An event like the Pebble Beach Concours->ke2839 in Monterey, California will always draw a crowd. But unlike most auto shows, the type of crowd that goes to these events are the ones that are ready to plop down the checkbook once they see something they want.
With multitude of auctions on tap, one in particular that's worth mentioning is the Mecum Auctions. Scheduled to take place from August 15 to 17, beginning at 10 a.m. everyday, the Mecum Auctions will feature some of the finest classics you'll ever get to see in one setting, a fitting tribute to the esteem of the auction as a can't-miss event during the week-long festivities.
This year, the Mecum Auctions will have its share of classics with estimated auction prices in the millions for some, if not most, of the models.
That's the prestige attached to the Mecum Auctions and one that's rightfully earned.
Click past the jump to read about a few of the classics that will headline the 2013 Mecum Auctions this week
1964 Shelby Cobra 289, s/n CSX2487->ke2263
Estimated Auction Price: Available Upon Request
Any discussion of the Shelby brand will always begin and end with a mention of its most iconic model, the Cobra.
One of these rare gems will be up for grabs at the Mecum Auctions, specifically this 1964 Shelby Cobra 289, s/n CSX2487. Initially purchased as an independent racecar, this particular Cobra has a unique history after its first owner returned it to the dealer within a couple of months of buying it, saying that the car was “too much to handle."
But that's only one of the many descriptions you can have of the Shelby Cobra. Iconic. Timeless. Legendary.
All are equally apt words to describe the Cobra, with this specific model also boasting plenty of verified documentation, including period racing photos, a copy of the Shelby invoice, vintage 16 mm footage of the car in action at Laguna Seca and correspondence with Ned Scudder of the Shelby Registry confirming CSX2487 as an independent competition car, all stamping its authenticity and legitimacy.
1955 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder->ke1156
Estimated Auction Price: Available Upon Request
The Porsche 550 may not have the regard that the 911 has these days, but make no mistake, this model is still considered one of the most hallowed Porsches in history. One thing it can boast of that no other Porsche can, including the 911, is its distinction as the brand's first dedicated sports racer.
It's open-cockpit design not only became a classic of its time, but it's still universally praised these days for taking what was then a groundbreaking move to a whole new level. That's one of the many tributes you can have for the 550.
Recently, this particular 550 Spyder has made a few rounds in the concours circuit, having received the Design Achievement Award at 2011 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance while also being prominently displayed at Rennsport 2011 -- the largest gathering of 550s and four-cam Porsches, and featured at the Quail Lodge Porsche Race Car Classic to benefit lung cancer research.
Estimated Auction Price: Available Upon Request0}
Estimated Auction Price: $1 million
It's already hard enough to find a Ferrari F40 that's in mint condition these days. But to have the chance to own one that's not only in tip-top shape but only has 473 original miles under its belt is the kind of auction purchase nobody will fault you for making.
The F40 was born from one simple edict from the big wigs of Ferrari: build the fastest and most powerful car in the world.
So in 1987, the F40 Berlinetta was born and it ushered in a new era of super cars that would be introduced to the market in the succeeding years. Describing the F40 as a trailblazer couldn't be more appropriate, especially when it came with a 3.0-liter V-8 engine that produced close to 500 horsepower to go with a 0-to-60 mph time of just under 4 seconds and a top speed of 201 mph.
If you're wondering why this F40 only has less than 500 miles on its odometer, it's because for 21 years, beginning in 1992 and ending only in April of this year, this super car was kept in storage, preserving its pristine condition.