More than four decades after competing at Sebring International Raceway, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601, “The Championship Coupe,” ran several historic laps prior to the start of the 57th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race on March 21, 2009.
The Daytona Cobra Coupe – to be sold at Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction in May – led a group of vintage race cars from the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) around the track during pre-race ceremonial laps. The Daytona Cobra Coupe first raced at Sebring International Raceway in 1965, taking 2nd place in the GT class and finishing 7th overall. Five races later, the car made history when driver Bob Bondurant clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.
As one of only six cars built by Carroll Shelby, the Daytona Cobra Coupe was developed to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Pete Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. Brock was present with his creation at the 2009 Sebring event, signing autographs.
Mecum Auction anticipates the Daytona Cobra Coupe will garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile, reaching well into the eight-figure mark when it crosses the auction block. The company is currently creating a documentary about the car’s special place in American racing history.
Throughout its media tour, the Daytona Cobra Coupe is being insured and transported by industry leaders Hagerty Insurance and Reliable Carriers, Inc. The next appearance of the championship race car is at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., during the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Collection Rally, April 28-30, 2009.
The Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 headlines the Original Spring Classis Auction, which is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The auction is open to the general public and tickets are available at the door for $10. The Daytona Cobra Coupe will be sold on live national TV Friday, May 15, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. during the company’s series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
About Sebring International Raceway
Sebring International Raceway is America's premier sports car racing facility and the oldest permanent road racing track in North America, evolving from a World War II air base. Sebring is world famous for the annual 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, part of the prestigious American Le Mans Series. Every year on the third Saturday of March, the raceway hosts thousands of race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12 hour classic. All the legends have raced at Sebring, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and dozens of other international motor racing legends driving race cars built by the world's great manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Ford, Maserati, Aston Martin and Nissan. For more information, visit www.sebringraceway.com.
Steve Davis and Gary Bennett to Present Awards; Proceeds to Benefit JDRF
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 24, 2009 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is inviting all Palm Beach-area automotive enthusiasts to drive their vehicles to Al Packer Ford West on April 5, 2009, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Cruise-In. Entry into the car show is free and all makes and models are welcome. Barrett-Jackson president, Steve Davis, and vice president of consignment, Gary Bennett, will be on hand to meet enthusiasts, judge entries and present three “Barrett-Jackson Choice Awards.”
The first 100 entries will receive two free tickets to the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds April 9-11, 2009. Hot dogs, hamburgers and additional refreshments will be on sale during the event to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). A “split-the-pot” raffle contest will also be held to support the charity.
“We look https://pharmacy-no-rx.net/viagra_generic.html forward to reuniting with South Florida enthusiasts at the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Cruise-In,” said Davis. “From Mustangs to Jags, over 200 vehicles showed up for the celebration last year and we hope for an even larger crowd on April 5. And once again, Gary Bennett and I will hand out three ‘Barrett-Jackson Choice Awards’ to our favorite rides.”
Al Packer Ford West is located at 10601 Southern Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach, Fla., 33411. For more information on the cruise-in, please contact Jeff Leed at (561) 790-1100.
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 Contacts
Luke DeRouen at lderouen@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 (www.tprm-usa.com)
The legendary 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601, “The Championship Coupe,” was awarded “Best in Class” for Race Cars in the 1963-1972 category at the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, held March 13-15 at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach.
Displaying the race car at Amelia Island was The Mecum Auction Company, who will offer the car during the 22nd annual Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, Ind. The company anticipates the Shelby Daytona will garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile, reaching well into the eight-figure mark when it crosses the auction block.
“We were honored to display the Shelby Daytona Cobra at the extraordinary Concours d’Elegance,” said President Dana Mecum. “The Best in Class Award is a well-respected prize to add to this championship car’s exciting list of accomplishments. The Mecum Auction team cannot wait to bring this amazing piece of American race history to the public.”
Judges at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance evaluate several aspects of a vehicle’s style and elegance when determining winners, including the vehicle’s proportions and continuity design front to back; interior and exterior use of color and materials; design elements that set the vehicle apart; historical importance; the purity of design and its enduring qualities; and accuracy of the restoration.
The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra – a Crown Jewel in American Racing – was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Pete Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. The race car made history when driver Bob Bondurant clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.
A true slice of Americana, the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe was owned by a North Dakota businessman with six gas stations who drove the car on a 300-mile round trip each day to collect his receipts. It was also leased to Paramount Pictures for use in the Howard Hawks cult classic ‘Redline 7000’.
