Archive for the ‘Press Releases’ Category

ClassicCars.com Launches New Smartphone App with Startal, Inc.

October 26, 2012

New smartphone app allows classic car enthusiasts to search for vehicles, personalize phones

Phoenix, October 26, 2011 – ClassicCars.com, the leading online classic car marketplace, announced today the availability of its new smartphone app, made possible by the talented team at Startal, Inc. The ClassicCars.com app will allow buyers to intuitively search tens of thousands of classic vehicles by year/make/model, asking price or location. With the new app users can also personalize their device with stunning image galleries, share favorite cars via Facebook and locate industry events in their area.

“Our new app is an amazing tool that we are very excited to share with our users,” said Roger Falcione, president and CEO of ClassicCars.com. “We have noticed an increasing shift in the number of visitors searching for their next classic car using mobile devices. This app is a first step in addressing those changing consumption models. We think our users are going to love this app and we’re looking forward to future releases on additional platforms.”

The app was provided to ClassicCars.com by Startal, Inc., a mobile media and commerce portal solution connecting brands to consumer members worldwide on smartphones, tablets and other devices through one centralized application (app).The app became available on Apple iPhone in October 2012 and will be available for Apple iPad, Android and Android Tablet in the coming months.

“Startal is very excited to add the preeminent ClassicCars.com brand to our selective partnership collection of mobile apps. Roger and his passionate team, combined with their vision and technological expertise, made the development process of its advanced search and social feature rich product possible. Most notably, ClassicCars.com’s loyal clients have an easy and enjoyable way to stay connected with the brand and enhance their collector car passion,” stated Lonnie Boutté, Vice President of Business Development for Startal, Inc.

To download the ClassicCars.com iPhone app, visit www.classiccars.com/mobile.  Or search ClassicCars.com in the AppStore.

About ClassicCars.com

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, ClassicCars.com is devoted to helping owners sell classic vehicles online.  Featuring more than 25,000 vehicles for sale by private sellers, auction houses, and specialty dealerships around the world, ClassicCars.com is home to the world’s largest online selection of classic and collector vehicles for sale. For more information, visit www.classiccars.com.

About Startal, Inc.

Startal is a mobile software development company delivering creative technology solutions in the wireless space. The company was founded in 2005 as Franchise Games, LLC and renamed Startal, Inc. in 2011. The name Startal embodies the company’s early vision of creating a portal for best in class, high quality mobile media products. Today, Startal offers an innovative way for brands to connect to consumers worldwide on wireless devices through one mobile application (app).  Partners are drawn to Startal for innovative cross-platform application software development, low financial risk opportunity, full-serve account management and new revenue opportunities generated from in-app features such as streaming media, real-time content updates, social media and news, personalization products and direct-to-consumer messaging. For more information please visit www.startal.com or call 1-855-STARTAL (1-855-782-7825).

Road-Ready Certified program for classic vehicles adds buyer option with road test, vehicle history report, and more

August 14, 2012

Program gains endorsement from McPherson College’s automotive restoration department 

Plus: Peace of mind now comes at a reduced price

Phoenix, August 14, 2011 – Road-Ready CertifiedTM, a nationally recognized, independent quality assurance inspection program that verifies the overall condition and roadworthiness of classic vehicles, announced today the introduction of the Road-Ready Evaluation Package and the launch of a robust new website. By creating a more transparent transaction for both buyers and sellers, the program will support the interests and growth of the hobby, which includes more than 2.75 million classic vehicle owners in the United States and Canada who contribute nearly $35 billion to the economy annually1.

The new Road-Ready Evaluation Package gives classic vehicle buyers the opportunity to have a vehicle evaluated prior to purchase by an independent mobile technician following the standardized criteria of the Road-Ready Evaluation Process, which includes the Road-Ready Test. The results of the evaluation are delivered to the prospective buyer in a comprehensive and easy to understand online report. Additionally, the report provides the results of a thorough Mechanical and Visual Inspection with 20+ full color vehicle photos to help the buyer make the most informed decision possible. While all vehicles that go through the evaluation process are deemed Road-Ready Evaluated, only those vehicles that meet all the criteria of the Road-Ready Test Drive will be designated as Road-Ready Certified Classic Vehicles.

