A flurry of last minute consignments has been coming in for this weekendś Maple City Classic Car Auction in Chatham Ontario.
The sale to be held at the Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham, is expected to attract a standing room only crowd, repeating the success of last yearś sale, and cementing the sale as an annual event. Another standing room only crowd is expected.
¨We are really focused on quality,¨ said Collector Car Productions owner Dan Spendick, who is the man behind the auction. ¨We really want to bring in quality cars, and offer cars that collector quality vehicles. People who buy only on price usually end up paying more in the long run," said Spendick.
They can end up paying more in the long run, because lower priced or value priced vintage vehicles are usually vehicles that need restoration or repairs. The feature vehicles for the second annual Maple City Classic Car Auction are generally ¨no excuses¨ vehicles according the Spendick.
One of the nicest vehicles up for grabs is a 1956 Mercury Convertible. The car is a frame off restoration vehicle with a 292 cubic inch engine, automatic transmission, and comes with new chrome. The engine was recently rebuilt and has less than 500 miles on it.
Collector car enthusiasts see the auction as an important boost for the classic car hobby. CCP Auctions produces the Spring and Fall classic car auctions in Toronto, and those sale are already established as the largest in Canada. They mark the beginning and end of the car show season, and serve as a catalyst for collector car sales, and stimulate interest in the hobby.
The Maple City Classic Car Auction is also being welcomed warmly by community leaders in Chatham-Kent, because it is helping to establish the town as ¨Canadaś Classic Car Capital¨.
The auction is a boost for the town, and the regionś economy. People coming in for the auction stay in local hotels, they buy gas, they patronize restaurants, and they spend money with local retailers. Local business leaders say the auction is a positive force for the community that compliments some of the areaś premium car shows that are also recognized as some of the best community ¨festivals¨ in Ontario.
¨There is still time to consign vehicles¨, said Spendick. ¨It really is a great alternative to selling yourself because the buyers and sellers are all in one place. Our sales numbers show that if you sell your vehicle at the auction the price you get, generally reflects market value¨.
The advantage to attending the auction is that the quality vehicles will be there, and even though the auction is generally a reflection of the market, there are always some bargains.
¨The auction is also great entertainment¨, according to Spendick. ¨It really is exciting and itś a great place for a Dad to bring his Son or daughter, or for a whole family to spend the day¨.
The auction is more than a sale it is truly an experience, and it brings some of the glitz and glamour that people see on televised auto auctions where cars sell for big bucks...to Chatham. The result is an entertainment event that attracts people from across the region, and that crowd includes both buyers and sellers, as well as spectators who come just to witness the spectacle.
Other vehicles to watch closely include a 1931 Ford Coupe Hot Rod, a 1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible said to be one of the finest examples in the world, a 1950 Mercury Monarch, a 1965 Chevy Corvette, and a 1970 Mustang Boss 302 with original build sheet and just 28,000 original miles.
The sale takes place Saturday. Doors at the Bradley Convention Centre open at 9am.
More infomormation on the vehicle featured in included photo:
1956 Mercury Convertible
To be auctioned on Saturday, July 9, 2016
Engine Displacement: 292
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: Blue/White
Interior Color: Blue/White
This is a spectacular example of one of the most desirable convertibles of the 50's. Starting with a California body, a complete frame off restoration was performed and finished off with new chrome and two tone blue over white exterior. Since its complete refurbishment, the owner has also held the car to a rigid maintenance schedule. Engine rebuilt 500 miles ago. To ensure its continued service, the automatic transmission was overhauled at the same time with nearly 2,500 dollars spent including new cooler lines. The careful maintenance program has also meant the replacement of a ball joint, a windshield and a power window motor. In short, thousands have been spent on this car to keep it right and that's on top of the restoration. Featuring dual exhaust, radio, fender skirts, matching interior, wide white walls, power steering, power brakes and added seatbelts, this is one investment that will be a joy to drive as well.