I had the opportunity to travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for my first collector car auction. I’d seen them on television for years, but had always wanted to experience one in person. Mecum Auctions rolled into Tulsa on June 5-6 for its annual Oklahoma stop at the Tulsa Expo Center, specifically the cavernous SageNet Center.
What a place! The massive facility played host to hundreds of collector vehicles ranging from pristine classics to modern performance machines, along with a steady stream of buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts. While I’d watched Mecum auctions from the comfort of my living room for years, nothing quite prepares you for seeing the action firsthand. The sights, sounds, and sheer variety of machinery on display made it clear that this was much more than an auction — it was an automotive event in every sense of the word.
While circling the venue before entry, one of the first things I noticed was the line of Mecum transport rigs parked outside the SageNet Center. Ready to haul everything from muscle cars to exotics, the trucks stood by to help successful bidders get their new purchases home.
Also on hand was Reliable Carriers, a company well known throughout the collector car hobby. Having seen them transport GM show vehicles to numerous events over the years, I wasn’t surprised to find them supporting one of the nation’s largest collector car auction companies.
So, how does one enjoy all this head-spinning automotive mania? First, you’ve got to get inside.
I arrived at the Expo Center around 7 a.m. both days to snag a good parking spot before the crowds rolled in. The gates opened promptly at 8 a.m., and admission was $30 per day. Pre-sale tickets were available for $20, but after taxes and service fees, the savings were negligible. In the end, I simply purchased general admission tickets at the gate each day.
A two-story, multi-purpose facility, the SageNet Center allowed vehicles to be staged on the upper level while the auction itself took place on the lower level at the east end of the building. After crossing the block—whether sold or no-sale—vehicles were driven back up the building’s interior ramp to await settlement and pickup by their new owners.
As visitors made their way toward the auction arena, they were greeted by row after row of collector vehicles stretching throughout the facility. It seemed like there were cars everywhere you looked. The 2026 edition of Mecum Tulsa featured more than 400 vehicles crossing the block over the course of two days. Friday’s session alone saw 235 vehicles make their way across the auction stage.
Available to bidders and spectators alike were what Mecum refers to as “green sheets.” I quickly learned they were an invaluable tool for keeping track of the action throughout the day. These handy guides listed every vehicle scheduled to cross the block each day and provided space to record whether a vehicle sold, the final hammer price, or if it ultimately ended as a no-sale. Mecum’s familiar phrase for the latter is “The Bid Goes On,” a line that will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has watched one of the company’s auctions on television.
The following vehicles are presented in no particular order and don’t necessarily correspond to their position on the daily “green sheets.” Rather, these are some of the cars and trucks that stood out to me personally during my days at Mecum Tulsa. When possible, I photographed each vehicle both on display and again as it crossed the auction block, and noted its final sale price. All reported sale prices include the 10% buyer’s premium unless otherwise noted.
This really nice 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP convertible crossed the block and hammered sold for $10,450. Didn’t get a chance to see it in the display area, but these cars are not often seen in this day and age. Equipped with a 2.0L, Ecotec 260-hp four cylinder engine, stiffer sport suspension, the GXP was known for its aggressive styling and agile handling.
This superb 1969 Camaro RS/SS Camaro Indy Pace Car was a really nice example of the first-generation Chevy Pony car. One of 3,675 Pace Car replicas built for 1969, this 350 V8/300-hp Camaro was bid up to $62,000, but did not sell. The Bid Goes On…
This really nice 1969 Pontiac Firebird convertible was a rare appearance not because of the color or the convertible top; the unusual piece was the it was a Sprint” model with the OHC inline-six-cylinder engine, and upgraded suspension components that were standard for this model. Bid up to $26,000, this ‘Bird was a no sale: The Bid Goes On.
This was the best thing I saw all weekend; this 1987 Chevrolet K30 crew cab dually was outrageous! Outfitted with a 454 V8 engine and all the Silverado amenities, this huge 4×4 pickup would be ideal for family outings, right? If I could actually climb up into its interior; there were no steps and that dude was way off the ground. Hammered across the block for $52,800.
This super-clean 1994 Trans Am drew a lot of attention in the pre-auction activities. With the desirable Yellow exterior, a nice black leather interior, and the powerful LT1 V8 underhood, this T/A was definitely a looker. Across the auction block it sold for a solid $18,150. It was a super-nice, stock example of an early 4thGen Trans Am.
