Auction, military benefit set for Fall car weekend

AUBURN, Ind. (WANE) - The longest running collector car auction ramps up for another weekend at the Auburn Auction Park .

Synonymous with Labor Day, Auburn becomes a car collectors fantasy land as tens-of-thousands of people descend on DeKalb County to buy, sell, and admire classic cars spreading across several decades.

The fall show, presented by Auctions America by RM, will feature activities for all ages, including monster truck rides and helicopter rides. The event runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 at the Auburn Auction Park on County Road 11-A just off I-69.

“The Auburn Fall collector car weekend is our most celebrated event each year, attracting thousands of enthusiasts from around the world,” said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America by RM, in a statement. “With more than 1,200 collector cars scheduled to cross the block, we’re making this year’s event our biggest yet with a range of exciting automotive-themed activities designed to celebrate the hobby and cater to a broad range of tastes, including an appearance by one of the greatest Indy 500 drivers, Bobby Unser. Visitors won’t be able to see everything in just one day.”

Friday, SPEED channel commentator Dave Despain will host a one-hour "50 Years of Shelby America" seminar. The program is in honor of the late Carroll Shelby who died in May. The focus of the event will be on the passion experienced by drivers of Shelby vehicles and the Shelby company.

Certain lots sold over the weekend will benefit military families in northeast Indiana, including the family of the late U.S. Army Sgt. JaBraun Knox who was killed in Afghanistan in May. Also, some funds will be donated to the Fort Wayne Base Community Council Military Support Fund.

“Our team at Auctions America wants to do our part to give back to the military personnel, families and citizens in Auburn, Fort Wayne and the surrounding towns who have welcomed us with open arms,” noted Gould in a statement. “The reason we can celebrate one of the longest running automotive traditions is because of their enthusiasm for their country, people and of course, automobiles.”

Honorary celebrity auctioneer Barry Weiss will help auction off some items and will also sign autographs during the weekend. Weiss is a central figure in the A&E show , "Storage Wars."

The event also features the popular swap meet and car corral, hosted by Carlisle Events . A Decoliner will be on display, which is a half-motorhome, half-hauler. Three versions of the "Batmobile" will be on display for visitors, including the tumbler version seen in the most recent films.

A motorcoach used by Willie Nelson and his band will be available. "Me and Paul" or "The Scout II" was used by the band between 1986 and 1999.

“We’ve planned an event that will be fun, entertaining and educational for everyone from the entry level collector to the veteran who returns to our Labor Day auction each year,” added Gould in a company release. “It is the perfect way to end the summer in style as part of the Auburn Auction Park tradition.”

Admission to the four-day event is $45 for a full-event pass or $15 for one day. Children under 12-years-old are free with an adult paid admission.