Mecum Indy 2025 - Previewing Major Cars
Mecum‘s 38th Spring Classic auction is occurring in Indianapolis, IN through May 17, having started on May 9. The past four years have seen sales greater than $100 million and this year is shaping up to be as impressive as the previous. An estimated 3,000 vehicles will cross the block by the end of the day on May 17, which happens to be the day we’re most excited to watch with a truly impressive lineup of cars queued up. We’re going to review a few of them now.
The 1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro is one of just 201 produced for that year, making it a standout example among enthusiasts. This unrestored model retains much of its original paint and interior features, boasting only 19,762 miles on the odometer. It is identified as Yenko Stock No. 9291 and was originally invoiced to Francis Chevrolet on February 26, 1969.
This car showcases Hugger Orange with an X66 trim code, indicating a base vehicle equipped with SS396 specifications, which includes front and rear spoilers and a standard black interior featuring SYC headrest insignia. The engine remains in excellent condition, being the original matching-numbers COPO 9561 L72 427/425 HP engine, along with the original exhaust system, two original tires, and an unused spare tire.
Comprehensive documentation supports its provenance, including a DMV copy of the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin from Yenko Chevrolet, entries in the Yenko Inventory sheets, and maintenance records by Yenko expert Vince Emme. Additionally, this Camaro combines the drivetrain from the 9561 package with the COPO 9737 Sports Car Conversion, making it the best of both worlds.
The 1965 Ford GT/109 Competition Prototype Roadster is an extraordinary and significant artifact in the history of automobiles. It holds a unique distinction as the only Ford GT Roadster to compete in the challenging 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Its origin is unparalleled, having been initially built as a competition prototype before being entrusted to Shelby American for preparation. Decked out with the distinctive racing colors of Ford of France, it competed on the renowned Le Mans track in 1965 under the skilled hands of French drivers Maurice Trintignant and Guy Ligier. That alone establishes its importance in motorsport history, marking an early part of Ford’s celebrated GT racing tradition.
Beyond its Le Mans debut, GT/109 played a pivotal role in further developments. After enduring the rigorous demands of the world’s most famous endurance race, this remarkable vehicle became integral to the J-Car project, which led to Ford’s future triumphs at Le Mans. In 1968, prominent custom car builder Dean Jeffries acquired this historically rich automobile. Acknowledging its significance, Jeffries oversaw a thorough restoration, bringing the car back to its original appearance from the 1965 Le Mans event. Today, showcased in its iconic white paint job with a contrasting blue interior, powered by a robust 289 cubic inch V8 engine linked to a 5-speed manual transmission, the 1965 Ford GT/109 remains a tangible connection to a crucial period in automotive innovation and racing achievement.
The 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster, which will be featured in the Indy 2025 auction, stands out as a unique vehicle. This Roadster is among around 155 street Cobras fitted with an authentic 427 engine and one of just 100 featuring factory dual-quad carburetors. It has been owned by only two private owners since 1966, maintaining its original aluminum body and chassis without modifications. The car boasts a 427 cubic inch V8 engine, a 4-speed manual transmission, and has covered just 14,672 miles according to the odometer.
Recently, Legendary Motorcar Company undertook a comprehensive restoration to concours standards, restoring the car’s original red exterior and black interior. The original leather seats have been preserved, and it comes complete with a soft top, tool roll, grease gun, jack, and manuals. Its history is recorded in the Shelby Registry, emphasizing its excellent condition and authenticity.
The 1969 Dodge Hemi Charger 500 was engineered to enhance the regular Charger’s aerodynamics for NASCAR competitions. Dodge made alterations by embedding a Coronet front grille flush into the car and redesigning the rear window. Of these cars, only 67 were built, with just 27 equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission.
Under the hood lies a powerful 426/425 HP Hemi V8 engine that boasts dual 4-barrel carburetors and hemispherical cylinder heads. It also comes equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission and includes the A34 Super Track Pak, which offers a Dana 60 Sure Grip rear end with 4.10 gearing. The Charger 500 interior typically features bucket seats, a center console, and a woodgrain-knob shifter.
This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS6 Convertible is a unique and significant piece of American muscle car history. Among the approximately 50 convertibles equipped with the renowned LS6 454 cubic inch big-block V8 engine, it holds a cherished position for Corvette aficionados. This specific model boasts a vibrant Sunflower Yellow exterior paired with a Saddle interior, along with both a white soft top and a black auxiliary hardtop. It was produced on May 10, 1971, and delivered to a dealership in New Hampshire. Impressively, it remains unaltered since its original use, maintaining its original mileage of 33,156 miles after being carefully preserved by its previous owner for over three decades.
Underneath the hood sits the matching-numbers LS6 engine, originally rated at 425 horsepower, complemented by the sought-after Muncie M22 4-speed manual transmission. Its authenticity and appeal are further enhanced by features such as transistorized ignition and A.I.R. emissions equipment, an AM/FM radio, and tinted glass. Accompanying this remarkable Corvette is extensive documentation including the coveted tank sticker (Corvette Order Copy), an NCRS Shipping Data Report, a comprehensive ownership record from 1973, and a CCAS cylinder case/engine pad certificate. To highlight its outstanding condition and importance within the Corvette community, it also includes a 2021 Bloomington Gold Collection certificate.