4000 Classic Cars! The kissimmee car auction.
A Story about visiting the largest Classic Car Auction in the world.
Hi, I am Sebastian, a classic car enthusiast from Germany and once a year I am visiting the largest classic car auction in the world in Kissimmee, Florida called the Mecum Car Auction. It is one of the biggest events in the car industry with a food court, live music, friendly people and over 4000 classic cars. Over the course of 12 days the rarest and most exotic cars are being sold here and it is one of the most exciting events to be visiting. In this article I am reviewing this amazing event and take you on a ride through the exciting halls of legendary automobiles.
Kissimmee car auction:
Tickets
To start the journey you have the choice to buy a 1-Day Ticket for $30, a 3-Day Ticket for $75 or a bidders pass. The bidder registration fee starts at $100, which is definitely recommended if you plan to visit more then 3-Days. You are not only able to get access every day, but you are also able to get right in front of the auction block and be in the middle of the action.
The Grounds
I must say, when I first passed the entrance and saw the grounds, I was overwhelmed. As someone who is a pure enthusiast and loves classic cars, this is one of the best feelings you can experience. The Osceola Heritage Park is covered by hundreds and hundreds of beautiful shiny classics. Be advised, you will need strong legs in order to be able to walk over the venue because you will walk, and walk, and walk. Although there is also the possibility to rent a scooter to help you get around.To get an overview, I took an event schedule plan at the entrance since the cars are being arranged in specific spots based on the day they are scheduled for sale. Since words can’t describe the extent of the size, I did some pictures to show as best as I can how massive and wide this place is.
Classic Cars at Kissimmee Car Auction
With over 4000 classic cars you will see more then just a Mercedes, Ford or Cadillac. You will see everything from rare limited editions to excotic custom build coffins and everything in between. I was told to go into the big tents, that’s where the special cars are displayed. But I first had to get used to the definition of a “special car” here, because it seems to be a different world at Mecum. As I was walking on the open grass fields filled with cars, I couldn’t believe my eyes: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mustang. THAT’s what I thought of when I was referring to “special cars” my whole life. So I asked myself, what can possibly be the “special cars” in the tents? To say the least, I was even more excited to go there now.
Arriving at the tents, you cannot describe the variety of incredible cars you are able to see, smell and almost touch. Normally you would see such cars only in museums, behind a bulletproof window. But here at Mecum, you are able to see the cars up close and feel the history behind those cars. Standing only inches away from a $1 Million Porsche 959, and not just a “normal” 959 but one of the first ones ever produced. Or how about standing next to a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder which sold for over $17 Million ? This is an awesome experience by itself, but to see a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona being sold for over $1 Million Live is just epic:
The Auction
The Video is a good example of the actual action on the auction block. There are so many external influences I experienced while just watching the craziness of Million Dollar cars being sold, that I will never forget that feeling. Smelling the gas of cars from the 60s, hearing the raw engine sound, feeling the horsepower. This combined with a word class auctioneer encouraging the buyers to bid higher is a once in a lifetime show.
One of my favorite moments of all time was when the famous 1968 Ford Mustang from the movie Bullitt was auctioned off. Yes the original Car in which Steve McQueen was racing through the streets of San Francisco. With a full stadium at the auction hall, and millions of people watching on television, it was finally sold for over $3.5 Million. This all happened in about 5 minutes. But I can tell you those 5 minutes were one of the most exciting I had in a long time.
I think everyone who has the chance to visit such an event should definitely take it and I hope I could describe a little bit of the feelings and emotions you are able to experience as a car enthusiast.
I am Sebastian Buehler, the founder of a Classic Car Blog called Redwoodcorner. Since I was a little kid, I developed a love and passion for the history and myth around vintage automobiles. I am pleased to share those emotions and experiences I collected over 14 years of traveling and working in the car industry with fellow classic car enthusiasts.
