Mecum classic-car showcase returns to Phillips 66

The vrooms returned to Houston Headquarters after a three-year hiatus.

Mecum, the world’s largest collector-car auctioneer, brought its display of classic cars back to the building last month for the first time since 2019. The crowd-pleaser, which was put on hold because of COVID restrictions, took place thanks to Mecum’s longtime partnership with Kendall^® Motor Oil.  

“I’ve never been in a car that old before,” said Midstream Engineer Kristen Peck, who got to ride in a classically restored ivory and white 1969 Pontiac Trans Am. “My parents were born in the ’50s and always talk about restored cars, so it was a neat experience.”

Mecum employees invited Peck to take her short and memorable ride when the skies turned blue after a light rain, and they moved the cars from the parking garage to the sunny oval in front of headquarters. Janet Chen, also a Midstream engineer, rode in a shiny red, custom-restored 1966 Ford Mustang GT with Shelby-style stripes.

Kendall is the official motor oil of Mecum Auctions. The partnership is a “natural fit” as both companies share a passion and love for automobiles and a pride in their work, said John Kraman, star announcer for Mecum Auctions who was on hand to chat with Phillips 66 employees. Some pulled out their phones to proudly show Kraman photos of their own classic cars and works in progress.

Mecum Auctions draw thousands of car and motorcycle enthusiasts and are broadcast by NBC Sports Network. The 1969 Trans-Am and the 1966 Mustang were part of a private collection of 170 cars for sale at Mecum’s Houston auction. The Houston event is one of Mecum’s largest, featuring more than 1,000 cars that fetched a record tally of $34.5 million.  

Phillips 66 is one of the largest finished lubricants suppliers in the United States, marketing under the Kendall and Phillips 66^® brands as well as supplying several North American private labels and original-equipment manufacturers.

Kendall Brand Director Jessica Goodman said the six-year sponsorship and collaboration with Mecum Auctions has been a great success, helping to build nationwide brand awareness with a key audience.

“We are thrilled that so many Phillips 66 employees were able to witness this collaboration first-hand as they checked out these beautiful classic cars,” she said.