Palm Springs, CA - February 16, 2012 - Punxsutawney Phil's prediction seems to be correct, as evidenced by storms racing across the nation dropping snow and temperatures along the way.

In Palm Springs, however, the surrounding mountains show only traces of snow at higher elevations - it could be because the town is heating up with activity in preparation for the semi-annual McCormick's Palm Springs Collector Car Auction.

The auction kicks off Friday, February 24, with a champagne toast to the New Year and the first 100 cars crossing the block. Cars of interest scheduled for bid this first night include an '82 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur, a '66 GTO and an amazing '35 Ford 48 Deluxe.

"It's looking like the pace we set in 2011 is continuing into 2012, comments Keith McCormick, owner and president. "We are seeing a higher quality car being entered alongside some first-class frame off restorations, most of which are scheduled for sale during our primetime slots on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And Sunday should end on a pretty strong uptick with some surprises scheduled for their turn on the block.

The auction is open to the public February 24-26, with free entry Friday evening starting at 3:00 PM. Admission for Saturday and Sunday is $15 per day, or $25 for both days; gates open at 8:00 AM. If you can't make it to Palm Springs, then be sure to check us out by visiting our home page and clicking on the Streaming Video button.

We'll also be covering the auction live at www.facebook.com/mccormicksauction if you want a more intimate and interactive experience. McCormick's Palm Springs Collector Car Auction is a family-owned and run business, located in downtown Palms Springs, California, and is in its 26th year of continuous operation.

For more information about McCormick's and the upcoming auction, along with a complete list of auction vehicles, please visit us at classic-carauction.com or "Like us" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mccormicksauction.