American Car Collector July-August 2012

4 AMERICAN Bargain Bird CAR COLLECTOR Corvette Market Why this Hemi was a deal at $178k 1950 Tin Woodie: $275k builds it, $154k sells it ™ INSIDE: Colin Comer on Carroll Shelby’s legacy July-August 2012 1968 Shelby GT500 fastback $99k 1957 Corvette 283/270 www.AmericanCarCollector.com $93.5k Gold color, bronze price Docked for being undocumented Keith Martin's includes

CAR COLLECTOR Vol. 1 • Issue 4 • July-August 2012 AMERICAN Corvette Market The Scoop: Profiles CORVETTE 1957 283/270 CONVERTIBLE $99k / Auctions America A rare color, but without docs, it’s just another Corvette — Tom Glatch Page 42 GM 1971 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 COUPE $48k / Barrett-Jackson It may be time to put that “poor man’s Corvette” slander to bed — Jay Harden Page 44 FoMoCo 1968 SHELBY GT500 FASTBACK $93.5k / Leake It’s a Shelby, but the color is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition — Dale Novak Page 46 IBLE $99k / Auctions America A rare color, but without docs, it’s just another Corvette — Tom Glatch Page 42 GM 1971 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 COUPE $48k / Barrett-Jackson It may be time to put that “poor man’s Corvette” slan- der to bed — Jay Harden Page 44 FoMoCo 1968 SHELBY GT500 FASTBACK $93.5k / Leake It’s a Shelby, but the color is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition — Dale Novak Page 46 Keith Martin's includes

MOPAR 1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD $178k / Mecum The sale price for this Hemi was either a major disappointment or a total steal — Tom Glatch Page 48 CUSTOM 1950 CHEVROLET TIN WOODIE WAGON $154k / Auctions America $154,000 is a lot of money, but it’s a lot less than it cost to buy and build this car — Ken Gross Page 50 CLASSIC 1911 RAMBLER MODEL 65 7-PASSENGER TOURING $275k / Gooding & Co. A nearly complete find, down to its original Laredo license plate — Carl Bomstead Page 52 TRUCK 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER $25k / Barrett-Jackson The market is waking up to Blazers the same way it has to GM 4x4 pickups — Jim Pickering Page 54 1950 Chevrolet Tin Woodie station wagon, p. 50 Courtesy of Auctions America by RM July-August 2012

Inside COLUMNS 12 Torque The future of collecting – Jim Pickering 30 Cheap Thrills 1967–69 Pontiac Firebird; rarer than a Camaro, but not worth as much – B. Mitchell Carlson 32 Corvette Market Where is the value in modified Corvettes? – John L. Stein 34 Horsepower Carroll Shelby remembered – Colin Comer 98 Surfing Around Gotta-have automobilia on eBay – Carl Bomstead SERVICE DEPARTMENT 14 What’s Happening Hot August Nights, Woodward Dream Cruise, Cobras at Laguna Seca 16 Crossing the Block Upcoming auctions – Tony Piff 22 Good Reads Super Stock: Drag Racing the Family Sedan – Mark Wigginton 22 Cool Stuff Plastic crowbars, leather cleaner – Tony Piff FUN RIDES 26 Under the Hood LeMay — America’s Car Museum opens 28 Insider’s View 1955–57 Chevrolet: Buy, sell or hold? 36 Q&A Buying a Super Snake, Valuing a Split-Window Corvette Photo by Jim Pickering See p. 32 for John Stein’s column about the effect of modifications on Corvette prices 10 AmericanCarCollector.com AmericanCarCollector.com AUCTIONS 62 Mecum Kansas City A total of 435 cars sell for a 99.5% sales rate and $17.7m 80 The Branson Auction Three days of bidding sees 426 cars sell for $9.24m 70 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 88 Global Roundup Post-tornado, the 32nd annual Branson auction makes $2.9m Selected sales combined in one comprehensive report

Torque Jim Pickering The future of collecting 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, sold for $84,800 in 2011. Are Tri-Fives a fading phenomenon limited to Boomers? most popular questions ever, with literally hundreds of responses — and it seems like everyone fell into one of two camps: It’s either time to bail out now, or everything is perfectly fine in the Shoebox Chevy world and the market will always love them. In reality, as in most things, I think it all depends on your perspective. There’s no denying that the Boomer T generation is getting older, and they’re the ones who typically gravitate toward Shoebox Chevys. And it makes perfect sense. GM built hundreds of thousands of 1955–57 Chevrolets, and they were relatively inexpensive by the time the early ’60s rolled around, so young drivers ended up with them. They were the first cars from Chevrolet to feature the new small-block engine, which was soon the powerplant of choice for many racers and rodders, and that meant speed parts were easy to find and relatively inexpensive. The result? These 12 AmericanCarCollector.com his month’s Insider’s View question takes a close look at Tri-Five Chevys and the possible future market for those iconic cars. It was one of our cars were the perfect blend of style, value, and performance for the cruising generation. And that generation is still passionate about them. A changing market People tend to collect what they coveted when they were young. Trouble is, Tri-Fives were well out of reach of most young adults in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s — mostly because of soaring prices in comparison with other cars. While I have no crystal ball, I think that’s going to be their ultimate downfall in a market filling up with an increasingly younger demographic. Instead of hopped-up ’55s and ’57s, the next generation of collectors ended up with cheaper Novas, Malibus, Mustangs and Camaros as the objects of their young affection, and that’s where their passions seem to fall today. How do I know? I’m part of that younger generation, and I don’t remember seeing Tri-Fives at the local high school cruise spots or the late-night drag races. And it’s not like there weren’t hundreds of them in town. They, like their owners, just kept more sensible hours than those of us out doing brakestands in our late ’60s Impalas after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a shift in interest over the next 10 years, with prices dropping on excellent 1955, ’56, and ’57 Chevys and prices moving up on mid- to late-1960s American muscle. In fact, if you look at the numbers, I think it’s already started to happen. So where does this leave Tri-Fives? They’ll always be icons, so they’ll always have value. I see them the same way I see ’32 Fords – lustworthy, but not because of the memories that potential buyers have of them, but rather for their attributes as pop culture and car culture legends — and they’re just really cool drivers and show cars. By no means will they drop 50% in value over the next few years. But I don’t think we can expect them to stay flat, either. But, then again, I could be wrong about all of this. That’s the beauty of the classiccar auction market. You never really know what’s going to happen until the hammer starts to fall. A

WHAT’SHAPPENING Hot August Nights Reno is a gambling town, but it’s a safe bet that Hot August Nights rings the bell for any American car collector. The yearly extravaganza of thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, street rods and classic cruisers starts with an extra three days in South Lake Tahoe from August 3 to 5. Hot August Nights then cruises to the familiar digs and streets of Reno from August 7 to 12. Event organizers claim that more than 800,000 gearheads and thousands of cars will once again be part of one of the biggest parties of the year. Expect traditional car shows, car cruises, swapmeets and music everywhere. This is one of the biggest gearhead events of the year, so it’s probably a good idea to make your hotel reservations now. Most events are free, but the famous casinos in South Lake Tahoe and Reno remain pay-to-play. www.hotaugustnights.net (NV) One of the biggest parties of the year for gearheads who love American cars Hot classics rule again in Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise Detroit’s not what it used to be — although the U.S. car industry is climbing off the canvas with style — but Woodward Avenue is still one of the great cruises on the planet. This year’s Woodward Dream Cruise rumbles to life on August 18, and steering some Detroit iron down that long drag will raise the hairs on the back of your neck, especially when you share the asphalt with thousands of hot classics, street rods and muscle, muscle, muscle. www.woodwarddreamcruise.com (MI) 14 AmericanCarCollector.com Picture 45 of these babies racing Cobras Racing at Laguna Seca Monterey in August has the reputation of being a fancy FerrariFest. But not this year — at least if you hang out at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion from August 17 to 19 to hear the roar of 45 real-deal Shelby Cobras racing. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will celebrate the long, fast life of Carroll Shelby, and we will definitely be there, as will another 200 Shelby Cobras in a special Cobra Corral. The races — where you feel the old cars ripping around the famous track — are always our favorite part of Monterey in August, and this will be a great year. www.mazdaraceway.com. (CA)

CROSSINGTHE Upcoming auctions July BLOCK by Tony Piff 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 383/300 at Jackson Hole Silver—Jackson Hole Auction Where: Jackson Hole, WY When: July 7 More: www.silverauctions.com Last year: 27/62 cars sold / $176k Quality classics from 16 states and Canada will be offered at Silver’s annual sale in picturesque Jackson Hole, where a babbling brook runs right though the auction site. Early headliners include a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 383/300 with 4-speed manual, all numbers-matching, driven just 1,000 miles since body-off restoration in 2000; a 1963 Ford Econoline pickup with new brakes, clutch, steering box and radiator, showing 59k actual miles; and a 1941 Chevrolet pickup in dark blue over a tan interior. Silver—Spokane Auction Where: Spokane, WA When: July 14 More: www.silverauctions.com This auction will take place in the middle of the 42nd Annual Mecum—Des Moines 2012 Where: Des Moines, IA When: July 20–21 More: www.mecum.com Last year: 286/461 cars sold / $5.4m Five hundred collector cars will cross the block at Mecum’s tion house of the Concours d’Elegance of America. In addition to a 2005 Ford GT boasting just 1,300 miles, the long list of important consignments includes a 1930 Packard 745 Convertible Victoria with coachwork by Waterhouse, one of only five known authentic examples; a supercharged 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Victoria with coachwork by Rollston; a 1948 Hudson woodie wagon; a 1924 Moon 6-50 four-door tourer, and a 1932 Lincoln KB coupe by Judkins. RM’s 1933 Duesenberg Model sJ Convertible Victoria RM returns to St. John’s for its second year as the official auc- AugusT Specialty Auto—South Lake Tahoe Classic Car Experience Where: South Lake Tahoe, NV When: August 4 More: www.saaasinc.com Specialty returns to Hot August Nights South Lake Tahoe for its Spokane Swap Meet, a three-day classic-car event sponsored by the Early Ford V8 Club. Look for classic cruisers, restored muscle, pickups and plenty of pre-war Fords. Silver—Carson City Auction Where: Carson City, NV When: August 9–12 More: www.silverauctions.com Last year: 272/328 cars sold / $4.8m Silver’s long-running Reno area auction (now taking place in second year. Watch this sale for a heavy dose of premium hot rods, customs and classic American cruisers. It’s just the place to pick up a stylish custom before Reno’s Hot August Nights. annual Des Moines sale. American muscle, post-war classics, pickups, customs and street rods are the dominant themes here, with the cars sold last year averaging $19k. The three-day auction takes place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and will be broadcast live on Discovery’s Velocity network. RM—The St. John’s Auction Where: Plymouth, MI When: July 28 More: www.rmauctions.com Last year: 60/70 cars sold / $7.6m 16 AmericanCarCollector.com Carson City for the second year) has traditionally been their biggest sale of the year. Four hundred quality nostalgic cars will cross the block this year. Early star cars include a 1929 Ford roadster street rod; a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS convertible with periodcorrect 396; a restored 1958 Chevrolet Impala with Tri-Power 348; a 1962 Dodge Coronet; a 1962 Willys Jeep station wagon in two-tone green with Mercedes 6-cyl and no rust; a cream-colored 1952 Willys Jeep station wagon completely restored with rebuilt Hurricane engine; and a 1979 Chevrolet Silverado K10 pickup in blue and silver. Specialty—Reno/Sparks Auction Where: Reno, NV When: August 9–12 More: www.saaasinc.com Specialty partnered with B&T Custom Rod last year to form

CROSSINGTHEBLOCK B&T Specialty Classic Car Auctions. They now operate the official auction of Hot August Nights. The mix of cars will span the range of American collectibles, from muscle to sports to customs, hot rods and pickups. motorcars is the longest standing auction of any on the Peninsula. This year, the sale moves to a more expansive venue on the Quail Lodge grounds. The event draws a strong mix of automotive collectibles from every genre, including a number of premium muscle cars and Big Classics. Bonhams—Quail Lodge Sale Where: Carmel, CA When: August 16–17 More: www.bonhams.com Last year: 65/128 cars sold / $11m Now in its 15th year, Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Sale of exceptional Last year: 38/98 bikes sold / $667k At their fourth annual sale, MidAmerica expects about 100 vin- tage bikes. Last year, prices for sold bikes ranged from $1,625 (for a 1969 BSA B25) to $69,550 (for a 1938 Brough Superior SS80), with a wide assortment at all price points in between. 1966 shelby 427 Cobra at gooding’s Pebble Beach auction Mecum—The Daytime Auction Where: Monterey, CA When: August 16–18 More: www.mecum.com Last year: 443/707 cars sold / $22m At “The Daytime Auction,” bidders can stroll the Del Monte Golf Course while perusing 750 cars on offer, as the murmur from the auction tent echoes across the manicured greenscape. The consignments include a variety of foreign and domestic cars from every era, with the emphasis squarely on American muscle. Russo and Steele—Monterey on the Waterfront Where: Monterey, CA When: August 16–18 More: www.russoandsteele.com Last year: 144/222 cars sold / $8.5m Russo and Steele moves to a new waterfront venue for their Gooding & Company—The Pebble Beach Auctions Where: Pebble Beach, CA When: August 17–19 More: www.goodingco.com Last year: 106/126 cars sold / $78m The early headliners at this premium-level event are a 1934 Cadillac V16 coupe (Gooding estimate: $300k–$400k); a 1930 Cord L-29 convertible sedan, offered without reserve ($200k–$250k); a 1952 Hudson Hornet sedan, offered without reserve ($50k–$70k); a 1940 Lincoln Continental cabriolet formerly owned by Babe Ruth ($200k–$300k); and a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, one of just 260 road cars produced. The Cobra is equipped with a genuine, date-coded 427 FE big block and has been extensively restored to its original Wimbledon White over black interior, complete documentation included ($750k–$950k). Monterey auction this year. Russo’s signature “auction in the round” format is one of the most dynamic experiences of the week, and the rock ’n’ roll atmosphere is upscale, high-energy and fun. Two hundred-fifty high-quality cars are expected here, with a balance of excellent luxury sports cars and iconic American muscle. The average sold price last year was $59k, and the American high sale was a 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda, sold at $198,000. last year. RM’s hand-picked consignment list focuses on blue-chip examples from each automotive genre, from every corner of the world. Alongside six- and seven-digit Duesenbergs and Tuckers, you’re likely to see some very significant Corvettes, Shelbys and muscle cars. RM—Sports & Classics of Monterey Where: Monterey, CA When: August 17–18 More: www.rmauctions.com Last year: 123/144 cars sold / $78m This top-level event saw 14 cars shatter the million-dollar mark MidAmerica—Vintage Motorcycle Auction & MarketPlace at Pebble Beach RetroAuto Where: Pebble Beach, CA When: August 17–19 More: www.midamericaauctions.com 18 AmericanCarCollector.com Auctions America by RM—Auburn Fall Where: Auburn, IN When: August 30–September 2 More: www.auctionsamerica.com Last year: 49/81 cars sold / $434k America’s love of the open road will be a theme at this year’s Auburn Fall sale, led by a restored 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe with custom-built trailer that looks like a time capsule from the 1930s (Auctions America by RM estimate: $150k–$225k). Nearly 1,500 American muscle cars, Classics, foreign sports cars and hot rods will cross the block at the Auburn Auction Park during the multi-day sale. Worldwide—Fall Auburn Where: Auburn, IN When: August 31–September 1 More: www.wwgauctions.com Last year: 243/374 cars sold / $13m Worldwide Auctioneers is the official auction company of the Early Ford V-8 Foundation, and “All Ford Friday” will take place the evening of Friday, August 31, featuring important Fords from all eras. “The Main Event” — a catalog auction limited to 80 exceptional motorcars — begins Saturday, September 1, at 6 p.m. Exciting early consignments include a 1931 Cadillac V12 convertible coupe, a 1929 Packard 640 phaeton, offered without reserve, and a 1934 Packard 1101 convertible coupe. A

Publisher’s Note Keith Martin Buy with your heart and your head A s you would imagine, we at American Car Collector are always in favor of buying more cars — whether it is you raising your hand at auction and our writing about the sale, or finding a car from a private seller. Each car you bring into your life will unlock new experiences, from the fun of the new people you will meet at car shows, to the frustration as you have to sort out little things that a previous owner might have overlooked. Think turn signals, brake lights, temperature gauges, heater controls and the like. Every old car will have issues; one of the keys to a successful ownership experience is to try to understand exactly what you are buying before it ends up in your garage — not after. When you look at a car, whether at a dealer lot, a private party or an auction, take time to be thorough on the little stuff. Carry a check list with you — there is a handy one in the back of every price guide we publish. Try out the wipers. Do they work? Do they park properly? How about the thermostat? Run the car long enough so that you can watch the gauge, if it has one, and see if it appears to be working. Or at the least, see if the engine appears to be getting up to temperature. Does the parking brake work? How about the backup lights and turn signals? All this stuff may seem inconsequential when compared to big things like matching numbers, good chrome and laser-straight bodywork. But I’m sure you’ll agree that each small thing you have to fix is frustrating — and rarely are things as simple as they would be on a newer car. It’s never just a bulb that has burned out, it’s a socket that is corroded. I guarantee that if you buy a car on which everything works, you’ll be much happier than if you spend a month with a voltmeter, under the dash, tracing down shorts. Also, a car in which everything works speaks well of the previous owner and how he wants his machines to work. At the very least, if you discover a list of things that need to be attended to, you can factor those costs into the offer you make. Buy with your heart — there’s no better feeling than finding the car of your dreams. But get your head involved as well, so that there are more joys than regrets when you bring your four-wheeled fantasy home.A CAR COLLECTOR Volume 1, no. 4 July-August 2012 Publisher Keith Martin Executive Editor Chester Allen Editor Jim Pickering Art Director Dave Tomaro Editor at large Colin Comer Auctions Editor Tony Piff Data Analyst Chad Tyson Copy Editor Yael Abel Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson Tom Glatch Daniel Grunwald John Clucas Chip Lamb Norm Mort Dale Novak Phil Skinner Contributors Carl Bomstead B. Mitchell Carlson Colin Comer John Draneas Michael Pierce John L. Stein Jay Harden Marshall Buck Information Technology/ Internet Bryan Wolfe lead Web Developer Marc Emerson sEO Consultant Michael Cottam Advertising Coordinator/ Web Content Administrator Erin Olson Financial Manager Nikki Nalum Print Media Buyer Wendie Martin ADVERTIsIng sAlEs Advertising Executives Tom Mann tom.mann@AmericanCarCollector.com 877.219.2605 x 211 Jeff Brinkley jeff.brinkley@AmericanCarCollector.com 877.219.2605 x 213 Randy Zussman randy.zussman@AmericanCarCollector.com 877.219.2605 x 214 Tom Williams tom.williams@AmericanCarCollector.com 877.219.2605 x 219 suBsCRIPTIOns subscriptions Manager Rich Coparanis subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 1 9 am to 5 pm, M–F service@AmericanCarCollector.com 503.253.2234 fax @acc_help 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 Web www.AmericanCarCollector.com Is it as nice under the dash as under the hood? 20 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 © 2012 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 AMERICAN Corvette Market JOIN US Keith Martin's includes

GOODREADS by Mark Wigginton I’ll never forget my first job: boxboy. So the first time my parents were out of town and Super Stock: Drag Racing the Family Sedan By Larry Davis, CarTech, 210 pages, $19.16, Amazon Grandma was nominally in charge, I called in sick so I could go to Lion’s Drag Strip, where Super Stock was king. For a few glorious years in the early ’60s, drag rac- ing success was as simple as wandering into a new car showroom, picking out a car with the biggest engine and a handful of go-fast options and then driving to the track to blow away the competition — or blow up your new car. It happened all around the country, in the various, ever-changing classes known as Super Stock. It was the drag-racing version of what was happening in stock cars and sports cars: Win on Sunday, sell on Monday. And sell they did. All that American sheet metal stuffed with big engines flew off the lots, and 50 years later those cars that once sat in drag-race staging lanes are now sitting in line to cross the block at collector car auctions. The drivers and their cars became stars. There was Bill Jenkins with various incarnations of Grumpy’s Toy, or “Dandy” Dick Landy and his Dodges. There was Dave Strickler’s “Old Reliable” and “Dyno Don” Nicholson, who started making his name in a ’65 Comet. Author Larry Davis was a part of it all, a kid with a fast street car who raced on and off the track. When his best friend from those days bought “Old Reliable II” to restore, Davis got the bug to document the Super Stock glory days — days it turned out were too short and overtaken by the class that morphed into both Pro Stock and Funny Cars. Davis takes a look at the Super Stock history, year by year, manufacturer by manufacturer, and backs up the facts with plenty of photos and some great yarns. It’s a fast ride down the strip. Lineage: ªªª Davis is primarily an aviation author, with some 70 books to his credit, but the Super Stock story was in his blood and had to come out. He has done the research, chasing the facts and photos to document the time in his life that shaped him. Fit and finish: ª This is the paperback version of “Super Stock,” which came out in hardcover in 2002. The design is a dense two-column text surrounded by well-reproduced blackand-white images, and a dozen pages of color, all printed in China. I tried to ignore the awful “picture frame” border on all the images, but couldn’t. Drivability: ªªªª There is something sweet about this book, which is obviously a labor of love in a marketplace full of automotive books that leave you shaking your head about why they were even printed. But Davis brings his own history and delight in the era to every page. There is enough data to make the book useful as history, enough personality to make it a fun read. ªªªªª is best COOLSTUFF by Tony Piff To protect and preserve This pH-neutral cleaner ($49) from Swissvax gently cleans leather without affecting color or the leather itself. It can be used over the long term and won’t accelerate aging. Once the leather is clean, apply Swissvax Leather Milk ($59) to moisturize, and finish with Leather Fat ($39) for protection. The Leather Kit ($115) includes all three products, plus premium-quality leather brush, cotton towel and handy zipper bag. www.swissvaxusa.com. 22 AmericanCarCollector.com Little plastic crowbars Eastwood’s popular pry tool set has been expanded to 10 pieces for even greater versatility. They’re just the thing for removing trim pieces, emblems and plastic dashboards. The glass-filled nylon material is strong and flexible for resisting breakage, and won’t mar delicate surface finishes. $39.99 from www.eastwood.com.A

