Profiles
- Mopar - 1968 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T
- Race - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS NASCAR racer
- Truck - 1963 Ford F-100 Custom Cab Unibody Pickup
- GM - 1987 Buick GNX
- Hot Rod - 1933 Ford Roadster “Boydster III”
- Ford - 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
- Americana - 1958 Edsel Pacer convertible
- Corvette - 1963 Chevrolet Corvette “711” racer
Search This Issue
Page 2
CAR COLLECTOR
Volume 4 • Issue 19 • January-February 2015
The Scoop: Profiles
CORVETTE
1963 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE “711” RACER
Not sold / Barrett-Jackson
It has history, but is it as
valuable as a genuine Z06?
— John L. Stein
Page 38
GM
1987 BUICK GNX
$105k / Mecum
The Lambo-beating
baddest muscle car of the
’80s brings big money —
Tom Glatch
Page 40
FoMoCo
1971 FORD MUSTANG
MACH 1
$28k / Barrett-Jackson
A right price for one of the
last original performance
Mustangs — Patrick Smith
Page 42
MOPAR
1968 DODGE HEMI
CHARGER R/T
$122k / Mecum
Hemi cars are coming back
to the big-money spotlight
— Dale Novak
Page 44
AMERICAN
™
4 AmericanCarCollector.com
Keith Martin's
Page 3
HOT ROD
1933 FORD ROADSTER
“BOYDSTER III”
$70k / Mecum
Not a bad buy on a car
with some Boyd upside
— Ken Gross
Page 46
AMERICANA RACE
1958 EDSEL PACER
CONVERTIBLE
$36k / RM
A market failure in ’58,
but well bought today
— Tom Glatch
Page 48
2006 CHEVROLET MONTE
CARLO SS NASCAR RACER
$165k / RM
What’s the next step for a
retired high-profile racer?
— Jay Harden
Page 50
TRUCK
1963 FORD F-100 CUSTOM
CAB UNIBODY PICKUP
$33k / RM
A big price for an F-series,
even in a hot truck market
— B. Mitchell Carlson
Page 52
Cover photo: 1987 Buick GNX
Dan Duckworth, courtesy of Mecum Auctions
1958 Edsel Pacer convertible, p. 48
Teddy Pieper ©2014, courtesy of RM Auctions
January-February 2015
5
Page 4
The Rundown
EXPERTS’
COLUMNS
8 Torque
From SEMA to Scottsdale
— Jim Pickering
32 Cheap Thrills
1963–87 Jeep Gladiator and
J-Series pickup
— B. Mitchell Carlson
34 Horsepower
Five tips for resto success
— Colin Comer
36 Corvette Market
The best $70k Corvettes
— John L. Stein
114 Surfing Around
Must-have automobilia
— Carl Bomstead
AUCTIONS
56 Barrett-Jackson — Las Vegas, NV
At their biggest Vegas auction ever, Barrett sells 704 out of 706 cars, and
sales break $33m — Travis Shetler
64 RM with Auctions America — The Sam Pack
74 The Branson Auction — Branson, MO
Sales approach $3m, and 117 of 200 cars find new owners
— B. Mitchell Carlson
82 Dan Kruse Classics — Austin, TX
Sales total $1.3m at the Hill Country Classic, and 81 out of 192 cars
change hands — Cody Tayloe
90 Roundup
American iron from coast to coast — Cody Tayloe, Dan Grunwald,
Bret LeBreton, Adam Blumenthal
6 AmericanCarCollector.com
Collection
131 cars sell without reserve for $11.5m, and that’s just a portion of the
collection — Cody Tayloe
FUN
RIDES
18 Good Reads
The Tasca Ford Legacy: Win
on Sunday, Sell on Monday!
— Mark Wigginton
20 Desktop Classics
1970 Oldsmobile 442 Holiday
Coupe — Marshall Buck
22 Snapshots
Inside the Ron Pratte
Collection — Sam Stockham
28 Features
The 10 coolest new items at
SEMA — Tony Piff
30 SEMA in photos — Tony Piff
and Jim Pickering
SERV
DEPA
10 What’s
Car events of note
12 Crossing the Block
Upcoming auctions and
highlighted star cars
18 Parts Time
Cool parts to keep your car
on the road
20 Cool Stuff
Vintage plate puzzle and a
no-touch water remover
24 Insider’s View
What’s the best first collector
car?
70 Our Cars
1914 Stutz Bearcat replica built
by George Barris
— John Boyle
88 Glovebox Notes
2015 Dodge Challenger 6.4L
Scat Pack
92 Quick Take
1984 Ford Bronco XLT
— Jay Harden
100 One to Watch
1989 Shelby Dakota
— Chad Tyson
106 The Parts Hunter
Rare parts and pieces for
your classic
108 Showcase Gallery
Sell your car in ACC’s
classifieds section
111 Advertiser Index
112 Resource Directory
Get to know our advertisers
Page 6
Torque
Jim Pickering
cars without bright, miles-deep paint need
not apply.
This is a trade show just for people
From SEMA to Scottsdale
T
IT MAY BE TIME TO REDEFINE WHAT YOU CALL COLLECTIBLE
he annual SEMA show in Las
Vegas is where the automotive
aftermarket world shows off under
hot lights. Here, huge wheels are
the norm, fat rubber is a must, and
employed in the aftermarket car world — no
general public allowed — and that means the
cars on display are over-the-top attentiongrabbers.
The lowest cars are lower, the fastest
are faster, and tire smoke buys brand credibility
— all inside and around the 3.2 millionsquare-foot
Las Vegas Convention Center.
I’ve been going to SEMA for a few
years now, and the size of the party always
surprises me. It seems like no matter how
much time I devote to seeing all of the show,
it’s too big, with too much to see and do —
especially since I’m addicted to checking
out the many custom cars. I just can’t walk
past a Ford Cammer or twin-supercharged
big-block Chevy without stopping.
Big-name builders bring their A-Game
cars, and each custom rides the razor edge
of design and performance. These are the
cars that create new trends that later trickle
into the mainstream. Everything from the
type of car picked through the parts used
to build it can start a movement just by its
presentation or stance alone. These cars are
a good barometer of where the custom-car
world is heading, because you see it all at
SEMA first.
What’s next?
This year, I was interviewed, along with
noted collector car journalist and ACC
Contributor Ken Gross, by Barry Meguiar
for his “Car Crazy” TV show at SEMA.
During our interview, we talked about the
car market in general, where the money’s
coming from at the top end and where the
actual top of the market might be. We also
discussed how cars are now being treated
as pieces of art, and — something I’ve
been thinking about a lot lately — the next
gen of car collectors and what cars they’re
interested in buying.
A big part of my job here at ACC is
selecting the cars we profile in each issue. So,
every month I thumb through hundreds of
auction results to see what’s been sold and at
what kind of money. And, like I mentioned to
Barry, stuff from the ’80s has come on strong
8 AmericanCarCollector.com
The past is the future: 1980s Chevy short-bed modified into a ground-scraper
during the past six months. Surprisingly,
it’s not just the high-end stuff like the Buick
GNX on our cover. It’s the more mundane
stuff that’s starting to get recognized.
We’ve been seeing everything from
Chrysler K-cars to GM and Ford trucks from
the ’70s and ’80s pop up for sale in good
overall condition — and the ones that are
selling are starting to see some measurable
increases in value. Now that doesn’t mean
your mother’s 1984 Dodge Caravan is now
a collectible, but maybe her low-mile 1984
Bronco is. Don’t believe me? Check out this
month’s Quick Take on page 92.
Considering that, it shouldn’t have been a
surprise to see some cars from this era done
up at SEMA. One pair of customs in particular
really caught my attention — a 1980s
short-bed Chevy truck and a similar late
’70s version, both slammed on the ground
with glossed-up stock-style paint schemes
and large-by-huge wheels and rubber. These
were the first two trucks from this generation
I’ve ever seen done up at the show, and
they turned a lot of heads while I was there.
If that’s not reinforcement of a new trend, I
don’t know what is.
On to Arizona
What SEMA in November is to the
American custom-car world, Scottsdale
in January is to the American car auction
world. This is the week that sets the tone for
the auction year in the U.S. market, and it
always starts with a bang. Last year’s event
set a record $253m in sales, and this year’s
extravaganza promises to be even bigger,
with heavy-hitters like the Ron Pratte
Collection at Barrett-Jackson. Many of the
Pratte Collection cars were record-setters
on their own in past auctions, and now
they’re all coming up for sale once again.
Undoubtedly, it’ll be one of those one-off
specials that makes the big money and is the
big news from the week.
But while those cars will be the stars
Have you driven a Ford lately?
of the show, and our traditionally hot cars
like vintage Shelbys and LS6 Chevelles
will likely stay hot, I think we’ll see some
movement on cars from later eras — cars
that we might not have thought twice about
last year. After all, what’s cool — and what’s
valuable — is all in the eye of the beholder.
That view, at least from where I’m sitting, is
changing. A
Page 8
WHAT’SHAPPENING
Let us know
about your events
Eighth Annual ACC
Insider’s Seminar
Colin Comer, author of
Shelby Mustang Fifty Years,
The Complete Book of Shelby
Automobiles: Cobras, Mustangs
and Super
Snakes and
Shelby Cobra
Fifty Years,
will talk
about highperformance
American
collector cars
at the Eighth
Comer
Annual Arizona Insider’s
Seminar presented by American
Car Collector and BarrettJackson
Endorsed Insurance.
The seminar is on January
14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at
Barrett-Jackson WestWorld,
16601 N. Pima Road,
Scottsdale, AZ. In addition, an
expert panel — including Carl
Bomstead, B. Mitchell Carlson
and Editor Jim Pickering — will
take a look at American car
market — and how to get more
young people involved.
The seminar is free for
SCM and ACC subscribers,
Bloomington Gold-Certified
Corvette owners and NCRS
members. $10 for all others.
Barrett-Jackson admission is
required to get into WestWorld.
www.americancarcollector.com
(AZ)
Do you know of American-car-related events or happenings that we should publicize? Contact
us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208 or online at comments@
americancarcollector.com.
ACC’s Insider’s Seminar always draws a healthy crowd of American-car enthusiasts
ACC in Arizona
American Car Collector, along with our sister magazine, Sports Car Market, will be at the big Arizona
auctions from January 12 through January 18. You can find our magazines at almost every auction,
including the Russo and Steele and Silver auctions. We’ll have a booth at the Gooding & Company auction.
Don’t miss our annual ACC Insider’s Seminar from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Barrett-Jackson Auction site
on Wednesday, January 14. Get the scoop on the entire week in the 2015 Insider’s Guide to the Arizona
Auctions, which is packaged with this magazine. Don’t hesitate to say hello when you see us in the desert!
For more information, visit www.americancarcollector.com.
Grand National Roadster Show
Did you wade through snow or tiptoe on ice today? It’s winter, but
Southern California is basking in sunny, shirt-sleeve weather. Heat
things up at the 66th Annual Grand National Roadster Show — the
granddaddy of all hot rod shows. Hot cars from all over the world will
rumble into the Pomona Fairplex from January 23 through January
25. You’ll also see thousands of street rods, customs and trucks on
display in the cradle of hot rod culture. This is the longest-running
indoor car show in the world. This show is the place to show off the
car you’ve been working on for years — and steal a little summer
from the icy teeth of winter. More than 500 showcase cars and trucks
will compete for awards — including the coveted America’s Most
Beautiful Roadster prize. Another 400 to 800 great cars will rumble
to life during the Grand Daddy Drive-in. SoCal is the place to be in
January. www.rodshows.com (CA)A
10 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 10
CROSSINGTHE
Upcoming auctions (Images are courtesy of the respective auction houses unless otherwise noted)
BLOCK
by Tony Piff
Star Car: 1953 Buick roadmaster, formerly owned by Howard Hughes, at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. unrestored, with
5,339 actual miles
JAnuAry
Dave Rupp — Fort Lauderdale Beach
Auction
Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL
When: January 9–11
Featured cars:
• 1936 Cord phaeton
When: January 10–12
Last year: 1,401 of 1,405 sold / $110m
Featured cars:
Star Car: 1953 Buick Roadmaster.
Formerly owned by Howard Hughes,
who had the car hermetically sealed
and equipped with high-power
air-filtering system. Unrestored, with
5,339 actual miles
More: www.barrett-jackson.com
• 1950 General Motors Futurliner. Offered
from the Ron Pratte Collection.
Proceeds to benefit the Armed Forces
• 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air custom
“CheZoom.” One of Boyd Coddington’s
most famous creations
Foundation
Russo and Steele — Sports and
Muscle in Scottsdale
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
When: January 15–18
Last year: 484/735 cars sold / $21m
Star Car: 1970 Ford Mustang Boss
Star Car: Supercharged 1957
Studebaker Golden Hawk
More: www.ftlauderdaleauction.com
Tom Mack — Charlotte in January
Where: Charlotte, NC
When: January 9–10
More: www.tommackclassics.com
Barrett-Jackson — Scottsdale 2014
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
12 AmericanCarCollector.com
Star Car: 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 at russo and Steele Scottsdale
Page 12
CROSSINGTHEBLOCK
More: www.russoandsteele.com
429. Restored to “Trailer Concours
Gold” standards
Bonhams — The Scottsdale Auction
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
When: January 13–14
More: www.bonhams.com
Last year: 87/101 cars sold / $23.4m
Featured cars:
Star Car: 1970 Plymouth AAR ’Cuda at Mecum Kissimmee
Star Car: 1954 Chevrolet Corvette.
Exceedingly original and preserved
example offered from the Ardie Overby
estate. No reserve
• 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe sport
coupe. Multiple-award-winning example
from the Ardie Overby estate.
No reserve
More: www.bonhams.com
• 1948 Buick Roadmaster convertible.
No reserve
RM Auctions — Automobiles of
Arizona
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When: January 15–16
Last year: 108/126 cars sold / $45.6m
Featured cars:
Star Car: 1949 Mercury convertible
custom by Dick Dean
Last year: 110 of 118 sold / $49m
Featured cars:
Featured cars:
• 1957 Dodge D-500 convertible.
Equipped with factory record player
• 1959 Desoto Adventurer
More: www.silverauctions.com
Mecum Auctions — Kissimmee High
Performance Auction
Where: Kissimmee, FL
When: January 16–25
Last year: 1,759/2,576 cars sold / $62.7m
Featured cars:
Star Car: 1970 Plymouth AAR ’Cuda
Star Cars: 1967 and 1968
Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaros.
Highly documented examples.
(Gooding estimate: $425k–$525k each)
• 1921 Dodge Brothers hot rod pickup
• 1957 Chrysler Saratoga. Recent
restoration to exacting standards; 33,000
original miles. Nicely equipped example
with power steering and power brakes
More: www.rmauctions.com
Gooding & Company —
The Scottsdale Auction
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
When: January 16–17
• 1933 Ford roadster ($125k–$175k)
More: www.goodingco.com
• 1933 Pierce-Arrow 1247 LeBaron
convertible sedan. No reserve
($250k–$300k)
Silver Auctions — Arizona in
January
Where: Fort McDowell, AZ
When: January 15–17
Last year: 191/328 cars sold / $3.3m
• 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing
transporter truck in unrestored condition
More: www.mecum.com
• 1978 Pontiac Trans Am formerly owned
by Burt Reynolds
Petersen Salem Collector Car
Auction
Where: Salem, OR
When: January 31
Last year: 37/93 cars sold / $398k
More: www.petersencollectorcars.com
FEBruAry
Leake — OKC 2015
Where: Oklahoma City, OK
When: February 20–21
Last year: 305/393 cars sold / $6.4m
More: www.leakecar.com
McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector
Car Auction
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: February 20–22
Last year: 409/561 cars sold / $7.5m
More: www.classic-carauction.com
Star Car: 1949 Mercury custom by Dick Dean at rM Phoenix
14 AmericanCarCollector.com
G. Potter King — Atlantic City
Classic Car Auction
Where: Atlantic City, NJ
When: February 27–March 1
More: www.acclassiccars.comA
— the highest-optioned example known
to exist
Page 14
Publisher’s
Note
Keith Martin
D
Readers help
choose our cover
id you know that some of you helped pick the image of
the Buick GNX that’s on our cover?
Before every issue, we send out an email to our
newsletter subscribers with the choices the art directors,
David Tomaro and Jeff Stites, are considering for the
cover. Your choices help us stay connected with you.
This month, the entire editorial team was assembled, and senti-
ment was running strong to choose the 2006 NASCAR Monte
Carlo SS. We’ve never had a car that new on the cover, and never a
NASCAR racer, either.
Some felt strongly it would be attractive to our readers, and others
felt that the NASCAR connection might not be a first choice with
ACC subscribers.
The poll went out, and the results of the voting were conclusive.
The GNX came in first, with 34% of the votes. The Monte Carlo was
dead last, with just 13%. The Ford F-100 was second with 29%, and
the Boydster third with 24%.
All four cars are profiled in this issue, as each represents a signifi-
cant sale in their respective market segments.
But when it came down to what you wanted on the cover, it was
the GNX, and our art directors agreed with you. We think this also
may translate into better sales on the newsstand, but we won’t know
that for some months.
ACC has an electronic newsletter that goes out every other week.
It is filled with information about the latest sales, and news about
upcoming events like our Insider’s Seminar at Barrett-Jackson in
Scottsdale.
If you’re an ACC reader, you’ll like getting it. Plus, you’ll get a
chance to tell us what you think about the cars and trucks we are
considering for the cover. To subscribe, go to www.americancarcollector.com
and click on “Newsletter Signup” on the right hand side
of the page. And start watching your inbox for more good stuff about
collecting American cars and trucks. A
CAR COLLECTOR
Volume 4, number 1
January-February 2015
Publisher Keith Martin
Executive Editor Chester Allen
Editor Jim Pickering
Art Director Dave Tomaro
Digital Media Director Jeff Stites
Editor at Large Colin Comer
Auctions Editor Tony Piff
Associate Editor Chad Tyson
Copy Editors Yael Abel, Dave Tomaro
Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson
Kevin Coakley
Pat Campion
Dale Novak
Adam Blumenthal
Michael Leven
Cody Tayloe
Contributors Carl Bomstead
Colin Comer
John Draneas
Michael Pierce
Jay Harden
Mark Wigginton
Information Technology Brian Baker
Lead Web Developer Scott Correy
SEO Consultant Michael Cottam
Advertising and Events
Manager Erin Olson
Financial Manager Cheryl Ann Cox
Print Media Buyer Wendie Martin
ADVErTISInG SALES
Advertising Executives Darren Frank
darren.frank@AmericanCarCollector.com
877.219.2605 x 214
Cindy Meitle
cindy.meitle@AmericanCarCollector.com
877.219.2605 x 213
Steve Kittrell
steve.kittrell@AmericanCarCollector.com
877.219.2605 x 211
SuBSCrIPTIonS
Subscriptions Manager Sarah Willis
Subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 1
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M–F
service@AmericanCarCollector.com
503.253.2234 fax
@AmericanCCMag
CorrESPonDEnCE
Phone 503.261.0555
Fax 503.253.2234
General P.O. Box 4797
Portland, Oregon 97208
FedEx/DHL/uPS 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100
Portland, Oregon 97232
Email help@AmericanCarCollector.com
Feedback comments@AmericanCarCollector.com
Web www.AmericanCarCollector.com
AMERICAN
JOIN US
Daniel Grunwald
Jack Tockston
Norm Mort
Phil Skinner
John Boyle
Doug Schultz
B. Mitchell Carlson
Ken Gross
Tom Glatch
John L. Stein
Marshall Buck
Dale Novak
We thought about it, but you decided: no
16 AmericanCarCollector.com
American Car Collector magazine (ISSN# 2164-1323) is published bimonthly by
Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American Car Collector, PO Box 4797, Portland,
OR 97208. The information in American Car Collector magazine is compiled from
a variety of reliable sources. However, we disclaim and deny any responsibility or liability
for the timeliness, use, interpretation, accuracy and completeness of the information
presented. All material, data, formats, and intellectual concepts in this issue © 2015 by
American Car Collector, LLC, Automotive Investor Media Group, Inc., and Automotive
Investor in this format and any other used by American Car Collector magazine.
Copyright registered with the United States copyright office. PRINTED IN USA
Keith Martin's
Page 16
GOODREADS by Mark Wigginton
Everyone in and around racing has heard the phrase “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.” It’s used
The Tasca Ford Legacy: Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday!
by Bob McClurg, CarTech, 192 pages, $27.76 (Amazon)
as a justification, balm and mantra for those who sell cars.
The man behind the phrase is Bob Tasca, specifically Robert F.
Tasca Sr., and in the 60 years since starting to sell Fords from his
Hudson dealership (he initially couldn’t get the Ford franchise he
wanted), Tasca, his sons and grandsons have been innovative racers
and marketers, living the motto.
Along the way, Tasca became one of the largest dealers in the U.S.,
with a racing legacy that includes historic winners, even pushing Ford
itself to build faster street cars. He even helped (through personal
magnetism and salesmanship) launch Carroll Shelby’s Cobra.
Well-known automotive writer Bob McClurg traces the family
history, as well as the racing history. And for Tasca, it is all about
family. Even his racing started as a way to amuse his three young
boys, a reward for their hard work cleaning cars on his lots after
school, which in turn was his way of keeping them busy, harnessing
their energy, teaching them the family business…and giving his
wife a break.
Tasca Fords competed in road racing and other endeavors, but the focus was always that
quarter-mile bit of asphalt that was both battlefield and marketing platform. The Tasca experience
quickly became part of Ford itself, with the ’60s marketing slogan of “Total Performance” growing
from the Tasca’s success and a close relationship with all echelons of the manufacturer.
Unlike Ford’s Le Mans and Indianapolis goals, Tasca remained focused on drag racing because,
as he told Henry Ford II, “I can make money drag racing because it’s mainstream. I know you guys
like the high-brow stuff…that’s fine for image, but I don’t put image in the bank; I put dollars in the
bank.”
Throughout the years, Tasca’s success in drag racing has been a keystone to his win/sell busi-
ness plan. It began in the early ’60s at the Charleston (Rhode Island) Drag Strip, and continues
to the present day, where the patriarch’s grandson, Bob Tasca III, competes at the top echelon of
NHRA Funny Car racing.
PARTSTIME by Chad Tyson
New products to modernize your street machine
Evans High Performance
Waterless Engine Coolant
Waterless coolant shouldn’t
be news to any serious collector.
For over 20 years, the fine folks
at Evans have showed the world a
better way to keep engines running
cool. They champion that no water
means no pressure/corrosion/
erosion/overheating and ultimately
no problems associated with your
cooling system.
Need celebrity endorsement to
reinforce the idea? It helps keep
things cool at Jay Leno’s Big Dog
Garage (okay, not the steam cars)
and Edd China from TV’s “Wheeler
Dealers” endorsed the product.
Visit evanscooling.com for
technical details and to locate a
dealer near you. (There is also some
fun reading about the chemical and
physical limitations of water on the
site for us nerds in the audience.)
18 AmericanCarCollector.com
1982–92 Chevrolet Camaro
Radiator Filler Cover
I, along with other ACC staffers, expect to see increas-
ing values for the cars I saw and drove during my formative
years. And
that consists of
a lot of iron and
plastic from the
1980s, because
no sane parent
buys a teenager
a new car. I did learn to drive
stick on my second car, a 1988 Camaro.
Details can make the difference between selling at
your price or theirs. Plus, isn’t it just better to have clean,
nice cars? Help bring back your third-gen Camaro by
replacing the damaged or missing radiator filler cover.
You know the piece. It was black; now it’s more of
a brown, gray or green. In addition to beautifying the
engine bay, it’ll help keep the cooling system working by
correctly directing airflow as designed.
For more information on these panels (p/n 14019578)
and the installation hardware (R8292), go to classicindustries.com
or call 855.35.PARTS. A
Lineage:
Bob McClurg is a solid profes-
sional, and he had the full cooperation
of the Tasca family and records to
create an accurate history.
don’t really need all the cutouts, do
we?) with competent printing help
a book that suffers from mediocre
design and typography.
Fit and finish:
Lots of great photos (though we
Drivability:
Bob Tasca Sr. died in 2010 at 83.
It’s too bad he wasn’t around for the
completion of this book, because it
is a fitting tribute to a man dedicated
to family, business and racing. His
creativity and drive led to making his
own high-performance cars to sell,
which actually pushed Ford to create
national models and packages. That
in turn helped keep Ford in the street
and strip horsepower race. And in
telling the story, McClurg has created
a rounded, readable portrait of the
Tasca patriarch and dynasty.
is best
Page 18
COOLSTUFF
Plate puzzle
If you love colorful vintage
license plates, this 1,000-piece
puzzle is a must-have. M
30 inches by 24 inches
www.genuinehotro
Make it sharp
The tried-and-true
Spyderco Sharpmaker i
simple, versatile blade
ener that will last year
set it up and draw you
straight down the “sto
watch your edge come b
life. When you’re done
all the pieces snap
together for compact
storage. $63 from www
bladehq.com
by Tony Piff
Touchless car dryer
The Air Force Master Blaster dries your car with a blast of filtered
air, for zero water spots and no risk of micro-scratches. It’s the only
way to remove water from hard-to-access crevices such as side-view
mirrors and body seams. The 4-hp unit pumps out 58,500 feet of air
per minute. $349 from www.mamotorworks.com
Music on the go
No modern car stereo in
your old car? No problem. The
UE Boom wireless speaker
syncs to your smartphone via
Bluetooth and streams your
favorite music in a big way —
loud enough to hear over your
rumbly V8. It also acts as a
hands-free calling tool, thanks
to its built-in mic, and it’ll go
15 hours on a charge. Keep
your original AM radio and toss
this in the back seat. $199 from
www.ultimateears.com
DESKTOPCLASSICS by Marshall Buck
1970 oldsmobile 442 Holiday Coupe
There was always something about the multi-
page Dr. Olds ads that really stood out. I still have
one of the eight-page ads filed in my research
archives. They were brilliant and memorable
marketing.
Like Frankenstein, the Dr. Olds 442s live again
— this time in 1:18 scale, thanks to ACME Trading
Co. and their all-new series of 1970–72 Oldsmobile
442s from the Dr. Olds ad campaign. There will be
four to six in the series, with trim packages from
W-30s to Holiday Coupes such as this first release.
ACME has revived older tooling with numerous upgrades and details. The only giveaway to their age is
the “dog-leg” door hinges, although those have been thoughtfully painted flat black. You’ll love the attention
to detail, from the great 455 engine to a fully detailed interior with its carpeting, movable sun visors, and even
the ceiling-mounted shoulder belts. Everything opens, and there’s full chassis detail, too.
20 AmericanCarCollector.com
Detailing
Scale: 1:18
Available colors: Nugget Gold
Quantity: 936
Price: $134.95
Production date: 2014
Web: www.acmediecast.com
Ratings
Detailing:
½
Accuracy:
Overall quality:
Overall value:
is best
Page 20
SNAPSHOTS
AuTHE RON PRATTE COLLECTION
Vehicle auction: Begins January 13 at 4 p.m.
Where: Barrett-Jackson WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima
Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
tomobilia auction: Begins January 11 at 9 a.m.
INSIDE
S
The Ron Pratte Collection
Story and photos by Sam Stockham
ome of Barrett-Jackson’s most memorable and high-profile auction cars of the past decade
will be coming back to market this January, as Barrett-Jackson sells off the entire
Ron Pratte Collection at its annual Scottsdale flagship sale at WestWorld on January
10–18.
Remember the GM Futurliner? This huge vehicle resulted in an even higher profile sale
when it crossed the Barrett-Jackson auction block in January 2006, selling for $4.3m. That one
sale turned the collector car auction market into dinner-table talk almost overnight. BarrettJackson
struck paydirt again in the world of priceless marketing with the sale of CSX3015,
the one-of-two and only remaining twin-supercharged Shelby Cobra Super Snake. It sold for a
staggering $5.5m in January 2007.
Real-estate developer Ron Pratte was responsible for purchasing both, and he’s been buying
ever since. Pratte managed to accumulate more than 100 blue-chip names with a nod toward
Shelby, and Coddington, and Yenko… Do you see a trend?
In September, I was invited to tour the collection, which has been housed in a few nonde-
script airplane hangars in Chandler, AZ. Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson and President
Steve Davis were both on hand to give details on the collection and talk about the coming sale.
While the Futurliner and the Super Snake may be the most recognized vehicles, Pratte’s
collection also includes gems such as the lowest-VIN Ford GT sold to the public, many
Hollywood cars including the ’58 Plymouth Fury known as “Christine,” and Howard Hughes’
1953 Buick Roadmaster, built with its own air filtration system.
To say that this collection is stunning is an absolute understatement. Every single car and
piece of automobilia will be on offer at this year’s Barrett-Jackson auction. The automobilia
collection alone, which includes hundreds of original signs, globes and more than 40 original
pedal cars, is going to take a couple of days to sell.
Why sell such a fantastic collection? To quote Steve Davis, “He (Pratte) didn’t get into it for
the money and he is not selling it for the money.” Many may speculate that he is trying to time
the market, but Craig and Steve insist that is not the case. One thing is for sure: Mr. Pratte is
no fool, and he has decided to donate all proceeds from the Futurliner sale to help the Armed
Forces Foundation — a charity very close to Pratte, as he’s a Vietnam veteran himself.
Regardless of motivation, the bottom line here is that this is one of the most exciting collec-
tions to be offered in quite a while, so get your paddles warmed up and make sure you find a
spot close to the stage. You you won’t want to miss it. A
22 AmericanCarCollector.com
1907 Harley-Davidson
Strap Tank
Page 21
SOME OF BARRETT-JACKSON’S HIGHEST-PROFILE CARS
ARE AVAILABLE AGAIN — AND YOU CAN OWN THEM
1950 General Motors Futurliner
and 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special concept car
2007 Blastolene
B-702 custom
roadster
1966 Shelby
Cobra 427
Super Snake
January-February 2015 23
Page 22
INSIDER’S VIEW
The best first
collector car
The ACC question: Most of us have been involved
in the car world for years. But if you can imagine just
starting out in the car world today, knowing what you
know from years of experience, what would you buy, how
much would you spend, and why would you choose that
car over everything else available today?
What’s the best first collector car
for someone new to the hobby?
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa
Crowd-sourcing an answer to your queries
To be on the mailing list for next month’s question, go to AmericanCarCollector.com and sign up for our biweekly newsletter.
Readers respond:
Tom, via ACC Blog: Pontiac Fiero. You can get a very nice
1986–88 GT with decently low mileage for $4k to $6k. Lots of club
support. Parts availability is good, they are easy to work on, they still
look cool and they are a blast to drive.
Vince Manto, via ACC Blog: Some cars, although reasonably
priced and collectible, have issues that could present a problem to
“new-to-the-hobby” types, and there are many issues such as stick/
automatic, power brakes/steering, convertible etc.
I would suggest a Corvette (any year), or perhaps any old car that
parts can easily be found for, so that a new hobbyist does not get frustrated
and abandon the hobby (ask me how I know).
Once in the hobby, people usually mingle with
other collectors/hobbyists, and learn from them
all the knowledge needed to determine their next
move, whether it be a different car or to improve
their own.
Jim Mayo, Las Vegas, NV: Buy a mid-’80s
John Layzell, South Florida: 1984 Ford Mustang GT350 20th
Anniversary convertible 5.0L.
Craig Bradley, via email: 1960s Mustang. They’re prolific and
reasonable.
Wassmattau, via ACC Blog: 1968–72 Chevy half-ton pickup.
Tony Moller, via ACC Blog: My suggestion would be an A-body
Oldsmobile Cutlass, 1968 through 1972. I might be considered prejudiced,
but that would be my car. That is because my first collector car
was a 1972 Cutlass Supreme convertible that belonged to my dad.
Wayne H., via ACC Blog: It is important to pick a project you
Trans Am GTA or Camaro IROC. Cheap to buy,
cheap to fix, fair following, will go up in value.
They’re somewhat rare — you don’t see them much. And I think they
have the cool factor.
Delta Raider, via ACC Blog: If you want to be like everyone
else, get a Mustang or Camaro from the no-horsepower ’80s. If you
dare to be different, find a 401 or 360 AMC Javelin from 1971–74.
You may have to answer a few questions like “what is that?” but you
will be noticed.
Dave Lennartz, via email: How about a Fox-body Mustang? It
could be a V8 (lots of hop-up potential), 5-speed (had one) or A/T.
Or, slightly more exotic, how about an SVO? Or one of the specialedition
convertibles (like the 7UP)? If there’s more money available,
what about an early Saleen? On the other hand, how about a lawenforcement
notchback coupe?
What about a first-generation Lightning pickup? (Had one.) Or the
Chevrolet SS pickup that preceded the Lightning by a few years?
Brad Adamson, via email: 1990 Chevrolet SS 454 shortbox
pickup.
24 AmericanCarCollector.com
“You will never
be sorry buying
the best car
you can find”
can finish, meaning it has to be within your skills and budget. Finding
a project candidate that can be bought, fixed and sold
at a profit is likely pretty elusive for most folks. I’ve
fixed a lot of project cars, and the profit is directly proportional
to how much “free” labor I can invest in it.
Here are several favorites of mine: ’60s Mustangs.
Fairlane or Falcon on V8s. Chevy or Ford pickups
up through about 1972, but this line is rising — look
for the pre-plastic-dash and interior-trim trucks, and
those with disc brakes are better drivers. All of these
have a decent reproduction parts supply, so most everything can be
had to put them back to like-new condition — meaning you can get it
finished.
Larry Hoffman, South Texas: The best collector car is one I
can afford to buy — something not “trending.” I especially watch for
local bargains. I am no longer make-specific.
Jim Polston, Summertown, TN: A great first collector car would
be a mid-’70s Stingray. They can be had at varying prices depending
on condition. I personally have a 1976 Can Am-bodied Corvette, in
almost show condition. Insurance can be a problem, but companies
like Hagerty are available and very reasonable.
Chris Kunkler, Atlanta, GA: It would have to be the Chevy
Corvair, preferably the second-generation Corsa or Corsa Turbo. Here
are a host of reasons/arguments for this choice, in no particular order:
• Millions were made and sold; easy to find non-rust buckets.
• They are very, very affordable/inexpensive.
• They are very easily modified/personalized, inexpensively, to
Page 23
1966 Ford Mustang
1984 Pontiac Fiero
provide excellent handling and great performance.
• The styling is timeless.
• Replacement parts are all over the place (many thanks to Clarke’s).
• They’re so simple that a small toolbox can take care of
rebuilding the entire car.
• Did I mention that Corvairs parts cost and availability are
unmatched?
• Many other Chevy parts from Camaros, etc., of that era, bolt
right on.
• They were very well built, as were all GM cars of the era.
• The club support is second to none!
Doug Wittkowski, via email: For me, rule number one is not
so much what car, but the condition of the car being considered.
Learning a few minor repairs might be part of the fun and a good idea
for a first-time collector. But more times than I care to remember, I
have seen it end in tears if the search for a “buy” leads to a car that
really needs more work than the owner is capable of completing. And
by capable it can range from or be a combination of lack of time,
money or skill.
Concentrate on buying the best of the car you decide on, and
consider possibly going down in price range to achieve that goal. You
will never be sorry buying the best car you can find. A
Comments with your subscription renewals
We love to hear from our readers, and here’s what some of you had to say when you re-upped your subscriptions. Thank you!
I like the auctions
when you do good buys
and bad buys. — Dave
Savaiano, Philadelphia,
PA
More muscle cars
and less antiques of the
’40s and ’50s. — Chick
Renn, York, PA
(Feature more) lower-
end cars. — Mike Byers,
Spartanburg, SC
Love the auction
results! Thanks! — Ed
Millard, Upland, CA
Host some info
conference calls or webinars.
— Ralph Tileston,
Summerville, SC
More articles on rare
Chevy trucks. — David
Franco, Los Angeles,
CA
You’re the best!
