Ellis Collection to Cross Auction Block at Mecum Original Spring Classic
Mecum Auction, the high-performance collector car auction specialists, will offer up for sale 28 historically significant Ford and Chrysler race and muscle cars from the Ellis Collection during Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction, May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.
The selected cars in the Ellis Collection – focusing on lightweight construction and high horsepower – represent an important slice of American motorsport history. Owners Richard and Pam Ellis of Illinois have decided to redefine their 50-plus car collection.
“Mecum’s Original Spring Classic is the logical place to fine-tune our vehicle collection because of the company’s reliable, helpful service and low 6% seller fee,” said Richard Ellis. “My wife and I have been attending Mecum auctions for several years and are confident they will help us achieve our goal of changing the focus of our car collection.”
To view details on the entire Ellis Collection, visit www.Mecum.com and click on “Collections.”
Among the vehicles up for sale is a 1962 Ford Galaxie Lightweight (Lot F259) that was delivered to racer Phil Bonner. One of 11 cars produced for drag racing competition by the Ford Wayne Michigan Plant, the Ford Galaxie features a 427 CI engine. It was fitted with aluminum front bumpers and fiberglass front fenders and trunk lids in an effort to reduce its weight.
In addition, the 1965 Arnie Beswick-prepared Pontiac GTO Race Car (Lot S148) will cross the Mecum auction block. This GTO was ordered by race car driver Rick Holladay to race in the NHRA B Class. He also custom-ordered the Chevrolet Forrest Green color from which its “Jolly Green Giant” nickname came.
The Ellis Collection also features a 1966 Ford Mustang Funny Car (Lot S141) that was prepared by Holman Moody to beat Dick Brannan’s HM-built long-nose Mustang funny car. Powered by a Ford 427 SOHC engine, this Mustang is one of several Holman Moody-built long-nose Mustangs listed in a Ford Stock Vehicles Department memo as “Drag Program Vehicles.”
The Original Spring Classic Auction 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 show will highlight many of the Spring Classic’s 1,250 cars to be offered for sale.
The auction, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, is open to the general public with tickets available at the door for $10.
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.
