CAR COLLECTOR
The Scoop
CORVETTE
1963 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE 327/340
$110k / Gooding & Co.
A no-reserve unrestored
Split-Window at under the
money — Jeff Zurschmeide
Page 40
GM
1969 CHEVROLET
CAMARO Z/28
$57k / Bonhams
Why this Z brought a
mid-market price
— Dale Novak
Page 42
Volume 5 • Issue 30 • November-December 2016
Eight Sales That Define the Market
FoMoCo
1956 CONTINENTAL
MARK II
$330k / Gooding & Co.
No-compromise restoration,
no-compromise result
— B. Mitchell Carlson
Page 44
MOPAR
1996 DODGE VIPER
GTS COUPE
$52k / Mecum
The ’90s American poster
car sees market upside?
— Jim Pickering
Page 46
AMERICAN
™
4 AmericanCarCollector.com
Keith Martin's
Page 3
HOT ROD
1932 FORD MILLER
AUTOMOTIVE ROADSTER
$61k / RM Sotheby’s
Hunting down this car’s
history could pay off
— Ken Gross
Page 48
AMERICANA RACE
1952 MUNTZ JET
CONVERTIBLE
$165k / Bonhams
Outlier or new market
level for the “Madman’s”
creation? — Carl Bomstead
Page 50
1969 AAR EAGLE
MK 5 F5000
$198k / RM Sotheby’s
Pinning a value on a vintage
track weapon — Thor
Thorson
Page 52
TRUCK
1978 FORD F-150
RANGER PICKUP
$18k / Mecum
Ford rigs from the ’70s are
moving up in the market
— Jay Harden
Page 54
GTS coupe Dan Duckworth, courtesy of
Mecum Auctions
Cover photo: 1996 Dodge Viper
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, p. 42
Courtesy of Bonhams
November-December 2016
5
Page 4
The Rundown
EXPERTS’
COLUMNS
8 Torque
Drive them because you can
— Jim Pickering
32 Cheap Thrills
Monterey’s least-expensive
buys — B. Mitchell Carlson
34 Horsepower
How to know when it’s time to
let go — Colin Comer
36 Market Buys
Three vehicles to break out
your wallet for right now
— Jim Pickering
38 Corvette Market
Eleven classic-Corvette
improvements you can make
— John L. Stein
122 Surfing Around
Must-have automobilia
— Carl Bomstead
AUCTIONS
58 RM Sotheby’s — Plymouth, MI
Motor City Sale racks up $6.4m — Kevin Coakley
68 Mecum — Monterey, CA
The Daytime Auction sets a record at $50.1m — B. Mitchell Carlson
80 Russo and Steele — Monterey, CA
Auction on the waterfront nets $10.9m — Brett Hatfield
88 GAA — Greensboro, NC
Summer sale’s total up 30% from last year — Mark Moskowitz
and Larry Trepel
100 Roundup
American vehicles at Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA; RM Sotheby’s,
Monterey, CA; Bonhams, Carmel, CA; Lucky, Tacoma, WA; and
VanDerBrink, Chatfield, MN — Michael Leven, Carl Bomstead, Joseph T.
Seminetta and Nicholas Seminetta, Jack Tockston, B. Mitchell Carlson
6 AmericanCarCollector.com
FUN
RIDES
16 Good Reads
Hot Rod Galleries, Lost Road
Courses, Ford Midsize Muscle,
and “Dandy” Dick Landy’s
Dodges — Mark Wigginton
20 Desktop Classics
1964 Buick Riviera
— Marshall Buck
22 Snapshots
Photos of American iron at
Monterey Car Week
86 Your Cars
A look at an ACC reader’s
Daytona Coupe driver
114 Junkyard Treasures
Projects lie in wait in Ogden,
UT — Phil Skinner
SERV
DEP
10 What’s Happening
Car events of note
12 Crossing the Block
Upcoming auctions
18 Parts Time
Cool parts for your car
20 Cool Stuff
Wall muscle, a louder yell, and
a great way to fix your classic
24 Wrenching
Make your bench seat a better
place to park your butt
30 Readers’ Forum
What’s the best buy for $20k?
66 Glovebox Notes
Superformance MKIII S/C
roadster — Jim Pickering
78 Market Moment 1
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
454 — Jim Pickering
85 Glovebox Notes
2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat
— Jim Pickering
96 Market Moment 2
1994 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
pickup — Chad Tyson
106 One to Watch
1992–96 Chevrolet Corvette
LT1 — Jim Pickering
112 The Parts Hunter
NOS parts are best but come
at a price — Patrick Smith
116 Showcase Gallery
Sell your car in ACC’s
classifieds section
118 Resource Directory
Get to know our advertisers
119 Advertiser Index
Page 6
Torque
Jim Pickering
Drive ’em Because You Can
Two ways to attract a lot of eyeballs on a peninsula filled with the world’s greatest cars
USE YOUR CAR, LOVE IT, FIX IT AS NEEDED, AND REPEAT
F
or me, Monterey Car Week started
off with a bang. That bang was
the sound of my brand-new Dodge
Charger SRT Hellcat, on loan
from FCA for a review in ACC,
getting punched in the rear bumper by a
Honda CR-V in stop-and-go freeway traffic
somewhere outside San Jose. I’d been in
California for maybe an hour.
Nobody was hurt, and the damage was
minor — just a few wrinkles in the Hellcat’s
otherwise pristine purple bumper cover. The
other guy just didn’t see me stopped until
it was too late. Chalk it up to real-world
bad luck. But I felt pretty horrible about it,
and I spent the next few hours eyeing those
wrinkles. I seriously considered parking the
car for the duration of the week.
I’ve been going to Monterey for 10 years
now, but this was the first time I’d been there
with a car that stood out among the ranks
of exotics and rare classics that make the
week so interesting. Among car people, the
Hellcat has a way of drawing attention to
itself, and for good reason, with a wail that
can be heard blocks away, a window-rattling
rasp, and those evil little fender cat badges
that clue everyone in that this is no basic
Hemi R/T.
So I did keep driving the Hellcat, and I’m
glad I did. Gobs of people stopped to look
at it. I answered questions about the engine
at crosswalks. Star-struck kids took photos
of it with their phones, undoubtedly tallied
up with all the other exotics that passed by.
8 AmericanCarCollector.com
I was behind the wheel of an American beacon
of power and street cred. For a muscle
car guy with a family (like me), it’s the car
to end all cars. And nobody said anything to
me about the bumper.
You can read my full report on the
Hellcat on p. 85, but it wasn’t the only car
I drove in Monterey. Superformance also
loaned me one of their MKIII Cobras for a
few hours, and I was banging gears in it as
much as I could before my time ran out.
The MKIII had a great sound and feel,
and while it couldn’t have been a more different
experience from the purple monster,
it was a fantastic guttural wind-blown ride.
More heads turned for this red roadster than
for the Mopar, and while it wasn’t overpowered
in the same way, the Superformance
was fast. Read more about it on p. 66.
At roughly the same price as the Hellcat,
depending on configuration, this MKIII was
easily as much fun, even if I was looking
over my shoulder for blandmobile CR-Vs
bearing down on me whenever I stopped.
But it was while I was driving that MKIII
— a well-balanced old-feeling but still new car
— that the Charger bumper I’d been wringing
my hands over stopped bothering me.
Why worry?
My time in both the Hellcat and the
Cobra got me thinking a lot about how we
use our cars, and what the best course of
action is in general when it comes to getting
out and driving in a world filled with com-
muter culture and countless distractions.
I can’t blame owners of all-original cars
for wanting to use them sparingly. Today’s
roads aren’t very kind to rarities. For any
car, having good insurance certainly helps,
but I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that
even the best insurance isn’t nearly as good
as not getting hit in the first place.
But these are dream cars and they’re sup-
posed to be fun. Driving them should be the
best part of the experience, regardless of the
worries that might surround using them. With
cars like the Hellcat and MKIII Cobra, the
worries are smaller, and for good reason: Fixes
aren’t a big deal. They aren’t erasing history.
I love original muscle as much as the
next guy, but I’ve been a longtime supporter
of the use of clones and replicas out on the
road. Why? Because an L88 Corvette is now
worth too much to be flippantly driven the
way it was originally designed to be driven.
But a 327 car that grew a high-compression
427 sometime later? May as well sidestep
that clutch daily, because there’s not as much
at stake if you blow it up or someone rolls
into you at a stoplight. It’s the same story
with the still-in-production Hellcat, or the
currently produced Superformance MKIII.
Use it, love it, fix it as needed, and repeat.
I’m sure that Hellcat’s already been re-
paired with a new bumper cover and is back
on the prowl and no worse for the wear. I
don’t feel too bad about it now, as the reward
of the drive does not come without risk, and
the drive is absolutely worth it. A
Page 8
WHAT’SHAPPENING
Let Us Know
About Your Events
Do you know of American-car-related events or happenings that we should publicize? Contact
us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208 or online at comments@
americancarcollector.com.
Celebrating Cobras, GT40s
and GT350s in Chicago
A Celebration of Shelby, featuring
Cobras, GT40s and significant Shelby
Mustangs, is the centerpiece of this year’s
Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals on
November 19–20 at the Donald E. Stephens
Convention Center in Chicago, IL. In addition,
you’ll find the Corvette Triple Diamond
Showcase of cars that have NCRS Top Flight
and Bloomington Gold awards. 1966 muscle
cars from all makers are part of the “Class of
1966” display.
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on
November 19 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
November 20. This is the eighth year of
this massive, popular event, which brings
hundreds of Corvettes and muscle cars —
and thousands of gearheads — to a happy
whirl of a swapmeet, seminars and displays.
Mecum Auctions is the title sponsor.
Admission is $25 for adults. Kids 12 and
younger are admitted for free. More information
and discount tickets are available at
www.mcacn.com.
A Touch of Car-Guy Summer
Before Winter Sets In
Florida rocks sunshine and summer when
American Iron at Hilton Head
The 16th Annual Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance
rumbles to glorious life from October 28 through November 6 — and lots of great American
cars are there. The Savannah Speed Classic runs from October 28 to 30. November 5 brings
the popular Car Club Showcase, with top car clubs throughout the Southeast bringing their
best cars to show. The Aero Expo also takes place on November 5, as well as the first-ever
Sports Car Market Insider’s Seminar at Hilton Head, hosted by ACC and SCM Publisher Keith
Martin. Sunday, November 6, brings this gearhead week to a grand finish with the Concours
d’Elegance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and pricing, visit www.hhiconcours.com.
(SC)
10 AmericanCarCollector.com
most of the United States is buttoning down
for winter ice and snow. It’s time to steal
a few extra days of summer with a trip to
Carlisle Events’ Fall Florida AutoFest in
Lakeland. Crowds of American-car addicts
will gather at the new Sun n’ Fun Complex
at Lakeland Linder Airport from November
10 to 13 for a car show, huge swapmeet, auction,
private sales corral and other events.
More than 500 cars — and short-sleeve
weather — are expected. Adult admission is
$10 each day or an event pass is $30. www.
carsatcarlisle.comA
Page 10
CROSSINGTHE
Upcoming Auctions (Images are courtesy of the respective auction houses unless otherwise noted)
BLOCK
by Chad Tyson
More: www.leakecar.com
• Star Car: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
resto-mod coupe, twin-turbocharged
LS V8
Star Car: 1968 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro rS/SS, one of 11, at mecum Dallas
NOVember
Mecum — Dallas 2016
Where: Dallas, TX
When: November 2–5
Featured cars:
• 1965 Shelby GT350 fastback
• 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda 2-door hard
top, 4-speed
More: www.mecum.com
• 1969 Dodge Daytona, 16,000 miles
• Star Car: 1968 Chevrolet Yenko
Camaro RS/SS, one of 11, 4-speed
Auctions America
Where: Hilton Head Island, SC
When: November 5
Featured cars:
• Star Car: 1959 Cadillac Series 62
convertible
• 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300
coupe, with a/c
More: www.auctionsamerica.com
Motostalgia
Where: Austin, TX
When: November 5
More: www.motostalgia.com
• 1937 Buick Roadmaster phaeton
12 AmericanCarCollector.com
Mecum
Where: Anaheim, CA
When: November 17–19
Featured cars:
• 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-code
convertible, with both tops
• 1966 Ford Mustang GT K-code
convertible
More: www.mecum.com
• Star Car: 1966 Ford Mustang restomod
coupe
Leake
Where: Dallas, TX
When: November 18–20
Featured cars:
• 1968 Ford Torino GT 2-door hard
top, with formal roof and Deluxe Marti
Report
McCormick’s
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: November 18–20
Featured cars:
• 1968 Shelby GT500 KR fastback, fresh
from five-year restoration
• 1952 Ford F-1 pickup
• 1961 Chevrolet Corvette convertible
More: www.classic-carauction.com
Dan Kruse Classics
Where: Houston, TX
When: November 25–26
More: www.dankruseclassics.com
Silver — Arizona in the Fall 2016
Where: Fort McDowell, AZ
When: November 25–27
More: www.silverauctions.com
DeCember
Mecum
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: December 1–3
More: www.mecum.com
Raleigh Classic
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: December 2–3
More: www.raleighclassic.com A
Star Car: 1959 Cadillac Series 62 convertible at Auctions America’s sale on
Hilton Head Island, SC
GOODREADS by Mark Wigginton
Hot Rod Gallery; Hot Rod Gallery II
by Pat Ganahl, CarTech, 192 pages each, $28.16/$33.91,
Amazon
Lost Road Courses
by Martin Rudow, CarTech, 176 pages each, $25.12, Amazon
There isn’t much difference between opening a restaurant and
opening a road course. In both cases your chance of financial success
makes buying a lottery ticket look
like a good bet.
For every Laguna Seca or Road
America there are plenty of tracks
that exist now only in memory —
broken bits of asphalt or the odd
signage that escaped the onslaught of
mini-malls and suburban sprawl.
Martin Rudow, a racing historian
Author Pat Ganahl got the hot rod bug early, and he turned that
fascination into a job at Street Rodder in the early 1970s.
His first assignment was to write a bit of history — a story dealing
with the accomplishments of Billy Burke, the new ad salesman for
the magazine and inventor of the belly-tank lakester. When Burke
dropped a box full of photos on Ganahl’s desk from the early days at
Muroc and other Southern California desert dry-lakes timing events,
Ganahl launched himself on a journey of collection.
The collection, now estimated at some 40,000 images, is the source
material for Hot Rod Gallery and the sequel, Hot Rod Gallery II.
Both a wonderful resource and a time machine, the pair of books
will transport you.
Lineage:
(
is best)
Ford Midsize Muscle: Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero
by Marc Cranswick, Veloce, 176 pages, $33.63, Amazon
The first-generation Ford Fairlane, launched in 1955, was a reboot
of the Crestline — Ford’s full-size premium car. But Ford needed
an intermediate-size car to compete in a changing marketplace, so
the fourth-generation
Fairlane became its own
smaller gap-filling model
when it was launched in
1962, slotted between the
Galaxie and the Falcon.
What started life as
a niche-filler quickly
became the platform
for performance from
the Ford engineering
team. Big and bigger
V8s turned up the heat
on basic transportation,
while multiple body
styles captured the
imaginations of buyers.
Marc Cranswick
details the changes in
this history of the mid-
size Ford, from grocery-getter to iterations as wildly different as the
Torino and Ranchero.
It’s a brisk read, marred by terrible typography. And while there
are lots of photos, there are few from the period.
Lineage:
Fit and finish:
16 AmericanCarCollector.com
Drivability:
Fit and finish:
Drivability:
and well-known fixture in the
Northwest racing scene, jumped in
his RV and spent weeks and weeks
traveling 8,400 miles around the
country looking for what’s left of
long-lost tracks. Riverside, Ontario
Motor Speedway, Bridgehampton,
Continental Divide and more — a total of 17 tracks dotting the racing
landscape in the ’50s and ’60s — all now gone. And the story is the
same over and over: big dreams, smaller-than-expected crowds and a
swift end when the money ran out.
Rudow documents both the history and the remains of each track
(in places there is anything left to see) in a tight, readable style,
supported by plenty of images. It’s a reminder that tastes change, and
surviving takes hard work and the willingness to change with the
times.
Lineage:
Fit and finish:
Drivability:
Landy’s Dodges: The Mighty Mopars of “Dandy”
Dick Landy
by Geoff Stunkard, CarTech, 176 pages, $26.83, Amazon
“Dandy” Dick Landy was one of the greats of the mid-century drag
racers — a showman noted for his big, unlit cigar, his tidy pit attire
(hence the “Dandy”) and
innovation.
Landy is credited with
bringing the Funny Car to
life (although some credit
Jack Chrisman, others Don
Garlits), altering wheelbase,
then adding nitro and
supercharging to create a
rule-beater banned by the
NHRA.
Geoff Stunkard,
longtime journalist, author
and avowed Mopar junkie,
takes a detailed look at
Landy’s entire career in
Landy’s Dodges, from
the early ’60s through the
last car he drove at speed,
a restored ’70s E-body at
the Goodwood Festival of
Speed.
Landy’s Dodges is a detailed and delightful retelling of the Dick
Landy story, full of great black-and-white and color images, plus a list
of all of Landy’s appearances at the drags.