“I cannot express how pleased I am with the availability of the new Evaluation Package,” said Roger Falcione, President and CEO of The Collector Car Network. “By addressing the buyer’s need for comprehensive, objective vehicle information delivered by an independent body, this package takes the Road-Ready Certified program to a whole new level. With both buyer and seller options now available, the program is truly creating a more transparent marketplace. ClassicCars.com is proud to endorse the Road-Ready Certified program.”

Enhancements to the inspection portion of the program come after consultation with the faculty of McPherson College, and bring endorsement of the Road-Ready Certified program by the school’s acclaimed automotive restoration department.

“The Road-Ready Certified initiative assures that classic car buyers are making informed buying decisions based on thorough evaluation information made available through the program,” said Michael Schneider, President of McPherson College. “That’s right in step with what we do at McPherson College, where we train the next generation to maintain and restore classic cars. We’re glad to endorse this program to support the long-term use and enjoyment of these great vehicles.”

In addition to the Road-Ready Evaluation Report, the program offers a number of buyer assistance tools to facilitate the entire vehicle buying process. Buyers receive an instaVIN®Vehicle History and Title  Report (where available), which includes information on whether the vehicle has suffered reported flood, fire or hail damage, was salvaged, stolen or involved in a collision, was involved in a manufacturer’s buy-back program or had its VIN replaced with a new state-assigned vehicle identification number. They also have access to an online Bill of Sale form to clearly record the transaction and links to state-specific title and transfer documents to transfer ownership of the vehicle.

“The new Road-Ready Certified program has taken great strides to stay true to its core tenet of bringing peace of mind to the classic car marketplace,” said Jim Menneto, Hemmings Motor News President and Publisher. “We are proud to be an endorser of the program and are excited to see the program take the initiative to meet the needs of the classic vehicle buyer.”

“The addition of the new buyer program and the launch of a completely redesigned website are very exciting,” said Andreas Schloissnik, Road-Ready Certified Product Manager. “We are thrilled with the new Road-Ready Certified website and we think users will appreciate the streamlined ordering process and the innovative responsive-design technology that allows them to view the site on multiple platforms, such as mobile phones and tablets, without sacrificing content or design.”

The Road-Ready Evaluation Package, regularly $347, is being offered at an introductory rate of $297.

To learn more about the Road-Ready Certified program for classic vehicles, visit www.RoadReadyCertified.com or e-mail info@roadreadycertified.com.

1. Based on information from the Historic Vehicle Association.

About Road-Ready Certified
Endorsed by ClassicCars.com, Hemmings Motor News and other industry leaders, Road-Ready Certified is a nationally recognized, independent quality assurance inspection program that verifies the overall condition and roadworthiness of classic vehicles. Developed in response to the growing need to help bring transparency and peace of mind to the classic car marketplace, the program is raising the bar for reputable sellers and setting the standard for buyer confidence. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Road-Ready Certified offers packages for classic vehicle buyers, sellers and dealers.

About ClassicCars.com
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, ClassicCars.com is devoted to helping owners sell classic vehicles online.  Featuring more than 25,000 vehicles for sale by private sellers, auction houses, and specialty dealerships around the world, ClassicCars.com is home to the world’s largest online selection of classic and collector vehicles for sale.

About Hemmings Motor News
Hemmings Motor News, headquartered in Bennington, VT is known as “the bible” of the car-collecting hobby among both collectors and restorers. Hemmings’ monthly publications are a vital resource for buying and selling cars and parts and keeping up with the hobby. Hemmings, founded in 1954, has 4 rapidly growing print magazines with hundreds of thousands of enthusiast subscribers. Hemmings’ digital property, Hemmings.com, sees more than 1.2 million monthly visits to their vibrant online collector car marketplace, in-depth articles and blog.

About McPherson College
McPherson College, located in central Kansas, is a four-year private liberal arts college and home to the only accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in Automotive Restoration. The program exposes students to all facets of restoration including metalwork, trim, chassis, electrical and drive train. Throughout the curriculum, students are given the “Freedom to Jump” – to explore their ideas, to learn through doing and to make a difference in the world.  McPherson College is committed to the ideals of scholarship, participation, and service – developing whole persons, prepared for fulfilling life vocations. Visit www.mcpherson.edu for more information about McPherson College.

