Most Mecum auctions are only a few days long, but once a year, Mecum puts on their 10-day auction in Kissimmee, Florida. Highly anticipated by both buyers and sellers, this auction brings in some of the highest-value cars and highest profile buyers. The 2016 Kissimmee auction just wrapped up this past weekend, and it saw some of the most stunning cars cross the block. That’s one of the cool things about a Mecum auction: it’s like a car show, but everything is for sale.
As with every sale, the price range runs the full spectrum, but for some reason, we were interested in looking at the Chevrolet collectibles that sold at the top of this auction. We did a little research, and found the Camaro, Nova, Impala, and Chevelle, that ended with the highest hammer price. We’re going to start with the lowest price and go from there. Some of these prices may shock you, others are nothing less than expected.
1969 Nova SS
This L78 big-block 396 cubic-inch powered car was given an $80,000 to $100,000 sale estimate by Mecum. Although it came up just short at $71,000, that is nothing to scoff at. Equipped with its original, numbers-matching engine and an automatic transmission, this Nova SS has a unique drivetrain that is set up for performance and a smooth drive. It also sports a rare color combination that features a blue deluxe bench seat interior, and a Dover White exterior. Its comfort features include power brakes, as well as power steering and a Delco AM radio. The Goodyear redline tires complete the classic look on this car, and we aren’t the only ones that think so. This particular Nova scored a 999 out of 1,000 rating at Chevy Vette Fest in 2008, and received the Gold Spinner and Diamond Award of Excellence.
1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubbletop
Mecum gave this show-stopping 1961 Impala two-door bubble top an sale estimate of $120,000 to $150,000. It came up just short of the low end estimate, at $115,000. Powered by a 6.0-liter LS engine and an automatic transmission, this restomod was made for driving. It also features power disc-brakes, power windows, and power locks with remote usability. While the other three cars we are looking at have retained most of their classic looks and styling, this car is more custom with new wheels, red leather interior, and a silver and black custom paintjob. This particular car even includes a backup camera.
1970 Chevelle SS
A true performance car, this 1970 Chevelle retains its original, numbers-matching drivetrain. It has Chevy’s iconic 454 cubic-inch LS6 engine with 450 horsepower, a Turbo 400 transmission, a 4.10-ratio Positraction rearend, power steering, and power brakes. The black exterior with the SS stripes, cowl-induction hood, and chrome hood pins make this Chevelle stand out everywhere that it goes. If someone was looking for performance and sleek, show-stopping looks, look no further. Mecum estimated this car would sell between $140,000 and $160,000, and it sold for $152,000 right where it should.
1969 Yenko Camaro
Let’s start by saying this car had an estimated sale price of $275,000 to $325,000. Unlike the other cars we looked at, this one exceeded even the high end of its estimate, and sold for an astounding $330,000. With the rarity of this car however, and the demand for Yenko-powered Chevys, it isn’t much of a shock to us. Powered by its original 425 horsepower 427 cubic-inch engine with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission, this street beast carries the requisite Yenko items: power disc brakes, a specially-scooped hood, heavy-duty cooling, and a 4.10 gear ratio – this car lives up to the Yenko legacy. It has been restored to its original state, and retains all of its original options and styling, including the standard black interior and Rallye Green exterior with the black Yenko striping.
These amazing cars are only a small selection of what was sold at the Kissimmee auction. Imagine all of the other amazing cars they sold, or just go check them out at the Mecum website. Tell us what you thought of these four cars and if you think they are worth their sale price. If you had that kind of money, would you pay that for one or all of these cars? We’d really like to find out!