CUSTOM
1971 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
CUSTOM
$82.5k / Mecum
Powersliding to a big result
on the block — Elana Scherr
Page 54
AMERICANA
1952 MUNTZ JET
$118k / RM Sotheby’s
A sure-fire ticket to stand out
at any car show
— Carl Bomstead
Page 56
RACE
1966 CHEVROLET CORVAIR
CORSA YENKO STINGER
$75k / Mecum
Market-correct money on a real
Stinger — B. Mitchell Carlson
Page 58
TRUCK
1967 FORD F-100 PICKUP
$88k / Mecum
Coyote-powered Ford goes for
big bucks
— Kevin Whipps
Page 60
May–June 2020 7
Page 6
The Rundown
COLUMNS
10 Torque: Getting back to basics when we’re all stuck at home
— Jim Pickering
40 Cheap Thrills: What kind of muscle can you get for $10k?
— B. Mitchell Carlson
42 Horsepower: How will the market react to the new
Bronco? — Jay Harden
44 On the Road: Ramping up projects on a Dodge D700
— Elana Scherr
106 Surfing Around: Gotta-have automobilia on eBay and
beyond — Carl Bomstead
Horsepower, p. 42
USEFUL STUFF
12 What’s Happening: ACC Editor Jim Pickering’s new book
on GM Squarebodies, Bloomington Gold honors
Arkus-Duntov
14 Crossing the Block: Upcoming auctions
22 Parts Time: Aftermarket pieces for your vehicles
24 Cool Stuff: Car items for car people
28 Wrenching: Make your drum brakes work
64 Buy It Now: Second-series fourth-generation (1998–2002)
Chevrolet V8 Camaros — Chad Tyson
82 One to Watch: 1971–74 Dodge Charger — Chad Taylor
96 The Parts Hunter: Vintage speed parts can bring big
bucks — Patrick Smith
100 Showcase Gallery: Sell your car in ACC’s
classifieds section
101 Advertiser Index
102 Resource Directory: Get to know our advertisers
AUCTIONS
62 Market Overview
Top 10 auction sales, best buys — and what happened right
before the auctions stopped? — Chad Tyson
FEATURES
18 Your Turn: More Motion, and where’s the truck respect?
24 Good Reads: American Zoom: Stock Car Racing trom the
Dirt Tracks to Daytona — Mark Wigginton
26 Snapshots: American Iron at Amelia Island
38 Readers’ Forum: How will COVID-19 change the market?
72 Market Moment 1: 1996 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
— Nick Jaynes
92 Market Moment 2: 1965 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hard
top — Jim Pickering
98 Junkyard Treasures: Country Classics in Staunton, IL
— Phil Skinner
8 AmericanCarCollector.com
66 GAA Classic Cars — Greensboro, NC
Of 644 automobiles crossing the block, 516 sold at the
February sale in Greensboro, NC, totaling $14.5m
— Jeff Trepel, Larry Trepel, Mark Moskowitz
78 McCormick’s — Palm Springs, CA
285 of 499 lots sell at the Palm Springs Collector Car Auction,
totaling $4.6m — Carl Bomstead
88 RM Sotheby’s — Palm Beach, FL
Their first online-only sale of 2020 had 173 of 259 cars sell for
$13.6m — John Hoshstrasser, Chad Tyson
Page 8
TORQUE
Jim Pickering
Back to Basics
Our days may be redefined, but our old cars haven’t changed
rescheduled. With many states now pushing
stay-at-home orders for their residents, those
of us with classic cars are finding ourselves
alone in our garages more than ever.
With the culture side of classic-car
ownership on hold for the time being, we’re
stuck re-evaluating our personal relationships
with the cars we own. We’re also
finding an escape within the garage, where
a constant barrage of bad news can be
dulled by fundamental, basic tasks started
and completed. We wax paint. We rebuild
carburetors. We detail engine compartments.
An old car is a great place to park
your time. Projects are a promise of good
days to come.
But even this is a relationship redefined.
Katie Pickering
Drastic times call for comforting measures
T
his month’s “Wrenching” feature is
all about getting back to basics with
drum brakes. It’s the kind of task I
love to tackle, as it’s a blending of
skills both old and new. This kind of
job means I get to pull out a handful of my
special tools — the stuff that sits most of the
time — and go back through all the tricks I
learned while fixing classic cars on a daily
basis in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Looking back on it, I must have done
hundreds of drum-brake rebuilds when I
was working on cars every day, and I did
them on everything from minivans to classic
Corvettes.
This wasn’t my first ’66 Mustang brake
job. But this time the work was different.
A new reality
You might notice a new name on the
top of p. 28, right above our “Wrenching”
headline. Actually, if you’ve been reading
ACC long, you probably recognize it. Katie
Pickering is my daughter. She’s 8 years old.
A few days before I had planned to get
started on the Mustang for this issue, we got
word that Katie’s school, like many others
all over the country, was shutting down in an
10 AmericanCarCollector.com
effort to try to social-distance in the midst
of coronavirus. All of a sudden, both of my
girls were to be home all the time. My wife
is a nurse at one of Portland’s bigger hospitals,
so the job at hand fell mostly to me.
That meant I needed to relocate my efforts at
ACC from our main office in Portland to my
home on the other side of town.
It also meant that I’d be taking on the
task of keeping Katie busy with the type
of work she had been doing at school
— subtraction with borrowing, reading
comprehension, that sort of thing. It’s been
a deep dive back into the way back of my
memory — some of this stuff I haven’t had
to think about on a fundamental level in
30-plus years.
It’s been a balancing act for us that’s
being mirrored in households all across our
country: being parents while being professionals,
being kids at home while also being
students. The threat of the virus has forced
many of us to redefine our days, for better
or worse.
Escape to the garage
Auctions, events and even your weekly
cruise-ins have all been canceled or
Why do you keep your old car around,
really? Is it because you actually love the
car, or is it because it’s fun to be seen in
it? Maybe this alone time has caused you
to realize what it is that makes your cars
special to you, or maybe it’s made it clear
that when things normalize out in the greater
car world, it’ll be time to sell one car to buy
a different one.
The fix
When I was a new mechanic, I learned
drum-brake tricks from a guy named Barry.
He used to say that if you can fix a car,
you can fix anything. Plumbing, wiring,
whatever. The basics, he said, apply to
everything. It was an important lesson for
me — and it wasn’t something I could have
learned in school.
So in the midst of this crisis, the basics
are where Katie and I have started. Between
lessons about carrying the one, questions
about what happened in a specific story she
read, and writing prompts I’ve been creating
for her, Katie was knee-deep with me in the
Mustang’s drum brakes as I tore them apart
and rebuilt them. I showed her how they
work, and how to use my tools. She learned
how to take a good picture, too, earning her
a real-deal photo credit in this magazine.
For her, this stuff is all new and interest-
ing. For me, it’s a return to normalcy amid
the changing reality of being a dad. But
for both of us — maybe all of us — it’s an
escape, a special tool we all share, and a
promise of more good days ahead. A
Page 10
n Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797,
ar Collector, P.O. Box 4797,
ACC
ACC Editor Jim Pickering’s New
GM Squarebody Book
Note from Executive Editor Chester Allen:
Resto-modded American trucks continue to soar in the market — and
interest is rising on GM’s 1973–87 trucks. These rigs, known as Squarebodies,
are solid, simple and easy to find — which makes them prime candidates
for modification. ACC Editor Jim Pickering’s first book, Chevrolet/GMC
Trucks 1973–1987 — How To Build & Modify, dives deep into these
trucks and the many ways they can be upgraded. It’s a step-by-step
look at building something that’s fast, safe, reliable — and drips curb
appeal. The truck that Jim built while creating this book is fast — and
takes him wherever he wants, whenever he wants.
This notice is in ACC this month because I couldn’t let the
publication of Jim’s first book slide by quietly. Nothing Jim creates
is quiet. What’s more, it’s a terrific book. 176 pages, 400 photos.
Get it at cartechbooks.com or Amazon.com for $36.95.
tor, P.O. Box 4797,
ACC Editor Jim Pickering’s New
GM Squarebody Book
Note from Executive Editor Chester Allen:
Resto-modded American trucks continue to soar in the market — and
interest is rising on GM’s 1973–87 trucks. These rigs, known as Squarebodies,
are solid, simple and easy to find — which makes them prime candidates
for modification. ACC Editor Jim Pickering’s first book, Chevrolet/GMC
Trucks 1973–1987 — How To Build & Modify, dives deep into these
trucks and the many ways they can be upgraded. It’s a step-by-step
look at building something that’s fast, safe, reliable — and drips curb
appeal. The truck that Jim built while creating this book is fast — and
takes him wherever he wants, whenever he wants.
This notice is in ACC this month because I couldn’t let the
publication of Jim’s first book slide by quietly. Nothing Jim creates
is quiet. What’s more, it’s a terrific book. 176 pages, 400 photos.
Get it at cartechbooks.com or Amazon.com for $36.95.
Arkus-Duntov
Arkus-Duntov at The Brickyard
Bloomington Gold honors Zora Arkus-
Duntov — and Corvette models he touched
during his long engineering career — at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway from June 25 to
27.
This is the 48th year of this long-running
Corvette show, and thousands of Corvette
lovers flock in each year. This is the place to
see the nicest, most-original Corvettes around.
Many people hope their car is original enough
to win a coveted Gold Certification, a Survivor
Award or the top-of-the-mountain Benchmark
Award. This is more than a judging event. The
GoldMine has dozens of Corvettes for sale,
there is a Corvette sale area, driving tours and
much more. www.bloomingtongold.com
12 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 12
CROSSING THE BLOCK Upcoming Auctions—Compiled by Chad Tyson
(Images are courtesy of the respective auction houses unless otherwise noted)
Mecum
Where: Portland, OR
When: June 12–13
Web: www.mecum.com
Last year: 252/416 cars sold / $6.6m
Tom Mack Auctions
Where: Asheville, NC
When: June 13
Web: www.tommackclassics.com
STAR CAR: 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible at RM Sotheby’s in Elkhart, IN
MAY
RM Sotheby’s (Postponed)
Where: Elkhart, IN
When: May 1–2
Web: www.rmsothebys.com
Featured cars:
• 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition coupe
STAR CAR: 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
convertible
• 1966 Shelby GT350 H fastback
SG Auction (Postponed)
Where: Winona, MN
When: May 1–2
Web: www.sgauction.net
Featured cars:
• 1912 Cadillac Model 30 tourer
• 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door hard top
• 1970 Plymouth Superbird
J. Wood & Company (Postponed)
Where: Nashua, NH
When: May 8
Web: www.jwoodandcompany.com
RM Auctions
Where: Auburn, IN
When: May 8–9
Web: www.rmsothebys.com
Last year: 185/281 cars sold / $4,689,515
Vicari
Where: Nocona, TX
When: May 22–23
Web: www.vicariauctions.com
14 AmericanCarCollector.com
VanDerBrink
Where: Independence, MN
When: May 30
Web: www.vanderbrinkauctions.com
Lucky Collector Car
Where: Tacoma, WA
When: May 30–31
Web: www.luckyoldcar.com
Bonhams
Where: Greenwich, CT
When: May 31
Web: www.bonhams.com
Last year: 71/99 cars sold / $4.4m
JUNE
Mecum
Where: Jefferson, NC
When: June 3–7
Web: www.mecum.com
Leake
Where: Tulsa, OK
When: June 5–6
Web: www.leakecar.com
VanDerBrink
Where: Stillwater, MN
When: June 6
Web: www.vanderbrinkauctions.com
Worldwide
Where: Auburn, IN
When: June 11–14
Web: www.worldwideauctioneers.com
Southern Classic Auctions
Where: Murfreesboro, TN
When: June 20
Web: www.southerclassicauctions.com
Mecum
Where: Indianapolis, IN
When: June 23–28
Web: www.mecum.com
Last year: 1,127/1,724 cars sold / $63.1m
Featured cars:
• 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 roadster
• 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible
• 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435
convertible
Barrett-Jackson
Where: Uncasville, CT
When: June 24–27
Web: www.barrett-jackson.com
Last year: 548/548 cars sold / $23.2m
Vicari
Where: Dalton, GA
When: June 26–27
Web: www.vicariauctions.com
Raleigh Classic
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: June 26–27
Web: www.raleighclassic.com
Carlisle Auctions
Where: Carlisle, PA
When: June 27
Web: www.carlisleauctions.com
VanDerBrink
Where: Shakopee, MN
When: June 29
Web: www.vanderbrinkauctions.com A
CanCeled
CanCeled
YOUR TURN Tell Us What’s On Your Mind
Contact us at American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208 or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
Mr. Brody wants to know why this beautiful machine is not an original Baldwin-Motion Camaro
History in Motion, Part II
My name is Craig Brody, and I am the
owner of C. Brody Investment Motorcars Inc.
(www.investmentmotorcars.net) located in
Fort Lauderdale, FL. I am the proud owner
of the 1973 Motion Performance Phase
III Camaro that adorned the cover of your
November–December 2019 issue.
When I saw this beautiful Light Copper
Camaro on the Mecum website selling for
no reserve at the Harrisburg sale, I was all
over it. Once I won the bid, I called on my
Facebook friend Marty Schorr, who wrote the
book on Joel Rosen’s “Motion Performance”
and wanted to ask his opinion.
Marty was Joel’s side man and promoter
at Baldwin Motion. Marty said he never knew
this car of mine existed when he wrote the
book. The fact remains that Joel Rosen knew
of it when seeing it on display at the MCACN
show in October 2005. It belonged to Dave
Belk, a prominent Baldwin-Motion collector,
and Joel autographed it twice — on the radiator
support and on the center armrest.
Marty Schorr mentioned it was not an
original “Baldwin” Chevy-ordered car as
Mecum advertised it to be, as those were
sold through Baldwin Chevy with factory
backing. It is, however, a very documented
car from new, and Marty never asked if I had
proof of its origins. Marty decided on his own
that it was not original in any way and called
it a “tribute.” I think that was uncalled for.
A clone or a tribute means it’s a copy of the
original and was not built when it was new
in 1973.
I then arranged to have a sit-down at Joel
Rosen’s home in Coral Springs and discussed
my Camaro’s beginnings. Joel and I went
18 AmericanCarCollector.com
Craig Brody (right) with Joel Rosen
through his complete hand-written logbook
from the early 1980s. Joel stated to me that
any car made after 1971 was no longer a
Baldwin-ordered car, as the EPA crucified
that segment of the muscle-car market and
that was the beginning of the end.
To clarify, my Camaro was built in-
house when new at Motion Performance by
Dominic LoPinto and the Motion team. Joel
made this into a full-blown race car. Joel and
Dom decided to sell it off their front lot on
Sunrise Highway, perhaps under the radar of
the EPA. Along came Mr. Ray Ongaro, who
saw it on the lot and made a deal on it for
$8,000, which was huge money in 1973. Mr.
Ongaro raced the car for the next 10 years and
won the “National Super Pro” title at Bristol
Dragway in 1980, doing 9.8-second passes.
By 2005, it was restored by Dave Belk, a
known Baldwin-Motion collector. He soon
sold it to the Todd Werner Collection, and
there it stayed until 2019.
I have enclosed a photo of a dark green
1969 Corvette that a Vietnam vet sent to
Motion Performance from Texas to have a
full-blown Phase III conversion done. This
Page 18
YOUR TURN Tell Us What’s On Your Mind
beautiful truck. John writes, “Although it’s
still difficult for me to digest a pickup selling
for this kind of money, all should be happy
here.”
Really, John? A “pickup” selling for that
kind of money and you can’t quite “digest it”?
Where have you been for the past 20 years?
I take what he wrote as disparaging and
was an in-house build with no “Baldwin”
name tied to it. Anyone could bring a car
in, have it blessed by Joel and have a real
original Motion build. This same Corvette
also appears in Marty’s book twice, yet it has
nothing to do with Baldwin Chevy.
My Camaro was built in-house by Joel’s
best technician, for himself, with Joel’s blessing.
It was made with every go-fast goodie
Joel offered. Is this not an Original Motion
Performance-built car?
Both the green Corvette and my copper
Camaro were done to all Baldwin-Motion
specs, so why is the Corvette in the Motion
book an original and mine is a tribute? Am I
missing something? — Craig Brody, via email
Respect the Truck
I just received ACC Issue No. 50, March–
April 2020, and while it’s the usual fantastic
issue and I always learn a lot, I’ve got a bone
to pick.
I’m having a HUGE issue with John
Hoshstrasser! And I mean, if he was standing
near me, I would tell him exactly what
YOUR TURN
YOUR TURN
YOUR TURN
YOUR TURN
YOUR TURN
URN Tell Us What’s On Your Mind
beautiful truck. John writes, “Although it’s
still difficult for me to digest
l Us What’s On Your Mind
beautiful truck. John writes, “Although it’s
still difficult for me to digest a pickup selling
for this kind of money, all should be happy
here.”
Really, John? A “pickup” selling for that
kind of money and you can’t quite “digest it”?
Where have you been for the past 20 years?
I take what he wrote as disparaging and
was an in-house build with no “Baldwin”
name tied to it. Anyone could bring a car
in, have it blessed by Joel and have a real
original Motion build. This same Corvette
also appears in Marty’s book twice, yet it has
nothing to do with Baldwin Chevy.
My Camaro was built in-house by Joel’s
best technician, for himself, with Joel’s bless-
ing. It was made with every go-fast goodie
Joel offered. Is this not an Original Motion
Performance-built car?
Both the green Corvette and my copper
Camaro were done to all Baldwin-Motion
specs, so why is the Corvette in the Motion
book an original and mine is a tribute? Am I
missing something? — Craig Brody, via email
Respect the Truck
I just received ACC Issue No. 50, March–
April 2020, and while it’s the usual fantastic
issue and I always learn a lot, I’ve got a bone
to pick.
I’m having a HUGE issue with John
Hoshstrasser! And I mean, if he was stand-
ing near me, I would tell him exactly what
disrespectful
disrespectful toward trucks and us truck
guys. Would he say the same thing if this
were a ’68 Camaro or a ’68 Mustang? I know
he wouldn’t. But if it’s a truck built to this
level, well, he can hardly digest it, because
it’s a “truck.”
How about on p. 80? The “unusual
3-door Suburban with a back door on the
passenger’s side only.” I have to tell ya, I was
laughing and cussing all at the same time!
He has no clue about 1967–72 Suburbans.
I’m very passionate about these trucks, so
this kind of stuff bothers me.
To me, this kind of stuff it cheapens the
content and the magazine as a whole. Every
make and model should be given its due, especially
when they have been as consistent as
trucks have been. — Gary Binge, via email
John Hoshstrasser, ACC Auction
Analyst: In my auction analysis of the
C10 pickup, I wrote “all should be happy
here,” which was a positive statement of the
result of the sale. Whether I could digest it
is irrelevant. I believe the high quality of
the build warranted a higher bid than the
traditional median value for a C10 pickup.
RN Tell Us What’s On Your Mind
beautiful truck. John writes, “Although it’s
still difficult for me to digest a p
Tell Us What’s On Your Mind
beautiful truck. John writes, “Although it’s
still difficult for me to digest a pickup selling
for this kind of money, all should be happy
here.”
Really, John? A “pickup” selling for that
kind of money and you can’t quite “digest it”?
Where have you been for the past 20 years?
I take what he wrote as disparaging and
was an in-house build with no “Baldwin”
name tied to it. Anyone could bring a car
in, have it blessed by Joel and have a real
original Motion build. This same Corvette
also appears in Marty’s book twice, yet it has
nothing to do with Baldwin Chevy.
My Camaro was built in-house by Joel’s
best technician, for himself, with Joel’s bless-
ing. It was made with every go-fast goodie
Joel offered. Is this not an Original Motion
Performance-built car?
Both the green Corvette and my copper
Camaro were done to all Baldwin-Motion
specs, so why is the Corvette in the Motion
book an original and mine is a tribute? Am I
missing something? — Craig Brody, via email
Respect the Truck
I just received ACC Issue No. 50, March–
April 2020, and while it’s the usual fantastic
issue and I always learn a lot, I’ve got a bone
to pick.
I’m having a HUGE issue with John
Hoshstrasser! And I mean, if he was stand-
ing near me, I would tell him exactly what
disrespectful toward trucks and us truck
guys. Would he say the same thing if this
were a ’68 Camaro or a ’68 Mustang? I know
he wouldn’t. But if it’s a truck built to this
level, well, he can hardly digest it, because
it’s a “truck.”
How about on p. 80? The “unusual
3-door Suburban with a back door on the
passenger’s side only.” I have to tell ya, I was
laughing and cussing all at the same time!
He has no clue about 1967–72 Suburbans.
I’m very passionate about these trucks, so
this kind of stuff bothers me.
To me, this kind of stuff it cheapens the
content and the magazine as a whole. Every
make and model should be given its due, es-
pecially when they have been as consistent as
trucks have been. — Gary Binge, via email
John Hoshstrasser, ACC Auction
Analyst: In my auction analysis of the
C10 pickup, I wrote “all should be happy
here,” which was a positive statement of the
result of the sale. Whether I could digest it
is irrelevant. I believe the high quality of
the build warranted a higher bid than the
traditional median value for a C10 pickup.
uniformly
uniformly with the many makes and models
of vehicles I have the pleasure to get to know
in my experiences.
In the analysis of the 1972 Suburban, I
described it as “unusual,” which in my opinion
is an appropriate statement for a 3-door
SUV produced from 1967 to ’72. No other
manufacturers that I know of were producing
3-door SUVs at that time. This again was a
positive statement, albeit the word “unusual”
could also be interchanged with “unique.” All
readers of ACC might not know that 1967–72
Suburbans had three doors, so I wanted to
point that out.
There are a lot of collectors in this
hobby, and each has their expertise for the
models they fall in love with. Through SCM
and ACC, I get the opportunity to share my
personal opinions and enjoy the hundreds of
hours that I spend at the auctions, researching
and writing about these vehicles.
I appreciate the time you took to read
my article and share your feedback. At the
end of the day, my opinions are my own,
and I personally do not see these reviews in
the same light as you have characterized. I
have my own personal collection and have
respect for the hobby throughout different
eras and vehicle types. One of the cars in
my collection is a 1967 VW Squareback, and
I would also have a hard time digesting an
example selling for six figures. If one did sell
for that, I would immediately consign mine
in hopes of riding the wave.A
1968 Chevrolet C10 custom pickup —
sold for $143k and deserving of respect
Page 20
PARTS TIME New Products to Modernize Your Street Machine
by Jim Pickering
Keep Cool
Trucks are all the rage right now, and
Fords are a great way to buy into the market
without having to pay for the current GM
hype. But once you have an F-100 and the
weather turns hot, are you really going to
sweat it out on that factory bench seat?
No need — Old Air Products has you
covered with their Hurricane A/C system
for 1968–72 Ford trucks. This complete
heating and cooling system mounts to the
firewall with custom mounting plates and
has a molded plenum that runs under the
dash. It interfaces electronic switching with
the truck’s original controls for defrost and
heater functions. Comes with everything
you need, including a condenser assembly
and all the custom tubes and hoses required
to make it work. Priced at $1,450 at www.
oldairproducts.com.
T-Bird Tach Drive
If you’ve built or bought a classic T-bird and would like to make a few engine mods without losing that factory
cable-drive tachometer, you’re in luck. Top Street Performance now offers a Pro-Series Ready-to-Run distributor
with a mechanical, cable-style tach-drive output. It comes complete with circuit-board module and adjustable
mechanical and vacuum advances for control over your timing curve. It also features a coil to match, too. Bring
some modern spark power to that first-gen T-bird. $356 at www.topstreetperformance.com.
Now See This
In today’s bright and fast-moving world, those tiny original 1955 Chevrolet taillights can be
hard to see. United Pacific has the solution with their LED Sequential Taillight for 1955 Chevrolet
passenger cars. With 48 super-bright LEDs crammed behind a high-quality red polycarbonate
lens, nobody is going to miss when you’re on the brakes. Comes with a selector switch to control
the sequential function — off, sweep left, sweep right, or sequence-once for maximum attention
when you hit the pedal. It’s a plug-in solution for 1157-style bulbs and is reverse-light-delete — but
United Pacific offers a special license-plate frame with integrated reverse light as well. Get these
taillights at www.upcarparts.com for $70.99.
22 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 22
COOL STUFF by Chad Taylor
Tool Time 2.0
The BitzBlade 2.0 is a multi-
tool packed with 26 features,
including a knife blade, box
cutter, hex wrench, carbide-tip
window breaker, nine doublesided
steel bits, and LED light.
Plus, the BitzBlade is easy to
carry thanks to a pocket clip
and durable nylon tool pouch
with belt loop. Get it at www.
statgeartools.com for $99.99.
Clean-Room Crossover
Tired of using Q-tips to clean and
detail tight spots on your car? Leave
them in the house and use the Detailing
Swabs from Griot’s Garage instead.
The swabs were created for high-tech
clean rooms that need to stay dust- and
static-free. There are five different sizes
of swabs with large to fine-point cleaning
heads, made of either microfiber or
foam. Overall lengths vary from three
to six inches. Perfect for scratch-free
cleaning in difficult spots. Grab the
Detailing Swabs Variety Pack of 250
swabs at www.griotsgarage.com for
$24.99.
Game Time
Take a break from perfecting the
shut-lines on that Galaxie door and play
a game or two on your own “Star Wars”
home arcade game. The cabinet and riser
stand at just over five feet tall, feature the
artwork from the original arcade game and
include a light-up marquee. The original
arcade versions of the “Star Wars” game
are played on a 17-inch color screen accompanied
by two speakers and flight yoke
with control buttons. Get it for $499, and
check out all the other available games at
www.arcade1up.com.
GOOD READS by Mark Wigginton
When the COVID-19 pandemic appeared at the end of last year, isolated in China to start, then quickly expanded in a world of easy global
travel, one admittedly minor impact was how it all but shut down motorsports worldwide.
First MotoGP canceled, then the first half of the F1 season, then Indycar, and on and on. As of now, the pandemic has shuttered everything
down to local tracks.
Faced with imposed social distancing, it’s a good time to grab a few good, older reads to get our racing fix.
American Zoom: Stock Car Racing From the Dirt Tracks to Daytona
by Peter Golenbock, John Wiley & Sons, 493 pages, $4.57, Amazon
Peter Golenbock, a noted and prolific writer about sports, turned his attention in 1993 to a history of
NASCAR.
He came late to the sport, and the book covers the well-trod historical path, from the field that moonshiners
started meeting at on Sundays to see whose work car was fastest to the buttoned-down corporate world of
today’s sanitized personalities and super speedways.
Along the way, you meet the (almost always) men who made it to the top, or died trying. The book’s oc-
casionally tone deaf about racing, since Golenbock’s really a baseball guy who was new to the sport for the
book, but it is detailed, sprawling and filled with anecdotes, some famous, and some as fresh as the smell of
grass cut by a car sliding below the apron.
Provenance:
Fit and finish:
Drivability:
24 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 24
SNAPSHOTS: American Iron at Amelia Island
Photos by Chad Taylor
A trio of 1959 Scimitar concept cars glides down the field. The cars, all built on 1959 Chrysler New Yorker chassis, were designed by
Brooks Stevens for the 1959 Geneva Motor Show and were never produced or offered for sale
You’d need a huge garage for this 1951 GM LeSabre concept car, part of the Cars of Harley Earl Class, celebrating the masterpieces of
the legendary designer. It won the HVA National Automotive Heritage Award and is owned by the General Motors Heritage Collection in
Detroit, MI
26 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 25
1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR-2, featured in the Cars of Harley Earl Class, for
which it won an Amelia Award. It was designed by Harley Earl for his son
Jerome as a way to persuade the younger Earl to stop racing a Ferrari. It is
owned by Irwin Kroiz of Ambler, PA
1966 Chevrolet Corvette, part of the Team Penske Sunoco Class, celebrating
the success of Penske Racing. Finished 1st in class and 9th overall at the 1966
12 Hours of Sebring. Won an Amelia Award in the Team Penske Sunoco Class.
Owned by Kevin J. Mackay of Valley Stream, NY
The 1956 Nash Rambler Palm Beach concept,
designed by Pinin Farina but never mass-produced
1963 Chevrolet Grand Sport #004, featured in the Cars of Roger Penske Class.
Penske has a long history with the original Grand Sport Corvettes going back
to their release, having both owned and raced them. This car won an Amelia
Award in that class, and is owned by the Miles Collier Collections at Revs
Institute
May–June 2020 27
Page 26
WRENCHING: HOW TO by Jim Pickering (Select images by Katie Pickering)
BEATING THE
DRUM
How to get the most out of your factory muscle or Pony Car brakes
D
isc-brake conversions are all the rage these days. After all, discs have been
the industry standard for years now, and it’s easy to convert just about anything
over to them via a number of companies that specialize in bringing
classic cars into the modern era.
But what about those of us who really don’t want to change out factory
components? Maybe discs won’t clear your factory 14-inch wheels, or maybe your
car is 100% original and you want to keep it looking that way. Are factory drums
really all that inferior to discs?
Yes, disc brakes are a superior design to drums, and they bleed heat well, so they
don’t fade as badly. But there’s a lot to be said for a stock drum setup that’s installed
correctly and working as it should.
How do you make your OE system better? Not all drum-brake shoes are created
equal, and you can get race-spec friction materials via musclecarbrakes.com or porterfield-brakes.com
if you really need them. But even a good set of new semi-metallic
shoes from a reputable source are more than enough for your street-driven classic, and
Summit Racing has everything you’ll need to tackle just about any brake rebuild.
That said, there are a lot of springs, clips and hardware that make up a drum-
brake setup, and just diving in to upgrade or swap out parts can be a little intimidating
if it’s been a while since your last drum rebuild, or if you don’t have the proper
tools.
Our ’66 Mustang has been fitted with front discs, but out back, it still has its
factory drums. I dove into the system to show you how to rebuild it and make it work
well — and to give you a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the
process a little easier. Here’s how to do it.
28 AmericanCarCollector.com
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
SUMMIT RACING PARTS LIST
Brake shoes, Raybestos Element3 ceramic/semi-metallic
shoes, P/N AGB-151PG, $21.75
Brake-spring kit, Raybestos, P/N AGB-H7102, $8.97
Right wheel cylinder, Wagner, P/N DHB-W17507, $8.99
Left wheel cylinder, Wagner, P/N DHB-W17508, $7.99
Drum and rotor paint, VHT, P/N VHT-SP739, $10.99
OTHER PARTS LIST:
Brake-parts cleaner, 4 cans, $5.99 each
White grease, $4.99
Gloves
TIME SPENT: Two hours
DIFFICULTY: J (JJJJJis toughest)
Page 27
2
Our ’66 had been given some upgrades over the years, but checking the paperwork tipped
me off that the rear brakes hadn’t been touched in a long time — if ever. Peeking through
the openings in the GT wheels showed rusty drums. The first step was to jack up the car,
support the rear axle on blocks, and chock the front wheels so the car couldn’t move.
1
With the wheel out of the way, here’s
what our drums looked like. The next
step was to remove the drums, which
can be tough, but there are a few tricks to make
it easier. Before you proceed, make sure your
car is in neutral and the park brake is fully released.
5
3
If the drum doesn’t just slide right off,
I first smack it with a hammer to break
any rust that may be holding the drum
to the axle. Best bet is to aim for the area between
the wheel studs and give it a few good
smacks in a couple of spots (but don’t hit the
studs, or else you may damage their threads).
Next, I try to rotate the drum while pulling on
it, as sometimes it’ll act like a screw and walk
itself off as it turns. Failing all that, I just remove
the adjustment plug, usually at the bottom
rear of the backing plate, and use a brake
spoon to back off the shoe adjustment so the
drum can come off. One of these slid off, and
the other required adjusting the shoes down.
4
Here’s what you’ll find behind the
drum: two brake shoes, held in place
with a handful of return and retainer
springs, some clips and other hardware, a
threaded adjuster at the bottom, and a selfadjuster
designed to keep the brakes adjusted
correctly. Be sure to put on some gloves and
safety glasses here, as brakes are dirty, and
sometimes retainer springs can get away from
you if you’re not careful.
Our brakes weren’t worn out all the
way, but it was time for some new
shoes. Getting the old shoes off re-
quires removing their return springs. Don’t try
to do this job with improvised tools. It’ll take all
day and you’ll end up bleeding. Instead, get a
drum-brake spring tool, such as Snap-On’s P/N
131A — I think it’s the best in the business.
May–June 2020 29
Page 28
WRENCHING: HOW TO
(A)
(B)
6
A brake spring tool has two ends that make this process easy. The first, for removal, has a little tab that looks like this (A). Placing it over the stud, you
rotate it (B), which lets the tab grab the hooked end of the spring. Then you pry to work it loose. In this case, I started with the blue spring, then did
the yellow. With all drum brakes, it helps to only work on one wheel at a time — the other side can serve as a roadmap for reassembly.
7
9
On a Ford system, this cable is used as part of the self-adjuster,
which cinches up the adjustment every time the car is driven in
reverse and the brakes are applied. It rides in a grooved retainer
plate that’s held in place with the yellow return spring. I went ahead and
removed all of it.
With the
return
springs out of
the way, the next step
was to remove the
shoe retainers and the
shoes themselves. A
steel pin passes
through the backing
plate and up the center
of each of these
retainers — a pair of
pliers can work here,
or a special tool designed
for the task, like what I used. Just be sure to hold the pin at the
rear while compressing the spring, and turn whichever tool you’re using to
release.
30 AmericanCarCollector.com
8
10
This metal bar below the wheel cylinder is the parking-brake
link, which applies pressure from the park-brake cable evenly to
both brake shoes. Note its placement, and where the spring sits,
facing the front of the car in this case.
Once the
retainers
were re-
moved, the shoes
basically fell off the
backing plate.
However, the rear
shoe hangs from the
park-brake cable,
like this. You’ll need
to compress the
park-brake cable
spring to remove the
cable from the
brake-shoe assembly,
then it will all come
apart.
