Some major muscle will lift Dana Mecum’s 27th Original Spring Classic collector-car auction May 13-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, with a number of rare American performance icons rumbling across the block.
This is Mecum’s big-dog auction, with nearly 2,000 classic and collector cars lined up for six days of bidding in the recently renovated Fairgrounds Coliseum. Portions of the auction will be broadcast live on NBC Sports and Esquire networks, with live streaming available on Mecum.com.
Among the heavy hitters of American muscle are:
1968 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro SS (Lot S152) – A very-low-mileage example of the 64 Camaros that were performance modified by Don Yenko in 1968, now fully restored with its original 427 V8 and Muncie four-speed transmission. Most of its 1,304 original miles were accumulated when the car was drag raced during the 1970s using a different competition engine. The factory engine was reinstalled during restoration.
1963 Shelby 289 Cobra (Lot S134) – One of the first Cobras with rack-and-pinion steering, this beautiful roadster (serial number CSX2135) was originally used as a demonstrator to promote the new steering system before it was sold to its first owner. The special Shelby is described as being in pristine condition.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (Lot F229) – Aside from a single repaint in its GM factory color of Light Blue – also known as Carolina Blue – this highly optioned special-order Z28 is original and unrestored, having traveled just 46,432 miles. The one-of-a-kind Z28 with Cross Ram induction is fully documented and described as the best-preserved example in the world.
1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 (Lot S161) – The GT350 is a European export model that was owned and raced by Swiss driving ace Herbert Müller from 1966 through the early 1970s. Fully equipped with R-Model racing equipment and in its original configuration, the well-documented Shelby was consigned for sale at Mecum by Müller’s estate.
1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda (Lot S185) – The final year for the Hemi-V8 Plymouth pony car, and one of just 59 Hemi 4-speed coupes produced in 1971. The factory R-code Hemi Cuda incorporates an unstamped warranty engine block fitted with correct heads, intake and 1971 Carter four-barrel carburetors. The Cuda received a rotisserie restoration in 2006.
1963 Pontiac Catalina “Swiss Cheese” (Lot S158) – Perhaps the most famous of the 14 lightweight Catalina racers that were built before General Motors’ racing ban. Sponsored by Packer Pontiac of Detroit, it was driven in 1963 by Packer employee Howard Maselles, who set the NHRA C/Stock class record with a 12.27 ET at 114.64 mph. The car was rediscovered in the late 1970s by famed Pontiac collector and historian Randy Williams, with restoration completed in 2000. Authentically detailed and fully documented.
For information about the auction and times for live telecasts and streaming, see www.Mecum.com.
