Walworth, WI - May 21, 2013 – The crowds were electric from start to finish at Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic, May 14-19, 2013, and the top sellers proved that million-dollar American muscle cars are truly alive and well.

Six days and 75 hours of auction action saw a total of 2,340 lots cross the block, including Road Art and racing memorabilia from the Grumpy Jenkins estate with preliminary total sales for the event reaching $49.2 million. 1,716 vehicles were offered of which 1,156 went to new homes achieving a 68% sell-through rate for the weeklong event. Top sale honors go to legendary one-of-one Shelby Mustang supercar, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake (Lot F203) selling for a record-setting $1.391 million. The most powerful Shelby GT500 ever produced now adds “most valuable Mustang” to its long list of rich history and accolades.

Those in attendance on Saturday May 18, witnessed one of the most energized crowds in the history of Mecum Auctions as the 1967 Ford Mustang "Eleanor Hero Car" used in Touchstone Pictures’ “Gone in 60 Seconds” took center stage amongst a standing-room-only crowd. In addition to the 32 hours of live broadcast, Velocity and Discovery Channel featured a live simulcast for a full hour to cover the much-anticipated sale. As expected, the car received intense bidding from start to finish until the car finally exchanged hands at an astonishing $1,070,000.

The complete top 10 sales for Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction include (all individual sales reflect hammer prices with premium):

1. 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake (Lot F203) at $1,391,000
2. 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor (Lot S135) at $1,070,000
3. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/400 convertible (Lot F197) at $652,700
4. 1965 Mercury Comet 427 SOHC A/FX Super Cyclone (Lot S154) at $438,000
5. 1965 Shelby Cobra roadster CSX7049 (Lot S139) at $342,400
6. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback (Lot F227) at $272,850
7. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette roadster (Lot S150.1) at $267,500
8. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette coupe (Lot F199) at $256,800
9. 1957 Ford Thunderbird Phase I convertible (Lot F225.1) at $246,100
10. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback (Lot S225.1) at $240,750

Auctions America has announced an exciting list of additional attractions for this weekend's Auburn Spring event.

In addition to the auction and the previously announced Antique Automobile Club of America Central Division National Spring Meet and Carlisle Events’ car corral and swap meet, the upcoming Auburn Spring weekend will feature a series of attractions for the whole family. Hot rod aficionados will have the opportunity to meet Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery’s hit TV show, Fast N’ Loud and owner of world-renowned hot rod shop Gas Monkey Garage during a special appearance at the Auburn Auction Park. Rawlings will be onsite May 11 for an autograph session in the main auction arena. The Saturday event program also incorporates extreme entertainment for all ages, including the high-flying, interactive Solution Action Sports BMX demonstration, as well as a Jet-Powered Smart Car demonstration, the latest creation from Wild West Entertainment. Full attraction details are available at auctionsamerica.com.

“This year’s Auburn Spring event offers a complete collector car weekend for motoring enthusiasts,” says Donnie Gould, president, Auctions America. “In addition to a diverse roster of quality collector cars and memorabilia slated for the auction block, the weekend will also incorporate a number of other attractions set to celebrate the automotive hobby. We look forward to welcoming clients new and old back to the Auburn Auction Park for what promises to be another memorable weekend.”

Savvy collectors are also well supplied with more than 500 collector cars expected to cross the auction block during the weekend. Leading a long list of recent highlights confirmed for the sale is an AACA National First Prize winning 1930 Packard Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton, richly presented in black with green leather interior and a black convertible top and fitted with the desirable “Super 8” inline 8-cylinder engine. The sale will also lift the gavel on a striking 1938 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Coupe with Fleetwood coachwork and finished in yellow with a new red leather interior and black canvas top. Equipped with a desirable V-16 engine measuring 431 ci, 185 hp, it features twin carburetors and a 3-speed column-shift manual transmission along with skirted fenders, streamlined louver trim, a vee’d “egg-crate” grille, covered dual sidemounts with attached mirrors, and abundant and distinctive brightwork; along with a meticulously restored, Candyapple Red 1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL R-code showing just 2,877 miles from new and featuring an extensive, documented period drag racing history.

