Billed as the world’s largest collector-car auction, Mecum’s 13-day extravaganza in Kissimmee, Florida this year saw 4,500 lots cross the block. Arguably the most famous race car of all time, the 1971 Porsche 917K purchased by Solar Productions to be driven by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans was a no-sale at US$25 million.
That’s about $36 million in Canadian funds, but the enormous bid was not enough for actor comedian Jerry Seinfeld to part with this signature car from his renowned Porsche collection.
It was an up-and-down auction, with the most desirable cars attracting titanic closing bids. Muscle cars, Corvettes, supercars, track-proven race cars, Porsches of all types, Ford Broncos and Chevy Blazers, and rare classics from the 1930s all brought huge prices.
Perhaps surprisingly, though, vintage Japanese grocery-getters are now turning into collector cars in their own right, too, with prices rivalling what sought-after muscle cars are bringing at auction.
Some exceptionally low-mileage examples came on strong at Kissimmee. Top sellers included a 2000 Honda Civic Si Coupe showing 2,061 miles (3,315 km) on the odometer; the winning bid for the sport compact was a staggering US$60,000 before auction fees.
A 1991 Honda CRX Si that had travelled only 326 miles (525 km) was hammered down at US$65,000. Also bringing top money was a 1989 Toyota MR2 with T-tops, a supercharged engine, and five-speed transmission. The red Japanese collectible coupe went to a new owner with a winning bid of $70,000.
Japanese royalty fetches even bigger bucks
Beyond those examples, a turbocharged Royal Sapphire Pearl 1997 Toyota Supra Coupe rocked the auction block with a winning bid of US$132,000. The car was one of six factory hardtops produced in Royal Sapphire Pearl, per the Supra Registry, and came turbocharged with a 3.0L inline-six backed by a six-speed.
Obscure low-mileage North American models from the ’80s and ’90s were surprisingly strong sellers as well. These included a 1987 Chevrolet Chevette with only 47 miles (76 km) showing. It sold for $33,000 after fees.
Of course, the strongest money was paid for the most collectible classics and movie cars.
The Union Jack-decorated 1967 Jaguar XKE roadster driven by actor Mike Myers in all three Austin Powers films, affectionately named the ‘Shaguar,’ changed hands for US$880,000 (CDN$1.2 million) after fees.
Top sellers from across the board
The top seller in the auction was a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk 1. The GT40 race cars famously won the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year, and this example is the first production car originally sold to a private buyer. A final bid of US$7,040,000 (CDN$10 million) saw it go to a new owner.
One of only 20 1967 Corvettes produced with the 430-horsepower L88 engine hit the stratosphere, with a winning bid of US$2.25 million (CDN$3.22 million). Another top seller was a 2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione, hammered at US$1.5 million (CDN$2.15 million).
A low-slung classic in the form of a 1930 Ruxton Model C roadster, one of only seven in existence, drew a winning bid of US$1,540,000. Meanwhile, an iconic 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “gullwing” in classic silver sold for US$1,485,000.
Arguably the king of the muscle cars was a 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350, which found itself going to a new owner for US$990,000 (CDN$1.4 million). One of only five triple-yellow 2021 Ford GT Carbon Series supercars sold for US$970,000; a red 2017 Ford GT brought a winning bid of US$852,500 (CDN$1.22 million); and one of only 343 Ford GT Heritage Edition supercars also sold for US$852,500.
On top of these prices, buyers attending the auction pay a 10% premium. Phone and internet buyers pay a 12% premium. Canadians paying for their auction purchases in U.S. currency find It takes approximately $1.45 Canadian to buy $1 US.
Strong sales at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction set values for the year, as does the Barrett-Jackson auction currently underway (January 18 through 26), where 1,800 collector vehicles are crossing the block.
Alyn Edwards is a classic-car enthusiast and a partner in a Vancouver-based public relations company. You can reach him at [email protected].
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