MAY 2012
THE CORNERSTONES
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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
MAY 2012
CONTENTS
FEATURES
BUY A VEHICLE
PAGE
AT A MECUM AUCTION
10 MAKING IT HAPPEN IN HOUSTON Inaugural Houston Auction Results
24 SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST Unrestored L88 Corvette
28 RICK DORE Q&A
Hot Rod Stylist On a Roll
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 fill out or download all forms. Be sure to fill out separate forms for each vehicle when requesting positions.
Mecum provides two 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 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.
COLUMNS
1 5 THE DEALMAKER
www.facebook.com/mecumauction
The Cornerstones
15 DANA’S KAR KORNER
The Miller and Offenhauser Missing Link
18 SPOKE N’ WHEEL Don’t Tell the Missus 19 INSIDER’S SCOOP Put Down the Camera Phone
21 REAL BARN FINDS
Mecum Auctions has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 25 years, and has become America’s largest Collector Car Auction Company offering more than 10,000 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.
The Handyman’s Tractor 23 AT THE REDLINE The Circle Comes Around
26 ROAD ART
Beyond the Standard
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Copyright © 2012 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Dealmaker
DANA MECUM
THE CORNERSTONES In our 25 years in business, our success has been primarily built upon the relationships between Mecum employees and cliental. The Mecum Staff has had that special knack to welcome customers into the Mecum family with eagerness, thoughtfulness, courtesy, honesty, and sincerity. There have been hundreds of special employees and thousands of special moments. Here’s a short list of people who have been instrumental in developing the things we all know today as Mecum . . .
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THE CORNERSTONES MARK & MONTE DELZELL Mark and Monte worked the first Mecum Auction. They were instrumental in developing the “Auction” style of our auctioneers over the years, which are widely known as the hardest working crew in the industry. Mark is Mecum’s Lead Auctioneer, and organizes all the crew at every auction. Mark and Dana are the only two individuals with 25-year credit at the Spring Classic.
came back with their hip waders on to help clean up.
uncle harold & aunt dorothy Uncle Harold set up the auctions and Aunt Dorothy controlled the gate to the office (it was the Wild West until she showed up with the White Stick). They extended the personal touch of welcome to our family above
One of my favorite stories about Uncle Harold was when we had 15 Chrysler Town & Country’s that didn’t run. Harold tied them all together and they were towed like circus elephants coming through the auction ring, one after another. An Aunt Dort memory- I’ve been hit with the White Stick too! (The best fudge ever at Christmas.) butch bennett Butch set up the original bidder’s booth at Mecum Auctions and was also the first person to handle customer disputes. He created an atmosphere where everyone is
Frank Mecum and Uncle Harold
Mark Delzell
Monte now has his own late-model car auction house in Southeastern Iowa. When you look around Mecum Auctions, Delzell names are prominent. A most memorable moment at the
and beyond the task at hand. Uncle Harold instilled the “We Can Build Anything In A Short Time” attitude that still exists today, and Aunt Dort, with the famous White Stick, brought order to a storm. While everyone at Mecum Auctions was treated
Aunt Dorothy Monte Delzell
first Spring Classic – a tornado blew down the tents at the end of the auction. Mark and Monte 6
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fairly, before Aunt Dort came on the scene, everybody seemed to have their own agenda. She taught us all that you can be fair, but be patient and wait your turn. MECUM.COM
Butch Bennett
treated equal, whether you’re a small guy with one car, or a “whale.” This great attribute continues at Mecum today. While he has passed on, he remains with us in spirit. I still see him when I see a new Mecum employee “Get It”; knowing how to treat people. Butch and I had a lot of imaginary capers that we joked about. At our first Spring Classic in 1988, when the tornado destroyed the tents, we had $220,000 in cash deposits that were to be returned to customers. Butch and I looked at each other across the debris from the storm and simultaneously said, “Mexico.”
uncle SI Uncle Si lined up the cars: How do you keep track of all of them? Above and beyond his saying, “Ride tall in the saddle,”
Uncle Si, Frank Mecum and Dana Mecum
Uncle Si was the combination of integrity and wit that is Mecum today. DICK COURTNEY Affectionately known by many as Grandpa Dick, he would sit at Patti and my kitchen table and handle the day-to-day running of the empire in the early days. While I worked several other jobs keeping some money coming in, Dick was there with Duke and Daisy, “The pointed-headed dogs” as he called them. With Earl the Bird answering the phone, and four children growing up, he helped “Hold down the fort.”
