Two Ferraris and Corvette L88 Top Million Dollar Mark at Mecum’s Monterey Auction

Mecum Auctions returned to Monterey for a successful second annual auction at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course, where the top sale was a rare ex-DeLorenzo 1967 Corvette L88 Roadster – one of only 20 produced and the earliest RPO-ordered L88 known to exist – that sold on the block for $1,250,000. 

With a high-quality inventory of remarkable collector cars, Mecum’s Monterey Auction had total gross sales (excluding buyer’s premium) of $15.4 million.  Combined with post-block sales that continue to occur in The Bid Goes On – Mecum’s program to market vehicles that don’t sell on the auction block – the company estimates final sales for the auction will be close to $20 million.

“While last year’s event was monumental because of our record-breaking $7.25 million sale of the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe, this year’s event was hugely successful in its own right.  In fact, if you take the Shelby out of the equation, we more than doubled our sales over last year,” said President Dana Mecum.  “As Monterey’s only free, open-to-the-public auction, we have truly carved our own market niche.  With growing brand awareness, Mecum in its sophomore year has established itself as a primary destination on the peninsula and has built a very firm cornerstone upon which to have a long-term event in Monterey.”

As the first auction company to bring live television to the peninsula with its Discovery Communications’ HD Theater show “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More,” the Monterey Auction drew thousands of enthusiasts eager to watch the film crew in action and to bid on the investment-grade vehicles.  Mecum offered more than 400 collector cars at the two-day auction.

In addition to cars, Mecum entered into the vintage wooden boat arena in 2010, selling five world-class vessels at the Monterey Auction – four of which made it into the top 10 sales. 

Mecum’s Monterey Top 10 Sales (all sales reflect hammer prices) were:

1. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible (Lot S125) at $1,250,000
2. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta (Lot S111.1) at $1,250,000
3. 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder (Lot S122) at $1,050,000
4. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster (Lot S120) at $650,000
5. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 Convertible (lot S118) at $440,000
6. 1965 Shelby GT350 Drag Unit (Lot S106) at $350,000
7. 1922 Hacker Gentlemans Race Boat (Lot S130) at $320,000
8. 1940 Chris-Craft Racing Runabout (Lot S127) at $291,500
9. 1965 Riva Aquarama (Lot S128) at $290,000
10. 1929 Hacker Craft Deluxe Runabout (Lot S129) at $225,000

Complete Monterey Auction results are available to Mecum InfoNet members, which is free to join at www.Mecum.com.  Mecum InfoNet members can log in to see car-by-car results by visiting the Results Page.  Next up is the Mecum St. Charles Auction, Sept. 16-19, 2010, at Pheasant Run Resort, which feature 1,000 collector cars up for bid.  Tickets are available at the door for $15. 

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 23 years, now offering an industry-leading 5,000 collector cars per year.  Consignment, bidder and event information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

McCormick’s 48th Palm Springs Auction Results & Photo Gallery

Lot 118 1959 Austin Healey                                     $71,925

For the first time in many years conducting collector car auctions in sunny Palm Springs, California the McCormick family experienced a rainy, stormy Saturday from 6am throughout the evening. The gloomy skies did not dampen the sales or restrict the large crowd on hand.

Total Cars Across The Block                494

 Total Cars Sold                                     279

 Total Receipts                                       $4,817,295

 Some notable sales include:

Lot 127 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440                         $60,375

 

Lot 161 1968 Shelby GT500kr                                 $94,500

 

Lot 172 1976 Batmobile                                           $82,950

 

Lot 264 1971 Mercedes 3.5 Cab                               $105,000

 

Lot 406 1970 Boss 302 Mustang                            $73,500

Click Here for Complete Auction Results

(Source: McCormick Auction Press Release)

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Full Photo Gallery

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”

(Scroll Down Below Photo Gallery for Entire Press Release)

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

“Ford’s Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It’s the same technology you would find on aircraft engines,” said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. “We’ve invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy.”

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

“The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand.”

Increased power and increased fuel economy

The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise

For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.

Added convenience content

New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:

– Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
– MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
– Integrated spotter mirror
– Fold-down rear headrests

“Whether you’re looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track,” Capito says, “this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts.”

(Source: Ford Press Release)

$7.25 Million…..A New Record for an American Car

 

The championship-winning 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 has made history again, selling for a record-breaking $7.25 million at Mecum’s inaugural Monterey Auction on August 15, 2009.

That price tag sets the record for the highest price paid for an American car at public auction. 