Lineage:
Fit and finish:
Drivability:
Page 16
PARTSTIME by Chad Tyson
New Products to Modernize Your Street Machine
Vintage Air Proline Gm upgrade
louver ball
These replacement louver balls are drop-in ready to replace those
brittle, cracked or missing originals. Vintage Air manufactures these
from 6061 billet aluminum and finishes them off with a black or clear
anodized coating. Whether you want to replicate the originals or add
a custom touch to your dash, Vintage Air has a style for you. The
ProLine series starts at $89. www.vintageair.com
Eastwood Tri-Flow Radiator
I used to think of Eastwood as just a paint/auto body supply
company, but they’re also marketing some of the better radiators out
there. According to their data, these Maxx Power aluminum radiators
operate twice as efficiently as OE or competitor aluminum units.
Prices start at $179.99 for either GM style (driver’s side inlet) or
Ford/Chrysler style (passenger’s side inlet). Pick your size from 22-,
26- or 28-inch widths. Fans, shrouds, fan controllers and transmission
cooling options are available as well to match what you need. www.
eastwood.com, or call 800-343-9353.
metro moulded Parts 1974–79
mopar b-body Door Seals
Metro Moulded Parts now manufactures replacement door seals
for two-door B-bodies — just the thing for your 1975 Chrysler
Cordoba or 1978 Dodge Monaco. Visit www.metrommp.com and
look for P/N LM23-R. The set runs $124.50 and comes with a 15-year
warranty.
The right Stuff 1965–66 Ford
mustang brake master/booster
Combination
Drum brakes are antiquated enough, but without vacuum power
boost they can be a handful in modern traffic. While swapping over
to disc brakes can be an expensive endeavor, adding a helping hand
doesn’t have to be. The Right Stuff’s 1965–66 Mustang booster
combo comes with a seven-inch booster, dual-circuit master cylinder
and proportioning valve, all for $249. www.getdiscbrakes.com
or call 1-800-405-2000.
18 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 18
COOLSTUFF
Can You Hear Me Now?
Distracted commuters are
everywhere. You might have
noticed that they tend to drift
toward your classic car like
magnets, easing into your
lane and cutting in front of
you because they’re too busy
texting to look around. Wake
them up with Wolo’s Big
Bad Max Horn, which belts
out 123 decibels of “pay attention.”
Easily hidden, and
installs with one bolt. $41.97
at www.summitracing.com.
Rumble for Your Wall
Mary Watt Yeadon’s Bellflower Art paintings focus on realism,
and the subjects are the things car nuts dream of: Corvette L88s,
Cobras, Trans Am SD455s, GTOs, and fastback Mustangs. Posters
of her work are available for $30, or you can commission something
unique for your garage wall. Check out Bellflower Art
at www.marywattyeadon.com.
A Little Pick-Me-Up
Bottle jacks aren’t glamorous, but n
wrinkled-up chrome from an original b
What would you rather use in an emer
$19.99, this Ironton Bottle Jack will li
and will get your muscle car up high e
swap out a tire. Best of all, it’s small. T
it in a bag in the trunk and get a little
peace of mind. www.northerntool.com
Fix It Right
Earlier this year, County Corvette in West Chester, PA, spun off
their collision-repair business — now called CC Collision. When it
comes to repairing your classic Corvette or any make of domestic
vintage car, the folks at CC Collision have the resources and know-how
to do it. They believe the design is in the details, and they strive to
preserve the history of your car as originally intended. OEM/acrylic
lacquer and modern finishes are available. www.cccollisionpa.com
DESKTOPCLASSICS by Marshall Buck
1964 buick riviera
I’ve always had a fondness for
1960s American personal luxury cars,
which probably started with the brandnew
Riviera my father brought home
in 1964.
ACME Trading Company has just
released a limited, numbered run of
this wonder-barge. Fit and finish are
great on this footlong model, as is the
majority of detailing. A few areas are
not exact or scaled as they should be,
but are darn close, and most collectors should be extremely happy with this one — especially at its reasonable
price. The one and only negative goes to the antenna mount.
This model is loaded with working features, including opening doors, trunk, hood with great scissor
hinges, steering, suspension, driveshaft, vent windows, glovebox, sun visors, tilting and sliding seats, and my
favorite... the rear plate flips down to get to the gas cap!
20 AmericanCarCollector.com
Detailing
Scale: 1:18
Available colors: Bronze Mist
Quantity: 702
Price: $114.97
Production date: 2016
Web: www.acmediecast.com
Ratings
Detailing:
Accuracy:
Overall quality:
Overall value:
is best
by Jim Pickering
Page 20
SNAPSHOTS AMERICAN IRON
IN MONTEREY
The first Shelby Cobra, CSX2000, crosses the block at rm Sotheby’s, riding off at $13.8m with Carroll Shelby’s grandson Aaron at
Dave Tomaro
A vintage Seagrave fire truck sits
in the transport-truck staging area
behind the Gooding & Company
auction site
Dave Tomaro
A 1932 Hudson martz Special two-man Indianapolis race car, owned by eric and
Gayle Andersen of barboursville, VA, comes off the transporter trucks a few days
before being displayed at the Pebble beach Concours d’elegance
22 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 21
Chad Taylor
So much muscle, so little time ... Perusing the options at mecum
Chad Tyson
the wheel
Jim Pickering
Auction house namesake Dana mecum (right, in green jacket) gets his 1934 rex
mays Gilmore Special judged at the Pebble beach Concours d’elegance
Dave Tomaro
Ford GT40s earned a special display at Pebble beach
Dave Tomaro
A Shelby GT350 takes a break at the coast
November-December 2016 23
Page 22
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
BUILDING A SOLID
BENCH
WE BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO AN OLD SEAT WITH SOME HELP
FROM LUTTY’S CHEVY WAREHOUSE AND AIR AUTOMOTIVE
by Jim Pickering and Chad Tyson
car. Shouldn’t it be comfortable?
You may think that your seat is just fine, but it’s just as likely that
C
you’ve become accustomed to worn foam and broken springs under
a decent seat cover. Think about it this way: Cars from the muscle
era are now pushing 50. How many times over the years has a driver
plopped down behind the wheel and smashed that old foam and those
ancient springs?
Fortunately, bringing a seat back up to snuff isn’t especially dif-
ficult with the right parts and a few tricks from an interior pro.
We took Auction Editor Chad Tyson’s front bench seat out of his
1967 Impala — complete with bus-style generic seat cover installed
sometime in the 1970s — and ordered a new OE-style cover and foam
24 AmericanCarCollector.com
lassic car owners love to talk about their car’s paint or their
car’s engine. But for those of us who love to drive, there’s
one typically overlooked component
that can affect
the
overall experience behind the wheel more than anything
else: the seat. After all, this is where you sit to enjoy your
PARTS LIST:
LUTTY’S CHEVY WAREHOUSE
(www.luttyschevy.com, 724-265-2988)
P/N 13990 Black front bench seat cover, $345
P/N 12614 Bench seat foam kit, $259
P/N 5405 Hog Rings, $2 (two packs required)
Special thanks to Richard Redmond at AIR Automotive
(503-997-9596)
TIME SPENT:
Four hours
DIFFICULTY: J J J
(J J J J J is toughest)
kit for it from Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse. We then took it all over to
Rick Redmond at AIR Automotive for a quick lesson in seat revival.
Here’s how we did it.
Page 23
1
before starting any work on a seat, verify that you
have the correct covers. We took everything out of its
packaging and laid it all out flat to both check on the pattern
and let any wrinkles settle out of the vinyl.
2
Next up, removal of the old cover. The vinyl is fastened
on with hog rings in about 100 places — best bet here is a
pair of diagonal pliers, which can either twist them free or
cut them.
3
Since this bench is a fixed bench, pulling up the cover
revealed four bolts that held the back rest to the seat bottom.
We removed them to pull the seat apart. This is a good
time to look for things that had fallen into the seat over the
years — we found a pen, about $1.70 in coins, and a 1980s pawnshop
receipt from a place in Rome, GA, for a $50 rifle sold to someone
named Chris.
4
Stripping the seat base revealed crumbling foam and
burlap under cotton padding, all held together with more
hog rings. We removed it all, after taking note of how thick it
all was before tearing it away.
5
Two side support springs on the driver’s side of the seat were broken from
entry and exit over the years. They’d been propped up with foam during the last
seat re-cover. This fix worked, but it also caused a left-hand lean for the driver, so
we’re going to correct it.
6
Our back rest foam and cotton
padding, while original, was still
in great shape. We elected to
reuse it, as most of the seat’s battle
damage was focused on the bottom.
November-December 2016 25
Page 24
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
8
7
After removing all the seat-bottom foam and wirebrushing
the frame, we focused on fixing those
broken springs. Replacements may be available, but we
decided to fix what we had using new spring material.
After cutting new steel to length, Rick used heavy felt and hog rings
to hold the new spring in place over the old broken sections. Can’t
weld this stuff without making it brittle.
To make the driver’s side of the seat equally as stiff
as the passenger’s side, Rick built a new foam pad
lined with half-inch jute felt on the top and bottom. This
helped to support the new spring material and gave the
driver’s side a much firmer feel.
9
Here’s a trick fix: zip ties. We ran two rows across the
seat, cinching them up slightly to help transfer weight
across the seat bottom.
10
Any place that seat springs might touch can be a
source of noise, so Rick cut out and affixed half-inch
jute felt sections with hog rings inside the springs where
contact might occur. There are two main areas: the front
of the seat, and at the rear where the springs can contact the frame.
11
We ordered a replacement high-density foam kit for
this seat, but it doesn’t include everything you’ll need to
do the job. First comes a layer of burlap, followed by halfinch
jute felt. Rick measured out enough for the seat bot-
tom, cut it all out, and glued it together. Just be sure that your pad
fits under the new cover.
26 AmericanCarCollector.com
12
Once the new foam is centered up on the frame, we
glued it down to the jute pad using contact cement.
Page 26
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
13
Next up is the seat cover. OEM covers came with
metal wire inserted in the seat cover perimeter, which
gives the new hog rings something to grab and pull
against. You can reuse the original wires, but here we
elected to make new ones and ran them through the sewn-in channels
in the new seat cover.
14
We then lined up the center of the seat cover with
the center of the seat and started installing hog rings at
the rear along the wire.
15
Stretch one front corner of the cover over the foam, and then the other.
Keep checking fit and adjust as you go.
16
We weren’t happy with the
fit around the corners, but a
quick blast with a sanding disc
took off the foam’s edge and
made the cover fit much better.
17
Once we were satisfied with the edges, we pulled
down the front of the cover in the center and started
to hog ring, working out toward the sides.
28 AmericanCarCollector.com
18
After checking and double-checking the fit, we
stretched and secured each side of the cover.
Always ensure that your seat cover is tight, as a loose
cover wears out quickly.
Page 27
19
With the lower seat complete, we set it aside and
started on the back. Here we covered the original
cotton with a thin foam, glued in place to help puff out
the new cover’s material.
20
21
The seat-back cover needs to be secured to the
lower section of the seat as well, so after cleaning
up the four bolts that hold the two sections together,
bolt the seat sections to each other.
We set the seat back on the floor, and starting
with the new cover inside out, we started sliding it
down over the frame. Dry silicone spray helps greatly
here. Slide the cover down while aligning the seams,
and be careful to pull only on the seams to avoid tearing them or the
rest of the material. Once in place, hog-ring it at the base of the seat.
22
Finish up stretching and ringing the last flap of
cover to the lower seat springs, and then bolt the
seat tracks in place again.
23
Here’s our finished product, now firm, even and
comfortable. The last few wrinkles are easily taken care
of by setting the seat in the sun, letting it heat up, and wip-
ing it down with a cold, damp rag to shrink the vinyl.
A
November-December 2016 29
Page 28
READERS’ FORUM
Here’s this month’s Reader’s Forum
question, submitted by Pete E.:
If a collector had up to $20k to invest in an American
vehicle in this market, what should that collector look for?
Give points positive for:
• Utility value (pickup or old SUV)
• Drivability in today’s traffic
• Ease of locatin
• Availability of
mance or comf
• Potential uptic
time
Give negative
points for:
• 6-volt systems
• Orphans or
oddballs
• Difficult to driv
in traffic
Are Jeep Grand
Wagoneers the way t
Mustangs (or other p
Lightnings? GMC Syclones/Typhoons? Shelby
Dodges? Dodge Li’l Red Express trucks?
Readers respond:
Can’t get much for $20,000. But an old Viper is what I bought. It
will go up in value and I still can use it to get to the gym. — Gary R.,
via email
n n n
A late ’60s to mid-’70s Ford pickup:
• They usually cost less to buy than GM trucks
• Good availability; they made lots of them and plenty remain
• Plenty of mechanical parts and since many engines were shared
with passenger cars, performance upgrades are available
• Lots of reproduced body and trim parts if you can’t find NOS
• Great looks — John Boyle, ACC Contributor, via email
“The Fox hits all of the main
points except utility”
Crowdsourcing Answers
to Your Car Questions Contact us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
Best Buy for $20k?
n n n
The 1975–81 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am fits into these criteria.
There were very few cars in that time period that had options like the
400 motor, factory T-tops and a real shaker hood available. Some are
very low production as proven by the PHS, build sheets and window
stickers. — Eddie K., via email
n n n
If I had $20k to spend on another car, it would be a 1969–70 El
Camino SS 396 for all of the positive reasons listed. — Roy L., via
email
n n n
Late-model C4 Corvette. — Kent W., via email
n n n
1967–72 Chevy short wide-bed pickups. Lots of parts available,
old and new. They’re easy to work on, and it’s simple to get them
down on the ground so they’ll drive better. — Fred R., via email
n n n
Best to invest in multiple examples of late-’70s Detroit iron. Look
at G-bodies like Cutlass Supremes, Monte Carlos and the like. Or
Ford Mustangs. — Jim and Elaine D., via email
n n n
Hands down — a stock, mostly original, low-mileage Fox-body
Mustang in very good overall condition.
Preferably a convertible with stick shift and in a desirable color
like black, silver or bright red. Very good ones are just under the
$20k limit — spare money to improve/upgrade!
The Fox hits all of the main points except utility:
• Drivability in today’s traffic
• Ease of locating replacement parts
• Availability of modern performance or comfort upgrades
• Potential uptick in value over time — Matt C., via email
n n n
Easy. Pick a Ford Lightning (drives like a new car or truck, only
faster) or a Syclone/Typhoon (but get it fast because I think they will
get expensive).
I own them both and would not worry about driving either across
the country. Hardest part to find is factory-size tires. I’ve owned them
for maybe three years and paid a total of $22,500 for both. $15,000
for a 49,000-mile Lightning and $7,500 for a 62,000-mile Syclone.
— Tom H., via emailA
“The 1975–81 Pontiac Firebird
Trans Am fits into these criteria”
30 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 30
Cheap Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
MINIMUM
MONEY
M
onterey Car Week is all about the high-dollar,
high-profile, high-glamour cars. But for every multimillion-dollar
Shelby Cobra, there has to be a vehicle
sold on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Here’s a look at the domestic car from each
live auction venue that sold for the least amount of money. Being
Monterey, there are no bad cars — just possible entrants for next
year’s Concours D’LeMons.
GOODING & COMPANY
in Monterey
FINDING THE CHEAPEST DATES AT THE HIGHEST-PROFILE AMERICAN
AUCTIONS OF THE YEAR
RM SOTHEBY’S
(A three-way tie at $27,500)
Lot 108, 1922 Ford Model T dirt-track roadster
Lot 118, 1986 Dodge Omni Shelby GlHS
4-door hatchback
Lot 156, 1941 Oldsmobile series 66 4-door
station wagon (body by Hercules)
VIN 6654477, condition 2+, sold for $82,500
All in all, this is a very competently restored wagon — and
thankfully there isn’t a single surfer decal anywhere on it. It was also
equipped with the new-for-1941 transmission that would revolutionize
the industry — the HydraMatic.
Despite all this, there were two things that hurt this car from
doing better. One was that it was the smallest Olds available in 1941
— and a flathead to boot. Most folks would prefer at least a straight
eight or later OHV six or V8.
The other was that it was towards the end of the auction on
Sunday night, offered in a room that was almost empty (even I could
get a seat near the front of the room). Unlike the lesser-condition 1939
Chevy woodie wagon that sold earlier at a WTF-warranted $203,500,
this was a rare case of a car at this venue that was a good deal on the
cheap. Regardless of venue, this would’ve been a decent buy.
32 AmericanCarCollector.com
Lot 142, 2008 Ford Mustang FR500S 2-door fastback
Since lots 108 and 142 are dedicated race cars that aren’t street
legal, it leaves us with the most famous Omnirizon of all time, the #2
condition “Goes Like Hell Some-more,” VIN 1B3BZ18E9GD251155.
One of several cars from the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust, this spe-
cific GLHS — number 86 out of the 500 built — was kept from new
by Carroll Shelby. As such, the 7,736 miles on the odometer are actual
since new, and it’s all original, including the rock-hard Goodyear tires
and light orange peel on most of the paint.
The other thing that’s original is the decal that went over the
speedometer bezel. To circumvent the federal requirement that speedometers
only read to 85 mph, this decal continues the count to 135
mph — at which point it has spun back around to the 5-mph point.
Considering that I just saw a 21k mile example wearing a repaint sell
for $19,800 at Mecum’s Spring Classic in Indianapolis, I’ll call this well
bought. (It was purchased by an enthusiast who also has a 289 Cobra.) It
should go nowhere but up in value. Besides, this has the cachet of being
one of only four cars about which you could ever say, “Carroll Shelby
liked it so much that he kept it from when it was new until after he died.”
