(April 27, 2017) - It is clear Americans have not lost their need for speed. In April alone, the Fate of the Furious, the tenth film in the Fast and the Furious franchise, reached number one at the Box Office, muscle cars also took center stage at the New York Auto Show and the Ford Mustang was named the best-selling sports car in the world. The Muscle Car movement that had its heyday in the 1960s and 70s, and made its comeback in 2005, is still in full throttle. Dealers looking to feed this need for speed can add muscle to their inventory at upcoming sales at Manheim Omaha (May 4-5), Manheim PA (June 8), Manheim Riverside (monthly) and Manheim Orlando (monthly).
More than 600 dealers are expected in the lanes, with an additional 200 participating via simulcast, at Manheim Omaha’s 10th annual Special Interest sale May 4 and 5. Considered one of the premier sales of the Midwest, some 300 classic and modern units will be offered.
“What we hear every year from our clients is that they love coming to our sale because it has the smaller, intimate atmosphere,” said Steve Robinson Manheim Omaha General Manager. “We have a fantastic Red Carpet reception the night before, so they love coming to meet up with other dealers and discuss vintage cars. We have many clients who have been to every sale since its inception ten years ago.”
According to a recent analysis from Experian, new registrations of American muscle cars jumped 35.4 percent over the past nine years. The most popular muscle cars based on new registrations are Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Corvette and Dodge Viper.
The newer models attract a new brand of muscle car enthusiast intrigued by modern interpretations on classic designs, advanced engine technologies and the ability to extract more power from gasoline with reduced emissions. Meanwhile, an American love for nostalgia keeps the classics in demand.
“Right now is a buyers’ market for classic cars,” said John Crispeno, marketing manager at Manheim Pennsylvania and muscle car enthusiast. “From 2012 through 2015, it was a seller’s market with big gains but pre-election caution drove prices down and they are remaining steady.” In response to buyer demand, Manheim Pennsylvania is hosting two classic sales on June 8 and September 14.
Manheim Riverside held its first classic car sale in 2016 with strong dealer response. Its next sale in a new monthly Classic sale offering will be held on May 18. “Many of our dealers attend the typical Classic car auctions and said they would be interested in a similar sale at Manheim,” said Chris Brown, general manager at Manheim Riverside. “We have had some interesting cars come through, such as an Eleanor Mustang (a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500), based on the movie Gone in 60 Seconds with Nicholas Cage. Only 300 of such vehicles were ever built.”
Called “The most well-attended Corvette sale in years," by Cleve Payne, a seller from Ritter and Associates, Manheim Orlando's 35th Annual Corvette and Muscle Car sale was a success with some 550 buyers and 304 units running the lanes. Buyers were treated to some last minute excitement when a 2014 Ford Boss arrived at the auction 30 minutes before the sale started. The Manheim team rallied to get it stickered and parked in time for the sale and it sold. Dealers can participate in monthly Highline and classic sales at this location.
Dealers can attend any one of these sales online via simulcast on Manheim.com
