anyone ever gone to a MECUM auction? I am on their email list and every time there is an auction in the north east I am tempted to go. Are they worth going to? Not necessarily to buy but to go see the cars.
I've been going to their Chicago area auctions for years and it's a good time. Their auctions typically have 750-2000 cars depending on which one you go to. Most cars are inside tents and some of the best cars are typically displayed inside the facility. You'll see some super rare cars you'd rarely see at a show other than perhaps MCACN or a concours.
I do think they've started to spread themselves too thin in recent years by having auctions on a monthly basis. Not all that long ago, they only had one or two auctions a year. Now it seems like with so many auctions to try to fill with cars to sell, there is more and more filler, and also less money in the room as at least the high end car buyer type can't be traveling every month to go to an auction, so maybe only makes one or two. Among a number of diamonds on display for the auction, there are a a lot of dogs and a lot of cars you wonder what are doing there, like some late model SUVs and even a motor home or two.
Dana has raised his rates and fees every year too it seems. I remember 8 or 9 years ago, you could register to bid at their auctions for no fee, and they even had free beer and snacks in the roped off bidder only area. Now it costs $100 to register and pay for your own beer unless you fork over $500 to be a "gold level" bidder.
When I bought my '71 at a Mecum auction in 2010, the buyers premium was 6%. Now I hear the buyers and sellers premium on a sale is 8%.
And not too long ago it was $10 to spectate, this year it's up to $25.
Dana and his son each have houses on the lake in Lake Geneva WI and I've seen one of the Citation jets he has. Heard a rumor there are actually 2. No surprise he has to squeeze the auction business as much as possible to support that lifestyle I guess!
But a day checking out the auction is still a fun way to spend some time.