High performance collector car specialists Mecum Auction promoted the Daytona Cobra Coupe – American racing’s Crown Jewel – for months leading up to the auction.  “Selling this amazing piece of American race history at our first Monterey auction has been the crowning achievement of my career and Mecum Auction’s 22 years of selling collector cars,” said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction.  

“This hand-built car beat the fastest cars in the world and has now added another ‘win’ to its list of accomplishments.  It certainly finished in record form again.”

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class.  An experimental coupe body designed by Peter Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph.  That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa and Nurburgring, CSX2601 made history when it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.  Driving the car – and America – to victory was legendary race car driver Bob Bondurant. 

Bondurant drove the Daytona Cobra Coupe across the Mecum auction block as it set the new high-bid record.

 “Truly the best part about auctioning the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe has been sharing the stories of its amazing history with millions of people across the country,” Mecum said.  “This race car’s greatest moments and its legacy as America’s world champion will be cherished for generations to come.”

Mecum’s Monterey Auction took place on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course.  In addition to the Shelby Daytona, Mecum offered an eclectic mix of more than 200 cars ranging from a 1931 Rolls-Royce to a 2007 Saleen S7.     

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 22 years, offering more than 5,000 collector cars per year – more than any collector car auction company in the world.  Auction information and results are available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

 

The New Shelby Daytona Coupe…Bringing Back A Legend

The long-awaited new CSX 9000 series Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII with a number of improvements, upgrades and new features has arrived in the USA. The new model will be allocated CSX9000 series chassis numbers and will come complete with a Shelby-issued MSO certificate and Chassis tag.

“The new CSX 9000 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will replace the SPF Daytona Coupe and this famous marque will in future only be marketed as a Shelby product,” says Lance Stander, President of Shelby Distribution USA of Irvine, CA.

The new models are available with a fiber glass body or aluminum-body.

“Every CSX 9000 series Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will be listed in the Shelby World Registry, making this new addition to Carroll Shelby’s stable of sports cars a collector’s dream. The new Coupe will feature Shelby signature door handles and seat covers, and the stopping power for the powerful Coupe will be provided by Shelby branded brakes.”

Asked how the Coupe had had progressed from a Shelby-approved replica of the original World famous Shelby Cobra Daytona CSX2000 series Coupe, that in 1965 won the World Manufacturers Championship, Stander said market requirements had demanded that the new model be upgraded and improved in a manner that would make it worthy of the Shelby appellate.

“A sports car with the heritage and image of the Coupe begged for improvements and new features to make it a worthy contender in the market in which it already is one of the most sought after contenders. This awareness led to the development of the CSX 9000 series,” says Stander.

In order to increase the clearance between the driver’s head and the roof as well as between the driver’s left hand and the A-post, the seats were repositioned and the steering wheel moved over to the right. This created a much more comfortable seating environment.

New external door handles do not mar the sleek look of the coachwork and facilitates entry without the use of a remote key, and the doors are fitted with electric windows.

The side air intakes behind the doors now form part of the rear panel behind the B-pillars with an added quarter vent style window. In addition to improved interior air flow, visibility has been significantly improved.

Gear heads will be delighted with the improved front and rear independent suspension.
This development includes the replacement of the rose joints with ball joints, and the new design facilitates the adjustment of camber, caster and toe adjustment up front, as well as easy camber and toe adjustment at the rear.

To eliminate noise, the front and rear anti-roll bars have been redesigned, the chassis has been stiffened and a new fuel tank with internal baffles incorporates a swirl pot design.

To improve oil cooling the oil cooler has been separated from the radiator and fitted in an area with adequate air flow, the radiator core diameter has been increased and more efficient radiator fans are fitted.

“With the high ambient temperature in most of the USA in summer, and the congestion on our roads, adequate engine and oil cooling are “must haves” in an auto that is as comfortable cruising along at 20 mph or when hugging the corners at well over a 100 mph!” remarked Stander.

In keeping with modern design, the heater and climate controls for the air-conditioning have no cables and are operated via servo units, the side muffler pipes have been increased in diameter to ensure a deeper rumble, and the wheel wells have been adapted to accommodate 18 inch, deep dish Shelby Cobra style rims.

“Although the new Coupe shares all the visual magic of the original, the new CSX 9000 series is just so much more sophisticated and will have enormous appeal in the market for full-blooded American retro-styled sports cars,” said Stander.

The first two new Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes have already been delivered. The order book is filling up fast, and Shelby dealers are now taking orders for later deliveries. Production will initially be limited to two units per month.

The MSRP of the fiber glass bodied CSX 9000 is $89,900.00 TKM and the aluminum-bodied model will be offered at $195,900.00 TKM. Orders can be placed by following this lead to the Shelby dealers’ web site.