— Dan Kruse, San
Antonio, TX
More Corvette cover-
age! — Bob Progner,
Sarasota, FL
I like to see docu-
mentation, build sheets,
window stickers, etc. —
Jeff Hecker, Vancouver,
WA
More 1965 Shelby
info. — Bob Bychowski,
Bolingbrook, IL
Add more on
Corvettes. To go from
Corvette Market where
it was all ’Vettes to
current where Corvette
seems to get equal
billing to Mopars and
all others. Feature more
than one ’Vette per
issue. Thanks. — John
Stimac, St. Catharines,
ON, Canada
Watch for er-
rors! A while back,
a 1949 Frazer was
reviewed, stated that the
manufacturer also made
radios and appliances…
WRONG! It was Powell
Crosley who made
radios, etc., NOT Mr.
Kaiser or Mr. Frazer.
— Walter Breville Jr.,
Valley Park, MO
Walter, thanks for
your eagle eye! — Jim
Pickering
When a collector car
is restored, give costs,
i.e.: motor, bodywork,
interior etc. ’50s, ’60s
muscle cars. Thank you.
— Raymond Lonbardo ,
Drexel Hill, PA
Just lovin’ it! I own
Guldstrand GS-90 #2
Prototype first customer
car. — Charlie Budenz,
Menifee, CA
My interest is in
stock Packards and
Hudsons. Love your
magazine —
Pocket Price Guide
is great! Thanks!
— Bill Bageant, Oak
Harbor, WA
Mercury, in particu-
lar ’66–’70. — Joseph
Abely, Wrentham, MA
Discuss the paint
jobs in more detail, i.e.
base coat, clear coat vs.
acrylic enamel. How did
the cars really used to
look. — Ananta Sivam,
Renton, WA
How about a special
Corvette issue at the
end of the year? — Ron
Petrus, Plain City, OH
January-February 2015 25
FEATURE!
NEW
Page 24
YOUR TURN
Tell us what’s on your mind
All in the details
I just skimmed issue 18. I love the
publication, and also receive many other car
magazines. I feel that the editorial comments
in ACC are generally dead-on.
Two quick questions:
A ’68 Firebird 400 (Auctions America
Burbank auction report, p. 60) is referred to
as a first-year model. I thought these were
also out as ’67s. The ’76 F-100 (Race Profile,
p. 52) looks a lot like a ’67 to me. Am I missing
something?
— Paul Shanahan, via email
ACC Editor Jim Pickering responds:
Thanks for the note, Paul. You’re right about
Frank Vessel’s race truck profiled in issue
#18 looking earlier than its listed year. Some
sources say the truck started out life as a ’72
F-100 (although the grille looks to be a ’67
piece). Some of the vintage shots supplied by
Auctions America show a ’73-up front end,
cab, and long-bed configuration. What we
do know is that it was built into its Class 8
race configuration in 1976 by Charlie Haga.
That’s how the auction house had the truck
listed for sale — as a ’76 — presumably
because of its race build date. It was sold on
a bill of sale and had no VIN listed.
As for the Firebird, the first year was ’67.
You got us on that one. Good eye!
Contact us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
The full scoop
on Scoop’s Ford
I recently received my November-
1968 Pontiac Firebird. It was not a
first-year model
December 2014 issue of American Car
Collector. I was excited to see the emphasis
given to the 1976 Ford F-100 race truck once
owned by the renowned Frank “Scoop”
Vessels. I was, however, disappointed in the
many inaccuracies purported by the author,
John L. Stein. In short, he needs to attend
“Off-Road 101” with regard to the history
surrounding this vehicle.
I have enclosed an article printed in the
December 1976 issue of Off Road Magazine,
where in fact this truck was the focus of
an article on tire testing. Frank Vessels
raced on a set of Desert Dog PCV tires for
the SCORE Riverside Championship race.
There are a number of photographs of this
truck with the fenderside rear bed looking
pretty much like the actual auction truck
sans several manufacturer logos or decals.
In short, more research done by the author
would have made a more accurate article.
In closing, I have also enclosed my
“The ’76 F-100 looks
a lot like a ’67 to me.
Am I missing something?”
renewal for your great magazine and look
forward to many years of outstanding
auction-related coverage.
— Walter A. Kimble, Gastonia, NC
ACC Editor Jim Pickering responds:
Thanks for the information, Walter. It’s clear
from the images you sent over that this truck
did in fact race in-period as it looked on
auction day.
Courtesy of Auctions America
Is it a ’67, a ’72 or a ’76? Per the auction house and presumed build date, we’re going with ’76
26 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 26
FEATURESHOPPING LIST
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
10 new items that stood out at SEMA
by Tony Piff
3
L
1
Whitewall looks, modern performance
Give your resto-mod that old-
school look without compromi
ing modern performance
technology. This 20-inch
alloy rim replicates a vintage
steel wheel with a faux
wide white stripe. The cutaway
image illustrates a
14-inch rotor and six-piston
Wilwood caliper concealed
in what looks like a 14-inch
rim! $1,200–$1,400 per wheel
from www.deluxewheels.
com
2
ooking for cool products at the Specialty Equipment
Marketing Association is kind of like trying to land a snowflake
on your tongue in a 100-mph blizzard at Disneyland.
There’s so much stuff and so much stimulation that half the
job is just filtering out the hype and maintaining your focus.
Here are 10 fresh products that stood out at SEMA and made me say,
“Hey, that’s pretty cool!”
No corrosion, no tools
The Jibb Safety Cable Fastener
replaces the traditional nut and
bolt on most battery cable ends.
The proprietary polymer material not only eliminates corrosion,
but allows you to safely install or remove the battery
cable in seconds without tools. Made in the U.S.A. $29.95 from
www.jibbsafetycable.com
4
Storage surface
These sliding drawers
give you added storage
capacity without adding
clutter. Each drawer holds
up to 200 pounds, and
the deck is rated for up to
2,000 pounds. The system
is weatherproof and secure,
and it installs without
drilling. Made in the
U.S.A. Price for a standard
6.5-foot bed is $1,149.99.
www.decked.com
5
Sleeper hit
Map in your mirror
The SmartNav 5 replaces your stock mirror. It features
3D-mapped GPS with audible turn-by-turn directions,
Bluetooth integration, dash cam with DVR, and the system
even includes a backup camera. The navigation touchscreen is
translucent, so it still functions as a full-width mirror when you
focus through it at the reflection in the distance. $749.99 from
www.app-tronics.com
28 AmericanCarCollector.com
of the summer
The AirBedz air
mattress fits around and
over your wheelwells,
turning your entire
pickup truck cargo bed
into a sleeping surface.
It’s just the thing for
camping, tailgating, and
outdoor romance. Many
sizes available to fit
most makes and models.
$219.99 from www.truckairbedz.com
Page 27
6
8
Shackle me not
BubbaRope’s Gator-
Keep on creepin’ on
Traditional creepers on casters can’t handle uneven terrain,
and they all require some amount of ground clearance. The
Magic Creeper slides over any surface with no clearance
needed. The slick, durable loop of fabric works like a conveyor
belt, and it rolls up for easy portability with the integrated
straps. Measures 60 inches long by 28 inches wide. $74 from
www.magiccreeper.com
7
9
Jaw soft shackle has
a breaking strength
of 32,000 pounds. It’s
stronger than a comparable
steel shackle,
but it floats! Made in
the U.S.A. $42.99 from
www.bubbarope.
com
Click shut
Now you can add the self-latching no-slam doors featured
Red solo cups
Tailgate beer pong. $89 from www.tailgatepong.com
10
Chain keeper
Twisting up excess chain lowers
the load rating and is illegal in some
states. This simple, elegant widget
keeps your safety chains off the
ground. Choose from black, orange
or yellow. Made in the U.S.A. $8.95
from www.hitch-gear.com
on many modern luxury cars to any vehicle. SlamStop
catches a slightly closed door and pulls it completely into the
closed position. Slamming the door won’t harm the system.
The kit installs easily with standard tools, and a discreet slot
is the only sign of modification. Price for four doors, including
installation, is about $1,200; $600 for two doors. Call
818-850-7760 or visit www.SLAMSTOP.com.
January-February 2015 29
Page 28
FEATURESEMA IN PHOTOS
Tony Piff
Tony Piff
Tony Piff
Tony Piff
Jim Pickering
Tony Piff
Tony Piff
30 AmericanCarCollector.com
Tony Piff
Page 29
Tony Piff
Jim Pickering
Jim Pickering
Jim Pickering
Jim Pickering
Jim Pickering
January-February 2015 31
Page 30
Cheap Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Jeep’s full-size
but pickups were far from foreign to the company. Trucks were a
sizable chunk of Willys’ market before the war, and after hostilities
ended, the company went back to building pickups again — although
with plenty of influence from that beloved model MB jeep.
Yet by the late 1950s, Willys’
Q
Detailing
Years produced: 1963–87
Number produced: 135,791
(1974–87, previous years
have inconclusive data)
Original list price: $2,696
Current ACC Valuation:
$7,000–$22,000
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Data plate on the
cowl, driver’s door A-pillar,
or base of the windshield
(post-1980)
full-sized pickups were really
starting to look dated.
A modern truck
For 1963, Kaiser-Willys
changed its name to Kaiser-Jeep
and went about modernizing its
trucks. The dated flat-fendered
trucks were out, replaced by the
all-new J-series Gladiator pickup
and the Wagoneer.
The Gladiator, initially cata-
Engine # location: Basic casting
numbers only, in various
locations the block, depending
upon source of engine
Clubs: American Motors Owners
Association
More: www.amonational.com
Additional: American Truck
Historical Society
Cheap Thr
Cheap Thr
Cheap Thr
Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Jeep’s full-size
but pickups were far from foreign to t
Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Jeep’s full-size
but pickups were far from foreign to the company. Trucks were a
sizable chunk of Willys’ market before the war, and after hostilities
ended, the company went back to building pickups again — although
with plenty of influence from that beloved model MB jeep.
Yet by the late 1950s, Willys’
Q
Detailing
Years produced: 1963–87
Number produced: 135,791
(1974–87, previous years
have inconclusive data)
Original list price: $2,696
Current ACC Valuation:
$7,000–$22,000
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Data plate on the
cowl, driver’s door A-pillar,
or base of the windshield
(post-1980)
full-sized pickups were really
starting to look dated.
A modern truck
For 1963, Kaiser-Willys
changed its name to Kaiser-Jeep
and went about modernizing its
trucks. The dated flat-fendered
trucks were out, replaced by the
all-new J-series Gladiator pickup
and the Wagoneer.
The Gladiator, initially cata-
Engine # location: Basic casting
numbers only, in various
locations the block, depending
upon source of engine
Clubs: American Motors Owners
Association
More: www.amonational.com
Additional: American Truck
Historical Society
loged
loged as models J-200 through
J-330 (based on weight ratings and
wheelbase), had modern, squaredoff,
clean styling. It featured
roomy cabs, a dramatic upright
grille, and the choice of two cargo
boxes (the full-width Townside,
and the step-sided and appropriately
named Thriftside).
It also featured an all-new en-
Cheap ThCheap ThrCheap ThrThrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Jeep’s full-size
but pickups were far from foreign to thep Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Jeep’s full-size
but pickups were far from foreign to the company. Trucks were a
sizable chunk of Willys’ market before the war, and after hostilities
ended, the company went back to building pickups again — although
with plenty of influence from that beloved model MB jeep.
Yet by the late 1950s, Willys’
Q
Detailing
Years produced: 1963–87
Number produced: 135,791
(1974–87, previous years
have inconclusive data)
Original list price: $2,696
Current ACC Valuation:
$7,000–$22,000
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Data plate on the
cowl, driver’s door A-pillar,
or base of the windshield
(post-1980)
full-sized pickups were really
starting to look dated.
A modern truck
For 1963, Kaiser-Willys
changed its name to Kaiser-Jeep
and went about modernizing its
trucks. The dated flat-fendered
trucks were out, replaced by the
all-new J-series Gladiator pickup
and the Wagoneer.
The Gladiator, initially cata-
Engine # location: Basic casting
numbers only, in various
locations the block, depending
upon source of engine
Clubs: American Motors Owners
Association
More: www.amonational.com
Additional: American Truck
Historical Society
loged as models J-200 through
J-330 (based on weight ratings and
wheelbase), had modern, squared-
off, clean styling. It featured
roomy cabs, a dramatic upright
grille, and the choice of two cargo
boxes (the full-width Townside,
and the step-sided and appropri-
ately named Thriftside).
It also featured an all-new en-
1963-
1963 ad for a Jeep Gladiator
horsepower.
Within a year, Wagoneers started to diverge from Gladiators, as
the former featured a new horizontally themed grille in 1964 and the
latter kept the same basic grille through 1969. For 1965, an optional
327-ci AMC V8 entered the mix, making 250 hp, while the standard
engine became the AMC 232-ci OHV six.
Model nomenclatures shuffled to become J-xxxx, with four digits,
once again denoting cargo capacity and wheelbase. For 1967, all
two-wheel-drive models were dropped. By 1968, an optional 230-hp
350-ci V8 from Buick was available.
More engines, different names
AMC bought Kaiser-Jeep in 1970, renaming the company Jeep
Corp. Gladiator nomenclature continued through 1971, afterward
internally referred to as just “Jeep Trucks” or J-series. Powertrain
Cheap Thr
Cheap Thr
Cheap Thr
Cheap Thr
heap Thrills
B. Mitchell Carls
rills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Jeep’s full-size
but pickups were far from foreign to the company. Trucks were a
sizable chunk of Willys’ market before the war, and after hostilities
ended, the company went back to building pickups again — although
with plenty of influence from that beloved model MB jeep.
Yet by the late 1950s, Willys’
Q
Detailing
Years produced: 1963–87
Number produced: 135,791
(1974–87, previous years
have inconclusive data)
Original list price: $2,696
Current ACC Valuation:
$7,000–$22,000
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Data plate on the
cowl, driver’s door A-pillar,
or base of the windshield
(post-1980)
full-sized pickups were really
starting to look dated.
A modern truck
For 1963, Kaiser-Willys
changed its name to Kaiser-Jeep
and went about modernizing its
trucks. The dated flat-fendered
trucks were out, replaced by the
all-new J-series Gladiator pickup
and the Wagoneer.
The Gladiator, initially cata-
Engine # location: Basic casting
numbers only, in various
locations the block, depending
upon source of engine
Clubs: American Motors Owners
Association
More: www.amonational.com
Additional: American Truck
Historical Society
loged as models J-200 through
J-330 (based on weight ratings and
wheelbase), had modern, squared-
off, clean styling. It featured
roomy cabs, a dramatic upright
grille, and the choice of two cargo
boxes (the full-width Townside,
and the step-sided and appropri-
ately named Thriftside).
It also featured an all-new en-
1963 ad for a Jeep Gladiator
horsepower.
Within a year, Wagoneers started to diverge from Gladiators, as
the former featured a new horizontally themed grille in 1964 and the
latter kept the same basic grille through 1969. For 1965, an optional
327-ci AMC V8 entered the mix, making 250 hp, while the standard
engine became the AMC 232-ci OHV six.
Model nomenclatures shuffled to become J-xxxx, with four digits,
once again denoting cargo capacity and wheelbase. For 1967, all
two-wheel-drive models were dropped. By 1968, an optional 230-hp
350-ci V8 from Buick was available.
More engines, different names
AMC bought Kaiser-Jeep in 1970, renaming the company Jeep
Corp. Gladiator nomenclature continued through 1971, afterward
internally referred to as just “Jeep Trucks” or J-series. Powertrain
UNDERDOG
UNDERDOG
THE GLADIATOR COULDN’T SURVIVE IN THE PICKUP ARENA
uick, name some American pickup trucks. Ford,
Chevy, and Dodge roll off your tongue like a reflex
action. International and Studebaker follow if you
think a little bit.
Bet you forgot about Jeep.
Everybody knows Willys for its famous World War II MB model,
1972 Jeep J-2000
Page 31
1977 Jeep Honcho ad
larger AMC 258, remaining
for the rest of J-series
production. In 1974, their
names officially became
the J-10, J-20, and J-30, to
play in the same ballpark
as the rest of the U.S. light
truck industry for half-,
three-quarter-, and oneton
models.
AMC introduced the first styling package for the J-series trucks
in 1974: the Pioneer. This was basically an optional equipment package,
but it did have some unique trim. The Honcho was introduced
in 1977. It was basically all trim and tape, with wide-tape graphics,
black-out trim, and styled steel wheels. Engine nomenclatures
changed from standard to metric in 1979, so the 258 and 360 became
the 4.2L and 5.9L respectively. The 5.9L became standard in the
J-20/J-30 and was optional in the J-10.
Winding down
The J-series trucks soldiered on into the 1980s, including the
joint venture with Renault. In addition to a new grille, 1980 also saw
a change from the use of GM’s TH400 automatic to Chrysler’s 727
TorqueFlite, plus the introduction of the Laredo — mimicking the
CJ’s popular option package. 1981 saw the built-in windshield shade
in the roof disappear for cleaner aerodynamics. By the last two years
of production (1986 and 1987) the special trim packages were dropped
and only two trim levels were offered — Base and Pioneer. By then,
production was a mere trickle, with 1,153 made that final year.
Despite low-volume production, two other factors ultimately
spelled the end for these trucks. First was the introduction of the
Cherokee-based Comanche mid-sized pickup in 1986. The second
and biggest gun was the acquisition of AMC by Chrysler in 1987.
Chrysler bought AMC primarily to get Jeep’s brand and SUVs. The
company didn’t want to have two competing similar-size trucks, and
it already had the Dodge Ram, so the J-series was retired.
Resurrecting Gladiators
The Gladiator / J-series were never very popular, from the time
they were built to today. This is not to say that they weren’t liked,
as they had and continue to have a very solid, near cult-like core of
private owners, since few were part of fleets. Also, very few were
babied when new — most were run hard and put away covered with
mud or road-salt-laden snow, let alone just wet. Most have rusted out
and gone away, so they rarely show up on the market today.
However, rare doesn’t always mean valuable. Jeep trucks almost
always bring less than a commensurate truck from The Big Three,
International or Studebaker. Yet like those other two independents,
Jeep trucks used mostly off-the-shelf major components and systems,
so repairing one (or even building one up) is not all that difficult.
Indeed, they used some of the most robust driveline components in
the industry, such as Dana axles and BorgWarner manual transmissions.
However, restoring one can prove to be daunting if replacement
sheet metal and trim is needed. Like any collector car, buying the best
original one you don’t have to take apart is the best way to go, and
you should plan to spend $7k to $22k for a good example.
Perhaps the most famous use of a Gladiator didn’t involve an actual
truck. Mound, MN-based Tonka Inc. was licensed by AMC from the
mid-1960s into the early ’70s to make 1:20-scale tin toy versions of the
truck (along with the CJ-5 and Wagoneer). Several versions were made,
including a dump truck, cement mixer, and of course, a pickup. As such,
many of us could say that our very first pickup truck was a Gladiator. A
January-February 2015 33
Page 32
Horsepower
How to
RESTORE IT
RIGHT
Take advantage of modern finishes such as base/clear paint
or looked at any number of supposedly “restored” cars that were
anything but — usually despite a mountain of receipts showing
thousands of dollars spent.
So why is this? It can be due to any number of reasons, from
R
unscrupulous shops, to well-intentioned DIY owners simply trying to
tackle a project well above their ability, to flippers just trying to make
a car look good enough to pass off to the next starry-eyed buyer.
But restoring cars is a really rewarding process when done right.
And after almost 30 years of restoring cars, I’ve assembled some tips
that should at least keep you from losing a limb if you decide to jump
in.
1 Rust
Just say no. Unless the subject is extremely rare (i.e., no
better examples exist or are available) or holds some incredible sentimental
value, there is no reason to start with a terminally rusty car.
First, it is nearly impossible to rebuild a rusty car — especially a
unibody one — and end up with the same integrity of one that was
34 AmericanCarCollector.com
estoration. How can a simple concept be the root of so
much debate and heartache?
By definition, restoration is the act of returning
something to its original state by whatever means necessary.
Yet every one of us has had a restoration nightmare
THIS AIN’T HORSESHOES AND HAND
GRENADES. THERE IS NO ROOM FOR
“GOOD ENOUGH” IN THIS GAME
Colin Comer
Fix rust the right way, not like this
never rusty. Second, what will you really have when
it is done? If a photograph can steal your soul, as
many cultures once believed, then it is an absolute
certainty that a pile of thin Taiwanese sheet metal
welded into the shape of a GT350 won’t have the
same soul as a car that was welded together at Ford
and then rolled down the line at LAX in 1965.
Now, if you do have a rusty car that just has to be
saved, do it right. Find the right guy to do the work
and don’t try to do it on the cheap. Save (or should I say restore) every
original part by whatever means necessary, and find good original
or NOS factory metal to use where you can’t. Don’t ever think you’ll
come out ahead financially. Realize it is a labor of love and do it
justice.
2 Mechanicals
I’ve built plenty of engines and transmissions in my day, but
I know damn well I can’t build them like a specialist can. Some of the
best money you’ll spend is subletting the important bits to the people
who really know how to make them work — and last.
To that end, I’ll never install an engine that hasn’t been broken in
and then tuned on a dyno (with a carb and distributor also “done”), a
trans that I am not sure is perfect, a driveshaft that isn’t balanced, or a
diff that doesn’t have all-new bearings and seals, and hasn’t been set
up to factory specs. Likewise with radiators, oil coolers, suspension
components, even wheels. There is no room for “good enough” in this
game. This ain’t horseshoes and hand grenades, after all.
3 Finishes
I see a lot of folks bending over backwards to honor factory-
assembly-line finishes and coatings. This is fantastic if you’re building a
car to show in tough points-judged competition, but I suspect you’re not.
Page 33
Don’t be afraid to use modern
materials and coatings to achieve 99%
of the correct look with 1,000% better
longevity. Lacquer paint, asphalt-based
undercoating and bare-metal hardware
all sound like great ideas until you start
using them. In the real world, the look
they give unravels faster than a cheap
suit. Remember how these cars looked
after six months of daily use? That’s
not something you want for a six-figure
resto after a few years.
If you’re going to drive it, don’t
be afraid to powdercoat items such as
frames and suspension parts. Be sure to
use modern rust-proofing compounds in
the hidden areas, and use a quality base/
clear paint inside and out.
4 Restore, don’t replace
Letting a pro build
your engine with
break-in and tuning
on a dyno means less
stress and more HP
You can get just about any part for any car as a new repro-
duction, but it’s always best to use an assembly-line original OE part
whenever possible. As good as the new stuff is, it rarely fits nearly
as well as your original parts, and most have detail differences that
experts can spot immediately.
Yes, it will cost far more to have your original chrome, stainless,
and aluminum trim and emblems restored or refinished. But in the
end, they’ll fit better and last longer. Remember: We’re trying to
retain as much of your car’s original DNA as possible. Don’t throw it
out and replace it with parts made last week.
5 Get it done, break it, repeat
That perfect, shiny, brand-new looking muscle car is only
90% done if you nailed everything during the resto. Don’t believe
me? Go drive it.
This is the sorting stage, but don’t worry, it’s usually pretty
enjoyable. Start putting miles on the car to break stuff in and start
getting all those mechanical bits to shake hands. Drive that car as you
would your modern car. Freeway. City streets. Hot starts. Cold starts.
Repeat. Run the wipers and run the heater. Drive it at night and see
how the lights work. Drive it hard and drive it like the pope is riding
shotgun. Windows up, windows down. You get the idea.
Carry a notebook and a pen, and use them to make a list of ev-
erything that isn’t perfect. Go tweak what’s wrong and start all over
again.
I find the sorting process typically takes a few hundred miles and
about 10 heat cycles before the car “feels” right, when the engine is
breaking in, the brakes are bedded, the trans starts feeling good, the
fast and hot idle speeds are set right and repeat properly, etc. Is the
car reliable enough that anybody could use it without special instructions?
If yes, you’re done.
These five tips are a general outline to help with the finer points
of restoration. Obviously a restoration is only as good as the people
performing it, so if you’re going to farm it out, do your homework
and be involved. Know your goal and share it with the people doing
the work, as they can likely help tweak the recipe to suit you and not
just a judging manual.
No matter who does the work, go into it knowing it will likely cost
at least twice as much and take twice as long as you think — but if
you use your head, and these tips, it will be cheaper and more enjoyable
in the long run. A
January-February 2015 35
Page 34
Corvette Market
John L. Stein
BEST BUYS
at $70k or less
LIKE SWARMING CRABS, CORVETTE COLLECTORS SEEM TO ALIGN
WITH A GROUP INTEREST IN THE NEXT BIG THING
1963 C2 Sting Ray
I’m taking a clue from the recent early Porsche 911
price spike here. The original 1963 Sting Ray is the direct
equivalent to the first-year 1964 911, as well as the
first-year 911S of 1966 — the start of a new generation
of Corvette.
The ’63s were also transcendent: Wearing tons of
Bill Mitchell and Zora Arkus-Duntov DNA, they offered
major handling advances, unique knife-edge styling
with retracting headlights, and in particular, the ’63
coupe’s split rear window. The 1963 build totaled 10,594
coupes and 10,919 convertibles, with just 2,610 of these
fuel injected, another 199 equipped with the Z06 racing
suspension and brakes, and another 63 coupes with big
36-gallon gas tanks. Your $70,000 should buy a nice
base coupe today, and prices go up from there. Reach
high for best effect.
1968–72 C3 Stingray big blocks
It seems like just yesterday that C3s were $5,000
1963 C2 Sting ray
S
warming soldier crabs. Put a few dozen of them in a pen and
something amazing happens — they all bunch together and
move as a tightly formed group, presumably to help them avoid
danger. They hug the walls, avoid shadows and form defense
lines with regimented precision — impressive for an inch-long
Indo-Pacific crustacean with no obvious means of communication. Why
do they all gravitate toward doing the same thing? Well, they must be
Corvette owners.
Corvette owners seem to swarm around certain models for perhaps
a similar reason — safety in numbers. First it was ’53s, now it’s Z06
Tankers. First it was solid-axles, now it’s C3 big blocks. Like swarming
crabs, car collectors seem to align with a group interest in the next big
thing.
In the incredibly important study of Corvette Crabology, a term I
just now made up, asking “why” is important. Because if you know
“why” swarming crabs swarm, you may be able to predict where they’ll
swarm next. Hoist up this logic and wheel it over a box of Corvette owners,
and you just might predict their next swarming maneuver.
To this end, Editor Pickering challenged me to predict where
$70,000 would be best spent in the Corvette world today. Naturally I
thought immediately of swarming crabs, although now I’m becoming a
little alarmed as to why. Nonetheless, I’ll take Pickering’s crab-bait and
run down the quest for the best $70k Corvettes. Here are my guesses,
and don’t worry — I’ll be well out of town by the time you read this.
36 AmericanCarCollector.com
cars, but nowadays the best of the Sharks will ring in
at $70,000 or more. Generally speaking, it’s the 427-ci
1968–69 models and 454-ci 1970–72 models that will
do so.
Despite their cheesy interiors, the first five years of the long-
running C3 generation carried the attractive chrome bumpers, so
focus your swarming crab posse here. And take comfort that it’s not
just mature eyes that like ’em. Whenever I’m hauling an SUV full of
high-schoolers to a swim meet, should we pass an old car, I always
interrupt their League of Legends conversation to ask their opinion.
In the case of early Sharks, the reaction is typically, “Sick!” That’s
not a joke; it’s reassurance that the car you buy today will appeal
to Millennials’ tastes years down the road. Tops on my list: the
aluminum-head 427 L89 and 454 LS6.
1968 C3 Corvette with 427-ci 435-hp V8
Page 35
1996 C4 Grand Sport convertible
1996 C4 Grand Sport convertible
Arriving at the end of the fourth-generation Corvette’s lengthy
13-year production run, the ’96 Grand Sport coupe and convertible
finally reaffirmed that the pushrod, two-valves-per-cylinder Chevy
V8 could compete with the best Euro sports cars.
This was a huge victory, because it countered the entire purpose of
the controversial, complex and frightfully expensive DOHC 32-valve
ZR-1 engine program of 1990–95.
Featuring the 330-hp LT4 engine bristling with high-compression
pistons and roller rocker arms, the Grand Sports also had unique
Admiral Blue paint, black ZR-1-style wheels, distinctive VIN codes
and, in the case of the coupe, flared fenders. With just 190 built, the
convertible model lives higher on the money tree today, with prices
for low-mileage creampuffs pushing close to $70k. Of all the (generally
underappreciated) C4s, this one seems best poised for greatness.
2015 C7 Stingray Z51 coupe
2015 C7 Stingray Z51 coupe
Today is the best time to live the best life you can. You’ll never
be younger or more virile, or better able to stamp your size 12
Vans onto the go-pedal of a radical new Stingray. And as luck
would have it, the 2015 Stingray coupe Z51 3LT is just a tick
under Editor Pickering’s $70k challenge at $69,445.
As in previous centuries, the Z51 is the base Corvette’s
performance version, and in this case includes larger wheels and
brakes, a dry-sump engine, unique aerodynamic details, sticky
summer tires and the versatile MR suspension. I suggest jumping
in — and then grabbing your lady, kid, dad, bro, cuz, granny or
BFF and taking the trip you always knew you should. Although
the C7’s value is sure to erode for years to come, the experiences
you’ll share are more important than anything you can put in a
bank. A
January-February 2015 37
Page 36
PROFILE CORVETTE
1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE “711” RACER
Viva Las ’Vette
We have to
assume that
what could
be saved
was saved
during the
resto process
— but for
preservation
sticklers
like me, the
question of
what was lost
is going to
linger
38 AmericanCarCollector.com
38 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: 30837S102899
by John L. Stein
H
arry Mann Chevrolet was the largest
Corvette dealer in America when the new
1963 Sting Ray Z06 made its race debut
at the October 1962 Times Grand Prix
in Riverside, CA. However, driver Gary
Pickens was relegated to the sidelines, as Chevrolet
had released only six RPO Z06 competition Corvettes
and none would be available to the Mann dealership
until December.
Undaunted, Mann and Pickens took a regular
1963 Corvette Split-Window coupe with the L84
fuel-injected 360-hp engine and built their own Z06spec
coupe to campaign the following year. The car
received numerous modifications including a roll cage,
comprehensive weight-reduction measures, and the
addition of Z06 suspension and brake components. A
recreational gambler, Pickens completed his racer by
painting the number 711 as a pair of dice on the doors,
hood and rear deck.
Pickens raced the car throughout California in 1963,
but fame really came calling in July when filming
began on the new race-themed Elvis Presley movie
“Viva Las Vegas.” The producers needed real race cars
for the movie’s climactic scene, and Pickens’ diceliveried
Riverside Red racer was the perfect choice.
It turned out to be the driver’s most lucrative payday,
as MGM rented the car for the duration of filming.
The studio even included a $500 bonus for the famous
spinout scene, during which the car received the only
racing damage of its career.
Although hunted for years by hopeful collectors,
the car remained hidden until 2011, when Corvette
specialist Mike Scott and restorer Gary Nabers located
and purchased it. They later completed a concours
restoration that helped it achieve an NCRS American
Heritage Award in 2013. The restoration retained
the well-preserved interior, the 1964 model-year
engine Pickens had later installed, and the original
BorgWarner T-10 four-speed gearbox. Period-correct
Z06 components were sourced and installed as
necessary, ensuring the car is configured as it ran at
Riverside in 1963.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 767.1, was hammered
as a no-sale at a reported
high bid of $330,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in
Las Vegas, NV, on September 25–27, 2014.
I was a spectator at the 1962 Times Grand Prix
at Riverside where the Sting Rays were introduced,
and I have a vivid memory of the excitement that surrounded
these new Corvettes. Compared to the typical
road-going American barges of the day, they looked
like spaceships. In the three-hour enduro on Saturday,
Dave MacDonald took the pole in the No. 00 Don
Steves Z06 before Doug Hooper in the No. 119 Mickey
Thompson Z06 won a race of attrition while also turning
the fastest lap.
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
Page 37
Detailing
Year produced: 1963
Number produced: 10,594
Original list price: $4,252
Current ACC Valuation:
$150,000–$250,000
Tune-up cost: $500–$600
Distributor cap: $35
Chassis # location: Cross
brace under glovebox
Club: National Corvette
Restorers Society
Engine # location: On block
in front of right cylinder
head
g Ray, and in particular the
d arrived. But its dominan
was short-lived, as in 1963,
atched the Corvettes, inding
Pickens in the No. 711
r — shown as being entered
e Gardner Reynolds Tire
. — battle an entire Shelby-
n battalion to no avail. Bob
, Allen Grant, Lew Spencer
n Gurney decimated the field
as.
ection gained, patina lost?
n a well-known race car is
duced publicly after so
, and it’s gratifying when
s closely as possible to how
ling
Year produced: 1963
Number produced: 10,594
Original list price: $4,252
Current ACC Valuation:
$150,000–$250,000
Tune-up cost: $500–$600
Distributor cap: $35
Chassis # location: Cross
brace under glovebox
Club: National Corvette
Restorers Society
Engine # location: On block
in front of right cylinder
head
g Ray, and in particular the
d arrived. But its domina-
n was short-lived, as in 1963,
atched the Corvettes, in-
ding Pickens in the No. 711
r — shown as being entered
e Gardner Reynolds Tire
. — battle an entire Shelby-
n battalion to no avail. Bob
, Allen Grant, Lew Spencer
n Gurney decimated the field
as.
ection gained, patina lost?
n a well-known race car is
duced publicly after so
, and it’s gratifying when
s closely as possible to how
nking
nking that the patina and
battle scars the 711 car earned in competition and
its Elvis movie adventures are lost forever under a
perfect new coat of paint. Generally, my feeling is
this: If you want it perfect, go build a replica from the
ground up; if you want it real, fight hard to preserve
what’s there.
We don’t know what kind of shape the car was in
when it was rediscovered, but we have to assume
that a restoration was actually necessary, and in
the process, what could be saved was saved. But for
preservation sticklers like me, the question of what
might have been lost in the process is going to linger,
and that does have some impact on value, especially
in the originality-driven Corvette world.
One of one, in its own way
On the positive side, this is undisputedly a period
competition car connected to a well-known L.A.
Chevy racing dealer,
and with the swingin’
Elvis movie exposure, it
has significant appeal.
(Although with no disrespect
to “The King,” had
the 711 car appeared in a
“King of Cool” movie, the
upside would have likely
been even stronger.)
This car’s long period
underground does not
hurt it one bit — in fact, it
January-February 2015
39CC
39
might actually help it. (I believe that overexposure can
blunt a car’s value.) However, the auction information
about sourcing period-correct Z06 parts during restoration
suggests that the car was in less-than-complete
condition when found.
Valuable, but no genuine Z06
This car was a Fuelie from new, but while it con-
tains period-correct Z06 chassis components as it did
when it raced, it’s not a real Z06. It also does not have
its original fuel-injected engine, instead running the
replacement that Pickens installed in ’64.
So does competition and movie history make the 711
Sting Ray more or less valuable than a genuine Z06?
I’d suggest less valuable.
If this car had been in the 1962 Times Grand Prix
enduro when the Z06s debuted, or else finished among
the Cobras in 1963, that could vault its value closer
to those of the real racing Z06s. But admission into
the upper echelons of big-tank Z06 pricing requires a
stronger history than this car has, not to mention Z06
options installed from the factory.
Z06s are valued between $250,000 and $700,000 or
higher today, with the six original 1962 Riverside racers
potentially worth far more. And so, special and unique
as the 711 car is, I’d say the $330k bid that it attracted
in Las Vegas should have been enough to seal the deal
in the current market. And to top that off, it’s the highest
offer we’ve seen compared to several other recent
no-sales of this car at other auctions, including a $325k
high bid at RM Monterey in August 2013 (ACC# 227352)
and a $275,000 high bid at Mecum’s Houston auction in
April 2014 (ACC# 252725).
