Mecum is relocating its founding Belvidere Spring Classic Auction to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. The auction has traditionally been held in Illinois over Memorial Day weekend. According to CEO Dana Mecum, “The 2008 event will be held one week earlier May 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th and return to its original name, Dana Mecum’s Spring Classic. The auction takes place one week prior to the Indianapolis 500.
The facility at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and encompasses four buildings that are joined together and will have over 400,000 square feet under roof. “Every car consigned, be it $10,000 or $1,000,000, will have the red carpet treatment” says Mecum.
The top three reasons the move has been initiated are:
- Facility- The new location offers a weatherproof environment, paved parking and all cars under roof. Mecum says “Even though we had over seven acres of tents in the past, the weather brought undesirable conditions. Our number one customer concern is that we have a proper parking environment.”
- Market Proximity:Indianapolis is located in close proximity to major metropolitan areas including: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, Champaign, Bloomington, Dayton, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lexington, Louisville, Peoria, Springfield, and St. Louis.
- Upcoming TV Series: Eight episodes over seven weeks will deliver live auction coverage in High Definition on a major cable network beginning Saturday, March 29, 2008. Six episodes of smaller 100-car auctions will build up to the 1,000-car Grand Finale episode (Dana Mecum’s Spring Classic).
CEO Mecum and key staff members will be in Scottsdale, Arizona January 19th and 20th for a public preview of the Christenholz Collection consisting of 21 world-class muscle cars and 150 vintage signs to be sold at Dana Mecum’s Spring Classic. This is the only opportunity for the public to view the collection prior to the Indiana sale.
The Mecum Auction Company, with corporate headquarters located in Marengo, Illinois, is in their 21st year of selling collector cars, specializing in Muscle Cars and Corvettes. In spring of 2008, Mecum will offer their 50,000th car for sale at auction.
PR Contact Sponsor/Underwriter Inquiries
Cindy A. Meitle, CAR PR USA Eric De Bord, PROtential
480 659-9413 847-922-3813
"Mecum is restoring the auction, known as The Rockford Spring Classic & Belvidere Spring Classic, to its original name, Dana Mecum's Spring Classic, and relocating it to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana." - Mustang® Milestones 2008
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., February 8, 2008 – Stunning vehicles, lavish parties and red hot celebrities will return to the beaches of South Florida when the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event rolls into West Palm Beach, Fla., on March 26-30, 2008. SPEED will once again bring the action home with TV coverage during the auction as approximately 600 of the finest collector vehicles are sold at No Reserve. Due to popularity and viewer demand, SPEED will expand their event coverage to 19 hours.
The world-famous automotive lifestyle event will kick off on Wednesday, March 26, with a preview day for bidders and auction participants and the highly anticipated Opening Night Gala from 7:30-10:30 p.m. EST, with proceeds to benefit The Darrell Gwynn Foundation. For the sixth consecutive year, the event will take place at the spacious South Florida Expo Center, located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach.
“The Barrett-Jackson automotive lifestyle event in Palm Beach has grown to become the most well-respected, highly attended collector car auction along the East Coast,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “Last year, we welcomed an unprecedented number of new buyers to the hobby, continuing our efforts to fuel the passion for collector cars that resonates throughout the United States. After a spectacular event in Scottsdale, where attendance records were shattered and sales were strong, we’re expecting another sizzling auction week beneath the sun in Palm Beach.”
Highlighting this year’s Palm Beach lineup is a stunning 1957 Chevrolet convertible, which was custom built for the Armed Forces Foundation and Super Chevy magazine. Dubbed “Project American Heroes,” the proceeds from the sale of the car in Palm Beach will benefit The Armed Forces Foundation, which provides support to the families of fallen or disabled soldiers. The convertible is powered by a 572ci, 717 horsepower custom built Chevy big block engine with an automatic transmission. Select Armed Forces personnel were invited to choose the ultimate design specs for the custom Chevy, including the blue pearl color scheme, interior design and exterior trim.
