Latest news with #MecumAuctions'
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Green-on-green 1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS6 convertible heads to auction
Today's Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X have taken "America's sports car" to new performance heights, but in the waning days of the golden age of muscle cars, enthusiasts were being catered to with cars like this 1971 Corvette convertible with the legendary LS6 big-block V8. Part of Mecum Auctions' 2025 Monterey Car Week sale, this car is one of just 50 LS6 convertibles built (plus 138 coupes), according to the auction house. That engine is numbers-matching, and the car wears a distinctive combination of Brands Hatch Green paint and a green leather interior, which should help it stand out among the many desirable lots at the various Car Week auctions. By the turn of the decade, the muscle car boom of the 1960s was on borrowed time. Rising insurance rates and gas prices were on the horizon, making 1971 more or less the end of an era. But it was also the year the Corvette got the LS6, which had debuted in 454-cubic-inch form in the Chevelle for the 1970 model year as Chevy's ultimate big-block engine. In the Corvette, the LS6 was rated at 425 horsepower-down 25 hp from the Chevelle due to a lower 9.0:1 compression ratio-and 475 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver published a zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.8 seconds in its June 1971 issue. Those numbers aren't that remarkable today, but they were seismic in 1971. This car has a Muncie M22 "Rock Crusher" four-speed manual transmission and an optional Positraction limited-slip differential with a 4.11:1 ratio, plus power brakes, the F41 HD suspension, and an upgraded ZR2 radiator. It also has a removable hardtop in the grained black vinyl typical of the 1970s. In 1971 the LS6 option cost $1,221 over the Corvette's $5,496 base price, according to Mecum. That made it a fairly costly option, contributing to the low production run of just 188 LS6 Corvettes, including both coupes and convertibles. In addition to its rarity, this convertible shows just 29,889 miles on its odometer and appears to be in good condition. However, the listing claims it's being sold with the original whitewall tires (on 15-inch Rally wheels), which would obviously need to be replaced to make this car a driver. It's likely the person pays the estimated $90,000-$100,000 Mecum expects this car to sell for will stash it away to wait for its value to appreciate more, however. That estimated price range is a relative bargain for a classic Corvette in a desirable spec. A C7 ZR1 recently went up for sale with an asking price of $185,000, for example. That's perhaps due to the number of low-volume performance versions of the Corvette that Chevrolet built over the years. For example, even within the same time period as this LS6 car, Chevy offered the race-bred L88 option as well. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Beam It Up: Custom Star Trek Slingshot Heading To Auction
A car transformed into the U.S.S. Discovery from Star Trek is heading to auction. The custom-built 2018 Polaris Slingshot, transformed into a tribute to Star Trek: Discovery, is set to cross the auction block at Mecum Auctions' 38th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The one-of-a-kind vehicle, designated as Lot S37, is part of the West Coast Customs Collection, with all proceeds benefiting the West Coast Customs Academy - a non-profit organisation dedicated to training the next generation of custom automotive professionals. Crafted by the renowned team at West Coast Customs, the Slingshot features a custom 3D-molded hood and side wings that emulate the iconic saucer and nacelle design of the U.S.S. Discovery. It rides on 20-inch Lexani air-brushed wheels and boasts a waterproof cockpit outfitted with RGBW LED lighting and a futuristic control centre. The seats are adorned with gold Star Trek insignias, further enhancing its sci-fi allure. The unique vehicle is one of five imaginative builds from West Coast Customs CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus's personal collection being auctioned to support the West Coast Customs Academy. Other standout creations include a Darth Vader-themed 2012 Volkswagen Passat, a NASCAR-inspired 2022 Toyota Camry, a General Lee-styled 2006 Dodge Charger, and a flame-painted 1997 Toyota 4Runner built by academy students. The auction will take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, with the Slingshot offered at no reserve. Interested bidders can find more information and register to participate at
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trio of 2019 Corvette ZR1s to Take Center Stage at Mecum Houston Auction
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A trio of high-performance 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1s, each offering distinctive specifications and rare production numbers, will headline Mecum Auctions' Houston 2025 event on April 5. Collectors and performance enthusiasts alike will have the chance to bid on some of the most coveted final-generation C7 Corvettes ever produced. Among the featured lots is a Sebring Orange 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible, one of only 140 produced with a 7-speed manual transmission. Packing a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine generating 755 horsepower, this open-top powerhouse comes equipped with the Sebring Orange Design Package, a multi-mode performance exhaust, and an electronic limited-slip differential. With 61,200 miles on the odometer, this ZR1 offers both collectibility and drivability. For those preferring a coupe, an Admiral Blue 2019 Corvette ZR1 will also cross the block. One of just 39 produced in this color, this coupe boasts the sought-after ZTK Track Performance Package, which includes a height-adjustable rear wing, carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements, and a track-optimized chassis. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, this ZR1 is designed for high-speed precision. The odometer reads 35,583 miles, and the car features Brembo brakes, a competition sport interior, and advanced aerodynamics. A second convertible, finished in sleek black with a Kalahari leather interior, rounds out the lineup. This ZR1, also one of the exclusive 140 built with a manual transmission, includes the ZTK Track Performance Package, carbon fiber accents, and a power-operated convertible top. With just 3,047 miles, it presents a pristine option for collectors looking for a low-mileage, high-performance example. To see the full selection of cars selling at Mecum Houston on April 3-5, visit Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