Now fully restored to its famous Reims racing colors, the Shelby Daytona – which is insured through Hagerty Insurance and transported by Reliable Carriers, Inc. – will be on public display during Race Week at the Sebring International Raceway, leading up to the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 21.
The Shelby Daytona Cobra CSX2601 headlines the Original Spring Classis Auction, which is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The auction is open to the general public and tickets are available at the door for $10. The Shelby Daytona will be sold on live national TV Friday, May 15, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. during the company’s series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
About Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is one of the nation's most innovative vintage auto events featuring over 250 rare classics from seldom-seen private collections nationwide. The 2010 show is scheduled for March 14 at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The show’s foundation has donated nearly $1.6 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. since 1996. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or contact them at 904-636-0027.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 16, 2009 – Ford Motor Company will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Mustang by auctioning the first retail 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and a pair of Mustang GT concept cars during the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 9-11, 2009. The three historic Mustangs will be sold for charity and are among 400-plus collector vehicles to be auctioned at No Reserve during the automotive lifestyle event at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of the auction once again.
“It’s rare for a concept vehicle, especially one as iconic as the Ford Mustang, to be sold to the public,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Giving enthusiasts an opportunity to take home the ultimate keepsake is an admirable way to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, which will be celebrated a few days after our event.”
All proceeds above MSRP from the sale of the Shelby GT500 will be donated to The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. The two Mustang concepts will be auctioned to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“During the last three years, Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $2 million for charity through the auction of Ford vehicles,” noted Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company’s president, The Americas. “Ford and Barrett-Jackson will continue this important tradition at this year’s Palm Beach auction. The winning bidders for these fantastic Mustangs will be contributing to worthy causes while purchasing automotive history.”
The first 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (Lot #665) is the latest in high-performance cars and features a color scheme and equipment personally chosen by Carroll Shelby. Clad in Kona Blue with white stripes, this GT500 has world-class handling, aggressive styling, and extreme levels of horsepower and torque that are unparalleled in its segment.
The two Mustang concepts on the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach docket debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and have traveled to more than 50 auto shows around the world. The fresh design foreshadowed a new direction for the 2005 model year that is still relevant in today’s Mustangs.
The Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT convertible concept (Lot #655) features a distinct “showbar” with a rim of billet-aluminum trim picking up where the instrument panel and console trim leave off. The dazzling red car is pure muscle from its 20-inch wheels and cross-drilled Brembo brakes to the sharp accent line that runs the length of the body and culminates in a “C-scoop” behind the door cutline. The convertible’s interior, awash in supple red and charcoal leather, includes perforated surfaces on the seat backs, as well as a billet-aluminum shifter for the 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-point racing-style seatbelts and unique instrument gauges that resemble a fine watch with its face removed.
“This car began with a significantly modified Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel-drive architecture,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The platform was sectioned to achieve the proper proportion and the front-end geometry is all original. This is truly a piece of history that represents the transition to an entirely new Mustang.”
The Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT coupe concept (Lot #655.1) has a glass roof and lush red and charcoal leather interior accented by billet-aluminum hardware. Its upward rake angle makes the car appear to be in motion even while at a standstill. The styling matches its convertible sibling. The functional hood scoops help the supercharged engine breathe as it churns out nearly 400 horsepower.
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 and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact
Luke DeRouen at lderouen@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 (www.tprm-usa.com)
Mecum, the high-performance collector car auction specialists, has chosen industry-leading Reliable Carriers, Inc. as their preferred transport carrier.
Reliable Carriers, the nation’s largest and most respected specialized carrier in the automotive transportation industry, will be onsite at all Mecum auctions to assist customers in safely and efficiently shipping their new purchases. Customers simply visit Reliable’s service desk to arrange turnkey vehicle transportation to anywhere in the United States and Canada.
“With such a large fleet of trucks and superior drivers who are real car guys, our customers can trust Reliable Carriers to load and ship their precious cargo quickly and professionally,” said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction. “Plus, having Reliable Carriers onsite means Mecum can be a one-stop source, allowing car buyers to process their consignments the same day and start enjoying their cars even sooner.”
Reliable has 350 specialized carriers and more than 300 expert drivers. The carriers have advanced lift gates, independent articulating racks, E-track flooring and customized tie-down systems to guarantee vehicles are in the safest environment possible. All cars are equipped with floor mats and seat covers at all times.
“America loves its automobiles, and all of us at Reliable Carriers understand this passion completely. We are committed to ensuring vehicles not only get where they need to be, but get there with the utmost care and respect,” said Tom Abrams, president, Reliable Carriers, Inc.