“Grandpa Dick” Courtney
Dick was a genius in marketing, and it’s because of him that Mecum Auctions has become one of the greatest marketing machines known today. At the cornerstone of that accomplishment is Dick Courtney; to this day his lessons ring clear. To mention a highlight memory with Dick would take volumes. But I do remember when we got to the Mississippi River on our first venture outside of Illinois: Our discussion – “Should we go across?” SAM MONAHAN Few words about Sam can be said by others; Sam will say them. He is the proverbial “Rattle in the Dash.”
Patty Swan
he’s always been there. Jack twice made the front page of the newspaper at our first auction – “Tornado rips through auction site,” and “Big Florida collector buys Cars.” Patty is one of the most familiar faces at Mecum Auctions. She’s been the ‘Head Clerk’ for as long as anyone can remember. Always pleasant, always professional, there at every start, there at every end. Patty may be the only person with a valid claim of more block time than me!
Sam Monahan
Sam has brought a special philosophy to Mecum Auctions; “If you are a friend, you become family,” and “You don’t work for Mecum, you work with Mecum.” But despite Sam’s great insight, Patti would always say, “Sam, it’s time to go home.” JACK & Patty SWAN A lifetime of friendship is a special gift. While he was never officially an employee, Jack has been with us since the first dance; MECUM.COM
Mark Andersen and Jack Swan
Long before Mecum Auctions came into being, I worked as a youngster at a special auction that my father held at his dealership. It was my first experience working as an auction ringman. Jack gave me a rubber hose; I got excited and started hitting the cars with it. That’s what I thought I was supposed to do, MECUMMONTHLY
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THE CORNERSTONES but my father said, “Son, please stop beating up the cars with that hose!”
Ranking second in seniority in the World of Mecum, he continues to call the action. His two daughters even work with the Mecum team! Memories with Mike are vast; at our third auction, we had a noreserve car crossing block when all of the power went out. Mike took over with that booming voice and sold the car – no
Ruth wattonville Ruthie is the Old Guard of the internal office. For years, Ruth worked in the daily office process. She has worked in
Mike O’Brien and Bob King
Ruth Wattonville
virtually every position at live auctions. For the past several years Ruth has been the ‘Comptroller’ on every deal! She is truly an unsung hero. Ruth went from the limelight of the front line to a position where most people don’t know she exists. There is no better example of a team player than someone who can make the sacrifices Ruth has made to keep the machine rolling!
that Bob and Mike have brought to the process. When a customer has a problem with a VIN, every effort is taken so that the customer knows the legal channels to fix it. Bob and Mike are still with Mecum Auctions. When you are selling your car, your first experience with the auction staff is with Bob and Mike and their team. mike hagerman Mike started with us at our second auction, and has been to almost every auction since. Mike is the auctioneer’s auctioneer. Over the years, Mike has brought some of top talent to the team.