But that’s just for now, because the ’63 Sting Ray
world order is on fire, and that could reset the game
board in the not-too-distant future. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
“711” racer (subject car)
Lot 118, VIN: 30837S102899
Condition: 2+
Not sold at $325,000
RM Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/17/2013
ACC# 227352
More: www.ncrs.org
Alternatives: 1965 Shelby
GT350, 1967 Yenko
Camaro, 1968 Corvette
L88
ACC Investment Grade: A
Comps
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
“Gulf One” racer
Lot S110, VIN: 30837S102227
Condition: 2+
Sold at $1,113,000
Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee,
FL, 1/22/2009
ACC# 119379
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
coupe
Lot S125, VIN: 30837S115624
Condition: 2+
Sold at $267,500
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX,
9/5/2013
ACC# 227411
Page 38
PROFILE GM
Bad-boy Buick, muscular price
1987 BUICK GNX
Dan Duckworth, courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Wicked,
mean, and
supremely
powerful,
nothing was
faster than
the GNX to
top speed,
including
contemporary
Ferrari and
Lamborghini
supercars
VIN: 1G4GJ1171HP445567
by Tom Glatch
• Original window sticker
• Under 50 miles
• Number 85 of only 547 produced
• Original promo jacket included
• Stock interior protective plastic intact
ACC Analysis This car, Lot S155, sold for
$105,300, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s Chicago auction on October 11,
2014.
Back in 1990, I got a rare ride in a 1970 Chevelle SS
454 LS6 coupe. It was a beautiful, original car owned
by a collector, and that big 454 V8 with 450 gross
horses under the hood produced pedal-to-the-floor
burnouts I’ll never forget. So what did the owner of
the baddest-ever factory Chevelle have for a daily
driver? A 1987 Buick GNX. “I just have the need for
speed,” he told me. The ’87 GNX is that kind of car —
modern enough to drive every day, yet an old-school
muscle machine ready to satisfy any speed freak’s
cravings.
A new era of performance
1971 was the end of the road for most of America’s
true muscle machines. That slowly began to change in
the early ’80s, as technology started to catch up with
government regulations. One of the first of this new
generation of performance was the Buick Regal Grand
National — a surprisingly hot car that launched in
1982.
Although rather out of character for Buick,
40 AmericanCarCollector.com
the Grand National celebrated back-to-back
Manufacturers Championships in NASCAR in 1981
and 1982. As Motor Trend reported in a December
1983 road test: “Buick started with NASCAR back
in the beach racing days before the high-banked
ovals, using cars that were ventilated by portholes,
armed with sweepspears, powered by 322-cubic-inch
Nailheads, and driven by Fireball, Buck, Buddy, and
the boys. They went like hell.... The Regal Grand
National is their heir, as sure as Kyle followed Richard
and Richard followed Lee.” That’s the Petty clan, for
you Yankees.
Mid-size with a bad attitude
Dressed in charcoal gray and silver, the Grand
National may have been your typical mid-size reardrive
sedan, but under the hood of about 35 of 215
GNs built was an engine Buick engineers had been
working on for some time, a turbocharged 231-ci V6.
Buick first began offering the Turbo V6 option in 1976
(the ’76 Buick Regal Indianapolis 500 Pace Car used
one), with the goal of getting old-time muscle out of a
modern powerplant. They were on the right track: By
’82 the V6 delivered 175 hp at 4,000 rpm and 275 lb-ft
of torque at 2,600 rpm, wrapped in a car that weighed
about 3,400 pounds.
After a one-year hiatus, the Grand National
returned with a turbo V6 standard, now producing
200 hp. Though quarter-mile times were still around
16 seconds, the GN was the fastest 4-passenger sedan
in America. Now dressed in monochrome black, “The
Dark Side” and “Darth Buick” were terms of endear
Page 39
Detailing
Years produced: 1987
Number produced: 547
Original list price: $29,290
Current ACC Valuation:
$29,000–$69,000
Tune-up/major service: $150
Distributor cap: $9.88
Chassis # location: VIN
plate on the driver’s side
instrument panel behind
windshield
Engine # location: Pad on
front of engine
ment often applied to these cars.
With the 1986 GN, Buick added an intercooler,
upping the turbo V6’s ante to 245 hp. Zero-to-60 times
were now under six seconds, and the quarter mile
went by in 13.8 seconds. Not only was that faster than
the Corvette that year, but the GN was now as fast
as many cars from the ’60s. The popularity of this
“working man’s supercar” grew too, with 7,896 Turbo
Regals sold. Once word got out that 1987 would be the
last year for the rear-drive Regal, Buick was flooded
with orders for 27,590 Turbos. Buick also saved the
best for last, a limited run of special GNX models.
Cranking up the Grand National
The GNX was too specialized to build on an assem-
bly line, so Buick sent 547 Grand Nationals — one for
each dealer — to McLaren Performance Technologies/
ASC for assembly. The McLaren-built Turbo V6
lurking under the GNX hood bristled with the high
tech needed to produce galactic power: a special
Garrett T-3 turbocharger with a quick-spooling
ceramic impeller, a larger intercooler with a ceramic/
aluminum-coated air-flow duct, and a special GNXonly
management chip in the Engine Control Module
(ECU). Low-restriction dual exhaust was added, and
the Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission was modified
with a custom torque converter and fluid cooler.
Buick rated this engine at 276 hp at 4,400 rpm, but in
truth it probably produced over 300 hp.
The GNX experience didn’t stop at raw horsepower.
Buick’s Chief Engineer on the project, Dave Sharpe,
told author Gary Witzenburg, “We had to do much
more than just put a bunch more power into it, which
would have been a disaster.” ASC stiffened the chassis
and suspension, added a “ladder bar” to the rear
axle, and installed 245/50VR16 front and 255/50VR16
rear tires — very large for 1987 — on special alloy
wheels. ASC also added fender flares, front fender
vents to reduce underhood heat, and trimmed the
interior with Stewart-Warner gauges and special Lear
front seats.
The price of admission was a shocking $29,290 (a
regular GN started at $16,617), but you got the fastest
piece of Detroit iron in America. How fast? When
Popular Mechanics tested the GNX for their March
1987 issue, they paired it with the exotic Callaway
Corvette Twin Turbo, since no factory-built vehicle
was in the GNX’s league. Super Stock & Drag
Illustrated reinforced that, as a mysteriously slow
GNX still outran a Mustang GT, a Firebird GTA, and
a Camaro IROC Z in that magazine’s March ’88 issue.
Top speed was “just” 124 mph, regulated electronically
because of the tire rating and front-end lift worries,
but nothing was faster getting there, including
contemporary Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars.
Wicked, mean, and supremely powerful, Car and
Driver proclaimed: “Lord Vader, your car is ready.”
Stored away
With such a limited build and such a sinister reputa-
tion, the GNX was an instant collectible.
If you missed out on buying a new GNX in ’87,
you actually still have your chance, since some were
bought new and stored away by speculators. A handful
with 100 miles or less show up at auction every year,
such as this 45-mile GNX.
We’ve seen these cars sell for as much as $115,000,
so this one was right near top dollar. And why not?
With fantastic unused condition, enough power to rule
a galaxy far, far away, and enough comfort and style
to make the task enjoyable, the GNX is a unique part
of muscle car lore. And this one was well sold. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
1987 Buick GNX
Lot 2503, VIN:
Condition: 1Sold
at $69,300
Leake Auctions, Dallas, TX,
11/24/2013
1G4GJ1179HP446465
ACC# 231537
1987 Buick GNX
Lot 487, VIN:
Condition: 2
Sold at $37,950
Leake Auctions, Oklahoma
City, OK, 2/22/2014
1G4GJ1175HP453168
ACC# 239062
Club: GNX Registry
More: www.gnxregistry.org
Alternatives: 1987 Chevrolet
Corvette Callaway
B2K, 1987 Buick Grand
National, 1993 GMC
Typhoon
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1987 Buick GNX
Lot 5108, VIN:
Condition: 2+
Not sold at $85,000
Auctions America, Auburn IN,
8/30/2014
1G4GJ1174HP447992
ACC# 245281
January-February 2015 41
Page 40
PROFILE FOMOCO
Market-price M-code
1971 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1
The M-code
was Ford’s
hot small
block, topped
only by the
Boss 351
VIN: 1F05M136030
by Patrick Smith
Marti Report. 351 M-code V8, 4-speed transmission,
Ram Air hood, power disc brakes, stripes and in-dash
tach. Fully loaded car. Finished in Grabber Yellow
with black interior, this car is a true head-turner.
Underside done in factory-correct red oxide.
C
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 341.1, sold for
mium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas sale on
September 25–27, 2014.
Mustang evolved
For the ’71 model year, Ford’s design team faced
intense pressure from two groups of executives who
wanted Mustang to go in very different directions.
One group wanted the car to continue in the sporty,
light-car nature true to its 1965 roots, while another
wanted Mustang to go larger, with a longer wheelbase
and more luxury features.
Design team leader Gale Halderman tried appeasing
both groups with zaftig designs full of slits and
$27,500, including buyer’s pre-
omplete, no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt
rotisserie restoration done very correctly
with attention to detail. This is a true
23,000-mile car and comes fully documented
with all of its options on its full
scoops as they started their clay model concepts in the
spring of 1967. Ford gained a new President in 1968
when Bunkie Knudsen accepted the position after
leaving GM. Ace GM stylist Larry Shinoda joined
Ford the same year. Knudsen pushed for large and
muscular and won out — Bunkie had a grudge with
GM and it showed with the Mach 1.
The Mach 1 fastback model was completed first.
Bunkie walked into the design studio one evening
and gruffly pointed out that he liked the fastback.
Halderman said they had a couple of other designs
being completed if he wanted to look at those as well.
Bunkie shook his head and said, “I like this one.”
The Sportsroof was locked in by June 1968, with the
convertible and hard top following soon afterward.
Knudsen had insider information about what was
being planned over at GM, and the Mach 1 switched
to hidden wipers and a body-colored front bumper to
match GM’s plans for their pony cars. The engineering
department sweated the details, too, with major changes
to the suspension. These included staggered rear shocks
on all cars equipped with 351 or larger displacement
engines and variable-ratio power steering.
Bigger, if not badder
Size was up and horsepower was down for ’71, but
there were still options for muscle car buyers with a
need for speed. Although the base engine on a Mach 1
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
Page 41
Detailing
Year built: 1971
Number built: 36,449
Original list price: $3,268
Current ACC Valuation:
$11,500–$20,500
was a 302, the 351 was offered in flavors from mild to
wild, including a special Boss 351 model.
The M-code 351 was a high-performance engine.
Equipped with closed-chamber heads with big ports
and a matching intake manifold, it liked high-rpm
operation but wasn’t a solid-cammer like the Boss 351,
so it endured city traffic well. It made 285 horsepower
with a 10.7:1 compression ratio and used two-bolt
main bearings. This was Ford’s hot small block,
topped only by the Boss.
Ford gambled on trading raw horsepower for luxu-
rious features, and the bet paid off. Mach 1 held the
lead in ’71 sales, with 36,499 cars sold — the Camaro
Z/28 was a distant second. On the street, the M-code
351 4-barrel was a mid-pack runner, averaging 0–60
mph in 6.6 seconds and doing the quarter mile in 15.2
seconds. When it came to a street battle, the Z/28 and
Plymouth ’Cuda could beat it. If winning was your
bag, you got a Boss 351 or 429 SCJ and endured the
endless high-octane refills.
1971 was the last year to get a Ram Air 4-barrel
Mach 1. That high-compression 351 was accidentally
given a tune-up during the government-mandated
50,000-mile emissions test run, which voided the
car’s result. Ford had the lower compression and less
powerful Q-code Cobra Jet on board and certified already,
so the Ram Air 351 4-barrel simply disappeared
from the order sheet, replaced by the CJ. Today, the
higher-spec M-code is a plus for buyers.
Values today
Average Mach 1 prices reached a high of $36,471
in 2006 before bottoming out at $19,764 in 2009, with
dips and swings in between. It’s a textbook example
of how muscle cars fare in a volatile market and why
sitting out a storm if you have a good car is wise.
Examples with a few needs sell for high-teens range,
while cars with rare options and excellent condition
can cross the $30,000 threshold.
The good news is the average sale rate from 2006
to present is at $29,000, which is the sweet spot for
casual collector and dealer alike. That price will get
you a good, no-stories car. It takes $30k for a car with
some cool options. To trade up to either a Boss 351 or
a 429 version, you’ll spend double that amount.
Our profile car looks very good in desirable
Grabber Yellow paint, and it has the Ram Air hood,
stripes, rear spoiler, and instrument group options. It
has been recently restored, so all the major stuff has
been done. That said, some minor work will still be
needed to bring it up to show-standard, including a
proper air cleaner decal, valve covers, pedal dress-up
trim and engine-bay work, among other things.
This car was a good deal at the price paid — I’ve
seen more expensive M-code cars and without this car’s
options and condition. And at the end of the day, you
simply couldn’t restore one of these cars for the price
paid here — and that makes this one well bought.A
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.)
Club: Mustang Club of
America
Engine # location: Casting
number and date code
above starter motor near
freeze plug
Tune-up: $220
Distributor cap: $15.97
VIN location: Plate on driver’s
side dashboard, tag on
driver’s side door, partial
on rear of block near head
More: www.mustang.org
Alternatives: 1971 Chevrolet
Camaro Z/28, 1971
Plymouth ’Cuda, 1971
Dodge Challenger R/T
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
T5 M-code
Lot T165, VIN: 1F05M162347
Condition: 2Not
sold at $25,000
Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/16/2014
ACC# 245125
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
M-code
Lot 436, VIN: 1F05M177151
Condition: 3
Sold at: $23,210
Leake Auctions, Dallas, TX,
4/26/2014
ACC# 243445
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
M-code
Lot 416, VIN: 1F05M136030
(subject car)
ACC# 238854
Condition: 1Not
sold at $29,000
McCormick’s Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 2/21/2014
January-February 2015
43CC
43
Page 42
PROFILE MOPAR
1968 DODGE HEMI CHARGER R/T
Hemi rings the bell
Values
for most
sought-after
Hemi Mopars
have been
creeping
up since
January 2012,
and good
colors and
documents
push prices
even higher
44 AmericanCarCollector.com
44 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: XS29J8B301965
by Dale Novak
• Frame-off restoration
• Real J-code Hemi car
• Equipped with a 1968 date-coded 426 Hemi
• Rare Dark Turquoise metallic paint
• White bucket seat interior with console
• Power steering
• Power brakes
ACC Analysis This car, Lot S226, sold for
$121,500, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s Dallas, TX, sale, held September
3–6, 2014.
First-gen Dodge Chargers, built from 1966 through
1967, offered plenty of performance. But by most carguy
standards, they lacked in the styling department.
Dodge fixed that in 1968 with the introduction of an
all-new body with flared quarter panels and a sleek
aerodynamic stance. The new Coke-bottle look was
far more visually interesting than the boxier outgoing
model, and it resonated with more muscle car buyers,
too.
Sales jumped dramatically from 15,788 Chargers
sold in 1967 to 96,108 in 1968. Out of that number,
17,584 buyers opted for the R/T package, which
offered the stout 440 Magnum mill standard. The
infamous 426 Hemi was optional.
Rare for a reason
Like most rare muscle cars of the late 1960s, rarity
was usually driven by a finicky mechanical reputation
and/or enormous options costs. In the case of the 1968
Hemi Charger, you could check off both boxes. The
426 Hemi already had a bad rap as a street engine
since it required more mechanical aptitude to keep it
running at its best — and for guys who simply wanted
to mash the pedal on a Saturday night, spending your
Sunday in the driveway tinkering with your Hemi was
not much fun.
As such, only 467 guys put one in their garage in
1968, which equates to a fairly rare, and valuable, car
today.
Charging ahead
Mopar valuations, in general, have been leading
the muscle car market upward. Up front in those value
observations (once again) have been the top-of-theheap
Hemi cars.
In the raucous run-up of values in the mid 2000s,
world records were set for the poster child for
outrageous values — 1971 Hemi ’Cuda convertibles
— which brought seven-figure prices at public auction
and reportedly sold privately for north of $4m for
“best in the world” examples.
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Page 43
Detailing
Current ACC Valuation:
$65,000–$104,000
Years built: 1968
Number built: 467 (Hemi)
Original list price: $4,600
(approximate)
We all know what came next. Market values crashed
and Hemi values across the board tanked hard. Most
valuation pundits suggested that the heyday of cheap
money and market speculation was over, further suggesting
that the big-money buyers and collectors for
finite American muscle had left the room. And, for the
most part, they were right. At least until June of 2014.
That month, Mecum sold a “holy grail” Hemi
’Cuda convertible for an eye-opening $3,780,000, including
buyer’s premium, at its inaugural Seattle, WA,
sale (ACC# 244569). That sale proved just about every
valuation guru wrong in a public way, as most, if not
all of them, predicted that the Hemi ’Cuda convertible
would never return to those type of lofty valuations.
On top of that, it helped to spark a renewed interest in
just about all the mainstream Hemi muscle cars.
Keep in mind, Hemi values for most of the sought-
after Mopars have been slowly creeping up since
about January 2012. Add to that superb documentation,
an original drivetrain, and top it off with a third
pedal, and you’ve likely got yourself a bell-ringer at
the next televised (insert auction company name here)
sale.
Firing up the data
To illustrate the market’s movement on Hemi
Chargers, we can look back at an ACC profile written
by Colin Comer in ACC #1 on another 1968 model
(January-February 2012, p. 48). That car sold on
September 17, 2011, at the Mecum St. Charles, IL, sale
as Lot S147 for $63,600.
That Charger was in good overall condition and
was born with a 4-speed manual. The original Hemi
mill was MIA, plenty of day-two parts had been added
to the presentation, and a lot of its Hemi-specific parts
were missing. Still, Comer suggested that it was well
bought, and given the previous years of rocketship
“nose-bleed” Hemi prices, he was spot on.
Granted, in comparison, our subject car presents
far better than that Day Two car. It’s also missing its
original Hemi engine, but it is reported to be fitted
with a proper date-coded 1968 Hemi block. Other
notable options include a bumble-bee stripe delete,
bucket seats and console with the automatic floormounted
shifter. Also worthy of noting, the fender tag
shows that the car was a special order, since it was
already sold before it was ever put on the assembly
line.
Considering all that, it’s no surprise that our
subject car was more expensive than the Day Two car.
But we’re talking 100% more expensive — $63k versus
$121k — and while part of that is due to this car catering
more to the deeper pockets of the OEM resto Hemi
world, a boosted market level also played a part.
The ACC database only shows a handful of 1968
Hemi Chargers changing hands since 2007, with
values ranging from $63,600 (the aforementioned
Day-Two Charger) to $137,800 (Mecum Kissimmee
2012). The ACC Pocket Price Guide places them at
$65,000–$104,000 for a very nice example.
A dealer in Texas had this car listed for sale in the
open market for $150,000. He ultimately sold the car
at the Mecum sale for considerably less, but the price
paid here is likely more
in tune with the current
market. This doesn’t
make the dealer’s asking
price absurd, but it does
illustrate the dynamics
of a live auction as a
bellwether of value.
Given the trend lines
and frothy sale of that
1971 Hemi ’Cuda convertible,
this sale result is
likely spot-on at the current
market value for a
car of this caliber. I’d call
this a fair deal for both
the buyer and seller. A
(Introductory descrip-
tion courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
January-February 2015
January-February 2015 45
Club: www.chargerforums.
com
Engine # location: Stamped
on right side of block
above oil-pan rail on
machined pad
Tune-up: $500
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Tag on top of
dash; fender tag on left
front inner fender, partial
VIN stamped on left of
radiator core support and
left trunk jamb rail under
weatherstrip
Alternatives: 1968–70
Plymouth Hemi Road
Runner/GTX, 1970
Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
LS6, 1969 Ford Mustang
Boss 429
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
Lot 172, VIN: XS29J9B332118
Condition: 2
Sold at $69,550
Twin Cities Auctions, St. Paul,
MN, 6/21/2014
1969 Dodge Hemi Charger
R/T
ACC# 244488
1968 Dodge Hemi Charger
R/T
Lot F185.1, VIN:
XS29L8B183283
ACC# 216623
Condition: 2+
Sold at $86,670
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis,
IN, 5/18/2013
1968 Dodge Hemi Charger
R/T
Lot SP135, VIN:
XS29J8B275737
ACC# 201381
Condition: 2+
Not sold at $69,000
Collector Car Productions,
Toronto, CAN, 4/13/2012
Page 44
PROFILE HOT ROD & CUSTOM
1933 FORD ROADSTER “BOYDSTER III”
Hot rod trendsetter
Coddington
was
responsible
for the
machinedbillet
look that
propelled
old-school
hot-rodding,
arguably
kicking and
screaming,
into the 21st
century
46
AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: 18340089
by Ken Gross
• Boydster III body by Deuce Customs
• LS6 Corvette V8
• Winner 2010 Milwaukee Best Rod in Show
• Winner 2010 Pittsburgh Most Outstanding Rod
in Show
• 502 miles since completion
ACC Analysis This car, Lot F217, sold for
$70,200, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s Dallas, TX, sale on September 3–6,
2014.
Known as “Cinnamon Twist,” this Boydster III
has a fiberglass body, an LS6 Corvette V8 with a
4L60 automatic, along with instruments, independent
suspension, steering wheel and billet wheels by Boyd,
stainless-steel show brake rotors, and a full leather
interior by Kasper Auto Trim. It was assembled at
Excel Auto Body in Janesville, WI, and by American
Hot Rod in Los Angeles, CA.
In his heyday, Boyd Coddington (1944–2008) was
one of the biggest names in contemporary hot-rodding.
Dour and taciturn, the burly former Disneyland
machinist-turned-hot-rod-guru was an imaginative
builder who surrounded himself with extremely
talented people, all of whom have gone on to hot-rod
fame. Think Chip Foose, Craig Naff, Dick Brogden,
Jesse James, Li’l John Buttera, Thom Taylor, Larry
Erickson, Tom Vogele, Bob Bauder and Brad Fanshaw
as well as Marcel DeLay and his sons, Mark and Luc,
to name a few. Hot Rods by Boyd featured an all-star
cast turning out remarkable cars.
The big guy in the aloha shirt
Coddington’s hot rod career began in 1968. Moving
to California from Idaho, he initially worked out of
his own home garage at night while he worked days
at Disneyland. Hot Rods by Boyd in Cypress, CA, was
founded in 1978. His cars quickly established new
trends. Boyd’s sleek, minimalist 1933 Ford coupe for
Vern Luce won the Al Slonaker award at the Oakland
Roadster Show in 1981, and he built an equally smooth
1933 Ford roadster for Jamie Musselman. Both garnered
rave reviews. These seminal rides defined the
clean, crisp, ultra-modern “Boyd Look” that won six
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophies.
Simply put, Boyd shell-shocked hot rodding — a
genre that clung to its old traditions. His cars were
immediately hailed as something very different, ultramodern
and highly desirable. He respected classic
Ford and Chevrolet design language, but he and his
designers reinterpreted it in an elegant, contemporary
way, creatively re-engineered with hand-fabricated
components and sophisticated chassis updates such as
handmade, fully independent suspension. Along with
his close friend Li’l John Buttera, Coddington was
responsible for the machined-billet look that propelled
old-school hot-rodding, arguably kicking and screaming,
into the 21st century. Boyd was named to every
conceivable hot rod hall of fame, and deservedly so.
Out of this world
Milestone Coddington creations included the still-
radical CadZZilla fastback coupe, designed by Larry
Erickson for Billy Gibbons; CheZoom, a marvelous
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Page 45
Detailing
Year produced: 2010
Number produced: N/A
Current ACC Valuation:
$50,000–$80,000
Tune-up, major service:
$250
Engine # location: N/A
Clubs: Goodguys, National
Street Rod Association
(NSRA)
take by Thom Taylor on the iconic ’57 Chevy hard
top, built for “Mr. Gasket’s” Joe Hrudka; the Aluma
Coupe for Mitsubishi Motors, with a rear-mounted
transverse DOHC 4-cylinder engine; Sportstar, a
Lexus-powered modern take on a roadster, built for
Buz DiVosta; and a sparkling series of award-winning
Boydster I, II, and III roadsters.
As Boyd’s fame grew, he developed a unique line
of custom forged-billet aluminum wheels and accessories,
starred in a reality TV show on The Discovery
Channel called “American Hot Rod,” expanded his
shop and his brand exponentially, took the company
public, boomed and busted.
Boyd’s unmistakable appearance — he was usu-
ally clad in a white baseball cap, a garish Hawaiian
shirt, with a thick beard and sunglasses — and his
extraordinary record of success established him as
a respected member of the hot rod community. There
was only one Boyd Coddington. Love him or hate him,
you had to admire his talent and the impact he had.
Honored by every rodding periodical, Boyd’s hot rod
revolution made the cover of Smithsonian magazine.
Eventually, Boyd’s one-off rods and customs, built
for a star-studded list of wealthy clients, ran afoul of
California’s “Ship of Theseus” laws. He’d registered
many of his creations as antiques to avoid emissions
restrictions and taxes, but they were essentially
brand-new vehicles, constructed with few or no OEM
parts, and riding on new scratch-built chassis. Boyd
had become a de facto manufacturer, which resulted
in a misdemeanor charge in California in 2005. He
pleaded guilty, paid the fine, and life went on.
Sadly, Boyd Coddington died in 2008 of complica-
tions from diabetes — sepsis and a perforated colon.
Soon after, Buttera died as well. Street rodding still
feels their loss. Boyd’s son Chris and third wife, Jo,
operate Hot Rods by Boyd today, but times have
changed, there are more talented competitors, and
they are not the factor they were when the irrepressible
Boyd held sway.
Back to the future
It’s safe to say that if a Boyd creation such as
CadZZilla or CheZoom came on the market, it would
sell for six figures. (We’ll probably see that when
Barrett-Jackson sells CheZoom with Ron Pratte’s
collection this January). Even the original GNRSwinning
Boydster I should command top dollar. But
Boyd’s other cars haven’t had the same impact. And
Boydster clones, often built by lesser shops, usually
sell for far less than the value of their components
and the work it took to assemble them. That’s the case
here.
Asked why Boyd’s cars don’t bring a premium
today, respected South San Francisco hot rod builder
Roy Brizio says, “It surprises me. Boyd changed everything.
He reinvented street rodding. I build pretty
normal, straightforward cars that never go out of
style. Boyd’s cars were clean, elegant, futuristic and
beautiful. They were so smooth they looked like they
could have been made of fiberglass. In the future,
they’ll be more valuable. They’re just not considered
icons yet. People don’t relate to them now the way
they do to cars like the Doane Spencer and Tom
McMullen roadsters. But it will happen in time.”
Mark Vaughn, AutoWeek’s West Coast Editor,
wrote a number of articles about Boyd. Asked about
Boyd car values today, he echoed Brizio. “It’s too
early,” Vaughn said. “But give it some time.”
If you want to be ahead of the curve as a hot rod
collector, consider a Boydster (or for that matter, one
of Jerry Kugel’s Muroc roadsters). They’re bound
to appreciate. In the meantime, I’d call this a very
decent buy, with some upside potential. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
1932 Ford Custom by Boyd
Lot 436, VIN: 32
Condition: 1
Sold at $264,000
RM Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/18/2000
ACC# 10276
VIN location: Custom plate
on the left frame rail
More: www.good-guys.com,
www.nsra.com
Alternatives: Any 1932–33
contemporary-style hot-rod
roadster
ACC Investment Grade: D
Comps
1940 Ford DeLuxe Custom
by Boyd
Lot 1315, VIN: 5K06159
Condition: 1Sold
at $77,000
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/15/2012
ACC# 192581
1932 Ford Custom
Boydster II
Lot 174, VIN: AB181719
Condition: 1
Not sold at $85,000
McCormick’s Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 11/19/2005
ACC# 39908
January-February 2015 47
Page 46
PROFILE AMERICANA
1958 EDSEL PACER CONVERTIBLE
Ford’s failed upstart
Teddy Pieper ©2014, courtesy of RM Auctions
Not even the
star power of
the Stallone
name could
help this
Edsel
VIN: W8RR700452
by Tom Glatch
that included the installation of a new convertible top
and a rear-mounted dual-exhaust system. This car is in
very good to excellent condition throughout, making it
a stunning example of the most desirable year of Edsel
production.
T
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 131, sold for $35,750,
including buyer’s premium, at
RM’s sale of the Sam Pack Collection in Dallas, TX,
on November 15, 2014.
For decades the Edsel has been the poster child of
epic corporate failure. The automotive equivalent of
New Coke. Books have been written about it, and it’s
the subject of college marketing courses of what not
to do.
The one thing everyone seems to forget about the
1958 Edsel? It was actually a pretty good automobile.
Big splash, small wake
A year of marketing hype preceded Edsel’s launch
on September 4, 1957 — “E-Day,” the spin machine
called it. Edsel was intended to be Ford’s answer to
the dominance of Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick in
the mid-price segment, with the smaller Pacer and
Ranger models built on Ford platforms, while the topline
Corsair and Citation models were built on larger
Mercury platforms.
What Ford hoped the curious would see on E-Day
was a powerful, stylish automobile, filled with in-
48 AmericanCarCollector.com
48 AmericanCarCollector.com
his Edsel Pacer was used as a daily driver
and then restored by the late actor Sage
Stallone, son of Sylvester Stallone. It is attractive
in its medium gray metallic paint and
red-and-white vinyl interior.
Most recently, it received a cosmetic freshening
novation — and it was. But within days it was clear
to Ford management that something was very wrong.
By model-year end, just 63,110 cars were sold, far less
than the 200,000 units marketing projected.
Factors to the fall
Pundits have suggested many factors for the Edsel’s
mass-market failure. One was poor build quality,
thanks to all Edsels being produced on existing Ford
production lines, requiring some component shuffling
as Edsels popped up between Fords or Mercurys.
Ford’s advertising blitz suggested the Edsel would
be a completely new kind of car, and the buying public
expected that when they filed into showrooms to see
it. But despite innovative features such as the “rolling
dome” speedometer and push-button transmission
controls mounted in the center of the steering wheel,
the Edsel fell short of expectations in person. Clearly,
Page 47
engineering and some sheet metal had been borrowed
from other Ford brands and updated to build the car.
To many, the car simply didn’t live up to all the hype.
There was price confusion, too — Edsel was sup-
posed to slip into the Ford hierarchy between Ford
t they were priced in line with the
e upscale Mercury units. Some Edsels
sive than their Mercury counterparts,
d some head-scratching among poteneering and some sheet metal had been borrowed
from other Ford brands and updated to build the car.
To many, the car simply didn’t live up to all the hype.
There was price confusion, too — Edsel was sup-
posed to slip into the Ford hierarchy between Ford
t they were priced in line with the
e upscale Mercury units. Some Edsels
sive than their Mercury counterparts,
d some head-scratching among poten-
ylingyling
has been suggested as a factor
, and it is polarizing even today. But
k an Edsel next to its competition and
mpare them. 1958 was a terrible year
r automotive design in general, and
xt to the excessively gaudy Buick
oadmaster, Olds Ninety Eight, DeSoto
Adventurer, or even the Lincoln
Continental, the Edsel actually looks
pretty good.
One factor that can’t be argued is
he great recession of 1958. It hit the
onomy hard, and every Big Three
nd saw significant sales decline.
MC, with their compact Rambler,
d a sales increase. The effects of the
nhower recession” were so bad
cale cars that DeSoto was dead
by the end of 1960, while new compacts like the ’59
Studebaker Hawk and ’60 Ford Falcon were huge
successes.
Doomed from the start
With time, Edsel could have weathered the eco-
nomic storm of ’58, sorted out its pricing problems,
and eventually taken sales from GM, but the car was
doomed even before its launch. Robert S. McNamara
was the leader of the Ivy League “Whiz Kids” brought
in to save Ford in the late ’40s, and he hated the Edsel
concept.
On August 28, just days before E-Day, McNamara
told a colleague, “I’ve got plans for phasing it (Edsel)
out.” And a few days later, McNamara was made a
group vice president at Ford, which gave him the
power to do so. By 1959, Edsel had lost most of its
innovation and individuality, and sold just 44,891
cars. Finally, a handful of badge-engineered Galaxies
were built for 1960 before McNamara pulled the plug
on Edsel on November 19, 1959.
A man consumed by data, Robert McNamara championed
boring, practical transportation such as the
Detailing
Years produced: 1958
Number produced: 1,876
Original list price: $2,993
Current ACC Valuation:
$25,000–$60,000
Tune-up/major service: $150
Distributor cap: $17.40
(OEM)
Chassis # location: Plate
on driver’s side front door
pillar
Engine # location: Tag
attached under the coil
mounting bolt
Club: The Edsel Owners Club
More: www.edselclub.org
Alternatives: 1958 DeSoto
Adventurer, 1958 Buick
Century, 1958 Oldsmobile
98
Falcon, and couldn’t see the value of something like
the successful Thunderbird — or the upstart Edsel.
Ironically, this is the same Robert McNamara who
became Secretary of Defense from 1960 to 1968, and
whose data-driven approach is often blamed for the
escalation, and ultimate failure, of the Vietnam War.
Short of its potential
Our featured Edsel Pacer is certainly one of the
most desirable of the marque, as 1958 was the only
year that Edsel came close to the vision of what the
brand could be.
This is a nicely restored car, too, with the correct
as-ordered Code “B” Silver Gray Metallic paint with
“AZ” red and white vinyl interior. Only the top-of-theline
Citation convertible would be more desirable, and
a handful of those ragtops have sold for $90,000 to
$120,000. Those prices are anomalies, as most Edsels,
even Citations, sell in the $25,000–$60,000 range. But
at $35,750, I believe this Edsel, like the brand itself,
fell far short of its potential.
A similar turquoise and white Pacer convertible
sold for $55k at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction
in April 2012 (ACC# 197667). That suggests that
buyers would rather have a two-tone in one of the
other luscious shades like Ice Green, Jonquil Yellow,
or Sunset Coral than the gray monotone offered here
— even if it was this car’s original color. Not even the
star power of the Stallone name could help this Edsel.
That’s a shame, because the ’58 Edsel is far better
than its reputation, and this example was very well
1958 Edsel Pacer
convertible
Lot 364, VIN: W8RR700690
Condition: 2Sold
at $55,000
Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach,
FL, 4/4/2012
ACC# 197667
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1958 Edsel Citation
convertible
Lot 4107, VIN: X8WY704899
Condition: 1
Sold at $91,300
Auctions America by RM,
Auburn, IN, 9/1/2011
ACC# 185981
bought.A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)
1958 Edsel Citation
convertible
Lot 318, VIN: X8WY702122
Condition: 2+
Sold at $121,000
RM Auctions, Addison, IL,
11/11/2006
ACC# 43546
November-December 2014
January-February 2015
49CC
49
Page 48
PROFILE RACE
2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS NASCAR RACER
Oval-track hero
Jeff Gordon
is one of
the most
successful
drivers in
NASCAR’s
Sprint Cup
history, but
$165,000 is a
lot of money
for what is
essentially a
full-scale
die-cast
50
AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: N/A
by Jay Harden
• Campaigned by Jeff Gordon in 14 NASCAR
Nextel Cup Races in 2006 and 2007
This Chevy is perhaps one of the most notable cars
from the Sam Pack Collection, and it would be an ideal
acquisition for any NASCAR or motorsports fan.
F
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 165, sold for
$165,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at RM’s Sam Pack auction in Dallas, TX, on
November 15, 2014.
Usable racer, pennies on the dollar
Over the past couple of years, the ACC staff has
dedicated more than a few pages to analyzing the
financial upside and instant fun factor of parking a
retired roundy-round racer in your garage on the
cheap.
Our past NASCAR profiles and features have
primarily focused on the exceptional value and robust
• Winner of the 2006 USG Sheetrock 400 and 2007
Bank of America 500
ollowing its retirement from professional
racing at the end of the 2007 season, this car
was restored to as-raced condition by the
Hendrick Motorsports Number 24 team, and
it still appears just as it did in 2006 and 2007.
functionality of these cars, but with an emphasis on
their usability. The Sprint Cup teams are continually
forced to update bodies and chassis to meet evergrowing
restrictions in the pursuit of parity, and that
effort often results in very short competitive lifespans
and overnight obsolescence. As a consequence, a complete
chassis, and sometimes a complete car, can roll
across the auction block without ever having rumbled
down pit lane.
