American Car Collector November-December 2012

th Martin's 1952 Astra coupe 6 AMERICAN $46K CAR COLLECTOR Auctions • Values • Previews • Events American Icon 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Fuelie convertible $127k Detroit Iron stands tall in Monterey Complete coverage! More than 150 collector cars rated Ken Gross: Game-changing custom with an entry-level price ™ 15 Colin Comer: Will modern muscle ever be collectible? MUST-HAVE TOOLS 1928 Cadillac Series 341A November-December 2012 1965 Corvette 396/425 coupe www.AmericanCarCollector.com $341k Bullet-proof history in Capone’s car $49k Investment driven by fun, not profit

CAR COLLECTOR Vol. 1 • Issue 6 • November-December 2012 The Scoop: Profiles CORVETTE 1965 396/425 COUPE $49k / Mecum Original or not, this is a big-block Corvette you can really use — Jim Pickering Page 40 GM 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 250-HP FUELIE $127k / Mecum Wouldn’t you buy the top-performance version? — Tom Glatch Page 42 FoMoCo 1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL CUSTOM $61k / Mecum A 428-ci Cobra Jet and 17-inch wheels raise the “cool factor” — Dale Novak Page 44 MOPAR 1971 DODGE CHARGER R/T 440 / $36,300 $36k / Auctions America by RM The perfect car for someone scared away by ’60s Mopar prices — Tom Glatch Page 46 AMERICAN ™ Cover photo: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air David Newhardt, courtesy of Mecum Auctions 6 AmericanCarCollector.com Keith Martin's

CUSTOM 1952 ASTRA COUPE $46k / Mecum A groundbreaking custom, featured in almost every ’50s hot rod mag, at under $50k — Ken Gross Page 48 CLASSIC 1928 CADILLAC SERIES 341A $341k / RM How much would you pay for Al Capone’s armored Caddy? — Carl Bomstead Page 50 RACE 1969 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 $146k / Auctions America by RM This is no 100-point resto, but its value may reach far beyond a dollar amount — Jay Harden Page 52 TRUCK 1942 DODGE WC56 MILITARY COMMAND CAR $48k / Mecum Far and away, the excellent restoration quality is what hit the target here — B. Mitchell Carlson Page 54 1952 Astra custom coupe, p. 48 Chris Kelley, courtesy of Fantasy Junction November-December 2012 7

SERVICE DEPARTMENT 12 What’s Happening Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals, Zephyrhills Fall AutoFest, Pomona Swap Meet 14 Crossing the Block Upcoming auctions – Tony Piff 20 Parts Time B-body grilles and racing wheels – Chad Tyson 22 Cool Stuff No-touch headlamp for your grease-covered hands, sparkly fasteners for your ratchet Inside COLUMNS 10 Torque Making sense of the Monterey millions – Jim Pickering 34 Cheap Thrills Flat-fender Jeeps – B. Mitchell Carlson 36 Corvette Market Valuing Neil Armstrong’s Corvette – John L. Stein 38 Horsepower Will modern muscle ever be collectible? – Colin Comer 114 Surfing Around Gotta-have automobilia on eBay – Carl Bomstead FUN RIDES 20 Good Reads Street Sleepers: The Art of the Deceptively Fast Car – Jay Harden 22 Desktop Classics 1959 Chevrolet Impala convertible – Marshall Buck 28 Under the Hood Fifteen tools you need in your garage – Jim Pickering 24 Snapshots Beaches: Thousands of cars and people celebrate summer every Wednesday night in Portland, OR 26 Your Turn Questioning values on Li’l Red Express trucks 32 Insider’s View ’64 Corvette or ’67? Readers weigh in 58 Anatomy of a Market Report Find out how ACC rates auction cars 66 Auction Tip Advice for spotting engine problems early 108 Parts Hunting Rare parts and pieces for your classic 110 Showcase Gallery — NEW! Sell your car in our new ACC classifieds section 112 Resource Directory Get to know our advertisers 112 Advertiser Index AUCTIONS 60 Mecum Monterey Mecum makes $31m and sells more cars than anyone on the Peninsula 70 B&T/Specialty Classic Car Auctions The official auction of Hot August Nights cruises to a $5.3m total 80 Silver Carson City Pickups, hot-rods and Corvettes total $1.3m 88 Roundup American vehicles from coast to coast Photo: Beaches Summertime Cruisin’, p. 24 Dave Tomaro 8 AmericanCarCollector.com AmericanCarCollector.com

Torque Jim Pickering Making sense of the Monterey millions THIS YEAR, 786 LOTS MADE $258M IN JUST ONE WEEK. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE $20K CHEVELLE SITTING IN YOUR GARAGE? some of the highest-grossing collector car sales in the world. Mecum, Gooding & Company, RM Auctions, Bonhams, and Russo and Steele draw out the best and the brightest collector cars from around the globe, and buyers fiercely compete to own them, often paying record prices for the privilege. This year’s events were record breakers. O Overall, 786 of 1,318 cars and motorcycles totaled slightly more than $258m in sales, including buyer’s premiums. That’s a solid jump over last year’s $198m and 2010’s $172m. It certainly looks like times are good for car collectors. But if you’ve been to Monterey, you know that it’s full of one-off Ferraris, Maseratis, vintage Bugattis and historic racers. These are cars that play at the very top level of the market. This August, 48 cars sold for more than $1m each, led by a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K roadster that made $11.8m. That’s an unfathomable number. A quick moment of perspective: At the most recent ACC Price Guide valuations, you could buy 74 really nice ’67 Corvette 427/435 convertibles for the same money paid for that one Benz. I know what my choice would be. What does it really mean? I’ve been tracking values closely for nearly a decade now, and I’ve always felt that Monterey in August and Scottsdale in January serve as the best overall barometers of the car market. Granted, every auction of every car throughout the year is a data point, but the sheer numbers of both cars and buyers in both of these locations make tracking easy. Record sales are always viewed as great news for the market at large, but it’s harder to understand how the top end of the market 10 AmericanCarCollector.com Heavy metal waits for its turn on the block at RM Monterey and your Road Runner, GTO or Camaro are connected. Trust me, they are. But I’m not going to tell you that your $20k car is now magically worth $35k. It doesn’t work that way. The boost in totals this year, both in Monterey in August and in Scottsdale in January (which grew to $184m from $160m in 2011) isn’t what I think is most important in relation to your muscle car or classic. What’s important is that a lot of the top-level cars that helped break overall records in both locations were even available for sale in the first place. Clearly, among sellers with seven-figure cars, confidence in the market is high. Why? Because high-end investors feel that top-level collector cars are fun and relatively safe places to store some cash, and right now they’re spending money. So sellers aren’t afraid to bring their ultra-rare and ultraexpensive cars to auction. We’ve been seeing it happen all year. Boosted confidence While broad percentage boosts in value don’t trickle down to cheaper cars, I think buyer and seller confidence does. When we hear of multiple million-dollar sales and new world-record prices, our confidence in the market starts to creep up. And a buyer confident in the collector market will pay a little more for a nice Firebird or Corvette. How much more depends on the car and the buyer. Over time, that can boost market value for a specific model. Sometimes the boost is slight, sometimes it’s a little more defined. So in reality, while sales like that Mercedes at more than $11m may not seem to relate to you and your car, they actually do, and as long as we continue to see the high end of the market doing well, I think the resulting impact throughout the lower levels of the market will be positive. Is it time to run out and sell everything? Absolutely not. Should you bump up the numbers on all your agreed-value collectorcar policies? That’s a little premature. But if you haven’t started already, now’s the time to start tracking auction results for cars similar to the ones you own. And ACC is the perfect place to do that. I, for one, will be watching the Scottsdale auctions in January 2013 very closely. And if the past few months of auction results are any indication, I think we’ll be seeing more recordbreaking sales in the Valley of the Sun. A ver the past 10 years, the Monterey auctions, held every August during the same week as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, have become

WHAT’SHAPPENING Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals Rosemont, IL, is the place to be on November 17–18, as the mammoth Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals rumbles into the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. This is the fourth year of this big event, which brings hundreds of muscle cars, Corvettes and thousands of people together in a show, swapmeet, displays of great cars and seminars. This year’s show features Shelby Snakepit IV — a bunch of real-deal Cobras and Shelby Mustangs. The Corvette Triple Diamond Competition — which is only open to cars that have won NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington Gold status — happens at this show. And don’t miss the “Going Topless” showcase of convertible muscle cars from 1964 to 1971, the Don Yenko Memorial Display of Yenko cars and memorabilia and the “Trans Am Terrors” gathering of Trans Am cars. In addition, ACC’s own Colin Comer will sign copies of his brand-new Shelby Cobra Fifty Years ( recently named by Esquire magazine as Hundreds of muscle cars, Corvettes and car fanatics under one roof the “The Greatest Car Book of All Time”), along with Million Dollar Muscle Cars and The Complete Book of Shelby Automobiles: Cobras, Mustangs and Super Snakes. Mecum Auctions is the primary sponsor of this terrific event, which is a great way to end the 2012 car season. Tickets are $15. (IL) www.mcacn.com Pomona Swap Meet Pomona is a special name — and place — for gearheads, and there is no better way to see 2012 fade into the rear-view mirror than spending December 2 at the Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show. Show goers happily lose themselves in more than 2,500 vendors and five cars-forsale areas. You have to walk 15 miles to see everything. Southern California’s weather is usually spectacular in early December, and a hard-to-find part is a great holiday gift. Admission is $8, and children 12 and younger get free admission. (CA) www. pomonaswapmeet.comA Satisfy your wintertime auction fever at Zephyrhills in Florida Zephyrhills Fall AutoFest While most of the United States is drifting toward a winter of snow and ice, Florida’s sunshine just keeps on keeping on, which is perfect for Carlisle Events’ Zephyrhills Fall AutoFest north of Tampa, FL. Droves of American-car fans will gather at 207-acre Festival Park from November 8 to 11 for a giant swapmeet, auction, a corral for private sales and many other events. More than 500 cars are expected to cross the auction block. Adult admission is $8 on Thursday, $10 on Friday and Saturday and $5 on Sunday. Children 12 years of age or younger are admitted for free. (FL) www.carsatcarlisle.com 12 AmericanCarCollector.com

CROSSINGTHE Upcoming auctions BLOCK by Tony Piff 1965 Ford Mustang resto-mod at Mecum Anaheim NoVeMBeR Bonhams — Classic California Where: Los Angeles, CA When: November 10 More: www.bonhams.com Last year: 27/49 cars sold / $950k This well-established auction celebrates all things California Leake — Dallas 2012 Where: Dallas, TX When: November 16–18 More: www.leakecarauction.com Auctioneers will work two simultaneous rings over three days for and automotive, and it’s a don’t-miss feature on the West Coast car calendar. Muscle, sports cars, hot rods, motorcycles and trick trucks dominate the lineup, mostly in the $20k–$35k range. It’s also a place where you’re likely to stumble across a handful of Steve McQueen vehicles and automobilia items. hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center. Heavy hitters include a 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge convertible; a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible; a 1965 Ford Mustang resto-mod; a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Bloomington Gold Survivor in rare blue over blue; another 427/435 convertible Bloomington Gold Survivor in very rare yellow over white; and a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 convertible — said to be the most highly optioned, most documented L88. Mecum — Anaheim 2012 Where: Anaheim, CA When: November 15–17 More: www.mecum.com 750 automobiles will cross the block at this inaugural auction, a total of 600 cars at this high-energy event. Important consignments include a show-ready 1929 LaSalle 345 convertible coupe; a 1954 Corvette 265/195 roadster, frame-off restored by the Pennsylvania NCRS chapter; a 2008 Ford Mustang Roush 427R fastback; a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, custom built at a cost of over $90k; and a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 convertible with 4-speed in red over black. McCormick — 53rd Palm Springs Classic Car Auction Where: Palm Springs, CA When: November 16–18 More: www.classic-carauction.com Last year: 356/547 cars sold / $5.9m McCormick expects this to be one of the biggest events in their 26-year history. An estimated 500 cars will cross the block over three days at the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs. Star cars include a 1965 327/365 Chevrolet Corvette with 4-speed, sidepipes and cast alloy knockoffs; a 1953 Chrysler Town & Country wagon; a 1952 Studebaker Starlight coupe; a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302; a custom 1955 Chevrolet pickup; and a 1972 Plymouth ’Cuda. 1954 Chevrolet Corvette 265/195 roadster at Leake Dallas 14 AmericanCarCollector.com 1972 Plymouth ’Cuda offered by McCormick

CROSSINGTHEBLOCK The John Staluppi “Cars of Dreams” Collection offered by RM at no reserve in Houston, takes place in conjunction with the 53rd Annual Autorama. Expect about 200 quality classics. The star car is a 1938 Ford custom panel track, formerly owned by billionaire and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria of Paul Mitchell Hair products and Patrón Tequila. Built at a cost of $150k by former race driver Jack Buchanan, the chopped, Corvette-powered full custom is built to be driven. Dan Kruse Classics — Houston November Where: Houston, TX When: November 24 More: www.kruseclassics.com This sale, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center DeCeMBeR Gras World in New Orleans. Headlining a solid lineup of muscle and classics is 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Pilot Line #00016. The matching-numbers car is equipped with a fuel-injected 360-ci 327hp V8 and a 4-speed. Vicari — New Orleans Collector Car Auction Where: New Orleans, LA When: December 1 More: www.vicariauction.com 200 cars will cross the block at this winter auction, held at Mardi collection of 117 automobiles comprises some of the rarest and most desirable American automobiles ever produced, with a strong emphasis on convertibles and performance cars. Three convertibles of interest include a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, a 1960 Chrysler 300F and a 1968 Shelby GT500 KR. Watch “Million Dollar Collections” on Velocity for a special on this sale hosted by ACC Publisher Keith Martin. Mecum — Kansas City 2012 Where: Kansas City, MO When: December 6–8 Last year: 562/844 cars sold / $12,318,254 Mecum returns to Kansas City for another sale of 750 cars. Early featured lots at this Heartland staple include a trio of PHSdocumented GTO Judges: a 1969 Ram Air IV in Carousel Red with parchment interior; a 1970 Ram Air IV in Cardinal Red with red interior; and a 1971 455 HO in Starlight Black with ivory interior.A RM — The John Staluppi “Cars of Dreams” Collection Where: North Palm Beach, FL When: December 1 More: www.rmauctions.com Spanning a broad range of American makes and eras, Staluppi’s 16 AmericanCarCollector.com 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Pilot Line #00016 from Vicari

Publisher’s Note Keith Martin Putting the Mopar to bed summer; we’ve been to countless events in our 1964 Nova, and even had a chance to run the Dodge at the strip at Portland International Raceway. Jim managed mid-11s, but he believes that mid-10s are within reach with a little tuning. The Nova still needs I the driver’s door adjusted slightly, the headliner tidied up in the front right corner and some trim sewn around the spare-tire area. Putting air shocks in the rear solved the final tire-rubbing problems we were having, and also allowed us to adjust the rear to compensate for all the gear we haul to events. So our list is short, as it should be after working on the car for three years. The restoration itself took 18 months, the next 18 months were Sta-Bil and Save A Battery — our Dodge’s best winter friends spent turning the Nova “back into a car” with wipers that wiped, a horn that honked, a heater that heated and so on. Those of you who have been there know exactly what I mean. So what was I looking for in the locker? A bottle of Sta-Bil and a Save A Battery charger. We’ll pour the Sta-Bil into the gas tank and run the Dodge long enough to get it through the fuel system. Then we’ll hook up the Save A Battery, flick on the switch that lets us see the voltage, throw the car cover on and say goodbye for the winter. Then, come spring, it should just be a matter of a few pumps of the throttle, and the 500-ci aluminum engine will come back to life, ready for another season of rumbling to car shows and drag strips. A was rummaging around in the ACC locker last week, and finally found the two things I was looking for. With the onset of cold weather, now’s the time to put our 1963 700-hp Dodge Hemi to sleep — it’s hard to drive it in wet weather, unless you want to just sit in one place and do doughnuts. It has been a great CAR COLLECTOR Volume 1, No. 6 November-December 2012 Publisher Keith Martin executive editor Chester Allen editor Jim Pickering Art Director Dave Tomaro Digital Media Director Jeff Stites editor at Large Colin Comer Auctions editor Tony Piff Associate editor Chad Tyson Copy editors Yael Abel, Dave Tomaro Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson Daniel Grunwald Kevin Coakley Jack Tockston John Lyons Pat Campion Norm Mort Dale Novak Phil Skinner Contributors Carl Bomstead B. Mitchell Carlson Colin Comer Ken Gross John Draneas Tom Glatch Michael Pierce John L. Stein Jay Harden Marshall Buck Mark Wigginton Information Technology/ Internet Brian Baker Lead Web Developer Marc Emerson Seo Consultant Michael Cottam Advertising Coordinator/ Web Content Administrator Erin Olson Financial Manager David Erickson Print Media Buyer Wendie Martin ADVeRTISINg SALeS Advertising executives Jeff Brinkley jeff.brinkley@AmericanCarCollector.com 877.219.2605 x 213 Randy Zussman randy.zussman@AmericanCarCollector.com 877.219.2605 x 214 Nadine Mosier nadine.mosier@AmericanCarCollector.com 877.219.2605 x 211 SuBSCRIPTIoNS Subscriptions Manager Rich Coparanis Subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 1 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M–F service@AmericanCarCollector.com 503.253.2234 fax @acc_help CoRReSPoNDeNCe Phone 503.261.0555 Fax 503.253.2234 general P.O. Box 4797 Portland, Oregon 97208 Fedex/DHL/uPS 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100 Portland, Oregon 97232 email help@AmericanCarCollector.com Web www.AmericanCarCollector.com Putting summer in the rear-view mirror — our ’64 Nova at the Beaches Summertime Cruisin’ in Portland 18 AmericanCarCollector.com American Car Collector magazine (ISSN# 2164-1323) is published bimonthly by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. PoSTMASTeR: Send address changes to American Car Collector, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208. The information in American Car Collector magazine is compiled from a variety of reliable sources. However, we disclaim and deny any responsibility or liability for the timeliness, use, interpretation, accuracy and completeness of the information presented. All material, data, formats, and intellectual concepts in this issue © 2012 by American Car Collector, LLC, Automotive Investor Media Group, Inc., and Automotive Investor in this format and any other used by American Car Collector magazine. Copyright registered with the United States copyright office. PRINTED IN USA AMERICAN JOIN US Keith Martin's

GOODREADS by Jay Harden Street Sleepers: The Art of the Deceptively Fast Car By Tommy Lee Byrd, CarTech, 144 pages, $24.95, cartechbooks.com If my heart were a garage, there would be a special bay right up front, lined with nitrous bottles and drag radials, where all my favorite sleepers would live. They represent a set of values that is decidedly underappreciated in our culture, because, as Mr. Byrd states in this book, “The whole idea of building a sleeper is to under-promise and over-deliver.” Imagine if our government worked under the same premise. Much of the book is aimed at educating an unin- formed audience with minimal exposure to hot-rodding and drag racing, but it also has a ton of technical information to keep those of us with a few more miles on the odometer occupied. In addition to basic introductions to body styles, engine swaps, and suspension tweaks, the book is full of great photos, informative captions, and several technical resources as well. Tech blocks include a year/model breakdown of the Fox platform, a GM/ Ford/Chrysler engine application guide, and a basic NHRA tech/safety reference. But the most interesting segments of the book are the in-depth looks at several legitimate street machines. These include a ’79 Lincoln Zephyr putting down 1,000 horsepower to the wheels and a twinturbo 4x4 running low 10s. Drag racers, particularly those who own sleepers, are a notoriously tight-lipped bunch, but Byrd somehow managed to coax some very pertinent and usable information from his subjects, including cam and valve-train specifics, vehicle weights, stall speeds and suspension tricks. Street Sleepers would be a great read for the aspiring miscreant in any family, but there’s also plenty of interesting fodder to keep even the most grizzled racer entertained. Don’t be surprised if they find the 500-hp Lincoln Town Car and the LS-powered Volvo wagon inspirational. I’m even beginning to see potential in my neighbor’s Prius. PARTSTIME by Chad Tyson New products to modernize your street machine Classic Industries’ 1964 Chevrolet B-Body grille Assembly Whether it’s from rocks, insects, birds or other cars, the grille is frequently the first thing to get damaged on your collector car. It’s not easy scouring junkyards for a piece in better condition than yours. Owners of 1964 B-bodies get a reprieve, thanks to Classic Industries. This assembly comes stamped from all-new tooling. Included in the unit are the upper reinforcement bar, center support bracket, fender attachments, headlamp housings and more. Find more information and order at www.classicindustries.com. Lineage: ªªªª Tommy Lee Byrd is a contributor to a number of enthusiast magazines, including Street Rod Builder and Hot Rod, so he knows a thing or two about what makes a sleeper. You get the feeling he really connects with the subject matter. And what car guy wouldn’t? Fit and finish: ªªª Simple and clean layout overall, with a magazine-feature-like center section that covers a handful of cars in depth. If you’re used to reading enthusiast magazines, you’ll be right at home here. Drivability: ªªªªª The vast majority of car books I come across fall unceremoniously into one of two categories: novice or expert. It’s rare to find a book that appeals to both parties, but I think Byrd has accomplished that mission. ªªªªª is best Rocket Racing Wheels’ “Rocket Strike” As Cast Series For those in the custom, street-rod, and rat-rod crowd, check out the Rocket Strike As Cast www.rocketracingwheels.com.A 20 AmericanCarCollector.com wheels from Rocket Racing. I know chromed and shiny is the usual fare, but these understated wheels will help you stand out from the overly blinged-out pack. Rocket Racing casts the one-piece wheels from A356 aluminum. The lug-centric pieces are load-rated at 1,560 pounds per wheel, which makes them more than capable to handle your two-ton lead sled. Sizes range from 15x6 to 15x8 in 5x4½ up to 5x5½ bolt patterns, so there is sure to be a size to fit your Ford, Chevy, Mopar or even Willys. Prices are reasonable at $180 to $190 per wheel. Fully polished wheels are available as well. To find a list of distributors, see

COOLSTUFF Defend the fenders A good non-slip fender cover mat protects your paint finish and provides a grippy surface where you can safely place your wrenches and ratchets (and coffee mug, if no one’s looking), but they’re one of those tools you never think about buying until the hood is up. We like the non-slip mats from Hotrod Hardware, emblazoned with your logo of choice from the Big Three. $24.95, www.genuinehotrod.com. COOLSTUFF COOLSTUFF OOLSTUFF Defend the fenders FF Defend the fenders A good non-slip fender cover mat protects your paint finish and provides a grippy surface where you can safely place your wrenches and ratchets (and coffee mug, if no one’s look- ing), but they’re one of those tools you never think about buying until the hood is up. We like the non-slip mats from Hotrod Hardware, emblazoned with your logo of choice from the Big Three. $24.95, www.genuinehotrod.com. rosion- rosiont blade d a bright e handle sy y. The pens trous th one ear it on ” Made e.com. No-touch headlamp Filthy fingers? Bulky gloves? Just wave your hand to turn on the gestureactivated Pelican 2720. Dim the LED, narrow the beam with the focus ring, or toggle over to nightvision-preserving red. $44.96 from www.thepelicanstore.com. Sparkly fasteners These valve-cover fasteners and carburetor fasteners from Madco snap right onto a standard ratchet, keeping your fingers away from hot header pipes and eliminating the risk of nuts dropped onto the ground or into your engine. They’re machined from 7075 aluminum in coarse or fine thread sizes and anodized in an array of colors. Editor Jim Pickering installed a set on the big block in his ’66 Caprice and won’t stop talking about them. A set of four is $25.95 from www.summitracing.com. DESKTOPCLASSICS by Marshall Buck 1959 Chevrolet Impala convertible Chrome is everywhere on this model by Spark, inside and out, and is perfectly applied. The compound curved windshield is just right and well complemented by tiny photo-etched windshield wipers. Paint finish is good, but it’s probably not a correct 1959 color. The white interior with its very well done contrasting blue and chrome trim is a delight. There are even little Chevrolet emblems on the floor front and rear. Although well shaped, the dashboard is a complete disappointment, with detail clearly lacking. The front end is terrific except for the slightly angled right side headlight cluster, and the huge teardrop-style taillight clusters are far too fat. Overall, not great, but still a really good model that will please most any collector. 22 AmericanCarCollector.com by Tony Piff Detailing Scale: 1:43 Available colors: Light blue Quantity: Estimated 750 to 1,000 Price: $65 Production date: 2012 Web: www.motorsportsminiatures.com Ratings Detailing: ªªªª Accuracy: ªªªª Overall quality: ªªªª Overall value: ªªªª

SNAPSHOTS Beaches Summertime Cruisin’ Celebrating cars and car fans by Chester Allen A long line of rumbling hot rods, muscle cars, rat rods and Detroit Iron is a summer tradition all over the United States. That summer tradi- tion lives on — and gets stronger every year — in Portland, Oregon, thanks to the Beaches Summertime Cruisin’ at Portland International Raceway. Every Wednesday night — from June through September — gearheads from all over western Oregon and southern Washington fire up more than 1,000 engines and gather to celebrate the ground-shaking charms of American cars, whether they’re restored muscle, beach woodies, rat rods, 1970s station wagons or gleaming hot rods. Add in live music, good food and drag racing, and Beaches is the hottest place in Portland on Wednesday nights. On some nights, the number of cars approaches 2,000, and thou- Whether you love rat rods, Full Classics or vintage muscle — it’s all represented Matthias started the Beaches Cruisin’ in 1996 to attract midweek sands of people stroll among the cars, talk to friends or just fire up that 427 to show off. “We had 1,737 cars and bikes for the last Beaches of the summer,” said event mastermind Mark Matthias, owner of the Beaches restaurant chain. “People in this area are really into cool cars and bikes.” customers to his popular Vancouver, WA, restaurant, which is just across the Columbia River from Portland. The event quickly outgrew the restaurant parking lot, and Matthias moved it to Pearson Field, a nearby airport. Within a few more years, Beaches outgrew the airport and found a new home on a huge grass lawn tucked right next to Portland International Raceway’s drag strip. It’s a delight to wander among the rows of cars during a soft summer evening — and then hear two cars rumble and roar down the drag strip. But Beaches is more than cars and fun. The event also raises big bucks for charities. Admission is $5, and that money is quickly routed to local chari- ties. “In 2011, we reached the milestone of making a total of $1 million in donations to local charities,” Matthias said. “This year alone, we’ll raise about $215,000, and we’ll hit $2 million in charitable donations by 2016.” Beaches is now one of the largest cruise-ins in the United States, and Matthias expects continued growth — and summertime fun. “Take hot rods, muscle cars, food, music and drag races and jam it ACC was a significant sponsor of Beaches in 2012 24 AmericanCarCollector.com all into three hours, and you’ve got a great night out,” Matthias said. A Jim Pickering

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 1979 Dodge Li’l Red express: What you “C” is what you get Li’l Red values I just purchased my first issue of ACC this morning because of the article about the 1979 Li’l Red Express truck (Issue #5, Sept/Oct 2012, p. 54). I have to say that the article was less than flattering about these rare trucks. According to the NALRETO Club, only about half of the trucks produced remain, with a lot of them not even on the road. I realize that these trucks will never reach Daytona Charger or Hemi ’Cuda status — no one expects them to — but they do deserve a little more respect. The article fails to mention several factors of the truck that is featured. First of all, there are no fenderwell stripes on it, it does not have its original interior (seat and console), there are non-OEM parts on the motor, and no “Dodge” lettering on tailgate wood. These are just a few things that really stand out. The truck needs work, and to bring it up to a first-class example, you would have to invest another $3k–$5k to make it right. Yes, the buyer did get a good bargain at that price, but the truck’s not right. You did get a lot of things right in the article, but there’s room for a second small article. Like what high-end documented lowmileage trucks would bring. As an example, the cost of re-chroming the original rims runs around $1,000– $1,200. Reproduction bumpers are $500 26 AmericanCarCollector.com each, side steps are $450, exhaust is $450, stack screens are $500, exhaust tips are $300, and those are just a few parts currently being reproduced by Bruce Horkey. Parts are selling on eBay for some very high prices, especially for NOS items such as dash faceplates and glovebox lids (if you can even find a NOS one now). A set of original NOS seat belts sold for $450 a year ago. I wish that you gave the trucks at least a B- or a C+ investment grade instead of a flat C. With your magazine getting ALL of the facts about these trucks out, then and only then will these trucks get out of the “flat” range and back where they belong, on the “plus” side of the range. Thanks so much for your time, — Andy Norton Editor Jim Pickering responds: Andy, thanks for your letter. You make some good points here. I appreciate you pointing out some of the finer details I missed about this one’s condition. Parts for these trucks are indeed expen- sive, but so are a lot of small-production specialty resto parts. Those parts would need to be produced in volume to get prices down, and there just aren’t enough of these trucks being restored to warrant that. You could literally spend thousands to make this truck better all around, but why do it? Aside from the money that could be made here from simply flipping it (it was bought right at $11k), I don’t think adding to it would do anything but pay you back what you spent. As for the market pricing on these trucks, one would really need to be special to break out of the $15k–$23k range we called out in the profile. Think very low miles, all-OEM components and original condition. I know of a ’78 that made over $50k at BarrettJackson in 2006, but that was a 2,600-mile truck on its original 1978 tires. See it in our online database under ACC# 40255. It takes a perfect storm of booming Mopar muscle market (which we don’t have — remember, that was the era of $1m Hemi ’Cudas), excellent or original condition, and a high-profile event to make prices like that happen. Values on all muscle have fallen drastically since. What would that truck bring at auction today? Until we see one of that caliber sell again, we won’t really know. Typical street-driven restos without the low miles and superb concours condition, like this truck, are what we consider good #2 condition, and for those, we’re back to the stated range of $15k–$23k, which is pulled right from documented sales in the ACC database. As much as I would like to say they’re worth more, the past five years of sales data just doesn’t support it. I don’t see a meteoric rise in the near future, hence the “C” investment grade. But if things do change, we’ll be the first to report it.A

UNDERTHE HOOD 15 tools you need in your garage YOU’VE ALREADY GOT THE CAR. THESE ARE THE TOOLS THAT WILL HELP YOU TAKE CARE OF IT by Jim Pickering Y ou’ve finally bought that Mustang or GTO you’ve always wanted. And now that it’s in your garage, you need to keep it running. American cars tend to be reliable machines, but they need work from time to time. I’ve always felt that part of the fun in having an old car is doing some of that work yourself. s a mechanic for a long time, and etty large collection of tools . But there are really only a n a regular basis. If you’re just t and want to be able to handle hings your car will need, here s you should have: On units such as the Dual 80 ces between this and cheap ut they’re important — this ery little arc is required for it 1 eeth in contact with that gear, F80 is spendy at $129.95, but u pay for. Get one at www. tools you need in your garage YOU’VE ALREADY GOT THE CAR. THESE ARE THE TOOLS THAT WILL HELP YOU TAKE CARE OF IT by Jim Pickering Y ou’ve finally bought that Mustang or GTO you’ve always wanted. And now that it’s in your garage, you need to keep it running. American cars tend to be reliable ma- chines, but they need work from time to time. I’ve always felt that part of the fun in having an old car is doing some of that work yourself. s a mechanic for a long time, and etty large collection of tools . But there are really only a n a regular basis. If you’re just t and want to be able to handle hings your car will need, here s you should have: On units such as the Dual 80 ces between this and cheap ut they’re important — this ery little arc is required for it 1 eeth in contact with that gear, F80 is spendy at $129.95, but u pay for. Get one at www. essional-quality essional-quality 3 3/8-drive ratchet n be adapted, through differ- s and extensions, to almost any identify issues with your b charging system. I like A CP7677, as it can test en RPM and dwell, features 2 ranges, and comes with a comprehensive user manual. You could get by with a test light, but this is a lot more versatile. $51.95 at www.summitracing. com. 4 2 28 AmericanCarCollector.com SAE sockets, deep and standard I’ve had good luck with Craftsman sockets over the years — they tend to grip well and they don’t break easily — and if you do break one, they have a lifetime replacement warranty. P/N 35747 is a 52-piece kit that has both standard and deep six-point sockets, all of which are well marked with their size. $89.99 at www. craftsman.com. 5 GearWrench or similar ratcheting Digital multimeter A digital m the thing to tra wiring issues, o Quality screwdrivers Craftsman also makes excellent screwdrivers. They’ll last forever unless you get crazy and start using them as punches, pry bars or chisels. I bought a 23-piece set (P/N 31796) when I was wrenching professionally, and I’ve never broken one. Best part? It’s only $30.99 at www. craftsman.com. wrenches Ratcheting wrenches make quick work of every job, and they’ll fit places your standard ratchet won’t. GearWrenches, like the Snap-On ratchet isted above, have intriate gear mechanisms at require as little s 5 degrees of rotation ork. P/N 85199 is a ece extra long SAE set. or $155.99 at www. opia.com.