bob king & mike o’brien Bob and Mike were the innovators of the process making sure that a car coming to be sold had a correct Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is an area where Mecum Auctions, in its early years, surpassed all other auction companies. Because of this process, Mecum has lead the industry into a modern era of correct VINs and correct titles. The amazing thing is the integrity 8
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Mike Hagerman
microphones were needed. Jimmy Landis’s favorite Mike memory (and mine too) is me looking up from the floor at the auctioneer’s stand and shouting “Mike, Mike, Mike!” M
Mecum InfoNet.™ Your FREE Entry into the World of Mecum Collector Car Auctions. Because you’re into collector cars, you want to keep informed on all that’s happening with Mecum Auctions. That’s why we created the Mecum InfoNet. Mecum InfoNet Members Enjoy: • Watching auctions LIVE via our internet video feed • Searching the consignment database for make, model or year • Setting up a “Dream Car” profile to automatically search future auction consignments • Checking auction sales results, including sale price and highest bids for individual cars • Special “Members Only” features on MECUM.COM
JOIN FOR FREE at Mecum.com
NOBODY SELLS MORE THAN MECUM. NOBODY.
MECUM MAKES IT HAPPEN IN HOUSTON
Total Sales Topping $18.5 Million Amidst “Sold-Out” Sized Crowd
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Houston 2012 Auction Top 10 Vehicle Sales (all sales reflect hammer prices)
1. 2010 Ferrari California Spyder (S105)................................$177,500 2. 1931 Cadillac V12 Roadster (S98).....................................$165,000 3. 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha (S294)........................................$139,500 4. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette LS6 Resto Mod (S194)..................$139,000 5. 1967 Corvette Convertible 427/435 HP (F269)................$137,500 6. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe (S181).............$132,500 7.1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 427/425 HP (F197)........$130,000 8. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427/435 HP (S243)....$119,000 9. 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Fastback (S158)..........................$109,000 10. 1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback (F201)..............................$105,000
Over 12,000 attendees filled the auction ring as 708 vehicles crossed the block April 13-14, 2012 at The Reliant Center in Houston, Texas. Mecum offered an exceptional variety of cars during their two-day inaugural auction, achieving an incredible 80% sell-through rate with total sales exceeding $18.5 million for the weekend.
80% sell through
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Dana Mecum, President and CEO of Mecum Auctions commented, “There has always been a perception that no collector car auction company has ever been able to have a successful auction in Houston. I am happy to report that Mecum certainly made it happen in Houston. We received a warm Texas welcome from the moment our crew set foot on the grounds until the final fall of the gavel at The Reliant Center. We certainly look forward to coming back to Houston in 2013.” Mecum’s expansion of diverse consignments continues to grow and the Houston auction was certainly a testament to that. Muscle cars and Corvettes were both well represented, however the top two sales of the auction were a 2010 Ferrari California Spyder (Lot S105) and a 1931 Cadillac V12 Roadster (Lot S98) showcasing quality offerings of pre-war classics and late-model exotics to eager buyers. Complete auction results are available to Mecum InfoNet members, which is free to join at mecum.com. Logged in members can see car-by-car sales information by visiting the results page. M
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North Little Rock, Arkansas
JUNE 16, 2012
’57 CHEVYS, CORVETTES, MUSCLE CARS, 50’s, CLASSICS AND MORE 140 cars PLUS GM engines, rare parts and road art - offered at no reserve
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 454/450 HP, 4-Speed
REGISTER TO BID 262-275-5050
www.MECUM.com
NOBODY SELLS MORE THAN MECUM. NOBODY.