Page 31
BONHAMS
Mecum stepped things upmarket a bit this year, with only a few
obvious cars that could bring less than 10 grand. Indeed, nearly
everything had the potential to sell at least in the five-digit price
range. With a 1977 AMC Gremlin all but saying, “It should be me”
(it wasn’t, and sold for $12,000), and some newer iron getting awfully
close (or that close to being awful), the lowest-selling example here
proved to be a decent old family sedan — with some silver-screen
cred to boot.
This ’49 Custom Deluxe may have been the top-line series for the
year, but being a 4-door sedan and having the flathead 6-cylinder
under the hood were two big strikes against it in most people’s books.
It’s missing a few trim pieces, but that was likely done by design
when the car was refurbished for movie use.
Its most notable movie role was as the “hero car” for Jessica
Lot 112, 1908 Fuller model A 5-passenger open touring
VIN 4017 (engine number), condition 3-, sold for $11,000
Although the Fuller family had been wagon builders at the turn
of the century, it was Charles Fuller who became enraptured with the
horseless carriage. He went to work for several regional car manufacturers
before spinning off the Angus Automobile Corp. back home in
Angus, NE.
These cars were built only from 1908 through 1910, available with
a 4- or 6-cylinder engine. A mere 134 were produced in 1910 and
1911.
This 4-cylinder example from the first year of production was re-
built from an engine and a frame, with all the rest of the components
located by 1967, when the restoration was completed.
It has actually held up pretty well and is very authentic to boot,
considering that it was done in the era of using show chrome versus
nickel to replate early trim and garish paint jobs that make an avocado
bathroom look more aesthetically pleasing.
Yet the almost half century has taken its toll on the car, with
tarnished brass plus paint flaking off at panel and component edges;
however, it comes off almost as original patina.
It was offered at no reserve and sold for Ford Model T money, so
someone got a great deal on an exceptionally rare Brass Era car. I
certainly hope the buyer is from the Cornhusker state.
MECUM AUCTIONS
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Consignment 7015/Lot TH237; 1948 buick Super,
Series 51 4-door sedan
VIN 2893548, condition 3, sold for $9,050
Boasting 34 years of continual ownership until offered here at no
reserve, this Buick was repowered with a built-up 455-ci Buick, so at
least it conforms to the mantra of what’s on the hood should be under
the hood. Other mods include an automatic transmission, power
brakes, power steering, air conditioning, tilt steering column, modern
rear-view mirrors, modern sound system and 1970s-era front bench
seat with matching reupholstered interior.
The two-tone repaint is plausible for the era, but it’s also garish
enough to look not quite stock. The front suspension also sits quite
low, helping to tip off that all is not as it left the Flint Assembly Plant.
Being a mild street rod, its market value is greatly based on find-
Lot T218, 1949 Ford Custom Deluxe 4-door sedan
VIN 98HA29015, condition 3, sold for $9,075
ing someone who has the same taste — or lack thereof — in the mods
and appreciates the work done. The auction house guesstimate was a
pipe dream at $35k to $45k, yet the final price here does come off as
under the market and represents a decent deal — especially if you’re
a Buick fan who likes blue. A
November-December 2016 33
Lange in the TV series “American Horror Story.” It was also used in
the background of several films including the recent “Hail Caesar.”
Speaking of Horror Story, one might have a hard time putting up with
the blue metallic paint with green carpet and seat belts — which, like
most movie cars, leads me to believe that it’s had more color-change
paint jobs than I’ve had pairs of socks.
This is actually a pretty good starter car for someone to get into the
hobby. Additionally, it would also be a good usable classic for those
with a family. All in all, this was one of the better buys for a low sale.
RUSSO AND STEELE
Page 32
Horsepower
Colin Comer
LETTING GO
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR CARS BEGIN TO COLLECT YOU?
1965 Shelby GT350 — nobody needs two, and this one is family
I have stuff I should sell. That doesn’t mean I’ve never sold anything.
Quite the contrary, as I’ve often sold one car to make room for a better
or different example, or because I ran out of space, or money, or
had my interests change direction. That will happen as any collector
and/or collection evolves.
The real issue is the result of the times I haven’t made a conscious
I
effort to keep my little collection, well, little. I never wanted a lot of
cars, or even a collection, but somehow it just appeared. And then it
ventured into double digits. Easy to do, I suppose, when one thinks
everything from Pintos to rusty old trucks is cool.
Mind you, I’ve often found myself making “the list.” You know,
the one with a “keep” and a “sell” column. But one always seems to
be oddly sparse. Guess which one. Yep.
Much of the problem is that I get attached to cars, and they become
harder to let go of the longer I own them.
More than just cars
Although vehicles come and go in my
profession as a collector car dealer, in my
personal collection I tend to keep cars for a
long time. Many have been here a decade or
longer — certainly not the revolving-door
method of collecting employed by Publisher
Martin.
For example, I still have the 1972 Alfa
GTV I bought when I was 16 and drove
through high school and beyond. It was never
34 AmericanCarCollector.com
returned from Car Week in Monterey with a bad case of seller’s
remorse. Why? Because I sold two cars I had never planned to
sell.
First, a little background. I’ll admit I’ve always been a lot
better at finding stuff I “have to have” then I’ve been at realizing
worth much back then — maybe $5,000 at best — but there were
times that amount of money would have made life a lot easier, like
when I was working three jobs to pay a $600 mortgage and still coming
up short. But I couldn’t stand to sell the car that I’d been through
so much with, and almost 30 years later, how can I sell it now? It still
isn’t worth much — maybe $15,000 on a good day — but its value is
immeasurable to me. I only hope my kids will end up driving it and
creating similar memories.
Every other car in my garage has a similar pull. I’ve always
bought cars that matter to me, not based on value or popularity
(witness the Pinto), and every one transcends being “just a car” as a
result. There is also a sense of responsibility in being a good caretaker,
adding to their stories rather than subtracting, and preserving
the history I feel is so critical to our hobby. I have also always taken
great pride in maintaining a working collection — the race cars all
get raced and the road cars all get driven.
Making the call
But there comes a time when we all, for various reasons, need to
make the choice to let go. Having a bunch
of old cars can become a full-time job, and
nothing is worse than letting those cars sit.
Before kids, my wife and I had a lot more
1972 Alfa romeo GTV — still looks like it
did in high school, unlike its owner
time to exercise our cars. After kids, as
anybody with a family knows, that becomes
a lot more difficult. I never knew there were
so many non-car events on weekends, or that
it is unreasonable to split up into a pair of
two-seater cars to get a family of four to one
of them.
Those practical constraints meant many
of our cars went from being things we
Page 33
enjoyed using to things I had to find the time to maintain. It was an
unwelcome switch from driver to curator. It was time to refocus.
So that dreaded list came out again. But how to decide what to put
in the “sell” column? I wish there was an easy answer for that. In my
case it was easiest to identify the cars I could never sell — the Alfa,
for one — and look at the cars that had started to sit or were similar
enough to others that they could be considered duplicative.
In the end I sold two cars in Monterey this year. A 1965 Shelby
GT350 and 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster.
The Shelby
I let this 1965 GT350, #277, go because it was indeed a duplicate.
This was a low-mileage and very original car, but I have another ’65
GT350, #249, which I have owned for 14 years and will never sell.
Number 249 has great history, I’ve driven it over 20,000 miles, my
wife loves driving it and it was the first Shelby my daughter rode in. I
assume it will be the first one she’ll drive as well.
So as good as #277 is — it’s in many respects a better car than #249
— I had only owned it for a (comparatively) short time. We were on a
first-name basis, but not completing each other’s sentences yet.
That said, it was really hard to see #277 go away, as it is a special
car I know I won’t be able to replace. But nobody needs two, and I’m
happy with the decision to keep #249 as it is as close to family as a
car can get.
The Auburn
The Auburn Speedster was also a hard decision. I’d lusted after
one for decades before finally buying this really honest but scruffy
example — the way I like cars to be. Our intention was to use it
for rallies like the Copperstate 1000 and Colorado Grand, but after
1935 Auburn 851 Speedster — ill-suited for its intended use
living with it, I knew there was no way my wife would enjoy driving
a pre-war car, eliminating us taking turns at the wheel. Plus, I wasn’t
exactly sure I was ready to give up that much handling, speed, and
braking ability myself versus the post-war performance cars we typically
use.
The Auburn also hardly fit in our garage and just wasn’t a car I felt
good about hauling kids in with seat belts mounted in nothing more
than the oak floor. So selling this car was a conscious decision to
refocus as a post-war car collector and simply be able to reflect on the
experiences from the “Speedster years” we did have.
So as remorseful as I was to have sold these two cars, in the weeks
that have passed I’m now happy with the decision. There is a little
more room around here, and I’ve started looking at the possibility of
selling a few others to further ease my maintenance duties and allow
us to spend more time using what we keep.
Of course, that doesn’t mean making that list will be any easier.
After all, how will I decide what to keep between the Pinto and the
Omni?A
November-December 2016 35
Page 34
Market Buys
Jim Pickering
BUY IT NOW
THREE VEHICLES TO PURCHASE IN TODAY’S MARKET — AND WHY
1977–78 Pontiac Trans Am
We saw big T/A prices at auction starting in
January of this year. But you can still get a decent
one for less than an arm and a leg — GM made a
bunch of these things in the Bandit years. There are
a lot of buyers willing to pay for good ones, so if
you find one with a few needs for under $20k and
fix it, you’ll make your money back.
1980–86 Ford F-150
These trucks remain dirt-cheap, but they won’t
be forever. Look at the trends surrounding earlier
examples, which are rising with younger buyers
entering the marketplace and buying up the rigs
they used to drive. The same thing will happen
here, and the stakes are low. Find a low-mile
Grandpamobile with all the options for under $10k
and wait.
1970–76 Plymouth Duster
The last of the cheap Mopars. Chrysler made
a lot of these things over six model years, and
they’re easily modified using aftermarket parts
today. Get yourself a rust-free starting point for
under $5k and either build it up or hang on to it
for sale later — after all, they aren’t making any
more.A
36 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 36
Corvette Market
John L. Stein
TO USE IT,
MPROVE IT
of driving — or e
year-round use in
non-blizzardy
climates.
Of course,
C
while a 1956,
1966 or 1976
Corvette was
contemporary
in its time, the
technology of
40 to 60 years ag
borders on antique
today. This mean
that no matter ho
nice they may be
old Corvettes have
room for improv
ment to approach
current levels of
reliability and sa
Old Corvettes w
match a new car i
arenas, but certain improvements
can change your experience with the
vehicle without hurting originality or degrading
value. Here are 11 modern bolt-on mods
to consider — and in every case, keep all the
components you remove so you can return the
car to stock easily.
Nose coat
Patina is great, but not everybody with a
show-quality Corvette wants to see it on the
front of their car. To reduce this worry, try a
layer of 3M Paint Protection Film applied to
forward-facing or lower body surfaces.
When properly applied, this transpar-
ent film is practically invisible and does a
spectacular job of deflecting flying sand and
gravel that can easily blemish expensive
paint. And best of all, it’s removable whenever
you want to show the car in earnest.
38 AmericanCarCollector.com
lassic C
be dr
there’
shoul
out a s
TECHNOLOGY OF 40 TO 60 YEARS AGO BORDERS ON ANTIQUE TODAY.
HERE ARE 11 BOLT-ON MODS AND ADDS TO UPDATE YOUR CLASSIC
including the hottest days of summer. While
you may be able to suffer overheating in the
cockpit with the help of a floppy hat and a cold
drink, your engine will love the assistance of
a Griffin or similar aluminum radiator when
you’re idling through traffic.
Done creatively, such an installation
needn’t compromise underhood looks, and
represents a highly useful addition that expands
usability of your hot-blooded hot rod.
Carb and ignition
A funky old carburetor with a choke that
works approximately right, plus an iffy old
ignition that dislikes condensation and rain,
can add up to hard starting, misfires and rough
running. Fix those problems permanently by
installing an Edelbrock Performer or similar
carburetor and an MSD Internal Module
Distributor — with no detriment to the
Corvette (except during NCRS judging!).
Small-block crate
engine from Chevrolet
Performance
Crate engine
Luckily, most Corvettes have plenty of
poke in stock form. However, if you want a
power upgrade along with such niceties as
a powertrain that’s oil- and fuel-tight, and
with a more vigorous charging system, shop
for a ready-to-go crate motor like the ones
from Chevrolet Performance.
For scarcely the cost of an engine rebuild,
you can slide in fresh new ponies, with
choices up to 572 cubic inches and even
electronic fuel injection. Then store that
precious original engine after servicing,
freshening or rebuilding.
Aluminum radiator
Versatility means being able to use your
car in a wide variety of circumstances —
American Powertrain Tremec
5-speed gearbox kit
Overdrive gearbox
When was the last time you heard a C6 or
C7 owner talking about their rear-axle ratio?
Never is right, because modern 6- to 8-speed
transmissions offer a huge overdrive advantage
that the old 4-speeds just don’t have.
Instead of changing the differential gears to a
higher ratio for highway use, consider fitting
a Tremec T-5 or TKO 5-speed gearbox from
American Powertrain. It will preserve all the
quick-accelerating goodness of your original
4-speed while adding an overdriven gear on
top.
Page 37
Radial tires
For the first 20 years of production,
Corvettes exclusively used bias-ply tires. And
while they look great on the cars, modern
radials in the correct sizes to fit your rims and
wheelwells do everything better — including
acceleration, cornering, braking and ride
quality. So if you’ve got them, to expand your
driving enjoyment put those bias plies on
the shelf — or even find a replacement set of
rims — and mount a set of appropriate radials.
You’ll radically improve your driving experience
without hurting a thing long term.
Corvette, adding a bolt-on disc-brakeconversion
kit (at least in front) is a way
to get more stopping performance without
devaluing the car. This will significantly
improve braking performance, adding to
driving enjoyment and safety. Naturally, the
swap is reversible if you ever want to return
the car to stock form.
Seat belts
Vintage seat belts make your car look
complete and authentic. But will their old
webbing really secure you in a crash? No one
can say. Therefore, the safe bet is to box up
those old belts and replace them with a pair
of wide Simpson lap belts using the standard
mounts. Or at least replace them with a
new set of Paragon Corvette Reproductions
replacements. Either way, if you get in a shunt
you’ll be at least as well protected as you’d be
with the original items — maybe way better.
Fire-suppression system
Nothing messes up a nice Corvette like
Summit racing disc-brake conversion
Disc brakes
Disc brakes have almost fully replaced
drums in new cars for a reason — they work
way better. So if you own a 1964 or older
a fire, and old gas lines are a great way to
invite one for a visit. If the worst happens, a
handheld extinguisher is better than nothing,
but you may not even be able to open the
hood if the fire is severe. So the best answer
is an under-hood halon system like that from
FireBottle, activated either by the driver or
automatically by a thermal head that detects
excessive heat. Careful work can mount the
halon bottle in the trunk and run the line to the
engine bay, affording you and your car significant
protection from a nightmare scenario.
Emergency transceiver
While you’re out chasing after the endless
summer in your ragtop, let those wondering
(or worrying) about you back at Tranquility
Base keep tabs on you with a GPS-enabled
tracking system. As one option, the SPOT
Gen3 transceiver rides along with you, sending
periodic messages about your location,
while the SPOT Global Phone can connect to
friends, family or emergency services from
virtually anywhere. Another product, SPOT
Trace, can even track a stolen vehicle.
Towing insurance
Nothing adds road-trip confidence like
having a safety net in case your fuel pump,
generator, brakes or tires go into “not run”
mode while you’re 100 or 1,000 miles from
home. The out-of-pocket cost of any flatbed
rescue is pretty heavy (ask me how I know),
and when you’re in a real jam it only seems to
gets worse. So acquiring comprehensive flatbed
“towing” coverage — whether through an
auto club or insurer, can be more than worth
it. Coverage and prices are all over the map, so
as Smokey Robinson sang, “You better shop
around.”A
November-December 2016 39
Page 38
PROFILE CORVETTE
1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/340 COUPE
Deal on an Unrestored Sting Ray
With the
4-speed,
the upgrade
engine, the
Posi rear
end and
the better
brakes, this
particular
Sting Ray
was quite the
hot rod
VIN: 30837S118592
by Jeff Zurschmeide
• Iconic Split-Window design
• Ideally preserved, unrestored example with
60,000 documented miles
• NCRS Top Flight and Muscle Car & Corvette
Nationals Heritage Award Winner
• Desirably optioned and impressively documented
• Offered with window sticker, owner’s manual,
Protect-O-Plate and 1963 brochure
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 147, sold for
$110,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach
Auction in Pebble Beach, CA, on August 21, 2016. It
was offered at no reserve.
Born on the first of July
The year 1963 is synonymous with the second-
generation Corvette. Larry Shinoda’s brilliant vision,
coupled with Bill Mitchell’s design sense and Zora
Arkus-Duntov’s engineering prowess finally produced
an American sports car truly worthy of the name.
The 1963 Corvette was the first to bear the Sting
Ray badge, and no one could call it empty bragging.
The Corvette was offered with a selection of carbureted
327-cubic-inch V8 engines at 250, 300 and 340
horsepower, or the 360 horsepower Rochester fuelinjected
Sting Ray that inspired the Beach Boys. The
Corvette came with the buyer’s choice of a standard
3-speed floor-shift manual transmission, an optional
4-speed manual transmission or a 2-speed Powerglide
automatic. It’s no surprise that 84% of all Corvettes
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built in 1963 came with the 4-speed.
All told, 10,594 coupes were built for the 1963
model year, plus 10,919 convertibles. The base price
was $4,252 for the coupe and $4,037 for the convertible.