Cars with star power will be well represented in Palm Beach as 13 vehicles from HBO’s “The Soprano’s” will be sold. Another high-profile car headed to South Florida is a 1967 Ford Mustang “Pit Viper.” The custom fastback is Serial No. 005 from the limited production build by Total Performance Inc. and includes a 427ci, 550-plus horsepower small-block Ford engine.
“Palm Beach will once again provide the perfect setting for Barrett-Jackson’s one-of-a-kind automotive extravaganza,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “From muscle cars to classics, we’re lining up a diverse offering of collector cars for Palm Beach. We’re taking the same approach that led to a successful Palm Beach event in 2007 with cars that appeal to seasoned collectors, as well as entry level collectors looking for good values.”
Another popular trend that will continue this year in Palm Beach will be the Barrett-Jackson Automobilia Auction. The one-of-a-kind automobile collectibles will be offered at No Reserve prior to the start of the vehicle auction on March 27-30. In Scottsdale, automobilia earnings were off the charts with nearly $1 million in total sales recorded. In addition, the public can shop from a multitude of vendors that will be part of the automotive lifestyle event.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or 214.520.3430 ext. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com)
Mecum sold $15.2 million during its 3-day auction in Kissimmee, Florida at Osceola Heritage Park . A total of 778 vehicles were offered with 445 cars selling under the hammer January 24-26, 2008. “A 60% auction is a good indicator that the collector car market beats to its own drum while other markets and industries are currently adjusting to the recent fluctuation of stocks and oil prices.” Bidder, consignor and spectator spirit and enthusiasm was high and not dampened by rainy weather.
CEO Dana Mecum remarked, “This year, we did not offer $1 million-$1.5 million vehicles as during our 2007 Kissimmee sale yet we still sold $15.2 million worth of Muscle and Corvettes. This shows Mecum’s ability to bring quality cars and strong buyers together in the Southeast sector of the United States.” Top sales for this auction include; A 1953 Corvette ($238,000.00), a 1965 Chevelle Z16($227,000.00), a 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible ($188,000.00) and a 1968 Shelby GT 500KR ($155,000.00).
“The top ten sellers at the Kissimmee auction were notably across the board in make and model. GM, Chrysler and Ford were all strong contenders on the auction block” observes Mecum. “We truly enjoy sales of this nature which represent a perfect cross-section of car enthusiasts and we are thrilled to offer a broad mix that satisfies every one of them.” Collector cars purchased at the Mecum sale represent bidders from around the world. A 1966 Mustang and a 1965 Cobra replica are on their way to Norway and many other cars are being transported to new owners in Canada.
For More about Mecum or To Register for An Auction: www.Mecum.com
PR Contact
Cindy A. Meitle, CAR PR USA LLC
480 659-9413
Mecum continues to live up to its powerful reputation for specializing in strong Corvette and Muscle car sales by offering 800 outstanding cars in Kissimmee including an impressive lot of 125 Corvettes. Two exceptional collections will be offered at no reserve on Friday, January 25. Registered bidders and consignors are traveling from all over the United States as well as Europe, Asia and Canada.
The Mecum Kissimmee sale is among the top sales in the state of Florida. It’s the second largest Corvette auction in the country. “We have held successful auctions at HeritagePark for many years,” notes Mecum. “The auction team along with our customers has been very pleased with the location. Many of our visitors stay an extra week to enjoy exceptional January weather in Florida, along with outstanding golf and other attractions in the area.”
For More about Mecum or To Register for An Auction: www.Mecum.com
PR Contact
480 659-9413
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 22, 2008 – Barrett-Jackson once again showcased its position as the world’s premier auction company by setting record breaking numbers at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Preliminary figures indicate over $88 million in sales, which includes sales from the Showroom Pavilion, in addition to record breaking attendance of 280,000 and over 100 million Web site hits. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the Scottsdale auction featured 1,163 collector vehicles, over 100 fewer cars than the company sold in 2007. SPEED broadcast 39 hours of live auction coverage during the event.
