The adage “Everything is bigger in Texas” seems to measure up when it comes to classic and collector car auctions. A testament to the truism, Mecum’s return to the NRG Center in Houston this past April 4-6 produced a lineup of 1,023 vehicles, 730 of which hammered sold for a sell-through rate that exceeded 71% and an overall sales total of $29.4 million.
Pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles were prevalent and popular, but it was the modern muscle and a sprinkling of both vintage and modern sports cars that dominated the top sellers list. The top 10 highest-dollar sales in Houston were led by a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (Lot S119.1) that achieved $357,500, and it was followed by the first of five 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170s (Lot S323) to make the list. All five of Dodge’s modern muscle machines presented in nearly new condition boasting extremely low mileage and a stunning array of finishes from Plum Crazy and Sublime to Destroyer Gray. A 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster (Lot S219) was another top seller in Houston, as were a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot S157) that brought $181,500 and a 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo Slantnose (Lot S131.1) that sold for $176,000.
From The Bob Cather Classics Collection, a 1983 Duesenberg II Royalton Dual Cowl Phaeton (Lot S89) that was one of just 71 built by Elite Heritage Motors from 1977 to 2011 fell just shy of landing a spot on the top sellers list with a strong $154,000 sale. Leading sales from the Plendl Brothers Bowtie Classics collection included a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 (Lot F59) that sold for $100,100 and a 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Cheyenne (Lot F60) that sold for $88,000.
The top collector car sales at the Houston 2024 auction included:
- 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (Lot S119.1) at $357,500
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 (Lot S323) at $242,000
- 2014 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Replica (Lot S211) at $220,000
- 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster (Lot S219) at $209,000
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 (Lot S66) at $198,000
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 (Lot S108) at $198,000
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 (Lot S142) at $192,500
- 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot S157) at $181,500
- 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo Slantnose (Lot S131.1) at $176,000
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 (Lot S130) at $167,750
For access to complete auction results, sign up for a free MyMecum account at Mecum.com. Next on the Mecum auction calendar is the original, largest and best muscle car auction: Dana Mecum’s 37th Original Spring Classic, which will feature 3,000 vehicles at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis this May 10-18. For more details on upcoming auctions, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.