What’s even better is that these cars are often sold
complete with those high-winding small-blocks that
sing out that beautiful 700-plus-horsepower song. The
engineering effort dedicated to the drivetrain components
alone is well worth the price of admission, and
with parts readily available to the public through specialty
suppliers, an over-the-hill stock car can provide
an excellent starting point to kick off a recreational
racing career. So long as the price is right, of course.
Weapons-grade toy
This car, however, represents a bit of a departure
from our previous focus. In fully restored and asraced
(successfully, I might add) condition with all the
proper paperwork and authentication, it’s highly unlikely
this car has weekend-warrior duty in its future.
Although Jeff Gordon is one of the most successful
drivers in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup history, $165,000 is
an awful lot of money to drop on what is essentially a
full-scale die-cast with no discernable utility. A wise
man, or, more likely, a wise woman, once said, “The
only difference between men and boys is the price of
their toys,” and this sale does little to mitigate that
point.
That being said, only two men in NASCAR history
have been showered with winner’s circle champagne
more times than Jeff Gordon, and no man has seen the
checkered flag more in NASCAR’s modern era (post
1972). He owns win records at four different tracks,
including Indianapolis’ hallowed Brickyard, and is,
most importantly, a four-time Sprint Cup Champion.
Teddy Pieper ©2014, courtesy of RM Auctions
Page 49
Detailing
Year produced: 2006
Number produced: N/A
Original list price: N/A
Current ACC Valuation:
$100,000–$175,000
Tune-up cost: $1,000
VIN location: N/A
Engine # location: N/A
Club: Historic Stock Car
Racing Series
More: www.hscrs.com
Alternatives: Any late-model
NASCAR racer with big
name and winner’s circle
history
Because the greats are ultimately measured in
championships, it is worth mentioning that The
Wonder Boy trails only The King (7), The Intimidator
(7), and Jimmie Johnson (6, but no cool nickname) in
that department. Interestingly, aside from Johnson,
only one other active driver (Tony Stewart) has more
than one championship notch in his belt. Considering
the new, much more volatile championship structure,
the likelihood of another driver surpassing Gordon’s
championship totals any time in the foreseeable future
seems rather improbable.
Exclusivity, emotion, dollars
I typically shy away from the topic of pure collect-
ability because I’ve never been very good at preserving,
well, anything really. But as far as collectibles go,
this one, although expensive, does make some sense.
Although NASCAR’s history is deeply rooted in the
South’s moonshiner past and good ol’ boy sensibilities,
the sport’s current and future success owes much
to Gordon. He is widely credited for leading the way
for the new generation of drivers who have reshaped
the sport, and he has featured as a prominent figure
in NASCAR’s steady injection into the mainstream. He
may not be the polarizing figure that Earnhardt Senior
was, but he has, like all the greats, seen his number
and name proudly emblazoned in back hair and immortalized
in skin and ink.
When considering collectability, two primary fac-
tors drive outrageous prices: exclusivity and pure,
unadulterated emotion.
In 2007, Barry Bonds sent home run 756 over the
wall in San Francisco to break Hank Aaron’s homerun
record. The ball fell to a 21-year-old student who,
wisely, put the ball up for auction almost immediately.
When the hammer dropped at Sotheby’s, our young
friend pocketed a little over $750,000 despite the fact
that the legitimacy of the record was, and still is, hotly
debated. Exclusivity clearly won the day. Mix a little
emotionally charged nostalgia in and you get something
along the lines of the $3.2m sale for a copy of
the first Superman comic, Action Comics No. 1, which
took place a few months back.
Analyzing this sale using the aforementioned crite-
ria helps paint a fairly clear view of present and future
valuation. This particular car ranks fairly low in
terms of exclusivity considering the fact that Gordon
has driven countless cars over his career, but he has
hinted at retiring sooner rather than later, so it’s sure
to get a bump soon.
The car does have a few wins tied to it, however, so
bonus points there. The wins didn’t come during one
of those championship seasons, though, so we have to
deduct a few bucks for that.
The documentation, which is an absolute must-
have, all seems to be present and accounted for, and
the autographed race suits are a nice little bonus.
All those factors add up to what is, as I mentioned
earlier, an excellent — but expensive — collectible
best suited to a life under glass.
Someone obviously wanted this car because it is an
authentic Jeff Gordon car with heritage. It likely won’t
appreciate dramatically over the years because Jeff
Gordon isn’t the best stock-car racer of all time and
he’ll never be remembered as such, but he is one of the
best and will always be a part of that conversation.
His legion of fans may disagree with me, however,
and as long as they’re writing the checks, they’ll
always have the final word. But for now, I’ll call this
well sold. A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
NASCAR ex-Jimmie
Johnson
Lot 672, VIN: 48297
Condition: 3+
Sold at $200,000
Barrett-Jackson, West Palm
Beach, FL, 4/9/2009
ACC# 120197
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1989 Chevrolet Lumina
NASCAR ex-Dale
Earnhardt
Lot 645.1, VIN: 5
Condition: 4Sold
at $110,000
Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach,
FL, 4/1/2010
ACC# 160375
2007 Chevrolet Monte
Carlo NASCAR, ex-Tony
Stewart
Lot 1012, VIN: 120020
Condition: 3
Sold at $330,000
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/12/2008
ACC# 48788
January-February 2015 51
Page 50
PROFILE TRUCK
1963 FORD F-100 CUSTOM CAB UNIBODY PICKUP
Light-duty rig, heavy-duty price
Darin Schnabel ©2014, courtesy of RM Auctions
The unibody
concept
worked fine,
provided that
a Gentleman
Farmer had
it and used it
sparingly
VIN: F10CK400447
by B. Mitchell Carlson
F
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
ord’s unibody pickup trucks were relatively
low-production vehicles, and they were produced
only from 1961 to 1963. High-quality
survivors are extraordinarily rare, and to find
one such as the vehicle offered here, which has
known history from new and an excellent restoration, is
unusual indeed.
According to an affidavit on file, the F-100 was
bought new on April 11, 1963, in Enid, OK, and it remained
in the family until 2002. The paperwork further
notes that at that time it had recorded only 72,673 actual
miles. It was restored in its correct colors, Corinthian
White and Rangoon Red, with the rust-free body, interior,
underhood, engine, and transmission all finished
to the same very high standard. The engine itself is
the optional 160-brake horsepower V8, which is mated
to the heavy-duty Cruise-O-Matic transmission, and it
was professionally rebuilt with hardened valve seats to
accommodate the use of unleaded gasoline.
ACC Analysis This truck, Lot 245, sold for
$33,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at RM’s Hershey auction in Hershey, PA, on
October 10, 2014.
The unibody pickup, introduced by Ford in 1961,
wasn’t a new concept. Ford had offered Model As with
integral beds before, but these were built in very limited
numbers. After World War II, Crosley and Powell
offered unitized boxes on trucks, too, but they were
either too light duty (Crosley) or too low production
(Powell) to make much of a market splash.
Bringing style to utility
In 1957, Ford set a new standard in the industry
with its Styleside pickup box. The Styleside was the
first all-steel-styled pickup box, and it was offered as
standard equipment on Ford’s new trucks. No longer
was it a high-priced foreman or company owner’s status
symbol — every Joe Six-Pack could buy one, and
buy them they did. The traditional step-side box was
mostly relegated to fleet use pretty much overnight.
GM didn’t catch up until mid-1958, with the intro-
duction of the Fleetside box on both Chevrolet and
GMC trucks. You really can’t call the GM Fleetside
an all-steel box, either, as it continued to use a
wood plank floor. As for Dodge, its 1957 Sweptside
— fashioned from rear fenders of 2-door station
wagons — was a bit too late to seriously compete with
Chevy’s Cameo and too expensive to compete with
Ford. Their version of the Styleside, known as the
Sweptline, was introduced in 1959 (it was also used
by Studebaker from 1961 to ’63 on the Champ pickup).
International was the only other pickup maker to go
the styled-cargo-box route in the 1950s, but its truck
— the A-series — was essentially a limited-production
Golden Anniversary model. International’s regularproduction
Bonus Load box didn’t arrive until the
B-series models did in 1959.
Also in 1957, Ford introduced the Ranchero. It
gained popularity as a very light-duty hauler, where
style trumped cargo capacity. It was popular enough
that Chevrolet followed suit two years later with its El
Camino.
Page 51
Detailing
Looked good on paper
When you hit one out of the park, you can’t always
expect your efforts to be repeated, but Ford tried
again. To once again up the ante, the 1961 F-series
models got bold new styling. Playing a big role in it
was an all-new integral unibody Styleside cargo box.
Offered initially only on half-ton F-100s in 6½-foot
and eight-foot lengths, then adding the eight-footer on
1962 and 1963 F-250s, Ford boasted “solid car-like
handling.” Yet this time it wasn’t the standard pickup
box configuration. That was the evergreen Stepside
bed, which dated to 1953. For larger models, all
four-wheel drives, F-350s, and all 1962–63 F-100s, the
original generation (1957–60) Styleside continued in
production.
Part of the reasoning for building the unibody
Styleside on the F-series was due to the Ranchero’s
move from the full-size car platform to the new compact
Falcon. In addition, Ford also introduced its new
Econoline at that time, available as an integral box
pickup. Ford likely sensed a perceived need for something
a little larger than the Ranchero and Econoline,
yet still more stylish than a regular pickup. Something
akin to a full line of light-duty unibody pickups.
A better idea?
As can be evidenced by the continued use of the pre-
vious two cargo boxes, Ford knew that body-to-frame
flexing could be an issue with its unibody trucks.
Modern unibody pickups — such as the Honda
Ridgeline — have minimal cargo-carrying capacity and
are all but big cars. But in the early 1960s, pickups were
supposed to work. While the role of the pickup was starting
to transition from expensive tool to stylish and useful
transportation, trucks still had to earn their keep.
The unibody concept worked fine, provided that
a Gentleman Farmer had it and used it sparingly.
However, loading the cargo box with a good heavy
load such as firewood or cinder blocks meant that the
frame would flex and the body would show buckling
behind the doors, right where the gap was on a traditional
separate-box-and-cab pickup.
Ford saw this and threw in the towel at the end of
the 1963 model year, introducing an all-new Styleside
box for 1964.
Picking up in value, but not a full load
For decades, F-series trucks from the early 1960s
were valued well below same-era Chevrolets and
GMCs. Within the past 10 years, all classic pickups
have seen great increases in value. This is especially
true with Ford unibodies, even if they still rank behind
their GM counterparts.
However, while these trucks have become more
valuable, they really haven’t seen prices like our featured
truck achieved with any sort of regularity. Nor
do I expect them to in the near term.
I figure that this truck overshot its coverage by
about $7k–$10k. At that rate, I’d have expected
this truck to not only be concours-clean, but also
concours-correct. With halogen headlights and
radials, it was done more as a nice driver. It also had
added stainless-steel door glass shades and period
aftermarket-type air conditioning (which the F-series
would not get from the factory until 1968).
I may be proven wrong in the future, but for now,
I’ll call this price overloaded, even if the truck looked
great getting there. Well sold. A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM
Auctions.)
1963 Ford F-100 unibody
pickup
Lot 288, VIN: F10JK416090
Condition: 3
Sold at $8,100
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell,
AZ, 1/19/2013
ACC# 215102
Clubs: Early Ford V8 Club
More: www.earlyfordv8.org
Additional: American Truck
Historical Society
Engine # location: Basic
casting numbers only, on
the side of the block
Years produced: 1961–63
Number produced: 40,535
Original list price: $2,019
Current ACC Valuation:
$14,000–$25,000
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $12
VIN location: Stamped on the
frame rail adjacent to the
steering box; data plate on
the driver’s door jamb edge
More: www.aths.org
Alternatives: 1961–65 Ford
Ranchero pickup, 1960–66
Chevrolet C-10 pickup,
1961–67 Dodge D-100
pickup
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1961 Ford Econoline pickup
Lot T108, VIN: E10SH145492
Condition: 3
Sold at $16,200
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City,
MO, 12/5/2013
ACC# 231937
1962 Ford F-100 unibody
pickup
Lot 4, VIN: F10CK300783
Condition: 3+
Not sold at $10,000
Petersen Auctions, Roseburg,
OR, 7/7/2012
ACC# 208102
January-February 2015
53CC
53
Page 52
MARKET OVERVIEW
An auction for everyone
THE FINAL NUMBERS AT EACH SALE WERE AS VARIED
AS THE AUCTIONS THEMSELVES
by Tony Piff
TOP 10
sales this issue
1. 1967 Shelby Cobra roadster,
$1,292,500—rM,
p. 71
2. 2006 Ford GT coupe,
$513,000—Mec-IL, p. 100
3. 1970 Plymouth Hemi
Superbird coupe,
$453,600—Vic, p. 101
4. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro
yenko coupe, $324,000—
Mec-TX, p. 91
5. 2005 Ford GT coupe,
$302,400—Mec-TX, p. 98
6. 1965 Shelby Cobra alloy
continuation roadster,
$225,500—rM, p. 71
7. 1966 Shelby GT350
fastback, $220,000—B-J,
p. 62
8. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
CoPo rS coupe,
$172,700—B-J, p. 58
9. 1970 Plymouth Superbird
440 Six Pack 2-dr hard
top, $167,400—Vic, p. 101
10. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
convertible, $165,000—
B-J, p. 58
T
he sales featured in this issue ranged
from 200-car consignment auctions
in Branson, MO, and Austin, TX, to a
700-car extravaganza in Vegas, to the
liquidation of a 130-car private col-
lection near Dallas. The final numbers at each
sale were as varied as the auctions themselves.
Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas sale notched
up over last year’s record $32m to $33.3m,
selling 704 out of 706 cars. The top lot was a
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, sold for
$825k to benefit charity.
The Branson Auction grew totals to $2.8m
from $2.3m last year, with 117 cars changing
hands out of 200 consigned. A “1966 Gotham
Cruiser” replica Batmobile was the big sale
here at $150k.
Dan Kruse Classics expanded their Austin
A rent-a-racer ready for racing — 1966 Shelby GT350 H,
sold for $110,000, rM Auctions Sam Pack Collection
auction to three days, but sales figures did
not follow suit. Totals declined to $1.3m from 2013’s
$2.5m, and 81 cars found new homes out of 192 on
offer. High-sale honors went to a 1966 Chevrolet
Corvette convertible sold at $66k.
RM sold off the Sam Pack Collection in Farmers
Branch, TX, to the jingle of $11.5m. The all-noreserve
sale saw 131 cars hammer sold. A 1967 Shelby
Cobra 427 roadster topped the charts at $1.3m and
was the most expensive car in this issue.
Tony’s Market Moment: Mr. Pack’s collection
BEST BUYS
1954 Chevrolet Corvette roadster,
$66,000—B-J, p. 60
54 AmericanCarCollector.com
had a broad focus on Fords, from vintage to modern,
original to restored, in stock, custom, and conceptcar
configurations. He purchased the $1.3m Cobra in
2002 at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale sale for $227k,
which our Auction Analyst called “on the money” at
that time. In fact, reading the auction report is a like
a stroll through the ACC Premium Auction Database,
as nearly every car in the Pack Collection appeared
at auction once or twice previously in the past 15
years. They didn’t all see 500% appreciation under
Pack’s stewardship, but most held their value, and
only a few sold under the money. The lesson here:
Buy what you love, buy the best that you can afford,
diversify, and when the market is hot, don’t be afraid
to sell without reserve.A
Mecum,
Dallas, TX
September 3–6
September 25–27
Dan Kruse Classics,
Austin, TX
September 26–27
Bonhams,
Philadelphia, PA
october 6
Mecum,
Schaumburg, IL
october 9–11
Vicari,
Biloxi, Mo
october 9–11
Branson,
Branson, Mo
october 17–18
rM,
Farmers Branch, TX
november 14–15
$0
$10m
$3.7m
$2.8m
$11.5m
$20m
$30m
$40m
$50m
$1.3m
$3.8m
$15.1m
Auctions in this issue
$15m
Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, nV
$33.3m
1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne
Super pickup, $20,520—Mec-IL,
p. 94
1930 Ford Model A roadster,
$20,350—Bon, p. 96
1926 Buick Master 6 Landau convertible,
$13,230—DKruse, p. 84
1924 Ford Model T roadster,
$6,050—Bon, p. 96
Page 54
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas
BARRETT’S BIGGEST VEGAS SALE TO DATE PUSHES PAST $33M
BarrettJackson
Las Vegas, NV
September 25–27,
2014
Auctioneers: Assiter
& Associates, Tom
“Spanky” Assiter, lead
auctioneer
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 704/706
Sales rate: 99%
Sales total:
$33,292,085
High sale: 2015 Dodge
Challenger SRT Hellcat,
sold at $825,000
Buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
Top seller at Barrett-Jackson Vegas — 2015 Dodge Challenger SrT Hellcat, sold at $825,000
Report and photos by Travis Shetler
Market opinions in italics
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. Excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. Meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. Lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
extravaganza was an opportunity to experience Las
Vegas’ siren song of seduction: the promise that
since you are smart, attractive and uniquely skilled at
whatever you try, anything can and will happen — just
step right up.
The festivities began a week early with the 7th
L
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
Annual Barrett-Jackson Cruise-In, held at local
dealership Gaudin Ford. The Barrett-Jackson touch
was evident throughout. In addition to approximately
75 cars, there was food, live music, kid activities
and awards. Ultra-friendly Barrett-Jackson staffers
provided a coffee-table-quality auction catalog as a
helpful reminder why everyone was invited.
At the opening night gala, Chairman/CEO Craig
Jackson announced Barrett-Jackson’s partnership with
the Discovery Channel. Discovery will begin broadcasting
the Scottsdale Auction in 2015. And at the gala
entrance, two Elvis cars were on display. The first car
was the 1963 Corvette racer from “Viva Las Vegas.”
It failed to change hands, although bidding reached
as Vegas welcomed Barrett-Jackson for the
seventh time, and the auction company came
to town with more cars than ever, including
two Elvis cars with special Las Vegas connections.
Barrett-Jackson’s bigger-than-life
$330k (see the profile, p. 38). The other was Elvis and
Priscilla’s honeymoon car — a 1967 Cadillac Coupe
DeVille, sold for $88k. The couple used it as their
honeymoon vehicle, driving home to Graceland after
being married in Las Vegas. A lot of accompanying
documentation supported the story.
Barrett-Jackson occupied over 600,000 square feet
of prime Las Vegas convention space to sell over 700
cars and generate over $33m in sales. Sellers, buyers,
automotive representatives, causal tourists and media
personnel flooded the venue to see the show.
The auction held bargains for buyers, windfalls for
sellers and market-appropriate prices on a number of
cars. The first vehicle across the block was appropriate
for Las Vegas: Lot #1 was a large, red 1973 Oldsmobile
convertible that sold for $8,800. The action concluded
two days later with Lot# 7002, a superb 1970 ’Cuda
which was also red, and which sold for $96k.
The high sale of the week was a car sold to benefit
charity: the first production Dodge Hellcat, sold at a
whopping $825k. The Hellcat money was donated to
Las Vegas’ own Opportunity Village.
More cars, more sales, bigger totals, and plenty of
charity — that sums up Barrett-Jackson’s biggest Las
Vegas sale to date.A
Page 56
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
GM
Larkspur Blue/blue vinyl/two-tone blue vinyl.
Odo: 11 miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Prettiest
car at the auction. Nut-and-bolt restored
by the Snodgrass brothers out of Florida as
their show car. Absolutely nothing to fault.
Paint, fit, finish and interior are #1 perfect.
Undercarriage is breathtakingly beautiful.
Rare same-color top draws crowds like a
bank giving away free money. Cond: 1.
10
#773-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR
convertible. VIN: VC57F263474.
#2. Panel fit is good, but the tailpipes are
not parallel. The interior is a #1-. Cond: 1-.
made for the most aggressive Chevelle
ever. Well sold and bought. Valuation is
difficult, and even with the six-digit price, the
build cost probably eliminated any profit
margin.
SOLD AT $172,700. There were only about
1,000 COPOs built, and the documented
ones will always be a good investment. Well
bought, with some value left on the table.
SOLD AT $165,000. Extremely well sold at
twice market value. There are more 1957
Chevrolet convertibles running around than
GM built, but this car illustrated why these
cars command the spot they do in our collective
consciousness. I think this car will be
immune to the changing demographics of
the collector market.
#759-1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 convertible.
VIN: 59F036032. Black/black &
white leather. Odo: 61,958 miles. 390-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. #1 paint is an impressive accomplishment
on a black car of this size.
Interior is a very nice #2 with a bit of wear
and puckering on incorrect-style leather
work, and the rough door-sill plate on the
driver’s side is unnecessary. Wire rims look
good but always seem incongruous with Jet
Age styling. Cond: 2+.
#801-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Pace
Car RS/SS convertible. VIN: 124679N637188.
White & orange/white vinyl/orange
& black houndstooth. Odo: 86,016 miles.
396-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recently restored.
Certified by Jerry MacNeish to be a numbers-matching
396-ci/350-hp SS. Paint and
finish show very well. The interior is a 2+ in
light of the wear inside the door tops. Black
houndstooth on orange seats gives plenty
of color. Cond: 1-.
#700-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
LS6 2-dr hard top. VIN: 136370L181962.
Shadow Gray/black vinyl. Odo: 20 miles.
454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Car presents very
well as the result of a full nut-and-bolt restoration
20 miles ago. Mostly original sheet
metal with #1 paint in an unusual color.
Panel fit and chrome are excellent but for
some scrapes on the lower windshield trim.
Uncommon bench seat fills the #1 interior
from door to door. Highly optioned and
highly desirable. Block restamped, with an
affidavit from the machine shop that did the
work. However, it would still be nice to know
more details about why that step was necessary.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $82,500. This car sold for $30k
over Lot 379, a 1969 Pace Car with the
more common 350. Quite well sold over
market value, but possibly not a bad investment
over the long run.
SOLD AT $99,000. Very well sold. There
were just over 12,000 convertibles built in
1959 (including the 1,320 Eldorados),
nearly 10% of Cadillac’s production for that
year. This vehicle’s place in the automotive
world makes it a solid investment that will
continue to increase in value.
650469. Garnet Red/black vinyl. Odo: 9,182
miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. This Central
Office Production Order Camaro looks very
calm in dark red. Color variation at the cowl
and dust in the paint keeps the paint to a
8
58 AmericanCarCollector.com
#769-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO
COPO RS coupe. VIN: 124379N-
SOLD AT $104,500. Modern supercar performance
in a unique monster disguise
SOLD AT $117,700. A very attractive car
with great collectibility. Very well bought at
the bottom of the value range. Pretty much
the most collectible Oldsmobile muscle car.
#789-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE custom
2-dr hard top. VIN: 136370R244297.
Black/black leather. 427-ci fuel-injected V8,
6-sp. Resto-mod Chevelle built by the
Roadster Shop as the ultimate Pro-Touring
’70 Chevelle. LS7 with a Viper 6-speed
manual. Two-tone black-and-matte paint
with red pinstripe is perfect but for a rock
chip in the leading edge of the hood.
Chrome blacked out with updated lighting.
#1, fully custom interior with 2+2 seating.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $55,000. Terribly well bought at
roughly half of the market value. If the restamping
turns out not to be an issue, the
new owner should be extremely happy.
Other than the Shadow Gray color as opposed
to a more traditional hue, there is no
other explanation for the low price than the
restamping.
#771-1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 W-30 convertible.
VIN: 344670M304209. Rally Red/
white vinyl/pearl white vinyl. Odo: 24,642
miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fully documented
and numbers matching. Full frameoff
restoration. The paint is #1-. Three dings
in the chrome trim. The interior is a nicely
done #2 in light of the heavily rusted staples
holding the convertible top to the header.
Underneath, the car is a #3. Dog-dish hubcaps
send such a different message now
than when new. Cond: 2+.
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 58
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
CORVETTE
White/tan fabric/red leather. 235-ci 150-hp
I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Odo reset at recent frameoff
restoration with originality preserved.
Lots of aged and thin spots in the paint, and
many touch-ups. Body panel fit is slightly
off; nearly a full-circumference crack around
the top of the fender just ahead of the driver’s
side taillight. Cond: 3+.
#714-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. VIN: E54S002295. Polo
about the solid-lifter 360-horsepower fuelinjected
motor and the 4-speed transmission.
Car has won four NCRS Top Flight
Awards (all 97+), an NCRS Performance
Verification Award the NCRS Zora Arkus
Duntov Mark of Excellence Award.
Cond: 2+.
dles. Inside, the seats look new, but the
A-pillars detract from the overall look.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $66,000. Corvette collectors will
appreciate the car’s shabby-but-preserved
cosmetics and good mechanical running
condition. Very well bought. One of only
3,640 built in 1954.
#750-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 10867S104004. Roman Red
with white coves/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo:
7,884 miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl,
4-sp. This is a really sharp Corvette. The
paint and panel fit are a very nice #2. The
interior looks freshly reupholstered, but
there is some worn welting and wear on the
rest that keep it a #2. The dual-quad carbs
and matching numbers are what makes this
one special. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $143,000. Well bought and sold
at about 70% of the high market value.
Plenty of room to address a few issues and
still be on top, as fuel-injected C1s are in no
danger of dropping off of the collector-car
radar.
#767.1-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 30837S102899. Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 33,370 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Headline car. Has period
California race history and appeared in the
Elvis movie “Viva Las Vegas.” The largest
Chevrolet dealer could not get an original
1963 Z06 from GM, so he built his own with
lots of Z06 parts, then raced the California
tracks. Found in storage in L.A. after the
third owner spent years driving it on the
streets. Paint is very good from 2011 restoration.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $46,200. The big-block drivetrain
and 4-speed make this a very desirable car.
This car sold in 2012 at Barrett-Jackson Las
Vegas for $57k (ACC# 218149). If the seller
this year was the buyer that year, then he or
she took a hit, but this buyer got a good
deal.
FOMOCO
#223-1923 FORD MODEL T tourer. VIN:
3220453. Black/black vinyl/black leather.
Decent paint; interior and undercarriage
rate a #2. Most importantly, the car is titled
to Cal Worthington’s Worthington Ford and
is said to have been his personal vehicle. A
good looking, pseudo-celebrity car whose
history gives one a chance to overlook the
variety of small issues—even the VIN that
would seem to indicate a 1919 build date.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $71,500. The car appeared at
auction twice in 2008, no-saling at $45k
both times (Russo and Steele Scottsdale,
ACC# 51975; Mecum KC, ACC# 119520).
Well bought and sold today, right in the middle
of the current market.
#756-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 20867S113590. Roman Red/
black vinyl. Odo: 62,974 miles. 327-ci 360hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Purchased by the
seller in 1967. The excellent #2 paint has
some chipping along the leading edge.
Good-looking #3 interior has fit issues at the
leading edge of the driver’s door; interior
chrome is aging. But anyway, this car is all
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $330,000. Car is unique,
rare and carries lots of certifications and
documentation. Two prior no-sales within
the past year: bid to $275k at Mecum Houston
in April (ACC# 252725) and to $325k at
RM Monterey 2013 (ACC# 227352). Seller
clearly is not happy with where the value is
currently, so he should take a chance and
wait a few years. The provenance will carry
the value forward. Trying for a half-million
seems a bit premature. See the profile, p.
38.
#648-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194678S405470. Rally Red/
black hard top/white soft top/red vinyl. Odo:
61,050 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Great-looking car. The #1 paint is very nice,
and the panel fit is as expected. Chrome is
mostly good but for scuffs on the door han-
SOLD AT $31,900. A car where the condition
is not going to prevent use. Having
grown up hearing Cal Worthington’s jingle
(and spending a summer selling cars for
him), the provenance is what caught my
attention on this car. Very well sold at a
price nearly double the value. As with the
Elvis and Johnny Cash cars also sold, celebrity
pays.
#475-1961 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL convertible.
VIN: 1Y86H413892. Empress
Blue/white vinyl/blue leather. Odo: 80,671
miles. 430-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint chips
and overspray; scuffed chrome at the front.
Panel fit is fine, but rear ride height is too
high. Decent interior is attractive in blue,
with normal wear. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$42,900. Very well sold. Price is near the
BEST
BUY
Page 60
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
top of the market. However, the buyer is no
doubt pleased with his new, stylish acquisition.
blue/black vinyl. Odo: 1,987 miles. 289-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Looks perfect. Just under
2,000 miles since being completely restored.
Paint, finish and panel fit are a solid
#1-. Interior is correct and a solid #1- as
well, with window felt issues. Fully documented
and correct car. There is really
nothing to do here. Cond: 1-.
7
#776-1966 SHELBY GT350 fastback.
VIN: SMF65892. White &
SOLD AT $60,500. Quite well sold, nearly
$20k over the top of the market. One of just
1,806 built. Strong price for a strong car.
SOLD AT $220,000. Very well sold at the
top of the value range. Seller indicated that
the sale was bittersweet, as he was sad to
see the car go but pleased at the hammer
price.
#788-1968 SHELBY GT500 fastback. VIN:
8T02S14956501877. Gold/black vinyl. Odo:
66,157 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Original,
unrestored Shelby. Repainted once.
Currently, the paint is #3 quality with heavy
swirling on the rear quarters. The #2 upholstery
and #3 undercarriage are consistent
with the history as presented. The original
window sticker is with the car, and extensive
documentation dates back to the original
owner. Cond: 2-.
#160-1971 FORD TORINO GT convertible.
VIN: 1H37F195209. Grabber Green/
white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 45,282 miles.
302-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint, fit and finish
are almost perfect, although the rear lower
valance needs to be buffed. The interior is a
1- with minor issues, and the undercarriage
is a slightly used 2. Well detailed under the
hood. Great appeal with the color combination
and the added visual impact of the redto-orange-to-yellow
side stripes. Enough to
distract from the absence of a/c. Cond: 1-.
Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 250 miles. 351-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Carries an Eminger Invoice and
Marti Report. Restored 250 miles ago, the
#1 paint is strikingly blue. The doors and
trunk have uneven panel gaps. Inside, the
#2 interior looks good. Under the hood, the
engine compartment is nicely detailed.
Seller added power steering and the rear
spoiler. Thorough restoration with all-original
sheet metal except for one OEM replacement
fender. Cond: 2+.
inspected, the car showed poorly, but following
the on-site Mothers detailing, it’s
sparkling. Very light shade difference in the
hood stripes. #2 interior is in good shape.
Claimed to be a factory big-block car, but
not explicitly stated to be numbers-matching.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $55,000. Nice car
in a cool non-stock color with 4-speed, but
not worth the strong price paid for it. Considering
the custom touches, the seller got
really lucky.
#7002-1970 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA 2-dr hard
top. VIN: BS23V0E133662. Red/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 55,456 miles. 440-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Outstanding Shaker-hood
car, said to be one of 883 Six Pack automatics.
Paint and panel fit are #1 quality
following a rotisserie restoration. Black vinyl
roof adds bold contrast to the perfect red
interior. Underneath, the chassis is also a
#1. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $95,700. While so much red
might seem like too much, this Galen Govier-inspected
Plymouth was very impressive
and made even non-Mopar fanatics reconsider.
Well bought and sold. Not a Hemi, but
the Shaker hood adds great value. The final
price was near the top end of the range, but
still less than the car might have brought
(and well below Lot 799, the $385k 1971
Hemi ’Cuda). This car will make the new
owner smile every time he enters the garage.
SOLD AT $31,900. This car came across
as a full-sized version of a Hot Wheels car.
Well sold, as the sale price was in the
neighborhood of a Cobra Jet car. Buyer
must be happy as well.
MOPAR
#359-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER
2-dr hard top. VIN: RM23H9E119339. Custom
Plum Crazy/black vinyl. Odo: 9,439
miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. When first
SOLD AT $165,000. The collectibility combined
with the presence and history brought
out the bidders in Las Vegas. Very well sold
at nearly 50% above market price.
#645-1971 FORD MUSTANG Boss 351
fastback. VIN: 1F02R163509. Grabber
62 AmericanCarCollector.com
#781-1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD 2-dr
hard top. VIN: RM23U0A170840. Lemon
Twist Yellow/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
56,421 miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. An
original Superbird with a #1- repaint. Some
dirt in paint at cowl. The interior and undercarriage
both present as #2 quality, but the
car is consistent with the stated low mileage
and originality. Has Galen Glovier authenticity
verification. Richard Petty signed the air
cleaner. Cond: 1-.
TOP 10
Page 61
SOLD AT $121,000. Well bought, as this
car sold slightly under market for the “entry
level” Superbird. The collectibility and the
color ensure that this car will stand out
wherever the new owner decides to take it.
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
AMERICANA
#711-1971 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA convertible.
VIN: BS27H1B100704. Sassy Grass
Green/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 37,856
miles. 340-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Full Galen
Govier documentation. Rotisserie restoration
presents as truly flawless. #1 in every
category. Brought by the same seller as the
red-on-red 1970 ’Cuda (Lot 7002). Said to
be one of only four that left the factory in
this configuration. Cond: 1.
#491-1962 LADAWRI CONQUEST roadster.
VIN: 0RE8822F. Silver/unfinished fiberglass
hard top/red & black leather.
265-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. A Corvette-flavored
fiberglass kit designed in Canada in 1956.
In 1957, the designer moved to Long
Beach, CA, and production began. Concours-quality
restoration with superb fit and
finish. Interior is a #1, and the upgraded
undercarriage shows as a #2. Modern upgrades
include late-model Chevrolet chassis,
power disc brakes, heavy-duty
aluminum radiator, oversized alloy wheels.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $107,800. Very well sold at
nearly $20k above the market range. Color
and options help set the value, and here,
the new owner clearly found his or her
match. I expect that the value will soon
catch up to the price paid here, making everyone
happy except for the second-to-last
bidder.
#486-1997 DODGE VIPER GTS coupe.
VIN: 1B3ER69E2VV301524. Red/black
leather. Odo: 16,500 miles. 8.0-L fuel-injected
V10, 6-sp. Low-mileage car. Excellent
paint, with small scratches and an
emblem issue. Gold wheels actually look
just right against the red. Inside is very good
with hard plastic 1990s Chrysler switchgear.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $48,400. These bodies were apparently
built to accommodate a wheelbase
of 108–120 inches. Fully documented history
and restoration. Not as striking as the
Kellison (Lot 367). Well bought and sold.
#367-1969 KELLISON ASTRA coupe. VIN:
DRF90525. Silver/black leather. 355-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Magnificent paint looks almost
liquid. Fit is a #2, which is good for a limitedproduction
fiberglass body from the ’60s.
The #2 interior is a slick, aeronautically inspired
cockpit with a dash full of mystery
buttons on the passenger’s side. 200 Mile
Per Hour Club sticker on driver’s tiny nonopening
vent window raises more questions
than answers. Cond: 2+.
Sports Car Market
Keith Martin’s
The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
™
SOLD AT $37,400. Well bought and sold
almost in the middle of the market. Selling
for almost exactly half of the original sticker
price of about $75k, the buyer has room left
for burnouts and a profit.
CAR COLLECTOR
AMERICAN
SOLD AT $38,500. Seen at auction two
years ago at Petersen in Roseburg, OR, bid
to $27,500 (ACC# 209004). The seller held
out and got a little more this time around.
Well bought and sold. A
™
AmericanCarCollector.com/subscribe
SUBSCRIBE TO ACC
877.219.2605 Ext. 1
Subscribe to SCM
today and become a
collector car insider
www.sportscarmarket.com
January-February 2015 63
Keith Martin’s
Page 62
RM AUCTIONS // Farmers Branch, TX
RM with Auctions America —
The Sam Pack Collection
TOTAL SALES CAME OUT TO $11.5M, EXCEEDING MR. PACK’S REPORTED
EXPECTATIONS OF $9M
RM with
Auctions
America
Farmers Branch,
TX
November 14–15,
2014
Auctioneer: Max
Girardo
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 131/131
Sales rate: 100%
Sales total:
$11,543,400
High sale: 1967 Shelby
427 Cobra, sold at
$1,292,500
Buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
one of Carroll’s personal vehicles — 1965 Shelby Cobra alloy continuation roadster, sold at $225,500
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. Excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. Meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. Lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
64 AmericanCarCollector.com
Report and photos by Cody Tayloe
Market opinions in italics
S
am Pack’s 473-car collection was the kind that
would usually take a lifetime to amass. But
despite a lifelong obsession with cars, Pack
did not in fact start collecting until age 65. It
was only recently, at age 77, that Pack made
the tough decision to cut back, in order to consolidate
his collection from four buildings to two. In midNovember,
131 of his prized possessions crossed the
auction block, all at no reserve.