Dana’s Kar Korner
DANA MECUM
The Sparks-Weirick Miller GILMORE SPECIAL REX MAYS CAR
“... one of, if not the most prized possession and the centerpiece to my personal collection,”
This month I would like to share with you one of, if not the most prized possession and the centerpiece to my personal collection, the SparksWeirick Miller “Gilmore Special” Rex Mays car. It is well known that Miller and Offenhauser ruled Indy for over half a century, and this car is the missing link between Miller and Offenhauser. Built by Indianapolis legends Art Sparks and Paul Weirick, the famous Gilmore-sponsored racer is fitted with one of four tall block Miller engines built by Sparks and Weirick. It won the famous Mines Field race in Los Angeles in 1934, driven by
Kelly Pettilo. Sparks and Weirick later barnstormed the “Gilmore Special” across the country with the original people’s champion Rex Mays at the wheel, winning races from Oakland, California
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to Langthorne, Pennsylvania. Again driven by Rex Mays, the Gilmore Special earned pole position at the Indy 500 in both 1935 and 1936, holding first place in both years until late in each race. One of very few 2-place Indy cars never altered for other types of racing, the car is in original mid-1930’s Indy configuration and is a wonderful historic reminder of the pioneering era in American oval racing. The Gilmore Special is a regular at the Miller Meet every July in Milwaukee where I enjoy taking it out for a few hot laps with my friends and family. M MECUMMONTHLY
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JUNE 22-23
Pheasant Run Resort • St.Charles, IL
LOT
S96
1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster
REGISTER TO BID 262-275-5050
www.MECUM.com
NOBODY SELLS MORE THAN MECUM. NOBODY.
Spoke ’N’ Wheel
GAVIN TRIPPE
Ssshhh! Don’t tell the Missus-
Bikes and the Fairer Sex In this macho era of the “Man Cave”, here’s a word of warning – ignore the “War Department” at your own peril. If you involve your wife, girlfriend, or trophy friend as you acquire bikes, the odds are good that she will let you buy anything you like. But if you maneuver behind her back, it’s not a case of will you get burned, just when. Case in point – a good friend of mine recently called to meet up with he and his wife, and at the end of the phone call he said “By the way, don’t tell her about the Triumph Bonneville I just bought!” Yes, we can all see this train wreck coming. On the flip side, another old friend, who religiously keeps his significant other posted on all acquisitions and is trying to build up his motorcycle collections notes that “She is always telling me that I have too much stuff, but I’ve found that if I sell two cars/bikes, I can probably buy three more!” Too often there’s a perception that women don’t ride bikes – nothing could be farther from the truth. I know a lady that smokes the guys on Scratchers Lane on
her Ducati 1000 Multistrada, yet she hasn’t lost an ounce of her femininity. The bike doesn’t care
that the longer Mecum Auctions can promote a vehicle, the better the chances that it will fetch bigger dollars. Go to mecum.com, or call 262.275.5050. As you can see illustrated by MotoFrog, a one-hour special on the MV Agusta Story, hosted by Stephen Cox, will air starting in June on Velocity. It’s must-see motorcycle viewing! M
The bike doesn’t care who’s twisting the throttle, and neither should you.
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who’s twisting the throttle, and neither should you. Involve your partner in all facets of motorcycle ownership, and the safe bet is that your collection will grow. Time to Consign! Monterey is just around the corner, and to maximize Mecum Auctions marketing savvy, pick up the phone and consign now. It’s well known MECUM.COM
For motorcycle consignments, contact Gavin Trippe at 949-433-2018 Gavin@Mecum.com
Insider’s Scoop
Put Down the Camera Phone! by DAVID NEWHARDT
It’s said that a craftsman is only as good as his tools. In photography, this axiom is partially correct. A real camera is going to give you, and Mecum Auctions, the kind of photos that help sell cars. True cameras have a large sensor, a superior lens, and often save images in a format that allows modifications. Even a simple PHD (Push Here Dummy) digital camera will visually blow a camera phone out of the water. The results that a camera phone will give are usually tolerable for web use, but can Mecum Auctions use such photos for brochures and large-scale presentation? Probably not. Camera phones are at the bottom of the photography food chain. When taking pictures of your car, use a camera phone as a last resort. But if you’re stuck using that last resort, here are a few things that you can do that will result in a minimum of disappointment. As long as you don’t expect a camera phone photo to be on a par with a $3,000, or even a $300 Nikon, you can create an image of your car or truck that will be moderately usable. The first thing to do before you aim your camera phone at a vehicle is to make sure the lens is clean. It sounds simple, but we all know where these devices have been; crushed in the bottom of a purse, crammed into a pocket, or clutched tightly in your hand. The soft focus look might be ideal for photographing Uncle Zeb and Aunt Myrtle, but cars tend to look better if the image is sharp. Next, position the camera between your light source and the car. I’ve spoken about this in prior columns, and it’s doubly important with a camera phone. Unlike a pro-level machine, the phone’s camera can’t compensate for backlighting. So keep the sun behind you, or slightly over your shoulder.