ClassicCars.Com Partners with instaVIN™ to Bring Vehicle History Reports to The Classic Car Market

May 15, 2012

ClassicCars.com, the world’s largest online marketplace devoted to classic and collector vehicles, and instaVIN™, a leading provider of vehicle history reports, announced a partnership that provides the availability of instaVIN vehicle history reports for ClassicCars.com dealers, buyers and private sellers. By partnering with instaVIN, ClassicCars.com, already an industry leader with a collective inventory worth in excess of $1 billion at any given time, becomes the first major classic car classified site to integrate vehicle history reports. ClassicCars.com has also been named as an affiliate for the instaVIN service.

 “ClassicCars.com is always on the lookout for premium services to add to our portfolio that will benefit our entire audience, dealers, buyers and private sellers,” said Roger Falcione, Founder and CEO of ClassicCars.com. “The availability of instaVIN vehicle history reports is a great resource that helps buyers buy with more confidence and allows sellers to provide more vehicle transparency. We selected instaVIN to be our classic car vehicle history reporting partner because of their superior history data, report quality and overall service.”

instaVIN is the only major history reporting service that provides vehicle history reports for classic cars (vehicles older than 1981). instaVIN reports provide title history, junk and salvage events, insurance total loss events, open lien status and historical sales and listing data. A free record check and free VIN check are provided prior to purchase and reports are just $6.99.

 “We are excited to work with the industry leader in bringing the only history report of its kind to the marketplace. They are working with us to provide a superior product at a competitive price to the channel,” said Jim Irish, CEO of instaVIN. “The ClassicCars.com team is highly professional and will represent our product well to the dealer and consumer markets.”

 Of particular value for dealers in the ClassicCars.com Dealer Network is the ability to link a ClassicCars.com account with an instaVIN account and purchase reports in bundles that can be applied towards the vehicle listings of their choosing.

 “This is one of the reasons that we list all of our cars on ClassicCars.com,” said ClassicCars.com dealer Harry Clark, of Classic Promenade in Temecula, CA. “The ClassicCars.com team is always forward-thinking, adding valuable services to its site for dealers. Until now, we couldn’t provide our customers history reports; through ClassicCars.com and instaVIN, this information can be accessed, protecting and informing both sellers and buyers.”

About ClassicCars.com
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, ClassicCars.com is the premier marketplace for pre-1991 vehicles. With a catalog of more than 30,000 vehicles at any given time collectively worth in excess of $1 billion, ClassicCars.com is home to the world’s largest selection of classic vehicles for sale.  ClassicCars.com has industry partnerships with Hemmings Motor News, Cars.com, TraderOnline, the National Street Rod Association, JamesList, instaVIN and several top-tier auction companies. Visit www.classiccars.com for more information.

About instaVIN
instaVIN is an authorized provider of the most comprehensive Title and Brand data available, through a partnership with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Unlike other major vehicle history services, instaVIN data is available for modern and classic passenger cars and light trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), motorcycles, and heavy trucks. instaVIN works with domestic and international distributors and the data can be customized to an organization’s specific needs. To learn more about instaVIN Vehicle History & Title Reports go to www.instavin.com. For business development and reseller inquiries, please contact instaVIN at 888-98-‘INSTA’ (46782) or sales@instavin.com.

Mecum Announces the Salmon Brothers Collection

March 27, 2012

Salmon Brothers Collection for Mecum

WALWORTH, Wis., March 27, 2012. – Mecum Auctions announces a special auction event has been added to its 2012 schedule, as they prepare to offer The Salmon Brothers Collection, June 16, 2012, in North Little Rock, Ark.

Twin brothers Tom and Don Salmon, avid car collectors for more than 40 years will sell their private collection of more than 140 cars along with a group of GM engines, and a variety of rare parts and road art all at no reserve.   Headlined by an extraordinary gathering of 1957 Chevrolet Bel Airs, the collection also includes Corvettes, Muscle Cars, 50′s, Classics and Antiques spanning 100 years of rich American automotive history.

