Mecum Auto Auction returns to Kissimmee Jan. 2-14

  • These antique automobiles, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird and a 1977 Ford Bronco, are among the nearly 5,000 classic cars expected to reach the auction block at the next Mecum Kissimmee auction, Jan. 2-14 at Osceola Heritage Park. PHOTOS/MECUM
    These antique automobiles, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird and a 1977 Ford Bronco, are among the nearly 5,000 classic cars expected to reach the auction block at the next Mecum Kissimmee auction, Jan. 2-14 at Osceola Heritage Park. PHOTOS/MECUM
  • These antique automobiles, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird and a 1977 Ford Bronco, are among the nearly 5,000 classic cars expected to reach the auction block at the next Mecum Kissimmee auction, Jan. 2-14 at Osceola Heritage Park. PHOTOS/MECUM
    These antique automobiles, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird and a 1977 Ford Bronco, are among the nearly 5,000 classic cars expected to reach the auction block at the next Mecum Kissimmee auction, Jan. 2-14 at Osceola Heritage Park. PHOTOS/MECUM

What has become the world’s largest collector car auction returns to Osceola Heritage Park for the 25th consecutive year in Kissimmee.

“As of today, our registered bidders are up over 20% from last year’s record number, and we are now anticipating there will be a record-breaking 4,500 to 5,000 vehicles in this year’s auction,” said Dave Magers, the CEO of Mecum Auctions.

At last year’s event, Mecum had a record 4,000 vehicles up for auction and topped $2 million in sales for the first time in collector car auction history. In 2021, Mecum’s Kissimmee event topped rival Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale, Arizona “Super Bowl” of collector car auction for the first time. Barret Jackson just edged out Mecum by less than $5,000 in 2022, and Mecum came roaring back in 2023 with a chart-topping $234 million in sales at Kissimmee.

Despite all of the grand numbers and possibilities of breaking records, Mecum’s focus remains on holding a family-friendly event.

“Ninety percent of our visitors in Kissimmee are neither buyers or sellers. They are here to see the historic cars, and we hear many stories of families passing on some of the history of their family through automobiles owned in the past,” said Magers.

Shaping up as highlight automobiles for this year’s auction is a 1966 Ford GT-40 Mark I, one of only 30 produced. A trio of Ferraris are each expected to go for prices in the millions of dollars. Another highlight is vehicles from the Deering collection based here in Florida, a mix of iconic Mopar “Superbirds” and other muscle cars and vintage 4x4s, including Toyota Land Cruisers and Ford Broncos.

In addition to collector cars, trucks, and motorcycles, there is a large “car art” auction happening at the same time. This category includes anything auto-related, mostly antiques, including gas station and oil signage, and even gas pumps.

As in each year since 2012, Mecum’s charity of choice, Curing Kids Cancer, is a focus for fundraising at each event. Auction attendees are given a chance daily to donate to Curing Kids Cancer, and the highest donor each day receives an autographed Mecum Auction collector clock, which is often auctioned off in turn to benefit the charity. The Mecum events also frequently serve as a “vehicle” for collector car owners to sell off a car for their charity of choice.

At this time, all of Heritage Park’s RV spots are sold out, and many area hotels are expected to be sold out soon. Live coverage of Mecum Kissimmee can be found on MotorTrendTV and MotorTrend+.