This is the second time Mecum has been through Dallas but I couldn't make the initial go around so this was my first swim through. Velocity Channel carries live streams or replays of their auctions Monday through Friday. That has made me pretty familiar with the auction house but curious as to what a live event would be like. How close could I get to the cars? Would it be too crowded to be enjoyable? Is the Dallas Convention Center parking overpriced? (Hell yes)
Wednesday was reserved for a liquidation of the Hallbrook Estates collection. They had some true jewels pass through as I watched on TV. But then I thought: crap, those cars will be gone before I get there! I had planned a leisurely stroll through on Friday but decided I better haul ass down on Thursday before any more gems slipped through my fingers. And since they save the best cars for last to auction I wondered how anyone could wait until the final day to see the best bidding with so many already out the door.
Fearing what I'd miss if I waited to eat plus a tad annoyed at parking that cost almost as much as a ticket, I was in a pissy mood as I made my way in. I'm hungry all over again just thinking about it.
But all misgivings disappeared the minute I walked through the doors. It was like a Playboy mansion of cars: which body do I lust for first?? Cars, cars and more cars as far as the eye could see, over 1,200 according to the auction website. I could hardly get my bearings. Cars to the left of me, cars to the right of me, stuck in the middle with you!
I turned right at the stage and like Dorothy I was lost in a land where I needed to explore every inch. What would I find beyond the next bend??
Best part was this was much better than any auto museum. These cars were for sale which means open access for everyone, buyers and non-buyers alike. On one hand it's kind of insane considering some idiot carrying a camera bag could stumble and scratch the paint on an impeccably restored classic costing $100,000 (luckily I didn't but I was aware of it at all times) but on the other hand it was great to see cars from someplace other than behind a rope.
Not all cars are over the top restorations, exotics or pre-war classics. Some are just great examples of recent nostalgia that can be had for under $15,000. Cars that seemed a faraway dream as a kid are not so far away now!
There were also a few oddballs as there are at any big auction. You never know who has what that's been lying around for years they suddenly want to get rid of. Barn finds, personal restoration projects, a family member dies, and something you never expected to see shows up.
My most pleasant surprise was finding that, yes, cars sold previously at auction were still there for the viewing. So go on any day at any time and you won't miss a thing. Just be prepared to reserve a good three hours for wandering around.
I moved back towards the auction area to check out that madhouse. Bidding area was mostly full and since Mecum made a second trip here I assume Dallas must be pretty successful for them. It was also kind of cool knowing it was being shown live on TV as I walked by. Time for a streaking??
The noise and lights are nonstop the whole time, like a circus. There's certainly more than a little psychology to induce that buying feeling. And while cars are mostly towed up front, those with a more glorious engine are started up briefly at the stage to rev up the crowd. I know when I heard one of them fire up I certainly wanted to rush up there to check it out.
I decided to?look over?the red carpet vehicles knowing they were a primo lot.
Not seeing any Maseratis on the docket I decided to go on a Ferrari hunt. I'd heard a few different models could be had relatively cheaply. (Of course, that's not counting the $1,100 tune ups they require)
As always at any Mecum auction, there's plenty of Fifties bulging sheet metal that provided for an excess never seen before or will be again. One thing I love about auto styling is that it reflects the mood and temperament of the times. The Fifties were a time of extreme confidence as we rode the fortunate legacy of WWII. That legacy has all been pissed away now.
Finally, they don't call this "Mecum Auto Auctions, Muscle Cars and More" for nothin'! Corvettes and Camaros are king here and you can't hardly walk two feet without stumbling over one or the other or one of their vaunted cousins.
Takes a college course to know the value or rarity of each model. Top selling car at the auction was a 1967 Vette for $285,000. But then another 67 Vette comes along and it sells for $55,000. Go figure.
This boy was toast after three hours of lusting and wandering. Next time I'll be more prepared, know better how to focus in on dashes and be far more relaxed. The crowd was sparse too. I highly, highly recommend anyone going who is a car enthusiast. There's something there for everyone and I obviously only covered a fraction here. Come on back, Mecum, I'll be waiting!
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Source: http://sarcasmalley.blogspot.com/2012/09/mecum-auto-auction-invades-dallas.html
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