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RideTech Mecum Auction Update!


RideTech Mecum Auction Update!
(Words and photos by Bret Voelkel) – 
 

 Ridetech Update  2

The Ridetech crew is at the Mecum Auction selling our 1967 Chevelle SS. Bret Voelkel, president of Ridetech, sent in his second report from the Mecum auction this afternoon:“I’ve been to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale several times…that is one fun event, I don’t care who you are! This is my first Mecum event. Although the crowd is possibly a bit smaller here, they definitely mean business! I think a significant portion of the crowd at Barrett is there for the social aspect, the Mecum crowd is here to buy cars.

Interest in the Chevelle is very high. I’ve already had 2 people ask the most important question: “where will you and the car be after it crosses the auction block?”…implying that if it does not meet reserve they want to see what it will really take to buy the car. I’m good with that!

Lots of Firebirds and Trans Ams here. Lots of Corvettes and Camaros as well, of course.  Nice ones. Rare ones. Some are even both. 🙂 Of course with 2000 cars here, there’s lots of everything!

It’s interesting that many of the cars are unattended, at least so far. If I were in the market for a car I would like to talk to someone about it. I would also expect it to be kept clean. Apparently a large number of car owners do not share my opinion! Ty and I have hung around the car cleaning and chatting up fellow hotrodders and potential buyers all week. To me it’s not what I have to do, it’s what I GET to do!

It’s also interesting to see some cars that have obviously been quickly assembled to flip at the auction. They’re not hard to spot…buffing compound in the crevasses, lots of flat black paint underneath, a set of cheap shiney 18″ or 20″ wheels, and gloss black drum brakes. I have nothing against these cars at all…they make great starting points for serious Hotrod projects.

The prices in general seem robust. There is no “stupid” money being spent (at least not yet…), but almost every car is hitting it’s reserve and selling. I’m encouraged not only for the Chevelle in particular, but the health of our industry in general.

Well, it’s time to go talk to some more hotrodders. Make sure you watch tonite around 8:30 est on Velocity…and bid high and often!

And by the way… I LOVE my job!

As usual I’ve got my eye on a couple cars. The problem is, the cars I can afford will sell on Wednesday (before the Chevelle). The cars I WANT sell on Friday and Saturday (and will likely be beyond my pocketbook). I’ve been casually snooping around for a 33-34 Ford, or a 35-40 Ford coupe. I want a really nice steel car that is finished so all I have to do is maybe some suspension work. After the Chevelle sells I can ramp up my efforts for one of those. There are a couple here selling on Friday, so we’ll see!”

– Bret Voelkel

Pictures from the event:


Florida is where all the old pro street cars go to retire!


Like I said…LOTS of Formulas and Trans Ams.


You guys know I’m a sucker for Boss 429 Mustangs. This one is near perfect.


Looks like a used car lot from 1973!


Not a great picture, but it is a great car.


Lots of 55-57 Chevy action too…


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One thought on “RideTech Mecum Auction Update!

  1. 70chevyC-10

    Thanks for posting stuff and giving us a feel for being there Bret – have fun and don’t forget to stimulate the local economy !

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