Barrett-Jackson Chooses Airband’s Fixed-Wireless Network to Ensure 100-percent Internet Uptime at the 40th Annual Scottsdale Auction

70 MB diverse circuit ensures Internet access for Barrett-Jackson, bidders and fans

DALLAS and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 10, 2011 When it comes to cars, The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company values speed and performance – the same qualities it expects from Internet access connecting its auctions with buyers and fans worldwide. That’s why Airband Communications has been named the exclusive business continuity solution for the 40th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction at WestWorld in Scottsdale from Jan. 17-23, 2011.

Internet-enabled communications are vital to the bidders and global fan base of the auto auction juggernaut that is Barrett-Jackson. During the Scottsdale auction, Barrett-Jackson will use the Internet to stream live video via their website and connect with the SPEED™ network for 40 hours of live TV coverage. High-speed data connections also links the auction to Barrett-Jackson’s headquarters to obtain buyer and selling information, as well as a closed-circuit TV for instant recall for bid discrepancies.

Airband is providing 70 MB of symmetrical bandwidth to Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale event via a stand-alone fixed-wireless tower, temporarily transported to WestWorld of Scottsdale for the auction. Airband’s fixed-wireless network provides a truly diverse path for mission-critical bandwidth as part of Barrett-Jackson’s business continuity plan. Airband frequently provides temporary wireless bandwidth for hospitality venues, including large convention centers, where high-speed Internet access with bandwidth of 100 MB or more is needed for short-term events.

“Barrett-Jackson pioneered Internet bidding and has created an exemplary online experience for buyers and fans by using the Internet to provide unprecedented access to virtually every facet of the auctions,” said Matt Clark, general manager of Airband’s Phoenix market. “Airband’s wireless service was chosen by Barrett-Jackson because they are committed to avoiding even a momentary disruption of Internet access due to cable cuts or weather events that can disrupt wired broadband services.”

During the 2009 auction in Scottsdale, a state of emergency was declared by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, and auction attendees experienced record-setting 90 mph monsoon winds and tornado warnings; however, the Airband fixed-wireless network experienced zero downtime.

“Airband is a trusted partner for Barrett-Jackson, and they’ve proven that their fixed-wireless broadband network reliably delivers results during even the most difficult circumstances,” said Craig Jackson, CEO and Chairman of Barrett-Jackson. “Whether we’re using the Internet to support our operations, or to bring the auction excitement to fans, our Internet access will not go down. Airband’s diverse circuit guarantees that Barrett-Jackson can deliver the exciting, interactive auction experience that our passionate fans expect.”

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2011, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company specializes in providing products and services to collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Named one of the top 100 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Magazine in 2010, Barrett-Jackson produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Orange County, Calif. and Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. Established in 1971, Barrett-Jackson is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

About Airband

Airband Communications, Inc. is the largest fixed-wireless voice and data provider for businesses in the U.S. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-speed Internet access, point-to-point data services, Voice over IP, security and other managed solutions – delivered over one of the industry’s most scalable last-mile networks. Airband bypasses the local phone and cable companies to provide faster provisioning intervals, immediate scalability and complete redundancy for its customers. Thousands of businesses nationwide already count on Airband for their broadband service. For more information, please visit www.airband.com.

Contact:

Katie Brooks
Jetstream PR for Airband
(972) 788-9456 ext. 303

brooks@jetstreampr.com

Late Model Luxury Cars and Exotics Offered

Mecum Auctions will offer a variety of late-model luxury and exotic cars during the 2011 Kissimmee Auction Jan. 26-30, 2011, at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla.

Among the cars scheduled to cross the block are a 2003 Jaguar XK8 Convertible (Lot T182), a 1996 Mercedes-Benz 600SL Roadster (Lot F66), a 2004 Rolls-Royce Phantom (Lot S112), a 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera (Lot S113), a 2008 Ferrari F430 Spyder (Lot S132), Bentleys, BMWs and more.

Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction has expanded to five full days to accommodate the 1,750 high-quality vehicles being offered. The auction will broadcast with four days of live national TV coverage on “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on Discovery Communications’ HD Theater. Fans can also watch the auction via live Webcast at www.Mecum.com. You can pre-register to bid at the 2011 Kissimmee Auction by visiting www.Mecum.com or calling 815.568.8888.
 

