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The Mecum Collector Car Auction at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City, Mo.While I was there checking out the great cars and taking pictures, my wife bought my son a "Kids Rule" CD. Right now, as I write this, an extraordinarily annoying version of "Cotton-Eyed Joe" is blaring behind me. I've heard the CD a couple of times in the house now, and twice in the car.
I'm having a hard time concentrating long enough to finish a sentjump jump jump like ya' goin' crazy. Huh? Oh yeah, the auction.
Mecum has been holding auctions in the Kansas City area for many years, but this is likely the most impressive in recent history. Some 400 cars were on-hand looking for new owners, and the quality of vehicles was higher than ever.
Bartle Hall made a great venue for the auction as well. There was plenty of room for all of the for sale and sold cars, and they had the entrance in the lobby of the building instead of down that long hallway like they usually force you to use. If you're familiar with Bartle Hall, you know what I'm talking about--this was a big plus. And the cars looked great under the lights in there, although taking clear pictures was a bit of a challenge.
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta.
The star of the show had to be the '53 Oldsmobile Fiesta. Only 458 of these cars were built, so it isn't like you have the chance to see them everyday. This car was ridiculously stunning. Finished in orange and white, with a luxurious matching leather interior, it was absolutely the highlight of the show. It was bid to $142,500, but didn't sell. That seems like a lot of money, until you put it in context. Lots of cars bring big money--old Camaros, 'Cudas, Chevelles--but even the rarest, most desirable examples of those cars weren't as exclusive and expensive as this Fiesta when they were new. "Magnificent" seems like a silly word, but this car really was magnificent. Look for a feature article on this car in an upcoming Examiner entry.
source: examiner
