Among the nearly 600 cars to be auctioned this weekend at McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction are a 1959 Cadillac and a 1962 Ford Thunderbird, both convertibles, both fully restored and ready to drive, both stars of the show.

On Nov. 20-22, cars ranging from late model Ferraris and European classics to American hot rods, muscle and antique cars will pass through the giant auction tent at the Spa Resort Casino parking lot in downtown Palm Springs.

The auction is free and open to the public on Friday, Nov. 20. On Saturday and Sunday, a one-day pass is $15 per day or $25 for both days.

The 1959 pink Cadillac, Series 62 convertible has 53,000 actual miles. The 1962 Ford Thunderbird convertible is a factory “Sport Roadster” model. “Both are rare cars,” said Keith McCormick.

Calendar:

November 20-22, 2015

McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs Gates open at 8 a.m. for preview Friday, 10 am to 9 p.m., Free Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One day pass, $15; two days $25

www.classic-carauction.com

(760) 320-3290

Now in its 29th year, the McCormick auction last November grossed $7.7 million in sales, the highest in the company’s history. “Our sales rate tops 80 per cent, which is a record for a reserve auction.” Attendance also set a record. The Friday auction has been expanded to 180 cars to accommodate more sellers.

The high attendance brings in high-end cars, some worth well into six figures, Keith McCormick said, as well as “a mix of vehicles in all price ranges, something for everyone.” 

McCormick held the first collector car auction in 1985 at the Marquis Hotel in Palm Springs. A total of 211 vehicles were offered, 109 (53%) were sold, grossing $1.2 million. Attendance totaled 6,000 during the weekend event. Cars sold include a 1985 Porsche for $32,300, a 1981 Rolls Royce for $45,000; and a 1937 Rolls Royce for $49, 500 owned by G. Gordon Liddy with license H2O GATE.

Today the auction will stream live via the Internet for three days and people who register in advance may bid for via proxy bidding. At the previous auction, people tuned in from across the United States, Europe and New Zealand to bid on cars.

Video cameras will be set up to show different views of each car as it passes through the auction tent. To connect to the live broadcast and receive registration information, go to www.classic-caraution.com

People bidding via proxy will have to register in advance and follow the same procedures as people attending the auction, McCormick noted. Bidding requires a $30 registration fee and a “good faith deposit,” which is refunded if nothing is purchased, McCormick said.

To preview cars to be auction and other information, go to www.Classic-CarAuction.com.