23 Years Running!
By 1981, Keith McCormick had already become a successful entrepreneur in his native United Kingdom, but he longed to realize a dream to move to Palm Springs, California and devote his time entirely to his family...and his cars.
In 1985, Keith hosted his very first exotic car auction. A modest affair, by today's standards, but one that would start a tradition.
Today, Keith's relentless dedication to excellence and integrity has produced one of the most prestigious, respected, and successful car auctions in America. Our Events are held in November and February each year on the grounds of the Spa Resort Casino in beautiful downtown Palm Springs, California.
What Patrons are Saying about Us.
We have hundreds of buyers and sellers who visit our auctions every year. Here's just some of the comments that we receive.
"Keith, thanks for the great job in promoting my Vespa. I saw the scooter in the color flyer. You did a great job, and the new web site...WOW! I love it. It is so easy to read the the photos of the cars are superb. Pat yourself on the back, you guys are first class." - Alex Ruyg, Hesperia, CA
"After failing to sell my car through newspaper advertisements, Keith convinced me that his auction was the best way to go. He was right! I sold my 1941 Chevy Woody Masters Deluxe (Lot #236, Feb.2002) for $45,500." - Dan Knight, Phoenix, AZ
"I have used the McCormick's "On-Site" auctions for the past few years. They always attract a large crowd of qualified buyers. The last car I sold was my 1967 Olds Custlass 442 Convertible (Lot# 158, Feb. 2002) for $18,250, which was over my reserve price." - Laura Herrick, Truckee, CA
"I am always amazed that at a McCormick "On-Site" Auction you buy a lot number and they quote the time your car will come on the podium. You can set your clock on it! Within 15 minutes of that time your car is in front of the buyers. No other auction does that!" - A. S. Young, Philadelphia, PA
"Other auction companies hold your sales proceeds for sometime weeks. I have found the McCormick's send their check to you in about 7 days after the sale. I have done business with them for over 12 years." - David Nyheim, Sacramento, CA
"Doing business with a family-owned company gives me a feeling of honesty and security. Same office address and phone number for the past 17 years tells me something! I've bought and sold many autos at their Palm Springs Auction." - Dwayne Parton, Visalia, CA
In the News!
Sports Car Market Magazine - July, 2006 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions - 40th Exotic Car Show and Auction Palm Springs, CA February 25-26, 2006
Auction Results: 247 of 392 cars sold (63%) for total reciepts of $4.7 million, up from $3.8 million at last November's auction.
Despite the move to a larger lot, Sherman's Deli - the best in the desert, if not all of California - was still close.
Keith McCormick and his crew always seem to be headed in the right direction. With each installment, the Palm Springs Auction gets bigger, better, or both. And with the growth and improvement, efficiency, too, increases.
Though November's sale was no slouch, with $4m in total sales from 235 cars, the February event trumped it in every way. The number of sold cars increased slightly, by 22, but it was the substantial $700,000 bump in total sales that made the most noise. Such growth can be attributed to a consignment list composed largely of higher-quality cars, each of which carried more weight in the final tally, with an average sale price $2,000 higher than in November.
But it wasn't just the numbers that made the difference. While the Spa Resort Casino still played host, the sale moved to the larger parking lot, which meant a bit more breathing room. It also meant that the casino's amenities were still close by. Perhaps most importantly, Sherman's Deli-the best in the desert, if not all of California was still close as well.
Does this mean that McCormick is going upscale and losing the character that has made this auction so much fun over the years? Not a chance. Because for every clean Chevrolet Corvette to cross the block, you could still buy a 1970 VW Karmann Ghia for less than $1,500, or even a Mercedes-Benz 300SEL for under three grand. They weren't in the finest condition, of course, but they were cheap, distinctive drivers. Rolls-Royces, always a Palm Springs staple, were few and far between this year, with the most expensive, a 1996 Silver Spur, bringing $58,800.
If there was ever a lull in the action, some auction-goers took advantage of the casino's proximity to test their luck at the slots. Others just made use of the air-conditioning to watch the sale unfold in cool comfort. In addition to the auction, McCormick sponsored a car show across the street. The quality was off a bit off, however, as the event coincided with an established 600+ collector car show in nearby Indian Wells. Hopefully, that conflict can be avoided next year, as a solid show would certainly add value to the auction weekend.
The weather, of course, was wonderful, and a number of car folks from chilly northern climes were on hand to buy and sell. And why not? It's a fun, low-pressure event in a beautiful place, with cars ranging from $2,000 to $200,000 and plenty of interesting stuff in between. The next event, McCormick's 41st, is the week before Thanksgiving. It's never too early to make reservations. Report and photos by Carl Bomstead
More in the News
Automobile Magazine - Feburary, 2006 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions - 39th Exotic Car Show and Auction Palm Springs, CA November 19-20, 2005
Keith and Desley McCormick epitomize everything good about a regional, family-owned auction company. Their location, sunny Palm Springs, offers an alluring sun-drenched getaway for collectors in harsher climes, and they always have an eclectic array of fairly priced cars. This year, 236 of 373 cars sold (63%) for total reciepts of $3.8 million, up from $3.2 million last year's show.
1958 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. Sold at $97,650 S/N 7E2005760.
White over blue, blue top. Excellent interior, striking baroque dashboard. Wonder Bar radio. Auto headlight-dimming Autronic Eye. High-quality respray, but doorjambs were overlooked. Body straight and solid with good panel fit. Clean engine bay. Unfortunate recent cigarette burn in top since car was brought to auction.
Why it's important: These huge and heavy (at 4676 pounds) cruisers personified the self-confidence and glitz of the '50s. As our daily cars continue the trend toward eco-friendliness, riding in one of these barges marks you as a wastrel -or a sophisticated collector. A few years ago they were available at bargain prices, and now they're at six figures. Year built (number produced) 1958 (1181).
What to look for: Bright and straight chrome on the interior and exterior. The trim on these cars is what gives them their opulent look, and finding missing pieces can be a lifetime chore.
Expect to pay: $70,000-$100,000.
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