In what was billed as t
he largest collector car auction in the world, Mecum just wrapped their enormous Kissimmee event. Held from January 2-14th, it was the kick-off to auction season, with Scottsdale starting on January 20th. Held at the Osceola Heritage Center, over 4,500 vehicles crossed the block in an action-packed event. Thousands of collectors flocked to the Orlando area to see everything from a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/LM Competizione Speciale to a 1981 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup cross the block.
While we can enjoy streaming auctions from the comfort of our favorite chairs, there’s nothing like the excitement of a live auction that brings us together with a passion for our vehicles. Mecum is one of those auction houses that exudes the enthusiasm that lots of us crave (probably too much). While most of the cars were North American, there were a fair share of European classics and even some great Jaguars up for grabs. Here were some standouts:
· A 1965 E-Type FHC, golden sand with blue interior was a very nice example of a Series I. I had expected a sale price closer to $200K. With some coaxing from the auctioneer, the $125K reserve was lifted and the Jag sold for $117,500. Lucky new owner.
· The 1993 Spa Silver XJ220 was a crowd-pleaser in the middle tent, positioned with the Ferrari’s and specialty BMWs. However, the bidding fell short of the estimated $700-$800K, reaching a maximum of $600K. No sale.
· A 1967 E-Type Roadster, dark blue with red interior with an odometer of 482 miles since restoration could have followed me home. This one sold for $140K against an estimate of $175-$200K.
· A no-reserve 1969 Series II E-Type Roadster in Willow Green fetched $90K against an estimate of $120-$140K.
From the non-Jaguar standpoint, one of the most exciting cars to cross the block was the 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I which went for a cool $6.3 million. One of only 30 original GT40 Road Cars ever produced, this was one of the best original road cars in existence. Previously owned by Umberto Maglioli, three-time winner of Targa Florio and 12 hours of Sebring, the car will make a striking addition to the new buyer’s collection.
There were two 60’s Ferrari’s that reached astounding numbers but didn’t sell. The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spyder reached a high bid of $23.5 million while the 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/LM Competizione Speciale his $23 million. $16.2 million was the sale price for the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, the last one built. This was only one of 55 produced from 1960 to 1963.
Apart from the auction action, you could take a wild ride with the Dodge boys on their mini track, take in the roving band, and various food trucks that were there in abundance. The weather was a little soggy some days but didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the buyers and visitors who travelled for the event.
All in all, a great kickoff to the auction season!
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