Mecum Auction Allegedly Reopens Bidding After Declaring Car Sold Because Everything’s Made Up and the Points Don’t Matter
Critics say people shouldn't be outraged because it wasn't ever real to begin with.
MONTEREY—Chaos erupted at a Mecum auction this week after the house allegedly reopened bidding on a vehicle that had already been declared sold. According to multiple attendees, the gavel had already dropped when bidding mysteriously resumed, prompting many to wonder if the event was actually an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
“It was like the auctioneer said ‘Sold!’ but then immediately hit rewind,” said attendee Carlos Martinez. “Next thing I know, there’s another guy bidding, and suddenly the car I thought was mine isn’t mine anymore. It felt less like an auction and more like improv night at a comedy club, except the cover charge was 200 grand.”
Mecum officials have denied wrongdoing, insisting the process was fair and “in line with industry practices.” But critics aren’t buying it. “Auctions are supposed to be final,” said collector Linda James. “Not ‘final until we decide to spice things up for ratings.’ This isn’t American Idol. You can’t just bring the car back for a redemption arc.”
Even insiders admit the atmosphere is unpredictable. “We’re basically making it up as we go,” confessed one anonymous Mecum employee. “Sometimes we reopen bidding, sometimes we don’t. It’s kind of like jazz. Or like Fast & Furious sequels. Nobody knows how many there will be, we just keep going until people stop clapping.”
Attendees say the unpredictability is draining. “I had a buddy bid on a ’69 Camaro,” said bidder Juan Delgado. “He won it three times. By the fourth, he just left and went to Applebee’s.”
Despite the backlash, Mecum remains unapologetic. “The points don’t matter, and neither do the rules,” said one executive while polishing the gavel. “We provide entertainment. The fact that cars occasionally change hands is just a bonus.”
Industry experts warn that if such practices continue, collector auctions may lose credibility entirely. Still, for many enthusiasts, the spectacle is part of the appeal. “At this point,” Martinez added, “Mecum isn’t about buying cars. It’s about watching rich people realize Monopoly money doesn’t work outside the room.”