Article and photos by Marty Proctor
Osceola Heritage Park in nearby Kissimmee is the location of one of the greatest spectacles in the collector car auction and sales industry. Mecum Auto Auctions-Kissimmee held its nine-day event from January 7 through the 16th. There were over 3,000 cars consigned to be auctioned live in front of the local audience.
The auction occurred this year, in spite of current COVID conditions. The company used and enforced social distancing and safe procedures during this live event. Daily touch-free temperature screening was required for all attendees and employees prior to entering the auction grounds. Face coverings were mandatory for all Mecum employees, exhibitors, and all attendees. Hand sanitizer stations were conveniently located throughout the Osceola Heritage Park. Auction floor seating was arranged to manage adequate social distancing.
Dana Mecum and son Frank Mecum have been bringing this auction to Orlando and other cities throughout the United States for many years. President and Founder Dana stated, “This is our business. We are happy to be able to do it. We welcome you and really hope that you enjoy your time while you are here.” Vice President of Consignments Frank Mecum offered these thoughts, “Well, this is what we do. And we’re very glad to be able to put this event here in Orlando.” He added, “Thanks for coming; Have fun.”
The auction opened each day with Mecum Thunder. The opening tradition features ACDC’s classic song ‘Thunder’, followed by Jim Cornelison the official singer of Mecum auto auctions and the Chicago Blackhawks who is renowned for his emotionally charged version of the United States National Anthem. Prior to Jim singing, lead auctioneer Jimmy Landis invited all veterans in attendance up to the auction block stage. The audience and staff saluted them highlighting their service while Mr. Cornelison sang the anthem. It is a very stirring tribute to America, to business, to the collector car industry, and American veterans. These ceremonies kick-off 6 to 12 hours of continuous auction action.
The auction and preview areas present a rare opportunity to see 1000s of cars up close and personal in a casual setting. There are cars ranging from iconic cars like Beetles, Pintos and Gremlins to some of the most expensive exotic vehicles ever manufactured in the world. The cars date from over 100 years old to the newest, fastest and most exotic rare cars. Every car regardless of pedigree or condition were available for bidding and purchase live.
Another experience at Mecum is the Dodge Thrill Ride. Ride along in 700 plus horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT® Hellcat and Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody vehicles driven by professional drivers. This experience is free and open to all attendees. Riders will be treated to a ride around a tight, closed course filled with drifts, donuts and a whole lot of burning rubber.
Anyone can attend and those who wish can also register as bidders. After up close and careful in-person viewing, bidders can consider purchasing any of the vehicles. As they say during the introduction, “The moment the hammer drops, ownership of the vehicle changes and you now own the car you were bidding on”!
This is a must-see, must-attend event for all car enthusiasts. See you at the 2022 Mecum-Kissimmee Auction.
