Mecum Kissimmee Summer Special rolls in
Classic car fans, get ready: Mecum Auctions is returning to Kissimmee for three days of collector car auctions at Osceola Heritage Park for a summer special event.
The auction, Aug. 27-29, will bring visitors and bidders approximately 1,000 cars for fans to ogle, including newer supercars such as a 2018 Ford GT, classics such as ‘60s and ‘70s Camaros, Corvettes and Mustangs, and rare finds in the form of classic Land Rovers, Volkswagens and Toyotas.
While many aspects of this Mecum event will resemble past auctions, the company has taken additional steps to make sure on-site visitors remain as safe as possible.
“We have a 10-page safety protocol list that we’ve incorporated into our events. It includes pretty much everything you can think of to provide for a safe event in the midst of everything that’s going on,” said Dave Magers, Mecum Auctions CEO.
He added that there’s still a demand for collector cars, as he’s seen during recent events, including a July auction in Indianapolis.
“Our previous event record in Indianapolis — we’ve been having that event for 33 years — was $66 million in 2019,” Magers said. “This year, in the middle of the pandemic, we did $75 million.”
Here’s what to expect while visiting the Mecum Kissimmee Summer Special.
Safety Precautions
Similar to what people have come to expect when entering a theme park, museum or other public space, temperatures will be taken for those entering Osceola Heritage Park. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more will be turned away.
In addition, visitors may be asked a few questions in a brief medical review.
“We’re asking people with symptoms, obviously, not to come,” Magers said. “We have a mask mandate, we have sanitizer all over the event itself.”
In addition, he said that antiviral misters and ultraviolet light walkthroughs will be tested at the event.
One of the big changes guests will notice lies inside the auction arena.
“Our events are usually set up theater style with thousands of chairs sitting side by side,” Magers said. “What we’re doing now is setting it up classroom style, with six-foot tables set up six feet apart. There are two chairs at each table.
Within the enclosed arena, employees will be wearing masks, face shields, or both, with plexiglass barriers separating staff from visitors in the cases of closer contact. The auctioneer is the only person permitted to be maskless within the auction space.
Sellers and buyers will also notice a more remote and contactless process in handling their cars and paperwork. Those who purchase classic cars will receive their new wheels at their home along with the necessary paperwork to
sign and return.
Remote Bidding
Though phone and internet bidding have been available at Mecum events for years, remote bidding has received some increased interest due to the pandemic.
As a result, the auction company has ramped up its online bidding system.
“Looking at your computer, half of the screen shows the cars and the description of the car, and the other half shows the auctioneer,” Magers said. “You’re participating just like you’re sitting in front of the auctioneer at the auction.”
However, a majority of participants are still showing up in person.
“Where it normally would have been about 95 percent in person and 5 percent absentee, what we saw at Indy and what I’ve seen in pre-registration at Kissimmee, it’s about 80⁄20,” Magers said. “We’re a live auction company, not an internet auction company. But we want to provide that
opportunity for those that feel most comfortable participating in that way.”
Bidders can register online or at the event — $200 for standard or $500 for gold, which offers credentials for all auctions within 12 months, expedited credential pickup, preferred seating and other perks.
Featured Lots
While auto enthusiasts should have a general idea of what they can find — classic muscle cars, modern supercars and vintage rare finds — each Mecum auction presents its own set of unique rides and offerings.
At the Mecum Kissimmee Summer Special, a 2018 Ford GT with just 97 miles, a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe, a 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible, a 2004 Saleen S7 and a 1970 Shelby GT500 Fastback are among the featured lots bidders can find.
With an estimated 1,000 cars up for grabs total, visitors can find something for all tastes, including classic Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs and Challengers, vintage off-roaders such as Land Rovers, Blazers and Land Cruisers, and modern-day gems like Mercedes, Jeeps and Bentleys.
Thrill Rides
Similar to previous events, Dodge will be returning to Osceola Heritage Park with all of the horsepower it can muster, giving fans thrill rides in a 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and a Charger with the same trim.
Professional drivers will take visitors for a quick lap around a small track, whipping around tight corners and kicking up smoke while doing donuts.
This attraction, like some other aspects of Mecum’s events, will be just like auctions past, even as new modifications are made.
“It’s still at its heart a Mecum auction. We have almost 1,000 cars. Even the consignment agents have been very impressed with the quality of cars,” Magers said. ”It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s exciting. It’s all Mecum with just a few very important safety precautions mixed in.”
If you go: Mecum Kissimmee Summer Special will open daily at 8 a.m., with auctions beginning at 10 a.m., Aug. 27-29 at 1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee. General admission tickets cost $20 per day online in advance or $30 per day once the auction begins. Children ages 12 and younger enter for free. Parking is available onsite for $10 per day per car. For more information and to see available lots, visit mecum.com.