Page 30
WRENCHING: HOW TO
11
Here’s a neat trick to make your life
easier: Take a pair of needle-nose Vise
Grips and wiggle them between the
park-brake cable end and the spring. Compress
the spring about an inch up the cable and then
clamp the Vise Grips shut and leave them there.
This will hold the spring back for you, which
makes both disassembly and reassembly a
breeze.
12
With the shoes and springs removed, I
hosed down the brake backing plate
with brake-parts cleaner — after
making sure I had an oil bucket underneath to
catch the dirty cleaner.
13
Whenever you’re replacing drum-brake
parts, wheel cylinders are a must. Why?
Because as they wear down, they allow
moisture into your brake-system hydraulics, and
that causes rust and leaks — and that’s especially
bad when your car is pre-1968 and has a
single-circuit system with only one master-cylinder
reservoir for both the front and rear brakes.
Cylinders are cheap, so replace them. I started
by loosening the brake line with a line wrench,
and then I removed the two bolts that hold the
cylinder in place.
15
Some cars’
cylinders
are inter-
14
Even if your cylinders look new, pull
back the rubber boot slightly and inspect
for leaks. If it’s wet behind the
rubber, replace or rebuild the cylinder. You
might find it’s full of sludge, like this one was
— this is caused by water entering the system
at the cylinder.
changeable from side
to side. The Mustang
wasn’t. I cracked
open the bleeder
valve slightly before
installing these, as
compressing the cylinder
with the
bleeder closed and
the line hooked up
will pump the air
inside the empty
cylinder back into the
brake line. Rule of
thumb: Always start
the hard line first,
then install the two
retaining bolts, then
snug down the hard
line. Be sure to use a
line wrench.
32 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 31
16
The park-brake system on a Ford works via an arm that’s fastened to the rearmost brake shoe with a horseshoe clip — I needed to remove this
arm so I could reinstall it on the new brake shoe. I used a flat-blade screwdriver, utilizing the shoe itself as a place to pry, and was careful not to
lose the spring washer that sits between the shoe and the arm.
17
For under $10, a hardware kit is a smart buy, as it comes with
everything you’ll need to reinstall your brakes without needing to
clean and reuse the old parts. This kit came with new horseshoe
clips as well.
18
The brake shoes I chose are a combination ceramic and semimetallic
design, which give great bite, long wear resistance and
low noise. After matching the replacement brake shoes to verify I
had the right one (the shoe with the smaller friction material goes in
front), I then reinstalled the park-brake arm and the new retainer clip. A
pair of pliers clamp it in place.
20
There are
six raised
surfaces on
19
Next up is the adjuster, which really just needed to be cleaned
and lubed with high-temp grease so it turned easily. I then adjusted
it all the way in, which made reinstallation easier.
the brake backing
plate that each brake
shoe contacts. I made
sure these were all
clean and smooth.
You can dab each
with high-temp
grease if you want,
but keep it off the
surface of the brake
shoe.
May–June 2020 33
Page 32
WRENCHING: HOW TO
21
Hanging the shoes was simple, starting with the rear shoe and the park-brake cable, then the shoe retainers.
22
This end of the brake tool made
installation easy. I simply hooked
the spring over the tool, placed
the tool’s tooth on the peg, and pulled up.
The spring slid down the tool and into
place. After installation, I closed the
wheel-cylinder bleeders.
23
With everything reinstalled, this is what you
should see. Next up is resurfacing the drum,
which can be handled by any local auto shop
and even some parts stores. They’ll also measure your
drums to make sure they’re still in spec before they
cut them. Depending on how many times they’ve been
resurfaced over the years, you may need to replace
them.
34 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 34
WRENCHING: HOW TO
24
Now to handle those rusty drums. In this case, after having them resurfaced, I wire-brushed them and then hit them with a coat of high-temp
black caliper and drum paint from VHT. This stuff won’t burn off like regular paint would under braking heat, so it’s perfect for this application.
After the paint dried, I adjusted the shoes up to where I could just start to feel them dragging on the drum when rotating it.
25
26
Those wheel cylinders were full of air, so the next step was to bleed the system, starting at the passenger’s side rear. I filled the master
and got a friend to work the pedal while I worked the bleeder. If the pedal feels firm but is low, you can raise it by adjusting the brake
shoes up a little tighter.
The final step, after checking for leaks,
was to reinstall the wheels and torque
them appropriately. The pedal was
nice and firm, and after a few break-in miles,
these drums will be better than new. If you keep
them clean, properly adjusted, and inspect them
from time to time, drum brakes will serve you
well for years — and as long as you don’t overheat
them, they’ll stop you when you need them
to.A
36 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 36
READERS’ FORUM Crowdsourcing Answers to Your Car Questions
Contact us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208 or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
How Will COVID-19 Change
Classic-Car Values?
This month’s Readers’ Forum question:
The world is a very different place than it was just one month ago.
You’re likely home a lot more now than you were before, and for many of us, those old cars in our garages have become a great
focus of attention while we protect ourselves and wait for the outside world to normalize.
But with auctions and events canceled or postponed, there’s a looming question about value. The global market is seeing some
extreme flux related to the virus and investors’ concerns, and many of our regular data points to reference, at least in the world of old
cars, are on hold.
We’ll be out of this mess soon enough, and when we come out on the other side, what do you think the impact will be on classic-car
values?
Is that old car you’re working on even more dear to you now than it was before? Will you be selling it for something different as
soon as you can? Will the “life is short” crowd finally pull the trigger on those cars they’ve always wanted? Will the market struggle
to regain its footing, or was that footing too solid to be shaken?
Here’s how you responded:
Readers respond:
On Sunday afternoon, March 15, following the Federal Reserve’s
unscheduled interest-rate cut, a pundit on a cable financial-news
channel said, “We’ve never seen anything like this before.”
It’s been repeated over and over again. The irony of that statement
is that the exact same words were spoken after the ’29 market crash,
Pearl Harbor, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Crash of ’87, the AIDS
crisis, the tech bubble, 9/11, and the financial meltdown of ’08–09.
Certainly the coronavirus situation involves our health on a wide
scale, but so did 9/11, when each of us thought we’d be killed the next
day, and months, thereafter. One could not access a medical test to
find out.
As for Pearl Harbor, on Monday, December 8, 1941, do you think
38 AmericanCarCollector.com
anyone would believe that someday, the best-selling car in America
would be Japanese?
So here we are, holed up in our houses, 79 years later, and cars are
becoming electrified and autonomous.
Perhaps, as one of my clients mused, it’s the time to reassess our
relationships and quieter times, not unlike after 9/11. This would
include enjoying cars as our hobby.
Once we “come out on the other side,” as is the other COVID-19
cliché, the act of driving and its inherent freedom will be even more
appreciated.
And those of us who appreciate cars, Classic, Brass Era, special
interest and otherwise, will take more pleasure and yearn for models
yet to be owned, or even appreciated from afar.
In Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, Al Joad’s connection to the
Page 37
Hudson Super 6 is described as his becoming “the soul of the car.”
Hopefully, others may be as lucky as some of us have been by finding
the car of one’s soul.
We’ll get through this situation, as we have in the past, and the
collector-car hobby will flourish.
Remember, when we wake up in the morning, you can honestly
say, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” — Thomas G.
Ferrara, MBA, Pound Ridge, NY
Classic-car values will plummet, as the economy will not return to
“normal” for a very long time.
Pretty great time to be a buyer if you can catch a falling knife at
the right time. — Paul Gelpi, via email
It will, much like any event that impacts the economy. People are
unemployed; others have lost chunks of their IRAs and other investments.
It would be naive to believe this won’t have an impact. With
that said, the best of the best will still command value, but the suspect
could lose in big, ugly ways. Scanning Bring a Trailer, the volume
of no-sales seems higher than usual. However, only they can tell us,
’cause I haven’t been keeping a running tally!
Oh, and things will rebound quickly. If I was out to sell, I would
wait four or five months. — Andy Bogus, San Pedro, CA
If the stock market is the fickle woman and is all pouty over this
scare, then the old-car market is the trusted old friend that stands
beside you through thick and thin.
I’m betting that my beautiful ’69 Chevelle SS 396/375 4-speed
will be worth much more when this scare is all over. But then again,
who cares? I would never sell her for any price anyhow. P.S. — I held
on to all my stocks also. Everyone please stay healthy through this
crisis. And God bless America. — Donald Donadio Jr., Butler, NJ
The short- to medium-term impact on car values will be rather
severe.
There will be a lack of liquidity in the market due to the stock
market pullback, and people tend to hoard cash in times like these.
Also, those needing cash and having it tied up in a car collection
don’t have the auction houses to use to find a buyer and may be apt to
discount prices to raise cash.
But in the long run, I believe the market will rebound as our
economy recovers and liquidity returns.
At this point, I plan to enjoy my collection and will do my best to
avoid selling anything at a perceived discount. — Gary Johnson, via
email
Bottom line: It all depends on how long it takes for things to
normalize. — Andrew, via email
Wait it out… this, too, shall pass! — Henry Carlson, via email
All great art holds its value! — Jon Hagstrom, via email
We see them a little softer in the short term. But once we get this
virus in our rear-view mirror, all quality classic cars will firm up
pretty quickly. Maybe even higher? — Jack Wallace, via email
I also collect vintage guitars. When the market tanked in 2008,
so did the guitar market. It has not fully recovered since. Same thing
may happen with old cars. They were saying on the news today that
if this stuff goes away by summer, it may come back next fall. Bodes
ill for the Scottsdale auctions. Also, if a lot of old folks succumb (I’m
We’ll get through this situation, as we have in the
past, and the collector-car hobby will flourish.
79) there may not be so many people interested in older cars.
I’m just detailing mine, hoping for the best. — Mike Obermeyer,
via email
I’d like to think that the “life is short” crowd will energize the
market, but my own feeling is that values will decline, and if so, more
of us will hang on to our cars and ditch the idea of selling them for
the foreseeable future. — Henry Carlson, via email
The high-end market will be fine as those buyers never seem to
lose their jobs or suffer like most of the rest of us. The under-$50k
market will take a big hit. Keep an eye on the Indy auction, if it
doesn’t get canceled or rescheduled. I bet sales and prices will be way
down — just my thoughts.
I sold most of my cars two years ago and my street rod in
November. I plan on keeping my remaining cars until I’m not allowed
to drive anymore. It will be a good year to drive them when gas goes
down to $1 a gallon next month. Shine ’em up and drive them! —
Jane Brooks, via email
The overall outlook looks fairly solid for collector cars right now.
Traditionally the marketplace has done extremely well during
periods of economic downturn, because not only are cars overall
more stable than things like the stock market, they are also tangible,
which can increase investors’ comfort levels. This is apparent if you
examine the marketplace from 2007 to 2014.
Additionally, with things like sports and restaurants and other
means of entertainment off the table, collector cars will likely become
an escape for people.
Trapped inside with nothing to do? All of a sudden that project
that’s 80% of the way done in the corner of the garage — or that random
car you’ve always wanted that you just spotted for sale at a crisis
discount with a dealer online — becomes a lot more attractive.
Also, collector cars are physically safe. Chances of contracting
coronavirus while working on your car or taking it for a drive are
very low. All things considered, and comparatively speaking, collector
cars look like a bright spot in the middle of this mess. — Darin
Roberge, via email A
May–June 2020 39
Page 38
CHEAP THRILLS B. Mitchell Carlson
MUSCLE on the CHEAP
Y
ou want a muscle car. Here’s the problem: You only have $10k
to spend.
What can you really get in today’s market for that kind of
coin? Will it be a hidden gem or a problem-filled pile? Let’s
explore.
Parts or whole?
First, lose those rose-colored glasses. Want a ’Cuda, first-gen
Camaro or ’69 Mustang? Your best hope is a running parts car. Of
course, that purchase price is just the down payment on a big stack of
receipts needed to make it usable, unless your end game is yard art to
mow around.
For our purposes, we need a looser definition of “muscle car.” So
here are the criteria: mid-size body with a large-displacement V8
under the hood when new, decent paint that buffs out glossy, two
doors, was built before the OPEC oil embargo and can burn rubber
long enough to call a “muscle car” with a straight face (our Thrill
Level).
The target? Driver-grade cars in 3 or 3- condition. With that,
here’s what I’d recommend:
What are your options for $10k muscle? Hope you like bench seats
At left, the original catalog image for a Buick Skylark GS thin-pillar coupe. It’s so rare that a photo of 1966 hard top (right) is the closest
we can find
1966 Buick Skylark Gran Sport 2-door sedan
Buick’s first true muscle came in 1966 with the Gran Sport — an
option package of the Skylark that featured a 401-ci Nailhead.
For this inaugural year, the 2-door sedan (or “coupe” in Buick
parlance) was the low-price leader over the hard top and convertible.
It was also the preferred body for drag racers and the rarest of the
three body styles, with only 1,835 built — but it’s the least desirable.
Low-option bench-seat examples in driver grade tend to trade
at or a touch below our $10k ceiling. Identical 1967s will only drop
into four-figure sales if they are rough #4 or worse cars; dual-mastercylinder
brakes, collapsible steering column, and just “hey, it’s a
1967” boost that year’s value.
Best condition you can hope for: 3
THRILLS B. Mitchell Carlson
MUSCLE on the CHEAP
Y
ou want a muscle car. Here’s the problem: You only have
P THRILLS B. Mitchell Carlson
MUSCLE on the CHEAP
Y
ou want a muscle car. Here’s the problem: You only have $10k
to spend.
What can you really get in today’s market for that kind of
coin? Will it be a hidden gem or a problem-filled pile? Let’s
explore.
Parts or whole?
First, lose those rose-colored glasses. Want a ’Cuda, first-gen
Camaro or ’69 Mustang? Your best hope is a running parts car. Of
course, that purchase price is just the down payment on a big stack of
receipts needed to make it usable, unless your end game is yard art to
mow around.
For our purposes, we need a looser definition of “muscle car.” So
here are the criteria: mid-size body with a large-displacement V8
under the hood when new, decent paint that buffs out glossy, two
doors, was built before the OPEC oil embargo and can burn rubber
long enough to call a “muscle car” with a straight face (our Thrill
Level).
The target? Driver-grade cars in 3 or 3- condition. With that,
here’s what I’d recommend:
What are your options for $10k muscle? Hope you like bench seats
At left, the original catalog image for a Buick Skylark GS thin-pillar coupe. It’s so rare that a photo of 1966 hard top (right) is the closest
we can find
1966 Buick Skylark Gran Sport 2-door sedan
Buick’s first true muscle came in 1966 with the Gran Sport — an
option package of the Skylark that featured a 401-ci Nailhead.
For this inaugural year, the 2-door sedan (or “coupe” in Buick
parlance) was the low-price leader over the hard top and convertible.
It was also the preferred body for drag racers and the rarest of the
three body styles, with only 1,835 built — but it’s the least desirable.
Low-option bench-seat examples in driver grade tend to trade
at or a touch below our $10k ceiling. Identical 1967s will only drop
into four-figure sales if they are rough #4 or worse cars; dual-master-
cylinder brakes, collapsible steering column, and just “hey, it’s a
1967” boost that year’s value.
Best condition you can hope for: 3
1966
1966 Plymouth Belvedere I 2-door sedan
Page 39
This is what most folks want from a 1966 Dodge Coronet 2-door
post — a monster Hemi under the hood. It just so happens that
this one is actually one of the real ones
1966–67 Dodge Coronet/Coronet Deluxe or
Plymouth Belvedere I 2-door sedans*
These are the biggest bang for the buck in Mopar muscle. A lot of
folks are cold to the blocky “boxcar,” hence the lower demand, but
some of us like cars styled like cinder blocks.
Near the bottom of the range are the 2-door sedans. Even at our
$10k low-cloud ceiling, you can still find a presentable 361-ci (1966
being its final year) and 383-ci-powered 2-door posts.
Original 361 cars are hard to find these days. Many were swapped
with Hemis.
1967 was the first year of the RB 400 (as in Raised Block) — good
luck finding a driver-grade example of one of those for under $10k.
Just be prepared for all your buddies constantly asking you, “When
ya gonna put a Hemi in ’er?” Just punch the throttle and leave ’em in
tire smoke.
Best condition you can hope for: 3
Thrill level: How far is it between stoplights?
Best place to be seen: Waiting in line to screen-test for the “Adam-12”
remake
*(with 361 or 383 engines)
Part narc car, part good-ol’ boy moonshine car, a base-trim 1969
Fairlane 2-door Formal hard top looks like nothing but business
1968–69 Ford Fairlane/Fairlane 500 2-door
hard top 390
In 1968, the all-new Fairlane became an entry-level model, while
the new Torino sat at the upper half of the mid-sized pecking order.
The Torino got more performance and comfort goodies, but you
could still get a 2-door formal hard top and fastback in both series
and most engines. That included Cobra Jet 428s and the FE-block
390.
Don’t assume all 390s are S-code 325-hp 4-barrels — the Y-code
265-hp 2-barrel was also on the option list. But if you find a decent
enough Y-code for under $10k, you could always swap the intake and
carb.
Sure, a 428 or 429 would be more potent than a 390, but they will
be in five-digit selling prices for anything that actually drives. The
390 wasn’t the hottest thing out there, but they’ve got good low-end
torque. You and your local tire dealer might become best buds after
some tuning and tweaking.
Best condition you can hope for: 3
Thrill level: 35 feet
Best place to be seen: Paddock parking at any NASCAR event
1973 Pontiac LeMans GTO
This was the one and only year the GTO was available throughout the 1973–77 “Colonnade” generation. Those magical three letters got you
the 4-barrel 400-ci V8 as standard (advertised as 250 hp), but you could also get the T/A’s same optional 250-hprated
455 V8. Every GTO had dual exhaust from the facto
Too many folks have been hating on these since the 19
to kindle, so 100 dead Benjamins will get you a pretty up
coupe. A Sport Coupe (with louvered rear-quarter window
features) tends to run a little richer (as do the 455-powere
With good negotiating skills, $10k is possible for 3+ ca
like the rest of our profiled cars, a middle-ground 3-condi
car is more likely at our $10k limit. If you can find one.
Undoubtedly, some 1980 Turbo Trans Am owner has
likely plucked the motor out of any trashed example you
find in a wrecking yard — with Dio playing on a nearby
boom-box just loud enough to muffle his cursing GM for p
ting those badges on a friggin’ LeMans.
But hey, if you think this was an abomination to those t
letters, there’s always the Nova-based 1974 Ventura GTO w
Aussie Goats have a Corvette LS motor under their hoods
Best condition you can hope for: 3+ (3 for LeMans Sport Coupe with GTO package; 3- for 455 cars)
Thrill level: 10 or 25 feet
Best place to be seen: Concours d’LemonsA
Art Fitzpatrick did such
a great job with automotive
art for Pontiac
from the 1950s through
1970s that even the
1973 LeMans GTO
package looks good
with his rendering
May–June 2020 41
Page 40
HORSEPOWER
Jay Harden
BUCKING the
S
First gen: The 1969 Ford Bronco lineup
How will the new Bronco’s arrival affect the booming market for originals?
hakespeare may have melted the hearts of star-crossed lovers
when he wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose/
By any other name would smell as sweet,” but he was clearly
no marketing man.
Take the name “Bronco,” for example. Unless you’ve been
hiding under a rock for the past couple of years, you’ve likely been
inundated with news blurbs and Internet rumors of the impending
return of Ford’s iconic nameplate.
There have been so many “leaked” renderings and spy photos
circulating online that I’m beginning to wonder if anyone at Ford
even bothers to lock the doors at night. Do you think people would be
as excited about this new four-by if it were being called an Explorer?
I doubt it.
The notion of legacy and its impact on consumers can be bewildering
sometimes, but it can’t be denied.
Anything you can do…
All this excitement about the new Bronco got me thinking about
the old Bronco, which I guess is the point. We’ve watched sale prices
of the first-gen Broncos skyrocket over the past 15 years, but I can’t
help but wonder what will happen to the oldies once the new ones hit
the lot.
A while back I hypothesized that Jeep CJ-7 values were languish-
ing in the doldrums when compared to the dramatic rise of similarvintage
four-bys such as the Bronco, Blazer and Scout because a
modern version was readily available. And more importantly, the
modern version encapsulated the essence of the original in a safer,
more comfortable and more reliable package. If you want to drive a
Jeep, what can an old one do that a new one can’t do better?
Similarly, if the new Bronco can deliver an old-Bronco experience
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
without all the old-Bronco quirkiness, is it safe to assume old-Bronco
prices will finally stabilize or even start to head south?
To answer that question, I looked at the trend lines for the four
other classic SUVs at the forefront of the market to get a grasp on
where the first-gen Bronco market is headed.
I looked at the first-gen Chevy K5 Blazer (1969–72), the Jeep
Wagoneer (1963–91), the International Scout (1961–80), and the
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40 (1960–84). And yes, I realize the FJ is
not an American-made automobile, but it is an essential comparison
nonetheless.
The first thing we need to recognize here is that the vintage-SUV
market is on fire, with no model surging as strongly as the Bronco.
In the early- to mid-2000s, first-gen Broncos were trading consistently
between $5k and $10k. The prices never faltered during the
If the new Bronco can deliver an old-Bronco
experience without all the old-Bronco quirkiness,
is it safe to assume old-Bronco prices will finally
stabilize or even start to head south?
volatile years between 2005 and 2010. Instead, sale prices doubled
while almost everything else in the market corrected. By 2015, sale
prices had crept up another 30%–40% to about $30k, but that’s when
things really got crazy. Prices for first-gen Broncos have tripled in the
past five years.
In comparison, Chevrolet’s first-gen K5 Blazer comes closest to
matching the Bronco’s meteoric rise, but it neither started as low nor
has climbed so high. The first decade of the century saw K5s consis-
TREND
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Page 41
tently trading in the $10k to $15k range, with average values climbing
into the low-$20k range by 2015. As with the Bronco, the past five
years have been bonkers for K5s, with prices again tripling, now into
the $60k-plus range.
The International Scout and Jeep Wagoneer are worth mentioning
here as well because they too have surged in value over the past
10 to 15 years, albeit a bit more erratically than our front-runners.
Following along the same curve as the Bronco and K5, Scouts and
Wagoneers are both trading at three to four times what they earned 10
to 15 years ago, but at a much lower price point and without the all-in
confidence the Bronco and K5 have inspired.
What’s old is new again
What’s interesting here is that the valuation surges for all four of
these vintage SUVs are nearly identical in slope — particularly in the
case of the Bronco and K5. They’ve risen together with key market
upturns that are fully in sync with one another. What’s also interesting
is that none of these models have modern-day equivalents. Which
brings me to the CJ and FJ.
When we compare the sale-price trends for Jeep CJ-7s and Toyota
Land Cruiser FJ-40s over the past 20 years to those of the four other
models, a stark contrast jumps right off the page. The CJ-7s, as I
mentioned before, missed the invitation to the vintage-SUV upswing,
and have been trading consistently between $5k and $15k since the
turn of the century. More interesting than that, they were not spared
the market correction of 2008 the way the other off-roaders were.
Surprisingly, the FJ-40’s trendline matches that of the CJ very
closely, albeit about $15k higher up on the graph. What I think is most
interesting about the FJ, and the reason that I thought its inclusion
here was necessary, is just how similar it is to a first-gen Bronco
1972 Ford Bronco
in dimension, capability and experience. They’re also both iconic
nameplates that forever shaped the face of an industry. Why, then, are
their value trajectories so divergent? Do new FJs and Land Cruisers
have something to do with it? My guess is yes.
So, does a rose by any other name really smell as sweet? I think
first-gen Bronco owners and prospective buyers would be wise to
think long and hard about that question. My guess is that no matter
in what production quality the new Bronco is presented, we’ll see a
quick uptick in first-gen Bronco prices. However, if the new Bronco
is any good, and lessons learned through the success of the Raptor
means it likely will be, my guess is that the booming old-Bronco
market should prepare to finally be put out to pasture. A
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
May–June 2020 43
Page 42
ON THE ROAD
Elana Scherr
WORK FROM
there are just so many things to do.
With limited wrenching time on weekends and evenings, the
F
priority of projects is usually based on which part is closest to falling
off on the freeway during Monday’s commute, followed by which
eBay New Old Stock purchase came in today’s mail. Now, though, we
can work on anything. How to choose?
Pick your project
You might think that our first order of business would be finishing
up the Trans Am, and tackling the leaks on the Opel GT and the ’93
Cummins truck, both of which — the leaks, I mean — have been
around long enough to qualify for tenure. Yup, that would certainly
be sensible.
We started out with good intentions. We got the 301 in the Pontiac
running like a champ. The turbo lights in the hood go on, the “check
engine” light in the dash stays off. It was good enough to go for a test
drive — and discover the transmission is fried. So, while we source a
Turbo 350C, we’ve moved on to another project.
44 AmericanCarCollector.com
or reasons that will hopefully be old news by the time you’re
reading this, Tom and I have a lot more work-in-the-garage time
these days.
You wouldn’t think too much time would be a problem, but
HOME
If you’re stuck at home with time to work on a project, you might as well go big
Even small projects turn into big ones when you’ve got a D700 in the
backyard
Is it the Manx buggy in the back corner? A buggy would be fun
to rip around the neighborhood in — we could do our best Steve
McQueen “Thomas Crown Affair” impersonation. Is it the Barracuda
under the car cover in the front garage? All that needs is a little carb
cleaning and some race gas and we could join the teenage drifters
down in the parking lot on the corner for midnight doughnuts.
Oh my friends, do you not know us by now? We go big. Dodge
D700 big.
Ramping up
Yes, it was clearly the time to pull our 1971 Dodge ramp truck out
of the back corner of the yard.
To be fair, this started out as a reasonable decision. We have a race
car, a 1976 “Spirit of 76” Dart Lite that has been a drag car for the
past 25 years. Even before the motorsports freeze, we haven’t been
racing much, so it made sense to put it up on the back of the hauler
to clear up space and keep it high and dry. That all went according to
plan. The winch on the hauler still works, and the scoop on the Dart
just barely cleared the overhang of the ramp box.
The original owner of the truck, Pro Stock racer Bobby Yowell,
told me that they used to have to take the hood off his Duster to load
it up, due to a measurement mistake in building the truck. It gives
Page 43
you some idea how big the old Pro Stocker
scoops were, especially considering that
those cars were lower in the front than my
mostly-stock-suspension Dart.
The plan was to put the truck right back
in its corner once the Dart was loaded
up, but first it seemed like a good idea to
drain the rusty water and replace it with
actual coolant. It’s never good to leave a
car sitting with water in the radiator and
block — although that didn’t seem to have
bothered the owner before us.
Opening the hood to get to the radiator
made it obvious that the hinges were shot,
and we couldn’t bear having it sit there,
visible from the kitchen window with a
crooked hood. A wiser mechanic might
suggest simply turning the truck to face
away from the window, but that person
would miss out on the fun of lifting off a
hood the size of Rhode Island, and even
better, reinstalling that hood with new
hinges after welding and re-drilling the
hinge holes to replace the rusted-out
mounts.
Those rusted mounts meant the hood was flapping around for
whoever had the truck between Yowell and us, and an attempt to
straighten out the latch broke it right off. So, more welding.
Why isn’t it turning?
During this time of moving the truck back and forth in the yard, it
was hard not to notice a lack of power steering. While we could have
considered it a weight-training exercise,
instead it became the next day’s adventure.
Speaking of weight training, every nut
on the suspension required the biggest,
longest wrenches in the toolbox. We had so
much leverage on that thing I’m surprised
we didn’t slow down Earth’s rotation and
add a few more seconds to each day.
The power steering on the medium-
With a hood the size of Rhode Island, it’s
appropriate that the state motto is “Hope”
duty Dodge trucks of that era is powerassisted
manual. It’s sort of an oddball
setup, so working on it takes a little bit of
detective work. How did we ever repair
things before cell-phone-camera photos?
“Hey, E, which way did that seal go in?
Where’s the picture?” became a common
refrain. I highly recommend taking photos
at each stage of disassembly if you’re
working on an unfamiliar system with lots
of parts.
Because this is not our first or only
Dodge D700, we had many of the hoses and
bearings in stock, and what we didn’t have
we either cleaned up and reused, or if it was
missing altogether — like the leather boot to seal one of the steering
linkages — we made a replacement out of an old pigskin work glove.
Just like the pioneers did when they had to fix their Dodge D700s on
the Oregon Trail.
The goal for this week is to finish it up and take it for a drive.
There’s no racetrack to haul the car to as I write this, but I’m hoping
that by the time you read it, we’re all back in action. And maybe then
I’ll stay home and fix the leak in the Opel. A
May–June 2020 45
least, Bloomington Gold requires the owner to attest
that to the best of their knowledge, their Corvette is
equipped as it was from the factory. Some buyers,
desiring the very best Corvette possible, will gladly
pay the premium for this accuracy.
Beyond a reasonable doubt
But what about the enthusiast who wants a nice
Corvette yet doesn’t want to shell out $100k? Most
previous owners didn’t keep the original documents,
and today there is no evidence to support what many
Corvettes really were. Our Aztec Copper ’57 is a
perfect example. It has no awards from NCRS or
Bloomington Gold. Is it one of the 452 that left the
factory in this paint color? Is it even one of the 756
283-hp FI cars? What’s a potential bidder to do?
The ACC Premium Auction Database can yield
a trove of information. Searching VIN E57S104676
returned three previous entries.
The oldest, from an eBay/Kruse auction in 2002
(ACC# 25965), stated: “23-year-old frame-off nutand-bolt
rotisserie restoration, same owner 25 years.
Fuel injected, numbers matching including motor,
transmission, fuel injection, generator. 283 with 283
hp (one of only 43), factory 4-speed (first year), factory
radio delete, rare tan interior. Texas car.”
While some of the data is circumspect — this
clearly is not one of the 43 “Air Box” fuel-injected
competition cars, and 1,315 ’57s had the “tan” (actually
beige) interior — I’m now much more confident
this is a true Fuelie 4-speed, though the complete
entry stated the Corvette was black at the time. It also
was a no-sale at $47,000.
The next result is this car’s sale at Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale 2015. Barrett-Jackson’s site shows the
Corvette looking exactly as today and selling for
$106,700 with claimed matching numbers (ACC#
257945). Finally, E57S104676 was a no-sale at $85,000
at Mecum’s Chicago auction in October 2019 (ACC#
6921330).
So, a little sleuthing delivered important information:
two thorough restorations, photos showing the
radio-delete option, and claimed long ownership and
numbers-matching components way back in 2002.
Dealing with a major auction house like RM
Sotheby’s is also important. They have a reputation
to maintain, and they state, “Our team works hard to
make sure all lots we offer are fully researched and
historically accurate.” They call the engine “reportedly
original to the car.”
One other fact comes out: E57S104676 sold in 2020
for almost $25k less than in 2015, and $16,300 under
median. Perhaps the Aztec Copper paint limits its appeal?
Maybe the resto-mod movement is continuing to
diminish interest in restored vintage Corvettes — after
all, median prices for ’57 Fuelies are down 14% since
2015.
All things considered, I’d say this beautifully
restored — and fun — Corvette was well bought at the
price paid.A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
283/283 convertible
Lot 48, VIN: E57S103654
Condition: 2Sold
at $106,400
DETAILING
Years produced: 1953–62 (C1)
Number produced: 756
(1957 283/283)
Original list price: $3,756
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $97,500
Tune-up/major service: $300
VIN location: Plate on the
steering column
Engine # location: Pad on
front of block below right
cylinder head
Alternatives: 1957 Ford
Thunderbird F-code, 1963
Chevrolet Corvette 327/360
coupe, 1957 Chrysler 300C
convertible
ACC Investment Grade: A
Comps
Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 8/24/2018
ACC# 6877296
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
283/283 convertible
Lot 11, VIN: E57S102166
Condition: 1
Sold at $125,400
Worldwide Auctioneers, Pacific
Grove, CA, 8/17/2017
ACC# 6844468
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
283/283 convertible
Lot 144, VIN: E57S101560
Condition: 2
Sold at $126,500
Bonhams, Amelia Island, FL,
3/12/2015
ACC# 257483
May–June 2020 47
Page 46
GM PROFILE by Nick Jaynes
1986 CHEVROLET CAMARO IROC-Z
Retro Z
Courtesy of Carlisle Auctions
If one third-gen
Camaro is destined
to rise out of
collector-market
darkness, it’s the
IROC
VIN: 1G1FP87F2GN128910
• Highly optioned IROC-Z with very low miles
• Outstanding original condition
• 5.0-liter V8 engine with tuned port injection
• Four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive
• Factory T-tops
• Deluxe interior with overhead console
• Air conditioning
ACC Analysis This car, Lot F266, sold for
mium, at Carlisle’s Lakeland Winter auction in
Lakeland, FL, held February 21–23, 2020.
$22,500, including buyer’s preThe
Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z was designed and
built expressly to destroy the Mustang 5.0. But as has
always been the case, the two Pony Cars were similar
in many ways.
However, the newer Camaro had a few legs up
on the Mustang. The Chevy’s sleek body was more
aerodynamic than the Ford’s, which had been painstakingly
penned during the Carter administration, and
the IROC’s interior was far plusher and more modern
than that of the Mustang.
Track star
The Camaro’s dominance of the Mustang contin-
ued on the track, where the IROC-Z mopped the floor
with the Ford.
While the Mustang suffers from excessive body
roll, exacerbated by heaps of understeer, the Camaro
handles flatly. A dab of additional throttle immediately
solves any hint of understeer in the Camaro’s cornering.
By comparison, pumping additional fuel into the
Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 only makes matters worse;
more power causes the Fox-body ’Stang to grind its
front tires even harder.
Despite being better on the track, the Z falls short
of the ’Stang in its street manners. The Camaro’s automatic,
which most cars had, did the job well enough
but wasn’t all that high-performance feeling, while the
T-top body was known for flexing when pushed hard,
which caused rattles and squeaks.
48 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 47
The Camaro appears to have been
designed as if it were destined to be
featured in the music video of a hairmetal
band — one that couldn’t afford
to rent a Ferrari 308 for the day. There’s
something oddly appealing about that.
