Profiles
- Hot Rod - 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS “Dobbertin”
- Race - 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS Bondurant Racer
- Mopar - 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda
- GM - 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455
- Corvette - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
- Americana - 1974 AMC Javelin AMX
- Truck - 1972 Ford F-100 Sport Custom pickup
- Ford - 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 S-Code fastback
Search This Issue
Page 4
CAR COLLECTOR
Volume 5 • Issue 25 • January-February 2016
The Scoop: Profiles
CORVETTE
2001 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE Z06
$30k / Worldwide
Is the C5 Z06 finally on an
upswing? — John L. Stein
Page 42
GM
1974 PONTIAC TRANS AM
SD-455
$111k / Barrett-Jackson
A potent Super Duty brings
six figures — Patrick Smith
Page 44
FoMoCo
1968 FORD MUSTANG GT
390 S-CODE FASTBACK
$56k / Barrett-Jackson
A market price for Ford’s hot
pony — Jeff Zurschmeide
Page 46
MOPAR
1970 PLYMOUTH
HEMI ’CUDA
$220k / Worldwide
No-reserve Hemi ’Cuda
brings the right money
— Dale Novak
Page 48
AMERICAN
™
1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455, p. 44
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
6 AmericanCarCollector.com
Keith Martin's
Page 5
HOT ROD
1965 CHEVROLET NOVA
SS “DOBBERTIN”
$56k / Barrett-Jackson
Nice price for a Pro-Street
magazine trend-setter
— Jay Harden
Page 50
AMERICANA RACE
1974 AMC JAVELIN
AMX
$41k / Auctions America
Surprisingly big money for a
no-mile ’74 AMC
— Tom Glatch
Page 52
2012 CHEVY CAMARO SS
BONDURANT RACE CAR
$20k / Barrett-Jackson
A well-used racer or a
screaming deal?
— Sam Stockham
Page 54
TRUCK
1972 FORD F-100 SPORT
CUSTOM PICKUP
$17k / Auctions America
Ford trucks gain traction in
the market — B. Mitchell
Carlson
Page 56
Cover photo: 1965 Chevrolet
Nova SS “Dobbertin”
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
January-February 2016
7
Page 6
The Rundown
EXPERTS’
COLUMNS
10 Torque
Now’s the best time to be a car
person — Jim Pickering
36 Cheap Thrills
1973–78 GMC MotorHome
— B. Mitchell Carlson
38 Horsepower
The changing view of cheating
the EPA — Colin Comer
40 Corvette Market
The best Corvette buys from
$10k to $50k — John L. Stein
114 Surfing Around
Must-have automobilia
— Carl Bomstead
FUN
RIDES
22 Good Reads
The Military Machine, Volume
Two: U.S. Dodge; The
Development and Deployment
of Dodge Military Trucks
1940–1975 — B. Mitchell Carlson
24 Desktop Classics
1965 Ford Mustang station
wagon — Marshall Buck
26 Snapshots 1
SEMA in photos
— Jim Pickering and Jeff Stites
28 Snapshots 2
Duesenberg drag racing:
The 2015 Thunder Run
— B. Mitchell Carlson
SERV
DEPA
12 What’s
Car events of note
14 Crossing the Block
Upcoming auctions and
highlighted star cars
22 Parts Time
Cool parts to keep your car
on the road
24 Cool Stuff
No-effort rust removal and a
brand-new old Shelby
30 Wrenching
Converting to Evans Waterless
Coolant
AUCTIONS
60 Barrett-Jackson — Las Vegas 2015
Totals hit $27m as 677 of 692 cars find new homes — Travis Shetler
68 Auctions America — Hilton Head Island
63 cars sell out of 95, totaling $5.4m at this new auction
— Mark Moskowitz
78 Worldwide Auctioneers — The Ron Brown
Estate Collection
102 no-reserve muscle cars and ’50s cruisers bring $4m
— Bob DeKorne
86 Bonhams — Preserving the Automobile
Barn finds and untouched originals total $3.2m, with 61 of 72 cars sold
— Adam Blumenthal
94 The Branson Auction
Sales total $2.3m, and 121 of 198 lots find new keepers
— Andy Staugaard
8 AmericanCarCollector.com
67 Quick Take
1967 Ford Mustang 4x4
custom fastback — Chad Tyson
76 One to Watch
1993–95 Ford F-150 SVT
Lightning — Chad Tyson
104 The Parts Hunter
Rare parts and pieces on the
market
106 Showcase Gallery
Sell your car in ACC’s
classifieds section
110 Resource Directory
Get to know our advertisers
111 Advertiser Index
Page 8
Torque
Jim Pickering
The Good Old Days
INTERESTS HAVE SHIFTED AS OUR CARS HAVE EVOLVED, BUT THAT’S
NOT A BAD THING
B
efore I had a kid, I used to spend
a lot of time out at Portland
International Raceway, running
my Caprice in the late-night drags.
Every Friday, and sometimes
Saturday, too, I’d be there, chasing time and
kicking tires with other car-crazy guys who
needed to shake off the work week.
I remember the first night PIR ran the
late-night program, back on a warm evening
in 2000 or so, and the miles-long line of neon
imports that backed up onto the I5 freeway.
I had to run the defroster in my car to keep
my big block from overheating as we inched
along. Those races were the local news topic
that day — I remember bright lights and
cameras from a TV station in my face. I think
I said something about street racing.
A few years later, PIR ran nitro dragsters
to see if the surrounding neighborhoods full
of regular people could handle the noise. All
the racers watched in awe. Everything else
stopped. The rails barked to life, zoomies
ripped the air and bounced sound off the berm
and into the dark sky. One pass and they were
done. That kind of thing wasn’t welcome in the
neighborhood, thank you. Noise test: failed.
And then there was the evil flat-black ’55
Chevy that I only saw once. It was near midnight
and the last run of what had become a
lightly attended event. Its screaming whoosh
of a turboed burnout had me running from
the empty staging lanes as the lights came
down — just enough time to note its nasty
dropped-down stance, sheet-metal wing,
Lexan windows and current tags. It built
boost and started shooting orange flames out
the exhaust. Nine seconds later all that remained
was an echo in the haze of an empty
dragstrip. I never saw it again.
Over the top and mundane
There’s something about overkill that
really resonates in the car world. Ever since
the days of the original muscle car, there’s
been a chase for the biggest, baddest machine
available. And that’s just the regular
car guy consumer — starting with the guy
who wanted a ’70 Hemi ’Cuda from the factory,
or a ’73 SD-455 Trans Am. That same
guy probably wanted a Z06 Corvette in 2001
and dreams of a Hellcat today.
Add in on top of that builders who have
developed serious skill in fabrication and
10 AmericanCarCollector.com
Long live overkill
tuning over the years, and you’ve got the
recipe for some real gas-fueled craziness.
The twin-turbo, supercharged, nitrousinjected
Dobbertin Nova on the cover of this
issue is a perfect example. So is that ghost
of a ’55 that ran a dark nine-second quarter
mile on slicks, boost and valid plates.
But what’s interesting is that as the car
world has redefined overkill over and over
again, becoming even more vibrant through
the advent of technology and straight-up
skill, the general public’s view of cars has
also appeared to change markedly.
Attendance at those late-night drags has
dropped way off over the past few years
— the days of a line out to the freeway are
long gone. And while there are still cool cars
around, at least in my neck of the woods,
they’re thinner on the ground than they used
to be. None of my neighbors drive anything
that’s even a bright color, let alone classic,
collectible, or over the top. From what I can
tell, when I’m at home, I’m the only car guy
in a two-mile radius.
That might sound like a bad sign for
the car world, but I think it’s just evidence
of change — not a lack of interest. Look
at all of today’s popular television shows
focused on car builds. There are events like
the upcoming Arizona auctions — overkill
in their own right — which bring together
thousands of cars and hundreds of thousands
of like-minded car people from around the
world. And there’s SEMA, where the OEMs
and aftermarket builders bring together
masses of industry insiders to show off new
products showcased in outrageous builds.
Like the car technology itself, all of these
things have only improved. The mass market
for this stuff is still there. It’s just evolved
and become more specialized.
I really believe that the good old days of
the car, at least in terms of the enthusiast, are
right now. Our access to cool cars and the
availability of information about every make
and model — from the Model T through the
newest C7 — is better now than ever before.
Over-the-top stuff is even more over the top
than it used to be. For those of us interested
in this stuff, the sky is really the limit, even
if some of our traditions have shifted.
As for me, my nights are now filled
with bedtime stories rather than high-rpm
shifts. But that doesn’t bother me in the
least, because I’ve had my daughter out to
the track, and she bounced with excitement
throughout the evening, even though there
weren’t as many cars there as there used to
be. The only trouble is now the over-the-top
machines that show up are crazier than they
used to be. Guess it’s time to buy an 8-71
blower for my big block. A
Page 10
WHAT’SHAPPENING
Let us know
about your events
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.
Tony Piff
ACC in Arizona
American Car Collector, along with our sister magazine, Sports Car Market, will visit all the big Arizona auctions from January 25 through
January 31. You can find our magazines at almost every auction, including the Russo and Steele and Silver auctions. Stop by our booth at the
Gooding & Company auction. Don’t miss our annual ACC Insider’s Seminar at the Barrett-Jackson auction site on Wednesday, January 27
(specifics to be announced). Get the scoop on the entire week in the 2016 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.
Two California Shows
Bring the Heat
Most of the United States is shivering
its way through ice and snow, but the 67th
Annual Grand National Roadster Show
— the granddaddy of all hot rod shows
— will heat up an already warm Southern
California weekend. More than 500 showcase
cars and trucks will rumble into the
Pomona Fairplex from January 29 through
January 31. The coveted America’s Most
Beautiful Roadster prize is up for grabs.
Can’t make it to Pomona? The 66th
Annual Sacramento Autorama will bring
more than 500 show and custom cars and
trucks inside the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in
Sacramento from February 12 to 14. www.
rodshows.comA
12 AmericanCarCollector.com
Grand National Roadster Show
Page 12
CROSSINGTHE
Dave Rupp — Fort Lauderdale
Beach Auction
Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL
When: January 8–10
More: www.ftlauderdaleauction.com
Tom Mack — Charlotte in January
Where: Charlotte, NC
When: January 8–9
Featured cars:
Star Car: 1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro, mostly unrestored with one
repaint, at Mecum Kissimmee, FL
• Star Car: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette
327/350 convertible. Finished in
correct Ermine White with red interior,
4-speed and knockoff wheels
More: www.tommackclassics.com
• 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396.
Frame-off restoration. 360-hp 396-ci
V8 and 4-speed, in Tuxedo Black
• 1966 Shelby GT350 H
Mecum Auctions — Kissimmee
High Performance Auction
Where: Kissimmee, FL
When: January 15–23
Last year: 1,775 / $2,380 cars sold /
$68.2m
• 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T
convertible. One of nine 1970 Hemi
Challenger convertibles built; one of
four equipped with automatic transmission.
1,140 miles since restoration
Featured cars:
• 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429. Full res-
More: www.mecum.com
Featured cars:
• 1969 Pontiac Trans Am convertible
• Star Car: 1969 Chevrolet Yenko
Camaro. Mostly unrestored with one
repaint. One of two Dover White Yenko
Camaros known to exist. Includes
original dealer papers, owner’s manual,
warranty card, Protect-O-Plate and
certificates of authenticity from COPO
Connection
Barrett-Jackson — Scottsdale
2016
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
When: January 23–31
Last year: 1,609 / 1,628 cars sold / $131m
Upcoming auctions (Images are courtesy of the respective auction houses unless otherwise noted)
JANuARY
BLOCK
by Tony Piff
• 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge convertible.
No-expense-spared, frame-off restoration
in 2009 by Pontiac specialist Jerry
Burge. With Pontiac Historic Services
paperwork, copies of awards. From the
Thomas Stutzman Collection
More: www.barrett-jackson.com
• 2003 Saleen S7 Competition Package.
One of 78 produced. This is the first of
only four naturally aspirated S7s built
with the optional “Competition” Saleen
performance upgrade package, according
to Saleen records
Russo and Steele — Sports and
Muscle in Scottsdale
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
When: January 27–31
Last year: 451 / 653 cars sold / $19.6m
toration after being stored for 33 years.
Original matching-numbers engine,
4-speed manual transmission, rear end
housing with correct paper axle tag.
Documentation includes a copy of the
1976 title and Deluxe Marti Report
Featured cars:
• 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6.
Diamond Restored certified by Jeff
Dotterer and Chris White
• 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 4-speed
convertible. Extremely original example.
Known history from new. Cover
car on the November 2015 issue of
Muscle Car Review
Star Car: 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, fully restored after 33 years of
storage, offered at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ
14 AmericanCarCollector.com
• Star Car: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette
L88. Unrestored and highly original
with only 2,500 miles. One of only 116
produced and one of 10 with 4.56:1
rear end. Numerous top-level awards.
Page 14
CROSSINGTHEBLOCK
Star Car: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88, unrestored and with only 2,500 miles, offered at Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale,
AZ, auction
More: www.russoandsteele.com
Documentation includes tank sticker
on original fuel tank
Bonhams — The Scottsdale
Auction
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
When: January 28
Last year: 74 / 84 cars sold / $24.9m
More: www.bonhams.com
magenta metal-flake paint (Estimate
available upon request)
Last year: 114 / 126 cars sold / $51.5m
• 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra ($800k–
$950k)
Featured cars:
• 1963 Ford Thunderbird M-code Sports
Roadster (Gooding & Company estimate:
$200k–$250k)
Featured cars:
• 1923 Mercer Sporting Series-Six
• 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425
coupe. No reserve
RM Sotheby’s — Arizona 2016
Where: Phoenix, AZ
When: January 28–29
Last year: 110 / 123 cars sold / $63.6m
Featured cars:
• 1936 Packard Twelve coupe roadster.
Offered from nearly 20 years of
enthusiast ownership. CCCA Full
Classic. Detailed service records (RM
Sotheby’s estimate: $225k–$275k)
More: www.rmsothebys.com
• Star Car: 1965 Shelby 427
Competition Cobra. One of just
23 full-competition-specification
427 Cobras produced. Successful
competition history; winner of the 1968
SCCA AP Championship and the 1971
Endurance Championship ($2.5m–
$3.3m)
• 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra Dragonsnake.
Converted to Dragonsnake specifications
in 1965. Very successful drag
racing career, including national titles
in four separate classes. Presented
today exactly as it competed, complete
with its Weber-carbureted 289 Ford
V8 with Belanger sidemount header,
4-speed transmission, Cobra Sunburst
rear wheels with slicks, wire front
wheels, removable hard top and
16 AmericanCarCollector.com
Silver Auctions — Arizona in
January
Where: Fort McDowell, AZ
When: January 28–30
Last year: 76 / 162 cars sold / $850k
• Star Car: 1934 DeSoto Airflow
coupe. Said to be one of 1,584 produced.
Body-off restored in 1982, now
offered at auction out of the restorer’s
estate. This will be the car’s first time
at market in over 35 years
More: www.silverauctions.com
Gooding & Company — The
Scottsdale Auction
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
When: January 29–30
More: www.goodingco.com
FEBRuARY
• Star Car: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette
L88 coupe ($700k–$800k)
Petersen Salem Collector Car
Auction
Where: Salem, OR
When: February 6
More: www.petersencollectocars.com
Leake — OKC 2016
Where: Oklahoma City, OK
When: February 19–21
Last year: 305 / 430 cars sold / $6.8m
More: www.leakecar.com
McCormick’s Palm Springs
Collector Car Auction
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: February 19–21
Last year: 417 / 584 cars sold / $7.5m
More: www.classic-carauction.com
G. Potter King — Atlantic City
Classic Car Auction
Where: Atlantic City, NJ
When: February 26–28
More: www.acclassiccars.comA
Page 16
Publisher’s
Note
Keith Martin
CAR COLLECTOR
Volume 5, Number 1
January-February 2016
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
Senior Associate Editor Chad Tyson
Copy Editors Yael Abel, Dave Tomaro
Auction Analysts Andy Staugaard
Dan Grunwald
Pat Campion
B. Mitchell Carlson
It doesn’t get much more old-school than Duesenberg drags
developments in the automotive aftermarket at SEMA.
Station wagons continue to be strong — you’ll learn about the
T
1968 Mercury Colony Park Wagon that ACC once owned. Our readers
drove it from Detroit, MI, to Portland, OR, and then we sold it to a
collector in Washington.
As I recall, we paid around $7,000 for it (which was all the money,
as no one cared about these big old wagons a decade ago). It sold for
$21,450 at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, and chances are its value is
going nowhere but up.
Cars from the ’70s are rising as well — I wasn’t surprised to read
about a 1974 Javelin AMX with just 400 miles on it bringing $41,250
at Auctions America in Auburn, IN.
I always come away just a little bit smarter after reading one of
John L. Stein’s columns about Corvettes. This issue’s on best-buy
Corvettes, was no different. The more you know, the better the
choices you will make, and the greater the chances are you will be
satisfied with your purchase.
And we continue to share with you the things we’re learning about
how to take care of our vintage cars and trucks. Editor Jim Pickering
and Associate Editor Chad Tyson spent a day converting Jim’s 1972
Chevy K10 pickup to use Evans Waterless Coolant. They’ve documented
all the steps they went through for you.
From What’s New to How To, you’ll find what you need to be a
smarter collector in this issue of American Car Collector. A
From Duesenberg
Dragsters to SEMA
he world of American collector cars is broad, and ACC is
here to share it with you.
In this issue, our writers take you on a trip through the
many facets of our hobby. You’ll read great stories ranging
from drag-racing vintage Duesenbergs to state-of-the-art
Jeremy Da Rosa
Adam Blumenthal
Michael Leven
Cody Tayloe
Joe Seminetta
Daren Kloes
Contributors Carl Bomstead
Colin Comer
John Draneas
Michael Pierce
Jay Harden
Mark Wigginton
Jeff Zurschmeide
Information Technology Brian Baker
SEO Consultant Michael Cottam
Advertising and Events
Manager Erin Olson
Financial Manager Cheryl Ann Cox
Advertising Coordinator Jessi Kramer
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
SuBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions Manager Meredith Volk
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
Travis Shetler
Jack Tockston
Mark Moskowitz
Phil Skinner
John Boyle
Doug Schultz
Pierre Hedary
Wallace Marx
Bob DeKorne
B. Mitchell Carlson
Ken Gross
Tom Glatch
John L. Stein
Marshall Buck
Dale Novak
AMERICAN
JOIN US
Jim Pickering
... and the new kids are keeping the hobby exciting, too
18 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 © 2016 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 18
YOUR TURN
Tell us what’s on your mind
Contact us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
The old ACC 1968 Mercury Colony Park now lives with a cousin in Bozeman, MT
Two or four barrels?
I absolutely loved the ’74 Country Squire
profile in the last issue (ACC NovemberDecember
2015, p. 48), and the mention of
the former SCM/ACC ’68 Colony Park.
Give me one of each.
On p. 70, the text lists a 400 4V as the
engine. If the car is original as claimed, I
think that was listed incorrectly. The Ford
400 always ran a 2V, as far as I remember.
The optional engine for ’74 was the 460 4V,
which superseded the 429 in the big Fords
and Mercs that year.
— Paul Shanahan, via email
You’re right about the 2V, Paul, and
thanks for the catch. — Tony Piff
Long-roof time machine
I got a kick out of seeing Keith’s Mercury
station wagon featured front and center in
American Car Collector (ACC NovemberDecember
2015, p. 8).
It was 50 years ago almost to the day that
I was sitting in Mercury Studio working on
the design of the 1968 full-size Mercs. I was
a rookie designer, so I didn’t have a lot to
do with the final overall design, but I do remember
working on the taillights and grille.
I thought at the time it looked like a Lincoln
trying to look like a Pontiac.
Ford Styling was an exciting place to be
working at the time. In the basement they were
working on the J Car (a later version of the
Ford GT40). Across the hall the Continental
Mk III was being created and down the hall
were the new Mustangs and Cougars.
My immediate boss was Jack Telnack
(a man on his way up to the top of his
profession). He was a great boss and a great
designer with exquisite taste and we remain
friends to this very day. I’m sure we would
have never imagined that the full-size Mercs
we were designing would be featured in
a magazine on collecting cars and getting
the thumbs-up from passersby. I remember
Oops
A Kurtis clarification: In the last issue of ACC, we profiled
a later-built Kurtis 500S (November-December 2015, p. 50). That
car, along with all our sidebar comps, are all “new” cars, rather
than original Kurtis Kraft cars built by Kurtis in period.
Our value analysis was correct for these cars as later builds,
but missing from the profile was the current value of Kurtis-built
cars, which carry a serious premium over their continuation
and component-built replica siblings. How much of a premium?
Owners report offers of $500k and more for the few remaining
examples of the fewer than 30 original Kurtis-built 500S cars,
but we have not yet seen one sell on the open market to prove it.
The Split’s exhaust: In the November-December issue, we
listed the Corvette profiled on p. 38 as having both “off-road”
exhaust and “sidepipes.” The car was listed by the auction company
as having “N11 side exhausts,” but it clearly did not have
sidepipes, which were not available from the factory until 1965.
20 AmericanCarCollector.com
Further, some of our NCRS friends have pointed out that while
N11 Off Road Exhaust was in fact listed as an option in 1963,
none are thought to have been built. What are we left with? A car
that likely had standard exhaust from the factory.
— Jim Pickering
seeing them on the road as everyday drivers,
then as beaters, and finally in junkyards.
It’s nice to know a few made it 50 years,
still look like new, and still generate smiles.
They also seem to have a calming effect on
people and bring one’s thoughts back to a
simpler time.
— Ken Eberts, via email
Where’s the Colony Park?
The ol’ wagon is alive and well (25k
mile) in Bozeman, MT, and as you can see,
is now living very comfortably with a fairly
rare sibling!
— Peter Bronken, via email
ACC Editor Jim Pickering: It was weird
to see the old Mercury pop up for sale at
Barrett-Jackson just after I wrote about it
in my ACC column. As Lot 350 in Vegas,
it made $21,450, and I think that was a
screaming deal considering how clean it still
is. (See the Market Report, p. 64.) Glad you
got it, Peter, and that it completes a set! A
Page 20
GOODREADS by B. Mitchell Carlson
The Military Machine, Volume Two: U.S. Dodge; The Development
and Deployment of Dodge Military Trucks 1940–1975
by David Doyle, The Ampersand Group (www.ampersandpubco.com), 496 & 522
pages, $129.95 plus shipping
If you like Mil-spec Dodge trucks in their original OD green,
you will absolutely love this series. It is easily the best reference
yet on these trucks. This is
especially true on the postWorld
War II M37 series, for
which accurate restoration
and historical information
has in the past been sketchy
or difficult to find.
Respected military ve-
hicle author David Doyle
presents as complete a
history of these trucks
as you’ll find anywhere.
The first book deals
exclusively with development and production before and
during World War II. Book two continues on after the war
and into the post-Vietnam era, plus showcases period images
of these trucks in use.
The text is very informative, but the photographs really
make this set shine. With the exception of the color images
on the hard covers and a handful inside, the vast majority are
from the period when these trucks were new in use — the
majority taken either by Chrysler or the government. The original images of various stages of production
are not only fascinating to look at, but are a godsend to anyone doing a correct restoration.
Doyle has done a credible job of putting tons of written and pictorial information back into circulation
for history enthusiasts and restorers. It’s not cheap, but good information rarely is.
PARTSTIME by Chad Tyson
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The Street
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transmission,
standalone tra
sion controller
torque conver
with filler tub
harness. You ju
have a car to i
Not only does PA use top-notch
parts inside the transmission, but they’re so confident in their product
that each one comes with a lifetime warranty.
4R70W Street Smart packages start at $4,829.91. Visit perfor-
manceautomatic.com to order or find a dealer locally, or call PA
directly at 240-439-4650.
22 AmericanCarCollector.com
OER 1973–91 GM Truck Glovebox
The rising interest in restored, and restoring, square-body GM
pickups brings with it reproduction of some of the harder-to-find
parts. Odds are that bits, such as the liner of the glovebox, have
probably broken apart — if not outright disintegrated — over the past
30–40 years.
OER is doing what it does best and filling in those vacuums in
the aftermarket. This part fits 1973–87 GMC and Chevrolet pickup,
Blazer, Jimmy and Suburban models with a/c. It also fits Blazer,
Jimmy and Suburban models with a/c from 1988 to ’91.
Price is $99.99. Learn more at classicindustries.com or call 800-
854-1280.
Lineage:
David Doyle is one of the most
prolific and respected authors on
military vehicles. He has extensively
researched this volume.
tory of Dodge trucks, it is mostly done
through period images. There are
enough government contract numbers
to make the casual reader start to drift
off, but owners of these trucks will be
pleased to have that information.
Drivability:
This isn’t exactly “Army Trucks
101,” but since this is the first time that
this much detailed information has
been concentrated into two volumes,
it is a must-have tool for those who
regularly research these trucks or
own them, and a very valuable asset
if you are considering purchasing
one of these trucks — from the most
prolific to a one-off prototype.
is best
Fit and finish:
While this set chronicles the his
Page 22
COOLSTUFF
Rust Be Gone
Evapo-Rust brings rusty
metal back to life. Just let
parts soak, and then rinse with
water. That’s it! No scrubbing
required. Evapo-Rust is nontoxic
and can be reused over
and over. One gallon ($19.77)
de-rusts up to 300 pounds
of steel. After treatment,
paint the bare metal or spray
with Evapo-Rust Rust-Block
($8.97). www.summitracing.com
by Tony Piff
A GT350 You Can Drive
Revology’s hit first-gen Mustang resto-mods ($121,750 and up)
pair vintage looks with modern underpinnings. Now they’ve upped
the ante with a Shelby-licensed 1966 GT350 replica. The Revology
GT350 features a 5.0-L Coyote V8, Tremec 6-speed manual transmission,
a/c, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, unequal-length
control-arm front suspension, three-link coil rear suspension, Ford
nine-inch rear, and more. Each Revology car includes a one-year
bumper-to-bumper warranty, two-year powertrain warranty and fiveyear
warranty against rust and corrosion. Orders start at $139,500.
www.revologycars.com
Salad
wrenches
Serve up those
leafy greens! £14.95
(about $23) from
www.presentindicative.com
DESKTOPCLASSICS by Marshall Buck
1965 Ford Mustang Station Wagon
The real Mustang station wagon garnered a lot
of press when first shown. Yes, there was a real
one, designed by Robert Cumberford, and built in
Italy by Intermeccanica.
Matrix produces a vast number of interesting
cars — many one-offs such as this. Some are
great, some are not. Research on this one was
very weak. The red with gold stripes is wrong;
they replicated a much newer reproduction by Joe
Kamp… sort of. The rear tailgate belongs only on
the original. The green version Matrix offers is
wrong too, having a hood scoop from the newer
reproduction. Wheels on both don’t replicate any I have seen.
Interiors are good, but again a bit of a mixed bag. On the plus side, overall fit and finish is very good. It’s a
reasonably nice model of another piece of pony car history.
24 AmericanCarCollector.com
Detailing
Scale: 1:43
Available colors: Red with gold
stripes, dark green
Quantity: Estimated 400 of each
color
Price: $90 to $110
Production date: 2014–15
Web: www.matrixscalemodels.com
Ratings
Detailing:
Accuracy:
Overall quality:
Overall value:
is best
½
Page 24
SNAPSHOTS
Every Econoline should have four supercharged Cammers
Inside
SEMA
ACC DROPS IN FOR THE
AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY’S
BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR
he Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, or
SEMA for short, is where the automotive aftermarket shows
off its stuff. From high-dollar builds through brand-new
parts and accessories, SEMA fills the Las Vegas Convention
Center with everything automotive for one gas-fueled week in
November. Here are some of our favorite shots from this year’s event.
T
Photos by Jim Pickering except where noted
Big names and high-dollar builds as far as your legs will carry you
Chevrolet’s new-for-2016 Camaro
Lowrider Lincoln shows off its stripes
26 AmericanCarCollector.com
Jay Leno gets a closer look at the new Camaro
Page 25
1971 Hemi ’Cuda convertible, done by Rad Rides by Troy
Jeff Stites
Editor Jim Pickering stops to chat with Barrett-Jackson
auction king Craig Jackson
Ken Lingenfelter shows off the all-new
Lingenfelter Silverado
Super-clean ’55 Chevy post
January-February 2016 27
Page 26
SNAPSHOTS
A Duesie of a Drag Race
DUESENBERGS RAN DOWN THE AIRSTRIP SIDEMOUNT TO SIDEMOUNT,
WITH A PAIR OF INDIANA STATE PATROL TROOPERS RUNNING RADAR
Story and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
luxury, style and grace, they were in fact the most powerful roadgoing
cars available at their introduction. One of the first exhibitions
of Duesenberg’s elegance and speed was a grudge match between
Hollywood talent agent Phil Berg’s Duesenberg J and Zeppo and Chico
Marx’s 1927 Mercedes-Benz supercharged S on Muroc Dry Lake in
1932. Berg’s Duesie walked away with the victory — and the bragging
rights.
These days, however, the parade during the annual Auburn
P
Cord Duesenberg Festival in the company’s home of Auburn, IN, is
one of the few places to regularly observe
Duesenbergs in action — but being a parade,
there isn’t much action. It’s more like proving
these now extremely valuable relics can still
move under their own power.
Parked at a concours, a Duesie has a unique
swagger and state of presence. But to truly
appreciate one is to see, hear and smell it in
action, and that was the genesis for the 2015
Thunder Run. Just like back in the days of Phil
Berg and Zeppo Marx, there are still men with
means who are willing to show what these
grand machines can really do.
Waking up the thunder
Five years ago, the Ab Jenkins Duesenberg Exhibition of Speed
was held concurrent with that year’s ACD festival in Auburn, IN, and
conducted at the nearby Kendallville Municipal Airport. Reportedly,
75 Duesenbergs showed up, with 40 running up and down the flightline
art of the cachet of every Duesenberg was that it was bred
and born from racing. Fred and August Duesenberg were
race car builders first, back when they starting working with
cars for Mason. They later branched out on their own to become
builders of competitive Indy cars in the teens and ’20s.
While the later Model J and SJ Duesenbergs were noted more for
Later known for luxury, Duesenbergs were born from racing
as an impromptu drag strip, showing that they still had racing in
their soul. That event was the inspiration for this year’s inaugural
Duesenberg Thunder Run.
The Thunder Run set up not far from this
year’s ACD festivities at the Goshen Municipal
Airport, which was also hosting the Freedom
Fest Vintage Air Show at the same time.
The air show was no slouch either, as it fea-
tured the B-17 Flying Fortress “Yankee Lady”
from the Yankee Air Museum of Ypsilanti,
MI, plus the EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor based out
of Port Clinton, OH. Additionally, NATMUS’s
GM Futurliner was also on display.
The Thunder Run was the one-day culmination
of this year’s annual ACD Club meet.
The 18 Model Js and SJs (including a modern replica Duesenberg
II), plus two Model As, convoyed from Auburn to Goshen under escort
of a volunteer unit of the Indiana State Patrol. While most made the
46-mile trip under their own power, some were trailered at the end
of the convoy, so time was allotted for them to dismount before all of
them were paraded around the taxiways of the airport.
The Duesenbergs head down the taxiway to line up for racing
28 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 27
After the parade lap, which gave the spec-
tators the closest views and sounds of the cars
in action, all 20 were parked alongside the
vintage aircraft while the air show continued.
To the line
With air traffic temporarily suspended,
the crowd was treated to a high-speed run by
the Mormon Meteor — 2007’s Pebble Beach
Best of Show winner. While no records
were set, it went fast enough up and down
the main runway to lose one wheel cover,
which was recovered in short order with
minimal damage. Next, most of the other
cars participated in the first-ever measured
quarter-mile Duesenberg-only drag race,
running sidemount to sidemount, with a pair
of Indiana State Patrol troopers running radar
Luckily, the Mormon Meteor had already won Best of Show at Pebble Beach in
2007 before losing a wheel cover while flying down the runway at Thunder Run
to measure trap speeds.
With the 6,000-foot main runway, there was plenty of room for the
measured course plus runoff, with several drivers accelerating past the
quarter-mile trap to get their Classics up to full speed.
