Las Vegas — An estimated 1,000 vehicles crossed the auction block at the 2022 Mecum auctions in Las Vegas. Those were made up of American muscle cars, classics, exotics, trucks, hot rods, customs and motorcycles.
Here are some of the most expensive vehicles sold: A 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series with a bi-turbo, 4.0-liter AMG engine producing 720 horsepower. It features black Nappa leather and orange stitching with Magnabeam Orange paint on the exterior. The vehicle sold for $462,000 on Saturday.
A 1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL sold for $220,000. It features a big block V8 engine with a four-speed manual transmission. This vehicle was one of only 72 427/4-speed R-code Fairlanes built in the year 1967. The Fairlane has only 31,000 miles on it.
Car enthusiasts were able to place bids on just about every make and model of car truck and SUV at the Mecum auction. I spoke to some car enthusiasts who already bought a car and some who are still looking for one.
“It’s great, lots of cars, it’s fun,” said Peter Hogeness and Crystal Coleman from Vista, Calif. “I love it, it’s just like the TV. I bought a 2006 Chrysler Crossfire limited edition. It’s the car that I always wanted. I like foreign cars, interesting looking cars, British cars.”
Some of the cars being auctioned were formerly owned by celebrities. Among those is a 1971 Stutz Blackhawk that was once owned by Elvis Presley. It features a V8 engine and automatic transmission and only has 31,856 miles on it. The vehicle was detailed by the legendary George Harris. It sold on Saturday for $297,000.
Just a few spots away was a 1933 Packard 12 sedan limousine once owned by Bugsy Siegel. He was an American monster who founded the Flamingo Casino and is credited as one of the visionaries for the Las Vegas strip.
Another star car is a 1967 Ford Mustang custom licensed Eleanor tribute edition. It comes equipped with a V8 engine built by Wayne’s engines in Riverside, Calif. The car was sold with the “Gone in 60 Seconds” movie poster and autographed photos by the cast.
“This is our very first experience at the auction so we’re excited about it,” said Abe and Noah Ashton from St. George, Utah. “It’s high energy and very fast pace. It’s interesting how quickly they get the cars over the block. You’ve got to know what you want otherwise you’re going to miss an opportunity. It’s cool to see these cars in one place, a bunch of rare cars. We’re Corvette people on the Chevrolet side and Bronco people on the Ford side. We’re open to anything particularly I like some cars in the 1950s.”
Dodge showed off a new Charger muscle car on the show floor. The 2023 model will be the last for the internal combustion engine as it will switch to electric in 2024.
There was also road art on the auction block. That included automotive themed signs and toy cars. A Curing Kids Cancer sign was sold for $11,800. Other road art sold include a 1930s Ford body, fenders, running boards and hood for $10,030 and a Tydol porcelain sign for $7,080.
A Fender Squire Stratocaster guitar autographed by all six MotorTrend TV Announcers: John Kraman, Scott Hoke, Katie Osborn, Chris Jacobs, Bill Stephens and Steven Cox, was sold for $3,540. All proceeds from the guitar will benefit Curing Kids Cancer foundation.
A 1970 Volkswagen Type II bus drew lots of attention. It features a new functioning sink, refrigerator and cooktop. On the outside it has new roof racks, new tires and a sliding sunroof. It sold for $74,800 on Friday.
In addition to passenger vehicles, there was a 2006 B&H 30-foot, Monopoly-themed boat. It was sold with its yellow trailer for $25,000 on Friday.
Next up: The Mecum Auction heads to Kansas City on Dec. 1 – 3, 2022 and Kissimmee, FL on Jan. 4 – 15, 2023. Then, the Mecum Vintage & Antique Motorcycle auction will take place at the South Point Hotel & Casino on Jan. 24 – 28, 2023. For tickets and more info, go to https://www.mecum.com
Attendees at the 2022 Mecum Auctions in Las Vegas 
1967 Ford Mustang custom licensed Eleanor tribute edition 
The car was autographed by Carroll Shelby 
1971 Stutz Blackhawk – formerly owned by Elvis Presley 
1970 Volkswagen Type II 
1933 Packard sedan 12 limousine once owned by Bugsy Siegel 
For more info about Mecum Auctions in a city near you, visit www.mecum.com.