About Mecum Auction
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. Their auctions are broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
About Reliable Carriers, Inc.
Throughout the United States and Canada, Reliable makes transcontinental transport a given 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Founded in 1960, Reliable has transported every type of vehicle, from concept cars, prototypes and classics to test and engineering vehicles. With a broad reach and committed to quality, Reliable has gained a loyal customer base that continues to grow. For more information, visit www.reliable-carriers.com.
High performance collector car specialists Mecum Auction will offer collectors a chance to own a piece of American race history when they auction the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction taking place May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.
And when this Crown Jewel of American Racing powers across the auction block, Mecum anticipates the championship race car to garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile – eight figures and counting. The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will be sold live on national television Friday, May 15, 2009, during the company’s series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More,” on Discovery Communications’ popular HD Theater.
The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Pete Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.
After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa and Nurburgring, CSX2601 made history when it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.
“Many vintage race cars have a strong American racing history to share – including this vehicle’s sister car CSX 2299 – but no car can claim a finer race hour than the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601,” said Dana Mecum, president, Mecum Auction. “The legacy of its World Manufacturer’s Championship win stays with us more than four decades later, reminding us of one the proudest moments in U.S. race history and a competitive spirit of victory against all odds.”
Driving the car – and America – to victory on that fateful July afternoon was legendary driver Bob Bondurant.
“I won a lot of races with this Daytona Cobra Coupe, but when I crossed the finish line at the Reims race track I yelled ‘Yes!’ It was a fantastic feeling,” Bondurant shared. “I always wanted to race in Europe against the world’s best drivers. Winning that World Championship was the crowning achievement of my career. I think it’s wonderful that the car is being showcased 40 years later.”
The Daytona Cobra Coupe didn’t just race, however. At one point, a North Dakota businessman with six gas stations owned the car, and each day, he’d drive the 300-mile round trip to collect station receipts in this race-trimmed Cobra.
“This car is a true slice of Americana, representing a different time in America’s past when driving a full-blown race car on the roads didn’t turn heads,” added Mecum. “The Daytona was also leased to Paramount Pictures for use in the Howard Hawks cult classic ‘Redline 7000’.”
Now fully restored and wearing its famous Reims livery, the Shelby Daytona Cobra CSX2601 headlines the Original Spring Classis Auction, which is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles. Details about the Daytona Cobra Coupe may be found on the Mecum web site.
Held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the auction is open to the general public with tickets are available at the door for $10. It will be broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 4, 2009 – South Florida is poised to welcome car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world when they unite this spring to enjoy the high-excitement and lavish parties that can be provided only by Barrett-Jackson’s 7th Annual Palm Beach Collector Car Auction. This year, more than 400 of the most desirable collector vehicles will be auctioned at No Reserve at the world-famous automotive lifestyle event to take place April 9-11, 2009, at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Live, high-definition TV coverage will once again be provided by SPEED.
The event will kick off on Wednesday, April 8, with a preview day for auction bidders and consignors. Bidding will begin on Thursday, April 9 and continue until the last vehicle crosses the block on Saturday, April 11. For the seventh consecutive year, the event will take place at the spacious Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach.
Barrett-Jackson’s annual Palm Beach event continues to grow in importance and has become a fixture in West Palm Beach. Last year’s event drew more than 67,000 attendees and helped raise $1.1 million for various local and national charities. The Palm Beach auction will come just three months after Barrett-Jackson helped raise $4.4 million for charity during the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“Following a successful auction in Scottsdale, we’re ready to return to South Florida for another great event,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “There were many surprises during the January event, including impressive sales during the early days on some of the Corvettes from the GM Offering. We believe that the Palm Beach docket will offer the same excitement and a fresh batch of auction surprises.”
With a myriad of remarkable performance vehicles and classic cars on the auction list, the 2009 event is set to match the excitement and success generated last year. Scheduled to cross the block is a 1969 RS/SS Camaro custom built by “Super Chevy” magazine and Route 66 Motorsports. Dubbed “Project American Heroes,” all proceeds from the sale of the Camaro will benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. In addition, proceeds from the sale of Jimmie Johnson’s No.48 NASCAR will benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC, through the Hendrick Foundation for Children.
“The 2009 Palm Beach auction will feature top-tier vehicles, along with mid-range and more affordable cars,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “This mix will attract a broad range of collectors, as well as enthusiasts looking to celebrate this great hobby. We took a similar approach in Scottsdale and the feedback from buyers and sellers was very positive.”
