Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale Sale featured over 500 unique collector cars March 14-16, 2014 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Country Convention Center. Part of covering an event of this magnitude involves a bit of proactive automotive PR, and we contacted local journalists who regularly write about the automotive interests, local business and entertainment.
After reading the latest Auctions America press release and speaking with a Kahn Media Account Executive on the phone, Miriam Valverde of the South Florida Sun Sentinel took a keen interest in the auction. Kahn Media worked closely with Miriam to arrange a visit to the Convention Center for full access to the consignments, an opportunity to speak with an Auctions America Car Specialist and to shoot video of some of the coolest cars in the collection.
The story ran on Friday, March 14th – here is a copy of the article:
By Miriam Valverde, Sun Sentinel
March 14, 2014
Maseratis, Ferraris, Shelby Cobras and hundreds of other head-turning rides are up for auction this weekend as the popular Auctions America returns to Fort Lauderdale.
The annual collector car auction kicks off Friday and goes on till Sunday at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.
About 500 rides of different makes, models, colors, years and prices have been wheeled into the convention center to tempt car lovers willing to spend anywhere from $20,000 to nearly $1 million.
This year’s eye-catching vehicles include a silver 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra, expected to sell for as much as $850,000, a red 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 estimated to go for $575,000 and a blue and orange 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition driven for only 80 miles. Organizers believe the GT — one of 343 made — will sell for about $400,000.
Around 10,000 car enthusiasts dropped by last year seeking desirable, limited edition cars, organizers said. Sales last year reached $17.5 million, said Megan Boyd, a car specialist with Indiana-based Auctions America. Similar attendance and sales figures are expected this year, she said.
“Cars have a way of making people feel nostalgic,” Boyd said. “They bring a lot of good memories. Their first car. Their parents’ car. The car they drove in after getting married. The car they put their first child in after getting out of the hospital. A lot of life milestones.”
While previewing cars Thursday, Paul Van Dyke took a photo of a red 1950 Willys Jeepster.
“My dad used to have one,” said Van Dyke, 50.
“I had a car like that one,” Van Dyke said, pointing to a black and gold 1970 Chevrolet Camaro.
“Could not afford that one,” he added, pointing to a nearby orange and black 1970 Dodge Challenger. “That was my dream car.”
Bob Steinmann, of Deerfield Beach, was all smiles Thursday after taking a photo leaning on a 1950s Lincoln convertible.
“I took a photo like this 40 years ago,” the 62-year-old said, remembering the car that belonged to his friend’s dad.
The hundreds of cars come from private owners who have entrusted their pride and joy to Auctions America. One of them, a 2008 Ford Mustang GT, will be sold by The Darrell Gwynn Foundation, a Davie-based nonprofit that supports people with paralysis and works to prevent spinal cord injuries.
Proceeds from the sale will go back to the foundation.
“I’m glad I was born when I did,” Steinmann said, surrounded by 1950s vehicles. “I got to see all these cars out on the streets.”
If you go
What: Auctions America, collector car auction
Where: Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
When: Friday through Sunday
Admission: Day pass $10, weekend pass $25, children 12 and under, free
Information: auctionsamerica.com, 954-765-5432
