On January 12th of this year, the enthusiast community was taken aback by the untimely death of a man and a voice we all probably recognize, especially if you’ve ever watched a Mecum broadcast. John Kraman, also affectionately known as ‘The Professor,” left a mark on the automotive industry and enthusiasts like no man before him. One of the more common remarks was his remarkable knowledge, often referring to John as a walking and talking encyclopedia of everything cars. But more importantly, John was also a car guy and loved all things on wheels, from Corvettes to a neat collection of motorcycles. [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. Yes, FREE! If/when any pop-ups appear, please click to dismiss them and continue enjoying the article. One may require two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
Just days ago, Mecum offered the public an opportunity to own a piece of John Kraman’s history, with a no-reserve offering they dubbed “The K Collection.”
What’s Inside Today’s John Kraman Feature
- CorvSport Remembers John Kraman
- The CorvSport Mecum Tracker
- The John Kraman Corvettes, Sold at No-Reserve
- Highlights From The Rest of John’s Collection
- Video: The K Collection By Mecum
1) CorvSport Remembers John Kraman
The touching email message from Mecum…
Read more heartfelt words from Mecum and learn more about John Kraman’s legacy here.
2) The CorvSport Mecum Tracker
We love to cover the Corvette market at CorvSport, especially the big-tent sales like Mecum. Check out the trends at each venue year to year.
- Kissimmee 2024: 527 Corvettes offered with 72% selling
- Glendale 2024: 136 Corvettes with 64% selling
- Houston 2024: 83 Corvettes with 71% selling
- Indy 2024: 332 Corvettes with 70% selling
- Tulsa 2024: 56 Corvettes with 80% selling
- Florida Summer Special 2024: 100 Corvettes with 63% selling
- Harrisburg 2024: 96 Corvettes with 60% selling
- Monterey 2024: 35 Corvettes with 69% selling
- Dallas 2024: 148 Corvettes with 71% selling
- Indy Fall Special: 65 Corvettes with 80% selling
- Las Vegas 2024: 43 Corvettes with 70% selling
- Kansas City 2024: 81 Corvettes with 74% selling
♦ 2024 TOTAL: 1,701 Corvettes offered with 70.2% selling (1,194)
- Kissimmee 2025: 477 Corvettes offered with 80% selling = 381 Vettes off to a new owner!
- Glendale 2025: 113 Corvettes with 63% selling = 71 sold
- Houston 2025: 85 Corvettes with 79% selling = 67 sold
- Indy 2025: 267 Corvettes with 75% selling = 199 sold
3) The John Kraman Corvettes
#3
2010 Corvette Coupe
Sold For: $25,300
- John Kraman was the second owner, purchased in May 2012
- Served as a summer driver in Palm Springs, California for John and his wife Christine
- 6.2L/430 HP LS3 V-8 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission
- 44,031 miles
Deeper Dive: Direct link to Mecum for more information and pictures
[All images and information are fully credited to Mecum Auctions]
#2
1972 Corvette Coupe 350/200 HP
Sold For: $77,000
- Purchased in 2016 at the Kissimmee auction for John Kraman’s wife, Christine
- One of John’s proudest moments came when he and Christine showed the car at Bloomington Gold, not far from where it was originally sold, and it earned its Gold certification
- Sold new in Bloomington, Illinois
- Highly original condition
- Matching numbers 350/200 HP CI V-8 engine with a Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
- Original correct code 987 Ontario Orange paint
- Original correct code 417 Saddle vinyl interior
- Includes Bloomington Gold certification and items (pin, license plate, brochures and stickers)
Deeper Dive: Direct link to Mecum for more information and pictures
[All images and information are fully credited to Mecum Auctions]
#1
2020 Corvette Stingray Coupe 1LT
Sold For: $93,500
- Purchased new by John Kraman and ordered with options that he believed to be his ultimate vision of the C8
- John was absolutely thrilled when Chevrolet announced the all-new eighth-generation C8
- The switch to a mid-engine layout was a bold and radical move, and it instantly captured his imagination
- Elkhart Lake Blue was selected because of Kraman’s reverence for Road America
- 6.2L/495 HP LT1 V-8 engine with 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Service records
- Climate-controlled storage
- 9,640 miles
Deeper Dive: Direct link to Mecum for more information and pictures
[All images and information are fully credited to Mecum Auctions]
4) Highlights From The Rest of John’s Collection
Direct link to Mecum for more information and pictures
Direct link to Mecum for more information and pictures
Direct link to Mecum for more information and pictures
The K Collection By Mecum
Video Preview From Mecum
“From the estate of legendary Mecum figure John ‘JK’ Kraman comes a once-in-a-lifetime offering of timeless Corvettes and motorcycles—each hand-selected and passionately maintained by the beloved auction icon himself. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge, charisma, and unmatched enthusiasm, John Kraman helped shape the world of collector car auctions and inspired a generation of automotive enthusiasts.
Now, his personal collection will take center stage at Mecum Indy 2025, featuring 10 standout vehicles that reflect his lifelong passion for performance, precision, and style. Every car and bike in the John Kraman Collection will cross the auction block at no reserve, making this a rare opportunity for collectors and fans to own a piece of Mecum history.
Whether you’re searching for classic Corvettes, vintage motorcycles, or high-profile estate vehicles, this auction segment is one not to miss.”
Video Stats
- Views: 26,248
- Comments: 50
- Length: 6:16
Top Comments
- “I had the honor of meeting this great man at the 2023 MCACN show. I literally ran into him and we started talking like old friends. He explained how the show works and was such a wonderful guy. I was so sad to hear of his passing but I am grateful to have met him in person after following him on TV for so many years.” @rubinsoffroadadventures4394
- “Professor, we still miss your presence in the auction lane, and your great knowledge base, as well as your humor!!! Your leading of the Mecum team put Mecum Auctions far, and away better than any other auction going!!! Our heart goes out to his family, and the Mecum family as well!!!” @danielschroederministies
- “The knowledge that John had was like opening the many dozens of automotive books I own. You will be missed for many years to come, John. R. I. P.” @paulkrause5028
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