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.

We have hundreds of buyers and sellers who visit our auctions every year. Here's just some of the comments that we receive.

"We have been purchasing fine automobiles at the Keith McCormick's Car auction in Palm Springs, for the last ten years. Every year the auction is something that we highly anticipate and we always look forward to see the large quantity of vehicles the auction has to offer. Their professionalism and prompt service is always unfaltering. We purchase our cars to ship overseas and every time there's a lot of paperwork involved. Documentation and titles of vehicles are always present at time of the auction which expedites the process to ship overseas. Doing business with the McCormick Family is an excellent experience and the ambiance in Palm Springs is the best every year!" Henry Janssens for Henton Enterprises Inc.
Los Angeles, Ca.

When my wife and I decided to part with our 1971 Chevelle SS convertible and 1960 Corvette in 2006 we thought long and hard about how to sell our cars and eventually we decided to go the auction route. We had attended a few auctions in the past including McCormicks (we're in the car show every year) and Kruse and even though Kruse was happening right in our hometown of Las Vegas on the exact same weekend we decided to haul both cars to Palm Springs instead. We always had more fun at McCormick's and got a much better vibe from you and your staff.

From the time Jason greeted me personally to the time our 1971 Chevelle SS convertible blew well past my reserve we knew we made the right call. In the end the Chevelle sold for $63,000 (I was hoping for $55,000) and the 1960 Corvette went for $42,000 (I was hoping for $40,000). The service and all the help available for a couple of nervous first time sellers was first rate. We were well taken care of, all questions were answered and above all we had a great time! Here's to many more years of car shows and good times in Palm Springs each November and February. Sincerely, Douglas and Natasha Shaffer

"McCormick's auction did a fantastic job selling my 1968 Chevy Camaro Convertible in their February 2008 sale. My car came on the podium within 5 minutes of the time they quoted me and I got over my reserve price. Thanks Guys."
James Demuth, Scottsdale Az.

"We have been dealing with the Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction company for over 10 years. We have bought and sold many vehicles with them over the years. The auction is proffessionally run by knowledgeable staff and we always receive our sale proceeds in a timely manner. We love the McCormick's Classic Car Auction and will continue to do business with them."
Jim & Michelle Flareghty, Denver, Co.

"I have watched the McCormick's Palm Springs auction tripple in size since I started selling through them over the last 20 years. I always get good money for my cars, expecially my 1961 Mercedes 190 SL that went way over my reserve price and dealing with a family run business I never have to worry about getting my money."
David Francis, Los Angeles Ca.

"Just a small note to tell you how much I enjoy the auctions, those weekends are like Christmas day for me. I love selling and purchasing from your auction house, and really enjoy everyone I come in contact with. Say hello to the gang. I wish there could be more of them." Regards, Jeff, Palm Springs, Ca

G'Day Rudy, Just a short note to let you know that the Packard arrived today. It was a long time coming as it didn't come direct and we were starting to wonder where it had got to. Anyway it is now here and with a few jobs to tidy it up a bit it will be on the road. Rudy it was a pleasure meeting you and thanks for your help. We may in the future come back to the USA and do some more business again. Thanks Again. James Andrews. Salt Ash. Australia.

I am a Candain collector with a large collection who is presently looking for a large 1930-1935 four door sedan. There was such a car at the Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction in November 2007.

I had never been to a Palm Springs auction before.

I was very surprised at how well treated I was by everyone connected to the auction, right from the owners on down to the registration clerks and on-site bank representative. Everyone very patiently bent over backwards to accomdate any of my requests.

Your buyer's fee is half that of Barrett-Jackson. There is short term fenced storage available until the vehicle can be picked up by transport truck.

While I didn't bid high enough to get the car I had come for, all my experiences with Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions were very positive.

Thanks for being so accommodating!

Yours Truly,

Jim Zinkhan Regina, Sask.

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

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.