“Despite premature predictions, Barrett-Jackson showed that the collector car market remains strong and viable for collectors across the board,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “For example, Corvettes fetched strong prices, as did ‘tri-five’ 1955-57 Chevys throughout the week. And the average hammer price of these two groups increased by 13 percent. We also broadened the docket to make collector cars more accessible to the general public and let first time buyers in on the action.”
Shelbys, MOPARS, Corvettes, Rolls Royces, Mustangs, Cadillacs, Bel Airs and Mercedes joined classics, concepts from Italy, customs from Barris, Robosaurus and cars of the stars on the block. Muscle cars, pre-war gems, resto-mods, entry level cars and outrageous custom machines from across the globe were also well-represented at the 2008 Scottsdale event.
“This year’s Scottsdale event demonstrated the resiliency of the collector car hobby,” added Jackson. “Our record attendance and Web site hits, as well as the prices for crown jewel cars were very strong with three cars hitting at least $1 million. There were also some good values and a few surprises this year. As the prices indicated, the bids for the vehicles were fair, pleasing both consignors and buyers.”
Demand for automobilia skyrocketed this year as sales increased an astounding 47 percent to $851,000, when compared to 2007. Total sales via the Internet were $2,464,525, doubling the total from Scottsdale in 2007; the number of cars sold to online bidders also increased by 45 percent. The Barrett-Jackson Showroom Pavilion, where cars are sold at set prices, enjoyed enormous success, selling 34 cars for a gross total of $1,879,157.
One-off concept cars from the ’50s and ’60s were very popular. Barrett-Jackson snagged prime examples of these classics in the 1963 Pininfarina-bodied Chevrolet Corvette “Rondine” that fetched $1,600,000 and the 1963 Ford Thunderbird “Italien” that sold for $600,000.
A new generation of muscle cars took center stage on Saturday when Ford, General Motors and Chrysler sold their latest performance vehicles at No Reserve and raised nearly $2 million for charities. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR sold for $550,000, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 for $1 million and the 2008 Dodge Challenger for $400,000.
“With proceeds from our annual gala, car sales and generous individual donations, we raised in excess of $5 million for local and national charities,” stated Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “For instance, Tony Stewart’s 2007 winning NASCAR Monte Carlo racecar sold for $300,000, not including extra donations that brought the contributions to nearly $500,000 for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation.”
Muhammad Ali headlined a banner list of sports and entertainment stars who added to the lifestyle appeal of Barrett-Jackson. In addition to the boxing legend, “Tonight Show” host and avid car collector Jay Leno drove the Corvette ZR1 across the block. TV and film star Patrick Dempsey was also on the block when the 2005 Mustang race car that he drove sold for $200,000, and John Schneider serenaded the Barrett-Jackson crowd before his “General Lee” fetched $450,000. Automotive icon Carroll Shelby addressed the crowd during the sale of the GT500KR, along with Dempsey.
The iconic “Monkeemobile” incited a bidding frenzy and sold for $360,000 and the “Batmobile Re-creation” fetched $185,000. Famous rocker and auto enthusiasts Alice Cooper sold his 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing custom re-creation for $185,000, while Carroll Shelby’s personal 1969 Shelby GT500 hit $675,000.
“Despite our efforts to limit the number of cars offered in Scottsdale, the demand for a diverse, high-quality selection of vehicles dictated that we exceed our original plan,” commented Davis. “From Robosaurus to the ‘Rondine,’ our goal was to make sure that there was something for everyone at Barrett-Jackson this year. We’ve become a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue for collectors, families and enthusiasts.”
