A piece of baseball great Reggie Jackson's original collection will be offered at the Mecum Monterey Auction, Aug. 13-14, 2010.
"Reggie is a lifelong car guy whom I've known for 25 years," said President Dana Mecum. "He has begun selling pieces of his original collection that he's compiled over the past 40 years, and we are excited to offer 15 of those vehicles at our Monterey event. Reggie's passion began with the Olds-powered Ford he bought in high school before he could legally drive and has grown into a superb collection of muscle cars, Corvettes, hot rods and exotica. As a true testament to his passion for automobiles - the other great American pastime - each vehicle in his collection has a unique story and place in automotive history."
A Hall of Fame legend and five-time World Series title winner, Jackson's car collection spans four decades and a variety of makes and models. He has consigned several unique cars for Mecum Monterey, including a personal favorite rare 1969 ZL1 COPO Camaro (Lot S104) that is believed to be one of just five or six still with its original engine.
As number 51 in the production sequence of 69 cars, the ZL1 Camaro was originally purchased by Chevrolet racer and engine building legend Lamar Walden, whose connection to it remains close to this day. Jackson, who has owned the car since the mid-'90s, discovered the real engine had been damaged and replaced, so he tracked it down to Walden's shop in Doraville, Ga. Walden repaired the original block, and Jackson rebuilt it himself under Walden's supervision. Today, the car remains as originally equipped with an M21 4-Speed, power disc brakes, spoilers, Rally wheels, Soft ray tinted glass, Sport steering wheel and, of course, the original ZL1 engine.
Mecum will also offer a Gasser-era 1941 Willys Steel Coupe (Lot S88) from Jackson's collection. Jackson turned to his friend Roy Brizio for this Candy Red 1941 Willys, which was based on a 2x4-inch box frame and updated with a coil-over suspension in place of traditional leaf units. The drive train comprises a 6-71 supercharged 426 Hemi with a computerized four port Hilborn injector for maximum drivability. Additional features include a Chevrolet Turbo 400 automatic, which cranks power back to a Ford 9-inch rear; a straight front axle and original magnesium Halibrands backed by modern Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes; and a steel body fitted with fiberglass rear fenders and a one-piece Outlaw Performance front end.
To view all 15 cars from Reggie Jackson's Collection, visit http://www.Mecum.com. Mecum's Monterey Auction takes place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course. The auction is open to the general public.
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 23 years, now offering an industry-leading 5,000 collector cars per year. Consignment, bidder and event information is available online at http://www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.