UNDERTHE HOOD LeMay — America’s Car Museum AFTER A DECADE OF PLANNING, FUNDRAISING AND CONSTRUCTION, THE WORLD’S LARGEST PRIVATE COLLECTION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Jack Tockston Two weeks before the opening, as contractors were adding their finishing touches and cars were being staged GETTING THERE: Driving to the museum is easy because it sits next to Interstate 5. It’s a short walk from a Seattle-Tacoma Sounder railway stop, a short ride from the Amtrak station or a fun hop from downtown Tacoma by light rail. Seattle-Tacoma airport is a 30-minute drive, and Tacoma Narrows Airport (handy for private and corporate planes) is 20 minutes away. If you come by boat, the marinas on the Thea Foss waterway are just down the hill. For more information and schedule of events, go to www.lemaymuseum.org or call 253-774-8490. by Jack Tockston A fter more than a decade of gestation, the museum-rich city of Tacoma, WA, celebrated the grand opening of its world-class crown jewel, the LeMay — America’s Car Museum, on June 2, 2012. The patron saints of this destination are Harold and Nancy LeMay. Born in Yakima, WA, in 1919, Harold was a successful entrepreneur who, with hands-on support from his wife Nancy, eventually combined several firms and real estate holdings into Harold E. LeMay Enterprises Inc. Best known locally were his multi-county solid waste and recyclables collection companies. The largest collection With the couple’s savvy business sense came the ability to achieve every car enthusiast’s dream: to amass an assortment of interesting vehicles so vast that, in 1997, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as the largest private collection in the world, with a total of 2,200 vehicles. The collection later swelled to more than 3,400 vehicles, but after being culled of projects and parts cars, it’s now a more manageable 2,400. 26 AmericanCarCollector.com Architect Alan Grant (a Porsche enthu- siast) designed a huge, flowing, metal-clad shell over heavy timber that reminds of curves often found in automotive bodywork designs. With well-lit spaces on four floors, this happens to be the world’s largest private museum open to the public that displays its own holdings, drawn from the world’s largest private automobile collection. Fresh displays With the aim of preserving history and celebrating the world’s automotive culture, about 250 vehicles will be on display at any Detailing Hours Summer: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Admission Adults: $14 Winter: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday Seniors (age 65)/students/military: $12 Children (age 5–12): $8 Group (adults, 10 or more): $10 School group: $5 Discounts: AAA members/State Farm policyholders and employees, 10% one time — and regularly replaced to maintain a dynamic reputation that keeps interest up and the public coming back. Most will be provided by the LeMay family, who continue to add prime examples to their collection. In addition, the Pacific Northwest is a known haven for a significant number of private collections that include nearpriceless Pebble Beach winners, national and international road-racing icons, and more. It’s also home to world-class custom and hot rod builders, and competitive drag and motorcycle racing enthusiasts. These and other motorized interest groups (into fire engines, tractors, trucks, motorcycles, and so on) will be invited to display and share their passions. Building the museum was made possible with the energetic support and encouragement of the city of Tacoma, Nancy LeMay and family, individual donors, regional enthusiast volunteers, and long list of generous local, national and international sponsors including the magazine you’re holding. (Publisher Keith Martin is a museum board member.) The overall price tag of the facility when fully completed is projected to be more than $60 million, with estimated annual operating costs of $7.3 million. A

INSIDER’S VIEW The ACC question: There are no better icons of the 1950s than Chevrolet’s 1955, 1956 and 1957 150s, 210s and Bel Airs. But in recent years, prices on these shoebox Chevys have started to fluctuate. Has the market for these cars peaked? Is it time to buy, time to sell, or time to hold? If buying, which specific year and model would you recommend? Crowd-sourcing an answer to your queries To be on the mailing list for next month’s question, go to AmericanCarCollector.com and sign up for our biweekly newsletter. and more-modern updated variations, to radical or race creations. The “LOVE” and “gotta have” buyers for these cars were born in the late ’30s to mid ’40s. Unfortunately, they are past the halfway point on the bell curve, which means prices have just about peaked. And the downside of that bell curve is steeper. Move forward to better (lower and less market-inflated) priced early ’60s or “less favorite” late ’60s to early ’70s muscle/big motor cars. You can still love them, and I believe they have value growth ahead. Nick Fantasia, via email: It is time to sell. Unless you have a Black Widow, or something clearly blue chip, the following for these cars is decreasing more each year. They are rapidly becoming this era’s Model A. Charlie Barnett III, via email: It depends on the owner. If he looks at them as investments, I think they are done cookin’, and if he wants to grow financially, I would consider Pontiacs (’57–’63), Buicks (’58–’61), Olds (’57–’59), Cutlass (’69–’72), and Cadillac Eldorado convertibles (’66, ’73–’76). Those are undervalued vehicles often costing less than their Chevrolet counterparts, with more growth potential in terms of value. Mike Casson, via email: It’s time to sell! These icons of 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air: Buy, sell or hold? ACC readers respond: Bob de Leon, via email: The enthusiasts who grew up and loved these cars the most are on the back of the curve. I always felt when these cars dropped, the rest would slowly follow as we die off! The prices seem to be holding steady. These are always desirable cars and I love them, and there will always be a demand for them. Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, via email: Buy and hold 1955 convertibles and Nomad wagon. Tri-Five Chevys will always be good cars to own, but color, model and engine option are the keys: 1955: Coral and gray, Power packs (4-barrel with duals) 1956: Crocus and black, Aztec Gold and beige; two fours 1957: Turquoise and white; two fours, fuel injection I owned a Coral and gray Nomad. ’55s are the best… it had its own fender sheetmetal with the special “quilted” interior. Loved the car. Convertibles and two-door hard tops are always a good bet. O.J., via email: I have a ’55 Bel Air two-door hard top, so I am partial to the ’55. That said, I think they are stagnant now, but when the economy comes back (and it will), they will certainly gain in value again as they are still the iconic American car. Ron LeBlanc, via email: Buy if you want, but sharpen the pencil with the seller. These cars have peaked. Like anything, the market is driven by supply and demand. There are plenty of cars out there in all categories, with many correctly or over-restored, as well as period 28 AmericanCarCollector.com American iron are the epitome of classic ’50s style. But as the older car collector generation leaves the hobby, the younger generation just doesn’t see the same value in these cars. I’m 33, and I love the look of them, but I would never pay the prices they command today. I could see a short-term rebound in prices over the next two or three years as the economy improves, retirement plans recover and access to credit becomes easier. But long term, these cars are going to fall gradually over the next 15 years by at least 30%. Why, you ask? Because my generation won’t be able to afford them at current prices. Over a third of 18- to 39-yearolds still live at home with mom and dad. The average student loan debt is over $20,000. More than half of us in that same age group haven’t saved a dime for retirement or a down payment on a house, much less for a classic car. Compare those numbers with where current collectors were at that age, and it paints a dismal financial picture. Sure, as the older generation passes the hobby down to us, there will be buyers interested in these old cars. But will there be enough interest to maintain the current market prices? Not when most people my age have no idea how to tune an engine or drive a manual. My generation doesn’t have the patience for old technology, at least not in the numbers required to sustain a hobby. I’m afraid the best days of the Tri-Fives have passed. By all means, drive it if you love it! But if it’s money over love, sell now while they’re still worth something. Tom Heidgerd, via email: At 61, I have owned a broad range of vehicles, one of which was a ’55 210 sedan I built up (350/4 speed/ Posi, etc) in high school in the mid-’60s. Back then, it was a car of choice and it still is today. Plentiful parts and easy to work on, I cannot see any reason why they will become a “sell” item. Even in today’s depleted cash environment, they still command strong prices, and regardless, are fun to own and drive. There are few true auto icons — and that is always a discussion full of fun debate — but like the Deuce coupe, Tri-Fives will forever represent a warm spot in every rodder’s heart, if not his wallet. A

Cheap Thrills B. Mitchell Carlson PONY CAR Pontiac’s CAMAROS MAY BE WORTH MORE IN THE MARKET, BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE THEM A B always bring less money than Camaros. Why? While there were W Detailing three times as many Camaros built (699,138 versus 277,381 Firebirds), today there’s easily 10 times the interest and desire for t Chevy than for the Pontiac. But just because one is worth more i the market doesn’t mean it’s a be value. p Thrills B. Mitchell Carlson PONY CAR Pontiac’s CAMAROS MAY BE WORTH MORE IN THE MARKET, BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE THEM A B always bring less money than Camaros. Why? While there were W Detailing three times as many Camaros built (699,138 versus 277,381 Firebirds), today there’s easily 10 times the interest and desire for t Chevy than for the Pontiac. But just because one is worth more i the market doesn’t mean it’s a be value. 1969 1969 Pontiac Firebird Unibody nuts and bolts Pontiac catered to a more u Years produced: 1967–69 Number produced: 277,381 Original list price: $3,314 (1969 350 coupe) Current ACC Valuation: $12,000 to $23,000 (coupe), $15,300 to $34,400 (convertible) Tune-up cost: $150 Distributor cap: $15 Chassis #: Tag on the driver’s side door pillar (1967), base of the windshield on driver’s side (1968–69) sophisticated look than the Camaro. Firebirds also tended to be better equipped. Today, basic Firebirds start around $12k in good original condition, with convertibles around $15k. For a similar Camaro coupe, you’ll be paying $20k-plus. Power steering and power brakes were almost a foregone conclusion when ordering a Firebird. While power seats could be had only in the Pontiac, performance goodies, such as F41 suspension and JL8 4-wheel disc brakes, were exclusive to Camaro. So for the driver who wants some civility, the edge goes to the Firebird. Bang for your buck in a V8 While Chevrolet offered both small- and big-block Engine #: Front right side of the engine block, stamped with the last eight digits of the VIN. Website: www.poci.org Additional: www.phs-online. com V8s, Pontiac’s V8s were essentially displacement changes on the basic architecture — with subsequent refinements. Initial Firebird offerings started with the 2-bar- Clubs: Pontiac-Oakland Club International, P.O. Box 68 Maple Plain, MN 55359 Alternatives: 1967–69 Chevrolet Camaro, 1967–70 Mercury Cougar, 1967–74 Plymouth Barracuda, 1968–70 AMC AMX ACC Investment Grade: C 30 AmericanCarCollector.com rel, 250-hp 326, with optional 285-hp 326 HO and a 325-hp version of the 400 found in the GTO. The 400 was also available with Ram Air, but the horsepower rating stayed the same. For 1968, the 326 was discontinued, and the base and HO packages were built around the new Pontiac 350. Horsepower ratings were 265 and 320, respectively. The 400 was also bumped up to 330 horsepower in 1968, plus the Ram Air-equipped 400 was now advertised at 335 horsepower. While engine choices remained the same for 1969, the now-famous Trans Am became available. Those cars are rightfully at the top of the Firebird or the six cylinder offer- maro skinned. n-made, e available at e in the 1966 rd, and was more powerful than Camaro’s base 230-ci, 140-hp six and uprated 250-ci, 155-hp six. Pontiac’s entry-level 230-ci motor produced 165 horsepower (upped to 175 in 1968). It was also available with higher compression and an optional 4-barrel Quadrajet carburetor, yielding 207 horses (also bumped up for 1968, to 215 horsepower). Pontiac offered a unique package for its higher- horse, six-equipped car, which was called the Sprint. Aside from the 4-barrel carb, the Sprint package also included heavier sway bars, performance-tuned shock absorbers, floor shift transmission — plus unique side graphics and 3.8 Liter OHC fender emblems. You can get an excellent one for $14k–$18k today. Choices abound If you have a $12k to $35k budget, you have your choice of almost any Firebird (excluding ’69 Trans Ams). Thanks to Pontiac Historical Services, we know exactly how each one was built when new, so you know what you have even if it’s a wannabe Trans Am convert. That’s something that Camaro owners usually can’t say, and with counterfeit documentation becoming more prolific, it’ll only get worse. With more performance on the lower end and com- mensurate performance in the middle when compared with Camaros, the Firebird is a better value — especially for those of us who aren’t Bowtie brainwashed and want our cars to do more than go in a straight line for a quarter mile. A hen it com General M F-body ca Firebirds will food chain, with prices nearing six figures. Second to that s the Ram Air ption, which in s market, adds s much as 75% e bottom line % on 1967s, and

Corvette Market John L. Stein HISTORYcarries a price WE CAN’T CHOOSE OUR CARS’ PRIOR HISTORIES, BUT WE CAN STEER THE HISTORY WE MAKE ON OUR WATCH 1967 custom with a reported $200k build cost, sold at $48k And it’s history, not the guy wielding the Sawzall, that ultimately does the deciding. T Lasting reflections from one shining moment A 1960 Corvette in decent condition has an approximate current market value of $50,000 to $60,000, ranging upward to $75,000 if equipped with fuel injection and $135,000 to $175,000 if equipped with the “Big Brake” RPO 687. But these values mushroom like an H-bomb cloud when the car in question is one of four 1960 Corvettes prepared for the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year. Finishing first in class and piloted by John Fitch and Bob Grossman, the most successful one, restored in 2002 to its Le Mans point in time, has an estimated worth of $1.5 million or more. In this case, the extensive modification and successful use of a production Corvette increased its market value over a normal 1960 model by some 30 times. he only difference between a hero and a fool is the outcome. By this I mean that the exact same actions can deliver triumph or calamity. This holds true in the Corvette world, as evidenced by the long-term gain or loss of value in modified cars. 1967 stock, nCRs Top Flight winner, sold for $133k in 2010 Young and I bought the Executioner for $21,000 during the Corvette upswing, exhaustively researched it while attending to various mechanical glitches, and then struggled to sell it both on eBay and through a broker a year later. In the end, we just managed to recover our purchase price — a net loss when you consider the costs incurred during ownership. “We were the only ones not to make money during the boom,” Young joked wryly. Where is the value? Had this ’64 convertible been left as-is instead of modified, its 20,000-actual-miles status would have put it closer to $65,000 today — three times its worth as a modified drag/show car. But that car’s shining moment was its time as the “Executioner” — dim as that history may be — not as a stock ’64 327/300 convertible. Returning it to stock condition would be cost-prohibitive, and covering up the car’s history would be a hard choice to make. Although gassers have come on the cam of late, ’64 gasser: the “Executioner” Mods and the value deficit But heavily modified cars can also swing the other way — into a costly “value deficit” — if they fail to earn historical status. In 2005, my friend Scott Young and I invested in the “Executioner,” a wild ’64 Corvette Sting Ray gasser. It had been flamboyantly modified during the late 1960s, including a tubular front axle setup, dramatic pearl paintwork by Milwaukee master Butch Brinza, a commanding side-by-side two-carb setup on a built engine, a period diamond-tuck interior, and more. The mods would easily range into six figures at today’s shop rates. With a possible drag-racing history preceding a successful show career on the Autorama circuit in the Midwest — including multiple awards — and plenty of dated photos from Brinza showing its build progression, it had a fairly ironclad heritage. It also had the promise of strong value growth. 32 AmericanCarCollector.com it takes only an ounce of logic to recognize that the ’60 Le Mans class winner should be worth way more than a relatively unknown gasser. So while the Hero’s Journey is open to all car owners to explore, only some do — and fewer still find reward there. Leave it stock or not? We can no more choose our cars’ prior histories than we can choose our parents, but we can steer the history we make with them on our watch. This starts with thinking carefully about whether the modifications you make to a stock Corvette today will wind up making you a hero or a fool several decades down the road. If you’re going to modify any Corvette — whether that means going racing, building a resto-mod or just adding tinted taillight lenses and a spoiler to a C5 – I say do it only for a really big, powerful reason. If the mods help you win four SCCA national titles, congratulations. But if they just help you look good on Woodward during the Dream Cruise, go sit in the corner. And if you don’t believe this now, history will repeat the story later — to your wallet. A

Horsepower Colin Comer REMEMBERED Carroll Shelby SHELBY WAS THE EPITOME OF AN AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY. MORE IMPRESSIVELY, HE MADE IT LOOK EASY shelby with a pair of 289 Cobras. His creation changed the automotive world forever, but he was just getting started Courtesy of Shelby American Inc. O n May 10, 2012, the automotive world was rocked when Carroll Shelby passed away at 89 years old. It was headline news that spread like wildfire, understandable when one considers the magnitude of the loss. Now, let’s be honest. To any logical person, losing an 89-year-old double transplant recipient (heart in 1990, kidney in 1996) after a prolonged illness would come as no shock. But to Shelby’s family, friends and loyal fans, it was just that. We all fully expected him to live forever. After all, isn’t that what heroes do? Even a cursory scan of the Internet will show pages of tributes and heartfelt remembrances of the man. Unfortunately, most are from people who didn’t know him. As the author of two books on Shelby automobiles, I received countless messages from people sorry for my loss as if I were a family member. I guess in a way all Shelby guys were family; that’s how Carroll made people feel. But why is it that even though for decades we all (including Shelby) feared this day would come, we are still shocked and saddened by it? I’ve struggled with that for the two weeks since his death. 34 AmericanCarCollector.com He played to win Carroll Shelby was a character made for movies yet existed in real life. He was a tough SOB from the word go, a usually irreverent man who always played to win regardless of the “sport” he was engaged in. Life, competition, business, big game hunting and even his own health — these were just some of the areas in which Shelby was a relentless competitor. Our hero Shelby always seemed to come out on top with that movie star swagger and “aw, shucks” smile. He was the epitome of an American success story. More impressively, he made it look easy. Shelby was a promoter par excellence, a “brand image” master- mind decades before any marketing expert coined the phrase. He was an exceptional talent scout, and knew how to recognize brilliance within people and assemble it into a team to achieve his goals. Shelby didn’t need any aptitude tests or personality profiles; if you were the best, he would charm you into doing it for him. And all of this was the secret to his success: the drive to win at all costs and the ability to recognize that he couldn’t do it on his own.