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 Contacts
For local media inquiries please contact Elizabeth Rose at Shamin Abas Public Relations Elizabeth@shaminabas.com or 561.366.1226 (www.shaminabaspr.com). For national media inquiries please contact Luke DeRouen lderouen@tprm-usa.com or 214.520.3430 ext. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com).
Mecum, the high-performance and collector car auction specialists, is giving collectors a chance to own an elite collection of Chevrolet Chevelles when they are auctioned at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Dana’s Chevelle Collection is an unparalleled assembly of high-performance convertibles and hardtops. The collection will be sold as a group on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The sale will be broadcast live on national TV during “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network.
- Lot S121 – 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 2-Door Hardtop 327/350 HP, 4-speed. Very popular among collectors today, this carefully preserved classic has low miles and remains in its original and unrestored condition.
- Lot S122 – 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Z16 2-Door Hardtop 396/375 HP. This big block muscle car was the original Z16 prototype for GM, making it the very first SS396 Chevelle. It boasts a 4-speed manual transmission and Rally Red exterior.
- Lot S123 – 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible 396/350 HP, 4-speed manual. The car was originally built for display at GM’s Corporate Headquarters showroom in Detroit.
- Lot S124 – 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO Hardtop 427/425 HP, 4-speed manual. As one of 323 vehicles produced, this rare L72 Central Office Production Order is the only black 4-speed manual ever built.
- Lot S125 – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible 396/375 HP L78 Engine. Featuring a 4-speed manual transmission and documented with Protect-O-Plate and Build Sheet, it is believed to be one of six existing SS396 L78 of 1970 vintage with its combination of original equipment, including power windows, tilt steering, White stripes and Cowl Induction.
- Lot S126 – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible 454/450 HP LS6 Engine, 4-speed manual. This well-documented Fathom Blue Chevelle is numbers matching and has a 100% original engine, M-22 transmission and rear end. It was the first LS6 convertible in the Diamond Certification Registry.
- Lot S127 – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Hardtop 454/450 HP LS6, Automatic. With 32.9 actual miles, collectors would be hard-pressed to find a better example of an unrestored original LS6 that this gem, which is described as the lowest-mileage, highest-horsepower muscle car in existence.
See the entire collection on the Mecum web site.
“These Chevelles are highly valued in the market today because of their high horsepower and special options,” said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction. “The LS6, for example, is the most powerful engine offered in a production car and is on the A-list of the most sought-after collector cars in the world. With such remarkable caliber and variety of historically significant, rare vehicles coming up for sale at the Original Spring Classic, that auction is the ideal stage for this collection to be showcased.”
The Chevelle Collection joins other high-profile vehicles – including a 1967 Camaro Cherokee – at the must-attend Original Spring Classic Auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The event is open to the general public and tickets are available at the door for $10. For more information, visit www.Mecum.com. The Original Spring Classic Auction is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles and will be broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
The 1952 Cadillac Allard J2 Roadster raced by Carroll Shelby is on its way to the auction block at the 22nd annual Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction taking place May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Featuring a 331 cubic-inch Cadillac V-8 engine and 3-speed manual transmission, the Allard J2 has a storied race history, most notably as a vital player in the launch of Shelby’s career as a professional race car driver.
In March 1952, Shelby was hired by Louisiana businessman Charlie Brown to pilot the Cadillac Allard at the Sports Car Club of America-sanctioned Pottsboro hill climb. He won the hill climb and went on to capture two more SCCA regional wins, which brought Shelby to the attention of Aston Martin owner, David Brown. Shelby went on to win the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans race in an Aston Martin DBR1 with co-driver Roy Salvadori.
Perhaps even more important than the wins in the Allard was Shelby’s experience with this race-proven platform, which inspired him to eventually create the legendary Cobra by mating a powerful American engine with a lightweight European chassis. With this combination and a lot of hard work, Shelby took GT World Manufacturer’s Championship in 1965.
“This 1952 Cad-Allard – serial number 179 and the last of 90 total roadster-bodied J2s built by English manufacturer Sydney Allard – features the popular and successful platform of a lightweight chassis and large-displacement engine developed to challenge European racing marques after World War II,” said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction. “Competing and becoming one of the most successful sports cars in American racing in the early 1950s puts this Allard in a league of its own. We’re excited to keep this remarkable car’s history alive at our upcoming Original Spring Classic Auction.”
