AT THE REDLINE COLLECTIONS In recent years, a vibrant part of the collector car market has been flourishing, adding much interest and some superb auction entries. This spectacular increase in collection consignments has been fueled by Mecum’s consistently strong sales results. Buyers recognize that passionately curated groups of vehicles often contain some of the finest examples in existence, and sellers appreciate the opportunity to maximize their investments through a proven platform while also seeking to take advantage of the current market strength. JOHN KRAMAN John found career success as a sales manager of autos and then aircrafts, and he is a licensed Federal Aviation Administration pilot and mechanic. He joined Mecum in 2006 and is now the director of company relations and the company spokesperson at public events. As the supervisor of Mecum’s on-air talent, John further utilizes his skillset as a commentator and analyst for the televised coverage of Mecum auctions on MotorTrend and MotorTrend+. He enjoys tending to his personal car collection, spending time with his wife Christine, four grown children and five grandchildren, and also performing in the classic rock trio, Redline 7000. As an example, Mecum Kissimmee 2022 in January had a record 40 collections entered, and the Las Vegas motorcycle auction a week later had 25 collections, certainly setting a very high bar that is expected to continue for all future auctions this year. The reasons for selling a collection are as varied as the vehicles themselves and the personalities of the owners who build these amazing assemblages. Estate collections present the most obvious example of selling motivation. Interestingly, and admirably, many collectors have set up the parameters for the eventual sale of their estate vehicles in advance of their passing, which can provide peace of mind for the surviving family, allowing them to rest assured that a plan is in place, and one that their loved one personally chose. More often, collection sellers are individuals who have enjoyed the search and purchase process, the organizing and displaying, and their motivation for selling is to begin the process all over again. The auction platform is ideal for promotion and exposure, and the results speak for themselves. So, what defines a collection? Really, anything more than a few vehicles counts, and collection offerings occasionally include Road Art as well. The collection consignment process typically provides a full range of services, including photography, vehicle descriptions, detailing and transport. This process has been refined over the years to be a very effective strategy meant to ease the workload of planning and logistics on behalf of the sellers. From a buyer’s standpoint, these collections are typically filled with treasures that normally would not be available on the market. The percentage of desirable, original or restored examples are high, and buyers recognize this significance. Car collecting has become a genuine lifestyle that is growing in popularity as a new generation of enthusiasts enter the market. While all market segments are experiencing record high prices, the new wave of buyers are also eagerly adding cars from the ‘80s and ‘90s to wish lists in addition to the proven classics. Collecting cars has long been a satisfying and enjoyable pastime, and it shows no signs of letting up; Mecum’s impressive sales results alone serve as proof positive. I know I will continue paying rapt attention to the future collections headed to Mecum auctions, as it seems they’re always holding hidden treasures within. 40 // MECUM.COM