Now, I’d be remiss if I painted a picture of Shelby’s life that was all sunshine and lollipops. If it had been like that, we wouldn’t respect the man as much. There were trials and tribulations along the way, most well publicized, and thankfully, Shelby never quit. Like a boxer, he was quick on his feet, always ready to move (and fight) as needed. Three steps ahead Shelby’s ability to look ahead for the next opportunity but always support his past and those who were faithful to it was uncanny. He’d tell you exactly what he thought and what he wanted, especially if you’d pissed him off. There was no sugar coating with Shelby, and thank God for that. You could hear the gears spinning when you’d talk to him and could tell that the Ford supercomputer that designed the 427 Cobra chassis had nothing on the computer in Shelby’s head. Regardless of the subject matter, you knew Shelby was three paces ahead of you. Always. Professionally, Shelby changed the automotive world forever in 1962 when he introduced the Cobra. But that wasn’t enough for ol’ Shel. He kept going. And this is another reason for his larger-than-life impact — unlike most other automotive greats who speak to just one generation, the Shelby legend speaks to multiple generations. From Ford, to Chrysler, to GM, and back to Ford, since the 1960s there have been new Shelby projects every decade that have created their own legion of fans. And these new fans quickly learn of Shelby’s past successes and then become passionate about them. I speak from experience. While I knew about Cobras and Shelby Mustangs, it wasn’t until I bought a Shelby Dodge GLH-S in 1991 and went to a few Shelby club events that I really became interested in learning everything about the earlier cars. Oh, and I knew I had to have one. It became a goal. That same phenomenon continues today. Buyers of new GT500 Mustangs end up studying Shelby history and then seek a vintage Shelby to accompany their new car. Ever the innovator — shelby with his gR-1 concept car Courtesy of Shelby American Inc. Now what? So what does it all mean, now that we’ve lost Carroll? Unquestionably we’ve lost an icon. But anybody larger than life has a legacy that dwarfs that. He was a prolific innovator and manufacturer, and his cars will live forever and continue to introduce new people to the Shelby legend. His accomplishments as a racer, and those of his cars, are a permanent part of motorsports history. The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation will continue to grow and continue with Carroll’s mission as the years go on. Shelby American in Las Vegas will soldier on the way Carroll wanted, building new Cobras and making cars way faster than they need to be. But most importantly, the lives Carroll Shelby changed will remain much better for it long after the sense of loss subsides. Godspeed, Carroll, and thank you. From all of us. A July-August 2012 35

Q&A modification (i.e. fifth one completed vs, 20th) would result in a higher valuation? Also for a car like this, what kind of annual miles would begin to hurt the value on a 2013 Shelby Super Snake as long as it was well taken care of? Thanks for your response. — Darrell, via email Q: by Jim Pickering and Chad Tyson Send your questions to questions@americancarcollector.com. If we print it, we’ll send you an American Car Collector hat! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers I have a friend who will be purchasing a 2013 Shelby GT500 and is looking at sending it to get the Super Snake Package on it. In your opinion, is there any historical information or future thoughts that having an earlier Chad (left) and Jim Q: I own a 1963 Corvette SplitWindow coupe, which I acquired from the original owner in 1972. The time has come to consider selling the vehicle. Last year, I had the car certified as a Survivor while attending Bloomington Gold at St. Charles, IL. Here are the particulars: • 327 ci, 300 hp • Numbers-matching throughout • Automatic transmission • Power steering • Power windows • Tinted windshield • Positraction • AM signal-seeking radio • Sebring Silver (original paint) • Black interior • 94,000 miles (59,000 at time of purchase in 1972) • Never hit or damaged, garaged its entire life (probably a condition #2) • Everything works, even the clock I’m not certain how to go about selling 2013 shelby gT500 coupe — to super snake or not to super snake? currently out of production. After all, why would a buyer pay a premium for a used car (with miles on it — ANY miles) if he can just go down and order a brand-new one with the same package and equipment? Now, if your friend really wants a Super A: Snake, I’d say tell him to go for it. They’re great cars, with suspension, power and appearance modifications that take the already over-the-top GT500 to another level. They make a true 800 horsepower. In addition, production is said to be limited, and each is cataloged in the Shelby Registry, which can only help their value in the future. But that’s the key here — appreciation may take awhile, and your friend needs to know that before writing the check. And like you mention, mileage would need to be kept very low, which severely 36 AmericanCarCollector.com If you’re looking for a car that will go up in value, I’d suggest starting with something that’s limits what your friend would be able to do with the car. I’d say maybe hundreds of miles over the course of several years, just to keep the seals lubricated and everything functioning correctly. Anything more could potentially hurt the car’s value. If he does go with the Super Snake, I don’t think he’ll see much variance in value from the fifth to the 20th car built — but that may not be true for the first or last. Those cars tend to bring more. For the money, which in this case is about $48k MSRP for the base car and an additional $34,500 for the Super Snake package, I’d be looking at a vintage GT500 like the one featured on page 46 of this issue. I’d argue that it has all the curb appeal of a new one, you can use it now, and you’re not going to have to deal with the depreciation that seems to follow modern muscle in this market. — Jim Pickering the car. Would auctioning be a good option? If so, which auction? Any other ideas or advice? — Ken, via email Bloomington Gold was a smart move, as it’ll help bring a good price from buyers who might otherwise be skeptical of the car’s originality. And as it’s not a high-horsepower car and it’s an automatic (both can be considered strikes in the classic-Corvette market), having the certification is a real bonus. I’d suggest consigning the car with a com- A: pany such as Mecum or Barrett-Jackson, as both have a good history selling documented original Corvettes. Whatever you do, be sure to include a lot of photos (both vintage and recent) of the car and a copy of the recent certification. But above all, come up with a price you think is reasonable and stick to it with a reserve, if you can. Keep in mind that although this is an original Sebring Silver ’63, it’s also a 300-hp automatic. Don’t expect Fuelie money here and you’ll do fine. — J.P.A It sounds like you have a great original car, and getting the Survivor certification from

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PROFILE CORVETTE 1957Corvette 283/270 convertible CHEVROLET First-gen Corvettes don’t have a trim tag, so claims of a rare color have to be met with a window sticker, invoice, build sheet or some other proof 42 AmericanCarCollector.com Chassis number: E57S106210 by Tom Glatch professional restoration to original specifications, including the replication of factory markings. Professionally detailed, it features a 283-ci, 270-hp V8 with dual quads, dual exhaust, an electric clock, tachometer, windshield washer system, courtesy lights, a deluxe heater and an outside rear-view mirror. Ready for NCRS judging or Bloomington Gold, it T would make an excellent addition to any collection. ACC Analysis This 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible, Lot 395, sold for $99,000, including buyer’s premium, at the Auctions America by RM Spring Carlisle auction on April 29, 2012. The 1957 Corvette is one of the few Corvettes that can rightfully be called “iconic,” coveted by both Corvette and non-Corvette collectors alike. But in reality, it’s the ’57 Corvettes equipped with the innovative Rochester “Ram Jet” mechanical fuel injection, especially those with the 4-speed manual gearbox, that are true icons. Part of their mystique is the space-age fuel-injection system, part is the magic one-horsepower-per-cubicinch output of their powerplant, and part is their his is one of 6,339 Corvettes built in 1957, and one of only 10 cars produced in Inca Silver with Imperial White coves and a red interior. It was the recipient of a complete frame-off rarity — availability was limited, and only 756 283-hp cars were built that year. Throw in the 4-speed, which was not available until April 9, 1957, and you have the formula that legends are made of. Second-best to injection But what about the next best thing? The perfor- mance Corvette that most buyers chose was the 270-hp car. Equipped with twin Carter 4-barrel carburetors and the famous Duntov cam, the RPO 469C option was readily available, cost $301.25 less than the Fuelie, and could be worked on by any shade-tree mechanic. This was a Corvette that had a lot going for it, but how did it fare against the fuel-injected icon? Testing in the real world John Dolza’s mechanical fuel-injection system was created with competition in mind. His design offered faster throttle response, eliminated fuel flooding or starvation during high-speed cornering, and added an advertised 13 horsepower to boot. But it was hastily rushed into production for non-competition sedans and Corvettes at the urging of Harlow Curtice, GM executive vice president of North America, who himself was pressured by design chief Harley Earl. In their June 1957 issue, Sports Car Illustrated magazine decided to find out if the extra expense of fuel injection was really worth it. With a 270-hp Corvette on the East Coast and a 283-hp Fuelie Courtesy of Auctions America by RM

ACC Digital Bonus Corvette on the West Coast, SCI compared the performance and drivability of both cars. They found the fuel-injected ’57 was as advertised: a complex system with superb throttle response, no flooding or starving, better fuel economy, and the kick of at least 10 more horses. But they also discovered what owners were also encountering: that the injected cars were difficult to start when the engine was hot — something the engineers were able to cure a few years later. But Sports Car Illustrated also found that the dual-quad 270-hp car was no slouch, though with a more traditional feel: “Starting the dual-quad car was easy, by twisting the ignition switch, though some care was needed to avoid flooding on hot starts. Once warmed up, the idle was low enough at 500 rpm, but it was full of lumps and shook the car. This can be handed to the competition cam, which was installed in both cars... The power from this cam comes on strongly at about 2,700 rpm and stays that way until about 5,300, after which it falls off rapidly, apparently due to valve gear. At the end of a fast run, the idle was extremely bad, and after each stop in the braking test, the carbs would stall the engine dead. The dual-quad setup is by now a familiar one, so rigged that the rear carb runs all the time and the front one cuts in only at about two-thirds throttle.” Although the cars were not otherwise identical, SCI felt the difference in performance between the Fuelie and the dual-quad ’57 was consistent with the advertised horsepower of both cars. So while the dual-four car fell in behind the Fuelie, it was a close second that became even closer if tuning and maintenance were of any concern to the buyer. A rarity in silver for 1957 GM also quietly introduced another technological advancement in ’57 — the first use of Dupont Lucite acrylic lacquer paint. GM pioneered the use of Dupont Duco nitrocellu- Detailing Year produced: 1957 Number produced: 6,339 (1,621 270 hp) Original list price: $3,756 Current ACC Valuation: $50,000–$93,000 (270 hp) Tune-up/major service: $150 Distributor cap: $19.99 Chassis #: VIN plate on the steering column More: www.ncrs.org Alternatives: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-code, 1959 Cadillac DeVille convertible Club: National Corvette Restorers Society ACC Investment Grade: B Comps lose spray paint in the early 1920s, when the rest of the industry still brushed, dipped, or flowed on paint — a carryover from the carriage trade. But nitrocellulose paints were prone to fading, yellowing and cracking with age, and were especially dangerous to use. The only ’57 acrylic lacquer color was Inca Silver, and only 65 were built (including just 10 with the contrasting Imperial White coves). Within a few years, all GM products had switched to acrylic lacquer. Premium pricing? Must have docs Fuel-injected ’57 Corvettes, especially properly documented 4-speed cars, command premium prices, occasionally surpassing $250,000 for the best examples. The ultra-rare (43 built) competition “Air Box” FI cars can add another $100k or more. But the typical 270-hp Corvette is in the $50,000 to $93,000 range, although two top-notch cars sold for over $105,000 in the middle of the past decade. Our feature ’57 looks to be properly restored, and it claims to be one of the 10 Inca Silver/Imperial White cars built. But no mention of documentation is made, and without documentation, this is just another ’57 Corvette. First-generation Corvettes don’t have a trim tag, so claims of a rare color have to be met with a window sticker, invoice, build sheet, or some other proof. And terms like “ready for NCRS judging or Bloomington Gold” hardly instill a peaceful, easy feeling in bidders thinking of shelling out more than $100k for a Corvette. With that NCRS Top Flight or Bloomington Gold certification in hand, this Corvette might have topped the charts for a 270-hp car. But without documentation, it’s just a very nice Corvette that went above the market value for comparable cars. I’d say very well sold. A (Introductory description cour- tesy of Auctions America by RM.) July-August 2012 43 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 Lot 207, S/N E57S104301 Sold at $63,250 RM Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/13/2010 ACC# 165695 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 Lot S16, S/N E57S101891 Sold at $82,680 Mecum Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 6/22/2011 ACC# 197625 Engine #: Pad on front of block below right cylinder head 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 Lot 957.2, S/N E57S102586 Condition: 1Sold at $73,700 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/15/2012 ACC# 191435

PROFILE GM 1971Camaro Z/28 coupe CHEVROLET Early second-gen Zs are overlooked as some of the best all-around performers of their era Chassis number: 124871N517220 by Jay Harden B 44 AmericanCarCollector.com eautiful rotisserie restoration on an original and very rare split-bumper Z/28. This is a matching-numbers example. Equipped with solid-lifter 350/330-hp LT1 V8 with heavyduty close-ratio 4-speed transmission and Positraction rear end with 3.73 gears. Options include power disc brakes, heavy-duty sus- pension and D80 spoiler package. Beautiful Mulsanne Blue Metallic finish surrounds a deluxe herringbone interior with woodgrain trim, full console and complete gauge package. Beautifully refurbished original mag wheels ride on Goodyear F60x15 Polyglas GT tires. This split-bumper Z/28 is highly documented with the original bill of sale, dealer finance papers and factory Protect-O-Plate. ACC Analysis This car, Lot 628.1, sold for $48,400, including buyer’s pre- mium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach, FL, auction on April 5–7, 2012. Anyone continuing to doubt the claim that early second-generation Camaros have grown into valuable commodities may need to take a long, hard look at the Mulsanne Blue Metallic Z/28 on these pages, and then consider the $48,400 it recently earned in Palm Beach. For several years now, early second-gen Camaros have been rumored to be on the very precipice of establishing themselves as legitimate collectibles. However, Camaro and muscle-car enthusiasts have occupied the majority stake in the rumor mill, and few outside a very loyal legion of admirers have been willing to write a check for one. The poor man’s Corvette The Camaro has long been burdened with the label of “the poor man’s Corvette,” which is a claim strengthened by the characterization of Camaro and muscle-car enthusiasts as the “good ol’ boys” of the collector world. Although we do tend to prefer beer to champagne and cheese dip to caviar, the second-gen enthusiasts have, for the most part, represented their own chapter of the club, even among those of us with Bow-Tie tattoos and Z/28 checkbooks. Partner that somewhat unflattering brand with the fact that the 1970–73 cars tend to be categorized as second-tier Camaros, and you wind up with a rather Rodney Dangerfield-esque pony car. In an effort to prove to myself that this sale, and several others like it, were simply outlying errors in judgment, I set about organizing my argument against them, despite my personal affection for these cars. I focused my research specifically on the 1970–73 Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

ACC Digital Bonus round-taillight cars, and have done so because I believe most of us can agree that 1974 was the official dawn of the Dark Age in the history of the Camaro. However, as is often the case when I set out to prove a point, I managed to paint myself into a corner. Zs on the upswing eferencing the extensive American ector database, as well as several n house records and tallies from ents, I discovered that the whispers ors of the eventual early second-gen sh in value are simply lies. It has already happened. Going straight to the numbers reveals some surprising, but not so ridiculous, truths. According to two decades of ACC records, the sale prices for 1970–73 Camaros, on average, have more than doubled in the past 10 years, from st shy of $16k in 2002 to over $36k in 2012. though consistently trailing their older sibngs in average value by roughly 30%, such a substantial jump in value is certainly worth oting. s unrealistic to expect that second-gen cars will pass the 1967–69 cars in value, but it is reao assume that their values may share similar ies over the years. e being a better car than its predecessor in very way, the 1970 Camaro is rarely, if ever, d in the same conversations as the horseroes of the muscle and pony car wars. For , the 1969 Z/28, with its underrated, notorious p DZ-code 302-ci screamer, is the kind of car that influences fathers to ponder, if only momentarily, the trade-in value of firstborns. On the other hand, the 1970 Z/28, with its lower, longer, and wider body, substantially improved engineering, and its clean-sheet, solid-lifter 360-hp LT1, is routinely overlooked as one of the best all-around performers of its era. Harder to find Although “rare” is a term that is, well, rarely used to describe the Camaro, the early second-gen cars may not be as readily available as you might think. Total Camaro production for 1970 barely reached half the output of the previous year, falling just short of 125,000 cars. Fewer than 9,000 Z/28s were produced in 1970, which was a dramatic drop from the 20,000 or so units produced in ’69. Numbers continued to fall in ’71 and ’72 due to worker strikes and production stoppages. Fewer than 60,000 cars were produced in ’72, and slightly more than 2,500 of those were adorned with Z/28 badges. Those numbers add up to the production of more Z/28s in 1969 than in ’70, ’71, and ’72 combined. This car and its alternatives So how does this particular car stack up? And where did the spike in value over the ACC Pocket Price Guide’s $34,500 high estimate come from? Considering that this Z is one of fewer than 5,000 cars produced, was beautifully restored in a great color, has a matching-numbers drivetrain with a 4-speed and a 3.73 gear, and is highly documented, I think it is reasonable to assume that this may be one of the nicest examples anywhere. And buyers pay for quality. In addition, I think it may also be valuable to take a look at what the new owner passed on in order to acquire this car. For roughly the same money at this same sale, the options included a 1969 RS Z/28 Camaro ($45,100), a 1969 GTX 440/4-sp ($45,100), a 1967 GTO 400/4-sp convertible ($50,600), a 1971 Challenger 383/auto convertible ($45,100), and a 1967 Corvette 327/350 4-sp convertible ($53,900). Each one of the comparable sales is a heavy hitter and a certified big-leaguer, and to insinuate that this Camaro doesn’t belong seems like an exercise in futility. Although I consider this car to be slightly well sold, I would have a hard time arguing that it isn’t worth every penny. If you still disagree, it might be worth your time to take a close look at the 1970 Z/28 that sold at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale sale in January for $74,800. It may just be time to put that “poor man’s Corvette” slander to bed. A (Introductory description cour- tesy of Barrett-Jackson.) July-August 2012 45 Detailing Years produced: 1970–73 Number produced: 8,733 (1970), 4,862 (1971), 2,575 (1972) Original list price: $3,635 Current ACC Valuation: $21,400–$34,500 Tune-up/major service: $150 Distributor cap: $12.88 Chassis #: VIN plate under windshield on driver’s side Club: American Camaro Association Engine #: Pad on passenger’s side of engine forward of cylinder head More: www.americancamaro. org Alternatives: 1970 Buick GSX 455, 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 convertible, 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Q-code ACC Investment Grade: B Comps 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Lot 930.4, S/N 124870L525744 Condition: 3+ Sold at $38,500 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/15/2012 ACC# 192599 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Lot F191, S/N 124870N541705 Condition: 1Sold at $37,400 Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 12/2/2010 ACC# 168273 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Lot 406.1, S/N 124871L502955 Condition: 2 Sold at $55,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/18/2010 ACC# 155009

PROFILE FOMOCO 1968GT500 fastback SHELBY OCO 1968GT500 fastback SHELBY well-sorted well-sorted GT500 depends on quality, originality, documents, color, options and transmission OFILE FOMOCO 1968GT500 fastback SHELBY well-sorted GT500 depends on quality, originality, documents, color, options and transmission by by Dale Novak • 428-ci Police Interceptor V8 engine • Balanced and blueprinted by Duffin’s Machine Shop • Automatic transmission • Built at Ford’s Metuchen plant on December 21, 1967 • Restored to original by Randal’s Restorations • The steel wheels and hubcaps have been upgraded to 10-spoke wheels • Aside from the mag wheel upgrade, this Shelby is like it was the day it came off the assembly line ACC Analysis This car, Lot 469, sold for $93,500, including buyer’s pre- mium, at the Leake Auction Co. sale in San Antonio, TX, on April 20–21, 2012. By 1968, Ford had all but taken over production of the Shelby Mustang. Sales were dramatically up, with over six times more cars sold in 1967 than 1966. The 1968 model was expected to sell even more, which required a more fluid production process than had been acceptable in the past. The Shelby-designed fiberglass parts were now sup- plied by A.O. Smith in Ionia, MI (the same company supplying GM with Corvette bodies). As such, Shelby Automotive set up shop in Livonia, MI, which was much closer to the assembly line building the cars. All 1968 Shelby Mustangs would be manufactured in Metuchen, NJ, and then shipped to the A.O. Smith facilities in Ionia for the final assembly, where they were given Shelby body accents and parts. 46 AmericanCarCollector.com More creature comforts In ’67, the hot new GT500 outsold the GT350 by nearly two to one (2,048 vs. 1,175). The early ’68 GT500s came equipped with the same Police Interceptor 428, only now it was equipped with a single 4-barrel rather than the previous year’s dual 4-barrel configuration. But the swap managed to up the horsepower rating to 360. In April of 1968, Ford introduced the hot new 428 Cobra Jet (CJ) engine, which quickly found its way into the 1968 Shelby GT500 line — branding the new updated model as the GT500 KR. The published horsepower suspiciously dropped to 335, but rumors around the Saturday night cruise-in crowd pegged the real number at well over 400 hp. A gold automatic — but still a Shelby Our subject car was a standard GT500 built on December 21, 1967, and finished in Sunlit Gold. It was then shipped to Hemphill McCombs Ford Inc. of San Antonio, TX, on January 26, 1968. The car may have spent its entire life in Texas, although that’s only an assumption. But if that’s indeed the case, the body was probably rust-free. David Randal, a well-known Texas-based Shelby restoration shop, had previously restored our subject car — Shelby chassis number 00880. The body was taken down to bare metal and finished with a basecoat clear coat by another Texas shop as directed by Randal’s team. The 428 Police Interceptor engine was balanced and blueprinted, and the restoration appears Courtesy of Leake Auction Company