“Every car collector in the country can appreciate what the Salmon brothers have brought together over the years,” said President and CEO Dana Mecum.  “Nearly every major domestic manufacturer has representative examples in this collection with vehicles ranging from a 1908 Maxwell to a Roush powered 2008 Ford Mustang. Mecum Auctions has specialized in offering significant American automobiles since our inception 25 years ago, and the Salmon brothers collection is a superb example of our shared appreciation of American automotive heritage.”

Salmon Brothers Collection for Mecum

The complete auction lineup will be available soon at on our website. For questions and bidder registration information visit www.mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.

Schedule:
The Salmon Brothers Collection
4343 Roundtop Road
Little Rock, Ark. 72117
Preview: Friday, June 15th 10-6 p.m. and Saturday June 16th, 8-11 a.m.
Auction: Saturday, June 16th at 11 a.m.
(All Times Central)

Photos Credit:  David Newhardt Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Mecum Auctions Celebrates 25th Year

March 22, 2012

1967 Yenko

Offering Over 2,100 Cars at Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction, May 15-20, 2012

Mecum Auctions will celebrate its Silver anniversary at Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Auction.  More than 2,100 vehicles will cross the auction block May 15-20, 2012, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind.

Over six massive action packed days; collector cars, motorcycles, and road art from all genres will be displayed in nearly 1 million square feet of buildings and tents during the world’s largest collector car auction. Since the very beginning, Mecum’s Original Spring Classic has always been the industry’s epicenter for the world’s finest muscle car offerings and 2012 is absolutely no exception.  Some of this year’s main attractions include a 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro (Lot S134), one of less than 10 known to exist and the only Butternut Yellow example to have survived the test of time.  The 1963 Corvette ZO6 (Lot S165) piloted by the legendary Mickey Thompson at Bonneville, a fully restored 1968 L88 Convertible (Lot S188), and the very last L88 Corvette (Lot S233) to roll down the assembly line highlight the incredible line up of Corvettes to be offered.

On Saturday May 19th, NHRA drag racing legends Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and “TV” Tommy Ivo will watch their history making dragsters take center stage.  Prudhomme will offer the record breaking 1982 Pontiac Trans Am “Pepsi Challenger” (Lot S182) from his private collection, and the 1974 Streamlined Top Fuel Dragster (Lot S200) piloted and more famously crashed by Tommy Ivo will go up for sale just moments later.

Prudhomme

While the success and exponential growth of Mecum’s Original Spring Classic is most certainly the result of dedicated hard work and customer service, Dana Mecum candidly comments, “This is what I envisioned my auction to be in the beginning, it took 25 years for everyone else to catch up!”

Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Auction is open to the general public with tickets available at the gate for only $15.  Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Eastern Time.  Discovery’s Velocity Network will broadcast 32 hours of live coverage from the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  For more information, and to learn how to become a registered bidder go to www.mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.

1968 L88

Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 25th Annual Original Spring Classic Auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E 38th Street
Indianapolis, Ind. 46205
May 15-20, 2012
General Admission: $15
Preview: Gates open daily Tuesday thru Sunday at 8:00 a.m.
Auction: Starts at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday thru Sunday
(All Times Eastern)

2012 Louisville Concours d’Elegance New Beneficiary, Kosair Children’s Hospital

March 15, 2012

Featured marques: Cadillac and Porsche Racing

Louisville Councors d'Elegance 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The 2012 Louisville Concours d’Elegance will feature Cadillac and Porsche Racing at historic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, Oct. 5 to 7. This year’s event will benefit Kosair Children’s Hospital, Kentucky’s only full-service, free-standing children’s hospital. More information about the event, including an online nomination form, can be found at LouisvilleConcours.com.

With a commitment to automotive excellence, the Louisville Concours d’Elegance is quickly becoming one of the premier Concours events in the country, placing a strong emphasis on vehicle authenticity and originality. John Carlson, permanent chief class judge at the well-respected Pebble Beach Concours, will return as chief judge for the Louisville Concours. Paul Sable, automotive enthusiast, historian and former executive director of the Concours of Eastern United States, will serve as honorary chief judge. Master of ceremonies, Ed Lucas, also will return with his colorful commentary as the “voice of the Concours.”

