1932 Chris-Craft 27' 309 Custom Triple Cockpit Runabout Sugar Lady, 275 HP

American auction house Mecum will sell many classic boats, including examples of Riva and Chris-Craft, at its October 15-16, Minneapolis sale.

The boats range in age from 1909 to 1996, and also number collectible builders such as Hackercraft, Garwood, Shepherd, Lyman and Century. In addition, Mecum will offer more than 100 exotic engines, accessories, tools and hard-to-find spare parts.

The collection was amassed by F. Todd Warner – the owner of Mahogany Bay, a company that specialises in the sale, storage, transportation and restoration of wooden boats – who began his hobby in 1974.

Commenting on the forthcoming sale, the company’s president, Dana Mecum, said: “Warner, a long-time educator and enthusiast, is committed to preserving the history of wooden boating in America and has decided to sell these priceless artifacts to new stewards in the industry at a Mecum no-reserve auction."

1927 Indian Lakes 26' Dart Runabout White Cap, 454 CI Crusader V8

Values are likely to run from “several hundred dollars to more than $1 million”. For further information, see www.mecum.com.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Mecum