There were no smoky burnouts, but several of the owners did push
the envelope to get their three-ton iron running the quarter at speeds
over 70 mph, most still in second gear.
This first heat was run for about a half hour, and then they cleared
Two-thirds of the way to planes, trains and automobiles
off the flightline to allow the air show to resume. About an hour later,
the group was given clearance on short notice to continue the Thunder
Run on the flightline, this time with fewer Duesenbergs participating,
but with a few ACD members’ Cords and Auburns mixing it up, too.
A decade ago, I was impressed by the 30-car Duesenberg Room
collection at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. But seeing these cars
out running on a warm Indiana Sunday as
God and Fred Duesenberg intended was
even more astounding. Hopefully, it won’t
be another five years before we have a
chance to bear witness to the power and
glory that is the grandest of America’s
motorcars — Duesenberg.
Next time: No word yet on a Thunder
Which one do you suppose gets off the ground faster?
Run for 2016, but the ACD Festival
always takes place the week before Labor
Day in Auburn, IN. Learn more at www.
acdfestival.org.A
Awakening 4,800 Studebaker-generated horsepower on the “Yankee Lady” B-17 Flying Fortess
January-February 2016 29
Page 28
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
BE COOL
Chad and Jim with your
engine’s new best friend
Special thanks to World of Speed in Wilsonville, OR. Learn more
about their museum and facilities at www.worldofspeed.org.
SUMMIT RACING
PARTS LIST
Evans High
Performance
Waterless Coolant,
p/n EVN-EC61001,
$46.45/gallon
Evans Prep Fluid,
p/n EVN-EC42001,
$31.97/gallon
Evans Conversion
Kit, p/n EVN-E2197,
$17.97
Refractometer (not
required, but useful
if converting several
Evans
vehicles), p/n EVNE2190,
$78.97
Mini Pyrometer w/
laser, p/n SUMG1054,
$53.97
Lisle Spill-Free
Coolant Funnel,
p/n LIL-24680,
$27.97
TIME SPENT:
Three hours
DIFFICULTY: J
(J J J J J is
toughest)
EVANS WATERLESS COOLANT ELIMINATES BOIL-OVERS,
CORROSION, PITTING AND HIGH PRESSURE IN YOUR CLASSIC
CAR’S COOLING SYSTEM. HERE’S HOW TO DO THE SWAP
by Jim Pickering and Chad Tyson
Photos by Tony Piff
W
ater-based coolants have been the standard since the
beginning of the car industry. But those traditional
coolants have limitations that car people have simply
learned to accept. Coolant turns acidic over time, so
we swap it often to eliminate electrolysis from eating
our engine’s metals from the inside out. We replace plugged heater
cores and radiators, full of scale and other deposits left by water. And
we still deal with boil-overs on hot days and the high pressure needed
to boost water’s boiling point, which can blow hoses and gaskets.
Evans Waterless Coolant eliminates all of these problems by
completely eliminating water from the equation. EWC has a higher
boiling point than water by more than 100 degrees, so there’s no need
30 AmericanCarCollector.com
for high pressure in the system to keep temps in check and no risk
of boil-overs. It significantly reduces oxidation and electrolysis, and
does not build up scale inside heater cores and radiators. Best of all, it
is a one-time swap that’ll last as long as you own your car.
The only maintenance? Check your water content once a year. At
about $340 total (including three gallons of coolant, Prep, and tools/
equipment), this isn’t cheap, but considering the time, effort and
expense you’ll save by not needing to swap coolant, rod out radiators,
or deal with boil-overs anymore, it’s money well spent. Learn more at
www.evanscooling.com.
Swapping over is simple, but there are some important steps
to follow. We took my ’72 Chevy K10 to World of Speed’s shop in
Wilsonville, OR, to show you how to do it.
Page 30
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
1
Start with a cool engine.
Disconnect the negative battery
terminal and locate the radiator
drain petcock, which in this case is
on the driver’s side of the radiator, pointed
right at the steering box. Thanks, GM!
2
Key to this process is removing as
much of the old coolant from the
system as possible. Open the radiator
cap and the petcock to allow
coolant to drain out. To limit the mess that
coolant raining on the steering box will
cause, stick a two-foot length of 3/8-inch
fuel line on the end of the petcock and put
the other end into a large bucket. Let it run
until it stops.
3
Next task: Remove any residual
coolant from the heater core if accessible.
Locate the feed and return
heater core hoses and disconnect
them both from the engine. Stick one in an
empty catch container, and if you have an
in-line valve anywhere in either line, be sure
it’s open.
4
Evans recommends high-volume air
for this job, such as a leaf blower.
Compressed air can also be used,
but it isn’t as effective and can
cause damage if you’re not careful. Blow
any remaining coolant out into the container.
5
A small-block Chevy has two waterjacket
drains — one on each side of
the engine just above the oil pan
— stopped up with threaded brass
plugs. If you can get to them, use a six-point
9/16-inch socket and a ratchet and loosen
both to hand-tight, but don’t remove them
yet. (If you can’t get to the drains or can’t
get them out of the block, don’t worry —
we’ll get to that in a second.)
6
Block drains can make a pretty big
coolant mess all over you and your
floor. We used a transmission funnel
and a length of heater hose to
direct the engine block’s coolant into an old
gas can. Drain both sides.
7
With the block drains still removed,
pull the thermostat housing and
thermostat from the top of the engine.
8
32 AmericanCarCollector.com
Blow through the block, pushing
any remaining water and coolant
out of the block drains. If you can’t
get to the drains or there aren’t any,
pull the lower radiator hose and place a
bucket under it to catch what’s in the block.
We used high-pressure compressed air, an
air nozzle, and a rag. When the block is dry,
reinstall the thermostat and housing.
9
Reinstall the thermostat and housing,
the heater core hoses, the
block drains and the lower hose (if
applicable), and close the radiator
petcock.
Page 32
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
10
Evans Prep Fluid is specifically
designed to pull any remaining
moisture from your cooling system.
Fill the radiator with Prep,
check for leaks, hook up the battery and
start the engine. We used Lisle’s Spill Free
Coolant Funnel (Summit Racing p/n LIL24680,
$27.97) to burp air out of the system.
11
For the Prep Fluid to do its job, it
must circulate through the entire
cooling system — so you need
to get the engine to operating
temp, with the thermostat open and the
heater running. We used a mini laser pyrometer
(Summit Racing p/n G1054, $53.97) —
a hands-free gauge — to verify the truck’s
thermostat had opened and that all heater
hoses were hot. Run for 10 minutes beyond
that point, then allow the system to cool.
12
Drain the radiator and the block
again, using the petcock and
block drains. Save the Prep
Fluid, as it’s reusable up to three
times — but be sure to keep it in a closed
container, as it will pull moisture from the air
if left out. If you don’t get all the Prep out of
the system, don’t sweat it — it’s also waterless
and compatible with Evans Waterless
Coolant.
13
Close up your block drains and
petcock, and fill the engine with
Evans Waterless Coolant. Burp
the system, close up the radiator
cap, and run for ten minutes after it hits operating
temperature. Let it cool.
14
Testing water content is critical
— you need less than 3% water
for a successful conversion.
Evans uses two different meth-
ods: a refractometer that uses a Brix scale
to measure moisture, and small test strips
that come inside the Conversion Kit.
15
To use the refractometer, first
calibrate it using fresh Evans
coolant. Place two to three drops
on the glass, aim it toward a light
source, and set the reading to 57.0 using a
small screwdriver. Clean it off, place two to
three drops of coolant from your radiator on
the glass, and view the results. A reading of
55.7 equates to 3% water. Higher numbers
mean lower water content.
16
To use Evans test strips, first
draw an ounce of coolant from
your radiator into a clean container
and allow it to cool below
100 degrees. Pull a test strip out of the container
and place it in your coolant sample.
Move it around for 20 seconds. Then remove
the strip and let it sit for two minutes
and 20 seconds.
34 AmericanCarCollector.com
17
Compare the color of the test
strip with the supplied chart. If
you’re green, you’re good —
that’s 0%–3% water. If you’re at
5% or more, corrective action needs to be
taken — starting with a drain and fill of the
radiator with fresh Evans coolant, which will
lower the percentage of water. We fell right
at 3%.
18
Finally, place the supplied stickers
on or near your radiator to
ensure nobody ever adds water
to your radiator. Your system is
now good to minus 40 degrees and has a
375-degree boiling point, and it’ll stay that
way as long as you own the car.
A
Page 34
Cheap Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
CULT CLASSIC
Class A
GMC MOTORHOMES NEVER DIPPED INTO SCRAP-YARD TERRITORY;
EVEN RATTY EXAMPLES STILL SELL WELL
Toronado in its MotorHome. For
1973 through 1976, that was the
225-hp 455-ci big block. From
1977 on, it was the downsized
190-hp 403-ci version. For all
years, it was coupled to the Turbo
HydraMatic 425 also used in the
Cadillac Eldorado.
Front-wheel drive made
for better packaging for GM’s
MotorHome, since it allowed
a very low stance aft of the
torsion-bar front suspension.
The MotorHome also utilized
unibody aluminum space-frame
construction, with molded fiberglass
and aluminum sheet body
panels.
The rear suspension used tan-
Sgt. Hulka, your ride’s here — 1973 23-foot GMC MotorHome
T
he late 1960s and early 1970s saw explosive growth in
the recreational-vehicle industry. GM noticed that trend
and wanted to be a part of that market. So the company
introduced a Class-A motorhome in 1973 through select
GMC dealers called, somewhat unimaginatively, the GMC
MotorHome.
This was also the year that GM introduced all-new light- and
medium-duty trucks, and the same corporate styling theme used there
found its way into the MotorHome. As such, GMC’s MotorHome is
generally regarded as one of the best-styled motorhomes built.
Power for the home from a barge
Offered in 23- and 26-foot lengths, the GMC MotorHome had
a number of unusual features for its time, but its front-wheel-drive
powertrain got most of the attention. However, GMC wasn’t the first
company to build a front-drive unit. That distinction goes to Clark
Equipment Company (the forklift people) in 1963 with the Cortez
Motorhome, which used its proprietary forklift transaxle and engines
from Chrysler. In addition, John Hall (the stepson of Airstream
founder Wally Byam) started production of the Revcon motorhome
in 1972, using a powertrain straight out of the Oldsmobile Toronado.
Some claim GM waited for the Revcon to come out first to see if the
market would accept a front-drive RV.
GM had also intended to use the power pack from the Oldsmobile
36 AmericanCarCollector.com
dem wheels. Bogie arms bolted to
the side of the lower framing, and
air suspension was standard. This
allowed an unobstructed low
floor (14 inches off the ground)
behind the driver’s seat and engine
compartment. At eight feet
tall, the body stands significantly
lower than a body-on-frame Class-A RV. With all this, it’s one of the
only motorhomes you can say “handles well” with a straight face.
GMC MotorHomes were constructed and trimmed out entirely
in-house by GM at its truck and bus plant in Pontiac, MI. Only the
usual RV appliances, such as the refrigerator, stove and optional roofmounted
air conditioning, were externally sourced.
A streamlined box
Just as the MotorHome was being launched and started taking
hold in the market, GM, along with the rest of the country, was gobsmacked
by the OPEC oil embargo. The larger the vehicle, the worse
sales became, and large RVs took a big hit.
The saving grace for the GMC MotorHome was in its marketing.
GM played up its aerodynamics and relative fuel savings compared
with big square plastic boxes, helping sales. Later in production, they
were also sold with empty interiors and no windows for upfitting
as disaster response units and mobile showrooms, called the GMC
TransMode.
With the Toro/Eldo downsized for 1979, GM pulled the plug on
the MotorHome, although some late-production units were marketed
by Coachman (actually TransModes converted into RVs). And, of
course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the most famous version — a
26-foot model that was transformed into the EM-50 Urban Assault
Vehicle in the 1981 movie “Stripes.”
Page 35
Maintaining a truck and house in one package
Most of the same quirks of a Toro/Eldo of the 1970s show up here.
While the transmissions are generally stout (even with an internal
roller chain between the transmission and the differential), the CV
joints for the half shafts are an Achilles heel. In reality, though,
access to portions of the powertrain are more of an issue. As for
replacement drivetrain parts, even four decades later, availability is a
non-issue.
The Olds 455 is one of the
Detailing
Years produced: 1973–78
Number produced: 12,921
Original list price: $14,695
and $15,695 (1973 23- and
26-foot)
Current ACC Valuation:
$10,000–$30,000
Tune-up cost: $250
Distributor cap: $15
VIN location: Plaque on side of
the body, near the door
Clubs: GMC Motorhomes
International
More: www.gmcmi.com
Alternatives: 1963–70 Clark
Cortez motorhome, 1971–79
“Kent” Cortez motorhome,
1973–76 FMC 2900R
motorhome, 1972–89 Revcon
motorhome
ACC Investment Grade: C-
most robust engines GM ever
built, so it’s up to the task
in a MotorHome, which was
designed from the onset to be
light and have minimal drag. An
early 23-footer weighed 10,500
pounds, with a 1978 26-footer
at 12,500 pounds — light even
compared to a Class-C cutaway
van.
Some modern-day owners
like to convert to 21st century
aftermarket throttle-body fuel
injection for both power and
economy (if going from 10 to
12 mpg is considered economy
— but it’s twice what you
might see in a typical gasoline
Class-A, even today).
Another conversion is to use
the 500-ci Cadillac V8 — you
can even leave the transmission
in it if it came from an Eldorado. Also, both the big-block Olds and
Cadillac can be built up with aftermarket performance parts, too. But
before chopping a hole in the doghouse to make room for velocity
stacks or a 6-71 blower, remember that the roller chain and CV joints
will always be the fuseable links in the powertrain.
Minty originals are cherished
The MotorHome is one of the few RVs with a bona fide cult fol-
lowing. Not just among those into vintage RVs, but in the car collecting
and racing communities too. Just look in the paddock at a vintage
race — you’re all but guaranteed to see at least one. As such, they
have had stable resale values over the years, instead of plummeting
like a 12,000-pound rock off the Grand Tetons. They never dipped
into scrap-yard territory like converted school buses, and even ratty
dead examples still sell surprisingly well, once enthusiasts find them
to restore or for parts.
Few MotorHomes are still purely stock. Over the years, these
things were upgraded and personalized — at the very least by custom
paintwork, but also with modernized interiors and wild customization.
Only in recent years have low-mile originals and restored bonestock
examples become prized.
Still, GMC MotorHomes are still quite attainable, with most ex-
amples fetching between $8,000 for a useable driver for a handyman to
$30k plus for primo originals or high-quality rebuilds. Just bear in mind
that like any RV, you will have all the maintenance issues of a truck and a
house combined into one continuous money-extracting package.
While it’s not time to sell your Hemi ’Cuda convertible for a fleet
of these, the smart money for a vintage-vehicle enthusiast who likes to
get away from it all — whether it’s in the Poconos or at the paddock —
would be to consider a GMC MotorHome. Hey, for cool factor, upside,
and usability, it’s better than some 21st century fiberglass box. A
January-February 2016 37
Page 36
Horsepower
Colin Comer
DIRTY TRICKS
BACK IN THE ’70S, WE YANKED OFF EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT TO STICK
IT TO THE EPA. TODAY, HALF A MILLION VW OWNERS ARE SCREAMING
BLOODY MURDER BECAUSE VOLKSWAGEN DID IT FOR THEM
isn’t pennies a gallon anymore, we drive a heck of a lot more than
we used to, and technology has made compromise optional. I have
to admit that going 80 mph at 2,200 RPM sipping fuel is kinda nice
compared to going 70 mph at 4,500 RPM and stopping every 100
miles for a fill-up.
Now, unless you’ve been under a rock for the past few months,
you’ve heard about Volkswagen and the “DieselGate” scandal over
their TDI “Clean Diesel” cars that turned out to be, well, not so
clean. It appears that somewhere around half a million TDI-powered
cars, the staple of the hypermiling and tree-hugging set, have been
discovered to have a software cheat that VW used to dupe the EPA
and raise power and fuel mileage in one fell swoop. Needless to say,
VW’s customers aren’t happy, nor is the EPA. In fact, VW is looking
at billions of dollars in damages, and you need a really good calculator
to compute all the class-action lawsuits that are in the works as I
type this.
So how exactly did VW cheat? It appears that they simply figured
Pontiac pulled some emissions chicanery with the 455
Super Duty engine but got caught before it went to market
N
obody reading ACC looks back fondly at the dawn of
EPA-mandated emissions controls in the 1960s. Or the
fact that by 1972, those controls had effectively turned
every American performance car into a wheezy, out of
tune, low-compression version of their formerly athletic
selves.
Then just when we thought we’d suffered enough, along came the
catalytic converter in 1975, followed by Oldsmobile diesels you could
hear from a mile away (but rarely made that kind of distance under
their own power), Chrysler “Lean Burn” popcorn machines, and
other such insults to the beautiful process of internal combustion.
Thankfully, the advent of modern fuel injection and real com-
puterized engine controls has righted our performance ship. The
horsepower wars are back and better than ever, and performance of
today’s new cars on a whole blows away anything that rolled down a
Detroit assembly line from 1964 to 1971.
And today, just like during the original muscle car era, people
want performance. But a funny thing has happened — sometimes
“performance” means how far they can get on a gallon of fuel, or
how small they can make their carbon footprint. And these are all
good benchmarks, as more than enough damage has been done to our
atmosphere and natural resources already.
Clean is in
Yes, the new generation has deemed “hypermiling” as much fun
as doing a 13-second quarter-mile with an LS6 Chevelle. Why? Fuel
38 AmericanCarCollector.com
out how the EPA test works and then made their engine management
systems do certain naughty things under test conditions — like burn
less fuel and pollute less. Apparently a few triggers for the “clean”
mode include knowing when only the drive wheels are moving (on
rollers) and the steering angle is near zero — two things that only
occur on a “rolling road” test bed.
This TDI cheat made me think of a similar, yet far less successful
one, during the height of the emissions-controlled muscle car era.
Super Duty tricks
In 1972, Pontiac was getting ready to release the 455 Super Duty,
unquestionably one of the best muscle car engines ever produced.
Heck, I’d say it is even safe to say that the SD-455 is to the muscle car
folks what VW’s TDI is to the hypermilers — the gold standard of
each era.
So here is how Pontiac’s engineers tried to cheat the system in the
archaic carburetor and no-computer days: They figured out the EPA
test and created a hidden work-around. Sound familiar? Legend has it
that the PMD guys calculated that the test for EPA certification lasted
no more than 50 seconds. So on the SD-455 engine, they simply created
timers that after 53 seconds would disable the EGR valve in top
gear and also allow full ignition vacuum advance.
Of course, during certification, this little hack was detected and
the EPA withheld certification until it was, ahem, “corrected.” If
only they had done this for VW, they could have saved them billions
of dollars and the worst PR black eye that VW has had since the
“Unintended Acceleration” Audis in the 1980s.
Changing views
What really struck me when looking at these two cheats separated
by four decades is how much consumers’ views of pollution controls
have changed. When smog equipment and emissions tuning debuted,
the very first thing a new owner did was to go home, yank all that
Page 37
SD-455s would have run if Pontiac had successfully made it through
testing without getting caught. Or if any number of other manufacturers
could have done the same. Or if you could have brought home
your 1971 Hemi ’Cuda and downloaded a tune to its ECU from the
Internet and made it run like the magazine test cars did.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I completely understand why VW
customers feel screwed. They were sold, to a certain extent, a bill of
goods. They thought they were buying a clean diesel that made great
numbers without the hardware that other diesel cars needed — like
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection and the related mess and expense
that consists of. But they aren’t unsafe or unreliable. They just pollute
more than they should, which, even as “dirty” as they are, is probably
10 times cleaner than a 1973 SD-455 without the EPA cheater timer.
One of each
Now, before you say “Colin is full of it!” I have a little experience
Volkswagen: Naughty, naughty!
crap off, and immediately tune their car to pre-emissions specs —
usually with headers and some other go-fast stuff thrown on as well.
Magazines of the day even ran detailed tutorials showing how you,
as a car owner, could cheat the system and make your car run like it
should without air pumps, EGR valves and hideously lean carburation.
Bottom line: If you had a new car, it was you who wanted to
stick it to the EPA.
Today, half a million VW owners are screaming bloody murder
because VW engineered an EPA cheat that made their new TDIs
run better and get better mileage. Just think how much better those
here, owning not only a 1973 SD-455 Trans Am, but also a 2014 VW
Jetta TDI. Yes, in 2013 my wife decided that driving a 2007 Grand
Cherokee SRT8 every day, at an average of 10 mpg, was not for
her anymore, so she bought a new TDI SportWagen. Which, oddly
enough, she loves. The VW gets 40 mpg and, since neither one of
us views it as anything more than an appliance, it is quite freeing to
not obsess about its care and feeding — or handing the keys to an
occasional valet.
Of course the one thing I can assure you is that, if VW doesn’t
make us an offer we can’t refuse to buy it back, this thing will never
go to the dealership for whatever “fix” they come up with. After all,
what kind of hot-rodders would we be to let somebody make our new
car slower and less efficient? I’ve spent too many years figuring out
how to do just the opposite. A
January-February 2016 39
Page 38
Corvette Market
John L. Stein
ACING IT
Best Bets in Affordable ’Vettes
IT’S EASY TO BUY A CLASSIC CORVETTE FOR “A HUNDRED OR MORE,”
BUT HOW ABOUT WORKING FROM THE BOTTOM UP?
the song on Pandora got me thinking about categorizing potential
Corvette scores the same way.
It’s easy to buy a classic Corvette for “a hundred or more,” but
F
how about working from the bottom up? I decided to investigate with
ACC’s Pocket Price Guide (included with your subscription).
Based on ACC’s price guide, which rates good #2 cars in better-
than-driver condition, here are my thoughts on best bets in $10k,
$20k, $30k, $40k and $50k ’Vettes. These picks are based on the
lower end of the ACC price guide to show what may be possible, not
what is typical. In some ways, this approach mirrors the real-estate
strategy of buying the worst house on the best street: The rest of the
block will bring your place up.
$10,000
As expected, no C1s and C2s exist in the $10k range. And, in fact,
the earliest Corvette rated under $10,000 is the low estimate for a
1974 base C3 coupe. With its 195-hp engine and plastic bumpers, this
car was indeed something of a dark patch in the Corvette’s otherwise
40 AmericanCarCollector.com
or a few weeks there in 1966, The Royal Guardsmen’s
mirthful “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” injected the refrain
“Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty or more” into our cerebrum.
Of course, the numbers recounted the German World War
I flying ace’s kill record, but a random encounter with
bright path. That said, the “American Hustle” era does have a certain
smoggy coolness to it, and the cars are growing on me. So is their
affordable price.
Six other C3 models also register under $10k in the ACC guide,
including the ’75 coupe at $9,000, a ’76 coupe at $8,000, a ’77
coupe at $8,500, a ’78 coupe at $9,000, a ’79 coupe at $9,500, and a
California-spec (305-ci) ’80 coupe at $9,500. (Again, all prices noted
are at the “low” end of the low/high spread.)
The under-$10k world is your oyster in C4s, with 15 different
models in the ACC guide slotting under $10,000. Amazingly, the low
estimate for the largely unloved first-year 1984 model is just $4,800.
Although a record 51,547 were built that model year, it’s incredible
that any first-year Corvette generation could be so low-valued. High
time to buy? The ’85 and ’86 models don’t do much better, starting at
$5,400 to $5,900, respectively. From there the low end of the Corvette
price scale rises incrementally, peaking at $9,500 for an ’89 convertible.
The newest sub-$10k Corvette is a ’93 coupe at $9,300. All later
Corvettes are $10,000 and over.
Bottom line: Target base coupes in the 1975–93 range.
$20,000
A budget of $20k will get you into most C3s and C4s, and half
of the C5 generation. The early C3s — 1968 to 1972 — had chrome
Page 39
front and rear bumpers; they are aging beautifully and I rate them for
future appreciation.
The ACC guide pegs the 1968 base and 350-hp L79 models at a
low estimate of $18,000 and $18,500, respectively. The base 1969–72
coupes likewise slide under the $20k mark at around $18,000 to
$18,500 at the low end, so there are plenty of choices here.
As noted above, virtually the entire 1984–96 C4 generation can be
found for under $20,000, with the exception of halo models like the
1988–89 Corvette Challenge cars, ZR-1s, and the last-year ’96 Grand
Sports. And finally, almost all 1997–2000 coupes and convertibles
(except the ’98 Indy 500 Pace Car replica) can be found below the
$20k mark.
Bottom line: Look for C3s, C4s and early C5s.
$30,000
Amazingly, there is not one entry point into the solid-axle or mid-
year club for $30k. But it will still get you into some cool ’Vettes,
such as a 1968–69 427-ci C3 at $24,000 to $28,500 on the low end. It
will also easily put you into the exoticness that is the 1990–93 ZR-1,
and into virtually any C5 model, Z06s included. Proffer your cash
just right, and $30k will bag a 2005–07 C6 coupe, a marvelously
capable car that will excel at everything from everyday commuting to
Cars & Coffee, and from touring to track days. With 30 grand, there
are numerous options over 40 years and four generations.
Bottom line: For a classy chassis, buy an early Shark; for usabil-
ity, an early C6.
$40,000
While $40k won’t buy the latest C7, it’s sufficient to get you into
every other Corvette generation, from a quad-headlight solid axle all
the way up to a 2012 base C6 coupe.
Because C1s have gotten so pricey, if I had $40k rattling around in
a coffee can, I’d make tracks to the solid-axle aisle and take home the
best 1959–60 model I could find for the $39,000–$40,000 low estimate.
Elsewhere in Corvette land, I’d use $40k to target a low-optioned
1963–65 mid-year coupe or convertible. Top of this pile is a 300horse
1965 L75 coupe, which factors into the ACC guide at a low of
$39,500, or a base-level ’66 coupe, which is rated right at $40k.
Bottom line: Get a quad-headlight solid axle or an early mid-year.
$50,000
Fifty Gs lets you go target shooting in any Corvette generation.
Among the blue-chip ’Vettes, I’d aim for an iconic base ’57 at
$49,000 or a 300-horse L75 Split-Window coupe at $50,000 even —
again, both entry-point prices. Moving forward to the C3 Sharks, a
Tri-Power 435-hp L71 1968 convertible pencils in at $45,500 on the
low end. You can buy any C4 model for $50k, with plenty of cheddar
left over. Here, a smart move might be into the last-year DOHC 32valve
1995 ZR-1, or else a nice ’96 Grand Sport convertible (though
given free reign, I’d target a 1988–89 Corvette Challenge racer — and
some track days). The same $50k will get you into most C5s and C6s,
with the lower end of the upper crust being the final year for the C6 in
the form of a 2013 Grand Sport convertible.
Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty or more was an epic record for
Manfred von Richthofen in 1918, and then another epic record for
The Royal Guardsmen 50 years ago. And today? Now that I’ve got
that song in my head, I’m looking at every Corvette I see with those
price buckets in mind. My own targets? A Sting Ray first, a solid axle
second, an early Shark third, and then wait for a C7.
Let us know your picks at comments@americancarcollector.com. A
January-February 2016 41
Page 40
PROFILE CORVETTE
2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
Hard-Top Heartthrob
Collectors
are already
showing
strong
interest in
cars of the
1980s and
1990s. Can
the 2001
hard-top
Z06 be far
behind?
VIN: 1G1YY12S615124660
by John L. Stein
• One of 5,773 produced
• 385-hp LS6 engine
• 6,500-rpm redline tachometer
• Titanium exhaust system
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Bridgestone Potenza RE760 tires
• FE4 suspension
• Rear brake-cooling ducts
• Quicksilver paint
• Bose AM/FM/CD stereo
• Service records and original window sticker
• Driven 100 miles per month since new
• Presents in showroom condition
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 69, sold for $29,700,
including buyer’s premium, at
Worldwide Auctioneers’ auction in Fredericksburg,
TX, on October 24, 2015. It was offered as part of the
Ron Brown Estate Collection.
Whenever the final and forevermore history of
Corvette is written, the Z06 will hold a vaunted position
— arguably higher even than the ’57 Fuelie or
L88. That’s because while Chevy’s exotic first fuel
injection and the ground-shaking L88 were options
that few people actually bought, the Z06 has enjoyed
two very important lives within the Corvette brand.
The first was in 1962–63, when the Z06 competition
package helped take the new Sting Ray to the track
to challenge the original Cobra. Just 199 of these
Z06s were produced, and admittedly, like the 1967–69
L88, high cost and hard-edged performance ensured
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
that most were purchased either by racers or highperformance
zealots in the know.
So while the first iteration of the Z06 helped
establish the Sting Ray as a competitive sports car, the
option did its job and then disappeared. However, the
pivotal second act for the Z06, starting in 2001, was
far more important.
Powertrain chief engineer Bill Nichols suggested
naming a new performance package intended for the
slow-selling hard top after the historic racing equipment.
The name stuck and the new Z06 went on a tear,
with nearly 55,000 built between 2001 and 2014. It was
a lighter, more powerful, better-handling Corvette.
Unlike many classics (notably a few Thunderbird
and Mustang generations), the Z06 name has never
been diluted though smoke-and-mirrors marketing.
It has always been, and hopefully will remain, full of
substance. If you are a buyer, an owner, or a seller of
a Z06 of any year, you can enjoy confidence that your
car is the real deal.
One door closes, another opens
Although the 1999–2000 hard top was offered as a
more “affordable” Corvette, it underperformed on the
sales floor compared to the coupe and convertible. Its
failure allowed the modern Z06 to live.
I’m not an anti-hard-top C5 guy at all — a Corvette
is a Corvette, and today the relative scarcity of the
hard-top body design and its use as the basis of the
first modern Z06 should overcome any objection that
the hard top isn’t fully a Corvette, either in DNA or
Courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers
Page 41
COLLECTOR’S RESOuRCE: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
Detailing
Club: National Corvette
Restorers Society (NCRS)
design. Plus, there are actual benefits to the hard-top
setup — namely lower weight, a reduction in exhaust
booming and tire noise from the rear, and the ability
to lock valuables out of sight in the trunk. You can
even add a suitcase rack if you want. Try that on a
coupe.
Personally, I’m predisposed to liking this era of
Corvette, and in particular the Z06, thanks to several
great experiences that include a period engineering
ride and drive up the California and Oregon coasts
with Nichols, chief engineer David Hill, NCM Hall
of Famer Jerry Burton and others. I also had a
memorable (albeit brief) test in a Motorola Cup racer
at Daytona, seat time in an SCCA race at Sebring, and
ultimately a test of the Le Mans C5-R near Indy.
Now is the time
There is good reason to go looking for a first-year
Z06 now. As a collector, 15 years is exactly where I’d
want to buy into a car, using the general assumption
that vehicles reach their lowest value level at this
juncture. But being at low ebb in value also means
cars run the risk of neglect. So I’d buy from a prosperous
owner who has well cared for and sparingly used
the car. From here on, there’s a realistic chance that
its dollar value will at least be stable, if not ascending.
And in a further serendipity, collectors are already
showing strong interest in cars of the 1980s and 1990s.
Can the 2001 Z06, with its fire-breathing LS6 mill and
top-notch handling, be far behind?
As normal as normal gets
Not much information was offered about the Ron
Brown Z06 sold by Worldwide Auctioneers. Among
the 102 lots offered at the auction, sales ranged from
$1,100 for a little Honda minibike to $220,000 for a
1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda, putting this Z06 toward
the low end of the range.
In total, 16 ’Vettes were offered, with the results for
these cars starting at $8,250 for a bronze 1984 coupe
and reaching $170,500 for a white 1963 Split-Window.
Among the top 10 sales, four were Corvettes — all of
them mid-years.
We don’t know the mileage of this car, although
there are clues. The stated 100 miles per month pencils
out at 18,000 miles over 15 years — not bad at all.
A Battery Tender lead under the hood suggests the car
was kept in running condition, and the interior shows
little use commensurate with the miles; dirty floor
mats, although unattractive, may simply reflect the car
being moved around and aren’t necessarily indicative
of abuse. The only question arises from the tires —
Bridgestone Potenza RE760s instead of the Z06’s
original Goodyear Eagle F1s. Old tires are a bad deal
on a powerful car, so the switch to later rubber might
actually have done the buyer a favor.
