Old Cars Weekly News and Marketplace – August 28, 2008
Ron Kowalke highlights the Des Moines auction
The First “Swiss Cheese” 1963 Pontiac Catalina Super Stock Drag Racer to be Offered by Mecum Auction
The October Mecum auction in St. Charles, Illinois will be the stage for the sale of one of the most significant cars in Pontiac drag-racing history when the 1963 Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” Catalina, specially prepared for racing great Mickey Thompson, crosses the auction block. This Super Stock drag-racer was built by Pontiac in response to the challenges from Ford, Chrysler and Chevrolet and incorporated all the tricks of the trade necessary to produce a lightweight and powerful performer.
The most prominent modifications to the Catalina were the extensive measures taken to lighten the car. The chassis was altered by changing the section of the boxed rails and then drilling holes throughout the structure, leading to the nickname “Swiss Cheese”. All the stock insulation and sound deadener was removed and aluminum body panels were fitted. Even the cast-iron exhaust manifolds were replaced with custom aluminum pieces.
The 421 Super-Duty engine was highly modified with Mickey Thompson pistons, a custom camshaft and re-worked heads with lightweight valves. Twin Carter AFB carbs sat atop a special aluminum manifold. Altogether, these modifications gave 410 horsepower and coupled with all the other weight-saving measures, produced a car capable of 12-second times at 120 mph.
Pontiac produced two of the “Swiss Cheese” Catalinas for Thompson. This particular car was the first made and was used for backup and promotional use. Thus this car has accumulated very few miles. With a concours-quality restoration that paid special attention to all the period-correct details, this is an extraordinary example of Pontiac’s Super Stock Heritage. For full details on the car, please visit www.Mecum.com.
The 1963 Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” Catalina is another Mecum Main Attraction of an estimated 800 collectible classics that will attract a crowd of thousands to the 13th Annual Mecum St. Charles, Illinois Auction, October 3 - 5, 2008 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. The car is will be sold Saturday, October 4 as lot number S88. The general public is welcome, with tickets available at the door for $10. For complete information about this auction, visit www.Mecum.com.
About Mecum
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for over twenty years. In spring 2008, the Company sold its fifty-thousandth car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling (815) 568-8888.
BARRETT-JACKSON TO BE FEATURED ON ROBBY GORDON’S NO. 7 DODGE IN NASCAR’S SHARPIE 500 AT BRISTOL
Scottsdale, Ariz. – August 22, 2008 - Robby Gordon’s No. 7 Dodge of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series will have a new look tomorrow when it sports the flaming red logo of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company during the Sharpie 500. The Barrett-Jackson badge will adorn the flanks and deck lid of Gordon’s car as it races for victory under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. The race will help Barrett-Jackson gear up for the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas Oct. 15-18, 2008.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Robby Gordon’s team at Bristol, NASCAR’s most electric venue,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “NASCAR fans are some of the most passionate in all of sports and we’re proud to have this opportunity to reach millions of them across the country who might be interested in the collector car hobby. Tomorrow’s race will be a major milestone on our way to the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event in October.”
The Barrett-Jackson logo will join that of Planet Color, the custom color paint system of Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. (SWAFC) and longtime supplier of paints and coatings to Gordon. The logos, along with Gordon’s No. 7 livery, will be featured against the Dodge Charger’s black color-scheme as it circles the short Tennessee oval in front of more than 160,000 ardent racing fans.
Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and feature hundreds of desirable collector vehicles and lavish lifestyle events. To date this year, more than 347,000 attendees and millions of SPEED viewers around the world have witnessed 1,672 vehicles being auctioned off for approximately $111 million during Barrett-Jackson events in Scottsdale, Ariz., and West Palm Beach, Fla. Barrett-Jackson has also helped raise over $6 million for charity in 2008.
About Barrett-Jackson
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. Visit www.barrett-jackson.com for more information.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301(www.tprm-usa.com).
Autoweek – August 18, 2008
Dave Kinney covers the highlight of the Mecum Des Moines, IA auction by profiling the 2006 Noble M400 Coupe, which was the auction's highest and perhaps most unusual sale.
Carroll Shelby’s First Race Car, 1949 MG TC, To Cross The Block At Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas
Scottsdale, Ariz. – August 13, 2008 - A historic 1949 MG TC, the first race car ever driven by legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby, will be sold at No Reserve during the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas Oct. 15-18, 2008; a portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit one of Mr. Shelby’s charities. Shelby piloted the MG (Lot #819) to a surprise victory in a road race in Norman, Okla., in 1952, a win that set the stage for his prolific career. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the Las Vegas auction will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and feature hundreds of desirable collector vehicles and lavish lifestyle events, while SPEED cameras capture live, high-definition coverage.
