Speed
LOT
G148
1966 Pontiac GTO 2-Door Hardtop 389 CI, Automatic
LOT
G141
1960 Chevrolet El Camino 327 CI, Automatic
LOT
G145
1968 Chevrolet Impala Convertible 327 CI, Automatic
LOT
G151
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle 2-Door Hardtop 454 CI, Automatic
JANUARY 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
WEDNESDAY
LOT W237
1970 AMC AMX
390/325 HP, 4-Speed
American Motors entered the muscle car sweepstakes in 1968 with the innovative AMX, the first all-steel 2-seat sports car of the era. In addition to a choice of three engines, the AMX offered reclining bucket seats, woodgrain interior trim, E70-14 Goodyear Polyglas tires, a four-speed manual transmission and heavy-duty suspension as standard equipment. A true lightweight at just over 3,100 pounds, the AMX was capable of mid-14-
second drag times and outstanding handling. Finished in bright Matador Red with optional Black Shadow Mask and Black bucket seat interior, this restored 1970 AMX shows close attention to detailing throughout. It is a genuine X-code car boasting the top-of-the-line Factory Go Pack 390/325 HP V-8, and is well-equipped with a Hurst shifter, 140 MPH speedometer, 8,000 RPM tach, AM radio and Redline Goodyears on Magnum-style wheels. M
FRIDAY
LOT
F255.1
1918 Harley-Davidson Board Track Racer V-Twin 61 CI Harley engine
Board track racing in America became immensely popular after the first track opened in California in 1910 and grew exponentially, reaching its zenith in popularity by the time the second decade of the 20th century was drawing to a close. Designed to maintain speeds of over 120 MPH on the steeply banked wood surfaces, board track racers such as this 1918 Harley Davidson were minimalist machines whose designers sought to remove every superfluous component from their creations.
This beautifully restored Harley Davidson board track racer follows that formula with its simple tube frame, lightweight wheels and tires and single rear brake. Finished in show-quality Red with Beige accent panels on the custom fuel tank, the bike is propelled by the 61 CI V-Twin engine that made Harley Davidson famous and earned over 200 records and victories by the 1920s. Special features include a Mesinger leather seat, 3-speed hand-shift transmission and gorgeous chrome. M
Where the Cars Are
2012
KISSIMMEE
THURSDAY
LOT
T201
1972 Detomaso Pantera 351 CI, 5-Speed
Conceived to fill the bill in Ford’s search for a successor to the GT40, the DeTomaso Pantera splashed onto the scene in 1970 combining American V-8 power with Italian style, mid-engine sophistication and fine handling. This early-production “pre-L” model Pantera has been driven just 18,916 actual miles and, not
surprisingly, is in exceptionally original condition, with Grabber Blue paint, Black interior, 351 CI HO Cleveland V-8, 5-speed ZF gearbox - all entirely original to the car. This rare original Pantera is also equipped with power brakes and power windows and comes with the original space-saver spare and toolkit. M
SATURDAY
LOT
S233
1937 Cord 812 SC Phaeton ACD Certified Category 1
The Gordon Buehrig-designed Cord 812 has reached the status of art in the American automotive pantheon, combining such technical advances as the first independentsuspension front wheel drive system with famously daring styling that included hideaway headlights, sweeping lowprofile bodywork and the timeless “coffin-nose” front end. Winner of the 1982 AACA First Prize awarded at Hershey, PA, the immaculate 1937 Cord 812 offered here is an ACD certified Category 1 Original. Born with a naturally aspirated
FB Lycoming V-8, it was upgraded with a later version of the same powerplant incorporating a centrifugal supercharger and rare Stromberg AA-25 carburetor. The car’s rich Maroon exterior finish is complemented with a luxurious Tan leather interior featuring the model’s trademark engine-turned instrument panel and fully disappearing convertible top. This rare American classic remains in spectacular condition and is accompanied by documentation that includes AACA judging sheets. M