1923 Cadillac

 The 2012 Louisville Concours d’Elegance judged classes are:

1.      Vintage Cadillac 1916 to 1924
2.      Pre-war Cadillac 1925 to 1942
3.      Post-war Cadillac 1946 to 1974
4.      Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg
5.      American Classic CCCA 1925 to 1942
6.      European Classic CCCA 1925 to 1939
7.      Vintage Automobiles 1916 to 1924
8.      American Pre-war Automobiles 1925-1942
9.      American Post-war Automobiles 1946-1974
10.    Porsche Racing
11.    Sports and Grand Touring Cars 1925 to 1942
12.    Sports and Grand Touring Cars 1946 to 1974
13.    American Muscle Cars 1964 to 1974
14.    Closed Corvettes
15.    Vintage Hot Rods

The 2012 Louisville Concours d’Elegance special exhibition classes will include (display only):

Early Cadillac 1903 to 1915
Vintage Fire Trucks
WWII Military Vehicles and Triage Tent Display

Nominations may be completed online or downloaded at LouisvilleConcours.com.

2012 schedule of events

Friday, Oct. 5

“Welcome to Louisville” Reception

The weekend will begin at acclaimed 21c Museum Hotel with a private welcoming reception for exhibitors, judges, sponsors and invited guests. Attendees will enjoy authentic southern hospitality while exploring the work of contemporary artists and sampling local culinary specialties. Complimentary food, drink and entertainment included.

 

Saturday, Oct. 6

“Dawn at the Downs” Champagne Brunch

This event starts with a private viewing of the morning workouts of the racehorses that call Churchill Downs home. Nothing quite matches the beauty and splendor of watching these million-dollar, four-legged athletes run the track on a quiet October morning. After the workout, guests will be treated to a lovely champagne brunch at the Kentucky Derby Museum, followed by a private tour of historic Churchill Downs, where they will learn about the rich history and pageantry that make it one of the world’s most famous sporting venues.

An evening at Glenview Country Estates

Enjoy an evening in one of the most historic neighborhoods of Louisville. Glenview Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes what were once the country estates of Louisville. Now, the neighborhood is a collection of some of the most beautiful homes in the area. The evening includes a cocktail hour and heavy hors d’oeuvres in one historic home before traveling to another for specialty drinks, desserts and dancing. Includes a premium silent auction and original Kentucky entertainment.

 

Sunday, Oct. 7

Louisville Concours d’Elegance

Many of the most famous and historic collector cars in the country will be on display in the infield of Churchill Downs, each competing for the coveted “Best in Show” crystal trophy. The day includes VIP facilities, refreshments and entertainment, an automotive artist exhibit, a “Kids and Cars” tent and other attractions.

2012 Louisville Concours d’Elegance accommodations

Accommodations for the 2012 Louisville Concours are available at the event’s host hotel, the Louisville Marriott Downtown. To reserve a room at the special Louisville Concours d’Elegance rate, call the Marriott at (800) 533-0127 and ask for the Concours rate.

For more information, visit LouisvilleConcours.com or call the Louisville Concours offices any time at (502) 629-8060 or (800) 444-2523 and leave a message. A member of our executive committee will return your call within 24 hours.

About Kosair Children’s Hospital

Kosair Children’s Hospital and Kosair Children’s Medical Center – Brownsboro serve nearly 140,000 children annually from throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The hospital is Kentucky’s only full-service, free-standing pediatric hospital. As a regional facility that treats all children regardless of the family’s ability to pay, the hospital relies on support from the community. The Children’s Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Kosair Children’s Hospital and raises millions of dollars each year to support programs, equipment and facilities, research, advocacy and education. The Children’s Hospital Foundation raised $11.7 million in 2011 to support the hospital. For more information, visit HelpKosairChildrensHospital.com or call (502) 629-8060.

Bonhams 15th Carmel Valley Auction Expands

March 7, 2012
1936 Lagonda LG45R Rapide Sports-Racing Two-Seater

1936 Lagonda LG45R Rapide Sports-Racing Two-Seater Bonhams August 2008

With the continued expansion of Bonhams’ motorcar sales around the globe, the auction house has announced that this year it will be hosting its August auction from a new, larger venue on the Quail Lodge grounds in Carmel Valley.