Download Scottsdale 2008 Top 100 List in Adobe Acrobat format.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or 214.520.3430 ext. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 20, 2008 – A new generation of muscle cars took center stage last night when American automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler sold their latest performance vehicles at No Reserve and raised nearly $2 million for charities at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR sold for $550,000, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 for $1 million and 2008 Dodge Challenger for $400,000. The Challenger was purchased by Barrett-Jackson CEO/Chairman Craig Jackson, with all proceeds benefiting the Phoenix-based charity Not My Kid, Inc.
“The great American muscle cars are back,” said Jackson. “During the 1960s and early ’70s, Detroit demonstrated its stronghold on automotive performance and power with cars like these. We’re thrilled that Barrett-Jackson provided the stage for the rebirth of these amazing vehicles. When the new Challenger crossed the block, we decided it was a great opportunity for the Barrett-Jackson team to jump in and show our support for Not My Kid, a deserving local charity.”
Each manufacturer donated money from the sale of the cars to a designated charity. Ford donated the proceeds of the GT500KR to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; GM donated a portion of the proceeds of the Corvette ZR1′s winning bid to United Way; and the proceeds from the new Challenger were donated to Not My Kid, Inc.
Among the stars present last night was “Tonight Show” host and avid car collector Jay Leno, who drove the Corvette ZR1 across the block. Automotive icon Carroll Shelby addressed the crowd during the sale of the GT500KR, along with “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or 214.520.3430 ext. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 19, 2008 – A retired classic car owner said goodbye to one of his “family” members yesterday when he sold his 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible that he purchased new 51 years ago. The car (Lot #977) sold for $90,000 during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Mr. Gerald Iwan purchased the car new and has been the only owner of the onyx black “drop top” ever since. SPEED captured the moment and broadcast it, along with all of the exciting block action live throughout the day.
“This car represents a wonderful piece of Americana and more importantly, the passion for automobiles that draws people to Barrett-Jackson lifestyle events,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “When the Iwans decided to part with their Bel Air, they chose to do it at Barrett-Jackson where they could enjoy a great ‘going away’ party for the car. We’re proud to have shared this moment with them.”
“This car represents a wonderful piece of Americana and more importantly, the passion for automobiles that draws people to Barrett-Jackson lifestyle events,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “When the Iwans decided to part with their Bel Air, they chose to do it at Barrett-Jackson where they could enjoy a great ‘going away’ party for the car. We’re proud to have shared this moment with them.”
“On July 25, 1957, I purchased my very first new car, a 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet black convertible,” said Iwan. “My mother had to sign the car title to enable me to have a loan, since I was under age at that time. I started to make the car to my liking and didn’t realize I had a gem of a car until 50 years later.”
Mr. Iwan got married in 1959 and took his bride on their honeymoon in the car. Through the decades and six kids, the Bel Air became a key part of the family.
“I will be 70 years old next year, coming to the end of a special era in my life,” added Iwan. “The car needed a new home. I want someone else to enjoy the 1957 Chevy convertible as I did for 50 years.”
Some other auction highlights yesterday included the sale of Tony Stewart’s 2007 NASCAR for $300,000, a 1958 Corvette convertible for $220,000, a Plymouth Superbird for $200,000, a 1969 Mercury Cyclone GT for $135,000 and a 1966 Pontiac GTO for $135,000.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or 214.520.3430 ext. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 17, 2008 - Superstars and super cars are beginning to heat up the action at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. After two days of steady sales of collector cars sold at No Reserve, the automotive lifestyle event is shifting into high gear as some of the hottest celebrities and highest profile cars warm up for the biggest auction days. Big names like Patrick Dempsey, Carroll Shelby, Tony Stewart, Richard Childress, Alice Cooper, Reggie Jackson, George Barris, Tom Tjaarda, John Schneider, Tim Allen, Bob Segar and Randy Johnson, as well as several “surprise celebrities” are expected to mingle with the public as bidders vie for cars ranging from great classics to muscle cars and Hollywood movie vehicles over the next four days. SPEED will broadcast the block action live during the evening.
