Love of classic cars fuels high-performance auction
He peered into the 1970 Ford Mustang, a black and white convertible with the name “The Boss 302” on its side.
His hand glided over the car’s body — pools of shine — beneath the lights of Bartle Hall on Saturday.
Oh, she’s not mine. But she’s a beauty,” said driver Ed Knisley, still caressing the car’s smooth skin. “Whoever restored this car did an excellent job. She’ll fetch at least $30,000.”
In moments, Knisley will ease onto the leather seats, touch the gas pedal and steer — even though his “road” will be just 200 feet of red carpet.
The Mecum Muscle Cars and More auction was Friday and Saturday, with at least 500 collector cars for sale.
The selections ranged from high-powered muscle cars to barn finds, such as 1950s-era autos complete with rocket hood ornaments, to Model T’s from the 1920s.
This car auction is a smorgasbord of pop culture, too, said Tom Christmann, Mecum’s marketing manager.
“We have a good customer who always buys a lot of cars for his business, Cinema Vehicles, which finds old cars for movies,” Christmann said. “People have lots of memories as they walk around and look.”
Hoods are lifted, oil levels are checked. Engine innards are shiny and oil-free. But no one kicks the tires, for fear of denting mirrored hubcaps.
The auction begins. A man with a clipboard waves to the first driver: Knisley. On the floor nearby are two men watching, both wearing Mizzou sweatshirts: Terry Ellis of Harrisonville and his son, Chris, of Lee’s Summit. They are the restorers of this Ford Mustang, men who worked often past midnight for years, replacing, rewiring, oiling. Bringing it back to life.
A lot of memories ride on its tires.
But old cars, like old human bodies, can be a bit slow warming up. The crowd grows quiet, waiting to hear the sound of a ’70 Ford Mustang.
But The Boss 320 refuses to be bullied. Silence, except for a stuttering, feeble cough.
Ever an optimist, Knisley keeps pumping the gas; his hand keeps twisting the key.
No matter.
Three burly men hired for just this problem are muscled and ready. Wearing white cotton gloves, they hoist against the bumper, rolling the car toward its destiny.
Suddenly, the engine roars to life, settling into a low rumble that hints of the car’s prowess.
But the damage was done. The winning bid: $14,500.
The father-and-son team who restored the car said they still felt richer.
“In this economy, the cars aren’t going for as much as they should,” Chris Ellis said.
Besides, they have two more cars at home. Two more chances to profit from sweat equity.
Except, said Ellis, those cars won’t go up for auction until after the economy improves.
Source: Love of classic cars fuels high-performance auction
His hand glided over the car’s body — pools of shine — beneath the lights of Bartle Hall on Saturday.
Oh, she’s not mine. But she’s a beauty,” said driver Ed Knisley, still caressing the car’s smooth skin. “Whoever restored this car did an excellent job. She’ll fetch at least $30,000.”
In moments, Knisley will ease onto the leather seats, touch the gas pedal and steer — even though his “road” will be just 200 feet of red carpet.
The Mecum Muscle Cars and More auction was Friday and Saturday, with at least 500 collector cars for sale.
The selections ranged from high-powered muscle cars to barn finds, such as 1950s-era autos complete with rocket hood ornaments, to Model T’s from the 1920s.
This car auction is a smorgasbord of pop culture, too, said Tom Christmann, Mecum’s marketing manager.
“We have a good customer who always buys a lot of cars for his business, Cinema Vehicles, which finds old cars for movies,” Christmann said. “People have lots of memories as they walk around and look.”
Hoods are lifted, oil levels are checked. Engine innards are shiny and oil-free. But no one kicks the tires, for fear of denting mirrored hubcaps.
The auction begins. A man with a clipboard waves to the first driver: Knisley. On the floor nearby are two men watching, both wearing Mizzou sweatshirts: Terry Ellis of Harrisonville and his son, Chris, of Lee’s Summit. They are the restorers of this Ford Mustang, men who worked often past midnight for years, replacing, rewiring, oiling. Bringing it back to life.
A lot of memories ride on its tires.
But old cars, like old human bodies, can be a bit slow warming up. The crowd grows quiet, waiting to hear the sound of a ’70 Ford Mustang.
But The Boss 320 refuses to be bullied. Silence, except for a stuttering, feeble cough.
Ever an optimist, Knisley keeps pumping the gas; his hand keeps twisting the key.
No matter.
Three burly men hired for just this problem are muscled and ready. Wearing white cotton gloves, they hoist against the bumper, rolling the car toward its destiny.
Suddenly, the engine roars to life, settling into a low rumble that hints of the car’s prowess.
But the damage was done. The winning bid: $14,500.
The father-and-son team who restored the car said they still felt richer.
“In this economy, the cars aren’t going for as much as they should,” Chris Ellis said.
Besides, they have two more cars at home. Two more chances to profit from sweat equity.
Except, said Ellis, those cars won’t go up for auction until after the economy improves.
Source: Love of classic cars fuels high-performance auction