Occasionally I found out that I wasn’t fast enough to catch some of the cars that interested me as they crossed the auction stage; if you think it goes fast watching on TV, well it goes twice as fast in person! Still, I was able to get photos of them in the display field pre-auction:
This 1974 Formula Firebird 400 attracted a lot of pre-auction attention… not sure if it was good or not. MECUM officials kept coming back and forth examining the car inside and out, top and bottom; with all that attention, I didn’t hang around it long. I was able to get these photos of it, but missed it going over the stage. The Formula 400 sold for $14,300.
OK, these cars are a guilty pleasure of mine, I’m sorry. When I was a kid this was the epitome of raciness; this 1982 Chevy Corvette was a beautiful example of the final year for the C3 Corvette. Everywhere you looked the car appeared virtually brand new: underhood, inside with plastic coverings, everywhere really. This ’82 ‘Vette sold for $17,600.
One vehicle I was particularly interested in seeing cross the auction block was this 1987 Buick Regal Grand National. Widely regarded as one of the most legendary performance cars of the 1980s, the turbocharged Buick earned a reputation for embarrassing much more expensive machinery both on the street and at the drag strip. This particular example had several visible underhood modifications. Buick extended Grand National production through December 1987, ultimately building 20,193 examples during the model’s final year. This GM icon found a new home for the hammer price of $35,200.
A very nice example of the pre-fuel-injection Fox-body Mustang, this 1985 Ford Mustang GT convertible appeared to be exceptionally well cared for. Equipped with the desirable 5.0-liter V8 and a 5-speed manual transmission, it represented the kind of combination enthusiasts have long sought after. This sharp Mustang crossed the block and sold for $12,100, which seemed like a solid buy given its apparent condition.
Both ends of the Chevrolet pickup spectrum here in these two trucks…
First up was a beautifully restored 1969 Chevrolet C10 Step-side custom pickup. The truck featured a well-appointed interior complete with Vintage Air, bucket seats, and a full-length center console. Power came from a modified 350 cubic-inch small-block V8. The paint was absolutely stunning—one of the deepest finishes I’ve ever seen on a vehicle. This eye-catching custom crossed the block and sold for $36,300.
At the opposite end of the spectrum was this towering 1986 Chevrolet Silverado K30 dually. Easily the tallest K30 I’ve ever encountered, the truck immediately brought to mind some of the oversized pickups seen tearing through off-road obstacles in animated films and television commercials. Extensively modified from bumper to bumper, this monster truck found a new home for $31,900. My father owned a black 1984 K30 dually, and I can say with confidence he would have been amazed by this one.
These two Chevrolets occupied opposite ends of the automotive spectrum, yet both attracted an inordinate number of admirers while on display.
The black 1969 Chevrolet Nova was a Yenko tribute resto-mod that appeared to be exceptionally well executed. Power came from a GM 396 cubic-inch V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission, while a custom Wilwood brake system helped bring everything to a halt. The Nova crossed the auction block and was bid to $30,000, a figure that likely didn’t come close to covering the vehicle’s build costs. Failing to meet reserve, this impressive Chevy headed to Mecum’s “The Bid Goes On” area as a no-sale.
When did the 1969-72 Chevrolet K5 Blazer shoot into the stratosphere? This beautiful 1972 example was one fine representative of Chevrolet’s ever-popular off-roader. Powered by a GM 350 V8 and automatic transmission, the Blazer also featured a unique set of wheels—a modern take on the classic Rally wheel, enlarged to an 18-inch diameter. This stunning K5 crossed the auction block and sold for an astounding $73,700.
Another group of Chevrolet pickups with vastly different purposes; each one of these trucks drew considerable attention during the display portion of the event.
The 1968 Chevrolet C10 pickup at left featured a frame-off restoration, an LS7 454 under the hood, and custom touches from front to back. Everywhere you looked there was another detail intended to improve upon the original design. When it crossed the block, the truck sold for an impressive $82,500.
The 1972 Chevrolet C40 at right took a very different approach. This resto-mod featured a 6.0L LS V8, billet styling accents throughout the cab, bucket seats, and a custom center console. The automatic shifter even resembled a handle from a 4th Generation Firebird. Combined with the long-bed body, the result was a unique blend of work-truck heritage and modern performance that generated plenty of discussion among attendees. Truck was bid up to $33,000, but didn’t find a buyer.
At first glance, I thought I had stumbled across a 1973 Formula SD-455 due to the shaker scoop and hood treatment on this car. A closer look revealed a nicely restored 1970 Firebird equipped with a non-original 455 V8 and a number of other performance upgrades. The car presented exceptionally well, with large aftermarket honeycomb-style wheels complementing the striking metallic green paint. While not factory-correct, the combination gave the Firebird an aggressive appearance that attracted plenty of attention on the auction floor. When the bidding ended, the car sold for $28,600.
One of the undeniable scene-stealers at Mecum Tulsa, this 2002 Collector Edition Trans Am Convertible was one of only two examples of Pontiac’s final special-edition Trans Am that appeared in the auction field. Equipped with the desirable 6-speed manual transmission, the car attracted attention wherever it went. Whether parked on display or waiting in the staging lanes, a steady stream of admirers seemed to follow it throughout the event.
Finished in the distinctive Collector Edition color scheme that marked the end of the Firebird’s production run, the car represented one of the most recognizable modern Pontiacs in attendance. When it crossed the block, bidding had climbed to a respectable $30,800.
Here are a pair of examples of America’s favorite sports car, the C3-generation Chevrolet Corvette. Although finished in vastly different colors and body styles, both cars crossed the block and sold for remarkably similar money.
The gold 1972 Corvette Coupe — officially finished in War Bonnet Yellow — was equipped with the LS5 454 V8 and an automatic transmission. A popular attraction during the pre-auction display period, the car also featured a Saddle leather interior along with power steering and power brakes, but lacked most power convenience options. Crossing the block on Saturday, June 6, this Corvette sold for $29,700.
The blue 1973 Corvette Convertible was another crowd favorite. One of approximately 750 LS4 454-powered convertibles produced for 1973, it presented exceptionally well and had recently undergone extensive mechanical servicing in preparation for auction. Among the documented work was a complete overhaul of the braking system. Representing one of the final chrome-bumper Corvette convertibles of the era, this attractive roadster also sold on the second auction day — for a solid $33,000.
And from a couple of American classics… how about a pair of Italian thoroughbreds?
The red 2001 Ferrari 360 Spyder at left was originally sold new in Plano, Texas, and showed just 18,000 miles on the odometer. Powered by Ferrari’s 3.6L V8 producing 400 horsepower and equipped with paddle-shift transmission controls, this was a stunning example in every respect. With only two owners since new, the car crossed the block on Saturday and bidding climbed to $90,000 before stalling short of reserve, resulting in a no-sale.
I thought there were no “GTAs” in this auction… then I found this one-owner 2002 Ferrari 456M GTA.
Powered by a 5.5L V12 and backed by an automatic transmission, the silver grand tourer was built more for effortless high-speed cruising than outright performance. Prior to the auction, the car underwent an extensive freshening process that included service to seventeen separate systems. The effort appeared worthwhile, as the elegant Ferrari attracted considerable attention throughout the event before selling on Friday, June 6, for $51,700.
This time, a pair of Shelby Cobras; one real, one not-so-much. Both were exceptionally nice examples, though. I suppose the choice between them depends largely on your priorities—and the depth of your wallet.
The black 2005 Shelby Cobra replica (kit car) presented very well. Power came from a Ford 351 Cleveland 2V V8 backed by a Tremec transmission. The car also featured Jaguar-based suspension components, Wilwood brakes front and rear, custom side exhausts, and numerous other upgrades. It certainly looked the part. To a Shelby novice like me, it appeared every bit as convincing as the real thing. Bidding reached $53,000, but the reserve remained intact and the car left Tulsa as a no-sale.
The 1965 Shelby Cobra CSX4000 Series roadster, on the other hand, represented the type of car that draws enthusiasts to events like Mecum in the first place. Chassis CSX4262 featured an aluminum body, Ford 427 side-oiler V8, 4-speed manual transmission, Keith Black engine work, Carroll Shelby’s signature, and a lengthy list of recent maintenance and upgrades including new brakes and tires.
I never managed to catch the car on display during the event, so the accompanying photograph is courtesy of Mecum Auctions. It proved to be THE star of the sale, crossing the block on Saturday and selling for an impressive $247,500.
More “Stars of the Show” were these pair of first-generation Ford Broncos. If you own one of these little SUVs these days, it seems you’re practically printing money.
The teal 1973 Bronco and copper-finished 1974 Bronco were among the most popular vehicles in the auction hall. Both had received extensive restorations and featured numerous aftermarket upgrades, drawing steady crowds throughout the display and staging areas. The market’s appetite for early Broncos was on full display when the bidding began. The 1973 model crossed the block and sold for a strong $60,000, while the 1974 example climbed all the way to an astounding $95,700 before the hammer fell.