During the auction preview, Mr. Pack made his way
through the warehouse to check on things and greet
his guests with a friendly smile. He was accessible and
approachable, which is not always the case in such a
scenario. The sale opened to a large standing-room-only
throng of enthusiastic bidders who were confident in the
quality of the consignments.
Pack was a successful Ford dealer, and many of the
cars on offer wore the Blue Oval or related brands such
as Lincoln, Mercury, Edsel and Shelby. There was also
a handful of other American makes and a very small
number of foreign nameplates.
With all lots offered at no reserve, total sales came
out to $11.5m, exceeding Mr. Pack’s reported expectations
of $9m. The top two sales were Shelby Cobras,
with high honors going to a 1967 427 Cobra at $1.3m
and the #2 spot going to a 1963 289 Cobra at $880k. A
2006 Ford GT with delivery decals and interior plastic
still intact came next at $418k.
ACC Auction Analysts reported on many of the cars
previously when they were offered at other auctions. It
was satisfying to note how well these cars were maintained
and how finely detailed they were as they crossed
the block. Pack reportedly knew each one of these
vehicles well, and while some were preservation-quality
trailer queens, many showed additional miles of enjoyment
since their previous appearances at auction.
Despite letting go of nearly a quarter of his col-
lection, Pack is not done yet. Ultimately, his goal is to
maintain a collection half the size of what it was before
the sale. The successful businessman (who has no plans
to retire) will sell off more of his collection privately in
the coming months. And he will likely make a few more
acquisitions.A
Page 64
RM AUCTIONS // Farmers Branch, TX
GM
#128-1959 BUICK INVICTA “Peaches &
Cream” 2-dr hard top. VIN: 6F2014480.
Peach & cream/peach & cream leather.
Odo: 48,254 miles. 401-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Well-maintained award-winning custom.
Chopped top and shaved door handles.
Very high-quality custom paint job holding
up well. Perfect panel fit. Replated chrome
and trim all around appears as though
brand new. Residential-style plush pile carpeting
shows a little wear on the outer edge
of the driver’s seat. Gauges appear to be
original but in good condition. Upholstery
shows a little wear. Custom vinyl headliner
with tufting that matches the seat and console.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $101,750. This highly optioned
Impala received a frame-off restoration after
15 years of collecting genuine GM NOS
parts, and all the original sheet metal is said
to have been retained. The Impala market
has been relatively steady over the years,
with buyers shelling out a little more money
these days for good ones. The sold price
here was right in the middle of the auction
estimate and in line with recent sales, making
it a fair deal for all.
#215-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO “Hot
Rod 1” convertible. VIN: HR0001. Green/
white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 3,388 miles.
427-ci fuel-injected V8, 5-sp. Custom build
featured on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine
in 2005, with 50 pages dedicated to the
build process. Presents as a factory original
but with a few discreet touches. Brake cooling
cut-outs in body ahead of rear tires. Recessed
oval side marker lights. Both doors
are slightly out at the bottom. Bumpers
painted body color. Stripes are painted on,
not vinyl. Mirrors and brightwork around
windshield in very good condition. Interior in
top shape. Extra gauges. Power top. Detailed
engine bay. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $44,000. This Richard Zocchi
custom creation was the winner of the
Goodguys’ Custom d’Elegance Award in
2004, and the names attached to the build
are among the “who’s who” in the custom
and hot rod world. Zocchi, who has been
customizing cars since the 1970s, utilizes
an old-school approach, incorporating design
elements from other marques into his
creations. The build quality and workmanship
are outstanding, and it could not be
replicated for the price paid here. Well
bought.
#152-1959 CHEVROLET IMPALA convertible.
VIN: F59J215520. Roman Red/red
vinyl & cloth. Odo: 58,748 miles. 348-ci V8,
3x2-bbl, auto. Very nice high-quality restoration
with a little age. Light scratches on
top of driver’s door. Rechromed bumpers in
excellent condition. Original side trim in excellent
condition with no dents. All rubber
has been replaced. Interior carpets point to
no use. Seats in very good condition and
appear original. Gauges are clear and easy
to read. Interior paint is near flawless.
Power windows. Engine has been restored
and other than the battery appears factorycorrect.
Cond: 2+.
had four top-five finishes and five top-10
finishes while qualifying for a pole position
within the 2006 and 2007 NASCAR Nextel
Cup Championship Series. Retirement in
2007 and restored to as-raced condition.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $165,000. Once upon
a time retired race cars were sent out to
pasture, but they’ve become a hot commodity
in recent years. This was an important
car not that long ago, and it was in good
restored condition. Well bought and sold.
See the profile, p. 50.
CORVETTE
#123-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. VIN: E54S004297. Polo White/tan
canvas/red leather. Odo: 54,470 miles. 235ci
155-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Mileage is said
to be original. Well-preserved, high-quality
older restoration. Older paint holding up
very well. Passenger’s door is out slightly at
bottom rear. Brightwork is near perfect. Unforgiving
chrome driver’s door threshold
shows virtually no scuffs. Some discoloration
noted on steering wheel. Driver’s position
carpet shows minor wear. Fuel gauge
face is cracked. Rear-view mirror has some
delamination on the bottom right edge. Engine
compartment is tidy, but restoration is
deteriorating. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $66,000. This is not a resto-mod
of an actual 1969 Camaro but a brand-new,
ground-up build using an all-steel body from
Dynacorn Classic Bodies and a ZL1 crate
motor. The goal was to build the ultimate
classic muscle car using modern technology.
It sold at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale
auction in 2012 for $88k (ACC# 193204),
which was presumably much less than the
actual build cost. Here it was well bought at
a $22k discount from just two years ago.
#165-2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
SS NASCAR racer. VIN: 24387. Blue &
red/black cloth. 358-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. This
is the NASCAR racer that took Jeff Gordon
to victories at Chicago Speedway in July
2006 and Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October
2007. Of 14 races, the car and driver
SOLD AT $79,750. Restored to Bloomington
Gold standards in the 1980s, this C1
has spent the past decade in the Pack Collection.
The second-year ’Vette added three
additional color options over the first year,
which was only offered in Polo White over
red, as seen here. This example was well
optioned and included the side curtains.
Low original mileage should have pushed
the bidding a little higher, but it was well
bought, selling just under the auction estimate.
#209-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE custom
convertible. VIN: 194677S100626.
Purple/tan cloth/black leather. 502-ci V8,
4-bbl, 5-sp. Resto-mod custom on oversized
wide wheels and tires. Paint is deep and
rich but shows some clearcoat scratches.
Bumpers removed. Minimal trim is bright
and shines well. Panel fit is excellent. Aftermarket
gauges have been added to the interior.
Carpets show some wear and point
to a little use. Vinyl interior is restored.
Nearly everything under the hood is polished
aluminum. Etched flames in air
cleaner and valve covers. Numerous first-
66 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 66
RM AUCTIONS // Farmers Branch, TX
place awards before joining the Pack Collection.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $77,000. Last seen at BarrettJackson’s
Orange County auction in 2011,
selling for $85k (ACC# 179653). Nearly everything
on this Sting Ray has been massaged
in some way, and it comes with
documentation of the build process. The
description notes over 5,000 miles, but due
to digital gauges, the mileage here was unknown.
When we saw it in 2011, it was at
5,813. Well bought considering the original
build cost.
FOMOCO
#149-1937 FORD MODEL 78 replica
coupe. VIN: AZ305864. Red/brown leather.
Odo: 611 miles. 350-ci fuel-injected V8,
auto. High-quality build that is a couple of
years old. Outstanding paint. Only very minor
flaws that come from cleaning. Chrome
and brightwork are in excellent condition.
Glass is like new. Interior is excellent. Carpets
are in new condition. Seats do not
show any sign of use. Classic-style aftermarket
gauges integrated into the dash.
Panel fit is excellent. Doors shut like a bank
vault. Engine compartment highly detailed.
Engine paint is just as good as the rest of
the car. Cond: 1-.
miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Quality paint in
matte finish is capable of hiding imperfections.
Touch-ups here and there. Hood contacts
body when raised, with some chipping
around hood’s body crease. Rear edge of
the driver’s door is chipped. Panel fit is excellent.
Painted driver’s side seat base is
chipping and worn. Upholstery in very good
shape. Cab is finished with exposed sounddeadening
material. Air-conditioning vents
have been well integrated into the dash.
Engine is tidy and fits nicely.
Cond: 3+.
cared for. 1948 was a low production year
for these station wagons, as the manufacturing
facility halted production early to begin
retooling for the next model year. There
were only 8,912 produced for 1948, about
half of the run in 1947, and the 1949 model
year soared to over a million cars. We
watched this one sell in 2010 at RM’s Monterey
auction for $66k (ACC# 165662).
Even though it could use a refreshing, it
exceeded the auction estimate here today.
Well sold.
SOLD AT $82,500. Built by Boyd Coddington
as a “shop truck” and semi-daily driver,
this pickup has also been featured on the
shows “Chasing Classic Cars” and “American
Hot Rod.” A certificate accompanying
the truck certifies it as a “true” Coddingtonbuilt
vehicle, which will add value, as his
legacy is captured in the builds that exist.
We saw this cross the block at Mecum’s
2011 Monterey auction, where it sold for
just over $50k (ACC# 185002). Value has
increased since, and Coddington’s work will
only continue to climb.
SOLD AT $99,000. Oze Rod Shop in Ohio
offers these frames and body kits based on
the iconic Ford design. Since completion,
this one has gone on to take top honors at a
handful of events. Appeal becomes limited
when potential buyers learn that it was not
manufactured by Ford, turning away some
of the “purists.” The catalog estimate was
wide on this one, and it landed on the upper
end of the spectrum. Strong sale, especially
considering that it sold at Russo and
Steele’s 2011 Scottsdale auction for $73k
(ACC# 171064).
#143-1941 FORD custom pickup. VIN:
6461521. Maroon/tan vinyl. Odo: 2,964
68 AmericanCarCollector.com
#194-1948 FORD SUPER DELUXE
woodie wagon. VIN: 899A2260553. Black/
tan vinyl. Odo: 14,651 miles. 239-ci V8,
2-bbl, 3-sp. Older high-quality restoration.
Black paint shows age with minor blemishes
and light scratches. Wood panels have lost
their high luster but are in good condition.
Hard-water stains throughout. Replated trim
with occasional dings. Panel fit is factorycorrect.
Interior shows some use. Aftermarket
water temperature gauge. Doors shut
and latch with authority. Engine appears
mostly original. Valve cover paint is flaking
off. Strong smell of fuel when opening the
hood. Fluid at base of carburetor. Cond: 3+.
#223-1950 MERCURY EIGHT custom
convertible. VIN: 50DA54937M. Dark
green/tan canvas/tan leather. Odo: 7,130
miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older build
showing some use. Paint touch-ups
throughout. Small but deep scratch on rear
trunk has been touched up. Rock chips on
nose. Some orange peel on passenger’s
door. Grille and trim on top of the doors
have been replated. Chrome on door handles
shows wear. Shag driver’s floor mat
shows heavy use. Billet aluminum on steering
wheel slightly dull. Dated GM tilt steering
column and automatic transmission
selector. Bulky air conditioner hanging from
the dash. Lots of dress-up pieces under the
hood. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $66,000. Great-looking lead sled,
but the age of the build reveals itself. Last
sold at RM’s North Palm Beach sale in 2012
for $72k (ACC# 222315). While the build is
high quality with everything one would expect,
it is beginning to show its age. Custom
values vary wildly depending on the quality
of the build and the level of customization.
All things considered, fair price if not slightly
well bought.
SOLD AT $88,000. An older restoration that
hasn’t been touched but has been well
#140-1950 MERCURY EIGHT custom
woodie wagon. VIN: 94174597. Inca Gold/
white & gold leather. Odo: 14,003 350-ci
V8, 2x2-bbl, auto. High-quality custom build.
Paint is deep and rich, with only minor imperfections.
Wood condition is exquisite
with the exception of a three-foot-long crack
on the passenger’s rear fender. Both doors
are out significantly at bottom rear. Carpets
show slight wear and point to vehicle use.
Kick panel at the driver’s footwell is separating
from the interior wall. Backside of rear
view-mirror mount is rough. On Chevelle
frame. Crate engine nicely dressed with
smoothed inner fenders and firewall.
Cond: 2+.
Page 68
OURCARS
1914 STuTZ BEArCAT
rEPLICA BuILT By
GEORGE BARRIS
Owner: John Boyle, ACC Contributor
Purchase date: February 1999
Price: $17,000
Current miles: Unknown
Miles since purchase: 6,800
Recent work: New rear tire, oil pan gasket,
oil change
RM AUCTIONS // Farmers Branch, TX
out at the rear but close nicely. Rear taillights
look original and unrestored, with
some patina noted on the faux-chrome taillight
centers. Interior restoration is just as
high-quality as the exterior. Seats and
steering wheel look as though they have
never been used. Carpets are new. Clean
engine compartment. Surface rust present
on some underhood items. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $68,750. Rare and desirable. Not
many of these exist today, as they were
mainly workhorses that lived a hard life.
Less than 800 were reportedly produced for
1950, and the survival rate is pretty low. A
huge amount of money was spent to get the
finished product we saw here, so call it well
bought, but in 2009, one restored to original
condition sold at RM Monterey for $165k
(ACC# 141188), proving again that original
beats custom when selling time comes.
I loved cars. That fall, “Bearcats!”
premiered on CBS. It featured the exploits
of two adventurers, circa 1914. Their car:
a Stutz Bearcat. I became transfixed with
Brass-Era speedsters.
I was shocked to learn a Bearcat was
high school, and like most boys,
In 1971, I was a junior in
worth the cost of a nice house. But I learned
George Barris built two replicas for the
show. I figured I might have a shot at getting
one of them. By the fall of 1998, I was ready
to buy. Through the Stutz Club I found one
owned by an elderly attorney who was selling
off his collection.
The car is not a kit — it’s more like a
1960s hot rod that happens to look like a
1914 Bearcat. Body panels were hand crafted
from thick steel, while the frame is rectangular
tubes. The mechanicals are familiar
— a Ford 223-ci six, a 4-speed, and a ’65
Mustang rear. While mechanically sound,
it needed a full cosmetic restoration. The
hardest part was finding new wood wheels;
luckily, I found an Oklahoma wheelwright to
make a set.
Visually, the car is very close to a Stutz.
Barris replicated details few would have
noticed on TV: friction shocks, right-hand
drive, oversize rear-brake drums, and a
center-mounted gas
pedal.
It’s the perfect car
for weekend drives in
the country.
Considering
genuine Bearcats start
at a half million and
my car gives a similar
driving experience,
I’m more than satisfied.A
70
AmericanCarCollector.com
#186-1956 FORD RANCH WAGON custom
wagon. VIN: A6RR150907. Black/red
leather. Odo: 34 miles. 350-ci fuel-injected
V8, auto. Restoration a few years old but
shows no use. High-quality black paint. Minor
imperfections in clearcoat from cleaning.
Passenger’s door is out along trailing
edge, driver’s door out on bottom half. Custom
door handles are almost impossible to
open. Restored interior shows no use. Aftermarket
gauges have a nostalgic feel and
are very attractive. Tiny LEDs replace the
blinker indicators and high-beam indicator.
Smooth engine bay fenders and firewall.
Engine has tons of billet dress-up pieces.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $60,500. Originally intended for
Lincoln; however, engineers knew the retractable
hard top would prove too expensive
for the more limited brand and decided
that Ford would have a better chance of
making a return simply by spreading the
technology over more production cars. Examples
can be found for half of the purchase
price here, but you get what you pay
for. Oh, and plan on opening up the checkbook
if the seven servos, 11 switches, and
10 relays for the retractable top need sorting.
This one was sorted, restored and good
to go. Well bought.
SOLD AT $57,750. Families favored 4-door
station wagons, leaving the 2-doors mainly
for tradespeople. The Chevy 350 may not
be “sacrilege” in such a custom, but the difficulty
starting it on auction day didn’t help.
(A mechanic could be seen working on it
extensively on preview day.) With mileage
in the double digits, the sorting process was
obviously not complete. When the sorting is
done, the new buyer has a great-looking car
that was well bought.
#115-1957 FORD FAIRLANE Skyliner retractable
hard top. VIN: D7FW271476.
Black/black & white vinyl. Odo: 85,639
miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. High-quality
restoration performed in-house and showing
little use. Side trim and door handles show
some light scratches. Both doors are slightly
#131-1958 EDSEL PACER convertible.
VIN: W8RR700452. Gray/black vinyl/red &
white vinyl. Odo: 11,221 miles. 361-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Paint in excellent condition, with
few flaws. Chrome and brightwork all restored.
Driver’s door is out at the top rear.
Passenger’s door out along trailing edge.
Attractive red interior paint; some dry spray
on repainted steering wheel and tops of
door panels. Gauges are restored and are
in excellent condition. Carpets and thresholds
show no wear. Bottom cushion on outboard
side of driver’s seat slightly collapsed.
Engine bay has been repainted and engine
restored. Restored by late actor Sage Stallone,
son of Sly. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $35,750. First-year Edsel with the
iconic grille. This Pacer convertible boasts
rarity along with a bit of celebrity provenance.
You couldn’t begin to restore one for
the price paid here, and I have witnessed
comparable examples of lesser quality demand
more money. Very well bought. See
the profile, p. 48.
Page 69
RM AUCTIONS // Farmers Branch, TX
#225-1960 EDSEL RANGER convertible.
VIN: 0U15Y701426. Black Velvet/white
vinyl/red & silver vinyl. Odo: 22,606 miles.
352-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Mileage believed
actual. Older restoration in excellent condition.
Paint showing age in places. Light
scratches in clearcoat. Scratches on trim
between bumper and body on the Continental
kit. Heavy scratch in center of rear bumper.
Driver’s door slightly out. Side trim is
excellent, with only a minor dent on the passenger’s
front fender. Interior shows little
use. Seats show slight wear and discoloration
compared with the newer panels. Restored
engine shows light use. Cond: 2.
rior and fastback body. Mustang GT values
tanked with the 2008 crash, bottoming in
2011, but prices have been headed up
since. The price paid here was strong but
market-correct.
7049. Aluminum/black leather. Odo: 56
miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Polished body
with no paint. Small dent in passenger’s
rear quarter-panel. Rear trunk lid license
plate illuminator is discolored. Smoothed
welds visible behind roll bar. A few scuffs
here and there and lots of handprints. Seats
show little use. Gauges are new. Engine
compartment is clean and tidy and shows
no use. The underside of hood reads “Carroll’s
polished” in black marker. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $225,500. Documented as one of
6
#201-1965 SHELBY COBRA alloy
continuation roadster. VIN: CSX-
into a highly modified vintage racer, competing
in SCRA, HSR, SCCA, and SAAC
events. It is unknown what kind of condition
the car was in before being recommissioned
as a racer, but one only hopes that it started
out as a basket case. Call it well sold, considering
it does not have generations of
provenance and an actual GT350 H had to
be sacrificed to achieve the end result.
leather. Odo: 11,351 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Very high-quality paint with painted
stripes. Rear trunk lid is tight on driver’s
side, causing racing stripe not to line up.
Side vent windows are original, with light
scratching. Original wheels show years of
use. Hammer marks on spinners. Stainless
thresholds inside doors show marks from
entry and exit. Original AC steering wheel.
Gauges are original. Seat leather appears
to be original and shows some light cracking.
Piping around driver’s seat bolster has
worn through. Carpets are in excellent condition.
Cond: 1-.
1
#188-1967 SHELBY COBRA roadster.
VIN: CSX3279. Green/black
SOLD AT $60,500. Much more tame in styling
than the earlier “horse collar”-grille cars;
one can’t help but wonder if the brand
would have survived if built like this from the
beginning. By this time, the cars were
merely restyled Fords, and they failed to
gain consumer support. This is said to be
one of 76 Edsel convertibles built for 1960.
This one was sold out of the Solmon Brothers
Collection in in 2012 for $62k (ACC#
210545), confirming this market-correct
price.
#121-1965 FORD MUSTANG GT fastback.
VIN: 5R09K211375. Rangoon Red/white
vinyl. Odo: 22,805 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. High-quality paint with few flaws. Passenger’s
door is out at top rear. Chrome
and trim in excellent condition. Restored
interior appears almost as good as the day
it was born. Unforgiving white vinyl seats
show little discoloration. Carpets show little
wear. Gauges are clean, clear, easy to
read, and appear factory-original. Original
radio. Restored engine compartment with
chrome air cleaner and chrome valve covers.
Period-correct Texas license plate.
Cond: 2+.
Carroll Shelby’s personal vehicles—and
perhaps the newest series Cobra that he
owned and the last one added to his personal
collection. We last saw this one cross
the block at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction in
May 2013, where it was well sold at $342k
(ACC# 219509). It was still well sold here,
even $100k under low estimate.
#207-1966 SHELBY GT350 H racer. VIN:
SFM6S564. Red & gold/black cloth. 295-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Body is mostly straight, but
it does show some minor battle scars in the
paint in the form of rock chips and minor
cracking. Front windscreen is sandpitted
from road use. Rear window is Plexiglas.
Driver’s door out along rear edge. Passenger’s
door out toward bottom. Interior is
spartan with a racing seat, removable steering
wheel and aftermarket gauges. No carpet.
Engine bay quite presentable for a race
car. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $1,292,500. The top sale at this
auction. This Cobra had thorough ownership
history including every owner dating
back to new. It was one of three Shelby Cobras
offered at this sale and the most
prized, with the others being a 289 and an
alloy continuation car. We last saw this one
at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2002, selling
for $227k (ACC# 26898). At that time it was
a non-original blue. The market-correct sale
price here shows just how far the Cobra
market has come in the past 12 years.
#157-1969 SHELBY GT350 H fastback.
VIN: 9F02M481894. Black Jade/black vinyl.
Odo: 17,623 miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Well optioned with Deluxe Marti Report and
Shelby American World Registry verification.
Restored exterior with hardly any paint
flaws. Small pinholes here and there, but
nothing to get excited about. Some dry
SOLD AT $68,750. 1.3% of 1965 Mustangs
were equipped with the K-code V8. Adding
to the desirability of this one is a Pony inte-
SOLD AT $110,000. Last sold an RM Monterey
2013 for $105k (ACC# 231276). The
car is believed to have been a stock GT350
H up until 2003, when it was transformed
January-February 2015 71
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 70
RM AUCTIONS // Farmers Branch, TX
spray on top of driver’s door. Trim in very
good condition. Heavy scratch in rear glass.
Very good panel fit. Scuffs on the driver’s
door threshold point to overall vehicle use.
Unrestored interior showing some wear.
Gauge faces slightly cloudy. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $93,500. Sold in 2006 at Worldwide’s
Hilton Head event for an astonishing
$101k (ACC# 43685), and again two years
later at an RM sale in Dallas for a more
market-correct $77k (ACC# 116372). There
were a total of four Hertz cars to choose
from in this sale, but the 1969 is one of the
rarest, with only about 150 built. This one is
said to have had one known repaint and low
original miles. The price paid is an accurate
reflection of the current market.
#181-2001 FORD THUNDERBIRD concept
convertible. VIN: 1LNLM9145XS600567.
Red/Ceramic leather. 3.9-L fuel-injected V8,
auto. Deep red paint with some light
scratches. Factory panel fit. Bucket seats
sans headrests, finished in white leather
which is slightly discolored on the base
cushions. Console switches never made it
to production. Under the hood, typical trim
pieces that made their way onto the production
version have been omitted. The windshield-wiper
mechanisms are visible, and
the wiper arms are inoperable. Cond: 2.
the hood. The supercharger looks at home
in the engine compartment. Cond: 2+.
bumper. Trim in excellent condition. Rear
bumper has a deep scratch. Vinyl graphics
are in good condition. Interior very well restored.
Gauges appear original and are
easy to read. Original radio with Highway
Hi-Fi record player. Engine compartment
appears mostly original. Driven less than
100 miles since 2001. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $57,750. A supercharged version
of the T-bird that the Blue Oval should have
built. Although very similar to the production
version, the keen eye will recognize that
nearly every body panel has been reworked
to achieve a more aggressive appearance.
If you’re a Thunderbird fan, the sale price
seems pretty reasonable for a one-off (even
if you aren’t able to register the car).
#182-2004 LINCOLN MARK X concept
coupe. VIN: 1FAHP60A224100251. Atlantic
Pearl/Lime Sorbet leather. 3.9-L fuel-injected
V8, auto. Factory-quality paint. Tight
panel fit. Actual stainless and chrome trim.
Panoramic folding glass hard top. Highquality
leather seats, dash, and center console.
Twin center console armrests are very
worn. No carpeting inside; floor is finished in
the same leather as the seats. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $99,000. Said to be one of less
than 400 Pacesetters produced. Holding up
well for the age of the restoration, and it
would not hurt this one to air it out on the
highway every now and then. This very car
has been covered at auction several times,
making this its fifth offering since 2001, with
early sales in the low $30k range up to a
$116k at RM’s 2012 sale in Grapevine, TX
(ACC# 213731). Despite a sharp rise in values
in the past few years, this sale price
was on the soft side.
SOLD AT $55,000. Molded tonneau cover
is an extension of the front seat headrests,
a la “Bullet Bird.” Other unique touches include
interior pieces covered in “ceramic”
leather and aluminum switches and knobs
on dash. Underhood is largely unfinished,
with several missing trim pieces and items
you would typically find unexposed. If you
have a Sports Roadster in your collection
needing a one-off updated companion, this
one would be a must-have. Fairly bought.
#179-2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD supercharged
concept convertible. VIN: 1FAHP60A82Y100397.
Machine Silver/tan
leather. 3.9-L supercharged V8, auto. Factory
paint. Chrome accents on hood vents
and around windshield are in excellent condition.
Panel fit as expected. Seats are finished
in leather on all sides including the
rear, and are much softer than you would
get from a factory production car. Real
chrome on dash and doors, as opposed to a
chrome-look appliqué. Other than a few
touches, everything is similar to the production
version. Real carbon-fiber trim under
72 AmericanCarCollector.com
#114-1962 CHRYSLER 300H convertible.
VIN: 8423143032. Festival Red/tan vinyl.
Odo: 29 miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto.
Older restoration with recent high-quality
respray showing very few flaws. Windshield
has wiper streaking. Driver’s door out significantly
at bottom rear, but other panel fit
factory-correct. Rear taillights are original;
plastic lenses sun-faded. High-voltage instrument
cluster in excellent condition.
Stainless console and dash trim a little tarnished.
Engine compartment appears original
and unrestored. Dry fluid residue noted
at base of carburetors. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $129,250. This garnered a lot of
attention, with a steady flow of people gravitating
toward it and seemingly ignoring
many of the other concept cars. Exteriorwise,
the car looked production-ready and
was pleasing to the eye. Inside, many of the
items were makeshift, reminding you that it
was not a production model. The popularity
of the vehicle as a crowd favorite while on
display translated to success when the car
hit the auction block. Well sold.
MOPAR
#204-1956 DESOTO FIREFLITE Pacesetter
convertible. VIN: 50383348. White &
gold/tan vinyl/gold vinyl & brown tweed.
Odo: 16,885 miles. 330-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Older restoration is holding up exquisitely. A
few paint touch-ups around doors, but otherwise
in very good condition. Rust bubbles
beginning to form on tail where body meets
SOLD AT $41,250. Last seen at BarrettJackson’s
2002 Scottsdale auction, where
we called it well sold at $36k (ACC# 26901).
Our reporter also pointed out the questionable
door fit, which was not sorted despite
the opportunity during the repaint done this
year. Still, excellent examples can break
$100k even with the bottom-rung engine
option for 1962. This one was a bargain at
less than half of that, and not much more
than the Barrett-Jackson price 14 years
ago. Very well bought. A
Page 72
BRANSON // Branson, MO
The Branson Auction
A 1950 LINCOLN COSMOPOLITAN LIMOUSINE USED BY MISSOURI’S OWN
PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN SOLD FOR $105K
The Branson
Auction
Branson, MO
October 16–17,
2014
Auctioneers: Ben
DeVore, Brian Marshall
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 117/200
Sales rate: 59%
Sales total:
$2,764,485
High American sale:
1966 Gotham Cruiser,
sold at $150,000
Buyer’s premium:
8%, included in sold
prices
The President Harry S. Truman 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan limousine, sold at $105,300
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. Excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. Meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. Lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
rerun.
One thing I usually enjoy about this sale that was
T
74 AmericanCarCollector.com
missing this time was the CCCA Full Classics. All past
sales have had at least one, and this was the first time
none were offered. Indeed, high-end cars were in short
supply this time, as the top sale at the end of Saturday
was a 1953 Buick Skylark, sold at $108k — which
certainly seems below the market.
Another car that made it into six-figure territory was
the one of perhaps greatest interest to the locals: a 1950
Lincoln Cosmopolitan limousine used by Missouri’s
own President Harry S. Truman. The car was an older
restoration, and it sold at $105k.
The post-event run sheet a week after the auction
showed significant progress made in post-sale deals.
Of the 20 post-block sales, two managed to eclipse the
Skylark: a “1966 Gotham Cruiser” pseudo-Batmobile at
$150k (which also sold here a year and a half ago) and
a 1965 Shelby Cobra continuation car at $135k. These
Third highest seller — a factory export-market
1953 Buick Skylark convertible, sold at $108,000
he Branson Convention Center was once
again home to South Central Missouri’s most
prestigious collector car auction in October:
The Branson Auction. A total of 200 vehicles
crossed the block over two days, with only one
sales ratcheted up the results by approximately a third,
going from about $2m for 109 cars sold to nearly $3m in
receipts on 117 total sales.
Regardless of how well things went, proprietor Jim
Cox didn’t seem too concerned. After the proceedings
ended for the day on Friday, he told me, “I just enjoy
doing this sale.” A
Page 74
BRANSON // Branson, MO
GM
#548-1953 BUICK SKYLARK convertible.
VIN: 6836085. Yellow/black vinyl/white &
yellow leather. Odo: 4,060 miles. 322-ci V8,
2-bbl, auto. Factory export-market car, with
original (as stated) 2-barrel carburetor instead
of a 4-pot. Not a minty-fresh restoration,
but has lots of eye pop. Good, glossy
paint. Mediocre door fit. Replacement vent
window glass already has some bubbling.
Sticker on windshield reads “Departmento
De Asuntos Agrarios y Colonizacion.” Light
driver’s seat wear. No Fisher body tag under
the hood. Engine is clean, tidy,
clearcoated, and has a 12-volt alternator.
Cond: 2-.
#566-1965 PONTIAC GTO custom convertible.
VIN: 237675K125606. Dark blue
metallic/blue cloth/blue leather. Odo: 10,294
miles. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Goodguys
award winner in recent years. Excellent
prep and paint, a touch more metallic than
stock Nocturne Blue. Better panel fit than
possible from GM in 1965—even on their
show cars of the era. LED lighting throughout.
Custom leather interior. Aftermarket
billet steering wheel. Power windows. Motor
has “date correct” Tri-Power induction but
no PHS report to confirm it from new. Aftermarket
18-inch alloys with custom-cut Redline
low-profile tires. Cond: 1-.
panel gaps. Four modern halogen headlights.
Very tidy and stock-appearing engine
bay. Reproduction seats and door panels
are essentially GTO pieces. Some attempt
at paint-detailing the undercarriage. Wears
a 1967 Quebec rear license plate. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $108,000. Odometer nearly illegible
due to sun fade. I was only able to read
after digitally processing an image of it. This
was exported to Mexico City; hence the
2-barrel carburetor, to deal with low-compression
gasoline. I’d bet that it was also
restored down there. The story wasn’t completely
clear, which is part of the reason it
went cheap. Call it a weak #2 selling for
weak #3 money.
#514-1965 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 166375S212819. Medium
blue metallic/blue vinyl. Odo: 80,167 miles.
327-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. One-owner car until
recently. Retains Protect-O-Plate from when
it was sold new at Terrill-Phelps Chevrolet
in Springfield, MO. Trim-off repaint done
quite well. Original trim shows light wear
and scuffing. Modern replacement windshield.
Front seats appear to have modern
replacement upholstery, well fitted. Heavier
steering wheel rim paint wear. Original
painted surfaces under the hood are rather
scruffy despite being cleaned up. With
power steering. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $86,400. This was one of the
best-condition cars here, but yesterday’s
show car is tomorrow’s feature auction car.
Big money for a non-stock early GTO, so
the buyer clearly liked the custom choices.
#283-1966 PONTIAC CATALINA 2+2 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 254376E224569. Butternut
Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 41,665 miles. 421ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Mediocre older repaint.
Older, rather mediocre bumper rechrome
with serviceable original trim. Okay door
gaps, with doors that rattle when shut.
Mostly original interior, repop seats. Rattle
can of interior vinyl dye in rear seat footwell.
Bland engine bay with an older cleanup and
more rattle-can black on ancillary components.
Older radial tires. Minimal options,
with power steering and brakes, and full
wheel covers. Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $34,000. The Beaumont
Sport Deluxe was the Canadian equivalent
of a Super Sport or a GTO. This one last
sold at Mecum Indy in May for $29k, which
was about the right price for it (ACC#
243868). At that time, the consignor stated
that it had a 325-horse 396, and I rather
doubt that it got swapped since then.
CORVETTE
#564-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: E57S101962. Venetian Red
& Shoreline Beige/red hard top/red vinyl.
Odo: 4,844 miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected
V8, 3-sp. Recent better-quality trimoff
repaint, but doesn’t appear to be a
frame-off. Undercarriage dingy and unkempt
from new. Good body prep and good flushfitting
doors. Most chrome that hasn’t been
replaced with aftermarket pieces is done
well. All-reproduction interior soft trim, with
a few pieces starting to show light soiling.
Driver’s door window crank won’t stay on
the stud and keeps falling onto the floor.
Generally clean and stock engine bay, with
a recently rebuilt fuel-injection unit.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $12,000. This was the most
bland, nondescript 2+2 I’ve ever seen. Basically
a big honkin’ GTO in a Catalina body
and 4-bbl carb 421 as standard; most went
out the door pretty spiffy. This didn’t even
have the usual (optional) eight-lug wheels.
Originally went off the block as a no-sale at
$10k, but was listed as sold in post-event
data from the auction company.
SOLD AT $17,500. Originally a no-sale at
$17k across the block, declared sold later in
the day. Not a preservation-class original,
but pretty decent for a solid car that hasn’t
been taken apart. Yet. Market pricing.
76 AmericanCarCollector.com
#571-1967 BEAUMONT CUSTOM Sports
Deluxe replica 2-dr hard top. VIN: 7361771105198.
Maroon metallic/black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 35,081 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. NOM circa-1967 396 big-block (called
a 375-hp in the description) added when the
car was restored, along with the Sports Deluxe
trim. Decent repaint. Mostly decent
original trim with some replating. Acceptable
SOLD AT $86,100. One of 756 1957 Fuelies,
and with the original 3-speed to boot.
(It seems like most early 3-speed cars get
“upgraded” with the later 4-speed.) This car
was bid to a paltry $60k on the block, but a
deal came together later at this more reasonable
price.
#559-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194677S100365. Marina
Blue/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 509 miles.
427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Restamped
block, “with all visual components date correct.”
Copy of a recent records request to
NCRS states that it earned a Chapter Sec
Page 76
BRANSON // Branson, MO
ond Flight with 91 points in 1990 and a
Chapter Top Flight with 95.9 in 2002. Good
prep and paint. Good door gaps. Looks
stock under the hood, including the lessthan-glossy
finish on all components. Undercarriage
showing light real-world use.
Tidy interior, with the greatest wear and
discoloring on the repop floor mats.
Cond: 2-.
engine bay, with a good motor repaint, but
headers and modern belts and hoses keep
it from having show potential. Power windows
and steering, two tops, AM/FM radio.
Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $80,000. Another case of
“of course it’s numbers matching—I put
them there.” At least this time they admit it.
Also, for a car so nicely done and judged
well, nobody stepped up and said that it
definitely is a real-deal car—since there’s
no paper trail from GM to prove anything
beyond the original selling dealership.
Could be another example of why there’s
more 435-horse mid-years now than when
they were new. And bid accordingly.
#231-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 1Z67J3S402254. Orange/tan
vinyl. Odo: 85,341 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Excellent prep and paint performed
five years ago. Better-than-stock
door gaps, but driver’s door latch very fussy.
All-original chrome would look presentable if
it weren’t up against newer paint. Good alloriginal
interior, with more wrinkling on seat
inserts than wear. A few select hard plastic
pieces appear to have been re-dyed. Clean
SOLD AT $22,500. Boasted as having
85,341 actual miles, but that’s hardly a compliment
for a mid-1970s car. That’s about
where they used to really unwind. Rather,
the two decades of storage may have
helped more—provided that it was awakened
gently. First year of the rubber beak,
so it sold well enough.
FOMOCO
#613-1928 FORD MODEL A rumble-seat
roadster. VIN: A530253. Dark green &
black/black leatherette/brown vinyl. Odo:
22,779 miles. Accessory quail radiator cap,
running-board step plates, and wind wings.
Likely restored in 1960s or ’70s, when restoration
parts quality was very hit-and-miss.
Old 20-footer repaint, but at least it keeps
the tin from rusting. No masking under the
hood. Recently repainted wheels and newer
tires—all six. Older amateur upholstery work
with lumpy seat padding but no tears.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $9,720. The windshield
card’s description had a whole page about
Model As but not a damn thing about the
example on offer. Thing is, when all you
have is fluff and BS for a description, most
of us assume you’re peddling a POS that
has more issues than National Geographic.
Not too far from the mark here, but too
much for the running project that it is.
#577-1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: P6FH244045. Peacock
Blue/white hard top/blue & white vinyl. Odo:
18,448 miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Restored
fairly well a decade ago. Better-quality
bare-body repaint with a few nicks picked
up since. Chrome has either been replated
or is reproduction; dull original stainless
trim. Weak door gaps. Recent touch-up under
the hood, including reproduction inspection
stickers. Clean undercarriage.
All-reproduction interior vinyl. Equipped with
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
T&C AM radio, and hard top only.
Repro Sports Roadster Kelsey-Hayes wire
wheels. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $48,600. Enthusiasts consider
the 1956s the best of the original two-seat
T-birds, reportedly for the more reliabile
12-volt electrical components and the standard
Continental kit. If they’re honest, however,
most will admit that it’s because of the
white ’56 (and its female driver) in “American
Graffiti.” A no-sale across the block at
$42,500, but reported sold at this amount in
post-auction results.
#279-1963 FORD F-100 Custom Cab
pickup. VIN: F10JR353099. Red/gray vinyl.
Odo: 66,052 miles. 223-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp.
Casual restoration in recent years. Good
repaint, with a few areas of light orange
peel. Spot-weld dimples in the bed from
original manufacture retained. Dry-rotting
window gaskets. Light crazing on the original
door handles—one of the few chrome
pieces on the truck. Dealer-installed rear
bumper, owner-installed side stakes. Reproduction
seat upholstery, well fitted. Period
AAA “Fasten Seat Belts” tag below speedometer.
Tidy and generally stock motor.
Cond: 3+.
78 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 78
BRANSON // Branson, MO
NOT SOLD AT $8,000. 1963 was the final
year that Ford offered both the unibody
pickup with integral box and a traditional
separate cargo box. The latter utilized the
previous generation box (1957–60), which
may not integrate perfectly with the cab styling,
but does look quite purposeful. Then
again, I grew up around these, including
one identical to this that my dad owned
when I was a wee lad. It appeared to sell
when the reserve dropped at this marketcorrect
bid, but final results show a no-sale.
#597-1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 5F08C722260. Rangoon Red/white
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 7,672 miles. 289-ci V8,
2-bbl, auto. Reproduction data plate on the
door. Concise professional restoration almost
two decades ago. 1996 AACA National
First Place and Senior badge on
grille. Superb bare-body repaint. Mostly reproduction
brightwork. Perhaps the most
solid door fit I’ve ever seen on a soft-top
Mustang. Modern black seatbelts added.
Front seats showing some bagginess from
light use. Recent touch-up under the hood
and under the car. Bone-stock under the
hood. Cond: 1-.
Reproduction interior expertly fitted. Accessory
oil-pressure gauge, Sun tach, Hurst
shifter. Rather worn interior brightwork.
Clean and tidy engine bay, but not quite
stock. Aftermarket chrome valve covers and
tube headers, 1970s Monkey Wards voltage
regulator, modern battery and cables. Repop
Magnum 500 wheels with radials.
Cond: 3+.
3-sp. Average-quality repaint. Most trim
buffed out, bumpers sport an older replate.
Loose-fitting door handles. Metropolitan
Club decal on scratched original windshield.
Faded taillights. Good reupholstery work
with a non-stock fabric. Recently cleanedup
engine compartment. Modern fuel system,
with electric pump, regulator, and
several feet of rubber hose. Runs out okay.
A piece of safety cord helps keep the hood
fastened. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $17,000. Boxcar B-bodies
(1966–67) are still pretty soft in the market
since the correction a few years back, but
this was still bid under the money. Easily
could’ve been $10k more, warts and all.
AMERICANA
#580-1929 HUDSON MODEL R coupe.
VIN: 845757. Dark blue & black/black
broadcloth. Odo: 56,802 miles. Equipped
with rumble seat, cowl lamps and varnished
wood-spoke wheels. Old enamel repaint
with cracking on all surfaces still buffs out
fairly well. All plating dull and pitted. Older
turn signals in back with a ’60s signal head
clamped to the steering column. Decent
door fit for a wood-framed car. Good workmanship
on older seat upholstery. Recent
suspension work and modern electric fuel
pump. Light engine bay cleanup. Difficult to
keep running and arrived out of sequence,
but did cross the block under its own power.
Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $7,452. 1957 was the final year
of the Nash- and Hudson-badged Mets.
From here on out, they were sold though
through Rambler dealers, but with Metropolitan
as its own stand-alone marque. As
not a real stand-up example, this one sold
well enough—especially since the reserve
was off at $6,800.
#505-1979 INTERNATIONAL SCOUT II
Rallye SUV. VIN: J0062JGD20248. Dark
brown & white/black vinyl. Odo: 26,247
miles. 345-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Repainted in
recent years, but not done well. The further
you go up the truck, the more orange peel
there is. Good workmanship on the Rallye
graphics, though. Poorly fitting doors. Original-style
carpeting and bench seats are well
fitted; crudely redone door panels crudely
screwed on. Modern aftermarket sound system
in stock location, with speakers in door
panels. Generally tidy under the hood, leaning
towards looking stock. Newer aftermarket
steel wheels and oversized tires. Power
steering and brakes. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $32,940. Easily the nicest stock
car here. We usually don’t see run-of-themill
equipped Muskrats restored to this
level. Despite the fact that it is actually starting
to unwind in some ways, it’s still almost
too darn nice to drive, and it wouldn’t take
too much to get it back to concours lawnornament
condition. Spendy, but well spent.
MOPAR
#252-1967 PLYMOUTH GTX 2-dr hard
top. VIN: RS23L75133249. Maroon metallic/
white vinyl. Odo: 20,296 miles. 440-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Great bodywork. Paint, not
so much. Good gloss, but with light
overspray on some trim. Selective rechroming,
but most stainless and alloy trim is decent
original. Excellent door fit.
80 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $22,000. The longtime use
of the Super Six nomenclature ended for
1929, when Hudson went to simpler model
names R and L (perhaps standing for Long,
as it was the extended-wheelbase chassis
exclusively for custom bodywork by Biddle
& Smart). Super Six returned for 1933,
when automakers were doing anything to
get old-line customers back into the showrooms.
Last seen a year ago at Mecum’s
Chicago auction, then declared sold at $29k
(ACC# 236926). Plenty offered then and
now.
#210-1957 NASH METROPOLITAN
coupe. VIN: E31620. Beige & white/beige
cloth. Odo: 53,540 miles. 90-ci I4, 1-bbl,
SOLD AT $7,560. Well, brown was big in
the 1970s, so it could hide the instant rust.
Last seen at Russo and Steele Scottsdale
in January, selling to this consignor at
$8,900 (ACC# 242482). After failing to flip it
on eBay, he brought this stay-around-brown
Cornbinder out here so it could stay with
someone else. The market speaketh, since
it’s an off-roader more than an investment.
A
Page 80
DAN KRUSE CLASSICS // Austin, TX
Dan Kruse — Hill Country Classic
A TROPHY-WINNING 1939 FORD DELUXE 2-DOOR SEDAN WITH AN
ALL-STEEL BODY AND NHRA CERTIFICATION FOUND $62K
Dan Kruse
Classics
Austin, TX
September 26–27,
2014
Auctioneers: Daniel
Kruse, Brian Marshall
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 81/192
Sales rate: 42%
Sales total: $1,331,154
High American
sale: 1966 Chevrolet
Corvette convertible,
sold at $65,610
Buyer’s premium:
8%, included in sold
prices
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. Excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. Meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. Lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
Report and photos by Cody Tayloe
Market opinions in italics
veterans like Dan Kruse Classics and Leake Auction
Company expanded on their long history of success.
For 2014, Dan Kruse grew their Austin “Hill
T
82 AmericanCarCollector.com
Country Classic” to a two-day sale and upped consignments
to 192 from 177 last year. Unfortunately, this
change did not translate into a stronger sales total.
Eighty-one cars sold, compared with 119 last year, and
overall sales dipped to $1.3m from $2.5m. Average price
per car held flat at an affordable $15k.
The bidder pool was not as full as in years past.
There were a lot of familiar faces, but most of them
were from within the car business.
he number of collector car auctions in
the Lone Star State continues to increase.
Newcomers such as Motostalgia and Vicari
staked their claim, Mecum grew their Texas
calendar to three sales this year, and regional
Whatever the reason for the lower results this time
out, the Dan Kruse folks couldn’t be friendlier. They do
a good job at handling the consignments on the block,
and there was no shortage of quality cars.
A 1969 AMC AMX with all the right stuff sold
in a post-block deal for $28k, a 1965 Dodge Coronet
with a freshly built 440 Six Pack sold for $22k, and a
1970 Ford Torino GT with a 351 bored out to 460 was a
great buy at $23k. My pick for the best buy was a 1926
Buick Master 6 Landau convertible, sold for $13k. A
trophy-winning 1939 Ford Deluxe 2-door sedan with an
all-steel body and NHRA certification found $62k here,
which was a great price for a great street rod.
Maybe we’re simply witnessing market saturation,
and two days was just too much for this venue. Or could
it be that the tide is starting to turn in Texas? We’ll have
to wait and see. A
An all-steel 1939 Ford Deluxe 2-door sedan street rod, sold at $62,100
Page 82
DAN KRUSE CLASSICS // Austin, TX
GM
vinyl/blue velour. Odo: 14,867 miles. Older
restoration showing years of use. Dry spray
on hood. Paint run on passenger’s door.
Chrome becoming cloudy. Single windshield
wiper has left heavy streak on glass. Front
glass rubber is poor. Driver’s door out at
rear. Interior is tired, with door panels coming
undone. Gauges are faded and difficult
to read. Has rumble seat, rear spare, cowl
lights, brass MotoMeter and accessory wire
wheels. Cond: 3-.
#220-1926 BUICK MASTER 6 Landau
convertible. VIN: 1556238. Green/tan
brakes. GM 350 engine with lots of pieces
that will need polishing. Some aluminum
appears slightly hazy. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$62,100. Shiny showpiece that hasn’t seen
much life on the street. The GM 350 motor
will only increase its reliability and streetability.
Everything else on this one has been
massaged as well. Offered to the private
market at about $75k; the consignor cut it
loose for much less at a price that was fair
for buyer and seller.
#209-1950 FORD CUSTOM sedan. VIN:
B0DA193607. Burgundy/gray cloth. Odo:
94,501 miles. 239-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Said to
have recent service. Rebuilt flathead V8,
transmission and carburetor. Recently
cleaned and repacked drum brakes. Older
paint is pretty rough, with plenty of dull areas
and some fairly heavy scratches. Delamination
on passenger’s vent window. All
others are okay. Older chrome with typical
blemishes. Seat fabric in good condition.
Passenger’s door upholstery is coming unglued.
Dash-mounted clock works. Engine
is mostly original and appears well worn
and dirty. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $13,230. Recently no-saled at
Leake Tulsa in June with a high bid of
$15,500 (ACC# 251763). The offers were
not as strong this time around, but the consignor
decided to cut it loose. The Master
was Buick’s top offering above the Standard
Six, but this one was offered with the
smaller of the two 6-cylinder engine
choices. These are pretty simple cars, and
while not perfect, this one did not have a
long list of needs. The market for pre-war
Buicks is pretty niche, and the sales price
was on the soft side. Well bought.
FOMOCO
#257-1939 FORD DELUXE 2-dr sedan.
VIN: 18489274. Red & black/red & black
leather. Frame-off restoration completed
2008. NHRA certified. All-steel body. Trophies
and restoration documentation included.
Show-quality exterior paint with
matching interior colors. Suicide doors.
Good panel fit. Trim has been replated or
replaced. Wheels could use a polish. Interior
is all new from the carpets to the seat
upholstery. Mustang II front end. Disc
is clear, with a few very minor scratches.
Rubber is holding up well. Well-sorted interior
with good seats and carpets. Splits in
steering wheel with pitting on the horn bezel.
Continental kit. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$24,840. Up close, the car was nice, but it
had certainly seen its fair share of post-restoration
use; now it’s just a solid driver. We
saw it back in April of 2013 at Mecum’s
Houston auction, where it did not sell at
$21k (ACC# 220658). Values for ’50s Mercs
are very consistent, with the big bucks going
to the convertibles and limited-run Sun
Valley cars of 1954 and 1955. The price
paid here was fair.
#305-1968 FORD F-100 pickup. VIN:
F10YCD04448. Black/black velour. Odo:
74,006 miles. 302-ci fuel-injected V8, auto.
Older paint in unforgiving black shines well
but also displays many usage imperfections.
Could use a good buffing. Bumpers
painted black. Original trim. Door rubber
replaced. Rubber is cracked and dry around
the fuel-filler neck. Panels appear to fit correctly.
Gauges are original and show age.
Carpets and seats have been updated.
Cover hides any flaws on dash. Fox-body
era 5.0 Mustang powerplant. Air conditioning
added. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $16,200. The shoebox Fords
have a pretty loyal following, and the cost of
entry here was not much. The description of
recent service made this one more attractive
and compensated for the older paint
and other shortcomings. It won’t take a
great deal of work to bring this one up another
$10k. Fair price for a fair car.
#205-1956 MERCURY MONTCLAIR 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 56SL111465M. Ivory &
black/black & white vinyl. Odo: 39,317
miles. 312-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Older restoration
is high quality and now showing effects
of time. Paint has been carefully
touched up throughout but cannot hide age.
Light pitting on the chrome bumpers. Light
brightwork scratches and minor dull areas
throughout. Panel fit is correct. Glass
SOLD AT $16,740. The pickup truck customization
craze of a few years ago seems
to have settled down, certainly due at least
in part to rising values for stock trucks. This
was a nut-and-bolt restoration a few years
ago but not an “open checkbook” build. Decent
ones in unmodified shape tend to bring
about the same money as the sales price
here, putting this one right in line if the build
suited your taste.
#311-1968 FORD MUSTANG coupe. VIN:
8R01J101031. Red/black leather. 289-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older customization that
has grown tired with age. Non-factory-colored
paint is peeling and flaking in places.
Trim is scratched and dull but not dented
and all there. Inner fenders rolled for beefy
tires. Panel fit is okay. Suspension reportedly
set up for “road racing.” Massive stereo
components and speakers take up the rear
of the cabin. Racing seats with large bolsters
added. Small steering wheel. Digital
gauges. Lots of dress-up pieces under the
hood. Aluminum radiator. Air conditioning.
Digital odo. Cond: 3-.
84 AmericanCarCollector.com
BEST
BUY
Page 84
DAN KRUSE CLASSICS // Austin, TX
tion. Surface rust on inner fender of engine
bay. Dirty motor with some fluid spray.
Cond: 3+.
well stored with expected flaws from use.
Clearcoat scratches could use a polishing.
Original rubber holding up just fine. Excellent
interior. Cloth seats and original carpets
show very little wear. A few scuffs and
scrapes on driver’s seat from entry and exit.
Gauges are clear and easy to read. Wellpreserved
engine compartment. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $17,280. Eye-catching from 20
feet away, but a closer look reveals a Mustang
that is pretty tired and could use some
refreshening. Not to everyone’s tastes and
certainly over the top if something more
original suits your fancy. If you like what you
see, then this was a good buy, and despite
its cosmetic shortcomings, probably a lot of
fun to wheel around in for a while.
#289-1970 FORD TORINO GT 2-dr hard
top. VIN: 0R35H129548F. Red/black vinyl.
460-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The consignor bailed
out a distressed party mid-restoration and
finished it out to the tune of about $40k.
Very straight body with newer Dodge Viper
red paint. Rubber has been replaced. Bumpers
not rechromed during build and are a
little dull but not pitted. DOT-approved drag
slicks on rear. Interior mostly original and in
good condition. Tach on steering column.
Billet accessories throughout engine compartment.
Born with an H-code 351, upgraded
to a 460 with 429 heads. Aluminum
radiator. Fuel cell in trunk. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $16,000. Consignor says
“partially restored,” but it’s more like a project
halted mid-stream. 1977 marked the last
year of the Gen I Bronco, and they are
sought-after for that reason. I see this as
proof that the red-hot classic utility market is
finally showing some cracks. Not long ago,
incomplete restorations that still needed
sorting were bringing over $20k. Now there
seems to be an over-supply, with prices
being pushed down. Correct high bid considering
good ones are getting easier to
find.
#295-1988 FORD MUSTANG ASC/
McLaren convertible. VIN: 1FABP40E9JF204209.
Red/black cloth/gray leather.
Odo: 14,074 miles. 5.0-L fuel-injected V8,
auto. Glossy paint with prep issues and debris
throughout. Paint runs on tail and fisheyes
here and there. Panel alignment is
incorrect on both doors and rear bumper.
Corners of tonneau cover vinyl worn. Interior
decent. Seats show little wear. Carpets
bunching in footwells. Signal stalk and
switches worn from use. A few dress-up
pieces under the hood. Plug wires recently
replaced. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $23,220. Pull up to any car meet
and there will be countless Mustangs, but
the Torino in Sportsroof configuration offers
something a little different. For the most
part, the Torino was an intermediate car,
with lots of 4-door and 2-door hard tops
built. The Sportsroof was available in GT
trim with high-displacement optional engines,
making it more of a muscle car. With
this car’s 460, slicks and fuel cell, it is set up
to run fast in a straight line. Well bought.
#208-1977 FORD BRONCO SUV. VIN:
U15GLY51092. Brown/white lift-off hard
top/brown vinyl. Odo: 51,149 miles. 302-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Said to be three owners
from new with current ownership dating to
1988. Partially restored. Older repaint with
some prep issues in need of a refreshing.
Wheel paint is rough and flaking. Side trim
has some light denting. Sun-faded front turn
signals. Well-presented interior. Driver’s
interior door pull is worn and faded from
handling. Factory hard top is in good condi-
86 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $14,850. Good, unmolested Foxbody
Mustangs are getting more and more
difficult to find. There are some out there
that have been preserved since day one,
with delivery plastic still on the seats and
the window sticker still affixed. Then there
are ones like this, with a few thousand miles
of use that won’t make you feel like you are
the curator of some museum piece. Although
offered privately for about $15k, the
consignor decided to let it go for a little less.
Sold right in line with recent sales.
MOPAR
#280-1965 DODGE CORONET 2-dr hard
top. VIN: W351102668. Red/red cloth. Odo:
32,200 miles. 440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Originally
a factory a/c car; offered here with no
air and big-block power that is built for the
strip. Original build sheet included. Older
paint is average quality with a few prep issues.
Trim is showing age. Good panel fit.
Older rubber is in good condition. Glass is
clear with minimal scratches. Interior clean
and well kept. Seat fabric correct and in
excellent condition. Engine bay has been
repainted. New headers dumping to threeinch
exhaust. Lots of polished accessories
under the hood. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $8,100. ASC/McLaren Mustangs
tend to show up in the classifieds with astronomical
asking prices because the owners
believe they are “rare.” This one had its
share of flaws but wasn’t completely hopeless.
No claim was made regarding original
mileage, but if the odometer is accurate,
this one actually sold under the money.
#281-1993 FORD MUSTANG SVT Cobra
coupe. VIN: 1FACP42D7PF176220. Black/
black cloth. Odo: 36,242 miles. 5.0-L fuelinjected
V8, 5-sp. Low mileage and all original.
One of 4,993 produced. Original
window sticker included. Factory black paint
SOLD AT $21,600. Although the 440 and
Six Pack are not original to the car, they are
certainly the best of what is available without
jumping into the stratosphere with a
Hemi. The build appeared to be pretty fresh,
and the headers looked as though they
hadn’t seen much in the way of high temperatures,
but the absence of a hood scoop
kept this one looking run-of-the-mill. The
build price is likely close to the selling price,
but the market for such a thing is pretty soft.
Fair deal for buyer and seller.
Page 86
GLOVEBOXNOTES DAN KRUSE CLASSICS // Austin, TX
By Jim Pickering
2015 Dodge Challenger
6.4L Scat Pack
Price as tested: $47,265
Equipment: 6.4-L 485-hp Hemi V8,
8-speed TorqueFlite automatic with
adaptive electronic control, Brembo
4-piston front and 4-piston rear brakes,
Scat Pack appearance package, driver
convenience group, leather interior,
technology group, power sunroof.
Mileage: 15 city/25 highway
Likes: Gobs of power without all the
standard tech add-ons you get in the
SRT. In fact, the only thing that tips off
the masses that this thing has the SRT
motor are a few discreet 6.4 badges and
a nasty exhaust snarl. Eight-speed auto
is seriously quick to shift and fun to use
in manual mode. Sport mode cranks
throttle response, transmission, and
steering up to “burnouts all the time”
levels. All-new interior is both modern
and nostalgic. Adaptive cruise control is
pretty cool.
Dislikes: Base price on this thing was
$37,495, plus $995 destination. Add-ons
pushed the price into “might as well
get the SRT 392” levels (SRT starts at
$47,390). What’s the point of a cheaper
sleeper muscle car with a bunch of
add-ons that boost up the price? Also, in
today’s world, mention the word “scat”
and people think of pooper scoopers
instead of roaring V8s. And you’ll hear
about that. A lot.
Verdict: Dodge has really come out of
the gate strong with its performance
offerings in 2015, and this Challenger
is one of my favorites. At under $40k,
there’s not much that’ll touch this car
in the fun-per-dollar equation, and the
driving experience is fantastic, with
an evil-when-you-want-it attitude that
makes commuting fun. Give me a basic
cloth-interior version without the sunroof,
tech group, and other non-go-fast options
for that base price and I’m sold.
Fun to drive:
Eye appeal:
overall experience:
(at base MSRP)
88
AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $31,428. The 110 was the economy
range in the Packard lineup, which
couldn’t have come at a better time for the
company in light of the Great Depression.
Despite the smaller engine, it’s still a Packard
and would be at home at any pre-war
rally. This one was offered privately at
around $40k, but the final bid was right in
line with where it should be, making it a fair
deal for all.
#259-1969 AMC AMX fastback. VIN: A9M397X1000029.
Matador Red/red vinyl. Odo:
47,585 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Red,
white, and blue stars and stripes. Handling
Pack, Go Package, Twin Grip axle. Restoration
a few years old with some use. Bubble
in center of the hood. Painted graphics
are even and uniform. Window rubber has a
few tears. Light pitting on taillight trim.
Cleanly restored interior. Newer carpets.
Factory tach. Aftermarket white-faced
Equus gauges in center of dash. Original
engine-bay paint. Everything underhood is
tidy. Fresh hoses and plug wires. Cond: 2-.
AMERICANA
#292-1941 PACKARD 110 Club coupe.
VIN: CA865782. Laguna Maroon Metallic/
tan cloth. Odo: 52,254 miles. Older restoration
with imperfections mostly from use.
Good panel fit. Trim mostly good with pitting
surfacing on the rear bumper. Rear metal
bumperette is loose. Glass is clean and
clear. Rubber gaskets appear fresh. Reupholstered
interior. Driver’s seat bottom is
loose and detached. Original gauges are
cloudy at the edges with debris present on
the faces under glass. Engine compartment
shows years of use but is in overall good
condition. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $28,080. When the discussion
turns to iconic muscle cars of the late
1960s, the AMX is unfortunately often forgotten.
This one had the right stuff: four-onthe-floor,
Matador Red with painted
graphics, and a very clean matching red
interior. Bidding stalled out in the low $20ks,
but the consignor was looking for a number
closer to $30k. This market-correct deal
came together later.
#66-1979 JEEP CJ-7 Renegade. VIN:
J9A93AC060169. Brown/black vinyl. Odo:
68,374 miles. 258-ci I6, 2-bbl, auto. Original
paint in very poor condition. Body rusted out
everywhere. Dent on front fender. Frame
appears to be in good condition. Newer
front bumper. Fender flares missing. Carpetless
interior reveals welded-in floor pan
patches. Newer high-back seats. Dash is
faded and needs sorting. Makeshift roofmount
bracket to hold radio. Cond: 5+.
NOT SOLD AT $2,500. Recently seen at
Leake’s Dallas auction in April, where it was
well sold at $3,960 (ACC# 251637). Rust
has touched almost every surface, and luckily,
someone decided to patch up the floor
pans to keep the occupants from falling out
of the bottom. There is not much that this
one doesn’t need, including a check of the
internals after it backfired on the block with
a cannon-like bang. This one will need a lot,
with little upside potential. A
Page 88
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report
American highlights
at four auctions
GM
#314-1929 LASALLE SERIES 328 convertible
coupe. VIN: 404414. Green &
black/tan leather/black leather. Odo: 95,150
miles. All original, never restored. Very dull
paint with flakes, pitting. Minimal chrome
abounds with blemishes. Grille, bumpers
rusty. Soft top heavily soiled but intact; clear
window. Scruffy interior. Seats torn, exposing
cushioning material. Headliner ripped.
Loose rubber padding on floor pedal. Rumble
seat in better condition than front buckets.
Driver-quality engine bay, as one might
expect. CCCA Full Classic. Cond: 4+.
Vicari Auctions’ top-step-of-the-podium winner — 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird
coupe, sold at $453,600
Vicari Auctions
Biloxi, MS — october 10–12, 2014
Auctioneers: Joey Fortner, Ken Buhler,
Jack Armstrong
Automotive lots sold/offered: 208/405
Sales rate: 51%
Sales total: $5,180,490
High sale: 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird, sold
at $453,600
Buyer’s premium: 8%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Bret LeBreton
Mecum Auctions
Schaumburg, IL — october 9–11, 2014
Auctioneers: Mark Delzell, Mike Hagerman,
Jimmy Landis, Matt Moravec
Automotive lots sold/offered: 576/930
Sales rate: 62%
Sales total: $15,051,370
High sale: 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition, sold
at $513,000
Buyer’s premium: 8%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Dan Grunwald
Mecum Auctions
Dallas, TX — September 3–6, 2014
Auctioneers: Mark Delzell, Mike Hagerman,
Jimmy Landis, Matt Moravec
Automotive lots sold/offered: 767/1,135
Sales rate: 68%
Sales total: $31,414,518
High sale: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88
convertible, sold at $734,400
Buyer’s premium: 8%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Cody Tayloe
Bonhams
Preserving the Automobile
Philadelphia, PA — october 6, 2014
Auctioneers: Rupert Banner, Patrick Meade
Automotive lots sold/offered: 47/60
Sales rate: 78%
Sales total: $3,821,290
High sale: 1907 American Underslung 50-hp
roadster, sold at $1,430,000
Buyer’s premium: 25% on first $100,000; 20%
from $100,001 to $2,000,000; 12% thereafter,
included in sold prices
Report and photos by Adam Blumenthal
SOLD AT $45,100. A “time warp” LaSalle
that reportedly emerged from storage going
back to WWII. So what to do now—restore
or preserve? Probably the latter, but with a
little bit of the former just so the family won’t
mind being seen tooling about town. An
open V8 LaSalle that is eligible for CCCA
outings at this price was a fine purchase.
Well bought. Bonhams, Philadelphia, PA,
10/14.
#S128.1-1955 PONTIAC SAFARI wagon.
VIN: L755H7587. Tan & white/ brown & tan
vinyl. Odo: 46,136 miles. 287-ci V8, 2-bbl,
auto. Some orange peel visible in paint, and
some trim shows masking lines. The passenger’s
door fits wide at the bottom.
Chrome and trim look good, and interior and
dash look new. Clean engine and tinted
glass all around. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $25,920. Take the whole family
along on your sunny-day drive, and do it in
style. The tan color certainly isn’t flamboyant,
but you will be noticed in this vintage
wagon, and most viewers will not have seen
anything like it before. I am calling this Pontiac
well bought. Mecum Auctions, Chicago,
IL, 10/14.
Michael Furman courtesy of Bonhams
Top seller at Bonhams’ Preserving the Automobile auction — 1907 American
underslung 50-hp roadster, sold at $1,430,000
90
AmericanCarCollector.com
#S48.1-1956 CHEVROLET 210 2-dr sedan.
VIN: 61011623808. Eng. # 169509.
Sherwood Green & white/Charcoal Gray &
Page 89
ROUNDUP
GLOBAL
Star Frost cloth. Odo: 8,688 miles. 235-ci I6,
1-bbl, 3-sp. Original survivor with the expected
blemishes. Well-cared-for original
rubber with some bunching on the driver’s
door vent window. Factory-correct panel fit.
Small ding in window trim behind passenger’s
door. Spartan interior in above-average
condition. Worn paint and noticeable
scratch on steering wheel. Engine paint
shows age and is flaking off. Factory markings
still present. Cond: 2-.
car. That said, it’s an important car, so the
price paid looked market-correct. Mecum
Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/14.
really stands out. The 5-speed helped as
well. Well sold. Mecum Auctions, Chicago,
IL, 10/14.
SOLD AT $33,480. Canadian-built basic
210 with a straight six and 3-on-the-tree,
and while not perfect, only 8,688 miles from
new and one of the most original in existence.
What was missing was a compelling
backstory. A search around the Internet
reveals this one was once offered on eBay
with no-sale top bid of $30,500. I’d say the
market is set on this one. Mecum Auctions,
Dallas, TX, 09/14.
#S60.1-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr
hard top. VIN: VC57J154835. Red/black &
red cloth & vinyl. Odo: 64 miles. 283-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. The body side panels are wavy
and a bit dull in places. Chrome bumpers
look new, with some peeling chrome on the
rear bumper. The trim looks good and fits
well. Wiper scratches on front glass.
Cond: 3+.
#S660-1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/
SS coupe. VIN: 124377L123529. Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 18,085 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Clean example of a restored first-year
Camaro in a great color combo. Paint is
nice but not perfect. Interior is restored and
very nice. Non-original center gauges.
Some incorrect components on remanufactured
engine. Clean engine compartment.
Cond: 2.
#S539-1968 PONTIAC GTO convertible.
VIN: 242678P310496. Peacock Teal/white
convertible top/cream. Odo: 94,025 miles. A
very nice historically documented convertible
GTO. Paint is excellent with no flaws,
chrome bright but not perfect. Interior is also
excellent. Engine clean and detailed. Only
knock is some aftermarket adds along with
the bored rebuilt engine. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $50,760. This was a good result
for the seller, as it was sold at a strong number.
Ultimately this goat climbed to a high
altitude given the performance upgrades,
convertible top and excellent paint. Vicari,
Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
SOLD AT $38,880. This car was restored to
a good level, but I was surprised at the result,
considering it had a remanufactured
engine. Well sold. Vicari, Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
124377N101382. Granada Gold/black vinyl.
Odo: 10 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. First
Camaro delivered to Yenko Chevrolet.
High-quality two-year restoration. Excellent
panel fit. High-quality paint. Brightwork is
near flawless. Glass is like new. Interior
very neat and tidy. Virtually no carpet wear.
Everything like new. Date-code-correct 427ci
engine block. Intake manifold, carburetor
and heads correctly coded as Corvette L72
components. Cond: 1-.
4
#S114-1967 CHEVROLET
CAMARO Yenko coupe. VIN:
SOLD AT $38,880. No hot rod mods here.
Just a nice, stock local-show driver. Sold
fair both ways. Mecum Auctions, Chicago,
IL, 10/14.
#S98.1-1965 PONTIAC GTO convertible.
VIN: 2376765P260597. Blue/white cloth/
Parchment vinyl. Odo: 1,606 miles. 389-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, 5-sp. Very clean and well detailed
in all areas. Some dirt on white driver’s
seat. Fitted with original a/c and
Tri-Power. Power windows, power brakes,
and power steering with tilt wood-rim steering
wheel. Upgraded 5-speed. Said to have
PHS documentation. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$71,280. A great color combination that
#S639-1968 PONTIAC GTO 2-dr hard top.
VIN: 242378R190670. Light blue metallic/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 47,420 miles.
400-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Believed to be an
unrestored original. Driver condition. Paint is
flawed as expected, but still has a shine.
New vinyl top. Interior is in good original
condition. Engine is a little rough, but not
bad for a driver. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $18,900. This car reportedly
came from an estate, where it was probably
stored for a while. It could be a good candidate
for a restoration, and the price was fair
for originality, condition and options. Buyer
and seller should be happy with the result.
Vicari, Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
SOLD AT $324,000. Confirmed to be the
first Camaro delivered to Yenko Chevrolet,
where it was in inventory for over a year. It’s
a real-deal Yenko with a beautiful and correct
restoration, but that can’t change the
fact that it’s no longer a matching-numbers
#S192-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28
coupe. VIN: 124379N685068. Blue/black &
white cloth & vinyl. Odo: 68,764 miles. 302ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Dashpad is pulling loose
on the top. Engine shows driving dirt. Power
disc brakes and original air pump. RS package,
tilt steering wheel. Endura bumper.
New houndstooth seat covers. Lots of
scratches on rear glass. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$56,160. A fairly fresh restoration on this
RS-package Z/28, which was said to have
the correct numbers-matching engine,
January-February 2015 91
TOP 10
Page 90
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
QUICKTAKE
1984 Ford Bronco XLT
SoLD at $26,400
RM Auctions, Hershey, PA, 10/10/2014, Lot 208
VIN: 1FMEU15HXELA42319
transmission and differential. The strong
price looks fair considering the quality and
correctness. Mecum Auctions, Chicago,
IL, 10/14.
#S536-1969 PONTIAC GTO 2-dr hard top.
VIN: 242379A117495. Liberty Blue/Parchment
vinyl. Odo: 64,326 miles. 400-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Shows well in this unusual
color. Paint in very nice condition with few
flaws. Nice panel fit. Interior clean and restored,
as is engine compartment. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $35,640. A really attractive GTO,
but price must be considered strong since it
wasn’t a Judge, a convertible or Ram Air
optioned. Seller should be pleased. Vicari,
Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
on the mud and mall life for which it was intended. Instead, it lived inside
what must have been climate-controlled storage, venturing out rarely and racking up only 22k
miles.
But $26k for an ’84 Bronco? This is one of those sales that cements a stupid-looking
This 50-shades-of-beige Bronco seems to have missed out entirely
grimace on my face.
If this truck had less than 1,000 miles I would maybe, possibly understand. But it doesn’t.
And worse, the odometer displays what is “likely the actual
mileage from new.” Likely? At $10,000 or less, “likely” is an
acceptable answer. At an out-of-this-world amount, it is not.
And although the interior looks fantastic, the catalog says
it’s new. That’s different than original.
