Momentum and excitement continue to grow in the lead up to Mecum Auctions’ return to Monterey, California, this Aug. 12-14 as more headline-worthy consignments join the lineup for the annual Daytime Auction at the Del Monte Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. Among the top-shelf additions is a group of three heavy hitters from the Shelby American camp: a 1967 Shelby 427 “Semi Competition” Cobra, 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster CSX2495 and SFM5R538, the winningest 1965 Shelby GT350R Fastback ever. In all, an estimated 600 collector vehicles ranging from prewar classics and muscle to exotics and modern supercars are expected to roll across the Mecum Monterey auction block, along with about 100 vintage and antique motorcycles.
One of only 36 factory competition models ever built, SFM5R538 is considered within the hobby to be the winningest Shelby ever, claiming the SCCA Southeast Divisional Championship under original owner Roger West before the car made 54 starts with 42 finishes and 32 wins under the tutelage of second owner Charlie Kemp and Crew Chief Pete Hood, including a run of 17 straight victories between 1968 and 1969. The GT350R is fresh off a two-year concours restoration that garnered it a Division 2 Gold Award at the SAAC event in Indiana this past February with only 14 points deducted, after which it was returned to Thoroughbred Restorations to have even those deductions corrected.
The 1967 Semi Competition Cobra CSX3045 is one of only 29 427 Cobra S/Cs built and the product of an extensive and exacting restoration by Robin Automotive in Northern California. The celebrated car has won numerous awards throughout its lifetime, including first place in Competition Shelby Popular Vote at SAAC-5, a Gold Award at the 1998 SAAC Convention and Best Cobra and Best Comp Cobra at the 1999 SAAC meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
CSX2495, a 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster, is a well-known car in the Shelby community, once owned by the founder of the famous Inglese Induction Systems, Jim Inglese. In fact, Inglese’s foray into the tuning industry was allegedly inspired by this very car. While installing a set of Webers on CSX2495, Inglese ran into so much difficulty trying to get them to function properly, he decided to start an entire company dedicated to the process.
These three Shelbys join other main attraction offerings ranging from a 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupe, a 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast and a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona, to a 2005 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo and a 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari, to name just a few.
The 2021 Mecum Daytime Auction in Monterey is open to buyers, sellers and spectators. Bidder registration is available online in advance and on-site for $200 and includes admission for two to each auction day. Those unable to attend and bid in-person are encouraged to register for telephone and internet bidding. General admission tickets are available in advance online for $20 per person, per day, and for $30 at the door and online after Aug. 11; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission. Doors open each day at 8 a.m. with the vehicle auction beginning on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. and on Friday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. Portions of the auction will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.
Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments including detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles. To view the list, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.
Auction Schedule
Mecum Monterey 2021, The Daytime Auction
Aug. 12-14, 2021
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa – Del Monte Golf Course
1 Old Golf Course Rd.
Monterey, CA 93940
Admission: $20 in advance online, and $30 at the door and online after Aug. 11—per person, per day; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission
Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.
Auction: Vehicles begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12 and at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 14
TV: To be announced