UNDERTHE HOO 6 7 A reliable tire gauge Pencil-type tire gauges are okay, but it’s easier to read something with a dial. Summit Racing’s P/N 900006 gauge features a two-inch diameter dial, 12-inch hose, and can read from zero to 60 pounds of pressure—perfect for your classic car’s tires. $11.95 at www.summitracing.com. 8 9 A bench with a vise Build yourself a workbench and ount a good vise to it. Why? Because u’ll eventually need to paint, clean, rip, loosen, tighten, smash, or press something, and unless you have three hands, it’s not going to be easy. Wilton model 21300 is a stout unit and is just $179.99 at Northern Tool & Equipment. That’s not a lot of coin considering how long it’ll www.northerntool.com Aluminum floor jack Your car probably cam with either a bumper jack o bottle jack. Neither is going to be m use in your garage. OTC’s P/N 153 is a 4,000-pound capacity aluminu jack with a maximum lift of 18 inch It weighs just 43 pounds, so it’ll be easy to move around, and it’s short enough to get under the frame rails o lowered cars. You’ll be glad you ha this when it comes time for a whee swap, brake rebuild or oil change. $289.95 at www.summitracing. com. 30 AmericanCarCollector.com 12 Impact wrench You will, at some point, come oss a fastener that just won’t udge. Great example: A shop nstalled your wheels, and now hey’re too tight to remove by hand. Time for the big guns. R’s Titanium Air Impact rench (P/N 2135TiMAX) s a half-inch drive with nearly ot-pounds of torque, which is e than enough to loosen stuck s (or snap them off!). $299.99 ww.ingersollrandprods.com/2135timax. Air compressor Even if you’re just using it to fill low tires and blow off dusty items under the hood, a good air compressor is key. And when it comes to compressors, you should get a bigger one than you think you’ll need. I bought IR’s Garage Mate (P/N P1.5IU-A9) for my own shop, as it’s small, quiet, uses 110V power, and can run all of my air tools without a problem. $549.99 at www.ingersollrandproducts. com/garagemate. 10 gtime car guys w someone o dropped a car on self. Sometimes esulted in minor njury, sometimes it was much worse. Be safe and support your car with jack stands while der it. Craftsman s a pair of 1.5-ton s that are adjustable s to 21 inches. e for just $29.99 at sman.com. Jack stands 11 Powerful LED flashlight Seeing what you’re doing is step one to getting the job done. I like rechargeable LED lights such as the Inova T4 sold by Griot’s Garage — lots of power means you’ll always be able to see what’s leaking, what’s mis ing, or that washer you dropped under t car. And since it sits on its charger wh you’re not using it, it’ll always be read to go. Spendy at $149, but this is a rea nice unit, and it’s worth the price in th long run. www.griotsgarage.com

13 Impact sockets An impact with 800 foot-pounds of torque will shatter standard chrome sockets. Pittsburgh P/N 67903 is a half-inch drive SAE set of 13 impact sockets ranging from 7/16 through 1¼. I bought this set from Harbor Freight and abused them daily for about six years. I never broke one or rounded off a nut I was trying to remove. And at just $22.99, why not give them a try? www.harborfreight.com 14 anual and study up on the components you’re rebuilding or replacing fore you dive in. $29–$69 at www.classicindustries.com.A 15 Reliable torque wrench Remember that over-tightened wheel? Get a good torque wrench and make sure everything you work on is tightened to spec. There are a lot of choices out there, but for a mid-level piece, I like Summit Racing’s P/N G1055. It’s a 20-150 foot-pound half-inch drive unit that retails for $93.95. www.summitracing.com OEM service manual for your car or truck A little knowledge is a powerful tool, especially when working with old technology. Get a service November-December 2012 31

INSIDER’S VIEW Crowd-sourcing an answer to your queries To be on the mailing list for next month’s question, go to AmericanCarCollector.com and sign up for our biweekly newsletter. The $50k Corvette question 1964 oR 1967: WHICH SMALL BLOCK IS THE BETTER BUY? 1964 Chevrolet Corvette, sold for $55k in 2010 Doug Worley, via email: All ’67s have a dual master brake cylinder The ACC question: Say you’re offered two Corvettes — a 1964 327/365 convertible and a 1967 327/300 convertible. Both are documented originals and in generally decent condition, and both are the same price — $50k. Which one do you buy and why? Do you go with the drum-brake ’64 and its hotter engine, or with the more refined disc-brake ’67 and its smooth 300-hp 327? What do you really gain and lose with both? ACC readers respond: Craig Zinn, Hollywood, FL: I’ve owned both. The ’64 solid-lifter 365 engine will require more maintenance and more adjustments, especially with today’s fuel. The ’67 will be a smoother, less-powerful driver. The upside of the last year of the body style makes the ’67 the one for me. Kent Hussey, Atlanta, GA: They are the same platform but very different drives. The ’64 with the solid lifters and Duntov cam is one of the last of the race cars for the street — it’s all about what a small block can and should be. By ’67, the 300-hp version was really a comfy cruiser without the raw edge of its predecessors. Give me what Duntov wanted the ’Vette to be! 32 AmericanCarCollector.com Tom Bridgers, via email: The ’67 is universally known as the best midyear Corvette built. No bling, hand brake moved to the center of the console, and better back-up light location as well as the clean delicate lines of the gills make a hit. Drum brakes work okay but will never be as good (or linear) as a — not available in ’64. Safety factor alone gets my vote. Scott Fackert, via email: The ’64, hands down. It has a rarer, more powerful engine, and those great-looking knockoff hubs/wheels. Bill Pankiw, Elk Grove Village, IL: Being the past owner of both an original 10,000-mile, 1964 327/300 coupe and a 40,000-mile Bloomington Gold Benchmark Certified 1967 327/350 roadster (the founding car), I believe the 1967 will be a better long-term investment and a better driving car. You can never go wrong with a 1967 Corvette when compared with any 1964 of equal condition. What do they say? Never buy a “4” Corvette: a 1954, a 1964, a 1974, or a 1984 as a longterm investment. Rick Smiley, via email: Pick the ’64. Pure driving enjoyment at its best. Nothing beats a high-winding solid-lifter small block topped off with a Holley.

good disc setup. Also, the 327/300 is a very nice cruising engine with good useable power. These cars never handled all that well, so the additional HP of the L76 is really only good in a stop-light drag race. That and the fact you have to adjust valves, as it is a solid-lifter setup, makes it less desirable to me. The L79 would be the best of all worlds in a small block. So, if I’m going to choose, I’ll buy the ’67. End of production in any model always has an edge! Tom Pink, Victoria, B.C.: The 1964 model has nicer side body detailing behind the front wheels, some Deco interior elements and came stock with the beautiful knockoff wheels, unlike the ’67, which had beauty rings. The drum brakes on the ’64, which many view as a negative, are huge and function arguably better than the disc brakes that came in the ’65. The 365-hp engine is less fuel-efficient, harder to start and to tune, and the extra power is largely unusable due to the limitations of the suspension. The 300-hp engine, in its detuned state, offers a much more relaxed and practical driving experience, with little downside by comparison. As to long-term collectibility, one has only to look at the higher dollars being paid for the 427-ci models, which offer much the same operational downside as the 365-hp small block, to gain some insight into future values. As rarity and power historically seem to trump practicality, I suspect the 365-hp earlier models will ultimately surpass the later-model 300-hp models in desirability to collectors. David Monteith, via email: Having owned examples of both cars, while the ’64 with the 327/365 might be more valuable to some because of the performance, I had experience with bent push rods and a worn 1967 Chevrolet Corvette, sold for $47k in 2011 camshaft that came with the solid lifters at high rpm. In today’s market and 10% ethanol, I would prefer the milder 300-hp ’67 model. Jim Sucharski, Orlando, FL: The ’64 with the hot motor gets my vote. If it’s to be a driver, an easily reversible disc-brake conversion is cheap and ultimately no drag on the value. A ’Vette should be a lively, edgy sports car. I am not interested in a boulevardier. I want something that thrills. A November-December 2012 33

Cheap Thrills Jeep B. Mitchell Carlson MUD HONEYS B ack in the day, if you wanted to get out to the middle of nowhere, bounce early ’60s CJ-3B Detailing Years produced: 1945–65 Number produced: 214,220 (CJ-2A), 131,843 (CJ-3A), 155,494 (CJ-3B) Original list price: $1,241 (1945 CJ-2A), $2,117 (1965 CJ-3B) Current ACC Valuation: $9,000–$16,000 Tune-up cost: $150 Distributor cap: $12 Chassis number: Left front frame rail near the radiator, also stamped on the back of the front bumper Clubs: Antique Willys Association; Donna Geekie, R.R. #2, over stumps and through creeks, and still get back to the civilized world — the war-proven flat-fender Jeep was your rig of choice. Some people claim that the early Jeeps were the greatest off-road vehicles ever devised. And you can still find them today for not a lot of coin. First, let’s look at the lineage of post-war Jeeps that helped make the flatfender an off-roading icon, and then we’ll get into what they’re best used for in the 21st century. CJ-2A (1945–49) The CJ-2A is simplic- Engine number: Top of the water-pump boss on the top front of engine block Crossfield, AB T0M 0S0; www.antiquewillys.com Additional: http://willysjeeplinks.com ity by definition. With a 134-ci flathead “Go-Devil” four-cylinder engine that churned out 60 horsepower through a 3-speed transmission and 2-speed transfer case, it is one step above a farm tractor in the mechanical food chain. Just about anyone who knows which end of a screwdriver to hold can work on one. The tub body was slightly refined for civilian use — Note: Jeep CJ clubs or groups tend to be regional and local, without a central national organization in the U.S. Alternatives: 1955–83 Jeep CJ-5, 1961–70 International Scout, 1960–83 Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser, 1966–77 Ford Bronco ACC Investment Grade: C 34 AmericanCarCollector.com 1946 CJ-2A: They could get you into nature — or help you tame it 1951 saw production of the Farm Jeep — something with the biggest differences from wartime production being the addition of a tailgate and moving the fuel filler from under the driver’s seat to the driver’s side of the tub. CJ-3A (1948–53) The easiest way to immediately distinguish a 2A from a 3A is the latter’s one-piece windshield. A more robust transmission and driveline make part interchangeability more of an issue, with some annoying little details such as different pulley groove sizes, but it made the 3A a better worker bee. of a recurring theme in post-war production. The Farm Jeep was nothing more than the CJ-3A with power take-off and drawbar hitch standard. But both had been options pretty much since day one. 1953 was the final year for the flathead Go-Devil engine in a four-wheel-drive Jeep, and saw concurrent models of CJs, with CJ-3A production finishing off (most likely parts clean-up production) while CJ-3B production was beginning. For parts hunting, an unlikely source for engines is the 4-cylinder Henry J, since it is identical to a CJ-3A’s engine except for the cylinder head. CJ-3B (1953–65) The introduction of the CJ-3B was the most dramatic driveline change to the solid-axle Jeep, as tread off the beaten path ADVANCES HAVE PRODUCED MORE-CAPABLE VEHICLES, BUT THE EARLY JEEP CJs WERE THE INITIAL YARDSTICK OF THE GENRE

What to do with a flat-fender? After World War II, Willys worked to define civilian tasks that the Jeep would be able to do. One of these was farm work, and Willys plugged it as something of a combination Swiss army knife and tractor. In reality, it lacked the torque necessary for field work, and tended to be used as a chore tractor for light hauling and towing more than anything else. Jeeps equipped with power take-off and belt pulley drives were also handy for driving powered equipment such as corn shellers and grain elevators, but as farms got bigger, this work too tended to go to chore tractors. Overall, the concept of one vehicle that does it all on the farm never got much How about a forklift conversion? it introduced the Hurricane F-head four cylinder. Essentially, the Hurricane was a Go-Devil flathead with a cylinder head that contained the intake valves. The camshaft and exhaust valves were still in the block. This taller cylinder head forced a number of other ancillary changes. To clear the head, it needed a taller hood, and to have a taller hood, the cowl needed to be taller. Jeep purists think all this is goofy looking, and some will even tell you it raises the center of gravity. But hey, so does a chunky driver. The Hurricane saw only slight performance increases (up 12 ponies to 72), so all those changes didn’t amount to much overall. However, it was the longest-lived and last vestige of a flat-fendered Jeep, as it stayed in production until 1965. traction. Farmers tend to be practical, and they soon realized that when the do-it-all vehicle goes out of service, the whole farm shuts down. Today, nearly all usage of Jeeps with farm equipment is at threshing or tractor shows — showing off what they could’ve done but really didn’t. Off-roading — both recreational and vocational — is where these were at home. With nothing else to judge them against, in the day they were the best way to get out into the sticks using an internal combustion engine. Time and technology advances have produced more-capable vehicles, but the early CJs were the initial yardstick of what the genre was expected to be. If you want to trail ride with a flat-fender CJ, go for it. They’re still capable today, although you’ll be moving pretty slowly, and you’ll probably be sore by the end of the day, as their solid-axle suspensions will transmit most bumps right to your spine. But there isn’t a whole lot that’ll stop you in one of these. You’ll be better off with one that is already modified to some extent — that way you won’t have to feel bad about scuffing it up. But if serious mud bogging and rock hopping are your thing, you may be happier in the long run with more-modern equipment with independent suspension. Jeeps like this are certainly not freeway capable, as the gearing and short wheel- base make anything over 55 mph a suicide mission for both you and the Jeep. So a trip into town or to the DQ down the street for cruise night is probably the best use. But for those of you with acreage and light trails, that’s where something like this will really shine — even if you have to wash the mud off the tires once in a while. A November-December 2012 35

Corvette Market John L. Stein STARRY-EYED Celebrity boosts price only so high THERE ISN’T MUCH POTENTIAL UPSIDE HERE, EVEN FOR A CORVETTE BELONGING TO THE FIRST MAN TO STAND ON THE MOON gus grissom’s 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible sold for $275k in 2007, setting a record before the market crash W hen someone uses the term “rare” to juice up a car for sale, I always think, “Whooping cough is also rare, but that doesn’t mean you want it.” Rarity does not necessarily mean desirability. In the world of Corvettes, for instance, there were just 100 cars made with the RPO 579 250-hp fuel-injected engine for 1960. That sounds pretty exclusive — until you consider that 759 more were built with the higher-output RPO 579D 290-hp Fuelie option. The former low-output version is definitely more rare — but you’d probably pick the latter if given the choice. This critical thinking is an essential ingredient of savvy Corvette collecting, especially when the variable in play is a soft one such as celebrity ownership, rather than a hard one like a horsepower rating, transmission type or paint code. Thankfully, the accepted build numbers for all these production options are constant. So whether the Corvette market soars or sinks in the future, a known car’s place within the hierarchy is pretty well established. But when celebrity ownership is considered, the equation becomes more fluid, as outside forces determine the celebrity’s name-value boost. Star power Astronauts in the Apollo era were known for owning Corvettes, thanks to a special lease deal through Jim Rathmann Chevrolet in Florida. These cars come up for sale at auction from time to time. 36 AmericanCarCollector.com Allegedly owned by Neil Armstrong, this 1967 Corvette coupe failed to sell on eBay earlier this year One of the most recent was a car claiming to be Neil Armstrong’s 1967 coupe, VIN 194377S104831. Offered via eBay Motors earlier this year, the record shows 73 bids up to $250,090 — and no sale due to the bid not meeting the undisclosed reserve. It’s actually rather a wonder that it was bid this high at all, thanks to amateurish sales copy, no photos of an actual Protect-O-Plate, no Jim Rathmann Chevrolet lease or sale documentation, and no photos of Armstrong with the car. Maybe in time we’ll learn whether this 390-horse 427 was later sold privately, and for how much. But until then we’ll presume

that the market has determined that a $250,090 no-sale bid is all the money for a needy midyear with alleged prior ownership by an American hero — and some stories to unravel. What should it be worth? To answer that question, first we have to look at how other Corvettes owned by astronauts have fared. As evidenced by ACC’s online database, the 1968 Corvette 327/300 coupe owned by Apollo 13’s Jim Lovell went on the market twice in 2009, once as a no-sale at $23,000 in May (ACC# 120505) and then as a $20,670 sale in June (ACC# 120911). Those prices may seem cheap now, but the market had taken a massive hit that year, and this was Lovell’s C3 and not Armstrong’s big-block C2. Our reporter at the time called the ’68 a $12k to $15k car without the Lovell connection. Gus Grissom’s 1967 427/435 Corvette convertible sold at a Russo and Steele auction in 2007 (ACC# 44209), before the market crash. It brought $275,000 and set a record for known astronaut car sales. The top market price at the time for a similar 435 convertible, without celebrity ownership, was about $175k — pretty close to the current level. Grissom is more associated with tragic rather than triumphant NASA history, but the difference between a ’67 427/435 roadster’s market price and the Grissom car price still suggests there may not be much potential upside here, even for a Corvette belonging to the first man to stand on the moon. With the historical paperwork, reliable independent verification of the car’s Armstrong ownership (or more accurately, lease ownership), and a highly sympathetic point-in-time restoration completed, in my opinion, its value should equal or modestly surpass — by perhaps 10% —that of the Grissom car, which features the far more desirable L71 triple-carb engine. This maxes out the restored Armstrong car at $300k, or approximately on par with a ’63 Z06 with decent racing history. Jim Lovell’s 1968 327/300 — a $21k sale in 2009 The right stuff? With bonds offering little return, growth and interest rates nearly flat, and many other investment instruments shaky, plenty of money has poured into collector steel (and fiberglass) during the Great Recession. As always, blue-chip cars are best protected during hard times, and they also accelerate the strongest during boom years. While flagship Corvettes such as the 199 1963 Z06s or 20 1967 L88s will always be desirable, the value added by celebrity ownership will probably always trend with popular culture. Although just as with any collector car, bulletproof credentials for the celebrity in question make predicting future value easier. I expect we’ll see the Armstrong car offered again, and when we do, it’ll still be expensive. But judging from other sales we’ve seen, I just don’t expect its value to shoot past the moon. A November-December 2012 37

Horsepower Colin Comer W MUSCLEill modern ever be collectible? TODAY’S PERFORMANCE CARS CAN TRUMP ANYTHING THAT ROLLED OUT OF DETROIT IN THE ’60S HEYDAY, AND WITH RELIABILITY TO BOOT © General Motors 2013 Camaro ZL1 — with 580 hp and plenty of comforts, it’s a supercar in a pony car body D uring the original muscle-car era, from 19 haps the furthest thing from buyers’ mind their new cars as precious investments. A were new, high-performance cars and not s Brass Era or Full Classic like their fathers l These muscle machines were built to go fast, stree attract the opposite sex, and, well, get them from poin A to point B. In other words, they were just cool new cars, and every year, the horsepower wars almost guaranteed a new level of performance. But that was until the whole muscle-car era came to a screeching halt in 1972. True gearheads sought out the best used muscle cars if they wanted horsepower that was no longer available in the showrooms, and few original owners who had the foresight to treat their muscle cars with respect decided to keep them rather than trade up to something newer. And as the years marched on, between the early ’70s and the mid–’90s, values for tr and rare muscle cars crept up, mostly under the radar u stratospheric rise that peaked in 2006. 38 AmericanCarCollector.com 1968 Dodge Charger: original fix-it-yourself muscle

© Ford Motor Co. 2013 Mustang gT500 — a hefty 662 hp will keep it desirable well into the future Detroit catches on This renewed interest and feeding frenzy for original muscle cars did not go unnoticed in Detroit. Seeing that buyers still loved the idea of tough, powerful, and street-cred-bolstering cars, the new era of the horsepower wars was becoming as heated as the market for original muscle cars. Pontiac revived the GTO, Ford’s new 2005 Mustang was a retro- styled masterpiece, and soon we had Chargers, Challengers, and the new Camaro as well. While breaking the 200-hp barrier was a big deal for the C4 Corvette in 1984, the new baseline to even be considered a true modern muscle car started at 300 hp and quickly exceeded 400 hp. These are SAE net numbers that easily trump anything that rolled out of Detroit in the heyday of SAE gross horsepower — and with fuel economy, reliability, and factory warranties that today’s buyers demand. The game was, and remains, on. Will they appreciate? As a result of this rebirth of the muscle-car era, the question I get a lot is, will modern muscle (2005 and on for this argument) ever experience the financial appreciation that original muscle has? My short answer is no. But if we turn the squelch up, a lot of “maybe” layers come to light. My main reason for the “no” answer is based on two things: production numbers and complexity. Quite simply, they are cranking these cars out in large numbers, so I do not foresee demand outstripping supply. It’s complicated The issue of complexity is, well, complex on its own. These are high-tech vehicles with electronics, materials, components, assembly methods, and the resultant issues that will arise over time from them. Think of your first PC. Could you keep it in service today if needed? Probably not. Technology gets obsolete ridiculously fast these days, as anybody with a lowly iPhone 3 can attest. So not only will parts supplies likely dry up, but also the accessibility of service equipment to even find out what is wrong inside various black boxes. If this stuff is available in 30 years, the other issue will be cost. Will we have to pay a tech guy $300 per hour to see why a computer isn’t getting a post-cat O2 sensor signal? How will composite materials glued together with space-age polymers survive four decades? But the main issue in my eyes is that of intimidation. I know it is an odd word choice, but what really endeared old muscle cars to so many was the ability for us to interact with them on a mechanical level. Did you sense a high-rpm misfire in that last stoplight duel? Better pop the distributor cap, clean and set the points, take a look at the plugs, and try it again. When the miss was gone you felt like you accomplished something, because you did. There is a tactile element to old leaky carburetors, drum brakes and solid metal dashboards that is nostalgic and reassuring. The youth of today don’t seem to care about greasy parts and ignition points. They will most likely be nostalgic for the soon-to-beantiquated OS within a new 2013 GT500’s ECU. So there is a distinct possibility that these cars will be sought after just as the original ones are, but by a whole different group — a group of people disgusted by hybrid cars but equally disgusted by 70-year-old cars that reek of leaded gas and gear lube. The cars to watch There are bright, shining stars of the modern muscle era that will obviously be desirable well into the future. Just like muscle cars 40 years their senior, the modern muscle to watch will be the lowestproduction, highest-horsepower examples built. Two current cover girls that fit these criteria are the 2013 Mustang GT500 with its outrageous 662 hp, and its crosstown rival, the 2012-up Camaro ZL1 with 580 hp. These are both supercars in pony car bodies. And just like in the 1960s, we also have a renaissance of both pre- and post-title manufacturers. Shelby American in Las Vegas, for example, takes post-title GT500s and creates their 1,000-hp, emissions-legal Super Snake GT500. Due to the expense of this conversion, very few will be built, and that bodes well for collectibility. Also in the Ford world, companies such as Roush and Saleen have modified Mustangs that are equally exclusive. Chevy guys have Nickey Chicago, whose specialty is taking new Camaros and building them to any level their owner desires — just like the original “Nickey Supercar Headquarters” did with their wicked packages back in the day. All of these wild, big-horsepower, exclusive modern muscle cars stand at the forefront of future collectibility. Will anything better come along, or will these cars be seen as a product of a special moment in time? Will they physically survive the 20- to 30-year dwell period needed to be considered “vintage,” and will there be the support needed to keep them running? Will tomorrow’s buyers care? We’ll have to wait and see. Now’s your chance I doubt anyone reading this has squirreled away a bunch of 2005 Mustang GTs for investment purposes. That’s good, because the smart short-term money plays with cars that have already reached collectible status and have a proven track record. That said, as a guy who loves big horsepower and performance, my best advice is to live in this moment. These are incredible times for guys like us. $60k can get you a 200-mph, 662-hp Mustang right off the showroom floor, and the phenomenon will not last. Just like 1972, at some point the music is going to stop. So if you want to experience modern muscle, do it now. Do it because you will enjoy driving it, and if you decide to hang on to that modern supercar for 20-plus years and it appreciates, you win. Twice.A November-December 2012 39

PROFILE CORVETTE 1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 396/425 COUPE Drive it like you stole it There are no claims of originality, no documents, and no Bloomington or NCRS awards to display. This is a driver Chassis number: 194375S104416 by Jim Pickering of its restoration in 2002, which included refinishing it in the original color combination of Nassau Blue with a blue interior. Mechanical details include the professionally built 396-ci engine (suitable for running on pump gasoline), a rebuilt 4-speed transmission and rebuilt brakes. I 40 AmericanCarCollector.com 40 AmericanCarCollector.com ACC Analysis This 1965 Corvette, Lot F193, er’s premium, at Mecum’s Monterey auction in Monterey, CA, on August 17, 2012. When it comes to classic Corvettes, the market favors cars with documentation and original equipment. Cars with NCRS awards and Bloomington Gold certification tend to bring some of the highest prices, with buyers hunting the most-original and bestdocumented examples available, down to date-coded hoses and original alternators. What the NCRS and Bloomington Gold have both done for the Corvette hobby can’t be stressed enough — the hobby now places great appreciation on Corvettes as historic automobiles, thanks to the efforts of these organizations, which is something that you sold for $48,760, including buy- n its first year of production, the 396/425-hp big-block-equipped 1965 Chevrolet Corvette was at its rarest in coupe form, a fact that today makes this beautiful example a rare find. It has been driven just 2,200 miles since the completion didn’t see even 15 years ago. Special consideration is now given to cars that are as they were when they rolled out of the St. Louis plant on the day they were built. Collectors know and appreciate what a car “typical of factory production” looks like, and when it comes to value, buyers now pay premiums for proper, original-style finishes over glossy restorations. That’s quite an achievement. But there’s a time and a place for everything, and while I appreciate originality, I also think that Corvettes were meant to be driven. And by driven, I mean right on the edge of reason, with the rear end hanging out wide, the rear tires belching white smoke, and the engine in full 3,500-rpm song. That’s why my neighbors hate me, and it’s why I love this ’65. Bigger, badder, brutal The big block made its Corvette debut in 1965. Rated at 425 hp, the 396 was the most powerful Corvette engine to date, featuring a solid-lifter cam, 11:1 compression, large-port heads, an aluminum intake, and a Holley 4-bbl carburetor. The package also included a domed hood, which instantly tipped everyone off to what was underneath it. By 1966, displacement grew to 427 cubes, making the L78 a one-year Corvette option. This was the only year in which both the fuel-injected small-block and the big-block were available at Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

ACC Digital Bonus the same time. Most buyers went for brute 396 power over the sophistication of the injected 327 mill — by a factor of more than two to one — which helped spell the end of Corvette injection and the rise of the 396, 427, and 454s that would come to define the muscle era, at least for GM and the Corvette. Other ’65 firsts included standard four-wheel disc brakes, available sidepipes, and optional teak steering wheels — imagine a midyear Corvette and I’d be willing to bet the car you’re visualizing in your head has all three. Our subject car does, too. Consider that a bonus. A driver’s car The market currently places the value of a good #2 condition L78 coupe at between $69,000 and $131,000, depending on options and condition. This car was a lot cheaper but appears to be in pretty good shape. What’s going on here? Well, as I mentioned before, originality and factory- style restorations tend to bring the most money at auction. And this car, while nice, is a mix of things. There are no claims of originality, no photos of documentation, and no Bloomington or NCRS awards on display. We don’t even know if it was a big-block car to begin with. It’s a driver’s car — it looks generally right but can actually be used without the owner having to worry about tearing up an original. The price paid reflected all that. Underhood, there are both original-style and modern-style hose clamps, an oiled K&N-style air filter element, missing ignition shielding, and more. And that 396 isn’t stock inside either — the Mecum copy is clear that it’s been built to run on pump gas, which means no 11:1 compression slugs. They’ve probably been replaced with some that come in closer to 9.5:1 or 10:1. But modern cam and head technology can make up a lot of what you’d lose by dropping static compression by a point or so, which means there’s no reason to believe this 396 won’t scream like an original. It may even be faster, depending on what was done to it, and it’ll run on pump premium fuel. Those are also bonuses for a car you’re driving in the modern world. The car has also been fitted with aftermarket salt- flat-style rims and fresh radial rubber, and inside, a modern stereo and a Hurst shifter have been fitted. All of this was done in the name of usability and style over originality, and since almost every Corvette wore aftermarket rims at some time in its life, the look is not all that jarring. Dump the clutch As it sits, this is no candidate for a preservation award and no totem to which other Corvette restorations need aspire. It’s just a great driver with good options, a great engine, and a lot of street cred. This is the kind of car you buy and drive to Hot August Nights, or drive to work for an entire summer, rain or shine. Why? Because you can. It’s not that you wouldn’t be able to do those things with an award winner or preserved original, it’s just that you probably wouldn’t want to for fear of damaging its value in one way or another. And while knowing how Corvettes looked and felt from the factory is critically important in today’s hobby, so is knowing what it was like to use one the way they were intended to be used. That includes the waves, smiles, and shaking fists you’re sure to get when driving one properly. In my book, $48k is a deal for a sparkly example with a 396, a 4-speed, and a great look, original or not. Well bought. A (Introductory description courtesy of Mecum Auctions.) November-December 2012 41CC 41 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 coupe Detailing Year produced: 1965 Number produced: 23,564 total (all Corvettes), 2,157 L78s Current ACC Valuation: $69,000–$131,000 Tune up/major service: $200 Distributor cap: $19.99 Chassis #: VIN tag under glovebox door, on engine pad surface, driver’s side upper frame rail and transmission case Engine #: Block pad on passenger’s front of engine, below cylinder head Club: NCRS More: www.ncrs.org Alternatives: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396, 1968 Plymouth Road Runner, 1968 Pontiac GTO ACC Investment Grade: A Comps Original list price: $4,984 (as equipped) 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 coupe Lot S112, S/N 194375S122155 Condition: 1Sold at $92,750 Mecum Auctions, St Charles, IL, 6/22/2012 ACC# 202132 Lot 686, S/N 194375S111131 Condition: 2+ Sold at $77,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL, 4/4/2012 ACC# 197717 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 coupe Lot S93, S/N 194375S116796 Condition: 2+ Not sold at $125,000 Mecum Auctions, St Charles, IL, 6/25/2010 ACC# 164720

