Mecum Auctions Gears up for HUGE Road Art Auction THIS WEEK!

*Sneak Peek


1974 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty
Owner: Carl Alger, Kentucky
2020 MCACN Participant
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Incredible Eddie Vannoy Collection; Road Art and More



Last December I had the honor of assisting with what is undoubtedly the largest and finest Road Art collection to ever cross an auction block. Eddie Vannoy, a successful North Carolina businessman spent over 30 years collecting what the Mecum Auctions calls "Road Art" along with some gorgeous cars and trucks. Now if you are wondering what "Road Art" is, allow me to explain. Neon and porcelain signs, peddle cars, bicycles, soda machines, NASCAR memorabilia, soda fountains, vintage firearms, vending machines, die cast cars and so much more. With over 5,000 lots crossing the block, plus more than 80 cars, this is an absolute must see/must do event.

This auction is so huge it has to take place in the unique building in Jefferson North Carolina that Mr. Vannoy built specifically to showcase his collection. The amount of dedication and passion he has clearly shows. I spent some time with Mr. Vannoy, along with one of the collection caretakers. Believe  me when I say, this was a labor of passion, and I don't think he ever had any plans to part with it. As we talked about various items in the collection, Eddie would get a sparkle in his eye and a smile, as he told me how he found them. And another interesting fact about this collection; Eddie purchased each and every item either in person or through referrals. He never purchased a single item online, as he loved the chase, and he loves being able to touch and inspect in person. With years of experience and thousands of miles of travel, he was also able to connect with the best in the hobby when he found an item that needed freshening or restoration. Many items are original and unrestored, while others have been restored to their original glory. Of note is the fact that every single item, whether a vending machine or a neon sign, is in fully operating condition. Eddie showed me a beautiful brass cash register from the early 1900's that was not only restored on the outside, but also inside. The quality of this collection is unsurpassed.




Some of the highlights for me include over 100 vintage peddle cars, 80+ bicycles from every era, soda machines not only from Coke and Pepsi, but nearly every other brand I know of and several I never even heard of. Petroliana collectors will be blown away by the gas pump offerings, again from every era. The related memorabilia is mind blowing. Of course, there are also some prime vintage motorcycles too!

As if that isn't enough, the Eddie Vannoy Collection includes 80+ cars and trucks. A few of my personal favorites include the beautiful Daytona and Superbird, several prime Camaros and Chevelles, some show-stopping trucks and some truly unexpected surprises, like the Toyota FJ's. And if your interests lean more toward modern muscle, Eddie has the bases covered! You will find a row of the rarest examples of later model Corvettes, Shelby Mustangs and other collectible Mustangs, special new generation Camaro's. three Dodge Magnum SRT's, three Challenger Demons and, well...you get the idea!


The auction kicks off Friday, June 26 and continues for four full days. Of course, seeing it in person is well worth the effort. If you are unable to visit in person, (which I highly recommend!) you can view the collection now online and bid over the phone or online. To say this is a once in a lifetime opportunity is an understatement. Many of the items offered are most likely one-off. I can tell you I have been avidly collecting bicycles for about 30 years, and I saw several that I have only heard of, but had never seen.

For a brief overview, check out this short clip; https://www.facebook.com/mecumauction/videos/3217315354959463/. There is also a half hour television show on NBC/SN that offers an inside peek at the collection, so be sure to check out the Mecum Auctions website for TV times. I had the honor of participating in both of these, which was a whole lot of fun!

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CARLISLE EVENTS; We salute the Carlisle Events team for standing up for what is right. They opened their Spring Swap,which had already been rescheduled several times,  only to be slapped with a lawsuit attempting to shut them down. Carlisle had implemented safety procedures according to CDC Guidelines and offers the Carlisle Events 80+ acre fairgrounds where families can choose to participate and easily practice social distancing.  The Carlisle Legal Team supported their case to the State and won the right to open the events.  "Covey cast doubt on the necessity of an injunction, questioning the health department’s attorney on why the department had not taken similar measures against other venues, such as malls and amusement parks, or attempted to place limits on recent protests against police brutality." ~~ The Sentinel. 

 We look forward to seeing the Carlisle Events upcoming season, 
and hope you join us in our support.

June 26-27, 2020

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MCACN CAR SHOW GUIDE FREE MAGAZINE; It is full speed ahead for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals team, which means I am deep into writing our new 84 page FREE magazine. This will again cover some of the special displays and features along with much more. If you have a car registered, please send me good clear photos. You would be surprised at how many have great cars, but no good pictures. Since I use only cars that are being shown or have been shown with us, we need your help. The best way for us to encourage people to join us is by showing what they can see. We know our show has the rarest and finest examples of American Muscle and the best of the best in Corvettes, so please help us spread the word by sending your sharp, clear photos with the hoods and doors closed to bashton426@gmail.com. We are close to being sold out for ad space, so if you would like to place an ad, please let me know asap. Business card ads are just $100, (just two more open spots) while a quarter page is $225 and a half page is $400. We are doing a print run of 30,000 and direct mailing close to 24,000! And if you want a copy of our FREE magazine, be sure to sign up for our mailing list here; If you aren't sure if you are, sign up through our website and our mailing company will sort it out.

The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show will take place Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, 2020. We will again fill nearly 400,000 square feet of all indoor exhibit space at the beautiful Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, just minutes from the Chicago O'Hare Airport. Remember...this is NOT Chicago, it is the suburban Chicago area!

Car and Vendor Entry; We are now accepting applications for prime examples of American Muscle of any year or make along with the best Corvettes. Must be the best of the best and priority is given to cars not previously shown in the Chicago area! 
We have sold out of Commercial "A" spaces, but we do have some availability for Commercial "B" spots in the center and rear halls at just $200 per 10 x 12' spot. Automotive related only! If it isn't automotive related, your application will not be accepted.

We hope you are getting out and enjoying your summer. Of course, be socially responsible, but do go to any and all Car Show events and support them! 

Bob Ashton
MCACN, LLC
Managing Member


Three incredible paintings. Fourteen years in the making.
One amazing find. Michael Irvine Studios

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