Mecum Auctions In Indianapolis The Week Before Indy 500

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INDIANAPOLIS–The Mecum Auctions Spring Classic is back in Indianapolis, starting May 14. The auction is the second-largest Mecum car auction in the country. This year you can expect to see a trend toward making modifications to make classic cars more contemporary.

“The most recent trend that we’re seeing is a restomoderm protouring movement, which is a younger generation of enthusiasts, recognizing how cool these cars look, but they want modern technology,” said John Kramen, TV analyst for Mecum auctions TV broadcast.

He said that involves taking cars from bygone eras and retrofitting them with aftermarket components, like fuel injection or computerized transmissions.

“It is a gigantic movement right now,” said Kramen.

He said you can also expect to see some collections at the Indy auction.

“We’re starting to sell collections. And, the collections might’ve been from guys or gals that have been collecting for a long time that just want to change things up, or maybe have passed along,” said Kramen. Those collections might come from Baby Boomers, he said.

While Boomers may be passing cars on at auction, the generation behind them are buying.

“The next generation of buyer is also getting old at the same time, and while they’re raising families and having mortgages and sending kids to college, at some point that begins to ease off a bit and they can start thinking about, hey, I want a fun car.”

He said you’ll also see at least 100 years of automobile history.

“The success of this auction and the buzz goes back 32 years. This is where it all started for Mecum Auctions. It’s the only auction that has Dana Mecum, our founder, in the title,” said Kramen. “There’s a lot of nostalgia and a lot of history with this auction.”

He said they moved it to Indianapolis in 2008.

“Here in Indianapolis the auction will be the week before the 500. The vibe and the energy of the Indianapolis 500 really transfers over to our auction. We’re all Indy 500 race fans.”