“We’ve sold some special cars during our 37-year history, but this MG ranks among the most significant vehicles to ever cross the Barrett-Jackson auction block,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “In 2007, we sold the ultra-rare 427 Shelby Cobra Super Snake, followed by Carroll’s personal ’69 GT500 convertible this year in Scottsdale. Now, we’re offering collectors a chance to nab the race car that started it all for the legend over half a century ago, while also benefitting one of his charities. Carroll is an American icon both behind the wheel and under the hood – an inspiration to enthusiasts of all ages.”
Shelby also fired up the MG TC for the day’s second race in Norman, driving it to another victory against the much higher-profile Jaguar XK120s. The back-to-back victories led to one of the most storied careers in motorsports, which pinnacled in 1956 and 1957 when Shelby was consecutively named Sports Car Illustrated’s “Driver of the Year.” He went on to build the legendary Shelby Cobra and Shelby Mustang, along with a slew of other vehicles that have become performance icons.
“My good friend in Dallas, Ed Wilkins, owned the car and let me drive it in the race,” noted Carroll Shelby. “Because it was early in my career, I still had a lot to learn but knew how to go fast. This MG changed my life, because from that point forward, I knew that I wanted to be involved with racing and sport cars.”
The dark green MG TC sports the original 1250cc, 4-cylinder engine with a 4-speed transmission that has since been tuned up to 100-plus horsepower and is race-ready. The new owner will also receive the SCCA Log Book, as well as the original fenders, bonnet and mechanical parts that were stripped from the car for competition. For over 20 years, the MG has been part of the famous Syd Silverman Collection and is well known on the MG vintage race car circuit.
“In addition to the amazing story, this MG is in pristine condition and it’s track-ready,” added Davis. “It would be quite a thrill to drive this beautiful sports car in a vintage race, knowing that Carroll crossed his first finish line behind the same wheel. It’s truly a collector’s dream and will serve as the cornerstone of our inaugural Las Vegas event.”
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
About Barrett-Jackson
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. Visit www.barrett-jackson.com for more information.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301(www.tprm-usa.com).
Maggie Feldman at Maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com or (702) 553-5832
Mecum Dominates 2008 Corvette Auction Sales
A recent analysis of the top 175 Chevrolet Corvette sales at auction worldwide, published by the magazine Corvette Market in their Summer 2008 issue, shows Mecum Auction handled nine out of ten of the highest-value transactions for the first quarter of this year. Of all the top 175 sales, Mecum handled 89 or 51% of the total, more than any other auction company.
"Our results continue to reflect our focus on bringing quality classic Corvettes to the market", said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction. "The market for well-documented, well-presented Corvettes remains strong in 2008."
Highlights amongst the Corvettes sold were:
1971 Corvette ZR2 Convertible, sold for $550,000
1969 Corvette L88 Convertible, sold for $435,750
1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible, sold for $336,000
1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible, sold for $246,750
1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe, sold for $233,625
1968 Corvette L88 Coupe, sold for $231,000
1990-1995 Corvette ZR-1 Coupes (sold as one lot of six), sold for $231,000
1970 Corvette ZR1 Coupe, sold for $189,000
1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible, sold for $180,600
About Mecum
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for over twenty years. In spring 2008, the Company sold its fifty-thousandth car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling (815) 568-8888.
1970 Nickey Z-28 RS/SS Camaro to be Sold by Mecum Auction
The October Mecum auction in St. Charles, Illinois will be the venue when two very rare, dealer modified Camaros are offered for sale back-to-back. The 1967 Nickey 427 Big-Block Camaro leads off, followed by its smaller, but no less significant cousin. Having one Nickey Camaro come up for sale is a notable event, but to have two in the same sale is truly extraordinary.
This particular small-block powered 1970 Nickey Camaro Z-28 RS/SS is likely the most highly documented Nickey modified car known to exist. The original dealer order file includes the actual order forms, Protect-O-Plate, finance documents, build sheet and shop tickets for the modifications performed under the overall guidance of legendary California Chevy racer Bill Thomas and local Chicago drag racing superstar Dick “Mr. Chevrolet” Harrell.
