Auburn spring auction includes car collector panel

Visitors to the Auburn Spring Collector Car Auction will get a treat in May when Reggie Jackson, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer; Wayne Carini, host of HD Theater's Chasing Classic Cars, and concept-car expert Joe Bortz take part in a panel discussion about the world of the collector car.

The panel discussion will take place at the Auction Park Arena in Auburn, Ind., on May 14 at 9 a.m. before the auction starts. The Auctions America by RM classic-car auction runs from May 12 to 15.

Topics will include the state of the car-collecting industry, what cars are recommended for future collectors and probably some tips on how to get the most out of an auction, whether buying or selling.

All three guests are well-respected car guys, though Bortz's voice might ring loudest for collectors.

"The first car I bought at auction was a 1901 Model T Town Car," he said. "And I've been collecting for 50 years now."

The event has a little sentimental value for Bortz, as one of the General Motors Futurliner cars he used to own will cross the block fully restored. Bortz rescued five of the concept buses when they were slated for destruction. He also started a consulting firm, Take Your Car to Auction LLC, to help people sell cars at auction who don't have the time or knowledge to do it properly themselves.

Besides the massive Futurliner, the Auburn spring auction has all sorts fast, expensive and rare collector cars to bid on.

Those with the thickest wallets should look no further than the 1932 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton, expected to sell for about a half million dollars. This example, rescued in the 1980s, is from a private collection and was reportedly involved in a collision. After it was considered too expensive to repair, it sat in storage until the late Rick Carroll came along and brought it back to glory.

Those not buying in the stratospheric range might want to look at one of the '60s Ford Mustang coupes or convertibles. A 1969 Boss 302 with a matching-numbers engine will cross the block, along with a 1966 Mustang convertible owned by actor Robert Hayes.

A brand new 2011 Chrysler 300 will be auctioned off as well, with more than 100 signatures of movie and TV stars on the hood. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

General admission for the event is $10 for a day pass and $25 for the entire weekend, which includes access to the auction, swap meet, car corral and panel discussion.

Go to www.acutionsamerica.com for more information.

By Jake Lingeman