Mecum Indy 2025

 Getting back to the Mecum Auction at the Indianapolis fairgrounds always feels like kicking off the car season the right way. Indy has become a staple on my calendar, the unofficial start of show season where winter projects finally meet real-world metal. With thousands of consignments crossing the block, it is impossible to see everything, but that is part of the appeal. This year, a few standout vehicles really captured my attention, and I wanted to highlight three that represent very different corners of the collector-car world, from early pony cars to ultra-rare coachbuilt customs and high-end hot rod craftsmanship.

1965 Plymouth Barracuda

 The first car that stopped me in my tracks was the 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback. Early Barracudas often get overshadowed by Mustangs and Camaros, but the 1965 model year was a turning point for the platform. Buyers could choose from a range of factory engines, including the 225ci Slant Six or the small-block 273ci V8 in both 2-barrel and 4-barrel Commando form, making it a surprisingly versatile compact performance car for the era. The fastback body style with its massive wraparound rear glass was an engineering feat at the time and remains one of the most distinctive rooflines of the 1960s.Unlike the Mustang, the barracuda was marketed to the every man. "raving about the price and the extra room to fix the family. Seeing a clean early A-body Mopar on the Mecum floor always reminds you how diverse the pony car segment was before it became standardized in the late 1960s. This Barracuda sold for $28,600! See more details here.

1957 Chevrolet El Morocco Convertible

  On the opposite end of the rarity spectrum was the 1957 Chevrolet El Morocco Convertible, which is essentially a rolling piece of automotive history and eccentricity. This car was built on a Chevrolet Bel Air platform but styled to mimic Cadillac-level luxury, thanks to custom fiberglass body panels and Cadillac-inspired fins. What really makes this example special is just how scarce these cars are. This particular convertible is noted as one of only around ten known to exist from 1957, which puts it firmly in unicorn territory for collectors. Powered by a 283ci V8 and restored to concours-level condition, it is the kind of vehicle that draws a crowd of historians, not just bidders. Cars like this remind you that the 1950s were a wild, experimental time for American design, when entrepreneurs could reimagine mainstream platforms into boutique luxury machines. This rare tri five sold for $220,000! See more details here.

1940 Ford Custom Pickup

  Rounding out my top picks was a radically different build, a 1940 Ford Custom Pickup that showcased just how far the street rod world has evolved. This particular truck was a high-end custom build, featuring a 350ci V8 powerplant rated around 385 horsepower and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, blending vintage styling with contemporary drivability. Unlike traditional restorations, this truck leaned heavily into the hot rod ethos, purpose-built craftsmanship, curated components, and a cohesive vision that turns a pre-war work truck into a high-dollar showpiece. It is a perfect example of how custom builders are elevating classic pickups into legitimate collector-grade art pieces rather than just nostalgic shop trucks. The Ford truck crossed the block and sold for $77,000. See more detail heres!