The current American Car Collector Pocket Price
Guide shows first-year 2001 hard-top Z06 values
ranging from $22,000 to $27,500, and the final-year
2004 hard-top Z06 values ranging from $28,000 to
$32,000. Only the 2001 model had the 385-horse
engine; the 2002–04 models enjoyed intake, camshaft,
valvetrain and exhaust upgrades that pushed the LS6
to 405 horses.
This price, therefore, means the Ron Brown Z06
was either an exceptionally nice car, or that the
market for these first-year modern Z06s has already
bottomed and is now heading back up. On the auction
day, I’d have called this one well sold. In another year
or two we’ll know if it was also well bought. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide
Auctioneers.)
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Lot S23, VIN:
1G1YY12S015127926
Condition: 1
Sold at $29,400
Mecum Auctions, St. Charles,
IL, 6/27/2008
ACC# 117087
More: www.ncrs.org
Alternatives: 1974–75
Corvette convertible,
1988–91 Callaway
Corvette, 2005–06
Corvette coupe
Distributor cap: N/A
VIN location: Under lower left
windshield corner
Engine # location: On block
just behind driver’s side
head
Years produced: 2001
Number produced: 5,773
Original list price: $47,500
Current ACC Valuation:
$22,000–$27,500
Tune-up cost: $300 (estimated)
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
2001 Chevrolet Corvette
Z06 S/N 1
Lot S129, VIN:
1G1YY12S015100001
Condition: 1
Sold at $53,900
Mecum Auctions, Canal
Winchester, OH, 11/5/2010
ACC# 168131
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Lot S80, VIN:
1G1YY12S215103000
Condition: 3+
Sold at $33,390
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City,
MO, 4/9/2010
ACC# 160322
January-February 2016
43CC
43
Page 42
PROFILE GM
Six-Figure Super Duty
1974 PONTIAC TRANS AM SD-455
The
SD-455
Trans Am
rattled the
cages of
entry-level
European
sports cars,
all for just
$5,500
VIN: 2C87X4N159682
by Patrick Smith
the 455 Super Duty and manual transmission, and this
is one of them with less than 9,500 actual miles.
This three-owner car has been professionally
T
44 AmericanCarCollector.com
restored and is in show condition with fresh paint to
factory code and all-original sheet metal. The original
interior still appears as-new. The matching-numbers
drivetrain has never been apart and is fully decoded.
The history of the Super Duty is legendary.
However, a little-known fact is that all the 455 Super
Duty engines were literally hand-built race engines,
as an off-assembly line operation. This was unheard
of for a production vehicle, especially during the time
of detuning and emissions regulations. Included in
this car is a copy of the Pontiac Division Build Sheet,
original owner’s manual, warranty booklet, a copy of
the window sticker from Pontiac Historical Services
and a copy of the original title from the original
owner, dated August 1974.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 744, sold for
$111,100, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas, NV, sale on
September 24–26, 2015.
The second-gen Trans Am was a very good handler
right off the Pontiac showroom floor. To top that
off, the available Ram Air engines were among the
he 1974 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am
Super Duties were the very last of the highperformance
cars from the ’70s. A total of
943 were produced for the 1974 model year.
Of that number, only 212 were equipped with
best Pontiac had ever made. But in the early 1970s,
through a series of unfortunate circumstances, the
Trans Am was in danger of disappearing for good.
Declining muscle car sales, new emissions targets,
managers uninterested in performance cars and a
brutal strike that nearly crippled sales of F-bodies all
took a toll. But Pontiac’s determined engineers continued
carrying the high-performance torch, designing
the Super Duty 455 — an engine package that made
serious grunt while still meeting the new emissions
criteria, and had the potential to be tuned to make
more power than anything Pontiac had built prior.
Tuning up the Trans Am
The SD-455 was a complete engine package. Tom
Nell, Gregg Peterson and Herb Adams, joined later
by John Sawruk and others, took the then-current
455 engine and improved it, rather than developing
something completely fresh. They had valuable data
from Pontiac’s 366-ci Ram Air V NASCAR race engine
program, indicating exactly what changes were
needed to make the 455 better.
Tweaks included a reinforced lifter valley and
engine main bearings, better connecting rods, and
heavy-duty pistons for sustained high-speed work.
They also knew the cylinder heads needed better airflow
and high-quality valves. A new block and heads
were cast to address all this. 5140 forged steel rods
were added along with bigger seven-sixteenths-inch
diameter bolts. Engineers included a provision for
dry-sump oiling and used a nodular iron crankshaft.
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
Page 43
COLLECTOR’S RESOuRCE: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
Detailing
Engine # location: Casting
number on right side of
block just past last freeze
plug, partial VIN under
front passenger’s side
cylinder head
All this was done for reliability instead of cost
savings. The distributor gear is one-to-one ratio
to prevent early failure. The big Inconel 1.77-inch
exhaust valves were swirl-polished, and the new head
castings flowed much better than the original units.
Forged TRW pistons and a Ram Air camshaft sporting
301/303 duration rounded out the package.
The engines were hand-assembled by two-person
crews at Milford and then dyno tested. These were
detuned race engines rated a ludicrous 290 horsepower,
which kept insurance rates at bay. Specially
tuned versions at GM were said to make much more
power — in the neighborhood of 600 hp and 600 lb-ft
of torque. Unlocking some of that potential was just a
few parts swaps and a hot tune away.
The program faced many delays, mostly from sup-
pliers. It wasn’t until late summer of ’73 that the first
SD-455 Firebirds arrived at dealerships. Production
for 1973 was 295 cars — both in TA and Firebird
Formula forms. Most Super Duties are 1974 models, of
which 1,001 were made.
Good value then, high prices now
The press loved the Super Duty. Hot Rod compared
one with a $10,000 DeTomaso Pantera and declared the
SD the better buy. Car & Driver gave it rave reviews.
Pontiac nailed the styling in 1970, and now they
had the engine to match. The SD-455 changed the
nature of the Trans Am entirely, helping to solidify the
performance image that would carry the car through
the later part of the decade.
Nothing could match the SD-455 for the price. A
Jaguar XKE cost $9,200, while the 454 Corvette was
$6,200. The SD-455 Trans Am rattled the cages of
entry-level European sports cars, all for just $5,500.
Pontiac fanned the flames with a black-and-gold Trans
Am and SD-455 show car, while participation in the
Cannonball Runs gave it hip credentials that ad agencies
could only dream of.
SD-455 prices rose sharply, along with most Trans
Ams, as 1980s high-school grads finally started buying
their dream machines. Decent non-numbers-matching
4-speed SD cars broke $50,000 by 2007. A prime
4-speed car can now top $150,000, and we’re seeing
the automatics play catch-up.
In 2013, the average SD-455 was $49,000–$60,000,
while a solid no-stories car averaged just over
$100,000. By 2015, the low end of the market averaged
$55,000, while nice cars were $126,000 and up. A nonnumbers-matching
example sold for $165,000 in 2013
(ACC# 215589), which shows how high the bidding can
go. Now a mid-range car with the right options sells at
around $80,000.
The best examples have risen steadily in value over
the past four years, and that’s helped boost entry-level
car values accordingly. At the price paid, our subject
car’s a great deal, as it’s a 4-speed with a lot of power
options, good documentation and low miles for under
the money we’ve seen other cars bring. Call this one
very well bought. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)
Club: National Firebird and
Trans Am Club
Years produced: 1973–74
Number produced: 1,296
total (943 1974 Trans Ams)
Original list price: $5,295
Current ACC Valuation:
$35,000–$59,000
Tune up/major service: $200
Distributor cap: $14.25
VIN location: Driver’s side
of dashpad, driver’s side
door decal
More: www.firebirdtaclub.com
Alternatives: 1970 Chevrolet
Chevelle SS 454 LS6,
1969 Plymouth Hemi GTX,
1969 Pontiac GTO Ram
Air IV
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1974 Pontiac Trans Am
SD-455
Lot 1037, VIN:
2V87X4N151836
Condition: N/A
Sold at $101,200
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/10/2015
ACC# 259019
1974 Pontiac Trans Am
SD-455
Lot 7001, VIN:
2V87X4N168811
Condition: N/A
Sold at $110,000
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas,
NV, 9/28/2013
ACC# 233299
1973 Pontiac Trans Am
SD-455
Lot 34, VIN: 2V87X3N140028
Condition: 1Sold
at $165,000
Gooding & Co., Amelia Island,
FL, 3/8/2013
ACC# 215589
January-February 2016 45
Page 44
PROFILE FOMOCO
Near-Perfect Pony
1968 FORD MUSTANG GT 390 S-CODE FASTBACK
This car
would be just
as valuable
— if not more
valuable
— with
everything
restored as
the factory
made it
46 AmericanCarCollector.com
46 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: 8T02S190336
by Jeff Zurschmeide
H
ere is the real deal: a factory S-code 390
4-barrel big block and an original factory
4-speed. One of only 65 built in this paint
and trim code: factory Acapulco Blue
with black interior and the black-out hood
treatment.
This GT Mustang is verified with a Deluxe Marti
Report and the original Buck Tag. It has gone through
a complete ground-up restoration, including the correct
red oxide underbody and with performance and
modern upgrades.
Factory options include power front disc brakes,
louvered hood with black-out treatment, deluxe
steering wheel, power steering and 4-speed manual
transmission. The factory power steering setup has
had a modern upgrade; by replacing the original
components with an electronic assist power steering
system that includes a control module, it allows you to
adjust steering for comfort driving to track mode.
During the restoration the engine performance
upgrades included a mild cam, aluminum quick flow
heads, long tube headers, Magnaflow cross-flow
exhaust and an aluminum intake.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 468, sold for
$56,100, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas sale on
September 24–26, 2015.
The first-generation Ford Mustang is a gold-stan-
dard collectible. Even though the Mustang was never
particularly rare and a whole lot of them survived
middle age, it has become one of the cornerstones of
American car collecting.
Last year, as part of the 50th anniversary celebra-
tion of the Mustang, Lee Iacocca was quoted as
saying, “I had a vision of an American-made four-seat
sporty car. We had no data, but I felt there was a
market to be driven by baby boomers.” Iacocca was
right — the boomers embraced the Mustang, and Ford
dealers sold 22,000 of the new pony cars on the first
day of sales.
But the project wasn’t done yet. Iacocca called
Carroll Shelby and asked him to make the new car
perform. Shelby recalled it like this: “In 1964, Lee
Iacocca said, ‘I want you to make a sports car out
of the Mustang.’” Shelby tried to beg off, famously
calling the new Mustang a “secretary’s car” and a
“mule.” But Iacocca insisted, and put the weight of
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
Page 45
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than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
Detailing
Years produced: 1967–69
Number produced: 18,838
(1968 Mustang GTs)
Original list price: $3,500
Current ACC Valuation:
$28,800–$34,800
Tune-up cost: $300
Distributor cap: $11
VIN location: Passenger’s
side dashboard (1968 only)
Engine # location: Back of
engine block, right-hand
side above starter
Club: Mustang Club of
America
Ford Motor Company on Shelby’s arm. The rest, as
they say, is history. Not even two years later, Shelby
was bragging about “blowing off a Porsche with a
$3,900 donkey.”
A potent package
By 1968, the Mustang had seven listed performance
levels, ranging from the 200-ci Thriftpower 6-cylinder
at 120 horsepower up to the 427-ci V8 at 390 horsepower,
which was listed as an option but is rumored to
have never been produced.
Near the top of the list was the 390-ci S-code
package, rated by Ford at 325 (some models at 335)
horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque. When
mated with the 4-speed manual transmission, this was
a potent pony car. The S-code engine added $263 to
the 1968 Mustang fastback base price of $2,689, and
the 4-speed transmission cost another $233. Buyers
also ended up paying about $300 more for required
options like power brakes, power steering and the GT
equipment group.
But what you got for your money was an amazing
car. Weighing in at about 2,800 pounds fully dressed,
you got a quarter-mile time in the 13-second range
at 105 mph right off the showroom floor. The 1968
Mustang GT 390 fastback was the basis for the legendary
“Bullitt” car driven by Steve McQueen. When it
comes to street cred, you can’t do much better than that.
Unicorn or workhorse?
That brings us to this particular 1968 Mustang, and
it’s an impressive car. The listing states that the car
underwent a complete restoration with attention to
details like the underbody oxide coating and correct
C-stripe sweeping back
along the belt line from
the headlight and down
around the side cove.
Acapulco Blue is an attractive
color, and plenty
of care was taken to put
the interior back to dealer
showroom condition.
This car was sold
at Barrett-Jackson’s
Las Vegas Auction for
$56,100, including the
10% buyer’s premium,
which means the winning
bid was $51,000. That’s
above our current rating
November-December 2015
January-February 2016 47
47CC
for a good #2 car at $28,800 to $34,800, but this car
was nicer than your average good #2. The price paid
was in line with what we’ve seen for similar examples
in this condition, so it’s fair to say that both the buyer
and seller got a fair deal here.
But, depending on your point of view, a few of the
restoration decisions on this car might be troubling. The
seller updated the original power steering with a modern
variable assist electric unit with a cockpit-mounted
controller, and modified the engine with an aftermarket
cam, intake, heads, headers and exhaust. That probably
boosted the engine power a bit, and the power steering
will be very nice, but did the car really need it?
If you want to buy a Mustang for track use, you’d be
better off buying something roughly 10 years old for
about 20% of the purchase price of this collectible. It’s
safe to say no one’s going to be flogging this vintage
GT on a racetrack anytime soon. Further, will anyone
notice a few extra horsepower out on the street? If
you wanted to make a driver Mustang, why spend the
money on a real original S-code?
Rare, and will be original
According to the seller, just 65 Mustangs were made
in this exact specification. As Mustangs go, that’s a
pretty rare combination. In the collectible world, I
have to believe that this car would be just as valuable
— if not more valuable — with everything restored as
the factory made it. The good news is that nothing was
done here that can’t be easily undone, and my bet is
that within 10 years, this car will be back to its stock
configuration. As time goes by, this car’s originality
will be too valuable to do otherwise.A
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)
1968 Ford Mustang GT
Lot 353, VIN: 8T01X218737
Condition: 2Sold
at $27,500
More: www.mustang.org
Alternatives: 1970–71 Dodge
Challenger, 1967–69
Chevrolet Camaro,
1968–70 AMC AMX
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1968 Ford Mustang GT
Lot 146, VIN: 8R02S162374
Condition: 1Sold
at $49,350
McCormick’s, Palm Springs,
CA, 2/20/2014
ACC# 238893
1968 Ford Mustang GT
Lot F126, VIN: 8R02S138930
Condition: 2-
Not sold at $53,000
Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee,
FL, 1/17/2014
ACC# 232371
Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach,
FL, 4/1/2010
ACC# 160338
Page 46
PROFILE MOPAR
1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI ’CUDA
Preservation Hemi
Not all Hemi
’Cudas are
created
equal. Even
among
preserved
originals,
there are
varying
degrees of
quality. An
unrestored
car isn’t
always a
great car
48 AmericanCarCollector.com
48 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: BS23R0B257766
by Dale Novak
Hemi.
Plymouth built just 652 hard-top Hemi ’Cudas in
T
1970. This one is unrestored and is perhaps the most
preserved of any, with just under 17,000 miles since
new.
This ’Cuda’s factory-original Hemi is still intact
and features a high-duration hydraulic-lifter cam,
10.28:1 compression ratio, forged rotating assembly
and dual Carter four-barrel carburetors. Completing
the sinister appearance is the optional Shaker hood.
Documents with this incredible low-mileage ’Cuda
include the dealer invoice and bill of sale. The chance
to acquire such a low-mileage muscle car as this ’Cuda
is perhaps as rare as the car itself.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 15, sold for
$220,000, including the buyer’s
premium, at Worldwide Auctioneers’ Ron Brown
Estate Collection auction, held on October 23–24,
2015, in Fredericksburg, TX. It was offered without
reserve.
By 1970, Mustangs, Camaros and Firebirds were
already leaving their marks on blacktops all over
his beautiful 1970 ’Cuda was finished in
Jamaica Blue with light blue accents and gold
pinstriping. There are no wild graphics, but
its quiet demeanor hides the fact that it carries
engine code “R,” designating the 426-ci
America, and even AMC was in the fold with the AMX.
Trans Am racing was adding more fuel to the fire, and
drag racing with nearly factory bone-stock cars was a
good way to spend a Saturday afternoon at the track,
or a Saturday night on the streets.
The Big Three were in an all-out marketing race
aimed at hard-working young men willing to finance
their need for speed. Insurance companies were behind
the curve, and Goodyear was giddy with robust
tire sales as guys ripped and melted their back tires to
shreds. It was a good time to be young and foolish.
This was the climate that the E-body platform
was introduced into in 1970. It included two cars
by Chrysler: the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth
Barracuda.
The Pentagram boys may have been late to the
frothing pony car race, but better late than never. And
with an all-powerful Hemi fitted under the hood, the
E-body was the baddest street machine around.
Small fish, big fish
Within the performance E-body lines, the cars
carried the shortened ’Cuda name on the Plymouth
side, and hot Challengers got the R/T designation.
The opening salvo for the ’Cuda line came in the form
of a punchy 340 V8 and ranged all the way to the
villainous 425-hp 426 Hemi V8. Between those two
engine options lived the 340+6 (three 2-barrels) on
Courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers
Page 47
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the AAR ’Cuda and Challenger T/A models, 383, 440
and 440+6. Naturally, buyers could opt for a 4-speed
or the sturdy 727 TorqueFlite automatic “Slap Stick”
transmissions. Plenty of other options were also
available, which allowed buyers to add some creature
comforts.
For the purposes of this profile, we will only discuss
the 1970 Hemi ’Cuda coupe. We’ll leave the convertibles
off the table, as well as Hemi Dodge Challengers.
There are different value dynamics for each of those.
We will also dispatch all the 1971 models since they
are far more rare. With that, we have cut the field
down to 368 Hemi ’Cuda coupes built with an automatic
transmission and 284 with a third pedal (652
total).
Not all Hemis are equal
The 1970 Hemi ’Cuda coupe market has been about
as predictable as a roulette wheel. Just when you think
you’ve got it pegged, another car bounces into a slot,
enters the market and falls on its face, while others
seem to win big.
To help explain that, you have to understand that
not all Hemi ’Cudas are created equal. Some are
the product of imagination, built around a VIN plate
from a rusted-out Swiss-cheese body, and others are
great examples with superb documentation that have
been properly restored with as many OEM parts as
possible. There are also preservation cars, not unlike
our subject car, that remain largely untouched. But
even among preservation examples, there are varying
degrees of quality. An unrestored car isn’t automatically
a great car.
Recent values have been ranging from about
$165,000 to $200,000 for reasonably good examples
with automatic transmissions. Best-in-the-world 1970
coupes have fetched as much as $350,000 with a
Pistol Grip 4-speed in between the seats. The current
ACC Pocket Price Guide pegs them at $155,000 to
$255,000, which is a broad range, but as noted, there
are many factors in play that can make one example
worth more than another.
Going fishing
So how about this car? This sale wasn’t its first auc-
tion appearance.
It was first up for grabs at Mecum’s Indy sale in
2013 (ACC# 219511). It did not sell with a reported
high bid of $275,000 — our analyst called it a “crazy
high bid for the condition.” It was further reported
to be the first time the one-owner example had been
publically offered for sale.
Our field analyst continued that that car was rough
on the edges and had most certainly been repainted,
Detailing
and rated it a condition #4+. Another associate had
also relayed to me the same information, that indeed
the car had been resprayed in the same factory color
at some point in its life, and that the overall condition
was less than stellar. While this does not necessarily
make it a bad car, it most certainly plays a role in the
car’s overall valuation.
The car popped up for grabs again at the Mecum
Indy sale in May 2014, where it did find a new owner
at $199,800 including the buyer’s premium (ACC#
254552). From there, this car then appeared on eBay
Motors, where a Texas dealer sold it for $249,000 on
May 26, 2014.
I examined the numerous images posted by the sell-
ing dealer on eBay. He did a great job of saying very
little about the car, instead allowing bidders to come
to their own conclusions by posting plenty of photos.
Evidence of the repaint showed in those photos, as
well as some black spray paint applied to the chassis.
Some rust bubbles were forming on the A-pillars
and along the rear window channel. The interior
appeared to be in good overall shape and the engine
bay and trunk needed attention. There were also a few
incorrect items and some “day two” additions noted
on the car, but those would be rather simple to correct
by the new owner.
The car looked more or less the same as presented
at the Worldwide Auctioneers sale in October.
Catch it, clean it and fry it up
While our subject car could be considered a preser-
vation example, it is lacking in a few important preservation
areas. But on the plus side, the low miles are
great and the original numbers-matching drivetrain
is still in the car. However, there are no bold graphics
or bright colors, so by Hemi ’Cuda standards, this
car lacks some sizzle. A third pedal would also be a
magnifying game changer.
I personally would consider this ’Cuda coupe a
good, but not exceptional, preservation example.
Considering that, and given all the data and reasonably
good comps to work with, I call the price paid
predictable — and correct — for this particular car.
A new owner could likely restore it to maximize
the value, but that might be a break-even or a losing
financial proposition. With the miles as low as they
are, driving it too much most likely would depress the
value further. So what do you do with it?
Whatever the new owner decides for the future
of this car, hopefully he can tack on a few spirited
miles to relive the days when Hemi E-bodies ruled the
streets. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide
Auctioneers.)
January-February 2016
January-February 2016 49
Club: Plymouth Barracuda
Owners Club
Engine # location: Stamped
on right side of block
above oil pan rail on
machined pad
Years produced: 1970–71
Number produced: 652
(1970 Hemi cars)
Original list price: $5,300
Current ACC Valuation:
$155,000–$255,000
Tune-up/major service: $300
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Driver’s side
instrument panel behind
windshield
More: www.pbcoc.com
Alternatives: 1970–71 Dodge
Challenger Hemi, 1974
Pontiac Firebird Super
Duty, 1969–70 Ford
Mustang Boss 429
ACC Investment Grade: A
Comps
1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda
coupe
Lot S728, VIN:
BS23R0B159416
Condition: 1Sold
at $247,500
Russo and Steele, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/14/2015
ACC# 257033
1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda
coupe
Lot 5024, VIN:
BS23R0B178823
Condition: 1Sold
at $176,000
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/10/2015
ACC# 256767
1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda
coupe
Lot S125, VIN:
BS23R0B257824
Condition: 1Sold
at $297,000
Mecum Auctions, Austin, TX,
12/13/2014
ACC# 256553
Page 48
PROFILE HOT ROD & CUSTOM
1965 CHEVROLET NOVA SS “DOBBERTIN”
Tubbed Trend-Setter
Although
$56,000 isn’t
cheap, it’s
certainly not
expensive —
particularly
for an icon
that not only
influenced a
generation,
but still looks
damn good
today
VIN: 118375N120207
by Jay Harden
W
50
AmericanCarCollector.com
hen the Dobbertin Nova was unveiled
in 1982, it turned the custom car world
on its ear. It has appeared on the cover
of 14 magazines and has been featured
in over 100 publications around
the world. It is, without question, one of the most
significant and important custom cars ever built, and
to this day remains a benchmark for innovation and
excellence among hot rod enthusiasts.
Rick Dobbertin devoted more than 3,000 hours
over the course of three years to create this legendary
performance vehicle. He started with a ‘65 Chevrolet
II, then transformed it with twin Roto-Master turbochargers,
a BDS 6-71 supercharger, an eight-port
nitrous oxide system, a 454-ci LS7 V8, Holley 750,
cfm carbs, twin radiators, B&M Comp Turbo 400,
Dana 60 rear end, JFZ rear brakes, full roll cage and
Deist Flame Out fire-suppression system.
The driver is kept advised by 17 Auto Meter gauges
and two Auto Meter Pro-lites. Polished Center Line
“Auto Drag” wheels have the requisite big and little
tires that are the hallmark of any Pro-Street custom.
And in case the JZF disc brakes with drilled rotors
failed to provide sufficient stopping power, Dobbertin
mounted twin parachutes out back.
The Nova is in exceptional condition. With the
exception of the front wheels, the car is still 100%
original to the day it was built.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 725, sold for
mium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas sale, held
$56,100, including buyer’s pre-
September 24–26 in Las Vegas, NV. It was offered
without reserve.
It’s hard to believe that nearly four decades have
passed since the term “Pro-Street” began seeping
into the hot rod vernacular. Although a bit passé these
days, particularly when considering the current influence
of Pro Touring and its emphasis on functional
all-around performers, I’m not sure there’s anything
quite so badass as a giant set of meats tucked deep up
under an old hot rod.
In fact, one of the earliest and most vivid memories
of my indoctrination into the world of fuel, fire and
smoke is owed to a Pro-Street Chevy II. You see,
my dad used to carry me with him to this nutso little
car show down in Macon, GA, that could very well
be responsible for all the warning signs, gates and
automatic locking doors we’ve all come to loathe when
visiting low-rent overnighters.
For a long weekend every summer, this nondescript
motel was overrun with hot-rodders and bikers
who had more interest in cutting loose and getting
sideways than stacking trophies and spit-polishing
chrome. One year, some guys with Harleys and toothy
grins went blasting down the hotel corridors, scaring
the hell out of everyone. Another year, an overzealous
burnout almost took out half the parking lot. It was
fantastic.
Trends and legends
Somewhere along the way, my dad and I were
standing over the fender of some bitchin’ little hoodless
number while he explained to me the mechanical
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
Page 49
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Detailing
Club: National Street Rod
Association (NSRA),
Goodguys
process in which a roots blower gobbles up air and
spits out horsepower. Just then, one of the regulars
rolled up in his tunnel-rammed, back-halved ’67
Chevy II.
What happened next will likely stay with me for
the rest of my life. With a lazy grin and the push of a
button, he set the line-lock and dropped the hammer.
Those giant meats started churning and the crowd
started hootin’ and hollerin’. Before you could say
“whole paycheck,” I was swallowed up by a whiteout
in June. In Georgia. I couldn’t see the car in front of
me. I couldn’t see my own hand in front of my face.
That small block was whipping those steamrollers like
they were rented mules, and they were screaming for
their lives.
When the smoke cleared, two perfect little troughs
in the tarmac, each about two feet wide, and two
steaming piles of rubber were all that was left of the
best burnout I’ve ever seen — before or since.
Considering that the Dobbertin Nova is one of the
most influential Pro-Street cars ever built, if not the
most influential, it really isn’t much of a stretch to
imagine that one of my favorite hot-rodding memories
could very well have never happened had Rick
Dobbertin been more of a fisherman than a gearhead.
Crazy, but usable
Although Dobbertin’s twin-turboed, supercharged,
nitrous-injected big-block is about as over-the-top as
it gets, there’s no way you can look at that monstrosity
of polish, tubing, braided lines and cogged gears
without wishing you had one of your own.
The mere fact that this car survives in pristine, “as-
built” condition after 30-plus years tells us quite a lot
about its usability, but the thing actually seems to purr
like a kitten, so long as you pet it softly, carefully.
For a car that was clearly never intended to be a
grocery-getter — more of an all-out assault on practicality
— I can’t help but be impressed with the limited
video I’ve found of it in action — not that it really matters.
If functionality suddenly became a prerequisite
for collectibility, I’d probably be out of a job.
A deserving icon
The truly fantastic aspect of this car is that it was,
and maybe still is, one of the most iconic hot rods of
the magazine era — an era built on gearheads who
waited impatiently for that next colorful payoff in the
mail, which, when it came, stoked their passions.
Back before the lowest common denominators
managed to weasel their way into the mainstream, the
idea of celebrity, even for a car, was an idea that held
merit. Maybe I’m looking through the distorted lens
of nostalgia when I say that editors and builders and
readers seemed to trust each other’s opinions a little
more back then, but it certainly felt like a time when
a cover car would only make the rounds if it truly
deserved the attention. And Dobbertin’s Nova got
around like no other.
When my dad and I used to motor down to Macon,
hot rods and choppers still lived out there on the
fringe — relatively unencumbered by the influence of
poorly dictated television and manufactured drama.
It was a time when word of mouth, glossy pictures
and impatience could create excitement in a way that
seems a bit more difficult to replicate today. There are
certainly some incredible machines currently being
built by unbelievably talented craftsmen, but I’m not
sure many of us still carry that what-could-possiblycome-next
enthusiasm the way we once did. Maybe
that’s why I like this car so much — not because of
how it compares to modern machines, but how it
compared with its peers. The Dobbertin Nova was an
over-the-top badass, plain and simple.
Supercharged value
Although $56,000 isn’t cheap, it’s certainly not
expensive — particularly for a car that not only
influenced a generation, but still looks damn good
today. The value of ’60s muscle continues to climb into
the ether, so finding a solid Chevy II, even the early
models like Dobbertin’s, is going to be pricey.
Having a professional build you a nice, vanilla
show cruiser with an LS and a/c will likely run you
somewhere between $75k and infinity, depending on
how badly you’d like to be the next big thing. Buying
a nice, finished car — provenance optional — would
probably run you somewhere between $30k and $75k,
so Dobbertin’s Nova really isn’t that far out of line
for a used, medium- to high-quality build. And while
you may find another cool early Nova for a little less
scratch, I think we can all agree it won’t be twinturboed,
supercharged, nitrous-injected big-block
cool. It just won’t. Well bought, all day. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)
January-February 2016 51
Years produced: 1965, 1982
Number produced: One
Original list price: N/A
Current ACC Valuation:
$50,000–$60,000
Tune-up cost: $1,000
Distributor cap: $30
VIN location: Plate attached
to driver’s door-hinge pillar
Engine # location: Stamped
on pad in front of cylinder
head, passenger’s side
More: www.nsra.usa.com,
www.good-guys.com
Alternatives: Any period-built
Pro-Street car with magazine
coverage
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1966 Chevrolet Nova SS
Lot F136.1, VIN:
118376W118485
Condition: 1Sold
at $48,600
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA,
6/14/2014
ACC# 244107
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
Pro-Street
Lot F45.1, VIN:
136370L113567
Condition: 2-
Not sold at $25,000
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA,
6/14/2014
ACC# 244102
1962 Chevrolet Corvette
Gasser
Not sold at $90,000
Lot S178, VIN: 20867S101454
Condition: 2+
Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee,
FL, 1/26/2011
ACC# 168956
Page 50
PROFILE AMERICANA
1974 AMC JAVELIN AMX
No-Mile Muscle
Good secondgeneration
Javelins tend
to command
$12,ooo to
$17,000
in the
marketplace,
which is
what makes
the $41k
sale of our
featured ’74
so shocking
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: A4C798N155301
by Tom Glatch
a 360-ci V8 engine that pumped out 245 horsepower.
It is meshed with an automatic transmission. Power
brakes and steering make for safe and smooth operation.
Factory options include bucket seats, seat belts
with shoulder harness, and a center console.
T
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 5047, sold for
$41,250, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Auction America’s Fall Auburn Auction in
Auburn, IN, on September 5, 2015.
You read that right. $41,250 for a 1974 AMC.
I’ve lived in southeastern Wisconsin my whole life,
and the Kenosha-built AMCs are part of our DNA
(just like the Green Bay Packers), but that’s a shocking
number, not only for an AMC from 1974, but for
pretty much any factory-built American car from 1974.
Let’s face it, 1974 was hardly the zenith of American
performance. It was the last year for the Dodge
Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, as well as the
Javelin. The original Mustang was already gone, the
Cougar had become a Thunderbird clone, and inside
GM, serious discussions had the Camaro almost on
the chopping block.
Speed costs money, and by 1974, there was little
his is a rare find: a 1974 AMC that has only
406 original miles driven by its single documented
owner. Painted in Big Bad Blue with
a white vinyl top, it is a great color scheme in
relation to its white interior.
The AMC was not all show; it came packed with
speed left. In general, these cars are now worth little
money in the collector market. Only Pontiac’s Firebird
was a serious 4-passenger performance car by middecade,
especially the ’74 Super Duty, and that car
has the market value today to prove it.
That’s not to say the 1974 Javelin AMX was a bad
car, but like its Big Three competitors, it had lost most
of its former glory.