PROFILE GM 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR FUELIE CONVERTIBLE Best of the best in a ’50s icon Courtesy of Mecum Auctions To some, it’s a fond memory, and to others, it’s a car-culture icon. There’s collector value in both, but the dollar amounts placed on them aren’t the same Chassis number: VC57B186830 by Tom Glatch fender-skirt bright trim, dual antennas, driver’s spotlight mirror, spinner wheel covers, wide whitewalls and Continental kit, the car has the looks to back up Chevy’s top-performing production engine. Other features include power steering, power top, T 42 AmericanCarCollector.com 42 AmericanCarCollector.com tissue dispenser, in-dash clock and Wonderbar radio. ACC Analysis This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Fuelie convertible, Lot 213, sold for $127,200, including buyer’s premium, at Mecum’s Monterey auction in Monterey, CA, on August 17, 2012. For decades, Chevrolet and Ford battled in the showroom for the title of best-selling brand in America. By 1956, that brawl had spilled out onto racetracks across the nation. As the popularity of stock-car racing spread in the early 1950s — NASCAR in the Deep South and MidAtlantic states, AAA/USAC in the Midwest — manufacturers became increasingly involved. While the championships the Hudson Hornet earned from 1951 to 1954 did little to save that company, the dominance of the Hemi-powered Chrysler 300s in 1955 and 1956 served notice that Chrysler was no longer a company his fabulously restored 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible has it all: gorgeous Matador Red paint, full dress inside and out and the rare FJ-code 283/250-hp fuel-injected V8 and Powerglide automatic drivetrain. With its fender skirts, optional extra rocker and building boring automobiles. Both Chevrolet and Ford joined the fray in 1956. Competition and the power revolution In advance of the ’57 racing season, Chevrolet made this modest announcement: “Chevy explodes the biggest auto news of 1957 — Fuel Injection! Ramjet fuel injection, optional at extra cost on any Chevrolet model, offers constant-flow port injection, choice of 250 or 283 hp.” Chevrolet also set up the Southern Engineering and Development Company (SEDCO), a company led by former Hudson racing director Vince Piggins, to build a number of race cars based on the Chevy 150 sedan. Dubbed the “Black Widows,” the stripped-down sedans were powered by Chevy’s new 283-hp Fuelie. Not to be outdone, Ford countered with a special Fairlane of their own, powered by the new F-code 312-ci V8 equipped with a McCulloch supercharger. Ford’s president, Robert McNamara, ordered 100 F-code cars to be built to counter Chevy’s performance threat. Ironically, the Black Widow Chevys and the F-code Fords got to race only once — NASCAR laid down new rules to stop the madness on February 20, 1957, mandating just one 4-barrel carburetor. Outside of stock car racing, fuel-injected Chevys competed in the 1957 Daytona Speed Weeks. In Class 4 (213 to 259 ci) they won the first three places in the flying mile; in Class 5 (259 to 305 ci) they took 33

ACC Digital Bonus out of 37 places. Then in March 1957, fuel-injected Corvettes finished 1-2 in the GT class at the Sebring 12 Hours, Corvette’s first victory on the international stage. Hotter performers, wer sellers s the era of “Win on Sunday, nday.” But Chevrolet’s exochester FI systems were slow pted in the showrooms. At the 7, a total of 1,530 units were talled in full-sized Chevys, ostly in “Sweet, Smooth, and assy” Bel Air coupes. But ere were a few convertibles nd Nomads with the option. orvettes received another 040, while 630 were installed on Pontiac’s agship Bonneville. Most Chevys and Corvettes had the 283-hp version, with 10.5:1 compression, mechanical lifters, wild cam, and 3-speed anual transmission. Less popular was e 250-hp fuel-injected option, with lower ression, hydraulic lifters and cam, and the owerglide automatic. That’s the powerplant ured Bel Air convertible. er understood the logic behind the 250-hp Fuelie. If you’re going to spend $484 for an engine option, around 20% of the base price, wouldn’t you buy the top performance version? That’s what most Chevy and Corvette buyers did. But in its defense, the 250-hp V8 is a much nicer option for everyday driving, as it idles smooth and is easier to start. Yet anytime the owner of one of these cars opened the hood, they instantly had the same bragging rights as the higher-spec cars, because externally, both engines basically look the same. Out of 1,530 full-sized ’57 Chevys with fuel injec- tion, just 68 250-hp Bel Air convertibles were built. So our subject car is a rare machine, even if it isn’t the highest-performing example from its era. Detailing Years produced: 1955–57 Number produced: 68 (250hp ’57 Fuelie convertibles) Original list price: $4,142 Current ACC Valuation: $80,000–$165,000 (fuel injection) Engine #: Pad on front of block below right cylinder head Club: Tri Chevy Association More: trichevy.org Alternatives: 1957 Ford Fairlane F-code, 1957 Dodge D-500, 1957 Plymouth Fury Fins, Fuelie units and Americana Perhaps no American automobile is more iconic than the ’57 Bel Air. The design itself it pure 1950s — straight out of Harley Earl’s fintastic GM styling department, and complete with gun-sight hood ornaments, extensive chrome, and of course, those fins. These cars were stylish, fast and affordable, and because of that, their collector value has traditionally been high among buyers who grew up in the era when ’57s were the cruisers of choice. Add fuel injection, and you have a rare, highly desirable combination. This car is pure Americana — to some, it’s a fond memory, and to others, it’s a car-culture icon. There’s collector value in both, but the dollar amounts placed on them aren’t the same. In 2010 a fuel-injected Bel Air sedan from RM’s sale of the Milt Robson Collection sold for $315,000, but that was an exceptional car from a well-known collection. 283-hp convertibles have sold for as much as $209k, and 250-hp ragtops for $167k. In 2011, we even saw a carbureted Bel Air convertible sell for $121k. Compared with those sales, this $127k sale of a welloptioned and well-restored 250-hp Bel Air convertible, painted the obligatory Matador Red, looks like a good deal. But it could be a sign of the times, as we’re seeing a slow descent in value from these cars’ long-lasting value peak. Generally, a lot of collectors who were willing to pay up for these high-option examples aren’t buying anymore, but selling. And the buyers who have replaced them don’t have the same personal connection to these cars — they’re buying the icon rather than the memory. That transfers to the bottom line. But if you’re a Tri-Five lover, this is really the best spec for a drivable example, even with that Powerglide auto. And $127k for a car done to this level is smack on the current market level. I’d call it decently bought. After all, it’s a “Sweet, Smooth, and Sassy” ragtop with an iconic shape and the soul of a racing champion. A (Introductory description courtesy of Mecum Auctions.) November-December 2012 43CC 43 ACC Investment Grade: A Comps Tune-up/major service: $275 Distributor cap: $31 Chassis #: Plate on the left front door hinge pillar 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl Lot S91, S/N VC57N126149 Condition: 2 Sold at $118,720 Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee, FL, 1/24/2012 ACC# 192911 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible 283-ci 220-hp V8, 4-bbl Lot 344.3, S/N VC57S176150 Condition: 1Sold at $88,000 Barrett-Jackson, Orange County, CA, 6/25/2011 ACC# 182164 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible 283-ci 283-hp Fuelie V8 Lot 232, S/N VC57L107202 Condition: 1 Sold at $209,000 RM Auctions, Gainesville, GA, 11/13/2010 ACC# 168388

PROFILE FOMOCO 1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL CUSTOM HARD TOP Offbeat and off the cool scale This car’s mild custom work makes it a one-off creation, so you might as well toss your price guides out the window Chassis number: 3P67Z127673 by Dale Novak cluding Ford Muscle Pick at the Goodguys Northwest Nationals in 2011. It was delivered from the factory in Rangoon Red T 44 AmericanCarCollector.com 44 AmericanCarCollector.com over red interior with a 390-ci big block and 4-speed manual. Under the hood now lives a pro-built, stroked 428-ci Cobra Jet V8 that makes an estimated 650 hp. ACC Analysis This car, Lot F216, sold for $60,950, including the buyer’s premium, at the Mecum Monterey sale in Monterey, CA, on August 16–18, 2012. Let’s get this out of the way straight off: Although Ford Galaxies have a respectable following, they are, for the most part, $15,000–$25,000 cars on a good day. And that’s for a nice example fitted with a V8. Grandma’s column-shift, bench-seat grocery getter might only fetch $10,000 when it’s time to sell. But that range doesn’t take into account some of the more desirable editions such as convertibles, Lightweights, and 406, 427 and 7-liter examples. In 1963, Galaxie engine selections included a dizzy- ing array of cubic inches. They ranged from a 223-ci six-cylinder through 292-ci, 260-ci, 289-ci, 352-ci, 390-ci, and 406-ci V8s. Lastly, the rare R-code 427 was also available, with a published 425 hp. And a fastback roofline (aka Sports Roof) was added midyear to improve the styling and make the cars more his ’63 Galaxie 500 XL is the product of a meticulously finished, show-quality frameoff restoration with an eye toward subdued customization and increased performance. It’s a multiple award and show winner, in- competitive in the NASCAR circuit. So it didn’t really matter who you were — there was a Galaxie to fit your needs. And Ford sold 648,010 of them that year. A customized “Boxtop” Our subject car was born as a Rangoon Red “Boxtop” Galaxie 500 XL fitted with a 390 and rare 4-speed transmission. The engine and trans combination make this car somewhat desirable, although both are now gone, and the body isn’t at the top of the hot list of collectible Fords the same way a 427-powered convertible would be. But the builder did fit a pro-built 428 Cobra Jet stroked to 465 ci and rated at 650 hp. The three-year restoration also included adding a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, four-channel Air Ride suspension and a full array of classic custom gauges. The car was also featured in Street Rodder maga- zine, which adds a modicum of provenance. Further, it was the recipient of the Goodguys Northwest Nationals Ford Muscle Pick in 2011, which means it’s a shoo-in to collect trophies at the local Saturday afternoon show-’n’-shine. Burn your price guide This car’s mild custom work makes it a one-off cre- ation, so when it comes to putting a number on it, you might as well toss your price guides out the window. It’s not that the build isn’t repeatable — it is — it’s just unique to this car and would be costly to duplicate. The stance is just right, the engine selection is superb, and that transmission will be great for Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

ACC Digital Bonus cruising. The Air Ride gives both a smooth ride and control over the car’s ride height, and the large 17-inch American Racing wheels give the car a modern but uniquely vintage look. There are several other es on board as well, such as big 11isc brakes, three-inch exhaust and r steering, all of which should make nd, stop, and handle a lot better than C Digital Bonus cruising. The Air Ride gives both a smooth ride and control over the car’s ride height, and the large 17-inch American Racing wheels give the car a modern but uniquely vintage look. There are several other es on board as well, such as big 11- isc brakes, three-inch exhaust and r steering, all of which should make nd, stop, and handle a lot better than So So when you add it all up, this is one bad machine, with the only knocks being the notchback rear window and a lack of a retro air conditioning system. But $60k? Can’t you buy a lot more car for that same money? What’s it worth? Custom cars, depending on the build quality and how far from stock they’ve traveled, are subject to free market gravitation. Take the wrong car and build it to SEMA show standards, and you might as well have invested your money in Enron. But take the right car, with the right build, and you’ll have yourself a car with a broader market and more universal appeal. I’ve seen it up close and personal — the wrong cars with fresh -figure builds that fail to see half that money n an auction block. Alternatively, build a car s too radical and you might end up in the same place, even if it’s a widely popular car, such as a 1969 Camaro. Did this builder invest the right money in the wrong car? Well, Galaxies aren’t as popular as Mustangs, but I think this car’s Monterey buyer voted with his wallet. And there were at least two bidders interested enough to push the car to this price level. Add in the Goodguys awards and magazine appearance and you’ve got pretty solid evidence of this car’s cool factor. Dare to be different Mustangs may be more popular than cars like this Galaxie, but they rarely raise eyebrows at local car shows. A lot of these Galaxies were built, but they don’t have a huge following. But this car is just different enough from the current norm to be well received at a car show while still being easy to work on thanks to a large parts supply. And therein lies the value, at least for some people. It doesn’t take a math genius to figure out that it cost a whole pile of cash to get this car into this configuration and quality level — probably a figure far north of the selling price. The show-quality paint and brightwork could easily have broken $20,000 on their own. If re-creating something like this would cost more than the buyer spent here, was it a good buy? Financially, it may be harder to sell than a similar $60k Mustang because there are fewer buyers in the market for Galaxies, and it’s important to note that every mile put on it along with every new stone chip will deteriorate the overall monetary value. So you could call it well sold at this price and be done with it. But the “cool factor” is certainly worth something. That’s the head-turning component that makes people stop and look when they walk past. And this car had that in spades — it’s custom, it’s clean, and it’s cool. And most importantly, it’s different. So all things considered, I think we can call the price fair, as long as the investment is measured in smiles per mile rather than just the car’s future sales price, after a few sets of tires and a handful of years have passed. For now, the new owner should have tons of fun terrorizing unsuspecting victims and wearing out his hand with overzealous high-fives at the Biff Burger. I hope he drives it, enjoys it, and always has a new microfiber towel to wipe off the drool. Well bought and sold. A (Introductory description courtesy of Mecum Auctions.) 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS “Sportsroof” Detailing Years produced: 1959–74 Number produced: 648,010 (all 1963 Galaxie models) Original list price: $2,610–$3,625 Current ACC Valuation: $40k–$60k (this car) Tune-up cost: $200 (as configured) Distributor cap: $25 Chassis #: On tab on right side of firewall under hood Club: www.galaxieclub.com Alternatives: 1963 Chevrolet Impala, 1963 Ford Fairlane 500, 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury Engine #: (390) Passenger side of block, behind starter (casting number only) ACC Investment Grade: C Comps 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Lot S12, S/N 3N63F119801 Condition: 3+ Sold at $19,080 Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 6/22/2012 ACC# 202191 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible Lot SP123, S/N 3J69X188983 Condition: 1Sold at $32,080 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, ONT, 10/21/2011 ACC# 187793 Lot S141, S/N 31847A111787 Condition: 1Sold at $97,520 Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee, FL, 1/24/2012 ACC# 192823 November-December 2012 45CC 45

PROFILE MOPAR 1971 DODGE CHARGER R/T 440 Bargain muscle in a ’70s wrapper As prices for ’60s cars have gotten out of reach for many buyers, these early ’70s cars can be a real bargain Chassis number: WS23U1A146689 by Tom Glatch with a Galen Govier report as well as other related paperwork. It is in excellent overall condition inside and out, with excellent panel fit, paint, upholstery and a well-detailed engine bay and chassis. T 46 AmericanCarCollector.com 46 AmericanCarCollector.com ACC Analysis This 1971 Charger R/T, Lot 4127, sold for $36,300, including buy- er’s premium, at Auctions America by RM’s Auburn Fall auction in Auburn, IN, on September 1, 2012. In 1969, Dodge sold 19,298 of the swift, stylish Charger R/T models. In 1970, that same car sold 9,509 units, and in 1971, just 2,659. Those disappointing numbers might imply that the ’71 was a much lesser vehicle than previous Chargers. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. The R/T model was the performance leader of the Dodge Charger lineup in 1971, along with the Super Bee. The base engine was the mighty 440-ci V8, sporting a single 4-barrel carb delivering 375 hp. You could also order the 390-hp and Six-Pack and even the legendary 426 Hemi. Whatever the engine, you backed it up with either a 4-speed manual or the excellent 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic. This was the same basic powertrain that powered Chrysler’s other muscle cars, the Plymouth his 1971 Dodge Charger is believed to have been a one-owner vehicle until purchased by the current owner in 2011. One of only 332 believed to have been built, this desirable 4-speed car is being sold Road Runner and, until 1971, the Dodge Coronet R/T, as well as the Barracuda and Challenger. And while the sheet metal was different, underneath was the same tried-and-true “B-Body” platform that had been around since 1962. An all-new look Design chief Bill Brownlie and his team gave the 1971 Charger a totally new design, with sleek “fuselage” styling that looked much different from the former models while keeping familiar Charger design cues. Car and Driver magazine commented, “A Dodge Charger? A piece of sculpture? Brownlie and his associates have come up with the best-styled new car for 1971… The Charger comes off as anything but a styling compromise. Not only is it apparent to people viewing the car from the outside, but the driver is aware that he is controlling something far from normal as well.” The 10 cars that Motor Trend nominated for its 1971 Car of the Year award were filled with the new compacts launched that year — Pinto, Vega, and Gremlin — as well as the Riviera/Toronado luxo-barges and Camaro/Firebird and Mustang/Cougar Pony cars. But they included the ’71 Charger, the only tradi- tional muscle car of the group, saying “It was evident, after the initial success of the ’68–’70 Chargers, the Dodge stylists would have to burn some midnight oil to create a fresh approach that would again make Charger something unique in an industry where very

ACC Digital Bonus little is unique. As far as the Motor Trend staff is concerned, they succeeded, and won a nomination... The Charger will be examined in the Ride and Drive, in order to determine ’ supercar ey in comcars. There ar didn’t hat was the rand new C Digital Bonus little is uni C Digital Bonus little is unique. As far as the Motor Trend staff is concerned, they suc- ceeded, and won a nomination... The Charger will be examined in the Ride and Drive, in order to determine ’ supercar ey in com- cars. There ar didn’t hat was the rand new nd nd new me as still ast for . Car and ded 0–60 conds and r-mile in t 95.7 mph ped with m and 3-speed TorqueFlite ile Motor Trend saw similar s not ’68 Hemi Road Runner hen again, the Charger had reature comforts, while the y bare-bones, lightweight, all- Digital Bonus little is unique. As far as the Motor Trend staff is concerned, they suc- ceeded, and won a nomination... The Charger will be examined in the Ride and Drive, in order to determine ’ supercar ey in com- cars. There ar didn’t hat was the rand new nd new me as still ast for . Car and ded 0–60 conds and r-mile in t 95.7 mph ped with m and 3-speed TorqueFlite ile Motor Trend saw similar s not ’68 Hemi Road Runner hen again, the Charger had reature comforts, while the y bare-bones, lightweight, all- ThThe Charger R/T was a very good car for its time, but the times were a changin’. Motor Trend chose Chevy’s Vega as their 1971 Car of the Year, a true sign that the automotive climate was not what it was just two or three years before. And while Dodge had an excellent year selling more than 60,000 Chargers, only about 10% were performance R/T or Super Bee models. Clearly, America’s love affair with the muscle car was over. Safety concerns were taking the fun out of these cars, with insurance rates going over $1,500 annually for someone with a blemished record — almost half the cost of the car itself. Plus, the American economy was also falling into a recession, making the purchase of these cars more difficult to justify. Finally, our soldiers returning from Vietnam were coming back older and wiser, and as many were settling down and getting married, they were trading their fast toys for family transportation. The last of its kind In today’s market, the 1971 performance cars are often viewed with the same disdain as other ’70s-era vehicles. But the ’71 Charger R/T is much more a classic ’60s muscle machine than a wanna-be ’78 Volaré Road Runner. That means, as prices for the ’60s cars have gotten out of reach for many buyers, these early ’70s cars can be a real bargain, although with the exception of the Pontiac Firebird, 1971 was pretty much the last year for real performance. We’ve seen Hemi-powered ’71 Chargers reach the $315,000 mark, and the nearly-as-rare 440 Six-Pack ’71s touch $82,500, but that was in the pre-meltdown market. Today, $36,300 for a well-restored Charger R/T, powered by the standard 440 4-bbl, painted in popular “Plum Crazy,” verified by Mopar expert Galen Govier, is a very fair price. Yes, that’s a bargain for a distinctive-looking muscle car, but that’s about all the current market will bear for circa-1971 performance. This is the perfect car for someone scared away by ’60s prices — just don’t expect ’60s-like values in the future. Well bought and sold. A (Introductory description courtesy of Auctions America by RM.) 1971 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Lot 840, S/N WS23U1G133453 Condition: 2Sold at $28,890 Kruse International, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 1/5/2007 ACC# 43910 1971 Dodge Charger R/T Hemi Lot S150, S/N WS23R1A160359 Condition: 2 Not sold at $90,000 Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee, FL, 1/24/2012 ACC# 192844 Detailing Year produced: 1971 Number produced: 2,659 Original list price: $3,783 Current ACC Valuation: $26,000–$57,000 Tune-up/major service: $150 Distributor cap: $23 Chassis #: VIN plate on the driver’s side instrument panel behind windshield Engine #: Pad located on the right side of the block to the rear of the engine mount Club: Walter P. Chrysler Club More: www.chryslerclub.org Alternatives: 1971 Plymouth Road Runner and GTX, 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge, 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454. ACC Investment Grade: C Comps 1971 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Lot 93, S/N WS23V1A143623 Condition: 2 Sold at $75,900 Worldwide Auctioneers, Houston, TX, 5/3/2008 ACC# 116619 November-December 2012 November-December 2012 47

PROFILE HOT ROD & CUSTOM 1952 ASTRA COUPE Entry-level price for a trend-setter 1953 domestic production cars were slab-sided and predictable. In comparison, the Astra was a shocker Chassis number: WA94173298 by Ken Gross W 48 AmericanCarCollector.com hen Jay Everett unveiled his hand-built coupe at the Petersen Motorama in 1953, it marked a new direction in custom cars. At the time, most American customizers were basing their work on pre-existing cars from Detroit. Everett took the more difficult and more rewarding path of building his own full-bodied creation from scratch, and that new approach made a huge impact, evidenced by coverage in virtually every major custom and hot-rod publication of the time. The car officially bore the Astra name upon its rein- troduction by Everett in 1956. It also featured a number of refinements to the original design, including fresh new blue paint applied at George Barris’s shop. The Astra coupe proved to be the beginning of Jay Everett’s great career in design, the fruit of a skilled and imaginative young man’s will to self-expression and excellence that presaged his later accomplishments. ACC Analysis This 1952 Astra Coupe, Lot S164, sold for $45,580, including buy- er’s premium, at the Mecum Monterey auction in Monterey, CA, on August 18, 2012. When this radical coupe, with its superb long hood/ short deck proportions, debuted at the 1953 Petersen Motorama in Los Angeles, it was considered really far out. At that time, creative customizers like the Barris and Ayala brothers were chopping and de-chroming ’49-to-’51 Ford and Mercury coupes; new fiberglass bodies were becoming available from companies such as Glasspar, Woodill and Kellison, and the only American-built “sports cars” you could buy were the expensive and powerful Kurtis, the underpowered Kaiser-Darrin, the wimpy six-cylinder Chevrolet Corvette and the diminutive Crosley Hotshot. So this futuristic fastback, packing a lusty 303-ci Oldsmobile Rocket V8, was pretty hot. Not your average ride Think about what 1953 domestic production cars looked like: slab-sided, predictable, hardly edgy. Now put the low, lithe Astra in the picture. It was a shocker. Nothing about the Astra resembled typical American car construction. Instead, Everett commissioned Paul Koontz to build a sturdy frame out of two-and-three-eighths-inch steel tubing. He then fabricated a steel armature in the exact shape he wanted, after which metal wizards Jack Sutton and Dennis Powers carefully formed and welded the Astra’s alloy skin components over the latticed structure. The Astra employed conventional Ford straight axles — a tubular front (probably a 1938 Ford) and a conventional ’48 Ford rear end, but with a clever adjustable spring perch that was serrated so the suspension height could be adjusted. The brakes were Chris Kelley, courtesy of Fantasy Junction

ACC Digital Bonus self-energizing units from a Lincoln. Asked why his car differed so radically from the efforts of other custom car builders, then-25year-old Jay Everett told a Hot Rod Magazine interviewer in 1954, “I’m tired of looking at lead barges.” Future shock Many of the Astra’s futuristic design elements found their way onto later show and production cars. Its pointy fins presaged those on Lincolns like the Futura showcar and production Premiere; the unique press-flap door handles would later surface on the C3 Corvette. The fastback roofline appeared on the Chrysler Norseman and the American Motors Marlin. And the tilt-up hood, if not unique, was certainly unusual for the time. Jay Everett revised and updated the Astra sev- eral times, then sold it in the late 1950s. The car’s intriguing history was recounted in a detailed story by Chris Shelton that appeared in Rod & Custom in June and July 2009. It’s a great read. Gone, but not forgotten During the course of his research, Shelton learned that a Barris acquaintance named Dick Hoy bought the Astra from Everett, and it was likely painted dark blue at Barris’s shop. It’s not known exactly when the next owner, Johnny Morris, purchased the coupe. He stored the car in a crowded backyard stash in Rosemead that was filled with other cars. Exposed to the elements under an open-roofed lean-to, the Astra deteriorated badly. In 1979, Fred Torrisi bought it. Torrisi’s daughter Brandy inherited the Astra in 1990 when her father died. Unable to restore it and facing mounting storage bills, she sold the Astra to Spokane artist Jeff Allison in 2004. Allison wanted to restore the car, but the extensive work needed was daunting and beyond his budget. J.F. Launier, owner of JF Customs in Osoyoos, British Columbia, undertook the Astra’s comprehensive 10-month restoration for his customer Barry Blomme. When it was completed, the Astra debuted at Paso Robles in 2007; the connection was made there with Jay Everett’s brother and Jay’s daughter. After more than half a century, the radical coupe had come full circle. The Astra subsequently appeared at an RM auction in 2010, where its owner turned down a bid for $120,000, no doubt thinking that sum was far too low for a freshly restored, wonderfully historic custom. Later that year, at another RM Auction, the Astra sold for $60,000. Last summer at Mecum’s Monterey sale, it sold for a relatively low $45,580, probably much less than the cost to restore it. Deal or no deal? Compared with auction results for historic custom cars such as the ex-Fred Rowe Mercury or the exRichard Bosley sports coupe, $45k is a screaming deal. The Astra has everything going for it: a famous designer and builders, beaucoup magazine features and car show records back in the day, well-known history, ground-breaking styling, interesting engineering, and a high-quality restoration. Chris Shelton wrote: “In that May ’56 Rod & Custom, Jay’s car made a splash that rippled for decades.” Shelton praised the Jay Everett masterpiece saying, “Whereas custom cars defined the era, the Astra was far beyond custom in the sense that it wasn’t a manipulation of an existing dream ... it was, on the other hand, a unique expression of its owner, who merely used a few parts from production cars.” Sam Murtaugh from Mecum Auctions added, “The Astra coupe hammered sold at $43,000 during our auction in Monterey, which I suppose could be considered a bargain...but I look at it as fair market value. It’s nearly impossible to put a true estimate of value on a one-of-one hand-built car.” “The car was offered with reserve, and the seller accepted the high bid,” Murtaugh said, “which means the auction process worked. It looks like the winning bidder hails from Europe and felt that $43,000 was money well spent on a piece of automotive art.” So what’s the problem? Then and now, the Astra was just a little far out for most people. Chris Shelton called it “...one of the most underappreciated icons of its time,” and I agree. I thought the car could have sold for double or even triple its final bid. It still looks very contemporary, and that’s more than you can say for a chopped Mercury. Don’t get me wrong, a hammered Merc done right is a great-looking car, but there were plenty of those. There’s only one Astra. A (Introductory description courtesy of Mecum Auctions.) November-December 2012 49 Detailing Year produced: 1952 Number produced: One Original list price: N/A Current ACC Valuation: $40k-plus Tune-up cost: $200 Distributor cap: $100 Chassis #: N/A Engine #: Stamped on pad on left side of block, toward the rear Club: Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA), the oldest custom-car club; likely would be welcome at Goodguys or NSRA Alternatives: None, really. Nothing compares to a historic custom at this price ACC Investment Grade: A Comps 1951 Mercury Custom convertible Lot 825, S/N 51LA39108M Condition: 2 Sold at $423,500 RM Auctions, Boca Raton, FL, 2/15/2012 ACC# 192795 1952 Astra Coupe (Profile car) Lot 242, S/N WA94173298 Condition: 2+ Not sold at $120,000 RM Auctions, Phoenix, AZ, 1/21/2010 ACC# 155131 1953 Bosley Mk I GT Lot 352, S/N 1 Condition: 1 Sold at $233,500 Brooks, Carmel, CA, 8/18/2000 ACC# 10411

PROFILE CLASSIC 1928 CADILLAC “AL CAPONE” SERIES 341A Capone car price hits bull’s-eye This car has a great history, but it’s only worth what someone will pay for it Engine number: 306449 by Carl Bomstead beyond reasonable doubt until now. Thorough documentation begins with the purchase T 50 AmericanCarCollector.com 50 AmericanCarCollector.com of this 1928 Cadillac by Harry LaBreque in May of 1933 from Patrick Moore. According to Moore’s daughter, her parents purchased the car from an agent in Chicago with whom they believed it had been placed by Capone. The Moores worked with a traveling carnival, where they exhibited the Cadillac. The ownership history after the purchase by LeBreque is well known and heavily documented, including its display at the Southland-On-Sea amusement park in England. It was restored in the late ’50s, when most of the heavy plating was removed but the other features, including the bulletproof glass and drop-down rear window, were retained. In 2008, Richard Capatran, then 93 years old, recalled that he had helped his father install armor plating on Al Capone’s Cadillac. The car was delivered new to the shop, and 3,000 pounds of asbestoswrapped steel plate was installed along with inch-thick bulletproof glass and a rear window that dropped he continuous history of this 1928 Cadillac V8 Town Sedan has been established since 1932. While the provenance of the “Al Capone” armored Cadillac has never been questioned, its origins were never confirmed quickly to allow the occupants to fire on would-be pursuers. Upon seeing the Cadillac, Capatran stated, “This is without a doubt the same car that was worked on in my dad’s shop.” ACC Analysis This 1928 Cadillac V8 “Al Capone” Town Sedan, Lot 152, sold for $341,000, including buyer’s premium, at RM’s St. John’s sale on July 28, 2012. Al Capone and “The Outfit” required special transportation as they managed their business — a business that was estimated to generate $100 million annually from liquor and prostitution. Expansion was at the expense of competitors, and rubbing them out was the method of choice. Violence and retaliation continued through the late 1920s and culminated in the famed St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, in which seven of “Bugs” Moran’s boys were gunned down for hijacking The Outfits’ booze trucks. The armored Cadillacs In 1927, Capone reportedly survived an assas- sination attempt, and he wisely determined that his vehicles should receive additional protection. His brother-in-law was a Cadillac dealer, and at least two Courtesy of RM Auctions