Worse yet, the Camaro’s twin rear seats were more
akin to a luggage shelf than a bench on which you’d
expect full-size humans to sit. Meanwhile, the Mustang
can comfortably seat a family of four. That is, if the
children are still small.
Ultimately, Mustangs and IROC-Zs spent most
their time on the street, not on the track. So it makes
sense the Ford continued to outsell the Chevy in the
arena where it conducted itself more comfortably.
On the upswing
While the enthusiasm for Fox-body Mustangs has
ebbed and flowed over the past 40 years, the third-gen
Camaro’s following hasn’t. It’s remained relatively
low. However, that’s starting to change.
The IROC-Z recently sold at the Carlisle Lakeland
Winter auction is a perfect example of the shifting of
the tides.
It was listed as having “very low miles” (the
odometer shows 23,389 miles) and is in “outstanding
original condition.” It was optioned with factory
T-tops, deluxe interior with overhead console, and air
conditioning. Finished in yellow paint, this IROC-Z is
a prime example why the make is finally coming into
its own.
When I showed this auction result to my 33-year-
old friend who is both a police officer and a new
father, he replied: “That seems about right. But, to
be fair, I would never have wanted to own an IROC-Z
until right about now anyhow.”
I initially laughed off his comment. But it has stuck
with me. Like most Pony Car fans, it seems, I had not
thought much about the third-gen Camaro — let alone
the IROC-Z. But my friend’s interest, albeit mild,
wormed its way into my brain. And it got me thinking.
A new world
Like its contemporary, the C4 Corvette, the third-
gen Camaro’s styling has sluffed off most of its social
baggage (both good and bad) in the last 30 years.
Meanwhile, its lines have aged into a fine retro-chic;
it’s cool in an ironic way.
By comparison, the Fox-boxy Mustangs look like
cheap and dreary economy notchbacks. Sorry, not
sorry.
The Camaro, however, appears to have been de-
signed as if it were destined to be featured in the music
video of a hair-metal band — one that couldn’t afford
to rent a Ferrari 308 for the day. There’s something
oddly appealing about that. Add to that the optional
T-tops and a shouty paint color and you have yourself
a real winner in the looks department.
Rise of the IROC
I doubt that the third-gen Camaro will ever enjoy
the popularity the Fox-body Mustang has experienced.
But if one third-gen Camaro trim level is destined to
rise out of the proverbial collector-market darkness,
it’s the IROC-Z.
It has undeniable track-day performance bona
fides — after all, it’s named after the International
Race of Champions and was bred from new with
higher performance over a standard Z. It doesn’t look
like virtually anything else on the road today, save
the contemporary Firebird, and although they were
produced in large numbers, the IROC-Z was still a
special-edition model. So it has some extra noteworthiness
baked in.
Let me go ahead and warn any prospective buyers:
The IROC-Z may have been quicker than the Mustang
5.0 on a track in 1986. However, that doesn’t mean
it’s going to be anywhere near as enlivening today by
modern automotive standards.
So if you do invest in an IROC-Z, get it with the
expectations of enjoying it most while either parked or
at a gentle cruising speed. Same goes for the Fox-body
Mustang, mind you. But at least the IROC-Z is fun to
look at.
Call this one well bought. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Carlisle
Auctions.)
1992 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
1LE coupe
Lot 1532, VIN:
1G1FP23F9NL107659
Condition: 2
Sold at $46,200
ACC# 6891268
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ,
1/12/2019
1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
coupe
Lot 33, VIN: 1G1AP87G8EL180358
Condition: 2
Sold at $13,750
Dan Kruse Classics, Waco, TX,
3/2/2019
ACC# 6897376
DETAILING
Years produced: 1985–90
(IROC-Z)
VIN location: Driver’s side
base of windshield
Number produced: 129,688
Original list price: $11,719
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $14,575
Engine # location: On righthand
front of block under a/c
compressor
Alternates: 1983–86 Ford
Mustang 5.0, 1982–87
Pontiac Firebird 5.0,
1996–97 Chevrolet Camaro
SS
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1990 Chevrolet Camaro
IROC-Z coupe
Lot 65, VIN: 1G1FP2386LL133859
Condition: 2Sold
at $23,100
Worldwide Auctioneers, Houston,
TX, 4/21/2018
ACC# 6867659
May–June 2020 49
Page 48
FOMOCO PROFILE by John Boyle
1970 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 428 SCJ
Super Mustang
Courtesy of GAA Classic Cars
A top-shelf
example that
demonstrates that
even the most
desirable models
can still
be attainable
VIN: 0505R165579
• 428 Super Cobra Jet R-code
• Automatic
• Power steering
• Power disc brakes
• Factory shaker hood
• Factory oil cooler
• Frame-off restoration to show-standards
• From the Davis Collection
ACC Analysis This car, Lot ST0112, sold for
$63,720, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at GAA Classic Cars’ Greensboro, NC, sale
held February 27–29, 2020.
Power stable
When introduced in 1969, the new Mach 1 was one
of six high-performance Mustangs on offer: GT, Mach
1, Boss 302 and 429, Shelby GT350 and 500. The basic
premise was to combine performance, appearance and
luxury upgrades into one package.
Buyers had five engine choices: the new base in
351-ci 250-hp/2-bbl and 300-hp/4-bbl trim, the venerable
320-hp 390, and a pair of 428 Cobra Jets: Ram Air
R-code and the non-Ram Q-code, both rated at 335 hp.
Either Cobra Jet could be turned into a “Super
Cobra Jet” by ordering the “Drag Pack,” which featured
minor internal upgrades, quarter-mile-friendly
numerically higher axle ratios and an external oil
cooler.
50 AmericanCarCollector.com
Visually, the Mach 1 featured a blacked-out hood
with NASCAR-style pins, dual chrome exhaust tips,
a reflective tape stripe, dual color-keyed mirrors, a
deluxe interior with two-tone seats, and wood trim on
dash, doors and console.
Impressive performance numbers helped bring
impressive sales numbers. The Mach 1 was an immediate
hit, selling more than 72,000 — nearly a quarter
of the 302,000 Mustangs sold that year. It became an
icon, the name surviving until 1978 and revived in
2003–04.
Sophomore-year blues
For 1970, the big Mustang news was the absence
of the 390 and indeed the entire GT model, while the
Boss 302 was more widely available and, unlike the
’69, even listed in the catalog.
The Mach 1 shared the minor body revisions to the
’69 shell, most notably a retreat from quad headlights.
The tape stripe was replaced by a large die-cast panel
that ran the length of the rockers, a honeycomb applique
found its way to the rear panel, and the hood pins
were replaced with Shelby-like twist units.
1970 also saw increased competition in the market-
place, with the introduction of the second-generation
Camaro/Firebird and the Mopar E-body Barracudas/
Challengers. The net result was Mustang sales fell to
191,000, with Mach 1 sales dropping 43% to 41,000.
Rich Golisch, editor of Mustangconnection.com,
says the fall of the Mach 1 wasn’t as bad as it may
Page 49
look. “The actual percentage of Mach 1s sold from
total Mustang production isn’t that different, falling
from 24% to more than 21%. Also, you have to remember
that in 1970, Ford sold about 7,000 Boss 302s,
which certainly cannibalized some potential Mach 1
sales that year.”
Golisch also notes, “In today’s market, generally
a similarly equipped ’69 will sell for more than a ’70.
I think some of the ’70–specific elements may hurt it.
The performance crowd seems to find the heavy lower
side cladding a bit too much.”
Well-equipped
The GAA Classic Cars example has got to be
considered the ultimate spec for a ’70: 428 Ram
Air R-code, Drag Pack, 4-speed with an impressive
frame-off restoration in the very period G-code
Medium Lime. It’s reportedly numbers-matching with
supporting documents and Marti Report.
The car presents with excellent body lines and
chrome and sits on correct wheels and tires. The only
deviation from stock is a thin pinstripe that follows the
bodyline on the front fenders and door.
The interior looks new, with great seat covers, car-
pets, instruments and dash. Underhood is likely better
than new, spotless with correct factory stamps and
stickers and correct hoses, belts and wires. Like many
of the cars we see, it has a modern battery in place of
the original Autolite — something easily changed.
A great buy
The ACC Pocket Price Guide gives a $64,000
valuation for a 428-equipped ’70 Mach 1 — a healthy
bump over the $39,500 for a 351 car. The price guide
reports a recent 7% increase and that looks correct,
as five years ago the value ranged from $30k to $46k.
The GAA sale is just a bit above the most recent
sale of a ’70 428 in our Premium Auction Database:
a condition 1- yellow example that brought $58,300
at the Barrett-Jackson Northeast sale in June 2019
(ACC# 6906921).
Underscoring the value of this example, it’s cur-
rently listed for sale by a large Midwest dealer with an
asking price of $79,998.
All in all, this was a great buy on a really nice
example, and it demonstrates that even top-shelf
examples of popular models are still within reach of
average enthusiasts.A
(Introductory details courtesy of GAA Classic
Cars.)
1970 Mustang Mach 1 351
Ram Air
Lot F172, VIN: 0F05M183313
Condition: 1Sold
at $51,700
ACC# 6906857
Mecum Auctions, Portland, OR,
6/21/2019
1970 Mustang Mach 1 428 CJ
Lot 723, VIN: 0T05R112897
Condition: 1Sold
at $58,300
Barrett-Jackson, Uncasville, CT,
6/26/2019
ACC# 6906921
DETAILING
Year produced: 1970
Number produced: 40,970
Original list price: $3,271
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $64,000
Tune-up/major service: $250
VIN location: Tag under
windshield
Alternatives: 1970 Chevrolet
Camaro Z/28 RS, 1970
Dodge Challenger 440, 1970
Plymouth ’Cuda 440
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
Engine # location: Front righthand
cylinder bank
1969 Mustang Mach 1 428 CJ
Lot 969 VIN: 9F02R113755
Condition: 2+
Sold at $56,100
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ,
1/13/2020
ACC# 6922209
May–June 2020 51
Page 50
MOPAR PROFILE by Jeff Zurschmeide
1971 PLYMOUTH DUSTER 340
The Last Affordable Mopar
Ken’s Classic Cars, courtesy of GAA Classic Cars
Are bargain prices
on Dusters an
anomaly or a
leading indicator?
VIN: VS29H1B174859
• Fresh 340-ci 4-bbl engine
• 727 automatic transmission
• Factory a/c car
• Broadcast sheet
• New T/A radials
• New paint
• Factory EV2 Tor-Red (Hemi Orange)
• V24 Performance Hood Treatment with engine
callout
ACC Analysis This car, Lot FR0140, sold for
$29,700, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at the GAA Classic Cars auction in
Greensboro, NC, on February 28, 2020.
In every family, there’s a kid who always seems to
get overshadowed by his siblings. It’s not that there’s
anything wrong with the kid, but the older brother just
gets all the attention. In the Mopar family, the Duster
is that overlooked child.
Compared to the GTX, Barracuda, Road Runner
and Superbird, or to the Dodge Coronet, Challenger
and Charger lineup, the baby-brother Duster just
never got much glory.
Valiant beginnings
The Plymouth Duster was introduced for the 1970
model year as a sportier 2-door fastback version of the
workhorse Valiant compact sedan. The basic Duster
came equipped with the venerable slant-6 engine in
198- or 225-cubic-inch displacement, but buyers could
also upgrade to the 318 or 340 V8 engines.
The Duster 340 was the hot rod of the bunch. A
Carter 4-barrel carburetor yielded an official rating
of 275 horsepower and 340 foot-pounds of torque.
Buyers could choose the standard 3-speed manual
transmission or upgrade to a 4-speed or a TorqueFlite
automatic. Out back, 3.23 gears were standard, but
limited-slip 3.55 or 3.91 final-drive gears were avail-
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 51
able. The Duster 340 also got a few extra goodies not
available on the more-economical trim levels, such as
beefier springs, bigger sway bars and Rally wheels.
Options included the very desirable pistol-grip
shift knob, bucket seats, floor-mount shifter and a
tach. Suggested base retail price on a 1970 Duster 340
was $2,547. The formula was reasonably successful,
and Plymouth sold 24,817 Duster 340s that year,
among more than 200,000 Dusters sold overall.
However, the Duster hit the showrooms at the same
moment the Barracuda graduated away from its early
Valiant underpinnings and got its own E-body classification.
The new ’Cuda offered stunning looks and
425 horsepower if you bought the 426 Hemi. Plymouth
also released the Road Runner Superbird that year, so
it was hard for the Duster to stand out in the Plymouth
family.
The Duster you want
If you’re looking for your first Mopar, or if you
just don’t have a Duster to complete your collection,
this one would have been a solid choice. After the first
year, sales of the Duster 340 dropped to 12,886 in
1971. In 1972, The Duster 340’s horsepower dropped
to 240, but sales rose to 15,681, and we all know how
it went in the years that followed. The Duster 340 that
you want was made in 1970 or 1971 and was originally
ordered with all the good stuff.
What’s impressive is that you can take your pick
of nice Dusters, and the price you’ll pay is generally
reasonable.
This attractively restored Duster 340 sold for
$29,700, and that’s right in the fat part of the bell
curve for a Duster of this quality. The orange-overblack
color scheme inside and out gives this car the
appropriate in-your-face quality that Mopar owners
prize, and the car comes with its original “production
broadcast” build sheet to document its authenticity.
To prove the point about affordability, there were
two other Dusters sold at the same GAA Classic Cars
auction in February. Lot FR0055 was a 1972 Duster
built up as a replica Duster 340 that sold for $24,300,
and Lot FR0023 was a well-kept ’73 model that sold
for $22,680. Looking through the ACC Premium
DETAILING
Years produced: 1970–73
Number produced: 24,817
(1970 340 cars)
Original list price: $2,547
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $22,470
Tune-up/major service: $200
VIN Location: Plate at base of
windshield
Engine # location: Left side
of block
Auction Database, that’s typical. While a few 1970
models have peaked as high as $48,400 (ACC#
6913604), the vast majority are changing hands under
the price of this example.
Sign of the times?
One final note: At least at this auction, muscle-car
prices were generally lagging. There were many 1970s
pickup trucks selling at the same price range as this
Duster. However, a nice resto-mod 1972 Barracuda
with a 440 (Lot FR006) sold for $41,580, which is almost
$10k above the ACC Pocket Price Guide median
valuation for the model.
What does this tell us? Certainly it says that
some buyers took home some great deals on Mopar
muscle. But more broadly, it seems that the market for
resto-mod, replica and even well-restored muscle cars
that are not particularly rare may be becoming more
selective.
My feeling is that there will always be a market for
these run-of-the-factory cars, precisely because they
are not rare or expensive.
A muscle car you can drive and enjoy without con-
sidering it part of your retirement portfolio is a good
thing to have — especially if you find one with all the
right options, like this example. Mopar’s overlooked
Cars.)
kid can pitch a no-hitter, too.A
(Introductory description courtesy of GAA Classic
1970 Plymouth Duster
Lot 460, VIN: VL29G0B352683
Condition: 1Sold
at $24,200
ACC# 6839558
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
Alternatives: 1967–76 Dodge
Dart, 1965–73 Ford Mustang,
1967–73 Chevrolet Camaro
Barrett-Jackson, Uncasville, CT,
6/21/2017
1970 Plymouth Duster 340
Lot F76, VIN: VS29H0B184103
Condition: 3
Sold at $30,740
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX,
9/8/2012
ACC# 213138
1971 Plymouth Duster 340
Lot S23.1, VIN: VS29H1B191116
Condition: 3+
Sold at $24,750
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO,
12/2/2010
ACC# 168278
May–June 2020 53
Page 52
HOT ROD & CUSTOM PROFILE by Elana Scherr
1971 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
Custom Power
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Over-the-top
builds can buck
a model’s market
trends — but
it takes the right
buyer
VIN: 136371R199132
• Frame-off rotisserie restoration
• Procharged 496-ci 800-hp Dart engine
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Brembo brakes
• Air conditioning
• Estimated over $200,000 invested in restoration
ACC Analysis This car, Lot T169, sold for
$82,500, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s auction in Kissimmee, FL, on
January 2–12, 2020.
Mini makeover
1971 saw a mild redesign for the popular Chevelle.
The previous year, its sheet metal was squared up, and
while the overall body stayed the same for ’71, it did
get a mini makeover to stand out from the previous
year’s models.
Dual headlights became a single “Power-Beam”
flanked by cornering lights, and the square rear taillights
were redesigned as double rounds, integrated
into the bumper.
It looks the business, but we must pity the muscle-
car manufacturers in 1971. There were mileage
concerns, insurance concerns, safety-bumper concerns,
lower octanes and lower horsepower ratings
all starting to affect design. Luckily for the buyer of a
1971 Chevelle in the year 2020, none of that matters,
because you can make any trim level into the performance
car of your dreams.
That’s basically what was done here.
SS who?
Despite the Super Sport-style black-out paint job,
there’s no double S in the middle of the grille of this
Chevelle, nor does it sport a jaunty Bowtie, but don’t
let that fool you into thinking it’s just a plain old base
model.
Somebody took this car apart inside and out, and
what they built would leave even a 1970 SS 454 LS6
in the dust and turn a mean corner at the end of the
straightaway.
These days, hot-rodding has moved from the
straight-line brawlers of Pro-Street to road-raceinspired
Pro-Touring builds, where handling and
modern street comforts are integrated with old-school
muscle car looks and power.
This Chevelle build is a mild Pro-Touring setup.
It’s still carbureted, it’s not swapped to a modern
LS engine, and it doesn’t have any radical frame or
suspension work listed. What it does have is an engine
bay full of horses, and an interior that looks perfect
for daily driving or long road trips.
54 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 53
Pop the cowl-induction hood and shield your eyes
from the reflections off an 800-hp Procharger supercharged
and intercooled 496-ci Dart big block. The
engine bay is dressed up with billet hood hinges and
glistening chrome.
To make sure that the sparkle also has spark, the
ignition system has been upgraded to an MSD 6AL.
Behind the big block is a 6-speed manual transmission,
so your left foot can join in the driving fun.
Announce your arrival through dual turn-down
exhaust, and when you’re done painting your name in
Nitto 555 tire rubber all over your neighborhood, you
can slow it down with four-wheel Brembo disc brakes
behind 20-inch Asanti five-spoke wheels.
Classic black
There’s a reason Chevrolet advertised the Chevelle
as “America’s Most Popular Mid-Size Car.” Especially
after the body changes in 1968, the Chevelle has been
a perfect mix of intimidating bulk and sporty promise.
In black, with silver Rally stripes down the deck lid
and hood, this Chevelle looks menacing and classy.
Its black-and-silver color scheme and modern muscle
mash-up continue inside, with bucket seats, 6-speed
floor-mounted shifter, white-face gauges, a Billet
Specialties steering wheel, air conditioning and a
digital stereo system.
Much like how home-buyers can be turned on or off
by an easily changed detail like the color of the living
room, sellers of customized cars are betting on a shopper
with similar taste.
Changing the paint color on a car isn’t as easy as
repainting the den, but things like wheels and engine
dress-up items can be swapped out in a day, and
because the brakes on this car don’t appear to be
family-pizza size, a new owner could go down several
sizes if he or she preferred a more traditional musclecar
stance.
Usable power
The hard work has been done here. The super-
charger and intercooler routing, the new exhaust, the
paint, body and interior all look good, and the finished
complete product appears to be a solid car that would
stand out at a show while still being a comfortable
cruiser to take the family to dinner that evening. A/C
and that dual-overdrive transmission are big reasons
for that. On paper, at least, this car offers the best of
both worlds: performance and usability.
So was this a deal? Well, if you’re looking to build
something along these lines, sure. Buying someone
else’s completed project is almost always cheaper
than re-creating it from scratch, even if you end up
changing a detail here or there after purchase. The
only downside is not knowing every last detail of the
build, from the engine through the bodywork. To some,
the peace of mind of knowing a car was built “right”
is worth the cost of doing that work, even if it’s more
expensive than this.
This build seems nicely done, but lacks some com-
mitment to fully embracing Pro-Touring technology
with more-modern suspension and fuel injection.
Aside from the beefy V8, it looks a little more extreme
than it is, and that may have hurt it with buyers who
were looking for a contemporary car in old-school
sheet metal.
Chevelles of this year, even SS 454 LS5 packages,
have an average value of less than $50,000, so even
though this car went for below its estimate of $95,000
to $110,000, I’d still say it was fairly well sold. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
DETAILING
Years produced: 1968–72
Number produced: 35,600 base
Chevelles (412,889 all models,
1971)
Original list price: $3,611
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $20,500
Tune-up/major service: $200
VIN location: Tag on dash at
driver’s A-pillar
Engine # location: Pad front
in front passenger’s side below
cylinder head
Alternatives: 1971 Chevrolet
Monte Carlo, 1971 Chevrolet
Camaro, 1971 Dodge Charger
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
454 LS6
Lot 11, VIN: 136370B148471
Condition: 2
Sold at $61,000
Worldwide Auctioneers, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/15/2020
ACC# 6919194
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Custom
Lot 455, VIN: 1383782120909
Condition: 2+
Sold at $46,200
ACC# 6897321
McCormick’s, Palm Springs, CA,
2/22/2019
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Custom
Lot ST0068, VIN: 136370A165212
Condition: 2Sold
at $41,605
GAA Classic Cars, Greensboro, NC,
10/27/2016
ACC# 6809628
May–June 2020 55
marketing inexpensive
television sets. He
promoted them with sky
writers and invented
the term “TV,” as by the
time a skywriter wrote
the word “Television,”
the smoke had blown
away. In promoting his
televisions, he admonished
people to “stop
staring at your radio,
folks.”
In the 1940s, Muntz
bought two of Frank
Kurtis’ Ford-powered
Kurtis sports cars. He liked them so much that he
bought all the stock and tooling in the company for
$200,000. He stretched the wheelbase to accommodate
a back seat and renamed the car the Muntz Jet — and
of course fitted a Muntz radio on the console.
They were first powered by a Cadillac V8, but due
to expense and high-rpm issues, he switched to new
Lincoln V8s. He loved bright, bold colors, so a lot of
these cars got candy-apple and pastel hues. Muntz
claimed that he had produced 394 cars when he
ceased operation in 1954, but the total was more likely
a couple hundred.
The Muntz Jet was sold directly to the public and
was priced at a hefty $5,500. Muntz claimed he lost
$1,000 on each one sold, which is very likely as hand
fabrication, advertising and economies of scale were
not in his favor. And besides, a 1953 Cadillac convertible
was priced at about $1,400 less. Additional factors
leading to its demise were the result of the automotive
industry moving on and the stigma of driving a car
promoted by a “carny pitchman.”
The Muntz Jet was just one of his many endeavors.
In addition to new- and used-car operations and
television sales, he developed and sold automotive
stereos, home air conditioners, videotape recorders
and television satellite dishes. He promoted these with
his usual unorthodox but successful flair.
His personal life was just as bizarre, as he was
married and divorced seven times.
A great example
The Muntz Jet sold by RM Sotheby’s was consigned
by Amelia Island Concours founder and Chairman
Bill Warner. The car is not his normal fare, and
when asked, he stated, “As a youth, I’d spend many
Saturday afternoons watching westerns at the local
theater. One Saturday, Lash LaRue, one of our western
heroes, was out front in his Muntz Jet and gave a
number of us a ride around the block. I was hooked.”
Bill went on to say that “Lash LaRue always wore
black and carried a whip rather than a six-shooter.
Think of a modern-day Barry Meguiar with a whip!”
Warner acquired his Muntz Jet about 19 years ago.
He installed a fresh triple-carb engine that featured
rare Edmond heads that took Bill 14 years to find. It
was maintained in exceptional condition, but Warner
rarely drove it. The car did, however, appear at numerous
events, earning an AACA First Junior Award.
There are a handful of Muntz Jets listed in the
ACC Premium Auction Database, and prices range
all over the board. A needs-everything example sold
at Mecum’s 2019 Monterey sale for $35,750 (ACC#
6908645), and Bonhams sold a well-restored Muntz
Jet at their August 2016 sale for $165,000 (ACC#
6806635). The car offered here was well restored with
bold livery, was wicked-quick, and based on prior
sales, I’d call it well bought indeed.A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM
Sotheby’s.)
DETAILING
Years produced: 1951–54
Number produced: 394
(others claim 198)
Original list price: $5,500
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $107,500
Tune-up/major service: $200
(estimated)
Engine # location: Stamping
on right front engine block
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
VIN location: Right front frame
member
Alternatives: 1954 KaiserDarrin,
1952–53 Nash-Healey,
1954 Packard Caribbean
convertible
1952 Muntz Jet convertible
Lot S129, VIN 52M195
Condition: 3
Sold at $35,750
ACC# 6908645
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/15/2019
1953 Muntz Jet convertible
Lot 537, VIN 53M522
Condition: 3Sold
at $62,700
Branson, Branson, MO, 10/14/2016
ACC# 6804819
1951 Muntz Jet convertible
Lot S118, VIN M125
Condition: 4Sold
at $54,000
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/16/2014
ACC# 245094
May–June 2020 57
Page 56
RACE PROFILE by B. Mitchell Carlson
1966 CHEVROLET CORVAIR CORSA YENKO STINGER
Earned Stripes
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
All Yenko muscle
cars got their
start from the hot
Corvair
VIN: 107376W130968
• Yenko Stinger YS043
• One of 100 produced
• Previously owned and raced by Jim Schardt of
Ohio
• Campaigned on the SCCA circuit in the 1970s
• One of the most successful Yenko Stinger race cars
• Later sold to actor Tim Allen, who kept the car for
more than 15 years
• Engine and transmission recently rebuilt by
Yenko Stinger mechanic Warren Dernoshek
• Roll cage with inspection stickers
• Documentation from when it was raced, and
vintage photos included
ACC Analysis This car, Lot F21, sold for
$74,800, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s Kissimmee, FL, auction on January
3, 2020. It was offered with no reserve.
Don Yenko was a second-generation Chevrolet
dealer in western Pennsylvania with a keen interest
in road-course racing. While he had success in
campaigning Corvettes in SCCA beginning in 1957, by
1965 he was becoming an also-ran behind the Shelby
Cobras and GT350s. Eventually, he “got tired of looking
at the rear bumper of Mark Donohue’s Mustang.”
He was a Chevrolet guy, and he felt there was only
one model of theirs in 1965 that he could build into a
proper road-course car: the Corvair.
What it lacked in brute power out of the box it
made up for in superb handling, with a fully independent
rear suspension that featured four U-joint half
shafts that by that time had replaced the early-model
swing-axle design. The power problem was solved
as well — Yenko offered these cars in four stages of
tuning up to 240 hp.
Don certainly wasn’t a stranger to short-run pro-
duction, having marketed accessories and doing race
prep for Corvettes at his dealership. Yet to make his
track-focused Corvair SCCA legal (as they ruled the
stock 1965–66 models “sedans” for classification), he
needed to make at least 100 Stingers before the 1966
calendar year to be homologated.
So in November 1965, after creating the division
“Yenko Sportscars Inc.,” Don placed a fleet order
through Chevy’s Central Office Production Order
(COPO) group for 100 Corvair Corsas. This was a
huge leap of faith, as the dealership had averaged
about 190 new vehicle sales a year to that point.
58 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 57
Yenko’s COPO cars
All 100 were ordered in white with black interiors,
equipped with the base Corsa 140-hp engine, optional
F41 heavy-duty suspension, M20 4-speed, N44
quick-ratio steering, plus the two “options” that made
them unique from all other ’66 Corvairs: dual-mastercylinder
brakes (sourced from Cadillac) and a 3.89
Positraction differential (roughly half were fitted with
3.55s due to parts availability).
The cars arrived in mid-December, and Yenko’s
team scrambled to get them all converted to Stinger
specifications. SCCA certified the car for D-Production
class — the same class Triumph’s TR4 was dominating.
It wasn’t where Yenko wanted them to be, but at least
the cars were SCCA race eligible. And race they did, as
a constant force in D-production into the 1980s.
The lessons Yenko learned in the Stinger homologa-
tion program translated into success in his future products
— namely the 1967–69 S/C Camaro, 1969 Chevelle
427 and 1970 Deuce Nova.
In addition, 25 Monzas were fleet-ordered for a
1967 Stinger production run (as both the Corsa and
the quad-carbureted 140-hp engine were dropped
that year). Yenko also licensed dealerships to convert
Corvairs, in addition to selling later YS tags to allow
regular Corvairs to run in SCCA D-Production. None
of these cars were COPOs.
A visible racer
Our example — YS043 — is well known, and not
just in Yenko Stinger and Corvair circles. Short of
Jay Leno’s YS054 that is all over the Interweb, this
example is probably the one that most folks have
seen in the paint and steel. Painted to resemble Jerry
Thompson’s 1967 SCCA National Championship car, it
raced successfully in SCCA until the early 1980s and
then on the vintage circuit — and not just with Tim
Allen, but with its other owners as well.
Therein lies a lot of the appeal of the Stinger. Even
the ones that have been restored to concours condition
tend to hit the track to show their mettle. This is a far
cry from the subsequent Yenko muscle cars, which now
seem to mostly be well-heeled man-cave ornaments.
Since Corvair engines didn’t have a partial VIN
stamped on them (just the usual Chevy plant/date/
configuration code) until 1968, a “non-numbersmatching”
engine isn’t as much of a value killer in a
Stinger as it is in a muscle car. There are a handful
of Stingers that have their original engines, but most
have at the very least been rebuilt. One plus here is
YS043’s engine and transmission, which were recently
rebuilt by the original crew chief for the Yenko team.
Coveted Stinger
Original COPO homologation cars make up the
largest group of Stingers, but a significant number of
wrecked and rusted cars have been reborn with their
YS number plates moved to other cars. And like SAAC,
the keepers of the flame have generally kept track of
Stingers that have been swapped and those that are
still whole. YS043 is one of the whole Stingers, and it
still presents very well and is race-ready.
I last saw this car in person when it crossed the
block at Mecum’s Spring Classic at Indy last year,
then failing to sell on a $90k final bid (ACC# 6902267).
As a number 3+ condition car, I felt that bid was on
the high side, but at the time, that was becoming the
nature of the beast.
The cheap Corvair enthusiast in me still thinks this
A
was plenty of money, but the reality is that this was a
market-correct sale at Kissimmee. It’s a good bet we’ll
see it once again drifting through Canada Corner at
Road America or winding through the Corkscrew at
Laguna Seca. That is, after all, where these cars shine.
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa
Yenko Stinger
Lot F237, VIN: N/A
Condition: 1
Sold at $220,000
Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee, FL,
1/3/2019
ACC# 6894016
DETAILING
Years produced: 1966–69
Number produced: 100 COPO
cars (plus 25 1967 and one
1969 Yenko cars and 33 known
authorized conversions by
other dealers)
Original list price: $3,278.53
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $147,400
Tune-up/major service: $250
VIN location: GM issued
VIN, driver’s side engine
compartment frame rail near
the battery well. YS number
plate is screwed to the driver’s
door pillar
Alternatives: 1965–66 Chevrolet
Corvair Corsa, 1962–64
Chevrolet Corvair Monza
Spyder, 1970–72 Chevrolet
Corvette LT-1 or ZR-1
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa
Yenko Stinger
Lot F171, VIN: 107376W130968
(Subject car)
Condition: 3+
Not sold at $90,000
ACC# 6902267
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis, IN,
5/14/2019
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa
Yenko Stinger
Lot T224, VIN: 107376W130890
Condition: 2
Sold at $39,590
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis, IN,
5/18/2013
ACC# 216592
May–June 2020 59
Page 58
TRUCK PROFILE by Kevin Whipps
1967 FORD F-100 PICKUP
Bowtie Buster
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
It’s not a C10,
but this truck
brought in C10
money
VIN: F10YCB41155
• 5.0-L Ford Performance Coyote V8
• Ford 6R80 automatic transmission
• Black paint with chrome trim
• All original sheet metal
• Recently restored
• Champion aluminum radiator with electric fans
• Ford electric steering conversion
• Independent rear suspension
• RideTech air suspension
• Disc brakes on all four corners
• Vintage Air
ACC Analysis Ford F-100s don’t historically
bring in the big dollars, but this
custom option, Lot T295, sold for $88,000 in
Kissimmee, FL, at Mecum’s January 2–12 auction.
What makes this F-100 so special?
Part of it may be that it’s not a Chevy.
Blue Oval boom
The 1967–72 truck market is an interesting
one. Those years saw the introduction of the fifthgeneration
F-100, an insanely popular Chevrolet C10
and, from 1968 to ’71, the Dodge D-Series. If you were
a buyer in that time period, you had quite a choice
in front of you, and if you go strictly by the numbers,
many people chose the F-100.
Ford sold a lot of trucks over that five-year span,
but for some reason they’re not seen as money-makers
on the auction block the way the C10s or any other
generation of F-100 is. Why would that be? Is there
something wrong with these bulletside trucks, or is it
just that people like GMs more? And if that is the case,
then why did this particular truck bring in just under
six figures? Let’s hash it out.
Popular, and yet not
The thing is, the F-100 was (and is, if you carry it
over into the F-150 lineup) a popular truck. Ford sold
a smidge over 230,000 of these in 1967, which was no
small feat. In just the two-wheel-drive Styleside model
— our fleetsides today — they sold almost 205,000
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 59
While most people are out there looking
at C10s and other GM options of the era,
these F-100s are quietly becoming even
more popular. It’s easier to lower these
trucks today, and the aftermarket is
bursting with parts to make them cool.
compared to Chevy’s 43,940. That’s five times as many
trucks, and yet there just aren’t as many out there on
the auction block today. Why?
The argument could be made a bunch of different
ways. Maybe the trucks are still out there being used
on various farms and such, and therefore aren’t
candidates for restorations. It might be the higher
resale value that’s never dipped low enough to make
it attainable for restorers working on the cheap. Or it
could be that the GM offerings get so much attention
that nobody looks at F-100s anymore.
But one of the most powerful arguments is that it
all comes down to the suspension.