Taken with a standard digital camera
Taken with a camera phone
Get in close. While you can stand 30 feet away from your ride and only see the car, a camera doesn’t have that ability. It’s a literal device, meaning it will record everything that you put in front of it. That includes the background. To minimize the background and maximize your car, get in close. Have the vehicle almost fill the screen. A hint; drop to one knee. Virtually any automobile looks better when viewed from a lower perspective. Time to take the photo – hold your breath, and gently push the shutter button. Then check your results. Don’t be afraid to shoot more than once. Practice really does make perfect. Photos that is. M
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Iowa State Fairgrounds • Des Moines, IA
JULY 20-21
TIME TO CONSIGN AT
mecum.com OR CALL 262-275-5050
BROADCAST LIVE ON
NOBODY SELLS MORE THAN MECUM. NOBODY.
The Real Barn Finds DAN MECUM
The handyman’s tractor The John Deere 330, generally unappreciated during its time, has now become one of the most sought after tractors today. The 330 was John Deere’s refined answer to the Ford 9N. Remarkably, it took John Deere, and virtually every other tractor manufacturer, a full generation to catch Ford’s 9N, which had dominated the small tractor market since the mid 30’s. Costing $2,200 in 1960, 330’s now fetch considerably more. The 330’s were introduced in August 1958 as 1959 models and were available in standard or utility versions. The utility was used for specialty jobs such as orchard work and was also ordered by municipalities because
it was ideal for roadside mowing. Equipped with a 100.5-cubic inch, two-cylinder gasoline engine, and a 4F-1R transmission, it was a rugged machine with a claimed horsepower rating at the belt of 21.5 horsepower. The Standard-
Farmin’ Auction is a rare barn find purchased from the original owner. The Louisiana-based owner had seen an article about a Wisconsin tractor collector and decided to call him to see if he would be interested in this little gem. After some quick planning, the collector made the trip from Wisconsin to Louisiana to purchase the 330. The deal was made and the 330 was brought home to Wisconsin to be restored, where it has been for the last 15 years. With low production and high demand the 330 is sure to be a solid investment. In today’s markets it will be a lot more fun than putting your money in the bank. M
With low production and high demand the 330 is sure to be a solid inventment. model tractors were the smallest field tractors available, with most shipped to the southeast for precision planting or for handyman work on large farms. By the time the last 330 rolled out in February of 1960 only 844 standards and 247 utilities had been made. The John Deere 330 Standard featured at the August 2012 Gone MECUM.COM
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JUNE 22-23
Minnesota State Fairgrounds • St.Paul, MN
TIME TO CONSIGN at mecum.com OR CALL 262-275-5050
At The Redline
JOHN KRAMAN
THE CIRCLE coMES AROUND The time period from 1946 to 1964 defines what is commonly referred to as the Baby Boomer era, with 78,000,000 born, the largest explosion of population in US history! Now aged 48 to 66 years this is a very powerful and significant force in the collector car market which is primarily nostalgia driven. This boomer phenomenon has fueled the rapid growth and success of Mecum Auctions despite the tentative economy. Interestingly we have observed a new buyer segment opening up. Modern performance cars, such as the Corvette, Mustang, Camaro, and Hemi Challenger, with big performance, retro design and legendary heritage are enjoying success in the new car showrooms. Many of these enthusiastic buyers are quite a bit
younger than the boomers and they are, in fact, expressing high interest in our beloved vintage cars too! This emerging group could be considered Legacy Buyers, and are very welcome at our auctions as they exhibit
