I sat behind the wheels of two classic Mercedes-Benz cars, a Jaguar Convertible, a Honda S2000 and a classic Corvette Coupe. This was only possible during my day as a “Green Hat” driver for Mecum Auctions’ Florida Summer 2025.
The company’s January massive event (requested as the world’s largest collector car auction) usually brings around 4,500 vehicles over 13 days, while the July auction spans four days, bringing around 1,500 vehicles to Osceola Heritage Park. Classic Corvettes, Camaros and Mustangs, along with high-end Ferraris, Vintage Broncos and other unusual cars, find new homes among collectors.
Watching the auction day gives you interesting and energetic views, but behind the scenes peek is a masterclass in logistics. The motor carrier and owner will ensure that the vehicle arrives in Kissimmee where it is checked in and staged to be offered for sale. This is a step in the process where volunteer drivers come in.
On the first day of the auction, we were able to join a team of dozens of volunteer drivers that can be found at Mecum auctions wearing lime green hats. But before I was ready to get behind the wheel of a collector’s car, I had to learn the rules first.
Always place your feet on the brakes before starting your car. Make sure the windows are rolled down to the staging area and auction arena. Put the car in neutral and press and push the arena. Pop the food so that auction staff can open it. Just before the car goes up to auction, activate it and drive slowly to the center stage. Please don’t express your opinion about the car. Be sure to stay hydrated. Also, please wear pants.
These logistics are subject to the driver meeting at 9am, and Chuck Gilbert, who handles Carol Duckworth and Logistics at Mecum Operations Manager, reviewed all directions and policies. Gilbert then offered a prayer before loosening the driver.
“I thank Heavenly Father on this day,” he said. “We ask for your safety, Lord, for the safety of our feet when we push the pedals, and for the safety of our hands when we turn the wheels.”
All new drivers are paired with mentors. Darrell Cole, a former Orlando Sentinel graphic designer who had been driving for the Mecum auction for 20 years, showed me the ropes. Classic car enthusiasts said his interest began with his father’s collection, which began in 1962 with the American Bantam Roadster in 1937. They currently own 34 cars, some of which are used for weddings and events through Cole’s classic cars.
As I walked through the staging tent and entered the auction arena, Cole reminded me of all the guidelines that Duckworth had put into practice and shared his own expertise with me. In driving his 20 years of auction, he has seen everything, including cars that refused to start. That’s what happened in the first Camaro we jumped in.
After being pushed across the auction block, the car received “bid continues.” This is because the stickers did not meet the spare price. It was given a tag from a golf cart and pulled in neutral into grassy lots where potential buyers can make a higher bid.
I was lucky when I jumped on my first vehicle with a V-8 engine in my 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible. Of course, I touched the accelerator and put the car in the auction arena and the entire block. The audience all turned their attention to the car I was driving, and at least felt a little uneasy. Of all the angles I’ve seen the Mecum auction, this felt brand new and exciting.
Clay Ferguson, one of the driver’s liaisons, said that he felt it was different to be in the driver’s seat in the middle of the arena that day.
“Getting an internal view of a driver is kind of a unique deal,” he said. “I started as a driver years ago and then I was hired to become a driver manager. You meet a lot of new people. It’s like a bit of a group.”
After moving through the auction arena, the driver asks the tent boss about the next challenge. It’s a lot of shuffling and hopping in and out of the car all day.
My next task was to move the Jaguar Convertible to Stage Grain. Many drivers enjoy the opportunity to drive classic and unusual cars for a few minutes, but the auctions look at even more common vehicles.
I found myself behind the steering wheel of a 2011 Honda Ridge Line Pickup truck. It was a good example, but it wasn’t as exciting or unique as driving a Mercedes or Jaguar.
After moving the truck to the auction arena, I had the unusual opportunity to drive the Honda S2000, a dream sports car. The sporty rear-wheel drive, two-seater convertible has been made for only 10 years in the early 2000s and holds its value very well. I’m a beginner stick shift driver at best, but I was confident in my ability to get the car in the first place and move it into the staging area. I felt whimsical as I sat behind the wheels of the car. I hope one day I find a way to own it.
Before calling it a day, I had the opportunity to move two more vehicles, including a 1980 Mercedes-Benz diesel sedan. This navigated the auction arena and the classic red corvette that needs to be shuffled into the tent that will be staged in advance.
The experience of being a mecham driver for the day was felt in the first neurites, but I soon found the excitement that other drivers longed to get behind the wheel of such a rare and cool car. I felt like a part of the team and made new friends along the way. And I’ve already turned to the auction in January. There, they hope they will need an extra driver for a day.
For more information about the Mecum Florida Summer Special Auction, which runs through July 12th, visit mecum.com.
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