“Having outgrown our existing site at Quail Lodge, were keen to provide better facilities for our clients,” said Mark Osborne, Head of Motoring at Bonhams. “This new location – on the lawns at the western end of the property – has ample plein aire viewing against the backdrop of the stunning wooded highlands. It is much more open and accessible and enables our clients to park at the sale site while providing greater space on preview and auction days, two key aims of our move.”

Now in its 15th year, the Bonhams Sale of Exceptional Collectors’ Cars is the longest standing auction of any on the peninsula, and is regarded as a cornerstone of the Pebble Beach Car Week.

Renowned for their specialty of presenting pedigree racing and sports cars alongside rare hand-built tourers, Bonhams has achieved numerous world-record prices at Quail Lodge, including the standing records for the marques Jaguar, Talbot-Lago, Porsche, Isotta-Fraschini and Lagonda. Furthermore, important collections sold at Quail Lodge include those of Michael L. Amalfitano, Sidney & Jenny Craig, David Uihlein and The Rosso Bianco Collection.

Current world records achieved at Quail Lodge include:

1960 Jaguar E2A Le Mans

       

1. 1960 Jaguar E2A Le Mans Sports-Racing Two-Seater Prototype - $4,957,000

2. 1939 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS Coachwork by M. Pourtout, Design by Georges Paulin - $4,847,000

3. 1972-73 Porsche 917 Interserie Spyder née 1970 Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K Coupe - $3,965,000

1913 Isotta-Fraschini

4. 1913 Isotta-Fraschini 100-120 hp Tipo KM 4 Four-Seat Torpedo Tourer - $1,492,000

5. 1936 Lagonda LG45R Rapide Sports-Racing Two-Seater - $1,382,000

Bonhams is once again looking to make history and is now accepting consignments of rare and pedigree motorcars of all vintages.  Interested sellers may e-mail usacars@bonhams.com or contact one of the following motorcar experts:

  • Mark Osborne, Head of Department, San Francisco: 415-391-4000
  • Rupert Banner, VP Business Development, New York: 212-461-6515

The 2012 Bonhams Auction of Exceptional Collectors’ Cars will take place Thursday and Friday, August 16th and 17th at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California.

Mecum at Monterey: The MV Agusta Motorcycle Collection

March 6, 2012

Mecum Auctions has consigned the impressive MV Agusta Collection to their 2012 auction in Monterey, California comprised of 71 machines ranging from a 1946 MV 98 “3 Velocita” race model, to a 2007 MV F4 1000/312 Bonneville. This one-of-a-kind gathering of exquisite motorcycles is the result of collector Gary Kohs’ lifelong mission to acquire only the very finest examples of what many consider to be the “Ferrari of the motorcycle world,” and has assembled an amazing collection of Count Giovanni Agusta’s legacy of rolling Italian art.  This unprecedented offering at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Saturday August 18, 2012 will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the finest motorcycle collections in the world as a single lot on the auction block.

Mecum 1946 MV 98 3 Velocita race model

1946 MV 98 3 Velocita Race Model

“A collection of this scale, depth, and quality is a rare accomplishment worthy of international celebration,” says Gavin Trippe, motorcycle division manager at Mecum Auctions. “It is essentially a complete museum exhibit poised for showcasing MV Agusta’s mark of excellence that can be displayed in less than 5,000 square feet of space.  We are pleased that Mr. Kohs has entrusted Mecum to offer his world-class collection at our auction in Monterey. Headlined by the 1953/54 ex-works 125 Grand Prix Racer, winner of the Isle of Man TT, virtually every model of motorcycle, race bike, scooter, and agricultural tricycle from the MV factory is represented.  This could easily be considered the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Mecum 1953/54 ex-works 125 Grand Prix Racer

1953/54 ex-works 125 Grand Prix Racer

Collector and enthusiast Gary Kohs comments, “This is not just a collection of motorcycles, this is a collection of art, and I’m thrilled that Dana Mecum and his staff agree that keeping it together as one is so important.  MV Agusta is the only marque that can truly represent the post-war history of the motorcycle, and I look forward to sharing it all with the international motorcycle community.”

The MV Agusta Collection will be on display for preview during the month of May in Indianapolis, Ind., as well as Monterey, Calif. in July and August during MotoGP at Laguna Seca, and will remain on display in Monterey until the auction Aug. 16-18.  For the most up to date information, schedule of events, preview times, visit www.mecum.com/mvagusta or call 262.275.5050.