Buyers who really wanted it all could order
the brand-new Z06 option for $1,818.45 and receive
vented power brakes, heavy-duty shock absorbers, a
larger sway bar, a Positraction limited-slip rear end,
and the 4-speed gearbox. The only engine available
with that package was the hotter injected 327.
The summer of ’63
Our subject Corvette came off the line in St. Louis,
MO, on July 1, 1963. It was the 18,592nd Corvette to
be made for the model year, just a few thousand cars
from the end.
This particular Sting Ray came with the Corvette’s
most potent carbureted engine, the L76 with 11.25:1
compression and a 4-barrel carburetor yielding 340
horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. Predictably,
this car was part of the majority equipped with a
4-speed transmission, and being one of the last of the
1963 cars to be produced, it came with the Muncie
M20 rather than the Borg-Warner T10 used earlier in
the year.
As the auction program notes, this car came with a
good set of options, including the Positraction limitedslip
rear axle at $43.05, the 4-speed transmission
at $188.30, the L76 engine at $107.60, nice leather
upholstery at $80.70, whitewall tires at $31.55, power
windows at $59.20, and the highly desirable sintered
Brian Henniker, courtesy of Gooding & Company
Page 39
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Detailing
Years produced: 1963–67
(second generation)
Number produced: 21,513
(1963)
Original list price: $4,257
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date, $108,000;
high sale, $242,000 (1963
coupe with L76)
metal brakes at $37.70. Note that the AM/FM radio
option cost the original owner an eye-watering
$174 — a lot more than the engine upgrade. All in,
the original sticker price on this Corvette would have
been $4,935.75.
A good buy
Statistically, there’s a lot to like about this Corvette.
The leather upholstery turns out to be the rarest option
— only 1,114 of the 1963 Corvettes received that
treatment. But with the 4-speed, the upgrade engine,
the Posi rear end and the better brakes, this particular
Sting Ray was quite the hot rod.
But today, the real value in a vintage Corvette is in
its originality, and that’s where this car stands out.
The car had been perfectly maintained, from the undercarriage
and mechanicals right up to the seemingly
original Saddle Tan paint and upholstery. It has all the
documentation back to the original window sticker.
While modern eyes might slide right by an unfash-
ionable beige car and fixate on another one repainted
in Resale Red or Daytona Blue, the paint on this car
appears to be all original as applied by the factory.
The original body seams are showing through the
paint, which happens as Corvettes age and the seam
glue shrinks up under the original finish. Repainting
the car typically fixes this flaw, so visible seams are
an excellent indication that you’re looking at either an
original-paint car, or one painted long ago. The signs
here pointed toward originality.
National Corvette Restorers Society judges have
recognized this car’s pedigree. The NCRS has twice
bestowed the Top Flight award on this car. To get that
award, a Corvette must be “preserved or restored
to the highest level of achievement.” An NCRS Top
Flight Corvette must achieve 94% or higher on a scale
of 4,500 points covering all mechanical, interior,
exterior and physical aspects of the car.
Evaluating the sale
With all that in mind, this car was expected to sell
for something between $120,000 and $150,000. The
American Car Collector Pocket Price Guide lists the
1963 Corvette with this engine at a median price of
$108,000, which includes pricing on acres of those
Resale Red and Daytona Blue repainted examples sold
at auction. Highest all-time sale for a similar example
was $242,000.
This was a top-shelf car in terms of its originality,
but the actual sale price was $110,000 — just a bit
over the ACC median and well below what you might
have expected considering how the market has been
viewing originality as of late. So what happened?
First up is that color combination. Original or not,
gold over tan isn’t setting the world on fire.
And second, take a step back and look at the bigger
Monterey picture. Of the cars at the Gooding auction
in Pebble Beach, only a handful sold for more than
their pre-sale estimated prices. Many sold toward the
low end of their estimated ranges, while most of what
sold brought less than their estimates — this Corvette
among them.
Gooding certainly had a great selection of desirable
cars, so aside from the subjective color question,
the only other conclusions are that the market was
broadly lower in Monterey this summer, or Gooding’s
estimates were hopefully high. Regardless, I’d call this
Corvette very well bought. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding &
Company.)
Club: NCRS
Web: www.ncrs.org
Alternatives: 1957 Ford
Thunderbird D-code,
1963–64 Studebaker
Avanti, 1957 Chevrolet Bel
Air Fuelie
Engine # location: Stamped
pad in front of passenger’s
cylinder head
Tune-up cost: $300
Distributor cap: $10
VIN location: Plate riveted to
body under glovebox
ACC Investment Grade: A
Comps
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
327/340 coupe
Lot 602, VIN: 30837S113763
Condition: 2
Not sold at $90,000
Branson Auction, Branson,
MO, 4/14/2016
ACC# 6799478
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
327/340 coupe
Lot F163.1, VIN:
30837S101142
Condition: 2Sold
at $108,000
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis,
IN, 5/14/2015
ACC# 265287
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
327/340 coupe
Lot 29, VIN: 30837S119672
Condition: 3+
Sold at $242,000
Gooding & Co., Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/16/2015
ACC# 256772
November-December 2016
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41
Page 40
PROFILE GM
A Driver’s Z at Fair Money
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28
Courtesy of Bonhams
There can
easily be a
$70k gap
between
a sketchy
driver and an
exceptional,
documented,
no-stories,
world-class
Z/28
VIN: 124379L526864
by Dale Novak
• Presented as delivered when new in Olympic Gold
over black interior
• Shown at The Quail — A Motorsports Gathering
on two occasions
• Desirable Z/28 spec with 4-speed manual transmission
• Iconic muscle car perfect for rallies or Sunday
morning drives
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 1, sold for $57,200,
including buyer’s premium, at
Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in Carmel, CA, on
August 19, 2016. It was offered at no reserve.
In the raucous 1960s to early 1970s, American Iron
ruled the streets and racetracks of America. Guys like
Carroll Shelby, Don Yenko and Norm Krause (aka
Mr. Norm) were building, modifying or ordering great
street machines. No matter what your budget, Detroit
had a blistering machine for you.
All four manufacturers had Trans Am street cars
to meet the homologation rules set by the Sports Car
Club of America (SCCA). This meant that each manufacturer
had to sell a minimum number of production
units to the public to qualify for the popular racing
series.
For Chevrolet, the car of choice was the first-
generation Camaro. In 1967, Chevrolet introduced the
very first Z28 (so named due to the package code on
the assembly line). Production was very low in the first
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
year, with only 602 Zs sold. Production increased in
1968 to 7,199 (with the car now known as Z/28, with
slash) and then again to 20,302 in 1969. Our subject
car is one of 20,302 examples sold in 1969.
Not all Zs are equal
Like any collectible car, no two Z/28s are equal.
There will always be one that stands taller than the
other even if two guys don’t agree on which car that is.
Our subject car looks reasonably good in the some-
what dark, moody photos shot by Bonhams, but a few
issues do pop out, including some aged components
and a missing header bolt on the driver’s side. The
photographer was somewhat tactical about his approach
to the lighting — which isn’t a bad thing, but
it tells me that this car needed some artistic images to
help make it look its best.
Lot 1, rarely a number one
The Bonhams sale is a small boutique sale, this year
offering 115 lots. That’s not a bunch of cars. These
are highly specialized upscale auctions — some guys
refer to them as the “wine and cheese” sales. Among
the high-end imports and pre-war collectibles that
Bonhams is known for in Carmel, the Quail Lodge sale
included only six U.S.-built performance machines.
Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t sell your
1969 Z/28 at a mostly upscale venue, but the pros and
cons should be weighed before consignment. From a
Page 41
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Detailing
Years produced: 1967–69
(first generation)
Number produced: 20,302
(1969)
Original list price: $3,588
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date, $57,200;
high sale, $450,000
marketing perspective, you’d probably want a car like
this to be in a room filled with muscle car buyers —
not high-end sports and exotic buyers — to better the
odds of a good outcome. But the flip side to that is selling
at a place like this means your car is one of only a
few other muscle-style lots at the sale, so it could very
well stand out and sell high. I’ve seen both situations
work out well.
All that said, being the very first car at this sale was
likely not the best move and could have contributed
to a low final bid. I know someone has to go first — I
just wouldn’t want to be that guy. Why? Because many
buyers feel that the first car is not the “best” car in the
sale. They may have simply ignored this car.
$70k Z/28 gap
You can find 1969 Z/28s trading as low as the mid-
$30k range for a dubious example (meaning it might
not even be a real Z/28) to near $100k-plus for a spoton
concours example. There can easily be a $70,000
gap between a sketchy driver and an exceptional,
fully documented, no-stories, world-class example.
So where do we stack our subject car? At this price,
which was dead-on the current ACC median valuation,
it might seem well bought. I don’t see it that way.
There are plenty of 1969 Z/28s for sale. Just about
any major venue will have at least one up for grabs. If
you head to Arizona in January you’ll likely be able to
spec out your Z to your liking, as there will be plenty
for sale.
But, with that statement, we can add a bunch of
asterisks. There will be good examples, horrible
examples and pristine examples. Each of those will
carry a different valuation spread. Cars with the best
restorations and airtight documentation — especially
those with Winters cross-rams, factory JL8 brakes and
other special options (all documented) — can easily
fetch $100,000 or more. But those with less pedigree,
questionable colors and inaccurate restorations can
fall down the food chain rather quickly.
These cars are also rather easy to fake, and the
VIN tells you nothing other than if it was born with
six cylinders or a V8. The cowl tag is your only initial
indication that it’s an original Z, and those are for
sale at swapmeets and eBay all the time. If you know
where all the other special parts go, bingo, you got
yourself a “real” Z/28.
Our subject car appeared to be a good-but-not-
great example. There’s nothing specifically wrong with
it — it just doesn’t push some of the Z/28 hot buttons.
It would help to have Jerry MacNeish paperwork with
it, along with a better exterior color, for starters. A full
decoding of the specific OEM Z/28 parts would also
help, since based on the Bonhams description, it was a
very original example before restoration.
The A to Z conclusion
Overall, this was a good Z/28 in a decent but not
sought-after color combination, and it had no mention
of specific OEM parts or special options. The 2000s
restoration is aging, but the car appears to be a good
driver that will stand tall in most casual collections.
But as it will require some work for any high-level
shows or Chevrolet judging events, I’d consider it a
second- or third-tier Z/28, and with that, the final sale
amount was neither expensive nor cheap. Call it a fair
deal for both parties. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Lot T249, VIN:
124379L516132
Condition: 2
Sold at $66,960
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis,
IN, 5/14/2015
ACC# 265278
Club: American Camaro
Association
Engine # location: Stamped
in pad ahead of passenger’s
cylinder head
Web: www.americancamaro.
org
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
Tune-up/major service: $300
Distributor cap: $15
VIN location: Plate at base of
windshield, driver’s side
Alternatives: 1969 Ford
Mustang Boss 302, 1969
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am,
1970 Plymouth AAR ’Cuda
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Lot 779, VIN: 124379N598167
Condition: 1Sold
at $88,000
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas,
NV, 9/25/2015
ACC# 266817
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Lot F213, VIN:
124379N674672
Condition: 2+
Not sold at $70,000
Mecum Auctions, Kissimmee,
FL, 1/24/2015
ACC# 257197
November-December 2016 43
Page 42
PROFILE FOMOCO
Mark of Excellence
1956 CONTINENTAL MARK II
Mike Maez, courtesy of Gooding & Company
I have no
doubt the
buyer wanted
a no-excuses
Mark II —
money not
being an
excuse, either
— and was
hell-bent on
getting it
VIN: C56A1713
by B. Mitchell Carlson
• One of the finest Continentals in existence;
restored to original specifications
• Hand-built at the Wixom Continental Division
Assembly Plant
• Award-winning Mike Fennel restoration
• Offered with order sheet, manuals, restoration
records and photos
• An outstanding example of mid-century
American opulence
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 37, sold for
$330,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach auction
in Pebble Beach, CA, on August 20, 2016. It was offered
without reserve.
Well-built as Edsel intended
In 1955, the newly formed Continental division
of the Ford Motor Company sought to bring that
nameplate back to the market with a sense of dignity
and style that befitted the man who commissioned the
original — the late Edsel Ford.
With Edsel’s untimely death in 1943 and his son
Henry Ford II’s ascent to the head of the company
before Henry’s passing in 1947, the Ford Motor
Company of the past needed to be cleaned out to make
room for new ideas. So the Continental was discontinued
in 1948.
Lincoln in the early 1950s — not unlike today
44 AmericanCarCollector.com
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— was searching for its place in the industry. The
post-war car evolved into a big, higher-performance
Mercury. However, the old money that was Lincoln’s
customer base wanted the return of a style leader,
and at a meeting of the fledging Lincoln Continental
Owners Club in Dearborn on October 16, 1954, it was
announced by Edsel’s youngest son and chief of the
new division, William Clay Ford, that they would get it
in the form of the Continental Mark II.
From high style to dud
In an era of ever-growing tailfins, the Mark II was
devoid of gimmicks and instead had reserved, clean
lines.
Assembled at their own new plant, the cars were
hand-built from bare bodies supplied by MitchellBentley.
While the auction catalog stated that this car
was “hand-built at the Wixom Continental Division
assembly plant,” Continentals were actually built
farther south at what was to become Ford’s Pilot Plant
along I-94 in Allen Park.
After passing final inspection, including a road test,
the cars were shipped to dealers in a fleece-lined car
cover (the improper use of them by the haulers being
the bane of dealers, with cars arriving with paint damage
from the covers flapping in the slipstream).
Priced at $10,000 and available with only one op-
tion — air conditioning — the Mark II was squarely
aimed at those who could afford to make a statement.
As such, the list of owners reads like a Who’s Who of
Page 43
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Detailing
Years produced: 1956–57
Number produced: 2,994
Original list price: $9,695
(1956), $9,966 (1957)
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date, $42,400;
high sale, $330,000 (this
car)
industry and the entertainment world. However, after
production ceased in 1957 and the cars hit the used
market, many ended up with less-than-caring owners.
Combined with some unique maintenance issues, by
the mid-1960s, Mark IIs developed a reputation of
being duds, which lowered their resale values further.
The collector’s Continental
By the mid-1970s, when interest in these cars began
to pick up, they could be found as anything from ratty
parts cars for a couple hundred bucks to drivers for a
couple grand. Nice well-kept originals might have set
you back as much as $10,000. Today, the Mark II is
seeing a renaissance. The car has now appreciated in
interest and value.
Two decades ago I had the chance to buy a running
but well-used example in dark green metallic for
just under $6,000. On the other end of the spectrum,
I’ve been exposed to private sales among LincolnContinental
Owners’ Club members that have been
well past $100k — yet not three times that, as we saw
here in Monterey.
Domestic post-war luxury cars are typically very
labor intensive to work on, with all the bells and
whistles plus added sound deadening and interior
materials. Mark IIs take that up several notches, with
such things as exhaust routed through the rocker
panels.
Our featured car was purchased from the second
owner by the consignor, then restored by a Mark II
specialist. Upon completion, it was judged to first
place in the Primary class and was also awarded a
Lincoln Trophy at the LCOC 2015 Western Division
meet in San Diego. Since then, it was tweaked ever so
slightly based on the judging results, and presented
here essentially as a faultless example.
Just get it bought
While the quality of the restoration sets this exam-
ple apart, part of what makes this sale spectacular is
the way in which it was sold. Offered on the first night
of the Gooding auction at Pebble Beach, it had a good
time slot as Lot 37. I looked it over and was pleasantly
surprised by the quality of the restoration.
When it hit the block, it was off and running at
$50k, leaping by $25k bids. Things began to slow a bit
past the $225k point, and the $190k to $240k auctionhouse
estimate looked spot-on. When it hit $245k and
the auctioneer was looking for a quarter of a million,
the eventual buyer really stepped it up with a big-dog
bid of $300k — much to the entertainment of the crowd
and consternation of the last few bidders.
While this establishes a new world record at auc-
tion for a Deuce, don’t expect all current $100k-plus
cars to move up to a quarter of a million dollars
overnight. Sure, those in Mark II circles will be very
cognizant of this sale, but I don’t see it as the lead bull
in the stampede through those gates.
For this car to get to the point of being a $330k sale,
I’d suspect that the restoration costs were close to
the bid. Still, sources close to the consignors indicate
that they were “very pleased” with the result, so I’m
assuming the sale price paid all the bills.
I have no doubt the buyer wanted a no-excuses
Mark II — money not being an excuse, either — and
was hell-bent on getting it. Unless an example that has
top celebrity provenance gets done up to this level and
is put into the general market at a high profile venue
like this — or is quietly offered among those in the
know — this should be considered well sold.A
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding &
Company.)
Engine # location: N/A
Club: Lincoln & Continental
Owners Club
Web: www.lcoc.org, www.
markiiforum.com
Alternatives: 1957–60
Cadillac Fleetwood
Brougham, 1957–61
Imperial Ghia limousine,
1956 Lincoln Premiere
2-door hard top and
convertible
Tune-up cost: $350
Distributor cap: $25
VIN location: Body tag attached
to the driver’s door
frame or left side of the
chassis under the voltage
regulator.
