Major Excitement – Dodge Challenger

The new Dodge Challenger, Hemi powered is for real. This car has created the most amount of excitement coming out of Detroit in years. Chrysler LLC unveiled the car this week at both the Chicago and Philadelphia auto shows. The cars shown at both shows are actual production vehicles and not concepts. First reports in are that people have jammed the areas where the cars have been displayed.

Dodge spokesmen say so far, more than 8,000 orders have been taken for a limited number of the 6.1 liter Hemi powered SRT 8 Challengers. The new car is expected to be available in dealer showroom sin two months. Published photos easily exhibit the many styling features borrowed from the popular original 1970 model. Among them, the grille, flip-open gasoline cap, and the exhaust tips. Although the tips resemble more the Cuda style, they are nevertheless stunning.

The new cars are already selling for upwards of $60,000 on the Internet, and one of the first was sold recently at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale for $400,000. All of those proceeds went to charity.

Steve’s Comments-
Ford and GM had better try harder. The Challenger excites would be buyers. They can actually see themselves owning one. The evidence of enthusiasm is well demonstrated by the $60, 000 prices being closed on the Internet and the way-out in left field Barrett-Jackson winning charity bid of $400,000 for one. Although the new Shelby Mustangs and the soon to be available new Camaro are exciting, it seems hard to imagine the same kind of fervor the Challenger has already shown.

$15.2 Million Mecum Collector Car Auction Success

Marengo, IL. February 4, 2008 – The Mecum Auction Company, with corporate headquarters located in Marengo, Illinois, is in their 21st year of selling collector cars, specializing in Muscle cars and Corvettes. CEO Dana Mecum, when asked about the 2008 Kissimmee, FL auction said “Bidder, consignor and spectator spirit and enthusiasm was high, and although there was worry, action was not dampened by rainy weather.” “A 60% auction is a good indicator that the collector car market beats to its own drum while other markets and industries are currently adjusting to the recent fluctuation of stocks and oil prices.” Mecum sold $15.2 million worth of Muscle cars and Corvettes during its 3-day car auction in Kissimmee, Florida at Osceola Heritage Park. A total of 778 vehicles were offered with 445 cars selling under the hammer January 24-26, 2008. Mecum remarked, “This year, we did not offer $1 million-$1.5 million vehicles as during our 2007 Kissimmee sale yet we still sold $15.2 million worth of Muscle and Corvettes. This shows Mecum’s ability to bring quality cars and strong buyers together in the Southeast sector of the United States.” Top sales for this auction include: A 1953 Corvette ($238,000.00), a 1965 Chevelle Z16 ($227,000.00), a 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible ($188,000.00) and a 1968 Shelby GT 500KR ($155,000.00).

Mecum observed “The top ten sellers at the Kissimmee auction were notably across the board in make and model. GM, Chrysler and Ford were all strong contenders on the auction block.” “We truly enjoy sales of this nature which represent a perfect cross-section of car enthusiasts and we are thrilled to offer a broad mix that satisfies every one of them.” Collector cars purchased at the Mecum sale represent bidders from around the world. A 1966 Mustang and a 1965 Cobra replica are on their way to Norway and many other cars are being transported to new owners in Canada.

In spring of 2008, Mecum will offer live auction coverage in HD TV on a major cable network and also offer their 50,000th car for sale at auction.