Mecum to Offer More Than 150 Desirable Corvettes

Mecum Auctions is excited to announce more than 150 noteworthy Corvettes will cross the block at its upcoming Kissimmee Auction, Jan. 26-30, 2011 in Kissimmee, Fla.

Included in the Corvette consignments are a variety of first and second generation cars, a 1953 Corvette Roadster, a ‘68 L88 Convertible and a ‘69 L89 427/435 HP Coupe – many of which are offered at no reserve. These vehicles join a list of 1,750 that will cross the block at Kissimmee, which has expanded to five days and become the industry’s largest January classic car auction.

“Our annual Kissimmee event started as an all Corvette sale 11 years ago and remains a natural location for collectors to buy and sell Corvettes,” said President Dana Mecum.

Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction takes place at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. with tickets available at the door for $15. The auction will broadcast with four days of live national TV coverage on “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on Discovery Communications’ HD Theater. Fans can also watch the auction via live Webcast at www.Mecum.com.

Bidders are encouraged to pre-register to bid for these amazing vehicles by visiting www.Mecum.com or calling 815.568.8888 today.

Schedule:
Mecum Kissimmee Auction
Osceola Heritage Park
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744
January 26-30, 2011

Preview:
Doors open Wednesday-Sunday at 8 a.m.

Vehicle Auction:
Wednesday-Saturday at 10 a.m.
Sunday at 12 p.m.

Memorabilia:
Sunday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Scottsdale Mayor Declares ‘Barrett-Jackson Week’

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 4, 2011 – In honor of the city’s oldest, largest and best auction, Scottsdale Mayor, W. J. Lane, has officially declared January 17 – 23, 2011, “Barrett-Jackson Week” in honor of the company’s 40th Annual Collector Car Auction taking place the same days.

The event has become a fixture in the state and region over the past four decades, attracting more than 200,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, resulting in a more than $90 million impact on the local economy (not including automobile sales), and raising millions of dollars for local charities.

“Having the support of Mayor Lane is not only an honor, but it compels us to continue to provide residents and visitors an enjoyable annual event that simply cannot be duplicated,” said Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We are proud of our beautiful city and the diverse amenities it offers, and showcase these through our supportive sponsors and strategic partnerships.”

To celebrate, Barrett-Jackson has planned a seven mile Road Rally on Saturday, Jan. 15, through the streets of downtown Scottsdale, followed that evening by “Barrett-Jackson Night” at the Scottsdale Pavilions with a car show, ticket sales and giveaways. In addition, the annual “Drive the Dream” charity gala will take place Saturday, Jan. 15; and Family Value Day benefiting COX Charities and the official, invitation-only Opening Night Gala are both taking place Monday, Jan. 17.

In addition, live entertainment in “The Tilted Kilt Garage” will serve as the official auction hangout hot spot.

For more information and a complete list of scheduled events, please visit www.barrett-jackson.com.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2011, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company specializes in providing products and services to collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Named one of the top 100 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Magazine in 2010, Barrett-Jackson produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Orange County, Calif. and Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. Established in 1971, Barrett-Jackson is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Media Contacts

Automotive Media Contact: Jennifer Pullen, www.tprm-usa.com, jpullen@tprm-usa.com, (214) 520-3430 ext. 307

Local Media Contact: Stacy Pearson, Up Agency, stacy@writetoup.com, (602) 577-6888

40th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction To Sell Historic Ambulance That Transported JFK

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dec. , 2010 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, “The World’s Greatest Collector Car AuctionsTM”, will sell one of the most historically significant vehicles in U.S. history at its 40th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 17-23, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance (Lot #1277), which will sell at No Reserve, carried John F. Kennedy’s casket from Air Force One, after his assassination in Dallas.
“Not only did the ambulance transport JFK following his untimely death, it’s one of the finest examples of an un-restored ambulance from that time period,” stated Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s also, without a doubt, one of the most significant and historical vehicles ever offered for sale.”

The ambulance met Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C. following the 35th president’s assassination. It transported President Kennedy’s flag-draped casket, his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, the former U.S. Attorney General, from Andrews to Bethesda Naval Hospital and later to the U.S. Capitol.

The grey ambulance, model 6-3-207G, was built in June 1963. Of 69 ambulances, only 15 were contracted for military use, including Lot #1277. Its U.S. Navy data plate registration number is 94-49196 and shows its assignment to Bethesda Naval Hospital. Following its naval service, the vehicle was retired and sold as surplus.

