Mecum Indy 2013 - Burned Out Hemi

We're fortunate to be able attend, and sometimes setup, at some really incredible automotive events. Some of our favorites include the Barrett Jackson and Mecum auctions. Just this past weekend, we were set up in Indianapolis at the State Fairgrounds for Mecum Indy. 

As is usually the case, there were some pretty nice cars. No shortage of Corvettes or '69 Camaros, if you were in the market. There were deals to be had and we met with some pretty happy buyers.  "Eleanor" from year 2000 "Gone in 60 Seconds" was sold there (it brought a cool million bucks). Check out our previous post: "Eleanor Hero Car Sells at Mecum for $1 Million"

"Eleanor" from Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) on the block

 But one of the most "interesting" offerings was that of a car that, when restored, was amazing ...

Fully restored 1967 Hemi Charger

Hemi Charger as offered at the Mecum Indy Auction

It was offered at no reserve on Wednesday and brought only $8,500. I think if I was the owner during the burning, I'd sell it at no reserve too!! For the full story on this car, here is the article from the Mecum magazine.

Eleanor Hero Car Sells at Mecum for $1 Million

Happy Mother's Day

This Sunday is Mother's Day. And it got me thinking. 

I'm a mother (Michael and I have two children) and I'm a car girl. Surprising, really, because I was raised on the idea that cars are for guys. Not that women couldn't or shouldn't own transportation, but that that's just exactly what a "good" car should be ... transportation. As my dad would say, "to get you from A to B ... what else do you need?" My dad does not get the whole "CAR" thing at all. It's a bit embarrassing, really. But, that's not what I wanted to talk about.

It struck me, that although muscle cars are still more a "boy's" thing — I mean how often do you hear of a "woman cave" or "woman garage" — lots of marketing by the big three has been geared at the female of the species. 

Women, not men, featured in many of the advertising campaigns, may have been sexy and attractive, but not sleazy or garish. Making me realize, I don't want to be the chic on the arm of the driver of that car ... I want to be THE driver, myself!

In fact, I'm inspired to drive one, and even be a passenger — we are fair, right ladies —well into my sunset years!

So, this Mother's Day, I think I'll go for a drive. Now, which car will I take ... eeny, meeny, miny, moe ... :) Happy Mother's Day!! — Linda

Certificates of Authenticity for Your Art

Is a Certificate of Authenticity important when collecting limited edition artwork? In a word, YES. For several reasons:

• it certifies that you are buying a "real", authentic, authorized reproduction of the artist's work
• it certifies the quality of the printing and inks used, and of the archival, acid free paper or canvas the work is produced on
• it states the limited quantity of the production run
• it guarantees that the prints are produced in limited quantities as a limited edition, therefore making it known that no additional prints will be made, once the stated number are sold out

The Certificate of Authenticity, should be numbered (to match the print) and hand-signed by the artist. When framing your print, the framer should mount the Certificate in an envelope on the back of the framed piece. That way, the Certificate is always with the art. Should the frame ever become damaged, the art print can be re-framed, and the Certificate moved to the new backing.

All of Michael's work, with the exception of his very early pieces, are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. If you have any questions, about the Michael Irvine prints in your collection, please do not hesitate to contact us. — Linda

SOLD OUT GALLERY EDITION CANVAS SETS!!!

You heard right, it's official. The Gallery Edition Sets of "They Came With The Farm", "They Came With The Farm Too" and "They Came With The Farm Free" are sold out! Our last set was actually sold at Barrett Jackson in Arizona in January. As far as I know, that's it ... no dealers have any left either.

Shown on display in Toronto, Canada. (Fall 2012)

Wow, that was fast.  Thank you and congratulations to all our clients that were able to add these to their collections. They are a truly magnificent set and I, for one, am sad to see them go. Now we'll just have to wait and see what Michael comes up with next!  — Linda :)

Cool Car "Accessories" Made in the USA

Okay, so I'm on a bit of a "roll" ... with the accessorizing for the car girl. But, in my defense, I just couldn't help but spot these guys at Barrett Jackson Arizona (check out the cool Airstream and you'll know why - so much chrome!) this January. That's what happens when you get to go to these big automotive shows and collector auctions!! And we just happened to be set up again this year. Going to Arizona in January, being surrounded by hundreds of classic cars, talking to old friends and making new ones ... ya, that's rough :) Anyway ....

At Indy, but same Airstream - hard to miss.

These guys don't just sell girl stuff, they sell accessories for kids and men too. Apparently the Harveys' got their start in 1997, after making a handbag out of scrap seatbelt material when installing seatbelts in their 1950 Buick. That's awesome. I love hearing stories (especially success ones) that have interesting beginnings. Not dreamed up, analyzed, scrutinized, projected, etc, in some stark boardroom, but ones that come from the heart. From the creative minds of regular folks like us. Sometimes, you just have to give it a shot ... and go big or go home! So, congrats to the Harveys' for doing just that and pulling it off so well.

Today, the Harveys' designs are functional, fun and elegant. The collection has something for just about everyone! It includes wallets, purses, totes, over the shoulder sling bags, iPad cases, men's wallets and more.  

Their site is easy to navigate, with tons of great images. There are hundreds of products on their site to choose from. Just thought you might want to check it out. I know what's on my Christmas list. — Linda

Here's a link to the on-line store: Harveys Seatbelt Bags

One For The Ladies – PeggyStella Totes

Their brochure reads, "Need a bag as durable as your classic car?" Oh ya!

PeggyStella display at a Mopar event.

An Amercian company, PeggyStella Totes offers a vast variety of handbags, messenger bags, wristlets, wallets, dog collars, belts and laptop bags. Each piece is handmade, and they are impressive. I first discovered PeggyStella at the MCACN (Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals) in Chicago this fall. I couldn't resist and bought a couple of pieces for my daughter and myself!! I went with the classic car interior look (black and white hounds tooth), but the selection was vast enough to meet pretty much any taste.

How cool is this ... PeggyStella Charger bag??

They've got the car theme down pat, using authentic automotive interior replacement material. There's no doubt, that no matter what classic or muscle cars you have in the garage, they'll have a bag to match!!

But that's not all, they offer exotic skins as well as Coach, Gucci and other designer looks. If you can dream it, they can make it ... just for you, custom to order! They'll even take that piece of interior vinyl or leather that you just can't part with, and create what you can use with it!

I think their website is still in the works, but you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook and contact them to find out where their next showing is at!

'Fast' handbags for the lady that likes speed!!

• TWITTER: PeggyStella
• FACEBOOK: PeggyStellaTotes
• WEBSITE: http://peggystellatotes.com/ or peggystella.com
• EMAIL: PeggyStellaTotes@gmail.com 
• CALL: (317) 750-4277

Have fun accessorizing!! — Linda :)