ACC Digital Bonus 1928 Cadillac Series 341As were purchased and given the full ballistic treatment. They were fitted with bul- letproof glass that was formed by gluing four sheets of glass together. They were further modified so they could be raised an extra couple of inches, allowing access to a circular hole large enough to accommodate the muzzle of a machine gun. They were fitted with 3,000 pounds of armor plating, and the rear window dropped down. Just the thing to support firing on enemies while remaining relatively safe inside. The 1928 Cadillac 341A produced only 90 horsepower, and with the added weight of the armor plating and heavier glass, it was certainly lacking in performance. The Cadillac 341A was also used by the Chicago Police, so Capone had his painted in the same black and green colors and added lights and a siren. He also installed a police-band receiver, reportedly the first installed in a private vehicle. Seizure and imprisonment On October 7, 1931, Capone was convicted of tax evasion, and his attempted bribery of the jury was discovered by federal agent Eliot Ness. He was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment, and many of his assets were seized, including his newer Cadillac V16s and one of the less-valuable V8 341As. Another, this car, was sold to Harry LaBreque in 1933 by one of Capone’s agents in Chicago. The 1928 Cadillac that was seized played an interesting role in later history. The day after Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was to give his Infamy Speech to Congress. However, the Secret Service did not have a bulletproof car to safely transport him, and one was needed, as we were now at war. An agent realized Capone’s armored Cadillac had been in the Treasury Department’s parking lot since it was seized, and it was quickly pressed into service. When the president was informed by a reporter where the car came from, he was reported to have said, “I hope Mr. Capone won’t mind.” Capone as collectible The 1928 Cadillac that Roosevelt used has disap- peared, but our subject car has had an active life. In 2006, John O’Quinn bought the car for $621,500 at RM’s January Phoenix sale. After his death, his estate attempted to sell the car at RM’s Monterey 2010 sale, but declined a $355,000 bid. At first, that Monterey bid seems like it was well off base considering what O’Quinn paid in 2006, but to put things in perspective, Bonhams offered a far more desirable 1930 Cadillac V16 at their August 2009 Quail Lodge sale in Carmel, CA. That car was also documented to have been owned by Capone and had received the full armor package as well. It sold for $309,500. What does that mean for our subject car? Well, although the car has a great history tied to a notorious figure in American pop culture, a car like this is only worth what someone will pay for it. When John O’Quinn bought this car in 2006, he paid a considerable sum to own it, and finding another buyer willing to pay the same money wasn’t going to be easy. With the V16 sale and the Monterey bid on this car both taken into account, I’d say the price paid here was market-correct. The new owner has a car with a great story, as well as one of the first armored cars ever built. That ought to keep him smiling all the way 1930 Cadillac V16 Imperial Armored 452 Ex-Al Capone to the speakeasy. A (Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.) Lot 229, S/N 701617 Condition: 4+ Sold at $309,500 Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 8/14/2009 ACC# 142086 Detailing Years produced: 1928 Number produced: 20,001 (total 1928 Cadillac production) Original list price: $3,395 Current ACC Valuation: $300k–$340k Major service: $200 Distributor cap: $75 Chassis #: N/A Engine #: Plate on front of dash and right side of crankcase Club: Classic Car Club of America, Cadillac and LaSalle Club More: www.classiccarclub.org, www.cadillaclasalleclub. org Alternatives: Capone’s 1930 V16 452 Imperial Sedan, 1930 Cadillac 452 Madame X ACC Investment Grade: C Comps 1930 Cadillac 452 Madame X Lot 34, S/N 702089 Condition: 1 Sold at $418,000 Dan Kruse Classics, Smithville, TX, 3/3/2012 ACC# 196999 1934 Packard Twelve Model 1107 Ex-Al Capone Lot 54, S/N 73630 Condition: 2 Sold at $137,500 Worldwide Auctioneers, Houston, TX, 5/3/2008 ACC# 116701 November-December 2012 September-October 2012 51 51CC

PROFILE RACE 1969 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 Living up to the legend Courtesy of Auctions America by RM Is a bone-stock, documented car more valuable than one with a lifetime of street cred? Chassis number: 9F02Z171575 by Jay Harden B 52 uilt to homologate the new 429 “semi-Hemi” engine for NASCAR, the Boss 429 was the most powerful Mustang ever and one of the rarest as well. The engine, intentionally under-rated at 375 horsepower, featured a forged-steel crank, NASCAR rods, four-bolt main bearing caps and large-valve aluminum heads with crescent-shaped combustion chambers. A large cold-air scoop fed a huge Holley carburetor atop an aluminum high-rise intake manifold; breathing was controlled by a hydraulic cam that was replaced partway through production with an improved solid-lifter version. All 429s were equipped with power steering and brakes with front discs, a Hurst-shifted 4-speed and 3.91 Traction-Lok rear end. This white 1969 Boss 429 had a high-profile career as a test bed and drag car for Custom Enterprises on Long Island, NY, and was the focus of a feature article in the February 1970 issue of Hot Cars magazine. Disappointed by an initial test in their August 1969 issue, the editors visited Custom Enterprises and interviewed this car’s owner, John Riedel, who had been busy whipping the Boss into an 11.70 machine. Riedel had fitted the car, which was capable of mid- 14s in stock trim, with 90/10 front shocks, a 1050 cfm Holley 3-barrel, a 610-series Holman Moody cam kit and 5.13 gears. The results spoke for themselves, and the Hot Cars crew returned to counter their first story with a glowing report of the big Boss’s lively new act. Thirty-eight years later, the car shows just over 2,200 miles on the odometer and remains in its original white with black décor group interior. The single Holley 3-barrel has given way to twin Holley fours on a dual tunnel-ram intake. The 4-speed shifter is still AmericanCarCollector.com there, along with the roll bar installed all those years ago to meet SS/D rules. ACC Analysis This 1969 Boss 429, Lot 4103, sold for $145,750, including buyer’s premium, at Auctions America by RM’s Auburn Fall sale on August 30–September 2, 2012. That price was well below the pre-auction estimate of $150k–$200k, and about two-thirds the money that fully detailed and restored models have recently brought in the current market. Although this particular example has reportedly navigated its way through the past 43 years one quarter mile at a time, its value may reach far beyond a dollar amount. Oval track mill The Boss 429 was put into production to fulfill NASCAR’s homologation requirements, so a minimum of 500 examples of Ford’s “semi-Hemi” monster needed to find their way onto a production line. Interestingly, Ford execs chose not to plant the engine in the sales-lot version of the mid-sized Torino, the model that would be powered by the Boss on NASCAR’s super-speedways, but instead chose to plunk 857 of the high-revving terrors into the cramped confines of their ailing golden goose, the Mustang. By 1970, production numbers for the Mustang had dropped fairly dramatically since its booming introduction only a few years prior. In just five years, the car had grown in almost every quantifiable dimension, and by 1969, it was being criticized for having grown out without having grown up. The simple, lightweight pony that had revolutionized the industry had slowly morphed into a boy

ACC Digital Bonus racer’s pinup, and in the process had lost much of the broad appeal that had made the car an instant classic. With new segment competitors threatening to out-muscle the Mustang, Ford desperately needed to provide the horsepower-addicted public with something new to be excited about. Dropping in the 429 seemed like the perfect answer, at least on paper. A deserving legend? Although the Boss has become one of the most highly prized heroes of the mountain motor era, its initial performance was somewhat less than deserving of the legend it would come to inspire. The implied performance promised by the pairing of all those cubes and a lightweight wrapper was foiled by a simple confusion of purpose. Detroit’s Big Three were battling for national supremacy one stoplight at a time, and consumers believed the Boss to be a mighty quarter-mile weapon. However, the Boss 429 was designed for an entirely different purpose. The big engine was bred to rev, and inherently lacked the dramatic low-end punch that critics expected. Lackluster performance was even more dramatic in the earliest ’69 cars, due to the installation of improper valve springs that severely limited the engine’s ability to find the revs it so desperately needed. According to the literature associated with our sale, this car’s original owner began clarifying his purpose almost immediately after taking possession. The addition of a new cam, carb, shocks, and gears immediately and dramatically lifted the Boss’s performance, dropped its E.T., and earned it a legitimate magazine feature, but at what long-term expense? A reason to believe The Boss 429 earns the big bucks for two basic reasons: exclusivity and legacy. Ford ensured the Boss’ exclusivity with low, although by no means ultra-low, production numbers. The Boss’s legacy, that most elusive and intoxicating factor of value, required Detailing Years produced: 1969–70 Number produced: 857 (1969), 500 (1970) Original list price: $4,798 Current ACC Valuation: $175,000–$220,000 Tune-up cost: $500 Distributor cap: $17 Chassis #: Kar Kraft number on foil decal on inside of driver’s door above Ford VIN/trim tab Engine #: Kar Kraft number on rear of engine block Club: Mustang Club of America More: www.mustang.org Alternatives: 1970–71 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda, 1969–70 Ford Mustang 428 SCJ, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 significantly more effort to establish. Performances, real or exaggerated, by lightly modified cars such as our subject surely contributed heavily to that legacy. Because underperformers, as the early Bosses surely were, are rarely forgiven in the lexicon of collectible automobiles, the value of proven cars that actually deliver what the manufacturers implied may be historically more important than many of us are willing to admit. Is a bone-stock, no-mileage, fully documented car more valuable than one with a lifetime of street cred and a penchant for punishment? Absolutely. But the real question should be, where does the line between a stock underachiever and a sorted-out, mostly stock monster blur? Is our subject Boss 429 mostly stock with the most important bits accounted for? You bet. Will it completely humiliate a stocker that cost 50% to 75% more where it really counts, in a straight line? I’d be willing to bet the farm on it. Was it a good buy? While our car’s value may be at the lower end of the Boss spectrum, there is absolutely no reason to expect that value to decrease in the foreseeable future. So as a usable high-performance Boss, this was a deal at the price paid. I wouldn’t advise the new owner to shell out the cash for a restoration any time soon, especially if the car has as much life left in it as appears on the surface. But there will come a time when he’ll have to make that call. And it’ll be an expensive decision, as there will undoubtedly be some rare missing pieces he’ll need to source to make it as right as some of the other top-dollar cars we’ve seen lately. But until that time, the new owner has a real Boss 429 that can annihilate rubber and devour city blocks at a rate worthy of its reputation. And of Auctions America by RM.) November-December 2012 53 isn’t that the whole point? A (Introductory description courtesy 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Lot S726, S/N 9F02Z150456 Condition: 2Sold at $253,000 Russo and Steele, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/18/2012 ACC# 191661 ACC Investment Grade: A Comps 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Lot F319, S/N 9F02Z150471 Condition: 1- Not sold at $275,000 Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis, IN, 5/15/2012 ACC# 201856 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Lot 36, S/N 0F02Z17929 Condition: 2 Sold at $222,000 Worldwide Auctioneers, Atlantic City, NJ, 2/24/2012 ACC# 192981

PROFILE TRUCK 1942 DODGE WC56 MILITARY COMMAND CAR A front-line collectible Why so expensive? Call it star factor. Everyone wants to be a general, not a private Serial number: 20351803S by B. Mitchell Carlson • Genuine military Command Car as used by General Patton World War II • Complete frame-off rebuild • Engine, transmission, and drive gears have been rebuilt ACC Analysis This 1942 Dodge WC56, Lot T137, er’s premium, at Mecum’s Monterey auction in Monterey, CA, on August 16, 2012. Geared for war Dodge was the go-to company for the Army’s half- ton to one-ton four-wheel-drive trucks in the World War II era. Beginning with the 1940 VC-series trucks, which were essentially ruggedized half-ton civilian trucks in four-wheel drive, Dodge further refined the type with the first WC-series trucks in 1941. These early WCs shed almost all of their civilian sheet metal except the cowl or cab for open- or closedcab models, and gained widely arched simple open fenders with simple front-end sheet metal featuring a 54 AmericanCarCollector.com 54 AmericanCarCollector.com sold for at $47,700, including buy- curved slat steel grille. With the U.S. entry into World War II, the WCs needed further refinement and to be heavier duty. Army planners wanted a truck with a shorter cowl, which gave the trucks a lower, more stable profile. To that end, the new three-quarter-ton WCs (starting with the WC51) had a squared-off, very purposeful front end, including a flat steel slat grille. Most versions were soft-top only, with fold-down windshields, which helped achieve more efficient shipping. These later WCs were also characterized by the use of combat wheels — rims than can be unbolted to effect tire changes in the field — helping to further accentuate the wider track of the three-quarter-ton axles. The Jeep’s big, husky brother The command-car body actually pre-dates stan- dardized military vehicles to the years between the world wars. Military planners thought open bodies without doors were preferable in the lean years of the 1920s and 1930s as a means of immediate egress — B. Mitchell Carlson

ACC Digital Bonus either if taking fire to take defensive positions, or to more rapidly deploy artillery the vehicle might be towing. By the time of U.S. involvement in World War II, the type had evolved from being used by front-line “shock troops” to battlefield commanders who needed to be able to quickly move around to assess the battle. Three variations of three-quarter-ton command cars were built: the standard WC56, the winch-equipped WC57, and the non-winch radio-equipped WC58. The latter featured a built-in radio rack ahead of the right rear passenger in lieu of a fold-up map table that was on the other two variants. The VC56 was the most prolific, with 21,156 built versus the 6,010 winch WC57s. WC58 data is inconclusive, because it is believed that they may have been incorporated into the WC56 production figures. Still, the WC56, like this one, is the most often seen command car — and is far more popular for collectors today than the earlier WC51 or WC52. General Patton rode here? Part of the appeal of the command car is that they were usually issued to higher-ranking officers, generally colonels and above. Call it star factor — especially if those stars are on their shoulders. Everyone wants to be a general, not a private. The consignor made some rather loose claims about our featured truck being “as used by General Patton World War II.” It seems that Patton and military vehicles is the 20th century iteration of the fabled “George Washington slept here” moniker. Of all the American commanders during World War II, “Old Blood and Guts” is perhaps the most famous one closely associated with WC56 and WC57 command cars. Especially since, as the war continued, most generals grew to prefer the more homogenous Jeep over a unique vehicle profile that all but shouted out to the enemy, “Shoot at me, I’m unprotected and the commander is in here.” Most everyone at the auction didn’t even ponder that Patton could’ve used this personally, but instead used one similar to it. As such, the statement likely was a non-issue as far as this bringing premium money. Far and away, the excellent restoration quality is what hit the target here. Courtesy of Mecum Auctions Detailing Years produced: 1942–44 Number produced: 21,156 Original list price: N/A Current ACC Valuation: $25k–$35k Tune-up cost: $200 Distributor cap: $12 Chassis number: Dataplate on the dashboard Engine number: Pad on the driver’s side of the top of engine block, just below the cylinder head Club: Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA), P.O. Box 520378, Independence, MO 64052; www.mvpa.org Big bucks in the MV world I’m deeply embedded in the vintage military-vehicle world, so I can unequivocally state that MV collectors can be some of the cheapest players when it comes to actually buying military vehicles. Case in point, when Chester Krause’s MV collection was auctioned two years ago in Iola, WI — a collection that included some of the finest-quality restorations of military trucks around — they didn’t fare nearly as well as most people expected. On the other hand, I’ve seen a lot of less-than- authentic restorations bring silly money at generalmarket collector-car auctions. Why? Simple. A lot of folks will pay to “play army truck.” And like any other collector vehicle, if you’re not an expert, it’s hard to know what you’re looking at. This example was a stellar restoration of a cor- rect early WC56, with only a few nit-pick items that could’ve made it more authentic. For the purist, the exposed bare-metal fasteners in the toeboards, fender mounts, and rims should’ve been painted Olive Drab — in addition to the finely varnished wood map table. All these items were originally painted to make them not gleam in the sun — therefore making them catch the eye of an enemy sniper or aircraft looking for a target to strafe. But to a modern car collector, they give more pop to the vehicle. The similarities to the jeep also play into command car interest. Call it a he-man’s jeep if you like, with the similarities of an open-tub body with a convertibletop on a military vehicle, with a dose of rarity in a no-compromise big truck thrown in. Parts support is good in the 21st century, with quality reproduction parts now supplanting Army surplus NOS in the supply chain. In all, this was a perfect storm of elements: an accurate, high-quality restoration presented at a venue with enough moneyed bidders who appreciate historical vehicles. In MV collectors’ circles, this would’ve been priced in the $25k to $35k range, so for the general public to step up by ten grand is not totally out of line — not to win the battle by flipping it for a profit on short order, but to win the war as a long-term investment.A (Introductory description courtesy of Mecum Auctions.) 1942 Ford GPW “Script” logo body Lot 5, S/N GPW48292 Condition: 3+ Sold at $22,000 Aumann Auctions, Iola, WI, 8/14/2010 ACC# 165642 November-December 2012 55CC 55 Alternatives: 1946-68 Dodge Power Wagon, 1951–64 Dodge M37 military threequarter-ton pickup, 1941–45 Ford GPW or Willys MB military “jeep” ACC Investment Grade: BComps 1942 Ford GPW Lot 467, S/N 37594 Condition: 2Sold at $37,440 ACC# 202077 Bonhams, Greenwich, CT, 6/3/2012 1942 Chevrolet G7107 Lot U152, S/N BV471608 Condition: 3+ Sold at $10,500 Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis, IN, 5/17/2011 ACC# 179403

MARkeT OVERVIEW TOP 10 sales this issue 1. 1919 Miller TNT racer, $1,210,000—G&Co., p. 88 2. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 roadster, $825,000— G&Co., p. 98 3. 1941 Chrysler Town & Country Barrelback woodie wagon, $385,000—G&Co., p. 99 4. 1913 Pope-Hartford Model 33 phaeton, $319,000— G&Co., p. 88 5. 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda 2-dr hard top, $220,000— Drg, p. 102 6. 1931 Cadillac 370A phaeton, $192,500—G&Co., p. 89 7. 1966 Shelby GT350 fastback, $187,000—WWA, Auburn, p. 98 8. 1936 Cord 810 phaeton, $181,500—G&Co., p. 89 9. 1968 Shelby GT500 KR fastback, $148,400—Mec, p. 98 10. 1970 Plymouth Superbird, $143,100—Mec, p. 102 BEST BUYS Buyers pay up for Shelbys, Corvettes and customs CORVETTES AND SHELBYS WERE CONSISTENTLY RIGHT WHERE YOU’D EXPECT TO FIND THEM — AT THE TOP by Tony Piff on the ground at every one. It was a very busy summer for American car collectors. Y Looking at pages and pages of auction results, Corvettes and Shelbys were consistently right where you’d expect to find them — at the top. Hot rods, customs and resto-mods fetched strong prices and found new owners, too, and the vintage pickup market continued its steady climb. Plenty of important Mopars came up for offer and garnered big bids, but not big enough for most sellers, who held tight to their reserves and their cars. n n n The hundreds of thousands of hot-rodders who 1. 1965 Ford Mustang GT convertible, $26,675—R&S, p. 98 2. 1978 Chevrolet C10 Custom pickup, $9,900— Sil, p. 94 3. 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda 2-dr hard top, $220,000— Drg, p. 102 4. 1952 Nash Ambassador 4-dr sedan, $13,200— AAbyRM, p. 104 5. 1947 Packard Super Clipper sedan, $5,500— WWA, p. 104 56 AmericanCarCollector.com descend on Reno, NV, for Hot August Nights had two collector-car auctions to choose from. B&T Customs and Specialty Auto Auctions partnered to put on the official auction of Hot August Nights, and customs reigned: A 1954 Chevrolet 3100 pickup was the top collectible, at $93k. Three late ’30s Fords tied for second, third and fourth place at $86k. Up the road at Silver’s Carson City sale, four out of the top 10 sales were ’30s and ’40s Fords, ranging from $84k to $25k. The number-two slot went to a 1955 Chevrolet Corvette 265/195 roadster, at $68k. n n n Later in August, the collector car world turned its focus to the Monterey Peninsula. This issue showcases highlights from Gooding & Company, RM, Russo and Steele and Bonhams in our Roundup section, and a full feature on Mecum’s Monterey sale. The top American sale at Mecum was a 1908 Simplex 50 Speedcar roadster at $2m, followed by a 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 at $636k and a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 convertible at $610k. A rare, low-mile, very correct 1958 Chevrolet Cameo pickup sold for $44k. n n n Classics are the star of the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival in Auburn, IN, and at the two ou’d be hardpressed to hit all 16 auctions covered in this issue, but we had boots RM was one of many at Monterey with Shelbys on offer auctions that take place there each Labor Day weekend. The top three slots at Worldwide’s “The Auburn Auction” went to pre-war cars, with a 1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Cabriolet the biggest sale at $473k. The top 10 also included a 2004 Ford GT factory test mule, sold at $217k, as well as two Shelbys: a 1966 GT350 at $187k and a 1966 GT350 H at $127k. n n n The story was the same at Auctions America by RM’s “Auburn Fall” sale, where a 1935 Duesenberg Model J was the high sale at $457k, followed by a 1932 Auburn Twelve Boattail Speedster at $275k. A 2011 Shelby GT350 sold for $160k, a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 drag car brought $145k, and a 1968 Shelby GT500 found a new garage at $111k. The top two Corvettes were both 1958 cars, sold at $91k and $90k. A 1950 Ford F1 was one of the truck highlights at $44k. ACC 1-6 scale condition rating 1. Perfect: National show standard 2. excellent: Club show-worthy, some small flaws 3. Average: Daily driver in decent condition 4. Meh: Still a driver, with some visible flaws 5. Questionable: A problem-plagued beast that somehow manages to run 6. Lost cause: Salvagable for parts n n n This month’s Global Roundup includes highlights from both Auburn auctions, plus 11 other sales across the country.A

Anatomy of an ACC Market Report By B. Mitchell Carlson To give a better appreciation of what our auction analysts and reporters look for in our auction reports, we’ll examine a typical vehicle at a typical auction. As an example, we’ll use this 1970 GMC Custom 2500 pickup, offered at the Mecum auction in Monterey on August 16, 2012. ID DATA Verified the VIN and body codes to how the car is presented, and if the serial number is stamped or correctly attached as originally manufactured. In several states, if it isn’t, the car may need to be inspected by the licensing authorities or bonded to be titled, so a potential buyer needs to be aware of this. In this case, there are no problems. structure. C: conventional two-wheel drive, E: V8 engine, 2: weight range (3/4-ton), 34: fleetside-box pickup, Z: GMC division code for the 1970 model year, Z: assembly plant (Freemont, CA), 66491: unit sequence number starting at 50001 (the 16,491st truck built at Freemont, CA). All of which matches this truck. SALES STATEMENT This figure represents the declared selling price of the vehicle plus the stated buyer’s premium. In other words, what the buyer made the check out for to actually buy it. If the vehicle failed to sell, we report the final bid that was acknowledged by the auctioneer for the vehicle. COMMENTARY Here I give my opinion. In this case, I discuss how most trucks of this era with wood floors tend to be over-restored with high gloss replacement wood in the cargo box, while this original truck proves that the wood was painted over when new. We also note that this truck was a no-sale across the block, but Mecum’s post-sale results show that the truck had sold later in the day. CONDITION RATINGS 58 AmericanCarCollector.com Condition: ACC uses a numerical scale of 1 to 6 to assess a vehicle’s overall condition: 1. Perfect: National show standard 2. Excellent: Club show-worthy, some small flaws 3. Average: Daily driver in decent condition The VIN translates that with readily available data regarding GMC serial number #T86-1970 GMC CUSTOM 2500 pickup. S/N CE234ZZ66491. Gold & white/ parchment vinyl. Odo: 41,206 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Lifelong California truck. Original paint throughout. Like-new tailgate, as it spent its days hung on the inside of the garage where the truck was kept, since the truck wore a topper with built-in rear door. Residue from topper seal on box sides. Aftermarket fuel tank on left side of box. Repainted steering wheel and authentic reproduction seat; rest of interior original and in good condition. Modern rims with radials. Rebuilt original motor, with longer-duration camshaft. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $8,800. I get sick of the heavily varnished reproduction wood beds on trucks of this era being called “original.” This was truly original, with paint over all those oak planks. When bidding stopped at $7,500, reserve was stated to be $15k. Well bought post-block at this price.

A DETAILED DISSECTION OF HOW WE RATE CARS AT AUCTION UNDERCARRIAGE Denotes if it is rusty and dirty with paint overspray, or if there are all-new corrosionfree components and fasteners. Also makes note if it’s either lightly or heavily sprayed with fresh undercoating — another “hide-it-quick” trick. On our feature truck, it’s mostly the way it left Freemont in 1970, BODY AND PAINT with dust, grime, and surface rust since. It also has the original spare tire mounted on the original split rim on the carrier, with radial tires on the ground. A newer aftermarket dual exhaust system is also in view. INTERIOR Tells the reader how much of the interior is original and how much is replacement — and if the latter, if it’s authentic with good or poor installation workmanship. Also makes note of accessory sound systems, gauges, consoles and other items that would take some effort and workmanship to install. Here, an authentic reproduction seat covering was professionally installed over the original seat structure. The steering wheel was repainted, and the original door panels redyed. Notes the quality of both the paint application and prep work involved before applying the paint (such as scratches, old paint layers, dust, and fisheyes). Denotes body panel fit (even or uneven gaps), door fit, smooth body panels or waviness, evidence of lesser-quality repair work. This truck wears its original, factoryapplied paint with light wear, scrapes and nicks from use as a working truck. Some might call it patina; some might call it flat-out wear. ENGINE Notes if the engine compartment is original, detailed, or just left alone. Cars at auction will often get a quick cleanup and in-place engine repaint, masking off or removing the ancillary components. Also notes if these other components are original, authentic reproduction or OEM parts, or just bought on-sale a Walmart with no regard to authenticity. Here, the engine was rebuilt and was repainted at that time. There are a few minor aftermarket parts added such as cast aluminum valve covers, but with the original air cleaner, the engine looks generally stock. 4. Meh: Still a driver, but with visible flaws 5. Questionable: A problem-plagued beast that somehow manages to run 6. Lost cause: Salvagable for parts November-December 2012 59

MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA Quality and volume push Mecum Monterey to $31m MUSCLE WAS ONLY A SMALL COMPONENT HERE; POST-WAR LUXURY CARS TOOK UP THE SLACK, WITH HELP FROM VINTAGE PICKUPS Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson Market opinions in italics M $30m $25m $10m $15m $20m $5m 0 60 AmericanCarCollector.com 2012 2011 2010 2009 ecum joined the Monterey auction circuit four years ago, and in that short time they have managed to stake their claim in a serious way. They brought 570 cars and motorcycles to sell this time around — the week’s largest pool, by far — and achieved the third-largest sales total, at $31m. Mecum Auctions Monterey 2012, Monterey, CA August 16–18, 2012 Auctioneers: Mark Delzell, Jim Landis, Mike Hagerman, Bobby McGlothlen, Matt Morauec Automotive lots sold/offered: 341/570 Sales rate: 60% Sale total: $30,844,850 High sale: 1908 Simplex 50 Speedcar roadster, sold at $2,014,000 Buyer’s premium: $300 on the first $5,499, $500 from $5,500 to $9,999, 6% thereafter, included in sold prices Mecum sales total Wayne Carini at the wheel of a 1908 Simplex 50 speedster, sold for $2,014,000 Located at the Del Monte Marriot, situated on the Del Monte Golf Course, this auction was not hindered by a lack of space like the other venues around Monterey. Indeed, it was the only location for any auction or event where parking was a non-issue for everyone. Mecum attracted some very high-caliber cars — the oldest being the top-selling American car. In addition, it was the oldest known Simplex — dating from 1908. It was also perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend, as no one really thought it would crack two million bucks. Yet sure enough, it was a cat-and-mouse game beyond $1m, with the final bid bringing the total sale just over $2m. While European sports and race cars got most of the headlines, American cars got most of the heavy lifting done for sales volume. Muscle cars were only a small component here, with most higher-end examples being no-sales. But post-war luxury cars took up the slack and saw some very strong sales, with a little help from ever-increasing vintage pickup truck prices. Eye-opening sales included a World War II-era Dodge WC56 command car (a 4-wheel-drive, three-quarter-ton truck, actually; see profile on p. 54), selling for $48k, a 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 fetching $636k, and a 94-mile all-original 1976 Cadillac Eldorado garnering $40k. A 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix convertible, built as a Hurst promotional vehicle for Linda Vaughn and featuring many unique factory details, brought a strong $130k. The seller had been hoping for $150k but let it go, for a solid transaction both ways. One of the better deals was a 1958 Buick Roadmaster convertible. It looked absolutely impeccable and was well bought at $77k. All in all, the folks at Mecum were pleased with the results. They once again made their mark, and they’ve established themselves as a don’t-miss fixture for collectors at all levels during Monterey auction week.A

MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA GM #S46-1955 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup. S/N 3B56L007288. Aqua & white/aqua nylon & white vinyl. Odo: 3,919 miles. 283-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. N.O.M. 283 V8, but looks bonestock apart from the alternator. Converted to automatic, with floor shifter that looks like a stock 4-speed unit. Excellent prep and paint far surpasses original. All trim chromed. Other trinkets include vent window deflectors, clamp-on mirrors, necker knob on the Bel Air steering wheel, nonstock hood ornament and California YOM plates with current tags. Authentically reupholstered seat. Cond: 2. Dark turquoise metallic/white vinyl/aqua vinyl. Odo: 97,972 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Sun-baked California car, recently had its first repaint. Light overspray on hood hinges. Door-to-fender gaps wider at top. Mix of replated and good original chrome. Expertly installed interior soft trim. Lifelong fuel and mileage log on dash. Tidy and generally stock engine bay. Belt disconnected from smog pump; seller only connects it for smog checks, due to backfiring at idle. Power brakes, steering, windows and top. Cond: 3+. 4-bbl, 4-sp. PHS documentation confirms restoration to factory spec. Fair gaps. Allnew interior soft trim with VIN tag attached on top of dashpad opening rather than below it. Authentically restored under the hood, with light burn-off from the claimed 100 miles since being redone. Very tidy undercarriage. Safe-T-Track diff, power steering, power front discs, hood tach. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $42,000. More expensive than an average car, but under the money for this one. Seller was right to keep it. SOLD AT $35,510. At first glance, this came off as a nice stock truck—which is enough to please a lot of folks, and explains the price it achieved. #F163-1958 BUICK ROADMASTER convertible. S/N 7E2005760. Silver blue/navy blue cloth/blue leather. Odo: 4,088 miles. 364-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. High-quality cosmetic restoration. Excellent repaint. Bumpers and select trim replated. After market exhaust, with outlets turned down below bumper rather than through it. Newer non-stock dark blue cloth top. Light wrinkling on superbly reupholstered seats. Clean, correct engine bay. Optional a/c, Wonderbar radio, and Autronic Eye. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $32,500. Long-term onefamily ownership until this year, retaining original California black plate. The seller’s concise laundry list of things right and wrong with the car was a refreshing change from the usual “bitchin’ ride” description card. Correctly bid, as confirmed by the $32k offered when it re-ran on Saturday. #S167-1967 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Hurst promotional convertible. S/N 266677P119818. Hurst Gold & black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 26,565 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Issued for use by Linda Vaughn. PHS confirms this was one of five specially built Hurst promotional cars. Heavily optioned, including features not available in a ’67 Grand Prix, such as His & Hers shifter. Expertly restored, appearing at 2010 POCI meet and SEMA Show. Very tidy interior and engine bay. Wears gold Hurst wheels and blueline radials, rather than Goodyear Blue Streak tires as originally configured. With warranty replacement block, as original was long gone when the project was started. Cond: 2+. #T89-1971 OLDSMOBILE 442 convertible. S/N 344671M160553. Sandpiper Beige/ beige vinyl/brown vinyl. Odo: 20,585 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Good newer repaint, with hood stripe beneath clearcoat. Replated bumpers and easy-to-swap brightwork. Panel gaps inconsistent. Original motor rebuilt with beefier cam some time ago. Engine bay otherwise dusty and unkempt, with non-stock air cleaner. 8-track stereo. Crack in steering wheel rim at 12 o’clock. Otherwise good, generally original, selectively re-dyed interior. Factory a/c. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $26,500. In 1971, all 442s were equipped with 455s, with the sole option of the 300-hp W-30 tune. It was the start of the downhill slide—but also the last real gasp of muscle-car power. This car recently sold for $23,320 at Mecum Indy in May (ACC# 205993). Reserve was off at $22,500 today, and it still looked like a decent buy at the price. SOLD AT $77,380. With the reintroduction of the Limited in ’58, the Roadmaster was no longer the top of the Buick line. This car previously sold in 2005 for a then-marketcorrect $97,650 at McCormick’s Palm Springs sale (ACC# 39899). It no-saled for $48,500 at McCormick’s in November 2010 (ACC# 168322), but looked well bought at this price today. Not quite a concours lawn ornament, but close. #F223-1967 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS396 convertible. S/N 138677K121836. 62 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $129,850. Ultimate example of the one-year-only 1967 Grand Prix convertible. When the bidding started to slow at $122,500, reserve was declared to be $150k, but seller soon let it go. A one-ofone, well bought and sold. #F195.1-1969 PONTIAC GTO Judge 2-dr hard top. S/N 242379Z125518. Matador Red/red vinyl. Odo: 47,559 miles. 400-ci V8, #S163-1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO convertible. S/N 6L67S6Q231279. Firemist Gold/white vinyl/parchment leather. Odo: 94 miles. 500-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. In personal collection until this July, when estate was liquidated. Absolutely untouched original car; only the oil is not circa 1976. Even the trip odometer has never been reset, showing 93.6 miles. Paint shows slight colorshifts between steel body and plastic end caps; few spots on body creases where it was zealously buffed through a long time ago. Interior looks and smells like a new 1970s car. Cond: 2.

MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA SOLD AT $40,280. The statement that this car could not be titled in California brought a few snorts of disbelief and the comment, “Then why did they bring it here?” Simple, there are more than just Californians buying cars in Monterey. A lot more. In this case, a record for a non-Bicentennial Edition ’76 Eldo. CORVETTE #F218-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S111150. Honduras Maroon/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 95,360 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Full frame-off restoration in mid-’90s and a trailer queen ever since. Past NCRS accolades include Top Flight and National Performance Verification awards. Correctly duplicated factory finishes throughout, including original-style acrylic paint. Chrome perhaps more brilliant than original. Heaviest wear is scuffing on the heel pad beneath the pedals. Cond: 1-. seats. Good prep and paint, some seam broadcasting starting. Good older rechrome on all major pieces. Non-original OEM sidepipes. Fully restored interior, with excellent repro soft trim. Show-quality engine bay and undercarriage, save the gel cell battery and aftermarket rear sway bar. Big block is stamped with the VIN. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $77,380. Well done first-year 427, but plenty of deviations from stock made this look like a strong price. Well sold. #S112-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S113621. Silver Pearl & red/black vinyl/red leather. Odo: 2 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Central Office Production Order car, due to non-standard silver paint with red stripe and interior, for use at 1967 New York Auto Show. Equipped with power brakes, side exhaust, radio-delete, headrests, and Rally wheels. Recent, very authentic frame-off restoration. Slightly rounded-off body character lines, but body and paint otherwise exceptional. Very authentically detailed engine bay, including authentic overspray. Restored interior, including one-off red window crank handle knobs. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $400,000. Last seen at Mecum’s 2009 Kissimmee auction, selling there for $323,300 (ACC# 119399). Mileage unchanged since then, so assume that the speedo is ornamental, as it’s over a mile from transporter parking to staging at both venues. Paid enough then, fair offer now. FOMOCO #S63-1933 FORD MODEL 40 Deluxe V8 convertible. S/N 40216257. Black/tan cloth/black vinyl. Odo: 2,830 miles. Nonconforming VIN disclosure on windshield. Older repaint, probably pretty good when done, but now has some scratches and nicks. Older replated chrome for the most part. Semi-throaty dual exhaust note, from slightly rough running flathead V8 I’ve ever seen. Older seat upholstery work, with commensurate light wrinkling and wear. Good older dashboard wood graining; gauge panel corroded. Somewhat tidy under the hood. Lots of rerouted and tie-wrapped electrical and flexible fuel lines underneath. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $74,200. Although just typically equipped, what rang the bell here was condition and provenance. That said, the price shows how low C1 values have dipped in recent years. The bidding died off at $70k, with the auctioneer holding out for $72,500—and then the seller cut it loose. #S52-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194376S114789. Tuxedo Black/black leather. Odo: 60,017 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Originally left St. Louis painted Silver Pearl with a standard black vinyl interior; now with leather NOT SOLD AT $525,000. The only way to get this color combo—and reportedly five ’67 Corvettes got it—was a COPO, as this was a deviation from standard production. On the block, it appeared to sell when the reserve was dropped at $525k, but postauction results show it as a no-sale. High offer looked fair. #F123-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE L88 convertible. S/N 194679S721688. Yellow & black/black vinyl hard top/black vinyl. Odo: 126 miles. 427-ci 430-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. N.O.M., like most race cars, but original block is included. Older restoration to its early ’70s configuration, showing light track rash on some panels, as it’s vintage-raceready. Indeed, almost half the windshield is framed with recent tech inspection stickers. Modern racing bucket seat, stock passenger’s seat still in place. Beefed-up rear suspension. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $53,000. I thought this looked like a $50k car as presented. Perhaps $55k if you live in a state that’s casual about VINs. #F155-1956 FORD FAIRLANE Crown Victoria Skyliner coupe. S/N M6RC128665. Peacock Blue & white/tinted Plexiglas/blue & white vinyl. Odo: 2,471 miles. 292-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Exceptional bare-body repaint. All brightwork replated, professionally buffed out or reproduction. Modern seatbelts and clear vinyl seat covers added after restoration. Show-quality engine bay. Optional 292 Y-block, Ford-OMatic, power steering and brakes, AM radio. Dealer-accessory fender skirts and bumper guards. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $62,540. ’56 was the last year for the Plexi-roof Skyliner and first year for 12volt electrics and Lifeguard Safety Package, offering seatbelts and padded dash. (This 64 AmericanCarCollector.com

CAR COLLECTOR AMERICAN ™ MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA EXPERT’S TIP Spotting body and paint issues When you’re looking at a car, it pays to look close, because paint and body issues can be expensive to correct. And depending on what and where they are, they can be pretty hard to see, too. Here are a few steps you should always take before raising your bidder’s paddle at auction: 1. Sight down both sides of the body. This may seem pretty simple, but you’d be surprised how many buyers get caught up in a car’s rarity or options and completely forget to do this. Get right up against the side of the car at the front or rear and look down the body with one eye. If there are waves, dents, high spots, or low spots in the metal, you’ll see them. This is also a good time to check to see if the entire car is the same color. Don’t laugh — I’ve seen a lot of mismatched panels over the years. 2. Check for rust. That shiny paint job may look good, but if the lower quarter panels are rotted out and filled in with fiberglass, it won’t look good for long. If you can, look underneath and inside the car for body rust issues in the regular places: floors, quarter panels, lower front fenders, and around the rear window. The only way to fix severe rust is to remove and replace the panel, but lesser rust can be stopped and coated with products like POR-15. But again, none of that is cheap. 3. Check panel gaps. Tight or wide gaps can mean prior accident damage, or hamfisted assembly. Sometimes they were inconsistent from the factory, but if your passenger’s door is rubbing on the body, or if you can stick your entire finger in the gap, something’s wrong. 4. Look for reactions. New paint should be smooth, deeply glossy, and consistent everywhere. Keep an eye out for fisheyes, bubbling and excessive orange peel, as they all point to prep or application problems. — Jim Pickering 66 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $68,900. Reserve was lifted when the bidding ended. Even with the color change, this is pretty much the Holy Grail of a Rocketbird, so not such an outlandish price. MOPAR #T137-1942 DODGE WC56 command car military vehicle. S/N 81543449. Olive drab/ olive drab canvas/brown vinyl. Odo: 72 miles. 214-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Professional, highly authentic frame-off restoration. Better-than-original repaint throughout. All new reproduction rubber and leather body was not a Lifeguard car, per the steel dashboard top, but the seatbelts were a prudent addition.) All the above makes the ’56 Skyliner the one to get. Price paid was a bit steep but not out of line, considering the quality. Collectors are finally realizing that there’s more to life than Bel Airs. #T41-1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible. S/N D7FH222726. Inca Gold/Inca Gold hard top/white vinyl. Odo: 60,000 miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Unrestored and generally original. Factory paint has some light pits and scuffing, but presents well; same goes for the chrome. Original interior shows heavier scuffing on kick panels and a seam separation between the two seating positions. Underhood and undercarriage a bit scabby. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $47,700. Approaching twice the going rate for a WC-series command car, even well restored like this one. The description read, “As used by General Patton WWII,” which I certainly hope the buyer didn’t take at face value. See the profile, p. 54. SOLD AT $28,090. The reserve was off at $20k and just kept going strong. Well sold. #S62-1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD Sports Roadster. S/N 2Y89M154999. Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 12,400 miles. 390-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Originally Raven Black with black interior, but is a real Sports Roadster with M-code Tri-Power engine. Better-than-original paint and gaps with some weak masking. Non-stock bodyside moldings. Reproduction 1962 Texas inspection sticker in windshield. Older repop interior with light wear on seats and carpet. Far too much chrome on the motor. Factoryoptional a/c and power windows. Cond: 2. #F166-1958 CHRYSLER 300D convertible. S/N LC41167. Matador Red/tan vinyl/ tan leather. Odo: 80,096 miles. 392-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Fully authentically restored in recent years. Windshield wasn’t removed, as seals have several cracks and some dry rot. All brightwork replated or professionally polished. Rear suspension sitting a bit high, most likely due to new shocks and springs. All-new upholstery and interior soft trim— even the chrome has been redone. Spotless engine bay and undercarriage. Cond: 1-. seals. Incorrect font for the modern stick-on vinyl hood numbers and unit ID on bumpers. Leather seats incorrectly reupholstered in vinyl. Very clean and tidy under the hood. Authentic reproduction serial number plate correctly riveted to dash. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $121,900. Final year of the firstgen Hemi, and very similar to the iconic ’57 300C. Also a bit rarer, with 191 ragtops made in ’58 versus 484 in ’57. Only way to top this car would be the ultra-rare fuel-injection option. Last year, it was offered at RM’s Monterey auction, where bidding petered out at $100k (ACC# 183145), but this seemed like the right crowd for it. Reserve was lifted at $110k. Well bought and sold. #T174-1959 DESOTO FIREDOME Sportsman 2-dr hard top. S/N M431103447. Spring Rose & Gold Tan/gold, tan & white vinyl & nylon. Odo: 41,937 miles. 383-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. All trim rechromed while off the car for the expert repaint. Hard to believe excellent interior is original. Miles claimed actual. Near show-quality under the hood. First in class at most recent DeSoto Club national meet. Cond: 2+. Keith Martin's

MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $16,960. Not an investment-grade collectible, but a clean, fun build at a great price. Correctly bought and sold. AMERICANA SOLD AT $39,220. For 1959, the Firedome got you a 2-barrel 383, versus the 361 in the lesser Firesweep. Price paid was a touch above market, but understandable for the quality. #F172-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER convertible. S/N RM27H9G188735. B5 Blue/black vinyl/two-tone blue vinyl. Odo: 2,123 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Barebody restoration. Better-than-original body prep and paint work. Most chrome replated or replaced. All new weatherstripping. Clean, correct engine bay, including repro Mopar battery and washer fluid jug. Reproduction interior soft trim expertly installed. Optional a/c, power steering and Magnum 500 wheels. Cond: 2+. #F137-1937 INTERNATIONAL D-2 woodie wagon. S/N D27631. Green & wood/tan cloth/brown vinyl. Odo: 100 miles. 213-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Older restoration, spiffed up recently with a repaint, new varnish, new roof cloth covering, select rechroming, new wiring harness, carpet added. Mileage on modern odometer likely since restoration. Older, thickly grained schoolbus vinyl will survive the nuclear apocalypse. Dry-rotted original body seals and grommets. Delaminating rear window. Cond: 3+. $11,130. Marginal collector value as-is, but a harmless alternative to a Hyundai for your high-school kid. Originally, there would’ve been a 196-ci flathead six under the hood, but at least they kept it in the family, rather than just dropping in some small-block Chevy. Fair transaction. #F178-1957 STUDEBAKER GOLDEN HAWK 2-dr hard top. S/N 6100706. Tiara Gold & Arctic White/gold & white vinyl. Odo: 25,652 miles. 289-ci supercharged V8, auto. Thoroughly restored, but not entirely. Good prep and paint. Door fit a bit off, panel fit is better. Most chrome replated, all stainless trim buffed out. Reupholstered seats, close to original patterns. Aftermarket Studebaker floor mats. Very clean and mostly correct under the hood. Optional power steering and brakes, tinted glass, and twin rear antennas. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $43,640. The seller turned down $50,000 at Mecum’s recent Houston sale in April (ACC# 211818), but considering the base 383 and column-shift automatic, this was still well sold, even factoring in condition and just 2,128 built. #F238-1974 DODGE CHALLENGER 2-dr hard top. S/N JH23G4B159526. Orange/ black vinyl. Odo: 42,704 miles. 318-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Exceptional bare-body engineout repaint, with replica R/T stripes under the clear. Mostly repro or replated trim; door handles pitted. Good, mostly original interior; repop seats and carpet. Engine rebuilt and warmed up with beefier cam, high-rise SOLD AT $79,500. Pipe organ enthusiasts will recognize the name Moller. As one of America’s premier organ builders, they survived the Depression by putting their wood craftsmen to work building station wagons for various OEMs. This car last appeared in 1991, as a $20,000 no-sale at Kruse Auburn, painted tan (ACC# 1372). While woodies have showed signs of softness in the market recently, I’ll still call this a decent buy for the rarity. #T120-1955 NASH RAMBLER 2-dr sedan. S/N D255176. Turquoise & white/gray cloth. Odo: 18,921 miles. 235-ci I6, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Re-powered with newer AMC 235-ci six. Decent prep and paint, but close inspection reveals overspray and heavy marking lines. Piecemeal rechroming of the obvious stuff like bumpers and that huge hood ornament. Seats and door panels re-covered in modern automotive cloth. Sloppy older carpet, wavy door panels. Modern seatbelts added, plus under-dash CD player and additional SOLD AT $34,980. 1957 was the first year that the Golden Hawk had a blower. Offered at no reserve, this sold right in the zone where I’ve seen them trade over the last year. #T196-1976 INTERNATIONAL SCOUT II SUV. S/N F0062FGD40672. Light blue & white/blue nylon. Odo: 88,879 miles. 345-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Good trim-off repaint. Typical less-than-wonderful door fit; driver’s door never really shuts properly. Replated bumpers, with repro emblems and lenses. Light wear on seats and door panels, a bit more on the carpeting, heaviest on steering wheel rim. Clean and minimally detailed under the hood. Optional 345 V8. Period aftermarket trailer brake controller, dash compass, and 40-channel CB. Cannot be titled in CA. Cond: 2-. 4-barrel intake, chrome bits. No fender tag—even the holes for it have been filled. Aftermarket 17-inch wheels. 68 AmericanCarCollector.com gauges. Couple of chunks missing out of steering wheel rim. Cond: 3. SOLD AT SOLD AT $21,200. A no-sale bid to $15k across the block, but sold post-block. Very strong for a garden-variety Scout II, but it does show how hot the light-truck market is now. A

B&T SPECIALTY // Reno, NV Customs, rods and Hot August Nights A TEAL GREEN ’63 FORD F-250 STEPSIDE, RESTORED IN 2003, WAS UNDENIABLY STOLEN AT $7,236 Report and photos by Michael Leven Market opinions in italics H $1m $2m $3m $4m $5m 0 70 AmericanCarCollector.com ot August Nights lived up to its billing, as temperatures consistently hit 100-plus degrees for much of this rodders’ bacchanal. And while the mercury soared outside, buyers and sellers kept cool inside the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. Car Auctions 2012 Hot August Nights, Reno, NV August 9–12, 2012 Auctioneers: Gary Dehler, Steve Dorsey, Vaughn Long, Jeff Richards, Jeff Stokes Automotive lots sold/offered: 239/482 Sales rate: 50% Sale total: $5,472,884 High American vehicle sale: 2007 Renegade Toterhome, sold at $129,600 Buyer’s premium: 8%, included in sold prices B&T Specialty sales total 2012 2011 1940 Ford custom pickup, sold at $32,400 The 488 vehicles for sale represented a wide variety of consignments and price points. Several cars sold at no reserve and were excellent buys. A 1950 Packard Super Deluxe convertible that was restored to a very good level less than 10 years ago sold for $35k. Another was a 1956 Plymouth Belvedere, a car rarely seen and hard to imagine restoring to this level. Its entire drivetrain and front suspension had been replaced with that of a ’76 Volaré, including the indestructible Mopar straight six; it reportedly ran like a train in modern traffic and sold at $18k. One of the last cars to run on Saturday was a very clean, teal green ’63 Ford F-250 Stepside, restored in 2003 less than 18,000 miles ago with 4-wheel drive and proper skinny tires on white steel wheels, that was undeniably stolen at $7k. In some cases, sales suffered as a result of overly ambitious reserves, but the auctioneers, to their credit, presented each and every lot with enthusiasm and tenacity — so much so that the event occasionally dragged. Notable no-sales included the nicest Jeepster I’ve ever seen, and a 1955 Lincoln Capri that had undergone a show-level restoration not so many years ago, going back home at $25k and $34k, respectively. One of my favorite consignments was a pristine and well-“vetted” ’66 L79 Corvette convertible in Mosport Green with NCRS certification — a no-sale at $48k against a reasonable $56k reserve. Another very cool consignment was a 1936 Autocar cab-over that had been converted for use as a car hauler, complete with modern drivetrain and enough chrome diamond plate to flatten a lesser vehicle. It hammered sold on the block for a stout $92k but did not appear in the final results. This was only the second year of the partnership between B&T Restorations and Specialty Classic Car Auctions at this landmark event. The 47% sell-through rate leaves plenty of room for growth in future years, and this event’s final sales total of $5.4m must be looked at as a success. A B&T Specialty Classic

B&T SPECIALTY // Reno, NV GM #344-1946 CHEVROLET pickup. S/N SDPE1411. Black/black vinyl. Odo: 6,268 miles. 216-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Nicely restored to original spec with very well done black paint and lots of high-quality chrome work. New seals all around. Oak bed nicely finished. Incorrect tailgate. Interior tidy, dash nice with clear, bright gauges. Engine compartment well detailed. Cond: 1-. well done. Dent in passenger’s door. Interior incorrect but serviceable; same for 4-speed. Engine bay tidy with no leaks; undercarriage dry and neat. Half-hearted Texaco signage on bed stakes. Cond: 3+. miles on rebuilt engine. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $25,000. A spectacular truck that anyone would be proud to own, but this may have been the wrong venue for a stock truck done to this level. If offered at one of the more chic Monterey auctions the following week, it might have brought more. Seller was wise to walk away from the high bid. #635-1949 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup. S/N 5GPG16423. Blue & black/brown vinyl. Odo: 52,839 miles. 216-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Newly restored to decent standard. Trim-off repaint mostly good, but some light dust on horizontal surfaces. Chrome and trim done very well. Gaps uneven. Driver’s door handle sags. All rubber replaced. Very small leak at oil pan; undercarriage otherwise clean and detailed. Now fitted with wide whites and wooden side stakes. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $18,090. On the surface this looked like a real steal, but considering the myriad needs brought on by age and use, call it a fair transaction at the price paid. Buyer got what appeared to be a fully broken-in piece that now has an appropriate “work truck” feel to it—especially if he gets rid of the hokey bed stakes, wide whites and chrome running boards. #400-1954 CHEVROLET 150 Handyman wagon. S/N A54J140458. Black & silver/ gray vinyl. Odo: 2,733 miles. 305-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recently restored as a driver with focus on mechanicals. All chrome redone, brightwork polished nicely. Paint uneven with some dust, casual masking. Interior serviceable. Injected 305 V8 from a Firebird, Mustang II front end with disc brakes, 10-bolt rear from a 442. Plumbed for a/c but not installed. Restorer and seller on site to talk up the mechanicals being fresh and reliable. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $19,440. Very attractive and understated colors, and confidence-inspiring with the brake and engine work. Buyer was very pleased, and should be. This could easily be brought up a notch with a little detail work. Well bought. #80-1957 CHEVROLET CAMEO pickup. S/N V3A570115095. White/blue vinyl. Odo: 9,803 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nicely built up from an original ’58 Napco conversion chassis. ’57 body and VIN, ’58 side trim on bed. Inner front fenders, door panels, rear bumper all chromed. Paint to good driver grade. Bumper chrome nice, but trim variable. Doors shut well with good gaps. Rebuilt 350 obviously not original. 700R4 with B&M shift kit. Various trim, hardware from other models. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $19,000. An honest truck, and not over-restored, with a tidy, confidence-inspiring engine bay. Worth more than the high bid. #639-1951 CHEVROLET pickup. S/N AJCA850105. Red/red cloth & black vinyl. Odo: 44,534 miles. 216-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Restored some time ago; paint fading in spots. Chrome running boards wildly incorrect and distracting, but bumpers and grille 72 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $17,280. High bid came close to reserve, and deal got done post-block. Even though wagons are hot and it was only a paint job away from being pretty nice, it still looked to me like all the money and then some. Well sold. #8-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 4-dr hard top. S/N VC57L159650. Ivory & green/twotone green vinyl & cloth. Odo: 59,770 miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint nicely prepped and shot. Taping sloppy in places, some chipping at door edges. Right rear door sticky. Trim and chrome very good. Interior redone well in proper material, although parcel shelf is wrong color and fits poorly. Overhauled brakes, aftermarket a/c. 2k SOLD AT $23,000. Napco initially built easily installed 4wd conversions for military use, then branched into civilian applications, mainly for GM. This was a great-looking truck, and the seller was friendly, knowledgeable and frank about this truck’s mixed up DNA. No harm done at the price paid. #610-1958 CHEVROLET IMPALA 2-dr hard top. S/N F58L193567. Red metallic/ red & white vinyl. Odo: 13,161 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Restored five years ago as a period-style hot-rod cruiser. Gaps a bit tight, trunk high at leading edge. Base paint done well, as is metallic red on roof. Chrome and trim well done. Extensive pin striping very well done and interesting. Period accessories include chromed wheels with four-inch spike centers, wide whites, rocket-style taillights, and ball-bearing inserts in grille. Red paint looks orange in photo. Cond: 2-.

B&T SPECIALTY // Reno, NV looks incorrect; Berber-type carpet definitely so. Tri-Power carbs of unknown origin; modern NAPA battery still in plastic wrapper. Very clean and solid underneath. Wide whites on chrome rims with chrome Baby Moons. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $18,630. As neither especially custom nor especially correct, this price looked like all the money. Well sold. NOT SOLD AT $38,000. The engine and transmission swap appeared to be the only mechanical upgrades to this car. Otherwise the customizations were entirely cosmetic and period-correct. If you were looking for a ’50s cruiser, you could do a lot worse than this one. Not sure what the consignor was looking for, but high bid must’ve been in the ballpark. #449-1960 CADILLAC DEVILLE 2-dr hard top. S/N 60J099793. Gold/white vinyl. Odo: 62,655 miles. 390-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Wild build for X-Games competitor Shaun Palmer to celebrate his nine wins there. Air-ride suspension very complex with 10 switches for various effects. Brightwork and chrome all well done, but cowl vent is badly pitted. Paint once to good quality; now with various flaws from use. White striping gives car a long, lean look. Left fender keyed at eyebrow. Grille bullets finished in gold. Outrageous, in a good way. Cond: 3+. #383-1966 BUICK SKYLARK 2-dr hard top. S/N 444176Z105657. White pearl metallic/ red vinyl. Odo: 86,063 miles. 300-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. A decent driver that will suit a particular taste. Recent body-on resto. Custom paint nicely prepped and sprayed, but lots of polish swirls. Gaps OK. Most brightwork good, some scratching, pitting and discoloration. Parking lights faded. Metal flake vinyl. Engine bay tidy, but not detailed. Cond: 3+. might have narrowed the bidding field. Fairly bought and sold. #620-1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 coupe. S/N 124870L514478. Green/green vinyl. Odo: 78,785 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Poor presentation. Looks largely unrestored with faded paint and orange peel. In storage for a long time. Nose creased from something falling on it. Looks to have been hit at some point—right fenders have subsurface cracking, and driver’s door fits tight. Non-original LT1. Gas tank removed and refurbished, new carburetor and lines; battery, alternator, starter all new. Cond: 4. NOT SOLD AT $10,750. These are greatlooking, relatively affordable cars. A good stock example can be had for $15k, but the custom touches probably held this back. High bid was under the money, but not by much. SOLD AT $25,920. Unlike other cars done to this level, this one had clearly been used. Winning bid could only be a shadow of build cost, so the new owner got a very cool custom for a very low price. I just hope he never has to fix the pneumatics. #444-1962 OLDSMOBILE SUPER 88 2-dr hard top. S/N 625CO6181. White & aqua/ gray cloth & vinyl. Odo: 73,223 394-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Found at an estate sale, then lightly customized. White paint tiring out with scratches, checking, polishing swirls. Aqua insert more recent and to higher grade. Chrome and stainless dull. Interior #609-1970 CHEVROLET C10 Custom pickup. S/N CE140Z153978. Red/black vinyl & red cloth. Odo: 223 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Appears stock from outside, save for slightly lowered stance, reversed chrome wheels and Baby Moons. Averagegrade respray and masking, some chips around mirror mount. Brightwork very good. New rubber seals all around. Oak bed. “Harley-Davidson” painted on tailgate. Interior fresh and crisp. Engine bay lightly detailed with chrome dress-up kit, Edelbrock intake and 4-bbl. Red paint looks orange in photo. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $12,960. Gen-2 Camaros are now getting some respect in the market, such as the ’71 Z/28 that sold for $48,400 at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach in April (see the GM profile in Jul/Aug ACC issue #4, p. 44). A little TLC will go a long way on this one, but the replacement engine pretty much eliminates its value as a “survivor.” Market-correct price. #421-1971 CHEVROLET K10 Cheyenne pickup. S/N KE141Z650643. Cream/black leather. Odo: 13,916 miles. 350-ci supercharged V8, auto. Short-box Cheyenne. 4wd, lift kit, aftermarket mags. Nice paint. Gold accent unevenly masked. Brightwork and chrome all very good; custom rear bumper to accommodate tow receiver. Leather interior nice. Power steering, brakes, seat. Underhood goodies include electronic ignition, Edelbrock carb, Weiand blower. No reserve. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $12,744. This was a simple-butattractive redo with small liberties taken. I liked the honesty of this step-side truck and don’t think the custom touches added or took away from value, although H-D tailgate 74 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $10,800. All I could think when looking at this truck was the huge, slightly crazed grin it would put on Editor Pickering’s face if he were to nail the gas and let the laws of physics take hold of this overpowered, elevated, short-wheelbase beast. Suffice it to say, this looked like a whole lot of truck for ten large.

