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Douglas Pilarski
Mecum Auctions to Host World’s Largest Road Art® Auction June 20-25
2023-05-31
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Walworth, Wisconsin, to Become Mecca for Automobilia Collectors
Photo byMecum Auctions
Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction company, will host The World’s Largest Road Art® Auction at its company headquarters in Walworth, Wisconsin, this June 20-25 with an estimated 3,000 neon, tin, and wooden signs, gas pumps and globes, pedal cars, posters and more on offer.
Mecum has reinvented its bidder registration process, making it easier than ever for collectors and enthusiasts to bid from home and at the auction. Options for in-person, telephone, and internet bidding start at $100, and standard, in-person bidding includes admission for two persons to all auction days. The World’s Largest Road Art® Auction is open to registered bidders only.- Mecum Spokesperson
The auction joins Mecum’s list of other annual record-sized events, including The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction® held in Kissimmee, Florida, and the world’s largest vintage and antique motorcycle auction held in Las Vegas. This Road Art auction event invites collectors worldwide to visit the beautiful Wisconsin lake country and enjoy the camaraderie that this beloved hobby creates.
Photo byMecum Auctions
Among the headlining consignments is an original, one-of-one 1940s Rocco and Cheater’s Speed Shop Double-Sided Tin Neon Sign (Lot F341) from a repair shop that opened in 1944 in Birmingham, Alabama, and soon became a popular destination for racing enthusiasts. The arrow-shaped sign measures nearly 10 feet by more than 4 feet and features two neon colors.
Photo byMecum Auctions
A historic, one-of-a-kind 1950s porcelain neon sign for Sam’s Auto Parts (Lot S122) is another auction highlight; the single-sided animated roadside icon features a 1950s Cadillac smashing into a wall with a wrecked front end, a flat tire, and a neon headlight that blinks. The sign measures 11 feet by approximately 8.5 feet. The iconic Chevrolet bowtie will also be presented in the form of another desirable neon sign to be offered at the auction; the Wolf Chevrolet Single-Sided Porcelain Neon Bowtie Sign (F157) measures 29 feet by 9 feet and features two colors of neon.
From The Jeff Spanier Gas and Oil Collection of more than 200 high-quality globes, 400 authentic gas and oil cans, and more is a one-piece Texaco Fire-Chief Hat Gas Pump Globe (Lot F189) that is the only one known to exist. Also from the collection is an unusual and rare Marathon Motor Oil 1-Gallon Oil Can (Lot F22) in a pyramid that depicts an oil well.
Photo byMecum Auctions
For the avid “King of Cool” fan is a pair of 1960s-1970s Baruffaldi Italian glasses (Lot S162) that, according to Barbara McQueen, were owned and worn by the late actor Steve McQueen while driving his motorcycles and sports cars and while flying his planes. The set includes clear, yellow, and smoked interchangeable lenses, a carrying case, and a certificate of authenticity signed by Barbara McQueen.
Photo byMecum Auctions
For more information about The World’s Largest Road Art® Auction and all other Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com.
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Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning writer & journalist based on the west coast. He writes about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, lifestyle, equestrian and rodeo, and millionaire travel. He is a regular contributor to Newsbreak.com and Medium.com.
You’re welcome to share your thoughts or tell me your story. Contact me at dp1@sawyertms.com.
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