Dana Mecum Preserves Indy Automotive History, Vintage Race Cars
Dana Mecum has a passion for Indianapolis and cars. He's a lifelong racing enthusiast, former racer and president of the club that preserves the most dominant Indy racers of all time. He has owned some of the most famous cars ever built in central Indiana.
Indianapolis is the birthplace of more than 50 automobile marques. Legends like Duesenberg (1920-1937), Stutz (1912-1935) and the first car to win the Indianapolis 500 - the Marmon (1902-1933) - were all built in this city. Since starting the Mecum Collector Car Auction Company in 1988, Dana Mecum has owned many of them. And although his personal collection changes frequently, if it's a significant American automobile Mecum has either owned it or auctioned it to a happy buyer.
Mecum's fondness for Indianapolis in May runs deep. His father was a national racing champion, and Mecum himself raced in the IMSA series at famous race courses throughout the 1980s. This racing history inspired his personal passion for collecting vintage open wheeled American race cars.
The crown jewel in his collection is the fastest qualifying car of 1935: the Gilmore Special Miller, which was the first car to break the 120 MPH average lap speed barrier. A 120.736 MPH average put Rex Mays on the pole. This vehicle is a great example of the Miller-engineered racers that won at Indianapolis 12 times and dominated the 500 for decades. As president of the Harry A. Miller Club, Mecum is committed to preserving vintage race cars.
"The club has more than 250 race car owners and aficionados whose mission is to enjoy and honor vintage Indy cars and the legacy of Harry A. Miller, whose engines dominated American oval-track racing for nearly half a century," said Mecum.
Mecum's love for vintage race cars is an extension of his overall passion for the automotive industry, which he showcases this week as he brings his 23rd Annual Original Spring Classic Auction to the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
As one of countless events taking place during race month in Indianapolis, the must-attend 2010 Original Spring Classic Auction has grown to become the world's largest collector car auction, featuring 1,750 collectible vehicles, racers and muscle cars up for sale. The event, which has doubled in size since 2006, runs May 19-23 at the fairgrounds.
"We anticipate more than 25,000 buyers, sellers, enthusiasts and spectators to attend our event and contribute to the local Indianapolis economy while in town for the five-day auction," Mecum explained. "In fact, our travel department has booked an amazing 15,000 hotel room nights for that week with attendees coming in from nearly every state, plus Canada, Australia and the U.K. High-level journalists from major consumer magazines like Autoweek, Hot Rod and Sports Car Market will also be in the Indianapolis market to cover this highly visible event."
Part of the Original Spring Classic Auction's popularity can be attributed to Mecum's television show "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" that airs on Discovery Communications' HD Theater during select Mecum events. Mecum was the first auction to broadcast in High Definition, creating a vivid window into the world of classic car buying. Four days of "Mecum Auto Auction" programming will air on HD Theater during this year's Original Spring Classic event, as well as special extended coverage on the Discovery Channel Saturday, May 22, from 2-3 p.m. ET.
The Original Spring Classic Auction is open to the general public and tickets are available at the door for $15. Consignment, bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at https://www.mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.
Schedule:
Original Spring Classic Auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46205
May 19-23, 2010
Price: $15
Vehicle Check-in:
Monday & Tuesday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Preview:
Gates open Wednesday through Sunday at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Auction:
Wednesday through Sunday - 10 a.m.
Auction will take place in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Cars will be displayed in four additional buildings and outside.