the debut in March 2008. With consignment variety spanning virtually all market segments, Mecum Auctions offer entries of interest for all tastes and budgets. A hallmark of Mecum Auctions is affordable, top quality positions plus high sale success for all types of collector vehicles with the added security of reserve pricing. Of course all of this is possible as a result of Dana “The Dealmaker” Mecum, company founder, leader, and visionary who orchestrates the auction block with superhuman ability. The spirit, pride, and talent of our organization also contribute to our success as we strive to provide the absolute finest auction experience possible. Buyers and sellers of all ages have found Mecum Auctions to be an incomparable experience! M
This emerging group could be considered Legacy Buyers, and are very welcome at our auctions as they exhibit continued interest and demand for collector cars from the past. continued interest and demand for collector cars from the past. 2012 is our 25th Anniversary and we expect in excess of 10,000 consignments this year alone to further solidify our status the world’s largest collector car auction company! In addition, our live TV broadcast, “Mecum Auto Auctions, Muscle Cars and More,” on Velocity by Discovery, has enabled viewers to see the real insider view of the rapid pace and dynamics of our auctions since MECUM.COM
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By the time the original owner ordered this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 from Graham Chevrolet in Mansfield, Ohio, he, like legions of racing enthusiasts and countless forlorn competitors, must have been well aware of the L88’s absolute supremacy on both the street and in competition. That fact alone is enough to impress any Corvette aficionado, for the L88 was never intended for street duty; the race-ready solid-lifter 427 at the heart of this beast required more than the usual amount of maintenance, and would self-destruct if fed with anything less than 103-octane fuel. Most importantly, with a very real 530-plus horsepower on tap, it was capable of a level of performance better suited to the Mulsanne Straight than to Mulholland Drive. Even more impressive is the fact that this Burgundy coupe remained in that first owner’s caring stewardship, unchanged and unmolested, for twenty years until it changed hands in 1989 for the first time, and has remained so ever since. In the intervening years it has become a well-known and highly decorated example of the final year production L88. 24
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It remains entirely original and unrestored with just over 20,000 miles on the odometer, and bears that Survivor patina that only manifests in the genuine article, its provenance affirmed by some of the brightest lights in the Corvette fraternity, including David Burroughs, Marty Klaus and Jim Strong. As shown on the original tank sticker, the car was ordered very well optioned from the factory to make full use
of the L88 formula’s performance potential, most notably F41 suspension, J56 Special Heavy Duty Brakes, rare M22 Muncie “Rock Crusher” 4-speed transmission, 4.11 Positraction axle and K66 Transistor Ignition; A01 Soft Ray tinted glass and TJ2 Front Fender Louver Trim round out the list. Most importantly,
SURVIVAL OF by KANE ROGERS
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it is all original: the drivetrain, the Burgundy exterior finish, the Black interior, where even the fuel warning sticker remains on the console along with the L88 identification plate. Documentation is a major factor in evaluating any collector-grade Corvette, a matter in which this Survivor excels, coming as it does with the aforementioned tank sticker, Protect-O-Plate, and dealer delivery report, the original title and Corvette Owner’s card; even,
incredibly, the original keys still attached to the Graham Chevrolet key fob! Not surprisingly, this rare L88 coupe has been recognized with the highest honors. It has earned
Bloomington Gold Survivor certification, been part of several Bloomington Gold Special Collections including the 2008 L88 Invasion and Earthquake 88 in 1988, and was awarded NCRS Top Flight status in 2007 with a score of 95.5 points. This extraordinary 1969 L88 Corvette will be offered as Lot S88 at the Mecum Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois on Saturday, June 23, 2012. M
