INDIANAPOLIS — You know it’s May when the horses return to Churchill Downs, cars circle the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Mecum Auto Auctions sets up camp at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. You can see them all on television, but you’ll want to attend the last one in-person, whether you want to buy a classic car or just enjoy watching others win their prize.
Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds for its 37th year, running May 10-18. It’s expected to draw around 3,000 vehicles, plus a selection of Road Art automotive memorabilia. Last year’s auction achieved $113 million in total sales, so expect some big-dollar sales again this year.
Mecum is known for offering a wide array of American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, SUVs, and even an occasional European micro car, exotic sports car or hot rod. Even if you aren’t planning to buy a vehicle, it’s a car show beyond compare, with most of the barns full of vehicles. Interesting in seeing a 1960s Corvette? There will be more than you can count. Camaros? What year and color do you want? How about a square body GM pickup or Blazer? Take your pick, but personal collections add special interest.
Check out the Frank Micoli Collection featuring 40 cars and 17 motorcycles, including a 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO with just 3,148 miles and 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS with 37 miles. Add to that a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL, 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible and 1969 Mustang Boss 302 Fastback. Expect a selection of Ducati and MV Agusta motorcycles, too.
The Apex Collection focuses on Fords, specifically a Wimbledon White 1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback that was used for Ford Public relations and a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster driven 18,066 miles since new. Like those? Also see the nine-car Jason Dietsch collection of Saleen-modified Fords.
Showcasing the height of Chevrolet performance is the Corvette Evolution Collection offering 34 Corvettes from 1953 to 2003. Two special ones are a Bloomington Gold Certified 1964 Convertible with the J56 Special Sintered Metallic Brake Package and Bloomington Gold Certified 1970 ZR1 Convertible that’s one of only 25 Vettes produced in 1970, with the ZR1 Special Purpose Engine Package putting down 370 horsepower.
Follow that with the Black Corvette Collection with seven 1960s models that includes a 1967 Convertible, one of two L79 convertibles in Tuxedo Black with white interior and factory air numbers-matching 327 350hp V8.
The list of Fords, Chevy, and Pontiac muscle cars is endless, but there are other unique rides rolling up for sale – like a 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary, 200-mile 2022 Lamborghini Aventador LP 780 Ultimae Roadster and 2004 Porsche Carrera GT (one of 1,270 built). Fans of Hoosier automakers will relish a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk offered by the original owner’s grandson.
It is Indianapolis, so its wholly appropriate to see a parade of Indy 500 pace cars cross the block. Some of the best come from Roger Penske’s collection and range from the 1979 Ford Mustang to the 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am 20th Anniversary, 1993 Camaro, 1994 Mustang SVT Cobra and 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary edition. The 2006 Corvette Z06 and 2019 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe are also exciting. There’s even a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, 1988 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible and 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV. If you love pace cars, you’ll want these.
Make plans to attend. Doors open daily at 8 a.m., with auctions starting by 9 a.m. May 10-18. Monday 5/13 is dedicated to Road Art only. Tickets are $30 for one-day admission or $75 for three days. Bidder registrations start at $100 with options for in-person, telephone and internet bidding. Children 12 years and younger enter free. If you can’t make it in-person, check schedules for MotorTrend, Max and Discovery Channel broadcasts. For the latest information, go to Mecum.com/auctions/indy-2024.
Schedule of Events
Monday to Thursday, May 6-9
- Consignor Vehicle Check-In
- 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12
- Dana Mecum’s 37th Original Spring Classic
- Doors Open at 8 a.m.
- Road Art at 9 a.m.
- Collector Cars at 10 a.m.
Monday, May 13
- Road Art Monday
- Doors Open at 8 a.m.
- Road Art at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, May 14- Wednesday, May 15
- Dana Mecum’s 37th Original Spring Classic
- Doors Open at 8 a.m.
- Road Art at 9 a.m.
- Collector Cars at 10 a.m.
Thursday, May 16- Saturday, May 18
- Dana Mecum’s 37th Original Spring Classic
- Doors Open at 8 a.m.
- Road Art at 8:30 a.m.
- Collector Cars at 9 a.m.
Sunday, May 19
- Venue Tear-Down