AMC’s pony
Introduced as a 1968 model, the Javelin was AMC’s
answer to the Mustang. It received excellent reviews
and sold above expectations. While the Javelin, and its
unique sibling, the 2-seat AMX, couldn’t compete with
America’s supercars — the Boss, Z/28, Hemi, and the
like — it could surprise many other performance cars.
On the race track, the Javelin and AMX showed
their true potential. Craig Breedlove set records at
Bonneville, Ronnie Kaplan’s team finished third in the
’68 Trans Am series, and Shirley Shahan, the “DragOn-Lady,”
set a number of NHRA records in her ’69
AMX SS. In 1970, AMC scored a huge coup: they hired
Roger Penske and Mark Donohue to run their racing
program, just as the other factories were getting out of
racing. That dream team finished second in the Trans
Am series in 1970, then won the championship in 1971.
Roy Woods bought Penske’s equipment and scored
Trans Am championships in 1972 and 1976.
To homologate the rear spoiler used on the Trans
Am racers, and to celebrate the hiring of the legend-
Courtesy of Auctions America
Page 51
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Detailing
Club: American Motors
Owners Association
ary Penske team, AMC sold 2,501 “Mark Donohue
Edition” Javelins in 1970. Those Javelins are the most
valuable of the bunch, and the rare (100 built) “Trans
Am” cars in the red/white/blue paint scheme of the
actual Trans Am racers can touch $50,000 when sold.
For 1971, Javelins received a sheet-metal refresh
by chief stylist Dick Teague, which included flared
fenders that were probably influenced by the Trans
Am racers’ need to cover wide racing tires. The twoseater
AMX was gone, but performance versions of the
second-generation Javelin were now called “AMX.”
The ’71 AMX got a fine-mesh grille, cowl-induction
hood, and a lip spoiler above the rear window, all
influenced by input from Penske’s brilliant driver/
engineer Mark Donohue. With the 330-hp, 401-ci “Go
Package,” the AMX was a fine performance car. It was
also the end of an era, and the 1972 to 1974 Javelins
and AMXs, while nice cars, rapidly lost any semblance
of performance, though a special “Pierre Cardin” edition
in 1972 brought the fashion touch to the Javelin,
with a wild multicolor interior.
A big sale
Today, good second-generation Javelins tend to
command $12,000 to $17,000 in the marketplace,
which is what makes the sale of our featured ’74 so
shocking. Some people might like the paint scheme of
this car, but as for me, the Code P2 “Maxi Blue” paint
and white vinyl top and interior remind me of a poly-
ester suit John Travolta might have worn in “Saturday
Night Fever.”
“Maxi Blue” revived “Big Bad Blue,” one of the
psychedelic colors AMC offered from 1969 to 1971,
so this Javelin AMX is like Woodstock meets Disco,
and it’s not for everyone. The emissions-strangled 360
engine and other options are hardly earth-shattering,
too. So all this ’74 Javelin has going for it is ultra-low
mileage.
I would call this sale, then, a complete and total
anomaly — but the story gets even more bizarre.
When it comes to valuing a no-miles car, you’ll often
hear analysts say things like, “Think it’s expensive?
Find another,” referencing the fact that the car in
question is totally unique and worth whatever someone
is willing to pay because it’s the only one. Well, while
researching this Javelin, I did find another. Same Maxi
Blue paint, same white top and interior, same engine
and options. And the mileage? Just 1,344. That car
sold in 2009 for $35,510 (ACC# 120050). We even commented
at the time, “This was undoubtedly one of one
in a very unusual and striking color combination.”
Well, I guess that car wasn’t all that unique after
all. There are at least two almost-new Maxi Blue ’74
AMX Javelins on the planet, and we’ve now got two
data points telling us what they’re worth. But all things
considered, I’d still call this one well sold. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Auctions
America.)
Years produced: 1974
Number produced: 4,980
Original list price: $3,299
Current ACC Valuation:
$12,000–$17,000
Tune-up/major service: $150
Distributor cap: $19.97
VIN location: Plate on the
driver’s side instrument
panel behind windshield
Engine # location: Metal tag
on front of valve cover
More: www.amonational.com
Alternatives: 1974
Plymouth ’Cuda, 1974
Dodge Challenger, 1974
Chevrolet Camaro
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1972 AMC Javelin
Lot 224, VIN:
A2C797H221879
Condition: 3Sold
at $11,340
Dan Kruse Classics, San
Antonio, TX, 3/28/2015
ACC# 264564
1973 AMC Javelin AMX
Lot T273, VIN:
A3C798P299402
Condition: 3
Sold at $15,900
ACC# 213497
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX,
9/8/2012
1974 AMC Javelin AMX
Lot 178, VIN:
A4C798N302662
Condition: 1Sold
at $35,510
ACC# 120050
Tom Mack, Charlotte, NC,
4/3/2009
January-February 2016
53CC
53
Page 52
PROFILE RACE
2012 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS BONDURANT RACER
Track-Used Camaro
Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
The Camaro
has a much
stiffer
unibody than
the old Fox
Mustangs we
used to race,
so there’s
less chance
of daylight
shining
through this
one’s seams
54
AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: 2G1FK1EJ2C9144700
by Sam Stockham
miles.
All tires and brakes have been returned to factory
T
specifications. This car can be registered and driven on
city streets. All factory engine, transmission and smog
parts are on the car. Ready to race and have fun.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 113, sold for
$19,800, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas, NV, auction,
held September 24–26, 2015.
When I was 22 years old, I joined the team at the
Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
in Chandler, AZ. I was put in charge of roughly 40
cars used for the Advanced Road Race classes. I’m a
Mustang guy, and Ford was Bondurant’s supplier at
the time. It was my dream job.
I’ll spare you the high-profile name dropping, but
getting to run on track and learn from some of the best
drivers out there — students and instructors alike —
makes for a great day at work. Over time, I learned to
be a pretty decent driver.
Over the next 3½ years, I spent countless hours on
the track, making sure the cars were good enough for
the students. These cars were driven hard and broken
his is a true Bondurant Race School car,
#1. 426-hp, 6.2-liter V8, 6-speed automatic,
paddle shifters, rear-wheel drive, air conditioning,
heads-up display, backup camera and
sensors, 20-inch wheels. Only 8,700 original
often due to constant abuse.
Back then, the Advanced Road Racing fleet was
made up of aging 1989 and 1993 Fox-body Mustang
GTs. I remember liking the ’89s much better. They
seemed less refined. They would drift nicely at 80 mph
and had less body roll than the ’93s.
All Bondurant cars were race-prepped by Roush
Racing, with safety equipment, fire-suppression
systems and suspension mods for handling. The only
modification to factory drivetrain specs was the
removal of the catalytic converters to reduce the risk
of fire, and cooling-system upgrades to handle the
Phoenix heat.
These cars were not street-legal and never saw the
street. All cars were still owned by Ford, and once
the useful life had been completely wrung out of each
unibody, they were scavenged for parts and crushed.
Bend it, mend it, repeat
In my years there, I saw cars catch fire or get
stuffed into tire walls by inexperienced drivers more
times than I could count. Those cars were always put
back together. The corporate value was in a car’s
income potential, not its street value. Totaling a car
was unheard of.
The 1989 cars were so well worn that toward the
end, I remember the final death blow taking the form
of a sheet-metal split that would typically form in
the transmission tunnel and run up the face of the
Page 53
COLLECTOR’S RESOuRCE: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
Detailing
Years produced: 2010–present
Clubs: American Camaro
Association
firewall to the cowl. Pretty impressive. What is even
more impressive is that these cars had only covered
between 30,000–40,000 miles before their date with
the crusher. But they were race cars, and race cars
live hard lives.
From Blue Oval to Bowtie
Then, after 2002, GM became Bondurant’s vehicle
sponsor. Haulers full of new Corvettes for the students
appeared, rounded out by a new support fleet built of
many other GM nameplates. Part of the GM deal was
to dispose of the Ford inventory, so Bondurant had a
yard sale.
Keep in mind, up until that point Ford mandated
that everything be crushed. I personally know of a
couple collectors who purchased some of the late1990s
Mustangs, certainly on long-term speculation.
They went for between $11,000 and $15,000 based
on condition — prices I thought were pretty high
considering they were track-only cars that could not
be registered for traditional street use.
Of course, today you can register these cars in
Arizona because they are more than 15 years old, but
the guys who bought them had to wait that long.
What’s the point of this story? Well, for one, I enjoy
the memories of days on the track, but really it’s to
illustrate the abuse the race cars endured. In addition,
it’s because to date, many more ex-Bondurant
Mustangs and Cobra Crown Victorias (very cool!)
have hit the open market than Bondurant GM cars, so
they’re our comparisons to this late-model Camaro.
Looking through the ACC Premium Auction
Database, I see only two auction transactions back
in 2013 for two separate Mustang school cars. I
remember these cars well. They were used for beginner
courses and they were worn out when I knew
them. They traded for cheap used-car prices, which is
about right because what do you do with them? These
transactions also showed that the school name didn’t
really add a premium to a worn-out car.
Where’s the value?
There is no doubt that Bob Bondurant is a racing
legend. He is also a nice guy and is involved with
the school to this day. Will his school become as
legendary as he was as a racer? I say no. It’s a business
— and not the same sort of business that Shelby
American was under Carroll’s guidance.
In our subject car, I see a bone-stock Camaro with a
few options, no race prep, and an automatic transmission.
Very few Bondurant cars ever had automatics,
as heel-toe downshifting is a main part of the course
curriculum.
So how then was this car used? I called my friend
and longtime Bondurant instructor Danny Bullock,
who confirmed that most likely this car’s 8,700 miles
were racked up by Teenage Defensive Driving, corporate
events, and paddock duty in the autocross or
the accident avoidance simulator. The 2012 Camaro
has a much stiffer unibody than the old Fox Mustangs,
but even if it didn’t, this one’s probable use is still
good news. No hard racing time means less chance of
daylight shining through the body seams.
Also worth noting is the fact that Chevrolet’s deal
with Bondurant today is akin to a lease program.
Bondurant swaps out cars often, and they are kept
street-legal. When sold, generally the cars are
stripped of any Bondurant identity and moved out
through the dealer network, or at auction like this one.
But key to all that is that cars used in the program
rotate in and out relatively frequently — more so than
the Mustangs I knew.
Not a bad deal
If one were to Blue Book this as a used car, it should
trade in the $25,000 range with so few miles. The
discount paid here probably had something to do with
how those miles were accumulated, a process which
was, if we’re being honest, not likely as smooth as your
average Sunday cruise with the wife.
At the end of the day, this is a used car with a
30-second story and some stickers. Wherever you
go, people will think you work for the company. For
me, that’s a pretty cool memory. But most buyers will
get tired of telling the story. Take the stickers off and
what you’ve got is a stock — but pretty well used —
Camaro. However, all things considered, I’d still call
it a good deal. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)
January-February 2016 55
Original list price: $35,880
Current ACC Valuation:
$18,000–$28,000
Tune-up/major service: $250
VIN location: Driver’s side
dash, under windshield
Engine # location: Stamped
on rear of block, driver’s
side
Number produced: 90,310
(2012)
More: www.camaronationals.
com
ACC Investment Grade: D
Comps
Alternatives: Any latemodel
ex-racing school
vehicle, including Camaro,
Mustang, Corvette, etc.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Lot T119, VIN:
2G1FK1EJ2A9166323
Condition: N/A
Sold at $29,700
ACC# 262329
Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee,
FL, 1/25/2015
1995 Ford Mustang
Bondurant
Lot F72, VIN: N/A
Condition: N/A
Sold at $6,000
Mecum Auctions,
Schaumburg, IL,
10/12/2013
ACC# 236814
1999 Ford Mustang
Bondurant
Lot 565, VIN: N/A
Condition: N/A
Sold at $5,225
Auctions America, Burbank,
CA, 8/2/2013
ACC# 229878
Page 54
PROFILE TRUCK
1972 FORD F-100 SPORT CUSTOM PICKUP
Workhorse Collectible
Collectors
are finally
noticing
these stylish
pickups can
be used in
modern
traffic just
like GMs,
and prices
are moving
up
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: F10GNN40386
by B. Mitchell Carlson
• 302-ci V8 engine with dual exhaust
• Manual 3-speed transmission
• Two-owner vehicle
• Just over 15,000 actual miles
• F-103 model-code Sport Custom
• Solid with little to no wear throughout
• Chromed bed rails
• Spotlight and foglights
• Heater
• Radio
• Factory wheel covers and whitewalls
ACC Analysis This truck, Lot 3032, sold for
$17,200, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Auctions America’s Fall Auburn event in
Auburn, IN, on September 4, 2015.
Pickups for every purse and purpose
From the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, Ford and
General Motors paralleled each other as far as pickup
truck offerings were concerned. Both had new designs
introduced in 1967, both introduced a significantly
new truck grille in 1971, and both saw their trucks get
a redesign for 1973.
GM’s product was more successful in sales at the
time, and Chevrolets and GMCs are vastly more popular
in the modern collector market than trucks from
the Blue Oval. But Ford’s efforts at the time didn’t just
earn the company a second-place spot — those efforts
also sowed the seeds that eventually enabled the
F-series to outsell Chevrolet’s trucks starting in 1978.
In the new-truck world, Ford’s held the number one
spot in sales ever since.
In the 1960s and ’70s, both GM and Ford exploited
an expansion of available trim packages. At the time,
pickups were evolving from large work tools into
second family cars and recreational vehicles, yet all
the typical truck requirements still needed to be met.
In 1966, Ford had an optional Ranger package, and
Chevy’s option was a Custom. By 1972, they each
offered four trim packages: Matching Chevy’s Custom,
CST, Cheyenne and Cheyenne Super was Ford’s
Custom, Sport Custom, Ranger and Ranger XLT. In
addition, each manufacturer had its own Camper
Special models on three-quarter ton and one-ton
chassis.
Courtesy of Auctions America
Page 55
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more than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, make, model, VIN and more. Sign up at www.AmericanCarCollector.com.
Detailing
Sport and Custom in name only
Our feature truck’s Sport Custom package was
Ford’s spin on what a “sporty” pickup should be —
not as well trimmed as a Ranger, but a step up from
the bare-bones entry-level Custom.
The Sport Custom featured alloy rocker panels and
wheelwell lip moldings, black background alloy tailgate
trim panel, color-coordinated vinyl door panels
and floor mats, plus a more lushly padded two-tone
bench seat. Hardly the stuff of a wannabe F-100 GT
performance package.
This and all other trim packages were essentially
variations on comfort and looks, as all had the exact
same powertrain availability. Standard was the 240-ci
inline six, with a more stout 300-ci design as an option.
The big engine was the FE-block 390 V8, but this
was essentially the same standard full-sized Mercury
engine from a few years before, set up for low-end
torque rather than performance. Next on the list was
a destroked version of the 390, at 360 ci. Of all five
engines available in ’72, one can make the argument
that the rev-happy mid-level small-block 302 V8 in our
featured pickup was the most sporty choice.
Our featured pickup also is equipped with a couple
of desirable options, namely cargo box rails and magstyle
wheel covers, both of which were introduced
mid-year in 1971 for the Explorer package and continued
to be optional into the entire next generation,
through 1979. At first glance, our featured truck comes
off as a 1972 Explorer, but it has the stock interior
rather than the Explorer’s unique cloth seat inserts,
plus the Explorer package wasn’t available with a
short wheelbase.
Over this truck’s years in limited use, the change
to a generic flexi radiator hose instead of the original
molded profile-type hose and generic battery don’t do
much for me (as they come off as on-the-cheap fixes),
plus I can really do without the driving lights mounted
on top of the front bumper and the spotlight.
If it were my truck, I’d ditch the driving lights for
a set of period front bumper guards, but since the
A-pillar has a hole for the spotlight, you’re pretty
much stuck with it. The Avocado Metallic paint may
not do much for most folks, but it’s very periodlooking.
And hey, it’s better than dark brown.
Undervalued, but catching up
The 1967–72 GM pickups — especially the
Chevrolets — have been very popular in the collector
market essentially since day one, and they have
been increasing exponentially in value over the past
decade. Currently, they seem to have stabilized a bit,
but we continue to see slight increases in pricing. On
the other hand, commensurate-year Fords have been
red-headed stepchildren.
It’s not that Fords are generally regarded as ugly,
being just as stylish as a Chevy or GMC of the era.
If anything, it’s the perception that they were more
worker bee-like than the seemingly sportier Chevys.
But that is starting to change, and higher-option
short-bed F-series trucks like our subject are leading
the charge. While some vintage SUVs have spiked up
in value and have since corrected, pickups continue to
slowly rise.
Above and beyond a case of everything rising with
the cream, collectors are finally noticing these stylish
pickups can be used in modern traffic just like GMs
(then again, I am a bit biased on that subject, since
the first vehicle I ever drove was my dad’s 1968 F-100
Ranger).
Low-mile original trucks are rare across the board.
But since the war of attrition has not been good to
Fords, due to being used to destruction and beyond
thanks to lower values rather than their Chevy counterparts,
there are even fewer Blue Oval examples like
our subject rig left in the market.
A decade ago, $10,000 would have bought you a
short-wheelbase ’72 F-100 in concours-ready condition,
or maybe a low-mile example like our featured
rig. Now, $17k would have been a good deal even on
a long-bed truck with this equipment — and they’re
typically valued less than short beds regardless of the
manufacturer.
With the increased interest in all genres of low-mile
unrestored originals, this truck was really well bought,
and I think it’s bound to increase in value if it continues
to be well maintained and used sparingly. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Auctions
America.)
January-February 2016
57CC
57
Clubs: American Truck
Historical Society
Engine # location: Tag
attached to the distributor
locking bolt, basic casting
numbers only on the side
of the block
Years produced: 1967–72
Number produced: 457,746
(1972 styleside F-100)
Original list price: $2,804
Current ACC Valuation:
$12,000–$26,000
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $10
VIN location: Stamped on the
frame rail adjacent to the
steering box; dataplate on
rear edge of the driver’s
door
More: www.aths.org
Additional: www.fordification.
com/index.htm
Alternatives: 1967–72
Chevrolet C-10 CST
pickup, 1972–80 Dodge
D-100 Adventurer pickup,
1969–75 International
Custom pickup
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1972 Ford F-250 pickup
Lot 705, VIN: F25HKM87897
Condition: 2+
ACC# 264826
Not sold at $23,000
Auctions America, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, 3/27/2015
1968 Ford F-100 pickup
Lot 305, VIN: F10YCD04448
Condition: 3+
Sold at $16,740
Dan Kruse Classics, Austin,
TX, 9/27/2014
ACC# 252417
1969 Ford F-100 Ranger
pickup
Lot F12, VIN: F10HKF90212
Condition: 3+
Sold at $18,725
Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/15/2013
ACC# 227268
Page 56
MARKET OVERVIEW
From the Shiny to the Shabby
EVERY CAR HAS ITS PRICE, BUT SOMETIMES THE VALUE
IS IN THE EXPERIENCE
by Tony Piff
TOP 10
sales this issue
1. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
roadster, $379,500—
Auctions America, SC, p. 72
2. 1966 Ford Fairlane 500
R-code 2-dr hard top,
$275,000—Barrett-Jackson,
NV, p. 64
3. 1908 Rainier Model D 45/50HP
7-passenger tourer,
$253,000—Bonhams, PA,
p. 88
4. 1835 Braithwaite and
Ericsson Mississippi
locomotive, $220,000—
Bonhams, PA, p. 88
5. 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda
2-dr hard top, $220,000—
Worldwide, TX, p. 84
6. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette
coupe, $170,500—
Worldwide, TX, p. 82
7. 1966 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible, $162,250—
Worldwide, TX, p. 82
8. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss
302 fastback, $143,000—
Barrett-Jackson, NV, p. 66
9. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette
coupe, $137,500—
Worldwide, TX, p. 82
10. 1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air
IV convertible, $134,200—
Barrett-Jackson, NV, p. 63
BEST BUYS
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
convertible, $99,000—Bonhams,
PA, p. 90
58 AmericanCarCollector.com
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
coupe, $44,000—Worldwide
Auctioneers, TX, p. 80
1965 Ford Mustang convertible,
$24,840—Branson, MO, p. 100
1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS
coupe, $30,800—BarrettJackson,
NV, p. 63
1968 Mercury Colony Park
wagon, $21,450—BarrettJackson,
NV, p. 64
reserve sale garnered $4m, and a 1970
Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda was the most
expensive lot at $220k.
Bonhams’ annual Preserving the
W
Automobile sale in Philadelphia saw
61 of 72 mostly dusty cars change
hands for a combined total of $3.2m.
The big American seller was a 1908
Rainier Model D 45/50-hp tourer at
$253k.
Barrett-Jackson returned to Las
Vegas and sent 677 of 692 cars home
with new owners. A 2016 Chevrolet
Corvette Z06 racer came out on top at
$500k, and sales totaled $27m.
Auctions America’s first trip to the
High sale of the Ron Brown Collection auction — 1970 Plymouth
Hemi ’Cuda 2-dr hard top, sold at $220,000, Worldwide Auctions, TX
Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival was a success.
A 1953 Chevrolet Corvette roadster changed hands
for $380k, sending totals to $5.5m, with 64 of 95 lots
sold.
At the twice-annual Branson Auction, 121 out of
198 cars hammered sold to the jingle of $2.3m overall.
A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible was the top
American lot at $64k.
Tony’s Market Moment: An ex-duPont Family
1929 Ford Model A pickup sold at Bonhams’
Preserving the Automobile auction in October.
Relatively complete and a recent runner, the truck
had deeply faded paint, foggy lenses, cracked glass
and a hole in the floorboard. I found that description
utterly charming and intriguing, and at $4,950, I
might’ve even bid on it.
Collectors paying up for patinated barn finds
and gearhead kids buffing the paint off their rat rods
seem like points on a continuum rather than separate
trends. This truck fell somewhere in between.
I think this was a smart buy, because where could
you get more raw motoring experience per dollar? A
Model A is not so primitive that you’d have to relearn
how to drive, and you could use the truck without fear
of damaging a significant investment. And there’d
sure as hell be nothing else like it in the Costco parking
lot.A
Auctions in this issue
Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, NV
September 24–26
Bonhams,
Philadelphia, PA
October 5
Branson,
Branson, MO
October 16–17
Worldwide Auctioneers,
Fredericksburg, TX
October 23–24
Auctions America,
Hilton Head Island, SC
October 31
$0
$5m
$2.3m
$4m
$5.5m
$10m
$15m
$20m
$25m
$3.2m
$27m
orldwide Auctioneers
sold off the 102-car collection
of Ron Brown
in Fredericksburg, TX,
this October. The no
Page 58
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
Barrett-Jackson —
Las Vegas 2015
A TWO-OWNER 1968 CORVETTE L88 COUPE WITH LOW MILEAGE SOLD
AT $330k, AND A 1966 FORD FAIRLANE 500 R-CODE MADE $275k
BarrettJackson
Las Vegas, NV
September 24–26,
2015
Auctioneer: Joseph
Mast
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 677/692
Sales rate: 98%
Sales total:
$26,998,590
High sale: 2016
Corvette C7.R Z06, sold
at $500,000 (for charity)
Buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
Restored to a level that would be hard to duplicate — 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-code 2-dr hard top,
sold at $275,000
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
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
Report and photos by Travis Shetler
Market opinions in italics
S
ince Barrett-Jackson’s 2014 Las Vegas auction,
Mandalay Bay Resort added 350,000
square feet of convention space at a cost of
$66,000,000. This increased the total square
footage to over 2,000,000. For auction attend-
ees, this meant more ground to cover, but negotiating
between the separate areas was more straightforward.
Barrett-Jackson offered nearly 700 cars and sold all
but 15. Total sales in Las Vegas were down 19% from
last year, but Craig Jackson stated 2015 as a whole was
one of Barrett-Jackson’s strongest years in terms of
sales and attendance.
The week kicked off with the 8th Annual Las
Vegas Cruise-In, which included awards for the Best
Resto Mod, Best Hot Rod and Best Street Rod. For the
opening night gala, auction-goers enjoyed food, drinks
and live music at the 11-acre Mandalay Bay Beach.
And during the sale, you could drive and ride in new
offerings from Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge, browse
countless vendor booths jammed with new products,
one-of-a-kind vehicles and automobilia, and keep your
eyes peeled for celebrities.
Barrett raised more than $750,000 from the sale of
three charity cars. The top non-charity car was a 1968
Corvette L88 coupe with low mileage and two-owner
history, sold at $330,000. Second place went to a 2005
Ford GT at $291,500, and a 1966 Ford Fairlane 500
R-code completed the podium at $275,000.
After their Reno auction in August, Barrett-Jackson
announced that they would not be returning to Hot
August Nights in 2016 and instead were heading to an
all-new venue. From the Las Vegas stage, Chairman and
CEO Craig Jackson made the official announcement
that the auction house will host a sale at the Mohegan
Sun Casino in Connecticut on June 23–26. Northeast
buyers and sellers will now have the Barrett-Jackson
experience right in their own back yard. A
Page 60
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
GM
#689-1949 OLDSMOBILE FUTURAMIC 98
convertible. VIN: 499K2706. Red/black
cloth/brown leather. 303-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
Displays the new-for-1949 Rocket V8 under
Plexiglas. Quality paint over straight body
with good panel fit except for the leading
edge of the showcase hood. The engine
bay needs to be detailed, especially as it is
on permanent display. The leather interior
looks very good, and the well-optioned dash
trim shines. Cond: 1-.
train and suspension will make the truck
highly usable. However, the custom work
and extensive modifications will keep the
value more restricted than a fully original
example, and the new owner may need to
wait for just the right buyer to make a profit.
#128-1957 CHEVROLET custom COE car
hauler. VIN: 5A57F107946. Black/red
leather. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. This fantastic
custom car hauler utilizes a Chevrolet COE
cab on what appears to be a modern chassis.
The paint is applied to a show-car standard,
even on the very long deck. The
engine compartment is not detailed, but
everything seems in order. Inside, the custom
interior is red everywhere with an updated
electronic dash and new column. Full
power accessories. An unusual and apparently
usable hauler. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $55,000. Well bought and sold.
The styling of these redesigned GM cars
coupled with the V8 motors makes for permanent
desirability in the market. The buyer
obtained a solid, collectible vehicle with no
obvious needs. Time spent addressing the
engine bay’s appearance will help to ensure
the car’s ability to generate a profit over
time. The ACC Premium Auction Database
shows this car sold in 1991 at World Classic
for $32,500 (ACC# 12746).
#785-1955 GMC SUBURBAN custom
SUV. VIN: A28805684. Dark blue/cream
leather. Completely custom resto-mod.
Mostly stock sheet metal and trim with recessed
Cadillac taillights. Paint and chrome
are concours quality. Panel fit is very good.
Truck sits lowered over large-diameter steel
wheels. Inside, the three rows of seating are
covered in high-quality cream leather with
dark blue stitching. A custom console with
full electronics divides the cabin. The solid
rear axle has been replaced with an independent
rear suspension. Carbon panelcovered
LS1 sits inside a custom engine
bay. Cond: 1-.
crease in value. While the fuel-injected
models will always bring the top sale figures,
the horsepower difference was only
13 hp. The car will be usable, enjoyable to
drive and sure to appreciate.
#746.1-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: VC57B220513. Tropical
Turquoise/white vinyl/turquoise, white &
gray. Odo: 3,740 miles. 283-ci V8, 2-bbl,
3-sp. Full restoration some time in the past.
The paint is well applied to a body with
good fit. The chrome trim presents as-new.
Inside, the tri-color interior is somehow subdued
and also finished to a high standard,
with some slight discoloration of the armrest
pads. Underneath the hood, there are
some signs of the passage of time, but
nothing extensive. This is a well-done vehicle
which has been driven and cared for.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $42,350. The market for such a
creation is narrow, and it will always be
worth whatever it sells for on auction day.
The truck previously sold twice at BarrettJackson
Scottsdale: for $32k in 2013 (ACC#
259851) and for $57k in 2015 (ACC#
258241), so this price somewhere in the
middle looks fair.
#673-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr
hard top. VIN: VC57N141480. Onyx Black/
red & gray vinyl. Odo: 1,195 miles. 283-ci
V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. Looks like a full rotisserie
restoration. The panel preparation and fit
are factory-correct. The paint is glossy,
smooth and deep. The undercarriage is
factory-fresh without any signs of use. Under
the hood, the dual-quad carbs are covered
by the giant batwing air-cleaner
assembly. The interior is also showroomfresh.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $66,000. Quite well bought. Not a
flawless car, but still capable of showing up
most of the competition. The new owner
can enjoy using it without fear. Some attention
to a few pieces in the engine compartment
and interior will help when it comes
time to sell.
#359-1959 CADILLAC COUPE DEVILLE.
VIN: 59J004758. White/tan cloth & leather.
Odo: 10,953 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Poor-quality repaint. Body is relatively
straight except for left fender skirt. Everything
present and accounted for. Tired trim
needs replacement; lenses are cracked and
aged. Underneath the monstrous hood, the
engine compartment may be the highestquality
area of the car. The interior is also
complete, but almost everything needs
some attention. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $47,300. Well bought at a price
below what has been invested in this truck.
The show-quality work on an excellent body
will ensure that the buyer will get lots of attention.
The completely modernized drive-
62 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $60,500. Well bought at a price
significantly below the standard car’s price.
The dual-quad carbs and high-quality full
restoration add value well beyond what was
paid here. The buyer has a car with no
needs and an excellent outlook for an in-
SOLD AT $36,300. Any closer than 30 feet,
and this finned icon reveals that it needs a
full restoration. Well sold, although the
buyer has a driver he can use without fear.
#105-1965 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 266575C105482. Capri
Gold/Parchment vinyl. Odo: 28,106 miles.
421-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Visually a fantastic
Page 61
BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
and imposing car. The paint is adequate but
not show-quality. Exterior chrome trim is
fresh. Updated engine. Engine compartment
presents as a cared-for driver. Rust in
chrome around glass. Overall, the interior
looks very good with lots of real wood trim,
full gauges and room to spare. There is a
hole on the side panel of the seat, slight
puckering on the door panels, and the rear
window shelf needs to be replaced.
Cond: 2-.
gine bay with appropriate aging and discoloration.
Inside, the very nice original interior
is in good condition, but for the sun-baked
package shelf. Well optioned with full documentation
and the original keys. Cond: 2.
Tulsa in June of 2015 (ACC# 265486). Well
bought and sold this time around.
SOLD AT $30,800. Well bought. The buyer
scored an original, well-documented car.
First-year Camaros with the RS hideaway
headlights are desirable, and this car’s originality
adds to the value in today’s market.
Buyer has plenty of room for profit.
SOLD AT $14,850. Previously sold at
Mecum Houston 2013 for $26k (ACC#
220742); a $17k no-sale at Mecum Anaheim
2012 (ACC# 214003); and sold for
$22k at Mecum Indy 2012 (ACC# 206118).
Well bought today.
#783-1966 PONTIAC GTO convertible.
VIN: 242676Z107552. Barrier Blue/white
vinyl/white vinyl. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Brilliant blue GTO convertible with an excellent
repaint in the original color. The trunk
lid needs some help with alignment.
Chrome and glass look good. The new convertible
top needs fine-tuning. The interior
looks new and correct. The engine compartment
could be detailed to a higher level.
Under the hood, the carbs carry the correct
tags, and the car is said to be fully documented.
Cond: 1-.
#779-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28
coupe. VIN: 124379N598167. Rallye
Green/black vinyl. Odo: 5,758 miles. 302-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Comes with documentation
and a letter from the original owner describing
how he bought the car, sold the car and
later reacquired the car. The original-color
repaint is glassy smooth. Panel fit is good.
The interior is said to be mostly original,
with just a small, repaired tear in the driver’s
seat and a tatty package shelf. The trunk is
very well done. Under the original flat hood
is the perfectly prepped and detailed original
302 motor. Cond: 1-.
#744-1974 PONTIAC TRANS AM SD-455
coupe. VIN: 2V87X4N159682. Buccaneer
Red/black vinyl & cloth. Odo: 9,500 miles.
455-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. One of the billboard
cars seen throughout Las Vegas before and
during the auction, this low mileage SD-455
shows the results of a professional restoration.
The paint is well executed on the surfaces
of a very straight body. The door
jambs and underhood areas appear original.
There are some fit issues around the
Endura bumpers. The engine compartment
could be detailed to a higher level. Inside,
the interior shows some signs of aging as
opposed to use. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $111,100. These Super Duty
Trans Ams represent the pinnacle of collectibility
for 1974. A lot of money, but this lowmileage,
well-documented example is about
as good as you could hope to find. (See
profile, p. 44.)
SOLD AT $60,500. Well bought and sold at
the top of the current market value. Manualtransmission
Tri-Power GTOs represent the
zenith of collectibile Pontiacs. This car has
been well executed and just needs a little
labor to correct the few issues. The buyer
paid full price but received a sharp, iconic
muscle car.
#187-1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO
RS coupe. VIN: 124377N146317. Madeira
Maroon/black vinyl. Odo: 34,670
miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. An attractive,
two-owner car with low mileage and full
documentation. The original paint is showing
evidence of its age with chips and wear.
Under the hood is an honest-appearing en-
SOLD AT $88,000. Well sold and bought at
a price slightly above mid-market. The excellent
respray and unusual ownership history
will keep this particular car in the higher
end of the market. New owner should do
well.
#699-1969 PONTIAC GTO Ram
Air IV convertible. VIN: 242679R167185.
Matador Red/white vinyl/red vinyl.
Odo: 1,270 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Frame-off restoration. Excellent paint and
perfect chrome. The leading edge of the
trunk lid is high and should be corrected.
The engine compartment reveals a showroom
appearance with the correct finishes.
Inside, the interior is as-new with only the
curling edges of the console lid cover detracting
from the appearance. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $134,200. Sold for $29k at a
1997 Mecum auction (ACC# 21727), for
$127k at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2013
(ACC# 260455) and for $121k at Leake
10
#375-1975 CHEVROLET BLAZER SUV.
VIN: CKY185F143789. Orange & white/
white fiberglass/brown & plaid. Odo: 53
miles. 350-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Shockingly
original K5 Blazer in desirable 1970s color
scheme. This truck is new, as it was placed
into climate-controlled storage upon purchase.
Factory-correct in all aspects. Paint
is untouched. Both doors have a droop, just
as they did upon being built. Under the
hood, the showroom appearance is only
marred by overspray from the very heavy
undercoating (which is still slightly tacky at
the thickest points). Inside, the perfect interior
shows plaid seat inserts and a GMC
“Keep on Trucking” spare tire cover.
Cond: 2+.
January-February 2016 63
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BUY
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BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
SOLD AT $28,600. Very well sold and
bought. These were everywhere for decades
following their introduction, but an
unmodified Blazer is unheard of today. A
time-capsule example that seems like a
safe investment, although the new owner
will feel guilty every time the wheels turn.
CORVETTE
#748-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194676S111724. Rally Red/
red hard top/black soft top/red leather. 427ci
425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recently restored.
Numbers-matching, high-output L72 bigblock.
Extensively optioned, with both tops.
Panel fit and brightwork present as new.
The paint is very well applied. The interior is
in very good condition with only a sight discoloration
to the top of the dash. Cond: 1-.
and publication history. Bloomington Gold
certified. Very well equipped with several
luxury options. The paint is fresh, with a few
areas which should be corrected. The
brightwork and glass both sparkle. However,
there are a few panel joints with uneven
gaps. Underneath the hood, the
triangular chrome air-cleaner assembly
draws the eye. Inside, the interior appears
as-new. Cond: 1-.
327/350 V8 and called the price “fair”
(ACC# 264862). Well sold here.
FOMOCO
2
SOLD AT $95,700. Well bought. This redon-white
color combination is on par with
Lot 748’s red-on-red color scheme for eye
appeal. The new owner bought a greatlooking
American Icon with plenty of upside
potential.
SOLD AT $71,500. Very well bought. This
is about the most desirable regular production
Corvette available from 1966. Combine
the convertible body with the matchingnumbers
big block and red-on-red color
scheme, and you’ve got a winner.
#733-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194677S104853. Red/white
vinyl/white leather. Odo: 204 miles. 427-ci
400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. This is a greatlooking
Corvette equipped with Tri-Power
L68 big-block. Extensive documentation
#368-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194678S401623. Rally Red/
red vinyl. Odo: 6,213 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Catalog says “upgraded with a
fully rebuilt 350 high-performance engine.”
One of many red-on-red Corvettes at the
auction. The excellent repaint is applied
over a body with good panel fit. Chrome
and glass look very good. Under the hood,
the replaced motor sits inside a well-executed
engine bay. The interior is also in very
good condition, with only a cracked dash
distracting from the appearance. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $44,000. Recently sold for
$24,300 at Silver Portland in April 2015,
when the reporter noted that it had a
#743-1966 FORD FAIRLANE 500
R-code 2-dr hard top. VIN: 6A43R249537.
White/black vinyl. Odo: 23 miles.
427-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Restored to museum
quality. The body has been expertly
prepped and the paint is applied to the highest
standard. Trim, glass and panel fit are
exceptional. Inside, the car presents as perfect.
Following a 2½-year rotisserie restoration,
this car won the Platinum Challenge at
the Norwalk, OH, NMCA Muscle Car Nationals,
scoring 6,925 points out of a possible
7,000. Paperwork and build sheets
accompany car. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $275,000. This rare, documented
and perfectly restored factory race car was
restored to a level that would be hard to
duplicate. Very well sold at a price that will
cause an adjustment at the top end of the
market. Buyer may not wish to sell the car
in the immediate future, but time should be
a good friend.
Fawn & faux wood/gold vinyl. Odo: 25,000
miles. 390-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. This very lowmileage
wagon is strikingly original. Original
paint is relatively untouched. Body fit and
condition is as assembled, with the exception
of what appears to be some repair work
at the bottom of the rear fenders. Inside, the
interior is time-capsule original with centerfacing
third-row seats. The woodgrain panels
are in good condition. Appears to be the
same ’68 Mercury with 20k miles on it
#350-1968 MERCURY COLONY
PARK wagon. VIN: 8Z76Y602415.
64 AmericanCarCollector.com
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BARRETT-JACKSON // Las Vegas, NV
that ACC/SCM bought and sold a few years
ago (see “Torque,” ACC Nov.-Dec. 2015, p.
8). Cond: 2. SOLD AT $21,450. Well
bought at a price that seems a bit low for
the originality and low mileage, and I’d like
to think ACC celebrity status adds to the
value. Long-roof vehicles always garner
special interest from car aficionados. Highly
original cars from less-desirable eras are
bringing this much or more. Well bought.
` 8
#702-1970 FORD MUSTANG
Boss 302 fastback. VIN: 0T02G154360.
Grabber Yellow/black vinyl. 302-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Rotisserie-restored Boss
302. Excellent paint over a straight body.
Door fit is off on both sides. Trim is excellent.
Under the hood, the engine compartment
is factory-correct, as is the
undercarriage. Inside, the spartan interior is
in very good condition and carries the
8,000-rpm tachometer as expected.
Cond: 1-.
Ram Air and Drag Pack along with other
desirable options. Cond: 1-.
together on this model. The prospects for
collectibility look very good.
MOPAR
SOLD AT $132,000. Very well sold at over
double the current market. This was a very
attractive color combination on a car in excellent
shape with supporting documentation.
Additionally, the car went through the
auction during prime time on Saturday. The
buyer purchased a great and hard-to-duplicate
vehicle, but it will be some time before
a profit will be realized.
#736-2006 SHELBY GT-H coupe. VIN:
1ZVFT82H365226433. Black & gold/black
leather. Odo: 933 miles. 4.6-L fuel-injected
V8, 5-sp. Menacing and gleaming, this 40th
anniversary tribute to the Shelby GT350 H
rental car is virtually new. Shelby built 500
cars after Ford, Shelby and a Hertz VP collaborated
on the idea. Of the 500 built, four
were equipped with a manual transmission.
This is one of the manual cars, owned by
SOLD AT $143,000. Very well sold at an
above-market price. Boss Mustangs are
among the most collectible of 1970 cars.
Well-optioned original or fully restored examples
are the best investment. Here, the
buyer paid a premium but received an excellent
investment in return. Time will provide
for a profit.
#7002-1970 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1 428
fastback. VIN: 0T05R117586. Blue/white
vinyl. Odo: 46,393 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. An original car with documentation
and a supporting Marti Report. Color is said
to have been applied to fewer than 250
cars. Paint and brightwork in excellent condition.
Door, trunk and hood fit issues could
easily be factory. Well-detailed engine compartment.
The original interior shows little
wear, except for the tired steering wheel.
that VP. The paint, panel fit, engine compartment
and interior have no issues. The
car manages to look much more businesslike
than the standard Mustang. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $110,000. Well bought and sold.
There is little market information available,
as the rental cars were auctioned off to
dealers after their service. The manualtransmission
cars were never offered to the
public or dealers. There are more powerful
Shelbys available, but everything comes
#701-1960 IMPERIAL CROWN convertible.
VIN: 9204106018. Dusk Mauve/
mauve cloth/mauve leather. 413-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. This giant Imperial is stunning.
Recently fully restored, excellent quality
paint is applied to a straight body. There are
alignment issues at the driver’s door. All
brightwork appears new. Under the hood,
the engine bay is almost showroom fresh.
Only the Autolite battery detracts from the
appearance. Inside, the new color-matched
leather stretches everywhere, even to the
added leather steering-wheel cover. This is
Mopar opulence at its 1960 finest, with full
options and true presence. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $71,500. Recently sold for $110k
at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2015 (ACC#
258717). Very well bought today at a final
bid below the current market value. Imperial
convertibles were always low-production
cars (only 618 built in 1960). The unique
styling combined with the rarity make them
very collectible cars. Here, the buyer
avoided the considerable cost of restoration
and has an almost new car with very few
details needing attention. This should prove
to be an economically reliable investment.
#773-1963 DODGE 330 2-dr sedan. VIN:
6132114412. Red/tan vinyl. Odo: 13,819
miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. This is a
factory-built race car (no manufacturer warranties
applied). One of just 19 built. Documented
with the Chrysler IBM build-record
card and also a Galen Govier decoded report.
Paint is showing the 35 years which
have passed since undergoing a color
change from Sandalwood. Under the hood,
the giant Max Wedge V8 with cross-ram
intake manifold sports a pair of staggered
carburetors that stretch from one fender
66 AmericanCarCollector.com
well to the other. Interior has problems, but
it is as a result of the originality; carpet is
the only item that has been replaced. Cond:
1-. SOLD AT $52,800. Well bought. These
represent one of the highly sought-after
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Page 65
Mopar halo cars and they sell. Prices have
come down slightly in the past few years,
but factory-built race cars will always be
valuable. The buyer should find this a good
investment.
#671-1970 PLYMOUTH AAR ’CUDA 2-dr
hard top. VIN: BS23J0B302107. Black/
black vinyl. Odo: 98,694 miles. 360-ci V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Changed from the original
color of Vitamin C Orange to a well-applied,
color-sanded and mirror-finished black.
Driver’s door fit needs attention. The interior
is very good, but there is slight curling on
the pad on the door armrest. Under the
hood, the Six-Pack package is covered by
the bright red air-cleaner assembly. Claimed
to be one of 1,120 4-speed-equipped cars.
The drivetrain is original, and the car includes
a Galen Govier inspection. Cond: 1-.
QUICKTAKE
1967 Ford Mustang 4x4
custom fastback
SOLD at $25,300
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, September 24–26, 2015, Lot 490
VIN: 7R02C138413
SOLD AT $77,000. Very well bought at a
price well below the six figures top models
can bring. This car was restored to a high
standard. The color change is probably one
reason for the lower price. Unique colors on
any muscle car add value and on Mopars,
the High Impact options such as Vitamin C
Orange, Sassy Grass Green, Lemon Twist
Yellow and Tor Red add value. The buyer
would do well to invest in a repaint to the
original color.
#754-2004 DODGE VIPER Hennessey
convertible. VIN: 1B3JZ65ZX4V101187.
White/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 4,700
miles. 8.6-L turbocharged V10, 6-sp. Tuned
and modified by Hennessey to produce
1,000 horsepower. The engine is bored out
with twin turbochargers added. In very good
condition and shows only slight evidence of
having traveled an average of 400 miles per
year in the past decade. Magazine tests
indicate a 0–60 time of 3.25 seconds and a
top speed of 210 mph for the convertible.
Cond: 1-.
a rig with mud tires. What do you buy? A Bronco isn’t sporty enough, and
a Mustang isn’t going to get you out to the bog and back. You’ve got two choices: settle for
something or get creative.
This builder took the best of both worlds and crammed them together, dropping a Mustang
Say you’re a die-hard Ford fan who loves muscle cars but needs
body down on top of a Bronco 4x4 chassis. It’s probably the only Mustang around that’ll sit
you eye-to-eye with modern SUVs in traffic. And beyond its goofy 4x4 pony-car stance and
a Hurst floor-shifter handle that sits higher than the steering column, it’s reportedly about as
sorted as something like this can get. One of the builders reportedly drove it daily for years.
The catalog copy stated, “This ‘Ford-ification’ idea was conceived around 1980 by a few
guys in a restoration shop and resulted in the production of about a dozen similar vehicles. It is
unknown how many of those remain today.” There’s no information as to what year the Bronco
chassis is, but we can reasonably presume it was a second-generation (1978 or 1979) unit because
of its wheelbase and live front axle. Second-gen Bronco wheelbases were longer — 104
inches up from the first-gen’s 92 — which meshes pretty well with the 108-inch Mustang.
So what’s something like this worth? Average prices in 2015 for ’78–79 Broncos and ’67
Mustang custom fastbacks came in at $23,872 and $93,051, respectively. Stock ’67 V8 fastback
Mustangs averaged $41,140. So despite the fabrication, ingenuity and creativity poured into
this rig, the bidders ended the fight well under what a stock Mustang would have done.
But that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Customs just aren’t for everyone — espe-
cially when they’re Mustangs on 4x4 chassis. Still, the new owner ended up with a helluva
look-at-me statement that’ll go wherever he wants to go, and for that, I’d say the money spent
was about right. A
—Chad Tyson
SOLD AT $63,800. Well sold beyond high
market. Pretty much every big muscle-car
auction will have at least one Viper. This
special car performed better than average,
and the buyer’s investment will likely pay off
over the long term. A
January-February 2016
January-February 2016
67
Page 66
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Hilton Head Island, SC
Auctions America — Hilton
Head Island
ONE OF THE BEST DEALS: A 1957 CADILLAC ELDORADO BROUGHAM
AT $121K, WELL BELOW THE PREDICTED $175k–$200k
Auctions
America
Hilton Head Island,
SC
October 31, 2015
Auctioneers: Brent
Earlywine, Bill Rothermel
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 63/95
Sales rate: 66%
Sales total:
$5,422,000
High sale: 1953
Chevrolet Corvette
roadster, sold at
$379,500
Buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
Well bought, far under the $175k–$200k estimate — 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham sedan,
sold at $121,000
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
68 AmericanCarCollector.com
Report and photos by Mark Moskowitz
Market opinions in italics
& Fancy Aeroport Gala and an Aero Expo. And to top it
all off, Auctions America has now joined the party.
The concours moved to Port Royal Plantation in
T
2013. The onsite Westin Hilton Head Island Resort &
Spa proved an ideal auction venue. During the two-day
preview, the 95 cars on offer could be seen from the hotel’s
entrance. The adjacent convention center provided
an indoor option for vendors and auction automobilia,
as well as a climatized auction space. Ample underground
parking, unusual in the low country, provided
nighttime protection for the consignments.
Hendrick Performance brought a number of excel-
lent cars, and their team was omnipresent. They had a
full indoor display, and representatives were available
to educate auctiongoers about NASCAR history and
he Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival is
10 nonstop days of old-car action. There are
vintage races, a car club corral, banquets and a
concours d’elegance. The festival even added
aviation to the mix this year, with the Flights
Hendrick’s Certified Racecars.
The diverse mix included 99-point concours
muscle cars, vintage luxury convertibles, high- and
low-end sports cars, race cars, classic off-road vehicles,
a woodie, a 5-window coupe, a Hudson Super Six
limousine, and at least five future classics with less
than break-in mileage. Six Bentleys were offered at
no reserve. The 10 Corvettes on offer spanned the
model’s first half-century, starting with a first-year 1953
that took high American sale honors at $379,500. The
second-most-expensive American lot was also one of
the best deals of the weekend: a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado
Brougham, which went home to a new garage for $121k,
well below the predicted $175k–$200k.
Midday auction attendance was excellent in spite of
the festival’s many compelling distractions, and aggressive
phone bidding fueled the competitive atmosphere
in the room. Sixty-three out of 95 cars changed hands,
for a healthy $5.4m total and a 66% sell-through rate,
providing a solid foundation for Auctions America’s
return in 2016. A
Page 68
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Hilton Head Island, SC
GM
#123-1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: L14754. Twilight Turquoise &
India Ivory/white vinyl/turquoise fabric &
ivory vinyl. Odo: 23,462 miles. 265-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Above-average restoration
(date unknown) with little use since. Great
paint with few flaws. Body straight but hoodand
trunk-fit problems easily seen. Attractive
fender skirts with fit problems. Great
chrome but some fit problems. Engine immaculate
and correct with minor dent on
valve cover. Interior immaculate and attractive.
Some door window felt missing.
Cond: 2-.
2006, although the ACC Premium Auction
Database indicates the car sold in 2014 for
$187k at RM Plymouth (ACC# 244410).
Well bought today, far under the $175k–
$200k estimate.
#198-1963 CHEVROLET NOVA SS convertible.
VIN: 30467W104227. Red/white
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 54,468 miles. 230-ci I6,
1-bbl, auto. Cosmetic restoration completed
in 2005. Red paint is well applied over obvious
bodywork. Weld joints in rear fenders
and obvious Bondo left rear. Chrome molding
appears aged, with a few dents and
dings. Seat covers and door panels appear
fresh. Some pitting of chrome console. Engine
compartment dirty, rusted, with peeling
paint and insulation. Cond: 3-.
fans. This car no-saled at Mecum Kissimmee
in January 2015 with a top bid of $67k
(ACC# 262556). Seller relented to market
forces; buyer got a fabulous muscle car.
Fair transaction.
#175-1972 OLDSMOBILE 442 convertible.
VIN: 3J67V2M140083. Ebony Black/white
vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 2,874 miles. 455-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Full restoration by Thornton
Brothers, highly respected Oldsmobile specialists
and parts suppliers. Restoration
date not specified. Quality application of
deep black paint. Great graphics. Panels
straight. Appropriate gaps. Excellent top
and upholstery. Console and dash are not
as new as rest of car. Immaculate engine
bay. Well optioned with a/c, 8-track, Rally
Pack, AM/FM, tilt wheel, anti-spin rear,
cruise control. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $67,100. In 1956 advertisements,
Chevrolet announced, “The hot one’s even
hotter!” This car’s color combination and
convertible top supported this impression,
but poor attention to detail detracted from
the finished product. Seller was correct to
sell a bit below the $70k low estimate. After
some minor expense to fix the chrome,
buyer will have a most presentable car. A
fair deal for both.
#157-1957 CADILLAC ELDORADO
Brougham sedan. VIN: 58P007550. Gray/
stainless steel/blue cloth. Odo: 49,812
miles. 365-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. One of 400
Eldorado Broughams built in 1957. Refurbished
with new paint and interior in 2009.
Paint smooth and well applied in classic
Cadillac Deauville Gray. Mild pitting inside
of window frame. Brightwork very good.
Upholstery like new. Attractive interior
chrome. Vanity items include magnetic tumblers,
Cross pen and perfume atomizer, but
not in sight. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $13,200. The Chevy II and
Corvair brought the fight to the Ford Falcon
in 1963, but an anemic six was no match for
Ford’s new 260 and 289 V8s. A convertible
but hardly a collectible. This car was attractive
from 20 feet, but there’s not much else
to add. Seller got all the money.
#120-1969 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
396 L78 2-dr sedan. VIN: 134279B383899.
Monaco Orange/black fabric. Odo: 55,619
miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Stunning SS
396 two-door post. Full rotisserie restoration
2007. Recently detailed again. Great paint.
Panel fit better than new. Brightwork flawless.
Immaculate fabric interior. Raised
white-letter Goodyear tires. One of fewer
than 20 SS 396 375-hp cars with post option,
according to description. NOS radio
and antenna added. Aluminum heads
added. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $77,500. Not a W-30. Not a
Hurst-Olds. If you were looking for a highly
optioned boulevard cruiser, this was the
one. Well bought and sold at the low estimate.
#167-2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
NASCAR racer. VIN: 48267. Blue & silver/
black racing bucket. 5.9-L V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Raced by Jimmie Johnson during 2003–06
seasons. Winner of the 2005 Budweiser
Shootout at Daytona. Two additional topfive
finishes. Car never finished outside the
top 10. Extremely good paint and graphics;
seller says paint has not changed since its
last race. Interior neat and presents as original.
Engine rebuilt to race specs with period
parts. Sale includes private VIP tour of Hendrick
Performance Heritage center and free
shipping to buyer’s home. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $121,000. Highly collectible Cadillac
with an incredible array of features
that were groundbreaking at introduction
and difficult to maintain, including an air
suspension, power seats with memory, automatic
high beams and door locks, pushbutton
open-and-close hood and trunk, etc.
All said to function. Auction description
states present owner took possession in
70 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $71,500. If you wanted to go fast
in 1969, you could order a bare-bones
Chevelle SS 396 with a side post to increase
rigidity. Chevrolet’s version of a
Road Runner had to be carefully ordered.
The result is unusual and valuable to Bowtie
NOT SOLD AT $95,000. The star of the
sale, displayed prominently. Reconditioned
and certified by original Hendrick Motors
Page 70
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Hilton Head Island, SC
ports with extensive documentation. Authentic
Hendrick racing machine with real
history, but fans might be saving their higher
bids for a points race winner, championship
season car or road race car they could use.
Right buyer wasn’t in the room.
#191-2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE convertible.
VIN: 1G2MB33B36Y110114. Silver/
black canvas/gray & tan leather. Odo: 782
miles. 2.4-L fuel-injected I4, 5-sp. Nearly
new nine-year-old Pontiac. The owner said
he was too big for the car and that was the
reason for selling it. Paint, panel fit, interior
all consistent with minimal mileage. XM radio.
Cond: 1-.
well over auction-house estimate. Well
bought and sold.
#150-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 10867S106986. Black &
silver/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 367 miles.
283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Full restoration.
First year of the duck tail with round
taillights and last one with contrasting
coves. Paint flawless, attractive colors,
panel fit close to perfect. Excellent chrome;
slight mismatch of front chrome spears with
extensions over headlights. Immaculate
interior and engine compartment. Periodlooking
whitewalls, hubcaps with spinners
and Wonderbar radio. Cond: 1-.
pleted body-on restoration. Protect-O-Plate.
Original engine. Good paint. Good panel fit.
Much new chrome; brightwork around windshield
appears dulled from polishing. Excellent
interior; vinyl looks new. Engine neat,
with paint loss on top of block. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $65,000. Desirable finalyear
C2 4-speed convertible with base engine.
I suspect the restoration started with a
good car. High bid looked realistic against
the $75k–$85k estimate.
SOLD AT $16,500. Base model of a Pontiac
success. Solstice production peaked in
2006 at nearly 20,000 cars per year but
waned as the dissolution of Pontiac grew
closer. The car is striking and should offer
attention and the relatively trouble-free driving
of a new model for years to come.
Though the price was high for a typical car,
the deal seemed fair for buyer and seller.
CORVETTE
1
065. Polo White/black canvas/red vinyl.
Odo: 34,599 miles. 235-ci 150-hp I6, 3x1bbl,
auto. Restored to over-restored. Outstanding
paint. Door gaps better than new.
Irregularity of fiberglass on deck lid is consistent
with factory early production. Door
and window chrome do not align well. Perfect
interior. Engine compartment pristine.
Cond: 1-.
#168-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. VIN: E53F001-
SOLD AT $77,000. This Corvette was restored
with obvious effort and expense, and
it attracted huge attention. No mention of
matching numbers, but authentically redone.
The new owner has a great dualquad
Corvette at a great price.
#159-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 30867S103426. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 39,056
miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. 2010
NCRS Top Flight award in 2010. Attractive
triple-black. Frame-off restoration documented
with photos. Judging sheets included.
Paint well applied with some ripples
in fiberglass. Paint abnormality in left rear
fender. Door gaps excellent. Interior flawless.
Some paint loss on header. Cond: 1-.
#169-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Le
Mans pace car coupe. VIN: 1G1YY22G635100007.
Anniversary Red/Sand leather.
5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. LowVIN
pilot car and one of two pace cars built
for use at Le Mans in 2003, according to
catalog. Purchased from a GM Heritage
Center auction. Paint nearly as-new, as are
accent decals. All panel fit is as-new. Roof
lights and taillights are strobes. Euro-spec
rear lights and license inset. Interior shows
minimal wear consistent with minimal use.
Registered in Montana on a salvage title.
Can’t read digital odo, but said to be under
2,500 actual miles. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $28,000. One of two Le
Mans cars in the auction. Both had incredibly
low mileage. This one was the more
exciting 6-speed car. Bidding stopped at a
median price for such cars without such
heritage. While this unusual car deserved a
higher bid, it may not be found at an American
auction.
SOLD AT $379,500. Number 65 of 300
first-year Corvettes. In a notable collection
since 1998, when it was purchased at a
Mecum sale for $93k (ACC# 14765). Not a
world record, but high for the market and
72 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $70,950. From the Hendrick stable
and one of 10 Corvettes in the auction.
This car stood out under the tent and was
auctioned during prime time. Well bought
under the $75k–$90k estimate.
#171-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194677S119140. Rally Red/
white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 72,002 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Just com-
#179-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Le
Mans safety car coupe. VIN: 1G1YYY22G635108950.
Anniversary Red/gray leather.
5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. One of
four Le Mans safety cars from anniversary
year, according to catalog. Complete with
working safety lights on top and rear. Paint
fit, finish and interior condition all consistent
with minimal use. Less than 2,000 miles.
Engine compartment clean. Euro-spec taillights
and license-plate inset. Five-point
TOP 10
Page 72
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Hilton Head Island, SC
safety harnesses for driver and passenger.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $20,900. Automatic
version similar to Lot 169. Green and amber
strobe lights on detachable roof. An unusual,
barely used vehicle offered at no reserve.
The car will be a hit at Cars and
Coffee. Well bought.
FOMOCO
#124-1934 FORD MODEL 48 5-window
coupe. VIN: KY10823. Brown & black/tan
mohair. Odo: 62,624 miles. Deluxe model
with multiple accessories, including rumble
seat, rear-mounted spare, cowl lights, front
bumper-mounted amber lights and paired
horns. Paint and pinstriping well applied and
correct. Top canvas and interior fabric appear
new. Brightwork unblemished. Attractive
white-face gauges with modern chrome
accessory gauge mounted below dash.
Cond: 1-.
tion. Interior and engine compartment look
tired. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $36,000. Semipreservation
car whose fully restored value
would not cover costs. Some work needs to
be done to drive and enjoy it. Well sold.
#119-1964 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL convertible.
VIN: 4Y86N431544. Black/white
vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 65,731 miles. 430-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older restoration well presented.
Miles claimed actual. Has a/c, AM/
FM radio, power top, windows, door locks,
six-way seat, steering and brakes. Paint is
well applied. Panel fit is excellent. Doors
meet and do not drop when opened.
Chrome shows some polishing marks but is
otherwise excellent. Interior shows signs of
age but is quite attractive. Interior chrome is
untarnished. Air-cleaner valve covers, overflow
tank and radiator have been repainted.
The rest of engine compartment appears
well maintained. Cond: 2+.
detracted from same and raised questions
about the rest. If there are no other problems,
buyer should be satisfied, but the best
of the best can command even more.
#117-1970 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1
Twister Special fastback. VIN: 0F05M118879.
Grabber Orange/black vinyl. Odo:
86,323 miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. One of
96 Mach 1s produced with “Twister Special”
graphics, a regional Midwest edition. Said to
be an unrestored original with one repaint.
Paint evenly applied, except right front
fender has different texture. Chipped around
doors. Interior door panels show wear.
Seats look better than rest of interior. Engine
clean and neat. Has a/c, power steering
and brakes. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $45,100. Prior to the auction, this
car was parked at a remote, uncovered portion
of the lot next to an unrestored woodie,
which seemed to garner more attention.
The coupe, though extremely well done and
well accessorized, suffers from a bland
paint scheme and an aging and shrinking
collector group. This buyer got a great period
piece, and the seller achieved an optimal
sales price.
#125-1937 FORD MODEL 78B woodie
wagon. VIN: 78790B6097. Washington
Blue/brown vinyl. Odo: 74,086 miles. Said
to be a two-owner preservation car but has
been converted to 12V and has replacement
top and seat covers. Remainder could
be original. Wood does not appear rotted
but has lost much sealer and has some fading.
Rear window with extensive delamina-
74 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $64,350. HBO’s “Entourage” has
elevated the profile and popularity of this
boulevard cruiser. Suicide rear doors and a
126-inch wheelbase add to the presence.
The car was captivating, and it sold for the
price of a better one.
#173-1970 FORD MUSTANG Boss 302
fastback. VIN: 0F026137299. Wimbledon
White/black vinyl. Odo: 44,474 miles. 302-ci
V8, 4 bbl., 4-sp. Rotisserie restoration, date
unknown. Mostly excellent paint with slight
orange peel above driver’s door. Generally
good panel fit except at headlight panels.
Great brightwork. Loose driver’s door handle.
Top of driver’s door glass is chipped.
Interior excellent. Engine compartment well
done with reproduction factory paint markings.
Hurst T-handle shifter, 3.91 rear,
raised white-letter tires. Restoration photos
and Marti Report. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$80,300. The effort and expense of this restoration
were obvious, but a few details
SOLD AT $66,000. Regional special editions
were somewhat common in the muscle
car era. The ACC Premium Auction
Database shows this one sold at BarrettJackson
in 1993 for $19k (ACC# 5037). A
similar car with similar mileage no-saled at
Mecum KC last December at $65k (ACC#
6772573), making this look market-correct.
MOPAR
#170-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER T/A
2-dr hard top. VIN: JH23J0B307242. Burnt
Orange/black vinyl/Burnt Orange vinyl. Odo:
34,617 miles. 340-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Outstanding
full rotisserie restoration with no
visible flaws. Drivetrain and sheet metal
said to be original. Panels, paint and fit all
like new or better. Factory markings and
factory decals. Great documentation by
owner. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $89,100. Fabulous restoration
Page 74
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Hilton Head Island, SC
ONETO WATCH
A focus on cars that are showing some financial upside
with seller on hand and with a large display
of significant documentation and data. Middisplacement
muscle cars continue to struggle
compared with their big-block brothers.
This was the best of the best and brought
top dollar for what must have been an expensive
restoration. A fair deal for buyer
and seller.
#113-2003 DODGE VIPER SRT10 convertible.
VIN: 1B3JR65Z83V501299. Red/
black canvas/black leather. Odo: 13,201
miles. 8.3-L fuel-injected V10, 6-sp. Low
mileage and obviously well cared for. First
year of larger V10 powerplant. Great paint
with no fading or scratches and few chips in
front. Great panel fit. Interior suggests minimal
use. Engine compartment attractive,
neat and clean. Cond: 1-.
1993–95 Ford F-150 SVT
Lightning pickup
in 1989 and was gone almost immediately. GMC’s Syclone only showed up in 1991 and the
follow-up Typhoon wasn’t a direct-enough competitor. Chevrolet manufactured the 454
SS from 1990 to ’93, so there was only one year of direct head-to-head sales comparison
with the Lightning, and Ford outsold Chevy handily. For the Chevy, the sales had fallen
from a high of 13,748 the first year to 3,205 trucks for the following three years combined.
The first-generation Lightning’s sales also decreased each year of production, but not as
dramatically.
The Lightning was a set package deal; it had one transmission
I
Detailing
Years built: 1993–95
Number produced:
11,563
Average price of
those cars: $8,964
Current ACC
Valuation: $8,775
Number sold at auction
in the past 12
months: 5
(auto), one engine (5.8-liter V8) and set body style (fleetside). No
four-wheel drive or extended cabs, either. The major choice the
buyer had was color. The ’93 models came only in red or black,
while white (the rarest color choice) was added for ’94 and ’95.