ACC Digital Bonus to have been well planned, thorough and detailed — but not overly so. KRs, colors and the extra pedal premium Shelbys like this trade rela- tively often, so there are plenty of comparable sales to help peg the current market. But our focus needs to stay squarely on the earlier built cars — those with the 428 Police Interceptor. Later GT500 KRs with the CJ engine will generally command about a 20% to 25% premium. Valuing a well-sorted GT500 depends on variables such as quality, originality, documentation, color, options and transmission selection, to name a few. This car’s color, although correct for the build, is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. I think it’s attractive, but given the prospect of parting with some of my hard-earned cash as an investment (meaning I’d like to be able to easily sell it down the road), I’d prefer one in red or blue — and like most muscle buyers, I’d really rather have a 4-speed. Our first comparable database entry is Lot S169, a 1968 Shelby GT500 that sold at the Mecum Kissimmee sale in January 2012 for $116,600 (ACC# 201280). This car was finished in Acapulco Blue, appeared to be well sorted with more documentation than our subject car, and included the game-changing 4-speed transmission. That car appeared to be in good condition but was certainly not over-the-top. Next, another Mecum sale, this time in Dallas in October 2011. There, a 1968 GT500, Lot S150.1, found a new garage for $92,750 (ACC# 191111). This car was also finished in the desirable Acapulco Blue but also came with an automatic transmission, so in that re- Detailing Year produced: 1968 Number produced: 1,140 (GT500) Original list price: $4,317 Current ACC Valuation: $90,000–$127,500 Tune-up cost: $200 Distributor cap: $25 Chassis #: Driver’s side door tag Club: www.saac.com More: www.mustangforums. com Engine #: Pad on the back of the block on the driver’s side Alternatives: 1968 Ford Mustang GT 428CJ fastback, 1968 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro 427 coupe, 1968 Mercury GT-E 427 2-dr hard top gard, it’s more closely related to our subject car from a value perspective. But this example was in lesser condition than our subject. Finally, an eBay sale noted in our database as Lot 330578483832 reported as sold for $75,101 on July 7, 2011 (ACC# 182265). This GT500 was finished in Lime Gold and was fitted with the 4-speed manual transmission and suggested to be in #2 condition. That car had previously gone unsold at RM’s Toronto, Canada, sale in October 2005, with a high bid of $92,000 (ACC# 39824). The $100k barrier So in this market, very nice, well-sorted 1968 GT500s have routinely traded for less than $100,000, with 4-speed cars generally finding more money — which is the norm for most muscle cars. But it’s important to note that all of the sales referenced here took place before Shelby’s death in May. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a boost in the values of his cars, although I think we’ll see that first with 289 and 427 Cobras and the earlier, more race-oriented 1965 and 1966 GT350s. Typically, you can add anywhere from 10% to 25% for a third pedal, depending on the make and model, and the balance of the presentation and documentation. Keep in mind that none of our comparables, or our subject car, appear to be world-class concours examples, which could presumably command another 50%. But if a Sunlite Gold Shelby GT500 with an automatic transmission was on your gotta-have list, this car was a fair deal — both for courtesy of Leake Auction Company.) July-August 2012 47 ACC Investment Grade: A Comps 1968 Shelby GT500 fastback Lot S121, S/N 67400F2U00643 Condition 1Sold at $196,100 Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/21/2011 ACC# 184001 1968 Shelby GT500 fastback Lot S115, S/N 8T02S14349101630 Condition 2Not sold at $75,000 Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 12/4/2009 ACC# 153237 1968 Shelby GT500 fastback Lot S183, S/N 8T02S149558 Condition 2 Sold at $110,000 Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee, FL, 1/24/2008 ACC# 48872 the buyer and seller. A (Introductory description

PROFILE MOPAR 1970Hemi Superbird PLYMOUTH On a different day, this Hemi Superbird could have brought more money. Here, it was a spectacular bargain Chassis number: RA23R0A176668 by Tom Glatch R 48 AmericanCarCollector.com ecords indicate that only 77 Plymouth Superbirds were built with the mighty 426/425-hp Hemi engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Fewer than 30 are known to exist today. This genuine R-code 1970 Plymouth Superbird is one of those few, finished in Vitamin C Orange with a black vinyl roof. It also features a rare white-onblack bucket-seat interior with woodgrain-accented console and Rallye instruments. Documented with the broadcast sheet, it is equipped with power steering and power front disc brakes. ACC Analysis This 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird, Lot S238, sold for $177,550, including buyer’s premium, at Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Auction on May 19, 2012. The theory of aerodynamics is simple: A bullet passes through the air easier than a brick. But in practice, it has taken decades for the study of aerodynamics to evolve to where it is today. Chrysler was one of the first manufacturers to apply aerodynamics to automotive design with their technically interesting but poor-selling Airflow cars of the ’30s. Then, 30 years later, aerodynamics inched — literally — into the world of NASCAR. The slick advantage Back in an era when stock cars were more than 75% factory stock, it took either a manufacturer’s new design, or outright cheating, to create a large competitive advantage. The sleek, new 1966 Dodge Charger looked like a bullet with its flush, headlight-free grille and long fastback roofline, but the roof generated a few hundred pounds of unstable lift at the rear, so NASCAR allowed a one-inch plexiglas spoiler to be mounted on the tail in the interest of safety. David Pearson captured the championship that year with his Hemi Charger, and was untouchable on the long, high-speed ovals. Ford Motor Co. fired back in 1968 with their new Ford Torino and Mercury Cyclone models, which looked much like clones of the 1966–67 Charger. The restyled 1968 Charger and new Plymouth Road Runner proved to be bricks on the racetrack in comparison. Ford created racing-specific models called the Torino Talladega and Cyclone Spoiler II, equipped with an extended, sloping nose, for the high-speed ovals. NASCAR rules mandated building 500 of each for the street, but in the intense atmosphere of factorysupported stock car racing, where a win on Sunday literally translated into showroom sales on Monday, FoMoCo felt it was worth the expense. John Hollansworth Jr., courtesy of Mecum Auctions

ACC Digital Bonus Birth of the winged warriors Chrysler countered with a special ’69 Dodge Charger, the Charger 500. It featured a flushmounted Dodge Coronet grille in place of the deeply inset Charger piece. The Charger’s r window was also eet metal and glass eative Industries dge, which made e — until Ford i Hemi” engine later C Digital Bonus Birth of the winged warriors Chrysler countered with a special ’69 Dodge Charger, the Charger 500. It featured a flush- mounted Dodge Coronet grille in place of the deeply inset Charger piece. The Charger’s r window was also eet metal and glass eative Industries dge, which made e — until Ford i Hemi” engine later ed ed it would take an o make the Charger 9 Talladegas and mi had little room ated yet another ion later in the na. rriors,” the Daytona ced drag by huge ear wing controlled lift y as speeds neared 200 w a NASCAR-spec Daytona h on Chrysler’s five-mile nd oval — with Ford spy d. stries again built the d 500 Daytonas for the et, and the new Daytona w immediate success on e racetrack, winning the ugural Talladega 500. Plymouth’s NASCAR special Not to be outdone, Plymouth introduced its own “winged warrior” for the 1970 season, similar to the Daytona, but based on Plymouth’s Road Runner. Although both the Charger and the Road Runner shared Chrysler’s B-body midsized platform, the body panels were completely different, so the Daytona and the new Superbird shared no sheet metal. Bill France, NASCAR’s founder and ruling monarch, tried to dissuade the manufacturers from continuing to create these special models by increasing the number of street vehicles required to be manufactured before a car was allowed to race, so Creative Industries had to build 1,935 Superbirds for Plymouth. Detailing Year produced: 1970 Number produced: 1,935, per Chrysler Historical Society records. Some contend that as few as 1,920 and as many as 2,734 Superbirds were built. Original list price: $5,109 Current ACC Valuation: $190,000–$275,000 Tune-up/major service: $150 Distributor cap: $19.99 Chassis #: VIN plate on the driver’s side instrument panel behind windshield End of the aero era The insanity stopped in 1971, when Bill France outlawed all special racing models. The manufacturers, reeling from the expense of this racing battle, also withdrew all support from the NASCAR teams. The “Aero Era” was over, but the limited-production street vehicles that came out of these two seasons remain some of the most coveted and valuable muscle cars ever made. The Superbird market Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic offered five Plymouth Superbirds. A 440/automatic in TorRed sold for $110,000, a well-documented 440/4-sp in Lemon Twist Yellow sold for $185,000, and another 440-powered Superbird in Lemon Twist Yellow reached $92,500 but did not sell. A more-desirable 440 Six Pack-powered Superbird, an amazing 5,400mile, untouched, Bloomington Gold-certified Survivor, reached $188k in bidding but failed to sell. That left our feature car, a rare Hemi-powered Superbird. This car had all the right options. Best of all, the original broadcast sheet that accompanied the car down the Lynch Road assembly line was recovered, verifying the authenticity of the Hemi. Hemi power, light price Anything with a documented Hemi typically commands at least $50,000 more than its lesslegendary counterparts, and this Superbird should have done the same. A few years ago, Hemi Superbirds were selling for as much as $420,000, although the market has certainly softened from the peak of 2007–08, with $190,000 to $275,000 being a realistic range. That’s why $177,500 for this Hemi is a major disappointment. Or you could consider it a total steal. Maybe the 5,400-mile Survivor stole this car’s thunder. Or maybe the large number of Superbirds for sale on the same day diluted the pool of potential buyers. My guess is that on a different day, this excellent Hemi Superbird may have sold for the current average, but on this day it was simply a spectacular bargain. Very well bought. A (Introductory description courtesy of Mecum Auctions.) July-August 2012 49 More: www.superbirdclub.com Alternatives: 1969 Dodge Charger 500, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, 1969 Ford Torino Talladega/ Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II Club: Daytona-Superbird Auto Club ACC Investment Grade: B Comps Engine #: Pad on top of the block near the water pump 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Six Pack Lot S69, S/N RM23V0A167079 Condition: 2 Sold at $129,850 Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 12/1/2011 ACC# 190194 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Six Pack Lot F101, S/N RM23VOA179702 Condition: 1 Sold at $169,600 Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/21/2011 ACC# 184000 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird Lot 1297, S/N RM23R0A126668 Condition: 2+ Sold at $300,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/18/2007 ACC# 44191

PROFILE HOT ROD & CUSTOM 1950Wagon Tin Woodie CHEVROLET A classic example of what can happen when you build a top-level custom, display it on the national show circuit, and then try to sell it Chassis number: 5HKF41495 by Ken Gross been extensively modified throughout, including the redesign and fabrication to convert it from a four-door to a two-door. The car is powered by a General Motors perfor- T mance 502-ci big block, with Hilborn fuel-injection, custom Brad Starks stacks and aluminum heads with hand-painted valve covers. The running gear consists of a Gearstar model 4L60 automatic transmission with B&M floor-shifter, a Yank 2,500-rpm stall converter and a nine-inch Currie rear end. Awards include Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year 2009, Scottsdale, AZ; World of Wheels Best Custom Rod, Louisville, KY; Autorama Best Custom, Detroit, MI; NSRA Nationals — Pro’s Pick, Louisville, KY, and more. ACC Analysis This 1950 Chevrolet Tin Woodie, Lot 606, sold for $154,000, in- cluding buyer’s premium, at Auctions America by RM’s Fort Lauderdale, FL, sale March 16–18, 2012. Originally costing more than $275,000 to build, this Tin Woodie is a classic example of what can happen when you build a multiple award-winning show car, display it on the national show circuit, and then try to sell it. You take a bath. In this case, for about $125k. 50 AmericanCarCollector.com his award-winning, handcrafted beauty was built and finished by Brad Starks Rod & Custom. It began its life as an Arizona-based 1950 Tin Woodie four-door wagon. It has Real woodies vs. Tin Woodies Ford Motor Co. was America’s “wagon master” for decades. Through 1948, Ford offered an eightpassenger, all-wood wagon. Although it was beautiful, the maple and birch body needed to be sanded and revarnished at least every two years — a labor-intensive and expensive process. Plymouth led the charge to all-steel station wagons in 1949. Chevrolet began 1949 with wood-bodied wagons, then went to all-metal construction with Dynoc decal “wood” trim mid-year. Ford met them halfway with a steel body trimmed with actual wood. Priced at $2,107, the new ’49 Ford wagon had only two doors, and its extensive wood trim still required special care. Just 29,017 units were sold. For 1950, Chevrolet offered an eight-passenger, all-steel, faux wood, Tin Woodie station wagon with four doors. It was just what the market wanted. Chevy wagon sales went through the roof, with a whopping 166,995 examples sold. Aside from normal attrition, a ’50 Chevy Tin Woodie is not a rare model. But this feature car is strictly one-of-a-kind. From mild custom to top show car Brad Starks, a computer draftsman and engineer, built it for Brian Vanzant. Starks was just starting out in business with his own shop in Paducah, KY. Vanzant was his first major client. Originally, the wagon was to be a more traditional-style car with whitewalls on steel wheels, a little more power and a Courtesy of Auctions America by RM

ACC Digital Bonus surfboard roof rack. Reportedly a decent, rust-free Arizona find, the body was straightened and the front frame rails were C-notched and re-arched to lower the car. But after Vanzant went to a few hot-rod shows, , big-time. Vanzant dnick 19-inch and d a big engine, which r of the build, and w exponentially. hed the rear of the ches and fitted an ystem. A polished d a set of Wilwood es completed the . With the woodie e weeds, Vanzant ed he wanted a rn-injected, 502-ci ock V8. And that all. r Brad Starks showed Brian etch he had done of the Tin odie as a two-door, Starks told e Goodguys’ Gazette, “Brian died it, mulled it over for an , then gave him the green light.” e of this work comes cheaply. e doors were extended seven illars were canted, the top was chopped about three inches; a ’50 Olds onepiece windshield was installed (Chevy, Pontiac and Oldsmobile all shared this same body), and custom side glass had to be fabricated. A full custom interior, with a new console, covered in high-zoot leather, and nickel-finished Classic Instrument gauges, was followed by a beautiful “Cappuccino Craze” finish and rendering the all-important faux wood. Stark told ACC the hardest part of this job was airbrushing the woodgrain. “I have about 130 hours in that alone,” he says. The entire project consumed 5,000 hours over two years. “I like details on a car that keep people looking,” Stark says, “so there are plenty of those.” This car is nicely proportioned, clean, clever and way cool. For a major first effort by a man and his Detailing Year produced: 1950 Number produced: 166,995 Original list price: $1,994 Current ACC Valuation: $20k–$26k (stock) Tune-up, major service: $250 (estimated) Chassis #: N/A Engine # Stamped on engine block forward of right cylinder head Clubs: Goodguys, www.goodguys.com; National Street Rod Association (NSRA), www.nsra-usa.com Alternatives: 1951 Ford Country Squire two-door custom wagon, 1953 Buick Super Estate custom wagon, 1950 Oldsmobile 88 custom wagon shop that are new to the game, it makes a great first impression. Two for the show After the custom rod was completed, Stark and Vanzant took the Tin Woodie to many significant national shows, where it won its share of awards. While $154,000 for this car is a sizeable sum, it represents a lot less than it cost to buy and build it. “I wish it had been more,” Starks says, “but that’s typical of the custom car market.” Remember the 1954 Plymouth show car called “The Sniper” (it had a V10 Viper engine) that was built for George Poteet by Troy Trepanier at Rad Rides by Troy? The notoriety of that car put Trepanier on the map. Poteet did everything in it, including the Hot Rod Power Tour, then sold it at Barrett-Jackson in 2002 for $162,000. The winning bid was significantly less than “The Sniper” cost to build. Unperturbed, Poteet quipped, “When’s the last time somebody got that much money for a ’54 Plymouth?” That’s the attitude you have to have here. Now what do you do with it? Brad Starks says the Tin Woodie “needs a few bugs worked out” before it can be truly roadworthy. It’s been to most of the major shows, so future opportunities for the big time are limited, but the new owner will blow people away at local events and cruises. The good news is that Starks’ business is booming. He currently has 11 projects in his Paducah shop, and while he can’t attribute them all to the success of this car, it undoubtedly helped. My advice: If you’re captivated by a particular show car and you can snag it for substantially less than it cost to build, go for it. Don’t expect it to appreciate in your lifetime. Just drive it and enjoy it. I’d call this Chevy custom rod well bought, and given the trend for this type of car, decently sold. A (Introductory description courtesy of Auctions America by RM.) July-August 2012 51 1940 Mercury Custom Lot 530, S/N 99A157242 Condition: 1Sold at $137,500 RM Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/18/2007 ACC# 46257 1940 Ford DeLuxe custom Lot 1315, S/N 5K06159 Condition: 1Sold at $77,000 ACC Investment Grade: C Comps Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/15/2012 ACC# 192581 1950 Cadillac Series 61 custom Lot 13, S/N 506281048 Condition: 1- Not sold at $110,000 Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 8/18/2011 ACC# 183048

PROFILE CLASSIC 1911Model 65 7-passenger touring RAMBLER Image by owner, courtesy of Gooding & Company The lack of 40-inch replacement tires was a real problem — so much so that it necessitated the early retirement of the car Chassis number: 26689 by Carl Bomstead models phased out in favor of four-cylinder models, the Rambler became known as one of the most luxurious cars built in America. They were recognized by the slogan “The Comfort of the Parlor and the Speed of the Express Train.” This outstanding Rambler Model 65 is widely I 52 AmericanCarCollector.com believed to be the sole existing example of the model. Built on a 128-inch chassis, the longest offered, this gleaming Brass Era Seven-Passenger Touring Car is truly a sight to behold. It is reported that the first owner of the Model 65 was an executive of the Coca-Cola Company in Laredo, TX. Built on the wide-track chassis — possibly the only Model 65 offered with that specification — the motorcar would have been well-suited to its owner, who most likely traveled the many unpaved roads of Texas that had been well-worn with the wide stance of horse-drawn wagons. ACC Analysis This 1911 Rambler Model 65 Seven-Passenger Touring, Lot 67, sold for $275,000, including buyer’s premium, at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island, FL, sale on n 1904, the Rambler Company relocated from Chicago to a factory in Kenosha, WI, where they pioneered assembly-line procedures and took their annual production to almost 4,000 units. By the turn of the next decade, with the last two-cylinder March 9, 2012. Cars like this Rambler are very hard to come by. Why? Because although this one is now 101 years old, it’s also still pretty original throughout. And it was fairly rare in its own time as well. It’s thought to possibly be the only wide-track Rambler Model 65 ever built. Desired option or Achilles’ heel? This striking Rambler was originally equipped with massive 40-inch-by-5-inch tires necessary for traveling the heavily rutted rural Texas roads of its day. In many cases, these were little more than trails beaten down by horse-drawn wagons, which happened to generally have wide tracks. So the large wheels and wide stance were perfect for the first buyer’s needs — these features kept the car from getting stuck, and it likely made things a little more comfortable than they might have been with smaller-diameter rims or more narrow axles. But those wheels ultimately caused this Rambler to be parked relatively early in its life. The lack of availability of 40-inch replacement tires was a real problem — so much so that it necessitated the early retirement of the car. But in retrospect, that was a saving grace here, as when the car was uncovered many decades later, it was very complete, even retaining its original Laredo license plate.

ACC Digital Bonus Detailing Years produced: 1902–13 Number produced: Approximately 3,000 in 1911 Original list price: $3,050 Current ACC Valuation: $200k–$300k Tune up cost: $750 Distributor cap: N/A Chassis #: N/A Engine #: N/A Club: AACA 501 W Governor Road Hershey, PA Perfection in restoration The restoration of the Rambler was complicated by the initial shop closing its doors. The subsequent restorer realized that the original (and quite rare) brass headlamps were missing. Fortunately, they were discovered in an unmarked box in the initial restorer’s now-closed facility. The Rambler was then restored to perfection, with every component disassembled and precisely restored. The acetylene headlamps and kerosene/electric running lights are in proper working order, and the original coil box was rebuilt in Europe. The convertible top has never been lowered, which resulted in a deduction when the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2008. The judges noted that the leather straps used for securing the lowered top did not have perforations for buckling the top, as the owner had never intended for it to be lowered. The Rambler did, however, go on to win a coveted class award. Today, the Rambler Model 65 rides on smaller, more conventional wheels, although the original 40-inch wheels, which are marked “Coca-Cola,” were included with the sale. Custom tires were sourced in Germany, and the wood wheels currently fitted have been restored. The radiator has also been slightly modified, and a 12-volt starter was installed. A frequent auction flier Since the Rambler was restored in 2008, it has been heavily marketed. It was frequently listed on eBay, with one seller looking for close to seven figures. It was reported as sold at Kruse International’s January 2009 Phoenix sale for $1,620,000. This was at the time, however, when the Kruse Auction empire was imploding, and few put much credence in their reports. In May of 2010, it was again offered by Worldwide Auctioneers at their Houston Classic sale, where it was a no-sale at $210,000. It was subsequently sold privately and was displayed at the LeMay Museum’s Club Auto in Denver. Interest in higher-horsepower Brass Era cars con- tinues unabated, as tours and other related activities fuel the market. A seven-figure price for this Rambler Model 65 is certainly not realistic in this market — that’s Duesenberg money — but the price realized at the Gooding and Company sale is. After all, it’s the only known example of a top-level early Rambler, it’s had a stunning restoration, and the Coca-Cola history makes the car a wonderful concours entrant. And at its core, it’s still a great touring car, just like it was back when it was new. At $275k, call it both well bought and sold. A (Introductory description courtesy of Gooding & Company.) More: aaca.org Alternatives: 1914 Packard 4-48, 1913 Pierce-Arrow 48-8 ACC Investment Grade: B Comps 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 48-8 Lot 814, S/N 10431 Condition: 2 Sold at $385,000 RM Auctions, Boca Raton, FL, 2/15/2012 ACC# 192780 1912 Packard Model 1-48 Custom Lot 124, S/N 23698 Condition: 3 Sold at $407,000 RM Auctions, Amelia Island, FL, 3/12/2011 ACC# 176569 1911 Rambler Model 65 (profile car) Lot 2764, S/N 26689 Condition: 1 Sold at $1,620,000 Kruse International, Phoenix, AZ, 1/22/2009 ACC# 119477 July-August 2012 53

PROFILE TRUCK PROFILE TRUCK des 54 AmericanCarCollector.com his blue and white 1972 4x4 K5 Blazer has a 350-ci V8 motor, power steering and power brakes. The interior is a beautiful blue with front bucket seats. Excellent condition. From sold for $24,750, including buy- er’s premium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auc- tion on April 5–7, 2012. “Chevy Blazer is the best way to get where you’re going,” claimed a Chevrolet sales broch RUC ROFILE TRUCK designs offer t TRUCK designs designs offer that bare-bones feel without beating down modern truck users’ sensibilities LE TRUCK designs offer that bare-bones feel without beating down modern truck users’ sen FILE TRUCK designs offer that bare-bones feel without beating down modern truck users’ sensibilities the the Riley Hogan Jr. Collection. ACC Analysis This 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer T 54 AmericanCarCollector.com his blue and white 1972 4x4 K5 Blazer has a 350-ci V8 motor, power steering and power brakes. The interior is a beautiful blue with front bucket seats. Excellent condition. From sold for $24,750, including buy- er’s premium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction on April 5–7, 2012. “Chevy Blazer is the best way to get where you’re going,” claimed a Chevrolet sales brochure from 1972. “Not just over an old logging road and through two streams to get back where the big fish are, but to the office, grocery shopping, the dentist and anywhere else you need to go... All the comfort and driving ease of the kind of family car your wife likes. And all the toughness and utility of the kind of pickup truck you could use.” Typical ad speak for what was essentially Chevrolet’s version of the Jeep CJ, Ford Bronco, and International Scout. But the Blazer was a little late to the 4x4 party when it was launched in 1969. So what’s so special about it? What made the Blazer unique was GM’s approach FILE TRUCK designs offer that bare-bones feel without beating down modern truck users’ sensibilities the Riley Hogan Jr. Collection. ACC Analysis This 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer T 54 AmericanCarCollector.com his blue and white 1972 4x4 K5 Blazer has a 350-ci V8 motor, power steering and power brakes. The interior is a beautiful blue with front bucket seats. Excellent condition. From sold for $24,750, including buy- er’s premium, at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auc- tion on April 5–7, 2012. “Chevy Blazer is the best way to get where you’re going,” claimed a Chevrolet sales brochure from 1972. “Not just over an old logging road and through two streams to get back where the big fish are, but to the office, grocery shopping, the dentist and anywhere else you need to go... All the comfort and driving ease of the kind of family car your wife likes. And all the toughness and utility of the kind of pickup truck you could use.” Typical ad speak for what was essentially Chevrolet’s version of the Jeep CJ, Ford Bronco, and International Scout. But the Blazer was a little late to the 4x4 party when it was launched in 1969. So what’s so special about it? What made the Blazer unique was GM’s approach ing ing since 1966, and the Scout, which International had been producing since 1960, both sat on short and relatively narrow platforms. This gave them good offroad abilities, but also limited interior space, on-road handling, and towing. But it was by design — both were introduced as competitors to the popular Jeep CJ, which was even smaller. Truck component revolution The Blazer’s designers took the personal 4x4 idea from Ford and International and ran with it, and they killed two birds with one stone by utilizing a shortened K10 truck chassis instead of starting from scratch. It was a cost-saving measure, since most of the parts required already existed, and it gave their 4x4 abilities the competition didn’t have — namely a wider and slightly longer track for better handling and towing, more interior space, and available truck options such as a/c and automatic transmissions. The result was a 4x4 SUV that was suited to a wider variety of tasks than the Bronco or Scout, and the buying public loved it. The revolution and sales numbers didn’t go unnoticed, either — by 1972, Ford was in the

ACC Digital Bonus g the Bronco to hassis to keep up, sis kept them from l 1978. w market –72 Blazers. And e market is waking e way it has to p cousins, which he $30k range d and all-original. M truck and Blazer/ e clean looks, omponents, and -bones work-truck ating down modsers’ sensibilities. u don’t get heated r seats or cup rs here — instead, you get comfort n reason, sort of like a pair of old r work gloves. Nice, but not plush. e truck-happy market seems to love igital Bonus g the Bronco to hassis to keep up, sis kept them from l 1978. w market –72 Blazers. And e market is waking e way it has to p cousins, which he $30k range d and all-original. M truck and Blazer/ e clean looks, omponents, and -bones work-truck ating down mod- sers’ sensibilities. u don’t get heated r seats or cup rs here — instead, you get comfort n reason, sort of like a pair of old r work gloves. Nice, but not plush. e truck-happy market seems to love imple imple and effective se trucks have metal dashes and y-to-read gauges like those used in ce the 1940s, but you also can have , air conditioning, power disc brakes d more as optional original equipucks are very usable, even today. s solid, and parts are everywhere. lable 4-speed manual and TH350 automatic are basically bullethe same can be said for the NP205 n transfer case and both the 12-bolt a 44 front used in the half-ton truck tions. me off, which is nice in the summer e substantial enough to be weathn drive a Blazer all year if you feel ess supply of reproduction parts at reasonable prices (compared with similar car parts) makes that really tempting. Snow? Rain? 100-degree Detailing Years produced: 1969–72 (first generation) Number produced: 83,567 Original list price: $3,456 Current ACC Valuation: $15k–$25k Tune-up cost: $200 Distributor cap: $12 Chassis number: Tag in door jamb Engine number: Pad on passenger’s side of engine, forward of cylinder head Club: www.67-72chevytrucks. com Alternatives: 1966–71 International Scout 800, 1966–77 Ford Bronco, 1974–80 Dodge Ramcharger August afternoons? None of that is a big deal in a Blazer. One of the best As off-road vehicles, a lot of these have been modi- fied over the years. But this Blazer was in excellent factory-delivered condition inside and out. BarrettJackson’s auction text didn’t specify if it had been restored, but from the looks of the photos, I’d say it was. The body panels, paint, trim, chrome, engine compartment and interior components all looked fresh. The engine featured all-GM components, at least visually, including the factory Quadrajet carburetor with anti-dieseling solenoid, exhaust manifolds and air cleaner assembly. Save for a few modern hose clamps, everything was in order. The builder installed Dunlop Mud Rover radial tires, which are a little aggressive, but they have a great look on the Blazer’s stock steel rims. And you won’t likely get stuck in the mud with them. Stock rigs are king When it comes to truck values today, stock rigs tend to bring the most, and this Blazer fit the bill perfectly. No aftermarket performance goodies or massive lift kits here — just a purposeful OEM off-road look. And as for the price, I’d call it spot-on for the quality of the truck in this market — although the restoration likely cost more. Just a few weeks after Barrett-Jackson, this Blazer appeared again at Auctions America By RM’s Spring Carlisle sale, where it was a no-sale at a reported $27,000. That seller was looking for a higher price, and if the recent boom in truck prices is any indication, I think he’ll eventually get it. In the meantime, he got a great drivable collector truck for a good price, and it’ll be right at home hauling his family to the store, the dentist or out to the sticks where the big fish are. Well tesy of Barrett-Jackson.) July-August 2012 55 1972 GMC Jimmy Lot 52, S/N TKE182S511150 Condition: 3 Sold at $28,600 ACC Investment Grade: C Comps Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/15/2012 ACC# 192602 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Lot 300, S/N CKE182F161240 Condition: 2 Sold at $21,600 Branson Auction, Branson, MO, 10/21/2011 ACC# 187866 1972 GMC Suburban Carryall Lot F223, S/N TCE162F514075 Condition: 3+ Sold at $24,380 Carlisle Events, Carlisle, PA, 4/22/2010 ACC# 162044 bought.A (Introductory description cour

MARkET OVERVIEW Corvettes come out on top C2s LEAD THE WAY TO $36M AT SIX SPRING AUCTIONS TOP 10 sales this issue 1. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, $203,500— B-J, p. 76 2. 1931 Cadillac Series 370A rumbleseat roadster, $19,7100—Bra, p. 82 3. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 fastback, $110,000—B-J, p. 78 4. 1955 Chevrolet Nomad wagon, $106,700—B-J, p. 72 5. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 convertible, $100,100— B-J, p. 74 6. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, $94,600—B-J, p. 76 7. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 replica convertible, $84,700—B-J, p. 74 8. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, $79,200— B-J, p. 76 9. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, $74,800— B-J, p. 76 10. 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 J2 convertible, $72,600—B-J, p. 72 BEST BUYS 1. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, $54,000— Bra, p. 82 2. 1960 Chevrolet Impala 2-dr hard top, $38,500— B-J, p. 72 3. 1970 AMC Rebel The Machine 2-dr hard top, $15,290—CCP, p. 94 4. 1952 Nash Ambassador 4-dr sedan, $13,200— AA, p. 94 5. 1970 Chevrolet C10 utility bed pickup, $7,020— CMA, p. 90 60 AmericanCarCollector.com by Tony Piff bringing very good money and outperforming seemingly everything else on the auction block. I n n n At Mecum’s annual Kansas City Spring sale, the top two vintage sale slots went to two Corvettes, selling for $127k and $106k, respectively. Both cars were 1967s, both were 427/435 cars and both were convertibles. Mecum’s numbers here showed growth by every measure compared with last year. The auction house consigned and sold more cars (426/607, up from 330/542), and total sales jumped to $9.2m from $7m. Average price per car held firm at $22k. n n n Up in Toronto, another 1967 Corvette 427/435 took high-sale honors, selling for $162k at the Collector Car Productions auction. Second place went a 1939 Packard 120 convertible, sold at $72k. A 1968 Dodge Charger Hemi R/T was bid to $69k but did not meet reserve. n n n A 1947 Cadillac Series 62 convertible was the top sale at Classic Motorcar Auctions’ Akron sale, bringing $92k, but not far behind was yet another ’67 ’Vette. This one, a 427/400 convertible, sold at $76k. A small-block ’65 Corvette would have taken the next slot at a high bid of $58k, but it failed to sell. CMA nearly doubled their sales total this year, achieving $1m for 72 cars sold, compared with $575k last year for 44 cars sold. n n n At Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, the biggest domestic sale (not including charity cars) was also a ’67 Corvette. This one, a perfect resto-mod, sold at a whopping $204k. Barrett-Jackson enjoyed healthy growth in Palm Beach, hitting a 99.5% sell-through rate (up from 88% last year) and an overall total of $17.8m (up from $15.8m last year). f there was a recurring theme to the six spring auctions covered in this issue, it was C2 Corvettes 1953 Chevrolet 3100 5-window pickup, sold for $33,550 at spring Carlisle n n n And at Spring Carlisle, held by Auctions America by RM, the high sale was not a ’67 but a ’57 Corvette, sold at $99k. Carlisle’s numbers appeared to hold flat compared with last year, with an increased average sale price ($19k, up from $18k) offset by a slight dip in overall totals ($2.5m, down from $2.7m). n n n The one auction covered this issue without a Corvette in the top five was Branson. Here, the high domestic sale was a 1931 Cadillac V12 roadster, sold at $197k, followed by a 1931 Auburn 8-98A cabriolet, sold at $108k and tied with a 1934 Hudson Indy racer, also sold at $108k. This continues the recent trend of strong money for pre-war Heavy Iron. ACC 1-6 scale condition rating 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: Salvagable for parts n n n In the following pages, we have full reports from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson and Branson. Read our highlights from Collector Car Productions, Classic Motorcar Auctions and Auctions America by RM in the Global Roundup. A

MECUM AUCTIONS // Kansas City, MO An early spring at Mecum Kansas City BOWTIE BIG BLOCKS LEAD THE CHARGE TO $9.2M Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson Market opinions in italics a good position for their annual spring auction. Held once again in Bartle Hall of the Kansas City Convention Center, there was a steady stream of vehicles offered during the final three days of March. W $10m $2m $4m $6m $8m 0 62 AmericanCarCollector.com 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 Mecum Auctions Kansas City 2012, Kansas City, MO March 29–31, 2012 Auctioneers: Mark Delzell, Mike Hagerman, Jim Landis, Matt Moravec and Bobby McLaughlin Automotive lots sold/offered: 426/607 sales rate: 70% sale total: $9,240,667 High sale: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S600 sedan, sold at $140,980 Buyer’s premium: $300 on the first $5,499, $500 from $5,500 to $9,999, 6% thereafter, included in sold prices Mecum sales total 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle ss 454 2-door hard top, sold at $46,640 New this year was the addition of an extra day to start things off. Mecum added Thursday to their agenda for the fall Kansas City auction, and it worked well enough that they elected to try it for the spring event — with equally good results. When all was said and done by Saturday evening, 416 of the 599 cars offered changed hands. This yielded just short of a 70% sell-through rate, which has been typical of Mecum auctions over the past year. In 2011, Mecum sold 315 cars out of 512 offered at this same location. While the top sale was a current-model- year Mercedes-Benz S600 — among quite a few late-model luxury cars offered— the next-highest sales were mostly Chevrolets. A 1967 Corvette convertible, equipped with the 435-hp Tri-Power engine, was the second-highest sale at $127,200. Trailing close behind was another example selling for an even $106,000. Although big-block Chevrolets did well, trucks also brought strong money — echoing what’s been happening in the overall market. Two notable examples include a well-restored 1947 Dodge WDX Power Wagon that hammered for a no-reserve sale at $68,900 — the seventh-highest sale of the weekend — and a 1947 Divco milk truck hammered sold at $55,120. Better-quality domestic cars did well, while lesser-quality examples struggled. Foreign sports cars sold for respectable prices, but late-model imported luxury cars — far too many consigned here for my taste at a collector car auction — were generally underbid. All in all, Mecum continues to not only do well in both this venue, but also the market as a whole. One auction doesn’t make the market, but if this event is indicative of where the market is going, the summer should shape up to be interesting. A ith spring arriving earlier than usual — almost a case of winter giving it a pass in the Midwest — Mecum Auctions was in NO DATA

MECUM AUCTIONS // Kansas City, MO GM #S93.1-1964 CHEVROLET BISCAYNE 2-dr sedan. S/N 41211F291271. Azure Blue/aqua & gray nylon & vinyl. Odo: 56,146 miles. 409-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. N.O.M. 425-hp 409 bolted to a Powerglide. Claimed to be original miles, with copy of original warranty book. Could be mostly original paint under that fresh clear-coat. Replated bumpers and good mostly original trim. Reconditioned mostly original interior. Tidy and stock-looking engine bay. With power steering and brakes. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $32,860. Almost too nice to for a cruiser, but not a concours contender. Sold better than bought. #F237-1970 CHEVROLET C-10 CST pickup. S/N CE140B141436. Dark green metallic/dark green vinyl. Odo: 82,371 miles. 402-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Originally a big-block 402 truck, just not this particular 402. Better-quality prep and paint. Most trim new or replated. Minimal interior wear. Important options include TH400 automatic, Posi traction, HD suspension, power steering and brakes, a/c. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $33,920. Nicely assembled, but not a real-deal 425-hp car. Sold for the sum of its parts. #F236-1966 BUICK RIVIERA 2-dr hard top. S/N 94876H921551. Light green metallic/black vinyl. Odo: 32,614 miles. 425-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Eight-year-old cheapie repaint with little prep but decently masked. Minimal frosting and pits on chrome. Interior just lightly worn. Fitted with period aftermarket windshieldmounted compass. With a/c and original Protect-O-Plate. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $25,000. Hard to think that a green truck with an engine swap would garner this kind of bidding, but the workmanship was excellent. High bid seemed market-correct, but an orange and white one made $30,475 here at Mecum’s March 2011 KC sale (ACC# 176121). SOLD AT $16,995. A mostly original car with believable mileage. If you think this was big money, imagine what it would’ve done with a good repaint. Well sold. #S8-1967 PONTIAC GTO 2-dr hard top. S/N 242177P113860. Light blue metallic/blue vinyl. Odo: 49,664 miles. 400ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. PHS documentation confirms restoration to original specs. Minimal wear and use since. Excellent repaint. Clean, mostly stock engine bay. Equipped with power steering and brakes, wide-ratio 4-speed and 3.55 diff. ’80s tape deck in place of original radio. Cond: 3+. 64 AmericanCarCollector.com #S23-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 454 2-dr hard top. S/N 136370K168350. Fathom Blue/white vinyl/Parchment vinyl. Odo: 58,708 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Believed to be an actual LS6 car, although motor not original. Also equipped with M22 4-speed, 3.55 Posi rear end, power steering, power front disc brakes, Cowl induction hood and tilt steering column. Restored five years ago, and still presents well. Light wrinkling in the reskinned roof, along with scuffed-up rear window trim. Modern Hurst shifter and electronic AM/ FM/cassette deck in the otherwise stock restored interior displaying minimal wear. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $46,640. Since it couldn’t be definitively proved right or wrong if it’s a real-deal LS6, it sold in the netherland between an LS5 and an LS6. The reserve was off at $40k, so the consignor wasn’t fire selling it or taking any chances either. #F31-1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe. S/N 2W87K9N166623. Solar Gold/tan cloth. Odo: 60,327 miles. 403-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Claimed actual miles and winterstored. Original paint and graphics wellcared-for. Engine bay original, for better or worse. Uneven interior fading. Equipped with optional Oldsmobile 403 V8, WS6 package, a/c, power windows and snowflake alloys. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $16,430. 60k isn’t exactly low miles for a ’70s car, but the winning bidder seemed to think otherwise. Money was a bit strong. #S4-1981 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 coupe. S/N 1G1AP87LXBN115833. Dark blue metallic/blue cloth. Odo: 87,787 km. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Sold new in South Africa with metric speedo, and displayed with foreign coins found under the seats. Repainted shortly after it was repatriated (new repro stripe kit included). Original interior looks detailed, with some light fading and evidence of cigarette-smoking former owner. Newer shocks, sway bar fittings and fuel tank. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $11,130. I highly doubt that the export situation was really a factor (two owners from now, it will likely just be mistaken for a Canadian car), but it didn’t hurt. Market-correct. CORVETTE #S186-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J59S102731. Roman Red, white coves/red hard top, white vinyl soft top/black vinyl. Odo: 69,090 miles. Homemade VIN tag in the door jamb,

MECUM AUCTIONS // Kansas City, MO which does match frame number and documentation included with the car. Stated to be a three-owner car from new, with significant amounts of documentation from new, including, per the seller, “the tank sticker.” Last redone 15 years ago to a better driver-grade state, but shows slight deterioration. Good trim-off repaint, but less-thanexpert reattachment. Good door fit. Stated that the FI system was professionally redone 15 years ago. Recent flat black paint on most of the undercarriage. Tidy interior, with an older soft trim kit showing light wear. Runs out OK, but with a slight surge at idle. Cond: 3. code 1967 435-hp block from another Corvette, non-stock aluminum heads and a replacement transmission. Threeyear-old repaint over decent body work. Serviceable original brightwork, with some scratching and light pitting. Original door panels and dashpads, with older replacement seats and carpet with light wear. Cond: 3+. manual transmission), I took a few notes on the off chance my original LS1 gives up the ghost. Considering that this is about as close as you can get to a stock upgrade, it could possibly enhance value, but bidding stopped at a typical used-car price. Reran late on Saturday, with similar result. FOMOCO SOLD AT $58,300. After more than a little wrangling on Dana’s part, the reserve was lifted at the $55k point, selling shortly thereafter. Seemingly cheap for a Fuelie, but not without a few issues. This is further proof that C1s are still slipping in the market. #F164-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 40867S104494. White/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 4,783 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Good prep and paint. Older bumper redo, with uneven fit side-to-side. Decent gaps, mediocre door fit. Reproduction kid-leather seat upholstery starting to wear. Modern Ford seatbelts, aftermarket armrest pad, tape deck. Tidy but not stock underhood. Optional power steering, a/c, tint glass. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $63,600. While the 400-horse option was the most potent motor to have a/c available with it, there’s enough mixmaster powertrains out there now to make that a moot point. Reserve was off at $52k. #F227-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P9R5118624. Polo White/red leather. Odo: 82,263 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Wellcared-for orginal paint. Newer performance radials on stock alloys. Seat coverings better than rest of interior and have likely been replaced. Aftermarket stereo. No reserve. Cond: 3+. #S164-1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible. S/N E7FH186794. Thunderbird Bronze/white hard top, white vinyl soft top/Parchment vinyl. Odo: 65,776 miles. Optional power steering, power brakes, power windows, full tinted glass, backup lights, padded dash, both types of tops, plus Town & Country radio. Recent frameoff restoration. Repaint with light orange peel on a few compound curves. More like authentically replated rather than show chrome. Halogen headlights. Tidy under hood and undercarriage. Radial wide whitewall tires. All-new interior soft trim. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $12,190. A well-kept and prepped C4 coupe, selling for a marketcorrect price, or perhaps a little high. I’ll chalk it up to no-reserve red mist. SOLD AT $35,775. A decent, generally unmolested driver. Reserve was lifted at the $33k mark, yielding a fair buy. #S86-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S113699. Tuxedo Black, blue stinger/black vinyl. Odo: 36,933 miles. Options include power steering, power brakes and a/c. Fitted with GMsourced sidepipes and Rallye wheels shod with Redline radial tires. Powered by a JE- 66 AmericanCarCollector.com #F148-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Le Mans Commemorative Edition coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G845105498. LeMans Blue/Shale leather. Odo: 64,009 miles. 6.2-L 480-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Repowered with a tweaked LS3, which, aside from a Blackwing air cleaner, looks bone stock. To match the power upgrade, transmission was also rebuilt and fitted to a 3,200-rpm stall converter. Repainted nose is slightly darker than body. Ugly wiring under driver’s seat, but less wear than expected overall. Equipped with optional Z51 suspension, body side moldings and dual roof panel. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $25,000. Since I own basically the same car (with a NOT SOLD AT $75,000. With too-sterileto-drive E-Birds selling at Mecum auctions for $100k-plus within the last year or so, the consignor likely felt that his $90k reserve was an easy target. That didn’t prove to be the case here. #F24-1965 FORD THUNDERBIRD 2-dr hard top. S/N 5Y83Z138848. Light blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 99,966 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Wears a newer light respray over the original paint, with overspray on undercarriage. New nonOEM windshield. Presentable original brightwork. Decent fit and gaps. Good original interior with light wear and slight musty