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1956 Continental Mark II
Lot 120, VIN: C56S2730
Condition: 2
Sold at $44,000
RM Auctions, Dallas, TX,
10/19/2012
ACC# 213827
1956 Continental Mark II
Lot 584, VIN: C56D2624
Condition: 3
Not sold at $35,000
Branson Auction, Branson,
MO, 10/12/2012
ACC# 213926
1957 Continental Mark II
Lot W99, VIN: C5613279
Condition: 4+
Sold at $17,490
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis,
IN, 5/18/2010
ACC# 162734
November-December 2016
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Page 44
PROFILE MOPAR
American Poster Car
1996 DODGE VIPER GTS COUPE
Dan Duckworth, courtesy of Mecum Auctions
While the
red RT/10
was the
Viper people
dreamed
of, the blueand-white
GTS coupe
was the one
they actually
wanted
VIN: 1B3ER69E3TV201106
by Jim Pickering
• First year of production for the Viper GTS coupe
• One of 1,166 produced
• 4,900 miles
• 8.0-liter 450-hp V10 engine
• 6-speed transmission
• Viper Blue with white stripes
• Power windows and locks
• Air conditioning
ACC Analysis This car, Lot S55.1, sold for
$51,700, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s Harrisburg event in Harrisburg,
PA, on July 21–23, 2016.
I have a vivid memory of dragging my mom to the
mall on a Saturday night in 1992. The destination? A
cutlery shop that sold model cars. They had Dodge’s
all-new Viper on their wall display, next to a Li’l Red
Express and a Tri-Five Chevy. Thirty-five dollars was
a significant chunk of my 10-year-old net worth, but
that curvy red RT/10 was the coolest car I’d ever seen,
so the money didn’t matter. I had to have that model,
and to this day, I still do.
Dreams reborn
That was exactly the type of response the Viper was
designed to pull from gearheads all around the world.
Here was a brash, sexy roadster with big power,
marketed to a group of fanatical buyers who’d grown
accustomed to the ho-hum ’80s performance scene
and longed for more.
The Viper was their dream turned reality — a longshot
concept car unbelievably green-lit by Chrysler
46 AmericanCarCollector.com
46 AmericanCarCollector.com
and designed to perform, period. Under that slippery
Tom Gale-designed body was a 400-hp aluminum
V10 based on the LA Chrysler V8 and designed by
Lamborghini, and behind that was an all-business
6-speed manual and unbelievably wide 335-series
radials. These cars were fast, loud, and raw to the
core — the epitome of American muscle.
Chrysler the car company may have been saved by
millions of dull K-cars and their derivative minivans,
with their tan velour and woodgrain appliqué sides,
but Chrysler the performance icon was saved by
this topless, windowless, sidepipe-growling, ShelbyCobra-like
monster. Kids like me ripped down their
Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach wall
posters and put up Vipers in their place. The American
halo car was back, and boy, did it look good.
From curiosity to car
The Viper was a dream machine — no doubt about
it — but living with it on a regular basis could be a
challenge. First off, the cars were hot inside, with
sidepipes running under the rockers on either side.
They didn’t have a/c, which didn’t help. And with no
side glass and a canvas top that had a nasty habit of
ejecting at high speed, the cars weren’t exactly weatherproof.
Add to that a lack of outside door handles on
early examples and you’ve got a logistical challenge
for anything other than a drive that starts and ends
in your driveway. None of that is jarring for someone
used to roadsters — and rawness was a real selling
point here — but there was room for improvement.
That improvement came in mid-1996 with the
introduction of the GTS coupe. This was a Viper
Page 45
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than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
Detailing
Years produced: 1996–2002
(GTS)
Number produced: 1,166
(1996 GTS)
Original list price: $66,700
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date, $41,600;
high sale, $60,500
that had been sent to — and kicked out of — reform
school. It was still edgy and had 15 more horsepower
than the earlier model, but it also had power windows
and locks, airbags and a/c. But it was the addition of
a double-bubble roofline that brought something to
the Viper shape that most of us didn’t even know was
missing.
The GTS, with its Shelby Cobra Daytona looks, is
beautiful, and Dodge made no bones about what it
was meant to do. Most of the RT/10s had been solid
red. This blue car, as seen in all the major automotive
publications in 1996, was the first production car in a
decade to legitimately wear a pair of racing stripes.
While the red RT/10 was the car people dreamed of,
the blue-and-white GTS coupe was the one they actually
wanted.
Evil in the best way
The Viper has a reputation of being hard to handle.
I’ve heard rumors of everything from stiff clutch pedals
to harsh spring rates and insane amounts of torque
that make wet-weather driving impossible. The truth,
as always, is somewhere in the middle.
I’ve spent a lot of time behind the wheel of ACC’s
2000 Viper ACR. It’s supposed to be the track-day
special edition of an already hardcore car, but I was
surprised to find that it’s completely tractable.
The clutch is as easy as a street Corvette, the
6-speed shifts are bolt-action-rifle crisp, just like they
were in my ’01 Camaro SS. Power delivery is smooth
and instant. The V10 makes gobs of torque — so much
that you never have to downshift unless you want to,
and it’ll cruise all day at 90 mph in sixth gear. The
suspension is firm but not punishing — even after a
530-mile drive from ACC HQ to Reno, NV. The V10
can even return pretty good mileage if you’re not
prodding it too much. But under all that it’s still performance
first and comfort second, and that mindset
reveals itself in small ways, like an a/c system that
shuts down under heavy throttle application. Driver
and passenger are rewarded with a wave of heat at
every drop of the pedal.
The trouble with the Viper lies in all that tractabil-
ity. The GTS deserves its reputation, but only because
it’s easy to drive all the way up until the edge of its
capabilities, and that gives drivers a false sense of
security. It begs you to push it harder and harder until
you do something stupid and scare yourself. Driving
this car is like having a little devil on your shoulder,
pushing you to test the limits. Owners get constant
little reminders that they’re playing with fire here,
and if that’s the sort of thing that appeals to you, the
Viper’s your vice.
Blue and white
This car was a first-year example of the GTS in the
most desirable and iconic paint scheme ever applied
to a Viper. It was all stock and had under 5,000 miles,
which means it’s still minty but was used enough to not
be dried up.
Median first-year GTS pricing sits right at $41,600 in
the current market. This car certainly deserved more
than middle-of-the-road money due to its condition
and colors, but a $10k boost does seem a little steep.
However, I’d consider it a sign of the times to come.
This is the American poster car of its generation,
and as I’ve said before in ACC, as buyers of a certain
age continue to flow into the collector car market,
they’re going to spend big chunks of their net worth
to own the performance icons they’ve always coveted.
The Viper has always been a special car — these
things turn just as many heads now as they did when
they were new — and that bodes well for its future as a
collectible. All things considered, I’d call this one both
well bought and sold today, but I expect we’ll see it go
up in value from here. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
Club: www.viperclub.org
Web: www.allpar.com
Alternatives: 1992–95
Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1,
2001–06 Chevrolet
Corvette Z06, 2015 Dodge
Challenger Hellcat
Engine # location: Serial
number on lower right
front, above oil pan. VIN
stamped in rear of block
near bellhousing
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
Tune-up/major service: $300
Distributor cap: N/A
VIN location: Base of windshield,
driver’s side
2002 Dodge Viper GTS
coupe
Lot 318, VIN:
1B3ER69E52V102639
Condition: 2
Sold at $58,945
Silverstone Auctions,
Northamptonshire, U.K.,
5/22/2015
ACC# 265660
1996 Dodge Viper GTS
coupe
Lot S141, VIN:
1B3ER69E6TV200483
Condition: 2Sold
at $31,860
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City,
MO, 4/24/2015
ACC# 264758
1997 Dodge Viper GTS
coupe
Lot 486, VIN:
1B3ER69E2VV301524
Condition: 1Sold
at $37,400
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas,
NV, 9/26/2014
ACC# 256119
November-December 2016
November-December 2016 47
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Detailing
Year produced: 1932
Number produced: 6,893
DeLuxe V8 roadsters (plus
520 standard V8s)
Original list price: $500
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date: $57,750,
high sale, $133,100 (nohistory
cars)
Tune-up, major service:
$250 (estimated)
and shortened radius rods, were replaced with stock
’32 items, and the roll bar was removed for conversion
to street operation.
A mystery
Certainly, it would have taken some serious horse-
power to move this rather un-aerodynamic racer at
140-mph-plus. So there’s a question as to the engine’s
actual-vs.-stated displacement — it had to be more
than the stock 221 cubic inches. That AB-prefix frame
number is not correct for the period Deuce rails,
prompting another question about a probable missing
title.
To my knowledge, this car was never featured in
a hot rod magazine. It’s not pictured in any of Don
Montgomery’s historic books. Christie’s catalog noted
that it was pictured in the 1954 Popular Mechanics Hot
Rod Handbook.
That said, even if it didn’t have verifiable history,
and that SCTA timing tag — which certainly looks
real — was a swapmeet find, to duplicate this car,
with a gennie steel body and Deuce rails, albeit sans
an original California title, would take considerably
more than the $60,500 sales price.
When the Petersen Museum sold a number of
its cars in 2013, this roadster went for $52,800 at
Auctions America’s Burbank auction (ACC# 6733735)
— and I thought that was a bargain.
Searching for clues
An inscription on the tail reads: “Rod Riders, RTA.”
Researching that club, possibly in the Russetta Timing
Association (a rival to the SCTA), might bear some fruit.
Meanwhile, we can speculate on the low sale price.
You couldn’t begin to duplicate this car for the
price, which makes me wonder if it was in fact a real
Bonneville racer, or instead it was a neat assemblage
of vintage parts. Don Montgomery, author of several
terrific photo books on early hot rods, kindly researched
the period Bonneville records.
“The Miller Automotive entry was listed as car
no. 284 in the B Roadster class,” Don wrote. “There
were nine entries in the B Roadster class, of which
five entries had recorded times (speeds). There was no
recorded time for the Miller Automotive entry.” Don
added that according to the 1954 Bonneville program,
the meet was from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5. Perhaps the
SCTA timing tag (Aug. 21, 1954) is ‘new?’”
Don said he could not find an entry for this car
in his limited Russetta Timing Association records.
“Assuming the car ran the RTA,” he noted, “I believe
that the owner would have been in the Pacesetters
club (Pomona Valley area). I see that John Stauffacher
ran a class B Roadster at the Russetta meet on Oct
10, 1954. That car recorded a time of 142.011 mph.
Perhaps this is that roadster? Miller Automotive could
have been a sponsor.”
A lucky find?
Looking at all the facts and clues brings me to one
conclusion: There’s every reason to suspect this is a
“real” racer from the period. The new owner could
try to find Rollie Reso (I couldn’t) and maybe even
look for John Stauffacher to learn the story.
In the meantime, this is a lot of hot rod for $60,500.
It was below the market at that price without the
history, and if its history does end up checking out,
consider it a screaming deal. A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
Clubs: Goodguys, National
Street Rod Association
(NSRA)
VIN location: On front frame
rail, driver’s side (Note:
this is not a 1932 Ford VIN
number; they have an 18
prefix)
Web: www.good-guys.com,
www.nsra.com,
Alternatives: Any other ’50sera
hot rod with a period
build and race history
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1932 Ford Model 18 custom
(2006 build)
Lot 217, VIN: 17173049
Condition: 1Sold
at $82,500
RM Sotheby’s, Fort Worth, TX,
5/1/2015
ACC# 265078
1932 Ford Lakes roadster,
ex-Jim Khougaz
Lot 210, VIN: 18155453
Condition: 2+
Sold at $187,000
RM Sotheby’s, Fort Worth, TX,
5/1/2015
ACC# 265231
1932 Ford Model 18 roadster
(known lakes history)
Lot 40, VIN: 1827717
Condition: 4+
Sold at $151,800
Gooding & Co, Amelia Island,
FL, 3/12/2015
ACC# 257539
November-December 2016 49
Page 48
PROFILE AMERICANA
1952 MUNTZ JET CONVERTIBLE
Jet Flies High on Price Updraft
Either we’re
looking at
the start of a
new upward
trend, or
this Muntz
Jet sold for
well above
the current
market value
VIN: M134
by Carl Bomstead
n 1950, Earl Muntz bought Indy car builder Frank
Kurtis’s design and all the tooling for a 2-seat
sports car and renamed it the Muntz Road Jet.
Muntz stretched the Kurtis “sports car” 13
inches to add room for a back seat. The styling
was simple but streamlined. With an unerring eye for
exposure, he made sure the Muntz Jets were visible,
choosing bright paint hues and flashy contrasting interiors
under removable Carson-style padded hard tops.
Offered here is what must be one of the best-restored
Muntz Jet convertibles available anywhere. The car
received a full nut-and-bolt restoration, neatly documented
by an abundance of receipts that can be found
in the car’s history file.
With wild fabrics and a faux-snakeskin-clad interior
and hard top, this historic Americana classic was shown
at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2014, and
remains in beautiful condition throughout.
I
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 76, sold for
$165,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Bonhams’ Quail Lodge sale in Carmel, CA,
on August 19, 2016.
Earl Muntz was a larger-than-life character. He
got his start “flipping” Model T Fords when he was in
50 AmericanCarCollector.com
50 AmericanCarCollector.com
the eighth grade and later went on to own the largest
used-car dealership in the Los Angeles area. His overthe-top
billboard ads screamed, “I buy ’em retail and
sell ’em wholesale — it’s more fun that way.” He blanketed
the airways with radio ads, and one announcer,
in between his numerous commercials, called Muntz
“that automotive madman.” With that, “Madman”
Muntz was born.
From TV sets to Jets
In late 1945, Muntz became a Kaiser-Frazer dealer.
By 1947 he was reportedly grossing $72 million a year
Courtesy of Bonhams
Page 49
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Detailing
Years produced: 1951–54
Number produced: 394
(others state 198)
Original list price: $5,500
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date, $68,300;
high sale, $205,000
Engine # location: Above
oil filter
Club: Antique Automobile
Club of America
from all his automotive enterprises. It was about this
time that he started marketing inexpensive television
sets, and he coined the term “TV,” as his skywriting
airplanes had a problem completing the words “Muntz
Television” before the first few letters blew away. He
sold these TVs in his usual style, with radio ads that
blared “…stop staring at your radio, folks.” He even
named his daughter “Tee Vee.”
He bought two of Frank Kurtis’s Ford-powered
KSCs, which were open two-seater sports cars. Muntz
planned to resell them, but he liked them so well that,
not unlike the guy who bought the electric razor company,
he bought the entire company for $200,000 cash.
Once he owned the project, Muntz stretched the
cars’ wheelbase to 113 inches so he could sell them as
four-place convertibles. He added a minibar with ice
compartments in the rear armrests along with a Muntz
radio. He also added seat belts — not as a safety
concern, but rather to continue the jet aircraft “Muntz
Jet” theme. The removable Carson-like top was held
in place with five wing nuts and it took two men and a
small boy to remove it.
Jets were first offered with unmodified 1949
Cadillac V8s, but due to cost and problems with the
powerplants at high RPM, he switched to Lincoln
flatheads. He also switched to an all-steel body, which
was less expensive — as well as sturdier — than the
aluminum Kurtis was using.
Low production
Muntz did not have a dealer network, as he sold
directly to the public. The cars were priced at $5,500,
yet he claimed he lost $1,000 on every car sold, which
due to the labor-intensive manufacturing process was
probably correct. Muntz claimed he sold 394 cars.
Others, tracking the body numbers, cite 198 as more
realistic.
The styling, which was modern when Muntz bought
the company in 1949, was less so in 1953. Also, these
cars were priced at $1,400 above a top-of-the-line
Cadillac, so sales were never going to be brisk.
“Madman” Muntz’s flamboyant style created his
success but also led to his demise. After all, not many
people wanted a car named after someone as zany as
Muntz. Even Phyllis Diller could only last a year with
the seven-times married and divorced man, claiming
they were too far apart in their tastes and values.
A good example
The 1952 Muntz Jet offered by Bonhams had been
recently restored in an attractive and correct shade of
yellow. Overall it was in very good condition.
In perusing the ACC Premium Auction Database,
I found that several Muntz Jets have recently sold at
auction for around $85,000 each, while a couple of
others have been in the low six figures. One sale at
Gooding’s Amelia Island 2016 sale, however, stands
out, with a $205,000 hammer price. But that car was
one of the last built and was powered by the OHV
Lincoln V8. It was also one of four short-wheelbase
2-passenger convertibles produced, and as such,
using it as a comp would be like comparing apples and
oranges.
So, with all that, there are only two logical conclu-
sions that we are left with from this sale: We’re looking
at the start of a new upward market trend, or this
Muntz Jet, regardless of how well restored it was, sold
for well above the current market value. I think we
have to go with the latter. Well sold. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
1953 Muntz Jet
Lot F110, VIN: DR141664CAL
Condition: 3Sold
at $79,500
Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/15/2012
ACC# 209402
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $25
VIN location: Plate on frame
rail
Web: www.aaca.org
Alternatives: 1954 KaiserDarrin,
1952–53 NashHealey,
1954 Packard
Caribbean convertible
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1951 Muntz Jet
Lot S118, VIN: M125
Condition: 4Sold
at $54,000
Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/15/2014
ACC# 245094
1953 Muntz Jet
Lot 3020, VIN: 53M527
Condition: 2+
Not sold at $85,000
Auctions America, Burbank,
CA, 7/31/2014
ACC# 244625
November-December 2016
51CC
51
COlleCTOr’S reSOurCe: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
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learned to embrace them.
For 1963, Gurney moved to the Brabham organiza-
tion and was very successful there. He stayed for
three years, but his mind had moved on to thinking
about manufacturing his own cars, particularly for the
Indianapolis 500 and Champ car series.
