Auction Recap: Mecum’s 2014 Anaheim Sale

Mecum’s recent Anaheim, Calif., sale turned out to be more of a success than at first glance. While slightly fewer cars were consigned than last year, the sell-through rate was up 5 percent and total sales jumped 14 percent to $15.5 million. Much of the gain can be attributed to a single sale – a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB that went for $2.3 million. In addition, the strength of the Ford GT market was further demonstrated as three examples were among the top five sales, led by a 2006 GT Heritage that brought a strong $405,000.

Even collectors on a budget had plenty of possibilities in Anaheim. A well-optioned 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Coupe sold for $28,600, not a bad way to get 421 Pontiac power with enough room to cruise with the family.  For those who are really on a budget but still want big-block power, a 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle sold for $14,850. Represented as having a body off restoration, numbers-matching 454 big block and 4-speed manual transmission, this Malaise Era A-body should satisfy the hunger for cubic inches without breaking the bank.

Top 10 sales:

1. 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Short Nose Coupe sold for $2,322,000
2. 2006 Ford GT Heritage Coupe sold for $405,000
3. 2005 Ford GT Coupe sold for $367,200
4. 2005 Ford GT Coupe sold for $270,000
5. 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible sold for $226,800
6. 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster sold for $189,000
7. 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible sold for $143,100
8. 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440/390 sold for $137,700
9. 1963 Volkswagen Samba 23-Window Microbus sold for $135,000
10. 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Convertible sold for $132,300

With two 2014 events remaining, Mecum’s next sale will be held from Dec. 4-6 in Kansas City, Mo., where 750 vehicles are expected to be offered, including a 1959 Chevrolet El Camino 348/280 and a 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback.