Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Dana Mecum 2010 Original Spring Classic Auction to Feature The Ray Skillman Collection

Major Indianapolis Collector Selling 70 Muscle, Classic Cars from 1950s, 60s and 70s

Marengo, IL – Ray Skillman, one of the Indianapolis-area’s largest and longest-operating automobile retailers, has chosen Dana Mecum’s 23rd Original Spring Classic Auction, held May 19-23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, to sell 70 vehicles from his impressive collection of 1950s, ’60sand ’70s American muscle and classic cars.

“As a friend and fellow car enthusiast, Dana and his friendly staff are an ideal team to help me adjust my collection, and their auctions offer a fun, welcoming environment for both buyers and sellers,” said Owner Ray Skillman.

Ray Skillman has been building his collection for more than 20 years, and almost every car has undergone an exacting nut-and-bolt restoration by expert craftsmen. Ray Skillman Collector Car Sales has about 175 vehicles on display at its 65,000-square-foot climate controlled facility located behind his Ford dealership in Greenwood, Ind. In addition to the collector cars, the showroom features Sprint cars driven by A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti, as well as 1950s and ’60s memorabilia, including restored gas pumps, Coca Cola items, and multiple neon signs and displays.

Among the vehicles going up for sale is an exceptional factory original 1969 Mustang Mach 1 Ram Air 428 Cobra Jet (Lot S176). As one of only 28 built, this rare Mach 1 was a poster car for the Sta-Fast Tape Company and cover car of the May 2007 issue of Hemming’s Muscle Machine magazine. Raven black with Red striping, the vehicle is backed by strong documentation that includes the factory build sheet, window sticker, and the original owner’s card and manual.

Mecum will also auction a Rally Red 1970 Hemi Cuda with less than 35,000 miles (Lot S189) and a fully restored 427/425 HP 1966 Corvette Coupe (Lot S226) from Skillman’s collection.

“Our flagship Spring Classic Auction is a great showplace for Ray Skillman’s rare classic cars to connect with buyers, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer his collection to Mecum customers around the world,” said President Dana Mecum.

The Original Spring Classic Auction features more than 1,750 vehicles and a variety of collectible neon signs and automobilia up for bid. To view a complete list, visit www.Mecum.com. The auction, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, will be broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content. It will take place in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion, with tickets available at the door for $15.

In addition to the Ray Skillman Collection, Mecum will auction the collections of Scott Bayrach, Kurt Carlson, Ray Claridge of Cinema Vehicle Services, Don Davis, Robert Lozins, Richard V. Munz and William Ockerlund at its upcoming event.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 23 years, now offering an industry-leading 5,000 collector cars per year. Consignment, bidder and event information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.