Customizers keep old trucks alive. When nobody
wanted 1973–87 Chevy trucks because they were
considered to be “too ugly” back in the early 2000s,
custom-truck guys bought them up cheap and made
them cool again. And for a lot of builders, that meant
lowering the trucks with coils and control arms, which
was relatively cheap and easy to do. But Fords don’t
have the same advantage.
Ford used a twin I-beam front suspension for
decades, and it’s not only powerful but able to handle
quite a load. But lowering them creates a crazy
amount of negative camber, and often they just don’t
get as close to the ground. Even a mild lowering job
turns into a small nightmare, so much so that Mustang
II and Crown Vic front clips are popular swaps. That’s
not the kind of thing that everyone can do in their
garage, and when the alternative is almost literally
any Chevy, it’s hard to make the argument that a Ford
is better.
But when it’s custom, it’s cool
Here we are, though, with an F-100 that stands out
from the rest because it does have some modifications,
yet nothing too extreme. The powertrain is modern
and powerful, giving the buyer a sense that the truck
is reliable. The independent rear end adds better
handling to the truck, and RideTech air suspension sits
it low, but not on the ground. It’s basically a slot car in
truck form, and its straight black paint makes it look
that much better.
Which brings up another point: While most people
are out there looking at C10s and other GM options of
the era, these F-100s are quietly becoming even more
popular. It’s easier to lower these trucks today, and
the aftermarket is bursting with parts to make them
cool. And since the Coyote engine is Ford’s LS, there’s
opportunity to create something that stands out from
the crowd. That and, let’s face it, they look good with
this kind of stance.
A case of GM overdose
Then there’s the other big elephant in the room.
The 1967–72 C10s are crazy-popular and, as a result,
super expensive. Just this January we saw trucks
go over the block at Barrett-Jackson in the low six
figures. It could be they’re reaching a saturation
point; they’re so popular and expensive that builders
and buyers are looking for relatively more affordable
options. And lying in wait is the F-100, a truck of
the same era that not only looks great but was more
widely produced and therefore easier to find.
That’s all speculation, of course, and there’s no
hard data to back that up. But looking at these trucks
and what’s out there on the market, it’s easy to come
to that conclusion.
Maybe trucks like these are considered to be a
bargain for Blue Oval fans because of their relative
affordability with similar options. After all, if given the
choice between this truck at $88k and an identical C10
at $120k, which would be right for you? A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions)
1970 Ford F-100 Pickup
Lot S629, VIN: F10YRH14960
Condition: 2
Sold at $30,800
ACC# 6816968
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
Lot 1012, VIN: F10ANA85596
Condition: 3
Sold at $22,000
ACC# 6867915
W. Yoder Auctions, Wautoma, WI,
4/20/2018
DETAILING
Years produced: 1967–72
Number produced: 230,082
Original list price: $2,198
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $14,300
Tune-up/major service: $200
VIN location: Under the hood,
on the cowl panel, right side
Engine number location:
Casting number only, above oil
pan on passenger’s side
Alternatives: 1967–72 Chevrolet
C-series, 1968–71 Dodge
D-series, 1969–75 International
D-series
ACC Investment Grade: D
Comps
Russo and Steele, Scottsdale, AZ,
1/18/2017
1969 Ford F-100 Ranger
Lot F12, VIN: F10HKF90212
Condition: N/A
Sold at $18,725
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/15/2013
ACC# 227268
May–June 2020 61
Page 60
MARKET OVERVIEW
Please Hold One Moment
Just before the U.S. pressed the “pause” button due to the coronavirus
pandemic, a few auctions hammered down in the nick of time
Dave Tomaro
What will American-car collectors be looking for in Scottsdale 2021?
by Chad Tyson
I
n the following pages, you’ll read about some of the last auctions any companies
ran before COVID-19 shut down the country for weeks.
We get to live through something new, and everybody has to make adjust-
ments.
The two February auctions covered, McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector
Car Auction and GAA Classic Cars, were the last two large American car auctions
relatively unaffected by the pandemic.
GAA Classic Cars wrapped up their February sale with the second-highest total
ever registered there at $14.5m, which was down 4% from last year’s all-time high of
$15.1m.
McCormick’s sales total fell by 27% from last February’s sale, but that wasn’t
necessarily due to below-market bids. The bids were about right, but a number of the
consignors felt that yesteryear’s prices were still good today.
And,. boy howdy, does that seem like a long time ago now.
It’s when the calendar flipped to March that Americans started taking the warn-
ings more seriously on a larger scale.
Remarkably, major sports-league closures, dire warnings from public-health
BEST BUYS
1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO
coupe, $99,900—GAA Classic
Cars, NC, p. 69
62 AmericanCarCollector.com
2002 Chevrolet Camaro 35th
Anniversary Edition, $23,220—
GAA Classic Cars, NC, p. 70
1971 Chevrolet El Camino
pickup, $15,900—McCormick’s,
CA, p. 83
2006 Ford GT coupe,
$242,000—RM Sotheby’s,
p. 94
1963 Shelby Cobra roadster,
$682,000— RM Sotheby’s,
p. 92
officials and a swerve towards what we needed to do to
flatten the curve, as they say, started only 10 days before
RM Auctions kicked off their sale in Palm Beach,
FL. I have no doubt that alternative plans were being
made in the meantime, but publicly it was a massive
shift in a short time span.
The next few months of auctions have been can-
celed or moved to the late summer or fall. I’ve spoken
to several auction principals, and the general feeling
I get is that summertime will probably be the next
chance to attend an auction in person.
Until then, there will be online sales and whatever
is going on in your local market to scratch any carbuying/selling
itch. It’s a smaller market, for sure, but
could be worth fishing.
It’s an odd time, but we’re glad that you’re here
with us as we all have to get through this. Stay subscribed
for whatever comes next. A
Page 62
MARKET OVERVIEW
TOP 10
SALES IN THIS ISSUE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1963 Shelby Cobra
roadster, $682,000—
RM Sotheby’s, Jupiter,
FL, p. 92
2006 Ford GT,
$242,000 — RM
Sotheby’s, Jupiter, FL,
p. 94
1969 Dodge Hemi Super
Bee, $210,600—GAA
Classic Cars, Greensboro,
NC, p. 75
1967 Shelby GT350
fastback, $115,500—
RM Sotheby’s, Jupiter,
FL, p. 93
1956 Chevrolet
Corvette convertible,
$110,000— RM
Sotheby’s, Jupiter, FL,
p. 91
1969 Chevrolet
Camaro COPO coupe,
$99,900— GAA Classic
Cars, Greensboro, NC,
p. 69
1957 Chrysler 300C,
$92,880— GAA Classic
Cars, Greensboro, NC,
p. 74
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
SS LS6, $87,450—
McCormick’s, Palm
Springs, CA, p. 83
1955 Packard Caribbean
convertible, $78,100—
RM Sotheby’s, Jupiter,
FL, p.95
10
1961 Chevrolet
Corvette convert-
ible, $72,600— RM
Sotheby’s, Jupiter, FL,
p. 91
64 AmericanCarCollector.com
$100m
$150m
$200m
$250m
$300m
$350m
$400m
$50m
$56.2m
$0
OCTOBER
2018-19
2019-20
% Change
$106,719,610
$123,139,447
15%
NOVEMBER
$56,190,661
$77,457,786
38%
$14.9m
DECEMBER
$58,352,654
$14,862,781
-75%
JANUARY
$343,457,634
$344,414,208
0.28%
FEBRUARY
$126,526,549
$90,110,378
-29%
MARCH
$137,460,353
$116,464,553
-15%
SIX-MONTH YEAR-TO-YEAR COMPARISON
$343.5m
Combined Overall
Auction Totals
$344.4m
Condition Ratings
ACC’s 1–6 scale for describing
vehicles in Market Reports
1
2
$123.1m
$106.7m
$77.5m
$58.4m
$90.1m
$125.5m
$137.4m
$116.5m
3
4
5
6
Perfect: National
show standard
Excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
Meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
Questionable:
A problem-plagued
beast that somehow
manages to run
Lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
BUY IT NOW
WHAT TO PURCHASE IN TODAY’S MARKET — AND WHY
Second-Series Fourth-Generation (1998–2002) Chevrolet V8 Camaros
·1998-and-later models sported a 305-hp
(and up) LS1, replacing the long-used LT1
·Much better-looking than the first-series
fourth generations — it’s amazing what
revised headlamps can do
·1998 Chevrolet Camaro SS was first SS
model GM produced in 20 years
Starting in 1998, you couldn’t buy a faster car
for less than a V8 Camaro. You could spend a lot
more and still watch the SS pass by until it was
just taillights up ahead.
We’re all used to the LS series of engines by
now, but in 1998 it was only in its second year of
production. We were only waking up to the promise of this little mill.
V6 Camaros of this generation typically bring under five figures, but the discrepancies between the
engines are so great that the lesser cars aren’t really worth pursuing as any sort of stock car. Wanna pull
that 3.8 and throw in a monster V8 for dragging down the strip? Go for it, although you still might be better
off with a tuned V8. Those LS1s can make a ton of power with some modifications.
Speaking of those mods, do be wary when buying one of these. Many people came up with many parts
over many years to “upgrade” from stock, but not many of those folks had GM’s R&D budget. A line to
keep in your head is that the closer it is to stock, the better the chance it’ll run longer.
Prices on the Z/28 and SS models vary depending mostly on mileage and condition, with preference for
a certain body style sorting it out from there.
Back during the Scottsdale auctions in January, Barrett-Jackson sold five fourth-gen V8 Camaros
ranging in price from $11k (two Indy Pace Car convertibles) to $44k (an ’02 SS custom convertible), with
a median price of $13,750. Leake and MAG also had several to choose from that sold for $4,218 up to
$15,400.
They’re still out there, even if they’ve disappeared from regular street use. It’ll be a little longer before
prices are appreciably higher than those, but that means there’s time to get in while they’re still in the low
five figures. — Chad Tyson
Page 64
GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
Late Winter 2020 Auction
From the strip to the shop to the block, a fully restored
1969 Hemi Super Bee topped all sales at $210,600
GAA Classic Cars
Greensboro, NC
February 27–29, 2020
Auctioneers: Eli
Detweiler, Ben DeBruhl,
Ricky Parks, Mike
Anderson
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 516/644
Sales rate: 80%
Sales total: $14,501,322
High sale: 1969
Dodge Hemi Super Bee
2-door hard top, sold at
$210,600
Buyer’s premium: 8%
for onsite buyers; 10%
for phone buyers; 11%
for online, included in
sold prices
1969 Dodge Hemi Super Bee, sold at $210,600
Report and photos by Jeff Trepel, Larry Trepel, Mark Moskowitz
Intro by Jeff Trepel
Market opinions in italics
·$14.5m total is second-highest ever for the late-winter classic-car sale
·Phase III of the Davis Collection sold here; a group of 16 Ford and Chevrolet
muscle cars, supplemented by Shelbys and Corvettes
·Three letter-series Chryslers from the Herb McCandless Collection, fascinating
side-by-side, all sold for expected prices
G
AA Classic Cars at The Palace, along with the Amelia Island auctions
about a week later, were fortunate to have occurred just before the full
weight of the coronavirus pandemic was felt in the United States. A
two-week delay would have deprived GAA of one of its most successful
sales. Luckily, GAA was able to put on its usual show with emphasis
on American muscle and sports cars, mixed in with enough imports, trucks and
’60s-and-earlier classics to provide something interesting for almost everyone. This
year’s late-winter auction resulted in a sell-through rate of 80%, a figure all the more
impressive because GAA does not require all cars below a certain dollar value to be
sold at no reserve.
Two of the headline cars were from the muscle-car apogee year 1969. A Dodge
Coronet Hemi Super Bee, one of 258 built for that model year, was easily the
high sale of the auction at an impressive $210,600 (including buyer’s premium). A
66 AmericanCarCollector.com
dragstrip veteran early in its life, the Super Bee had
undergone a spectacular restoration and may be the
best example in the country. A ’69 COPO Camaro,
also beautifully restored, sold for $99,900, a price
considerably below market. A disappointing result for
the consignor, no doubt, but thrilling for the buyer.
Multiple small, focused collections enhanced
the diversity and character of this GAA auction.
The Moore’s No-Reserve Collection featured four
well-preserved Japanese sports cars from the ’80s in
addition to four Corvairs and three Chevrolet/GMC
pickups. Some of these had been stored for many
years. As a Corvair owner, my favorite Corvairs
were a rare 1966 Corsa Turbo convertible, which
seemed very nicely preserved though in need of
new paint ($17,010), and a 1961 Corvair Rampside
pickup ($26,460). The Rampside was quite nice but
was eclipsed by a just-restored example elsewhere in
the auction. Dazzling in Tahiti Coral and white, this
second Rampside was flawless but failed to find a new
home at a high bid of $45,000.
Hopefully, the present pandemic will have subsided
before the next GAA Auction, scheduled for July
23–25, and we can get back to the fun and excitement
of this large and diverse auction. In the meantime, stay
safe and healthy! A
QUICK TAKE
Page 66
GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
CLASSICS
#TH0158-1931 GRAHAM 820 Special sedan.
VIN: 1003247. Black/light green cloth.
Odo: 22,589 miles. Restored about 10 years ago,
body and paint still dent- and crackle-free. Some
surface rust on inner body. Chrome pieces mostly
good, including grille and headlight shells. Rear
window has bad delamination, also some in
rear-door windows. Interior inviting; well-restored
cloth seats holding up, front seat driver’s
surround worn through. Faux-wood finish in
good condition, with excessive poly on dash. Restored
wheel spokes show some minor wear.
Engine all black, a bit hastily done. Carb leaking
a bit; smell of stale gas. Odometer not working
last 15 years. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $37,800. This car attracted 2,546
views on the website and lots of attention when
displayed. Great effort and expense expended in
its preparation were obvious. This could be a
great CCCA tour car. I was not the only one to
notice. Bidding was fierce. Fairly sold and
bought.
SOLD AT $15,660. While not a top-level restoration,
this is a fine driver-quality example to
display in appropriate shows. Some freshening
and detailing would go a long way; fixing glass
problem is a must. Previously a no-sale at GAA
November 2018 (ACC# 6928924), with high bid
of $19k, then hammered sold at GAA March
2019 for $14,445 (ACC# 6898974), so GAA just
received their annual Graham 820 bonus. Graham
was a notable brand, but many sedans from
this era are fading a bit in value.
GM
#ST0080-1941 CADILLAC SERIES 62 coupe.
VIN: 5354832. Gray/tan cloth. Odo: 61,024
miles. Imposing classic with new bushings and
brakes and rebuilt carbs, shocks and seat springs.
Smooth paint, with orange peel near drip rails
and rear window. Brightwork and piping are
excellent. Bumpers seem to have been recently
rechromed. Panels are straight. What appears to
be interior faux wood is well done. Seat covers
and carpet appear new. Chrome on the dashboard
is not pitted. Some cracks in the steering
wheel. Heater. Engine-block paint peeling. Excellent
rubber insulation. Cond: 2+.
68 AmericanCarCollector.com
#ST0053-1957 BUICK SUPER Riviera 56R
2-dr hard top. VIN: 5D1111729. Dover
White/white vinyl & green cloth. Odo: 60,871
miles. Well-done but aging restoration. Body
straight, no dents, door, hood and trunk fit all
very good. Paint luster no longer perfect, thinning
spots on top of fenders. Chrome varies from
very good to fair, with pitting on front bumper.
Wire wheel covers appear very good; whitewalls
yellowing. Fender skirts were on and fit well.
Interior has no major flaws, but white vinyl
shows some discoloration. Dash, controls, steering
wheel all good but not great. General feeling
of an older middle-aged interior. Underbody
restored and shows years of use. Exhaust system
has surface rust. Cond: 3+.
short of stunning. Outstanding paint and
chrome—better than far more expensive cars in
this auction. Panel fit better than new. Authentic,
like-new gray cloth seats (my dad had a ’61
Greenbrier back in the day, and I recall that
pattern). Later radio correctly installed. I have
the impression that the hubcaps may be from a
later model. Engine compartment not seen, but
looks new in website photos. If there is ever a
concours for pickups, this will be Best of Show.
Cond: 1.
NOT SOLD AT $45,000. I do not recall ever
seeing a Corvair in Code 725 Tahiti Coral, but it
is shown on the color charts and looks great
here. We know consignor was thinking about the
1962 Rampside that sold for $77,000 at BarrettJackson
Scottsdale 2019 (ACC# 6891825), because
he had a photocopy of the Web listing
taped to a side window. The high bid here was
far less, but I am not sure that B-J sale is replicable.
This sale actually had two Rampsides. The
other one (Lot FR0099) was quite decent, but not
as spectacular as this example. It sold for
$26,460, including premium. I can understand
seller taking this Rampside home to wait for
another day, but how much more can be garnered?
SOLD AT $23,220. The restyled ‘57 Buicks were
popular, and this car is similar to the first car I
remember in my family. Unfortunately, we both
now need some freshening up. Some paint correction
and interior work by a high-end detailing
shop might well bring luster back to this Buick.
Fairly well sold considering current market for
imperfect examples of this era.
#FR0191-1961 CHEVROLET CORVAIR 95
Rampside pickup. VIN: 1R124S128974. Tahiti
Coral/gray cloth. Odo: 90,273 miles. 145-ci H6,
2x1-bbl, auto. Windshield card states “ground up
restoration just completed,” and it is nothing
#ST0054-1962 PONTIAC CATALINA convertible.
VIN: 362P18854. Ensign Blue/white
canvas/tri-tone blue Morrokide. Odo: 20,414
miles. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Presented as a
one-owner, completely original car, unrestored,
never painted, with the spare never out of trunk
(and so forth). Some components, such as the
top, showed signs of replacement. Apparently
had a period of long storage. In any event,
Page 67
GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
an amazing presentation. Except for microscratching
to paint, the interior and exterior are
almost perfect. Ultra-clean underhood, with typical
surface rust on manifolds. Ordered as a performance
model with Tri-Power, 4-speed,
Saf-T-Track, and eight-lug wheels. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $55,620. No power steering or
brakes, so get yourself in shape before driving.
Well-documented car ordered new by college
student and owned by him for almost 58 years. (I
would like to ask him why he did not order a
side-view mirror.) The unique story takes this car
well out of the realm of the typical 1962 Catalina,
so no real comparables. The price here
feels about right to me—maybe somewhat of a
bargain for the buyer.
#FR0098-1966 CHEVROLET CORVAIR Corsa
convertible. VIN: 107676W175312. Tuxedo
Black/black canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 56,646
miles. 164-ci turbocharged H6, 4-sp. Driven
about 90 miles since 1995, and apparently stored
from then until recently. Attractive overall, but
terrible paint with pits all over. May have resulted
from storage conditions, or previous poor
body preparation, or both. Should have pinstripe
around beltline. Decent, factory-level panel fit.
Most brightwork good. Excellent convertible top
with clear window. Interior is without major flaws
but not show-quality—may be original. Clean
engine compartment. I did not observe the car
running. Cond: 3+.
4-bbl, 4-sp. Extremely nice RS/SS from the Davis
Collection. Described as a “fresh, frame-off restoration,”
with no further detail given. Excellent
paint, chrome and glass. Body fit quite good, but
driver’s door sticks, probably needs minor adjustment.
Nice repro Rally wheels, but for 1968 the
center caps should be knurled (I believe flat caps
were used on 1967 Camaro only). Outstanding
deluxe interior with no apparent flaws. Mirrors
under car show off squeaky-clean undercarriage,
and engine compartment is equally clean, with
modern battery. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $99,900. Sold at Mecum Kissimmee
in January 2019 for $121k (ACC# 6893747),
then offered as part of dealer David Maxwell’s
collection at Barrett-Jackson Northeast in June
2019, where it appears not to have sold. At some
point after, sold to consignor here. Much original
production documentation and COPO Camaro
certification, but lack of restoration records can
be a negative to buyers of a car at this level.
Regardless, a stunning COPO Camaro for just
under $100k was surely a great buy.
SOLD AT $60,480. Only about 8% of 1968
Camaros had 396 engines, in four variations.
This car was nicely equipped with power steering,
disc brakes, teak tilt wheel, tinted glass and
gauge package. Rally Sport exterior and deluxe
interior give the whole car a notably more luxurious
vibe than a base SS. I would like to have
seen more detail on the restoration, but the substantial
price was justified by the exceptional
presentation. Well sold, but worth it.
6
#ST0075.4-1969 CHEVROLET
CAMARO COPO coupe. VIN:
SOLD AT $17,010. From the no-reserve Moore
Collection. A desirable turbo Corsa (only 3,142
convertibles built in Corsa’s final year) with
much potential if the new owner springs for a
paint job. Loaded with options such as wirewheel
covers, tinted glass, factory AM/FM, telescoping
wood-rim wheel and more. I own a fine
’65 Monza convertible but would have been
tempted to bid on this Corsa if it had better
paint. The price seemed right for a rare Corvair
that could easily be made into an outstanding
example.
#ST0104-1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/SS
396 coupe. VIN: 124378N361640. Butternut
Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 25,957 miles. 396-ci V8,
124379N659193. Cortez Silver/black vinyl. Odo:
49,539 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Superb restoration
and condition in every respect. Paintwork
beautifully done but not overdone. Stated
to have “proper” 427/ 425-hp L72 iron-block
motor, so I assume that means non-original.
Interior has plain look and little instrumentation;
only flaw is some very minor wear on the
silver edges of instrument surrounds. Underbody
meticulously restored and unused. Documented
Canadian car with no modifications. Cond: 1.
#TH0165-1993 CADILLAC ALLANTE convertible.
VIN: 1G6VS3391PU128359. Pearl
Red/black canvas/black leather. Odo: 52,201
miles. 4.6-L fuel-injected V8, auto. Shiny Pearl
Red paint drew one to this car. A close look revealed
a few dents in the right front fender and
multiple scratches. Glass is chipped and black
trim is faded. The interior shows wear but no
signs of abuse, but there is loss of finish on driver’s
leather seat. The wiring, block and inner
fenders are well detailed; hood insulation is
heavily damaged. Stains in the trunk. One of
three Allantes sold on the auction’s first day.
Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $5,670. A relatively low-production
convertible by a luxury manufacturer, in its last
model year, with its largest and most powerful
engine and a body by Pininfarina should excite.
Especially a model that served as the Indy 500
pace car. But these do not! There are over 700 in
the ACC Premium Auction Database and only
one of the last 25 commanded five figures. This
Cadillac will require a significant investment to
bring to a presentable condition, and is considered
appropriately bought. A future collectible?
Maybe.
#FR0077-2002 CHEVROLET CAMARO
35th Anniversary Edition convertible.
VIN: 2G1FP32G02213290. Bright red/black
canvas/ebony & gray leather. Odo: 7,936 miles.
5.7-L fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Low-mileage SS-SLP
(free-flowing exhaust) 35th Anniversary Special
Edition presented as one-owner car. Small chip
in front fascia, and a few tiny chips in applied
silver graphic. No evidence of previous damage.
Except for a few seat wrinkles, the interior is
excellent, as is engine compartment. No curb
May–June 2020 69
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GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
rash or wheel chips. Twelve-disc CD. No evidence
of original Owner Portfolio. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $23,220. The last of the fourth-generation
Camaros was celebrated with this special
edition best recognized by silver graphics that
faded to a checkered pattern. Performance
goodies propelled it to a sub-6-second 0–60
time. One of 789 convertibles with a T56
6-speed. I believe that this is a future collectible
for GM fans, and that this outstanding, wellcared-for
example was very well bought.
CORVETTE
#FR0201-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: E57S101508. Onyx Black/black
hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 25,007 miles. 283-ci
250-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Older restoration
showing appreciable aging. Quality paint no
longer fresh. Chrome acceptable, though barely
so on hard top. Hard top seems to sit a little high
around the rear side windows. Soft-top delete,
allegedly. Attractive interior with aging to
brightwork and armrests. Seats and carpet quite
nice. Interior lower windshield gasket needs
help. Authentic engine compartment with huge
fuel-injection unit. Entire engine compartment
shows wear but also integrity. Little documentation.
Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $55,000. Temporarily residing
in a drag racer’s collection typically does not
confer value. A 4-speed, convertible top and an
attractive façade do. While one would not expect
top dollar for a C1 without one of the two highest-horsepower
motors or without a performance
suspension, convertibles in this condition typically
bring a bit more. Although C1 prices seem
to have drifted a bit downward, the owner might
get 20% more on another day.
SOLD AT $64,800. This may be the first C1
Corvette I have ever seen equipped with both
fuel injection and Powerglide. Evidently only 284
1957 Corvettes were produced with that combination.
The 283 Fuelie produces 250 hp with
automatic, versus (a remarkably coincidental)
283 hp with a 4-speed. A decent car if you are
not going to show it competitively. The absence
of NCRS or other documentation was another
blow to this car’s value. Sold for almost $30k less
than the ACC Pocket Price Guide median value.
70 AmericanCarCollector.com
#ST0110-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194675S119619. Tuxedo
Black/black canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 67,312
miles. 396-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Appealing
driver-condition 396 Corvette from the Davis
Collection. Surprisingly good panel fit. Nice older
paint, considering it is black fiberglass. Trim
good but not new-looking. Aluminum knockoffs
on gold-line tires a good look. Soft top clean but
not new, rear window slightly fogged; no hard
top. Interior surfaces and fabrics mostly very
good, but some controls rather aged-looking.
Fairly luxurious spec with original AM/FM radio,
tilt/telescope teak wheel, power windows and
tinted glass. Clean, used-car-level engine bay.
Cond: 2-.
#FR0203-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 20867S100290. Roman Red/black
canvas/black leather. Odo: 15,398 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Presented as having a
body-off restoration and having been the property
of NHRA star Joe Amato. Excellent paint and
body fit. Bumpers rechromed; other trim pieces
have an uneven surface and polishing marks.
Dashboard trim shows age with pitting of chrome
around speedometer. Loss of finish on console.
Seats creased but not ripped or worn. Replacement
radio. Engine and surrounds repainted, but
air cleaner and valve covers look older. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $64,800. The 396 debuted midway
through the 1965 model year, and fewer than
10% of 1965 ‘Vettes were so equipped. In 1966
the 396 morphed into the 427, so a triple-black
396 roadster is a rare bird. No NCRS or other
documentation that I observed. If you wanted a
nice, driver-quality 396 and you didn’t care
about awards, you certainly could drive this car
as-is. Or it would make a good basis for a rerestoration.
Sold well under median for an L78
convertible, so a good deal for a certain buyer.
#ST0082-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CRC
conversion convertible. VIN:
1G1YY32G745104171. Champagne/tan leather.
Odo: 18,053 miles. 5.7-L 405-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. Popular modification of 2004 Corvette
mimicking an early-‘60s model. Excellent
clearcoat and finish beneath. Single inclusion in
bumper chrome. Other chrome and panel fit is
excellent. Seat leather creased but not torn. Carpets
show age. Engine compartment quite tidy.
Power windows and power locks. Accompanied
by factory hard top. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $70,200. Sold on the Internet at the
last GAA but never claimed. Two miles added to
the odometer, plus a higher bid and a sale this
time. Still under the norm for this quality-built
Corvette re-creation, thus it’s well bought. These
command a premium over the stock ‘Vette, one
that I suspect will narrow.
#ST0133-2019 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Grand Sport convertible. VIN:
1G1YY3D79K5114212. Shadow Gray/black
canvas/black leather. Odo: 2,673 miles. 6.2-L
460-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. The last of the
six-year run of C7s and front-engine ‘Vettes. This
low-mileage example has no stone chips; the
only apparent flaws are slight scrapes on the
bottom of the air dam. Everything else appears
new. Cond: 1-.
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GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
MARKET MOMENT
1996 Chevrolet Corvette
NOT SOLD AT $62,000. Grand Sports offered
the less-fussy powerplant of a standard ‘Vette,
with chassis and appearance mods that bring it
close to the appearance of a Z06. 2LTs are not as
prized as 3LTs, and neither have the collectibility
of a Z06 or ZR1. New 2019 2LT Grand Sport
convertibles typically list for around $80k, and
there have been an abundance on dealer websites
for $14k less; most left with an even larger
discount. At the last GAA auction, it was bid to
$57k (ACC# 6913974). This was a great offer.
FOMOCO
Courtesy of Carlisle Auctions
SOLD at $3,000
Carlisle Auctions, Lakeland, FL, February 21–23, 2020, Lot S585
VIN: 1G1YY22P8T5105208
W
hen I was a kid and I first started to notice and appreciate cars, my mother informed
me — unprovoked, knowing her — that only men with severe emotional
deficiencies bought Corvettes.
Fast-forward 30 years. For the first time in my life, I find myself lusting after a
Corvette. I’ll let you come to your own conclusions about my emotional fortitude.
The ’Vette I want most is a C4.
Now, from what I’ve been able to glean, it seems most sports-car enthusiasts, including
Corvette aficionados, don’t really care for the C4. I can’t put my finger on why that is, but as a
result, these cars can sell for ridiculously low sums.
This 1996 Corvette was just $3k. $3k! That’s crazy. Volvo 240s routinely sell for more than
double that these days.
Granted, the auction description of the ’96 ’Vette was brief: “Well kept. All original.”
What’s more, it featured just a single image. And no mileage or chassis number was listed. It’s
also an automatic with dark green paint and tan interior — not exactly the makings for a hot
’Vette build combo.
But who cares? Even with high mileage, these cars are pretty reliable. At that price of
entry, why not take a chance and have a little fun?
If I had unlimited space and funds, I’d snap up all the bargain-basement C4s I could get a
hold of. For me, they represent an odd bright spot in the Corvette lineage that people from my
generation are starting to appreciate.
These cars are quick but not unwieldy. They have an ’80s flair that makes them cool. The
color combinations are absolutely tremendous. It’s cool with a soupçon of silly that makes it
socially palatable.
I imagine tooling through town in my C4, playing Talking Heads loudly on the stereo.
You know, to set the tone. I expect a 30-something woman could see me in a white-on-red C4
convertible at a traffic light and not grimace or scoff in disgust. In fact, she might actually
appreciate it.
Hot on the heels of not being laughed at by a woman, I’d gun it into the hills. There, I’d pop
in a Metallica tape and uncork the LT1 and let it rip. Does that sound emotionally deficient to
you?
See, I imagine the C4 is a car you can enjoy as much at 2 miles per hour as you can at 80,
all for less than $10,000 — or in this case, just $3,000. Sign me up. A — Nick Jaynes
SOLD AT $44,820. The Beach Boys sang “Little
Deuce Coupe” and also sang “I Get Around.” The
latter is more applicable. This was an excellent
presentation of the car described above and it is
considered properly sold today. It brought
$62,700 (ACC# 6907446) at Barrett-Jackson’s
Northeast sale in June 2019, and $37,400
(ACC# 6925188) at Leake in Scottsdale this
year. The less-obvious lesson is that even though
a metal body might cost $5k–$8k more, it seems
to bring a more consistent and higher return.
#FR0029-1939 FORD DELUXE Tudor sedan.
VIN: 54391642. Black/tan corduroy. Odo:
31,322 miles. An eye-catching Ford 2-door sedan
with quite straight body panels and excellent
brightwork. Paint issues include blistering
beneath left rear window and on top of door, as
well as several areas of touch-up. Newly chromed
bumpers. Corduroy seat covers are excellent and
#FR0199-1932 FORD MODEL B highboy
replica roadster. VIN: NCS96450.
Black/Hobgood Red leather. Odo: 16,000 miles.
A 2015 creation said to have been driven 48
miles. GM 350-ci V8, Turbo 350 and 9-inch rear
axle are the drivetrain. Other than rare paint
chip on an exposed frame, a spectacularly finished
fiberglass roadster. Many details including
chromed front axle and radius rods, polishedaluminum
Currie rear end and massive, polished
Dagger wheels. Titled as replica. Cond: 1-.
72 AmericanCarCollector.com
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GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
sheathed in vinyl; however, upper door fabric
has deteriorated. Switches and gauges appropriate.
Front and rear glass delaminated. Engine
compartment needs detailing. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $25,920. The engine in this sleeper
was topped with triple carbs, velocity stacks and
an Edelbrock intake manifold and heads. It was
obviously the attraction. Pre-war Ford hard tops
appeal to far few collectors these days. At present,
appropriately if not well sold.
#ST0117-1965 SHELBY DAYTONA Factory
Five replica coupe. VIN: MT00906. Blue &
white/black vinyl. Odo: 395 miles. 427-ci V8,
4-bbl, 5-sp. Recently built, shows just 395 miles.
Factory Five kit includes space frame, body and
most components, including Mustang IRS. Carbureted
Smeding 427 engine stated to put out 560
hp, paired with Tremec 5-speed. Track-ready,
with racing seats and Simpson belts. Body panels
and paintwork beautifully done overall. Sloppily
glued-on headlight covers are only noticeable
flaw. Chrome 18-inch wheels not to my taste, but
an easy swap if desired. Interior very well executed,
period appearance with multiple gauges,
machined metal dash. Cond: 1-.
appearance. Gas cap is from a ’66 Mustang—
odd given that ’65 gas caps can be found anywhere.
Cond: 2-.
holes in upper windshield. Small defect on right
rear wheel rim. Interior leather worn, not ripped.
Neat engine compartment with 427 side oiler.
Special features include heavy-duty rods, lightened
crank, MSD ignition. No leaks seen. Jaguar
IRS and custom front end. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $17,280. GAA is always heavily populated
with high-performance Mustangs of the GT,
Mach 1 and Shelby varieties. I wanted to see how
the Mustang that started it all, a 260-equipped
1964½ model, would fare against the ferocious
array of Hi-Po Mustangs. The answer is not badly
at all. The price guide shows a median value of
$17,000, almost exactly the price here. Little
needs to be done to this car cosmetically (perhaps
replace or paint console), and both parties
achieved a fair deal.
#ST0111-1966 SHELBY GT350 H fastback.
VIN: SFM6S1678. Black/black vinyl. Odo: 80,008
miles. 289-ci supercharged V8, auto. Part of Davis
Collection and said to be fresh frame-up restoration.