Also proving to be a strong seller was this 1969 Ford Bronco, fresh from a comprehensive restoration. Showing just 78 miles since completion, nearly every component had either been restored to like-new condition or upgraded with more capable modern hardware. The bright red and white exterior color combination, complemented by a matching plaid interior, made the Bronco one of the more eye-catching vehicles in the auction hall. Beneath the body, the suspension and driveline had been upgraded with serious off-road components, giving the classic SUV the capability to match its appearance. Another Saturday offering, this Bronco crossed the block and sold for an impressive $95,700.
The light blue 1963 Grand Prix attracted considerable attention thanks to its impressive 421 Tri-Power V8 producing 405 horsepower, backed by a custom 6-speed manual transmission. Representing the first year of Grand Prix production as a separate model line, the car presented exceptionally well and was further enhanced by Pontiac’s distinctive 8-lug wheels. It proved popular with auction attendees and sold for $28,500.
The white 1965 GTO was another strong Pontiac entry. Power came from a 400 V8 paired with an updated transmission, while numerous upgrades included a completely revised braking system featuring four-wheel disc brakes. The 17-inch Hurst wheels gave the car a slightly modernized appearance without detracting from its classic muscle car character. When it crossed the block, the GTO sold for $30,800.
On the off chance that one got up and wandered off in search of the facilities, a snack, a soda… or perhaps something a little stronger… there was still plenty to see away from the auction floor.
Food and beverage vendors occupied the outer walls of the facility, but directly behind the bleachers were the merchandise and parts vendors. When I first walked in and laid eyes on this model and diecast merchant, I thought I might pass out! LOL. Fortunately, I kept my promise to my wife and didn’t buy anything there. DID. NOT. EVEN. ENTER. THEIR. SPACE. No sir’ee.
A company called Wildfire Lifts had a display set up near the bleacher entrance throughout the event and appeared to enjoy steady traffic both days. They were promoting a special auction discount on new four-post lifts and had one on display for prospective customers.
And last, but certainly not least, Mecum itself maintained a large merchandise area across the aisle. Virtually every type of Mecum-branded item imaginable was available for purchase: apparel, toys, artwork, collectibles, souvenirs, and more.
I was somewhat relieved to discover that my head was apparently too large for their caps to fit properly, as I wasn’t especially eager to spend $30-$40 on a hat. Ouch.
Too old for toys, too chubby for apparel—what was one to do?
A-ha!
And right there went a $20 bill… that I got $2.00 change back from. Yay.
Ok, so much for purchased auction memorabilia… lets look at some more cars! Saved some of the best for last.
Here are two sides of the same coin: a pair of early C3 Chevrolet Corvettes that attracted plenty of attention throughout the event.
The beautiful Marlboro Maroon 1970 Corvette Coupe showed just 62,003 miles on the odometer. Powered by its original 370-horsepower LT-1 350 V8 and backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, it turned many heads in the display area before bidding began. The car was well-optioned for an early C3, although factory air conditioning was unavailable with the high-revving LT-1 engine package. This excellent example crossed the block and sold for a very reasonable $30,750.
Also featured was this stunning 1972 Corvette Convertible, likewise equipped with the LT-1 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. Finished in Targa Blue, the car was absolutely magnificent. Although LT-1 output had fallen to 255 net horsepower in its final year, the engine still delivered the high-revving character that made it famous. I wish I had a dollar for every person who stopped to admire this Corvette while it waited for its turn on the auction block. Strong bidding from multiple buyers pushed the final hammer price to an impressive $55,000.
And we come to a pair of late-1970s superstars…
The 1978 Corvette Indianapolis Pace Car was a nice example, with only 38k original miles on the car. Powered by the standard L48 350 V8 and automatic transmission, this car was hard loaded and the interior was in amazing shape. Mostly in original condition, the car had had a recent front end suspension rebuild. For the hammer price of $22,500, the seller got a good deal on this collectible ‘Vette.
Ah, yes: the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Y84 Special Edition. At first glance, this car appeared to be everything buyers dream of finding: black paint, gold accents, gold wheels, T-tops, and all the visual cues that made the Special Edition cars famous. Not surprisingly, it attracted a steady stream of admirers throughout the auction. Unfortunately, a closer inspection revealed numerous issues. The paint appeared to have been cut and buffed repeatedly over the years, the recovered seat upholstery lacked the correct factory contours, the Y84-specific gold dash applique was absent, and black undercoating seemed to have been applied liberally throughout the underside. The deeper one looked, the more questions arose.
