Top Sales Results from Mecum's Kissimmee 2024 Auction
More than 4,000 vehicles crossed the block at Mecum‘s 2024 Kissimmee auction. As expected some significant cars were on hand and a few of the top sellers can trace their history back to the heyday of Ford and Ferrari competing at Le Mans. Although it didn’t crack the Top Ten sales, an honorable mention has to go to the 1948 Tucker 48, one of only four examples finished in black. Italian cars certainly impressed in Kissimmee with four of the top sales coming from Ferrari.
The dream car of Gen Xers as well as their parents, this was the very last Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder built out of the 55 that were produced between 1960 and 1963. Equipped with a 3.0L V12 engine that produced 276 horsepower with a body that weighed just 2,200 lbs, the SWB version of the California Spyder was everything a Ferrari was expected to be. The car offered by Mecum was a matching-numbers example with known ownership history from new. It was even selected by Ferrari themselves to introduce the California T in 2014. This was a very strong price but it’s a rarity to see one of these at auction, let alone one in such pristine condition.
Sold for $17,875,000
The Ford GT40 was the car built in response to Enzo Ferrari not wanting to sell his namesake to Ford and it is the stuff legends are made of. Ford beat Ferrari at Le Mans with the GT40 and went on to take victory four years in a row. The less well-known version of the GT40 is the one offered by Mecum, the street legal edition. Some modifications were made to the car to allow for a more drivable experience compared to a track-only version, but at its core it’s still the car that beat Maranello. The one offered by Mecum included its original build sheet and has a well-documented ownership history. While this was a strong result for the seller, the new owner should consider themselves fortunate to join the very small circle of GT40 Road Car owners.
Sold for $6,930,000
The Ferrari Enzo is a mid-engine sports car named after the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was produced from 2002 to 2004, with only 400 units made. The Enzo is one of the most powerful and expensive Ferrari models ever built, featuring a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 651 horsepower and a top speed of 350 km/h. The Enzo’s design was inspired by Formula One racing cars, with a carbon-fiber body, a rear spoiler, and a low-slung profile. The one sold by Mecum is one of six finished in Grigio Titanio and is Ferrari Classiche certified. This was a strong price for a car that will undoubtedly increase in value in the coming years.
Sold for $4,510,000
Just 23 original factory 427 Competition Cobras were built by Shelby and the one offered by Mecum notably retains its original bodywork and chassis, not something that can be said of too many other race cars from that era. It won the 1966 Ilford Films 500 at Brands Hatch at the hands of David Piper and Bob Bondurant, marking the one and only truly significant race win in Europe for the Shelby 427 Cobra. This car was restored by our friends at Legendary Motorcar Company and even made an appearance on Dream Car Garage circa 2007. It was converted to right-hand-drive at one point, but subsequently converted back to its factory configuration. It was a solid price for both the seller and buyer, a worthwhile investment in a car that won’t be any easier to find with each passing year.
Sold for $4,180,000
Produced from 1987 through 1992, the Ferrari F40 was the last car designed fully under the leadership of Enzo Ferrari. It was named the F40 as a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the team from Maranello and built off the 288 GTO that was never raced following the abrupt cancellation of the FIA’s Group B rally series. Powered by a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V8, it was capable of reaching nearly 200 mph. Due in part to its race-inspired origins the F40 was not a luxury car by any means, but it was fast and it was the poster car enthusiasts aspired to own all around the world. The on offered by Mecum was one of 22 U.S. specification cars built in 1992 and received multiple awards at Cavallino in 2021. It’s Classiche Certified and had just three owners prior to the auction.
Sold for $3,410,000
A rarity even by Ferrari standards, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta earned its “Tour de France” name with a remarkable record against other GT race cars of its era. Powered by a 3.0L V12 the 250 GT Berlinetta was a match for anything else on track in its time. The example offered by Mecum is Ferrari Classiche certified following a no-expense-spared restoration by Ferrari Classiche in 2012. It retains its original four-speed transmission and is equipped with a type-correct engine. It includes plenty of documentation from previous owners as well as a tool roll and the always desired Red Book. For a car that lost its original bodywork following a crash in 1961, it doesn’t get any better than being restored by Ferrari themselves. This car was well-bought by the new owner, ideally with the intention of returning it to historic racing.
Sold for $2,805,000
Rare to see one of these at auction, but this was a pair of cars together as one lot. It included the first production Corvette equipped with the L88 engine that was also the only L88 convertible finished in Tuxedo Black along with a 1969 Corvette Coupe that was the last one produced with the L88 on December 4, 1969. The L88 engine featured an increased compression ratio, larger carburetor, and aluminum pistons. When selecting the L88 option, some standard equipment was removed – or rather, never installed – such as the radio and air conditioning. Officially rated at 430 horsepower, in reality the L88 was capable of significantly more than 500 horsepower and earned its place as a legend amongst Corvette collectors. This was a very high price tag for these two cars, but considering them as the single lot that they were makes more sense. Simply put, this was the only time the buyer would be able to get their hands on these two specific cars.
Sold for $2,585,000
This stunning 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible is one of just 14 produced for 1970 and is finished in Lemon Twist with a wonderful tan interior. It’s powered by the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 and delivers 425 horsepower through a three-speed automatic transmission that features the Slap Stik shifter. It’s particularly notable as one of just three that were built for export to Canada. It’s a known entity in the world of classic muscle cars and benefits from a complete restoration by Legendary Motorcar Company. It rides on painted steel wheels that help complete the look of this phenomenal car. It sold for a strong price, but not enough to call it well-sold or well-bought – it seems to be a deal both parties can walk away from happy.
Sold for $2,145,000
This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was purchased new in 1957 by Raymond F. Corley of Toronto and remained in the same family until 2006. It retains its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, everything. It benefits from a spare-no-cost restoration completed by RM Auto Restoration. It even includes red leather seat inserts, should the period-correct red plaid ones not be to the new owner’s liking. There was a period of time during which prices for 300SL Roadsters were approaching and even exceeding those of the Gullwing, but this car seems to set things right again. It’s tough to call this well-sold or well-bought, but neither the seller nor the buyer should have any complaints following this transaction.
Sold for $2,035,000
This is one of 292 examples of the 959 produced by Porsche and started its life in France. It shows 14,686 miles on its odometer, proving that it has been driven but not to excess. This is a matching-numbers example of the rarest and, arguably most desirable supercar of its day. Plenty of documentation is included such as owner’s manuals, the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, importation documents, and binders full of service records. It received a Certificate of Conformance in 2007, making it smog legal to be registered in California. Around the same time it also received a “Stage One” upgrade that increased its output to 600 horsepower. This 959 Komfort seems to have been well-sold, coming in around the upper range of RM Sotheby’s estimate for the 959 Komfort they will be selling in Scottsdale.
Sold for $1,870,000