We may all soon all be in cars that drive to work, school, or long journeys, but while automotive technology is constantly evolving, some things never change. Like the charm of the muscle car. It defines an era and has been amplified in films too numerous to mention – Vanishing Point, Bullitt, Gone in 60 Seconds, and so many more.
Even if you’ve never owned a muscle car, chances are you know someone who has. Or maybe your father owned one. Or his grandfather. Maybe they’ll let you go. Maybe they just let you look at it. The memories that these cars bring back are very strong, which is why they are still being snapped left and right by collectors to this day.
And some of the best machines of the era can be yours for the right price this week as Mecum Auctions comes to Las Vegas for its fifth annual collector’s car auction.
Las Vegas has quickly become one of the top Mecum travel destinations, drawing fans from across the Southwestern region – Arizona, Southern California, and Nevada. Since events have taken place here, the number of visitors has been strong, as has the invitation to tender. And it’s not just cars – Mecum held its 30th annual classic car and antique motorcycle auction at the Las Vegas Convention Center earlier this year. Even though it was only restricted to registered bidders and consignors, this event still caused a lot of buzz.
That excitement is sure to get just as strong, if not stronger, as Mecum returns to the LVCC this week. Fans can view the collection of around 1,000 vehicles on display. Above all, three cars, all in black, are definitely coveted items in the auction block:
A 1959 Chevrolet Impala with a Rochester fuel injection system on a 283/290 hp Ram Jet V-8 fixed mast engine and a T10, 4-speed transmission;
A triple black Pontiac GTO convertible from 1966, with original 389/360 hp, tri-power V-8 engine and original 4-speed manual transmission;
A triple black Chevrolet Chevelle from 1967, completely rustproof and equipped with a 427/500 hp GM box engine and a Richmond 4-speed gearbox.
While muscle cars will undoubtedly be the highlight of this year’s Las Vegas auction, there are tons of variations on other types of vehicles, from exotic and hot rods to customs and classics. For example, the Pacific Northwest Collection in No Reserve spans several decades:
A 1932 Ford Custom Coupe (known as Mud-Usa) with a blown 468 CI V-8 engine;
A custom Council Rod Dually 1940 International with a blown dual quad Hemi V-8 engine (he was called “Mr. Hookenstein”);
A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, with a 282 CI engine and automatic transmission;
A Chevrolet Impala Bubble Top, with a 282 CI V-8 engine, Powerglide transmission and factory-installed optional power steering and power brakes.
This week’s auction is the first of three auctions Mecum is holding as part of the “October Takeover” (the other two will be in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Chicago).
Las Vegas Convention Center, Sept. 7-9 October, $ 20-30 $, mecum.com
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