MECUM AUCTIONS // Kansas City, MO odor. Recently rebuilt carb and brakes, including power booster. Generally original engine compartment. Optional power windows and all-tinted glass. Cond: 3. underhood. Equipped with power steering, power brakes, Magnum 500 wheels. Cond: 3+. No VIN tag on dash. Modern Edelbrock intake and carburetor in otherwise stock engine bay. With power steering and Super Performance Dana 60 differential. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $39,220. It was cool to see a rather attractive restoration of a ’69 Charger that wasn’t a replica General Lee. The reserve was lifted past $35k, so neither the seller nor buyer should complain. AMERICANA SOLD AT $5,550. 1965 was the year that Ford went to front power discs on their big cars, including the T-Bird. That makes drivers like this one a bit more useable in modern traffic. Bought fairly well, as you can either use it as-is, or bring it up a notch with a good detailing. #F22-1971 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1 fastback. S/N 1F05M178312. Grabber Lime/two-tone green vinyl. Odo: 96,208 miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Claimed a generally original car. Small ding in rear bumper. Sits slightly low at rear. Uneven interior fading, crack in steering wheel. Engine bay detailed better than new. Per deluxe Marti Report, was sold new in Sacramento, CA. Equipped with 14 factory options, including a/c, power steering, power front discs, Magnum 500 wheels, full tinted glass, instrumentation group, 4-barrel 351 and 4-speed. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $13,250. The custom climate system did not inspire confidence or help value. Well sold. MOPAR #F268-1968 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER 2-dr sedan. S/N RM21 H8G280087. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 65,912 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Decent body-on, engineout older repaint of an original PP1 red car. Replated bumpers, mostly new emblems, decent original trim. Newer seat upholstery and carpeting, expertly installed. Aftermarket induction, tube headers, ignition wiring and chrome valve covers in tidy engine bay. Cond: 3. #S7-1954 KAISER MANHATTAN sedan. S/N K2176486. Two-tone green/green & tan cloth. Odo: 23,876 miles. 226-ci supercharged I6, auto. California black plates with 1998 tags. Rust blisters forming on bottom of trunk lid, rear quarter-panels, and lower door skins. Dull original chrome, with some light pitting, dull old repaint. ’70s-era fuzzy cloth seat redo. Good original door panels, better replacement carpeting. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $9,000. The first post-war car sold new with a blower, the Paxtonequipped Manhattan was Kaiser’s last grab for attention before they ceased building cars in North America. The $9k offered was almost as ridiculous as the $13k reserve. Should have been enough. NOT SOLD AT $28,500. This was a generally original car, but its time-capsule charm was hurt by heavy prep work. Big ponies like this one took a pretty good hit over the past few years, and the green paint may not appeal to everyone, so high bid here looked about right. #F71-1971 FORD RANCHERO GT pickup. S/N 1A47H136134. Black/black vinyl. Odo: 63,065 miles. 351-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. “Recently restored 90%.” Decent repaint has some waviness on B-pillars. Replated bumpers, mostly original trim and emblems, newer replacement windshield. Re-upholstered seats and repop door panels. Aftermarket a/c, CD player and gauges in dash; wires dangling below. Tidy 68 AmericanCarCollector.com NOT SOLD AT $18,000. Once you get past the lack of amenities, you’ll find that the 383 is plenty for tooling around. Not far off the money for a cruise-night special. #S20-1969 DODGE CHARGER R/T 2-dr hard top. S/N XS29L9G161687. Blue/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 63,065 miles. 440-cc V8, 4-bbl, auto. Frame-off professional restoration within past few years; less than 300 miles since. Excellent prep and paint. Brightwork rechromed or reproduction. All-reproduction interior soft trim, expertly installed and unworn. #S101-1970 AMC AMX 2-dr hard top. S/N A0M397P302645. Red & flat black/black vinyl. Odo: 391 miles. 360-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. “Complete rotisserie restoration” some time ago. Good paint application, although rattle-canned grille and radiatorsupport show plenty of fisheyes. Mostly original interior, with noticeable old-car musty smell and non-stock wood-rim steering wheel. Tidy, stock engine bay. With power steering, power brakes and radio delete. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $33,920. A nice 10-footer, but the devil’s in the details. Well sold. A

BARRETT-JACKSON // Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction RESTO-MODS CONTINUE TO DO WELL. A STUNNING 1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE SOLD FOR $203,500 Report and photos by Jack Tockston and Dale Novak Market opinions in italics B arrett-Jackson’s 10th Annual Florida Auction, held April 5–7, 2012, at the South Florida Fairgrounds, continued the upward trends observed at their Scottsdale, AZ, sale in January. Compared with last year’s event at this venue, there was a 42% increase in first-time registered bidders, a $3 million gain in sales, and 55,000 spectators — up 1,000 from 2011. Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2012, West Palm Beach, FL April 5–7, 2012 Auctioneers: Assiter & Associates; Tom “Spanky” Assiter, lead auctioneer lots sold/offered: 435/437 sales rate: 99.5% sales total: $17,751,205 High American sale: 1959 Chevrolet Corvette resto-mod convertible, sold for $203,500 Buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices Barrett-Jackson sales total $10m $15m $20m $25m $5m 0 70 AmericanCarCollector.com 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 1959 Corvette resto-mod convertible, sold at $203,500 In comparison with other Barrett- Jackson auctions in California and Arizona, Southeastern buyers and sellers are alleged to be more interested in cars with modern conveniences that they can drive rather than older vintage collectables. We did notice more late-model cars on the docket than at previous events, and this is a good thing if you’re in the market for newer — and depreciating —European or American luxury cars. But there is a lot of competition for consignments in the area. Just 68 days earlier, Mecum Auctions held a six-day sale 153 miles north in Kissimmee, FL. High sale of this event was a 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang that sold (twice) for a total of $1m to benefit the Wounded Warrior Family Support organization — one of eight vehicles sold (with no consignment or sales fees) for nearly $1.8 million to support local and national charitable organizations. Next was a 2010 Spyker C8 Spyder SWB convertible for $220,000, and a stunning 1959 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible was hammered sold for $203,500. More-affordable lots (traditionally available the first day) included a clean 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe coupe for $9,350, and a presentable 1966 Ford Mustang coupe at $11,550. Average sold price (including buyer’s premiums) over the three days was $40,807. Among the very few consignors who held reserves, just two failed to reach their goals: a 1948 Cadillac custom convertible was bid to $75,000, and a 1966 Shelby GT350 fastback to $135,000. A total of 435 vehicles were sold (compared with 378 in 2011) ringing up $17,751,205 in sales. Though significant in relation to the supposedly improving economy, that figure pales in comparison with the $30 million-plus achieved in 2007. All things considered, this was a sunny and pleasurable event, and further evidence that our collector car hobby continues to be an advantageous alternative over other forms of investment — and a heck of a lot more fun than a stock portfolio. A

BARRETT-JACKSON // Palm Beach, FL GM #363.1-1930 CHEVROLET Street Rod 2-dr sedan. S/N 1981929. Blue/black vinyl/tan tweed, vinyl & cloth. Odo: 1,272 miles. Straight, all-steel body with front disc brakes and lowered stance. Fresh interior with Vintage Air, power seats, tilt wheel, gray tinted glass, Alpine audio, wood-grain dash with Classic instruments, and Grant steering wheel. Chevy 350 crate engine. Cond: 2. #685-1955 CHEVROLET NOMAD wagon. S/N VC55K091792. Turquoise & white/green & white vinyl. Odo: 137 miles. 265-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Super-nice example. Older restoration is holding up well. Excellent paintwork all around. Nice chrome and trim. Interior is well done. AACA first place along with other high-profile wards. A trailer queen. Cond: 1-. 4 under some portions of the paint. Body putty noted in the rockers. Driver’s door is wavy and trunk is out of alignment. Interior is slightly soiled, with a cracked steering wheel. Neat and tidy engine bay. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $41,800. This rod piqued my interest. It sat just right and was a fresh build with very good workmanship, but not so over the top that it would be undriveable. To my eye, early 1930s styling is the best of all eras, and a number of bidders seemed to agree. Well bought and sold. #375.2-1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr hard top. S/N 55L025170. Maroon metallic/maroon & white vinyl. Odo: 34,924 miles. 265-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Excellent metallic paint with perfect panels and gaps. Nosed and decked with a ’55 ’Vette grille in molded surround, electric doors and frenched Packard Clipper taillights. Molded Pontiac bumpers front and rear, dual spots, full-length lake pipes, and bubble skirts. Immaculate engine. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $106,700. Last seen at the McCormick sale in Palm Springs, CA, on November 18, 2011 (ACC# 191363), where it sold for a well-bought $65,100. The seller did very well here and netted a handsome profit. For the buyer, a very nice Nomad bought at full retail. #3001-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr hard top. S/N VC57L203780. Bronze/white vinyl/black & white vinyl. Odo: 53,786 miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Show paint in one of the period’s favorite combinations. No flaws on straight panels with perfect gaps. Excellent brightwork. Continental kit, dual antennae and fender skirts. Clean chassis. Original engine looks fresh. Charity car, 100% donation to the Boy Scouts of America. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $72,600. Last seen at BarrettJackson in Scottsdale, AZ, on January 15, 2012 (ACC# 191433), where it sold for $84,700. One of two things happened here. Either this car was purchased to flip, or it was discovered that the car had more issues than the new owner wanted to deal with. That said, it sold at market-plus in January, and was still a tad heavy here. Well sold, given the lurking body issues. #373.2-1960 CHEVROLET IMPALA 2-dr hard top. S/N 01737J280753. Copper metallic/tan vinyl & houndstooth. 350-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Show-quality paint, arrow-straight panels and perfect gaps. Unbelievably mint original chrome and stainless. Body lowered on American Racing mags and front disc brakes. Interior redone to stock but with Auto Meter gauges. Power brakes, power steering, a/c, and hidden audio. Gorgeous car. Later 350 SBC with dual quads. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $32,450. This is exactly what my high school dream car looked like. Final bid was equal to entry level in market value for a stock ’55, which makes this gorgeous version a bargain. Particularly when considering it was a no-sale at McCormick’s Palm Springs sale in February 2010 at $51,000 (ACC #160605). 72 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $55,000. One of 166,426 built. No major flaws found after thorough inspection, and impossible to duplicate for the money. Selling price was just under high estimate (with no auction fees) for an excellent buy. Well bought and sold. #6680-1957 OLDSMOBILE SUPER 88 J2 convertible. S/N 578W02556. Blue & white/white vinyl/blue & white leather. Odo: 80,235 miles. 371-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Paint is delaminating and bubbling. Sanding marks are showing 10 SOLD AT $38,500. An exquisite build in pleasing colors with all modern conveniences. This car checked all the boxes for the Palm Beach market. One of my favorites here; I considered it one of the best buys at this sale, and the buyer must have agreed. Well bought, far below the build cost. #60-1966 GMC STEPSIDE 4x4 pickup. S/N K1001PF3326A. Light green/beige vinyl. Odo: 6 miles. 305-ci V6, 2-bbl, 4-sp. Odometer looks to have been marred by a TOP 10 TOP 10 BEST BUY

BARRETT-JACKSON // Palm Beach, FL screwdriver, and second digit is no longer legible. A couple of sags in paint noted. Large blemish on hood. Rock-hard weatherstripping. Poorly painted trim. Clean interior. Original “knuckle” axle. Totally stock presentation. Cond: 3. lightly soiled and worn. Nice leather smell inside the cabin. Nice driver engine bay. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $18,150. The GMC 305 V6 is legendary in the truck world as a nearly indestructible powerplant. The stock presentation and 4x4 look was very appealing, but the photos did the truck no justice. No harm done at this price. #363-1969 BUICK SKYLARK GS Stage 1 replica 2-dr hard top. S/N 444379Y136004. Gold/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 491 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. GS 400 clone with perfect deep gold show paint, new black vinyl top, flawless chrome bumpers. Underhood is immaculate with correct hoses, clamps, and decals. Fabulous attention to detail that is rarely seen. Starts on first turn, sounds strong, almost too nice to drive. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $72,600. Barrett-Jackson is known for nice resto-mods, and this one was a super-nice driver. The stance and overall look were spot-on, and I imagine it drove like a million bucks. It will depreciate with use, but the giddy factor might be well worth the entrance fee. #370-1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS Z/28 coupe. S/N 124870L524551. Red & black/tan vinyl. Odo: 92,437 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fisheyes, sanding marks and a scuff in the hood along the leading edge noted in finish. Slight ripples noted in the body. Fresh interior with some tan spray dye noted on reproduction parts. Nicely restored engine bay. Cond: 2-. desirable machine with all the sought-after goodies on board. A real LS6 convertible might set you back $200k, so ponying up $84,700 seems like a deal as long as you know that it’s not an investment. #384.1-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 2-dr hard top. S/N 1363701515795. Green & white/green vinyl. Odo: 83,416 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Show-quality paint on a frame-off restoration. Matching numbers. New chrome and trim. F41 suspension and detailed chassis. N.O.S. and correctly datecoded pieces in 100%-correct engine compartment. Includes Protect-O-Plate and build sheet. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $37,950. This re-creation fooled me until I read the honest description. This was a stunning rotisserie build with meticulous attention to detail. Only flaws found were a missing radio antenna and a rusty spring on the rear license plate bracket! Simply gorgeous, with price paid about 20% under the estimated value of a real one in similar condition. Well bought and sold. #6810-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO coupe. S/N 124379L514015. Gray/black & gray leather. 376-ci fuel-injected V8, auto. Quality resto-mod with a 4-link rear suspension. Fiberglass hood. Carbon fiber rear spoiler. Dimples and sanding marks present. Center console is chipped. Seats 74 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $37,400. The F-body Camaros are certainly on my radar screen. These cars have a bright upside and are continuing to grow in popularity. This was a nice, numbers-matching, split-bumper example done in the right colors, and it presented well. Sold at market money, so a fair deal for both parties. 7 ible. S/N 136670L157911. Blue & white/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 5 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Driver’s door and trunk lid slightly out of alignment. Paint run on driver’s rocker, small fisheyes all over. Interior looks great. Engine bay better than factory. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $84,700. Here’s the lesson to be learned when you decide to build a clone, replica, or re-creation: Do it right, and clone an ultra- #670.1-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE LS6 replica convert- SOLD AT $37,400. Restored by a crew with intimate knowledge and ability. The final bid was right in the middle of the low and high estimates for an outstanding buy on a show-ready piece. Very well bought. #676-1971 OLDSMOBILE 442 convertible. S/N 344671M188300. Red/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 40 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A numbers-matching 442. All gaps excellent except for driver’s door. Some dimples noted in grille area. Chrome and trim are polished and very nice. Interior shows only minor flaws. Better than factory overall. Cond: 1-. 5 TOP 10 TOP 10

BARRETT-JACKSON // Palm Beach, FL SOLD AT $100,100. The 442s are hot in the market right now. Top examples in excellent colors rarely present themselves, and cars like this one make valuation difficult. Big money for one without the W-30 badge on the fender. #623-1972 CHEVROLET C-10 pickup. S/N CCE142S183985. Yellow & white/black vinyl. Odo: 472 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fresher restoration now softening and showing signs of light use. Large cut in paint on passenger’s side. Brush touch-ups and fisheyes noted. Nice gaps overall. Trim pieces are fading. Fully restored interior remains in great shape. Highly optioned. Cond: 2-. CORVETTE 9 #660.1-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N E57S100968. Venetian Red/tan cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 57,856 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Expert paint and prep. Top fits well. Al Knoch red interior perfectly fitted and showing no wear. Non-original 350 with original air cleaner and five-fin aluminum valve covers. Chassis clean and stock. Cond: 2. #679-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J59S106390. Blue/blue vinyl/blue leather. Odo: 183 miles. 350-ci 350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. A fully built resto-mod with a modern drivetrain. Small blemish on the nose, fisheyes in the hood, and some stone chips. Driver’s door is out of alignment, and trunk lid is high. Replated chrome is nice, but has some light scratches. Seats are a bit baggy from use. Fitted with a/c. Cond: 2-. 1 SOLD AT $24,200. This was the third year in a row that I’ve seen this truck at this sale. In 2010 it sold for $36,300 (ACC# 160250) with a fresh restoration and few flaws. In 2011 it sold for $25,300 (ACC# 178110). This go-round, a slightly lower number at $24,200, but just broken in for the new owner. A fair price. #660.2-1972 PONTIAC LEMANS convertible. S/N 2D67X2P133151. Green/light tan vinyl. Odo: 88,955 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Very nice overall and extremely rare numbers-matching example with documentation. Ghosted tape line on hood from adding the nose extension. Passenger’s door and hood gaps are a bit wide. Interior lightly worn and soiled. Reported to be one of only 33 ever built. Features the 455 HO engine and is loaded with desirable options. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $74,800. This vintage Corvette was restored to perfection from top to bottom, inside and out; but with a 350-ci engine (of unstated horsepower) dressed to mimic a 283. Purists would cringe; street enthusiasts would approve. Price paid approached the $88k high estimate, so the engine swap didn’t hurt value much at all. Well bought and sold. 8 J59S106469. Red/red leather. Odo: 33,613 miles. 350-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 5-sp. An older restoration. Dust and some minor trash noted in the paint. Passenger’s door is tight, fuel door skewed. Seats a bit baggy. Some brightwork is pitted. Crate motor with plenty of chrome under the hood. 4-wheel disc brakes. Cond: 2-. #669.1-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N SOLD AT $203,500. This car was fitted with a modern drivetrain and suspension. Nothing about the original 1959 GM build is left other than the body and interior layout, so the driving enjoyment factor should be remarkable. Big money paid, but these cars tend to do well at Barrett-Jackson. Well sold. #700-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 30837S111289. Black/black leather. 395-ci 1000hp turbocharged V8, 4-sp. A total custom build from end to end. Looks smashing from 10 feet, but unwinds quickly under closer scrutiny. Poor gaps, body seams showing. Center console is worn. Winner of the GM design award. Cond: 2-. 6 SOLD AT $68,200. A LeMans HO convertible is far rarer than a comparably built GTO. Well done, well documented, well bought. 76 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $79,200. Last sold at Mecum’s 2007 St. Charles sale for $30,975 (ACC# 45684), in totally stock and somewhat shabby condition. Although it had the look of a more expensive C1 resto-mod, the chassis was basically stock, so it won’t have the ride of a more modern and expensive build. No harm done at the sale price, though. SOLD AT $94,600. Last seen at Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, on August 15, 2009, as a no-sale at a whopping $165,000 (ACC# 141240), in #1 condition. Three years later, it’s beginning to unwind, but still a masterful build. It probably cost three times this much to create, so can we call it well bought? Let’s call it market-correct. #374-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S713240. Blue & white/silver vinyl & blue velour. Odo: 62,758 miles. 427-ci 1,000-hp super- TOP 10 TOP 10 TOP 10 TOP 10