Additional recent entries include:

• a freshly-restored 1903 Cadillac boasting excellent performance by the standards of its day and featuring 12-spoke wood wheels fitted with white tires and eye-catching brass components;
• a desirable 1929 Hudson Dual Cowl Phaeton with coachwork by Biddle and Smart, and one of only seven known to exist;
• a handsome 1935 Lincoln Mark K V-12 Series 301 Seven-Passenger Limousine powered by a 150-hp, 414-ci V-12 engine with 3-speed manual transmission and recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America

In addition to the automobiles, the Auburn Spring sale will also feature a dedicated single-day of automotive memorabilia on Thursday, May 9, including select pieces from the respected John O’Quinn and Wade Jennings Automotive Artwork collections.

A limited number of consignment opportunities for the Auburn Spring auction are available. For further information or to discuss consignment opportunities, please contact an Auctions America specialist toll free at 877-906-2437 (or +1 260-927-9797 outside of North America) or visit auctionsamerica.com.

EVENT DETAILS – AUCTIONS AMERICA AUBURN SPRING

Sale dates: May 9, 2013, auction commences at 12 p.m. ET; May 10-11, auction commences at 10 a.m. ET.

Preview dates: May 8-11, doors open at 9 a.m. ET.

Location: Auburn Auction Park, 5536 County Rd. 11A, Auburn, Indiana, 46706

Admission: A full event pass can be purchased for $25; daily passes are available for $10 each. Children 12 years and under will gain free admission. Please note the auction brochure/catalog does not include admission into the park.

Full event details and a digital copy of the catalog along with a frequently updated list of consignments are available online at auctionsamerica.com. For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live at auctionsamerica.com to provide real-time coverage of the event.

It was not a quiet weekend for Houston’s Reliant Center as Mecum Auctions brought the sounds of revving engines and falling hammers echoing through the venue packed with collector vehicles and car enthusiasts from across the nation. The three-day auction held April 4-6 saw 1,034 cars cross the block and nearly 200 pieces of Road Art and memorabilia. With a sell-through rate of 72 percent, auction sales reached a $25.1m total.

The cars were the stars filling the Reliant Center to capacity with an incredible “something for everyone” mix of muscle cars, classics, hot rods and more. Discovery’s Velocity Network broadcast the auction action live all three days as a total of 738 cars exchanged hands.

Hammering at $220,000 and garnering the top sale was a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S134) with its original drivetrain and interior. The local-to-Texas restoration is a low-mile and extensively documented example of its breed, one of only 499 built and a one-owner vehicle for the past 20 years – all coveted features that helped drive the desirability of this already revered muscle car. Bringing a $197,500 sale and grabbing the second seat on the top 10 sales list was an extremely rare-production Cadillac, a 1931 V-12 Roadster (Lot S159.1) complete with accessory trunk and rumble seat complementing its distinguished vintage flair.

The complete top 10 sales for Mecum’s second annual Houston auction (buyer's premium included):

1. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S134) at $235,400
2. 1931 Cadillac V-12 Roadster (Lot S159.1) at $197,500
3. 1954 Buick Skylark (Lot S130) at $149,800
4. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod (Lot S227) at $144,450
5. 2009 Dodge Challenger (Lot S258) at $139,100
6. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (Lot F190) at $133,750
6. 1972 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS (Lot S254) at $133,750
8. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe (Lot F233) at $130,540
9. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot F203) at $115,025
10. 1970 Plymouth Superbird (Lot S251) at $114,490
 
For access to complete auction results and other member benefits, sign up for the free InfoNet service offered at www.Mecum.com.

Not only was Houston a marked success, but Mecum proved once again that two auctions in one weekend isn’t too much for the world leader in collector car and Road Art sales. As more than 1,000 cars crossed the block in Houston, nearly 200 tractors simultaneously went under the hammer at the Spring Gone Farmin’ Vintage Tractor Auction in Davenport, Iowa, April 5-6 achieving an astonishing 98% sell-through rate. Full results for the tractor auction are also available via the Mecum InfoNet.