“The event has progressed exactly as we planned with a solid lineup of entry and mid-level collector cars thus far,” said Steve Davis, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “Now the action is beginning to really heat up as some of the biggest names in entertainment, racing and corporate America begin to join the party. With the highest profile collector vehicles preparing to roll across the block during the next few days, we are looking forward to one of the most historic events in our history.”
Officials with the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company also announced preliminary figures that revealed continued strong attendance, a significant increase in Web hits and impressive overall sales for a docket of 207 entry and mid-level collector cars yesterday. Approximately $6,700,000 worth of cars was sold on the block with several hitting the $100,000 mark including a 1957 Bel Air convertible, a 1971 Ford Torino 429 Cobra Jet and a 1957 custom Chevrolet Bel Air. The total number of visitors to the Barrett-Jackson Web site also increased from an impressive 11 million on Tuesday to a record breaking 16 million on Wednesday. Other key facts include a 13 percent increase in foreign bidders and a 25 percent increase in bidder credit limit so far over 2007.
Other auction highlights included the sale of a 1966 small block Corvette convertible for $66,000, a 1970 Chevelle SS for $65,000, a wild 1932 five window Ford custom for $61,000, a 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury for $69,000 and a quirky “one-door” Heinkel Trojan for $29,000.
“In addition to the celebrities that will be in attendance, we’re offering some cars with their own ‘star’ power,” Davis noted. “This year, bidders will get the opportunity to bid on John Schneider’s 1969 Dodge Charger Coupe, a.k.a ‘General Lee’, as well as the 2004 Panoz Esperante ‘The Flying Car’ from the TV show ‘Monster Garage’, the 1966 Thunderbird from the film ‘Thelma & Louise’, the custom catamaran with a matching Hummer and trailer from the 2006 movie ‘Miami Vice,’ and a custom Harley owned by William Shatner. We’re also selling the iconic ‘Monkeemobile’ by George Barris, as well as a ‘Batmobile’ and ‘Beverly Hillbilly’s’ jalopy that he created.”
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or 214.520.3430 ext. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 16, 2008 - The action was brisk and the interest up during the first auction day of the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event yesterday in Scottsdale, Ariz. Officials with the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company announced preliminary figures that revealed an increase in attendance, strong Web hits and steady sales for a docket of 110 entry level collector cars. SPEED broadcasted the block action live during the evening.
“Our goal has always been to give more people an opportunity to be part of the action,” said Steve Davis, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “The first day of the auction was specifically designed around the entry level and first time car collector. There were some very impressive sales on some previously overlooked cars and some nice values for the savvy bidder. Both bidders and consignors indicated that they were very, very pleased with the results of Tuesday. The response to our first day represented a promising start to the auction season.”
A total of 30,431 attendees flocked to Barrett-Jackson and Web hits reached an astounding 11 million for the day. Auction highlights included the sale of a 1936 Pontiac Business Coup custom hot rod for $68,000, a 1980 Pontiac Trans Am for $63,000, a wild Truck Engine Trike from “Monster Garage” for $23,000, a VW Beetle convertible for $14,700 and a beautiful 1955 Ford Thunderbird for $65,000.
Four of the top selling cars at the auction were purchased by enthusiasts in the Barrett-Jackson Showroom Pavilion. This offers another option to sellers who wish to offer their vehicles at a pre-set price. These included a 1931 Studebaker President for $110,000, a 1962 Corvette for $91,000, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 for $75,000 and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 for $74,000
“Not only did we see strong increases in key areas across the board, the interest among sponsors and exhibitors has been very good,” Davis noted. “They recognize that the consumers they want to reach are coming to Barrett-Jackson, which is why we attracted so many blue chip companies this year. The bump in interest at the auction demonstrates that the hobby continues to be very healthy.”
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or 214.520.3430 ext. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com)