Mecum 2024/25: a record-breaking season for global car collectors
Sam Murtaugh, Chief Operating Officer for Mecum Auctions, reflects on a busy sales season in the US, and gives a glimpse of what’s in store for the year ahead, starting with a rather special Ferrari consignment
Mecum’s colourful events span the USA, with this 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra up for grabs at Indianapolis
The 2024/25 auction season proved both dynamic and reassuring for the collector car industry, demonstrating remarkable stability while continuing to attract new waves of enthusiasts despite geopolitical and trade tensions around the globe. Across Mecum’s 13 collector car auctions, we saw not only sustained demand for classic and collector automobiles but also a steady influx of first-time buyers entering the market.
The Larry’s Legacy auction offered the Larry Klairmont Collection at the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago
Nostalgia remains the primary motivation for many of these entrants — an enduring force that connects generations to the cars of their youth, their heroes and their dreams. At the same time, buyer preferences continue to evolve, reflecting a more diverse and vibrant collector base that is actively shaping the future of the hobby.
“The stage is already set for another historic year ahead in 2026”
The highlight of the season, as always, was Mecum Kissimmee, held each January in Florida and firmly established as the world’s largest collector car auction. Once again, the scale and energy of Kissimmee set the industry standard. In 2025, the auction surpassed $200 million in total sales for the fourth consecutive year, an achievement that cements both its dominance and resilience, even amid broader economic uncertainty. This milestone not only underscores Kissimmee’s unmatched scale but also reflects the continued enthusiasm and confidence of collectors.
The 2026 season will begin with the sale of this 250 GTO, Bianco Speciale, in Kissimmee
Beyond Kissimmee, Mecum’s nationwide slate of events — from Glendale, Arizona, to Indianapolis, and from Monterey Car Week to the bright lights of Las Vegas — continued to thrive.
Each auction delivered its own regional character and unique line up of consignments while collectively reinforcing Mecum’s model of diversity and accessibility. From American muscle cars to European exotics, vintage trucks to modern supercars, this breadth ensures the marketplace remains attractive to enthusiasts at every level while giving collectors confidence that their investments are both celebrated and valued.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mecum’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. The stage is already set for another historic year with ‘Bianco Speciale’, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, secured as the headline consignment for Kissimmee. One of only 36 GTOs ever produced, and the only example finished by the factory in white, the 250 GTO is regarded as one of the most important Ferraris in existence. Its presence will further elevate Kissimmee’s global significance, drawing the attention of the world’s most discerning collectors and setting the tone for yet another record-breaking event.
The 2024/25 season demonstrated that the collector car world is not only holding strong but also expanding in reach, diversity and prestige. Mecum remains committed to providing a platform for everyone to participate, offering both seasoned collectors and new entrants unmatched opportunities, experiences and results. With a year defined by consistency and capped by the promise of an unprecedented start to 2026 with Bianco Speciale in Kissimmee, Mecum is eager for the new season and proud to continue celebrating the passion and growth of the collector car industry.