(March 25, 2016) The event that started it all — Dana Mecum’s annual Original Spring Classic auction — returns to Indianapolis again this year, May 17-21, for its 29th anniversary. The event will be headlined by coveted muscle cars, Corvettes and multi-car collections amidst an estimated 2,000 vehicles to be showcased at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Recognized as the original, largest and best muscle-car auction in the world, the Indianapolis event serves as the very foundation on which Mecum Auctions was established. The five-day auction attracts consignments from across the nation and tens of thousands of spectators annually.

The Spring Classic will include an estimated 2,000 consignments, highlighted by The Joe McMurrey Collection and other vehicles from Mecum Auctions’ select catalog segments. The catalog collection showcases will take place Thursday and Friday evening and throughout the afternoon on Saturday, May 19-21.

The Joe McMurrey Collection to be offered Friday includes 17 consignments with a stunning 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra roadster (pictured at right), a 1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback and a 1967 Shelby GT350 Fastback marking themselves as the signature cars in the collection. The offering of these rare cars certainly makes for a can’t-miss event for Shelby aficionados.

Other featured Friday collections include the Mike Guarise Collection comprising two 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 four-speed convertibles of just 67 built, as well as a 1971 Stage 1 convertible that stands as one of only 11 known to exist; the Jeffrey Cohen Collection that is highlighted by a one-of-50 factory-built 1968 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Lightweight; and the Kirt Fryer 1971 Mustang Collection that comprises six 1971 performance Mustangs—two Boss 351s and four Cobra Jets, all offered with no reserves.


1971 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible

Additional collections to be offered throughout the weekend include the Barry Alexander Collection—an assemblage of 50 cars with all but four offered without reserves; the Skillman Collection—a grouping of 30 cars from the Indianapolis-based car dealer Ray Skillman; and the Jim Ray Collection—an all no-reserve selection of 11 cars.

The auction is open to buyers, sellers and spectators with general admission tickets available at the gate for $30 per person per day or $100 for a five-day pass; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission. Bidder registration is $100 in advance and $200 at the auction and includes admission for two for all five auction days. Doors open daily at 8 a.m. with the auction beginning daily at 8:30 a.m. with Road Art and vehicles beginning at 10 a.m.

NBC Sports Network will broadcast the auction with the TV schedule to be announced; a live stream of the entire auction will be presented at Mecum.com.