Paint excellent, with small chip on
trunk. Excellent graphics. There are a few chips
in the windshield and some scratches on back
window. Extra interior sealant around rear window
panes. Excellent interior; steering wheel
appears new. Just as nice under the hood, with
Paxton supercharger. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $50,220. A brother to, but rarer than,
the many Shelby Cobra replicas out there, this
Daytona coupe was a beautifully engineered and
produced alternative. Styling and engineering
very well executed. The full kit and engine total
somewhere around $40k, so likely buyer received
some discount on what this must have cost
to complete. No-sale on stage at $45,500, but
post-sale price listed as this. Fairly bought and
sold; a tremendous performance car for the
money in the big picture.
#FR0250-1965 FORD MUSTANG coupe.
VIN: 5F07F122842. Rangoon Red/red vinyl. Odo:
8,053 miles. 260-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Base 1964½
Mustang in nice driver or local-show condition.
Vivid Rangoon Red paint smoothly applied, but
with minor flaws such as large chip on trunk-lid
edge. Chrome good enough. Black paint on left
side wheel covers is worn off, but not on right
side. Red interior nice overall, with orange peel
on door panels and numerous scratches on steering-wheel
hub and console. Good seats except for
wear to driver’s seat bolster. Neat underhood
SOLD AT $42,660. This Cobra replica seemed
professionally done and had lots of extras. A
competition-spec 427 surrounded by heavy-duty
upgrades adds value. Unfortunately, nothing was
done to enlarge footwells (e.g. a Shamrock).
Titled as a ‘67; the more-modern replica will be
treated to a favorable tax valuation in North
Carolina at annual renewal. Slightly above the
going price for replicas, but worth it.
#ST0113-1968 SHELBY GT500 convertible.
VIN: 8T03S18512502729. Lime Gold/white
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 42,417 miles. 428-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Said to have had repaint in 1990.
Inclusions and deterioration of clearcoat. Evidence
of left rear quarter repair, and both fiberglass
tail pieces fit poorly. A few chips on hood
scoop. Door jambs probably not repainted. Discoloration
of top with some damage on left.
Gauge bezels have lost finish. Likely replacement
seat covers and carpet. Console cover askew.
Dirty engine compartment with extensive paint
loss and oxidation. Most fittings appropriate.
Factory air. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $130,000. Quite unusual to
have a supercharger in a Hertz edition. Said to
have been prepared for an executive. The Paxton
is period-correct and was present when reviewed
in 1997 at a Mecum auction in Arlington Heights,
IL (sold at $31,138, ACC# 1533468). Last reviewed
in 2007, when it did not sell for $150,000
(then in 2+ condition) at the Mecum St.
Charles, IL, sale. This prized collectible presented
well and deserved more. Properly not sold.
#ST0154-1967 SHELBY COBRA Boles replica
roadster. VIN: SCDHT206602. Blue/tan
vinyl. Odo: 17,177 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Replica Cobra with chassis fabrication by a graduate
engineer. Design drawings were included.
Metalflake paint has rare chip in front. Drill
NOT SOLD AT $125,000. This is not a preservation
car. It’s been repainted and a few of the
interior pieces appear to have been replaced.
Vehicles with special provenance or in better
condition have changed hands for more. The
price bid seemed appropriate for condition.
#FR0176-1969 FORD F-100 pickup. VIN:
F11YCE36429. Candy Apple Red/red. Odo:
36,149 miles. 360-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Restored
Ford 4x4 pickup with no chips but some excess on
the hood and some extra putty in factory crease
May–June 2020 73
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GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
along pickup bed. Exterior and interior trim
seem new, as do seat covers and carpet. Engine
compartment and chassis have been restored.
Power disc brakes, Classic Auto a/c, five-inch
Rough Country Lift, BFG All Terrains and mags
are among well-done modifications. Cond: 2+.
more than the standard 460 hp (the Bullitt,
GT350 and GT500 are only offered as coupes). In
addition, there are chassis and cooling upgrades
and the special paint scheme of the Shelby (Hertz
implied but not stated) GT-H edition. The Ford
Performance Supercharger boosts power over
750 hp. Cond: 1.
(ACC# 6854482). Yes, a similar 300C convertible
sold at Leake Scottsdale 2020 for $357,000,
but it was serial number 001. Well sold here,
given the car’s flaws.
SOLD AT $43,200. A wonderful restoration
and, in the case of a truck, the aftermarket modifications
should do no harm to value. A review
of the last couple of dozens of F-100s to sell at
GAA reveals median and average prices well
below $40k, but a nearly identical restored truck
sold for $43k before commission and wilder
resto-mods have done even better. Call it an
appropriate price in today’s market.
#ST0159-2007 SHELBY GT-H convertible.
VIN: 1ZVHT85H775359184. Black/black
canvas/black leather. Odo: 42,901 miles. 4.6-L
fuel-injected V8, auto. Either meticulously preserved
or restored, with excellent paint and fit.
Imperfections noted beneath stripe on rear suggest
some previous repair. Creases in driver’s
seat. Some top wear from adjacent supports.
Engine compartment looks new. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $92,000. This car was listed
before, during and immediately after its block
appearance on the dealer’s website. The retail
was stated as $114,800, and with potential discounts
the dealer’s price was $89,999. The
dealer owns the auction, and had the bid been
accepted, the intake would have been $97,200.
Go figure.
#ST0126-1957 CHRYSLER 300C
convertible. VIN: 3N572586. Cloud
White/tan cloth/tan leather. Odo: 66,690 miles.
392-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Mostly decent panel fit,
but trunk lid is up on right and driver’s door out
at back. Smooth paint, not too thick. Chrome
quite good. Convertible top well fitted, with a few
minor stains. Inside almost all is in order with
nice leather, carpet, steering wheel and especially
well-done padded dash. However, both
armrests are about to detach themselves from
the door panels, not an unknown problem on
this model. Large crack in trim around original
radio. Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels ubiquitous in
this application, but not really correct. Cond: 2-.
MOPAR
7
SOLD AT $59,400. Striking, iconic Chrysler in a
splendid color. Concours-worthy, but on close
inspection, some of the work is disappointing.
Reminder of the enormous skill and patience it
takes to restore a car to perfection. Still, many of
these small issues can be easily addressed, so I’ll
call it well bought.
SOLD AT $29,160. There were enough modifications
to distinguish this from the standard
Mustang GT: the Shelby GT-H was lowered front
and rear with new springs and shocks, bigger
anti-roll bars were installed, strut towers were
braced, and tuning and a cold-air intake boosted
horsepower. Prices have slowly come down, but
the Shelby mystique, a unique and recognizable
color combination, limited production and a
drop top all confer some value to this well-presented
Mustang. Appropriately if not well
bought.
#FR0027-2019 SHELBY GT-H Heritage Edition
convertible. VIN: 1FATP8FF2K5132336.
Black/black canvas/black leather. Odo: 20 miles.
5.0-L supercharged V8, auto. An upgrade on the
Mustang GT, and the only convertible offering
74 AmericanCarCollector.com
#ST0125-1959 CHRYSLER 300E 2-dr hard
top. VIN: M591100210. Ivory White/tan leather.
Odo: 90,442 miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. A
mixed bag cosmetically. Like the other two 300s
from the McCandless Collection, there seem to be
body-fit issues. Hood up on right, both doors out
at back. Smooth paint, however, and excellent
chrome. Inside, the dash should be padded, plus
the add-on a/c vents under the dash look rather
cheesy. Nice leather with slight soiling and nice
steering wheel. I’m impressed that the clock
works. Engine bay reveals modern alternator but
original windshield washer-fluid bag. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $92,880. From the Herb McCandless
Collection of three 1957–59 Chrysler 300s.
America’s premier high-performance car in
1957. Only 484 1957 convertibles built (along
with 1,918 coupes). A very desirable car, but with
enough issues to keep it from the top rank. Last
seen at Mecum Las Vegas November 2017,
where it sold for almost the same price, $94,600
#ST0124-1958 CHRYSLER 300D 2-dr hard
top. VIN: LC4116. Coral/tan & white leather.
Odo: 806 miles. 392-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. More
time than mileage since receiving full restoration.
Much work very well done, but noticeable
flaws abound. Trunk and door fit is poor. Paintwork
beautiful in most areas but with orange
peel and drips in some spots. All glass appears
new, but windshield gasket fit off in spots.
Cracked driver’s vent-window frame. Most
chrome parts very good, but front bumper pitted.
Inner grille finish dull. Interior shows nicely, no
wear, but seat fit imperfect. Engine compartment
pristine and impressive. Underbody condition
reflects low mileage. Cond: 2+.
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GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
SOLD AT $59,400. In 1959 Chrysler maintained
the performance status of the 300 by replacing
the 392 Hemi with a 413 Wedge with hydraulic
lifters. The primary cosmetic change from the
300C/D was a rather baroque rear bumper
shared with the lesser 1959 Chryslers. 300Es are
rare; only 550 hard tops and a mere 140 convertibles
were built. This car, as well as Lot
ST0124, the 1958 300D, were no-sales on the
podium. Later, both were announced as sold at
$55,000 (hammer) each, exactly the price-guide
median for the 300E. I wondered if they both
went to the same home.
#TH0174-1961 DODGE DART Pioneer
wagon. VIN: 5616170248. Red & white/white &
gray vinyl. Odo: 34,385 miles. 318-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Body panels straight, fairly dent-free; paint
condition varies in different areas. Driver’s door
fit a bit off, but all doors shut solidly. Bumpers
and all chrome trim in fair to good condition.
Engine appears recently installed, but no mention
in description. Interior features original
seats with original plastic covers still installed—
split open in some sections. Rear-facing back
seats, with some rough interior panels in back.
Dash and steering wheel in good shape. Much
use and wear in nooks and crannies. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $29,160. Chrysler hired designer Elwood
Engel from Ford in 1962 and he reprised
his masterpiece, the 1961 Lincoln Continental, in
the majestic 1964 Imperial. They follow the same
crisp theme without being redundant. This would
make a great summertime cruiser at the price of
an ordinary convertible, if you have a very large
garage. Purchased just six weeks before GAA, at
Mecum Kissimmee 2020, for $28,600, a few hundred
dollars less than the price here (ACC#
6927438). If this was an attempted quick flip, it
didn’t work out.
3
#ST0075.1-1969 DODGE HEMI SUPER
BEE 2-dr hard top. VIN:
WM23J9A224937. Ivory White/Parchment vinyl.
Odo: 9,463 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. One
of the stars of the auction. Sensational restoration;
I cannot identify even one flaw or demerit.
Paint and panel fit far better than Mopar could
have imagined back in 1969. Interior is like going
back to a 1969 Dodge showroom. Loaded
with both performance and luxury accessories
such as Ramcharger air induction, Super Trak
Pak rear axle and Deluxe interior group. Steel
wheels with finned deluxe wheel covers a refreshing
departure from typical Magnum 500s or
poverty caps. Cond: 1.
NOT SOLD AT $17,000. Rare, delightful car to
look at. Claimed to have driven to all U.S. states
except Hawaii, with stickers as evidence, evoking
adventurous history from a bygone era. Restored-as-needed
quality that somehow doesn’t
detract much here. Given condition, high bid
may be about all that it will see, but consignor is
touring it to another auction.
#FR0233-1964 IMPERIAL CROWN convertible.
VIN: 9243155477. Dune Beige/tan
canvas/tan leather. Odo: 74,585 miles. 413-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Panel fit good, except trunk-lid gaps
are uneven. Smooth, well-applied paint, but far
from new-looking. Exterior chrome mostly good,
but some small pieces dull and door handles
pitted. Excellent tinted glass. Inside has very nice
leather, with a few marks and scuffs. Most interior
chrome shows slight tarnishing or pitting.
Convertible top well fitted and in nice shape with
clear rear window. Clean underhood but not
detailed. All power accessories but no a/c—surprising
for an Imperial of this era. Cond: 2-.
“
SOLD AT $210,600. One of only 92 1969 Hemi
Super Bees built for the U.S. market. You would
never know now that when near new, it was a
drag car named “Hide & Watch.” Restoration
details not provided, but kudos to the restorers
for the superb workmanship. Alongside the brutal
performance from its Hemi, this car gives off
almost a luxury vibe with soft colors inside (white
seats with mauve piping!) and out, and nicely
appointed interior (far fancier than a base Super
Bee). The price here handily beat the priceguide
median of $154,000, but based on the
rarity of the spec combined with the fabulous
restoration, I thought this car was well bought.
#ST0075.3-1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI ‘CUDA
2-dr hard top. VIN: BS23R08324703. Blue Fire
Metallic/blue vinyl. Odo: 23,356 miles. 426-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Excellent fresh blue paint and applied
graphics. Straight panels, consistent gaps.
Excellent windshield trim. Rare scuffs on door
panel and some pitting on window cranks. Seat
covering and carpet nearly new. Original seat
belts. Pristine engine compartment with appropriate
stickers and chalk marks. Shaker hood.
Super Trak Pak. Rallye wheels. Accompanied by
Wise Report. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $150,000. Period-correct Hemi
is not original to car. Prices for these cars have
fallen by more than 25% over the past five
years. And while I am sure the replacement powerplant
held this one back, it was an excellent
example of a rare, sought-after car, and the
seller, wise to wait, might get more on another
day.
One of only 92 1969 Hemi Super Bees
built for the U.S. market. You would never
know now that when near new, it was a
drag car named “Hide & Watch.”
1969 Dodge Hemi Super Bee 2-door hard top
May–June 2020 75
”
TOP 10
Page 74
GAA CLASSIC CARS • GREENSBORO, NC
AMERICANA
#ST0048-1929 PACKARD EIGHT Series 633
2-dr sedan. VIN: 266466. Yellow & reddish
brown/light plum cloth. Odo: 88,062 miles. Eyecatching,
long-wheelbase Packard was an AACA
National Prize winner in 1985. Still presents well
with mostly smooth paint with some cracking
around the drip rails. Cracked rubber insulation
around doors. Excellent wood in the interior, but
gauges and bezels have deteriorated. Engine
compartment showing its age, with stains on
brass fitment and some general discoloration.
Luggage attached to rack and multiple accessory
lights on cowl and above bumper. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $39,000. A superb and rare
Studebaker in attractive colors and well
equipped with power steering and brakes, tinted
glass and Twin Traction limited-slip differential.
Delivered new in Santa Monica, CA. With all this,
it could only garner a high bid of $39,000. That
is close to the price-guide median price of
$42,000, but it seems to me this example is well
above the median car in quality. I think it
“should be” worth $45k–$50k. One of my favorite
cars in the auction.
NOT SOLD AT $25,500. One of seven Packard
633 body styles that year. Average cars in its day
did not have 8-cylinder engines. Then it was
special; now, not so much. Still, it looks great
and is a CCCA Classic, allowing access to tours. In
its present state it might fetch $8k–$10k more
on another day. Then again, it might not.
#ST0157-1958 STUDEBAKER GOLDEN
HAWK 2-dr hard top. VIN: 6104768. Eng. #
PS5807. White Gold & Parchment/tan leather.
Odo: 9,804 miles. 289-ci supercharged V8, auto.
Nicely restored example of the final year of
Golden Hawk. Panel fit excellent, probably better
than new. Beautiful paint. Chrome also mostly
excellent, although the die-cast grille shows some
age upon close inspection. Nice wheel covers,
twin rear antennas, and, I was happy to see,
correct exhaust outlets. Inside we see very nice
leather and a beautiful engine-turned dash, but
some interior brightwork is starting to show
wear. Outstanding engine compartment with
enormous supercharger installation and NAPA
battery. Cond: 2+.
#ST0004-1960 RAMBLER AMERICAN Super
wagon. VIN: B121051. Seafoam Green &
white/white & green vinyl. Odo: 81,246 miles.
196-ci I6, 1-bbl, auto. Restored a few years ago;
body and paint still in fine shape overall, usual
small flaws on close look. Most noticeable is crack
in windshield, and darker chrome on one headlight
surround. Interior nicely restored, but white
vinyl upholstery could be better detailed for auction.
Crack in steering wheel, a few paint chips in
simple dashboard. Pioneer CD player, nice carpeting.
Engine compartment clean but has a few
rusty ancillary parts. Staggered tires for no good
reason; I don’t believe oversteer was a problem
with these. Cond: 2.
doubtedly much rust and body filler underneath.
Poor upper repaint in white during some past
decade. Original-appearing seats with some
tears in cloth. Engine has excessive rust. Runs,
driven onstage. Cond: 5+.
SOLD AT $9,180. A frightening example of a
4,000-pound monster that might collapse while
hurtling down the road. Has rust in areas you
don’t normally see rust. A monumental project
that will take years, or just drive as-is and take
extreme risk. Stunning sale price; appeared to
be just one online bidder, who may be unpleasantly
surprised when it shows up.
#FR0109-1973 INTERNATIONAL TRAVELALL
1010 SUV. VIN: 1H3H0H00H332502. Dark
blue/black vinyl & cloth. Odo: 45,523 miles. 345ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Partial restoration, retaining
much originality. Body panels good, no evidence
of rust, partial repaint. Padded vinyl top in very
good condition. Original faux-wood side paneling
has some small pieces out. Pitting or corrosion
on some chrome trim and mirrors. Interior
appears to have original dash in good shape.
Seat cloth in fine shape, likely redone in original
style. Engine compartment presentable; evidence
of recent work such as new carburetor. New exhaust
system. Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $17,500. One of my favorite
cars at the auction. Odd, rare, great period color,
and a wagon. Can’t do better than that. The
dashboard is as simple as a Tesla’s without the
computer. Good-looking restoration, sold restored
at Silver Fort McDowell for $22,680 in
March 2018 (ACC# 6865803). Given the narrow
market and spending patterns of Rambler collectors,
owner might have considered taking the
sale.
#TH0159-1972 INTERNATIONAL TRAVELALL
1210 SUV. VIN: B47207H265927. White &
black/black vinyl & green cloth. Odo: 64,168
miles. 304-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Rust coming
through everywhere: at upper roof seams, in
front of windshield, on floors and other areas.
Lower body covered in black bedliner paint, un-
76 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $16,200. This Travelall was hammered
sold at GAA in July 2019 for $20k (ACC#
6907020). That sale fell through for some reason,
so put up at no reserve again by Hendrick
Performance. One rarely sees two International
Travelalls offered at the same auction, and the
other one helped this one appear impressive.
That wasn’t enough to keep it from hammering
at $5k less than the previous sale. An unusual
early SUV that I considered well bought. A
Page 75
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Page 76
MCCORMICK’S • PALM SPRINGS, CA
Palm Springs Auction 68
One of the better buys in the desert was a ’71 El Camino
going on down the road for under $16k
McCormick’s
Collector Car
Auction
Palm Springs, CA
February 21–23, 2020
Auctioneers: Frank
Bizzarro, Jeff Stokes, Rob
Row, Gary Dahler
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 285/499
Sales rate: 57%
Sales total: $4,615,770
High American sale:
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
SS LS6 2-door hard top,
sold at $87,450
Buyer’s premium: 6%,
included in sold prices
1971 Chevrolet El Camino, sold at $15,900
Report and photos by Carl Bomstead
Market opinions in italics
·Of the 49 domestic pickups at the sale (nearly 10% of consignments), 30 sold
for a total of $507,475 (11% of total sales)
·Final totals were all down from last year’s February sale, with the per-car
average dropping by $2,258
·Corvettes were the most popular model to bring to the sale, with 25 to bid
on — ranging from a 1961 Fuelie to a 2007 Callaway coupe
T
he 68th McCormick’s Collector Car Auction was again held at the Palm
Springs Convention Center, taking place February 21–23. Record crowds
enjoyed sunny and warm Palm Springs weather, while the sale presented a
varied selection of interesting vehicles.
A quick tally indicated that pickups and were the vehicle du jour, with
some four dozen consigned. Prices, however, were all over the board. Most of the
pickups were modified to some degree or another and sold in the $25k–$30k range.
A well-restored 1972 Chevrolet C10 with a 350 small block and custom wheels realized
$28,600. A favorite was a 1971 El Camino powered by a 350 V8 crate motor,
with big aftermarket mag wheels. The silver metallic paint was exceptional and, at
$15,900, the rig was a relative bargain. From first-hand experience, I can say those
don’t pass by many gas stations.
78 AmericanCarCollector.com
Corvettes were out in force, with mixed results.
A resto-mod 1967 with a 5.0-liter motor, aftermarket
wheels and a white stinger hood realized $67,840,
but a 1961 Fuelie finished in Roman Red failed to sell
when bid to $80,000. It had been acquired a month
earlier at the January Barrett-Jackson sale for $82,500,
and the seller was not willing to cut his losses. The
days of “not paying too much, just buying too soon”
are in the rear-view mirror.
As mentioned, people came out for the event in
droves, but, unfortunately, many of them forgot their
checkbooks and sat on their hands. Sales were off
from last year’s November auction, as well as last
February’s sale. As Jason McCormick mentioned, “A
lot of cars were bid to strong money, but the offers
were refused by the consignors who have yet to adjust
to the changing market.”
McCormick’s 69th auction will take place on their
traditional weekend before Thanksgiving, November
20–22, 2020. By then, the world will have stabilized
and hopefully the collector-car market will return
to normal. Regardless, the sale will be entertaining,
and the weather will be far more pleasant than in the
northern climes. You don’t want to miss it. A
QUICK TAKE
Page 78
MCCORMICK’S • PALM SPRINGS, CA
GM
#243-1948 BUICK SUPER convertible. VIN:
44949732. Black/maroon canvas/red leather.
Odo: 65,409 miles. 248-ci I8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. The
Super convertible featured power top, seat and
windows. It was powered by the Fireball Eight.
This example converted to 12V. Fog lights. Striking
red leather interior with properly fitting maroon
top. Few swirls and scratches noted in black
paint. Engine bay clean but not highly detailed.
A strong example. Cond: 2.
Sombrero covers. Has Hydra-Matic 2-speed automatic
and radio. Minor pitting on brightwork.
Wind wing delaminating. A few chips and touchups.
Cond: 2-.
mags. Shaved doors and hood. Highway rearend
gears. An award winner at recent Dr. George
show. Paint to perfection. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD
AT $72,000. Price paid should have been close
to getting the job done. Customs are often tough
to sell, as individual tastes don’t always come
together. Sensational paintwork that will draw a
crowd.
SOLD AT $42,400. A desirable convertible. This
was last seen at McCormick’s November 2019
sale, where it failed to sell when bid to $46,000
(ACC# 6916421). Driven 30 expensive miles
since. A few months later, that bid looks pretty
darn good. As we have often stated, the first bid
is usually the best bid. Seller made a costly decision
last time out.
NOT SOLD AT $43,000. This was last seen at
Mecum’s October 2019 Las Vegas sale, where it
realized $34,100 (ACC# 6918016). A nine grand
profit—less expenses—in six short months!
Seller was looking for a home run and turned
down a solid triple. Good luck with a better at
bat next time.
#254-1949 CHEVROLET 3100 Thriftmaster
pickup. VIN: Beige & white/tan fabric. Odo:
542 miles. 235-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. A recent restoration
of an attractive Thriftmaster pickup. Engine
was replaced and stated to have 235-ci 6,
where the Thriftmaster motor was 216 cubic
inches. Paint very presentable, with new oak in
pickup bed. Interior sparkles. A solid presentation.
Cond: 2+.
#451-1951 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup. VIN:
20JPH8102. Yellow/brown cloth. Odo: 862 miles.
350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A mild custom with 350
V8, unique interior and air-bag suspension. Attractive
aftermarket wheels. Striking interior with
power seats. Additional gauges and a/c added.
No flaws noted on bold yellow livery, and
brightwork sparkles. A strong offering. Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $38,000. Have to wonder what
the seller was thinking here. Price bid was all
the money and then some. All the goodies don’t
add that much to the value, so bid should have
been enough to close the deal.
SOLD AT $33,920. This was last seen at McCormick’s
November 2019 sale, where it failed to
sell when bid to $37,000 (ACC# 6920085).
Seller had a change of heart and was kicking
himself for turning down the earlier offer. As we
have often stated, the first offer is often the best
offer.
SOLD AT $25,440. Price paid was the going
rate for an attractive 6-cylinder pickup. All
should be pleased with this nice truck at a market-correct
price.
#348-1950 CADILLAC SERIES 62 convertible.
VIN: 506272419. Green/tan fabric/green
leather. Odo: 61,357 miles. 331-ci V8, 2-bbl,
auto. An attractive Caddy convertible that is finished
in an unusual shade of green. Wheels with
80 AmericanCarCollector.com
#465-1951 CHEVROLET STYLELINE Custom
coupe. VIN: CKDE3749. Maroon/tan fabric/black
leather. Odo: 260 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A
wild custom with flames and dazzling paint.
Powered by 350 V8 and 3-speed automatic. A
slight chop and louvers on the hood. Aftermarket
#185-1954 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr hard
top. VIN: C542039881. Red & white/red & white
vinyl. 235-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. A recent engine and
transmission rebuild. Converted to 12V. New
paint but a quickie, with overspray on lower areas.
Door alignment off a bit and trim pitted.
Buffer marks on trim. Would call this a quickand-dirty
partial restoration. Very attractive
20-footer. Cond: 2-.
#241-1953 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: C530028672. Light blue/white vinyl
/blue & white vinyl. Odo: 62,559 miles. 235-ci I6,
1-bbl, 3-sp. An attractive Bel Air convertible that
is loaded with options including Continental kit,
sun visor and spotlights. Sun visor looks a little
out of place on convertible! Also has tissue dispenser.
A decent fairly recent respray has a few
touch-ups to note. Top fits properly. Trim is pitted
here and there. Over 24,000 produced. Cond:
2.
SOLD AT $21,730. Considering the condition,
the price paid was market correct. Will be a fun
driver but needs some attention prior to offering
Page 79
it again. The red-and-white colors make this
desirable, but details drag it down. Drive and
have fun while you pick away at it.
#058-1956 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup. VIN:
V3A567005021. Light blue/white vinyl, blue
cloth. Odo: 55,795 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
A recent restoration with 350 under the hood
with 700R4 auto transmission. Stated to have
been frame-off restored, and no reason to doubt.
Custom interior is very attractive. Recent respray
properly applied, with no issues noted. An attractive
Chevy pickup finished in bold shade of blue.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $26,235. A quality restoration that
most likely was more costly than what was bid
here. Pickups continue to be hot property, and
there’s no reason to think the trend won’t continue
(when things get back to normal). Price
paid was market correct, so get out and have
some fun with your new toy.
#306-1956 OLDSMOBILE 98 sedan. VIN:
569C8564. Gold Mist/white/gold fabric/tan fabric.
Odo: 15,171 miles. 324-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. An
unusual Oldsmobile 98 that is thought to be an
Autorama car. Unconventional side trim and
taillight trim. Jetaway HydraMatic was a $190
option on the 98. Spinner wheel covers. A one-off
color. Has power everything and factory air. Only
noted issue is damage and scratches on window
trim. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $25,000. The big question here
is documenting the possible auto-show connection.
The unusual side trim and taillight housing
have a factory look, so there’s a strong possibility
the connection is there. Price doubles or triples if
documented, so it’s well worth the effort of finding
out.
May–June 2020 81
Page 80
MCCORMICK’S • PALM SPRINGS, CA
ONE TO WATCH Cars With Values on the Move
#283-1958 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE convertible.
VIN: C558H2775. Patina Ivory & Redwood
Copper/white vinyl/ivory & copper vinyl. Odo:
3,143 miles. 370-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. A recent
restoration of a fully loaded Bonneville convertible.
Fitted with Tri-Power, 3-speed Super Hydramatic
and Circulair air-conditioning, which
was a $410 option. Attractive ivory and copper
combo. Seating with mild wear or, to be polite,
patina. A striking offering that had to be a real
head-turner in the day, as it still is now. Cond:
2+.
1971–74 Dodge Charger
Detailing
from this era were still available with the optional 440-ci V8 —
though its rated output dropped by nearly 100 hp between 1971
and 1974.
Pricing for these later Chargers has been volatile. Appearing
A
to near the $30k mark in 2015, values then dropped to a low of
$18,700 a year later and did not surpass that 2015 high until this
year.
In 2020, we have seen nine examples sell at auction so far.
mong the last Mopars yet to see price increases are
1971 to 1974 Chargers. As some of the final 2-door
muscle cars from Dodge, these third-gen cars were always
meant to be mid-size performance machines, even
in an era when performance was slipping. Chargers
Years built: 1971–74
Number produced: 346,348
Number sold in past 12
months: 22
Average price of those
cars: $39,078
Number listed in the
ACC Premium Auction
Database: 343
Current Median ACC
Valuation: $35,750
Six of those brought $33k or above, with one more at almost
$29k. The earlier cars of 1971 and ’72 with bigger horsepower and less-staid styling bring the
highest prices. Find an example with the 440 and you are looking at the top dog among thirdgen
Chargers. For example, a ’71 R/T 440 sold at Mecum Kissimmee this year for a strong
$90,750. Not too shabby.
With prices sky-high for the second-generation Charger, thrifty buyers will gravitate to the
more-affordable ’71-and-later model, as it is the last of the truly muscular original Chargers.
Take your time, find a pristine example and be willing to pay up for one with a larger engine. It
might just pay off in the future. A — Chad Taylor
HIGHS: A name synonymous with muscle-car greatness;
available with the massive 440-ci V8
LOWS: Styling was on the decline; big displacement didn’t
equal big horsepower
OUTLOOK: With prices of its predecessor in the stratosphere,
fans of American muscle will turn to this generation
for a chance to own a piece of mighty Mopar history
82 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $43,990. New owner bought a wonderful
Riviera GS at a fair price. Has all kinds of
upside if maintained in current condition. I keep
thinking these are going to catch the wave.
NOT SOLD AT $120,000. This was last seen at
Russo and Steele’s January 2020 sale, where it
realized $72,600 (ACC# 6924811). Prior to that
it was offered at the August 2019 RM Auctions
Auburn sale, where a $105,000 offer was turned
down (ACC# 6908779). Driven only 20 miles
since Auburn sale. No explanation here, as the
bid would have resulted in a handsome profit in
a one-month period. A confusing trail.
#471-1965 BUICK RIVIERA Gran Sport 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 494475H926351. White/green
vinyl. Odo: 64,412 miles. 401-ci V8, 2x4-bbl,
auto. The Gran Sport option provided 35 additional
horsepower due to 4-bbl. Also offered
dual exhaust, positive traction and engine trim.
Identified by badges and Gran Sport full wheel
covers. This example with new a/c and rebuilt
transmission and carburetors. Minor issues with
paint, with swirls and blemish in trunk. Troublesome
clamshell headlamp covers appear to be in
good order. A two-owner Riviera. Cond: 2.
Page 81
MCCORMICK’S • PALM SPRINGS, CA
#260-1966 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 136176Z127298. Tangelo/tan
cloth & vinyl. Odo: 77,014 miles. 283-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. A mild custom with Edelbrock aluminum
intake and Sanderson heads. Has GT Grant
steering wheel and aftermarket gauges. Finished
in bold orange. Rides on Corvette C3 wheels. An
attractive offering, if orange is your color of
choice. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $15,900. The El Camino had a new
look for ’71 due to single-bezel headlamps, but
at some point someone put a 1970 front clip on
this car. The price paid covered the wheels and
new paint, and the rest of this El Camino was
thrown in for free. A more-than-fair price that
should leave the buyer with a big grin.
Quality respray and bucket seating in good order.
Very impressive. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $38,425. A quality offering at a fair
market price. The optional L36 motor is a big
plus, and the quality restoration finishes the
deal. All should be happy here, as this should be
a hoot to drive. Fairly bought and sold.
SOLD AT $20,140. Price paid more than fair
for a mild custom. Bold livery is an acquired
taste that just might get old in a hurry. Fun
driver at a realistic price, so use and enjoy.
Should be square on dollars when the ride ends.
#258-1969 BUICK SKYLARK convertible.
VIN: 444679H215196. Blue/white vinyl/blue
vinyl. Odo: 99,827 miles. 350-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
The Skylark Custom was the plushest intermediate
offering, but this well-presented example was
the regular one. Has dual exhaust and Buick
Rally wheels. Body straight and solid, with good
luster on the brightwork. Outside mirror pitted
but an easy fix. Side molding was an option.
Clean example. Cond: 2.
136370R243763. Black Cherry/white vinyl. Odo:
60,467 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. An LS6 big
block that is documented with original build
sheet. Has M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual
transmission. Only 1,500 miles since restoration.
Finished in Black Cherry—code 78. Cowl Induction
hood. After brief inspection, nothing to fault.
An impressive offering. Cond: 1-.
8
#245-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
SS LS6 2-dr hard top. VIN:
CORVETTE
#268-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 10867S104830. Roman Red & Ermine
White/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 82,703 miles.
283-ci, 315-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. A frameoff,
long-term restoration that holds an NCRS
Top Flight award. Finished in Roman Red with
Ermine White coves. Fewer than 500 miles since
completed. Has new white vinyl top and Knoch
interior. New carpet. Typical problem with headlight
bezel fit. Little to fault on well-presented
Fuelie. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $87,450. This was last seen at the January
Barrett-Jackson sale, where it realized
$82,500 (ACC# 6922865). Seller looking for a
quick hit, but five grand barely covered expenses.
A solid car that should bring more, but we are in a
squishy market, so it’s hard to predict.
NOT SOLD AT $19,000. Boy, the price bid here
should have gotten the job done. This was a
respectable example but not perfect, so bid was
market correct. No idea where he will find more
money, but time will tell.
#076-1969 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 164379U197074. Maroon/red
vinyl. Odo: 71,610 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
A recent restoration of a stunning Chevrolet Impala
SS. Equipped with the optional RPO L36
Turbo Jet V8 that produces 390 horsepower. Was
a $237 option. Engine bay highly detailed.
Equipped with disc brakes and power steering.
May–June 2020 83
#200-1971 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO
pickup. VIN: 1368012136958. Silver/black
vinyl. Odo: 43,021 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Stated to have received full restoration in 2018,
but they neglected the stainless trim that was
scratched. Powered by 350 crate motor with
4-barrel. B&M shifter. Tilt wheel and air. Impressive,
but won’t pass many gas stations. Cond:
2+.
