America’s Sports Car takes the spotlight at Kissimmee 2026, where one of the auction’s most eclectic and historically rich collections brings together rare Corvettes, Volkswagen icons, prototype engines, cutaway displays, and motorsports memorabilia — all crossing the block on Saturday, January 17.
The collection ranges from pop-culture artifacts to engineering landmarks, with standout pieces including a 1989 Corvette ZR1 prototype, multiple Challenge Series engines, and the 1963 Volkswagen Beetle used in “Herbie Fully Loaded.” It’s a lineup that blends factory R&D treasures with movie history and display pieces seldom offered publicly.
Volkswagen Highlights: From Engineering Displays to a Hollywood Hero
The collection opens with three Volkswagens, each with a distinct story.
• 1949 VW Beetle Cutaway Chassis (Lot V774.1)
Displayed at major European trade shows including Automechanika, this chassis demonstrator showcases the mechanical simplicity that made the Beetle a global icon.
• 1963 VW Beetle “Herbie Fully Loaded” (Lot V775)
One of six “Street Racer” cars built for the 2005 film, this screen-used Beetle anchors the pop-culture portion of the collection.
• 1977 VW Super Beetle Cabriolet (Lot V776)
A European-spec Cabriolet used by Volkswagen for U.S. EPA testing, making it a rare factory development car with unique paperwork.
Corvette Corner: Prototypes, Testbeds, the Last C4, and Historic Displays
This auction is a paradise for Corvette historians and collectors, featuring some of the brand’s most important development vehicles and engines.
• 1989 Corvette ZR1 Prototype (Lot V777)
One of just 84 engineering and media-preview prototypes — and the only one in this color combination.
• 1990 Corvette ZR1 (Lot V778)
Delivered new to the Warren Tech Center, this early production ZR1 showcases the LT5 V-8 that changed Corvette history.
• 1993 Corvette CERV-IVb (Lot V779)
An experimental proof-of-concept vehicle for the upcoming C5 program — a rare look at GM’s developmental roadmap.
• 1996 Corvette Coupe (Lot V780)
The last C4 Corvette ever built, constructed exclusively for Corvette legend Mike Yager.
• 1967 Corvette Display Chassis (Lot V781)
Used by Mid America Motorworks to demonstrate component offerings, this chassis is a rolling educational exhibit for C2 fans.
Engines & Powerplants: Race-Bred, Prototype, and Cutaway
No-reserve offerings cover everything from cutaway displays to genuine competition engines:
- 1989 Corvette Challenge Series Engines (Lots V782–V784)
- Corvette 427 Cutaway (Lot V785)
- 1975 Cosworth Vega Twin-Cam Cutaway Engine (Lot V786)
- 1987 Corvette ZR1 Phase 1 Prototype Engine (Lot V787)
- 1995 Corvette ZR1 Phase 5 Engine in Crate (Lot V788)
- 1986 Corvette GTP Turbo V-6 Racing Engine (Lot V789)
- VW Beetle Cutaway Engines (Lots V790–V791)
- Corvette Blue Flame Six Display Engine with Table Top (Lot V793)
Each offers a rare glimpse into Chevrolet and Volkswagen engineering during their most innovative eras.
Road Art®, Displays & Memorabilia
Rounding out the collection is an array of automotive Americana and Corvette history pieces:
- Corvette Split Window Top Panel (Lot V794)
- Half 1969 Corvette Body (Lot V795)
- Michael Schumacher & Ron Fellows Autographed Racing Gloves (Lots V796–V797)
- Zora Arkus-Duntov Painting by Denny Dent (Lot V798)
- Turbo-Jet 427 Dealership Sign (Lot V801)
- 1977 Aerovette Wind Tunnel Model (Lot V802)
- Bally Corvette Pinball Machine (Lot V803)
- Volkswagen “Herbie” Kiddie Ride (Lot V804)
- Vintage Gas Pumps with Shell & Route 66 Globes (Lots V805–V807)
- 1961 Corvette Magnesium Hood (Lot V808)
- CERV-I Fuel Injection Unit (Lot V809)
- C4 Corvette Emblem Tribute Display (Lot V840)
From engineering artifacts to dealership nostalgia, these pieces celebrate decades of automotive storytelling.
A Collection That Bridges Pop Culture, Performance, and Prototype History
Whether you’re drawn to the Corvette development cars, the Herbie movie Beetle, or the breathtaking array of engines and displays, this lineup is one of the most unusual and comprehensive at Kissimmee 2026.
For Corvette devotees especially, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire pieces directly tied to the evolution of America’s Sports Car — from cutaway engines to prototype vehicles that paved the way for production models.
Everything crosses the block Saturday, January 17 — and much of it at no reserve.
This amazing collection is being sold at Mecum’s largest sale of the year in Kissimmee, Florida. Visit there to see other collections and vehicles on offer. Better yet, consign your car or collection today!
Shawn Henry