My Day at the McCormick Exotic Car Auction

Last November I was in Palm Springs and attended the Keith McCormick Exotic Car Auction.

In the three-day event, there are hundreds of vehicles up for auction and if you are a car collector or just love looking at beautiful cars, this is a fun outing on your next vacation to Palm Springs and the California desert resort towns.

Ever since I was a kid, my dad and I loved going to car shows. From Las Vegas to Pebble Beach. We were into warm colors, lots of chrome, and custom-designed concept cars.

Twice a year, in February and November, on the site of the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs, the Keith McCormick Exotic Car Auction is held. Now in its 25th year, the auction is a staple on the exotic car circuit and one of the best things to do on a sunny day in the desert.

A three day event, I chose Saturday morning to enjoy the show. The event that starts on Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday has hundreds of cars for sale, of everything from classics to muscle cars, Rolls Royces and Bentleys.

When I got there Saturday morning I made a bee line for the white Cadillac convertible with red interior. It had the top down and was sparkling clean and restored to perfection. A vintage 1976 Eldorado convertible, this car was my dream growing up in Brooklyn, New York.

My friend David and I looked at the opening bid and decided to register as bidders. We did so and waited for the car to enter the tent where about 100 bidders were inspecting and bidding on cars of all shapes and makes.

Considering the variety of makes and models up for auction, there is definitely something for everyone, from the younger generation’s allure of the Ferrari to the older generation’s love of the classic Hudson or Edsel.

When the auction started at $5,000, David and I were in the game. We decided to take the offer up to $7,500 and stop there. There were no less than 4 different bidders for the car and it ultimately cost $12,400.00. Too rich for my blood, but exciting all the same.

If you’re looking to go bidding on the cars or just take photos with these works of art, I recommend getting there early so you can tour the parking lot and appreciate the 400-500 cars on display.

For car aficionados, this is truly a great time.