NOT SOLD AT $80,000. Bought earlier this
year at the January Barrett-Jackson sale for
$82,500 (ACC# 6922931), and seller looking for
a quick turn ’n’ burn. Same seller as Lot 263? No
profit offered here, and seller not willing to spin
his wheels. Time will tell if this is a good play or
not. An exceptional example, but the Corvette
market is—as noted on Lot 263—a bit soft at
present.
#380-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe.
VIN: 40837S108810. Tuxedo Black/black vinyl.
Odo: 95,413 miles. 327-ci, 375-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. An attractive and well-optioned L84
fuel-injected Corvette. Chassis highly detailed.
Fitted with factory air and knockoff wheels. Has
M20 4-speed transmission. Paint with a few issues
including chip on door and swirls. One of
only 1,534 L84 fuel-injected Corvettes produced
in 1964. Cond: 2+.
BEST
BUY
TOP 10
Page 82
MCCORMICK’S • PALM SPRINGS, CA
NOT SOLD AT $67,500. This was last seen at
the January 2020 Scottsdale Leake sale, where it
failed to sell when bid to $55,000 (ACC#
6924999). Prior to that it was sold at the November
2019 McCormick’s sale for $61,480 (ACC#
6916411). At the February 2015 McCormick’s
sale it realized $62,213 (ACC# 6772842), and
in 2012 it failed to sell at McCormick’s at
$54,000 (ACC# 6756555). All this and not a lot
has happened, but I can’t understand why seller
did not cut it loose here and move on.
#263-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe.
VIN: 194377S109100. Sunfire Yellow/black vinyl.
Odo: 50,789 miles. 427-ci, 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl,
4-sp. Powered by the L71 motor with Tri-Power
and M21 4-speed manual transmission. Documented
with tank sticker. Stated to be matching
numbers. Has stinger hood and radio with Protect-O-Plate.
Motor was a $427 option. Only
3,754 produced. Has Redline tires mounted on
Rally wheels. A stunning example of a big-block
‘Vette. Cond: 1-.
installed. MSD ignition. Paint in good order, with
white stinger on hood. Aftermarket mags. A potent
Corvette. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $67,840. The seller had a bunch in
this build, and I seriously doubt if he got his
money back. The price paid was the going rate,
so he has few complaints. Fair all around.
#466-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194679S704472. Monza Red/tan
fabric/tan leather. Odo: 44,671 miles. 350-ci,
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. An older restoration that
could use a little help. Paint cracking in a few
places. High-rise hood added, but no engine
mods noted. Aftermarket stereo. Interior in decent
condition. Aftermarket mags just don’t have
the look. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $21,000. The condition made
the difference here, as a zillion of these exist, but
most need all kinds of work. This one is good to
go and standing tall. Should bring a touch more
than was bid here.
#262-1934 FORD MODEL 40 woodie
wagon. VIN: 705461. Tan/brown leatherette.
Odo: 55,419 miles. 221-ci V8, 1-bbl, 3-sp. An
attractive woodie that has tight wood joints and
no separation noted. Subject to a recent quality
restoration and only 300 miles since completion.
Paint professionally applied and interior properly
installed. Engine nicely detailed. Overall, a
very strong presentation. In same family since
1976. Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $150,000. This L71 Corvette was
seen earlier in the year when it sold at the January
Barrett-Jackson auction for $139,700 (ACC#
6922969). Buyer looking for a quick hit here.
Had a chance but was looking for more. We are
in a changing market, and Corvettes are a bit
weak now. I wonder where the seller will find a
better offer.
#248-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE custom
convertible. VIN: 194677S101316. Blue/white
vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 9,534 miles. 502-ci, 500hp
V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. A mild custom with 502-ci
crate motor and 5-speed Tremec transmission.
Chassis has been rebuilt and aluminum radiator
NOT SOLD AT $29,000. This was last seen at
McCormick’s November 2019 sale, where it
failed to sell when bid to $28,000 (ACC#
6920154). Bid was a grand higher this time out,
but this dragster appeals to a narrow (if deep)
market. Seller will come to the difficult conclusion
that there is not much more money out
there for his toy.
84 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $27,560. A McCormick’s regular, as it
was acquired in February 2012 for $22,830
(ACC# 4777886), and offered at the February
2017 and 2018 sales, where if failed to sell when
bid to $30,000 on both occasions (ACC#
6856682, 6865962). Seller had a change of
heart and took the lower offer here but still
made a few bucks in his eight-year ownership.
Only driven 500 miles during that time.
FOMOCO
#279-1931 FORD MODEL A roadster. VIN:
A4567074. Tan & black/tan canvas/tan vinyl.
Odo: 63,012 miles. A properly restored Model A
finished in tan with black fenders. Engine bay
clean and tidy. Seating in good order. Tan top is
not worn or otherwise damaged. A solid example.
Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $52,000. This was not an inexpensive
restoration, and the price bid was a tad
short. Money spent does not equal value, but
seller should do a bit better next time around.
#061-1939 FORD MODEL 91 C Stake-Bed
racer. VIN: 185163003. White/black vinyl. A
1939 Ford pickup that has been converted into a
drag racer. Powered by a 454 Chevy crate motor
with 2-speed Powerglide transmission. Pearl
white paint is cracked due to stress. Engine bay
clean but not detailed, which is not surprising.
Won Best Engineered award at GoodGuys back
in 2003. Not street legal. Cond: 3+.
Page 83
#257-1940 FORD DELUXE 022A 2-dr sedan.
VIN: 185707598. Brown/tan fabric. Odo:
47,337 miles. Recent restoration to high standard.
Engine bay highly detailed. Equipped with
radio and heater. Engine with slight modification,
as it has Fenton headers and dual exhaust
with Smitty mufflers. Paint and interior properly
restored with new plastic knobs. Brightwork
sparkles. Must have been a labor of love, as car
is not very attractive and color is not very appealing.
Cond: 1-.
#221-1950 FORD CUSTOM DELUXE convertible.
VIN: MP76CJ10G106. Maroon/black
fabric/red & white vinyl. Odo: 80,102 miles. 239ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. A mild custom with red-andwhite
vinyl seating. Has B&M shifter and
aftermarket gauges. Older paint lacking luster
and is chipped here and there. Very poor top fit
and issue with driver’s window. Has led a hard
life. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $16,500. Seller of this Ford is a
regular who rarely takes a car back home, but
price bid was off the money. Not a very attractive
Ford, but will appeal to someone. Better luck
next time out.
#267-1947 FORD DELUXE custom convertible.
VIN: 799A189183. Metallic green/Oyster
leather. 500-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A rather oldschool
custom until you look under the hood,
where it sports a 1970 Cadillac V8 with GM Turbo
400 transmission. Vintage Air. Lowered with mild
chop, frenched taillights and shaved doors. Oyster
White interior. Custom grille. Green metallic
paint that is not the most appealing. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $28,000. This was last seen at
McCormick’s November 2019 sale, where it
failed to sell when bid to $32,000 (ACC#
6920111). Now on the slippery slope down the
hill. With all the needs, it’s difficult to see how
it’s worth much more than was bid here.
#246-1951 MERCURY 1CM custom woodie
wagon. VIN: 51LA29167M. Maroon/red vinyl.
Odo: 4,807 miles. 4.6-L supercharged V8, 6-sp. A
custom Merc woodie done with a South Pacific
flare. Supercharged V8 under the hood, with
Mustang II front end and 6-speed manual transmission.
Vintage Air and a number of other custom
touches. Exterior in good order, but no
longer fresh. An expensive build and will attract
attention at every outing. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $60,000. This is a Mecum frequent
flier, as it was last seen at their February
2018 L.A. sale (ACC# 6865523), where it was a
no-sale at $40,000. Prior that it sold at their
August 2014 sale for $67,500 (ACC# 6719680),
and two months earlier in Seattle it failed to sell
at $30,000 (ACC# 6712324). Whew, after all
that, I have no logical explanation as to why it
did not move on here.
NOT SOLD AT $110,000. This was last seen at
Mecum’s November 2013 sale in Anaheim, CA,
where it failed to sell when bid to $80,000
(ACC# 6726302). Wow, a unique build with a
bid that is all the money and the seller walks. I
May–June 2020 85
Page 84
MCCORMICK’S • PALM SPRINGS, CA
think they will have their unique Merc in the
garage for many years to come. Can’t explain
this one.
#237-1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: P5FH221814. Turquoise/turquoise &
white vinyl. Odo: 6,633 miles. 292-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Finished in bright Turquoise, which was a
correct Ford color for 1955, just not for the Thunderbird.
Equipped with four-way seats and radio.
Brightwork in good order, and bold paint—
while not correct—was decent, with a few
scrapes and bruises. Replacement interior properly
installed. Cond: 3+.
#250-1957 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK
II 2-dr hard top. VIN: C56R376. Starmist
White/white & maroon leather. Odo: 86,251
miles. 368-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A recent two-year
restoration to a very nice standard. Bridge of
Weir leather installed to factory specifications. Air
the only option; otherwise, all the creature comforts
were included. Only 444 produced in final
year. Even at $10,000, they lost money on every
one sold. The ultimate ‘50s luxury car. Cond: 1-.
show. Interior looked decent, but car locked up
tight, so close inspection not possible. Typical
issues with black paint, with swirls noted. Buffer
marks on chrome. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $18,815.
One of about 57,000 produced, so a bunch of
them readily available. Price paid was about
right for a Sunday driver. Drive and maintain and
the value should be there when it’s time to move
on down the line. T-bird club is active, so join up
and enjoy the car.
#261-1965 SHELBY COBRA Continuation
roadster. VIN: CSX6024. Light blue/black vinyl.
Odo: 6,262 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Titled
as a 1965 but built in early 2000s by Shelby
American as CSX6000 continuation. Fitted with
427, which was recast under license from Ford.
Shelby signature on glovebox door. Has signed
MSO document. Body in good order with minimal
signs of use. Still just a clone. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $30,000. Price bid should have
sent this T-bird to a new garage. The paint is a
big negative, and the rest of the car was rather
basic. Should have taken the money and not
looked back.
#538-1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: C7FH257207. Flame Red/red hard
top/white vinyl. Odo: 89,797 miles. 312-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. A rather basic T-bird with the porthole
hard top. Does not have power seats. Paint
with a few issues. Interior recently fitted. Trim is
pitted and bumpers are dull, with a few
scratches. Several pieces of interior hardware
appear to be newly installed. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $58,000. These are exciting cars
and very expensive to restore. For some reason,
they just don’t get any traction and sell for less
than what was bid here. This was a high-point
example and was worth more, but they just don’t
feel the love—yet.
#240-1959 FORD THUNDERBIRD 2-dr hard
top. VIN: H9YH113647. Raven Black/black & red
vinyl. Odo: 46,521 miles. 352-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
A rather basic ‘59 T-bird hard top with a claim to
fame that is a People’s Choice award at a local
NOT SOLD AT $100,000. This was last seen at
Barrett-Jackson’s 2014 January sale, where it
realized $84,700 (ACC# 6724196). Playing with
your car for six years and selling it at a profit is
everyone’s dream. Seller had a chance here but
turned it down. “Ford v Ferrari” gave these a
boost, but that rose will wilt. I’m willing to bet
seller will regret turning down the offer.
#478-2007 SHELBY GT500 convertible. VIN:
1ZVHT89S475348214. Red/black cloth/black
leather. Odo: 1,807 miles. 5.4-L supercharged
V8, 6-sp. The GT500 motor has an Easton R122
Roots-type blower that kicks out 50 additional
NOT SOLD AT $15,000. A rather uninspiring
Thunderbird, but the price bid was not even
close. Should be worth at least $20k–$25k, and
seller wasn’t willing to sell for a wholesale number.
Bottom-feeders hard at work here.
“
86 AmericanCarCollector.com
New owner has tough decision. Drive it
and the car depreciates, or just look at
it and preserve low miles. I know what I
would do.
2007 Shelby GT500 convertible
”
Page 85
MCCORMICK’S • PALM SPRINGS, CA
horsepower. This example in as-new condition
with fewer than 2,000 miles on the clock. Cost
about $45k when new. Paint as it left the showroom
and interior sparkles. A stunning example.
Cond: 1-.
#264-1948 WILLYS JEEPSTER roadster. VIN:
73859. Maroon/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 529
miles. 134-ci I4, 1-bbl, 3-sp. A recent restoration
with fewer than 600 miles since completion.
Powered by the flathead Hurricane 4. The maroon
paint in good order and the interior clean
and sharp. Engine clean and crisp. Three-speed
manual with overdrive standard. Designed during
WWII by Brooks Stevens. Cond: 1-.
Purple/black vinyl. Odo: 63,662 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. A heavily modified Studebaker bullet-nose
that is finished in a bold shade of purple.
Powered by 350 Chevy with TH350
transmission. Mustang II front end and custom
gauges. A noticeable repair patch on nose. A
bunch of money spent on a rather nothing car.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $33,390. A 13-year-old performance
Shelby Mustang that sold for a premium. Well
deserved, however, as the condition was spectacular.
New owner has tough decision. Drive it
and the car depreciates, or just look at it and
preserve low miles. I know what I would do.
AMERICANA
#251-1937 PACKARD 115-C roadster. VIN:
N77258CAL. Black/gray fabric/black leather.
Odo: 51,498 miles. A very respectable restoration
with new top, clock, luggage rack and artillery
wheels. Woodgrain dash. A few minor blemishes
and swirls in paint. Interior with no noticeable
issues. Assigned California VIN. A very nice junior
Packard. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $27,560. This was last seen at Mecum’s
October Las Vegas auction, where it sold
for $17,600 (ACC# 6918754). A few short
months later the buyer rings the bell with a
quick flip. A well-restored Jeepster but powered
by the 4-cylinder rather than the 6. I think the
buyer got a bit carried away. Very well sold.
#065-1948 JOHN DEERE B tractor. VIN:
228035. Green/black vinyl. MHD. A fully restored
Model B Row Crop tractor. Rated at 25 draw-bar
horsepower. Now equipped with padded seat.
Converted to electric start. A well-presented example.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $6,360. Car sold for a song, but then
it’s not much of car, either. The purple livery could
get old in a quick hurry. I hate to think how much
money was spent on this, with very little of it returned
to the seller. Parts would be covered by the
price paid here, but that’s about it.
#338-1954 KAISER SPECIAL sedan. VIN:
022694. Black/gray vinyl & cloth. Odo: 39,828
miles. 226-ci I6, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Powered by the Supersonic
Six, which sounds impressive but produces
a touch over 100 horsepower. Finished in
Raven Black. Has a padded dash and radio. Body
straight and solid. Decent paint with a few swirls
to note, as you expect on black; road rash on
nose. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $54,060. Introduced in late 1936 but
titled as a ‘37. A touch over 30,000 were produced.
The junior Packard with 6-cylinder motor.
A very solid example that sold for a marketcorrect
number. Condition made the difference
here. Not a CCCA Full Classic, but still lots to do
with this attractive Packard convertible.
SOLD AT $3,816. Produced between 1947 and
1952. Cost of restoration was a bunch more than
was paid here. Project was a labor of love. Buyer
has a cool tractor for pocket change. Well
bought, if buyer has a spot for it.
#019-1950 STUDEBAKER COMMANDER
Starlight custom coupe. VIN: G881729.
NOT SOLD AT $9,000. The Special is the lowend
offering for Kaiser. Even so, the price bid
was a bit light and should have brought another
$3k–$4k. Will always raise a few eyebrows, as
few Kaisers are still on the road. A
May–June 2020 87
Page 86
RM SOTHEBY’S • JUPITER, FL
Online Only: Palm Beach 2020
The top-priced American car is also one of the better deals,
as a 1963 289 Cobra sold for $682,000
RM Sotheby’s
Palm Beach, FL
March 20–28, 20200
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 173/259
Sales rate: 67%
Sales total: $13,619,165
High American sale:
1963 Shelby Cobra
289 roadster, sold at
$682,000
Buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
1963 Shelby Cobra 289 roadster, sold at $682,000
Report by John Hoshstrasser, with Chad Tyson; Intro by Chad Tyson
Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s; images by Darin Schnabel, Thatcher Keast,
Corey Escobar, Ken Wallace, Tim Scott, Pete Fisher and Debby Winder
Market opinions in italics
·$13.6m in automobile sales is a 41% drop from last year’s — let’s call it
normal — $23m Fort Lauderdale sale
·Catalog entries include extensive photography, documentation files when
applicable and condition reports completed by RM Sotheby’s specialists
·RM Online Only division was launched in 2019, with a mascots sale in late
October and three more sales to close the year
W
ho saw this coming?
The world got caught pants-down by the novel coronavirus, with
the U.S. instituting fast and drastic changes not long after the Amelia
Island weekend.
RM Sotheby’s had their Palm Beach sale planned for March 20–21
but called an audible when recommended group sizes became too small for an inperson
land auction.
Fortunately for them, RM Sotheby’s introduced their online-bidding platform late
last year. So, instead of bringing all of the cars to one spot in Florida, the company
brought everyone interested to one spot on the Internet to bid on the cars.
It’s important to understand that this report was written without the benefit of a
hands-on inspection. John Hoshstrasser perused the extensive photo logs for each
88 AmericanCarCollector.com
lot, along with each of the attached files of documentation.
There’s no doubt an online sale lacks the excite-
ment of the in-person variety, but these are odd times,
and everyone has to roll with the punches.
I logged on to navigate the bidding process at a
few points during the open bidding, as well as sticking
around for a number of lots as they closed. Frankly,
it appeared to be a very good online-bidding system.
When the lots I watched ended, it was apparent and
clear what the final price was and whether it sold or
not. If that seems a low bar, well, I’m not sure how
little Internet bidding experience you have, but it can’t
be too much.
As expected in a tumultuous time, there were some
bargains. I found the Ford GT sold at $242,000 to be a
rather good deal, even as the market has softened for
those. The other big deal still came at a big price. A
1963 289 Cobra sold for $682,000, which — even with
64k miles and not being in perfect condition — was
one of the lowest-selling prices on a 289 I’ve seen
in a number of years. That car was also the top-bid
American lot of the weeklong auction.
There will probably be few in-person auctions
during spring 2020. RM Sotheby’s pulled this one off
during uncertain times and in a way that we may have
to get used to for a few more months. A
QUICK TAKE
Page 87
GM
#270-1953 BUICK SKYLARK convertible.
VIN: 16922840. Balsam Green/white vinyl/green
& white leather. Odo: 27,485 miles. 322-ci supercharged
V8, auto. Presentable paint. Exterior
chrome trim shows pitting. Top shows no rips but
is older and yellowing. Plastic rear window yellowed
and difficult to see through. Chrome wire
wheels shiny. Wide whitewall tires starting to
yellow at edges. Door sills scratched and dented.
Front bench seat very good; rear seat creasing
and baggy at seat bottom. Steering wheel shows
no cracks; chrome horn ring has light pitting.
Carpet is old and fading. Engine appears fresh
and detailed. Rest of engine bay shows scratches
and age corrosion. Trunk not shown. Needs to be
collected from West Palm Beach, FL. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $170,000. Excellent example in
pleasing colors. The base price for a 1953 Eldorado
convertible was a then-whopping $7,750,
which may be the reason that only 532 were
sold. These days, like most other cars of the
1950s, values are on the decline. Consignor either
missed or disregarded that memo, and
didn’t let it go at $5k under the low estimate.
That’s fair for them, but it could be a while until
they get a bid like this again.
#342-1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO custom
coupe. VIN: 124377N248366. Blue/black vinyl.
6.0-L fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Custom metallic blue
paint applied well over straight body panels.
Trunk gaps off, but the rest are good. Chrome
bumpers and exterior trim shiny. Chrome Torq
Thrust wheels blemish-free. Interior mostly stockappearing,
with a few mods such as upgraded
speedo and tachometer with digital odometer,
billet-spoke steering wheel. Both front seat bottoms
baggy, rear seat looks unused. Carpet newish;
stock console houses 6-speed shifter.
Detailed engine bay. Motor is a modern LQ9
block with LS3 intake, LS7 fuel injection and LS7
lifters. Power brakes, steering and a/c. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $80,000. The original owner
had the dealer install the McCulloch supercharger
before delivery—catalog entry claimed
that this car is the only one to have this done.
This car was last seen at the Mecum Monterey
2017 auction, where it sold for $165,000 (ACC#
6846829). And that’ll explain why it wasn’t let
got at a bid just over half of the high estimate.
#326-1953 CADILLAC ELDORADO convertible.
VIN: 536220065. Azure Blue/black
cloth/blue leather. Odo: 53,788 miles. 331-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Paint shiny with no visible flaws.
Gaps variable but probably still better than factory.
Copious chrome straight and shiny. Chrome
wire wheels blemish-free, whitewalls starting to
yellow. Top fits well, with clear plastic rear window.
Small scuffs on driver’s side door sill. Front
bench seat wrinkling on driver’s side, but the rest
of interior shows as-new. Engine bay stunningly
detailed at a concours level, with factory tags,
decals, all-correct components and clamps.
Equipped with power steering and windows.
Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $41,000. Tasteful resto-mod
that was done well. The LQ9 is known for its
ability to make a lot of horsepower and respond
well to upgrades, as shown here with the claimed
650 hp. I liked that the interior was left in its
stock appearance, but the baggy seat bottoms
were a turn-off. This car was last seen at Mecum’s
Kissimmee, FL, sale in January, where it
failed to sell for a high bid of $40,000 (ACC#
6925910). The $41k bid here should tell the
consignor that the market is settling on a price
for this car, whether they sell it or not.
#261-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28
coupe. VIN: 124379N515385. Fathom
Green/green vinyl. Odo: 35,471 miles. 302-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Very good green paint, with a few
touch-ups around nose area. Painted Endura
front bumper, chrome rear bumper with good
rubber on overriders. Rally wheels, hubcaps and
trim rings blemish-free, Goodyear Wide Tread
May–June 2020 89
Page 88
RM SOTHEBY’S • JUPITER, FL
GT raised letters yellowing. Interior correct and
as-new with wood trimmed dash, console and
steering wheel. Rally gauges. Engine bay clean
and mostly stock. Tubed headers and AC Delco
air conditioning added. Equipped with power
brakes. Needs to be collected from West Palm
Beach, FL. Cond: 2+.
body color; no rear bumper. Foose wheels. Stepside
bed excellent with new wood bed. Velour
seat covers not my favorite but done well. Original-appearing
dash upgraded with modern
gauges. Vintage-looking radio has a remote
stereo hiding somewhere and speakers mounted
in kick panels. Billet 14-inch, leather-padded
steering wheel. Sanitary engine bay holds very
custom supercharged small block, with polished
and chrome bits. Very clean undercarriage.
Needs to be collected from West Palm Beach, FL.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $58,300. 1969 Z/28s are auction staples,
and with 20,302 produced, they’re relatively
plentiful. I’m not usually a fan of green
cars (especially green interiors) but it works
here. Values are off their peak of a few years
ago, but this one hit between the low and high
estimates. Fair deal all around, with a slight nod
to the buyer based on the car’s apparent condition.
#152-1971 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe.
VIN: 228871L108297. White/blue vinyl. Odo:
41,970 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recent
paint, with chipping on corners of doors, hood
and trunk. Trunk and door jambs not repainted.
Variable gaps. Finish on honeycomb wheels
rough—one wheel has a small crack. Seats,
dash and carpet look good, but top of center
armrest badly worn. Gauge faces have scratches.
Factory AM/FM/8-track tape player. Engine bay
clean and complete with repro factory decals.
Paint chipped off in places on engine block. MSD
ignition and modern parts-store battery added.
Equipped with factory a/c, power steering and
brakes, and tilt wheel. Needs to be collected from
West Palm Beach, FL. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $27,500. This lot was offered at no
reserve and will need to be collected from Auburn,
IN. I can’t help but wonder if that maybe
held back some bidding, or if it was mostly the
paint issues. I don’t think the buyer will be able
to bring it up to a top level without going underwater,
so best bet is to use as-is and fix the little
things as they occur.
SOLD AT $25,850. This custom was done right.
Excellent stepside, short-bed styling and those
polished Foose wheels gave it the right stance.
The supercharged small block would provide
plenty of grunt, and the power front disc brakes
would provide the “whoa.” Modern stereo and
a/c ensures comfortable cruising. The sold price
ensures the buyer didn’t break the bank. I can’t
help but think of what bidders in resto-mod havens
like Scottsdale would have ponied up for
this truck. Very good deal here at nearly $20k
under the high estimate.
#112-1976 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe.
VIN: 2W87W6N590274. Black/black vinyl. Odo:
33,237 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint looks
shiny from farther-back photos but has swirls
and scratches throughout on close-ups. Paint on
front bumper shows multiple cracks. Body filler
around the driver’s side B-pillar needs to be
redone. Screaming Chicken and other exterior
decals good. Unmarked snowflake wheels
wrapped with older Comp T/A tires. Interior
good, with only slight creasing to driver’s seat
bottom. Dash good, with clear gauges. Clock
SOLD AT $50,600. Oh, how great this would be
with a 4-speed. No doubt it’s great as it sits, but
the auto so often puts a damper on bidders’ enthusiasm.
Wasn’t let go for a song, but it didn’t
make it to the $55k low estimate. Call it a fair
deal, with a nod to the buyer.
#227-1971 CHEVROLET C10 Custom
pickup. VIN: CS141A640456. Silver/black velour
& vinyl. 350-ci supercharged V8, auto. Quartersize
scuff on driver’s door. Front bumper painted
90 AmericanCarCollector.com
#259-1990 CHEVROLET C1500 454 SS
pickup. VIN: 1GCDC14N0LZ174302. Black/red
velour. Odo: 44 miles. 7.4-L fuel-injected V8,
auto. Mileage shown claimed actual. Factory
paint without noticeable flaw, but shows requisite
GM orange peel throughout. Black rubber strip
on rear bumper starting to fade. Very dated but
factory-original velour interior shows no wear.
Dash, carpet and console show as-new. Engine
bay a little dusty but appears unused. Fully
loaded with all available options. Includes original
window sticker. Offered at no reserve. Needs
to be collected from West Palm Beach, FL. Cond:
1-.
SOLD AT $39,600. Chevrolet caused quite a stir
in 1990 when they dropped the 454 into their
smallest short-bed half-ton pickup. Other trucks
of this era were built in equal parts of function
and comfort, but Chevrolet injected some muscle
into the equation. Built from 1990 through 1993,
all of these trucks were specced the same, with
black paint and red cloth interior. Past owners of
this example must have known it was something
special, as it only has 44 original miles. That’ll
explain the premium, as the most recent sales of
these trucks have been $15k–$28k.
CORVETTE
is inoperable. Aftermarket Audiovox DIN tape
player in stock position does not fit well. Engine
bay clean, with some paint scratches and staining.
Red heater hose and red spark-plug wires
detract. Optioned with power steering, brakes
and factory a/c. Cond: 3-.
#352-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster.
VIN: E54S001563. Polo White/tan cloth/red
vinyl. Odo: 2,599 miles. 235-ci, 150-hp I6,
3x1-bbl, auto. Older restoration now unwinding.
A few chips and touch-ups in paint. Gaps vary
widely, just like they left the factory. Painted
steel wheels show some chips, hubcaps good. Old
Firestone bias-ply tires cracking and whitewalls
yellowing. Chrome trim around windshield and
rear-view mirror starting to pit. Wiper scratches
on windshield. Top has a few small rips, but rear
window is clear. Seat bottoms are flattening and
vinyl is baggy. Carpet dirty, but dash is good.
Engine bay was once detailed but shows use
Page 89
RM SOTHEBY’S • JUPITER, FL
with surface rust on exhaust manifolds. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $50,000. This car was a recipient
of an NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence
Award, and judging paperwork is included. Values
for 1954 Corvettes lag behind the other C1s,
as they weren’t first-year like 1953 and they
don’t have the V8 engine like the 1955s. This car
was last seen at Mecum’s 2015 Indianapolis auction,
where it sold for $82,000 (ACC# 6797211).
Can’t blame the owner for turning down this low
bid, as it’s off base by 50%.
#356-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: E56S003584. Polo
White/black canvas, white hard top/red vinyl.
Odo: 1,352 miles. 265-ci 225-hp V8, 2x4-bbl,
3-sp. Frame-off restoration completed in 2017.
Paint has no noticeable flaws, but panels are
slightly wavy, just like from the factory. Chrome
exterior trim good. Wheels and hubcaps excellent,
bias-ply whitewalls bright. Soft top fits well
with clear plastic rear window; hard top has chips
on the edges from storage but still good. Stock
interior as-new with no discernible wear. Engine
bay has all correct components, hoses and
clamps, and is very clean but not over-the-top
detailed. Needs to be collected from Auburn, IN.
Cond: 2+.
5
SOLD AT $72,600. Stated it is believed to be a
real Big Brake car, but there’s no documentation
offered to back that up. With its metallic brake
linings and special finned drums, the Big Brake
option was not really suited for the street, as
these cars took a long time to warm up and be
effective. It’s much more common to see the Big
Brake option with the fuel-injected engine in a
racing package. This car was last seen at the RM
Sotheby’s Auburn Fall 2019 sale, where it failed
to sell for $80,000 (ACC# 6911876). If they only
knew then what they know now, or something
like that. Very well bought.
SOLD AT $110,000. Scored 98.8 at the 2019
NCRS National Convention to achieve the Duntov
Mark of Excellence Award. The restoration was
performed by a former NCRS national president
and NCRS national judging chairman, so there’s
little question regarding its provenance or condition.
The 1956 model really turned the corner for
the Corvette, with gorgeous styling, much-improved
performance and more creature comforts
such as roll-up windows and an improved top
that kept the rain out. Quality worth paying up
for, as the final price was $33k over the ACC
Pocket Price Guide median. Fair deal both ways.
#421-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 10867S106316.
Red/black cloth/black vinyl. Odo: 57,376 miles.
10
#344-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe.
VIN: 40837S118175. Riverside Red/black vinyl.
Odo: 50,024 miles. 327-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Stated to have received a comprehensive
restoration at unspecified date. Very good paint
over straight body panels. Chrome bumpers and
exterior trim show no flaws. Knockoff aluminum
wheels blemish-free, with modern Goodyear
white-stripe tires. Interior stunningly like-new
with no noticeable wear to seats, dash or console.
Clock is inoperable. Factory AM/FM push-button
radio. Sills scuff-free. Engine bay appears like it
left the factory, with correct components, hoses
and clamps. Equipped with factory a/c. Cond:
2+.
283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Shiny paint
shows polishing swirls. Exterior chrome trim dirty
and dusty, but looks to be in good shape.
Claimed to include both tops, but no photos of
either in the catalog. Painted 5.5-inch-wide steel
wheels with dog-dish hubcaps were used on Big
Brake cars exclusively. Interior good, with a few
scratches on painted console. 1990s-era cassette
stereo added. Stock and correct engine bay clean,
with modern GM hoses and belts. Plug-wire heat
shields in place. Needs to be collected from Bel
Air, MD. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $65,000. The L76 motor in this example
was the the same as the L84 fuel-injected
motor, but with a 4-bbl carburetor instead of the
fuel-injection system that knocked 10 hp off the
company’s rating. Factory a/c was rare in
1964—seeing it on the solid-lifter L76 is überrare.
1964s always lag behind other mid-years:
no split window and no disc brakes. Stated to be
an NCRS Top Flight award winner with the certificate
and ribbon included, so this car was in
excellent order. Just managed to hit the $65k
low estimate.
#432-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe.
VIN: 194371S118695. Sunfire Yellow/black vinyl.
Odo: 55,175 miles. 454-ci, 365-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Only apparent flaws in paint are two small
chips above rear license plate. Chrome and exterior
trim good. Rally wheels, hubcaps and trim
rings blemish-free, with modern Goodyear Eagle
tires. Seat covers new, while the rest of the original
interior reveals expected wear. Scratches on
steering column and console. Surface rust on
chrome ventilation controls. Gauges clear, factory
AM/FM push-button radio. Engine bay clean and
correct, with reproduction factory decals. Firewall
paint shows chips. Stated to have a fresh engine
rebuild. Needs to be collected from Auburn, IN.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $31,900. I liked this Corvette. With its
less-than-concours condition, it can be driven
without worry of hurting its value, and that 454
with 4-speed would be very entertaining. Yellow
paint may be polarizing, but I like it. This car
was last seen at Mecum Harrisburg on July 31,
2019, where it failed to sell at a high bid of
$30,000 (ACC# 6912816). The seller let it go at
$1k less on the hammer. That’s going to sting
just a little, but this was a fair-market deal all
around.
FOMOCO
#360-1941 FORD SUPER DELUXE wagon.
VIN: 186472898. Blue/black vinyl/brown leather.
Odo: 527 miles. Last restored in 1985 and has
unwound since. Paint shows scratches, chips and
touch-ups throughout. Exterior wood has different
shades from panel to panel. Trim pitting and
hazy. Wheels with chrome hubcaps look good;
May–June 2020 91
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RM SOTHEBY’S • JUPITER, FL
MARKET MOMENT
1965 Chevrolet Impala
2-Door Hard Top
whitewall Firestone tires bright. Driver’s side seat
bottom flattened, making the leather baggy,
other seats look good. Interior wood looks great.
Painted dash and steering wheel are good. Engine
bay clean, while flathead V8 shows chips
and corrosion on valve covers. Carburetor shows
fuel staining. Needs to be collected from Collins,
NY. Cond: 3.
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
SOLD at $27,500
Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee, FL, January 2–12, Lot T72
VIN: 164375S290404
W
hat’s in a name? I guess it all depends on the name in question.
Here we have a 1965 Chevrolet Impala. It’s a 396 car, wears original paint and
has an original interior. There’s no real damage anywhere save for age-related
wear. The noteworthy thing here is the reported mileage: 14. Not 14,000 or
140,000. 14. Or to be completely accurate, “believed to be 14 miles.”