Five thousand dollars would’ve been about right for
something like this not that long ago, and a buyer at that
price would have ditched the roof and installed serious mudslinging
meats before even getting it home. But at this price,
guys with a hankering for a crate motor and a set of boggers
aren’t the main market anymore. Thirty years on, kids from
the “He-Man” era who used to ride around in the back of
these are now prime earners, and they’re the next players in
the collector car market.
Trucks from this era are starting to see some movement,
and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is just a hint at a coming
trend — especially considering that there are so few really
good versions of trucks like this out there today. They say
you can never pay too much, only buy too early. I just wonder
if the people who said that ever figured an ’84 Bronco
would become collectible. A
92
AmericanCarCollector.com
#S527-1970 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO SS
454 pickup. VIN: 136800L133753. Black &
white/black vinyl. Odo: 5,742 miles. 454-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Nice black-over-black ’70 El
Camino SS shows well with the 454. Good
paint, nice interior, decent chrome. Engine
clean and original in appearance. Non-original
aftermarket radio. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $25,650. Unsure of the originality
of its components, but it’s attractive either
way. The price fell right in the acceptable
range, so rack it up as a good result for both
parties. A genuine matching-numbers LS6
could have sold for more. Vicari, Biloxi,
MS, 10/14.
— Jay Harden
#S570-1972 BUICK SKYLARK GS replica
convertible. VIN: 4H67J2H151323. Blue
metallic/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 85,521
miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A great-look
Page 92
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
ing GS clone restored in very nice color
combination with hood tach. This is a topnotch
restoration with paint, chrome, interior,
engine compartment, and under
carriage all getting the full attention. Definitely
a worthy muscle car for an enthusiast.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $20,520. Nice truck, biggest motor,
best trim level. Well bought for sure.
Mecum Auctions, Chicago, IL, 10/14.
#S559-1972 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
convertible. VIN: 1D67H2R603437. Yellow
& black/black vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 51,673
miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Average example
of a convertible Chevelle. Paint is
newer but showing some age as a good
driver. Body fit and chrome below average.
Interior complete but showing age. Unable
to view engine but suspect comparable
driver condition. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $36,180. Fantastic restoration,
but given that it’s not a real GS, price paid
was all the money. Even though the restoration
was quite an investment, it was still a
great result for the seller. Vicari, Biloxi,
MS, 10/14.
148014. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 97,196 miles.
402-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Good overall paint
with a couple of stone chips and light dents
on the front of hood. All trim and chrome
look good. Air, power steering and brakes.
Good interior with speakers in front door
panels. Opening back window and bed rails.
Missing original options list from glovebox
door. Cond: 2.
#S174-1972 CHEVROLET C10 Cheyenne
Super pickup. VIN: CCE142S-
SOLD AT $21,060. Yes, it’s a convertible
Chevelle, but not a big-block car or highly
optioned or particularly sharply restored. So
the result was a decent result for both parties,
with the buyer acquiring a good driver.
Vicari, Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
CORVETTE
#S144-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: J58S104840. Blue/blue
canvas/blue vinyl. Odo: 238 miles. 283-ci
245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. A high-level restoration
where everything looks factory new or
better. Chrome, paint, top, interior and engine
look fresh and spotless. Said to be
matching-numbers. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$108,000. Some people think the ’58s were
SOLD AT $72,360. You thought your Fuelie
was rare? This most basic of Split-Windows
is said to be one of only 909 that came
equipped with the 3-speed manual. Most
basic engine, most basic transmission and
mostly optionless, but a special car when
looking at the production numbers. Well
bought for a Split-Window no matter what
the configuration. It last sold in 2009 for
$50k at RM Hershey (ACC# 143347).
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/14.
#S152-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 194677S106540. Elkhart
Blue/white cloth/teal vinyl. Odo: 513 miles.
427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Restored
in 2011 and still has spotless Elkhart Blue
paint. Rough door panel tops. Teal interior
with factory-detailed engine. Great chrome.
Optioned with sidepipes, power brakes, and
power windows. Cond: 1-.
just too much trim, chrome, and decoration.
I love them. This one really sparkled, and
the bidders were generous. When you pay
this kind of money, you want to buy the
best, and this fits that category. I’ll call it
good for both parties. Mecum Auctions,
Chicago, IL, 10/14.
#S62-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 30837S102210. Daytona Blue/
blue vinyl. Odo: 50,185 miles. 327-ci 250-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Well-cared-for older restoration
now driver-quality. Paint is good overall,
with minor flaws. A few scratches around
the hood on the driver’s side. Panel fit is
correct. Typical worn stainless around the
shifter. Bottom seat cushions look tired, but
overall upholstery is good. Equipped with
optional AM radio. Engine is average and
could use a detail. Cond: 3.
94 AmericanCarCollector.com
BEST
BUY
Page 94
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
SOLD AT $118,800. Looks ready for
Bloomington Gold and NCRS judging. Not
sure that that will add much more value
here, though. The new owner paid a strong
price to win this one, but no one can argue
with the quality, and the color combination
is great. Mecum Auctions, Chicago, IL,
10/14.
#S535-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector Edition coupe. VIN: 1G1AY0786C5115629.
Gold/mirror T-tops/gold twotone
vinyl. Odo: 46,241 miles. 350-ci 200-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. A good example of a
Collector Edition with reasonable miles that
you can still take out and drive. Paint is in
great condition for the miles, as is interior. A
well-taken-care-of ’80s Corvette. Cond: 2.
AT $86,400. Last seen at Mecum’s 2013
Chicago sale one year ago, not sold at a bid
of $90k (ACC# 236583), confirming it was
well sold today. This money could also purchase
a well-equipped new Z06 Corvette,
good for a very respectable 650 hp. Mecum
Auctions, Chicago, IL, 10/14.
FOMOCO
black leather. In the Middleton Collection
since ’59. Older restoration has come undone
in areas but has patina. Paint crazed
with lots of chips and scratches throughout.
Serious flaking on cowl. Hood stops are
loose. Repro black top looks okay, has
milky rear windows. Flaking on top supporting
structure. There appears to be a perforation
in the body at leading edge of rear
fender. Seats look good and comfy with
some wear. Very dirty wood floor in trunk.
Original engine bay. Fitted with an electric
starter. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $21,600. If you wanted a fun
cruising car that you could enjoy without
being concerned about diminishing the
value, this would be a fine choice. Good
result for buyer and seller. Vicari, Biloxi,
MS, 10/14.
#S95-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
Hennessey coupe. VIN: 1G1YR26R895800743.
Black/black leather. Odo: 3,715
miles. 6.2-L 763-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp.
As-new 3,715-mile ZR1, upgraded by Henessey
to 763 dyno-tested horsepower.
#301-1924 FORD MODEL T roadster.
VIN: 9787170. Black/black leather/
toration done to an exceptional standard.
Paint, chrome, trim, interior all excellent.
Looks like white or silver pinstriping; shows
no imperfections. Dual wind wings have an
etched floral pattern. The only real negatives
are the doors being slightly off and a
trace of what appears to be gas on the
hood. Engine bay shows meticulous prep.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $20,350. A stunning car restored
to the nines. Model A values have been
rising the past few years and are not far
from the $40k mark. That the astute buyer
nabbed this (at no reserve) for a little more
than half that was a genuine coup. Very well
bought. Bonhams, Philadelphia, PA,
10/14.
SOLD AT $6,050. Reportedly kept in dry
storage the past few years. A presentable
eye-catcher that had needs, but nothing of
the magnitude to scare off an avid restorer.
Besides, the buyer got a great deal, and so
there’s room to tinker and come out above
water at the end of the day. Well bought.
Bonhams, Philadelphia, PA, 10/14.
The stock ZR1 for 2009 only made 620 hp.
No visible flaws anywhere. Cond: 1-. SOLD
#321-1930 FORD MODEL A roadster.
VIN: A3462332. Blue/tan canvas/black
vinyl. Odo: 407 miles. Recent frame-off res-
#F58-1932 FORD panel truck. VIN: B524059.
White & black/brown vinyl. Odo:
74,839 miles. Not overly shiny paint, as you
might expect on a stock ’32 truck. There is a
visible patch in rear left panel under the
paint. New wood floors and a single seat
with no adjustments or seat belts. The engine
looks clean. Sports what appears to be
a custom-made aluminum windshield frame.
Painted bumpers. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $19,440. Looks like a lot of fun in
the slow lane, and it looks to be a good and
reliable driver. Possibly a great advertising
billboard for not a lot of money. Fairly
bought. Mecum Auctions, Chicago, IL,
10/14.
#306-1935 FORD MODEL 48 Deluxe roadster.
VIN: 1742350. Palm Beach Gray/tan
cloth/dark brown leather. Odo: 1,000 miles.
In Middleton Collection for past 30 years.
Looks fantastic after mechanical service
and cosmetic detailing in 2007 at a claimed
$6,300. Paint overall excellent; a few starbursts,
flaking. An outbreak of fisheyes in
variable chrome. Doors slightly off. Deeply
skirted front fenders. Poppy Red wheels
96 AmericanCarCollector.com
BEST
BUY
BEST
BUY
Page 96
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
and pinstriping. Newish Universal Tire
whitewalls. Dual chrome Sparton horns.
Rumble seat. Encased rear spare. Rear
color-matching luggage rack. Seats offer
great support in crisp interior. Detailed engine
bay looks stock. Cond: 2+.
the build. It appears little expense was
spared, and the winning bid was more in
line with stock woodies, although the modifications
will make this one easier to enjoy.
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/14.
#S542-1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: P6FH331838. Fiesta Red/
white hard top/Fiesta Red & cream vinyl.
Odo: 2,396 miles. 292-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Great ’56 T-bird with fantastic documentation.
Older restoration to 100-point standard
has held up very well. Paint is excellent,
with minor imperfections. Interior matches
well with mostly original components. Engine
follows in a very original and clean
condition. No reserve. P-code VIN indicates
a 312-ci V8, but placard says 292. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $40,700. An Early Ford V-8 Club
car bearing Texas plates. Claimed to have
been the recipient of numerous awards
post-restoration, and it looks the part. It was
very well sorted and wouldn’t need a whole
lot to bring it up a notch. Just a solid and
stylish 1930s Ford that’ll fit right in on the
vintage touring circuit and backing out of the
family driveway for a weekend spin. Money
paid was well below the $60k low estimate,
making for what should have been one very
happy new owner. Well bought. Bonhams,
Philadelphia, PA, 10/14.
#S81.1-1938 FORD 81A woodie wagon.
VIN: 81A7904352. Blue & wood/tan leather.
350-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. One-year restoration
recently completed. Stock appearance
inside and out, with modern driveline and
chassis. Demon tri-power carbs, 4-speed
auto, 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering,
coil-overs, a/c. Flawless paint. Wood replaced
and appears very well milled. All
new glass and rubber. Vinyl seats upgraded
to leather. Spotless engine bay. Undercarriage
as tidy as the top side.
Cond: 1-.
57SL70004M. Cream/black cloth/black &
light yellow vinyl. 368-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Very nicely restored but not over the top.
Paint is excellent with minor flaws. Interior is
equally nice with engine compartment spotless
and restored. Odo shows no miles; I’m
guessing the speedo has been rebuilt.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $45,900. Recently sold at BarrettJackson
Scottsdale this past January for
$33k (ACC# 241080) and before that at
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2012 at $70k
(ACC# 193948). This price in the middle
looked reasonable to me. It also no-saled at
$66k at Mecum Indy in 2013 (ACC#
223935). Both buyer and seller should be
happy this time. Vicari, Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
SOLD AT $72,360. With its Fiesta Red exterior
and very festive interior, this was a
sharp car with the condition to go along with
it. Manuals, articles, pics, and others sorts
of ephemera came with the car. Strong
price paid was correct for the excellent condition.
Vicari, Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
#F110-1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: D7FH392512. Red/red porthole
hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 2,255 miles.
312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint has some micro-scratching,
but nothing that a little compound
and wax won’t fix. New interior in
2013. The dashpad color is peeling off. The
engine, trans, and power steering are said
to have been recently rebuilt. New wiring,
heater core, shocks, brakes and alternator
upgrade. No mention of soft top; porthole
hard top attached. Cond: 2.
#S636-1966 FORD MUSTANG 2+2 coupe.
VIN: 6T09K124681. Red/black Pony vinyl.
Odo: 39,155 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A
great example of a Hi-Po K-code fastback
with the right colors and options. Non-original
wheels. Well documented. Modest restoration
with nice paint showing some
imperfections. Good chrome that’s bright
and clean. Interior is excellent but still looks
original. Engine looks fresh, clean and correct.
A really nice collector car. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $46,440. While the market trend
seems to be off slightly from 2013 for the
Mustangs, this car with pony interior and all
the right stuff commanded a market-correct
result. Vicari, Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
#S637-1967 MERCURY COUGAR coupe.
VIN: 7F915639357. Red/red vinyl. Odo:
98,450 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older
restoration while with the Volo Auto Museum
in Illinois. Comes with plenty of documen-tation.
Good paint presents well.
SOLD AT $135,000. Appearing mostly
stock, sort of; there has been quite a bit of
time and money spent on the build. This
one would be right at home touring the
countryside with other woodies or crossing
the country on a hot rod tour. Showing zero
post-restoration miles; one would assume
things have been sorted given the quality of
98 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $29,700. Looks like the hard
work is done here. Should make a great
driver. Seems like the T-bird market is a bit
soft these days. This one sold at no reserve
and was well bought. Mecum Auctions,
Chicago, IL, 10/14.
#F903-1957 MERCURY TURNPIKE
CRUISER Pace Car convertible. VIN:
Page 97
CAR COLLECTOR
Present the
AMERICAN
™
ACC SCOTTSDALE INSIDER’S SEMINAR
“Restore or Modify?”
Keynote Speaker: Colin Comer,
ACC Editor at Large, author
and Shelby expert, will discuss
when to restore or modify
your muscle car
Specialized
Automotive
Transportation
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14
Monterra at WestWorld, Barrett-Jackson Auction, 16601 N. Pima Road,
Scottsdale, AZ • 9–11 a.m.
PANEL DISCUSSION
After Comer’s presentation, ACC Editor Jim Pickering and a panel of experts will discuss the current
collector market, choose best buys in five categories, and discuss ways to get young people more
involved in the old-car world. Participation from the audience is encouraged.
SPACE IS LIMITED — SIGN UP TODAY!
Cost: No charge for American Car Collector Premium subscribers,
Barrett-Jackson bidders or consignors; $25 for ACC print subscribers;
$50 for non-subscribers. Registration required.
Entry fee to Barrett-Jackson not included.
To secure your space, and for the latest information,
go to www.americancarcollector.com/2015AZseminar
or call 503.261.0555 Ext. 217
January-February 2015 99
Keith Martin's
Page 98
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
ONETO WATCH
A focus on cars that are showing some financial upside
Body fit and chrome are good. Interior is
very nice and original looking. Engine and
compartment are completely restored and
clean with a few upgrades such as MSD.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $23,760. Purchase
price solidly market-correct. Good result for
both buyer and seller. Vicari, Biloxi, MS,
10/14.
#S115.1-1968 SHELBY GT500 fastback.
VIN: 8T02S149561. Red/white/black vinyl.
Odo: 27,237 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
New paint is very shiny but shows lots of
flaws. Interior has a tear in the center console
pad. New seat covers and carpets.
Engine shows dust and dirt. Highly optioned
from the factory. New Edelbrock intake and
Holley carb. Originally came with power
steering but now has manual steering.
Cond: 3+.
1989 Shelby Dakota
Spice up the performance of an unremarkable
pickup, add rarity, and an up-and-comer is born
pickups were also inspired.
Carroll Shelby partnered with Chrysler in the 1980s to spice up several of the company’s
F
FWD econoboxes. The first of these was the 1983 Charger, and that led to other K-cars that
wore the Shelby name. But Shelby’s return to RWD and V8 power
didn’t happen until 1989, when he took 1,500 Dakota Sports (860
red and 640 white), pulled their 3.9-liter V6s and stuffed in 175-hp,
5.2-liter V8s. Other custom Shelby touches include charcoal cloth
seat and door inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel, nitrogencharged
shocks, and Goodyear Eagle GT+4 tires.
These aren’t the high-performance rigs we’ve come to expect
Detailing
Number sold at auction
in the past 24
months: One
Average price
of those cars:
$15,000
Year built: 1989
Number produced:
1,500
Current ACC
Valuation:
$8,500–$13,500
from Shelby — no huge supercharged horsepower here. In fact, the
only modification to the Dodge 5.2 was removal of the belt-driven
fan for clearance reasons. That boosted output over stock by just 5
hp. But even so, these trucks were still pretty quick for their day,
with a zero-to-60 run time of eight seconds.
I didn’t see any of these trucks pop up at auction for sale in
2014, but that doesn’t mean this truck doesn’t have potential to
make a move in the market. Performance variant of a popular ve-
hicle? Check. Low production numbers? Check. Still cheap enough to put on a credit card?
Check three times.
I also anticipate seeing a great deal more of all of Shelby’s 1980s cars as part of a larger
’80s and ’90s movement up in the market in the coming years. The Shelby Dakota should be
at the forefront, considering the market’s recent affection for pickups. A
100 AmericanCarCollector.com
— Chad Tyson
SOLD AT $302,400. Will breaking the
$300k barrier be the new norm? There were
four Ford GTs offered at this event, and with
less than 50 original miles, this was the top
seller of the bunch. Super-low-mileage examples
are seen from time to time, but the
winning bid was pretty strong for a non-Heritage
car. Recent sales indicate that there is
still some upside left in these modern classics.
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/14.
orange/black leather. Odo: 182 miles. 5.4-L
2
#S125.1-2006 FORD GT coupe.
VIN: 1FA FP90S464401711. Blue &
ord got the performance pickup right (see SVT’s Lightning and Raptor), but credit
goes to Dodge for getting the idea rolling.
The first evidence for this subgenre came in 1964 when Dodge offered an op-
tional High Performance Package on their pickups, which featured the 426 Wedge
V8. Their emissions work-arounds on the Li’l Red Express and Midnight Express
SOLD AT $73,440. Spending money on
new paint with poor prep work really lets
this car down, in my estimation. With that
and some non-stock items in mind, I would
call it fairly bought and sold. Mecum Auctions,
Chicago, IL, 10/14.
tennial White & blue/Ebony leather. Odo: 43
miles. 5.4-L supercharged V8, 6-sp. Documentation
includes original bill of sale. Window
sticker removed but present. Delivery
plastic remains on thresholds. Still has newcar
smell. Paint is factory-perfect. Panel fit
is untampered. Engine is museum quality.
Properly preserved. Cond: 1-.
5
#F192.1-2005 FORD GT coupe.
VIN: 1FAFP90S45Y401528. Cen-
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 99
ROUNDUP
GLOBAL
supercharged V8, 6-sp. This Ford GT, like
most others, is “still in the wrapper,” with
only 182 miles on the odometer. No flaws or
visible wear anywhere on the car since delivery.
The rare Heritage option replicates
the paint scheme on the cars that beat Ferrari
at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. Cond: 1-.
only. Good glass. Chrome okay. Black vinyl
soft top could be mistaken for a newer
piece; incorporates nifty six-slatted window
design. Rear-mounted spare. Black spoke
wheels. Serviceable tires. Seats show major
cracking; tears patched with duct tape. Engine
looks correct; dirty bay. Pennsylvania
car. Cond: 3+.
be a fresh restoration with new paint, new
interior, and mostly new chrome. Some
wide panel gaps and worn chrome on the
door handles, taillight bezels, and the steering
wheel, which also has a couple of
cracks visible. Comes with a dash-mount
shifter similar to a Citroën 2CV. Chrome
wire wheels. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $513,000. One of only 343 Heritage
editions out of 4,000 Ford GTs built. If
you drive and enjoy it, yours will be the only
one with driven miles, and the value will
plummet. A pity, but that is the market reality.
This one sold market-correct. Mecum
Auctions, Chicago, IL, 10/14.
MOPAR
#320-1920 DODGE SERIES 20 tourer.
VIN: 497740. Eng. # 549971. Black/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 1,779 miles. Shows
very well despite being a claimed unrestored
original. Nice black paint with only a
few chips. Driver’s-side rear-view mirror
SOLD AT $9,900. A wonderfully preserved
Series 20 that sold way south of the $18k
low estimate. Hard to believe nothing was
done to this car after 94 years. A bargain, in
my eyes. Well bought. Bonhams, Philadelphia,
PA, 10/14.
#F170-1955 DODGE ROYAL LANCER
convertible. VIN: 34813982. Pink & white/
black cloth/pink & black cloth & vinyl. Odo:
315 miles. 270-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Looks to
SOLD AT $46,440. This was the secondmost-expensive
Dodge you could buy in
1955, with an MSRP of $2,723, which was
$152 more than a Chevy Nomad. A real
looker that sold market-correct. Fair deal for
buyer and seller. Mecum Auctions, Chicago,
IL, 10/14.
#S525-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER
440 Six Pack replica 2-dr hard top. VIN:
RH23F9G221102. Sassy Grass Green/
black vinyl. MHD. Odo: 54,558 miles. 440-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Recently painted replica.
Good paint. Good chrome, but not great.
Nice original-appearing interior. Engine
January-February 2015 101
Page 100
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
compartment original in appearance. Aftermarket
Cragar wheels are a great match.
Cond: 3+.
called a no-sale. Of the two at the auction,
this Superbird had the crisper appearance,
but the Hemi car (Lot S922) found the bigger
number. While prices have risen for
these non-Hemi cars, this sale seems market-correct
for examples of this caliber. Vicari,
Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
SOLD AT $36,720. A very attractive re-creation
of a 440 Six Pack car with Air Grabber
hood. Sales price is right on the money for
what it is. Well bought and sold. Vicari, Biloxi,
MS, 10/14.
R0A172589. Orange/black vinyl/black vinyl.
Odo: 33,036 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto.
Numbers-matching Hemi, listed in NASCAR
Registry, Galen Govier inspected, with lots
of documentation. Complete rotisserie restoration
in top condition in all areas. A noquestions
car. Cond: 1-.
3
#S922-1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI
SUPERBIRD coupe. VIN: RM23-
#S134.1-1970 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA 2-dr
hard top. VIN: BS23U0B207771. Plum
Crazy/black vinyl. Odo: 50,769 miles. 528-ci
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Newer rotisserie restoration
with some signs of street use. Plum
Crazy paint is high quality. Painted graphics
instead of vinyl. Trim is good all around.
Replated or replaced chrome. Light
scratches in back glass. Trunk slightly high
toward driver’s side. Interior is restored, with
few flaws. Pistol-grip shifter. Ray Barton
Racing engine. Mopar Magazine cover car.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $7,560. Perfect first-year Caravan
“reference car.” This was one of six
mid-1980s vehicles offered in Dallas that
had never been retailed, all with mileage in
the double digits. They proved to be crowd
favorites, with many curious about why they
were preserved to begin with. For someone
who perhaps could not afford the base price
of around $9k in 1984, the selling price here
was an exceptional bargain (and with the
Mark III conversion to boot). Mecum Auctions,
Dallas, TX, 09/14.
AMERICANA
#316-1913 REO MODEL ST5 “Reo the
Fifth” roadster. VIN: 46892. Blue & black/
black vinyl/black leather. In single ownership
from 1950s to 2012. Some mechanicals
recommissioned two years ago. Paint
okay. Both fenders pretty banged up. Hood
has scratches, dings. Dual lights integrated
into cowl. Wood running boards look like
new. Soft top dirty; has many tears. Rearmounted
spare. Seats brittle and dirty with
rust stains, and cracks exposing cushioning
material. Plaque reads “Second Annual Inland
Empire Motor Fair April 14–15–16
1961 Spokane, Washington.” Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $453,600. Among the most
sought-after B-body cars from Plymouth.
Superbird prices have climbed recently, with
this Hemi-optioned example approaching a
half million. Not a world record, but a strong
result, especially for the geographic region
of the sale. Vicari, Biloxi, MS, 10/14.
VIN: RM23V0A167117. Blue Fire Metallic/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 25,661 miles.
440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Beautifully restored
Superbird in striking Blue Fire Metallic.
Believed to be original 25k miles. Highly
desirable optional bucket seats with pistolgrip
floor-shift manual transmission. Excellent
in all elements of condition.
Documented ownership since new. A real
collectible. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $167,400.
Sold immediately post-auction after being
9
#S913-1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD
440 Six Pack 2-dr hard top.
SOLD AT $86,400. The “U” code shows
that this one started life as a 440 car, but it’s
now the ’Cuda of someone’s dreams. The
owner who commissioned the build was
looking to get the ultimate streetable Hemi,
so fuel injection was added along with numerous
other high-performance parts. Such
a top-notch build likely exceeded the sale
price here. Well bought. Mecum Auctions,
Dallas, TX, 09/14.
#T232-1984 DODGE CARAVAN Mark III
conversion minivan. VIN: 2B6FK13C9ER234459.
Beige Sand/Streamliner Brown
cloth. Odo: 74 miles. 2.2-L I4, 2-bbl, auto.
“Coachbuilt” touches include venetian
blinds, closet area with clothing rod, and
multiple tables with cupholders. Monroney
sticker still on window. Paint and vinyl
graphics in excellent condition. Rubber in
generally superior condition. Faux-chrome
grille losing its luster. Interior is like new and
untouched. Dealer removable decals and
instructional pages still affixed. Very dirty
engine compartment. Air conditioner compressor
stained with dried fluid.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $11,275. A thoroughly enjoyed
(i.e. “heavily used”) example of Ransom E.
Olds’ “farewell car,” the last model with
which he was personally involved. I couldn’t
help but wonder if hillclimbs and rallying
events were also in this car’s past. Regardless,
the price was good enough to justify all
the question marks, selling way below the
$25k low estimate. Very well bought. Bonhams,
Philadelphia, PA, 10/14.
#351-1922 PEERLESS MODEL 56-7 opera
coupe. VIN: 271399. Blue & black/green
cloth. Odo: 24,089 miles. Older repaint has
held up extremely well; not much to call out.
Front bumper has nicks. Grille untouched.
Good glass. Both doors off alignment. Rearmounted
spare. Spokes painted blue with
brass center hub and six lugs. Good interior.
Front seats fold away, can also be extended
to accommodate a third passenger.
Door-liner fabric slightly worn. Van Sicklen
odo. Engine bay appears to be original, tidy.
AACA badge on front bumper. Pennsylvania
car. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $28,600.
102 AmericanCarCollector.com
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 102
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
miles. In the Middleton Collection since
1964. Early ’80s restoration by Bob Turnquist
of Hibernia Auto Restorations showing
its age. Paint has peels, flakes, microscratches,
bubbles. White pinstriping intact.
Mediocre chrome, fisheyes all over. Inviting,
nearly dirt-free interior environment has
benefited from many long years of dry storage.
All instruments, levers, controls intact.
Trunk locked. Tidy underhood. A CCCA Full
Classic. Cond: 3+.
A straightforward mode of transport for the
whole family plus a dusting of early-American
“cool” with the adjustable front seats.
Rarest of the “Three Ps” (Packard, PierceArrow,
and Peerless). The ACC Premium
Auction Database shows just four 1920s
Peerless cars ever offered at auction. A
very nice machine sold at a price that
should please buyer and seller. Bonhams,
Philadelphia, PA, 10/14.
#338-1929 KISSEL MODEL 8-95 White
Eagle speedster. VIN: 951139. Eng. #
951258. Cream & green/green leather. Odo:
7 miles. Part of the Canton Classic Car Museum
since 1980. Stated to now have correct
motor in lieu of Ford engine that once
resided underhood. Said to be only known
surviving Model 8-95. Dull paint shows discoloration,
large flake in rear, spider cracks
in both doors. Smudges of black paint below
driver’s door. Hole in body for missing
component. Hazy headlamps. Both doors
have gaps. Bench seat heavily cracked;
rumble seat in better condition. Nice wood
dash, although instrument pod is faded.
Marginally detailed engine bay. CCCA Full
Classic. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $24,200. A decent example with
some needs, but they’re mostly in the details.
Well bought, crossing the block at no
reserve just shy of the $25k low estimate.
Bonhams, Philadelphia, PA, 10/14.
#S52.1-1956 PACKARD CARIBBEAN
convertible. VIN: 56991052. Red/red
canvas/ivory leather. Odo: 66,210 miles.
374-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. One of 276 produced
in 1956. Older restoration. Paint is
high quality but could use a buff and polish.
Small area of dry spray behind passenger’s
door. Some chrome beginning to look a little
hazy. Panel fit is good, with doors that close
with a reassuring vault-like sound. Bright
interior trim. Stitching on dash is somewhat
wavy and inconsistent. Restored engine
compartment. Cond: 2+.
Odo: 27,907 miles. 360-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp.
Mileage believed original. Suspension lift
with larger tires. Aftermarket roll bar/light
bar mounted in bed. Very nice restoration.
Fresh paint in original color has only minor
flaws. Brightwork restored or replaced. Rubber
is mostly new. Interior is extremely
clean. Dash plastic is free of cracks with
only minor sun fading, if any. Door panels
near perfect. Seating is a split-bench from
another AMC donor and refinished better
than original. Factory radio. Disappointingly
filthy engine. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $24,840. Possibly one of the nicest
in existence until you open the hood.
This one included the original window
sticker and was equipped with several luxury
appointments, such as AM/FM radio,
sport steering wheel, and floor carpet. Values
vary wildly for Wagoneers, CJs, Gladiators
or anything wearing the Jeep label, with
condition and originality helping to determine
the market. The new buyer took home
a nicely restored example with what is believed
to be low original miles. Fair deal for
buyer and seller. Mecum Auctions, Dallas,
TX, 09/14.
#F141-2000 AM GENERAL HUMMER H1
pickup. VIN: 137ZA9035YE186414.
Yellow/black cloth/black & gray vinyl. Odo:
22,079 miles. 6.5-L turbo-diesel V8, auto.
The paint looks like it could be factory-new.
Top and rear cover look new. The interior is
cramped. Despite the huge width of this
vehicle, it has very narrow seats. Inside
rear-view mirror is desilvering. Features a
central tire inflation system, MIL-Spec runflat
tires, 13,000-pound winch, a/c and CD
player. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $67,100. Older authentically
styled reproduction Speedster coachwork,
as Bonhams announced when this car
came up for sale. It looked great from 20
feet away, but imperfections were clear
upon closer inspection. It had presence,
and the museum provenance added to the
positives, but the repro coachwork no doubt
hampered bidders’ enthusiasm. It sold just
shy of the low estimate, which was probably
all the money. Well bought and sold. Bonhams,
Philadelphia, PA, 10/14.
#302-1938 PACKARD SUPER EIGHT
Model 1603 sedan. VIN: 11032120. Eng. #
A50 6422. Blue/taupe cloth. Odo: 2,085
104 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $162,000. The solid color sets
this Caribbean apart from the multi-colored
cars that seem more common. This would
be the last year for the Caribbean, and at
the time Packard was doing everything it
could to save the struggling brand. Parts
are difficult to source, and restorations can
be costly, which is why good ones sell well
above $100k. The value here was strong
and market-correct. Fair deal for buyer and
seller. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/14.
#T162-1978 JEEP J-10 pickup. VIN: J8F45NN148155.
Russet Metallic/brown vinyl.
SOLD AT $57,240. This H1 is a true macho
man car, and you don’t have to join the
Army to drive it. However, it is not ideal for
long road trips with the wife. Fairly bought
and sold for condition. Mecum Auctions,
Chicago, IL, 10/14. A
Page 104
The Parts Hunter
Chad Tyson
Big-money parts and
accessories from around the country
hooked to the main unit). Under-dash unit is in beautiful condition. It is crisp and clean with
no repairs, cracks or issues. Face is stunning. Kit has the condenser, blower unit, modified
glovebox. Hoses and unit are dated 1964. Rubber still looks to be in excellent condition.
Brackets, relays hardware and instructions are included as well as the original box. Note that
there is no compressor (don’t think the kit came with one). Unit was stored for years in an
old warehouse.” Best Offer. Sold at $4,500.
This kit was shopped around a lot. The seller asked for $5k and ultimately settled for $500
less. If the seller gets within 10% of their asking price, I say send it off, and the seller reached
the same conclusion here. Piecing a kit from a catalog or getting a standalone aftermarket
unit costs less than the price here, but NOS comes at a premium these days. Well sold.
#251668418129—1965
Chevrolet Chevy II NOS
Factory GM A/C Kit. 24
photos. Item condition: New.
eBay, Arlington, TX.
“Early GM part #987408. Kit
appears to complete with
the exception of one wiring
harness (note: parts list
has two wiring harnesses
missing, but I believe one is
#201151624933—Dictograph Products Corp. Motor
Dictograph. 7 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay, Northbrook, IL.
“1920–30s limousine intercom system. Used so that the passenger
in the rear compartment could communicate with the
chauffeur in the front compartment of the limousine. Consists of a
microphone with push button to talk and a speaker. Good original
condition. Was used in Packard, Cadillac, Lincoln, Duesenberg,
Pierce-Arrow and other very high-quality limousines and town cars
of the day.” 31 bids. Sold at $1,560.
Kelly Munroe Turner’s company, Dictograph Products Company
Inc., was mainly developing intercoms and hearing aids before the
1920s. But with the grandeur of the ’20s growing, high-end auto
manufacturers got in on the communication game. At the time, the
company stated the Motor Dictograph was “standard equipment
in practically every well-known American production of high-grade
chauffeur-driven motorcars, including Pierce-Arrow, Packard,
Cadillac, Hudson, Winston….” This particular dictograph is probably best as a separate collectible,
rather than trying to repair and fit it to your Series 67 Peerless. Remarkable price paid.
#261634239526—15x8 Chevrolet/GMC
Truck Wheels. 5 photos. Item condition:
Used. eBay, Denver, CO.
“15 x 8 Chevy GMC truck rims. Will also
fit Toyota and Nissan if the center is big
enough. 6 on 5½ bolt pattern.” 1 bid. Sold
at $120.
This auction is a good lesson in how
descriptions can make or break a price.
There are a lot more words this seller could
have used to attract additional attention.
These four-nub “hubcap” wheels come from
disc-brake Chevrolet and GMC half-ton
trucks and Blazers and are highly valued by
’67–’72 GM truck guys. There are several
threads on message boards dedicated to
these rims. If people find them for sale on
eBay or Craigslist, they post the link to the
board and the wheels are sold quickly. Our
fearless editor bought these for his ’72 K10,
and he droned on for at least a week about
them — from worrying that they were maybe
the wrong ones to boasting about how good
of a deal they were. But they do fit his truck,
and they were half price. Cheapest set of
four wheels I found at the same time was
$300. He’ll probably end up spending more
than this on a set of 4x4 hubcaps.
body work done and primed. Chip in the body work. All bolts are there in the pan and teeth.” 45 bids. Sold at $1,752.
Repairing these must be a Herculean task. It wasn’t even 30 seconds into my search and I found half a dozen 1953 DeSoto grilles for sale
($200 to $800). And all of them were bent, mashed, or looking more like a hockey player’s grill. So pay when you find a complete and straight
unit. Fair deal.
106 AmericanCarCollector.com
#321527568506—1953 DeSoto Grille. 12 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay,
Falmouth, ME.
“Original 11 teeth and grille pan. Teeth are pitted and need to be chromed.
Started to clean them up with a scotch disc to get the heavy, jagged chrome
off. The two teeth on each end are a little jagged on the bottom edge from
corrosion. The second from left tooth has a one-inch crack at the top, radiating
from the rear top bolt hole. All bolt holes and bolts have had the threads chased.
These teeth have no major structure damage, they are just pitted. The pan was
rusty and has some pitting on the bottom; it has been sand blasted and had the
Page 105
#201200418034—1969 Ford Mustang
Boss 429 Hood Scoop. 19 photos. Item
condition: Used. eBay, Woodstock, GA.
“You are looking at a very rare and original
Ram Air hood scoop assembly for a 1969
Boss 429 Mustang. This is a very clean
piece and will not take much to make it
paint-ready for your Boss. The underside
has been cut as per the Ford Off-Highway
Performance recommendation to increase
air flow and horsepower to the mighty Boss
‘9. Fortunately, the previous owner who
made the modification to the plenum saved
the piece to be re-installed when the scoop
is restored.” Best Offer. Sold at $1,605.