Mecum 2007 MV F4 1000/312 Bonneville

2007 MV F4 1000/312 Bonneville

 

Schedule:
Mecum 2012 Monterey Auction
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
1 Old Golf Course Road
Monterey, Calif. 93940
Aug. 16-18, 2012
Admission: Free
Preview: Gates open Thursday-Saturday at 8 a.m.
Auction: Auction begins Thursday- Saturday at 10 a.m.
(All Times Pacific)

Lyonheart K: An Homage to the Jaguar E-Type

March 1, 2012

Today, my heart belongs to Classic Factory’s modern interpretation of the Jaguar E-Type, the Lyonheart K. Sorry Ferrari.

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Photos from AutoBlog

The LYONHEART K, an all-new, truly British luxury sports car was launched on February 21, 2012.

Classic Factory, the Swiss design company, recently enjoyed a huge worldwide success with its modern interpretation of the legendary Jaguar E-Type, designed by Robert Palm in collaboration with Bo Zolland. In order to meet customer demand, decision was taken to build a limited series.

Robert Palm, CEO of Classic Factory, said: “We want to make the ‘Made In England’ label into a truthful concept, not just a statement. Every part of the Lyonheart K is developed, engineered and hand-built in England. The design clues of the Lyonheart K reflect Britishness at its best: cool, elegant, refined, understated yet powerful and dynamic.”

The 5.0 Litre Supercharged V8 delivers 550PS and 680Nm of torque. Carbon fibre panels cover a state-of-the-art aluminium chassis, keeping the weight below 1600kg. The Lyonheart K reaches 100kph in under 4 seconds and tops 300kph (electronically limited).

Lyonheart’s design philosophy is simple, use only genuine materials: carbon fibre, leather, veneer, polished stainless steel, brushed aluminium and chromed metal, nothing else. Extreme attention has been given to every exterior and interior detail. The aluminium engine is revealed by opening the traditional, front-hinged clamshell bonnet.

The Lyonheart K is entirely hand-built in Coventry by skilled craftsmen and a new company has been founded: Lyonheart Cars Ltd. The order books for the 50 first Lyonheart K cars are now open at a basic price of EUR 495,000 (without taxes). The estimated delivery time is 18 months.

For more information: www.lyonheart.com

600 Collector Cars to Cross the Block at Mecum Houston

February 22, 2012
1931 Cadillac V12 Roadster (Lot S98)

1931 Cadillac V12 Roadster (Lot S98)

Mecum Auctions has announced a two-day auction extravaganza, Texas style! The largest collector car auction company rolls into Houston, Texas, for its inaugural event April 13-14, 2012.  The Reliant Center will accommodate over 600 vehicles all conveniently displayed under one roof.

A wide variety of vehicles will cross the auction block; highlights include longtime Houston businessman and collector Sterling McCall offering 25 cars from his “Old Car Museum,” such as a 1931 Cadillac V12 Roadster (Lot S98) and a 1936 Cadillac V16 Sedan (Lot S94). Amos Minter, a well-known Thunderbird collector who also hails from the Lone Star State, will auction an award winning Red/Red 1957 Ford Thunderbird (Lot S117) from his personal collection.

Mecum 1936 Cadillac V16 Sedan (Lot S94)

1936 Cadillac V16 Sedan (Lot S94)

President and CEO Dana Mecum expressed, “Last October our company made its Texas debut in the city of Dallas where we were met with a rollicking response. We recognized that Southeast Texas was also hungry for the Mecum brand of auction action, so naturally we gravitated toward the great city of Houston and are excited to bring our auction experience to The Reliant Center.”

Mecum 1957 Ford Thunderbird (Lot S117)

1957 Ford Thunderbird (Lot S117)

The Houston auction is open to the general public beginning Friday morning and continues through Saturday.  Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Central Time with tickets available at the door for only $15.  Discovery’s Velocity Network will broadcast live from The Reliant Center during both days of action. Don’t get left out in the cold, as the consignments are quickly filling the schedule; if you want to be part of this historic inaugural auction event as a buyer or seller go to www.mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.


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