Yahoo Autos Check Out the 10 Coolest Cars Coming to Kissimmee 2024
There are about 4500 collector cars scheduled to cross the block at the massive 25th Anniversary Mecum Auctions Kissimmee mega-sale in Kissimmee, Florida January 2-14. Of those, a whopping 500 or so are Corvettes, including at least seven split-windows. But there are also many other world-class collectibles on the docket. Here are some of our favorites.
ALSO CHECK OUT LUXEMBOURG’S NATIONAL CAR MUSEUM
1970 Plymouth Superbird
There were only 1935 Superbirds ever made, and this one is something of a time capsule, with the original drivetrain, exhaust, belts, hoses, paint, interior, glass, and even the window sticker. Mileage listed after 53 years is just 5444.
Of course it has its matching-numbers 440 6 BBL engine and the A36 Performance Axle package with 3.55 gears. Previous Plymouths like this one have gone for over half a million bucks.
1966 Shelby 427 Cobra
From its period-correct Holman Moody 427 side oiler to its factory built coil spring suspension, this aluminum-bodied wonder would be a joy to drive in all its twitchy handling, big-block glory.
Comes with lots of paperwork so you can argue all day about authenticity, or just drive the hell out of it, as Ol’ Shel hisself woulda preferred, once your check had cleared.
First and Last L88 Corvettes
L88 Corvettes have gone for over $3 million at recent auctions. Imagine what two could go for—specifically, this pair, the first and last L88s ever made, selling together as one lot.
The first is a 1967 convertible once campaigned by Tony DeLorenzo (relative of former Autoweek editor Matt DeLorenzo) and Jerry Thompson to second place at the SCCA runoffs in Daytona Beach. Among its accolades is Bloomington Gold certification.
The 1969 coupe, meanwhile, was built on the final day of production December 4, 1969. It has NCRS certification and retains its matching numbers 427/430-hp V8 with aluminum heads and intake manifold.
1970 Challenger R/T Convertible and 1970 Cuda Convertible
Another two-for-one deal, this pair make up the MOPAR E-Body V-Code Pilot Car conundrum. The Challenger had the ignominious duty as press car for the automotive press, with a V-Code 440 Six Pack V8 and a factory four-speed/A33 Track Pack. Likewise, the ’70 ‘Cuda Convertible F234.2 was the first of its kind to be equipped with the V-Code 440 Six Pack V8.
Call it a His ‘N’ Hers package. Or call it an “It’s mine keep yer grubby mitts off it” package.
Estimated price for both: $750,000 to $900,000.
1959 BMW 507 Roadster
This was supposed to be the car that would save BMW. Elvis bought one when he was stationed in Germany. They’re sought after now. But production costs skyrocketed at a time when the world wanted a more affordable car, and the 507’s production life was short-lived. That’s good for those who have one and are selling it. Mecum says this one could go for $2 million, even though Elvis never owned it.
This one only has 6171 miles on the odometer, half of that put on by longtime owner Goetz Pfafflin in the 3500-mile BMW Vintage Marathon in Europe in 2001. So it’s been well-enjoyed.
While it may look like a late-‘50s supercar, the 507 only had 150 hp from its 3168-cc V8, so maybe it was like an AC Ace of its day. Nonetheless, it looks like it’d be fun to drive, if you have that 2 mil to spare.
2012 Lexus LFA
The LFA may have been a car that was too good for the market in which it was sold. The LFA was a veritable F1 coupe for the street, with a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer monocoque and a “Formula 1-inspired” 4.8-liter V10 that made 553 hp and then immediately went back to idle like it was, indeed, an F1 creation. It would get to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and to a top speed of 202 mph.
And yet Lexus had trouble selling all 500 of them. In that regard it was the BMW 507 of its day. Ask anyone who’s driven one and they’ll tell you it’s worth its expected near-$1 million hammer price.
1962 Custom Lincoln Convertible
This custom Continental is the result of four years of build and restoration, with a 6.2-liter, 430 hp LS3 V8 under a Holley Ultra Lo-Ram EFI system and in front of a custom exhaust and Varex mufflers. Mecum’s description doesn’t say how the car was lowered but it sure looks nice. We can assume it's riding on air.
Expect it to hammer for around $300,000. Worth every chrome-plated nickel.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
These were amazingly modern cars for 1957, with power, brakes, and steering that was way ahead of its time. You can take one on any rally and not have to worry about getting stranded or, worse, not having fun.
We went on two Colorado Grands in different 300SLs and had a blast. Only problem is they now sell for about $1.5 million.
2021 Mercedes AMG GT Black Series P One
If the above 300SL is too old-tech for your tastes, consider this modern interpretation of that car, the AMG GT. This one is the most extreme performance version of that line, with a 720-hp M178 twin-turbo V8 that’ll reorder your brain’s priorities almost immediately.
The car is from the collection of the eclectic Michael Fux, perhaps best-known for the pastel Rolls-Royces we all saw at the Quail a few years ago. Do not be afraid. Except maybe by the expected $750,000 price.
1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder
After the mighty GTO, there is perhaps no more sought-after Ferrari than the 250 GT SWB California Spyder. They only ever made 55 of them and it’s not often one comes up for auction. Recent sales have netted over $18 million.
It is, we have been told, a fantastic car to drive. With a 3.0-liter 276 hp Colombo V12 powering a total of 2200 pounds of prancing horse, the numbers speak for themselves. Imagine yourself tooling around the Amalfi Coast in this, listening to the triple Webers purr.
Maybe get 18 millionaires together and buy the thing. It ain’t gonna go down in value.
Bonus Car: 1977 Corvette Coupe
Made for the Word of Wheels car shows, this ‘Vette has had a frame-off restoration and has been fitted with a ZZ383 fuel-injected stroker motor and TKO 500 five-speed. It even has “Lambo” doors. But really, we liked it because the contrasting black hood scoop makes it look like the Powerful Mach 5.
