American V8-powered classics made a strong showing at the 2026 Mecum Kissimmee auction, where nearly 100 vehicles sold for more than $1 million. While Ferraris, Porsches, and other European exotics dominated much of the seven-figure sales list, a notable share of the top results came from iconic American performance machines, underscoring enduring demand for rare muscle-era cars.
Leading the American contingent was a 1969 prototype Yenko Camaro, which sold for $1,815,000. Finished in Olympic Gold, the car held special significance as the first pilot test vehicle that launched Yenko Chevrolet’s legendary line of dealer-modified Camaros. Built during the height of the muscle car era, the prototype represented the moment when independent dealers stepped in to offer high-performance options that factory manufacturers would not. Its history and rarity helped drive its price well into seven-figure territory, continuing a trend of strong appreciation for historically important Yenko models.
Another standout was a meticulously restored 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible, one of just five automatics produced that year and among only 12 convertibles built in the model’s final year. Powered by the 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 and backed by an automatic transmission, the car’s rarity alone placed it among the most desirable Mopars ever produced. The sale price exceeded its previous transaction, reflecting continued interest in ultra-low-production muscle cars.
Shelby Cobras also drew heavy bidding. One example was a narrow-hip 427 Cobra, one of only 32 produced, prized for blending the graceful proportions of earlier Cobras with big-block V-8 power. Another was a factory-built 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Dragonsnake, notable as the only one equipped from new with a Stage III quadruple-Weber carburetion system. Both cars carried well-documented early ownership histories and benefitted from careful restorations.
Racing heritage also played a role in top results. A Ford GT40 MkII, chassis XGT-3, ranked among the auction’s highest sellers. One of just nine surviving MkII examples and one of three built with a factory lightweight chassis, it represented the peak of Ford’s international racing ambitions during the Total Performance era.
Other million-dollar American sales included a Baldwin Motion LS7 1969 Camaro and a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe, one of only 20 produced. Together, these results highlighted the continued strength of rare, historically significant American V-8 cars on the global auction stage.