By early 1965, he was ready to retire from the
GP circus and focus on building American cars for
American races (and eventually take those American
cars back to European GP). All he really needed was
serious funding.
The All American Racers
Fortunately, this was at the height of the tire wars
between Firestone and Goodyear, with Goodyear
particularly eager to find a way to break Firestone’s
domination of the Indy 500. Gurney and Carroll
Shelby were close friends, and Shelby’s company was
closely associated with Goodyear, so he brokered a
deal wherein Goodyear would provide major funding
for Gurney’s enterprise as a way to get their tires on a
front-running manufacturer and team.
Gurney had always liked the idea of naming
his cars Eagles, but in a meeting with Goodyear’s
President, it was suggested that the company be
named “All American Racers.” Gurney didn’t feel that
he could say no, so the company became AAR and the
cars themselves were called Eagles.
The first job was to design and build a racer
capable of winning at Indy. Gurney’s team set to work
with the 1966 Indy 500 as their goal. Lead designer
Len Terry had been responsible for the Lotus 38
that Jim Clark won with in 1965, finally breaking the
dominance of the front-engined Indy roadsters, and
the new Eagle largely followed that design.
Learning-curve issues, racing luck and stiff compe-
tition kept the Eagles away from the front in 1966 and
1967, but they got better quickly. For the 1968 season,
British designer Tony Southgate joined the team and
led a major redesign of the chassis, lowering, widening
and stiffening the monocoque tub and revising the
suspension. The new car was the ticket to success, and
Eagles finished 1st, 2nd and 4th.
Formula 5000
Indy wasn’t AAR’s only focus. In 1967 the SCCA had
established an “American Grand Prix” series for what
it called “Formula A” cars using a 3-liter displacement
limit in a professional series. For 1968, the
engine size was lifted to 5,000-cc pushrod, and both
the series and the prize money more than doubled, so
customers were hunting for competitive chassis. AAR
had just the ticket.
The 1968 Indianapolis design required virtually no
modifications to be adapted to the new formula, save
less expensive (heavier) materials to hold down the
cost, so AAR set itself to building what would become
known as Formula 5000 racers.
Only two Eagles ran the 1968 series, but they won
seven of the eight races held, and for 1969 it was the
car you had to have if you wanted to win. The series
was renamed the “Continental Championship” and
expanded to 13 races in the U.S. and Canada, creating
an open-wheel equivalent of the burgeoning Can-Am
Challenge series.
The 1969 Eagle F5000 retained the chassis designa-
tion but was in fact a seriously improved car. The
gearbox was changed to the 30-pound-lighter DG
November-December 2016 53
Hewland, cooling was improved, titanium was used
for the exhaust and various bits, and tubular anti-roll
bars were incorporated.
The biggest change was wings. Starting in mid-
1968, racing had discovered aerodynamic downforce,
and for 1969 it was an essential part of the package.
The nose sported twin canard wings and the rear used
a single post-mounted wing that attached directly to
the rear uprights (if this appears precarious, it was,
and the FIA banned them after 1970 for safety, so this
version of wing only lasted for two seasons). For the
1969 Continental Championship, Eagles won six of
the 13 races. Tony Adamowicz won the series in our
subject car.
Value in the fun
As a general rule, Formula 5000 racers are not
considered collectible; their purpose and value is in
how much fun you can have going out and playing
with them. There is a well-established and wellattended
group of these cars at virtually every vintage
racing event in the U.S. these days, and the cars are
easy to drive, easy to maintain and relatively cheap to
race.
If you want big-horsepower bang for the buck, an
F5000 is probably the best place to be. The problem
is that the series ran into the mid-1970s and the later
cars are wildly faster than the early ones, so if you’re
in it to win it, you’ll want a 1973 or later version.
Generally, the late 1960s cars don’t sell for more than
$120,000 or so.
Obviously, our subject car is a very special circum-
stance — if there ever was a collectible F5000, this is
it.
First, the AAR Eagles have become highly desir-
able in their own right: They were the only American
marque since Duesenberg to win an international
Grand Prix, they are particularly lithe and handsome
designs, and there are relatively few of them available.
Second, this is an extremely original example and a
championship winner as well, and third, it remains a
very usable and enjoyable toy to take to the track.
Expensive, yes, but I’d say probably worth it. Call it
fairly bought. A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
1972 AAR Eagle Type 7200
Lot 154, VIN: 72019
Condition: 1-
ACC# 6784598
Detailing
Years produced: 1968–69
Number produced: 14
Original list price: $11,500
(bare chassis, no engine,
gearbox or wheels)
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date, $198,000;
high sale, $198,000 (this
car)
VIN location: Tag on tub
Engine # location: Pad on
block below right cylinder
head
Cost per hour to race:
$1,000
Club: Formula 5000 Registry,
SVRA
Web: www.svra.com
Alternatives: Lola T-140,
McLaren M-10, Surtees
TS-5
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1969 AAR Eagle Santa Ana
Indianapolis
Lot 213, VIN: 704
Condition: 2
Sold at $99,000
ACC# 6804526
RM Sotheby’s, Monterey, CA,
8/19/2016
Not sold at $325,000
Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
6/11/2015
Hugh Hamilton / RM Sotheby’s
1969 AAR Eagle Santa Ana
Indianapolis
Lot 103, VIN: 702
Condition: N/A
Sold at $104,500
RM Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/16/2014
ACC# 6720058
Page 52
PROFILE TRUCK
1978 FORD F-150 RANGER PICKUP
Memories Give Values a Lift
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Rugged and
muscular
with just
the right
amount of
brightwork,
the last of
the sixth-gen
F-series is
all that new
trucks are
not
54 AmericanCarCollector.com
54 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: F14HNCD3910
by Jay Harden
• Recent rotisserie restoration
• Factory 351-ci engine
• Four-wheel drive
• Rare regular-cab short box
• Power steering
• Power brakes
• Factory air conditioning
• New tires
• Floor pans painted body color
• Rust-free Southern truck
ACC Analysis This truck, Lot F49, sold for
$18,150, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s sale in Harrisburg, PA, on July 21–
23, 2016.
Initially I was looking to write a first-gen Camaro
feature for this issue of ACC.
I happened to be in the office at ACC HQ as this
issue was being planned, and as Editor Pickering and
I sat with the rest of the editorial group, reviewing his
vision for the issue, I had already begun framing up
my story and lining up my talking points on a Z/28 that
sold in Monterey. I was daydreaming of high-winding
302s and vinyl tops when this truck slid across the
table and brrrrapped me back to reality.
For the first time (and perhaps last), I dumped a ’69
Z/28 for an old Ford truck.
Bad choices, good memories
When I was coming of driving age, cars like the ’69
Camaro filled every available space in my consciousness
not already preoccupied with girls, sports and
food. Regardless, I have no tangible memories of that
time in that car. There are, however, a handful of
moments in a couple of ’78 and ’79 Fords that I won’t
ever forget.
Old Ford trucks were dirt cheap and durable
enough to withstand the rigors of teenage shenanigans,
and my high school parking lot was sprinkled
with them. I have some terrific memories of being
packed four-wide on a shredded bench seat with a
bunch of other idiots as we shrieked and slid our way
across manicured lawns. We parked atop decorative
rocks with all the cocksure aplomb of Captain
Morgan, knee high over a chest of booty, as if to say,
“Behold, the power of stupidity in numbers!” It’s a
wonder any of us survived, the trucks included.
As a result, I have a somewhat strange affinity for
the ’78 and ’79 Ford short-bed 4x4s that I rarely share
with others.
Page 53
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Detailing
Years produced: 1978–79
Number produced: 107,495
(all 1978 F-150 4x4)
Original list price: $4,779
Current ACC Valuation:
Median to date, $11,038;
high sale, $26,400
Engine # location: Casting
number under right bank of
cylinders
In with the old
Ford only built a quarter-million or so 4x4 half-tons
over those two years, and given that trucks back then
were still generally purchased for their utility, it’s
a wonder they’re still so readily available. Simple,
rugged and muscular with just the right amount of
brightwork — more country-boy-goes-to-town than
rhinestone cowboy — the last of the sixth-gen F-series
is, for me, all that new trucks are not.
You see, Pickering and I are constantly going back
and forth measuring our love of old cars and trucks
against the daily realities of burgeoning family life.
If you’ve read his editorials on the topic, you’ll know
that he recently made a difficult choice that I’m sure,
at some point, he swore he’d never make. In order to
park a new 4wd GMC crew-cab in the driveway, he
needed to let go of both his ’06 SRT8 Charger and his
daughter’s favorite rig, the ’72 Chevrolet K-10.
From my vantage point, the Charger was dismissed
easily enough, but the decision to turn the K-10 loose
was a bit more difficult. The truck was a solid runner
that was nice enough to use, but not so nice as to use
sparingly. In fact, it was maybe not quite as nice as
our subject truck, but being a slightly more desirable
model and year, probably fell in right at about the
same value.
What did he get in return? Well, according to him,
all he gave up and more. The new truck rides like a
Cadillac, comfortably seats five adults, can tow a city
block, and is infinitely safer for toting around the family
unit. He even opted for the automatically retracting
running boards — per his wife’s request. If it had a
two-way radio, ol’ Buzz Aldrin could likely slingshot it
around the moon.
I know I should be dazzled, but I’m not. I just can’t
help but feel that somewhere along the way we’ve lost
some of the appreciation for the rugged simplicity that
makes vehicles like our feature truck here so endearing.
The engineering, manufacturing, and drivability
of trucks have certainly improved dramatically over
the years, but the cost, both literally and figuratively,
has been tremendous. How we managed to arrive at
the $50,000 half-ton is simply beyond my realm of
comprehension.
Built to last
Since we’re talking about old trucks, my redneck
youth and the inevitability of progress, I can’t help but
mention the old Merle Haggard tune that keeps rolling
through my subconscious. The lyrics implore us with
a wish that “a Ford and a Chevy/Would still last ten
years like they should.” Feel free to nod along as he
then asks the question that’s been on everyone’s mind
lately, “Is the best of the free life behind us now/And
are the good times really over for good?”
Merle released “Are the Good Times Really Over”
way back in 1981 — only three years after our little
Ranger here hit the streets. I’d say the old Ford has
more than held up its end of the deal. With what appears
to be a tastefully executed resto-mod-eration,
this old girl may just have another easy 40 years in
her, which begs the question — exactly which Good
Times are we talking about?
Growing values
Well, this particular truck happens to remind me of
some of my really good times, and with more prices
like this seen at auction lately, I’m not alone. I love the
lines. I love the thought of ka-chunking that columnshift
and dropping that transfer-case down into low.
I love the two-tone paint and the bench seat and the
analog everything.
Yes, it was born shockingly close to 1980 for us to
be discussing it in a magazine about collecting classic
cars, but, as we’ve been preaching around here for
some time now, the trend for solid trucks from the ’70s
and ’80s is going nowhere if not up. For me, and a lot
of newer market players as well, a rig like this that
strikes a balance between good memories and good
condition is now unequivocally worth the $18,150
spent here.
The only question here left to answer is do you,
heaven forbid, use it as a truck? I’m pretty sure dirtbikes
and firewood and coon hounds will all still fit in
the bed, so why not?
I would happily drive the wheels off it, but, you
know, I do have a family to think about. Airbags and
crumple zones and automatically retracting running
boards might not be a bad idea, at least for the next
few years.
Like Merle says, “The best of the free life is still left
to come/And the good times ain’t over for good.” A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
November-December 2016
55CC
55
Web: www.ford-trucks.com
Alternatives: 1973–87
Chevrolet K-10, 1972–80
Dodge D-series, 1971–75
International pickup
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
Tune-up/major service: $250
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Stamped on
frame rail, passenger’s
side, near alternator
1974 Ford F-100 Ranger XLT
Lot 178, VIN: F10HLT53578
Condition: 3+
Sold at $8,910
Leake Auctions, Dallas, TX,
4/16/2016
ACC# 6799360
1972 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT
Lot 1141, VIN: F25HRP87756
Condition: 3+
Sold at $10,780
Leake Auctions, Tulsa, OK,
6/6/2015
ACC# 265422
1978 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT
Lot 149, VIN: X26SKCA2140
Condition: 3Sold
at $2,640
James G. Murphy Co.,
Brothers, OR, 5/8/2014
ACC# 243771
Page 54
mArkeT OVERVIEW
Monterey Isn’t the Only Place
to Buy or Sell in the Summer
DO THUNDERBIRDS FLYING HIGH MEAN CLEAR SKIES AHEAD?
by Chad Tyson
TOP 10
sales this issue
1. 1929 Duesenberg model J
disappearing-top convertible,
$1,540,000—rm
Sotheby’s, mI, p. 60
2. 1935 Auburn 851 SC
boattail Speedster,
$990,000—Gooding & Co.,
CA, p. 100
3. 1965 Shelby Cobra roadster,
$880,000—bonhams,
CA, p. 104
4. 2005 Ford GT Pb2-1 coupe,
$835,000—russo and
Steele, CA, p. 86
5. 1930 Cadillac 452A V16
sport phaeton, $687,500—
rm Sotheby’s, CA, p. 101
6. 1932 Duesenberg model
J phaeton, $660,000—
mecum Auctions, CA, p. 70
7. 2006 Saleen S7 coupe,
$632,500—rm Sotheby’s,
mI, p. 66
8. 1960 Chrysler 300F GT
Special 2-dr hard top,
$440,000—Gooding & Co.,
CA, p. 107
9. 1933 Packard Twelve model
1005 roadster, $365,000—
rm Sotheby’s, mI, p. 64
10. 1938 Packard Twelve model
1607 roadster, $330,000—
rm Sotheby’s, mI, p. 66
BEST BUYS
1963 Ford Thunderbird sports
roadster, $55,000—russo and
Steele, CA, p. 84
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
Longtime ACC reporter Kevin Coakley gives us
his unique take on the $6.4m auction.
Mecum Auctions changed their car formula
R
for the annual Monterey sale from August 18 to 20.
Turns out they recorded their best-ever sales total
at the event, at just over $50m. The high American
sale was a 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 — fetching an
impressive $1,045,000. B. Mitchell Carlson tells us
everything we need to know from the sale.
Russo and Steele played host to their water-
1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible, sold for $49,500
at mecum’s monterey auction
front auction on Fisherman’s Wharf for the fifth year.
Reporter Brett Hatfield was there and gives us the scoop
from the $10.9m sale, which included a prototype Ford
GT netting the highest sales total for a domestic car
there at $836,000.
The thrice-a-year Greensboro Auto Auction in, you
guessed it, Greensboro, NC, is one of the largest nontraveling
auctions. And they know how to work it, with
551 cars passing through in just three short days. Mark
Moskowitz and Larry Trepel report back to us about the
happenings at this summer sale.
Chad’s Market Moment: Immediately following
Monterey Car Week, you perhaps read that in the
collector car market the sky was not only falling, but
crashing and taking women and children down with it.
Well, it didn’t, and won’t be doing so anytime soon.
I’m not old by many modern measures, but I’ve seen
one dotcom bubble burst (and we’re seemingly on the
verge of another), four or five wars (are they wars if
they aren’t declared?), and the greatest recession since
the actual Depression. And that’s just in this country.
A $50m drop in Monterey year-to-year total sales isn’t
anything to be alarmed about.
Perhaps it takes a bit of anecdotal evidence to
calm any panicky mental processes. There were nine
total Thunderbirds for sale at auction on the Monterey
Peninsula during that crazy week. Of those nine, seven
sold, including four of five first-generation T-birds, for
a median value of $41,250. That tops the ACC Pocket
Price Guide aggregated median of $34,700 by 19%. Yes,
this was Monterey and not Chatfield, MN, but American
cars aren’t exactly the soup du jour in the middle of
California in the middle of August. It’s a strong result
for a stalwart of American motoring and, at the very
least, a sign that the sky hasn’t fallen.A
VanDerbrink
Chatfield, mN
July 16
Lucky
Tacoma, WA
July 28
GAA
Greensboro, NC
July 28–30
rm Sotheby’s
Plymouth, mI
July 30
mecum Auctions
monterey, CA
August 18–20
Russo and Steele
monterey, CA
August 18–20
rm Sotheby’s
monterey, CA
August 19–20
bonhams
Carmel, CA
August 19
Gooding & Co.,
Pebble beach, CA
August 20–21
$0
$20m
$40m $60m
$80m
$34.6m
$130m
$100m
$120m
$10.9m
$118m
Auctions in this issue
$255k
$1.3m
$9.5m
$6.4m
$50.1m
M Sotheby’s rebranded their Plymouth
sale to Motor City, with more emphasis
on the local vibrant car culture. Cars
there ran the gamut from LTD hard
tops to Duesenberg convertible coupes.
1955 Cadillac Series 62 2-dr hard
top, $19,250—rm Sotheby’s,
mI, p. 60
1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible,
$47,700—GAA, NC, p. 92
1967 Dodge Hemi Coronet r/T
2-dr hard top, $60,500—mecum
Auctions, CA, p. 76
1954 Ford F-100 pickup,
$22,000—rm Sotheby’s, mI, p. 62
Page 56
RM SOTHEBY’S // Plymouth, MI
RM Sotheby’s — Motor City
NOTABLE SALES INCLUDED A STUNNING METALLIC SAGE GREEN
1933 PACKARD TWELVE ROADSTER SELLING AT $365,000
RM
Sotheby’s
Plymouth, MI
July 30, 2016
Auctioneer: Eli
Rodriguez
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 54/68
Sales rate: 79%
Sales total: $6,422,150
High sale: 1932
Duesenberg Model
J disappearing-top
convertible, sold at
$1,540,000
buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
Possibly the last produced, this 1933 Packard Twelve model 1005 roadster sold at $365,000
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
Report and photos Kevin Coakley
Market opinions in italics
A
58 AmericanCarCollector.com
ugust is a very busy time for enthusiasts in
Southeastern Michigan, as it is for much
of the collector car industry. It starts with
the RM Sotheby’s Motor City auction
preceding the Concours d’Elegance of
America, held for its sixth year at St. Johns. The month
closes out with the massive Woodward Dream Cruise.
