Mecum Auction’s inaugural sale in Portland, Oregon, was dominated by American muscle (including a Ford-V8-powered exotic) that filled the top 10 list of highest sellers among the 300 cars that sold for a total of $9.3 million, with a 67 percent sell through rate.
Leading the auction was an immaculate 1965 Shelby GT350 fastback coupe that had been with the same owner for 38 years. It sold for $305,000 (all results are hammer prices not including auction fees), a strong price for the Ford Mustang-based performance car.
A desirable Mustang performance derivative held down second place as well, a 1969 Boss 429 fastback that went for $240,000. Following that was a 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda coupe at $190,000.
GM muscle took over the next two positions with a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible at $160,000 and a rare 1968 Chevrolet COPO Nova SS at $145,000.
The Ford-powered exotic was a 1974 DeTomaso Pantera, an unrestored survivor with a 351 cid V8 mounted behind the occupants. It sold for $100,000, putting it in ninth place. These Italian-American hybrids have been rising in visibility and popularity in recent years.
“The people of Portland were extremely welcoming, and the large crowds and strong bidding reflected their enthusiasm,” Dana Mecum, auction president and founder, said in a news release. “Portland proved to be an excellent city for a Mecum auction, and holding it over Father’s Day weekend gave families looking to celebrate a perfect place to do it.”
The top 10 sales for Mecum’s first Portland auction were:
1. 1965 Shelby GT350 fastback at $305,000
2. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback at $240,000
3. 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda coupe at $190,000
4. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible at $160,000
5. 1968 Chevrolet COPO Nova SS at $145,000
6. 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible at $120,000
7. 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Z11 bubble top coupe at $110,000
8. 1968 Pontiac GTO resto mod at $105,000
9. 1974 DeTomaso Pantera at $100,000
10. 1966 Chevrolet Corvette coupe at $95,000
(Results reflect hammer price and do not include buyer fees)
Mecum holds its next auction July 8-9 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, with 700 cars expected. For information, visit the auction website.