Muscle Cars in Kansas City
Mecum Auctions will hold their final sale of 2024 next month in Kansas City and is expected to have nearly 700 cars crossing the auction block. As January approaches and the upcoming showcase of exotics in Scottsdale is just around the corner, it feels right to preview some of the classic American muscle cars that Mecum will offer in Kansas City at the Kansas City Convention Center December 5-7, 2024.
Ford introduced the Mach 1 variant of the Mustang for the 1969 model year, a push to maintain Ford’s dominance in the muscle car market. The 1970 Mach 1 came with an updated design, which included a redesigned grille with a “shark nose” aesthetic, dual headlights, and more prominent side scoops for a sportier look. Under the hood, it offered a variety of potent engines, with the renowned 428 Cobra Jet V8 standing out due to its ability to deliver immense speed and torque.
In addition to its stylish exterior, the Mach 1 boasted performance-oriented features such as upgraded suspension, front and rear spoilers, and unique Mach 1 badging. These elements underscored its status as a symbol of the muscle car era, combining aggressive aesthetics with track-ready performance.
This matching-numbers example being offered in Kansas City by Mecum is a Twister Special, one of only 24 Mach 1 Twister Specials equipped with the Super Cobra Jet V8 and an automatic transmission. It’s equipped with power brakes with front discs and a competition suspension and includes a build sheet, shipping invoices, purchase order, and a Marti Report.
The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible marked a standout year for the second-generation “C2” Corvette, celebrated for its sleek design and impressive performance. This model continued the refinement of the Sting Ray introduced in 1963, featuring subtle styling updates like an egg-crate grille and revised emblems. Under the hood, the 1966 Corvette offered a range of powerful engines, including the 427 cubic-inch big-block V8, which delivered up to 425 horsepower, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
The example set to be offered by Mecum in Kansas City next month is equipped with the 427 cubic inch TurboJet V8 that produces 390 horsepower and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. It benefits from a frame-off restoration completed by the owner who has kept the car since 1978. It presents very well and includes NCRS documentation.
The 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe represented a pivotal moment in the Camaro’s history as Chevrolet responded to changing automotive trends and increasing emissions regulations. The Z28, a performance-oriented trim, gained renewed attention with aerodynamic styling updates, including a bold front-end design, integrated spoilers, and distinctive Z28 graphics.
Powered by a 350 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 185 horsepower, the Z28 offered strong performance for its time, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension and wider tires for improved handling. The 1978 model also marked the Camaro’s growing popularity during the late 1970s, cementing its status as a symbol of affordable performance in the face of rising fuel economy concerns.
The example that will be offered by Mecum in Kansas City is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and is a matching-numbers car. While it lacks horsepower, it does pretty well in terms of torque. It features color-keyed alloy wheels.
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the muscle car era, the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 had become a standalone performance model. The W-30 option package featured a 455 cubic inch V8 with a conservative rating of 370 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque along with a fiberglass hood, aluminum intake manifold, and a performance-tuned suspension.
The 442 that will be offered for sale by Mecum in Kansas City next month benefits from a frame-off restoration and is equipped with its matching-numbers V8. The engine is paired with the Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission and the car includes 2 build sheets, the new vehicle warranty, and its Protect-O-Plate.
The 1969 AMC AMX was a groundbreaking muscle car that set itself apart by being a true two-seater, a rarity among American performance cars of the time. Introduced in 1968 by American Motors Corporation, the AMX was designed to compete with the Corvette and other muscle cars, blending power and compact design.
The 1969 model featured minor styling updates, including revised grille and taillight designs, while maintaining its aggressive stance and sleek lines. Under the hood, it offered a range of V8 engines, with the 390 cubic-inch engine delivering up to 315 horsepower, providing impressive speed and acceleration.
The example that will be offered by Mecum in Kansas City is equipped with a 390 cubic inch V8 that is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. It features power steering and power disc brakes. This AMX benefits from a restoration that includes a reproduction interior. It’s one of only 3,620 that were built with this engine and transmission and equipped with the Go Pack.