Aftermarket fiberglass pieces are readily
available for around $150, or about 10%
of what was paid here. But I can’t fault an
owner who wanted an original piece. The
varying quality of aftermarket fiberglass is
concerning, especially when many parts
are sold as-is and it’s up to the installer to
correct flaws from the factory. Fair deal for
what the buyer was after.A
January-February 2015 107
Page 106
Showcase Gallery
Sell Your Car Here! Includes ACC website listing.
Showcase Gallery color photo ad just $66/month
($88 non-subscribers)
Text-Only Classified ad just $15/month
($25 non-subscribers)
Three ways to submit your ad:
Web: Visit americancarcollector.com/classifieds to upload your photo
(300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only. Secure online VISA/MC payments.
Email: Send photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only, to classifieds@
americancarcollector.com. We will contact you for payment information.
Snail mail: ACC Showcase, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208-4797,
with VISA/MC or check.
25 words max, subject to editing. Deadline: 1st of each month, one month
prior to publication.
Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their advertisements. The publisher of
American Car Collector Magazine is not responsible for any omissions, erroneous, false
and/or misleading statements of its advertisers.
GM
1950 Oldsmobile 98
convertible
1962 Pontiac Bonneville
convertible
S/N 8A394465H. Blue/blue.
544 miles. CA car, second
owner. Frame-up restoration.
Power windows, seats, top.
Motor by Egge. Call for all
the details. $34,900. Contact
Bryce, 661.259.2976, Email:
mandb7777@att.net (CA)
1962 Oldsmobile Starfire
convertible
Victory Red/red, black & pewter.
6,800 miles. V8, 4-spd
automatic. Modified 455, turbo
400 trans, 750 Holley DP CF,
RPM Performer intake with
Ram Air, engine run on dyno for
break-in showed 429 hp, 510
lbs./ft. torque, heads and cam
work by Butler Performance.
8-lug Kelsey Hayes wheels,
black cloth electric top, custom
interior. $38,000 OBO. Contact
Ray, 208.322.3957, Email:
recce1963@live.com
1968 Chevrolet Camaro
Z/28 coupe
White/white. 72,000 miles.
V8, 3-spd automatic. Original
394/335-hp, bucket seats,
console with shifter and tach,
power steering, power brakes,
power driver’s seat, power
windows, rare power vent
windows. Low mileage, recent
paint, newer whitewall tires
with original chrome wheel covers.
$45,000. Contact Frank,
630.556.4500, Email: fkcarparts@gmail.com
(IL)
108 AmericanCarCollector.com
S/N 124378N415226. Green w/
white stripes/black. V8, 4-spd
manual. 302 engine with crossram
manifold, M21 4-speed
trans, 4.10 Posi rear axle,
clean interior with console and
Tic-Toc-Tach. Great real Z/28.
$47,500 OBO. Contact David,
Email: chevy68z28@gmail.com
(FL)
Placer Gold/Saddle Brown.
112,000 miles. V8, 3-spd automatic.
Malibu 350. Numbers
matching, original owner. PS,
PB, power top, bench/interior,
TH350, 245-hp 2-bbl, new
stainless dual exhaust, new
timing chain, gaskets, fuel
pump and tune-up. Includes
original radio, hubcaps and
original spare. $31,500 OBO.
Contact David, AutoArcheologist.com,
860.398.1732, Email:
Orange/black. I6, 3-spd manual.
Clean and original Oregon
state 1/2-ton, long-bed truck.
All-original paint except tailgate.
Tailgate replaced with clean
original. Lowered 3 inches,
vintage 15-inch aluminum slot
mags. Daily driver. Regular
maintenance done w/receipts,
including gas receipts! Personal
delivery possible on West
Coast. Call for details and additional
photos. $4,300. Contact
Shawn, 503.796.0858, Email:
pdxjeep@live.com (OR)
1971 Chevrolet Chevelle
convertible
1969 Pontiac Firebird coupe
S/N 22337LOR521513.
Green/black. 100,000 miles.
V8, 3-spd automatic. Strong
running and aggressive. Freshly
rebuilt 4-bolt 350 with cam,
headers, intake and carburetor.
Rebuilt TH-350 transmission.
Brand-new suspension, power
disc brakes and fresh paint.
Custom interior. Great driver/
cruiser. $14,500 OBO. Contact
Miles, Email: miles.slattery@
gmail.com (TN)
1970 Chevrolet C10 pickup
E4WBrill@aol.com Web: www.
autoarcheologist.com (CT)
1974 Pontiac Trans Am
coupe
Buccaneer Red/white. V8, 3spd
automatic. L75 455, Posi,
all numbers matching. Number
one-quality restoration. Car is
near perfect with no rust ever.
PS, PB, PW, power locks, factory
air, tilt, rear window defrost,
AM/FM. $35,000. Contact Dr.
Warren, 505.856.9402, Email:
warren@wilhelmconsulting.com
(NM)
1976 Pontiac Formula 400
coupe
Black/Black Deluxe. 38,000
miles. V8, 3-spd automatic.
Original engine, original exhaust,
auto. Factory-color black
paint with Deluxe interior, a/c,
rear defogger, tilt, AM/FM/8track,
Honeycomb wheels, Posi
rear, fantastic repaint on a rustfree
body. No modifications,
calls only, please. $16,500.
Contact Andre, 440.647.6686,
Email: mitzie95@gmail.com
1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
SS Aero coupe
S/N IGIZIIG2HP127530.
Maroon/maroon. 48 miles. V8,
4-spd automatic. One-owner,
never modified. Never driven in
winter, original paint, driveline,
wheels, etc. T-tops never removed
until recent cleaning.
Needs new owner before snow
flies. $9,500 OBO. Contact
Willard, 207.242.8619, Email:
wemillis@gmail.com (ME)
CORVETTE
r1955 Chevrolet Corvette
oadster
Gypsy Red/beige. Light beige
interior and beige canvas soft
Page 107
Showcase Gallery
top, driven only 54 miles since
a recent frame-off restoration.
Equipped with a 265-ci V8,
Powerglide automatic transmission,
wide whitewall tires,
original AM radio. First year
that Chevrolet offered the V8
engine, the scarcest model Corvette
manufactured. $124,500.
Heritage Classics Motorcar
Company, 310.657.9699,
Email: sales@heritageclassics.
com Web: www.heritageclassics.com/inventory/detail/1176-chevrolet-corvette-roadster.
html (CA)
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
sics.com/inventory/detail/1187chevrolet-corvette-roadster.
html (CA)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Sting Ray coupe
Arctic Blue/cream. V8,
283/270hp, dual fours. Stunning
numbers-matching classic.
Born June 19, 1957, with delivery
in South Dakota. Nut-andbolt,
several-thousand-hour
rotisserie-restoration in 2008
to exacting factory standards.
Original factory color with
cream convertible top makes
this a reborn collector’s dream.
Multi-level NCRS award winner:
NCRS Local Top Flight award
99.4%, NCRS Regional Top
Flight award 98.4%, NCRS Performance
Verification, NCRS
Duntov Mark of Excellence
Award 98.8%. Stunning in every
respect. $127,500. Contact
Don, 520.349.0940, Email:
dmack@donmackey.com (AZ)
1961 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
S/N 30837S107118. Riverside
Red/red. 0 miles. V8, 4-spd
manual. 1972 IMSA GTO
Champion and FIA Daytona
6-Hour, 1973 Sebring 12-Hour.
SVRA Medallion, 2002 Monterey,
1993 Bloomington Gold,
2013 Sebring Legends Honoree,
2014 Amelia “Spirit of Road
Racing Award” recipient. Full
restoration 1993. Unquestionable
documentation. $275,000.
Contact Phil, 352.378.4761,
Email: fastphilcurrin@cox.net
(FL)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Z06 coupe
97%, NCRS Top Flight certified
97.7%, Triple Crown certified
99.9%, Gold Spinner Award.
Meticulous restoration in 2005
to near-exact factory delivery
specs and condition. Superb
option set includes: F40 Suspension,
close-ratio 4-speed,
lacquer paint, PW, PB, Teakwood
telescoping wheel, Off
Road exhaust, 3.70 rear end,
five original factory knockoff
wheels. Incredibly beautiful.
$142,500. Contact Don,
520.349.0940, Email: dmack@
donmackey.com (AZ)
1968 Chevrolet Corvette
L89 coupe
1969 Chevrolet Corvette
L88 coupe
Riverside Gold/black. V8, automatic.
Body-off restoration by
Naber’s Brothers. Bloomington
Gold and NCRS. One of only
17 automatic L-88s ever produced.
Price firm. $650,000.
Contact Terry, ProTeam Corvette
Sales, Inc, 800.592.5086,
Email: terry@proteamcorvette.
com (OH)
1970 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
Sebring Silver/Riverside Red.
V8, 4-spd manual. Split-window,
Tanker Z06. Bloomington
Gold, NCRS. Hall of Fame
and Special Collection. Price
firm. $650,000. Contact Terry,
ProTeam Corvette Sales, Inc,
800.592.5086, Email: terry@
proteamcorvette.com Web:
www.ProteamCorvette.com
(OH)
1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Fuelie coupe
Red/black. 99,026 miles. Roman
Red with white coves,
new white soft top and black
interior, equipped with 4-speed
transmission, power brakes
and wide whitewall tires, nicely
detailed black-plate California
car. Runs and drives great.
$68,500. Heritage Classics Motorcar
Company, 310.657.9699,
Email: sales@heritageclassics.
com Web: www.heritageclas-
Primer/Bronze. 51,000 miles.
V8, 4-spd manual. An opportunity
to purchase a true L89,
427/435hp, aluminum head, TriPower,
numbers-matching Corvette.
Original color Corvette
Bronze. Documentation back to
1968 with tank sticker. This a
project car with lots of room to
do the things it needs and come
out ahead. Engine completely
rebuilt to stock. $18,000 OBO.
Contact Ted, 423.646.4504,
Email: tkoehner@hotmail.com
(TN)
1969 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
S/N 19467OS410099. Monza
Red/Saddle leather. V8, 4-spd
manual. 350/350hp. 99% original.
NCRS 2nd Flight Award.
Needs restoration and frame
repair. Windshield frame is perfect.
Deluxe interior. Includes
perfect hard top. Engine runs
and mechanically in decent
shape. $23,500. Contact
Mark, Ridgetop Restorations,
715.385.3341, Email: daddy19581955@yahoo.com
(WI)
2007 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
Rally Red/red & white. V8, 4spd
manual. 327/375-hp, possibly
highest-award-winning and
most correctly restored 1965
Corvette coupe. Red carpets
and dash. One of five known
FI coupes in this color combo.
Bloomington Gold certified
S/N 194679S701281. Daytona
Yellow/black. 83,434 miles.
V8, 4-spd manual. 350-ci V8,
350hp, 4-bbl, L46 code motor.
Restored, matching numbers
car with power steering and
power disc brakes. Rare convertible
with factory a/c. No
odor. Manufactured September
1968. $36,000. Contact Mark,
CrossPointe Exotics LLC,
203.758.5180, Email: guastaferri@hotmail.com
(CT)
Red & white/black. V8, 6-spd
automatic. ”Retro 58” classic
look, comfort and reliability of
a new ’Vette. 400 hp, power
top, navigation, original owner,
never damaged. Health forces
sale. $25,500. Contact Dennis,
251.968.8141, Email: skfrazier1@hotmail.com
(AL)
January-February 2015 109
Page 108
Showcase Gallery
FOMOCO
1923 Ford Model T roadster
1950 Ford Woodie wagon
Blue & silver/Dove Gray. 9
miles. V8, 3-spd automatic. Total
Performance T-bucket, Ford
302, C4, M/T, Wheel Vintiques,
Mallory, Lokar, Wilwood Edelbrock,
much more. $16,500.
Contact John B, 518.853.4923,
Email: jtbat@frontiernet.net
(NY)
1929 Ford Model A wagon
There isn’t a better post-1948
Woodie anywhere. Very original
with 62,000 miles. All-original
wood. Recent complete engine
rebuild by Frank Ezolds.
Painted once years ago and
still flawless. Original interior
is mint. $68,500. Contact Matt,
deGarmo Ltd. Classic Motorcars,
203.852.1670, Email:
matt@degarmoltd.com Web:
www.degarmoltd.com (CT)
1958 Ford Ranchero pickup
S/N 67412F9A02408. Candyapple
Red/black. 60,706
miles. V8, automatic. Factory
red GT500 listed in the Shelby
Registry and documented with
ownership history and MartiReport.
428, 2x4bbl, automatic.
Meticulous ground-up restoration.
Black decor interior with
Shelby roll bar, wood wheel,
gauge package and fold down
seat. Magstar wheels with correct
Goodyears. Restoration receipts
and pictures. $139,900.
Contact Mark, Memory Lane
Motors, 425.228.2277, Email:
memorylane@juno.com (WA)
1968 Shelby GT 350
convertible
RACE
1957 Silver Bomb roadster
Silver/V8, 4-spd manual.
”Silver Bomb,” Dean BatchlerLockheed
engineer-road racing
special built in 1955, 283 Chevy
with triple deuces, documented
road racing history, period
photos, featured in Vintage
American Road Racing Cars
1950–70, VSCCA logbook,
ready to run. Motor Classic &
Competition, 914.997.9133,
Email: sales@motorclassiccorp.
com (NY)
r1964 Stapp Chevy sprint
ace car
Tan & black/I4, manual. Underwent
a complete frame-off
restoration. Stunning wood, in
near-perfect condition, 100%
original. Located one hour
from San Francisco. $40,000.
Contact Wm. B., Email: billyoung1228@aol.com
(CA)
1932 Ford roadster
S/N C8KF118662. Merlot/Black.
0 miles. V8, 3-spd manual.
EDCHERO? 1958 Ford Ranchero
with 1958 Edsel front clip.
Clean and straight with 352 V8,
3-spd transmission and dual
exhaust. Priced to sell. Trades
considered. $18,500 OBO.
Contact Tom, 520.709.0424,
Email: tomsnider5766@msn.
com (AZ)
1963 Ford Thunderbird
convertible
S/N 18163488. Cream &
red/red. 1,400 miles. V8, 3-spd
automatic. Professionally built
(6,000 man hours), two tops,
383 stroker motor, 500+ hp,
2008 AMBR Best Detail award.
Many trick and custom built
billet parts. The ultimate Deuce
roadster. $220,000. Contact
Nat, 631.848.7674, Email:
nlanza@fly-efi.com (NY)
Acapulco Blue/black. 89 miles.
V8, automatic. Beautiful origina
GT 350, matching numbers,
runs great, a/c, PB, PS, white
convertible top. New, a/c, interior,
tires, exhaust. Beautiful
car ready to roll. No stories, no
rust, couple of slight blemishes,
good sound car. $100,000.
Contact Jim, 561.379.9448,
Email: Libertirules@gmail.com
(FL)
1987 Ford F-250 Bigfoot
Cruiser Edition pickup
V8, automatic. Custom T-bird.
Stock 390 drivetrain, extensive
modifications, runs good. Has a
top. $37,500 OBO. Contact William
T, 609.980.1300, (NJ)
f1967 Shelby GT500
astback
S/N 1FTHF26L1HKA77247.
Blue/blue. 8,000 miles. V8,
automatic. One of 300 made.
Original mileage truck with
original paint, air, cruise, tilt, everything
functions as it should.
$25,000. Contact Michael,
716.912.0941, Email: mthorrigan@yahoo.com
(NY)
Black/black. V8, Restored to
1965 #4 black/gold configuration.
Raced USAC 1964–73,
then URC 1974–80. Stapp
“house car” 1964–66. Driven by
five USAC Sprint Car National
Champions and 12 drivers who
competed in the Indy 500, four
of whom (Jones, Rutherford,
Andretti, Foyt) won the 500
a total of nine times. Drivers
include Steve Stapp, Lloyd
Ruby, Parnelli Jones, Johnny
Rutherford, Mario Andretti, Jud
Larson, A.J. Foyt, Bud Tingelstad,
George Snider, Ralph
Liguori, Rollie Beale, Billy
Vukovich, Pancho Carter and
others. Bullet-proof documentation
and provenance. Flawless
restoration by Joe Fiore.
Featured in May/June 2007
Vintage Motorsport magazine
(seven pages) and HAMB Vintage
Sprint Car thread pages
107 and 199. $85,000. Contact
Larry, 520.455.9224, Email: larrypfitz@gmail.com
(AZ)A
110 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 109
Showcase Gallery
Advertisers Index
ACC Arizona Insider’s Seminar ........... 99
Adamson Industries............................. 17
American Car Collector ....................... 63
American Collectors Insurance ......... 116
Auctions America .................................. 7
Barrett-Jackson ................................... 13
Blue Bars ............................................. 78
Camaro Central ................................... 59
CarFurniture.com .............................. 105
Carlisle Events ..................................... 73
Charlotte AutoFair ............................... 87
Chubb Personal Insurance .................... 9
Corvette America ................................. 35
Corvette Specialties ............................ 94
County Corvette .................................... 2
Genuine HotRod Hardware ................. 21
Grundy Worldwide ............................. 103
Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. .......... 57
Hagerty Insurance Corporation ........... 93
Heartland Housing Assistance ............ 81
JC Taylor ............................................. 75
Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc. ......... 88
Kinekt ................................................ 111
L.A. Prep .............................................. 89
Leake Auction Company ....................... 3
Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ................. 105
Mac Neil Automotive Products Ltd ... 107
Memory Lane Motors, Inc. .................. 33
Michael Irvine Studios ......................... 85
Mid America Motorworks .................... 11
Morphy Auctions ................................. 67
Mustangs Unlimited .......................... 101
National Corvette Restorers Society . 111
National Parts Depot ......................... 115
Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts, Inc. .. 103
Original Parts Group ............................ 65
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ...... 77
Paragon Corvette Reproductions ........ 61
Park Place LTD .................................... 69
Pro-Team Corvette Sales, Inc ............. 79
Reliable Carriers .................................. 55
Russo & Steele LLC............................. 15
Silver Collector Car Auctions .............. 27
Sports Car Market ............................... 63
The Bradford Exchange, Ltd. ........ 19, 96
The Chevy Store Inc .......................... 107
The Miami Auction Center ................... 83
Thomas C Sunday Inc ......................... 63
TYCTA ................................................. 97
Velocity Channel .................................. 95
Watchworks ....................................... 111
Zip Products ........................................ 37
January-February 2015 111
Page 110
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
Auction Companies
Auctions America. 877.906.2437.
Auctions America specializes in
the sale of American classics,
European sports cars, Detroit
muscle, hot rods and customs.
The company boasts an expert
team of specialists, who offer 180
years combined experience buying,
selling, racing and restoring
collector vehicles, making them
uniquely qualified to advise on all
aspects of the hobby.
www.auctionsamerica.com. (IN)
Petersen Auction Group of
Oregon. 541.689.6824. Hosting
car auctions in Oregon since 1962.
We have three annual Auctions:
February—Oregon State
Fairgrounds, Salem, OR; July—
Douglas Co. Fairgrounds,
Roseburg, OR; September—
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem,
OR. On the I-5 Corridor. We offer
knowledgeable, fast, friendly “hassle
free” transactions. Oregon’s #1
Collector Car Auction www.petersencollectorcars.com
Leake Auctions. 800.722.9942.
Join Leake Auction Company as
they celebrate 40 years in the collector
car auction industry. Their
unsurpassed customer service
and fast-paced two-lane auction
ring makes them a leader in the
business. Leake currently operates
auctions in Tulsa, Oklahoma
City, Dallas and San Antonio. Visit
them online at www.leakecar.com
or call 800.722.9942.
Russo and Steele Collector
Automobiles. 602.252.2697.
602.252.6260. 5230 South 39th
St., Phoenix, AZ 85040.
info@russoandsteele.com;
www.russoandsteele.com. (AZ)
Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485.
2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA
99205. silver@silverauctions.com.
www.silverauctions.com. (WA)
Worldwide Auctioneers.
866.273.6394. Established by
John Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The
Worldwide Group—Auctioneers,
Appraisers and Brokers—is one
of the world’s premier auction
houses, specializing in the
procurement and sale of the
world’s finest automobiles
and vintage watercraft. www.
worldwide-auctioneers.com. (IN)
Lucky Collector Car Auctions.
888.672.0020. Lucky Collector
Car Auctions is aptly named after
Harold “Lucky” Lemay. Based in
the majestic, pastoral ground of
Marymount, home to the Lemay
Family Collection Foundation
near Tacoma, WA, the collection,
formerly the biggest in the world
according to Guinness, now hosts
an unrivaled event center, art collection
and charitable foundation,
which features two exceptional
collector car auctions a year. www.
luckyoldcar.com (WA)
Classic Car Transport
L.A. Prep. 562.997.0170. L.A.
Prep brings its 30 years of experience
transporting vehicles for the
automotive industry’s top manufacturers
to discriminating luxury
and exotic car owners and collectors
across the United States.
Its highly-skilled and experienced
staff delivers an unsurpassed
level of service and takes care of
your car with the highest quality
equipment available in trucks and
trailers that are as clean and well
maintained as the valuable assets
that they carry.
www.LAPrepTransport.com
Palm Springs Auctions, Inc.
Keith McCormick. 760.320.3290.
Family owned & operated for 28
years. Producing 2 large classic
car auctions per year in Palm
Springs, California. Each auction
features over 500 cars. Held in
November & February every year.
www.classic-carauction.com
112 AmericanCarCollector.com
Intercity Lines, Inc. 800.221.3936,
413.436.9422. Rapid, hassle-free,
coast-to-coast service. Insured
enclosed transport for your
valuable car at affordable prices.
State-of-the-art satellite transport
tracking. Complete service for
vintage races, auctions, relocations.
www.intercitylines.com. (MA)
Thomas C. Sunday Inc.
800.541.6601. Established in
1970, Thomas C. Sunday Inc. provides
clients with fully-enclosed,
cross-country, door-to-door service.
Thomas C. Sunday Inc. are
well-seasoned experts in the field
of automobile transportation, hiring
only Grade-A drivers, and offering
clients the best possible service at
competitive pricing. Fully-licensed,
insured and bonded. Call 1-800541-6601
or 717-697-0939, Fax
717-697-0727, email:
info@sundayautotransport.com
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
AutoBahn Power. Performance
+ Looks + Durability + Comfort
= Autobahn Power! Autobahn
Power is a veteran of vehicle
modifications, parts and accessories.
Our specialty has been to
carry products that are better than
Zip Products. 800.962.9632. Zip
customers know that the voice on
the other end of the phone is a
true enthusiast. Someone who, in
minutes, can hold in their hands
any item in stock. Further, someone
with knowledge of, experience
with, and genuine affection for, the
car we hold so dear: Corvette.
www.zip-corvette.com (VA)
Passport Transport.
800.736.0575. Since our founding
in 1970, we have shipped thousands
of treasured vehicles doorto-door
with our fully enclosed
auto transporters. Whether your
prized possession is your daily
driver, a vintage race car, a classic,
a ’60s muscle car or a modern
exotic, you can depend on
Passport Transport to give you the
premium service it deserves. We
share your appreciation for fine
automobiles, and it shows.
www.PassportTransport.com.
original equipment in performance,
safety and quality. Our warehouse,
service shop and retail store are
located in the Midwest for good
access to all parts of the USA. We
have completed literally hundreds
of project cars. These performance
vehicles are in enthusiasts’
hands across the USA. Many of
the cars are in daily use, proving
the durability of our workmanship
and products. Check us out at
www.autobahnpower.com.
Reliable Carriers, Inc.
877.744.7889. As the country’s
largest enclosed-auto transport
company, Reliable Carriers faithfully
serves all 48 contiguous
United States and Canada.
Whether you’ve entered a
concours event, need a relocation,
are attending a corporate event or
shipping the car of your dreams
from one location to another, one
American transportation company
does it all. www.reliablecarriers.
com
Corvette Central . Parts and
accessories for all Corvettes.
Corvette Central has been a leading
manufacturer and distributor
of Corvette parts and accessories
since 1975. We offer the most
comprehensive and detailed parts
catalogs on the market today
and produce a different catalog
for each Corvette generation. All
catalogs are also online with full
search and order features. From
Blue Flame 6 to the C6, only
Corvette Central has it all.
www.corvettecentral.com. (MI)
County Corvette. 610.696.7888.
Sales, service, parts and restoration.
When it must be right.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
Corvette Repair. The Leader
and most recognized NCRS,
Bloomington Gold & Triple
Diamond Award winning
Corvette repair shop in America.
Breathtaking state of the art restorations,
with the highest attention
to detail and workmanship to any
C1, C2 or C3 Corvettes. Compare
our hourly rate and be surprised...
or shocked. Contact Kevin J.
Mackay at 516.568.1959
www.corvetterepair.com (NY)
Mid America Motorworks.
800.500.1500. America’s leader in
1953–2008 Corvette parts and accessories.
Request a free catalog
at www.mamotorworks.com. (IL)
Page 111
Legal
Street Shop, Inc. 256.233.5809.
Custom 1953–1982 Corvette
replacement chassis and driveline
components.
www.streetshopinc.com. (AL)
Corvettes for Sale
County Corvette. 610.696.7888.
The most modern and bestequipped
Corvette-only facility in
the nation.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
The Chevy Store. At The Chevy
Store, you will find only the
highest-grade, investment-quality
Corvette and specialty Chevrolet
automobiles. We take pride in
providing our clients with the finest
selection anywhere. Offering
investment-quality Corvettes and
Chevrolets for over 30 years!
503.256.5384(p) 503.256.4767(f)
www.thechevystore.com. (OR)
Grundy Worldwide.
888.647.8639. Grundy Worldwide
offers agreed value insurance with
no mileage limitations, zero deductible*,
and high liability limits.
Our coverages are specifically
designed for collectible-car owners.
From classic cars to muscle
cars, Grundy Worldwide has you
covered. (*Zero deductible available
in most states.)
888.6GRUNDY (888.647.8639).
www.grundyworldwide.com. (PA)
Hagerty Collector Car
Insurance. 800.922.4050.
Collector cars aren’t like their latemodel
counterparts. These classics
actually appreciate in value,
so standard market policies that
cost significantly more won’t do
the job. We’ll agree on a fair value
and cover you for the full amount.
No prorated claims, no hassles, no
games. www.hagerty.com. (MI)
Law Offices of Bruce Shaw,
Collector Car Fraud Specialists,
www.shawlaws.com. A motorhead
law firm with real practical
knowledge and experience in the
Collector Car Field. Experience:
Chain of speed shops, Body
Shops, Car Dealerships, former
NCRS judge as well as licensed
attorneys. Estate planning and
divorce settlements concerning
Collector Cars. 50 State
Representation. 215.657.2377.
Museums
LeMay Family Collection
Foundation. LeMay Family
Collection Foundation at
Marymount Events Center near
Tacoma, WA, hosts an epic
backdrop for your next event.
Home to 500 fabulous collector
cars, world-class art exhibits, and
assorted ephemera, consider your
next event here. Weddings, swap
meets, conventions, auctions.
The facility can likely exceed your
expectations. Visit during the
37th annual open house along
with 13,000 other enthusiasts.
253.272.2336
www.lemaymarymount.org
ProTeamCorvette.com.
Corvettes: 1953–1982. Over
10,000 sold since 1971! Moneyback
guarantee. Worldwide
transportation. Z06s, L88s, L89s,
LS6s, ZR2s, ZR1s, LT1s, COPOs,
Fuelies, Special 425s/435s/
RPOs. Call toll free 888.592.5086
or call 419.592.5086. Fax
419.592.4242, email: terry@
proteamcorvette.com or visit our
website: www.ProTeamCorvette.
com. ProTeam Corvette Sales,
1410 N. Scott St., Napoleon, OH
43545. Special Corvettes wanted
at CorvettesWanted.com! NCRS
Member #136.
Insurance
Chubb Collector Car Insurance.
1.866.CAR.9648. The Chubb
Collector Car Insurance program
provides flexibility by allowing you
to choose the agreed value and
restoration shop. Broad coverage
includes no mileage restrictions
and special pricing for large
schedules. For more information,
contact us at 1(866)CAR-9648 or
www.chubbcollectorcar.com.
American Collectors Insurance.
1.866.887.8354. The nation’s leading
provider of specialty insurance
for collectors. We offer affordable,
agreed value coverage for all
years, makes, and models of collector
vehicles. Since 1976, we
have provided superior service
and broad, flexible coverage.
Experience our quick quoting and
application process, as well as our
“Real Person” Guarantee every
time you call. Email: Info@
AmericanCollectors.com
www.AmericanCollectors.com
Leasing
Putnam Leasing. 866.90.LEASE.
For over 25 years, Putnam
Leasing has been the leader in
exotic, luxury, and collector car
leasing. This honor comes from
Putnam’s unique ability to match
the car of your dreams with a
lease designed just for you. Every
Putnam Lease is written to provide
maximum flexibility while conserving
capital, lowering monthly
payments, and maximizing tax
advantages. It’s Putnam’s way of
letting you drive more car for less
money. For leases ranging from
$50,000 to more than $1 million,
with terms extending up to 84
months visit www.putnamleasing.
com or call 1.866.90.LEASE. (CT)
California Car Cover Company.
800.423.5525. More than just custom-fit
car covers, California Car
Cover is the home of complete car
care and automotive lifestyle products.
Offering the best in car accessories,
garage items, detailing
products, nostalgic collectibles,
apparel and more! Call 1-800-4235525
or visit Calcarcover.com for a
free catalog.
National Corvette Museum. 80053-VETTE.
The National Corvette
Museum in Bowling Green, KY,
was established as a 501(c)3 notfor-profit
foundation with a mission
of celebrating the invention of the
Corvette and preserving its past,
present and future. www.corvettemuseum.com.
(KY)
Parts—General
Performance, and Accessory
parts for 1965–present Mustang,
1967–1973 Mercury Cougar, and
1965–1970 Shelby Mustang.
More than 55,000 available parts
in 2 fully stocked warehouses,
Mustangs Unlimited is YOUR
Mustang Parts SUPERSTORE!
FREE Shipping on orders over
$300.
Visit www.mustangsunlimited.com
or call 800.243.7278.
National Parts Depot.
800.874.7585. We stock huge
inventories of concours-correct
restoration parts for:
1965–73 and 1979–93 Mustang
1967–81 Camaro & Firebird
1964–72 GTO, Tempest & Lemans
1964–87 Chevelle, Malibu &
El Camino
1948–29 and 1980–96 F-Series
Ford Truck
1966–96 Bronco
1955–57 Thunderbird
Delivery of your parts averages
just 1–3 days!
www.nationalpartsdepot.com
Original Parts Group, Inc. With
over 30 years’ experience, OPGI
manufactures and stocks over
75,000 of the finest restoration parts
and accessories for GM classics at
the best prices anywhere. The largest
selection of Chevelle, El Camino,
Monte Carlo, GTO, Le Mans,
Tempest, Gran Prix, Bonneville,
Catalina, Cutlass, 442, Skylark, GS,
Riviera and Cadillac classic parts
anywhere. Visit www.OPGI.com or
call (800) 243-8355.
Restoration—General
Cosmopolitan Motors, LLC.
206.467.6531. Experts in worldwide
acquisition, collection management,
disposition and
appraisal. For more than a quarter
century, Cosmopolitan Motors has
lived by its motto, “We covet the
rare and unusual, whether pedigreed
or proletarian.” Absurdly
eclectic and proud of it. Find your
treasure here, or pass it along to
the next generation. www.cosmo-
Mustangs Unlimited. Since
1976, Mustangs Unlimited has
been the source for Restoration,
politanmotors.com (WA)A
January-February 2015 113
Page 112
Surfing Around
Carl Bomstead
Automobilia on eBay
and beyond
Carl’s thought: At their Sports Legends Auction on November 1, Goldin Auctions sold a 1903 World Series
Game 1 score card, after 15 bids, for $109,200 including the 18.5% vig. The card had been completely scored and
was in original condition with absolutely no restoration.
This was the first-ever World Series, and in it, the Boston Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates faced off for the
title. The Boston Americans had Cy Young on the mound, while the Pirates had Honus Wagner in the field. With
Young pitching, Wagner singled in the first inning, driving in the first run. The Pirates won the game but lost the
series. About six of these score cards are thought to exist, so this is a rare and unusual piece of sports memorabilia
— but boy, at a price. Here are a few more things I uncovered that weren’t as pricey:
EBAY #121429421927—PAIR OF
1917 PORCELAIN CALIFORNIA
LICENSE PLATES. Number of
bids: 14. SOLD AT: $1,913.99.
Date sold: 9/12/2014. California
first issued license plates in 1914
— almost a decade later than
several of the Eastern states. For
1916 through 1919, they used the same white-with-blue lettering
porcelain plate but used a different small lead medallion for each
year. For 1917, the state flower (the poppy) was used. This pair of
plates was in excellent condition, and the number on the medallion
matched the plates. Expensive but not outlandish.
MORFORD AUCTIONS. LOT 83—1924 HUPMOBILE
CALENDAR. SOLD AT: $862 INCLUDING
15% BUYER’S PREMIUM. Date sold: 11/1/2014.
This calendar was in amazing condition, with only
minor wear in the outer margins. It had a complete
full pad and the original metal strips at the top and
bottom. The American Indian illustration at the top
was by Phillip Goodwin and advertised “The Car
for the American Family.” The lower illustration
featured a Hupmobile sedan. Have to wonder how
it survived for 90 years in this condition.
EBAY #261565411633—1960s
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY WOOL
JACKET. Number of bids: 38. SOLD
AT: $767.66. Date sold: 8/24/2014.
The original Irwindale Speedway was
built in 1965. One of the developers
was Harry Snyder — the founder of
In-N-Out Burger. It was located next
to the 210 freeway on what is now the
Miller Brewery site and was known, of
course, for serving the best burgers around. The wool jacket was in
excellent condition and may have never been worn. A cool reminder
of the early hot rod and drag racing days in Southern California.
EBAY #291266616625—PORCELAIN HUSKY
HI-POWER GASOLINE-PUMP PLATE.
Number of bids: 6. SOLD AT: $4,061.51. Date
sold: 10/19/2014. This small 8½-by-9 Husky
gas-pump plate was from the Husky Oil Company
that was established in Cody, WY. They
expanded into Montana in 1954 and Canada
114 AmericanCarCollector.com
in the 1970s, where they still operate. Almost any early gas and oil
item with ties to Montana seems to bring the money, and this piece
was no exception.
EBAY #141392736637—
1954 HUBLEY METAL
CORVETTE TOY. Number of
bids: 40. SOLD AT: $1,006.
Date sold: 9/7/2014. This 13inch
metal Corvette by Hubley
was as minty as it gets.
It appeared to have never
been played with, and the
box was just as pristine. It was complete with the cardboard insert
and protective coated paper. There were a few minor production
flaws, but the rubber tires were perfect and it was as if it had been
in a time capsule for the past 60 years. As such, the price paid was
up there, but you never go wrong buying condition.
MORFORD AUCTIONS. Lot 16—STANDARD
OIL POLARINE FIVE-GALLON
LIQUID GLOSS CAN. SOLD AT: $3,565
INCLUDING BUYER’S PREMIUM. Date
sold: 11/1/2014. This five-gallon can was in
exceptional condition, with a striking image
that was bold and vibrant. It was virtually
flawless, featuring an early open touring
car with a speedboat on the lake in the
background. Polarine used a similar image
on five-gallon oil cans, but I have not seen
the liquid gloss can in this condition. Well
worth the money, all things considered.
EBAY #111438360810—
CARROLL SHELBY AUTOGRAPHED
2010/2012
GT500 AIR-BAG COVER.
Number of bids: 31. SOLD
AT: $2,025. Date sold:
8/24/2014. This Carroll
Shelby-signed air-bag cover
included a Certificate of Authenticity
from the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Shelby autographed
anything and everything, but with his passing, values have been
inching upward. The same seller offered a bevy of items that had
been signed by Shelby, but none sold for close to this kind of
money. Auction fever was at work on this one.A