THE FITTEST MECUM.COM
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Road Art
Bob Sain
beyond The standard
There was a time in America when monopolies controlled huge swaths of the country’s commerce. One such monopoly was John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company. In 1889, it created an Indiana-based subsidiary, Standard of Indiana. The following year, the firm opened a huge refinery in Whiting, Indiana, southeast of Chicago. Within a handful of years, it became the largest refinery in America. By 1910, it was piped into oil fields in a number of states, and employed 2,400 workers. But in 1911, the U.S. government 26
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forced Rockefeller to dismantle his massive monopoly, thus creating Standard of Indiana, an independent company. As the century progressed, the automobile came into its own, and demand for high-quality gasoline was insatiable. In 1920, Standard Indiana was ranked as the third-largest refiner in America, behind Standard New Jersey and Standard California. A major part of the success of the companies was the uniform presentation that the filling stations adopted. Identical signage across the country meant that motorists could MECUM.COM
search out a specific brand of fuel, confident that the quality of the gasoline was consistently high. Signs such as this stunning porcelain/neon 7ft x 7ft example were displayed at filling stations and at refineries. It was constructed by Walker & Co. out of Detroit, Michigan early in the 20th Century. Signs such as these have a very finite supply, and are in high demand. This impressive example will cross the auction block at Mecum Auctions’ Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana. I suspect you know of a garage where this would look perfect… M
Ju Av ne ail 1, abl 20 e 12
Est. 1990
68-351 Perez Road · Cathedral City, CA 92234 · 760.328.9899 · Toll Free 888.288.6466 Established in 1990 and still growing, The Auto Inn® is a climate-controlled storage facility which accommodates over 170 autos. The Auto Inn is centrally located less than five miles from the Palm Springs International Airport, and serves the California desert resort communities of Indian Wells, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage with its premier auto storage facility. The facility is protected by round the clock security, video surveillance and fire sprinkled systems. Long term clients, great knowledgeable staff, and annual gross over $300,000. Physical plant (approximately. 20,000 square feet) includes offices, showroom, caretaker unit, display areas, mechanical shop, paint booth, vehicle lifts, and a secured yard. The building sits on an approximately 28,750 square foot parcel. Storage for motorcycles, removable hardtops, golf carts and oversize vehicles (such as Hummers, limousines, duallys and small recreational vehicles) is also available. “Dead storage” is also provided for vehicles awaiting restoration. The Auto Inn usually has a waiting list and therefore maintains a strict prepaid reservation and cancellation policy.
The Auto Inn offers additional services through its sister company, Mastercraft Classic including: detailing, paint, body and trim work, as well as minor mechanical repairs. Mastercraft Classic also has a complete restoration facility capable of anything from minor body repair to complete show winning off-the-frame restorations. The Auto Inn is a proven business concept, employing computer based accounting and a proprietary client and vehicle management system. Their satisfied and longstanding client base demonstrates the potential for national and international franchise opportunities. Visit The Auto Inn and Mastercraft Classic on the web at: www.theautoinn.com - www.mastercraftclassic.com To learn more about The Auto Inn, and how you can profit from your automotive interests and investments, please contact: Dick Baxley of Baxley Properties, Inc. 760.773.3310 FAX 760.773.3013 dbaxley@baxleyproperties.com CA DRE: License: 00531516
© 2012 The Auto Inn. All rights reserved.
