Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction company, has a rich history and has become a household name in the realm of collector car auctions. For anyone who loves classic cars, I cannot recommend highly enough taking a trip to one of their auctions… which is like no other!
Founded in 1988 by Dana Mecum, Mecu Auctions has grown exponentially over the years and has garnered a strong reputation for its commitment to providing a unique and thrilling auction experience. Now through the next several weeks of January, Mecum is located in Kissimmee, Florida just outside of Disney World and Universal Studios. For the car lover in your family, this is the most magical place on Earth. Tent after tent of football field length displays. One room filled with vintage Stingrays, another with Bel-Airs. Anything from the 1980s to the modern year can be found and most in pristine condition. It’s akin to the greatest car show you’ll ever see. And though real bidding and real auctioning is happening (and hard to ignore given screens and speakers everywhere relaying the events inside the auction stadium), car aficionados can enjoy 10,000+ vehicles just be paying a $30 Day ticket. It’s tremendous value and you’ll never see all the cars in a single day.
Mecum Auctions was established in 1988 by Dana Mecum in Marengo, Illinois. The first auction, known as the Rockford Spring Classic, was held at the Greater Rockford Airport in 1988. The event faced some initial challenges, including a lawsuit from dissatisfied attendees, which led to the second auction being held in 1989. The company then moved its auction location to the Metro Center in Rockford, Illinois, where it remained for two years.
In 1996, Mecum added premier auctions to its repertoire, offering vehicles of a higher quality and attracting approximately 1,000 people to each event. The company’s auction events began to gain traction and popularity, leading to a significant increase in attendance and sales. In 2008, Mecum Auctions made its television debut, which further contributed to the popularity of the events.
In 2013, Mecum Auctions moved its headquarters to Walworth, Wisconsin, to accommodate its growing business. The company continued to expand its reach and influence, hosting auctions in various locations across the United States, including Anaheim, California, and Kissimmee, Florida. In 2020, the company revamped its online bidding system and added livestream footage of auction events, which led to a significant increase in online bidding and revenue.
Though I have not verified this, I am told the next location this year will be held in Las Vegas and I highly recommend any of our west coast readers, as well as Rocky Mountain folk to make their way over. It’s not just cars either! I greatly enjoyed a huge showroom of nothing but vintage neon signs, immaculate all, and each part of the auction process. Where else can you find dozens of perfect-condition 1940s gas pumps that would make any auto shop owner beam with glee were it to arrive in his waiting area?
The best part about all of this? It’s easily the joy I see in the faces of car-lovers and their friends. So much is divisive and depressing online and in entertainment. But here, amidst people of every background, age, color and creed, I see humanity coming together to celebrate a hobby and a passion they have in common. How wonderful! I might just have to buy a car in the auction… except that my wife might kill me if I do so. But there are worse ways to go out.
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