Dana Mecum’s 37th Original Spring Classic concluded with more than $108 million in sales after nine days of auction action, May 10-18, with a total of 2,877 lots selling throughout the duration of the Indianapolis-based event. The annual anniversary auction consistently draws exceptional crowds and strong sales, with this year’s event marking the fourth consecutive year that overall sales exceeded $100 million. Highlights at the live 2024 auction ranged from high-dollar vehicle transactions to celebrity appearances, unique vehicle sales and more.
The Indy auction lineup included an industry-leading variety of collector cars, featuring a wealth of bread-and-butter muscle cars, ‘50s classics, high-end Ferraris and other exotics, along with countless domestic muscle cars from Corvettes and Camaros to the more obscure and unknown cult favorites. Top-selling vehicles at the Indianapolis event included a highly original 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster (Lot F152)—the last of the initial order of 100—which sold for $2.145 million. Other top muscle car sales included a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible (Lot S193) that sold for $660,000, a 1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback (Lot F147) that sold for $495,000, a licensed Eleanor® tribute edition 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback (Lot S285) that brought $456,500 and a 2005 Ford GT (Lot S252) that achieved a final sale price of $423,500.
Well reflecting the success of Mecum’s past five years in business was the company’s Mecum Financial Services (MFS) arm, which presented a ceremonial check to Dana Mecum at the Indy 2024 event representing more than $150 million in MFS loads made to customers to date.
Among the most readily recognizable auction attendees in Indianapolis were Roger Penske, Rick Mears and other members of Team Penske, with Roger Penske and Rick Mears taking to the auction block as 17 Indy pace cars from the Penske Collection were sold to the highest bidders with all being offered at no reserve.
Pat McAfee—American sports analyst, former NFL punter and host of the popular ESPN and YouTube live program “The Pat McAfee Show”—was also present in Indianapolis and bid on and won several cars while in person at the event. He also purchased one vehicle while streaming live on his YouTube show: a 2002 Cadillac Escalade (Lot W146) showing just 16,000 miles.
“I feel like it embodied the electricity that is Mecum auto auctions through the screen,” McAfee said. “We’re delivering happiness here at Mecum, and it was fun. It was a blast. This place is amazing.”
Other notable appearances at Indy included Indianapolis Colts Defensive End Tyquan Lewis and teammates Grover Stewart and Kendell Brooks. They spent much of Saturday on the auction block, and Lewis told Mecum’s own Chris Jacobs that he is in the process of building a C10 that he plans to sell at next year’s Spring Classic auction.
Causing an audible buzz of excitement among the crowd as they approached the auction block, two of Tesla’s Cybertrucks achieved successful sales of $134,750 and $126,500 at the Indy auction. The sales served as evidence of Mecum’s expansive market reach and as a testament to the eclectic tastes of the auction house’s extensive customer base. Another interesting sale in Indianapolis was that of a 2024 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop (Lot S243) that was built to replicate GM’s 50 millionth automobile. Finished in a flashy shade of brilliant gold and boasting various elements plated in authentic 24K gold, the multiple award winning and highly publicized car demanded a final sale price of $434,500.
For more information on Indy 2024 results or upcoming Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles and other items offered.