Mecum Tulsa Results
Mecum Auctions held their fifth annual Tulsa sale this past weekend and it was as successful as expected. A sizable amount of money was raised on behalf of the Tulsa Community Foundation and the vehicles offered with no reserve proved Tulsa was the right auction for them. The top ten most expensive cars sold by Mecum in Tulsa were as follows.
The 2020 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner exemplifies the pinnacle of British grand touring luxury, marrying luxurious craftsmanship with impressive performance. As the most exquisitely detailed version of the Continental GT, this edition boasts diamond-in-diamond quilted leather upholstery, elaborate chrome detailing, and exclusive Mulliner badges. Its engine options include a twin-turbocharged 6.0L W12 or a 4.0L V8, both equipped with an advanced dual-clutch eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The GT Mulliner offers a harmonious blend of power and grace, providing thrilling acceleration while preserving the sophisticated ride quality associated with Bentley. This model exemplifies bespoke customization, contemporary technology, and enduring elegance.
The 1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible, AKA the “King of the Road,” stands out as one of the most memorable Mustangs from the muscle car period. It’s equipped with a Cobra Jet 428 cubic-inch V8 engine that is officially rated at 335 horsepower, though it’s generally thought to deliver much more power in practice. This model offers exhilarating performance wrapped in an elegant convertible design. Its distinct features include a fiberglass hood, bold front-end styling, side stripes, and distinctive Shelby badges, distinguishing it from regular Mustang models. The interior includes special elements like a roll bar, woodgrain trim, and a speedometer capable of reading up to 140 mph, highlighting its high-performance nature. With only 518 convertibles produced in 1968, the GT500KR convertible is as collectible as ever.
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible perfectly encapsulated the essence of American muscle cars, blending open-top driving with powerful performance. Its striking design, iconic “beep beep” horn, and optional Air Grabber hood made it both fun and assertive in appearance. Buyers had several potent engine choices to consider, such as the high-revving 383 Magnum V8, the renowned 426 HEMI, or the torque-rich 440 Six Barrel. With only 834 units made that year, the Road Runner convertible remains a favorite of muscle car enthusiasts. Tailored for speed on straight roads and impressive presence on city streets, this convertible offered enthusiasts the thrill of wind-in-your-hair driving paired with the exhilaration of its roaring engines.
The 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special Fastback holds a unique place in Mustang history. This model was specially made for the Kansas City sales district as part of a limited regional promotion, with only 96 units produced. Each car featured Grabber Orange paintwork complemented by black Mach 1 graphics and a distinctive “Twister Special” tornado decal on the rear quarter panels. Most models came equipped with the robust 351 Cleveland V8 engine, while a few had the even more powerful 428 Super Cobra Jet engine, earning them recognition as true factory-built high-performance cars. Enhanced with upgrades like competition suspension and optional shaker hoods, these vehicles showcased bold aesthetics combined with significant power. The exclusivity to dealers and its rarity have made these increasingly desirable to collectors who appreciate this generation of the Mustang.
The 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda was an iconic, though short-lived street-legal race car with origins from the Trans Am racing series, with “AAR” standing for All American Racers, the team led by Dan Gurney. Created for only one model year, this version of the ‘Cuda came equipped with a factory-installed 340 cubic-inch V8 engine featuring three two-barrel carburetors (known as the “Six Pack”), delivering 290 horsepower. It offered either a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission. Setting it apart from other ‘Cudas, it included a matte-black fiberglass hood, side-exit exhaust pipes, staggered Goodyear Polyglas tires, and distinctive AAR stripes along its body. With an emphasis on both performance and visual appeal, the AAR ‘Cuda delivered balanced handling and striking styling, securing its status as one of the most unique and sought-after versions in the ’Cuda lineup.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A was a daring, street-legal tribute to Dodge’s participation in the SCCA Trans Am racing series. This limited-edition model, produced for only one year, featured a powerful 340 cubic-inch V8 engine enhanced by three two-barrel carburetors known as the Six Pack. This setup generated a strong 290 horsepower and an intense exhaust sound due to its side-exit pipes. The car’s design included a matte-black fiberglass hood adorned with bold graphics, a ducktail rear spoiler, and wider rear tires for better grip during turns. Practical elements like the hood scoop and robust suspension contributed to its performance capabilities beyond aesthetics. By integrating race-inspired engineering with distinctive Mopar styling, the Challenger T/A stands as a highly sought-after symbol of muscle car creativity and motorsport legacy.
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Coupe epitomized the straightforward muscle car spirit, offering robust power and striking design at a reasonable cost. Known for its iconic “beep beep” horn and cartoon-themed badges, it added a taste of humor to its serious driving capabilities, typically equipped with a 383 cubic-inch V8 engine, although it could be outfitted with the famed 426 HEMI. That year’s model received an updated appearance featuring a more defined front end, loop bumper, and vivid color choices such as Lemon Twist and Tor Red. Designed for high-speed straight-line travel, this coupe included a rugged suspension system and a simple interior, embodying its purpose as a street-ready powerhouse for those mindful of their budget.
The 2017 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible masterfully blends the opulence of a grand-touring vehicle with the performance of a supercar. It features a powerful 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, producing an impressive 633 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque. This combination allows for rapid acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds and reaches a top speed close to 205 mph. Despite its high-performance capabilities, it maintains the quiet elegance and luxurious interior that Bentley is celebrated for, offering plush leather, fine wood finishes, and extensive customization options.
The Speed version enhances this luxury experience with sporty suspension settings (10 mm lower at the front and 15 mm at the rear), more robust braking systems (including optional carbon-ceramic discs), and subtle design elements reflecting its dynamic nature. Equipped with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a convertible top usable up to about 30 mph, the GTC Speed provides thrilling power within a refined open-air setting, embodying true spirit of Bentley.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger SE Convertible merged luxury with power in a captivating open-top design, marking the launch year of Dodge’s legendary pony car. Offering enhancements over the base model, the SE version included upscale features such as a vinyl roof (a unique feature for convertibles), leather-trimmed seating, an overhead console, and exclusive SE badges. A variety of potent engines were available, ranging from the dependable 225 Slant-Six to the powerful 426 HEMI V8, providing buyers with diverse performance options. Produced in limited quantities, this convertible stands as a classic example of Mopar engineering and performance.
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is a lasting symbol of classic American car design, easily identified by its unique look and lively appearance. This vintage model features unmistakable tailfins, a broad chrome grille, and typically showcases a two-tone paint job that highlights its elegant contours. Drivers could choose from several engines, including the well-known “Turbo-Fire” V8, which delivered strong performance for its time. Beyond being merely a vehicle, the ’57 Bel Air Convertible captures the hopeful spirit and economic growth characteristic of post-war America. While the peak of the market for 50s-era American cars has long since passed, the ’57 Bel Air Convertible still holds a place in the hearts of many enthusiasts.