Power came from the long-used Windsor 5.8-liter V8. But
since the truck came from SVT, they added GT40 high-flow heads,
stainless shorty headers and other heavy-duty/high-performance
parts. That V8 pumped out 240 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque.
That power output was higher, 20% and 10% respectively, than the
351 Ford put in other trucks that year.
In the collector market, the Lightning is trending up. The
median price of these trucks, as collected by ACC’s Premium Auction Database, has risen
41% since 2011. The average price of these pickups over the past five years bounces around
a little bit due to a couple of exceptionally low-mileage examples selling for north of $20k.
Mecum sold a first-year Bright Red SVT Lightning for $26,950 in Austin, TX, back in
December 2014. It had just 3,665 miles.
There’s room for more growth here, and given the interest in ’80s and early ’90s perfor-
76 AmericanCarCollector.com
AmericanCarCollector.com
mance vehicles lately, I reckon this truck will continue its upward valuation trend. A
— Chad Tyson
SOLD AT $28,600. Two-and-a-half years
out of an Oregon estate after 40 years in
one family. While this car had the seating of
a limo, it had little else in the way of luxury
accessories. Money spent on restoration
would not be recouped. Well sold. A
n my old neighborhood, a faded Bright Red ’93 Lightning, with peeling clearcoat,
rumbled by my windows at least once a week. The driver left a pair of rubber patches
at the corner of Alma and Central nearly every time. My neighbors hated it. I loved it.
When Ford brought the SVT Lightning to market, there was a little remaining competition
in the briefly flourishing sports-truck market. The Shelby Dakota appeared
SOLD AT $43,450. First year of a major
design change for the Viper. Gone was the
hinged front end; most consider this newer
generation more comfortable and usable.
This was a great example sold in the middle
range of Viper prices. Buyer should be
pleased.
AMERICANA
#129-1918 HUDSON SUPER SIX limousine.
VIN: 70M272. Maroon & Black/gray
cloth. Odo: 39,677 miles. Aluminum body
remarkably straight for age. Shiny but old
paint. Non-stock taillights. Privacy window.
Gray fabric seats are replacements, aged
mohair carpets. Engine compartment tired
with leaking water pump. Cond: 4+.
Page 76
WORLDWIDE AUCTIONEERS // Fredericksburg, TX
Worldwide Auctioneers — The
Ron Brown Estate Collection
1950s CRUISERS REMAINED A BIT SOFT, ALTHOUGH A STELLAR
1959 CHEVROLET IMPALA CONVERTIBLE DID BRING $124k
Worldwide
Auctioneers
October 23–24,
2015
Fredericksburg, TX
Auctioneers: Rod
Egan, John Kruse
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 102/102
Sales rate: 100%
Sales total:
$4,035,350
High sale: 1970
Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda,
sold at $220,000
Buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
Oodles of trim that take a lot of time and money to get right — 1959 Chevrolet Impala convertible, sold
at $123,750
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
78 AmericanCarCollector.com
Report and photos by Bob DeKorne
Market opinions in italics
collection included a few blue-chip Fords and Mopars;
he was well known as a true car guy with a huge heart.
When he died in early 2015, he had already arranged for
Worldwide Auctioneers to assist the family in settling
his estate. They conducted the sale right at Brown’s
dealership.
Friday evening commenced with around 160 no-
R
reserve lots of automobilia, signs and antiques. John
Kruse handled the work on the block and dispensed
with the collection in short order. Many of Brown’s
friends and associates picked up a piece or two to
remember him by. By 8 p.m., Worldwide staff were
turning the room over for Saturday’s automotive lots.
The Saturday crowd was huge and just kept com-
ing, with packed bidders’ seating, lots of interested
spectators and solid prices throughout the sale. Nothing
fell through the cracks this day, as Rod Egan expertly
on Brown made a lot of friends in Central
Texas, and his dealership Street Dreams
was a beautiful facility chock-full of highquality
American muscle cars and ’50s
cruisers. Ron particularly loved GM, but his
guided the sale of 102 no-reserve collector cars. The
high sale was predictable: a well-documented, lowmileage,
original-paint 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda at
$220k. Next was an outstanding 1963 Split-Window
Corvette coupe best described as a survivor, which was
a nice buy at $171k and could have gone higher.
Bargain of the day? Either Lot 41, a very nice ’59 El
Camino at $35k, or Lot 76, an immaculately restored
1970 Mustang 428 R-code fastback. The owners
were unable to find the Mustang’s matching-numbers
documentation, which hampered bidding, and it sold for
just $110k.
1950s cruisers remained a bit soft, although a stellar
1959 Impala convertible did bring $124k. A freshly
painted 1947 Dodge Power Wagon 4x4 sold for $35k,
and it truly deserved to return to a ranch in the Texas
Hill Country.
Ron had high standards for paint and bodywork, and
as a result, his cars sold for market-correct prices right
down the line. It was a pleasure to report on cars that
were in such fine condition and so obviously well cared
for.A
Page 77
GM
#24-1941 CHEVROLET MODEL AK custom
pickup. VIN: AZ200636. Black/tan
leather. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nicely built
to drive, with independent front suspension,
power steering, drilled disc brakes and aftermarket
a/c. Nice older paint, good gaps
and excellent chrome. Oak bed with chrome
trim. Dressed up under the hood, but downright
grubby inside, with an amateur upholstery
job starting to unwind. The modern
bucket seats don’t blend well with an otherwise
strong presentation, but that can be
fixed. Cond: 3.
fine highway cruiser. No wipers on a very
wet day in central Texas. Several bidders
brought this right to a market-correct price
quickly. Slightly well sold. Last seen at
Leake Tulsa 2014, not sold at $44k (ACC#
2518012).
#13-1956 CHEVROLET 3100 Cameo
pickup. VIN: V3A56L002897. Ivory White/
red leather. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A mild
resto-mod truck with a great look. Older
paint still shines nicely with just a few nicks.
Older oak bed still looks great. Custom seat
upholstery and digital instruments in an otherwise
’50s interior, very sharp. Nice and
clean under the hood and sounds great.
New gas suspension, disc brakes, and generally
tidy underneath. A desirable truck
built to drive. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $40,700. A lot of eyeball on the
outside of this truck, with strong chrome and
trim. The back of the truck still shows well,
but too bad they didn’t have the right tailgate.
Looks sharp but not highly detailed
under the hood. At least most of the major
items were looking good, and it attracted a
lot of attention; it didn’t seem to hurt the
bottom line much, anyway. Nicely sold.
#6-1956 CHEVROLET 210 custom 2-dr
sedan. VIN: C56K072146. Red & white/red
& black leather. Odo: 7,921 miles. 6.0-L
fuel-injected V8, auto. Slight resto-mod but
only obvious inside and underhood. Excellent
paint and chrome, shaved handles, fine
panel fit. Custom bench-seat interior in period-style
leather is clean with gorgeous
digital dash. Nicely finished engine bay with
some extra chrome bits and a Z06 intake.
Four-wheel disc brakes and American Racing
Mags. Clean chassis and new rubber.
Minor vent-window glass delamination is the
only obvious flaw. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $55,000. It’s always tough to pin
a price on a slight custom, but this truck
didn’t stray too far from the original Cameo,
and was obviously done well and has held
up nicely. Cameos always command a premium,
and this one is built for easy cruising.
Ron liked to tweak his cars just a bit, and I
thought this one might slip through the
cracks, but the room spoke loud and proud.
Have to call this one slightly well sold. Recently
seen at Worldwide Montgomery, TX,
in May of 2015, not sold at an undisclosed
high bid (ACC# 264905).
#14-1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: VC56A024211. Harbor Blue &
Nassau Blue/white vinyl/blue vinyl. 265-ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. Nice, straight panels with an
older finish just beginning to show its age.
The chrome is excellent and abundant, as is
the trim inside and out. Clean and bonestock
inside, with an excellent replacement
two-tone interior and factory dash with an
AM radio. A lovely engine bay is clean and
correct, with great-looking wide whites and
wire wheels. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $38,500. A tastefully done restomod
that’s a real head turner. Lowered just
a bit with low-profile tires for a cool stance.
Very nice custom interior that looked proper
for a ’50s car. It sounded fantastic and
started easily, and with an estimated 400 hp
and overdrive transmission, it should be a
SOLD AT $62,700. One of two ’56 Bel Airs
in the sale in the attractive Harbor/Nassau
Blue paint scheme—Lot 16 is the matching
Nomad. A very nice car with an older finish
January-February 2016 79
Page 78
WORLDWIDE AUCTIONEERS // Fredericksburg, TX
but obvious care. Power top and AM radio
are the main options, but the good looks
and flashy chrome are standard equipment.
Prices have seemed a little soft on ’50s
cars, and that was evident here, as this car
might have made a little more five or 10
years ago. It would still earn you respect at
any Tri-Five event, and nice to see one
bone-stock in Ron’s collection. A solid buy.
#16-1956 CHEVROLET NOMAD wagon.
VIN: VC56F024671. Harbor Blue & Nassau
Blue/two-tone blue fabric. Odo: 37,388
miles. 265-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. An attractive
car with good panel fit and excellent trim
and chrome. Older repaint still shines with
just a few flaws. Rubber seal issues prevalent.
Interior looks like a very nice correct
replacement. Flying-bird hood and fender
ornaments, bumper guards, rocker moldings
and chrome headliner bows. Sharp
presentation and ready to enjoy. Cond: 2-.
his garage? The quintessential ’50s car, the
right colors and a fine restoration added up
to lots of bids that respected this icon. Well
sold with an undeniable presence. Last
seen at Mecum Houston 2013, a $55k nosale
(ACC# 219996).
#72-1959 CHEVROLET IMPALA convertible.
VIN: F59F243931. Roman Red/white
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 26 miles. 348-ci V8,
2-bbl, auto. Another really well-prepared
body from Ron Brown. Great panel fit, lovely
paint, clear chrome and excellent trim bits
everywhere. Red-with-tweed-insert interior
is excellent, and one of the great dashes of
the decade with that cool space-age steering
wheel. Fresh and immaculate under the
hood, right down to the details. Nothing to
quibble about here. Cond: 1-.
sounds great. Won on the phone right at the
market price.
#35-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/SS
coupe. VIN: 124379N510554. Yellow/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 6,371 miles. 396-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A very nice paint job with
only minor wear and sharp graphics. Excellent
trim and chrome throughout. Sharp vinyl
top. Power steering and brakes, tach,
clock and AM radio inside, with a very clean
and proper interior. Nice woodgrain trim and
deluxe wood steering wheel. A nice clean
package any enthusiast would love to own.
A very sharp car. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $41,800. A very nice presentation
of an honest older restoration. This Nomad
ran well and seemed solid except for the
rotting door seals. New owner should be
proud to show it at any Chevy or Tri-Five
event. Slightly well bought.
#57-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: VC57B100448. Matador Red/
white vinyl/red & silver vinyl. Odo: 66,551
miles. 283-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Absolutely
beautiful paint and bodywork, with strong
chrome and trim throughout. No corners cut
here. Matching stock interior looks new.
Immaculate dash, clear glass and fresh carpets.
Power steering and brakes, Continental
spare. Clean and correct under the hood.
Spinner caps, skirts and dual exhaust. Parade
boot and Wonderbar radio. A lovely
package. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $123,750. Ron’s buddies told me
that he did hundreds of restorations and
only kept the best, and that’s where this
Impala squarely falls. Great finishes everywhere,
proper panel fit, too, and oodles of
trim that take a lot of time and money to get
right. Ron didn’t mind messing with a car if it
could be improved, but this one sat bonestock.
Tough to improve on this design, and
in the day, it was a huge stylistic leap forward
from the ’50s cars. A strong result on
a very strong car—seems fair to all.
#49-1966 PONTIAC GTO convertible. VIN:
242676P188588. Dark red/ black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 9,681 miles. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl,
4-sp. The engine has the correct codes.
Nice finish over solid bodywork with just a
few flaws. Very deep chrome and crisp trim.
Replacement interior looks great, with correct
console and sharp gauges. Nicely detailed
underneath and very clean under the
hood. A wonderful driver that shows well
throughout. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $66,000. A great-looking package
from one of the most popular years of
Camaro production. Ron had an eye for
great GM muscle, and he obviously enjoyed
this car, as it had the perfect amount of
wear and was obviously well cared for. Bidders
took notice, and the action was brisk
right from the start. An easy one to buy
sight unseen and a fair deal all around.
Three recent no-sales at auction: bid to
$50k at Leake Dallas 2013 (ACC# 234561),
to $61k at Vicari Nocona in May 2014
(ACC# 243551), and to $50k at Leake Tulsa
in June 2014 (ACC# 251827).
#21-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS
coupe. VIN: 124379N579827. Blue/
blue vinyl. Odo: 47,101 miles. 396-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. A simple and very clean SS.
Panel gaps and finishes are first-rate, as is
the chrome. Chin spoiler, great graphics
and a set of Magnum 500 rims give it a
great classic look. Clean interior with original
woodgrain trim. But let’s get to the point:
325 hp and 4-speed. A really strong, basic
Camaro. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $77,000. With big ’50s cruiser
prices a little soft in general, I was eager to
see where this beauty would land. Fear
not—all the old-timers are not dead yet, and
who wouldn’t want a ’57 Chevy this nice in
80 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $52,250. 1966 was the first year
the GTO was a distinct model in the Pontiac
lineup. Fine, straight bodywork and excellent
paint throughout. Rally rims and Redline
tires look great. Runs strong and
SOLD AT $44,000. Ron had quite a few
Camaros, and this one is certainly not the
flashiest of the bunch—but it’s clean,
square, and correct with the right engine
and tranny. This is what I think of when I
hear the word “muscle car.” No sissy amenities
or extra weight—just the essentials to
get on down the road. I’m calling this one of
BEST
BUY
Page 80
WORLDWIDE AUCTIONEERS // Fredericksburg, TX
the deals of the sale—but I’m a sucker for
the highly original cars.
CORVETTE
6
306. Ermine White/red vinyl. Odo: 57,081
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A
lovely survivor with minor wear showing in
all the right places. Very nice panel fit,
amazing paint, clean chrome and glass.
Nothing perfect, but everything in fine order.
Very clean original interior that at first
glance might look like a replacement. Factory
a/c—rare with a 4-speed, and the first
year available. Accurate with minor wear
under the hood. Highly desirable. Cond: 2+.
#79-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 30837S120-
bidders, you’d have to say that the final
price realized must be the market. Sold for
$140k at Barrett-Jackson in 2009 (ACC#
119123); a $135k no-sale at Mecum Indy in
2012 (ACC# 205006); a $95k no-sale at
Mecum Indy in 2013 (ACC# 223068); and
sold for $155k at Mecum Monterey in 2013
(ACC# 230593). Well bought at an even
higher price today.
163. Lynndale Blue/teal vinyl. Odo: 10,532
miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Lovely
accurate paint and bodywork, as-new
chrome and trim; this one has been restored
to award-winning condition. Proven by
Bloomington Gold, NCRS Top Flight, and
Gold Spinner Concours Award—the Triple
Crown for a ’Vette. Bone-stock down to the
clamps and markings underhood, it’s a time
capsule. Clean, proper interior. Cond: 1-.
9
#68-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 194377S113-
Edelbrock aluminum heads and Thickstun
high-rise manifold—a great traditional look.
Steel wheels, caps and blackwalls finish it,
with juice brakes and a Walker radiator getting
you home. Traditional 3-on-the-floor
shifting. Digital odo. Love it. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $35,750. I really liked this car
with its old-school touches and built
flathead. The steelies with caps and that
period high-rise intake really stand out. Oldschool
interior except gauges, steering column
and wheel. Great LeBaron Bonney top.
A sweet mix of vintage speed parts with a
few modern hot-rodder touches. One of just
two traditional hot rods in his collection; Ron
had a knack for slight customization without
losing a traditional look. You could not build
it for the final price, so if it fits your needs,
well bought.
SOLD AT $170,500. Reported to be a twoowner
car, it has survived in excellent condition.
Bone-stock everywhere you look.
Lots of bidders here, and despite a strong
final bid, have to call this one well bought—
where are you going to find another? An
entry into every Corvette event in the world.
Last sold for $150k at Mecum Monterey
2013 (ACC# 227429).
S123677. Rally Red/black vinyl/black vinyl.
Odo: 20,275 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. A sensational car, with great equipment
and provenance. Fantastic straight
bodywork and a great finish throughout.
Beautiful chrome and stainless trim as well.
7
#50-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 194676-
SOLD AT $137,500. One of the nicest restored
’Vettes at the sale. No frills, just
straight-ahead performance. Obviously babied
since restoration, there’s nothing to fret
about here. Final hammer price was right on
the money, but you can’t spend too much
for quality, and this is an undeniable weapons-grade
collectible, so even at that price,
I’m calling it well bought by a very lucky new
owner right in the room. Sold for $110k at
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2014 (ACC#
240393).
FOMOCO
#73-1931 FORD MODEL A convertible.
VIN: DRF57578. Green/tan fabric/brown
vinyl. Very sharp fiberglass body with an
old-school style. Upholstered roof with twoinch
chop and a traditional interior with
modern steering. 221-ci flathead has
Spinner caps and sidepipes. Full numbersmatching
driveline as certified by Kevin
Mackey. AM/FM, clock and teakwood
wheel. A stellar car with nothing to complain
about. Comes with Protect-O-Plate, warranty
docs and Bloomington Gold certification.
Unmarked factory sidepipes and
factory headrests as well. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $162,250. All of the major Corvette judging
organizations agree: This is an exceptional
car. With a full room of hungry
82 AmericanCarCollector.com
#43-1964 FORD FALCON Sprint convertible.
VIN: 4H14F175419. Green/black vinyl/
black vinyl. Odo: 35,651 miles. 260-ci V8,
2-bbl, 4-sp. Sporty version of an otherwise
rather bland design. Nice finish on the unusual
dark green paint, with nice chrome
bits and mag wheels. Overall excellent body
work. Very sharp all-black interior, and a
fresh vinyl soft top. Sport steering wheel
and tach. Immaculate under the hood and
obviously done to a high standard of originality.
A well-rounded package you don’t
see every day. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $34,100. The short-lived Falcon
Sprint is a great-driving little car and a bit
underappreciated. The car sold here was
nicely presented and sure sounded great.
Bidding was a little soft despite the packed
house, and it took hard work by the auction
staff to finish where it did. Probably marketcorrect,
and right on the money on the funper-dollar
meter.
#11-1968 SHELBY GT500 KR fastback.
VIN: 8T02R215943-04173. Wimbledon
White/black vinyl. Odo: 127 miles. 428-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Elite Marti Report included.
Straight body panels throughout, nice paint,
great trim and graphics. Factory a/c, tinted
glass, power steering, disc brakes, shoulder
harness seat belts, tilt wheel and tach.
Amazing original interior survives intact,
even the woodgrain. Optional woodgrain
wheel and the obligatory Ol’ Shel signature.
Tidy and correct underhood. Beautiful car.
Interior looks original and the nicest I’ve
seen. Cond: 1-.
TOP 10
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 82
WORLDWIDE AUCTIONEERS // Fredericksburg, TX
SOLD AT $112,750. One of 20 built in this
configuration. Highly correct and beautifully
presented. Bidding started at $100k and
rose steadily to a fair value, but slightly in
favor of the lucky new owner.
#76-1970 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1 428
R-code fastback. VIN: 0T05R109357. Calypso
Coral/coral & black vinyl. Odo: 73,097
miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A high-level
restoration throughout, with wonderful bodywork,
fine finishes and great trim everywhere.
Power steering, power disc brakes
and a/c. Just beautiful inside with a lovely
stock interior. Magnum 500 rims. R-code
428 Cobra Jet engine is fully correct, with a
numbers-matching tranny. One of the stars
of the show, and a significant opportunity.
Cond: 1-.
simple interior appropriate for the car.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $72,600. Plymouth
caught a little racing heritage with the AAR
’Cuda, a straight-ahead performance car
that would turn 14-second quarters right out
of the box. You could look just like Sam
Posey and Mark Donohue in a street-legal
rocket no one could miss. All the gearheads
wanted this car, but it sold just above the
money to the telephone.
work-truck style. It ran and drove just fine,
and was just begging to find a nice rancher
to live with, which it did. Lots of interest on
the block, and the final price showed the
demand from the packed house. Well sold.
#45-1970 DODGE HEMI CHARGER R/T
2-dr hard top. VIN: XS29R06127045. Burnt
orange/black vinyl/white & black vinyl. Odo:
66,945 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Very
nice paint and chrome with solid bodywork.
Nice black vinyl top. Matching-numbers
Hemi drivetrain with Hurst pistol-grip shifter
and Sure-Grip Dana 60 rear end. Options
include 26-inch radiator, power front disc
brakes, rally gauges and Tic-Toc-Tach.
Clean white upholstery and original woodgrain.
Significant car in fine shape. Cond: 2.
R0B257766. Jamaica Blue/black vinyl. Odo:
16,802 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. An
original Hemi with A32 Super Performance
Axle package and 10.28:1 compression.
Optional Shaker hood with Slapstick shifter.
Has a few touch-ups and body dings. Beautiful
and just like Detroit built ’em under the
hood. Great original interior and a fine preservation
candidate. Sold on bill of sale, reportedly
stored for 43 years. Cond: 3-.
5
#15-1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI
’CUDA 2-dr hard top. VIN: BS23-
SOLD AT $110,000. Pretty much the top
dog for Ford in 1970, and a beautifully restored
one at that. Nothing in the way of
many first places here. The estate could not
find engine numbers, so sold from the block
as a “date correct” engine. Still looking, trying
to find something I can be grumpy
about. Just that pesky numbers-matching
thing kept this from going big. Well bought.
Last sold at Mecum Indy 2013 for $96k
(ACC# 223621).
MOPAR
#12-1947 DODGE POWER WAGON 4x4
pickup. VIN: 83904816. Green/black vinyl.
Odo: 44,687 miles. 230-ci I6, 2-bbl, 4-sp.
Very fresh exterior paint, good-enough
bodywork for a work truck, and a fresh pine
bed. Five new truck tires with side-mounted
spare. Beefy power winch mounted up front.
Clean engine bay. Passenger’s side vent
window has a bullet hole in it. Amateur replacement
headliner and seat. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $35,200. Lots of steel here, lots
of paint, with all the big stuff handled in
84 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $132,000. Rare numbers-matching
performance drivetrain. Nicely repainted
but otherwise highly original. A fine example
that sold very well with this Texas crowd,
and there were 10 other guys in line behind
the winner. Nicely presented and well sold.
#53-1970 PLYMOUTH AAR ’CUDA 2-dr
hard top. VIN: BS23J0B306893. Sublime
Green/black vinyl. Odo: 8,013 miles. 340-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Rotisserie restored not
long ago; this ’Cuda has fine body and paint
work. Excellent graphics. All the details
done right here, with fine chrome and trim, a
spoiler and cool side-exit exhausts. Very
nice under the hood and bone stock, with
that big Six Pack right up front. Fresh and
SOLD AT $220,000. One of 652 Hemi ’Cudas
built in 1970, and probably one of the
least messed-with I’ve seen. Very solid underneath,
and bone-stock under the hood.
Nice docs and a convincing package.
Brought correct money today after spirited
bidding from the phones and the room.
Where else are you going to find a woodgrain
Realistic under-dash FM radio? A special
opportunity, for sure. A lot of money, but
a fair deal for all. Previously no-saled at
Mecum Indy 2013 at $275k (ACC# 219511)
and sold at Mecum Indy 2014 for $200k
(ACC# 25452). (See profile, p. 48). A
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Page 84
BONHAMS // Philadelphia, PA
Bonhams — Preserving
the Automobile
THE 1908 RAINIER MODEL D 7-PASSENGER TOURER HAD AN INCREDIBLE
UNTOUCHED PRESENCE AND SOLD FOR $253k
Bonhams
Philadelphia, PA
October 5, 2015
Auctioneer: Rupert
Banner
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 61/72
Sales rate: 85%
Sales total: $3,183,180
High sale: 1908
Rainier Model D
45/50-hp tourer, sold at
$253,000
Buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
Rolling history. 1908 Rainier Model D 45/50-hp 7-passenger tourer, sold at $253,000
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
86 AmericanCarCollector.com
Report and photos by Adam Blumenthal
Market opinions in italics
A
ntique locomotives shared the docket at
Bonhams’ fourth annual preservation
auction at the Simeone Foundation
Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA.
On offer were five lots from the Museum
of Science and Industry in Chicago. The British-built
circa-1835 “Mississippi,” used during the Civil War and
believed the oldest Southern locomotive in existence,
sold for $220k to an institutional buyer.
As in years past, vehicles followed the automobilia
auction on a Monday afternoon, with a two-day preview
over the weekend and a casual reception Sunday
evening.
Consistent with the mission of the museum, the
main focus was preservation cars and barn finds.
The exceptionally well-preserved 1908 International
Model A Runabout, with its distinctive high wheels for
traveling on undeveloped roads of the period, achieved
one and a half times its high estimate when it sold for
$75k. From the same year was the ex-Buess Collection
1908 Rainier Model D 7-passenger tourer. Shabby in its
untouched state, it had an incredible presence and was
the most expensive American lot of the day at a respectable
$253k. A nicely aged 1913 Napier Type 44 tourer
with Cunard coachwork drew a crowd but failed to sell
at a high bid of $110k.
A fully restored 1935 LaSalle Series 50 convertible
offered a nice break from the patina and dust, and
it earned the second-place American high-sale spot
at $127k. Next down the list, and jumping ahead a
couple of decades, a very shiny 1957 Cadillac Eldorado
Biarritz convertible sold just shy of the six-digit mark
at $99k.
At the distant affordable end of the spectrum, three
pre-1930 Fords sold under $5k, including an ex-duPont
Family 1929 Model A pickup at $4,950.
This niche sale in an intimate setting is the perfect
lead-in to RM Sotheby’s high-profile Hershey auction,
which takes place just a few days later at the AACA
Eastern Regional Fall Meet. Bonhams has shown that
there is a serious market for collector cars in less-thanflawless
condition. A
Page 86
BONHAMS // Philadelphia, PA
CLASSICS
4
tive. VIN: N/A. Black. One of 14 B and E
locomotives exported to the U.S. in the
1830s. In permanent collection of the Museum
of Science and Industry in Chicago
since 1938. Early history hazy. Engine believed
built circa 1834–36, entered service
in 1837. During Civil War, reportedly served
the Confederates during Union’s siege of
Vicksburg in 1863. Eventually captured by
the Union, aided in the supply of troops.
Acquired by Illinois Central Railroad in
1891. Shown in 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian
Exposition and 1933–34 Century of
Progress World’s Fair. Cond: 2.
#205-1835 BRAITHWAITE AND
ERICSSON MISSISSIPPI locomo-
NOT SOLD AT $110,000. A wonderful example
of the marque with charming patina.
A pleasant sight, close to my seat at the
auction. This would no doubt turn heads at
the Bonhams-sponsored London to Brighton
Veteran Car Run. That the high bid
didn’t come close to the $150k low estimate
was surprising, but the right buyer wasn’t in
the room today. Seller should have had no
regrets carting this one home.
#265-1907 STEARNS 30/60-HP 7-passenger
tourer. VIN: 350. Eng. # 150. Red/tan
canvas/red leather. RHD. Inline 4 makes a
whopping (for its time) 60 hp. Chain drive.
Formerly in the Harrah and Conant Collections.
Three-decade-old restoration still
stunning; no odo, but I can’t imagine the
car’s been used very much since then.
Sharp paint with black trim, yellow pinstriping.
Terrific brass. Unsoiled top in great
condition. Red-painted spokes wrapped in
unscuffed whitewalls. Spotless interior.
Buckets in front, two folding solos and
bench seat in back. Fire extinguisher. Clock.
First in Class at 1997 Pebble Beach.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $220,000. Believed the oldest
Southern locomotive in existence. An 0-4-0
type with flanged wheels and a Stephensontype
firebox of metal-plate riveted construction.
As it wasn’t present at auction, I
couldn’t inspect it. However, the catalog had
eight pages dedicated to it, and based on
the many photos, I was confident assigning
a #2 for condition. Sold to an institutional
buyer at no reserve. Appeared to be a very
good deal considering its historical importance
in the development of railroad transportation.
Well bought.
#249-1903 STEVENS-DURYEA MODEL L
runabout. VIN: 326. Eng. # 309. Red/black
leather. MHD. 2-cyl opposed-piston engine,
6 hp. Looks to be mostly, if not completely,
original. Coddled in its lifetime, as it was
formerly in the collection of the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway Museum for many years.
Nicely aged paint still presents well. Brass
headlamps dull. An open car, no roof or top.
Leather seats in front of cockpit fold down.
Red-painted spokes. Black leather fenders
frayed, but complete. Tiller steering located
between front buckets. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $600,000. Stearns was
Cleveland-based with origins dating to the
turn of the century. One of the star lots of
the auction and the catalog cover car. Big,
bold and beautiful. High bid was $50k shy of
the low estimate. Can’t fault the heady provenance,
and while $600k is still a big number,
collectors may have been turned off by
the overly restored state. No record of a
Stearns in the ACC Premium Auction Database,
but I’d say the seller made the right
decision not to take the bait.
VIN: 1603. Black & brown/brown canvas/red
leather. RHD. Odo: 1,939 miles. A remarkable
preservation car. Paint is so aged that
it’s hard to tell its colors (and the dimly lit
spot in the museum doesn’t help). Very
shiny Gray & Davis headlamps and side
lanterns contrast unnaturally with rest of
car. Top mechanism is there, but top itself is
shot. Two solo seats with bench in rear.
Seats ragged, cushions nearly gone, may or
3
#261-1908 RAINIER MODEL D
45/50-HP 7-passenger tourer.
88 AmericanCarCollector.com
may not be savable. Rear carpets in shambles.
Formerly in the Buess Collection for
more than 60 years. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $253,000. One of the star cars of
the auction. One word: Wow. Too bad it
wasn’t in a well-lit area, since I could have
admired and explored this big tourer for
quite a while. A full-on restoration would
destroy all the wonderful history, so let’s
hope the new caregiver gives it the respect
it deserves. Sold a nick under the $250k low
estimate. No record of a Rainier ever selling
at auction in the ACC Premium Auction Database,
but where else are you going to find
another like this? Well bought.
#223-1916 MECCA THIRTY tourer. VIN:
441. Blue & black/black vinyl/black leather.
Odo: 27,919 miles. Very rare, possibly the
only remaining Mecca. Five-passenger touring
model. “Reported to have been stored
from the 1950s until only a few years ago.”
Paint has seen better days, lots of chips,
flakes, some pitting. Blue-painted spoke
wheels. Full running boards. Lenses cloudy,
look original. Pillarless doors. Single center
taillight at rear. Newish seats show minimal
wear. Newer rear carpet. An honest, no-frills
Brass Era historical footnote. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $13,200. Don’t feel bad if the
name puts a quizzical look on your face.
The Mecca marque disappeared almost as
quickly as it appeared. This was probably
the last time any of us will lay eyes on one
of these. For that reason alone, worth the
price paid, $2k short of the low estimate.
#228-1923 DORT SIX tourer. VIN: 100329.
Eng. # DT5236. Brewster Green/black
vinyl/brown leather. Odo: 1,695 miles. Falls
inline-six with overhead valves, about 196ci.
Restored. Very nice paint. Chip on cowl,
hood. Black front fenders show lots of
scratches, rear fenders in better shape. Yel-
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 88
BONHAMS // Philadelphia, PA
low strip runs along length of car, subtle red
pinstriping. Five-nut green wheels. Newer
soft top in good condition, clear glass window.
Clear split-screen windshield with
spotlight. Single taillight at rear. Turn signals
at cowl look new. Decent chrome. Left rear
door doesn’t close properly. Interior a mix of
new and old—mostly new. Cond: 2-.
German sports car company was the only
manufacturer to dabble in air-cooled engine
technology. This one looked new and crisp
as it sat, but really had the potential for improvement
with some additional prep. Still,
a head-scratcher, as it failed to sell at a high
bid of $52k, far below the $70k low estimate.