The gavel never rests for long in Mecum hands. In just weeks the next event will be held in Kansas City, MO, April 25-27, followed by Dana Mecum’s 26^th Original Spring Classic this May 14-19 in Indianapolis. To consign a vehicle or to pre-register to bid at one of Mecum Auctions’ upcoming events, visit www.Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.

Barrett-Jackson is excited to announce the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Cup™, to be awarded during this year’s Downtown Reno Show-n-Shine, as part of a historic partnership with Hot August Nights. The event will include a $40,000 prize purse, with $20,000 being awarded to the car that earns the coveted Ultimate Best of Show Award. The first-ever Hot August Nights Auction Presented by Barrett-Jackson takes place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center August 8-10, 2013.

Participants in the Downtown Reno Show-n-Shine will compete in daily competitions beginning Wednesday, August 7 through Friday, August 9. Fifteen daily Best of Show winners will receive a ribbon and an invitation to return on Saturday for the Finals to take place Saturday, August 10. The 45 Finalists will be staged in the Silver Legacy Ballroom from the hours of 8 am to 4 pm where the top five will be selected and sent to the Barrett-Jackson Auction for the final judging. Once the Final Five have been judged at the auction by a team of Barrett-Jackson officials, they will proceed back to downtown Reno and be staged on Virginia Street for the Awards Presentation during a spectacular fireworks display presented by the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. The prizes are as follows:

• 4^th runner up: $1,000
• 3^rd runner up: $3,000
• 2^nd runner up: $6,000
• 1^st runner up: $10,000
• Ultimate Best of Show: $20,000 and the first-ever Barrett-Jackson Cup™

“We are proud of our new partnership with Hot August Nights,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re excited to celebrate with the Hot August Nights enthusiasts as we bring our iconic auction and brand to the Reno Tahoe area.”

The daily awards presentation for Show-n-Shine winners will take place in downtown Reno where all finalist vehicles will be displayed. The Downtown Reno Show-n-Shine is the result of collaboration between the Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Circus Circus Hotel & Casino and Harrah’s Reno. The Barrett-Jackson Cup™ will be on display at the Hot August Nights headquarters located at 1425 E. Greg Street in Sparks, Nev.

“After much anticipation we’re thrilled to be expanding our footprint to become an integral part of the Hot August Nights celebration,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re all looking forward to bringing the Barrett-Jackson experience to Hot August Nights to help create a level of excitement and anticipation worthy of the Hot August Night event.”

Assisting Barrett-Jackson in this inaugural Barrett-Jackson Cup™ will be four of the most recognized names in the business. Bobby Alloway; Pete Chapouris; Bob Johnson and Bob Millard will be involved in all aspects of the award.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to create an award that will establish one of our participants as the Ultimate Best of Show in the country,” said Tony Marini, Executive Director of Hot August Nights. “This award is a prime example of how Barrett-Jackson has truly embraced the spirit of Hot August Nights and we are thrilled to have them as part of this community-wide festival.”

Entrants for the Downtown Reno Show-n-Shine must be a registered participant of Hot August Nights. For more information on the Show-n-Shine or to register your vehicle please visit www.hotaugustnights.net or call the Hot August Nights office at (775) 356-1956 ext 0.

For more information about Barrett-Jackson and to purchase tickets to the auction, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Barrett-Jackson generated more than $21 million in gross sales of rare, high-end collectible vehicles, exotics, customs, classics, hot rods and resto-mods at its 11^th Annual Palm Beach auction. The auction took place April 4-6 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Despite severe thunderstorms, nearly 55,000 car fans came out to witness the comprehensive lineup of cars at the renowned auction and lifestyle experience. It was clear from the cheers of the standing-room only crowd and the final sales prices that the collector car market is continuing at a steady incline.

