Mecum's $39 million Arizona auction smashes first-year event record

(March 25, 2019) WALWORTH, Wis.— Mecum Auctions’ inaugural Phoenix·Glendale collector-car auction — held March 14-17 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., — saw more than 1,300 vehicles cross the auction block in just four days with sales totals climbing to more than $39 million, an 85-percent increase over Mecum’s previous record total for an inaugural event.

An event that was originally intended to span just two days and feature 600 collector cars quickly doubled in size as news of Mecum coming to Arizona spread.


1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T convertible

Throngs of enthusiasts flocked to State Farm Stadium to take part in the action, and the quality of consignments was as great as the quantity, presenting everything from entry-level to investment-grade vehicles among a wide variety of makes, models and vintage.

The auction’s top three highest-dollar sales demonstrate the diversity with the No. 1 spot claimed by a factory 4-speed and Super Track Pak-equipped 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible that demanded a final sale price of $1.43 million. Following was a 1932 Duesenberg Model J Rollston Torpedo Berline that sold for $880,000 and a contrasting 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO that brought $770,000.


1932 Dusenberg Model J

“State Farm Stadium was an incredible facility to work with and provides a wonderful foundation for growth,” Mecum CEO Dave Magers said. “We’re also thrilled that the City of Glendale and Mayor Jerry Weiers proved to be natural and valued partners in the promotion of this great event and that our visions for Mecum’s growth in Arizona are in total alignment. We have bold plans for future successes like this, and we can hardly wait for our 2020 return.”

The private sale of a 2016 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta took place off the block at the Phoenix auction, adding $5.5 million to overall totals, and Mecum’s Bid Goes On department is continuing to finalize post-auction sales that will contribute to the impressive $39 million already achieved.

The complete top 10 collector-car sales at the Mecum Phoenix 2019 auction include:

    1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible at $1,430,000
    1932 Duesenberg Model J Rollston Torpedo Berline at $880,000
    2011 Ferrari 599 GTO at $770,000
    1970 Plymouth Superbird at $357,500
    1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro  at $231,000
    1967 Ford Mustang Fastback at $225,500
    1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback at $209,000
    2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe at $195,250
    1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible at $187,000
    1989 Ferrari Testarossa at $181,500