There just aren’t many sub-20-mile 1965 Impalas out there, so that number might be hard
for some of you to believe. Well, maybe not. See, I’m pretty sure that the GM fanatics reading
this already know where this car came from.
The VIN tells the story via the ACC Premium Auction Database. It’s a Lambrecht car.
If you don’t remember, Ray Lambrecht was the owner of a Chevrolet dealership in Pierce,
NE. He had a habit of keeping his unsold inventory, which resulted in a sizable collection of
no-miles Chevrolets — the kind of situation from which urban legends are born. VanDerBrink
Auctions sold off the collection in 2013 in what was a huge car-media moment. There, in the
middle of a big Nebraska field full of car crazies from around the world — 30,000 of them —
this 12-mile Impala sold to its first owner for $76,125 (ACC# 227818).
At Kissimmee, away from the power of that moment in Pierce, NE, the car made just
$27,500 — or about what a nice 100,000-miler that lived a life on the road would make.
What’s the deal?
There was some question about the true value of Lambrecht’s cars when the original sale
took place. How much of the bids were due to hype? Quite a bit, it would seem. But you can’t
discount owning an all-original new 1965 Chevrolet if that’s your thing. That said, I suspect
the reality of the situation, after that initial high moment out under the big sky in Nebraska,
set in heavily for this car’s first owner. What do you do with a car you can’t drive because its
value is in its untouched nature?
Would you stare at it in your garage? Polish it and show it off? Disconnect the speedometer
and drive it occasionally so as not to clock any more miles? Maybe that’s where the “believed
to be” copy on Mecum’s site came from. But curiously absent was any mention of Lambrecht
there at all. Considering the frenzy over Lambrecht’s cars, I think that was a missed opportunity.
Regardless, this was one heck of a buy, as you’re not going to find a better original 1965
Impala anywhere.
At over $70k, the question of what to do with it might have weighed heavily, but at this
money, it’s not quite so weighty. I’d replace a few components and start using it. After all,
what’s the difference between 14 miles and 4,000 miles on a $27k car? It’ll always be a
Lambrecht car, and there’s value in that name. A — Jim Pickering
92 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $682,000. Nice driver quality, if such
a thing as a driver Shelby Cobra exists. This car
has been marketed heavily by a Vero Beach
dealer and on eBay asking $899,999. Previously
this car was a no-sale at RM Sotheby’s 2018
Monterey auction at a high bid of $775,000
(ACC# 6877334). Not sure if the pandemic
scared them into accepting this bid (and I
wouldn’t blame them if it did) or if it was just
weariness from marketing the car, but this represents
an outstanding buy.
SOLD AT $53,900. This car achieved AACA First
Junior in 1986 and Senior Award in 1987. But
that was 34 years ago and time has taken a toll
on this woodie. Although no longer a show car,
it’s still presentable and would make a great
sunny-day driver. This car was last seen at RM
Sotheby’s 2017 Hershey auction, where it sold
for $57,750 (ACC# 6853253). Including buyer’s
premium, it sold just over the low estimate of
$50k.
1
#330-1963 SHELBY COBRA
roadster. VIN: CSX2095.
Black/red leather. Odo: 63,881 miles. 289-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Stated to have been restored by
Mike McCluskey of Torrance, CA, in early 2000s.
Has been driven since. Paint shows polishing
swirls. Door gaps off. Chrome-wire knockoff
wheels shiny. Bright red leather upholstery
baggy on seat bottoms, more so on driver’s side.
Clean engine and engine bay. Intake is 2x4-bbl
induction with two small, round chrome air
cleaners. Needs to be collected from Vero Beach,
FL. Cond: 2-.
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RM SOTHEBY’S • JUPITER, FL
#336-1965 SHELBY COBRA 4000 Continuation
roadster. VIN: CSX4862. Blue/black
leather. Odo: 2,208 miles. 511-ci fuel-injected
V8, 5-sp. Shelby CSX4000 Continuation built by
Park Place in Seattle, WA. Very good paint over
straight body panels. Chrome QuickJack receivers
front and rear. Chrome roll hoop and sidepipes.
Good seats, but carpet baggy on transmission
tunnel. Full gauges with obligatory Carroll
Shelby-signed glovebox door. Good woodrimmed
steering wheel. Clean engine bay holds
Roush-built 511-ci, 588-hp V8. Oversized radiator
with three electric fans: two pushers in front,
one puller behind. Custom a/c. Cond: 2+.
guide median and fell between the estimates. All
of that leads to a pretty good deal just when
gasoline is getting inexpensive.
#125-1967 SHELBY GT350 fastback.
VIN: 67200F50008. Green/black
vinyl. Odo: 64,443 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Very good paint. Chrome bumpers, trim shiny
and straight. Chrome Shelby wheels have no curb
rash and wear Goodyear Speedway tires. Interior
freshly restored with obligatory Carroll Shelby
signature on the glovebox door. Stewart Warner
gauges added under dash. Mildew forming in
rear seat seams suggest storage in a humid environment.
Trunk clean, with new mat and original
spare and jack. Engine bay looks correct and
detailed, with factory decals and chalk marks
replicated. Modern parts-store battery. Equipped
with power steering and brakes. Needs to be
collected from West Palm Beach, FL. Cond: 2.
4
NOT SOLD AT $80,000. CSX4000-series Cobras
usually go for about one-eighth the price of a
real Cobra. In my opinion, this Cobra is overbuilt.
Over 580 hp in these little bodies would be too
much power to be of any use on the street. This
car has been heavily marketed at a Vero Beach
dealer and on eBay asking $129,900. No wonder
it wasn’t let go at this high bid. I’m not sure bidders
are going to offer much more anytime soon.
#165-1966 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 6T08C279177. Raven Black/white vinyl/red
vinyl. Odo: 80,888 miles. 289-ci V8, 2-bbl, 4-sp.
C-code 289. Shiny black paint with chips at door
corners. Factory chrome steel wheels good, with
dual Redline radial tires. Soft top down—covered
with a red vinyl parade boot. Restored
optional Pony interior looks fresh, with no discernible
wear. Wood steering wheel separating
at joints. Factory-looking AM push-button radio.
Engine bay detailed with correct decals and tags.
FoMoCo windshield bag and period-looking
battery are nice touches. Has the air cleaner and
decal from a High Performance 289. Needs to be
collected from Auburn, IN. Cond: 2+.
$69,300. 1969 was a banner year for the Cougar.
Widely considered just an upscale Mustang,
the addition of the Eliminator option puts some
fangs into these cats. This example with the 428
Cobra Jet engine with Ram Air intake was restored
to apparent perfection. Maybe yellow isn’t
your thing, but it’ll stand out on the road. It sold
for way over average 1969 Eliminator prices, but
I have to say it’s probably worth it for this one.
#417-1990 FORD MUSTANG LX 7-Up convertible.
VIN: 1FACP44E5LF159903. Emerald
green/white vinyl/white leather. Odo: 2,385
miles. 302-ci fuel-injected V8, 5-sp. Factory paint
good, with no observable flaws but with orange
peel throughout. Headlights and taillights clear.
Luggage rack on trunk lid shows no use. Factory
alloys show no rash. Original convertible top has
no rips but is dirty at bows. Driver’s seat bottom
shows slight wrinkling; rest of interior appears
as-new. Trunk looks unused. Engine bay stock
and very clean, retaining factory decals throughout.
Undercarriage very clean. Includes original
window sticker and all manuals. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $115,500. Odd to see a GT350 without
the stripes, and I would prefer it if this car
had them in white. Seems so plain otherwise.
Anyways, this was another lot that split the high
and low estimates. Good car for a good price, so
all should be pleased with this transaction.
#310-1969 MERCURY COUGAR Eliminator
2-dr hard top. VIN: 9F91R567026. Yellow/
black vinyl. Odo: 77,191 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Cobra Jet. Early-2000s restoration holding
up well. No noticeable flaws in paint. Exterior
trim and bumpers shiny. Steel wheels good, with
raised-white-letter Goodyear Polyglas tires. Fully
restored interior shows no wear. Factory AM
push-button radio in dash. Engine compartment
NOT SOLD AT $21,000. Interesting story on
these LX 7-Up Mustangs, but it takes far more
space than allowed in a Market Report. Read up
on it when you get a chance. They were all
specced the same and came with an auto or
5-speed transmission. Ford built around 4,000.
This example would make a great addition to a
Fox-body collection. The 2,385 miles is low
enough to be very collectible but high enough
where you could take it out on a sunny day and
not feel guilty. The bid was $9k off the low estimate,
so there’s little wonder it failed to sell.
SOLD AT $38,500. Striking color combination.
That 289 would be a lot of fun to drive with the
4-speed manual. This lot was offered at no reserve.
The sold price is $8k above the price-
factory fresh and finely detailed, with factoryreplicated
chalk marks and decals. AACA Senior
National First prize in 2006. Includes original
build sheet and Elite Marti Report. Needs to be
collected from Naples, FL. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
#411-1993 FORD MUSTANG SVT Cobra
hatchback. VIN: 1FACP42D1PF176147. Vibrant
Red/gray leather. Odo: 2,563 miles. 302-ci fuelinjected
V8, 5-sp. Stated to be unrestored and
miles shown are actual. Paint bright and shiny,
with no apparent flaws. Wheels look blemishfree.
All glass clear. Seats show light creasing.
Dash console and steering wheel all unmarked.
Factory a/c and original cassette stereo. Carpet
and floor mats look fresh. Rear seats look unused.
Engine bay is complete and very clean.
Includes framed factory window sticker, owner’s
manuals and Ford Motor Company SVT certificate.
Cond: 1-.
May–June 2020 93
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RM SOTHEBY’S • JUPITER, FL
NOT SOLD AT $44,000. Ford built 4,993 Mustang
SVT Cobras in 1993, and, if you wanted one
now, this was the one to get. Good colors, excellent
condition and low miles. However, the 2,563
miles are not so low that you could take this car
out on sunny days and not worry. The abovemarket
bid here wasn’t enough of a premium to
match the car’s apparent condition, leaving the
seller to look for more another time.
2
#320-2006 FORD GT coupe.
VIN: 1FAFP90S76Y400701. Mark
IV Red/black leather. Odo: 13,761 miles. 5.4-L
supercharged V8, 6-sp. Three-option GT with
factory McIntosh radio added. Canadian-delivery
example. Paint appears without fault. Clear bra
covers nose. Front air dam and wheels blemishfree.
Very slight creasing to driver’s side seat
bottom is the only noticeable flaw to interior.
Engine bay very clean, suggesting a good detailing.
Engine upgraded with an Accufab throttle
body and aftermarket exhaust, though original
exhaust included. Recently serviced, which included
air-bag replacement due to Ford recall.
Comes with owner’s manuals and window sticker.
Needs to be collected from Chatham, Ontario,
Canada. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $242,000. At 13,761, this is considered
a mid-to-high-mileage GT, but that’s fine
with me. It’s still in wonderful shape, you don’t
have to pay a premium for ultra-low miles, and
you could actually drive it without worrying
about depreciation. Here’s hoping that’s what
the new owner does, as they got this in a belowmarket
deal. Very well bought at $60k under the
market median.
MOPAR
#343-1967 PLYMOUTH HEMI GTX 2-dr
hard top. VIN: RS23J77138360. Green/black
vinyl. Odo: 52,644 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl,
4-sp. Quality paint shows polishing swirls.
Bumpers and exterior trim good. Magnum 500
wheels blemish-free and wrapped with newish
Firehawk Indy 500 tires. Interior claimed original
and appears in great shape. Steering wheel
cracked at left and right spokes. Gauges clear,
factory AM push-button radio. Sunpro tach
clamped onto steering column. Multiple wires
hanging under dash. Engine bay clean and
complete, with wires correctly routed and some
paint chipping here and there. Budget partsstore
battery. Trunk not shown. Equipped with
power brakes. Needs to be collected from West
Palm Beach, FL. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $56,100. The fifth-digit J in the VIN
says it was originally a Hemi-powered car, but
no mention in the catalog whether this car has
its originally-born-with Hemi. Yes, in the files
available for the car, the broadcast sheet was
included, but no close-up images of the block
casting. The final price ended up in the ballpark
for a legit Hemi GTX, so all should be pleased
here.
#422-1970 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA convertible.
VIN: BS27H0B280941. Lemon Twist/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 77,233 miles. 340-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. No noticeable flaws in expertly applied
paint. Hockey-stick decals look good. Enduro
front bumper and good chrome rear
bumper. Steel wheels painted body color, with
good dog-dish hubcaps and new Comp T/A tires.
Top fits well with clear plastic rear window. Stock
interior shows little wear except on wood shift
knob. Clear gauges and factory AM push-button
radio. Engine bay repainted with engine out.
Matching-numbers engine clean with chipping
around number stamp. Exhaust manifolds have
surface rust. Equipped with power steering and
top. Cond: 2+.
“
Today, Vipers provide a ton of
performance for the money, as evidenced
by the price here. It breaks down to about
$85.56 per horsepower. Call it a win for
the buyer.
1998 Dodge Viper convertible
94 AmericanCarCollector.com
”
NOT SOLD AT $69,000. First year for the Ebody
that removed all its previous commonality
with the Valiant and the economy-car stigma
that went along with it. It’s refreshing to see a
Mopar at auction with its original small block,
given all the 440 and Hemi transplants that frequent
sales. A 4-speed would have been preferable,
but with the top down this would make a
fine cruiser. Too bad the bidding stopped well
short of market here. Seller will likely prove wise
for not dropping the reserve today.
#258-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER 2-dr hard
top. VIN: JH23L0E106674. Red/black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 99,658 miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Stated to have had a professional rotisserie res-
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RM SOTHEBY’S • JUPITER, FL
toration and it shows. Excellent paint over
straight body panels. Exterior chrome and trim
without obvious flaw. Stock Rallye wheels shod
with Firestone Wide Oval tires. Interior restored
and looks unworn, but carpet is a little baggy in
rear area. Sanitary engine bay is all correct, with
transplanted 440 Magnum engine. Undercarriage
cleaner than my dining-room table.
Equipped with a/c, power steering and brakes.
Cond: 1-.
383-ci, 335-hp engine, while the SE package
gave you a vinyl top, smaller rear window and
more luxury inside. Muscle-car collector Alice
Cooper is noted for collecting some of the best
examples, and that provenance, with the current
condition of this car, adds value. This car previously
sold at the Mecum 2018 Kissimmee auction
for $71,500 (ACC #6860072). They took a hit
letting it go here, but that happens. Sold between
a 383 R/T SE and Hemi Challenger, but
more towards the SE price end.
SOLD AT $57,750. The VIN decodes to a 383
car built at the Los Angeles plant. Seemingly no
expense was spared with the restoration, as every
surface and component down to the nuts and
bolts appears as-new. This car was completely
dismantled before painting—all painted surfaces
including trunk, engine bay and undercarriage
are glossy. No mention of any show
participation, but with the engine transplant, this
car would easily be competitive in the Mopar
National Clone class. Maybe that is where the
new owner plans to take it. Well sold.
#407-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T SE
2-dr hard top. VIN: JS29N0E120757. Sublime
Green/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 95,276 miles.
426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Stated to have had a
nut-and-bolt restoration. No apparent flaws to
paint except a few chips under front bumper.
Bumble Bee stripes painted, blackout decal on
hood. Go Wing on trunk. Vinyl top fits well.
Foose wheels with low-profile BFGoodrich tires.
Interior restored to stock and is excellent. Odometer
numbers yellowing, trip numbers are white.
Spotless engine bay with transplanted Hemi engine
detailed nicely. Air cleaner and steering
wheel signed by Alice Cooper, as he once owned
this car. Needs to be collected from Collins, NY.
Cond: 2+.
#111-1998 DODGE VIPER convertible. VIN:
1B3ER65E7WV401237. Viper Red/red hard
top/black leather. Odo: 5,521 miles. 8.0-L fuelinjected
V10, 6-sp. Low mileage claimed actual.
Factory paint shows polishing swirls, orange peel
and a scuff on passenger’s side rocker panel.
Plastic headlight covers clear. Factory alloy
wheels blemish-free with Michelin Pilot tires.
Interior excellent and detailed. Only demerits are
the driver’s side bolster shows slight wear and
the seat bottom is a little baggy. Engine bay
stock, complete and detailed. Offered with no
reserve. Needs to be collected from Auburn, IN.
Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $29,000. Mileage claimed under
12k, but display not shown. Tasteful custom on a
potent Viper-powered SRT-10 Ram pickup. SRT10s
were offered in 2-door and 4-door configurations,
with the few-door variants now
commanding about a $10k premium. Values for
these have been rising of late. Good call by the
seller not to let go of this custom at below
wholesale. It may take some time, but they’ll get
a lot closer to the $50k–$60k estimate another
day.
SOLD AT $38,500. Second-generation Vipers
like this example came with a hard top, electric
windows, a/c and rear-exiting exhaust. Although
they had more creature comforts than the raw
first-gen cars, these were still brutally fast. A
buddy of mine owned a 1998 just like this one,
and we would thrash it around town on weekends.
Today, Vipers provide a ton of performance
for the money, as evidenced by the price here. It
breaks down to about $85.56 per horsepower.
Call it a win for the buyer.
SOLD AT $63,800. The VIN decodes to a real
R/T SE, but this car now has a period-correct
Hemi engine. The R/T Challenger gave you a
#210-2006 DODGE RAM SRT-10 Custom
pickup. VIN: 3D5HA18H16G100319.
Black/black leather. Odo: 12,000 miles. 8.4-L
fuel-injected V10, auto. SRT-10 custom by Foose.
Good paint with polishing swirls and scratches
here and there. Foose logos painted on doors
and sides of bed. Blemish-free, 20-inch Foose
wheels wrapped with new Pirelli Scorpion Zero
tires. Orange Foose disc-brake calipers all
around. Custom leather upholstery with orange
piping and logo embroidered on headrests. Infinity
audio/navigation system in dash. Interior
shows little wear. Trunk bed sprayed with Tuff
Skin and has a hard cover. Engine bay stock but
a little dusty. Cond: 2+.
#353-1955 PACKARD CARIBBEAN
convertible. VIN: 55881269. White
Jade & Zircon & Sapphire/white cloth/white &
blue leather. Odo: 344 miles. 352-ci V8, 2x4-bbl,
auto. Frame-off restoration holding up well.
Paint shows no obvious flaws. Abundant exterior
chrome good. Top down, so can’t see it. Chrome
wire wheels blemish-free with good whitewall
tires. Interior in attractive colors, shows little
wear. Chrome dash and instruments shine like
jewelry. Steering wheel has no cracks. Correct
engine bay detailed well, with factory-appearing
decals. Chips on engine paint. Heater hoses have
modern clamps. Modern budget battery detracts.
Equipped with power windows, seat, top, steering
and brakes. Needs to be collected from West
Palm Beach, FL. Cond: 2+.
AMERICANA
9
SOLD AT $78,100. It was only a few years ago
that good Caribbeans broke six figures. But, like
most other cars of the 1950s, values have since
taken a dive. This example was last seen at RM
Sotheby’s 2016 Hershey, PA, auction, where it
sold for $77,000 (ACC# 6809757). The reporter
then called it a good buy. I can’t say the same
here, as the market has dropped since then and
it sold for more this time. The gain isn’t enough
to offset any fees or anything, but it’s not the
worst feeling to get in and out of the car at
about the same price. A
May–June 2020 95
TOP 10
Page 94
THE PARTS HUNTER
Pat Smith
Vintage Hot Rod Swag
#202870703544 6-71 GMC blower.
Not every old speed part is worth a lot —
but there are diamonds in that rough
8 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay Motors.
Greenup, KY. 1/12/2020.
“6-71 blower supercharger GMC hot rod.
Condition is used. Good condition and must be
converted to street blower. Buyer pays shipping.”
SOLD AT $307.
I can’t call this a deal, as it’s a core needing
complete cleanup and a bearing kit just to start.
The case-reinforcing ribs and mounting tabs
are intact, so it hasn’t been used on a hot rod
yet. Looking at those tips, I’d say you’ll need
new rotors, so add $200 right on top. We can’t
see the inside of the casing, but it may show
deep scratches as well, which could write off
the whole ball of wax. There isn’t a shortage of
good cores, so this one is well sold.
12 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay Motors. Mullica Hill, NJ. 1/19/2020.
“Here is a vintage original Thickstun PM-7 high-rise dual carburetor aluminum intake manifold
#124050873179 Vintage original Ford flathead V8 Thickstun 2x2 high-rise manifold.
that fits Ford flathead V8 engines. This just came out of an old hot-rodder’s parts stash, where it’s
been for decades. This is in good shape for its age. It has never been welded or repaired anywhere
and has never been modified. This will need a quality cleaning up before use to look a lot better than
the photos show.” SOLD AT $685.
Before Edelbrock became a big name, the pre-World War II hop-up market was handled by a
bunch of small firms. Thickstun was one of the bigger companies, based in Los Angeles. Burns, Jack
Henry and Meyer were other brands selling parts as well. Thickstun disappeared after the war and
would have been a footnote in parts history if old-school hot rods hadn’t become so popular. Survivor
finds and retro build-ups have created a demand for reproductions, but originals are desirable. Price
paid for this one is steep for condition. The extra work needed will get you a nice one ready to go.
minum fuel-tank gasser, hot/street rod.
8 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay Motors.
Cape Neddick, ME. 2/4/2020.
“Very good used condition. Will require
#223874511647 Eelco 5-gallon alu-
bomber seats. 12 photos. Item condition:
Used. eBay Motors. Waterman, IL. 2/19/2020.
“Original pair of WWII warbird pilot seats
original or custom mounting saddles/straps.
Fuel outlet will need to be installed/fabricated/
welded to use. Selling as-is as shown.” SOLD
AT $175.
Aluminum fuel tanks are part of the classic
“gasser” look. Moon and Eeelco are the two
biggies in that field. You’ll pay more for an
original tank so this one is quite a deal. I’ve
seen them hit $450. Real, old hot rods often
used beer kegs fabbed up for use in racing, but
that won’t pass a tech inspection now. If you
have to have an older unit with some patina,
this will do the job. If it doesn’t leak, buyer did
fine here.
96 AmericanCarCollector.com
#293445309562 World War II aircraft
removed during restoration. I’ve had these
for 10-plus years and can tell you finding a
pair of matched original bomber pilot seats is
next to impossible. Auction includes foam pads
as shown in second photo and pair of classic
three-inch green military surplus seat belts
that typically would be used with a seat of this
vintage. Seats are aluminum with hand-bucked
solid rivet construction and are being sold as-is
as shown in photos.” SOLD AT $2,500.
Looking at these, the price seems high —
until you get quotes on custom upholstery work
on bench seats from the era. This set comes
with padding and seat belts, which adds to the
retro feel. It’s possible these went into a lakes
hot rod or street roadster. They’re something
you won’t see in every hot rod, and that’s worth
extra money.
Page 95
valve covers 331, 354, 392 3 photos. Item
condition: Used. eBay Motors. Fernley, NV.
2/11/2020.
“Chrysler valve covers. Condition is used. Fits
Used. eBay Motors. Simla, CO. 1/6/2020.
“Barn find. Appears to be from a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr. Columbia 2-speed rear end complete
#333294517590 ’36–39 Columbia 2-speed axle Lincoln Zephyr. 8 photos. Item condition:
sunbaked, but it’s all there. The parts to do a rebuild are still around, and rebuild info is available
from flathead sites. While not cheap, you’re getting two rear ends for the price — and more usability
from your rod and an instant kool vibe among the cats.
with radius arms, enclosed driveshaft and complete hydraulic brake assemblies. Uses wide-five
wheels. Photo shows one wheel still installed, but it has been removed and is not included. Condition
unknown. We’ve tried to turn the drums and driveshaft without success. The internals might be fine or
they may be hopelessly broken.” SOLD AT $1,190.
Two-speed axles are common on early lakes rods, along with Halibrand. This one looks pretty
331, 354, 392. Off a ’57 392 Hemi. Chrysler Fire
Power script. Really good condition.” SOLD AT
$127.50.
The early-generation Hemis are quite popu-
lar hot-rod motors. This set is missing the center
spark-plug hold-downs and boots, but you can
use Toyota spark-plug boots if you’re bucks
down or just want those wires exposed. The
finish is pretty nice and would be perfect for an
aged look or can be repainted for an easy resto.
Buyer did well here — this will likely be among
the cheapest parts on his hot rod. A
#202897843000 Chrysler Hemi
May–June 2020 97
Page 96
JUNKYARD TREASURES by Phil Skinner
Country Classics
Your next car project might be living in Illinois
R
uss Noel, founder of Country Classics in Staunton, IL, fell into the world
of car collecting almost by accident. After buying — and flipping — a
unique 1957 Chevrolet 150 Series Utility Sedan he found, he started
looking for other old cars needing minor repairs. Within a couple of years,
his farmhouse had turned into a used-car lot. Neighbors eventually com-
plained, which Noel said was a blessing in disguise: “It forced me to find a place
where I could conduct business, which led me to my current location.”
While the bulk of Country Classic’s business deals with running and driving
collector cars, there are occasions when Noel will have to buy a group of vehicles
and in the mix are some cars that need more than minor repairs. He adds those
cars to his inventory and offers them to hobbyists as project vehicles or, if needed,
as parts cars, as long as the customer takes the entire vehicle.
Noel keeps a rather interesting stock of vehicles for sale, often more than 600
at any one time. Averaging 50–60 sales a month, and shipping cars all over the
world, he has built a loyal customer base and the stock is always changing, which
is different from, say, your average auto wreckers.
Country Classics maintains a full-time mechanic and can even do light repairs
and restorations.
It’s well worth the time to visit this Illinois treasure. Country Classics is like a
year-round car show, and you never know what you might find in the mix. A
Detailing
What: Country Classics
Where: 2149 E. Frontage Road,
Staunton, IL 62088
Hours:
Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed
Sundays and holidays
Phone: 618-635-7056
Web: www.countryclassiccars.com
Russ and Anita Noel fell into the collector-car
business, and they both have enjoyed dealing with
vintage tin
Looking for some mid-century modern
luxury? How about a 1956 Lincoln
Premiere sedan, which was equipped
with factory air conditioning?
98 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 97
Here is the perfect chance to step
up to a step-down: This 1950
Hudson Pacemaker sedan could
be restored or rat-rodded
May–June 2020 99
Page 98
SHOWCASE GALLERY
Sell Your Car Here! Includes ACC website listing.
Showcase Gallery color photo ad just $66/month
($88 non-subscribers)
Text-Only Classified ad just $15/month
($25 non-subscribers)
Three ways to submit your ad:
Web: Visit americancarcollector.com/classifieds/place-ad to upload your photo
(300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only. Secure online VISA/MC payments.
Email: Send photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only, to classifieds@
americancarcollector.com. We will contact you for payment information.
Snail mail: ACC Showcase, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208-4797,
with VISA/MC or check.
50 words max, subject to editing. Deadline: 1st of each month, one month
prior to publication.
Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their advertisements. The publisher of
American Car Collector Magazine is not responsible for any omissions, erroneous, false
and/or misleading statements of its advertisers.
GM
1947 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood
7-passenger sedan
1958 Pontiac Bonneville convertible
Maroon/black. V8, manual. Only three laps on
new well-built 302. Email for complete spec sheet.
Great value at this price, from my client who has
had and raced Camaros for decades. More details
online. $49,900. Race Car Locators. Contact Rick,
Ph: 509.868.2034, email: ricksminis1@msn.com.
Website: www.RaceCarLocators.com. (WA)
1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 replica 2-dr
hard top
S/N 3423869. Cavern Green/Original Broadcloth.
53,000 miles. V8, automatic. All-original survivor,
CCCA registered, only 930 built in 1947. 346-ci
V8, radio, twin heaters, original paint, excellent
chrome, show winner, always garaged. More
pictures available. $37,500 OBO. Don Kiesbuy
Enterprises. Contact Don, Ph: 509.981.3013, email:
dkiesbuy@gmail.com. (WA)
1953 Buick Skylark convertible
S/N C558H2775. Patina Ivory & Redwood Copper.
Automatic. Absolutely exceptional, rotisserie
frame-off, nut-and bolt restored. An always
completely rust-free original Southern California
car with only very few miles since restoration.
Mostly all original spec matching-numbers 370-ci
Tempest 395, Tri-Power V8 and 3-speed Super
HydraMatric automatic transmission. Faithfully
finished in its original Patina Ivory over Redwood
Copper Metallic (color code VVU) paint and with
an absolutely beautiful all new and original
specification matching colored all leather interior.
$155,000 OBO. West Coast Classics LLC. Contact
Larry, Ph: 424.376.5151, email: wcclassics@aol.
com. Website: www.WestCoastClassics.com. (CA)
1962 Chevrolet C10 pickup
1962 Pontiac Catalina convertible
CORVETTE
1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Fuelie
convertible
S/N 362D7040. Red/white. V8, 4-spd manual. To
be offered at fourth annual Saratoga Motorcar
Auction, September 18–19, 2020, at the Saratoga
Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs,
NY; to consign or register to bid, call or visit
us online. Saratoga Motorcar Auctions. Contact
Bill, Ph: 518.401.5180, email: bill.windham@
saratogaautomuseum.org. Website: www.
saratogaautoauction.org/. (NY)
1967 Chevrolet Camaro racer
Honduras Maroon Metallic/Fawn. 45,378 miles. V8,
4-spd manual. An exceptional, NCRS Top-Flight
two-top convertible with its numbers-matching,
fuel-injected 327 engine. Seven-time NCRS TopFlight
award winner. Tons of photos, additional
information and documentation available online.
$139,999 OBO. Ride Quality Motors. Contact
Austin, Ph: 805.202.4557, email: info@rqmotor.
com. Website: www.1962fuelie.com/. (CA)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300
Split-Window coupe
S/N 30837S108028. Daytona Blue/dark blue. V8,
4-spd manual. Numbers-matching, very original,
iconic one-year-only Split-Window Corvette,
finished in arguably the most desirable color
combination offered. Beautifully maintained
and carefully owned by former exotic-sports-carservice
business owner. Complete with original
manuals and literature, original-style wheels and
original floor mats. See Web link for additional
photos. Contact Pat, Ph: 952.454.6618, email:
pcotter33@gmail.com. Website: www.jaguarguy.
wixsite.com/corvette. (MN)
1964 Chevrolet Corvette 327/365 coupe
S/N 344870E166189. Burnished Gold 58/black.
10,000 miles. V8, 4-spd manual. Engine and body
rebuilt and painted by local professional engine
and body shops. Power windows, locks and trunk,
Tic-Toc-Tach. All Ram Air components on engine.
Red inner wheelwells, Rally 1 wheels. I have all
documents on all work done on car. Can provide
all vendors who restored car. $60,000 OBO. Contact
Jerry, Ph: 262.497.3747, email: mr1970olds@
att.net. (WI)
1984 Chevrolet El Camino IROC-S pickup
S/N 16839256. Cream/white & black. V8, 3-spd
automatic. This is the 50th Anniversary Special Edition
of Buick—only 1,650 of this model were ever
built, and there are only a few in this condition
still in existence. To be offered at fourth annual
Saratoga Motorcar Auction, September 18–19,
2020, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in
Saratoga Springs, NY; to consign or register to bid,
call or visit us online. Saratoga Motorcar Auctons.
Contact Bill, Ph: 518.401.5180, email: bill.windham@saratogaautomuseum.org.
Website: www.
saratogaautoauction.org/. (NY)
S/N 2C1440107928. Silver/white. 0 miles.
automatic. Exceptional Pro-Street example. Frameoff
restored C10 Fleetside custom short-bed pickup,
which is an original C10 Custom Cab big-window
short bed which has been restored and customized
with no expense spared. Brand-new crate motor;
built 350/310-hp V8 with 375 ft-lb of torque
mated to a 700R4 automatic transmission with
overdrive. Four-wheel disc brakes, power windows,
custom Vintage Air system molded into dashboard
with custom gauges and tilt column, AM/FM/CD
stereo and custom seats. $42,500 OBO. West Coast
Classics LLC. Contact Larry, Ph: 310.779.0526,
email: wcclassics@aol.com. Website: www.
WestCoastClassics.com. (CA)
100 AmericanCarCollector.com
S/N 40837S108800. Silver Blue/blue. 72,272
miles. V8, 4-spd manual. Beautifully restored and
seemingly accident-free very rare Sting Ray coupe
with its original matching-numbers L76 327/365hp
V8 engine and finished in its original and quite
stunning Silver Blue factory color paint with its
original correct blue (code-STD) vinyl trim interior
and added factory options: 327/365-hp L76 V8
engine ($107), 4-speed Muncie close-ratio manual
transmission ($188), four-seasons air conditioning
($421), push-button AM/FM radio ($176),
Positraction axle 370R ($43), transistor ignition
EQ ($75), vacuum power brakes ($43), tinted
glass ($16) and back-up lamps ($10). $74,500
OBO. West Coast Classics LLC. Contact Simon, Ph:
310.779.0526, email: wcclassics@aol.com. (CA)
S/N 1GCCW80H1ER210934. White & blue & red/
maroon. V8, automatic. The El Camino IROC-S
series was a limited custom offering that produced
approximately 15 vehicles characterizing an
IROC Pace Truck. To be offered at fourth annual
Saratoga Motorcar Auction, September 18–19,
2020, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in
Saratoga Springs, NY; to consign or register to bid,
call or visit us online. Saratoga Motorcar Auctions.
Contact Bill, Ph: 518.401.5180, email: bill.
windham@saratogaautomuseum.org. Website:
www.saratogaautoauction.org/. (NY)
1965 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
Glen Green/green. 33,500 miles. 4-spd manual.
Stunning example of a Top Flight awarded car,
having a body-off nut-and-bolt restoration to
a highly detailed standard. Correct code Glen
Green/green with matching-numbers drivetrain;
Page 99
optioned with the base 327, 4-speed, PS, factory
a/c, Teakwood wheel and AM/FM radio. Beautiful
paint over a laser-straight body with excellent
panel gaps and a spotless interior. Original steelies
with caps and Goldline tires for show, along with
polished Torque Thrusts wrapped with modern
radials for go. Docs and 100 photos available.