Nevertheless, nostalgia remains a powerful force in the collector car market, and this Trans Am proved no exception. When the bidding concluded, the car sold for an astounding $58,300. Whether the buyer got a great Trans Am or simply got caught up in the moment may be a matter of opinion. Let’s just say that for that price, someone left Tulsa considerably lighter in the wallet than when they arrived.
What a difference a year can make, right?
This beautiful 1967 Pontiac GTO Sport Coupe was one of just 7,029 post coupes built out of total GTO production of 81,722 units for the model year. I’d never seen one before. The car retained its original drivetrain, consisting of a 400 V8 and automatic transmission, and was well-equipped with air conditioning, a bench seat, vinyl top, and other comfort options. Originally sold new in Tulsa, the GTO attracted considerable attention throughout the event. Despite bidding reaching $40,000, the reserve remained unmet and the car left the auction unsold. The Bid Goes On.
The maroon 1968 Pontiac GTO was equally impressive. Finished in a striking color called Inferno Red, it was a real attention-getter on the display floor. Still carrying its original Pontiac 400 V8 and automatic transmission, the car also featured bucket seats, air conditioning, and a nicely presented black interior. One surprise was the transmission—a 2-speed automatic, another first for me. In a nod to modern technology, the car even incorporated a backup camera through the sound system. Like its 1967 counterpart, this GTO failed to meet reserve when bidding stalled at $47,000. The Bid Goes On, again.
The tale of two GM A-bodies right here, folks!
Be still, my heart… this magnificent 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS really grabbed my attention. Powered by a 396 Turbo-Jet V8 backed by an automatic transmission, this beast had been carefully upgraded throughout. The Black Cherry finish absolutely sparkled under the auction hall lights, while the black vinyl top gave the car a slightly more mature appearance. Of course, one stab of the throttle would likely erase that impression in a hurry. Modern upgrades included Vintage Air, digital instrumentation, and an updated sound system. A strong seller, the Chevelle crossed the block and sold for $77,000.
From subtle to “look at me,” this original 1969 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds represented a completely different approach to performance. One of only 906 produced for the model year, the car retained its original 455 Rocket V8, automatic transmission, and signature Hurst Dual-Gate “His and Hers” shifter. The Cameo White paint and black interior both presented beautifully, while the gold striping, Ram Air hood scoops, and rear spoiler ensured that nobody would mistake it for an ordinary Cutlass. After a few anxious moments surrounding the reserve price, the Hurst/Olds finally found a new home when the hammer fell at $55,000.
These two Chevrolets were about as far apart as two Chevys could be… and carry the same company’s name.
This bright red 1957 Chevrolet Corvette was an eye-catcher extraordinaire. Powered by a 350 V8 backed by a THM350 automatic transmission, the car featured custom touches from nose to tail. Upgrades included electric power steering, power brakes, Edelbrock and Holley engine components, and a Vintage Air climate-control system. The result was a beautifully modernized classic that attracted plenty of attention throughout the event. Crossing the block on Saturday, the Corvette sold for $61,600.
And… a pickup? Yes, and probably the cleanest 1990 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 I have ever seen—or ever expect to see. Fresh from a restoration, the truck looked absolutely fantastic. Still powered by its stock 350 TBI V8 and 700R4 automatic transmission, it retained the desirable Z71 off-road package with Bilstein shocks while also featuring power convenience options and bucket seats, a combination not often found in a regular-cab GMT400 pickup.
Bidding climbed steadily to $37,000 before stalling, but that figure wasn’t enough to satisfy the seller’s reserve. As a result, the Silverado left Tulsa unsold. The Bid Goes On.
The last pair of SUVs in my Tulsa experience couldn’t have been more different in concept or execution.
The familiar face was this 1971 Ford Bronco, powered by a 302 V8 equipped with an aluminum intake and 4-barrel carburetor. The compact 4×4 also featured stainless-steel headers and a custom exhaust system, but compared to many of the Broncos crossing the block that weekend, it remained relatively restrained. That didn’t seem to matter to bidders, however. When the Bronco rolled onto the auction stage, bidding was spirited and ultimately pushed the final sale price to $66,000.