The ambulance survived nearly four decades in its original, un-restored condition, until it landed in the hands of its current owner a year ago. The consignor was seeking a World War II ambulance when a friend mentioned a more recent ambulance that belonged to a collector in California. Intrigued by the ‘60s vehicle, he bought it for his collection.

The vehicle was shown at the 2010 Military Vehicle Preservation Association National Convention where it won the Gold Award and has appeared in many publications, including “Supply Line” magazine. It’s currently featured on the Pontiac Online website. It was also documented by the Pontiac Historical Society (PHS).

“The ambulance is not just a historical vehicle, it represents one of most significant moments in the 20th century,” added Davis. “Most Americans remember when and where they were when they heard the tragic news of JFK’s assassination. His death was a turning point and those of us who watched it on TV or witnessed it firsthand were affected. It will be an honor to have a vehicle cross our block that once transported one of our most celebrated presidents in U.S. history.”

The vehicle, as well as the consignor will be making their first appearance at WestWorld of Scottsdale. For additional information about the ambulance, as well as photos and a video, visit PontiacsOnline.com.

Barrett-Jackson is currently accepting bidder applications. For more information on how to own this piece of American history, please visit www.barrett-jackson.com/bid.

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 Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Media Contact:
Automotive media contact: Jennifer Pullen, www.tprm-usa.com, (214) 520-3430 Ext. 307, jpullen@tprm-usa.com
Local Media Contact: Stacy Pearson, Up Agency, (602) 577-6888 stacy@writetoup.com

Café Racer Motorcycle to be Sold at No Reserve

Mecum Auctions will offer a 2010 Martin Café Racer Motorcycle (Lot F264) at no reserve during its upcoming Kissimmee Auction on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Featured on the Discovery Channel TV show “Café Racer,” the motorcycle was designed by Santiago Choppers’ Alan Bernard. It has a Kawasaki Z 1000 engine; 2007 Suzuki GSRX swing-arm, front end and 17-inch wheels; a Benelli seat; and custom exhaust by Aztech Welding. Proceeds from the motorcycle sale will go to Curing Kids Cancer.

To see a video of the Café Racer, visit https://www.youtube.com/mecumauction#p/a/u/2/kSbzPwe_l5U.
 

Mecum Offers Cobra Dragonsnake, Historic Drag Cars

History’s winningest competition Cobra will cross the block at the upcoming Mecum Kissimmee Auction, where excitement continues to build for the five-day event Jan. 26-30, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla.

The 1963 Shelby Cobra DragonSnake CSX2093 (Lot S121.1) is the 93rd Cobra built and one of just eight cars modified with the Shelby-developed DragonSnake package. Originally owned by Jim Costilow and driven by drag racer Bruce Larson, the DragonSnake won seven NHRA National events and the 1966 NHRA World Championship, among other victories. It joins more than a dozen factory-backed drag racing cars up for bid at Mecum Kissimmee, including the 1971 Sox & Martin Hemi Cuda Pro Stock (Lot S150.1) restored to its race configuration and featuring the iconic red, white and blue Sox & Martin livery. Also set to cross the block is drag racing legend Bill ”Grumpy” Jenkins’ 1970 Camaro Pro Stock (Lot S151.1) known as Grumpy’s Toy VIII.

More than 1,750 collector cars will be offered at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction, which takes place at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. The auction will broadcast with four days of live national TV coverage on “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on Discovery Communications’ HD Theater. Tickets are available at the door for $15. Fans can also watch the auction via live Webcast at www.Mecum.com.

Bidders are encouraged to pre-register to bid for these drag racers by visiting www.Mecum.com or calling 815.568.8888 today.

Schedule:
Mecum Kissimmee Auction
Osceola Heritage Park
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744

January 26-30, 2011

Preview:
Doors open Wednesday-Sunday at 8 a.m.

Vehicle Auction:
Wednesday-Saturday at 10 a.m.
Sunday at 12 p.m.

Memorabilia:
Sunday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Barrett-Jackson Sets The Record Straight In Russo And Steele Controversy

Russo and Steele wrongly reports having a signed deal with the City of Scottsdale for new location
• Barrett-Jackson has worked with City since summer of 2010 regarding traffic and parking needs
• City of Scottsdale agrees to lease land in question to Barrett-Jackson for 40th annual event

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dec. 16, 2010 – Officials with the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company have responded to erroneous information in a news release issued by Russo and Steele on Dec. 9, 2010. Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, which produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™”, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with an unprecedented automotive lifestyle event at Westworld in Scottsdale from Jan. 17-23, 2011.