BARRETT-JACKSON // Palm Beach, FL charged V8, 4-sp. Restored in 2006. Multi-colored psychedelic paint scheme. Big block with supercharger and dual Edelbrock carbs protruding through the hood. Straight body with matching hard top. Race-car-quality engine compartment. Cond: 3-. #670-1970 FORD TORINO COBRA fastback. S/N 0A38J171876. Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 41,777 miles. 429-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Looks to be a fairly fresh restoration overall. Miles stated as original. Fisheyes noted throughout the paint. Fresh tags and stickers under the hood. Super Cobra Jet engine. Engine bay is stellar with the exception of the firewall. Matching numbers and fully documented. Cond: 2. tained for much less than invested in professional time and money. Well bought. MOPAR #54-1928 DODGE pickup. S/N A1000624. Black/black vinyl/tan velour. Odo: 39,112 miles. Claimed barn find that was rescued for restoration in 1990. Paint has significant orange peel. Good glass. Roof fabric is shrinking. Excellent chrome bumpers and headlights. Engine and chassis are dusty, but no leaks. Solid steel disk wheels with recent rubber. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $29,700. A single-purpose machine designed to awe, and last seen at this sale in March 2008, where it sold for $34,100 (ACC# 116135). Claimed to be streetable, it would frighten children, rattle neighborhood dishes and perplex the fueleconomy-minded. Obtained for the low estimate of what a stock one would bring, the buyer gave himself a fun toy that’s summons-ready. Well bought and sold. FOMOCO 3 0F02G160678. Calypso Coral/white vinyl. Odo: 44,235 miles. 302-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A very authentic restoration that is beginning to show signs of use and age. Paint has a run and some small scratches. Drip rail is bubbling. Sticker remnants are leaving a ghost pattern on the rear-quarter glass. Very nice under the hood, but beginning to show signs of use. Cond: 2-. #695.2-1970 FORD MUSTANG Boss 302 fastback. S/N SOLD AT $55,000. A “one of one” build, according to the Marti Report, but only because it was sold with the poverty-style hubcaps. Still, a low production, real-deal muscle car, and one of only 50 with the drag-pack option. Price paid was in line with the ACC Price Guide, but I think this one deserved more, given the originality and documentation. Well bought. #37.1-1979 FORD F-150 pickup. S/N F14HEDJ3205. Viper Yellow/gray cloth. Odo: 33,862 miles. 351-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Tall, proper stance on new off-road tires. Flawless paint and panel fit, excellent chrome, no dings or scrapes, zero rust. New glass and step plates. Color-matched Lund visor on cab, wheelarch eyebrows over Mickey Thompson polished alloys. Interior as-new. Underhood clean and original-appearing. No evidence of rural excursions or abuse. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $14,300. This pre-war relic once served as a dog catcher’s ride, then lived a leisurely life until it slumbered in a dry place for decades. It now looks pretty much as it did in its youth, save for a bright gold velvet bench seat that stuns an otherwise conservative ambiance. Price achieved here was at the top of current market value, but how many more can be out there? Well bought and sold. #360.2-1968 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER 2-dr sedan. S/N RM21H8G277812. White/black vinyl. Odo: 4,351 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very good white respray; bad door fit. Matching numbers in tidy engine bay. Features Tru Trac serpentine belt system, Howe aluminum radiator and ceramic-coated Hooker headers. Ladder bars. Interior is clean with a/c, factory radio and tach, and Hurst shifter. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $110,000. Recently sold for an utterly staggering $209,000 at BarrettJackson’s 2012 Scottsdale sale (ACC# 193712). Given the two documented sales records, the seller took a devastating hit. Price paid today was about market money for a well-presented Boss 302. 78 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $13,750. A total rebuild by a meticulous body shop owner for his personal pleasure. Process included total disassembly, sandblasting, acid dipping, priming, painting and clear-coating every piece before assembly. Only the cab and hood panel were original, with all others N.O.S. for a better-than-factory result. A sure winner at any truck show, and ob- SOLD AT $33,550. A lot of good work went into this, and maybe they just ran out of time to plumb the doors. The car could be a fun straight-line performer and perfect for those “Hot August Nights.” A Mopar fan saw the potential and paid right on the high estimate. Fair deal. A TOP 10

BRANSON // Branson, MO Weathering the storm POST-TORNADO, THE 32nd ANNUAL BRANSON AUCTION TOTALS $2.9M Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson Market opinions in italics the word out that the 32nd annual event would take place as planned. The chaos of the tornado and residual uncertainty apparently lead to fewer consignments than usual, but the overall quality of cars did not suffer. The hotel that usually offers primary hospitality for the auction was closed for L Branson Branson, MO April 21–22, 2012 Auctioneers: Tom “Spanky” Assiter, Andrew Assiter and John Nichols Automotive lots sold/offered: 103/192 sales rate: 54% Total sales: $2,856,570 High American sale: 1931 Cadillac 370A roadster, sold at $197,100 Buyer’s premium: 8%, included in sold prices Branson sales total $1m $2m $3m $4m $5m 0 80 AmericanCarCollector.com 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 repairs, but the adjoining Convention Center, where the auction itself takes place, was fixed up and ready. Auction day arrived in full spring glory. The highest sale across the block was a nicely restored 1931 Cadillac series 370A, which garnered $197,100. Other domestic Full Classics that sold included two Springfield-built Brewster-bodied Rolls-Royce Phantom Is — a 1927 convertible sedan and a 1929 Club Sedan, fetching $162,000 and $97,200, respectively, a 1931 Auburn series 8-98A cabriolet fetching $108,000, and a one-of-two 1937 Cord 812 “Westchester” trunk-back sedan for $65,100. While muscle cars sold for decent money, there were few world-class restored examples, so they were far and few between in the top sales column. One of the area’s most successful local entertainers, Shoji Tabuchi, sold a number of vehicles from his collection. Among them was a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 that he was known to cruise around Branson. The 428 Cobra Jet-powered ’Stang sold for $51,300. It was the top-selling muscle car at this auction and the top domestic car from Shoji’s collection, with all but a handful of the nearly dozen cars he offered declared sold. While fewer total cars sold, a greater number of the headline cars sold. Indeed, most found new homes. Post-block sales activity was also strong. After the last car crossed the block at 4:30 Saturday afternoon, fourteen more transactions came together. All eyes now are on the fall sale, taking place October 12 and 13. Historic downtown Branson should be fully recovered by then, with nothing to hamper the collector car action.A asting tornado damage in downtown Branson, MO, threatened to derail the 2012 spring Branson Auction, but within a few weeks of the storm, Jim Cox and his staff got 1931 Cadillac 370A roadster, sold at $197,100

BRANSON // Branson, MO GM 2 1000947. Two-tone green/tan cloth/tan leather. Odo: 23,815 miles. Old show-quality restoration has seen some use since. Polish scratches prevalent. Broken-off stanchion above driver’s side taillight bracket. Loose-fitting seat leather has glossiness from use. Originally owned by 1930s star Jean Harlow. Cond: 3+. #560-1931 CADILLAC 370A V12 rumbleseat roadster. S/N vinyl re-dyed at same time. Tube headers, Edelbrock manifold, Holley 4-barrel and new chrome alternator. Optional power steering, power brakes, and a/c—most components now removed. Cond: 4. NOT SOLD AT $8,000. Last seen at the McCormick Auction in Palm Springs, CA, in November 2011, selling for $7,700 (ACC# 195624), making this offer look about right. SOLD AT $7,020. Since it would be relatively easy to do, I anticipate this getting turned into a 442 clone. Market-priced. SOLD AT $197,100. Sold well enough, with the reserve released after the final bid. #605-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible. S/N VC57J279246. Matador Red/white vinyl/red & silver vinyl. Odo: 1,319 miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Originally built at the Janesville, WI, plant, but wears one-piece Van Nuys front bumper with aluminum Dagmars instead of rubber. Excellent body prep and repaint. Bone-stock and show-ready under the hood. Repro interior expertly fitted. PowerPac and three-on-the-tree with overdrive, power top, twin rear antennas. Cond: 2. #268-1966 CHEVROLET CORVAIR 500 2-dr hard top. S/N 101376W131011. White/red cloth. Odo: 97,153 miles. 164-ci H6, 2x1-bbl, auto. Originally light blue metallic, resprayed to OK standard with some overspray on the undercarriage and bottom half of engine. Most trim has been shaved off. Plain-Jane interior upholstery job and new heavier-than-stock pile carpeting. On oversized aftermarket chrome wide-stance steel wheels with baby moons. Cond: 3. #250-1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe. S/N 2W87K9L164796. Silver/red vinyl. Odo: 58,739 miles. 403-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Retains all original paperwork from new. Recently completed three-year bare-body restoration. Rebuilt original powertrain cosmetically redone to stock. Like new under the hood and undercarriage. Excellent body and paint work. All-new seats, door panels, carpet, and dashpad. Equipped with the Olds 403 V8, automatic, a/c, power windows, 4-wheel discs, AM/FM/ 8-track and snowflake alloys. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $23,760. Signs of life from the second-gen Firebird market, as this sale approaches 2006-era levels. The good colors and competent redo also helped here. CORVETTE NOT SOLD AT $5,000. For late Corvairs, I actually prefer the 500s over Monzas or Corsas. Granted, you get a bench seat, but that can be swapped easily enough, and sure, you couldn’t get a turbo in a 500, but you could order the better 4-carb 140. The days of $500 daily-driver Corvairs are gone. Now the drivers are $5k—like the high bid for this one. SOLD AT $54,000. Cross-checking the body tag reveals it was restored in the original color and trim scheme—albeit the one into which everyone seems to change their Laurel Green cars. ’57 Chevys may be on a downward trend, but the buyer got a steal here. Well bought. #535-1965 OLDSMOBILE F-85 CUTLASS convertible. S/N 338675M349438. Red & black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 55,544 miles. 330-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Originally Provincial White with red interior. Average older repaint with some trim removed, but not polished or replated. Rattle-trap doors, uneven gaps. Generic pleated-seat reskin has a few seasons on it, rest of interior 82 AmericanCarCollector.com #269-1973 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO SS pickup. S/N 1D80Y3Z446363. Silver/black vinyl. Odo: 50,635 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Average quality with below-average prep, SS stripes not reapplied. Bedliner sprayed in the dented box. Re-upholstered seats, new dashpad, CD player in the dash, aftermarket speakers behind the seats. Clean engine bay with some aftermarket parts. Cond: 3. #259-1976 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z37L6S413583. Corvette Orange/dark brown leather. Odo: 74,739 miles. 350-ci 180-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Original window sticker shows it was sold new in Lansing, MI. Through four owners, it has essentially remained original, with one older light respray. Moderate interior wear for the miles indicated. Recent rattle-can repaint of the motor, with minimal masking of the carburetor linkage. Has a/c and power windows. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $9,720. Although not original enough to be Survivor-eligible, and with the base driveline, this was still a relatively unmessed-with example with lots of potential. Good buy for a a cruiser with some longer-term investment potential. #241-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J0L5800399. Red/red leather. Odo: 27,335 miles. 350-ci BEST BUY TOP 10

BRANSON // Branson, MO 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. As is typical for a ZR-1, the unique Koolof windshield is starting to lightly fog. Light interior wear, tidy under the hood. Cond: 3+. Stinky old interior has no tears or heavy wear. Grubby engine bay. Has a/c, the only factory option offered. Some of the components are even still in place. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 4-. SOLD AT $15,120. Last seen at the 1992 Kruse Fall Auburn auction, selling for $9,100—with 32 fewer miles (ACC# 11280). I’ve been around Mark IIs long enough in the Lincoln Continental Owner’s Club to know an expensive project when I see one. Well sold. SOLD AT $20,520. Unit 399 of 3,049 built in their introductory year. Not a minty collectible hidden since day one, but a rather nice stock example that you could be proud to drive without stress—or go the extra mile to prep it as a Bloomington Gold collectible. Well bought. FOMOCO #587-1950 FORD CUSTOM convertible. S/N B0CH153229. Black/tan cloth/maroon & black leather. Odo: 94,819 miles. 239-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Average older repaint with some light polish swirls. Poor fit on doors, panels and trim. Authentic reproduction seats and door panels, with excellent workmanship. Cond: 3. #593-1957 FORD FAIRLANE 500 Skyliner retractable hard top. S/N C7KW160706. Red & white/white retractable hard top/red & white nylon & vinyl. Odo: 38,632 miles. 292-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Fully restored in late ’07 to stock spec, aside from 1961–63 era modern repop wire wheels. High-quality bare-body colorchange repaint from original Dresden Blue over Starmist Blue. Authentic repro seat upholstery changed from two-tone blue vinyl. Tidy under the hood. Cond: 2. was still under the money by four to 10 grand. #231-1965 FORD F-100 pickup. S/N F10JK606904. Pagoda Green/white vinyl. Odo: 86,935 miles. 240-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Restored five years ago. Mostly stripped bodywork when repainted, with a nice overall finish. Body tag removed from door jamb. Authentic sloppy door seal glue. Generic pleated-seat redo. CD stereo mounted beneath uncut dash. Very tidy engine bay with aftermarket chrome valve cover, air cleaner, and electric ah-ooh-gah horn. Needs to be force-fed when cold, as the choke is out of adjustment, but once lit off, runs out well. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $9,600. A rather nice driver that won’t kill your fuel budget. Problem is, no one is going to bid more than this unless there’s a V8 under the hood. NOT SOLD AT $37,000. The too-new wheels and Resale Red respray, perhaps intended to broaden customer appeal, were major disappointment here. Bid to a market-plus amount. NOT SOLD AT $25,000. This was one of several cars offered from the collection of Japanese fiddle player and Branson show stalwart Shoji Tabuchi, who bought it here at the Fall 2007 auction for $35,640 (ACC# 47567). It was also the only one that failed to sell. While it had a few issues, it was still bid a bit low. #508-1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II 2-dr hard top. S/N C56A1707. Black/black & white leather. Odo: 63,043 miles. 368-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Poor prep and respray, rust busting out all over. Old bias-ply tires, one wheel cover missing. #258-1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD Landau coupe. S/N 3Y87M105101. Copper/parchment vinyl/copper vinyl. Odo: 33,118 miles. 390-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Optional Tri-Power 390 and a/c. Betterthan-average repaint in last few years. Older front bumper rechrome, more recent rear, rest of plating original and serviceable. Re-dyed original vinyl roof. Older seat upholstery kit. Cond: 3+. #564-1966 SHELBY GT350 H fastback. S/N SFM6S814. Black & gold/black vinyl. Odo: 5,390 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Originally in Hertz’s fleet out of Milwaukee. Repainted in 1975, now starting to wear thin. Light wear on older repro interior pieces. Original engine rebuilt 4k miles ago and retains all of its original Shelby components. Engine bay clean but shows signs of use. Lowered front suspension, non-stock side exhaust. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $16,000. I’ve now seen one-third of the six 1963 M-Bird Landaus produced. The other was at RM’s dispersion of the Jerry Capizzi Collection in 2006, sold for $57,750 (ACC# 43559). This one was nowhere near as good as Jerry’s, but 84 AmericanCarCollector.com NOT SOLD AT $85,000. Being out of Milwaukee, it wouldn’t surprise me if this had taken a few unofficial laps around Elkhart Lake at $17 a day and 17 cents a mile. The owner indicated to me that if nobody was willing to pay his price, he’ll just restore it. #284-1967 MERCURY MARQUIS 2-dr hard top. S/N 7Z69M508551. Maroon/black vinyl/black nylon & vinyl.

BRANSON // Branson, MO Odo: 99,055 miles. 410-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A one-family car being consigned by first owner’s grandson. Recently repainted, still with some masking tape in jambs. Great shiny brightwork, but missing front fascia emblems and lettering, with open holes, and poor rocker panel trim fit. Re-covered roof. Decent original interior with cracked dashpad. With factory a/c. Cond: 3. color and trim. Better-quality base barebody repaint, but roof has prep issues. Minimal flaws on refinished wood. Metal dealer’s tag tastefully screwed to lower wood trim on trunk. Like-new interior. Show-ready engine bay. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $45,000. The 95th T&C from the final year of Chrysler’s inline flathead 8-cyl and wood trim. While these will never reach the values of their earlier brethren, they haven’t been depreciating. The presale $50k–$60k estimate was reasonable. SOLD AT $4,428. Despite the fact that even the air cleaner and VIN showed this to be a 410, the owner was positive that it was a 428. Still, a lot of car for the money, and with some sweat equity by a FoMoCo fan, maybe even a few bucks to be made on it in the future. #558-1969 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1 fastback. S/N 9F02R117254. Maroon & gold/black deluxe vinyl. Odo: 93,781 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older cosmetic redo with lots of overspray on rear springs. Fitted with post-1969 rear wing and window slats. Newer repop interior is well fitted. Nearly bone-stock engine bay. With power steering and brakes. Cond: 3+. #532-1952 DODGE B-3-B pickup. S/N 8337852. Viper Red/tan vinyl. Odo: 564 miles. 218-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with “low side” pickup box and 4-speed transmission. Very solid body, well prepped for too-bright respray. Many incorrect details, such as argent grille and front bumper (would’ve been gloss black when new), newer high-gloss varnished wood in bed, mismatched 1970s hubcaps. New plain vinyl seat and door panel upholstery. Cond: 3+. installed with expert workmanship, and while several mods were rather obvious, some were quite subtle—for example, the graphics were all air-brushed rather than vinyl. All in all, a well done street machine. The reserve was off at $36k, and while not a great investment, it was still a good buy for a high-quality cruiser. #538-1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD replica 2-dr hard top. S/N RM23N0A10618. Yellow/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 1 mile. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Originally a 383 car in Rally Red with Air Grabber hood, per body tag. Now a fakey-doo Superbird with replica aero parts (not take-offs from a dead car). Nose cone has no provision for pop-up headlights like a real Superbird, so the lower driving lights are your only choice at night. Good paint, decent gaps, doors could use adjustment. Bottom of body entirely rebuilt in box sections, tubbed for a narrowed rear axle. Warmed-up Hemi expertly installed. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $17,000. Decent enough workmanship, but poor authenticity; this dealer found out that today’s vintage truck buyer is more discriminating than before, so it goes back to his lot. SOLD AT $51,300. Another one of Shoji’s cars, cut loose at $47k, which was more than plenty. He was known to cruise around Branson in it on a regular basis, and the price paid may have included some star factor. MOPAR #567-1950 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY Newport 2-dr hard top. S/N C491999. Juniper Green, tan & wood/green cloth. Odo: 72,557 miles. 324ci I8, 1-bbl, auto. Titled on engine number. Recent frame-off restoration in original #550-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER 2-dr sedan. S/N RM21H9G244397. Red & black/black vinyl. Odo: 29,624 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. No fender tag. Bodywork restored to stock configuration, with betterthan-original prep, paint and panel fit. All new trim and replated bumpers. Little else is stock. Redone interior fitted with steering column from a similar-era Chrysler or Imperial and a post-1970 pistol-grip shifter. Under the hood is a built-up 383 with serpentine belt system and aluminum radiator, retaining stock Air Grabber induction system. With Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes, RMS suspension system and oversized TorqThrust wheels. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $32,000. I would guess they started restoring the car, but found enough rust to require lots of cutting and patching, so they changed plans and went Pro Street instead. Final bid is likely what they had into the engine. #239-1972 DODGE DART Swinger 2-dr hard top. S/N LH23G2B172849. Light blue/blue vinyl & cloth. Odo: 82,081 miles. 318-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Repainted in original hue but originally had a white vinyl top; only the side emblems were put back on, nothing on the hood and trunk. Replated bumpers, with rest of brightwork showing its age. New low-budget radials. New seat coverings, seatbelts and door panels, with heavily faded and worn carpet and beat-up arm rests. Dash cut out for a DIN-mount stereo, water-stained parcel shelf cut for modern speakers. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $42,120. Everything here was 86 AmericanCarCollector.com NOT SOLD AT $6,500. Not as unmolested as the consignor would like one to think, but not a horrid car. Still, the last bid was all the money for it and then some. A

GLOBAL ROUNDUP Auctions America by RM spring Carlisle Carlisle, PA—April 26–27, 2012 Auctioneers: Brent Earleywine Automotive lots sold/offered: 131/267 sales rate: 49% sales total: $2,529,335 High sale: 1957 Corvette 283/270 convertible, sold at $99,000 Buyers premium: 10%, included in sold prices Report and photos by John Lyons Collector Car Productions 2011 Toronto spring Classic Car Auction Toronto, Ontario, CAn—April 13–15, 2012 Auctioneers: Brent Earlywine and Ed Shackelton Automotive lots sold/offered: 178/329 GM #421-1953 CHEVROLET 3100 5-window pickup. S/N M53BOO8044. Burgundy leather/burgundy. Odo: 21,800 miles. 216-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Excellent restoration of a proper and correct truck. Superb prep and paintwork, perfect chrome and trim. Radiodelete interior likewise flawless. Detailed underside and engine bay. Only flaw is slight orange peel in jambs. Retains original drivetrain. Cond: 2+. Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report sales rate: 54% sales total: $3,040,243 High sale: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 convertible, sold at $147,500 Buyer’s premium: 8%, included in sold prices Report and photos by Norm Mort Classic Motorcar Auctions Akron spring Auction Akron, OH—March 31, 2012 Auctioneers: Dennis Wisbey and Mark Otto Automotive lots sold/offered: 72/117 sales rate: 62% sales total: $1,021,565 High sale: 1947 Cadillac Series 62 convertible, sold at $91,800 Buyers’ premium: 8%, included in results Report and photos by Kevin Coakley NOT SOLD AT $76,000. This showed up just a day ahead of the sale with no advance registration. The seller was looking for around $90,000 but with no promotion, that’s unrealistic. I also overheard many bidders turned off by the brown vinyl top and interior. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #341-1959 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO pickup. S/N H59L116779. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 71,946 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fairly honest original car with 350 crate V8 engine with 3-speed automatic of unknown origin. All trim removed during build; paint and bumpers in nice condition. Interior lightly modified with differing seat pattern, incorrect steering wheel and aftermarket radio. Clean engine bay and undercarriage. Spray-on bedliner. From a private estate collection, offered without reserve. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $33,550. This truck was head and shoulders above several other pretty nice ones at this sale. A deservedly strong result, with no shortage of interested bidders when it crossed the block. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #187-1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 convertible. S/N 59F019522. Cream/brown vinyl/brown vinyl. Odo: 59,029 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Decent cosmetic restoration of solid car. Correct exterior color with brown top and interior done in vinyl. Excellent chrome and trim, factory gaps and panel fit. Original gauges and controls in nice condition. Optional power seat and AM radio. Detailed engine bay and sparking underside. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $15,290. While the modifications on this car would not prove terribly hard to undo, I imagine finding the correct exterior trim and fittings will pose a challenge. Well bought, nonetheless. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. 88 #139-1961 OLDSMOBILE STARFIRE convertible. S/N 616C01229. White/white vinyl/beige leather. Odo: 83,800 miles. 394ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older cosmetic exterior restoration. Numerous chips in paint, door jambs so heavily coated that VIN tag is almost unreadable. Original faded and hazy chrome and trim, newer top. Original and very tired-looking interior with unappealing aftermarket steering wheel. Dirty engine bay. Cond: 4+. AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $13,200. Market-correct price, but plenty of room to improve it with a good detailing. A correct steering wheel wouldn’t hurt, either. Buyer came out ahead on this one. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #367-1965 PONTIAC CATALINA “2+2” 2-dr hard top. S/N 252375E169146. Turquoise/black vinyl. Odo: 86,180 miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Seven-year-old restoration of a two-owner car, fully documented. Said to be one of 756 in this configuration, with factory YK-code 421-ci 376-hp V8, Tri-Power and TurboHydramatic. Optional power steering and brakes, center console, eight-lug wheels, heavy-duty suspension, factory in-dash tachometer, Wonderbar radio, Safe-T-Track differential and remote mirror. Featured in May 2010 Hemmings Classic Car. Shown with reams of documentation, including PHS documents, original build sheet, receipts and much more. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $24,200. The car was bid to $21k on the block, and after about five minutes of heavy negotiation, the seller reluctantly agreed to sell for $22k on the hammer. Well bought. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #SP37-1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS Nickey replica coupe. S/N 124378L317292. Green/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 587 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Reportedly a four-year, body-off restoration that cost $50k in new parts alone. Only driven 500 miles since. Appears very well researched. Straight body with fiberglass hood. Excellent paint. Fully

