MECUM: BEHIND THE SCENES

ecum Auctions is the leading provider of the thrilling classic car auction experience in North America. From the time you set foot on the auction grounds, you are mesmerized by the cars, the colors, and the sounds of a world-class auction.

Cruising Magazine recently sat down and spoke with John Kraman, supervisor of Mecum’s on-air talent and a commentator and analyst for the televised coverage of Mecum Auctions on Motor Trend TV.

CRUISING: How many classic cars do you expect at the Mecum Auction in Harrisburg July 26-29?

KRAMAN: Our goal is to have 1,200 cars at Harrisburg Farm Complex — about 300 each day. Mecum will sell more cars in four days than a most dealerships do in an entire year!

CRUISING: How long does it take to set up such a huge event?

KRAMAN: It’s a monumental effort that most people don’t get to see. Mecum has 15 tractor trailers and about 300 people who come in several days ahead of time. The work they do is incredible and provides a seamless event for the attendees.

CRUISING: We’ve all seen the spectacular cars that Mecum offers for sale, but do they have classic cars available for the regular working man who may want to just relive his or her youth?

KRAMAN: Even though the high-dollar cars get the bulk of the publicity, the majority of cars are geared for the blue-collar worker. Approximately one-third of the inventory at the Mecum Harrisburg auction is predicted to sell in the $20,000 to $25,000 range. For someone looking to find a lower-priced vehicle or possibly a driver quality vehicle, Wednesday or Thursday are the best days to attend. The premium high- dollar vehicles tend to run through on Friday and Saturday.

CRUISING: While all of your auctioneers do a great job, you have one auctioneer from right here in Lancaster County, correct?

KRAMAN: Jimmy Landis is our lead auctioneer and does a wonderful job for us. His late father was Omar Landis, a great auctioneer in his own right and brought Jimmy up in the auction atmosphere. We are proud to have him on our staff here at Mecum Auctions.

CRUISING: What is your take on the car culture here in the northeastern part of the U.S.?

KRAMAN: Interest in classic cars here in the Pa., N.J., N.Y, Del., and Md. area is tremendous and makes up at least 25% of the car culture in the United States. Mecum recognizes this hotbed of activity and is proud to bring an event to the area. We also recognize that the auction is not just for buyers and sellers. Spectators are welcome to stop by and watch all the action. Spectator tickets are only $20 in advance, or $30 at the door and there’s no charge for children 12 and under. It’s a terrific way to absorb the thrill of the classic car auction, grab a hot dog or burger, and see for yourself what the atmosphere is like.

So, if you’re in the area from July 26-29, the Mecum Auction at the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex is a terrific way to soak in a bit of classic car thrill and maybe even see yourself on Motor Trend TV.

A few of the unique classics up for sale at this year's

Vintage Weekend

Coatesville Invitational Grand Prix returns for seventh year

Once again, vintage cars and motorcycles will be roaring through the streets of Coatesville, Pa. as the Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix is set for Sept. 14-16.

The Grand Prix is one of the few remaining events in North America featuring vintage race cars and motorcycles that run through city streets. The Grand Prix features up to 60 vintage cars and 30 vintage motorcycles traversing a two-mile course designed by Brandywine Motorsports Club. Vehicles dating back to 1983 and older that pass a safety and technical inspection are eligible to run untimed lapping sessions by class, with a staggered start, in a demonstration of driver skills and the capabilities of the historic vehicles.

“We are extremely excited to showcase our great community over three days,” says James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. “The Grand Prix has become one of the most anticipated events in the region, bringing thousands to the City of Coatesville. We invite visitors to enjoy the experience of watching dozens of vintage cars and motorcycles traverse our city streets as we roll out the red carpet to welcome our friends and guests for a day of family fun and excitement.”

Grand Prix Weekend includes a Prixview Party on Thursday, Sept. 14 (6-9pm), a Cruise-in featuring vintage cars, trucks and special interest vehicles on Friday, Sept. 15 (6-9pm), and the main event on Saturday, Sept. 16 (9am-4:30pm). Saturday admission is free and included in the day’s activities is the 1st Annual Auto/Moto Show, sponsored by Brian Hoskins Ford. Spectators can also enjoy food trucks, vendors, downtown restaurants, a lively beer garden, lunchtime entertainment, a soapbox derby and fun for the kids, all just steps away from the start/finish line. For complete event details, visit CoatesvilleGrandPrix.com.

Event Spotlights

Wildwood Spring Classic Car Show

It’s always great to see shore resorts starting to come alive with car events for the new season. One such town that is no stranger to car events is Wildwood, N.J.

The Spring Classic Car Show is a season kick-off event held on Pacific Avenue next to Byrne Park. There was a great collection of fine rides to check out on this multiday gathering. If you did not get an opportunity to get to Wildwood for the Summer Car Show, you still can catch up to this event in September for the Fall Classic Car Show event.

Cruisin’ Main Street In Downtown Hammonton

TThe city of Hammonton, N.J. and the Cruisin’ Classics Car Club teamed up to stage a cruise right in the center of town. Belleview Avenue is the main street through town and it is the location of the Cruisin’ Main Street event. This beautiful spring evening saw hundreds of rides come out to enjoy the stores and eateries in the center and side streets of town. Watching people meet and greet each other was a great reminder that our communities and their hometown shopping areas (along with car cruises) are still a special American tradition.

SUMMIT CITY FARMS & WINERY CRUISE

Summit City Farms is a family-owned agribusiness located in Glassboro, NJ. For those not aware, Glassboro State College (now Rowen University) was the location of the summit between President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexi Kosygin in 1967. The name of Summit City became attached to the community. There is also another gathering of sorts in Glassboro and that is a neat car cruise at Summit City Winery. This cruise saw a respectable number of cruisers with classic and military rides come out and enjoy an evening of music provided by WVLT 92.1 FM DJ Lou Costello. Attendees also sampled and purchased some fine local wines.

— Text by Ben Notaro, Photos by Robert Sliwecki

Event Spotlights

Cruisin’ In Winter

During the off season of car activities, cruisers usually look for something automotive to keep the “juices” flowing. A few cruisers got together and made an appointment to go for a tour of a professional restoration facility. They agreed that watching a show-quality ride being constructed and being able to ask the proprietor questions can be a very motivating thing.

Back Road Cruisers

This year, the Back Road Cruisers moved their second Wednesday cruises to the Woodstown Diner at 16 East Ave., (Route 40 and Route 45) Woodstown, N.J (formerly held in Mullica Hill). The initial turnout was fantastic with over 65 cars and there was great food, too. The fourth Wednesday cruises are still held at the Mullica Hill Plaza on Route 77 in Mullica Hill, N.J. from 5-8pm. All are welcome.

Enter Tom Rightler who is the owner/operator of Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars located in Bridgeton, NJ. Rightler is no stranger to restoring muscle cars and has animpressive list of clients and accomplishments. It’s also safe to say his passion for the Chevelle served as special inspiration.

While at his shop, one guest (Jim Solomon) presented Rightler with his watercolor artwork depicting Rightler’s reconstructed General Lee. A walk-through had guests checking out an area that had an original contemporary Shelby Cobra frame ready for the body (as well as related parts) and assembly to be completed. Visiting a shop that specializes in classic and specialty rides is a great way keep the spirit alive and get to see another side of our hobby. Check out Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars at midatlanticmusclecar.com