Okay, it’s not Monterey, but unlike the wine-and-cheese
crowd on the Left Coast, there’s something there for
every budget and taste.
The Dream Cruise is not unlike the varied lots
assembled for the annual RM Sotheby’s auction. The
sale’s offerings this year included everything from your
father’s 1970 Ford LTD to a 2006 Saleen S7 and just
about everything imaginable in between. Lot 105, the
LTD, took everyone by surprise, selling for $18,700. It
surpassed the generous pre-auction high estimate by
about 25% — wow, no one saw that one coming. The
star car and high sale was Lot 155, a beautiful Murphybodied
1929 Duesenberg Model J disappearing-top
convertible coupe, selling at $1,540,000. Proceeds went
to support local liberal arts Hillsdale College. Other
notable sales included Lot 123, a stunning 1933 Packard
Twelve roadster bargain selling under the $400k low
pre-sale estimate at $365,000. The Metallic Sage Green
paint is an unusual color, but it really looked great.
For the bargain hunters there was Lot 113, a 1955
Cadillac Series 62 Coupe deVille — a steal at $19,250.
Notable no-sales included Lot 163, a 2006 Ford GT
Heritage Edition, returning home with its current owner
after a high bid of $345,000.
Six years removed, Meadow Brook is but a fond
memory. RM Sotheby’s has settled in nicely here at St.
Johns. As usual, there was a torrential downpour not
long into the proceedings, but it was a welcome relief
from the hot, dry summer.
As far as the result, the total sales dollars were down
by about a million dollars compared with previous
years, but the sales percentage was the usual, robust at
80%. Consignments dropped by 10 from last year, and,
if you combine that with the ever-so-slight dip in average
car price ($119,394 to $118,929), we’ve found where
that million went.
Now it’s on to the concours, Rock-n-Rods in
Rochester, then hitting the Bricks in Flint. Finally it’s
the Dream Cruise, which, if you’ve never been, is something
to add to the bucket list. Monterey won’t miss you
for one year. A
Page 58
RM SOTHEBY’S // Plymouth, MI
CLASSICS
#119-1920 DETROIT ELECTRIC MODEL
82 Brougham. VIN: 12578. Beige & brown/
black vinyl/brown-striped broadcloth. Excellent
paint. Coachwork showing some minor
cracking in the body joints. Interior looks to
have been redone to a high standard. Catalog
states under Michigan collector James
Cousens, owner of the Cedar Crossing Collection,
car was restored. Selling on bill of
sale. Known ownership since new. Cond: 2.
freshening. Its history is well known and
well documented over the years. Proceeds
from the sale of this car were going to Hillsdale
College—an independent, local liberalarts
college. Coming in closer to the high
estimate than the low, a market-correct
price for a beautiful car.
GM
#118-1942 CADILLAC SERIES 67 Imperial
sedan. VIN: 2. Eng. # 9380014. Black/
black leather, gray broadcloth. Odo: 42,449
miles. Original paint shows it all: cracking,
crazing, fading, scratches and any other
flaw you can imagine. Right rear fender is
rusted through. Exterior brightwork pitted,
rusted, scratched and about like the paint.
Cracked left windshield and right vent; otherwise
the glass is just pretty horrible.
Grungy engine compartment. Musty interior.
I think you get the picture. Cond: 4.
SOLD AT $66,000. This 84-volt, 4.3-hp car
was way ahead of its time. They were popular
for the women of the day for their lack of
noise and smell associated with the gasoline
cars, as well as their ease of operation.
Its original owner lived across the river and
up the 401 in Chatham, Ontario. Offered
with no reserve and making the low estimate,
but just; looks like a good deal both
ways, if not slightly well bought.
vertible. VIN: 2551. Eng. # J119. Maroon/
tan canvas/dark brown leather. Odo: 13,737
miles. Paint looks spectacular. Exterior
brightwork is brilliant, but there is a tiny bit
of surface rust emerging from spare-tire
surrounds. Spotless engine compartment
hosts beautifully styled engine. Interior upholstery
is fresh. Dashboard shows a little
patina, but nothing horrible. Setting off the
whole package are the spectacular chrome
spoke wheels and wide whitewalls.
Cond: 2+.
1
#155-1929 DUESENBERG
MODEL J disappearing-top con-
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $60,500. This one
sold at RM’s Phoenix 2013 sale for $82,500
(ACC# 5647344), with 123 fewer miles. The
reporter reckoned the car was well bought
at that price, so whoever bought it here
pretty much stole it at $22k less. Let’s see,
$22,000 for 123 miles...abacus clacking...
that’s about $179 per mile. Ouch. Good
deal today, however.
cos Beige & white/tan cloth. Odo: 22,936
miles. 331-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Decent paint
shows minimal wear, but door fit a little off.
Bumpers show some scratches. Driverquality
engine compartment, with oxidation
on some brackets and worm clamps on
hoses. Interior shows some wear, but not
terribly much. Well-equipped with power
windows, seat, brakes and factory a/c.
Comes with original owner’s manual, service
records and registration dating back to
1956. Cond: 3+.
#113-1955 CADILLAC SERIES 62
2-dr hard top. VIN: 5562124273. Pe-
SOLD AT $16,500. Now here’s a car you
can drive without the worry of parking-lot
door dings. Cost to restore this beast would
far exceed any potential return. It is rare—
the second of 198 examples built—and it is
a CCCA Full Classic. Its first owner was
local retailer S.S. Kresge. This was the
obligatory auction barn find offered with no
reserve. It looks like a decent buy after only
making half of the pre-sale low estimate.
Wonder how much work the new owner will
put into it.
#121-1947 BUICK ROADMASTER woodie
wagon. VIN: 14794589. Royal Maroon/red
leather & cloth. Odo: 665 miles. 320-ci I8,
2-bbl, 3-sp. Nice paint showing some chipping
on side edge of hood. Beautiful wood
fit and finish. Decent exterior brightwork.
Wide whites starting to yellow. Interior wood
is spectacular, leather upholstery isn’t bad,
either. Open the door and you hear the
clock ticking. One of only 300 produced,
with only four fully restored models known.
SOLD AT $1,540,000. The catalog indicated
three different chassis numbers for
this car, explaining it started out as number
2144, later rebuilt with frame number 2551
and firewall number 2577. All of these numbers
come up in the ACC database, but
none of them are for this car. No matter; it
was recently gone through by local guy
Brian Joseph and his crew at Classic and
Exotic Service for mechanical service and
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $19,250. Selling without reserve.
The colors aren’t the greatest, but, then
again, they’re not terrible. The odometer
has rolled over too, but so what? It’s well
equipped and very presentable. I’d call this
one the bargain of the sale. Well bought
indeed.
#171-1961 PONTIAC CATALINA convertible.
VIN: 361P11998. Mayan Gold/brown
canvas/tri-tone brown & white Morrokide.
Odo: 6,665 miles. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto.
Decent paint and gaps, and brightwork
shows well, too. Driver-quality engine compartment.
Interior in good shape, but doesn’t
appear correct, as vinyl-capped screws
from the hardware store secure bottoms of
interior door panels. With power steering
and brakes. Wide whites could stand a
good cleaning, but they’re not yellowing.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $38,500. This one has been making
the auction rounds, most recently recorded
sold at Collector Car Productions in
Toronto, CAN, in April 2013, for $39,950
TOP 10
BEST
BUY
Page 60
RM SOTHEBY’S // Plymouth, MI
(ACC# 6194493). Prior to that it sold at Auctions
America Fall 2012, reported by yours
truly (I thought this car looked familiar), for
$29,150. Both previous reports indicated a
market-correct result—maybe it’s the exchange
rate? I’ll give the nod to the seller on
this one, even though, assuming he’s the
same owner who purchased the car in Toronto,
he took a slight loss.
FOMOCO
#112-1928 FORD MODEL A roadster
pickup. VIN: A444386. Green & black/black
vinyl/tan vinyl. Paint done to an excellent
standard. Top is crisp and well fitted. Nicely
detailed engine compartment. Sparse interior
shows very well. Cond: 2.
The result this time just eclipsed the low
estimate and it looks like a good buy.
#127-1930 LINCOLN MODEL L convertible.
VIN: 64277. Gray & black/black
canvas/brown leather. Odo: 45,665 miles.
There are a few flaws, but the paint shows
well. Decent brightwork all over. Wide
whitewalls are showing their age, with lots
of cracking. Top looks fresh and well fit.
Decent engine detail. Interior shows a bit of
patina, however it’s nothing objectionable.
Some might even favor it. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $60,500. If you wanted to track
the woodie market, this car exemplifies its
softening. Five years ago it sold here for
$88k (ACC# 3524368), then it sold at RM
Scottsdale in 2012 for $68,750 (ACC#
4776191). Has the woodie market hit bottom?
Time will tell. We’ll call this one a hard
bargain in the meantime.
SOLD AT $27,500. First year of Model A
production. If you were looking for a really
old pickup that needs nothing but to put
miles on the odometer, this was the one.
Although I could see this going the trailerqueen
route. This has been a not-quitefrequent
flyer at auction with appearances
in 2004 ($20.9k), 2009 ($20.9k) and 2013.
Last seen here at this sale in 2013, where
RM sold it for $26,400 (ACC# 6487686).
NOT SOLD AT $70,000. This car was run
at Mecum in Dallas, October 2011 (ACC#
4775365), resulting in a no-sale with a high
bid of $66,250. It’s hard to argue it’s worth
much more when the bidding stops. The
market of interested buyers is only getting
thinner as time goes on. The money may be
out there, somewhere, but chasing it at auction
could prove costly.
#165-1942 FORD SUPER DELUXE
woodie wagon. VIN: 186771494. Dark
blue/black vinyl/brown leather. Odo: 406
miles. Paint reveals orange peel as well as
some prep issues. Chrome trim thin in
spots. Decent wood inside and out—seemingly
acres of it. Door handles loose. Very
nice interior. Driver-grade engine detail.
SOLD AT $41,250. Originally owned by Jon
“Hurricane” Hall, an actor nobody’s ever
heard of anymore. I suppose that’s what
happens when careers peak 79 years ago.
This was a really nice car. Unfortunately, it
seems the woodie market has softened
pretty substantially overall. As with all
trends, the cyclical market will return and
this result will look like a steal. It really just
depends on when. Well bought well below
the $60k low estimate.
62 AmericanCarCollector.com
#110-1954 FORD F-100 pickup. VIN:
F10D4U13182. Sheraton Blue & Snowshoe
White/cream vinyl. Odo: 39,588 miles.
223-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Excellent paint and
panel fit, equipped with exterior sun visor,
natural finish wood bed, not original but
nice. Nice wide whites with beauty rings and
center caps. Spotless engine compartment
reveals no surprises. Interior with carpet
and door panels done better than any truck
in 1954. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $22,000. This
was one beauty of a truck, selling well below
a reasonable ($30k–$50k) pre-sale
#156-1950 FORD CUSTOM DELUXE
woodie wagon. VIN: B0CS135462. Hawthorne
Green/brown vinyl. Odo: 8,060 miles.
239-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Flawless paint, with
beautiful mahogany frame over wood appliqué.
Exterior brightwork looks excellent.
Decent engine compartment detailing. Interior
wood shows very well, as do the upholstery,
paint and chrome trim. Cond: 2.
Singular-to-1942 stainless grille in decent
shape. Cond: 3+.
BEST
BUY
Page 62
RM SOTHEBY’S // Plymouth, MI
SOLD AT $18,700. Offered with no reserve,
this is the car no kid wanted their dad to
hand down. While there was plenty of room
to haul around your friends, there was zero
cool factor. This one sold very well—exceeding
the high estimate by a fair bit. I just
can’t see the value going up from here anytime
soon.
market-correct result. Another illustration of
the power that collections can have on the
price of individual cars.
estimate. Sometimes that’s the result of
going no reserve. What a buy.
#109-1955 LINCOLN CAPRI convertible.
VIN: 55LA7631H. Huntsman Red/black
vinyl/white leather. Odo: 36,113 miles. 341ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Excellent paint and panel
fit. Decent exterior brightwork, but the hood
ornament looks like it came straight off a
junkyard car. Nicely detailed engine compartment
with aftermarket power-brake
booster. Interior leather showing some soiling
(if it’s white, it’s gonna happen), baggy
door panel on driver’s side. Weatherstripping
starting to show some cracking.
Equipped with Continental kit. Cond: 3+.
#108-1966 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: 6Y85Z131806. Vintage
Burgundy/burgundy vinyl. Odo: 19,062
miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint shows
well, with good panel fit. Minor brightwork
pitting on vent window and micro scratches
on the front bumper. Decent engine compartment
detail. Interior shows well.
Equipped with new chrome wire wheels,
fender skirts and roadster tonneau cover.
Cond: 2-.
AMERICANA
#122-1924 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 33
Touring phaeton. VIN: 339177. Crimson &
black/black canvas/black leather. Odo:
30,050 miles. Beautiful deep red paint. Artillery
wood wheels painted to match with
wide whites and accent coachwork, covered
dual spares mounted at rear. Top and interior
look fresh and well fitted. Spotless engine
compartment housing the dual-ignition,
four-valves-per-cylinder, “big horsepower”
inline six (70 hp versus 48 hp). Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $36,000. This one fell considerably
short of the optimistic pre-sale
estimate ($50k–$60k). It would have been a
steal at this price, so I can’t blame the seller
for hanging on.
“
#117-1960 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: 0Y73Y112964. Raven Black/
tan canvas/tan leather. Odo: 10,195 miles.
352-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Flawless, older black
paint holding up well. Excellent exterior
brightwork, except for dent in the Continental
kit bumper. Nicely detailed engine compartment.
Interior done to a very high
standard. Wide whites on chrome wire
wheels starting to yellow. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $55,000. Formerly of the Milton Robson
Collection, sold by RM in November 2010
for $79,750 (ACC# 2076609). It was announced
from the block that the rear bumper
repair would be taken care of at no
additional cost to the new owner. A no-sale
on the block, this one got done later with a
SOLD AT $24,750. I couldn’t tell the material
or condition of the top, as the car was
displayed with the tonneau cover in place.
What I could see is an attractive car holding
up well—a number 2 car selling for number
3 money. Well bought.
#105-1970 FORD LTD 4-dr hard top. VIN:
0J66N144614. Medium Ivy Green Metallic/
white vinyl/green cloth & vinyl. Odo: 24,900
miles. 429-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint resprayed
at some point, but didn’t find its
way into the door jambs. Otherwise done to
a decent standard, showing some chips in
the right rear. Soiled white vinyl top. Driverquality
engine detail. Other than some
cracking in the dashpad (covered with a
janky carpet) and a split in the driver’s seat
seam, it had a presentable interior.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $60,500. This CCCA Full Classic
was offered without reserve. If this was purchased
as an investment, it’s hard to say it
was a good buy, as I don’t see the value
climbing from here. If it was bought to show
and enjoy, then it was a great deal. Call it
fairly bought today.
15. Eng. # 901828. Sage Green/light green
canvas/green leather. Odo: 28,219 miles.
Striking, flawless fresh paint. Brilliant bright
bits. Spotless engine compartment. Interior
beautifully done and, same as the exterior,
immaculate. Running-board rubber bubbling
up. Equipped with dual hard-cover sidemounts
and tracking driving lights. Advertised
as possibly the last 1933 Packard
Twelve roadster produced. Cond: 2+.
9
#123-1933 PACKARD TWELVE
Model 1005 roadster. VIN: 9016-
This is the car no kid wanted their dad
to hand down. While there was plenty
of room to haul around your
friends, there was zero cool factor.
1970 Ford LTD
64 AmericanCarCollector.com
”
TOP 10
Page 64
GLOVEBOXNOTES By Jim Pickering
Superformance mkIII S/C roadster
SOLD AT $365,000. I thought this Full
Classic looked familiar; it sold at this sale in
2012 (ACC# 4774750) for $325k. The reporter,
yours truly, commented that it had
just made the high estimate, but still looked
like a good deal. It’s done zero miles and
shown a decent appreciation in four years
and I’d still call it a good buy. But someone
needs to drive this thing every once in a
while.
Price as tested: $87,375
Equipment: Hand-laminated fiberglass body with reinforcing inserts, TIG-welded
ladder frame with crumple zones, independent front and rear suspension, Wilwood
brakes, coil-over shocks, pin-drive Halibrand-style wheels, original-style pedals,
catches, and fittings, OE-style shifter and hand-brake lever, latch-lock seat belts,
leather seats, original-style Smith gauges and Lucas switches, stainless roll bar
mounted to chassis. Test car fitted with Roush Performance 375-hp 342R smallblock
Ford V8, TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission, silver ceramic-coated headers
and sidepipes, and limited-slip rear axle with 3.73:1 gear ratio.