“In support of our long-standing relationship with the City of Scottsdale, we felt strongly that we had to set the record straight regarding information publicly disseminated by Russo and Steele that is patently false,” stated Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s unfortunate that we find ourselves in the position of having to defend our actions in connection with a routine business matter,” said Jackson, “but we feel strongly that our customers deserve to know the truth.”

Barrett-Jackson had been working with the City of Scottsdale since the beginning of summer 2010 to prepare the parking and traffic routing plans in preparation for its 40th Anniversary January Auction in Scottsdale. Officials with Barrett-Jackson were therefore surprised to read in various October edition newspaper articles that Russo and Steele was reporting that their company had a signed agreement for a new auction location on one of the parcels of land that was included in Barrett-Jackson’s parking plan. The announcement meant the other auction would encroach upon the property that has historically been part of the Barrett-Jackson parking plan and would significantly impact traffic flow in the neighboring community.

“With over 200,000 people expected to attend the 40th anniversary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event, it’s critical to offer adequate parking for the public,” continued Jackson. “Our operations team has worked closely with local officials for many years to identify the best areas for use in routing incoming traffic, marshalling public shuttles and preparing overflow parking areas in the event of inclement weather. All of these plans are made with the best interests of the company’s customers and the residents of Scottsdale in mind.”

Barrett-Jackson confirmed through public records that Russo and Steele in fact had no signed agreement with the City of Scottsdale or the Arizona Land Department, the entities responsible for approving use of public land for such purposes. It was further confirmed by Barrett-Jackson that the City of Scottsdale had declined Russo and Steele’s request for the new location.

Barrett-Jackson has been a paying tenant at WestWorld in North Scottsdale since 1989. The event facility typically hosts events much smaller than Barrett-Jackson. This has required Barrett-Jackson to lease additional parcels of property in North Scottsdale for attendee parking. As Barrett-Jackson’s event has grown in the past decade, the company has used as many as four additional plots of land during the event to accommodate auction crowds, including the parcel sought by Russo and Steele for its own use. The area’s other large annual public event, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, takes an approach similar to Barrett-Jackson’s for leasing multiple parcels of land for attendee parking.

“We didn’t expect any challenge to our use of this property as we have been using the same area consistently for the past several years,” added Jackson. “We were surprised when another company attempted to relocate their event to this location. That specific land is an important component of the operations plan for our Scottsdale event. There are many other locations in the valley available for lease. We have also suggested that Russo and Steele could hold their event on different dates that don’t conflict with Barrett-Jackson week, as that would solve the problem for everyone involved.”

The City of Scottsdale has committed use of the land to Barrett-Jackson to ensure adequate parking, facilitate traffic flow and minimize traffic disruptions to the communities in and around North Scottsdale that are closest to the Barrett-Jackson event at WestWorld. Barrett-Jackson utilizes the ancillary land strictly for parking, which is consistent with guidelines within the State Land Use Permit agreement.

“It’s unfortunate that Russo and Steele is disseminating information that is not true,” added Jackson. “This situation was avoidable and it’s unfortunate for the industry as a whole.”

The cornerstone of Barrett-Jackson’s business is fairness and accurate representation of facts to the public and the company’s customers. These principles are the reason Barrett-Jackson was recognized as one of the Ethisphere Institute’s 2010 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Barrett-Jackson will celebrate its anniversary with an unprecedented automotive lifestyle event in Scottsdale. The milestone event will include a collector car auction at WestWorld, the 2nd annual Scottsdale road rally, a cruise-in and many other exciting activities. SPEED will broadcast 40 hours of live coverage to commemorate the 40th anniversary during the six action-packed auction days.

“We’ve moved on from this situation and our team is focused on putting on a great event for our customers and the thousands who will travel to Scottsdale to attend Barrett-Jackson,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “With 40 hours of live, international television coverage on SPEED, we’ll also provide an unprecedented platform for promoting the City of Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area throughout our weeklong 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 Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Media Contact:
Automotive media contact: Jennifer Pullen, www.tprm-usa.com, (214) 520-3430 Ext. 307, jpullen@tprm-usa.com California/Local media contact: Kelly Reeves, KLR, (949) 509-1888, kelly@klrpr.com

Barrett-Jackson Kicks Off 40th Annual Scottsdale Automotive Lifestyle Event With 2nd Annual Road Rally

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dec. 16, 2010 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, creator of “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™,” will kick-off its 40th anniversary week-long automotive lifestyle event with the 2nd Annual Scottsdale Road Rally on Saturday, Jan. 15. More than 100 Hot Rods, Resto-Mods, classics, new collectibles and muscle cars will participate in the all-day celebration of the collector car hobby. The rally will begin at the ASU SkySong parking lot on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and McDowell Road, and travel north on Scottsdale Road to The Pavilions, between Pima and the 101.

