Mecum Spring Classic Auto Auction Rolls Into Indy

It’s nearly time for the annual Mecum Indy Spring Classic auto auction, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds May 16-20.  We checked in with Scott Hoke, host of Mecum Collector Car Auctions on NBCSN – and former host of Morning Edition on 90.1 WFYI – for the highlights.

“It’s interesting at Indy – always many highlights,” Hoke said.  “One we’re anticipating is a ’65 Mustang with Serial Number Number Two.  Serial Number One is in Ford ownership.  It’s the first hardtop to have a serial number – an important part of Ford and Mustang history.  What kind of money will it bring?  Who knows!”

For Corvette lovers, there’s one for you too.

“Another significant car is a 1967 big block Corvette with just 24,000 miles.  It could be a half-million dollar car.  For it to be 50 years old with so few miles is very rare,” Hoke said.

Mecum is known for offering impressive collections, often for sale all at once.  One of those this year is from Bob McDorman, a well-respected Chevrolet dealer from Columbus, Ohio.  He passed away a few years ago, but Mecum will be selling the last 40 or so cars from his collection.  Every one, from early Corvettes to a ’53 Oldsmobile Fiesta and ’55 Nomad is impressive.

Buying at Auction

With easy searching on the Internet, why should people even attend an auction for their dream car?

“You have an opportunity to see a bunch of cars all in one place,” Hoke said.  “Just show up, you never know what you’ll find.  It’s one of the best car shows you’ve ever attended.  Dana Mecum has a solid reputation for bringing quality cars at every price level.  There’s something for everyone.  High-end collectors can find that one missing piece for their collection and first time buyers can get started.”

Especially neophyte collectors may wonder what cars they should be considering.  Hoke recommends to buy what you love.  One of the great things about attending an auction like Mecum’s is there are often many similar cars.  Want a mid-1960s Corvette?  There will be more than you can count with virtually every engine, color, interior, and body configuration.

But, if you’re serious, take your time.  Look at the catalogue, pick the cars in which you’re interested, and come early to check them out.  Learn everything.

“Come and check the car out ahead of time, or have someone check it out for you,” Hoke said.  “If you find a car you like, spend hours with the car, talk to its owner or consigner, and get into the details of the car.  Find out as much about that specific car as you can.

Mecum made his name with ‘50s and ‘60s domestic muscle cars, but you can find almost anything.

“I am always astonished by the level of cars at Mecum auctions,” Hoke said.  “They’re not always million-dollar cars, but even in the $200,000, $300,000, and $400,000 range, there are just sensational cars. You’ll see first-year Corvettes to Lamborghinis and cars that are a hundred years old.  Custom street rods will blow your mind.  It’s absolutely an event.”

Visiting The Auction

Plan for your visit now.  Gates open at 8AM daily Tuesday May 16 – Saturday May 20.  Vehicle auctions get underway at 10AM daily while road art sales begin at 9AM Tuesday-Saturday.  Tickets cost $20 in advance, $30 at the door, while children twelve and under enter free.  If you plan to stay for days, there are RV sites available for $30 per night with hook-ups or $20 per night without hook-ups.

For more information, including a listing of cars and collections being sold, go online at mecum.com/auctions/Indianapolis-2017.