Shelby seminar highlights Auburn, Ind., Labor Day auction

Stars, seminars and sales will captivate automotive enthusiasts this Labor Day weekend at Auctions America by RM's annual Auburn Fall collector car weekend, Aug. 29–Sept. 2, at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana. As part of the longest-running automotive event in collector-car auction history, the Auburn Fall event will feature an unprecedented number of activities for all ages, including an exclusive educational seminar highlighting 50 years of Shelby American Inc., and celebrity appearances by Barry Weiss from A&E's hit TV show Storage Wars and three-time Indy 500 champion Bobby Unser, to name a few.

“The Auburn Fall collector car weekend is our most celebrated event each year, attracting thousands of enthusiasts from around the world,” said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America by RM. “With more than 1,200 collector cars scheduled to cross the block, we're making this year's event our biggest yet with a range of exciting automotive-themed activities designed to celebrate the hobby and cater to a broad range of tastes, including an appearance by one of the greatest Indy 500 drivers, Bobby Unser. Visitors won't be able to see everything in just one day.”

In honor of Carroll Shelby, who passed away in May, well-known Speed commentator Dave Despain will host a one-hour “50 Years of Shelby American” seminar in the main auction arena at the Auburn Auction Park at 9 a.m. Aug. 31. A continuing part of Auctions America's educational series, the panel discussion will focus on the passion that drives Shelby enthusiasts as well as the company's past, present and future.

Panelists will share personal anecdotes about Carroll and offer market insights into the collectability of vintage and new Shelby vehicles, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Entry to the seminar is included as part of general admission, with a complimentary hot breakfast for attendees served at 8.30 a.m.

The panel includes:

Original Shelby Factory Team driver Allen Grant, who was involved in early development of Shelby performance vehicles and is now designing his own sports car, “Grant Spyder”;

Shelby American vice president of operations Gary Patterson, responsible for overseeing the company's sales, customer service and operations as well as a key development driver for Shelby American; and

Auctions America by RM's own resident Shelby aficionado and president, Donnie Gould, a 35-year veteran of the collector-car hobby.

The seminar acts as a prelude to the weekend's auction program, which will feature the sale of multiple lots for charity. As part of Auctions America's continued efforts to give back to northeast Indiana communities, the company will team up with honorary celebrity auctioneer Weiss on Sunday, Sept. 2, to offer a 1980 Honda Twinstar motorcycle, a 1972 Honda 175 and a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL, to name a few.

Half the funds generated by the sale of these lots will benefit the family of U.S. Army Sgt. JaBraun Knox, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Friday, May 18, while supporting “Operation Enduring Freedom.” The other half of the money raised will be donated to the Fort Wayne Base Community Council Military Support Fund, established in July 2012 to support current, nondeployed military members and their families in northeast Indiana.

“Our team at Auctions America wants to do our part to give back to the military personnel, families and citizens in Auburn, Fort Wayne and the surrounding towns who have welcomed us with open arms,” noted Gould. “The reason we can celebrate one of the longest-running automotive traditions is because of their enthusiasm for their country, people and of course, automobiles.”

Besides supporting important charity initiatives, Weiss will also participate in autograph sessions. Other celebrity appearances include automotive racing icon Unser, who will be on site throughout the weekend greeting attendees. Guests will be able to meet him free of charge with the purchase of a general-admission ticket.

In addition, unique rides such as the Decoliner, a combination of a 1973 GMC Motorhome with the cab of a 1955 hauler, and three versions of the Batmobile will be on display during the four-day sale. The event will also feature a swap meet and car corral, hosted by Carlisle Events, along with monster truck rides on Saturday and Sunday and helicopter rides Friday through Sunday.

The public can attend the four-day celebration by purchasing a full-event pass for $45 or a single-day pass for $15. Children under 12 years of age receive free admission when accompanied by an adult.

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