May 2025 Mecum Auction
Being a car guy means you appreciate all types of cars. This year, on May 15, I was not in Washington, D.C., for Police Week; instead, I attended the Mecum Classic Car Auction! The Auction occurred from May 9 through 17, at the Indianapolis Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana.
My oldest brother, Bob, Uncle Gary, and my nephew Jon were the crew I rolled to Indy with. We got up early and headed over in Bob's big Ford F-350 dually diesel, with a car trailer in tow. Today's goal was to bid on and possibly own Lot Number T261, a 1941 Willys Deluxe Coupe. It was a bright and sunny day, and I was excited to attend the auction. My father and I operated a late-model used car lot in Covington, for fifteen years. Going to auto auctions was part of the fun of being in the car business.
We arrived at the fairgrounds and parked the rig. We then headed into the main entrance, where we got our lanyards and badge numbers. I also got a press credential—no buying for me today! The cars were lined up in multiple lanes, staged to go across the block. Looking through the lanes, we located the Willys. Bob began looking the car over. I started walking the lines of vehicles. The old saying “if ever won the lottery” came to mind. So many amazing Cars!! Some of my personal favorites were a 1969 Ford Mustang 428, a Super Cobra Jet, a 1979 Pontiac Firebird, a Trans Am with only 358 miles, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Indy Pace Car Convertible, and a 1977 Lincoln Mark IV Convertible.
As the day passed, the Willys was soon in line and about to cross the block. Bob and Uncle Gary got their spot in the bidder's row. Soon, a flurry of hands were in the air, all bidding on the 41 Willys, as the action started to slow. Bob was the high bidder when another bidder raised his bid by $10,000! That took the enthusiasm out of this sale, and the gentleman was the successful bidder at $64,000. Sadly, brother Bob didn’t get this car, but there will always be next time!
Mecum Auctions is one of the most recognized names in classic and collector car auctions, with a history rooted in passion, family, and American automotive culture. Founded in 1988 by Dana Mecum in Marengo, Illinois, Mecum Auctions began as a small operation focused on muscle cars, particularly from the 1960s and 1970s. An avid car enthusiast, Dana saw an opportunity to connect with fellow collectors in a structured auction format. The company’s first event was held in Rockford, Illinois, and featured just 30 cars — a humble beginning that would grow into a nationwide powerhouse.
From the start, Mecum stood out for its focus on American performance vehicles — Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, and Mopars — which appealed to many buyers. As demand for collector cars grew through the 1990s and early 2000s, Mecum expanded its auction locations and the variety of vehicles offered. In addition to muscle cars, they began including classics, vintage race cars, hot rods, motorcycles, and rare tractors.
A significant milestone came in 2008 when Mecum’s auctions began broadcasting on national television. Initially partnering with Discovery’s HD Theater (later Velocity, now MotorTrend), the exposure brought Mecum to millions of viewers, solidifying its brand and expanding its audience beyond core collectors. The TV format, with live gavel-to-gavel coverage, gave viewers a front-row seat to the high-energy excitement of the auctions. Mecum’s flagship event in Kissimmee, Florida, has become the world’s largest collector car auction. It routinely features over 3,500 vehicles and attracts bidders and spectators from around the globe. Other notable events include auctions in Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and Monterey, each with its own unique flair and focus. \Throughout its history, Mecum has remained a family-run company, with Dana Mecum still actively involved and his sons playing key roles in operations. Their commitment to authenticity, transparency, and excitement has helped the company maintain its reputation as a trusted collector car company.
Today, Mecum Auctions handles thousands of vehicles annually and continues to break sales records, proving that classic car culture is alive and thriving. Its blend of family values, high production quality, and deep knowledge of automotive history keeps Mecum at the forefront of the collector car auction industry. Over the nine days of the auction, Mecum sold 77 percent of the vehicles presented for sale. Three cars crossed the million-dollar mark: the 2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione Coupe—$1.54 million, the 2015 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse—$2.64 million, and the top seller, the 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari—$3.85 million!! We headed back home with an empty trailer and a heart full of memories of a fun day at the Mecum Auction - www.mecum.com