$69,500. Contact William, Ph: 609.790.1526,
email: classiccarcritic@yahoo.com. Website:
www.flickr.com/photos/99107519@N02/
albums/72157693256242851. (NJ)
1967 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
superb collectible. A non-abused example of one of
the outstanding designs of the early-1940s pre-war
Art Deco period! Luxury at its finest. Reportedly
only 725 of these ‘41 Zephyr V12 convertibles were
built, with only 14 still known to exist, according
to the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club. $65,500
OBO. West Coast Classics LLC. Contact Larry,
Ph: 424.376.5151, email: wcclassics@aol.com.
Website: www.WestCoastClassics.com. (CA)
1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible
S/N 194377S118846. Marlboro Maroon/Black.
44,875 miles. 4-spd manual. 1967 L71 coupe.
Four-speed, Marlboro Maroon with black interior.
Matching numbers and correctly dated driveline
and components. 44,875 original miles with 1,000
miles on rebuilt engine built to factory specs. Tank
sticker, POP plate, window sticker and NCRS dealer
delivery report. Body-off restoration. Original
headrest seats. Additional information and photos
available for serious inquiries. $125,000 OBO.
Contact Richard, Ph: 413-552-8078, email:
rplumb409@msn.com. (MA)
FOMOCO
1941 Lincoln Zephyr convertible
S/N D7FH10789. Starmist Blue/blue. 25,802
miles. V8, automatic. Beautifully restored, great
daily-driving and completely rust-free example. In
its original Starmist Blue factory color paint with
a matching blue soft top, and loaded with factory
specifications and desirable options including
Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission ($212), Swift
Sure power brakes ($38), Master Guide power
steering ($69), power windows ($70), engine dress
kit, Magic Air heater and defroster ($85), original
Town & Country radio ($100), electric clock ($15),
full wheel covers, whitewall tires ($30), rear
fender skirts, dual exhausts, safety belts and its
original 312/245-hp D-code V8 engine. $42,500
OBO. West Coast Classics LLC. Contact Larry,
Ph: 424.376.5151, email: wcclassics@aol.com.
Website: www.WestCoastClassics.com. (CA)1
1965 Shelby Cobra replica roadster
S/N H126488. Zephyr Blue/red leather. 96,254
miles. automatic. This is a rare opportunity to
own a beautifully restored and and never abused
example of an obviously always garaged and
rust-free Zephyr V12 convertible. A car ready to
show today, very rare, highly desirable and a
S/N F73A6782331. Shelby Blue/black. 2 miles.
V8, 4-spd manual. An absolutely stunning and
S/N 0F02Z133517. Grabber Blue/black. 28,103
miles. V8, 4-spd manual. Hemmings Concours
d’Elegance winner. To be offered at fourth annual
Saratoga Motorcar Auction, September 18–19,
2020, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in
Saratoga Springs, NY; to consign or register to bid,
call or visit online. Saratoga Motorcar Auctions.
Contact Bill, Ph: 518.401.5180, email: bill.
windham@saratogaautomuseum.org. Website:
www.saratogaautoauction.org. (NY)
S/N 9F02R129507. Indian Red Metallic/black.
67,580 miles. automatic. An exceptional example
of this very rare and highly factory optioned
Mach 1 with R-code 428 CJ engine. Deluxe Marti
Report and factory added options: 428/335-hp CJ
Ram Air 4V V8 engine ($357.46), C-6 Select Shift
Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission ($222.08),
power steering ($94.95), power front disc brakes
($64.77), Stereosonic tape system ($133.84),
tinted glass ($32.44), 3.50 conventional rear axle,
Visibility Group ($11.16). $62,500 OBO. West Coast
Classics LLC. Contact Larry, Ph: 424.376.5151,
email: wcclassics@aol.com. (CA)
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback
S/N M554101249. Ivory White/red. 78,400 miles.
An exceptionally straight, rust-free and great
daily-driving survivor. Very rare and original
California car since new. Mopar big-fin car with
413-ci/350-hp V8. Original and highly desirable
and legendary high-performance 413-ci/350-hp
V8 MR Golden Lion Wedge-type engine with the
4-bbl Carter carburetor. Fully loaded with factory
options including the very desirable power sixway
swivel-seat option, push-button TorqueFlite
transmission, power steering, power brakes, dual
exhaust, original AM radio, custom heater, power
windows, cruise control and tinted glass. Survivors
from this era are rare. $47,500 OBO. West Coast
Classics LLC. Contact Larry, Ph: 424.376.5151,
email: wcclassics@aol.com. (CA)
1968 Dodge Coronet 440 2-dr hard top
exceptional example. 1965-titled Factory 5 Shelby
Cobra replica 302-ci V8 in Shelby Blue with
white sports stripes and black interior. $44,500
OBO. West Coast Classics LLC. Contact Larry, Ph:
424.376.5151, email: wcclassics@aol.com. (CA)
969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 CJ Sportsroof
MOPAR
1959 Chrysler New Yorker 2-dr hard top
S/N WH23F8G173967. Sunflower Yellow/white.
59,000 miles. V8, 3-spd automatic. 318-ci, 2-barrel
with dual exhaust, ps, pb, white vinyl top, splitbench
seat, a/c, heat and defrost, tinted glass,
bumper guards, drip rail and rocker moldings,
styled road wheels, Cooper radial 15-inch tires,
broadcast sheet, low original miles and recent
repaint. $29,000 OBO. Contact Richard L, Ph:
513.678.1274, email: ls3_camaro@yahoo.com.
(OH)A
ADVERTISERS INDEX
Camaro Central ........................................35
CarTech Inc .................................................4
Chevs of the 40’s .......................................85
Classic Auto Mall .....................................107
Country Classic Cars, LLC ..........................97
Custom Autosound Mfg., Inc .....................81
Grundy Insurance .....................................17
Hagerty Insurance Agency Inc. .................25
JC Taylor ...................................................63
JJ Best Banc & Co .....................................65
JJ Rods ......................................................67
Larry’s Thunderbird and Mustang Parts ....2
Law Offices of Bruce Shaw ........................37
Leake Auction Company .............................3
Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ..........................71
McCollister’s Auto Transport .....................08
Michael Irvine Studios ..............................13
National Corvette Museum .......................97
National Corvette Restorers Society ..........99
National Parts Depot ................................11
New England Auto Auction .........................5
Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts Inc. ............79
Original Parts Group ..................................5
Paragon Corvette Reproductions ..............31
Passport Transport ...................................19
POR-15 .....................................................23
Ronald McDonald House ..........................89
St Bernard Church ....................................81
Steve’s Auto Restorations Inc....................43
Streetside Classics .......................................9
Summit Racing Equipment .......................21
West Coast Classics LLC .............................79
Zip Products, Inc. ......................................45
zMAX .........................................................71
May–June 2020 101
Page 100
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Advertising/Marketing
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877-219-2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
Motorwerks Marketing.
1-833-4-MWERKS. Founded on
a passion for the special interest,
classic and collector automotive
marketplace, Motorwerks is a
full-service marketing and creative
agency. With a focus on crafting a
high impact, highly effective, budget-
and time-sensitive message,
Motorwerks brings a level of industry
expertise that is tailor made to
meet your brand’s objectives. We
only service clients in the Specialty
Automotive arena and like you, our
team are first and foremost true
automotive enthusiasts. Ask us
what we can do for you!
Info@MotorwerksMarketing.com
www.MotorwerksMarketing.com
(AZ)
Auction Companies
Barrett-Jackson Auction. 480421-6694.
480-421-6697. For over
four decades, the Barrett-Jackson
Auction Company has been
recognized throughout the world
for offering only the finest selection
of quality collector vehicles, outstanding
professional service and
an unrivaled sales success. From
classic and one-of-a-kind cars to
exotics and muscle cars, BarrettJackson
attracts only the best. Our
auctions have captured the true
essence of a passionate obsession
with cars that extends to collectors
and enthusiasts throughout
the world. A television audience
of millions watches unique and
select vehicles while attendees
enjoy a lifestyle experience featuring
fine art, fashion and gourmet
cuisine. In every way, the legend
is unsurpassed. N. Scottsdale Rd,
Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
info@barrett-jackson.com.
www.barrett-jackson.com (AZ)
Bonhams is the largest auction
house to hold scheduled sales
of classic and vintage motorcars,
102 AmericanCarCollector.com
motorcycles and car memorabilia,
with auctions held globally in
conjunction with internationally
renowned motoring events.
Bonhams holds the world-record
price for any motorcar sold at auction,
as well as for many premier
marques.
San Francisco: 415-391-4000
New York: 212-644-9001
Los Angeles: 323-850-7500
London: +44 20 7447-7447
Paris: +33 1 42 61 10 10
www.bonhams.com/motors
on several episodes of three
different reality TV series — “Fast
N Loud” on Discovery, “Dallas Car
Sharks” on Velocity and “The Car
Chasers” on CNBC Prime.
www.leakecar.com. (OK)
GAA Classic Cars Auction,
Greensboro, NC. 1.855.862.2257.
A classic, muscle and unique vehicle
auction experience. Offering
650-plus vehicles three times per
year: spring, summer and fall. All
presented in a climate-controlled,
enclosed, permanent, dedicated
facility affectionately called “The
Palace”. GAA Classic Cars brings
you a customer-oriented team
full of southern hospitality, a floor
team with many years of classic
auction experience and a selection
of vehicles that continues
to evolve and grow with each
sale. www.gaaclassiccars.com,
1.855.862.2257 (NC)
Lucky Collector Car Auctions.
888-672-0020. Lucky Collector
Car Auctions is aptly named after
Harold “Lucky” Lemay. Based in
the majestic, pastoral ground of
Marymount, home to the Lemay
Family Collection Foundation
near Tacoma, WA, the collection,
formerly the biggest in the world
according to Guinness, now hosts
an unrivaled event center, art collection
and charitable foundation,
which features two exceptional
collector car auctions a year.
www.luckyoldcar.com (WA)
Petersen Auction Group of
Oregon. 541-689-6824. Hosting
car auctions in Oregon since 1962.
We have three annual Auctions:
February—Oregon State
Fairgrounds, Salem, OR; July—
Douglas County Fairgrounds,
Roseburg, OR; September—
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem,
OR. On the I-5 corridor. We offer
knowledgeable, fast, friendly “hassle-free”
transactions. Oregon’s #1
Collector Car Auction. www.petersencollectorcars.com
(OR)
Gooding & Company. 310-8991960.
310.899.0930. Gooding &
Company offers its international
clientele the rarest, award-winning
examples of collector vehicles
at the most prestigious auction
venues. Our team of well-qualified
experts will advise you on current
market values. Gooding &
Company presents the official
auction of the famed Pebble
Beach Concours d’Elegance
in August, the record-setting
Scottsdale Auction in January and
a world-class auction at the Omni
Amelia Island Plantation in Florida
in March.
www.goodingco.com (CA)
Leake Auctions. 800-722-9942.
Leake Auction Company was
established in 1972 as one of the
first car auctions in the country.
More than 40 years later, Leake
has sold over 34,000 cars and
currently operates auctions in
Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Recently they have been featured
594-4418. Presented by the Owls
Head Transportation Museum, the
New England Auto Auction™ is
the nation’s largest and longestrunning
event in its class that
operates solely to preserve the
legacy of transportation’s earliest
pioneers. Over more than four
decades, NEAA™ has continuously
raised the bar by connecting
discerning enthusiasts and collectors
with rare and sought-after
automobiles.
Web: www.owlshead.org
Email: auction@ohtm.org
New England Auto Auction. 207-
Premier Auction Group.
844-5WE-SELL. The auction professionals
that have been taking
care of you for the last two decades
have partnered together to
create a team that is dedicated to
providing the utmost customer
service and auction experience.
We applied our 83 years of auction
experience to build a platform
ensuring that every aspect of our
company exceeds your expectations.
Join us for the Gulf Coast
Classic March 17 & 18, in Punta
Gorda, FL.
844-5WE-SELL / 844-593-7355
www.premierauctiongroup.com
info@premierauctiongroup.com
Raleigh Classic Car Auctions.
919-269-5271
Palm Springs Auctions Inc.
Keith McCormick. 760-320-3290.
Family owned and operated for
28 years. Producing two large
classic car auctions per year in
Palm Springs, CA. Each auction
features over 500 cars. Held in
November and February every
year. www.classic-carauction.com
BUY — SELL — SPECTATE
We are proud to offer some of
the most desirable, low mileage,
original and collectible vintage
automobiles nationwide. Offering
300-plus vehicles twice each
year in June and December — all
within modern, well ventilated,
temperature controlled and very
comfortable facilities. The Raleigh
Classic Car Auctions offers
honesty and unmatched customer
service for everyone involved to
make the buying or selling process
fun and stress-free.
WWW.RALEIGHCLASSIC.COM
INFO@RALEIGHCLASSIC.COM
Page 101
David Young 619.515.2220,
sales@pmautos.com,
www.pmautos.com (CA)
RM Sotheby’s, Inc. 800-2114371.
RM Sotheby’s is the world’s
largest collector car auction house
for investment-quality automobiles.
With 35 years’ experience, RM
Sotheby’s vertically integrated
range of services, from restoration
to private-treaty sales and
auctions, coupled with an expert
team of car specialists and an
international footprint, provide an
unsurpassed level of service to the
global collector car market.
www.RMSothebys.com (CAN)
Worldwide Auctioneers. 866273-6394.
Established by John
Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The
Worldwide Group—Auctioneers,
Appraisers and Brokers—is one
of the world’s premier auction
houses, specializing in the
procurement and sale of the
world’s finest automobiles
and vintage watercraft. www.
worldwide-auctioneers.com (IN)
Buy/Sell/General
Russo and Steele Collector
Automobiles. 602-252-2697.
Specializing in the finest American
muscle, hot rods and custom
automobiles and European sports;
Russo and Steele hosts three
record-breaking auctions per year;
Newport Beach in June; Monterey,
CA, every August; and Scottsdale,
AZ, every January. As one of
the premier auction events in the
United States, Russo and Steele
has developed a reputation for its
superior customer service and for
having the most experienced and
informed experts in the industry.
Fax: 602.252.6260.
7722 East Gray Road, Suite C
Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
info@russoandsteele.com,
www.russoandsteele.com (AZ)
California Car Cover Company.
800-423-5525. More than just
custom-fit car covers, California
Car Cover is the home of complete
car care and automotive lifestyle
products. Offering the best in car
accessories, garage items, detailing
products, nostalgic collectibles,
apparel and more! Call 1-800-4235525
or visit Calcarcover.com for a
free catalog.
Copley Motorcars. 781-444-4646.
Copley Motorcars has been
trading in sports and classics for
over 20 years out of its suburban
Boston showroom, specializing
in vintage Ferrari, MercedesBenz,
Porsche and Land Rover
Defender. And now a second
showroom — CopleyWest — has
opened in Newport Beach, CA.
www.copleymotorcars.com
copleycars@gmail.com (MA)
www.copleywest.com
pat@copleywest.com (CA)
Saratoga Motorcar Auctions.
Located in Saratoga Springs,
NY, the fourth annual Saratoga
Motorcar Auctions returns
September 18 & 19, 2020.
Proceeds help to fund the educational
programs of the Saratoga
Automobile Museum.
To consign a vehicle, register to
bid, or to learn more about the
Saratoga Motorcar Auctions, visit
www.saratogamotorcarauction.org
Precious Metals: Fine Motorcars
of San Diego. 619-515-2220.
We are one of the Premier Classic
Exotic Dealerships in Southern
California since 2004. Owned by
Dr. Perry and Judith Mansfield,
we buy, sell, consign and provide
auction management. American
Classics, Vintage European,
Modern Performance. Help with
exhibiting client vehicles at car
shows. Our showroom hosts
private events, art shows and
club meetings. Precious Metals
is passionate about making your
car experience first class. Contact
West Coast Classics. 424376-5151.
West Coast Classics
are internationally renowned
California Classic Car Dealers who
specialize in buying and selling
of rare and classic European and
American classic cars. Southern
California location at 1205 Bow
Avenue in Torrance. We ship
throughout the world and will provide
you with unparalleled service
of your rare, sports, exotic, luxury,
collector or classic car needs.
www.WestCoastClassics.com
info@WestCoastClassics.com
(CA)
Classic Car Transport
Passport Transport. 800-7360575.
Since our founding in 1970,
we have shipped thousands of
treasured vehicles door-to-door
with our fully enclosed auto transporters.
Whether your prized possession
is your daily driver, a
vintage race car, a classic, a ’60s
muscle car or a modern exotic,
you can depend on Passport
Transport to give you the premium
service it deserves. We share your
appreciation for fine automobiles,
and it shows.
www.PassportTransport.com
Intercity Lines Inc. 800-221-3936.
Gripping the wheel of your dream
car and starting the engine for the
first time is a high point for any
enthusiast. We are the premier
enclosed auto transport company
that will ensure your car arrives
safely for that experience. For over
35 years our standards for excellence
have clients returning time
and time again. Trust the Best.
Trust Intercity Lines.
www.Intercitylines.com
McCollister’s Auto Transport.
800-748-3160.
Reliable Carriers Inc. 800-5216393.
As the country’s largest
enclosed-auto transport company,
Reliable Carriers faithfully serves
all 48 contiguous United States
and Canada. Whether you’ve entered
a concours event, need a
relocation, are attending a corporate
event or shipping the car of
your dreams from one location to
another, one American transportation
company does it all.
www.reliablecarriers.com
Collection Management
We have transported thousands of
collector vehicles over the past 35
years all across the United States,
whether they are moving an
exotic, street rod, vintage racer or
muscle car. With our experienced
drivers trained to ensure the finest
protection and our customized,
lift-gated, air-ride trailers, we make
sure your vehicle safely arrives
on time. www.McCollisters.com/
AutoTransport
Blackhawk Collection, Inc. 925
736-3444. One of the world’s foremost
companies specializing in
buying and selling classic cars for
clients around the globe for over
45 years. Over the years, many of
the greatest cars in the world have
passed through the doors of the
Blackhawk Collection. Visit our
website at www.blackhawkcollection.com
FOLLOW
ACC
May–June 2020 103
Page 102
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
Paragon Corvette
Reproductions. 800-882-4688. At
Paragon, you’ll receive the finest
quality of 1953–96 Corvette parts
and experience in the industry.
Our catalogs and website are filled
with hundreds of helpful schematics,
photos and tech-tips. Our
Vintage Department has a treasure
chest of NOS and used parts.
Look up our Stick With Us
Discount Program and our firstonline-order
savings. Call us or
visit www.paragoncorvette.com
to order today. (MI)
Volunteer Vette Products. 865521-9100.
1953–2013 Corvette
Parts and Accessories. Supplying
Corvette restoration parts and
accessories for 30 years. Visit our
website at
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877-219-2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
United States, The La Jolla
Concours d’Elegance continues to
attract discerning car enthusiasts
from around the globe. La Jolla
California is excited for the new
September dates and is proud to
welcome the La Jolla Concours
d’Elegance presented by LPL
Financial and Pacific Sotheby’s
International Realty back to
the jewel of the West Coast on
Saturday September 19th, and
Sunday September 20th, 2020
to celebrate its 16th year of
automotive excellence. Register
and purchase tickets at lajollaconcours.com
jjbest.com or call 1-800-USA-1965
and get a loan approval in as little
as 5 minutes!
Grundy Insurance. 888-6478639.
James A. Grundy invented
Agreed Value Insurance in 1947;
no one knows more about insuring
collector cars than Grundy! With
no mileage limitations, zero deductible*,
low rates, and high liability
limits, our coverages are
specifically designed for collector
car owners. Grundy can also insure
your daily drivers, pickup
trucks, trailers, motorhomes and
more — all on one policy and all at
their Agreed Value.
www.grundy.com (PA)
www.volvette.com and take advantage
of the Free Shipping offer
on orders over $199.00. You can
also speak with us directly by calling
865-521-9100. New parts are
added daily, so if you can’t find it,
give us a call. (TN)
The Quail, A Motorsports
Gathering. 831-620-8879.
A prominent component of
Monterey Car Week, The Quail
is a world-renowned motorsports
event featuring one of the world’s
finest and rarest collections of
vintage automobiles and motorcycles.
The Quail maintains its
intimacy and exclusivity by limiting
admission through lottery ticket
allocations. Admission is inclusive
of six gourmet culinary pavilions,
caviar, oysters, fine wines,
specialty cocktails, champagne,
and more. Web: signatureevents.
peninsula.com. (CA)
Zip Products. 800-962-9632. Zip
customers know that the voice on
the other end of the phone is a
true enthusiast. Someone who, in
minutes, can hold in their hands
any item in stock. Further, someone
with knowledge of, experience
with, and genuine affection for, the
car we hold so dear: Corvette.
www.zip-corvette.com (VA)
Events—Concours,
Car Shows
Insurance
American Collectors Insurance.
1-866-887-8354. The nation’s
leading provider of specialty insurance
for collectors. We offer affordable,
agreed-value coverage
for all years, makes, and models
of collector vehicles. Since 1976,
we have provided superior service
and broad, flexible coverage.
Experience our quick quoting and
application process, as well as our
“Real Person” Guarantee every
time you call. Email: Info@
AmericanCollectors.com
www.AmericanCollectors.com (NJ)
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance.
619.233.5008. Earning the
reputation as one of the finest
internationally renowned classic
automobile showcases in the
104 AmericanCarCollector.com
J.C. Taylor Insurance. 800-3458290.
Antique, classic, muscle or
modified — J.C. Taylor Insurance
has provided dependable, dynamic,
affordable protection for
your collector vehicle for over 50
years. Agreed Value Coverage in
the continental U.S., and Alaska.
Drive Through Time With Peace of
Mind with J.C. Taylor Insurance.
Get a FREE instant quote online at
www.JCTaylor.com (PA)
Leasing-Finance
Hagerty. 800-922-4050 is not just
the world’s largest provider of specialty
insurance for enthusiast
vehicles: they are all-in on the
automotive lifestyle dedicated to
the love of driving. Hagerty is
home to Hagerty Drivers Club,
DriveShare, Car Values, Hagerty
magazine and MotorsportReg.
Hagerty also helps keep the car
culture alive for future generations
through youth programs, support
for Historic Vehicle Association
and the RPM Foundation. For
more information, call or visit www.
hagerty.com (MI)
Premier Financial Services. 877973-7700.
As a serious sports car
enthusiast, you’re always seeking
a better driving experience. Your
high standards should also apply
to car financing. Since 1997,
Premier Financial Services has
been recognized by countless
owners for our integrity, deep understanding
of the sports car market,
high level of customer service
and ability to tailor flexible leasing
solutions. If you’ve never considered
leasing, let us explain how it
could be your best financing alternative.
If you’ve leased from others
in the past, let us show you
how we’re different. Either way,
you’ll benefit from starting or ending
your search for a better financing
experience by contacting us at
877-973-7700. Learn more at
www.premierfinancialservices.com
(CT)
Putnam Leasing. 866-90-LEASE.
For over 25 years, Putnam
Leasing has been the leader in
exotic, luxury, and collector car
leasing. This honor comes from
Putnam’s unique ability to match
the car of your dreams with a
lease designed just for you. Every
Putnam Lease is written to provide
maximum flexibility while conserving
capital, lowering monthly
payments, and maximizing tax
advantages. It’s Putnam’s way of
letting you drive more car for less
money. For leases ranging from
$50,000 to more than $1 million,
with terms extending up to 84
months, visit www.putnamleasing.
com or call 1-866-90-LEASE. (CT)
Legal
J.J. BEST BANK & CO. provides
low-rate and long-term financing
on classic cars ranging from 1900
to today. Visit our website at www.
Law Offices of Bruce Shaw.
215.657.2377 Collector Car Fraud
Specialists, www.shawlaws.com.
A motorhead law firm with real
practical knowledge and experience
in the Collector Car Field.
Experience: Chain of speed
shops, Body Shops, Car
Dealerships, former NCRS judge
as well as licensed attorneys.
Estate planning and divorce settlements
concerning Collector Cars.
50 State Representation.
Page 103
Museums
LeMay Family Collection
Foundation. LeMay Family
Collection Foundation at
Marymount Events Center near
Tacoma, WA, hosts an epic backdrop
for your next event. Home to
500 fabulous collector cars, worldclass
art exhibits, and assorted
ephemera, consider your next
event here. Weddings, swapmeets,
conventions, auctions. The
facility can likely exceed your expectations.
Visit during the 37th
annual open house along with
13,000 other enthusiasts. 253-2722336
www.lemaymarymount.org (WA)
National Corvette Museum. 80053-VETTE.
The National Corvette
Museum in Bowling Green, KY,
was established as a 501(c)3 notfor-profit
foundation with a mission
of celebrating the invention of the
Corvette and preserving its past,
present and future.
www.corvettemuseum.com (KY)
Parts—General
broadest line of high-quality parts
for the best prices. We have painstakingly
reproduced over 1,000
different parts for our 1955–1966
Ford Thunderbird, 1965–1973
Ford Mustang and 1954–1957
Ford Passenger Car product lines
and are never satisfied with less
than the best workmanship. Learn
more now at www.larrystbird.com
or call us at 800-854-0393.
MetroVac. MetroVac’s car vacs
and car dryers are the top choice
of professional detailers and passionate
car enthusiasts worldwide,
like Wayne Carini. Our products
are proudly made by American
workers using only U.S. steel.
These powerful machines are built
to be virtually indestructible and
last decades. MetroVac products
are the classic way to care for
classic cars.
www.metrovac.com
QuickSilver Exhaust Systems.
011 44-1428-687722. Our customers
are sophisticated enthusiasts
who choose our exhaust systems
for various reasons — originality,
durability, weight reduction and
enhanced sound. We’re the
default choice for many of the most
important classics. Originality is
important, but there’s no reason
why subtle improvements cannot be
introduced. QuickSilver use superior
materials and modern manufacturing
techniques unavailable when the
cars were new. http://quicksilverexhausts.myshopify.com
Restoration—General
National Parts Depot
800-874-7595. We stock huge
inventories of concours-correct
restoration parts for;
1965-73 and 1979-93 Mustang
1967-81 Camaro and Firebird
1964-72 GTO, Tempest and
LeMans
Custom Autosound
Manufacturing. 800-888-8637.
Since 1977 providing audio solutions
for classic cars, trucks and
street rods. Covering over 400
applications, our radios and speakers
fit the original locations without
modifications. Keep the classic
look of your vehicle while enjoying
state-of-the-art audio. Check out
all of our products at
www.customautosoundmfg.com
(CA)
Larry’s Thunderbird and
Mustang Parts. From our first
beginnings in 1969, Larry’s has
always strived to provide the
Original Parts Group Inc. 800243-8355.
At Original Parts Group,
we are proud to be the largest USA
supplier of in-stock restoration parts
for your classic GM A, B, C, E and
G-body vehicle, including newly
released Cadillac CTS, ATS, STS,
Escalade, EXT and XLR. 100%
privately owned to serve you better,
since 1982. We are devoted to quality
parts and customer service. Visit
OPGI.com today or call today to
order your free parts catalog. (CA)
Classic Garage Automobile
Restoration. 208-755-3334.
Classic Garage is a full service,
classic car shop offering full-restoration
and partial-restoration work,
including custom builds. Our specialty
is high-end, show-quality
body and paint work. We work with
many reputable shops around the
country that send us their projects
for bodywork and paint. We also
offer classic car collection management,
storage, consulting and
classic car valuations.
www.classicgaragellc.com (ID)
1964-87 Chevelle, Malibu and El
Camino
1948-96 F-Series Ford Truck
1947-98 C/K 1/2 ton Chevy Truck
1966-96 Bronco
1955-57 Thunderbird
1967-73 Cougar
www.nationalpartsdepot.com
Cosmopolitan Motors LLC. 206467-6531.
Experts in worldwide
acquisition, collection management,
disposition and appraisal.
For more than a quarter century,
Cosmopolitan Motors has lived by
its motto, “We covet the rare and
unusual, whether pedigreed or
proletarian.” Absurdly eclectic and
proud of it. Find your treasure
here, or pass it along to the next
generation. www.cosmopolitanmotors.com
(WA)
Hahn Auto Restoration. 724-4524329.
We take pride in offering
concours-level collector car restoration,
recommissioning, custom
builds and repair services. With
our experienced staff and cuttingedge
technology, we can restore
your car back to its original beauty
and help it perform better than
when it was first driven off the lot!
We understand how much your
classic car means to you and we
will treat your restoration or repair
with the quality care and respect it
deserves, getting the job done
right the first time. We believe that
a restoration should last a lifetime
and beyond, so we strive to provide
our clients with quality restoration
services that will last for
generations.
www.hahnautorestoration.com
Manns Restoration. 636-9337008.
Since the 1930s, four generations
of the Manns family have been
reviving priceless family heirlooms
to be treasured by future generations.
Honesty and good work have
brought recognition and numerous
world class awards from across the
country. The unifying characteristic
of each project is the quest for
perfection. No matter what level of
restoration your project calls for, we
will always strive for Best in Show.
We offer a variety of services including
Metal Fabrication, Paint, Body,
Mechanical, Wood, Upholstery and
Interiors, and Electrical. mannsrestoration.com
(MO)
Pollock Auto Restoration. 610323-7108.
Experienced with BrassEra,
Pre-War, Post-War American
and European Classic Cars since
1955. Pollock Auto Restoration
performs virtually all restoration
services in-house. Our metalworking
and woodworking equipment
allows our skilled staff to re-create
any type of coachwork, which we
refinish in our state-of-the-art paint
spray booth. We have a large upholstery
department stocking many
years worth of materials. All chassis
and engine repairs are performed
by trained and talented technicians
and craftspeople. info@pollockauto.
com www.pollockauto.com (PA)
RM Auto Restoration. 519-3524575.
RM Auto Restoration is North
America’s leading classic car restoration
facility. Whether it’s a complete
“body-off” restoration, a partial
restoration, or a cosmetic upgrade,
our dedicated team of restoration
perfectionists provides an unwavering
commitment to deliver flawless
work, and to the highest cosmetic
presentation, every time.
www.rmautorestoration.com A
May–June 2020 105
Page 104
A Silver-Medal Price for the Gold
SURFING AROUND
Carl Bomstead
CARL’S THOUGHT: It was 40 years ago that the “Miracle on Ice” took place at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Games.
There, the U.S. amateur college kids beat Russia and Finland, the two most powerful hockey teams on the planet, for the
gold medal. Coach Herb Brooks gave an inspirational speech at the end of the second period, when they were behind 2-1,
which spurred them on to victory.
Goldin Auctions, at their February Winter Catalog sale, sold center Steve Christoff’s medal for $319,000, which was
less than expected, as it had previously changed hands in 2006 for $540,000.
Here are a few more items I found from the various auctions of the extensive John Child Collection that are not as
expensive as a gold medal, but they’re not as cool, either:
MATTHEWS AUCTIONS LOT 23—AUTOMOBILE CLUB
OF AMERICA WATCH FOB. SOLD AT: $390. Date sold:
2/5/2020. The Automobile Club of America was founded in
1899 in New York and operated in the area until the mid1960s.
Their signs and hood ornaments are colorful and very
collectible. This watch fob is seldom seen and was in excellent
condition, with the eagle as part of the logo. Rather pricey,
but go find another.
MATTHEWS AUCTIONS LOT 117—FIRESTONE TIRES
CELLULOID WATCH FOB. SOLD AT: $180. Date sold:
1/29/2020. This attractive fob had the Firestone logo on the
front and stated on the reverse that it was from the 1912
Most Miles Per Dollar outing. It had some slight crazing
on the edges but overall was in very acceptable condition.
Another that was not as nice and was lacking the strap sold
for $118 in the same auction. I think this was a better buy
considering the condition.
MILESTONE AUCTIONS LOT 116—FLYING A ETHYL
GASOLINE PUMP PLATE. Estimate: $800–$1,400. SOLD AT:
$1,980. Date sold: 2/15/2020. This colorful porcelain plate
was used on gas pumps to identify the product. This one measured
10 inches square and was in very acceptable condition,
with only minor edge wear. Any number of different ones were
used in the era, and prices are all over the board. Condition is
key, and the more unusual brands usually bring more money.
This one sold at a slight premium.
MATTHEWS AUCTIONS LOT 121—SHELL
POCKET WATCH WITH FOB IN THE PRESENTATION
BOX. SOLD AT: $570. Date sold: 3/11/2020.
The complete Shell watch and fob are rarely offered
with the box. The back of the Girard-Perregaux
10-jewel watch was clear glass so you could see how
a drop or two of Shell Oil would keep the watch
lubricated. This was offered in the 1940s, so to find
one with the presentation box is a treat. Price paid
was most reasonable.
106 AmericanCarCollector.com
MATTHEWS AUCTIONS LOT 523—KILGORE 1930s
TAKE-APART CAST-IRON TOY WRECKER TOW TRUCK.
Estimate: $300–$400.
SOLD AT: $2,400.
Date sold: 2/5/2020.
This multicolored 5½inch
cast-iron toy was in
exceptional condition,
with very nice paint and
no cracks noted. A bit
pricey, but a Kilgore
dump truck sold for the same amount, so this must be the
going rate.
MATTHEWS AUCTIONS LOT
185—LEE TIRES VERTICLE TIN
SIGN. Estimate: $800–$1,600. SOLD
AT: $1,680. Date sold: 2/5/2010. This
attractive, colorful tin sign showed
minor signs of wear, with a slight dent
near the bottom. It was mounted on a
wood frame and was about six feet tall.
Will be a cool addition to any car barn
or display. Price paid was a bit strong
but not unreasonable.
MATTHEWS AUCTIONS
LOT 129—PLYMOUTH
SERVICE PORCELAIN
SIGN. Estimate: $2,000–
$3,000. SOLD AT: $2,400.
Date sold: 2/5/2020. This is
a rather common sign that
has a cool early ship logo.
Condition is key, and this
one had some chips at the mounting holes. There was also
some edge wear. Considering the less-than-stellar condition,
I think it sold for a bit of a premium.A