Mecum Kissimmee 2025
The 2025 collector car auction season will get underway next month in Kissimmee, starting January 7 and running through January 19, 2025 – right when the auctions get going in Scottsdale, so there won’t be much, if any, downtime for us next month! The first two volumes of the digital catalogs for Kissimmee 2025 are available here: Volume 1 and Volume 2.
More than 4,500 vehicles are expected to cross the auction block for Mecum in Kissimmee so there is sure to be something for everyone’s tastes. We’re going to take a look at some great collector Mustangs, but newer than some might expect. We’ll kick things off with a low-mileage car from 1986 and move up from there!
Back in 1986, Ford decided to spice up the Mustang with the SVO model. This wasn’t just about raw power; they aimed to make it a truly enjoyable car to drive, balancing performance with refinement.
Under the hood, you’d find a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out a respectable 200 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the wheels. What really set it apart visually were the functional hood scoop, the unique bi-level rear spoiler, and those distinctive quad headlights.
Ford didn’t just focus on the engine; they upgraded the suspension and brakes, making sure it handled like a dream. This departure from the typical V8 Mustangs appealed to drivers who wanted performance with a modern, sporty feel.
In 1993, Ford created a truly special Mustang called the SVT Cobra R. This wasn’t just any Mustang; it was built by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team specifically for drivers who craved serious speed and performance. Under the hood, you’d find a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine churning out 235 horsepower and a hefty 280 lb-ft of torque.
But Ford didn’t stop there. They gave the Cobra R serious upgrades to handle all that power. Think a tougher suspension system, bigger brakes, and a reinforced chassis built to withstand the rigors of the track. To shed unnecessary weight, they even removed creature comforts like air conditioning and rear seats.
Only 107 Cobra Rs were ever made, making it incredibly rare and a highly coveted piece of Mustang history for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R was a special, high-performance version of the Mustang, built in very small quantities by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team. Engineered for speed and track use, it boasted a powerful 5.8-liter V8 that generated 300 horsepower and a hefty 365 lb-ft of torque. This muscle was channeled through a standard 5-speed manual transmission.
The Cobra R went beyond just raw power, though. It had a seriously upgraded suspension setup and larger brakes to handle the extra performance. To save weight and improve handling, it came equipped with a fuel cell and lightweight 17-inch wheels. Ford even stripped out unnecessary comforts like air conditioning, a radio, rear seats, and sound insulation to keep things as light as possible.
With only 250 units ever made, the 1995 Cobra R was a stripped-down, no-frills performance machine built specifically for serious track enthusiasts. It represented the ultimate expression of a Mustang built purely for speed and handling.
The 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R wasn’t just any Mustang; it was built for pure performance on the racetrack. Forget comfort, this car was all about raw power and exclusivity. Under the hood sat a powerful 5.4-liter V8 engine, churning out a serious 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Shifting gears was a precise 6-speed manual transmission, and the suspension was seriously upgraded to handle like a dream. Aggressive aerodynamic features, like a big rear wing and a front splitter, kept it planted at high speeds. To shed every unnecessary pound, they even removed luxuries like air conditioning, a radio, and even the rear seats. The Cobra R was a true driver’s car, and with only 300 ever made, it’s a highly sought-after piece of Mustang legend.
In 2007, Ford teamed up with Saleen to create a special Mustang honoring the famous racer Parnelli Jones. This limited edition muscle car, built on the Mustang GT platform, boasts a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 engine capable of generating 400 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission.
What sets this car apart visually are its unique Parnelli Jones livery and racing stripes reminiscent of classic racing designs, along with special badging that proudly announces its heritage. Beyond its looks, the Saleen Parnelli Jones packs a performance punch with upgraded suspension components, high-performance tires, and a sporty exhaust system designed to enhance its handling and overall driving experience. This tribute to American muscle car history was produced in a limited run of just 500 units, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.