Auction Results: Mecum’s 2013 Houston sale

Mecum returned to Houston this spring, April 4-7, 2013, following last year’s successful debut. This time around, there were 54% more cars on offer and more attendees who walked through the gate, all of which translated to $6.5M more in overall sales. At the end of the weekend, 726 of 1,015 automotive lots sold for a 72% sell-through rate and $24.7M in total sales.

The docket was heavily weighted toward customs and late-model examples, though there were plenty of high-quality stock cars as well. Top honors went to a well-restored 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 in Grabber Blue that sold for $233,200, followed by a beautiful 1931 V12 Cadillac roadster at $196,100 and a 1954 Buick Skylark that sold for $148,400, including buyer’s premium. A freshly restored 1970 AMC AMX with GO package, a 390-cid motor, and a 4-speed in Big Bad Green sold for a strong $71,020. A 1989 Ferrari Testarossa with low miles also surprised at a healthy $84,800. On the low side, a full 151 lots sold for less than $15,000, including a driver quality 1967 Cadillac DeVille convertible that surprised at a low $7,000.

Top 10

1. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback sold for $233,200
2. 1931 Cadillac V12 Roadster sold for $196,100
3. 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible sold for $148,400
4. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Resto-Mod Convertible sold for $143,100
5. 2009 Dodge Challenger Custom Coupe sold for $137,800
6. 1972 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Resto-Mod Coupe sold for $132,500
7. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Coupe sold for $132,500
8. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Coupe sold for $129,320
9. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 Convertible sold for $113,950
10. 1970 Plymouth Superbird Coupe sold for $113,420

Mecum’s next scheduled sale is its annual Kansas City event, April 25-27, 2013. An estimated 750 vehicles will cross the block.

Brian Rabold is editor of Hagerty Price Guide