A racing-heritage Porsche, an L88 Corvette and a twin-turbo Pagani Huayra head the docket of approximately 600 cars for the 10th Mecum Monterey Auction, August 23–25, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Del Monte Golf Course. Gates open daily at 8 a.m., and the auction begins daily at 10 a.m.
The Porsche 550A Spyder is one of 39 built and a three-time winner during the 1958 season with driver Ernst Vogel, also a virtuoso composer and concert pianist. Later, road-racer Harry Blanchard entered it in SCCA regional events along the East Coast.
Current owner Steve Terrien found the Stuttgart racer in a warehouse in 1984. And during the last 30 years, the car has received a comprehensive restoration. Fewer than 600 miles of driving has accrued since.
The Polar White-on-red-leather 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 is one of 80 produced this year and carries a period-correct 427/430 horsepower aluminum-head big block, Muncie M22 four-speed and 3.70 positraction rear end.
Contrary to GM policy, the legendary Chevrolet engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov worked to homologate the car for SCCA A Production and FIA GT competition, but some L88s were acquired by private owners who just wanted this most powerful Corvette in their garages.
Named after the Andean wind god, Huayra-Tata, the twin-turbo V-12 2014 Pagani Huayra is number 62 of 100. Its Mercedes-Benz AMG-engineered 720 horses deliver 0–60 sprints of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 238 mph through the seven-speed automated manual transmission.
The gullwing-designed chariot of the gods is uniquely made of a carbon-titanium composite, “carbotanium,” lighter and stronger than carbon fiber, decreasing weight and increasing structural torsional rigidity.
This version of Horacio Pagani’s supercar is finished in Blue Argentina with a gold accent stripe and has been driven fewer than 400 miles since production in Modena.
“As Monterey car week approaches each year, the hype and anticipation for car enthusiasts is second only to the likes of Christmas presents for children around the world,” says Sam Murtaugh, vice president of marketing and presentation for the Walworth, Wisconsin-based company.
“Mecum’s lineup for 2018 is shaping up once again to excite the senses in all categories. From a 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder to a 2018 Ferrari California T, in true Mecum fashion, we’ve got the bases covered for all.”
Bidder registration for Mecum Monterey is available online in advance for $100, $200 after August 22, and includes admission for two to each auction day. General admission tickets are available in advance online for $20 per person, per day, and for $30 at the door and online after August 22. Children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission. To view the vehicles, to consign one or register as a bidder or inquire about the host hotel stay package for Monterey, visit mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.