Traded hands post-sale. Last sold at
$37,400 at RM’s Meadow Brook sale in August
2006 (ACC# 42388). Ten years on,
double the money.
GM
SOLD AT $18,700. Josiah Dallas Dort,
friend and business partner of William Durant,
started out as a carriage manufacturer
and only later turned to car production. This
looked good from 20 paces and got better
as I approached. But even its former ownership
in the Harrah and Nethercutt Collections
couldn’t crank up bidders’ enthusiasm,
and it fell shy of the $20k low estimate.
There’s no record of a Dort selling at auction
in the ACC Premium Auction Database,
but given the provenance and relative rarity,
I’d have to call this well bought.
#232-1929 FRANKLIN SERIES 135 faux
cabriolet. VIN: 35185899L14. Eng. # 35143578.
Blue & gray/blue cloth/blue leather.
Odo: 88,359 miles. Syracuse, NY-built. Aircooled
274-ci inline six. Above-average
paint, some chips on rumble-seat cover and
door handles. Ilco-Ryan non-glare headlamps.
Glaring permanent stains on chrome
front bumper. Non-folding soft top fits perfectly,
glass window clear. Passenger’s
door off. Period-accessory trunk, dual sidemounts,
dual exterior mirrors, dual wind
wings. Single taillight only. Newer whitewalls.
Rumble-seat leather supple. Snug
inside. Excellent wood and dash. Clean
carpets. CCCA Full Classic. Cond: 2-.
#251-1910 BUICK MODEL 16 toy tonneau.
VIN: 1367. Red/black canvas/black
leather. RHD. From the collection of Jim
Hearn. Recent restoration done to a high
standard. Straight paint, no major imperfections.
Brass in good shape, but not as well
prepped as rest of car. Top in good condition,
can be removed for pure open-air motoring.
Minor speckling on top’s plastic
window, but still allows good visibility. Redpainted
spoke wheels with skinny radials.
Looks totally new inside. No mileage gauge.
Tidy engine bay. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $126,500. This was an impressive
LaSalle that looked as if it recently left
the restoration shop. The pleasing color
scheme complemented the well-appointed
cabin. The $140k–$160k pre-sale estimate
may have been a tad aggressive, as the
ACC Premium Auction Database shows
Series 50s rarely attaining this level. This
one did well on the block, but I bet its overly
restored presentation left some bidders reluctant
to up the ante. Well bought and sold.
SOLD AT $68,200. Back when this attractive
car rolled off the line, the machines of
David Dunbar Buick were known for their
spirited performance and reliability. This
sporty toy tonneau was no exception with its
powerful (for the era) 5-liter, 4-cylinder engine.
The new owner should be happy at
how well it moves down the road; the seller,
too, as this wonderful example sold at a
healthy clip above the $60k high estimate.
Well sold.
SOLD AT $77,000. And you thought that
90 AmericanCarCollector.com
#218-1935 LASALLE SERIES 50 convertible.
VIN: 2207498. Diana Cream/beige
canvas/brown leather. Odo: 96,382 miles.
Two-decade nut-and-bolt restoration stated
to have cost over $180k in parts alone.
Crisp paint shows orange peel, waviness.
Nice chrome trim. Dual sidemounts in recessed
fender housings. Good glass. Newer
whitewalls. Rumble seat has excellent
brown vinyl upholstery. Unusual seethrough
fuel cap. Newer top excellent, glass
window has spots, but visibility’s good.
Fresh interior with comfy seats. Carpets
#239-1957 CADILLAC ELDORADO
Biarritz convertible. VIN: 5762067663.
Dakota Red/ivory vinyl/red leather.
Odo: 22,414 miles. 365-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto.
Restored in Dakota Red (originally Olympic
White). Paint shimmers, some flaws, but
nothing glaring. Good shut lines. Driver’s
outside mirror only. E-Z-Eye glass in good
shape. Nice finish to chrome, which is used
liberally, though grille not as well prepped.
Scratches on other chrome bits. Gotta love
those bold front Dagmars! Interior a gem
with no real issues. Loaded with power features.
Used engine bay not as well presented
as rest of car. Fitted with batwing air
cleaner covering dual quads. Cond: 1-.
clean. Headliner unsoiled and intact. Metal
dash unscuffed. Manual windows work.
CCCA Full Classic. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $99,000. This gleaming Eldo
would’ve been out of place among the older
preservation lots at this sale, were it not
sitting next to a very shiny Alvis and two
squeaky-clean Lincolns. This was one gorgeous
car, and I could find nothing major to
quibble with. It was a no-sale in the room at
$92k against a $115k low estimate, and the
owner relented and struck a deal afterwards.
Very well bought.
BEST
BUY
Page 90
BONHAMS // Philadelphia, PA
#246-1964 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 41447Y11952. Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 36,753 miles. 409-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Two owners from new. Repaint over
30 years ago still looks incredibly sharp,
though there is some orange peel. Excellent
glass. Chrome said to be original, very nice.
Excellent gaps. Both external mirrors NOS,
mirror lever still there, but mirror broken.
Marvelous original interior. Very good give
to seats. Legible instruments. Push-button
AM radio. Clean carpets. Good headliner.
Unmolested engine bay, no signs of leaks
or drips. Offered with original manuals,
books, bill of sale and window sticker.
Cond: 2+.
Murray Body Co. did a fine job nonetheless.
The truck’s highly original state was unmistakable
and strangely attractive, despite its
glaring flaws. The auction catalog encouraged
the buyer to “use it as is,” but I would
want to invest in making it a more hospitable
runner. Buyer may even turn a small
profit, too. At this price, no harm done to
either party.
#233-1946 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL convertible.
VIN: H150723. Lincoln Maroon/tan
canvas/tan leather & cloth. Odo: 75,641
miles. 305-ci V12, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Exhaustive,
decade-old restoration mellowing a bit, but
still radiates. Excellent paint and chrome.
Clear glass. Straight body except driver’s
door is out. Very good panel fit. Driver’s
side mirror only. Tan canvas tonneau protecting
new, unsoiled top. Impeccable interior.
Cloth inlay in seats ever-so-slightly
dirty. AM radio. Clean engine bay. Many
AACA, CCCA and concours awards. CCCA
Full Classic. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $33,000. This good-looking Impala
was obviously the beneficiary of lots of
TLC. That it’s an SS ups its desirability, but
they made nearly 120,000 SSs in ’64, so it’s
not rare. This hammered sold at the higher
end of the $22k–$34k value range per the
ACC Pocket Price Guide, which I’d call a
fair deal both ways.
FOMOCO
#270-1929 FORD MODEL A pickup. VIN:
N/A. Eng. # AA3769948. Manila Brown/
black vinyl. Odo: 86,147 miles. Converted
from station wagon to pickup at some point;
largely original otherwise. Paint heavily
faded, marked up. Driver’s wood door
eroded, doesn’t close properly, rickety running
board. Driver’s mirror only. Lenses
foggy. Dirty windshield. Red-painted
wheels, left rear hub’s tattered. Left front tire
flat. Sidemount spare. Rear window
cracked. Bench seat brittle. Hole in floorboard.
Door linings gone. Wood slats supporting
roof look new in aged cabin. Engine
bay dirty but complete. Cond: 4-.
capsule. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $74,800. An
exceptional preservation oozing with character.
Spirited bidding launched this one
past the $50k high estimate. A very strong
result indeed, but this was the ideal venue
to sell such a car. It encapsulated the preservation
theme of the auction and the museum’s
mission. I’m not certain this result
would be repeated anywhere else. Well
sold. A no-sale at $35k at Dragone’s auction
in Westport, CT, in May 2013 (ACC#
216523).
#216-1957 STUDEBAKER GOLDEN
HAWK 2-dr hard top. VIN: 6100991. Arctic
White & Tiara Gold Metallic/white vinyl.
Odo: 78,337 miles. 289-ci V8, supercharged,
auto. Described as a high-quality
restoration completed two years ago and it
shows. Glistening two-tone paint. Chrome
mostly sparkles. Dual chrome exhaust.
Chrome wire wheels. #1 interior done to the
nines. Driver’s door lock not working. Miniature
scale model of car in rear. Power seat
and front windows. Rear seat speaker.
Equipped with power steering and brakes.
Tidy trunk. Engine bay shows some detailing.
Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $75,000. A wonderful tourer
with great colors and few needs. Bonhams
estimated $115k–$130k, but bidding didn’t
get close to that. Hard to imagine any prep
issues were responsible, as this was a solid
presentation. Instead, chalk it up to an aggressive
estimate that’s not quite in line with
where the market is today. Still, given condition,
this one deserved more.
AMERICANA
#248-1908 INTERNATIONAL MODEL A
highwheeler. VIN: 1547. Black/tan canvas/
black leather. RHD. Opposed 2-cyl aircooled
engine, 2-sp planetary transmission.
An ancient runabout designed to traverse
less developed parts of the countryside (the
reason for the high wheels). Original paint,
trim and upholstery. Soft top is heavily distressed,
window missing. Original wheels
and tires. Room for two up front and two in
back. Original engine. A marvelous time
SOLD AT $99,000. A very sharp Golden
Hawk that drew a lot of eyeballs. It came
with a binder containing the owner’s manual,
restoration pics and service receipts.
The ACC Pocket Price Guide values these
between $27k and $44k, but its great presentation
and docs heightened bidders’ willingness
to send this gorgeous Hawk into
the stratosphere. Sold to a buyer in the
room $6k shy of mid-estimate. Recently
no-saled at $68k at Mecum Kissimmee,
January 2015 (ACC# 264259). A
Sports Car Market
Keith Martin’s
The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
™
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become a collector car insider
SOLD AT $4,950. It wasn’t known when the
conversion to a pickup took place, but the
92 AmericanCarCollector.com
www.sportscarmarket.com
Page 92
BRANSON // Branson, MO
The Branson Auction
79 CLASSICS SOLD UNDER $20k, INCLUDING A 1953 CHEVROLET 3100
AT $19,980 AND A 1956 FORD F-100 AT $18,900
The Branson
Auction
Branson, MO
October 16–17,
2015
Auctioneers: Jeffrey
Knosp, Brent Earlywine
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 121/198
Sales rate: 61%
Sales total:
$2,320,418
High sale: 1957
Chevrolet Bel Air convertible,
sold at $63,720
Buyer’s premium:
8%, included in sold
prices
The underside matches the topside quality — 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, sold at $19,980
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
94 AmericanCarCollector.com
Report and photos by Andy Staugaard
Market opinions in italics
it for just $38k. If you’re in the market for quality and
value, Branson is the place to be. Out of the 121 cars
sold here in October, 39 went for $10k or less, and 79
went under $20k.
The setting couldn’t have been better. It was a
O
beautiful fall weekend in the Ozarks with crisp, clear
mornings and warm sunny afternoons. Jim and Kathy
Cox’s twice-annual sale has become a tradition in the
Branson Tri-Lakes area, and bidder turnout was good.
They achieved a 60% sell-through rate with 121 of
198 cars hammered sold. Total sales came to $2.3m.
There was a good cross section of cars, from old
classics through modern muscle. The one disappointment
was a lack of Mopar representation. Only two
Dodges, one Plymouth, and two Chryslers crossed
ne of the best buys on the Branson auction
block this fall was a real-deal 1969
Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. It was almost
perfect, and it would have been a fair
buy at $50k, but one lucky bidder nabbed
the block. This was surprising with big-muscle Mopar
values on the move right now.
In the category of very well-restored classic trucks,
a 1953 Chevrolet 3100 sold for $19,980, and a 1956 Ford
F-100 found a new keeper at $18,900.
Notable no-sales included a 1968 Shelby GT350 with
a high bid of $77k, and a 1963 Corvette Grand Sport
replica that maxed out at $75k.
The top American sale was a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
convertible at $64k, and a 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 fastback
came next. The Mustang looked pretty much stock
on the outside, but under the metal was a rumbling
crate 347-ci stroker V8, 5-speed transmission, custom
drive shaft, independent suspension and adjustable disc
brakes. You never know how the collector market will
respond to a custom build, but at least two Branson
bidders loved this Mustang, sending the price to $56k,
nearly double the market value of a stock 2+2 fastback.
Well bought and sold. A
Page 94
BRANSON // Branson, MO
GM
#257-1953 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup.
VIN: 3KPD7382. Red/tan leather. Odo: 27
miles. 235-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Newly restored
series 3100 Chevy pickup. Paint is excellent.
Fit is good all around. Interior is newly
restored with a leather bench seat. The engine
bay is very clean, and the underside
matches the topside quality. Cond: 2.
replaced. The top of the frame shows some
rust. Interference with door closing. Dirty
underside and engine bay. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $9,120. This car looked great at
20 feet, but up close it shows its imperfections.
Assuming it runs out well, it will make
the buyer a fun little driver. Priced about
right, so buyer and seller should be happy
with this sale. Recently seen at Vicari Nocona
in May, not sold at $7,500 (ACC#
265274).
SOLD AT $19,980. This 5-window Chevy
truck has strong collector support and good
upside potential. The restoration was superb,
and the buyer got a great deal. Well
bought.
#532-1958 CHEVROLET APACHE custom
pickup. VIN: V3A58K110562. Blue/tan
leather. Odo: 973 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Custom lowrider done very well. Excellent
oak bed. Paint is awesome. Engine
bay is very nice. Interior is well done. Underside
matches the quality of the top side.
Glass is good but has minor scratches in
the window tint. Chrome and trim are bright
and shiny. Cond: 2.
#593-1967 PONTIAC GTO convertible.
VIN: 242677P254998. Blue/white vinyl/white
vinyl. Odo: 23,350 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Optioned with power steering, brakes,
and top. Correct 400-ci engine. PHS documentation
comes with the car. The paint is
phenomenal with just a few polishing swirls.
The interior is like new. Underside and engine
are very clean. Redline tires and
chrome wheels really set the car off. The
only real flaws I see are a dented top windshield
trim and a poor fit on the driver’s
door. Cond: 2-.
repainted and re-upholstered for a quick
sale. You could actually smell its mediocre
paint job. Not much more than a cool daily
driver, assuming it runs out well. The seller
should be happy all the way to the bank on
this one.
#560-1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO coupe.
VIN: 124378N319161. Tuxedo Black/black
vinyl/black houndstooth vinyl. Odo: 5 miles.
327-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recent rotisserie
restoration. Luxurious deep black paint. Interior
is like new and really stands out with
its black-and-white houndstooth seats. You
could eat off the engine as well as the underside.
Fit is good. Chrome and trim are
very good with just a few minor scratches.
The only negative I see is that the window
seals are old and show their age. Options
include power steering, power brakes and
a/c. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $26,730. An outstanding custom
restoration of the popular 1958 Chevy
Apache pickup. Nothing on the truck was
overlooked, and it retains the overall look
and feel of a 1958. Although it is hard to
place a value on a custom, I feel that this
one was well bought and has good upside
potential without spending another dime.
#514-1963 CHEVROLET CORVAIR convertible.
VIN: 30967W295810. Tan/white
vinyl/brown vinyl. Odo: 93,605 miles. 164-ci
H6, 2x1-bbl, 4-sp. Repaint has some pitting
and minor scratches. In some areas it looks
like paint over dirt. Chrome bumpers are
very good, but the trim is pitted and
scratched. The interior appears to be restored
and presents as-new. Clear glass,
but the window seals and rubber need to be
96 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $40,000. A very nice GTO. I
would like to add this one to my collection,
but the seller just wanted too much for my
pocketbook—and for those who were bidding.
The reserve should have been lifted at
the high bid. Oh well, there are quite a few
more available for the right money where
this came from.
#608-1968 CHEVROLET C10 pickup. VIN:
CE148J156854. Red/red & black vinyl. Odo:
85,966 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. New
paint is poor with overspray; underlying dust
and dirt throughout. Chrome and trim are
just fair. Door fit is poor on the driver’s side.
The best part of this truck is its new twotone
interior. The bed is clean and sprayed.
The gas tank and filler have been shifted to
the rear. Why? Aftermarket mags and
slightly worn small tires look tacky.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $11,610. This truck
gave the impression of being recently
NOT SOLD AT $37,500. This car looks better
now than it did when it rolled off the assembly
line. Although it does not have its
original motor, it is period-correct. The high
bid was generous but not enough to drop
the reserve. Maybe next time.
#622-1969 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
396 2-dr hard top. VIN: 136379K368022.
Silver/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 51,814
miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Appears to be
a real-deal SS 396. It has all the correct
interior SS 396 badges, which are consistent
with its age. The paint, trim and chrome
are excellent. Vinyl top is perfect. Glass is
Page 96
BRANSON // Branson, MO
clear with minor scratches. You could eat
off the engine. Underside is perfect.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $37,800. Almost national-show
quality, this is one gorgeous
car. Assuming it has the correct engine, it
should have sold for top dollar, somewhere
in the neighborhood of $50k. The hammered
price was in the middle of its price
range, so the buyer got a good deal on this
one. Excellent buy.
CORVETTE
#562-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194677S116768. Sunfire
Yellow/black vinyl/cream leather. Odo:
50,384 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Older repaint with minor scratches. Chrome
and trim are dull and need to be buffed out.
Fit is good except for the left door. Interior
wear is consistent with age. Engine bay is
clean. Underside is dirty and needs restoration.
Glass is mostly clear with some minor
chips. No hard top visible. Engine stamp
pad has grinder marks where numbers were
ground off. There was a damp odor emanating
from the interior, probably due to prolonged
storage. Cond: 3+.
apparent on this car that nobody should
have missed them. This should have reduced
the value of the car by at least $10k
but didn’t seem to do so in this case. The
car should not have sold anywhere near its
book value, considering its missing engine
code, condition, and the fact that it is an
automatic. Well sold.
#520-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Collector
Edition coupe. VIN: 1G1AY0784C5115645.
Silver Beige/Silver Beige
leather. Odo: 8,330 miles. 350-ci 200-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Very nice paint combination
with pinstriping. The interior, body
and paint look like new. The engine bay and
underside need detailing. The glass T-tops
are clear and without scratches. Fit is very
good. Cond: 2-.
FOMOCO
#550-1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: P5FH123717. Thunderbird
Blue/white vinyl/blue & white leather. Odo:
9,278 miles. 292-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint is
a good older repaint but showing its age.
Chrome and trim are good for age but need
restoration. Body has evidence of minor
rusting in engine bay. Underside needs a
good cleaning. Interior is rough and needs
to be restored. Hard top has clear glass.
Windshield glass is slightly pitted. Optioned
with power seats and power windows.
Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $51,300. Just another Corvette
that’s had its numbers ground off of the engine
stamp pad. The grinder marks are so
SOLD AT $23,220. Last year of the C3, but
with several Corvette firsts: lifting rear
hatchback glass (exclusive to Collector Edition)
and Cross-Fire injection that meters
out fuel for better economy and performance.
Also, there was no high-performance
engine option and no manual
transmission in 1982. A good buy for this
Collector Edition Corvette.
SOLD AT $28,080. Looks mostly original
but neglected and needs a total restoration.
Offered at no reserve. Any bidder needed to
consider restoration cost to eventually come
out ahead on this early ’Bird. The sold price
leaves little room to work with on a restoration.
Well sold.
#241-1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: P5FH257626. Thunderbird
Blue/blue & white leather. Odo: 13,894
miles. 292-ci V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Very nice example.
Older repaint in very good condition.
Chrome and trim are very good, with minor
scratches. The interior is excellent. The engine
bay and underside are as good as the
rest of the car. Glass is clear. Options include
3-speed manual transmission with
overdrive, power steering, power seats and
power windows. Both tops are included and
in very good condition. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $32,400. This is about as good
as it gets for a '55 T-bird that you can actually
drive. These cars can be found in better
condition, but they would be museum
pieces or garage queens. What a great vehicle
to take on a Route 66 trip and have
some fun with. The price was right where it
should be, and both buyer and seller should
be happy.
#261-1956 FORD F-100 pickup. VIN:
F10D6A10750. Powder blue/blue & white
leather. Odo: 55,150 miles. 223-ci I6, 1-bbl,
98 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 98
BRANSON // Branson, MO
3-sp. This restored F-100 is excellent all the
way around. The paint is beautiful, as is the
diamond pattern steel bed. It has a restoration
from a local body shop whose owner is
a well-known collector car enthusiast. The
original bill of sale is included with the truck.
Cond: 2.
Redline tires and spoked mags. Modified
two-tone interior looks great. Owner states
engine is the original 289. Engine bay and
underside exceptionally clean. Fit and window/door
seals are really good for a Mustang.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $31,000.
The high bid was strong, but the quality of
restoration justified it. Surely the high bidder
and seller had to be close on this one.
SOLD AT $18,900. This F-100 has strong
collector support and good upside potential.
The restoration was first-rate, and the buyer
got a good deal. Well bought.
#221-1956 FORD FAIRLANE Victoria 2-dr
hard top. VIN: P6UF174359. Red & white/
red & black vinyl. Odo: 44,000 miles. 292-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint looks good at 20 feet,
but at five feet it is faded with minor dents
and scratches. Chrome and trim show their
age and need restoration. Fit is good all
around. Glass is clear. The window and
door seals are cracking and need to be replaced.
Interior is good but shows its age.
Engine bay and underside are clean.
Cond: 3-.
vinyl/teal & white vinyl. Odo: 12,315 miles.
289-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. This car is rough all
around and just needs to be cleaned and
presented well. Paint is unattractive with
numerous scratches and chips. Chrome
and trim are good, with minor scratches and
swirls. The two-tone Pony seats are the
best part of the car. However, the carpet is
trashed. The underside and engine bay
both need a good cleaning and detailing.
Cond: 4+.
#591-1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 5F08A701675. Teal/white
Redline tires against the black body really
look great. With a/c, power steering and
power brakes. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$33,480. In the early Mustang world, fastbacks
are preferred over the notchbacks
when it comes to fixed-roof collectibility.
This was a nice example, but the price paid
does not leave room to address its minor
needs. Well sold.
#574-1965 FORD MUSTANG fastback.
VIN: 5F09C290397. Dark green/black vinyl.
Odo: 25,636 miles. 347-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp.
New 347 crate stroker engine from Summit
Racing. Interior very nice. Fit is good. Engine
bay is immaculate with just the right
amount of chrome. Paint is very good with
minor scratches. Glass is good, but rear
window has scratches. Chrome and trim are
very good, with some dents and scratches.
Underside is very nice to match the top.
Has a/c and original radio. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $15,444. This car needs some
work to take it above the basic driver level.
Fairlane Victorias are not nearly as soughtafter
as their Crown Victoria and Sunliner
cousins. This price doesn’t leave the new
owner with anything left to improve its condition.
Well sold.
#613-1965 FORD MUSTANG fastback.
VIN: 5F09A648862. Burgundy/copper &
beige vinyl. Odo: 30,890 miles. 289-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint is excellent with just a few
scratches. Chrome and trim are like new.
Wheels really set off the car with double
SOLD AT $24,840. This car sold for
$27,500 at the Branson auction in the
spring of 2012 (ACC# 201337). The car
could have brought much more at this auction
had it been detailed and presented better.
It had all the right stuff for a ’65
Mustang, including the A-code 225-hp engine,
but was sorely neglected prior to auction
time. The car should have sold in the
neighborhood of $30k, but the seller took a
big hit with the poor presentation. Very well
bought.
#582-1965 FORD MUSTANG fastback.
VIN: 5R09A221966. Black/cream vinyl.
Odo: 50,876 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
The body and paint are very good, with the
usual minor polishing scratches and swirls.
The bumpers have been rechromed. The
trim is dull with fine scratches. The interior
is very nice. Glass is clear with some minor
scratches. Some of the window seals are
cracking. Windows crank hard. The engine
bay needs to be detailed to match the rest
of the car. Underside is very clean. Double
SOLD AT $55,620. A tastefully modified
first-year Mustang. The side exhaust, aftermarket
mags and wide tires make it look
really mean, and the stroker engine backs
that up. According to the ACC Pocket Price
Guide, a stock 1965 Mustang 2+2 fastback
should go somewhere between $18k and
$28k. This one is a bit more than stock and
so deserves a bit of a premium, but almost
double the high end book value is a bit
much. Well sold.
#631-1969 FORD TORINO GT Cobra 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 9K46Q2204342. Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 95,054 miles. 428-ci V8, 2x4-bbl,
auto. A very nice Torino GT Cobra with a
428 Cobra Jet engine. Paint is very good
with some polishing swirls. Chrome and trim
are very good. Interior is nice, consistent
with age. Underside is very good, consistent
with the topside condition. Engine bay
nicely appointed with big 428 engine. Tinted
glass is clear. Fit is good. Window seals
and rubber showing age but still have some
life in them. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $28,620. The VIN decodes cor100AmericanCarCollector.com
BEST
BUY
Page 100
BRANSON // Branson, MO
rectly to a 428 Torino GT Cobra. This car
was originally manufactured with the nonRam
Air Q-code 428, but it has a Ram Air
hood. I could not verify if the engine was
original but am certain that Ram Air was
not. Regardless, the ACC Pocket Price
Guide shows a price range of $18k–$32k
for the Torino GT Cobra. Given this car’s
superior condition, the buyer and seller
should both be happy with the price.
#625-1973 FORD BRONCO SUV. VIN:
U15GLQ91978. Light green/black vinyl.
Odo: 9,091 miles. 351-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp.
Paint very good, with minor imperfections.
Chrome and trim are good. Interior is good
with a painted floorboard. Underside is
clean but dripping oil. Engine bay needs to
be detailed. Door fit is poor. Relatively new
off-road tires. Cond: 3+.
and the owner claims the engine has never
been out of the car. However, given the
car’s current condition, the high bid was fair,
and the reserve should have been dropped.
AMERICANA
#231-1947 STUDEBAKER M5 pickup.
VIN: 123257. Green/brown leather. Odo:
216 miles. 169-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Mostly
original with an older restoration. The paint
is poor, with numerous scratches and
cracks, and begs to be repainted. Chrome
and trim are good, with minor pits and
scratches. Interior is very good with leather
seat showing little wear. Very good window
and door seals. Engine bay needs detailing.
Underside is clean. Glass is clear. No rust
visible. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $24,000. Not much more
than a beefed-up daily driver. The 351 engine
is non-original, since only the 289 and
302 V8 engines were options that year.
Broncos have been a hot commodity on the
auction circuit lately, and I suspect that this
is why the seller did not take the bait.
MOPAR
#543-1964 DODGE 440 wagon. VIN:
6642197924. Silver/red vinyl. Odo: 4,728
miles. 426-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older repaint
in good condition. Fit is typical early Dodge
fit—loose with bouncy doors. The chrome
and trim look original and are in good condition
for the age. The interior is in great
shape, except for the dash and gauges,
which need restoration. The engine bay,
with its big 426 Wedge engine (not to be
confused with the later 426 Hemi), needs to
be detailed. The underside is dirty. The
windshield has some wiper rash. The rest of
the glass is clear. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $11,880. You don’t see many
Studebaker pickups around the auction circuit.
This one was said to be a barn find
with an older restoration. Just above driver
level, it could use some TLC. However, the
overall condition is good for its age and
would make someone a great driver. Well
bought and sold.
#611-1955 STUDEBAKER PRESIDENT
SPEEDSTER 2-dr hard top. VIN: 7167663.
Gray & white/white leather. Odo: 127 miles.
259-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Finish is bright and
shiny and appears to be a repaint. Door fit
is fair for its age. Chrome and trim are very
nice with minor pitting. Engine bay is detailed,
but too much glossy black for my
taste. Seats are nicely restored with pleated
leather. Underside is very clean. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $31,000. With 426 and
4-speed, this rare Dodge station wagon is
one of two built in 1964, per Galen Govier,
102AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $23,000. As market value
for this model is $26k–$46k, the seller was
probably right in not dropping the reserve.
However, you’ve got to wonder if there is
any upside in this car as its target market
ages. A
Page 102
The Parts Hunter
Chad Tyson
A New Used 4-Speed
A FORD TOPLOADER AND CADDY EXHAUST MANIFOLDS
ARE THIS MONTH’S FINDS
#271972881240—1966 Ford Fairlane GT Toploader 4-Speed Manual Transmission
with Clutch. 4 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay, Dwight, IL. 8/31/15
“Toploader 4-speed with bellhousing and flywheel (pictured on engine), pressure plate,
clutch plate, throw-out arm, shifter and driveshaft.” Buy It Now. Sold for $1,500.
The go-to Ford stick-shift for a long time and for good reason—they’re tough. The setup
sold here would be great for converting an old slushbox. One could easily spend this
amount on just a rebuilt transmission with extra parts sourcing still to be done. That said,
there is no statement on condition here—just a photo of the interior that shows nothing
obviously alarming. If the transmission checks out, the buyer got a fine deal.
#281857862891—Nash Metropolitan MG Disc-Brake Conversion. 12 photos. Item description:
Used. Chino Hills, CA. 11/22/15
“Up for auction is a complete kit to convert your Nash Metropolitan to front disc brakes off an
MG Midget. The included parts make this conversion essentially a bolt-on procedure. I have
taken the original MG Midget spindles, pressed out the original bushings, and machined and
pressed in brand-new bushings,
which will perfectly
slip right onto the original
Metropolitan kingpins. Also,
dust shields have been
modified to clear bottom
ends of Met kingpins.
Please be aware that all
these parts are used and
come with no warranty expressed or implied. The parts included are spindles, rotors, hubs,
pads, bearings, calipers and just about everything you need. You will be reusing your original
brake hoses and some misc. hardware. Also included are step-by-step instructions on how to
do the conversion with many photos. I have done this conversion dozens of times and I will be
happy to answer any questions you might have.” 31 bids. Sold for $661.
I don’t get to feature too many brake parts, as they’re wear items and anything Wilwood
makes now is far superior to braking technology and manufacturing in the 1950s, ’60s and
’70s. The four bidders expressed fervent interest in this lot and is an eminently practical
upgrade for any Metropolitan. The seller even went through the trouble to give the lucky new
owner the how-to instructions as well. Well sold as the parts could be compiled for less, but
somebody else already doing the thinking is worth something.
#331642585449—1934–37 Cadillac V16 Exhaust
Manifolds. 12 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay,
Seattle, WA. 9/10/15
“Not complete, but the pieces could make a set as
the hard-to-find part is the rear because it is unique
to 1934 through 1937. The right center piece is like
new, all the others have been used and some need
welding repair.” 2 bids. Sold for $900.
Part-time business idea: Scan these and start 3D
printing some molds for replication. It’s not like
Cadillac is still making them. It appears the left-side
center section is broken, at least beyond repair by any
shade-tree mechanic—although it seems like someone has already attempted a fix. Fairly
bought, mostly due to scarcity. I found plenty of ’38–40 manifolds and even a few from the
early ’30s, but no other ’34-37 pieces.
104 AmericanCarCollector.com
#131639485219—Action Twins Hood
Ornament. 4 photos. Item description:
Used. eBay, Aptos, CA. 11/4/15
“Here is an ‘Action Twins’ or ‘Liberty Twins’
hood ornament. This was produced by the
Action Ornament Company in St. Paul,
Minnesota, in 1931. It is in good condition
and sits on a wooden pedestal for display.
One of the studs that mounts the feet of the
figures to the base is broken off. The propeller
spins, the figures crank and it would
make a great addition to your collection.
The tag is still on it. The wooden base is
not quite heavy enough for the ornament. It
will tip easily, so you may want to add some
weight to it for your display case.” 5 bids.
Sold for $1,144.99.
Once upon a time, there was a gentleman
in Saginaw, MI, reproducing these in a small
batch, but this is no repop. The price paid
here is right in line with sales over the past
several years, although still down from the
$2k price they used to fetch four or more
years ago. There was another original twins
mascot (eBay# 131639485219) sold on
October 16 for a best offer of $1,700, less
than half the seller’s $4,000 asking price.
Considering all that, I’d call this one well
bought.A
Page 104
Showcase Gallery
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Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their advertisements. The publisher of
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and/or misleading statements of its advertisers.
GM
1960 Cadillac Eldorado
Seville 2-dr hard top
S/N 60H117434. White &
blue/blue & white. 107,000
miles. V8, 4-spd automatic.