American muscle car sales were strong overall. Lot #713, a Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 2-Door Coupe sold for $148,500, Lot #713.1, and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 coupe sold for $165,000. In an effort to attract new collectors to the hobby, Barrett-Jackson also offered by design, an introductory auction on Thursday, for those who still wanted to get a piece of the action with a quality lineup of cars.

Top five individual sales at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction included:

•              Lot #3004 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - $1,000,000

•              Lot #3006 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch Super Crew Pickup - $350,000

•              Lot #762 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible - $330,000

•              Lot #772 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible - $275,000

•              Lot #767 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible - $258,500 

Unique sales included the first production 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible (Lot #3004), which sold for $1 Million to Rick Hendrick, the NASCAR team owner who also took home the first production coupe at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January. Proceeds of the sale benefitted the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

“We kicked off the year strong in Scottsdale and are thrilled that our 11^th year at Palm Beach has kept that momentum going,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO, Barrett-Jackson. “We were able to offer a unique lineup of rare, high-end automobiles that helped to bring out an enthusiastic crowd and we are proud to see that the collector car hobby is going strong. We’re very pleased with the event’s overall results.”

Adding to the excitement was the attendance of several celebrities and VIPs, many of who sold personal vehicles at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach. Pop sensation Rob Van Winkle, formerly known as “Vanilla Ice," was seen enjoying himself inside the auction tent, alongside actor James Marsden and Charles Walsh, Partner in the Chicago Bulls and White Sox sports teams. Ford Motor Company’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields, American Le Mans Series driver Ron Fellows and NHRA Top Fuel Champion Joe Amato also enjoyed watching cars cross the auction block. In addition to selling a car, Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Reggie Wayne was seen actively bidding with his family standing by his side.

In addition, former General Motors’ Vice President and current Chief Executive Officer of Hendrick Automotive Group Jim Perkins enjoyed watching the event, as did Wayne Huizenga Jr., businessman and former owner of the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, Florida Panthers and the current owner of Rybovich Super Yacht Marina and Refit. Huizenga shared an emotional moment with his wife Fonda on stage, as the couple sold Lot #768, a 1968 Shelby GT500 E Continuation Fastback for $148,500, which was a cherished anniversary gift Fonda had given to her husband years earlier.

Barrett-Jackson also helped raise more than $1.8 million for local and national charitable organizations. Six charitable vehicles were sold during the auction, including the 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch Super Crew Pickup (Lot #3006) once owned by former President George W. Bush. The truck sold for $350,000, with proceeds benefitting the National Guard Youth Foundation. 

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to help raise money for these wonderful charitable organizations and we are so proud of the contributions by our sponsors, fans, bidders, consignors and other supporters,” said Barrett-Jackson President, Steve Davis. “We’re now looking ahead to our next auction, the inaugural Hot August Nights Auction Presented by Barrett-Jackson and we couldn’t be more excited.”

SPEED and FOX Sports Networks broadcasted more than 18 hours of live, high-definition TV coverage of the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction. 

Consignments are now available for Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming Inaugural 2013 Reno Tahoe and 6^th Annual Las Vegas events. For more information, please visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com/consign/. For more information about Barrett-Jackson or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Image #1: 1951 Packard Henney 200 at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Image #2: Concour Founder Bill Warner and Head of GM Global Design Ed Welburn had a pancake cookoff at the judges's meeting Saturday morning. Welburn was the victor and will faceoff against long-distance racer Hurley Haywood next year.

Image #3: Corvette pancakes!

Image #4: 1974 Fascination two-door sedan at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Image #5: C7 Corvette on display at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Image #6: Publisher Keith Martin driving a RHD 1963 Chevrolet Z06 Corvette Split-Window Tanker at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Image #7: Laurie Yager, Mike Yager and Kevin McKay at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Image #8: 1962 el Tiburon Roadster at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Image #9: 1965 Shelby GT350 at the 2013 RM Amelia Island auction

Auctions America has announced the consignment of a 1963 Shelby Cobra (CSX2023) to its growing roster of automobiles offered March 22–24 in Fort Lauderdale. The Cobra joins a superb lineup of more than 550 quality collector cars slated for the well-established auction.

