Mecum Auctions’ Opening Act In Harrisburg Surpasses $21 Million
More than 20,000 car and motorcycle enthusiasts from all along the East Coast and beyond flocked to Harrisburg, Penn., this past weekend and flooded the gates of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center to get in on the Mecum collector car and vintage motorcycle auction action. The four-day auction was an over-the-top success with $21,111,582 in total sales, eclipsing Mecum’s Dallas auction in 2011 as the largest-ever inaugural consignment collector car auction. With 735 of the total 1,056 vehicles offered hammering sold, the auction sell-through rate reached an exceptional 70 percent.
“After kicking off Dallas back in 2011 with a $20.5 million sale, the event has grown year after year and evolved to nearly a $40 million auction in three short years," comments Mecum President and Founder Dana Mecum. “With the instant success we witnessed at our inaugural event in Harrisburg, we’re anticipating similar trends in the Northeast to those achieved in the Dallas market."
The unprecedented crowd translated to hearty bidding and enormous sales for both the collector cars and the vintage motorcycles. A total of 596 of the 868 cars changed hands, as well as 139 of the 188 motorcycles. Top sales among the cars included a one-of-four 1970 Dodge Hemi Coronet R/T (Lot S107) equipped with both the 426/425hp Hemi engine and four-speed manual transmission that gaveled at an unmatched $305,000. Serial number one of the estimated 12 built, a 2012 Cadillac CTS-VR Hennessey Twin Turbo Coupe (Lot S196) grabbed the second seat in top sales at a hammer price of $165,000, and a three-time MCA Concours Gold-winning 1968 Shelby GT350 Convertible (Lot S168) followed at $145,000.
The complete top 10 sales among the collector cars includes (all individual sales reflect hammer prices):
1. 1970 Dodge Hemi Coronet R/T (Lot S107) at $305,000
2. 2012 Cadillac CTS-VR Hennessey (Lot S196) at $165,000
3. 1968 Shelby GT350 Convertible (Lot S168) at $145,000
4. 2006 Ferrari F430 Spider (Lot S101) at $130,000
5. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (Lot S180.1) at $125,000
6. 1941 Ford Convertible Resto Mod (Lot S125) at $125,000
7. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod (Lot S208) at $120,000
8. 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod (Lot S164.1) at $105,000
9. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster (Lot S158) at $105,000
10. 1993 Ferrari Testarossa 512 TR (Lot S199) at $102,000
Motorcycles were also extremely well received with an outstanding 74 percent sold. The lineup was highlighted by the Mike Quinn Collection, and after a stout round of applause from the crowd in recognition of Mr. Quinn’s grand collection of more than 100 Harley-Davidson’s, bidding was very active. Not only did Quinn’s motorcycles dominate the top sales, but they also achieved an 89 percent sell-through rate.
The top five sales among the motorcycles includes (all individual sales reflect hammer prices):
1. 1920 Harley-Davidson J-L20 T (Lot U22) at $58,000
2. 1911 Harley-Davidson 7-A Single Cylinder (Lot U21) at $45,000
3. 1947 Harley-Davidson FL with Sidecar (Lot U29) at $43,000
4. 1956 Harley-Davidson FLH (Lot U39) at $41,000
5. 1957 Harley-Davidson FLH (Lot U42) at $33,000
For access to complete auction results and other member benefits, signup for the free InfoNet service offered at www.mecum.com. Mecum’s next auction will be the annual Daytime Auction in Monterey, Calif., this Aug. 14-16 with an eclectic mix of 750 classic and collector cars including vintage race cars, European classics and more. Mecum will then take the gavel to Dallas Sept. 3-6 with another 1,000-collector car offering. For more details on an upcoming auction, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.
About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 27 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