B&T SPECIALTY // Reno, NV CORVETTE #100-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194676S1009949. Milano Maroon/Milano Maroon hard top/black vinyl. Odo: 8,063 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Twenty-three-year-old restoration holding up well. Most gaps better than factory. Originally Sunfire Yellow, repaint excellent, some chipping at front. Big-block hood incorrect. Interior nice, crisp. Sirius radio in glovebox. Engine and gearbox may not be original. No soft top. Cond: 2. #363-1940 FORD pickup. S/N ABB185650962. Candy Apple Red/tan leather. Odo: 8,679 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Flawless multi-stage paint with excellent ghosted flames in burgundy many coats below the surface. Matching vinyl tonneau over oak bed. Chrome and bright trim all very good. Interior well done. VDO gauges, Budnik steering. Edelbrock heads, Mustang II front end, Painless wiring. 10-bolt rear. Only nit is the slightly droopy driver’s door handle. Cond: 1-. show light scratching. E-Z Eye tinted glass. Wide whites lightly soiled. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $19,440. Looks dead stock from outside, but with nice upgrades underhood; a bit of a sleeper, with enough engine to warrant a Holley 390 4-barrel. It certainly would have sold for more if it was a twodoor, but its stealthy nature was the secret of its charm. Given the engine mods, slightly well bought. SOLD AT $46,170. A really nice presentation, but value was compromised by questions about non-original components. Consignor had a firm idea of his hope, his reserve, and his bottom line, but was realistic and sold for far less than he wanted. If this car in fact came configured as it sat, it was extremely well bought. For a very nice driver, no harm done. FOMOCO #399-1931 FORD MODEL A pickup. S/N N/A. Orange/tan vinyl. Odo: 1,260 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A nice, simple rod. All-fiberglass construction over Speedway chassis. Driver-quality paint. Four-inch dropped axle up front. Nine-inch Ford rear. SBC for motivation. ET aluminum wheels all around, 18.5 inches in back. So-Cal Speed Shop gauges neatly laid out. Seller claims 17–18 mpg. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $32,400. Full marks to the masterful painter. The rest of the truck was well done, and the winning bidder took home a real prize. The paint alone probably cost $15k–$20k. Well bought and realistically sold. #2-1946 FORD SUPER DELUXE coupe. S/N 1GA276972. Powder blue/blue & white leather. Odo: 11,030 miles. Nice build with good fitment of body panels; hood out on left. Paint nice. Heavy polishing swirls throughout, some chipping. Glass, seals, brightwork, chrome all very good. May be on Chevy chassis, per buyer. SBC 350 of unknown hp. Power steering, power brakes. Cond: 2-. #637-1951 MERCURY EIGHT sedan. S/N 0074H145474. Root Beer Metallic/gray cloth. Odo: 92,082 miles. 255-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Pre-restoration photos show it started as a true basket case, with lots of rust and unusable parts. Panel fits slightly off in a few places. Neither front door shuts well. Paint to good driver grade, with slight orange peel over very good prep. All new rubber. Converted to 12-volt with halogen headlights. Offy heads and intake, Mallory ignition. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $31,000. While it would be easy to pick at the body fit issues, seeing the before-and-afters was truly impressive. Given the quality of the work, seller was wise to decline the high offer. SOLD AT $21,330. Overall a nice car, but not overdone. Dolled-up a bit, but consistent with what most period hot-rodders might have been able to afford. It was easy to imagine this one actually cruising into a drive-in back in the day. Everyone should be happy at this price. SOLD AT $19,440. Nothing about this catalog-built car was extraordinary, but that’s exactly what I liked about it. It probably starts every time, runs cool in traffic, and gets appreciative looks galore. It was an honest ride, and priced realistically. Well bought and sold. 76 AmericanCarCollector.com #40-1951 FORD CUSTOM sedan. S/N B1RH123808. Burnt red/white vinyl & red cloth. Odo: 32,073 miles. 276-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Built flathead V8 with Offy intake, Edelbrock head covers, Mercury crank, hardened valves and seats. Close-ratio Borg Warner 3-speed. Converted to 12v. Halogen lights fitted. Paint nice but not show quality. Good brightwork, bumpers #397-1956 FORD COUNTRY SQUIRE wagon. S/N M6DX141640. Bermuda Blue & Diamond Blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 77,553 miles. 292-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recently freshened. Shiny, low-end paint job looks good from two feet but has orange peel, thin spots, prep marks, bubbling and dust visible

B&T SPECIALTY // Reno, NV up close, plus some mismatched blues, as if painted at different times. Most trim in average condition and straight. Nice older interior redo. Engine bay well detailed. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $30,780. I desperately wanted to like this car, given my soft spot for wagons and this one’s appealing color scheme and bold trim. It could be a great car mechanically, but the many red flags said “rush job” over and over. Well sold. #367-1956 FORD F-1 pickup. S/N F1OD6K23670. Orange/orange & white leather. Odo: 7 miles. 350-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Fiberglass forward-tilting hood, front fenders, cab, rear fenders. Steel doors and bed. Extensive customization of body lines obvious up close. Bed tubbed, stepside fenders widened for 18.5-inch rear tires. Orange-and-white leather nicely done. Cross-ram manifold on small-block Chevy with chrome headers; billet front dress kit. Jag rear end. Claimed $150k-plus build cost. Cond: 2+. and was both optimistic and realistic about his pricing. This car had a lot of needs, but she was made up to take advantage of her assets. Replacing the straight six with the Fairlane V8 is no doubt what took this driver to heights not normally seen by the modest Falcon. Even with the engine upgrade, well sold for condition. MOPAR #617-1956 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE 2-dr sedan. S/N 26589383. Coral & black/black vinyl. Odo: 31,047 miles. 318-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Low-mile, one-owner car until 1980. Bone-stock in appearance, but has ’76 Plymouth Volaré drivetrain and front suspension, Edelbrock carb and air shocks all around. Black paint older; Coral recently done to good standard. Consignor claims car easily keeps up with modern freeway traffic. St. Christopher medallion from original owner still wedged between dash and windshield. Cond: 3+. vertical stacks. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $90,000. The work was well done and the football field’s worth of diamond plate was a delight to behold, and with over 14k miles, she was clearly tested and ready for duty. It appeared to sell across for a healthy $90k, but was not listed in the final results. #354-1948 WILLYS JEEPSTER convertible. S/N 74732. Two-tone blue/gray canvas/ gray vinyl. Odo: 38,322 miles. 134-ci I4, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Exacting restoration to original spec by national-level concours judge. Rare blue color combo, as original. Very well prepped and applied, except on lower step of front fenders. Chrome well done; some pitting on rear fender steps. Slight soiling on convertible top; small leak at carburetor. I’m sure they never looked this good when new. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $44,500. Very nice build with some creative ideas, although the seamless union of steel bed and ’glass fenders will likely crack at the first speed bump. Someone spent a lot of time and money building this pretty truck, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever get his money back out of it. High bid should have been enough. #618-1963 FORD FALCON Futura convertible. S/N 3H15U146486. Aqua metallic/ black vinyl/aqua vinyl. Odo: 5,090 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Driver-quality paint with some chips and large areas of discoloration. Trim good; unusual trunk-mounted luggage rack OK. Interior sound, but soiled and lumpy. Oversized, modern billet-style wheels dress up car, help highlight extensive bright trim. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $18,360. I have no idea why I was so drawn to this car. Really just the coming together of two frumpy, unremarkable cars to make one frumpy, unremarkable car. Call it well bought and sold, right at the seller’s minimum. AMERICANA #717-1936 AUTOCAR CAB-OVER car hauler. S/N AC40519. Red/tan leather. Odo: 14,630 miles. Built by B&T. Modern mechanicals underneath a very cool period truck. Sleeper and hauling bed extremely well integrated, to look as if they’re from 1936. Paint well done but with light orange peel; bed done entirely in diamond plate. Modern headlights in original housings. Keyless entry, power everything, modern analog gauges. Unknown GM big-block. Topped with aluminum wing and very tall NOT SOLD AT $24,500. Offered by an ACCer, this was certainly the nicest Jeepster I have ever seen. Jeepsters have been getting a lot of love over the past couple of years, and it is no longer uncommon to see them around $30k. Seller was wise to hang on to it at the high offer, considering the rare color combo. I can’t imagine there are many better than this. #619-1969 AMC AMX 2-dr hard top. S/N A9M397X228226. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 85,460 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Formerly in long-term ownership, when all the upgrades were done. Shiny paint was once nice, now scratched throughout. Interior nicely redone but no longer crisp. Engine built up with finned valve covers and headers. Redline tires a nice touch. Nicely detailed throughout. With Go-Pack, power brakes and steering, electronic ignition. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $17,820. Consignor worked this and his other cars very hard all weekend 78 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $26,460. I keep predicting that AMX values are destined to approach midspec Camaros, Mustangs and ’Cudas. This car’s modifications could help or hurt its chances in that regard. Market-correct price for now. A

SILVER AUCTIONS // Carson City, NV Strong sales and good deals at Silver Carson City AS USUAL, $20K PUT YOU IN THE HUNT FOR ABOUT 70% OF THE CARS, SUCH AS THE BLACK ’66 CHARGER WITH 383 AND 4-SPEED AT $13K Report and photos by Paul Duchene Market opinions in italics M $1m $2m $3m $4m $5m 0 80 AmericanCarCollector.com itch Silver returned to the Silver Oak Golf Club in Carson City in August, with a better system for cooling the big tents on the lawn. The afternoon winds off the Sierras were now able to blow through, which made the whole arrangement much more comfortable. The sales figures looked modest compared with last year, when Silver’s friend, Silver Auctions Carson City 2012, Carson City, NV August 9–12, 2012 Auctioneers: Mitch Silver, Matt Backs, Rose Backs, Bob Graham Automotive lots sold/offered: 90/236 Sales rate: 38% Sale total: $1,315,332 High sale: 1934 Ford 3-window coupe, sold at $83,700 Buyer’s premium: 8% included in sold prices Silver sales total 2012 2011 1949 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, sold for $19,980 collector Garth Richards, sold off about 170 cars at no reserve and skewed the picture. A total of 272 cars sold there for $4.8m. This time around, Silver offered a total of 235 cars, along with about 200 pieces of memorabilia, including Coca-Cola machines, enamel signs, gas pumps and even a real stuffed bear. A number of important cars failed to sell, apparently because sellers were holding on to 2007 price guides. However, as usual there were a number of attractive buys and quite a few sleepers. The flagship lot was a collection of five Packard Caribbeans, 1953–56, with four convertibles and a coupe from the ’56 model year. The top-of-the-line model was never common, with 750 built in ’53, 400 in ’54, 500 in ’55 and ’56 split between 263 coupes and 276 convertibles. Reserve for the group was $500,000, and a phone bidder stalled at $425,000, which should have done it. The offerings were a mix of decent origi- nals, a few trailer queens and a number of resto-mods, some of which were brilliantly done, such as a SS 427 ’66 El Camino, which stalled just shy of $15k but must have cost as much as the $24k reserve to build. As usual, $20k put you in the hunt for about 70% of the cars, and a great example was a black 1966 Dodge Charger with 383 and 4-speed. Straight, clean and original (even the full-width taillight was good), it sold for a very reasonable $13k. A charming old 1929 Buick sedan had only three owners from new and the warm patina of an old steam trunk. Somebody bought a real-life experience for only $8k. Among Corvettes, a fresh and really pretty 1955 V8 3-speed was very well bought at the bottom of the ACC price guide at $68k, while Mitch Silver’s own white ’65 roadster with automatic and a/c stalled at $35k (and I’d have kept it too). Emboldened truck sellers would do well to mind the fate of the 1979 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4, with new paint and lots of options, and which ground to a halt at $6,750, against a reserve of $10,900. Trucks from that series are still used cars being ignored by collectors. On the other hand, a beautifully restored 1949 Chevrolet 3100 pickup brought $20k — unthinkable two or three years ago. A

SILVER AUCTIONS // Carson City, NV GM #124-1929 CHEVROLET INTERNATIONAL 6 sedan. S/N 5542. Green & black/black vinyl/green mohair. Odo: 661 miles. 194-ci I6, 1-bbl, manual. Plain-Jane 6-cyl Chevy sedan, probably restored in 1960s or ’70s to enthusiast standard. Iffy paint probably about the same quality as original. Wood body has issues, doors drooping, hard to close. Canvas on roof has been patched. Tires ancient. Engine reluctant to start but looks correct. Cond: 4-. most likely correct, odometer just rolled over. Correct underhood, but nothing fancy or detailed. Power steering, no power brakes. Cond: 3. and rear spoilers. Decent interior—surprisingly, driver’s door does not drop when opened. Mileage could well be original. Power steering, power discs, factory tach and console gauge package. Clean engine compartment with correct stickers. No a/c or 4-speed, but looks like a nice driver. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $18,360. I’d call this well sold, for now. In five years, it might be remembered as a bargain. SOLD AT $9,720. Reportedly restored by an old man who owned it for a long time and just thought it would be nice to spiff it up a bit. Not a high-performance model, but a nice piece of Americana. Well bought and sold. SOLD AT $8,640. I fear that restoring this car will be a grueling, thankless task with no financial upside. Very well sold. #162-1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr hard top. S/N 052220. Orange & white/red & white vinyl. Odo: 53,295 miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Great colors. Good paint, trim and glass, excellent grille and bumpers. Cragar mags, good tires, dual exhaust. Digital 1955-pattern speedometer. No power brakes or steering. Mickey Thompson valve covers, Holley carb, manifold and headers. Cond: 2. #197-1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/SS coupe. S/N 1233771L150201. Blue metallic/ black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 27,962 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Tidy and well done. Front and rear spoiler, good chrome and tidy underhood, but one headlight door was swinging loose. No power steering, power brakes or stereo, but has the bigblock 396 engine with factory tach and console. Sports 18-inch aftermarket American mags and later cold-air hood. Cond: 3+. #183-1971 CADILLAC ELDORADO convertible. S/N 693671Q423134. Cigarette Cream/maroon canvas/black leather. Odo: 46,824 miles. 500-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Superstraight Eldosaurus survivor, with the biggest engine. In same family for most of its life and clearly garaged. Supple leather seats, good body fit, but paint has gone flat, odd-colored top is loose around the rear glass. Unusual Continental kit makes it even longer. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $5,940. Eldos remain a bargain, as long as you can afford the gas and don’t need to park in those pesky modern garages downtown. They were the only Cadillac convertible from 1971 to ’76, and the earlier one you get, the better it will run. Rather a good buy for the money. SOLD AT $22,410. This was a no-sale at $18k against a $25k reserve but re-ran later to this successful price. Nobody orders a package like this to commute, and it had the feel of a car that had been used hard, then tricked out to sell, which it did. NOT SOLD AT $22,500. Custom Tri-Fives can be a surprisingly tough sell, if the potential buyer doesn’t see things the same way as the builder. I think $25k would be about right for this car, between the high offer and the seller’s $28,500 reserve. #225-1963 BUICK SKYLARK convertible. S/N 3J2522130. Turquoise/buckskin vinyl/ buckskin vinyl. Odo: 4,144 miles. 215-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Charming amateur restoration of a local Nevada car with good trim and bumpers and nice grille. Sweet period color, straight body, good panel fit. Top fits fairly well and matches off-white interior. Mileage 82 AmericanCarCollector.com #458-1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS coupe. S/N 124870L517271. Mulsanne Blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 72,979 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Straight car, decent paint and panel fit. Seals fair, grille cracked. Front #130-1979 CHEVROLET K10 Silverado pickup. S/N CKL149J139766. Silver & blue/blue mohair. Odo: 56,479 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fair repaint, good panel fit, decent chrome and grille. Some wear on driver’s seat. With a/c, power steering and brakes, Warn hubs, gauge pack with factory tach, twin tanks boiled out. Also has “Grandpa package” running boards, threeinch lift, bumper guards, sliding rear window, bed rails, step bumper, etc. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $6,750. If you’ve been wondering how far the truck boom extends, here you go. For now, it seems to stop at 1972, at least for Chevrolets. The next series (1973–81) has not yet arrived. Marketcorrect offer.

SILVER AUCTIONS // Carson City, NV CORVETTE #462-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N VE55S001424. Gypsy Red/tan canvas/Buckskin vinyl. Odo: 478 miles. 265-ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Fresh restoration of most-desirable first-gen V8 with 3-speed stick. Fresh from complete mechanical rebuild. New paint, chrome, top, tires and wiring harness. Interior reupholstered, gauges re-faced. Now fitted with front sway bar. Correct underhood, with all appropriate shields. One of 180 red cars built in 1955; one of only 75 with manual transmission. Cond: 2+. vinyl/yellow/white vinyl. Odo: 9,074 miles. Apparently a two-owner car awakened from a deep sleep as a barn find. Ambitious claims about being factory demonstrator, one-of-one in yellow, with Continental kit, torn original top, fair repaint in 1970s. $10,000 spent getting it running and clearly much more to go. Trans needs attention. Fairly straight, good chrome, but interior needs attention, windshield cracked, door handles pitted. Still, new brakes, cooling system, carburetor and fuel system (including gas tank boiled out). Cond: 4. you have to do the transmission right away. #447-1964 FORD RANCHERO pickup. S/N 4R27F154214. Red/gray cloth. Odo: 14,527 302-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Former 260ci 4-speed car given resto-mod treatment five years ago. Good paint and panel fit, painted bumpers. Monte Carlo shock-tower brace. Custom interior with accessory gauges and aftermarket stereo. $7k Ford Motorsport crate 302 V8 with Edelbrock carb and billet pulleys. Headman headers, Flowmaster mufflers, King Cobra 5-speed transmission. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $67,500. If you were looking for a first-gen Corvette, this was the one to buy. As a fresh restoration at the lower end of the price guide, it was a very good deal indeed. FOMOCO #185-1931 FORD MODEL A rumble-seat roadster. S/N 137217. Blue & black/tan canvas/tan leather. Odo: 482 miles. 200-ci I4, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Very nicely done example. New LeBaron Bonney top and interior. Trunk rack, twin taillights, grille guard, quail mascot, wind wings. Leather seat in front and vinyl rumble seat. Twin sidemounts with canvas covers. Looks practically unused. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $25,920. Where to start? Smart money would have been to sell it as discovered, cobwebs and all. Seller would have been $10k ahead right there. Second decision might have been to do a frame-off, betting on the $75k or so it might have brought when well restored. There is no good third option. It’s not healthy enough to drive as-is and you’ll never catch up doing one bit at a time. Right now, she’s a pretty girl on the large side, with a lot of bad habits. Very wisely sold. #214-1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL 2-dr hard top. S/N 4J633131070. Black/red vinyl. Odo: 17,855 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Honest old car. Straight body, older black repaint. Interior shows wear but does have bucket seats, console and radio. Window trim and door handles pitted, grille and front bumper very good, back bumper painted silver. Engine compartment appeared correct but dirty, with a general air of neglect. Fitted power steering and power brakes. Odometer has rolled over at least once. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $12,960. A huge home-done project built without regard for future profit and bound to leave the seller upside-down. The buyer couldn’t duplicate this for double the money, so I say very well bought. #447A-1965 FORD RANCHERO pickup. S/N 5H27T196270. White/red vinyl. Odo: 49,285 miles. 200-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Nicely redone original California Falcon Ranchero, with base 6-cylinder engine, Three-on-tree stick shift, no power steering or brakes. Well painted, if a bit thick, with good panel fit, nice chrome and straight trim. Factory wirewheel spinner hubcaps, good tires. Tidy interior, with Falcon AM/cassette player. Clean and correct underhood. Missing bolts in bed panel indicate it comes from a rainfree area. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $25,000. According to several price guides, an example this nice and fresh should be $32k–$48k, but recent ACC Premium numbers put the market at $30k. If the seller gets an offer of $30k, he should take it. #446-1956 LINCOLN PREMIERE convertible. S/N 56LA9789L. Pale yellow/white 84 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $9,720. If this had a/c, it’d be a perfect Nevada period piece, able to blast along at 95 mph all day (when gas was 25 cents a gallon, anyway). A good buy unless SOLD AT $8,370. Doesn’t compare to Lot 447, its custom red Ranchero sibling, but it has quite a bit more upside potential. It’s not fast, but will probably do 23–24 mpg, and at $4 a gallon, that’s a factor. The main thing is it’s correct and nothing has been changed irreversibly. Indicated mileage could certainly be original, and I doubt there’s an expensive part in the whole truck. Well bought.

SILVER AUCTIONS // Carson City, NV MOPAR #437-1964 CHRYSLER 300 convertible. S/N 824310. Red metallic/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 98,834 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Non-letter car. Bright repaint in possibly correct color, dents in top of trunk. Good recent top, fair interior, much garish side trim. Good chrome, but chrome aftermarket wire wheels are a jarring note. Power steering, power brakes. Messy underhood, with overspray and chrome valve colors and wire guides. Cond: 3. #159-1966 DODGE CHARGER 2-dr hard top. S/N XP29G61263044. Black/silver green vinyl. Odo: 44,115 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very good original 1966 Charger with the giant fastback body. Looks like a good older repaint. Excellent trim and good chrome. Very clean interior is correctly odd color. Good glass, excellent tires, dual exhaust and even the full-width taillight lens is undamaged. Correct and clean under the hood. With desirable 383-ci with 4-speed, instead of the usual 318 automatic. Power steering, no power brakes, no hidden headlights. Cond: 3+. cloth. Odo: 26,010 miles. 305-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Unusual and sophisticated resto-mod, built from a car which would certainly be hard to get parts for, and slow besides. Well done, but no longer fresh. Mustang II front end, power disc brakes, power steering, a/c. Fitted with 305-ci GM V8 with automatic transmission, all rebuilt. Kelsey-Hayes wire caps over steel wheels. Rear seat folds down into bed; rear windows have curtains. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $14,364. This car was untidy and is not likely to appreciate, even if the buyer keeps on spending money. That said, it had lots of eye appeal, and the buyer paid the right price. Just drive it and enjoy. #464-1965 DODGE CORONET Deluxe 2-dr sedan. S/N W155155361. Black/blue vinyl & cloth. Odo: 86 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Laser-straight, nine-year restoration. Car bought from original owner. Multiple show-winner, only 86 miles since completion in April 2000. Excellent and correct paint, chrome and interior. 383-ci V8 has 440 heads with adjustable rockers, Mopar solid lifter cam, BeCool aluminum radiator, 727 automatic transmission with B&M ratchet shifter, 4.56 Posi, 3,500 rpm stall converter. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $13,230. As a very nice 4-speed car, I expected this to do better, maybe $17k–$18k. But then again, it was 96 degrees outside and the car was black with no air conditioning. In any case, rather well bought, just take it to a milder climate. #471-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T SE 2-dr hard top. S/N JH29L0B189863. Plum Crazy/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 77,870 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Matching numbers, less than 100 miles since $100k restoration. Rare combination of R/T performance package and SE luxury option. Rebuilt 383 V8, with Magnum heads, Posi rear axle, all new suspension, brakes and tires. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $21,600. Clearly built to travel and apparently well seasoned, this will be a great conversation starter at cruise-ins. Seller was realistic and seemed happy with his price. New owner has a car he can drive. #135-1949 WILLYS JEEPSTER convertible. S/N P15149. Red/black canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 7,675 miles. 148-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Black-plate California car, with 3-speed and overdrive. Good chrome, paint and panel fit. Decent driver-quality paint with a few prep issues, tidy interior, step plates. Clean underhood, has been rewired. Dent in grille, old wide-whitewall bias-ply tires. Scruffy canvas top seems sound. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $40,000. Hard to fault this labor of love, but also difficult to pin down its exact purpose. You’d think it was built to race, but it only has a 383 and no roll cage. The awards suggest it was envisioned as a street cruiser with a bit of attitude and the ability to win trophies. I’d call the $55,000 reserve ambitious and the high offer generous. 86 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $32,130. A very attractive package. The R/T SE gets both power and soundproofing, while a 4-speed and a/c offer both fun and comfort. This was a bargain. AMERICANA #479-1934 NASH LAFAYETTE resto-mod sedan. S/N 292297. Tan & brown/brown SOLD AT $15,768. Willys thought returning G.I.s would be sentimental about Jeeps, and find the profile familiar and appealing. The G.I.s were sentimental, but only for what Jeeps did well: hard, off-road, 4x4ing. The Jeepster left much to be desired on all fronts, suitable only for sunny rural areas with few hills. Price was about right. A

GLOBAL ROUNDUP American highlights at 13 auctions Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report CLASSICS #40-1913 POPE-HARTFORD MODEL 33 phaeton. S/N 662. Eng. # 1790. Red/black canvas/black leather. RHD. One of three known Touring phaetons. Long-term ownership in Puerto Rico. Restoration started at Harrah’s, then finished in ’80s or early ’90s. Featured in Automobile Quarterly in 1996. Brightwork in good shape; paint to driver quality with clear signs of use. Outfitted for modern touring with brake lights, turn signals, gauges and fire extinguishing system. Cond: 3+. 4 A 1955 Dodge C-3-B8 sold for $11,550 at Russo and Steele’s Monterey auction t each of these 13 sales, our reporters were hard at work, cameras, clipboards and price guides in hand, tracking the market and spotting trends before they became trends. Their reports start right here. Auctions covered in this issue: Classic Motorcar Auctions, Novi, WI, 4/21/2012 — Pat Campion Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 4/26/2012 — John Lyons Silver Auctions, Spokane, WA, 5/9/2012 — Jack Tockston Dragone, Westport, CT, 5/19/2012 — John Lyons girard, Wakonda, SD, 6/30/2012 — B. Mitchell Carlson Petersen, Roseburg, OR, 7/7/2012 —Jack Tockston Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/16/2012 — Ray Nierlich Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 8/17/2012 — Donald Osborne RM Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/17/2012 — Carl Bomstead gooding & Company, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/18/2012 —Michael Leven Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 9/1/2012 — Kevin Coakley Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 9/1/2012 — B. Mitchell Carlson Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 9/8/2012 — Pat Campion 1969 Ford Torino Talladega fastback, p. 100 88 AmericanCarCollector.com “The market for Talladegas has broadened beyond hardcore Ford fans, and now almost everyone wants one to fill out their collection.” SOLD AT $319,000. This car looked like a sturdy piece and was clearly vetted. The ACC online database shows 4-cylinder Popes selling consistently under $150k for almost 15 years. This one was a $375k nosale at RM’s 2011 Hershey auction against a $550k low estimate (ACC# 191345). This time it came in well under the $350k low estimate, and the consignor was wise to move on. Well sold. Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/12. #31-1919 MILLER TNT racer. S/N N/A. Eng. # 8M8. Bare metal/black leather. One of one, entered in the 1920 Indy 500 but withdrawn and not raced. Unique, unpainted cast aluminum body (per Miller patent) imperfect but in good shape; brass radiator, oak steering wheel, leather hood straps all sound, with nice patina. Original alloy twin-cam I4 donated to WWII scrap drive; car now with later-but-periodcorrect Miller I8. Updated with hydraulic brakes. Recent participant at Pebble Beach Concours, Monterey Historics, and Millers at Milwaukee. Very cool. Cond: 3-. 1 SOLD AT $1,210,000. Some Millers sell for more, some for less, but this car never raced, has the wrong engine and is some- TOP 10 TOP 10

ROUNDUP GLOBAL what of a curiosity. Given that it sold at Christie’s Pebble Beach in 2000 for $193,000 (ACC# 10248), I’d have to say this sale looks pretty stout. Well sold. Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/12 Beach Tan/ black cloth/red leather. Odo: 1,988 miles. Restored 1995, won numerous high-level ACD awards immediately after, but no longer crisp. Gaps variable everywhere; panel fit at right rear window especially bad. Paint well done over good prep. Significant chipping on left of hood, left cowl and behind roof on left. Brightwork very good. Correct Cord fog lights; one with bulb not connected inside. Red leather fresh but broken in. Steering wheel restored to driver level. Dash paint cracked. Very tidy underneath. Cond: 2+. 8 #102-1936 CORD 810 phaeton. S/N 1975H. Eng. # FB2582. Palm SOLD AT $181,500. Palm Beach Tan is a lovely, understated color; perhaps not quite right on this bold design. This was better than Lot 10, the other 810 phaeton on offer, but not by the 60% difference in price. A little overpriced, but over time not much harm done. Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/12. GM #21-1931 CADILLAC 370A phaeton. S/N 1004792. Two-tone blue/navy blue canvas/ red leather. Odo: 2,939 miles. Four owners from new, 45-plus-year-old restoration by Seaburg Brothers of Ohio still presents remarkably well. Originally black, but period-correct color scheme accentuates lines. Bright trim mostly very good; chrome darkened but very well done. Paint still to good standard; some microblisters on front fenders, otherwise few flaws. Dual spotlights from factory; Pilot Rays, low-boy trunk and luggage, steel covers on sidemounts added at restoration. Cond: 2. 6 November-December 2012 89 TOP 10 TOP 10

GLOBAL ROUNDUP SOLD AT $192,500. Sold at Worldwide’s 2008 Houston sale for $198,000 (ACC# 116700), driven less than 400 miles since. The superb restoration spoke to the quality of workmanship and stewardship. Slightly well bought, toward the lower end of the $180k–$220k estimate spread. Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/12. #497-1940 BUICK ROADMASTER convertible. S/N 13676588. Dark blue/beige canvas/beige leather. Odo: 17,999 miles. 320-ci I8, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Good panel fit. Very good paint, good chrome. Very good seats, door panels and steering wheel. Radio removed, flat alloy blanking plate in dash. Uprated electrics, modified suspension with wider wheels. Cond: 2-. at $32,500, but with most of its issues from then now rectified (ACC# 142463). The reserve was passed at $35k, which seemed cheap. Several bidders agreed and kept going at a good rate beyond that. Well sold. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #129-1949 BUICK SUPER convertible. S/N 45106533. Sequoia Cream/black cloth/ red leather & tan cloth. Odo: 22,770 miles. 248-ci I8, 2-bbl, auto. Recent restoration good enough for AACA Senior Award, in addition to Buick Club of America Junior and Senior awards. Panel gaps not much worse than original build quality. Vastly better than original paint quality, including undercarriage—reportedly washed and waxed before the auction. Authentically reupholstered interior. Show-quality engine bay. With power windows and seat. Factory-style power steering added at restoration. Cond: 2+. when Olds ruled the performance roost from 1949 to 1954. Well bought and sold. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #T272-1952 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup. S/N BKPG8535. Black/black vinyl. Odo: 2,534 miles. 235-ci V8, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Fivewindow pickup. Nicer older restoration of a clean, original truck. Now starting to show its age and obvious use. Weathered interior. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $24,910. This was a great deal for the ecstatic buyer, who purchased it as a surprise for his father. Good deals to be had prior to the busy weekend. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. NOT SOLD AT $40,000. The 1940 Buick is held as one of the best cars of the make, easily the equal of the contemporary Cadillac. While cataloged as ex-Martin Swig, the real story of this one is its prep for, and completion of, the insane Pekingto-Paris rally. But the modifications limit the market and I think hurt a bit here. Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 08/12. #127-1940 BUICK ROADMASTER 4-dr convertible. S/N 13828968. Black/tan cloth/tan leather. Odo: 31,461 miles. 320-ci I8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Very fresh, high-quality restoration completed in 2009, minimal use since. Excellent prep and paint. All new weatherseals. All chrome replated; stainless trim still somewhat dull. Mirror added to vent window frame. Reupholstered seats and door panels, with the seats done in a generic pattern. Very tidy engine bay and undercarriage. 235 were convertible sedans out of 18,345 top-of-the-line Roadblasters built for 1940. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $74,000. It seems like everyone restores a post-war Buick convertible in “Rain Man” light yellow. How about the original pastel blues and greens for a change? A no-sale on auction night at $65k, this was in the post-event results as selling for this more realistic amount. Well bought and sold. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #151-1950 OLDSMOBILE 88 2-dr sedan. S/N 508W9934. Crest Blue/gray broadcloth. Odo: 44,275 miles. 303-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Period-authentic trim-off repaint, with some obvious masking lines around the vent window seals; heavier overspray on the dingy undercarriage. Vent window glass starting to delaminate. Light pitting on most potmetal trim, light scuffing on bumpers and grille. Reupholstered front seat shows no wear; original rear seat slightly different cloth with light water staining. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 3+. #2184-1954 BUICK SPECIAL 2-dr hard top. S/N 4A1115581. Light blue & white/ blue cloth & vinyl. Odo: 52,000 miles. 322-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Paint shows some cracking and prep issues in quarter panels. Driverquality bright bits. Original interior is faded, cracked, water-stained and just tatty in general. Engine compartment shows surprisingly well. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $10,010. Here’s a car you could drive and enjoy while you address the needs to raise the value, or leave it alone and see what the market does. Market research shows the very best only achieving mid-to-high $20k, and for what you get for $10k I’d call this well bought. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. SOLD AT $42,900. Last seen at RM’s Rochester auction in 2009, then a no-sale 90 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $22,000. While not as minty original as the consignor would have you believe, this was still a great period example of #125-1955 CADILLAC ELDORADO convertible. S/N 556214993. Bahama Blue/ white vinyl/blue leather. Odo: 39,898 miles. 331-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Excellent frame-off restoration after being found as a literal “barn find” in 2010. Superb color change, which is at least correct for the year. Brightwork a mix of show-quality replate and lightly pitted original. Tidy under the hood. Exhaust correctly routed through