“Following a tremendous 2012, we’re excited to return to Fort Lauderdale next month to officially kick off our 2013 auction season,” says Donnie Gould, President, Auctions America. “Now in its 11^th year, this well-established sale has carved a reputation as South Florida’s premier collector car auction. From American classics to European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs, this year’s sale is set to continue the grand tradition, catering to a broad range of automotive tastes and budgets. There is truly something for everyone!”

The 23^rd production example built, the 1963 Shelby Cobra, CSX2023, is the latest feature attraction for the three-day auction. Billed to Shelby American on October 1, 1962, this handsome dual-purpose roadster boasts exceptional reliability and drivability. Stunning in its red exterior, it features original instrumentation and is offered for auction with rare center-spindle American Racing Magnesium knockoff wheels and a chrome roll-bar. A short video showcasing the Cobra in action is available online here.

“The Shelby Cobra remains one of the archetypal legends of American racing and sports car production,”says Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist, Auctions America. “Presented in fantastic running order, the example on offer is no exception. The motor is well-tuned providing ample power and beautifully resonating V8 tones. The car tracks well due to its enhanced wheel and tire size complete with complementing fender flares. It is sure to make a powerful statement at the upcoming sale, as well as on the road, track or display in any discerning collector’s garage.”

Additional auction highlights include:

• an elegant and carefully preserved 1931 Cadillac V12 Dual-Cowl Sport Phaeton, recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America;
• a unique, low-mileage 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Baldwin Motion Phase III coupe that retains its original 482-cid, 600-hp ZL/X V8 “Elephant” motor (the only one documented and known to exist);
• a 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, one of only 366 built with the 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission and showing just 15,000 original miles;
• a beautifully presented 1967 Shelby GT500, finished in Dark Moss Green with white LeMans stripes and fitted with optional Kelsey-Hayes Mag Star wheels; and
• an exceptional AACA Grand National 1st Prize-winning 1955 Cadillac Series 62 Deville convertible, restored to the highest standards.

Beyond these automobiles, the sale will also lift the gavel on an impressive list of celebrity rides, including the previously announced ex-Steve McQueen 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe convertible, currently owned by Rick Harrison, star of the History Channel’s hit reality TV show, Pawn Stars; the 1971 Dodge 340 Challenger convertible used in the 1972 TV season of Mod Squad; and a certified Warner Bros. 1969 Dodge Charger “The General Lee” Dukes of Hazzard movie car.

Auctions America’s annual Fort Lauderdale sale returns to the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center, March 22 – 24. Full event details and the digital copy of the auction catalog are available online at auctionsamerica.com or by calling toll free 877-906-2437 (or +1 260-927-9797 outside North America). For those unable to attend the event in person, Auctions America offers a broad range of remote bidding options including Internet, absentee and telephone bidding, and the auction will stream live online at auctionsamerica.com, providing real-time coverage of the event.

Event Details – Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale Collector Car Auction

Sale dates: March 22-24, 2013
Preview dates: March 21-24, 2013
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Admission: $20.00 for a day pass and $50.00 for a weekend pass. Children 12 years of age and under will gain free admission. Please note, the Broward County Convention Center lies within the confines of Port Everglades. Due to new Federal security requirements, you must show your government issued picture identification (Passport or Driver’s License) at all security checkpoints to gain access to the Convention Center.

Raw power now has a stamp of its own. The United States Postal Service has announced a set of stamps titled America on the Move: Muscle Cars Forever.

The limited edition stamps feature five iconic muscle cars: the ’66 Pontiac GTO, the ’67 Shelby GT500, the ’69 Dodge Charger Daytona, the ’70 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda and the ’70 Chevrolet Chevelle SS.

