Rare, collectible and everyday cars available at Saturday auction

Gleaming chrome, candy paint and timeless icons of the American roadway will cover the Show Me Center's floor Saturday as Smith's Auction Co. brings more than 170 cars and trucks to auction off.

"We've got cars from the '50s, '60s and '70s, plenty of muscle cars, street rods and Corvettes," said Sherm Smith, owner and founder of Smith's Auction Co. in Dexter, Mo. Smith said typically there are one or two standout vehicles to showcase, but this year there are many standouts.

Smith said he is really impressed with the selection this time. "We even have a couple of limos in this auction," Smith said. He said there are a couple of replica cars in this auction, including a 1934 Mercedes 500K and a 1932 Ford Roadster.

Smith's show brings in cars from all over the country. Started in 1994 by Smith, the local family business has grown to become one of the leaders in collector car auctions in the country.

"Smith's brings in not only the rare and collectible, but they also showcase vehicles that the everyday purchaser can pick up," said Shannon Buford, Show Me Center marketing director. "One of our employees purchased a car for her son at a previous Smith auction, so you never know what you might see here."

Smith's Auction puts on two auctions at the Show Me Center every year. "Our early spring auction is one day, and the fall auction spans two days," Smith said.

A full listing of the vehicles that will be up for auction this weekend is available at www.smithsauctioncompany.com.

Doors open at the Show Me Center at 8 a.m. Saturday. The auction begins at 10 a.m. Car buyers and those just wanting to take a peek at automotive Americana can purchase tickets at the Show Me Center ticket office in Cape Girardeau or by calling 651-5000. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children, and free for children younger than 12.