GLOBAL ROUNDUP rechromed. Fresh black interior with correct Nickey appointments. Period-correct aluminum 427 fully detailed. Nickey ladder bars and fully detailed chassis. American Racing wheels and Redline tires. Well done. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $38,500. Previously sold for $34,000 at RM’s 2007 Novi, MI, sale, when we said it was “worth more” (ACC# 45180). If the clone issue didn’t bother you, then this looked like excellent Camaro for the money. Bidding slowed at mid-thirties but nearly reached $40k. The seller lost, and the new owner should be happy. Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN 04/12. #308-1970 CHEVROLET C30 utility bed pickup. S/N CE330J161470. Dark green & white/black vinyl. Odo: 90,405 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Decent paint. Anodized grille is fading. Back-door window is cracked. All utility bed compartments are clean and fresh, doors all operable and in good condition. Decent engine bay. Equipped with power steering, power brakes and tow package. Cond: 3. Odo: 49,273 miles. 389-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Excellent straight body and panel fit. Only one recent repaint in original light blue with few imperfections. Virtually spotless threeseat original interior other than minor fading in areas. Original clean underside and underhood except for minimal wear. With a/c, rear wind deflector, original radio and whitewalls on full discs. Cond: 2. auto. Original paint, trim, interior and underside with practically no wear evident. No shrinkage of any plastic panels inside or out. Full steering wheel controls for climate control and radio. Factory a/c, anti-theft, AM/FM and T-tops. Clean, correct, original engine bay. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $17,000. One of many time-warp examples preserved for anticipated future appreciation, hurt by the 6-cyl engine. High bid was all the money. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. CORVETTE SOLD AT $29,700. Ten years ago, most station wagons were being used as parts cars, but this iconic American body style now has a huge following and great club support. Whether you were a wagon fan or not, most observers gave this example a once-over as this rarer, mostly original, former Florida Pontiac had few faults. Enthusiastic bidders pushed the price much higher than I had expected, proving once again the desirability of very clean originals. Definitely well sold, but the buyer, with minimal improvements, should be very happy too. Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN 04/12. SOLD AT $7,020. Another offering from the Chet Krause collection offered at no reserve, this truck was driven to the sale from Iola, WI. All in all, bargain price for a nice, useable truck. Very well bought. Classic Motorcar Auctions, Akron, OH, 03/12. #168-1970 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe. S/N 228870N116173. White/black vinyl. Odo: 46,111 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very well kept original car with some minor cracking and checking in paint. Good glass. Original interior shows minimal wear. Clean engine bay. With PHS documentation. Cond: 3. #311-1979 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 coupe. S/N 1Q87L9NS43680. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 86,885 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint is thick and shiny. Varied panel fit all around. Back window is scratched. Weatherstripping is dry-rotted. Interior is decent except for a switch hanging by the under-dash wires and a tattered door panel. Cond: 3-. #184-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S107390. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 36,581 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4 bbl, 4-sp. High-quality cosmetic restoration. Somewhat heavy paint in the door jambs, few slight dents in trim. Old, yellowing tires. Interior very original. Equipped with rare factory Wonderbar radio. Factory hard top included. Dirty engine bay, apparently ignored during the restoration. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $36,025. Very nice car with a few details still requiring attention. Also, no mention of documentation or matching numbers, so a bit of an unknown. Sold correctly given the circumstances. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. SOLD AT $6,480. Claimed to have been restored in 2010, but was done on the quick and cheap. Result looked fair both ways, considering there are still some checks to write to make this straight. Classic Motorcar Auctions, Akron, OH, 03/12. #430-1989 PONTIAC TRANS AM 20th Anniversary Indy Pace Car coupe. S/N IG5FW2177KL240445. White/tan leather. Odo: 10,928 miles. 3.8-L fuel-injected V6, SOLD AT $26,000. Initially unsold across the block, a deal came together later at a very fair $26k, close enough to the owner’s desired $27k to get it done. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #415-1972 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE wagon. S/N 863K45849. Blue/blue vinyl. 90 AmericanCarCollector.com #412-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1946265114721. Turquoise/ hard top/navy blue vinyl. Odo: 74,291 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 2x4-bbl. Frame-off restoration has earned NCRS Top Flight and multiple other major awards. Full documentation includes Protect-O-Plate and factory window sticker. Flawless paint, trim and panel fit. Fresh-appearing interior with excellent trim and gauges, showing only minimal wear. Show-detailed engine, trunk and underside. Equipped with factory sidepipes, disc brakes, hard top and AM radio. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $57,500. Stunning restoration of a proper numbers- BEST BUY

GLOBAL ROUNDUP matching car. This mid-year Corvette was one of the nicest in the entire sale. The restoration could not have been cheap, and seller was right to hold out for more. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #379-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z878A5440211. Red/black leather. Odo: 11,903 miles. 350-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Original paint shows minor scratches and blemishes. Factory panel gaps, passenger’s door release doesn’t work. Delaminated windshield. Grungy engine bay. Power brakes, power steering, a/c. Cond: 3. sible hail damage on hood. Very good original interior. All controls look good and work well. Factory a/c, AM radio and power antenna. Shown with folders of original records and receipts. Cond: 3. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $10,450. Previously sold for $8,250 at Fall Auburn 2011, which we said “would likely turn a profit” (ACC# 185964). It then brought $15,225 at Collector Car Productions’ October 2011 sale (ACC# 187764). I said it was worth every penny then, but something must have been amiss, or the previous owner found he just didn’t like it. Well bought today, with room for profit yet again. Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN 04/12. SOLD AT $31,900. Even the repaint had an original-looking patina. The documents no doubt helped the result for what has been a soft-selling car these past five years. A fair deal for both parties. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. NOT SOLD AT $15,000. Sure, it’s a oneowner car with low miles, but better examples trade regularly for 30% less. Perhaps a little attention to detail could make this number achievable again, but at what cost? Seller should have let it go. Classic Motorcar Auctions, Akron, OH, 03/12. FOMOCO #423-1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II 2-dr hard top. S/N 056A1670. Blue/blue & white vinyl. Odo: 62,798 miles. 368-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nice original car with one older repaint holding up well. Some minor issues with the paint including pos- #SP104-1957 FORD COUNTRY SEDAN wagon. S/N D7DX120937. Red & cream/red & cream vinyl. Odo: 50,347 miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Good, straight solid body. Eye-catching color combination with only minor flaws. Chrome acceptable, but with pitted mirrors and door handles, ding in grille. Original bumpers. Attractive matching-color vinyl seats show minimal wear. Original door caps and panels worn and faded, original cracked rubber gaskets. Rear deck painted red over original cream. #413-1959 FORD GALAXIE 500 Sunliner convertible. S/N B9G0115510. Blue & white/white cloth/white & blue vinyl. Odo: 85,374 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The paint shows well as part of a fairly fresh restoration. Minor panel-fit issues with driver’s door and trunk lid. Brightwork shows well. Recent mechanical work includes new front ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, brakes and stainless-steel dual exhaust. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $28,620. Sunliners trumped Skyliner production by more than three to one, but the Skyliner convertible hard tops somehow seem more abundant in the market. This was a nice package, and, considering the recently completed maintenance, seemed like a bit of a bargain. Well bought. Classic Motorcar Auctions, Akron, OH, 03/12. #428-1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible. S/N 81081720343. Red/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 43,831 miles. 200-ci V6, 2-bbl, auto. Highly original car with one repaint likely done years ago and preserved. Miles claimed original and overall presentation confirms. Original top, engine and interior. Nice chrome and trim also indicative of a good original car. Only notable options are the Cruise-O-Matic transmission and power top. Cond: 3. 92 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $13,750. The 6-cyl Mustangs were not exactly top of the heap then (or now), but the upside was a reliable, easy-tomaintain car. Someone will enjoy the heck

out of this for the next five months and then could sell it for probably the same money, if not a slight profit. Well bought. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. MOPAR #409-1959 DESOTO FIREDOME Sportsman 2-dr sedan. S/N M431105387. Coral & white/beige vinyl. Odo: 96,825 miles. 383-ci, 2x4-bbl, auto. Original car with hasty cosmetic restoration. Newer paint and bumpers, some filler in the rocker panels. Restored seats and carpeting. All else original. Detailed engine bay. Dual quads, factory AM radio, push-button transmission. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $27,000. This was reported to be a Florida car from new, and I suspect it was a rusty, low-level driver prior to the fluff-and-buff. High bid was more than enough. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #359-1969 DODGE DART GTS 2-dr hard top. S/N LS23M9B351847. Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 88,403 miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Thick paint with fisheyes and general prep issues. Scratches on windshield. Bumpers painted to look like aluminum. Rear valance and front grille look like black accent paint was applied with a Popsicle stick. Decent interior. Engine compartment includes aluminum radiator and a homemade fan shroud. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $19,225. A thick and quick redo that could have brought double the money with better work. That said, assuming the thick paint isn’t hiding too many sins, sorting it out could be done without turning upsidedown. Fair deal. Classic Motorcar Auctions, Akron, OH, 03/12. #380-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER 2-dr hard top. S/N RM23H9A167960. Blue Fire/black vinyl. Odo: 96,886 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. With original fender tag and broadcast sheet. Very nice overall restoration of a numbers-matching car. Very good gaps and fit. Excellent paint, chrome and trim. Attractive restored interior with perfect carpeting and seats. Original and very nice dash, instruments and AM radio. Cond: 2-. July-August 2012 93

GLOBAL ROUNDUP a correct truck. Excellent paint, some chips at door edge, chrome and trim very good. Factory gaps. Decals and wood excellent. Correct five-slot rims restored better than new. Brand new carpets. AM/FM radio. Incorrect steering wheel. Older detailed engine bay, correct details. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $26,000. A crowd surrounded this car before and during its time on the block. The 383 cars are fairly low on the Mopar totem pole, and as such, the car fell short of reserve. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #394-1970 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA 2-dr hard top. S/N 135234OE119111. Ivy Green/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 88,885 miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. No docs with car, but stated to have correct fender tags, and reportedly one of 334 in this configuration. Equipped with U-code 440-ci 375-hp V8, 4-speed and Pistol-Grip. Original 4739 Carter carburetor. Dana 3.54 rear end. Excellent trim and paint. Good gaps and fit. New reproduction bumpers with old bumper guards. Factory driving lights. Correct instruments in good condition. Interior could use a good cleaning. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $15,000. The preserved five-slot rims were a refreshing sight, as most rusted out and were replaced with incorrect ones. This was the slightly less powerful and desirable 1979 iteration, but still worth a bid more than high bid offered here. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. AMERICANA #136-1952 NASH AMBASSADOR 4-dr sedan. S/N R680440. Black & red/black vinyl. Odo: 42,356 miles. 253-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Twelve-year-old restoration, incredible execution and preservation. Paint superb, with minor blemish on driver’s side C-pillar the only flaw of note. Gaps and fit excellent, chrome and trim are show-quality, SOLD AT $52,250. These have softened substantially in recent years, but this one, with its U-code engine and appealing colors, attracted fair money. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #356-1979 DODGE PICKUP Li’l Red Express pickup. S/N D13J893218225. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 70,759 miles. 360-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nice cosmetic restoration of SOLD AT $18,590. I’ve run across three of these so far this year at auction. This was a nice, honest, low-miles car that had been properly maintained. The GO Pack was the top performance option for this car, and bidding reflected this. Both parties have reason to be satisfied with the result. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #435-1970 AMC REBEL The Machine 2-dr hard top. S/N A0M190Y216721. Red, white & blue/black, red, white & blue vinyl. Odo: 26,917 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A seldom-seen muscle car with unique, period colors. Decent repaint with some dirt. Dings in front trim; chrome is combination of original, rechrome and new. Decent interior with minimal wear. Factory wheels with dinged trim rings. Some detailing under hood and chassis in flat black. Cond: 2-. interior to match. Original AM radio, very cool Airflyte instrumentation. Engine bay and undercarriage detailed to show condition. 1952 YOM plates. Owned by seller for 32 years. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $13,200. This stunning car was one of the top five in the auction from a condition standpoint. The cost of the restoration far exceeded the price realized, and the buyer got an absolute steal. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #403-1968 AMC AMX 2-dr hard top. S/N A8M397X262982. Frost White & red/red leather. Odo: 7,162 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Unrestored low-mile car with full mechanical freshening. Excellent original paint and trim. Equipped with GO Pack and rare 4-speed manual. Light interior wear. Detailed engine bay with correct tags still in place. Cond: 2-. 94 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $15,290. The Rebel Machine was manufactured for one year only. This was an excellent driver and a rare AMC, as well as a rare muscle car. Regardless, AMC is not to everyone’s tastes, and this clean machine struggled to attract bids. Thus, well bought. Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN 04/12. A BEST BUY BEST BUY

RESOURCE DIRECTORY Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 211, or email advert@americancarcollector.com Auction Companies Auctions America by RM. 877.906.2437, 5540 CR llA Auburn, IN 46706. Home of the 480-acre Auction Park in Auburn, IN, where the annual Labor Day Auction is held in conjunction with the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Festival. www.auctionsamerica.com. (IN) Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers. 815.568.8888, 815.568.6615. 950 Greenlee St., Marengo, IL 60015. Auctions: Orlando, Kansas City, Rockford, Bloomington Gold, St. Paul, Des Moines, Carlisle, and Chicago. Nobody Sells More Muscle Than Mecum. Nobody. www.mecumauction.com. (IL) Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles. 602.252.2697, 602.252.6260. 5230 South 39th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040. info@ russoandsteele.com; www.russoandsteele.com. (AZ) Advertisers Index Adam’s Polishes, Inc ............................25 American Car Collector ........................40 ANPAC .................................................71 Auctions America .................................15 B & T Specialty Classic Car Auctions...73 Barrett-Jackson ......................................3 Bennett Law Office ...............................96 Bloomington Gold ..........................17, 58 Blue Bars ..............................................97 Callaway Corvette ..................................6 Camaro Central ....................................75 Carlisle Events ......................................77 CarPoolTables.com ..............................91 Chubb Personal Insurance ...................13 Classic & Collectible Cars Las Vegas...85 Classic Motorcar Auctions ...................79 Collector Car Price Tracker ..................97 Competition Classics ...........................89 Corvette America ..................................85 Corvette Mike .......................................27 Corvette Repair Inc. .............................23 Corvette Specialties .............................92 Cosdel ..................................................91 Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485, 2020 N. 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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 enthusiast’s 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. Classic Car Transport 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- Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions .......59 Park Place LTD .....................................21 Passport Transport ...............................56 Petersen Collector Car Auction ............94 Pro-Team Corvette Sales, Inc ..............67 Putnam Leasing ....................................24 Reliable Carriers ...................................61 Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City Museum .83 Russo & Steele LLC..............................31 San Diego Classic & Muscle Cars ........65 Silver Collector Car Auctions ..............4-5 Spuds Enterprises ................................39 Swissvax USA, LLC ..............................41 Take Your Car To Auction, LLC ...........93 The Chevy Store Inc .............................35 Thomas C Sunday Inc ..........................97 Tony D Branda Mustang & Shelby .......69 Trophykits.com .....................................95 Tropical Chevrolet ..................................6 Truespoke Wire Wheel .........................87 Vicari Auctions ......................................33 Wall Words ...........................................83 Zip Products .........................................33 the-art satellite transport tracking. Complete service for vintage races, auctions, relocations. www.intercitylines.com. (MA) Insurance Hagerty Collector Car Insurance. 800.922.4050. Collector cars aren’t like their late-model 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) Corvettes for Sale 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 new C6, only Corvette Central has it all. www.corvettecentral.com. (MI) 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) Museums 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) A 96 AmericanCarCollector.com

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Surfing Around Carl Bomstead Automobilia on eBay Carl’s thought: Bill Buckner had an illustrious major league baseball career, winning the batting crown in 1980 and accumulating 2,700 hits during his 20-year career. He is, however, best known for an error when Mookie Wilson’s grounder rolled through his legs, allowing the Mets to win Game Six of the 1986 World Series. The offending ball was recently offered by Heritage Auctions and realized an astonishing $418,250, including the buyer’s premium. Here are a few items I found, some of which might also be errors, but they were not as costly: EBAY #280823544334—UNION OIL “SPEEDY” LICENSE PLATE TOPPER. Number of bids: 22. SOLD AT: $751.24. Date sold: 2/13/2012. Several different styles of this porcelain license plate topper have recently appeared on eBay. These were in exceptional condition, although there is edge wear and the piece that they are attached to is aged. It’s difficult to comment without the piece in hand, but if it quacks like a duck… EBAY #15080802076— CORVETTE SALES AND SERVICE PORCELAIN SIGN. Number of bids: Buy-It-Now. SOLD AT: $1,250. Date sold: 5/2/2012. This Corvette sign measured 24-by-11 and had some damage at the mounting holes. It was a new one for me, as I’ve never seen another. That in itself is a warning sign, as a factory sales-and-service sign such as this would have been at most every Chevrolet/Corvette dealership in the country. Again, it’s difficult to say with certainty without the sign in hand. EBAY#200748584415—SET OF FORD EVANS HEADS. Number of bids: 1. SOLD AT: $1,100. Date sold: 4/27/2012. Evans Speed Equipment, which is still in business, was founded by Bill Evans in 1946. His belly tank racer set the Class C record at Bonneville in 1950 with a speed of 157.93 mph. It, of course, ran Evans 21-stud heads and 3-pot intake manifold. The vintage Evans heads sold here were stated to be in good condition and are rare as heck. EBAY #180847249065—1920 NEW MEXICO PORCELAIN LICENSE PLATE. Number of bids: 24. SOLD AT: $4,050. Date sold: 3/28/2012. New Mexico first offered a porcelain license 98 AmericanCarCollector.com plate in 1920, and they were used through 1924, with a tab that was added from 1921 to 1924. This plate was in exceptional condition with no chips and only a slight warp. Pricey, but find another in this condition. EBAY #160750822024— ARIZONA ROUTE 66 ROAD SIGN. Number of bids: 41. SOLD AT: $5,600. Date sold: 3/7/2012. Route 66 traveled through eight states, starting in Chicago and ending in California. Road signs were first used in 1927 (although this seller stated his sign was from 1926) and are very collectible. The rarest are from Kansas, as only 13 miles of Route 66 went through that state. This sign, which was rather rough, had six of the reflective marbles attached, but the seller stated a few more were in a separate box. Expensive as heck, but highly collectible even in this condition. EBAY #130687614458—1965 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE DASH PLAQUE. Number of bids: 18. SOLD AT: $355. Date sold: 5/4/2012. The Pebble Beach Concours has been giving dash plaques to participants, judges and volunteers for years, and they show up on eBay from time to time. They’re not exactly rare, and not highly collectible, either. They normally run less than $100, so this was silly money. EBAY #200753465297—1969 PONTIAC GTO “JUDGE” PROMOTIONAL JACKET. Number of bids: Buy-It-Now. SOLD AT: $1,250. Date sold: 5/11/2012. These jackets were available only through Pontiac dealers, and if you wanted one, you prepaid, and the dealer would send your order to the manufacturer. Few people went through the hassle, so they were scarce then and are more so today. Even so, the price paid seems a bit much. A