More often than not, the Mecum Auction Company hosts sales of needful things we all love. Neon, porcelain, on and on it goes. More than a few times have a few things caught my attention, and I’m sure yours as well.
Coming up May 9-17, 2025 is Dana Mecum’s 38th Original Spring Classic at Indy, with 3,000 vehicles crossing the block and a number of collections of automobilia, petroliana, pumps, and more, all what Mecum calls Road Art. The Yockey Streets of Yesterday Collection is of great interest with some very cool pieces, including vintage shop equipment.
And, as always, Mecum On Time has some terrific pieces on offer, and of particular interest are the Irv Strohm Collection, Motorsports Racing Collection, and the second edition of the Corvette Collection. On Time is Mecum’s exclusive timed online bidding platform. Bid anytime you want, and it’s here that you’ll find all kinds of unique treasures that are maybe too small to go to a live auction. This is a common spot to find automotive items, memorabilia, or collector pieces. Fun place to spend some time.
Cool stuff all around, but don’t take my word for it, check out the listings below, or better yet, pop over to the Mecum website and cruise all the offerings. What better way to launch into Summer than with a few new pieces for your collection?
A Peek at The Yockey Collection, Coming up at Indy Spring Classic
An astonishing assortment of neon, tin, and porcelain signs are intermingled with pumps, globes, and much more, creating a smorgasbord for enthusiasts to pick from. Relive yesterday once more! Select items from this collection will be offered through two On Time auctions which you can explore and bid now on The Service Station, Featuring Ford & Sinclair & Rustic Retreat Featuring John Deere & General Store Collectibles.
Featured Lots
Lot 850 - Lincoln Ford Double-Sided Tin Neon Dealership Sign
This original sign was repainted and restored, and was initially used by a dealership somewhere out west. The double-sided tin sign measures 45x150x15 inches and uses red and blue neon on both sides to highlight the lettering and oval. An exceedingly rare sight, most Lincoln signs are accompanied by a Mercury callout, not Ford; and sometimes, a Ford sign will be accompanied by a Mercury banner.
Lot 849 - Ford Jubilee Single-Sided Animated Porcelain Neon Sign
A stunning dealership replica, this reproduction sign shows five neon colors over ceramic. Created by a master sign maker, it measures an impressive and imposing 60x146x8 inches. While it looks like the original that was produced so long ago, it offers the animation and potential peace of mind with modern electronics, wiring, neon, and so on. While so many demand authentic original pieces, and there’s nothing wrong with that, there’s no shame in acquiring a fun reproduction of the original that has a few new tricks. It’s also a lot easier to insure.
Lot 846 - Ford Deluxe Gas Pump Island
Something completely unique, this gas pump island made by Martin & Schwartz is original and has been restored celebrating the 1940 Ford Super Deluxe convertible. Using “Yockeytown” custom advertising art glass, one of which is cracked, and a custom wood island, the hand-painted detailing is exquisite. Complete with two Alemite lube pumps, the overall presentation is stunning. Measuring 60x86x25 inches, the sizeable piece is an absolute conversation starter and a must for Ford fanatics.
Lot 746 - Sinclair Single-Sided Porcelain Neon Sign
One of the most iconic names in the gas and oil industry and hobby is Sinclair. With a number of wonderful promotional pieces, this one is a well-known design and popular. Original, the neon was added to the single-sided porcelain sign, giving it a fabulously live glow that anyone can appreciate.
Lot 245 - Lot VS0245 -1950s Themed Prints
When it comes to collections that harken back to simpler times, it’s hard to beat the Irv Strohm Collection. This particular lot visually reminds us of those days of sock hops and soda jerks with three prints depicting the youthful life in the 1950s at the drive in theater, the drive in restaurant, and the after school rush.
Lot 2 - Lot LM0002 - 1990s NASCAR: Mark Martin Valvoline Racing Jacket, XL
One of the many pieces of the Jeff Hamilton Racing Collection, this 100 percent cotton XL-sized racing jacket boldly depicts sponsorship from Valvoline with support from Roush, Ford, Mac Tools, and Goodyear. Colored in red, white, and blue, racing jackets have long been fun collectors pieces, and, if so inclined, a useful one as well.
Lot 32 - Lot JG0032 - Franklin Mint All-American Corvette Collection
A limited edition of 7500, this is number 5440 and is complete with a display stand and three Corvette C5s - a red 1998 convertible, a white 1999 hardtop, and a blue 1997 coupe. The 1:18 scale cars show a bit of wear, but overall seem to present very nicely, like the display stand. Sadly, the original packaging doesn’t accompany the set, but it would still be a very cool display piece.