GLOBAL ROUNDUP bumpers. Aromatic new leather interior, with no wear to speak of. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $71,500. Originally a $65k nosale when offered across the block, listed sold at this very reasonable price post-sale. Just try to redo one of these in two years for what this sold for, and I guarantee it won’t be finished. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #161-1955 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup. S/N H255S036466. Red/tan leather. Odo: 287 miles. 350-ci fuel-injected V8, 5-sp. Highquality recent build, with emphasis on stock appearance. Although the chrome gives it away as modified, workmanship is second to none, and better-than-factory quality. Stunningly well prepared bodywork and paint quality. Claimed that each and every gap is a spot-on 3/16-inch. Gen-III smallblock with Holley TPI under the hood, backed up by a Richmond 5-speed manual transmission. Heidts front suspension, Ford nine-inch rear end. High-gloss black undercarriage without so much as a speck of dust. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $46,750. A bit over the top, compared with Lot 161, the similar pickup with metallic red and lowered stance. Still, a high-quality build that sold right. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #58-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr hard top. S/N ORVC57S120234. Matador Red/ red & black vinyl. Odo: 47,974 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Straight panels, excellent paint, show-quality chrome. Superb stainless and glass, polished American mags, new tires, slightly lowered stance. Uprated 350-ci engine, year and source not stated. Power steering and brakes. Complete reproduction interior shows as new, including mint red steering wheel. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $15,290. While the modifications on this car would not prove terribly hard to undo, I imagine finding the correct exterior trim and fittings will pose a challenge. Well bought nonetheless. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #139-1961 OLDSMOBILE STARFIRE convertible. S/N 616C01229. White/white vinyl/beige leather. Odo: 83,800 miles. 394ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older cosmetic exterior restoration. Numerous chips in paint, door jambs so heavily coated that VIN tag is almost unreadable. Original faded and hazy chrome and trim, newer top. Original and very tired-looking interior with unappealing SOLD AT $57,750. Beyond $40k, this saw something of a bidding war between two men in the room. Further proof that interest in well done trucks, stock or resto-mod, is holding strong. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #167-1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR restomod 2-dr sedan. S/N VC55B050960. Pearl red metallic/tan leather. Odo: 48,178 miles. 350-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Originally two-tone blue with blue interior. Rebuilt with a crate Gen-III 350 with dual-quad induction, tuned up to a claimed 425 hp. Excellent prep and paint, replated bumpers, dealer-accessory “hockey stick” rocker panel trim. Excellent workmanship under the hood, with nothing but aluminum, chrome and silver paint to meet the eye. Custom leather interior. Vintage Air climate control. Cond: 2. 92 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $36,040. The last of the Tri-Five siblings we’ve lusted over for decades, this example looked fresh and original from every angle until you saw the V8, and then the power steering, front disc brakes and modern sound system. Some auction observers believe the bloom is fading on TriFives, but this example brought more than the $33k low market estimate. For condition and N.O.M., this was an appropriate deal for both buyer and seller, and highest sale of the auction. Petersen, Roseburg, OR, 07/12. #341-1959 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO pickup. S/N H59L116779. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 71,946 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fairly honest original car with 350 crate V8 engine with 3-speed automatic of unknown origin. All trim removed during build; paint and bumpers in nice condition. Interior lightly modified with differing seat pattern, incorrect steering wheel and aftermarket radio. Clean engine bay and undercarriage. Spray-on bedliner. From a private estate collection, offered without reserve. Cond: 3+. aftermarket steering wheel. Dirty engine bay. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $13,200. Marketcorrect price, but plenty of room to improve it with a good detailing. A correct steering wheel wouldn’t hurt, either. Buyer came out ahead on this one. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #5194-1961 PONTIAC CATALINA convertible. S/N 361P11998. Mayan Gold/ brown canvas/brown, gold & white vinyl. Odo: 6,606 miles. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Decent paint and gaps, brightwork shows well, driver-quality engine compartment. Interior in good shape but doesn’t look correct. With power steering and brakes. Wide whites could stand a good cleaning. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $29,150. Last seen at BarrettJackson’s West Palm Beach sale in April 2011 where it sold for $31,900 (ACC# 178278), making this a relatively quick flip

GLOBAL ROUNDUP at a loss. Still, market-correct result. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #367-1965 PONTIAC CATALINA 2+2 2-dr hard top. S/N 252375E169146. Turquoise/black vinyl. Odo: 86,180 miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Seven-year-old restoration of a two-owner car, fully documented. Said to be one of 756 in this configuration, with factory YK-code 421-ci 376-hp V8, Tri-Power and TurboHydramatic. Optional power steering and brakes, center console, eight-lug wheels, heavy-duty suspension, factory in-dash tachometer, Wonderbar radio, Safe-T-Track differential and remote mirror. Featured in May 2010 Hemmings Classic Car. Shown with reams of documentation, including PHS documents, original build sheet, receipts and much more. Cond: 2. tion. Has Z/28 badging, with 350 engine. Engine decals show a 302. Nicer restoration. Paint was sprayed over old paint in places. Paint-matched front bumper doesn’t look right. With desirable 4-speed manual. Cond: 3+. pretty rare due to low production numbers. This went across the block during prime time on Saturday. Owner wanted $90k, but let it go. A very good buy and a good investment. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #F429-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 2-dr hard top. S/N 136370K158281. Tuxedo Black/black vinyl. Odo: 33,987 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Frame-off restoration by previous owner. History from 1980s. Flawless deep black paint on laserstraight panels. Excellent chrome. Interior presents as new. Power steering, power brakes. Was previously a drag car, now with 454 replacement engine. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $39,920. Previously seen at Mecum’s Kissimmee sale in January, where it was a $47k no-sale (ACC# 199475). Good colors on this nice driver pushed it to a good price. Well sold. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. SOLD AT $24,200. The car was bid to $21k on the block, and after about five minutes of heavy negotiation, the seller reluctantly agreed to sell for $22k on the hammer. Well bought. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #5021-1966 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO 2-dr hard top. S/N 396876M524556. Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 75,211 miles. 425-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Some paint prep issues, especially on the expansive hood. Brightwork a bit tired and showing its age. Interior presentable with new carpet. Optional power steering, brakes, windows, seats, trunk and a/c. Driver-quality engine compartment. Said to have been recently tuned up. Cond: 3-. #F291-1969 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe. S/N 223379N105731. White & blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 76,677 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Several small flaws, but overall, a very nice newer restoration. Great attention to detail. Has functioning Ram Air III hood and air cleaner. Matching-numbers 400 engine. Very presentable. Nice paint, striping aligned. Good interior. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $66,000. A superb driver or club event show car, fairly sold. Super-good paint and body made up for the drag history and replacement block. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/12. #168-1970 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe. S/N 228870N116173. White/black vinyl. Odo: 46,111 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very well kept original car with some minor cracking and checking in paint. Good glass. Original interior shows minimal wear. Clean engine bay. With PHS documentation. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $103,350.I have seen it all now: There were two 1970 TAs at this venue bid higher than this 1969. Higher mileage may have hurt sale price, but still a great buy. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #S179-1970 BUICK GSX Stage 1 2-dr hard top. S/N 446370H320596. White & black/black vinyl. Odo: 73,360 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Impeccable restoration, no expense spared. Matching numbers with documentation. Appears in GSX registry. Very nice car. One of several cars here previously owned by pro-wrestler John Cena, though not presented as such. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $7,700. This looked like a good buy on the surface, but I’m not sure where the market is going. Market research shows prices for these cars all over the board. I’ll call it well bought today. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #S59-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 replica coupe. S/N 124379N623210. LeMans Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 3,981 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Great color combina- 94 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $79,500. GSXs are becoming SOLD AT $26,000. Initially unsold across the block, a deal came together later at a very fair $26k, close enough to the owner’s desired $27k to get it done. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #158-1971 CHEVROLET C10 Cheyenne Super 20 pickup. S/N KE241Z606660. Blue & white/blue vinyl. Odo: 52,690 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. 4x4 pickup, amazingly straight body, excellent blue and white paint, new chrome bumpers. Demerits for original sand-blasted aluminum grille and trim bits. Box has spray-in liner in matching blue. Raised about five inches, Ultra brand polished wheels, fresh white-letter tires. Engine clean with Edelbrock 4-bbl. New

GLOBAL ROUNDUP transfer case. Interior new. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $12,900. Another cherry pickup almost too nice for off-roading. A lot of time and expense, but it came off as 90% done, with a few easily replaced aluminum bits retained. Bidding quickly ran up to this market-correct number. Silver Auctions, Spokane, WA, 05/12. Red/black & red leather. Odo: 468,410 miles. 350-ci fuel-injected V8, auto. Frameoff restoration to exceptional high standard, $25k-plus in receipts. Show-ready everywhere. Magnificent Toyota Super Red paint on perfect NOS panels with nice gaps. 18inch Chrome ION retro rims. Lowered, #104-1978 CHEVROLET C10 Custom pickup. S/N CCL449J168885. Super billet grille, new chrome front bumper with recessed driving lights, smooth tailgate, black vinyl tonneau. Engine and trans rebuilt, Edelbrock fuel injection, dynoed at 305 hp. Flawless cabin. No demerits, no reserve. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $9,900. This was my favorite custom pickup on the docket, with its tasteful design and flawless presentation. Everything was either brand new or mechanically rebuilt from top shops, with receipts in hand for no stories. The last bidder got a fantastic truck while other bidders slept. Silver Auctions, Spokane, WA, 05/12. #430-1989 PONTIAC TRANS AM 20th Anniversary Indy Pace Car coupe. S/N IG5FW2177KL240445. White/tan leather. Odo: 10,928 miles. 3.8-L fuel-injected V6, auto. Original paint, trim, interior and underside with practically no wear evident. No shrinkage of any plastic panels inside or out. Full steering wheel controls for climate control and radio. Factory a/c, anti-theft, AM/FM and T-tops. Clean, correct, original engine bay. Cond: 2. CORVETTE #4233-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E54S00269 Pennant Blue/tan vinyl. Odo: 1,251 miles. 235-ci 155-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Paint shows OK with some minor issues. Good glass. Decent brightwork except for some rust brewing under chrome on rear bumper. Panel fit typical for a 58-year-old ’Vette—in other words not great, but not likely to get any better fiddling with it. Release button for convertible top cover is missing. Driverquality interior. Presentable engine bay. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $47,500. These cars seemed to peak in ’07, followed by, just like everything else, a steep decline. Overall prices have held pretty flat since. That being said, for a #3 car, the high bid was short by $5k–$10k; and I can’t blame the owner for holding on to it. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. NOT SOLD AT $17,000. One of many timewarp examples preserved for anticipated future appreciation, hurt by the 6-cyl engine. High bid was all the money. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #184-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S107390. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 36,581 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. High-quality cosmetic restoration. Somewhat heavy paint in the door jambs, few slight dents in trim. Old, yellowing tires. Interior very original. Equipped with rare factory Wonderbar radio. Factory hard top included. Dirty engine bay, apparently ignored during the restoration. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $36,025. Very nice car with a few details still requiring attention. Also, no mention of documentation or matching numbers, so a bit of an unknown. Sold correctly given the circumstances. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #412-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1946265114721. Turquoise vinyl/hard top/navy blue vinyl. Odo: 74,291 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl. Frame-off restoration has earned NCRS Top Flight and multiple other major awards. Full docu- 96 AmericanCarCollector.com BEST BUY

ROUNDUP GLOBAL mentation includes Protect-O-Plate and factory window sticker. Flawless paint, trim and panel fit. Fresh-appearing interior with excellent trim and gauges, showing only minimal wear. Show-detailed engine, trunk and underside. Equipped with factory sidepipes, disc brakes, hard top and AM radio. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $57,500. Stunning restoration of a proper numbers-matching car. This mid-year Corvette was one of the nicest in the entire sale. The restoration could not have been cheap, and seller was right to hold out for more. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #4063-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194371S106178. White/green vinyl. Odo: 20,874 miles. 454-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. OK paint and panel gaps, decent brightwork. Presentable engine compartment with some chrome dress-up bits. Interior looks good with no excessive wear or tear. Factory a/c. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 3+. WHAT’S YOUR CAR WORTH? FIND OUT AT SOLD AT $20,350. Prices on these cars have been flat if not slightly declining, but this car was a bargain. It could have sold for another $10k–$15k and still been considered a fair deal. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. FOMOCO #107-1931 FORD MODEL A cabriolet. S/N A4498553. Green/tan cloth/brown leather. Odo: 3,441 miles. High-dollar restoration. Excellent paint, chrome and trim. Periodcorrect paint scheme with black fenders and gray beltline. Sidemount spare, rear luggage rack, rear brake light, grille stone guard and other accessories. Interior restored to better-than-factory condition using leather on the seats. No detail overlooked. Cond: 1-. NOW FREE! The world’s largest collector car price guide based on over 500,000 sold transactions from . Updated weekly. collectorcarpricetracker.com November-December 2012 97

GLOBAL ROUNDUP with new upholstery and headliner, nice dash and instruments, original AM radio. Water and oil pressure gauges added under dash, black rubber flooring as-original. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $9,400. My first car, a ’51 Ford Custom coupe, smelled like this one inside, for momentary déjà vu. Seller claimed $19k in receipts, which seemed spendy for the final product. Seller let it go at significant loss. Well bought. Silver Auctions, Spokane, WA, 05/12. SOLD AT $46,200. The RS Slant Window cabriolet is perhaps the second most sought-after body style of the later Model As. This car was handsomely restored with lots of desirable accessories, eliciting a very strong result. Well sold. Dragone, Westport, CT, 05/12. #3099-1934 FORD MODEL B roadster. S/N Red/beige cloth/tan vinyl. V6, 2-bbl, auto. Nice presentation with the yellow spoke wheels and brilliant red paint. Decent paint shows some cracks, brightwork presentable. Billet dash, GM steering column with tilt, drilled chrome I-beam axle. Ford V6 of unknown spec, Chevy rear end, no other specifics provided. Cond: 3. #5105-1950 FORD F-1 pickup. S/N 98RC393749 Green/gray vinyl. Odo: 17,018 miles. 239-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Restored five years ago, and done right. Exceptional paint, fresh bed wood, clear glass, new window rubbers. Painted steel wheels sport beauty rings and poverty caps set off by wide whites. Interior just as nice as exterior, with satellite radio cleverly hidden behind original radio speaker grille. Spotless engine bay. Cond: 2+. soft-selling car these past five years. A fair deal for both parties. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #TH209-1959 FORD RANCHERO pickup. S/N H9KF158556. Mustard & white/silver & bronze vinyl. Odo: 10,091 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older paint still presents well. Bodywork fair, ding in wheelarch, door chrome very uneven. Chrome good. Pickup bed very good. Recent upholstery, shows some needs. Tidy engine compartment. Fitted with later 390 V8 engine. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $16,500. No shows to be won or real financial upside, but still a solid, driveable Ranchero. Sold fairly for both parties. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/12. NOT SOLD AT $30,000. V6? Really? Could they not find a suitable 302 to drop in? I don’t blame them for holding onto it at the high offer, but they’d realize a better result by supplying the auction company with some info for promotion. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #66-1949 FORD CUSTOM sedan. S/N 98HA4003. Blue/gray vinyl & cloth. Odo: 50,443 miles. 239-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Shiny blue paint, excellent chrome bumpers and stainless. Windows starting to delam. Steel wheels with ’49 trim rings, dog dish caps. Engine compartment needs detailing, but flathead V8 appears stock. Interior clean SOLD AT $44,000. I asked the seller if he had any anxiety about offering the truck without reserve, and he said no, he was confident it would do well. He was right— well sold. You’d have to look hard to find one nicer than this. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #423-1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II 2-dr hard top. S/N 056A1670. Blue/blue & white vinyl. Odo: 62,798 miles. 368-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nice original car with one older repaint holding up well. Some minor issues with the paint, including possible hail damage on hood. Very good original interior. All controls look good and work well. Factory a/c, AM radio and power antenna. Shown with folders of original records and receipts. Cond: 3. #4214-1961 FORD COUNTRY SQUIRE wagon. S/N 1A68X 135706. White/red/white vinyl. Odo: 53,656 miles. Paint said to be all original, shows a few issues but otherwise nice. Wood trim and film look very good, clear glass all around, brightwork shows well. Engine compartment looks presentable, interior looks very good, equipped with PS/PB/AC, luggage rack and fender skirts. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $26,400. Having done 222 miles since we last saw it at the Raleigh Classic sale in Raleigh, NC, Dec. 2010 (ACC# 168474), where it was a no-sale at $39k, and the reporter commented that it had achieved quite a good result and couldn’t understand why it didn’t sell. This sale looks like a market-correct result considering originality and condition; a fair deal both ways. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. SOLD AT $31,900. Even the repaint had an original-looking patina. The documents no doubt helped the result for what has been a 98 AmericanCarCollector.com #428-1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible. S/N 81081720343. Red/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 43,831 miles. 200-ci V6, 2-bbl, auto. Highly original car with one repaint likely done years ago and preserved. Miles claimed original and overall presentation confirms. Original top, engine and interior. Nice chrome and trim also indicative of a

ROUNDUP GLOBAL good original car. Only notable options are the Cruise-O-Matic transmission and power top. Cond: 3. a few years ago to high standard, only lightly used since. Faded original GT emblems. Show-quality under the hood. Pony interior. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $50,875. Pretty good money, even considering it’s a K-code redone in its original red-on-red Pony color scheme. Perhaps one bid beyond a good buy. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. SOLD AT $13,750. The 6-cyl Mustangs were not exactly top of the heap then (or now), but the upside was a reliable, easy-tomaintain car. Someone will enjoy the heck out of this for the next five months and then could sell it for probably the same money, if not a slight profit. Well bought. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #TH218-1965 FORD MUSTANG GT convertible. S/N 5F08A316806. Dark green metallic/tan vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 1,067 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Very nice older paint with typically lousy panel fit and gaps. Recent good top. Some wear and small pitting in chrome. Mirrors foggy. Wheels dirty. Original nice Pony interior with gauge package. Very clean engine compartment. Factory a/c, power steering, power brakes. Cond: 3+. Wimbledon White/black leather. Odo: 3,096 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent highquality refurbishment by JD Classics and other top-tier U.K. firms. Brightwork good; respray in original Wimbledon White flawless. Original black leather interior shows significant wear but is sound and serviceable. Has built up, date-coded NOS sideoiler block; no reason given for replacement of factory 428. Appears to have a fuel cell; covers on holes for removable roll hoop. H4 headlights. National XT Renegade tires. Cond: 1-. 2 #53-1966 SHELBY COBRA 427 roadster. S/N CSX3216. SOLD AT $187,000. 1966 was the first year that colors other than white with a blue stripe were available. Head and shoulders above any other ’66 out there—in price and condition—but still a bit light compared with the $200k–$250k auction house guesstimate. Well bought and sold. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. White/black vinyl. Odo: 36,613 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Very nice example. Low miles, but appears to have been been driven and enjoyed. Signed by Carroll Shelby. Cond: 2. 9 #S104-1968 SHELBY GT500 KR fastback. S/N 8T02R215943. SOLD AT $825,000. This Cobra looked great, and the build was first-rate, but had a number of liberties taken, starting with the budget tires, plus others not so easily remedied. If the motor swap was done out of necessity, OK; otherwise, unforgivable. If the car was raced, roll hoop and fuel cell OK; otherwise, further indignities. Well sold, given the customizations. Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/12. SOLD AT $26,675. An honest, time-warp Mustang, just like the one you or your brother had—or wished you had—back in the ’60s. Rough build, fit and finish, and absolutely correct! Well bought. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/12. #10-1965 FORD MUSTANG GT convertible. S/N 5F08K792638. Rangoon Red/ white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 89,594 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with the usual GT equipment, plus a/c and tape deck added at restoration. Said restoration done white/black vinyl. Odo: 19,320 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Generally well-documented history. Over-the-top restoration completed 2004 by an SAAC judge. All components aside from tires and carpet are either original or NOS—including the oil. SAAC Division I Premier Award winner in 2006 and Mustang Monthly Editor’s Choice winner at the MCA 30th Anniversary event. Concours-ready as presented. Cond: 1-. 7 #40-1966 SHELBY GT350 fastback. S/N SFM6S891. Red & SOLD AT $148,400. This went through Saturday at prime time, when the venue was very active and crowded. Lots of action, but bidding stalled at $100k. Then the reserve was lifted, and things picked up again. The auctioneer spending a little extra time on this one definitely paid off for the seller. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #F89-1969 FORD BRONCO SUV. S/N V15GLE72641. Pearl orange/black vinyl/ white vinyl. Odo: 1 miles. 302-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. No-expense-spared restoration. Custom paint inside and out. Nice interior. Aftermarket steering wheel, top and other accessories. One of the nicer Broncos at the venue. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $35,000. The seller likely has a lot of time and money invested in this one, as well as emotion. Price paid looked like a fair offer, although the early Friday time slot may have hurt a little. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #29-1969 FORD TORINO Talladega fastback. S/N 9A46Q192001. Wimbledon White/black vinyl. Odo: 62,465 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Marti Report and four original build sheets confirm the car is correct as it sits. Recent trim-off repaint to factory November-December 2012 99 BEST BUY TOP 10 TOP 10 TOP 10

GLOBAL ROUNDUP standard. Light pitting on most of the trim; older replated bumpers. Rivets removed from data plate on door, but tag still in place. No pins, despite mounting pads on the hood. Recent engine rebuild by performance expert Keith Kraft, and detailed to show quality. Light wear and aging on the original interior soft trim. One of 748 copies made for NASCAR homologation. Cond: 2-. tape residue around windows. Nickel-plated trim very dull or worn away. Serviceable older tires. Seat-bottom redone in vinyl; back is worn original leather. Dried-out and shrinking leather door panels, broken leather door retainer straps. Cond: 4-. recent interior and exterior detailing. Average gaps and panel fit. Decent paint throughout. Some minor fisheyes and orange peel in the crevices. Brand-new bumpers and grill chrome; all other trim nice original polished up. New top and interior done to exacting specifications. All original instruments and controls. Factory AM radio. Detailed engine bay with recent mechanical freshening. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $44,000. The rocker panels that rolled further up under the Talladega’s body not only reduced drag, but more importantly allowed an inch lower suspension, as NASCAR’s compliance templates measured ride height solely to the bottom of the rocker panels. The market for Talladegas has broadened beyond hardcore Ford fans, and now almost everyone wants one to fill out their collection. Well bought and sold. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #F413-2006 SHELBY COBRA roadster. S/N KESLC0362. Polished aluminum/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 803 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Poland-built 427 Cobra replica by Kirkham. Fantastic polished aluminum body. Halibrand mags with Dunlop GT Qualifiers. Appealing interior, roll bar, fourpoint harnesses. $200,000 in receipts. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $3,800. What little was done to this was done a long time ago. Now hopefully someone will give it a well-deserved restoration. Fairly bought for condition. Girard, Wakonda, SD, 06/12. S/N 7693430. Black & wood/tan leather. Odo: 33,702 miles. Said to be one of 996 built in 1941. Oldest known surviving T&C, per National Woodie Club. Spectacular restoration in 2005, with nary a nit to pick. Mahogany and white ash magnificently rebuilt by Chris Messano Woodworks. Emblems and interior trim as-new. Straight-6 engine neat and clean, but likely not enough to move all this car around, especially with nine people on board. Cond: 1-. 3 #27-1941 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY Barrelback wagon. SOLD AT $89,100. I’ve known this car for five years and four owners. Originally pink and white with white top, the car now looks pretty spectacular. It had been shopped a bit online in the forums and such, but it took the auction for it to find a new home. As a good high-level driver, no harm done. Well sold. Dragone, Westport, CT, 05/12. #5121-1956 CHRYSLER 300B 2-dr hard top. S/N Red/tan vinyl. Odo: 14,600 miles. 354-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Nice paint, brightwork shows well, good glass. Chrome wires and wide whites really set off the red paint. Interior looks good. Equipped with power steering, brakes and seat. Tidy engine compartment. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $82,500. The ultimate replica, taken completely over the top. No investment upside, but high offer was probably fair or close. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/12. MOPAR #24-1925 DODGE BROTHERS SERIES 116 business coupe. S/N A16379. Black/black leather & vinyl. Odo: 52,487 miles. Not started, but claimed to be a runner. Last registered in Nebraska in 1984. Very old, very tired rattle-can repaint. Better job on the bumpers in flat silver. Masking 100 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $385,000. A lot of money for this car, to be sure, but there are several $300k-plus Barrelback sales going back to 2004. More recently, RM sold the Milhous car for an astounding $572,000 in February (ACC# 192774), and less than a month later Gooding sold a 3+ example for $286,000 at Amelia Island (ACC# 196958). In this context, the price doesn’t look so crazy, but I find it difficult to believe this is the new reality. An incredible car, but still well sold. Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/12. #130-1955 DESOTO FIREFLITE convertible. S/N 50348431. Pink & black/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 55,648 miles. 291ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older restored car with NOT SOLD AT $38,000. An all-around attractive presentation in nice colors with the right drivetrain. High bid was low by a lot; seller was right to keep it. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #5137-1957 DODGE CUSTOM SIERRA wagon. S/N 38537919. Metallic Gold & white/black & brown vinyl & cloth. Odo: 265 miles. 325-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Fresh paint, except for a drip in the left front passenger’s door, shows very well. Good panel gaps, clear glass, exceptional chrome and stainless trim said to have been polished or replated. Nicely presented engine compartment, interior said to be original and holding up well. Equipped with PS/PB, power rear window and push button radio. Riding on new wide whites with chrome spoke wheels. Cond: 2-. TOP 10

ROUNDUP GLOBAL November-December 2012 101

GLOBAL ROUNDUP SOLD AT $10,800. Great sale for the seller. May have brought even more if sold as a celebrity car. Classic Motorcar Auctions, Novi, MI, 04/12. SOLD AT $36,300. Here’s a perfect example of why you buy a car that’s already done. There’s no way you could take a solid starter car, do all this work to it, and have such a nice example for the sale price here; well bought. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #T237-1963 DODGE DART 2-dr sedan. S/N 7132656673. DuPont Viper Red/silver vinyl. Odo: 2,567 miles. 472-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Full custom show-quality drag car. Very nice bright red paint. Aftermarket rims do not present well. Tubbed in the rear, with wide slicks. 472-ci Hemi with aluminum heads; shortened nine-inch Ford rear end; Keisler 5-speed; Wilwood disc brakes. Custom interior using original silver vinyl and patterns correct for a stock ’63 Dart. Vintage a/c, custom sound system. Cond: 2-. #46-1964 PLYMOUTH FURY 2-dr hard top. S/N 3347186746. Beige/beige vinyl & cloth. Odo: 31,661 miles. 318-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Sold new in St. Angelo, TX. Optional 318, TorqueFlite automatic, a/c, tinted glass, power steering and brakes. Miles believed actual. Mellowed older repaint. Center seat sections redone in modern fabric, while sides retain original vinyl. Older engine paint detailing. Cond: 3. broadcast sheet. Very nice overall restoration of a numbers-matching car. Very good gaps and fit. Excellent paint, chrome and trim. Attractive restored interior with perfect carpeting and seats. Original and very nice dash, instruments and AM radio. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $26,000. A crowd surrounded this car before and during its time on the block. The 383 cars are fairly low on the Mopar totem pole, and as such, the car fell short of reserve. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. SOLD AT $14,000. Not the minty virgin the seller thought it was, but not a bad car either. At least it hasn’t been cloned into some Max Wedge or Hemi like most ’64 Plymouths have. Decent buy, decent car. Girard, Wakonda, SD, 06/12. #S274-1967 DODGE CHARGER fastback. S/N XP29H7I90203. Red/white vinyl. Odo: 71,006 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Newer paint has numerous flaws. Rear passenger quarter shows primer in several spots. Weatherstripping needs replacing. Needs updated brightwork. New interior in columnshift car, with old floor-shift console added. Engine compartment needed updating, detailing. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $47,500. Hard to expect more than this for a one-off custom Dart. But the engine alone is worth the high offer here, so I can understand the seller’s choice to keep it. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #821-1963 IMPERIAL LEBARON 4-dr hard top. S/N 9333124537. Blue/gray leather. Odo: 41,000 miles. 413-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. All original and could use a total restoration, but still a solid California car. Paint and interior showing age. According to seller, original owner was WWII war hero Admiral Stanton. With a/c and LeBaron package. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $13,780. The shiny respray made it a good 20-footer, perhaps, but there’s still plenty of work left. Good deal for the seller. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #380-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER 2-dr hard top. S/N RM23H9A167960. Blue Fire/black vinyl. Odo: 96,886 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. With original fender tag and SOLD AT $84,800. Nice deal for seller and buyer. This would have certainly achieved higher bidding had it been detailed prior to auction. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. 102 AmericanCarCollector.com #S222.1-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER convertible. S/N RM27H9G140412. Orange & black/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 57,891 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Reported to have original engine and transmission, although mileage is undocumented. Nice paint and trim. Good interior. Could use better detailing in the engine compartment. One of 2,128 Road Runner convertibles for 1969. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $50,880. A very nice driver-quality Road Runner in rare convertible configuration. Previously seen at Mecum’s March 2011 Kansas City auction, where it failed to sell at a high bid of $47,500 (ACC# 176122), this looked well bought and sold today. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #S45-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER 2-dr hard top. S/N JS23VOB190136. Mango Orange/white vinyl/white. Odo: 41,358 miles. 440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Recent restoration. Well documented, seller claims original miles. Nice colors, good paint and brightwork. Interior well kept but showing its age, and being white doesn’t help. Should have been detailed prior to auction. Engine compartment has several minor flaws. Cond: 2-.

