In the rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s steel capital, Johnstown, a lifelong love affair with muscle cars was ignited within a young Kevin Sergent. Growing up in a family where his father proudly owned a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner, it was only a matter of time before Sergent’s destiny intertwined with the world of Detroit iron, particularly Mopar. Fast forward to 2024, and Kevin Sergent’s remarkable collection of Mopar and winged warriors are set to steal the spotlight at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction.
A Childhood Fueled by Mopar –
Kevin’s early automotive education was driven by his father’s purchase of that iconic 1968 Plymouth Road Runner. This car became a staple in their family, serving as both daily transportation and a source of joy during summer vacations. Kevin fondly remembers the weekends spent at racetracks, watching his father race, and then riding home in the Road Runner.
As a teenager, Kevin ventured into the world of automotive mechanics, working at Johnny’s Garage, his uncle’s salvage yard. It was here that his passion for speed and cars truly took shape. Kevin and his cousins even built a dirt road course on the yard’s grounds, providing a glimpse into the future of his racing endeavors.
From Demolition Derbies to Dealerships –
Kevin’s journey into competitive racing began at age 15 when he entered the demolition derby scene. Despite initially causing some family discord, his uncle eventually supported his passion, helping him circumvent the age requirement. Kevin thrived in local county fairs, honing his skills behind the wheel of massive Chrysler Imperials, and eventually, he retired as a track champion at the age of 40.
But Kevin’s automotive ambitions didn’t stop at the track. At 21, he joined a Dodge dealership in Altoona, Pennsylvania, climbing the ranks to become the sales manager. This experience allowed him to become intimately familiar with Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep products and prepared him for the next big step in his career.
Tristar Motors and a Growing Collection –
Kevin’s next adventure was buying his own dealership, Tristar Motors, specializing in Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. With a dealership under his belt, Kevin was well-versed in moving modern machines, but his heart was still set on classic and collector Mopars. His first vintage purchase at 22 was a 1973 Cuda, a gift for his future wife. Although she wasn’t initially thrilled with its vibrant purple and white stripes, it served as her daily driver for years.
Over the next 40 years, Kevin adhered to a simple but effective plan: buy the best cars he could afford and trade up when something better came along. This philosophy led him to amass a remarkable collection of Mopars that would become the stuff of dreams for car enthusiasts.
A Collector’s Dream Come True –
Now, Kevin Sargent is ready to share his lifelong passion with the world. In 2024, over two dozen classic Mopars from his collection will go under the hammer at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction. The standout stars of his collection are the 10 Superbirds, a holy grail for Mopar enthusiasts. In a stunning array of colors, these winged warriors are all equipped with pedigrees that command attention.
One Superbird, in Vitamin C Orange, boasts a custom HEMI engine, while another is painted in the striking Moulin Rouge, a color never offered by the factory. But the collection doesn’t stop at Superbirds. A 1970 Plymouth Road Runner in Alpine White, complete with a numbers-matching 426 HEMI and a recent restoration, is also up for grabs.
There’s a school of Cudas, too, including a 1970 AAR Cuda in Alpine White, one of just four documented as equipped, and a Purple Plum Crazy 1970 Cuda, a multiple show award winner with incredibly low mileage.
Among these Mopar legends is a 1970 HEMI Road Runner that was found right in Kevin’s hometown of Johnstown. With just 11,229 miles on the odometer, it’s a testament to both the car’s rarity and Kevin’s patience and dedication to preserving automotive history.
A Collector’s Legacy –
As Kevin Sergent’s incredible collection heads to Mecum Kissimmee 2024, it represents a lifetime of dedication, passion, and a deep love for Mopar. Each car in this collection carries a unique story and has been meticulously curated over decades. These are not just cars; they are rolling jewels that have been a part of Kevin’s life since childhood.
This auction promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Mopar enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of automotive history from one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable collectors in the field. With Kevin Sergent’s collection at the forefront, Mecum Kissimmee 2024 is sure to be a gold mine for those seeking the best of the best in the world of Mopar.
Stay tuned as we will continue to cover most of the 25-car collection up for grabs in January.
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