Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction Revs Up In Indianapolis

If you’re an auto enthusiast, it’s a safe bet you’ve spent too many weekend hours watching classic car auctions.  It’s exciting watching high-dollar icons roll across the block – cars you’ve never seen in the real world.  If you want to see an auction in person, you do not have to travel to Scottsdale, Amelia Island, or Monterey.  You can attend Dana Mecum’s 32nd Original Spring Classic auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds May 14-19.

During the six-day event, about 2,000 vehicles will be offered for sale.  As Mecum focuses on American muscle, expect long lines of Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, and Thunderbirds of virtually every age and trim level.  Of course, there will be a mix of eclectic cars that you’ll only see together inside vast barns at the fairgrounds.

Shelby Cobra fans will want to check out The Steven Juliano Estate Collection that includes a 1967 427 S/C Roadster, 1964 289 Roadster, 1966 427 Roadster, and 1965 Factory Stage III 289 Dragonsnake.  Renowned restorers Amos and Justin Minter will offer nine 1957 Ford Thunderbirds. 

Other featured offerings include an aluminum block 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible, the only 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T with a factory sunroof, 1971 440 Six Pack Plymouth Cuda Convertible, and 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro.  There’s also a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder with just 999 miles.

I attended the auction a couple of years ago and even had the chance to ride across the block in a red Corvette.  It’s a lot of fun to see it in person, but what you do not see on television are building after building full of cars.  Looking for a 1960s Corvette?  There won’t just be one – there will be more than you’ve ever seen.  Want a Chevelle?  Which model and year?  It will likely be there.  Mustangs?  Put on your walking shoes. 

The auction is a place where enthusiasts can spend a day just looking at cars and serious collectors can buy the best.  Many cars will go for under $15,000, so there’s something for almost everybody.

Here’s what you should know to attend the action.  Bidder registration is available online in advance for $100, or $200 after May 13.  General admission tickets cost $20 per person in advance online or $30 at the door.  Children 12 and younger are free. 

Gates open 8 a.m. each day with the auction beginning daily at 10 a.m.  If you can’t make it in person, watch at home on NBC Sports Network during 23.5 hours of coverage that will include 14 hours of live auction action.  A live stream is presented at Mecum.com.