“The Road Rally is one of many exciting automotive activities Barrett-Jackson has scheduled throughout the week to usher in our 40th anniversary celebration,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We want to extend an invitation to everyone to join us for a great day of cars, entertainment, giveaways and much more.”

Rally participants will gather for a cruise-in prior to the Road Rally at Noon MST at the ASU SkySong parking lot. The pre-rally event will offer participants and spectators a sneak peek at the rally cars, live entertainment and giveaways. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

At 2:30 p.m., the Scottsdale Police Department will conduct a safety presentation for all rally participants. The Road Rally will depart at 3 p.m. and travel north on Scottsdale Road, then head east on Indian Bend. Participants will arrive at The Pavilions northeast parking lot near McDonald’s and Best Buy.

Immediately following the rally, participants and the public can enjoy an evening of live entertainment, prizes, giveaways and much more during the Barrett-Jackson Night at The Pavilions. Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, and Gary Bennett, vice president of consignment, will be on hand during the evening to pass out three “Barrett-Jackson Choice Awards” and one “People’s Choice Award.”

Barrett-Jackson Night is free to the public. Activities are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. Barrett-Jackson will also be selling merchandise and discounted tickets to the 40th annual Scottsdale auction, scheduled from Monday, Jan. 17, to Sunday, Jan. 23, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

All participants of the Road Rally will receive a Barrett-Jackson Road Rally t-shirt and two complimentary tickets to the auction. Barrett-Jackson has officially sold out the Road Rally spots, but the public is welcome to attend the full day of activities at both the Cruise-In and Barrett-Jackson Night.

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 Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Media Contact:
Automotive media contact: Jennifer Pullen, www.tprm-usa.com, (214) 520-3430 Ext. 307, jpullen@tprm-usa.com California/Local media contact: Kelly Reeves, KLR, (949) 509-1888, kelly@klrpr.com

1957 Ford Thunderbird is Top Seller at Mecum Kansas City Auction

A variety of high-quality classic and muscle cars crossed the auction block at the recent Mecum Kansas City Auction, where total gross sales (excluding buyer’s premium) topped $9.3 million.

The three-day auction, which took place Dec. 2-4 at the Kansas City Convention Center/Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo., featured nearly 650 vehicles for sale and had a 70% sell-through rate. Mecum’s top seller was a multiple award-winning 1957 Ford Thunderbird F Code Convertible – one of 212 factory supercharged models produced for 1957.

“A crowd of eager bidders and motivated sellers packed our Kansas City sale, delivering a high-energy event that had outstanding growth over last year’s auction,” said President Dana Mecum. “We were able to offer 160 additional cars compared to last year, selling an amazing 130 of those. The top-performing vehicles were an eclectic mix of rare Thunderbirds, Corvettes, a Boss 429 Mustang and more.”

The Top 10 Kansas City Sales (all sales reflect hammer prices) were:
1. 1957 Ford Thunderbird F Bird Convertible (Lot S64) at $186,000
2. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S78.1) at $175,000
3. 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Big Tank Coupe (Lot F221) at $141,000
4. 1957 Ford Thunderbird E Bird Convertible (Lot S74) at $132,000
5. 1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback (Lot F198) at $105,000
6. 1968 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T (Lot S79) at $90,000
7. 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot S53) at $80,000
8. 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible (Lot S126) at $69,000
9. 1970 Dodge Challenger RT Replica (Lot S141) at $65,000
10. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot T188) at $63,000

Complete results are available to Mecum InfoNet members, which is free to join at www.Mecum.com. Mecum InfoNet members can log in to see car-by-car results by visiting the Results Page.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 23 years, now offering an industry-leading 6,000 collector cars per year. Consignments are currently being taken for Mecum’s upcoming Kissimmee Auction Jan. 26-31, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. Consignment, bidder and event information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.