Photo Credit: Mecum Auctions
Our friends at Mecum Auctions have already kicked off their 2023 season with their annual Kissimmee, Florida event. If you visit their website often like we do, then you probably followed along with their countdown to 4,000 vehicles as the impressive docket continually expanded. We’re happy to say that they exceeded their goal and have well over 4,000 cars ready for bids through January 15th.
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In typical Mecum fashion, Corvettes make up about 10% of all Kissimmee offerings. In fact, you’ll have 430 opportunities to put a new-to-you Corvette in your garage. Within the extensive Corvette docket, we see the usual diversity of cars that we’ve become accustomed to. Whether you’re looking for a driver, a racer, or a frame-off restored classic, Mecum has you covered in Florida.
The generational breakdown of Corvettes covers all 8 eras of production. Here’s how the quantities breakdown by generation:
• C1: 48
• C2: 126
• C3: 100
• C4: 59
• C5: 26
• C6: 29
• C7: 22
• C8: 20
While we’d love to show you everything available in Kissimmee this week and next, here are our five favorites:
Lot S136 1963 Red/Red Fuelie Convertible – The first Sting Ray
Chevrolet turned the automotive world on its ear when they dropped the new 1963 Corvette. The revolutionary styling and performance summed up to a jaw-dropping package like no one had seen before. While split window coupes grab most of the headlines these days, here’s a convertible you should take note of.
Lot S136 is 1963 Corvette VIN 003. That’s right, the 3rd midyear Corvette produced and the first one available to the general public. It was shipped on August 29th, 1962, and today it’s the earliest known C2 Corvette in existence. The car has been documented by noted Corvette expert Noland Adams and was with the previous owner from 1975 until his death in 2022. Power comes from the 360hp fuel injected engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. It’s been treated to comprehensive restoration and still retains many unique, early 1963 features. The preauction estimate is $600,000 – $800,000.
Lot S147 1967 Red/Red 427/435 Convertible
When you ask anyone what their favorite Corvette is, you’ll likely hear “a red 1967 big block convertible with side exhaust” in response. When it comes to red 1967 Corvettes, this one sits at the top of heap. The award-winning midyear has claimed no less than 10 NCRS Top Flight awards. Add to that three Performance Verifications, and 3 Duntov awards. Additionally, it also lays claim to a Bloomington Gold certificate as well. Now that’s a lot of hardware!
The Rally Red exterior is flanked by an equally red interior. Power comes from the legendary 427/435 engine which is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. Other options include a 4.11 rearend, F41 suspension, side exhaust, power brakes, tinted windows, body color hardtop, AM/FM radio, and bolt-on wheels. Documentation includes the tank sticker, ownership history since new, judging sheets, and restoration photos.
Lot F214 1967 Blue/Red 327/350 COPO Convertible
On the small block side of 1967 engine options, buyers had multiple options. 6,375 customers chose RPO L79, the 350hp variant to motivate their C2. While Lot F214 is one of those 6,375 350hp cars, it’s 1 of 1 in the Lynndale Blue on red color combination. A white soft top completes the handsome look. Ordered through the COPO program, it was delivered new through Barry Chevrolet in Aledo, Illinois. Over the years it’s become quite well known throughout the Corvette community and the body-off restored convertible has won many awards. Some of those honors include NCRS Top Flight, Bloomington Gold and Gold Collection, and NCCC First in Class and Best of Show in addition to a VMCCA Golden Award of Excellence.
The 1967 Roadster’s matching numbers engine is backed by a M21 4-speed manual transmission which routes power out back to the 3.70 rear gear. Additional options include the telescopic steering column, AM/FM radio, tinted glass, and bolt-on wheels with Blackwall tires. Documentation includes the validated tank sticker, Protect-O-Plate, Bloomington Gold and NCRS awards, VMCCA certificate, the NCRS Shipping Data report, and a Bloomington award confirmation document.
Lot T252 1964 Silver/Black 327/365 Coupe
Corvette’s second generation entered its 2nd year of production in 1964. Changes were relatively minor save for the removal of the iconic split rear window. Due to visibility complaints, the feature was eliminated. Additionally, 1964 was the first year for the new Satin Silver color. Of the 22,229 Corvettes produced that year, 2,785 (12.5%) were clad in the new hue and 1,988 (8.9%) had air conditioning installed in St. Louis.
This early C2 was produced December 5, 1963 and sold new at Plains Chevrolet in Amarillo, Texas. A black vinyl interior complements the silver exterior. A 365hp engine, M20 4-speed, and 3.70 rear comprise the drivetrain. Other options include air conditioning, tinted glass, and an AM/FM radio.
This 1964 Corvette Sting Ray has been restored to factory new condition and owns a plethora of NCRS awards including 3 Top Flights, Performance Verification, and the prestigious Duntov award. The sale includes the NCRS judging sheets, Shipping Data Report, California black plates, previous registrations, and receipts from the various restored components. The preauction estimate is $125,000 – $150,000 for this Silver Surfer.
Lot F179 1958 Silver/Red Fuelie Convertible
The 1958 model year was a transitional year for Corvette. We saw new dual headlights and a louvered hood up front and long chrome trunk spears out back. It was also the first year for seat belts and acrylic lacquer paint. 9,168 Corvettes were born during the 1958 model year.
Lot F179 is finished in the striking combination of Inca Silver over a Signet Red interior. It’s powered by the top dog 283ci/290hp fuel injected engine backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. The car is well equipped with desirable features such as off-road exhaust, Wonderbar radio, windshield washers, a heater, and 6.70×15 wide Whitewall tires.
Like our other four preview cars, this one carries a laundry list of judging awards. To date its garnered two Bloomington Gold certificates, multiple NCRS Top Flights, Performance Verification, and the coveted Duntov Award scoring well over 97% all along the way. Those are impressive scores for an impressive car with a preauction estimate of $225,000 – $275,000.
Our five feature cars are just the tip of the Corvette iceberg in Kissimmee. For more on these cars and the other 430 Corvettes available head over to the Mecum website. Mecum Kissimmee kicks off the January collector car auction frenzy each year and often yields a sneak peek at where the market currently stands. With so many data points coming up over the coming week, we’ll get great idea of how the market is responding to our current economy.
Last year Kissimmee set a record at $217 million in sales. 2023 is likely to exceed that number. We’ll be in Kissimmee next week, so keep an eye here for more from the first big auction of the year. Also, don’t forget to enter to win your chance to hang with CorvetteBlogger and Mecum’s John Kraman next Friday at Kissimmee.
Mecum Kissimmee runs January 4th – 15th at the Osceola Heritage Park located at 1875 Silver Spur Lane in sunny Kissimmee, Florida. Car sales run each day except Monday, January 9th. See something you like? Register to Bid Online! You can view all the action online via Mecum’s live stream or you can catch it live on Motortrend. Scott Hoke and John Kraman will narrate activities from 12pm-6pm on January 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Note that you can also find the auction on Discovery Channel from 12pm-2pm on Saturday, the 14th.
Source:
Mecum Auctions
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