“The Muscle Cars stamps celebrate an exciting era in American automotive history,” said seven-time NASCAR National Champion Richard Petty. “These examples of raw power bring back fond memories for me and my family, a testament to how aerodynamics transformed racing. I’ve been around racing and muscle cars all my life. These stamps bring back the memories of our racing heritage in the ‘60s and ‘70s. This is a great way to share our stories, old and new, about the Petty history in racing.”

“The muscle cars gave everyday Americans the opportunity to experience the rush of driving a fast, powerful car,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. “Just looking at the stamps evokes a feeling of speed. As Forever stamps, they’ll always be good for mailing a First-Class letter anytime in the future. And when you think about it, that’s fitting. Because these stamps—just like the great cars they represent—are timeless.”

The Muscle Cars Forever stamps are the third issuance in the America on the Move stamp series. The artwork was created by Tom Fritz of Newbury Park, CA, under the art direction of Carl T. Herrman of North Las Vegas, NV. Other issuances in the series, ’50s Sporty Cars (2005), followed by ’50s Fins and Chrome (2008), were the work of artist Art Fitzpatrick of Carlsbad, CA. 

The Muscle Cars stamps are being issued as Forever stamps in self-adhesive sheets of 20 (four of each design). Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

Customers may view the America on the Move: Muscle Cars Forever stamps, as well as many of this year’s other stamps, on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter@USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

Mecum Auctions announced today a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the offering of the legendary 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – the only one of its kind ever built – at Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis, May 14-19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This history-making, Shelby American-built mechanical marvel will cross the block for the first time ever at live public auction on Friday, May 17 as the headliner to more than 2,000 vehicles.

Carroll Shelby originally assigned the car to demonstrate Goodyear’s new “Thunderbolt” budget passenger car tires in a high-profile press event, but the mission was expanded after a chance encounter between Shelby and his friend, former Shelby American sales manager Don McCain. McCain suggested that Carroll put a racing 427 Le Mans GT40 engine in the GT500 for the test and let him sell the car with the intention of building 50 more to be marketed and sold to the public as the powerhouse Shelby Super Snakes, thus originating the name.

Intrigued by the possibilities, Shelby instructed Fred Goodell, Shelby American’s chief engineer on loan from Ford, to prepare the GT500 with a special engine for the test. It was the same powerplant used in the Le Mans-winning GT40 Mk II, including a variation on the Mk II’s “bundle of snakes” exhaust system and its output of 600 horsepower. Described by McCain as “the mother of all 427s,” it powered the car to a top speed of 170 mph with Shelby at the wheel for press demonstration laps before Goodell averaged 142 mph for the 500-mile tire test at Goodyear’s San Angelo, Texas, test facility. The event was judged a success, but McCain’s plan to sell 50 Super Snakes was ultimately dashed by the car’s $8,000 price tag; even the 427 Cobra cost less.

After a series of documented owners, the Super Snake was purchased by Richard Ellis, an Illinois collector of rare Shelby race cars. It showed 26,000 miles on the odometer and almost no deterioration. “I wanted to own this piece of Shelby history more than anything,” Ellis said. “It was well cared for by its previous owners, but I’ve put a lot of effort into returning it to the state it was in on the day of the tire test. Now it is time to allow another collector or museum the opportunity to be the caretaker of what is the most unique and historically significant Shelby Mustang every built. I have enjoyed it a great deal and now it is time to move on. It will be missed,” Ellis added.

Built with the heart of a Le Mans champion yet ultimately destined for but one day in the sun, there is only one Super Snake, the result of a confluence of forces that could only have happened in the charmed life of one Carroll Shelby.

The Super Snake will have its time to shine again as the star of Dana Mecum’s 26^th Original Spring Classic auction. This one-of-a-kind car will cross the block at the perfect venue for the fastest-ever street-legal Shelby Mustang as lot F203 on Friday, May 17.
 
About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 26 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
 
Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 26^th Original Spring Classic
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN  46205
May 14-19, 2013
Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.
Auction: Vehicles start at 10 a.m. each day with Road Art 30 minutes prior
Live Broadcast on Velocity: Wednesday, May 15 through Saturday, May 18 from 1-9 p.m.