JANUARY 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
SUNDAY
LOT
U73
LOT
U74
1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible
- 1 of 532 produced - 331 CI engine - Automatic transmission - Power windows - Red and White leather interior - White convertible soft top - Beautiful chrome and brightwork - Integrated fender skirts - Chrome wire wheels - Wide whitewall tires M
- Complete frame-off restoration to exact specs - 96 miles since restoration - Scored 983 out of 1000 at National Oldsmobile Event, documentation with car - 39 Fiestas known to exist of the 458 built - Rocket V-8 - Power windows - Power steering - Power antenna - Power top - One of the nicest Fiestas in existence - 1st place at Oldsmobile Club of America meet M
331 CI, Automatic
303/170 HP, Automatic
Where the Cars Are
LOT
2012
KISSIMMEE
U75
1953 Buick Skylark Convertible
322 CI, Automatic
- 322 CI Nailhead engine - Automatic transmission - Power convertible top - Power windows - Power antenna - Chrome wire wheels - White whitewall tires M
LOT
U81
1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Original, Unrestored Barn Find
- Barn Find with 9,752 miles - Remained in a Texas storage facility for over 30 years - Original and unrestored - Cleaned and detailed since found - Needed little to make roadworthy - Factory toolkit - All fluids drained and replaced - Original 6 Weber twin-choke carburetors rebuilt - Original Dark Rosso Cordoba metallic paint and original Tan interior - Documentation: Chinetti service records, warranty card, buyer order, PDI report, service coupon book and manuals M
JANUARY 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
COLLECTOR BOATS
LOT
ON THE BLOCK
S239
1929 Gar Wood “Miss America VIII”
Two time winner of Harmsworth Trophy 1929 and 1931
Miss America VIII, Gar Wood’s two-time Harmsworth Trophy winning race boat will be offered at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction as Lot S239, on Saturday Jan. 28, 2012. A winner of the coveted Harmsworth Trophy in 1929 and 1931, Miss America VIII is fitted with its original one-off Miller V16 1113 CI engines, which were specially designed for Miss America VIII by the legendary Indy car and engine builder, Harry Miller, to break the World’s Speed Record. Regarded as the most valuable wooden boat offered by Mecum so far, Miss America VIII is a collectible of historic proportions. The volume of iconic people and places involved with Miss America XIII over the last 83 years is unprecedented. At the 1931 Harmsworth Trophy race, which is claimed to be the largest attended event in the history of the world to that date, over 600,000 fans witnessed her second victory on the banks of the Detroit River.
After being separated for more than 70 years, Gar Wood’s favorite hull of the ten Miss America racing boats and the two original Miller V16 engines are together again. Miss America VIII will return to Florida to be sold at auction less than 100 miles south of Bill France’s Daytona Museum of Speed where she was displayed during the 1950s.
Where the Cars Are
LOT
2012
KISSIMMEE
S222
1955 Chris-Craft 18’ Cobra Hull #1 The 1955 Lake Tahoe Parade Boat
The Kissimmee event will also offer other significant wooden boats including: the first production 1955 Chris-Craft 18’ Cobra; a one-of-a-kind 1936 ChrisCraft 21’ Utility built specifically for Chris-Craft
LOT
S240
1953 Greavette 24’ Streamliner
LOT
S244
1999 18’ Custom “Warthog”
LOT
U50
1906 Taylor & Bates 20’ Thames River Launch Canoe
LOT
President, Jay Smith; a 38’ Reproduction Rum Runner powered by a Liberty V12 WWI airplane engine; a Canadian-built 1953 Greavette Streamliner and a 1937 Ditchburn Racer. M
S242
1998 Custom 38’ Rumrunner Liberty V12 Engine
LOT
S294
1936 Chris-Craft 21’ Utility “Angler II” Special Built for CC President Jay Smith
LOT
U55
1999 Ken Hankensen 20’ Barrelback
LOT
S243
2003 Custom 33’ V12 Racer “Miss Universe”
LOT
U46
1941 Chris-Craft 16’ Super Sport Runabout
LOT
U62
1957 Century 21’ Coronado
SPOKEN WHEEL
MECUM MOTORCYCLE NEWS BY GAVIN TRIPPE
ASK KRAMAN
Q.
John, How many years did Pontiac build the GTO? - Craige S.
A.