Vehicle stylist
RICK DORE q & a by KANE ROGERS
What influences led you to the custom car business? Early in my career it was the custom cars from the 50s. As the years went on and I became more successful, my desire was to do Figoni & Filachi, Delage, those kinds of influences, less so the Barris and Winfield cars and more the real traditional pioneers. Eventually I was able to take it to the next level, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the last several years: cars you would more likely see at a Vanderbilt show or one of the early Fifties Motoramas you’d see at the big hotels. That’s more the style of cars I want to do now; the Cadillac, the 2-seat roadsters, stuff like that. Can you describe the point when you felt you had “arrived”? In 1992 or ’93. That was my first “arena” car, the ‘57 Buick, “Lavender Persuasion.” It was a home run. I was in the main arena at the Oakland Roadster Show, the car had won first place - I remember thinking it’s never going to be this good again, this is a once-in-alifetime thing. And then the year after that I was doing the same thing, and it’s been that way ever since. Then in 1998 I did a ‘36 Ford called Tangerine Dream. It was on the cover of Street Rodder and a number of European magazines, my 28
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sponsors used it in their advertising. It was like a crossover for me, because the street rodders, who had looked down a bit on us custom guys, really took notice of that car. That was a real turning point for me. More sponsors came on board, Detroit started noticing, and then they approached me in 2000 to do project vehicles, new cars for the SEMA show. It just got insane after that. Does any one project stand out from the rest in your mind? I would say there are a couple. One of them would definitely be the ’36 that you guys are running through the auction (Lot S287 at Dana Mecum’s 25th Annual Spring Classic, Indianapolis, IN May 1520) that I did for O’Quinn, as well as the Buick Skylark for James (Rick’s long-time friend James Hetfield, guitar enthusiast and fellow member of the Beatniks Car Club). Both were way-over-the-top cars that involved a lot of styling and a crazy amount of work. If somebody said, “hey Rick, if you could have any one of these cars back, which ones?” Well, I get to see the Skylark whenever I want because I know James; I know where the car is. If there were two MECUM.COM
cars I could have back, I’d have to say my daughter’s, the Meloncolored ‘26 T (Lot T253), it has a special place in my heart because we worked together on that car; she was very deeply involved and we had a great time together doing that. And then there’s the ‘36. O’Quinn did back flips when he first saw the car at SEMA in the Ford booth; it won the Heritage Award there. He loved it- he was really cool. That car was invited to Australia, to Japan, to Norway for a big SEMA-style show they have there, so it has a whole story of its own, and whoever ends up with it, well, they’re going to have a nice car that really shows what I’m into as a stylist. How has your work changed or expanded over the years? I began going to SEMA as a spectator in the early 90s and then in the mid 90s I became a participant. I would debut a new car or cars at the House of Kolor booth. Word traveled about the cars and the colors and the styling, and lo and behold Ford got in touch with me around 2000. Now, new cars and trucks really weren’t my style but I knew I had to go down that avenue. I was flattered by a company like Ford calling me, and I’ve done work
for Hyundai and Dodge, as well. I took a break from it after a while because it was just so much work. I’m back at it again now, but my heart is really with vintage cars. I want to do something that really most people don’t get the opportunity to do- the 2-seater Cads, the Mark II Lincoln, some of those cars. Even James’ cars, the Auburn, the Skylark, the Zephyr I’m standing next to right now (Rick was in the process of firing its Lincoln V-12 when we began the interview); there’ve been a number of those cars, again, that really changed the path of my career. Any special plans for the future? Yes! Lincoln just contacted me a few weeks ago with a new concept.
They want me to do the 2013 MKZ, taking some of the styling points of the Edsel Ford 1934 roadster. I was working with John O’Quinn at the time he bought that car for his museum. After he passed away it ended up back with Ford. They restored it to its original pearlescent Gun Metal Grey, the original interior color. Now you can’t do something like that car with a new Lincoln, but we’re going to replicate as much as we can in the color, the interior finish, the whole wheel thing and the Whitewalls and add that to
the MKZ, so I think that’s pretty exciting. And this Jag! You know, I never would have done a Jag. It was James’ idea. It’s a 1948 saloon. It will be all hand built; the only thing left from the original car beside
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the chassis, which we have altered, is the front fenders and the grill everything else has been cut away and we’re starting from the rockers up. We would like to have it done in time for the Grand National next January. I’ve been fortunate enough to hook up with Marcel (metalworking legend Marcel Delay) through a mutual friend, and we’re going to work together on it. I feel real fortunate about that; I think it will raise my work again to a whole new level. I’m also arranging a big car show for a Metallica concert in June. We’re going to have several of the band members’ cars, some of which I’ve done and some other star cars are going to be there as well, it’s going to be great for the fans. I tell you, I’m a lucky guy! M
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