Mecum Auctions’ summer event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, consistently draws attention for its focus on classic muscle cars. This year’s event, held from July 24-27, featured over 1,300 lots, making it a must-watch for collectors.
Among the highlights were a few standout vehicles we had our eyes on before the auction. The 1973 Pontiac GTO, with its unique colonnade-style A-body design, fetched $30,800, slightly above its $27,800 Hagerty valuation. The immaculate 1986 Ford Mustang we admired sold for $31,900. However, the 1957 Studebaker Gold Hawk Custom Roadster failed to meet its reserve, with a high bid of $40,000.
When it comes to big-ticket sales, iconic 1960s classics typically steal the show, and this auction was no exception. The top 10 muscle cars that crossed the block included three 1969 Camaros, two Pontiac GTOs, two Plymouths, a Dodge, a Mercury, and a Shelby Mustang. The 1964 Pontiac GTO Convertible, valued at $103,000 by Hagerty, sold for $106,700, while a 1968 Plymouth Hemi Road Runner, despite being worth $155,000, was a steal at $110,000. Similarly, a rare 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E, valued at $188,000, sold for $110,000.
However, a 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro, one of only 822 built with the 427ci/425-hp COPO 9561 option, sold for $137,500, well below its $235,000 Hagerty valuation. The top seller, a 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, fetched $264,000, reflecting the premium that Hemi-powered Chrysler E-Bodies command. This auction underscored the enduring appeal of well-documented, rare muscle cars and highlighted how savvy buyers can find excellent value in the current market.