States are implementing phases for opening businesses back up, and that has some auction companies back in the office getting to work.
According to Jason McCormick of McCormick’s Classic Car Auctions in California, “We have been classed as an ‘essential business’ by the City of Palm Springs and Riverside County, and will return to full time operation with all staff on Monday May 11. We will be operating under all CDC guidelines to protect you and our staff. We were amazed that we sold a few cars during the shutdown from our website which confirmed Americans love their cars. We believe there is a lot of pent up demand for things that bring joy to us and buying and selling classic cars sure does that. The Convention Center have recently signed contracts with us to conduct our November and February auction events on our usual dates, which is a very good sign of their faith in us to conduct safe events.”
Mecum announced last week that they were once again moving their Spring Classic sale further down in the year, now to July 10–18.
From their press release: “After reviewing Governor Eric Holcomb’s recent release of Indiana’s ‘Back on Track’ plan, Mecum has rescheduled Dana Mecum’s 33rd Original Spring Classic for July 10–18, 2020, which will position the auction safely beyond the state’s plan for achieving a status of ‘fully open’ across the board. In addition, Mecum has expanded the event to span nine auction days, providing the opportunity for 2,500 consignments to join what is destined to become an epic return to live collector-car auctions. At-auction bidders are encouraged to preregister in advance to help determine the level of need for PPE and to accurately prepare for proper social distancing as deemed necessary at the time of the event. While Mecum invites everyone to be present at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, those unable to attend and bid in-person are encouraged to register for telephone and internet bidding, which allow for convenient bidding from the comfort of home.”
Before the pandemic shut down most of the country, the sale was scheduled for May 12–17. It then shifted to the last weekend in June, and now to mid-July. Along the way, a few days were added, and now the event will last an incredible nine days. Take a run through the featured-car list; it’s an incredible lineup, starting with what they’re calling the “Ultimate L88.”
That move makes it a busy weekend for the company, as their Denver sale is still scheduled to run July 10–12.
Lucky Collector Car Auctions also has news. Their 2020 Spring Classic auction set for May 30–31 will go on as scheduled, just without the in-person part. Online (via Proxibid) and over-the-phone bidding is the name of the game. Consignments are added daily, as I check the list on their website.
So, things are moving in the collector-car world. Be sure to check your travel plans for refunds or change-date policies, just in case re-opening doesn’t go according to plan. We’ll see how it all shakes out when hammer time comes.
Stay safe and keeping washing your hands.