Sports Car Market Keith Martin’s ROUNDUP GLOBAL The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends “Hats off to you. Keeping up the great effort to produce the best car magazine each month is no small feat.” — E.M., Northbrook, IL, subscriber since 1998 877.219.2605 Ext. 1 WIN AN iPAD! Scan the QR Code with your Smart Phone to be entered to win a free iPad and join the Sports Car Market mailing list. *Minimum spec iPad 2 or newer with 16GB and Wi-Fi www.sportscarmarket.com November-December 2012 103

GLOBAL ROUNDUP #F248-1970 DODGE CORONET R/T 2-dr hard top. S/N WS23UOA122651. Plum Crazy/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 70,796 miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recent frameoff restoration. Very nice attention to detail. Reportedly with original engine. Misaligned doors, hood and trunk deck. Nice engine compartment detail. Has the Magnum engine with functional air cleaner. Galen Govier-documented. Cond: 2. Carter carburetor. Dana 3.54 rear end. Excellent trim and paint. Good gaps and fit. New reproduction bumpers with old bumper guards. Factory driving lights. Correct instruments in good condition. Interior could use a good cleaning. Cond: 2-. sure, very well bought. Last appears in the ACC database as a $35k no-sale at BarrettJackson Scottsdale 1993 (ACC# 6597). According to the catalog, the seller purchased this in the 1980s, when Hemi ’Cudas were just used cars, but he understood the significance of it even then and time-capsuled the car. Five years ago, this car would have sold for many multiples of what it did here. Dragone, Westport, CT, 05/12. SOLD AT $48,760. Good workmanship, big block, matching numbers, Galen Govier documentation and Plum Crazy paint—a solid transaction, well bought and sold. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #394-1970 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA 2-dr hard top. S/N 135234OE119111. Ivy Green/ black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 88,885 miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. No docs with car but stated to have correct fender tags, and reportedly one of 334 in this configuration. Equipped with U-code 440-ci 375-hp V8, 4-speed and Pistol-Grip. Original 4739 SOLD AT $52,250. These have softened substantially in recent years, but this one, with its U-code engine and appealing colors, attracted fair money. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #F76-1970 PLYMOUTH DUSTER 2-dr hard top. S/N VS29HOB184103. Red/red vinyl. Odo: 34,837 miles. 340-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Newer restoration. Appears to be a recent nice paint job on a rust-free car. Brighter-than-factory red makes it a real eye-catcher. Several pieces of brightwork need updating. Could use better engine and interior detailing. Has a pretty bad engine oil leak. Cond: 3. RM23VOA162351. Mango Orange/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 1,252 miles. 440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Extensive restoration with meticulous attention to body-panel alignment, decals, interior. Positioned along red carpet entrance for maximum eyeball. Recently owned by pro wrestler John Cena, but not presented as such. Cond: 1-. 10 #S166-1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD 2-dr hard top. S/N SOLD AT $143,100. One of the nicer Superbirds I have seen in a while. These enjoyed astronomical values in the past, and are now selling at more realistic prices. Well bought and sold. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. SOLD AT $30,740. One of the only Plymouth Dusters at the venue. There must have been several people who wanted this car to bid it up this high. Very well sold. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. BS23R0B349154. White/black vinyl. Odo: 9,842 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Incredible low-mile original car, presents as pretty much brand new. Two owners, matching-numbers, with build sheet and factory fender tags. Original paint, chrome, trim and decals with hardly a flaw to speak of. Original interior with minor driver’s seat wear. Original detailed engine bay. Spotless underneath. One of the stars of the Dragone auction. Cond: 2. 5 #133-1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI ’CUDA 2-dr hard top. S/N #40-1974 DODGE D-100 stepside pickup. S/N D13AE4S163004. Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 42,616 miles. 318-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Modifications include 1977 grille, 1979 dashboard, sport steering wheel, suspension lift with oversized tires, and a 318 to replace the original slant six. Oh, and red headlights. Decent repaint. Simulated Mopar parts delivery decals on the doors. New exhaust system and brakes. Decent seat under loose-fitting black cloth cover. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $5,100. While it seems like every 2-wheel drive Li’l Red Express still survives today, preserved as an “instant collectible,” no one saved regular workaday Dodge stepside 4x4s. All in all, this sold about right. Girard, Wakonda, SD, 06/12. SOLD AT $220,000. A bargain by any mea104 AmericanCarCollector.com #356-1979 DODGE PICKUP Li’l Red Express pickup. S/N D13J893218225. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 70,759 miles. 360-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nice cosmetic restoration of TOP 10 BEST BUY TOP 10

The most valuable tool in your box AmericanCarCollector.com 817.219.2605 Ext. 1 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! November-December 2012 105

GLOBAL ROUNDUP a correct truck. Excellent paint, some chips at door edge, chrome and trim very good. Factory gaps. Decals and wood excellent. Correct five-slot rims restored better than new. Brand new carpets. AM/FM radio. Incorrect steering wheel. Older detailed engine bay, correct details. Cond: 2-. cloth underneath. Baked-off paint with dull, pitting chrome, as it’s been a Texas car since sold new. Cond: 4. NOT SOLD AT $15,000. The preserved five-slot rims were a refreshing sight, as most rusted out and were replaced with incorrect ones. This was the slightly less powerful and desirable 1979 iteration, but still worth a bit more than high bid offered here. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. AMERICANA #131-1941 PACKARD ONE TWENTY woodie wagon. S/N 14932005. Maroon & wood/black leatherette/tan vinyl, cloth & leather. Odo: 77,544 miles. 282-ci I8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Original condition, cosmetically deteriorated from previous poor storage. Since purchased by the seller in 2010, it’s been fully mechanically gone through to make it roadworthy. Cosmetics mostly left untouched. Optional Goddess of Speed hood ornament. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $32,330. This truck sold for $12,420 at Silver’s 2010 Portland sale (ACC# 160025). Not a mile has been added to the odo, even though it has sold two more times since: for $22,500 at Silver’s 2011 Carson City sale (ACC# 189605) and for $26,400 at Barrett-Jackson in January (ACC# 193558). Every buyer has made money on the truck, but I’m thinking this is about the end of the line. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12. #55-1946 WILLYS CJ-2A utility. S/N J50294. Eng. # J50294. White/red vinyl. Odo: 1,443 miles. 134-ci I4, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Older cosmetic restoration. Presentable repaint, non-stock pinstriping added. Newer windshield and cowl seals. Newer NDT tires and period accessory Selectro front lockout hubs. Includes all parts for the optional Power Take-Off sitting in the cargo box, including additional driveshaft. Seats recovered. Oversized dice shift knob. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $5,500. Personally, I’d take this over Lot 131, the ratty and proud ’41 120 woodie wagon—even with the odor of 65-year-old tobacco permeating this one’s interior. Disable the problematic Electromatic clutch (likely already done), then just drive it in the comfort of knowing that you’ll never find a running Senior Packard with the bulletproof nine-mainbearing 356 this cheap. Bought well no matter what the new owner does to it. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #136-1952 NASH AMBASSADOR sedan. S/N R680440. Black & red/black vinyl. Odo: 42,356 miles. 253-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Twelve-year-old restoration, incredible execution and preservation. Paint superb, with minor blemish on driver’s side C-pillar the only flaw of note. Gaps and fit excellent, chrome and trim are show-quality, interior to match. Original AM radio, very cool Airflyte instrumentation. Engine bay and undercarriage detailed to show condition. 1952 YOM plates. Owned by seller for 32 years. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $106,700. Not sold when offered on Saturday night at a high bid of $90k. A deal came together shortly after. It just seems wrong to me that this brings more money than a Full Classic like Lot 130, but wagons—especially woodies—still do well (even after some market correction in recent years). Selling price is more due to the current appeal of “barn finds.” Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #F251-1942 DIAMOND T 201S flatbed pickup. S/N 2012483. Red, cream & wood/ brown & tan vinyl. Odo: 48,650 miles. 236-ci I6, 2-bbl, 3-sp. All-original truck with original engine, now nicely restored in a great color scheme. Paint and wood bed show good attention to detail. Engine compartment clean and detailed. Cond: 2-. 106 AmericanCarCollector.com SOLD AT $5,100. Immediately after WWII, Willys milked the whole “from swords to plowshares” thing, offering their honorably discharged Jeep with a line of farm-ready accessories. For an auction with more tractors than cars, this fit right in. With no sign of rust, this was well bought. Girard, Wakonda, SD, 06/12. #164-1947 PACKARD SUPER CLIPPER sedan. S/N 21721107. Twotone silver/gray broadcloth. Odo: 524 miles. 356-ci I8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Period-accessory fog lamps, Fulton visor and cigarette case mounted to steering column, loaded with period unfiltered Camels. All-original interior certainly smells like it was owned for most of its days by a chain smoker. Dealerinstalled seat and door panel covers beg to be peeled off to reveal the original broad- SOLD AT $13,200. This stunning car was one of the top five in the auction from a condition standpoint. The cost of the restoration far exceeded the price realized, and the buyer got an absolute steal. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. #17A-1961 INTERNATIONAL B-170 fire truck. S/N SB144804E. Harvester Red/ brown vinyl. Odo: 4,901 miles. 345-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Combination pumper/tanker, rated at 500 gpm. Low miles. From the Jerry Mez Collection Farmall-Land USA museum in Avoca, IA. As such, when the original department lettering was painted over on the doors and hood, it was done in Harvester Red and doesn’t match the origi- BEST BUY BEST BUY

ROUNDUP GLOBAL nal fire engine red on cab and fenders. Good original interior. Seems regularly maintained. Cond: 3. in place. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $18,590. I’ve run across three of these so far this year at auction. This was a nice, honest, low-mile car that had been properly maintained. The GO Pack was the top performance option for this car, and bidding reflected this. Both parties have reason to be satisfied with the result. Auctions America by RM, Carlisle, PA, 04/12. SOLD AT $3,000. This was something of a bidding war past $2k between a farmer who wanted the bare truck and a local fire truck collector—with victory going to the latter. Girard, Wakonda, SD, 06/12. #403-1968 AMC AMX 2-dr hard top. S/N A8M397X262982. Frost White & red/red leather. Odo: 7,162 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Unrestored low-mile car with full mechanical freshening. Excellent original paint and trim. Equipped with GO Pack and rare 4-speed manual. Light interior wear. Detailed engine bay with correct tags still which, according to the catalog, includes “front and rear wheel-wells rolled to accommodate larger tires or drag slicks, functional ram-air, rear torque links, quick ratio manual steering, blue painted Magnum 500-style wheels, heavy-duty 4-speed manual Hurst shifter, hose-clamp mounted tachometer.” SOLD AT $15,900. Car didn’t sell at $13,000 through the auction. At that time, I thought the seller should have let it go. I later discovered the car sold for $15,000. Seller was smart to not let it go, good sale for the seller. These AMXs are actually a pretty good deal as compared with all of the other early ’70s muscle cars. Might be a good investment. Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX, 09/12.A #5166-1969 AMC SC/RAMBLER 2-dr hard top. S/N Red, white & blue/black vinyl. Odo: 2,220 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Nice paint and graphics, good panel fit, good glass and rubbers. Nothing to fault on interior. Clean engine bay and undercarriage. One of 500 produced in “A” scheme, Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $30,000. This was an over-the-top offering from AMC back in the day. There weren’t many made, and according to the SC/Rambler registry, about half are accounted for. The high bid was off the mark by 25%. Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 09/12. #T273-1973 AMC AMX JAVELIN coupe. S/N A3C798P299402. Light blue/white vinyl/medium blue. Odo: 67,900 miles. Nice newer paint on an older car. The rest of the car has not been updated. Light blue interior showing dirty, aged. All original AMX. Standard 360-ci car, not the 402-ci bigblock. Worth a lot more with the larger engine. Color scheme very nice. Cond: 3. November-December 2012 107

Parts Hunting Chad Tyson Big-money parts and accessories from eBay Motors #260960059033—1966 Shelby GT350 H Wood Wheel. 12 photos. Item Condition: Used. Fresno, CA. “Very good take-off wheel. Original condition. Very, very hard to find part. Please look at the pictures and see if this will work for you, it is in original condition, and shows some wear on the wood. The center and rear of wheel appear in good condition.” Best Offer. Sold at $3,500. When your car is worth around $130k, what’s $3,500 to have a correct steering wheel? This is about the going rate for one of these, even with “patina.” Not bad for a $49.95 option back in ’66. Fair deal all around now. #120985867284—Mopar 426 Hemi DualHead Tach-Drive Distributor. 2 photos. Item Condition: Used. Waukesha, WI. “Complete with crank trigger. This is a rare distributor from the early ’70s in excellent condition. I was told there were only about 150 of these made. This distributor comes with the correct hold-down clamp and spacer. If you are restoring an old Pro Stocker or building a dual-plug Hemi, this distributor may be the item you need.” 19 bids. Sold at $3,000. Welcome to Bizarro World, where dual-plug magnetos are more common and cheaper than their distributor counterparts. Most of the modern dual-plug setups run magnetos for those reasons. However, this is one of the best conversation pieces to have under the hood — and an expensive one at that. 108 AmericanCarCollector.com #160878074235 – Pilot-Ray Eight-Inch Steerable Driving Light. 10 Photos. Item Condition: Used. “Period accessory to many Classics of the late ’20s and ’30s. Perfect for a show car: Beautiful chrome and glass, as shown, and very useful for night driving. Ready to install. Includes proper on/off switch. Also includes all mounting hardware and stanchions for your front cross member (1-7/8” to 2-1/4”). Fits Packard, Duesenberg, Cadillac, Lincoln, Stutz, Auburn, Cord L-29, Marmon and many others. This one looks terrific and works great. These single-lamp Pilot-Ray setups are usually priced around $2k (including mounting brackets) from the major classic car suppliers, but you have a shot at this one for far less than that.” 4 Bids. Sold at $1,580. Modern replicas like this are readily available. This one included the brackets and was in near-new condition, which makes it a good buy when compared with the $2k-plus price for others.

reamed, rebuilt connecting rods installed, adjustable lifters installed, valves surfaced, new rings installed, all threads cleaned and chased, new gaskets and seals installed, motor was color detailed, head bolts retightened after running. Included: Complete engine, distributor, carb, intake and exhaust manifolds, starter, flywheel, spark plugs (old ones), water pump (old one). Not included: engine stand, radiator, radiator hoses, coil, generator, battery cables.” 2 bids. Sold at $1,726. Although many Model As were produced, a complete engine — rebuilt or original — is not easy to find. I know some specialty shops charge $2,200 for a complete rebuild, and at this point, that’s necessary. You provide the short block or core. The price paid here was a good deal. #290773282901 – 1928 Ford Model A Engine. 5 photos. Item Condition: Remanufactured. Mt. Sterling, MO. “Test run for about two hours. It runs great, with no unusual noises. Cleaned, checked for cracks, bored 0.060, alloy exhaust seats installed, crankshaft turned, 0.030 rods, 0.020 mains, deck surfaced, new main bearings poured and #261095251350 – 1957–58 Pontiac Tri-Power Air Filter Housing. 3 Photos. Item Condition: Used. The seller offers no detailed description. Photos reveal surface rust inside and underneath. No dents or gouges evident. Will need to be refinished. 1 Bid. Sold at $2,800. These prices happen when historical accuracy trumps rationality. Many of these were ditched in favor of the small, individual air cleaners. Why? To show off the funky linkage and fuel lines. Now, you’re paying a hefty correction fee on a stamped piece of steel for those previous indiscretions.A Take us with you! ACC anytime, anywhere. Download our FREE app from the Apple iTunes store. November-December 2012 109

Showcase Gallery Sell Your Car Here! Includes ACC website listing. Showcase Gallery Full-Color Photo Ad Just $66/month ($88 non-subscribers) Text-Only Classified Ad Just $15/month ($25 non-subscribers) 4 ways to submit your ad: Web: Visit americancarcollector.com/classifieds to upload your photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only. Secure online VISA/MC payments. Email: Send photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only, to classifieds@americancarcollector.com. We will contact you for payment information. Fax: Attention Showcase, to 503.253.2234 with VISA/MC. Be sure to include your contact info. Snail mail: ACC Showcase, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208-4797, with VISA/MC or check. 25 words max, subject to editing. Deadline: 1st of each month, one month prior to publication. Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their advertisements. The publisher of American Car Collector Magazine is not responsible for any omissions, erroneous, false and/or misleading statements of its advertisers. American 1931 Ford HiBoy Charles, 845.452.3137, Email: emitch7@aol.com (NY) 1948 Buick Roadmaster S/N 1960227. Gray/Black. 3,788 miles. 302 V8, 5 Speed. 31 Model A Steel Body & ’32 Deuce Chassis, One of Custom Metal Work Throughout, 302 Ford Racing V8 Engine w/ Edelbrock Dual Quads, Tremec 5 Spd/Wilwood/9” Rear w/Coilovers,Award Winning Magazine Feature Car $88,900 OBO. Contact Rick, The Last Detail, 847-689-8822, Email: rick@thelastdetail.com Web: www.thelastdetail.com (IL) 1942 Packard Super Eight 160 convertible S/N 14859445. Regency Blue/Navy. 40,660 miles. 320ci Straight 8, Automatic. 40,660 Original Miles!Gorgeous Full Restoration, Regency Blue / Navy Leather &Beige Cloth, Fireball 320cui Straight 8 / Dynaflow, Power Top, Windows and Seat $79,900 OBO. Contact Rick, The Last Detail, 847-689-8822, Email: rick@ thelastdetail.com Web: www. thelastdetail.com (IL) 1949 Dodge DeLuxe 2-dr sedan S/N 15792133. Regal Maroon/brown and tan. 66,000 miles. 356-ci, overdrive. Car 133 of 165 built. Dual sidemounts, dual heaters. Original interior. AACA winner, body never off frame. Blueprinted and balanced engine, CARavan proven. Six new radials 700R15 whitewalls. Hydraulic top. $139,500. Contact 110 AmericanCarCollector.com Green/81,599 miles. 230 flathead, 3-sp manual. 1,500 miles on rebuilt 230-ci flathead six. Balanced engine now 0.40over. Includes dual Stromberg carbs on Offy Intake & Fenton exhaust manifolds. Saved all the original parts. $14,000. Contact Shawn, 503.796.0858, Email: pdxjeep@live.com (OR) 1964 Ford 289 HiPo Factory Service block S/N C4OE6015F 5H26. August 26, 1964 production. Shelby Cobra, Ford Mustang, Sunbeam Tiger. 0.030 overbore, t-pan, non-HiPo screw-in stud heads, distributor, harmonic balancer, alternator w/HiPo pulley, mechanical camshaft and intake. Need refreshed, but was running a few weeks ago. Email for photos and video. $4,800. Contact David, Email: dphunt61@yahoo.com (GA) r1965 Shelby Cobra replica oadster S/N 6Y85Q153417. Black/Black. 101 miles. 428ci, Automatic. Rare “Q Code” 428/345 V8, Concours Full Restoration, Multiple Prestigious Award Winner, Formerly of the Capizzi Colllection, 1 of 75 Convertible 428s w/Factory AC, This stunning Triple Black Color Combo $88,900 OBO. Contact Rick, The Last Detail, 847-689-8822, Email: rick@ thelastdetail.com Web: www. thelastdetail.com (Il) f1966 Shelby GT350 H astback S/N 5F08C248022. Red with silver stripes/black leather. 3,800 miles. Stroked 427, 4-speed top loader. 9½-inch rear. Tubular steel frame, Koni shocks, Mallory ignition, 15-in BF Goodrich Comp T/A, Mid State body and clip, dual exhaust with headers, 4-wheel disc brakes, 550 horsepower. No roll bar. Manufactured by Shelby American, Inc., Los Angeles, California. Merrill Yeager of Yeager Automotive built car in 2004. If you cannot afford or want to take your real example out on the road, please consider this beauty. $49,995 OBO. Contact Scott, 732.433.3939, Email: Scottrace1@verizon. net (NJ) 1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible S/N 194676S113981. Black/ White. 427, 4-sp. Original 427/390, 4-sp. Black with white leather interior and white convertible soft top/black factory hard top. Factory headrests, knock off wheels, side pipes, AM/FM radio, GoldLine tires, Teak steering wheel. It is absolutely stunning. See our website for pictures. $69,000 OBO. Contact Ned, Champion Motorsports, 401.323.7005, Email: championms@aol.com Web: championms.com (MA) 1966 Ford Thunderbird Incredible original car. Twoowner history from new, loworiginal mileage, immaculate, rust-free, razor-straight body. Never damaged, raced or abused in any way. Matchingnumber engine and transmission (automatic). Finished in white with gold stripes, black interior. Fitted with period-correct air conditioning. A rare opportunity to own a blue-chip car that’s original. $135,000. Contact Matt, Matthew L. deGarmo LTD, 203.852.1670, Email: matt@deGarmoLtd.com Web: www.deGarmoLtd.com (CT) 1968 AMC AMX S/N A8M397N255058. Red/Black. 290, 4-sp. 1968 AMX, 4-sp, 290 4-bbl carb, brand new correct interior, re

stored original steering wheel, never rusted. Looks and runs great. See our website for pictures. $15,900 OBO. Contact Ned, Champion Motorsports, 401.323.7005, Email: championms@aol.com Web: championms.com (MA) 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Gold/black. 30,420 miles. V8, automatic. 1970 Chevell SS L-34 396/350, TH400 auto., $6,800. Contact Carol, 213.377.5527, Email: mhansen74@ymail.com (CA) 1971 Chevrolet Corvette convertible Two-top 454 LS5. 4-sp, older restoration, original/matching numbers. White over saddle leather. Excellent mechanicals and cosmetics. No hit, original fiberglass, bonding strips. New RWL tires. Excellent frame, power steering, tilt/ tele. $37,500. Contact Ken, 248.626.5500, Email: kal@ thepdmgroup.com Race f1966 Shelby GT350 H astback S/N SFM6S814. Black/black and gold. 289 HiPo, C4 auto. Verified by Howard C. Pardee, registrar—Shelby American Automobile Club. Well-documented and very original. Complete history with paperwork and photos back to 1969. Rust-free Colorado car most of its life. Older restoration last painted in ’80s. Correct HiPo engine with all the Shelby added parts. Approx. 4k miles since total mechanical rebuild. $98,000. Contact Jim, 816.510.6406, Email: jnknance@gmail.com (MO) A November-December 2012 111

RESOURCE DIRECTORY Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 211, or email advert@americancarcollector.com Auction Companies Auctions America by RM. 877.906.2437, 5540 CR llA Auburn, IN 46706. Home of the 480-acre Auction Park in Auburn, IN, where the annual Labor Day Auction is held in conjunction with the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival. www.auctionsamerica.com. (IN) Mecum Auctions. 262.275.5050, 445 South Main Street, Walworth, WI 53184. Auctions: Anaheim, Kissimmee, Kansas City, Houston, Walworth, Indianapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington Gold, Des Moines, Monterey, Dallas, Chicago. Nobody Sells More Muscle Than Mecum. Nobody. www.mecumauction.com. (WI) Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles. 602.252.2697, 602.252.6260. 5230 South 39th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040. info@ russoandsteele.com; www.russoandsteele.com. (AZ) Advertisers Index 7-Eight Marketing ...............................113 Adam’s Polishes, Inc ..........................101 American Car Collector ..............105, 109 ANPAC .................................................29 Auctions America .................................11 Barrett-Jackson ....................................15 Bennett Law Office .............................112 Bloomington Gold ................................77 Blue Bars ..............................................96 Callaway Dealers ..................................81 Camaro Central ....................................63 Car Art by David Snyder .......................93 Carlisle Events ......................................83 CarPoolTables.com ..............................89 Chubb Personal Insurance ...................19 Classic Motorcar Auctions ...................87 Collector Car Price Tracker ..................97 Corvette America ..................................33 Corvette Repair Inc. .............................65 Corvette Specialties ...........................111 Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485, 2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205. silver@silverauctions.com. www.silverauctions.com. (WA) Worldwide Auctioneers. 866.273.6394. Established by John Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The Worldwide Group—Auctioneers, Appraisers and Brokers—is one of the world’s premier auction houses, specializing in the procurement and sale of the world’s finest automobiles and vintage watercraft. www. worldwide-auctioneers.com. (IN) Corvette Parts & Restoration County Corvette. 610.696.7888. Sales, service, parts and restoration. When it must be right. www.countycorvette.com. (PA) Mid America Motorworks. 800.500.1500. America’s leader in 1953-2008 Corvette parts and accessories. Request a free catalog at www.mamotorworks.com. (IL) CorvettePartsOnline.com ...................107 County Corvette .....................................2 Firebird Central .....................................63 Genuine Hotrod Hardware ...................27 Granite Digital .......................................31 Grundy Worldwide ................................91 Infinity Insurance Companies .............116 Iowa Auto Outlet ..................................4-5 JC Taylor ..............................................71 Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc. ........111 Law Offices of Bruce Shaw LLC ........113 Leake Auction Company ....................115 Logo Products ....................................113 Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ....................95 Mac Neil Automotive Products Ltd ......97 Matick Chevrolet ..................................81 MCACN, LLC ........................................85 Mecum Auction ....................................13 MidAmerica Auctions ...........................79 Mid America Motorworks .....................23 Motorcar Portfolio ................................87 National Corvette Museum .................113 AutoBahn Power. Performance + Looks + Durability + Comfort = Autobahn Power! Autobahn Power is a veteran of vehicle modifications, parts and accessories. Our specialty has been to carry products that are better than original equipment in performance, safety and quality. Our warehouse, service shop and retail store are located in the Midwest for good access to all parts of the USA. We have completed literally hundreds of project cars. These performance vehicles are in enthusiasts’ hands across the USA. Many of the cars are in daily use, proving the durability of our workmanship and products. Check us out at www. autobahnpower.com. Classic Car Transport Intercity Lines, Inc. 800.221.3936, 413.436.9422. Rapid, hassle-free, coast-to-coast service. Insured enclosed transport for your valuable car at affordable prices. State-of- National Corvette Restorers Society ..105 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions .......69 Paramount Classic Cars .......................67 Park Place LTD .....................................17 ProjxAuto Z/TA Firebird ........................75 Putnam Leasing ....................................25 Red Hawk Enterprises ........................111 Reliable Carriers ...................................57 Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City .......107 RM Auctions ...........................................9 Road Ready Certified ...........................61 Russo & Steele LLC................................3 San Diego Classic & Muscle Cars ........73 Silver Collector Car Auctions ...............21 Sports Car Market ..............................103 Superior Chevrolet ...............................81 The Chevy Store Inc .............................95 Thomas C Sunday Inc ........................104 Truespoke Wire Wheel .........................35 Vicari Auctions ....................................101 Wall Words ...........................................87 Zip Products .........................................37 the-art satellite transport tracking. Complete service for vintage races, auctions, relocations. www.intercitylines.com. (MA) Insurance Hagerty Collector Car Insurance. 800.922.4050. Collector cars aren’t like their late-model counterparts. These classics actually appreciate in value, so standard market policies that cost significantly more won’t do the job. We’ll agree on a fair value and cover you for the full amount. No prorated claims, no hassles, no games. www.hagerty. com. (MI) Corvettes for Sale Corvette Central. Parts and accessories for all Corvettes. Corvette Central has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of Corvette parts and accessories since 1975. We offer the most comprehensive and detailed parts catalogs on the market today and produce a different catalog for each Corvette generation. All catalogs are also online with full search and order features. From Blue Flame 6 to the new C6, only Corvette Central has it all. www.corvettecentral.com. (MI) County Corvette. 610.696.7888. The most modern and bestequipped Corvette-only facility in the nation. www.countycorvette. com. (PA) The Chevy Store. At The Chevy Store, you will find only the highestgrade, investment-quality Corvette and specialty Chevrolet automobiles. We take pride in providing our clients with the finest selection anywhere. Offering investment quality corvettes and Chevrolets for over 30 years! 503.256.5384 (p) 503.256.4767 (f) www.thechevystore.com. (OR) Museums National Corvette Museum. 80053-VETTE. The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY was established as a 501(c)3 notfor-profit foundation with a mission of celebrating the invention of the Corvette and preserving its past, present and future. www.corvettemuseum.com. (KY) A 112 AmericanCarCollector.com

Surfing Around Carl Bomstead Automobilia on eBay Carl’s thought: A guy in Ohio was recently rummaging through some old stuff in his grandfather’s attic and discovered a box of small baseball cards. The cards were from the extremely rare E98 Series that was issued around 1910, and they were in pristine condition. The best of the bunch, 37 cards, were sold for around $500,000, and the rest will be sold over the coming years. Just goes to show, you never know what you might find when you start digging around in attics, inside walls, and even on eBay. Here’s some of the stuff I turned up this month: EBAY #120975777276— GILMORE OIL CHECKERED FLAG WITH RACE DRIVERS’ SIGNATURES. Number of bids: 8. SOLD AT: $1,080. Date sold: 9/5/2012. Gilmore Oil sponsored numerous racing events, including the Gilmore Economy Run, prior to being acquired by Mobil. These flags were widely used at the events and show up from time to time. This one was signed by 20 early drivers, including Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose and Chet Miller. Gilmore flags in this condition sell for about $800, so a couple hundred bucks for the signatures makes the package well worth the money. EBAY #160868775110—UNITED MOTORS TIN/NEON SIGN. Number of bids: 7. SOLD AT: $5,150. Date sold: 8/27/2012. This sign was acquired new in the crate a few years ago and remains close to flawless. It measures 60x30 with the United Motors logo in neon. Value is in the condition, as lesser examples sell for about half what was paid here. Again, condition brings the money. EBAY #360481819362— OPALINE MOTOR OIL ONEGALLON CAN. Number of bids: 53. SOLD AT: $3,938.89. Date sold: 8/30/2012. This is one of the most desirable and iconic oil cans, and it’s high on the list with gas and oil collectors as well as those interested in early racing. It has two screw-top openings as well as a small screw-on funnel. Condition was incredible considering the age of the can, so this price, while up there, was not out of line. EBAY #150880398259—FRAM OIL FILTER LIGHT-UP COUNTER DISPLAY. Number of bids: 38. SOLD AT: $1,742. Date sold: 8/26/2012. This appealing glass display used a bubbleator to illustrate the oil entering and leaving the Fram oil filter. Their slogan 114 AmericanCarCollector.com “Cleans the Oil that Cleans the Engine” made the point in an era when not every car had an oil filter. A cool display, and considering the condition, not an unreasonable price. EBAY #261078638443— 1903 MASSACHUSETTS PORCELAIN LICENSE PLATE. Number of bids: 30. SOLD AT: $6,988.80. Date sold: 8/13/2012. Massachusetts was the first state to issue license plates, starting in 1903. From 1903 to 1907, they all displayed “Mass Automobile Register,” but the ones from 1903 were numbered 0 through 3214, so this three-digit plate was one of the earliest. It was found in a wall during a remodel, so this will help defray some of the cost. Another, in lesser condition, was offered at $1,200 with no takers, which again illustrates what condition does to the value. EBAY #180953270423— 1950s “SWANX” HOT ROD CLUB WOOL JACKET. Number of bids: 17. SOLD AT: $720. Date sold: 8/22/2012. The Swanx Kustom Kar Klub was formed in Oakland in 1952 with the condition of membership being the ownership of a custom worthy of the Oakland Roadster Show. Chapters were formed elsewhere, with the Vallejo chapter operating from 1956 until 1959. It was reformed in 1998, and the Swanx Fall Fiasco Car Show is held annually. This wool jacket from the early Vallejo chapter was in good condition and received a lot of interest. Vintage hot-rod stuff is valuable property, and this sold for a reasonable price. EBAY #150890473284— 1911 VANDERBILT CUP PENNANT. Number of bids: 23. SOLD AT: $5,778. Date sold: 9/8/2012. The Vanderbilt Cup was held on Long Island from 1904 until 1910. In 1911 it was held in Savannah, GA, in conjunction with the American Grand Prix. The race was won by Ralph Mulford driving a Lozier. This pennant was recently found in an attic in very good condition, with the wonderful graphics bright and vibrant. It received a great deal of interest and sold for what has to be considered full retail and then some. A