Included in these modifications are the Edelbrock intake manifold, electric fuel pump in the trunk, traction bars, headers and reworked carburetor and distributor. Maximized by Nickey’s famous dyno-tuning, these modifications turned the already potent Z-28 into a total street terror. It was apparent when examining this car after its twenty years in storage, that many of its 21,000 original miles had been spent prowling the street racing haunts of the Chicago area. For typically shorter street drags, many preferred the high winding, modified small block to the heavier big blocks and this car delivered, right from the showroom floor.
Still retaining its original born-with drive train and interior, the car required only a light restoration, detailing and a fresh coat of its original Cranberry Red paint. This was a special order car built in Los Angeles and one of the first delivered to the Midwest. For a complete description, please see the Mecum Auction web site.
As a testament to the quality and significance of this car, it is featured in the new hard cover book American Muscle Supercars by David Newhardt, which showcases important cars created by the American Supercar Dealers of the late 60s.
The 1970 Nickey Camaro Z-28 RS/SS is another Mecum Main Attraction of an estimated 800 collectible classics that will attract a crowd of thousands to the 13th Annual Mecum St. Charles, Illinois Auction, October 3 - 5, 2008 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. The car is will be sold Saturday, October 4 as lot number S98, immediately after it's big brother, The original 1967 Nickey 427 Camaro. The general public is welcome, with tickets available at the door for $10. For complete information about this auction, visit www.Mecum.com.
About Mecum
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for over twenty years. In spring 2008, the Company sold its fifty-thousandth car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling (815) 568-8888.
Mecum to Sell 1967 Nickey 427 Camaro at Auction October 4, 2008
In 1967 Nickey Chevrolet of Chicago was the biggest, most successful Chevrolet dealer in the world. Owners Jack and Ed Stephani were successful racers and marketing geniuses; their distinctive Nickey logo with its backward-facing "K" was an American musclecar icon in motor sports, where it appeared on everything from drag cars to Can-Am racers until the early 1970s. Nickey teamed with some of the best talent in American racing, including such names as A.J. Foyt, Skip Hudson, Jerry Grant and Dan Blocker of TV’s “Bonanza” fame.
Nickey was the first dealer to offer a 427 big-block conversion for Chevrolet’s exciting new 1967 Camaro. Working with legendary Chevy racer Bill Thomas in California, Nickey began installing the potent 427 Corvette engine into the Camaro beginning in late 1966, with Thomas converting cars to be sold in the west and local drag superstar Dick “Mr. Chevrolet” Harrell doing conversions and managing sales in Chicago. The 427-powered Camaros were shocking performers that could be purchased fresh from the showroom floor.
Mecum Auction CEO Dana Mecum, a Chicago -area native, recalls the cars’ impact on the local drag racing scene: “All the Nickey-prepared cars were hard runners, but the 427 Camaros were instantly unbeatable. They were in a league of their own, and this car, with the Tri-Power setup, is a cornerstone example of a Nickey conversion. We’re very pleased to offer what is essentially 'The' 1967 Nickey 427 Camaro at our Mecum St. Charles, Illinois Auction.”
The 1967 Nickey 427 Camaro to be auctioned this year at St. Charles is widely considered to be the best known and most desirable in existence (See the full listing on the Mecum website). An original RS/SS 4-speed, it is a stunning example of American Muscle that will markedly enhance any collection. One of an estimated fourteen built, it is one of three to receive the Corvette 427/435HP L89 aluminum-head Tri-Power engine, and the only one finished in Tahoe Turquoise. It is well known as the subject of numerous magazine features and has been showcased by noted automotive photographer David Newhardt in several books, including Chevy SS: 50 Years of Super Sport; Camaro, Forty Years and the recently released American Muscle Supercars.
The 1967 Nickey 427 Camaro is the Mecum Main Attraction of an estimated 800 collectible classics that will attract a crowd of thousands to the 13th Annual Mecum St. Charles, Illinois Auction, October 3 - 5, 2008 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. The car is will be sold Saturday, October 4 as lot number S97. The general public is welcome, with tickets available at the door for $10. For complete information about this auction, visit www.Mecum.com.
About Mecum
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for over twenty years. In spring 2008, the Company sold its fifty-thousandth car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling (815) 568-8888.
Car Collector Magazine – August 2008
Rick Carey provides complete coverage of the Spring Classic held in Indianapolis, IN and broadcast live on HD Theater as part of the "Mecum Auction: Muscle Cars & More" series.
Keith Martin’s Corvette Market – Summer 2008
Donald Grunwald and Thomas Glatch produce a comprehensive report and analysis of the 2008 Mecum Auction at Bloomington Gold Corvettes USA show. A short interview with Dana Mecum about the best $100,000 Corvette is also included.