The wild card of the pair was this incredible 1964 International Travelall Custom. Built on a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 chassis, it combined vintage International styling with modern drivetrain and comfort features. Power came from a GM 6.5-liter turbodiesel engine and automatic transmission, while the custom build incorporated everything from dual air-conditioning systems and heated seats to modified sheet metal, custom glass, and extended body panels. It attracted a steady stream of curious onlookers throughout the event, and when the hammer finally fell on Saturday, the Travelall sold for an impressive $82,500.
Here we are at another crossroads… two performance cars at opposite ends of that spectrum.
This 1967 Pontiac Firebird Convertible drew people in with its beautiful gold paint and contrasting tan interior. The presentation was outstanding on this first-year Firebird. A completely refreshed interior featuring AutoMeter instrumentation looked fresh and modern, while a non-original Pontiac 455 V8 and automatic transmission handled propulsion duties. The 17-inch American Racing wheels complemented the car nicely and completed the updated appearance. Bidders responded enthusiastically, and the Firebird crossed the block selling for $44,000.
This 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo was quite possibly my favorite vehicle in the entire auction. If you’re of my generation, who doesn’t remember Julia Roberts behind the wheel of a white Lotus Esprit in Pretty Woman? With its wedge-shaped styling, pop-up headlights, and exotic proportions, the Esprit looked like it had rolled straight off a bedroom poster in 1988. Powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing 215 horsepower and backed by a 5-speed manual transmission, the Esprit represented cutting-edge performance technology in 1988. Showing approximately 55,000 miles and carrying a clean history report, I expected the Lotus to generate considerably more bidding activity than it did. Surprisingly, the hammer fell at just $23,100, making it one of the more intriguing bargains of the weekend.
And so we come to the final pair of cars in this report… and my two favorites from the entire auction.
This Polar White 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am provided a beautiful look at the first year of the second-generation Firebird. One of just 3,196 Trans Ams produced for 1970, this example featured the standard Ram Air III 400 V8 rated at 335 horsepower, backed by an automatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear axle. Factory air conditioning, power steering, and front power disc brakes added to its desirability, while Pontiac Historic Services documentation and other records accompanied the sale.
Judging by the steady stream of admirers surrounding the car throughout the event, it was obvious this Trans Am would perform well when it crossed the auction block. It did not disappoint, hammering SOLD at $74,800.
It was difficult to imagine a nicer 1970 Trans Am…
Except perhaps this one.
Finished in stunning Lucerne Blue, this 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was one of the unquestioned stars of the Tulsa auction. People were thick as thieves around this car for most of the weekend; I was only able to photograph it first thing in the morning before the crowds arrived. Once the doors opened, spectators seemed to gather around it continuously.
The recent recipient of a meticulous restoration, this Trans Am also featured the standard Ram Air III 400 V8 and automatic transmission. Like the white car, it was equipped with factory air conditioning, but the level of detail went far beyond that. Chalk marks, assembly markings, tags, and inspection stamps were present throughout the vehicle, and mirrors were strategically positioned beneath the car to showcase the undercarriage restoration. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a 1970 Trans Am restored to this level, and I’ve attended more automotive events over the years than I care to count.
The crowd was energized when the Lucerne Blue Trans Am finally rolled onto the auction stage, and the bidding reflected it. Opening at $50,000, the numbers climbed steadily before the hammer finally fell at an astonishing $107,800.
As the final vehicles crossed the block and the crowds slowly made their way toward the exits, Mecum Tulsa 2026 was officially in the books. Over the course of two days, more than 400 vehicles crossed the auction stage, ranging from a six-figure Shelby Cobra and other highly restored muscle cars to pickup trucks, SUVs, customs, and everything in between.
As always for myself, part of the fun wasn’t necessarily the vehicles that sold, but the stories behind them. Some exceeded expectations, others struggled to find bidders willing to meet reserve, and a few left everyone scratching their heads. That’s part of what makes auctions so interesting: every vehicle has its own audience, and sometimes that audience is sitting in the room while other times it simply isn’t.
For Pontiac enthusiasts, the selection was somewhat limited this year, although there were still several memorable examples scattered throughout the auction field. Regrettably, there wasn’t a single 1982-1992 Firebird or Trans Am to be found anywhere on the grounds, something that certainly didn’t go unnoticed by this Trans Am GTA owner.
Overall, Tulsa proved to be a worthwhile event. The SageNet Center provided a comfortable venue, attendance appeared strong throughout the weekend, and there was no shortage of interesting machinery to examine between auction sessions. Whether you came to buy, sell, browse, or simply dream, there was something here for every automotive enthusiast.
Until next time, thanks for coming along for the festivities…