Matching-numbers drivetrain,
390 ci/345 hp 3x2-bbl, a/c. AM
radio works perfectly. Power
everything: window, wing
windows, steering, brakes,
seats, locks, antenna and
trunk. Clock works to the minute.
Has had one repaint, its
original color. $60,000. Contact
Jose, 510.796.7646, Email:
swornin4ever@yahoo.com (CA)
1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409
2-dr sedan
perfect on 93 octane pump gas.
Hard to find one better. $65,000
OBO. Contact Bill, Email: billcollopy@holbrookinc.com
(IL)
1969 Pontiac Firebird 2-dr
hard top
Carousel Red/Parchment. V8,
automatic. Original rust-free,
numbers-matching California
car with all original sheet metal.
350-ci, 4-bbl, automatic. Power
windows, a/c, power steering
and brakes. Protect-O-Plate,
build sheet, window sticker and
tons of historical receipts. Rare
bench-seat option. Great condition.
Runs and looks great.
Collectible. $19,900. Contact
George, 518.322.5102, Email:
georgef.ferro@gmail.com (NY)
1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne
pickup
S/N 216115103035. Roman
Red/red. 37,000 miles. V8,
4-spd manual. 409-ci/409-hp,
dual quad, Posi, radio-delete
stock interior, only “Day Two”certified
changes: pie-crust
cheater slicks, exhaust cutouts,
Cherry Bomb mufflers,
Sun tach, three-gauge set
under dash, steel wheels/dog
dish hubcaps. No ps/pb. Excellent
condition. Runs and drives
106 AmericanCarCollector.com
Stock, unmodified with 12,500
original miles, excellent condition.
Less than 3,000 built. Mid4-second
0–60 time. Alternate
contact: Scott 602.541.9444.
$30,000. Contact Edward,
602.377.1197, Email: ebwestfam@cox.net
(AZ)
2002 Cadillac DeVille sedan
Black/black. 31,000 miles. V8,
automatic. Original miles. Mint
condition in and out, always
dealer serviced. No stories,
very clean. Vogue wheels, special
grille. Serious buyers only.
$8,900 OBO. Contact Antuan,
805.754.7264, Email: antuan.
hakobian@gmail.com (CA)
CORVETTE
The finest original truck anywhere.
Low original mileage,
every document from new including
all service receipts. A/C,
power steering and brakes.
Original manuals and tools.
Flawless throughout. Contact
Matt, Matthew L. deGarmo Ltd.,
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Fuelie convertible
S/N E57S101009. Black/Black.
999 miles. V8, 4-spd manual.
Ninth car made, it is 25th car
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,
2013 Sebring Legends
Honoree. 1993 Bloomington
Gold, 2014 Amelia “Spirit of
203.852.1670, Email: matt@
deGarmoLtd.com Web: deGarmoLtd.com
(CT)
1976 Cadillac Eldorado
convertible
S/N 6L67S6Q143441. Calumet
Cream/Antique Light Buckskin
Sierra grain. 77,386 miles. V8,
automatic. Buckskin convertible
top, 500-ci V8, automatic, AM/
FM stereo. The paint, chrome,
glass, interior and top are all in
excellent condition. The only
sign of this being a 39-year-old
car is the crack in the dash.
$16,500 OBO. Contact Ronald,
Email: redtail0506@verizon.
net (PA)
1991 GMC Syclone pickup
before the Sebring cars. Big
Brake fuel-injected car. Ran
SVRA ,CSRG, HMSA and general
racing venues. $250,000.
Contact Jim, 925.963.0570,
Email: galluccijim@aol.com
Web: none (CA)
1962 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
S/N 20867S114531.
Black/black. 39,520 miles. V8,
4-spd manual. Two-Topper.
Triple Black. NCRS. The Last
C1 solid-axle Corvette produced!
When only the best
will do! Additional photos
online. NCRS #136 Contact
Terry, ProTeam Corvette Sales,
email: terry@proteamcorvette.
com Web: https://www.proteamcorvette.com/Corvette-1962-1064F/1064F.html
(OH)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
327/340-hp convertible
S/N 30867S112591. Black/
black. 70,000 miles. V8, 4spd
manual. Triple-black
roadster. All numbers match,
completely restored, knockoff
wheels, NCRS judged 2014 at
94%. $65,000. Contact Gary,
248.860.7373, Email: gary.herwick@comcast.net
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Sting Ray Split-Window
coupe
Page 105
Showcase Gallery
Road Racing Award”. Full restoration
1993. Unquestionable
documentation. I drove this car
to a truly unique and extensive
racing history. $295,000. Contact
Phil, 352.378.4761, Email:
fastphilcurrin@cox.net (FL)
1965 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
of tank sticker, MSO, titles.
Refreshed/restored: a/c, hard
top, interior, exterior. Heavily
optioned, original matching
engine, transmission, rear end,
trim tag, etc. $46,500. Contact
Ken, 248.626.5500, Email:
kal@thepdmgroup.com (MI)
1972 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
made (one of 20 with 4-speed
manual). Built-in radar detector.
Copy of window sticker and
build sheet. Misc. memorabilia
(magazine ad and article,
owner’s manual, plus more).
$14,000 OBO. Contact Craig,
214.232.2608, Email: cpbas@
embarqmail.com (TX)
1996 Chevrolet Corvette
Grand Sport coupe
1G1YZ25E4951094003130002859Atomic
Orange/black.
6,605 miles. V8, 6-spd manual.
Pristine, original owner, absolutely
new condition, no excuses,
scratches, nicks, chips
or curb rash. Garaged and
covered since new. All fluids
flushed and changed, and new
battery April 2014. Extended
GM warranty until 9/26/16. All
paperwork included. $54,000.
Contact Gerald,513.895.4533,
Email: jfall@zoomtown.com
(OH)
S/N 194675S108237. Rally
Red/black. 47,700 miles. V8,
4-spd manual. Certified Bloomington
Gold Survivor. Radio
delete, L76 327/365-hp, 4.11
rear, sidepipes. Original paint
and interior, black convertible
top and red hard top, ProtectO-Plate.
$79,995 OBO. Contact
Paul, Maxatawny Auto Sales,
610.683.0480, Email: maxacars@gmail.com
Web: www.
maxatawnyusedcars.com/1965Chevrolet-Corvette/Used-Con-vertible/Kutztown-PA/6662327/
Details.aspx (PA)
1967 Chevrolet Corvette
350-hp convertible
S/N 1Z67K2S518701.
Red/black. 40,000 miles. V8,
4-spd manual. Well documented,
original miles, base
350-ci with 4-speed, power
steering and power windows.
Original paint and like-new
original interior. Everything
works as-new. Original dealer
invoice, Protect-O- Plate and
manuals. Tank sticker still on
car. Car has earned four NCRS
Top Flights. $39,900. Contact
Leo, 916.899.9666, Email: michaudleop@gmail.com
(CA)
I1978 Chevrolet Corvette
ndy Pace Car T-top
S/N 1G1YY2253T5600186. Admiral
Blue/black leather. 14,200
miles. V8, 6-spd manual. Original,
one-owner, Southern California
’Vette with the LT4 330hp
engine. Low original miles.
All original owner’s manuals,
window sticker, purchase order,
original California title in original
owner’s name. One of 810 built
for one year only. Collectorquality
example. $32,500 OBO.
Contact Simon, West Coast
Classics, LLC, 310.399.3990,
Email: info@westcoastclassics.
com Web: www.WestCoastClassics.com
(CA)
2008 Chevrolet Corvette
Z06 Wil Cooksey coupe
S/N 194677S112248.
Black/black. Two-owner car.
Body-off restored. Documented.
When only the best will
do! Additional photos online.
NCRS #136 $129,000. Contact
Terry, ProTeam Corvette,
email: terry@proteamcorvette.
com Web: https://www.proteamcorvette.com/Corvette-1967-1027G/1027G.html
(OH)
1971 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
Mille Miglia Red/black. 74,000
miles. V8, 4-spd manual. LS5
454/365-hp, two tops, leather,
a/c (rare on big-block cars),
docs including original copies
S/N 1Z8748S900123. Twotone
silver/8,761 miles. 4-spd
manual. L82 with 8,761 actual
miles. When only the best will
do! Additional photos online.
NCRS #136 $29,995. Contact
Terry, ProTeam Corvette Sales,
email: terry@proteamcorvette.
com Web: https://www.proteamcorvette.com/Corvette-1978-1031G/1031G.html
(OH)
1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Malcolm Konner Edition
coupe
Crystal Red/Titanium leather.
2,384 miles. V8, 6-spd manual.
Number 202 of 427 built for
the U.S. market. Two-owner
Wil Cooksey Z06 has 505-hp
427. Wil-Cooksey-edition-only
interior, paint, graphics and
spider rims. Super-low mileage.
This car is perfect. Never driven
in rain. Additional details and
images online. $75,000 OBO.
Contact David, Auto Archeologist,
860.398.1732, Email:
E4WBrill@aol.com Web: www.
AutoArcheologist.com (CT)
2009 Chevrolet Corvette
Z06 coupe
S/N 1G1YY0784G5108313.
Pewter & black/gray. 40,300
miles. V8, 4-spd manual. 1 of
50 Malcolm Konner Corvettes
January-February 2016 107
FOMOCO
r1932 Ford Model 18
oadster
S/N CALKA1251. Black/black &
white. 32,000 miles. V8, 3-spd
manual. Gene Winfield built hot
rod in 1963, featured in April
1964 Hot Rod Magazine. All
original other than paint and
interior (exact redo to 1964
specs). Ardun-headed flathead
motor, dyno’d 310 hp, 3-speed
Merc trans, Halibrand quickchange
diff, ’56 Buick wire
wheels. Rewired and plumbed.
Contact me for lots more info!
$175,000 OBO. Contact Chris,
707.473.0609, Email: misssanfrancisco@aol.com
(CA)
1939 Ford Standard wagon
S/N 91A184690821. Wren
Tan/brown. 34,000 miles. V8,
3-spd manual. Factory stock,
no rust ever, beautiful original
wood, highly detailed, mechanically
fresh, Adirondack summer
estate car. History is known
from new. $75,000. Contact
Phil, 760.451.1978, Email: restoman42@aol.com
(CA)
Page 106
Showcase Gallery
r1957 Ford Skyliner
etractable
L. deGarmo Ltd., 203.852.1670,
Email: matt@deGarmoLtd.com
Web: deGarmoLtd.com (CT)
1967 Lincoln Continental
convertible
S/N D7KW169525. Starmist
Blue & Colonial White/white &
blue. 17,243 miles. V8, 3-spd
automatic. Factory air conditioning,
312 Thunderbird Special,
automatic, power steering,
brakes, windows and seat.
Continental kit. Motivated seller.
$56,500 OBO. Contact Ronald,
215.962.9505, Email: kwlizardking67@gmail.com
(PA)
f1965 Ford Mustang 2+2
astback
S/N 7Y86G812559. Back/dark
green. 103,500 miles. V8, automatic.
Numbers-matching
survivor/driver. Last year of
the iconic 4-door convertible
with suicide rear doors. One
of 2,300 built. Recent sympathetic
restoration. Bare-metal
repaint. Engine rebuilt. Top
and all electrics work great.
Original chrome, glass, interior.
Over 100 detailed photos available.
California black plates
and clean title. Great history.
$31,990. Contact Paul, AutoKennel,
714.335.4911, Email:
paul@autokennel.com Web:
www.autokennel.com (CA)
1968 Shelby GT500 KR
convertible
S/N 5F09A317688.
Burgundy/Palomino. 77,485
miles. V8, automatic. Stunning,
professionally restored from
top to bottom, A-code Mustang
in a gorgeous color combo.
Original miles; includes strong
289 4-barrel V8, factory a/c,
push-button AM radio and folddown
rear seat. This show-level
example is a great choice for
the serious Mustang collector
demanding excellence. Classic
Showcase, 760.758.6100,
Email: webmaster@classicshowcase.com
Web: classicshowcase.com/index.php/
inventory/detail/352 (CA)
f1966 Shelby GT350 H
astback
Driven 60 miles monthly to and
from country club and occasional
car shows; never raced
or abused. All four options, gray
calipers w/Ford GT logos. Well
sorted and highly maintained.
$262,250 OBO. Contact Tom,
239.253.2626, Email: tfuith@
embarqmail.com (FL)
2005 Ford GT coupe
2008 Ford Mustang preproduction
“Bullitt” coupe
S/N 8T03R20529303276.
Highland Green/black. 85,593
miles. V8, 4-spd manual.
Traction-Lok Differential, Elite
Marti Report, listed in Shelby
Registry, original owner documentation,
$104k total restoration
receipts, rebuilt engine,
transmission and differential.
Two owners since new. Current
owner for 44 years. Driven
only 750 miles since restoration
completed in 2008. $239,995
OBO. Contact Charles, My Hot
Cars, 800.900.0227, Email:
clove9414@aol.com Web:
www.myhotcars.com (CA)
2005 Ford GT coupe
A supremely original car with
just one repaint over 40 years
ago. Originally black, has
4-speed top-loader installed in
1970. Runs and drives beautifully,
never rusted, damaged or
tracked. Contact Matt, Matthew
108 AmericanCarCollector.com
Silver & black stripes/black.
7,300 miles. V8, 6-spd manual.
Original owner and only driver.
Red/black. 1,255 miles. V8,
6-spd manual. Low original
documented miles. Spectacular!
Absolutely all original. All
four factory options. Clean
CARFAX showing no damage
or paint history, no odometer
issues, no structural or loss
history. Unblemished and exceptional
in every way. Extra
key, extra key fob, original window
sticker, books, tire inflator
with tow hook, and car cover
never out of the original sealed
plastic packaging. Mark IV Red,
Ebony leather & white stripe.
In Oklahoma since new, and
is believed to be single-family
owned. Needs nothing and
is truly an amazingly original
example of an American supercar.
$297,500. Contact Don,
520.349.0940, Email: dmack@
donmackey.com (AZ)
f2008 Shelby GT500
astback
S/N 127652. Vista Blue
Metallic/black leather. 87 miles.
V8, 6-spd manual. This may
be your last chance to own
a brand-new Shelby GT500.
Only 87 miles from new and
has every stitch of documentation
including window sticker
and bill of sale. Gorgeous color
combo and all the options.
Fresh from a private collector.
$39,995. Contact Craig, Craig
Brody Investment Motorcars,
954.646.8819, Email: craigbrody@investmentmotorcars.
net Web: www.investmentmotorcars.net
(FL)
Highland Green/black &
charcoal. 63,000 miles. V8,
5-spd manual. Number 5 of 29
pre-production “Bullitts” built,
MRT “’68 reload” hood, FRPP
springs, genuine Torque Thrust
wheels, new Nitto tires, nav,
Sirius, six-disc changer. Runs
and drives perfectly. Includes
book used during San Francisco
debut in 2007. Car &
Driver featured and tested this
car. Signed by Chad McQueen.
$25,000 OBO. Contact Jim,
612.501.3866, Email: kulsethracing@charter.net
(MN)
r2009 Superformance Mk III
oadster
S/N SPO2856. Indigo
Blue/black. 9,001 miles. V8,
5-spd manual. Factory-built
Cobra replica, Roush 427IR
with Tremec 5-speed, valve
covers and air cleaners CNC’d
to appear as snake skin, assembly
done by Olthoff Racing
with many upgrades; quick-ratio
power steering, billet brake
and master cylinders, 3M clear
bra, tall roll bar, ceramic pipes,
pin-drive knockoff wheels with
Wilwood brakes. Signed glovebox
door. If you feel the need,
here it is! $79,950. Contact Jim,
Email: qbflyr@aol.com (FL)
MOPAR
1955 Chrysler 300-C 2-dr
hard top
S/N 3N551076. White/tan.
106,000 miles. V8, 2-spd automatic.
331-ci Hemi. All original
Page 107
Showcase Gallery
except for lower front seat
leather. Recently tuned, originally
a West Coast car. Everything
works except for radio
vibrator. All service records
since 1994. More photos and
information available. $60,000.
Contact Albert, 814.466.6115,
Email: bav1140@comcast.net
(PA)
1987 Chrysler by Maserati
TC convertible
S/N ZC2FP1103KB20372.
Royal Cabernet/Ginger. 14,870
miles. I4, 4-spd automatic.
Absolutely gorgeous. Pristine
throughout, ready for show or
daily use, a/c, full power. Dual
turbo, new tires, tools, car
cover, two tops. Tan convertible
top never used. Stored
in climate-controlled garage.
Extremely low mileage. Built
in Italy by Maserati. $13,000.
Contact Harry, 954.463.7888,
Email: hjbslvcld@aol.com (FL)
2000 Dodge Viper GTS ACR
coupe
Excellent condition, great body.
New paint, new seats, new
windshield, electric wipers,
rebuilt brakes, e-brake. Lights
all work. Good drivetrain. New
carb/tune-up. Engine valve job,
good compression, no smoke,
no bad noises. New battery, cables.
Gauges, speedo, odo all
work. New top and front & rear
floor mats. $9,900 OBO. Contact
Douglass, 801.298.1661,
Email: dugab@msn.com (UT)
1923 Henderson Four
Deluxe long-tank
motorcycle
S/N 1B3ER69E1YV604802.
Steel gray & silver stripes/black.
29,300 miles. V10, 6-spd manual.
All original, one of 85 GTS
ACR coupes built in 2000 in
steel gray. Fast, loud and clean.
ACR package includes ram-air
induction, 18-inch BBS wheels,
adjustable suspension, fivepoint
seat belts and low backpressure
exhaust system. A
street-legal race car. $48,000.
Contact Alan, 770.904.0167,
Email: alanboe@aol.com (GA)
AMERICANA
1958 Willys CJ-5 Jeep
S/N D4279A. Blue/I4, manual.
Twenty tears in a private museum.
Detailed restoration,
correct wiring, stainless spokes.
Period-accessory saddle bags,
seat and lights. Includes toolkit
and manuals. Magneto and
generator serviced. Excellent
paint. Looks good enough to
put in your family room. Contact
Michael, FitzSimons Engineering,
Email: mike@fiteng.com
(CT)
RACE
1965 Ford Mustang coupe
S/N 5754852458. Green/green
& black. 43,000 miles. I4, 3spd
manual. Original mileage.
S/N 5F07C350500. Red/black.
V8, 4-spd manual. Fresh 4.9-L
engine, TopLoader transmission,
professionally built cage,
logbooks, fire extinguisher,
racing seat bolted to cage,
fresh fuel cell, Cobra Automotive
brakes, recent paint. Many
spares including six extra
wheels. $26,000 OBO. Contact
Doc, 770.394.6147, Email:
docjewell@gmail.com (GA)A
January-February 2016 109
Page 108
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)
Barrett-Jackson Auction.
480.421.6694. 480.421.6697. For
over four decades, the BarrettJackson
Auction Company has
been recognized throughout
the world for offering only the
finest selection of quality collector
vehicles, outstanding professional
service and an unrivaled
sales success. From classic and
one-of-a-kind cars to exotics and
muscle cars, Barrett-Jackson
attracts only the best. Our auctions
have captured the true essence
of a passionate obsession with
cars that extends to collectors
and enthusiasts throughout the
world. A television audience of
millions watches unique and select
vehicles while attendees enjoy
a lifestyle experience featuring
fine art, fashion and gourmet
cuisine. In every way, the legend
is unsurpassed. N. Scottsdale Rd,
Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
info@barrett-jackson.com.
www.barrett-jackson.com. (AZ)
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.
Leake Auction Company was
established in 1972 as one of the
first car auctions in the country.
More than 40 years later Leake
has sold over 34,000 cars and
currently operates auctions in
Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Recently they have been featured
on several episodes of three
different reality TV series — Fast
N Loud on Discovery, Dallas Car
Sharks on Velocity and The Car
Chasers on CNBC Prime.
www.leakecar.com. (OK)
Premier Auction Group.
844.5WE.SELL . The auction professionals
that have been taking
care of you for the last two decades
have partnered together to
create a team that is dedicated to
providing the utmost customer
service and auction experience.
We applied our 83 years of auction
experience to build a platform
ensuring that every aspect of our
company exceeds your expectations.
844.5WE.SELL. 844.593.7355.
www.premierauctiongroup.com.
info@premierauctiongroup.com
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)
RM Sotheby’s, Inc.
800.211.4371. RM Sotheby’s is
the world’s largest collector car
auction house for investmentquality
automobiles. With 35 years
experience, RM Sotheby’s vertically
integrated range of services,
from restoration to private treaty
sales and auctions, coupled with
an expert team of car specialists
and an international footprint,
provide an unsurpassed level of
service to the global collector car
market.
www.rmauctions.com. (CAN)
Hollywood Wheels Auctions &
Shows 800.237.8954. Hollywood
Wheels is a premier auction
house that specializes in Porsche
sports cars, European exotics,
American classics & historical
race cars. Each year, during the
Amelia Island Car Week, they host
the Amelia Island Select & Auto
Retro™ within the ballroom of the
Amelia Island Omni Plantation
Resort. Hollywood Wheels…
Where Great Cars Are Bought &
Sold! www.hollywoodwheels.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
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)
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—
110 AmericanCarCollector.com
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)
Classic Car Sales
Motorcar Portfolio, LLC.
330.453.8900. Buy, sell, trade,
auction of affordable antique, classic,
collector vehicles. Bob Lichty
offers over 40 years experience in
the classic car industry. Motorcar
Portfolio, LLC. has been serving
NE Ohio and the world since 2004.
Let us help with your needs. See
our current inventory at our web
site
www.motorcarportfolio.com
Classic Car Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport.
800.668.3227. “The driver was
friendly and helped our son feel
comfortable about moving his
lowered ‘59 Volkswagen Beetle
antique auto. The driver communicated
well during pick up and
delivery. It was fast, too. We spent
two days in Phoenix after the car
was picked up and it beat us back
to the east coast.”
5-Star Reviews
Let Us Earn Yours
directconnectautotransport.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)
Page 109
Advertisers Index
American Classics and Hot Rods ........ 23
Auctions America .................................. 9
Barrett-Jackson ................................. 4–5
Blue Bars ............................................. 64
Camaro Central ................................... 83
Car Art by David Snyder ...................... 93
Charlotte AutoFair ............................... 77
Chevs of the 40’s ................................ 79
Corvette Expo Inc ................................ 73
Corvette Specialties .......................... 100
County Corvette .................................... 2
Danchuk .............................................. 71
Electric Garage Auctions ..................... 21
Evans Cooling Systems Inc. ................ 31
Evapo-Rust .......................................... 33
Gano Filter Company ........................ 111
Genuine Hot Rod Hardware ................ 25
Greensboro Auto Auction .................... 89
Grundy Insurance ................................ 37
Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. .......... 97
Hendrick Motorsports ......................... 35
JC Taylor ............................................. 61
Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc. ......... 66
Leake Auction Company ....................... 3
LeMay - America’s Car Museum ......... 99
Lory Lockwood .................................... 75
Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ................. 103
MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd .... 111
McCollister’s Auto Transport............. 116
Michael Irvine Studios ....................... 115
Mid America Motorworks .................... 65
Moultrie Swap Meet ............................ 91
Mustangs Unlimited .......................... 101
National Corvette Museum ................ 109
National Corvette Restorers Society . 103
Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts, Inc. .. 107
Original Parts Group ............................ 13
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ...... 15
Park Place LTD .................................... 69
Passport Transport .............................. 81
Performance Racing Oils ................... 104
Petersen Collector Car Auction ......... 109
Pro-Team Corvette Sales, Inc ............. 85
Reliable Carriers .................................. 59
Russo & Steele LLC............................. 11
Silver Collector Car Auctions .............. 17
Steve’s Auto Restorations Inc. ............ 39
The Chevy Store Inc .......................... 107
Thomas C Sunday Inc ....................... 111
Volunteer Vette Products .................... 19
Woodside Credit.................................. 87
World of Speed ................................... 95
Zip Products, Inc. ................................ 41
zMax .................................................. 101
January-February 2016 111
Page 110
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
shipping the car of your dreams
from one location to another, one
American transportation company
does it all.
www.reliablecarriers.com
McCollister’s Auto Transport.
800-257-9595.
4We have transported thousands
of collector vehicles over the last
35 years all across the United
States, whether they are moving
an exotic, street rod, vintage racer
or muscle car. With our experienced
drivers trained to ensure the
finest protection and our customized,
lift-gated, air-ride trailers,
we make sure your vehicle safely
arrives on time. www.McCollisters.
com/AutoTransport
Park Place LTD. 425.562.1000.
Founded in 1987 in Bellevue, WA,
our dealership is locally owned and
independently operated. The fouracre
Park Place Center features
an Aston Martin sales and service
center, a Lotus dealership, and we
have one of the largest selections
of collector & exotic cars available
in the Northwest. We consign, buy
and sell all types of vehicles. We
also have an in-house service center
and high-end Auto Salon.
www.ParkPlaceLtd.com
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)
Corvettes for Sale
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
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.
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)
Mid America Motorworks.
800.500.1500. America’s leader in
1953–2016 Corvette parts and accessories.
Request a free catalog
at www.mamotorworks.com. (IL)
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
112 AmericanCarCollector.com
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)
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
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.
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
Volunteer Vette Products.
865.521.9100. 1963–2004
Corvette Parts and Accessories.
Supplying Corvette restoration
parts and accessories for 30
years. Visit our website at
www.volvette.com and take advantage
of the Free Shipping offer
on orders over $150. You can also
speak with us directly by calling
865.521.9100. New parts are
added daily, so if you can’t find it
give us a call. (TN)
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.
Insurance
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)
Page 111
13,000 other enthusiasts.
253.272.2336
www.lemaymarymount.org.
J.C. Taylor Insurance.
800.345.8290. Antique, classic,
muscle or modified — J.C. Taylor
Insurance has provided dependable,
dynamic, affordable protection
for your collector vehicle for
over 50 years. Agreed Value
Coverage in the continental U.S.,
and Alaska. Drive Through Time
With Peace of Mind with J.C.
Taylor Insurance. Get a FREE
instant quote online at
www.JCTaylor.com. (PA)
Leasing
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
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)
Museums
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
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.
Evans Waterless Coolant is a
revolutionary coolant with a boiling
point of 375° F, providing superior
engine cooling protection. This
means no vapor formed, no
hotspots, no boil-over, and a much
lower cooling system pressure.
Evans eliminates water caused
corrosion, electrolysis and pump
cavitation. Evans protects on the
other end of the temperature scale
to -40°F, and lasts the lifetime of
the engine. Visit www.evanscooling.com
for more information.
1967–81 Camaro & Firebird
1964–72 GTO, Tempest & LeMans
1964–87 Chevelle, Malibu &
El Camino
1948–96 F-Series Ford Truck
1947–98 C/K 1/2-ton Chevy Truck
1966–96 Bronco
1955–57 Thunderbird
www.nationalpartsdepot.com
Evapo-Rust® 888.329.9877.
Evapo-Rust® rust remover is safe
on skin and all materials except
rust! It’s also biodegradable and
earth-friendly. Water soluble and
pH-neutral, Evapo-Rust® is nontoxic,
non-corrosive, non-flammable,
and contains no acids, bases
or solvents. Evapo-Rust® is simply
the safest rust remover.
www.evapo-rust.com
info@evapo-rust.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
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.
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, worldclass
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
Custom Autosound
Manufacturing. 800.888.8637.
Since 1977 providing audio solutions
for classic car and trucks.
Covering over 400 application our
radios and speakers fit the original
location without modification. Keep
the classic look of your vehicle
while enjoying state of the art
audio. Check out all of our products
at www.customautosound.
com. Or if you’d like a free catalog
call 800-888-8637. (CA)
Mustangs Unlimited. Since
1976, Mustangs Unlimited has
been the source for Restoration,
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.
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.cosmopolitanmotors.com
(WA)
Park Place LTD. 425.562.1000.
Founded in 1987 in Bellevue, WA,
our dealership is locally owned and
independently operated. Our restoration
department works full-time to
restore vehicles of every year,
make and model to provide an
award-winning finish. We consign,
buy and sell all types of vehicles.
We also have an in-house service
center and high-end Auto Salon.
www.ParkPlaceLtd.com A
National Parts Depot.
800.874.7595. We stock huge
inventories of concours-correct
restoration parts for:
1965–73 and 1979–93 Mustang
January-February 2016 113
Page 112
Surfing Around
Carl Bomstead
Automobilia on eBay
and Beyond
Carl’s thought: Julien’s, at their November 8 Beverly Hills auction, sold John Lennon’s J-160E Gibson
guitar for $2.41m — far and away a record price. Lennon purchased the guitar in 1962 and it was in his possession
for only a short time, as it was stolen at a 1963 Christmas concert. He did, however, use the guitar to
record “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” among others. It was fully documented and had
been in a guitar collection for many years, with the owner claiming he had no idea it was stolen.
Here are a few items that are not as expensive, but I think they are on the up-and-up:
WM MORFORD AUCTIONS
LOT 217—NOS MOBIL
OIL BOTTLE RACK WITH
ORIGINAL BOX. SOLD AT:
$6,200. Date sold: 10/17/2015.
This was the best set of Mobil
Filpruf oil bottles I’ve ever
seen, as it was unused and
complete with its original shipping
box. The bottles and rack were close to perfect and sold for a
huge premium. In acceptable condition, the set goes for about $2k,
so chalk the difference up to this one’s amazing condition.
MORPHY AUCTIONS LOT 49—SAVAGE
TIRES “HEAP BIG MILEAGE”
TIN DIE-CUT FLANGE SIGN. Estimate:
$20,000–$30,000. SOLD AT: $39,040.
Date sold: 10/05/2015. This is one of the
most desirable early tire signs offered
in years. Bright vibrant colors and the
dramatic image of an American Indian.
It measures 36 by 22 inches and was in
exceptional condition. The best, but at a
price.
MORPHY ACUTIONS LOT 209—
MUSGO “MICHIGANS MILE
MAKER” GAS GLOBE. Estimate:
$15,000–$25,000. SOLD AT: $21,600.
Date sold: 10/05/2015. Musgo was
the brand name for the Muskegon Oil
Company. These one-piece globes
were hand-painted and then fired. As
such, each one is a bit different. They
were used in the 1927–29 time frame. They are not all that rare, but
in good condition, as was this example, they still bring adult money.
EBAY #131623314544—JAPANESE TIN 1953 PACKARD CONVERTIBLE
BY ALPS. Number of bids: 34. SOLD AT: $9,392.92.
Date sold: 10/18/2015.
This very desirable
tin 1953 Packard convertible
was manufactured
by Alps and was
in acceptable condition.
Offered in red,
114 AmericanCarCollector.com
black and light gray, the 16-inch toy was also available as a coupe.
The trim was heavily oxidized and there was some wear on the interior.
In slightly better condition and with the box, it would have sold
for about twice what was realized here.
WM MORFORD AUCTIONS LOT
172—SUNSET MOTOR OIL ONEQUART
OIL CAN. SOLD AT: $1,750.
Date sold: 10/17/2015. Sunset was a
left-coast refiner and marketer that
was acquired by Wilshire Oil in 1957.
They were rather obscure, and items
from their past are very collectible.
Quality oil cans are back in favor after
being in hibernation for a few years,
and this one rings all the bells. Not
cheap, but seldom seen, so worth the
price paid.
EBAY #262089224887—
JACK HENRY 21 STUD
FLATHEAD INTAKE
MANIFOLD. Number
of bids: 18. SOLD AT:
$1,425.99. Date sold:
10/18/2015. Jack Henry
owned a Los Angeles service
station and designed this dual-carb adaptation for a flathead
intake manifold. This early version was rather crude, but it is one of
about three that are known to still exist. The later versions are a bit
more refined. A buddy found this years ago at the Portland Swap
Meet and paid the seller’s price of $25, pocketing a healthy return
here. Most likely will end up on the wall, as these make interesting
garage art.
MORPHY AUCTIONS LOT 225—SERVICESTATION
EQUIPMENT ECO-METER GAS
PUMP. Estimate: $20,000–$40,000. SOLD AT:
$61,000. Date sold: 10/05/2015. This dramatic
double-clock-face gas pump had been restored
and was over seven feet tall without the globes.
It was rare as can be and pricey — even more
so when you buy a pair of globes. It would
require a large room for display but would certainly
be the center of attention. A