Thanks for the question Craige. The GTO is my all-time favorite muscle machine with its wide track and its screaming artillery, the “Goat” will forever resonate through my veins. In fact I still own my ’64 Hardtop purchased back in the mid ‘70’s which most certainly still turns heads on the weekends. To answer your question, the Pontiac GTO was produced from 1964-1974, and was brought back briefly from 2004-2006. The GTO began as an option package for the Pontiac Tempest and in 1966 it became its own separate model. It stayed that way up until 1972 when it went back to being an optional package for the LeMans, and then in 1974 the GTO became an option for the Pontiac Ventura. Though it was only produced a total of 14 years, the GTO’s legacy still remains strong today. So C’mon and turn it on, wind it up, blow it out GTO! - John Kraman M Connect with us on Facebook and ask Mecum expert John Kraman your automotive questions. We’ll publish the answers to some of the best questions here in the Mecum Monthly. www.facebook.com/mecumauction
The ultimate motorcycle odyssey has been mine from racer, to journalist, on to publisher which morphed into being a race promoter and ultimately induction into the AMA Hall of Fame. Now I am priveledged to join the Mecum family to start the new motorcycle division and to open a ‘Mecum West’ office in Laguna Beach, California. A motorcycle enthusiast and an avid collector himself, Dana Mecum introduced Motorcycles at the 2011 Monterey Auction. Soon after, Discovery’s Velocity discovered motorcycles, joining the Mecum enthusiasts, and now more motorcycles will be joining Muscle Cars and more on the block. Bike fans collect cars and car nuts collect bikes, so diversity rules in the Mecum 2012 program. Why Bikes? The general consensus is that motorcycles have been undervalued and under exposed being exclusively auctioned at bike-only events. Now Mecum fans, both buyers and sellers alike, can get into the action and fun of owning two wheels. Five bikes can fit in the space of one car – or a complete 70 bike collection in less than 3,600 square feet - and, five bikes can be acquired for the price of one expensive car! They don’t have bodywork to cover up their mechanical art, be it 1909 Indian or 1969 Triumph. They are easily maintained and eminently rideable for that Sunday morning cruise to coffee and cars! You can cherish and admire the ‘Art of the Motorcycle’ with no need to be an expert. Don’t be intimidated by lack of knowledge, buy what you like, just like art. Check our website for incredible gems to come in 2012. See you there! - Gavin Trippe M
Mecum Wishes You
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
D ana and from
The Crew
MEET THE MECUM TEAM KATHY HICKEY, after more than five years working as a bidder’s assistant for Mecum Auctions, has decided to retire from the road. As one of the first members of the auction team to develop a following from the TV show Muscle Cars and More, her unmatched enthusiasm, style, and never ending smile for the camera will be dearly missed. On behalf of everyone at Mecum, and her fans throughout the world, we wish Kathy good health and happiness as she begins life’s next chapter in beautiful Southern Wisconsin. M
HARRY MECUM is the youngest son of Dana and Patti and holds perhaps the most important job at Mecum Auctions. As Chief Financial Officer, Harry supervises and maintains all day-to-day financial operations for the company. Harry Mecum could also be considered “a man of two hats.” About 3 years ago, Harry brought the Mecum Gear clothing line to life with co-worker Wade Souter offering a full line of Mecumized apparel to the world. At the auctions, you may find him selling a Mecum hat at the Gear Store, or more likely behind the scenes in the auction office making sure your sale or purchase is smooth and accurate. M
DAVID HUNT began his career in the presentation department at Mecum just shy of a year ago. A graduate of The Art Institute with a degree in Graphic Design in 2010, David works as both graphic designer and as backup on-location photographer when needed. His love for the American classic car is paralleled to his appreciation of the quintessential American hot dog joint as his childhood memories run deep enjoying car shows and good old fast food with his father. M
UPCOMING MECUM EVENTS
2012
KISSIMMEE JANUARY 24-29
Osceola Heritage Park • Kissimmee, FL
SPRING
2012
KANSAS CITY
MARCH 29-31
Kansas City Convention Center • Kansas City, MO
2012
HOUSTON APRIL 13-14
The Reliant Center • Houston, TX
INDY2012 DANA MECUM’S 25TH ORIGINAL SPRING CLASSIC
MAY 15-20
Indiana State Fairgrounds • Indianapolis, IN
THE INDY 2012 CONSIGNMENT BOOK OPENS ON JANUARY 3RD. FOR BEST POSITIONS CONSIGN RIGHT AWAY! POSITIONS WILL SELL OUT QUICKLY.
REQUEST FORMS WILL BE PROCESSED IN THE ORDER BY WHICH THEY ARE RECEIVED.
NOBODY SELLS MORE THAN MECUM. NOBODY.
445 South Main St.,Walworth, WI 53184
SPRING
2012
KANSAS CITY
MARCH 29-31
Kansas City Convention Center • Kansas City, MO
TIME TO CONSIGN 262-275-5050
WWW.MECUM.COM
BROADCAST LIVE ON
NOBODY SELLS MORE THAN MECUM. NOBODY.