Peter Palmer: Inaugural Louisville Mecum Auction Records Over $13 Million

Mecum Auctions held their inaugural Louisville, Kentucky auction September 8th – 10th. The event was an overall success, yielding $13.4 million in total sales with 440 vehicles being sold over the three day period.

“Top sellers at the auction were a great reflection of what the Mecum brand is best known for, with the 10 highest sale prices achieved almost exclusively by American Muscle and Corvettes,” Mecum Auctions said in a statement.

Big Sellers

Top draws included a four-speed 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 convertible, selling for $280,000. Ford muscle cars, both vintage and more contemporary, attracted a lot of attention as well. A 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback sold for $255,000, while a 2005 Ford GT hit $250,000. A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod stole the show as well. The nostalgia appeal combined with modern performance brought in $200,000 for the car.

A four-speed 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible sold at the final hammering for $132,500.

Reflection & Enjoyment

The inaugural Mecum auction in Louisville was one of remembrance, being so close to the anniversary of September 11th. Each morning, the Kentucky Derby’s official bugler Steve Buttleman played the National Anthem. It was also a time of enjoyment as Dodge Thrill Rides were held at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Kentucky Derby’s official bugler Steve Buttleman playing the National Anthem. Photo: Maggie Pinke, courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Upcoming Events

Mecum’s next classic and collector car auction will be a 1,000-car show at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, Octber 6th – 8th, in Chicago, Illinois. Another 1,000-car auction will follow in Dallas, Texas, November 2nd – 5th. Those seeking details on upcoming auctions, wishing to consign a vehicle or register as a bidder, should call 262-275-5050.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Mecum Louisville 2016 Auction: Top 10 Sales

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible (Lot S115) at $280,000
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S118) at $255,000
2005 Ford GT (Lot S147) at $250,000
1962 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod (Lot S125) at $200,000
1989 Porsche 911 Speedster (Lot S121.1) at $145,000
1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback (Lot S96) at $135,000
1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible (Lot S98.1) at $132,500
1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback (Lot S96.1) at $112,500
1961 Chevrolet Corvette Big Brake Fuelie (Lot S97) at $90,000
1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback (Lot S159) at $90,000

*All individual sales reflect hammer prices.