Restored to its original black with red leather upholstery color scheme, the Allard J2 also features what is believed to be the original Cadillac engine block No. 51 6233874. In addition it is equipped with:
- Correct Ford three-speed transmission
- Triple Stromberg 48 carbs on a vintage Weiand intake manifold
- Crane Competition camshaft
- The custom exhaust that was originally built and installed by a young Mickey Thompson.
In 1997, the Allard J2 was invited to the Monterey Historic Races as part of a special display celebrating honoree Carroll Shelby. It was also featured in the documentary “The Great Classic Cars” narrated by Sir Stirling Moss in 1979 as well as an episode of “Gotta Have It TV” in 2005. For more information on the 1952 Allard J2, please visit the Mecum web site.
Mecum Auction, high performance and collector car specialists, will offer the Allard J2 on live national TV on Friday, May 15, 2009. The event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, is open to the general public and tickets are available at the door for $10. For more information, visit www.Mecum.com.
The Original Spring Classic Auction, which is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles, will be broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
Scottsdale, Ariz. – February 18, 2009 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company recently announced that it helped raise $4.4 million for local and national charities during the 38th annual Scottsdale auction Jan. 11-18, 2009. Funds at the automotive lifestyle event were gathered through the sale of 15 collector vehicles, crowd donations and fundraisers like the Childhelp Drive The Dream Gala. Barrett-Jackson does not collect commissions on vehicles sold entirely for charity.
“Charity fundraising has always been a cornerstone of our Scottsdale event,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We helped raise nearly $7 million at our three events in 2008, and started 2009 off with an amazing $4.4 million. We sold some incredible vehicles to collect those charity dollars, including the first production 2010 Camaro and the wild Superbird tribute. I’m proud to carry on the Barrett-Jackson legacy of helping charities that my father and Tom Barrett started nearly 40 years ago.”
One of the highlights of the auction was the sale of the 1970 Plymouth Superbird custom tribute to benefit The Darrell Gwynn Foundation. The crowd roared when NASCAR legend Richard Petty climbed from the driver’s seat and joined the auctioneers at the podium. After intense bidding and generous crowd donations, the Superbird sold for $501,100.
Automakers General Motors and Ford Motor Company also took part in the charity excitement by auctioning the rights to several first retail production vehicles. GM’s first 2010 Chevy Camaro fetched $350,000 for the American Heart Association. Ford auctioned the 2010 Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet prototype for $375,000 and the first retail production 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor for $130,000, both to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“Car collectors are among the most giving people in the world,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “And Barrett-Jackson has become a conduit for them to support worthwhile causes. To ensure that charities received the funding they deserve during these tough economic times, we brought together an impressive crop of charity vehicles and bidders who really stepped up for these organizations. We look forward to a successful event in Palm Beach and raising more money for charity there.”
Vehicles sold for charity in Scottsdale include:
- 1970 Plymouth Superbird custom tribute – $501,000 (The Darrell Gwynn Foundation)
- 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR “Jeff Gordon’s” – $500,000 (Hendrick Marrow Program)
- 2009 Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet prototype – $375,000 (JDRF)
- 2010 Chevrolet Camaro “First Retail Production” – $350,000 (American Heart Association)
- 1967 Plymouth Barracuda custom – $200,000 (EAA Young Eagles)
- 2007 Chevy Monte Carlo NASCAR “Tony Stewart’s” – $165,000 (The Darrell Gwynn Foundation)
- 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor “First Retail Production” – $130,000 (JDRF)
- 2008 Chevy Tahoe custom with autographed MLB hood – $100,000 (MLB Charities)
- 2008 Ford Mustang GT ROUSH P-51A – $100,000 (Speedway Children’s Charities)
- 2008 Barrett-Jackson Edition Ford Shelby GT – $72,000 (Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation)
- 2009 60th Anniversary NASCAR Motorcycle – $50,000 (Victory Junction Gang)
- 1961 GMC Carryall – $50,000 (Boy Scouts of America)
- 1957 Ford Thunderbird – $50,000 (McPherson College)
- 2008 Ford Mustang GT GR40 – $50,000 (Phoenix Theatre)
- 2008 Ford Mustang GT – $45,000 (International Children’s Heart Foundation)
Barrett-Jackson will continue its charity efforts during the 7th annual Palm Beach auction April 9-11, 2009. Scheduled to cross the block is a 1969 RS/SS Camaro custom built by “Super Chevy” magazine and Route 66 Motorsports. Dubbed “Project American Heroes,” all proceeds from the sale of the Camaro will benefit the Armed Forces Foundation.
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. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact: Luke DeRouen at lderouen@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 www.tprm-usa.com