EPA mileage: Will vary by engine. The carbureted 342 achieved about 15 mpg in
mixed city driving
Likes: Rock-solid body with almost no cowl shake. Fantastic build quality and paint
application, really nice chrome and trim. Great rap from sidepipes, fantastic drivability
from Roush-built engine. Transmission, shifter, and clutch work well together and
are easy to adapt to. Tight steering and handling.
Dislikes: No real way to lock this thing up, which made me a little nervous when I
had to leave it somewhere. My tester was carbureted, which comes with its own set
of quirks. Reverse gear will chatter if you don’t hold the trans in neutral for a second
after shifting from first.
Verdict: Motorcyclists talk a lot about how they feel immersed in their environment
when they’re riding, and that’s the same sense you get from this Superformance
MKIII — every aspect of driving, from the sounds of the engine to the smells of
the road, is amplified here. And while that’s endemic to any open hot rod, this
Superformance roadster is a really solid example, built a lot stiffer and stronger than
you might expect. It’s clear that there’s a lot of R&D behind the product to make it
as good as it is — so much so that
Carroll Shelby gave it the okay under
a licensing agreement. This is no
fiberglass rattle box.
I drove this car around Pebble Beach
and Monterey during the rarified
air of Monterey Car Week and had
a blast in it. I also got more looks
in it than I did in the purple Dodge
Charger Hellcat I was also testing,
which should tell you something.
For an end-user looking for a fun and
balanced wind-in-the-hair driver they
can use at a fraction of the cost of an
original, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Fun to drive:
Fun to look at:
Overall experience:
66 AmericanCarCollector.com
AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $330,000. One of 566 built in
1938 and selling well over the high estimate.
It brought all the money, and well it
should. Even with paying a premium, the
new owner is ahead of the game compared
to finding another one and paying for restoration.
This was a fair deal all around.
#158-2006 SALEEN S7 twin-turbo
coupe. VIN: 1S9SB18106S000073.
Lizstick Red/ black leather. Odo: 310 miles.
7.0-L twin turbocharged V8, 6-sp. What can
I say, it’s not even broken in. Great paint,
engine detail, interior, wheels, tires, etc.
Two owners have taken it just over 300
miles. That’s what, 1.4 hours at its top
speed of 220 mph? Cond: 2+.
7
2021. Eng. # A600122. Indian Maroon/tan
canvas/Biscuit leather. Odo: 1 miles. Less
than a year from its complete mechanical
and cosmetic restoration. The paint is brilliant,
the leather supple and unmarked, the
engine compartment is spotless. Formerly
of the Dr. Richard C. Clements Collection.
Cond: 2+.
10
#153-1938 PACKARD TWELVE
Model 1607 roadster. VIN: 1139-
SOLD AT $632,500. Compared to the few
recent auction results spreading over three
to four years, this was all the money. A lot
of money, sure, but it’s a lot of car. Well
sold against an optimistic $650k–$725k
pre-sale estimate. At this price it’s a mere
$843 per horsepower. A
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MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
Mecum — The Daytime Auction
THE MEAT-AND-POTATOES MIDDLE MARKET OF $50k TO $200k CARS
WAS RIFE WITH AMERICAN MUSCLE THAT SOLD WELL
Mecum
Auctions
Monterey, CA
August 18–20,
2016
Auctioneers: Mark
Delzell, Mike Hagerman,
Bobby McGlothlen,
Matt Moravec, Jim
Landis
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 344/706
Sales rate: 49%
Sales total:
$50,141,206
High American sale:
1965 Shelby Cobra
289 roadster, sold at
$1,045,000
buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
A strong price for a strong car — 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 Fuelie convertible, sold at $184,250
Report and photos B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
M
68 AmericanCarCollector.com
ecum’s 2016 Daytime Auction in
Monterey set a new benchmark, as
they filled the Del Monte Golf Course
at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel
and Spa with more cars from a foreign
marque than any American make. Exactly 100 Porsches
usurped the long-standing leader Chevrolet, with 89
examples consigned. The Bowties were even nearly
overtaken by the Blue Oval, with 88 Fords being the
next most populous brand here. They also had a record
52 Ferraris consigned (granted, only 20 sold).
So, with a deluge of cars from Germany and Italy,
did their results improve? Not really. 2016 saw a drop in
most numbers at this venue. While the overall number
of consignments was in the ballpark for the past several
years, less than half of the consigned cars sold, for the
lowest sales percentage since 2010 at 48.6%. What did
work was that the typical car brought more money, as
in a record-setting amount per car. Each of the 344 cars
sold averaged $145,759 — an increase of $29k per car
over last year. The gross sales of cars (excluding road
art, memorabilia and other bobbles) of $50.1m hit higher
than Mecum ever has in Monterey, besting last year’s
total of $45.4 million.
Modern performance imports dominated the
top sales, with the first American car (more of an
Anglo-American, to be truthful) checking in at eighth
place — a 1965 Shelby Cobra fetching $1,045,000. It
was also the lowest-selling car to fetch over a million
dollars, with the juice added to the bill. Granted, the
second-highest sale was a 1966 Ford GT40 that brought
$4.84m, but the last time I checked, where it was
made — Ford’s Advanced Vehicles facility — is still
in Slough, England. Beyond that, the next American
car (and one with no doubts about its Indiana heritage)
was lucky number 13 — a 1932 Duesenberg Model J
wearing replica bodywork, selling for $660,000. We hit
the first true-blue American muscle car at the 18th spot
from the top — a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 which
brought $396,000. To get to the highest-selling Chevy,
you have to get to the 26th-highest-selling car — a 1969
Camaro Yenko S/C that changed hands for $308,000.
And we haven’t even got to Mopars yet, as the top
Pentastar sale was at spot 63, a 1970 Dodge Challenger
convertible at $137,500. Lot F57, a finely restored 1966
Plymouth Belvedere I Hemi two-door sedan, brought
$126,500 — the 71st-highest sale. No, this wasn’t a typical
Mecum auction.
Before you get the impression that it was a muscle-
car famine, the meat-and-potatoes middle market of
$50k to $200k cars was rife with American muscle that
sold well. Case in point was Lot F89, a 1958 Corvette,
with a 290-hp Fuelie under the hood that could win
any concours it entered, sold for $184,250. Post-war
American cars and trucks in general did well in this
segment.
Over the years, Mecum has been an island of
diversity for quality American muscle in the flood of
imported exotics everywhere else on the Monterey
Peninsula. While they still are the volume leader, the
tide looks like it’s starting to wash it away. Based on
the results from this year, it’ll be interesting to see the
consignment mix for next year’s auction. A
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MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
GM
CLASSICS
6
Eng. # J463. Two-tone red/tan cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 219 miles. Originally a
Rollston-limousine-bodied J on this chassis/
engine combination, with a Dietrich convertible
Berline body fitted before this current
LeGrande-style phaeton was fabricated and
fitted to the chassis in the early 1970s. At
that time, SJ induction was also added. Period-accessory
dual Pilot Ray driving lights.
While it presents well enough, its age shows
in some delaminating glass, scuffed chrome
and light paint chips. Frame paint starting to
crack and chip. Engine bay cleaned up, but
shy of being concours-ready. Undercarriage
getting greasy and dusty. Light, pleasant
interior patina. Cond: 2-.
#S45-1932 DUESENBERG
MODEL J phaeton. VIN: 2480.
#F196-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/
SS convertible. VIN: 124679N529933.
Fathom Green/white vinyl/green vinyl. Odo:
90,170 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Betterquality,
older restoration, but starting to unwind
with age. Superb older repaint still
presents well. Door and trunk gaps are acceptable
at best. Driver’s side headlight
cover slightly off kilter. Older replacement
windshield, with stainless trim around it that
shows plenty of scuffing. Door glass protrudes
out farther than quarter glass. Decent
fit for older replacement top. Reproduction
dashboard cover not especially well fitted—
actually looks like it was draped on and they
forgot to fit it. Redyed door panels, with
#T195.1-1971 PONTIAC FIREBIRD Formula
350 coupe. VIN: 226871L104286.
Gold/parchment vinyl/parchment vinyl. Odo:
47,793 miles. 350-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Consignor
believes the indicated miles are actual
since new. Masked-off, older topical
repaint—painting over door-edge chips.
Slightly darker on Endura front fascia.
Crumbling original door and window seals,
with some overspray. Replated bumpers,
but tarnished original vinyl roof perimeter
trim. Good roof vinyl and interior vinyl. Door
panels with some discoloration from contact
with the door seals. Torn-up original rubber
floor mats, but good original carpeting.
Dash plaque states: 1971 FIREBIRD BUILT
ESPECIALLY FOR MRS. DOROTHY WALLIS
JANUARY 7, 1971. Cleaned-up, usedcar
engine bay. Aftermarket exhaust outlets,
still with inventory stickers on and protruding
out the back at uneven lengths. Rear suspension
sits high. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $660,000. While a lot has
changed on this car over the decades, at
least the engine and frame have remained
mated together since day one. What also
hasn’t changed was the fact that it was also
here last year, then a no-sale at $625k
(SCM# 6786165). Even with a lower hammer
price ($600k), seller should be pleased,
as bitsas like this are not even in contention
for being Million-Dollar Club members.
heavier fading on bottom carpeted kick panels.
Older reproduction floor carpeting and
seats. Recent fluff-up under hood, not so
much on older black-painted undercarriage.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $52,250. One of 662
SS 396, 325-hp, 4-speed ’verts built in
1969. Initially ran as lot T111 as a no-sale
at $48k, against a stated $55k reserve. Previously
didn’t sell at Mecum’s Portland auction
in June at $55k (ACC #6803701). That
position seems to have softened markedly
over 24 hours, as it hammered sold later as
Lot F196—for $500 less on the hammer
than the day before. Wise move, as this
unwinding restoration in a tough-sell color
was well sold.
NOT SOLD AT $12,000. While the Formula
package was introduced along with the second-gen
Firebirds, 1971 had two additional
choices: the Formula 455 with the 325-hp
4-barrel and the Formula 350 with the twopot
250-hp engine. As proven again here,
once you get past Trans Ams and 455-powered
examples (or gold cars used by a certain
Jim Rockford), second-gen Firebirds
tend to be tough sales—regardless of whatever
Formula you use.
CORVETTE
#F89-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: J58S105724. Tuxedo Black &
Inca Silver/black hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 99
miles. 283-ci 290-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp.
Heater delete, but with Wonder Bar radio
and windshield washers. Restored in recent
years to an exceptionally high level of detail.
Stated that the work was “done to NCRS
specs,” but no judging history presented.
Fitted with clear plastic film to protect paint
from hard-top contact points. While the driver’s
door protrudes from body ever so
slightly—like a typical C1—the passenger’s
70 AmericanCarCollector.com
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MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
door is perfectly flush. Typical reproduction
headlight bezel fit, with upper point sitting
higher than the fender-top trim moldings to
which they mate. Otherwise, car shows no
wear and has no other perceivable faults—
outside, inside, under hood or on the undercarriage
(which included proper, replicated
stenciling on driveshaft). Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $184,250. For all the ribbing ’58s have
taken over the years for the extra chrome
trunk ribs and faux louvers on hood, fuelinjected
examples certainly have taken off
in value over the past year. This example
was parked by the Bloomington Gold information
tent, usually surrounded by a Who’s
Who of Corvettedom. A strong price, but for
a strong car.
#T184-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 30837S102710. Daytona Blue/
dark blue vinyl. Odo: 73,427 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Optional power
steering, power brakes and AM/FM radio.
Three-prong spinner wheel covers and
older radial tires on stock steel rims. Decent
repaint within past few years. Evidence of
bodywork over right front wheelwell. Cracks
developing in door jambs. Mediocre driver’s
door fit, poor fit on passenger’s side. Mix of
original and replacement brightwork. Older
reproduction interior soft trim, showing light
wear. Original, dull gauge bezels and trim.
More recent fluff-and-buff under hood, with
authentic-to-stock detailing for the most
part. Engine-number pad milled and
painted, so it’s indiscernible. Newer black
paint on undercarriage. Cond: 3+.
$45k for it. While this was well sold for the
goods offered, I’m hardly shocked or befuddled
by it.
#F150-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
Tanker coupe. VIN: 30837S118890. Riverside
Red/black vinyl. Odo: 26,070 miles.
327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp.
Equipped with the Z06 competition package,
and N06 36-gallon fuel tank, along with
two-prong knockoff alloy wheels, radio delete,
clock and power windows. Older, very
concise restoration starting to show some
aging. Good repaint, with an authentic
sheen to it. Good, solid door fit. Some light
wheelwell patch-up work, but looks to be
due more to stone chipping than real body
damage. Dull finish on wheels, but the
chrome on the knockouts, and the rest of
the car for that matter, looks good. Finishes
starting to look a bit dull under hood also.
Bare metal has flash rust taking hold. Light
seat-bottom wear and padding compression.
Seat-belt hardware has light surface
rust. Cond: 2-.
val parade car convertible. VIN: 1G1YY32G545127240.
LeMans Blue/Shale cloth/
Shale leather. Odo: 96 miles. 5.7-L 350-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Indy 500 Festival
parade vehicle number 27. Post-event, was
shipped to Gould Bros. Chevrolet of Monticello,
MN, where it sold on July 2, 2004.
Properly stored and regularly maintained
since then, as the Minnesota 21-day temporary
license permit remains taped to windshield.
Entirely original, with the hopeful
exception of oil and probably the battery. As
such, it is essentially a 12-year-old new car,
with no appreciable signs of wear, use or
deterioration from long-term storage. Also
runs, stops and drives without any stated
issues from sitting unused. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $72,600. More proof that a SplitWindow
will make an otherwise mediocre
mid-year worth good money. Had this been
a ’64, one would be hard pressed to get
SOLD AT $253,000. Interesting, with the
performance options on this car, that it has
power windows. Perhaps it was a rally car,
where it may have been more advantageous
to hit a switch regularly than constantly
winding up and down manually.
While alloy wheels have never been confirmed
as fitted to a retail customer’s car,
they were available over the parts counter,
and very easily could’ve made their way to
someone running a Corvette in competition.
With only 63 N03 tankers made in 1963, it’s
a pretty exclusive club—even considering
the 199 Z06 cars. As such, a quarter of a
mil doesn’t seem like silly money.
#F19-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Commemorative Edition Indy 500 Festi-
SOLD AT $44,000. Since the C7s hit the
streets, the Corvette contingent that’s put
off by its looks, copious electronics, and
some embarrassing build-quality problems
seems to be favoring low-mile previous generations
that have door handles instead of
solenoids. While C4 limited-edition packages
have been bringing the most money,
limited-edition C5s are now starting to feel
similar financial love. One would be hard
pressed to find another C5 that could bring
this kind of coin, except when one’s still on
the MSO, with delivery miles, surfaces (and
one can assume that some are sleeping
now, eventually trickling into the market in
future years). For now, this is top dog and
top money.
FOMOCO
#T31-1960 FORD F-100 Custom Cab
pickup. VIN: F10J0K46379. Turquoise/
aqua & white vinyl. Odo: 74,219 miles. 292ci
V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Slightly better-than-average,
10-year-old repaint, with some attempt
at making bodywork smoother as part of the
prep process. Correct painted bumpers and
grille, done just as well as body paint, if not
better on a few pieces. New reproduction
chrome mirrors on both doors, with pitted,
original Custom Cab emblems next to them.
Fairly smooth steel bed—showing that this
truck didn’t work too hard back in the day.
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MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
Headliner redone in textured plastic rather
than perforated cardboard as original, but
looks about right—barring the joint mismatches.
Brake and clutch master cylinders
were painted over when the whole cab was
resprayed (that’ll make you feel secure if
you have to do a panic stop). Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $11,550. One camp of Ford truck
fans doesn’t like the 1957–60 generation
simply because they replaced the 1953–56
“Effies” that everyone loves. I’m in the other
camp, where I’ve always thought these
were clean, well-styled trucks. Granted, I
prefer the single-headlight ’57s, but it seems
like 1960s, with their unique hood and grille
with center-pointing headlight bezels, are
more prolific. If I were the buyer, the first
thing I’d be shopping for is a dual-mastercylinder-brake
conversion kit, as I’d trust the
one in the truck about as far as I can throw
it into the scrap bin. Overall, a nice truck at
a nice price, and my favorite of the 706 vehicles
here.
#T110-1962 FORD FALCON Squire
wagon. VIN: 2H26U248154. Corinthian
White & woodgrain/blue vinyl. Odo: 54,239
miles. 200-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Originally
equipped with a 170-ci I6 and bench seat
interior. Interior redone with a Falcon Futura
center console and modern bucket seats.
California beach-bum/hippie motif. California
black plate up front, but has a current
Alabama rear plate. Includes a home-made
teardrop-style trailer in same hippie-dippy
scheme. Older, average repaint, with cracking
at front of left fender. Better-quality,
fake-woodgrain-trim refinishing. New generic
door seals, with sloppy glue residue.
Older, if not original, carpeting. Retro-look
electronic radio. Wood overlay on rear seat
backs and rear floor, with polished stainless-steel
rub strips. Leaning towards stock
engine bay. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $13,200. Wagons and Falcons
are doing well enough in the market that
this really didn’t need a diorama to go with
it. Problem is, when you go over the top to
accessorize, the general public forgets
about the base vehicle, and the more savvy
buyers wonder what’s wrong with the car
that you have to distract from it. Sold well
enough that if it gets transported from the
auction site, don’t bother to tell the hauler
about the trailer, and scrap it out—or strip it
back down to the ATV trailer it started out
as and flip it on Craigslist.
#T189-1967 FORD MUSTANG GTA fastback.
VIN: 7R02S190031. Maroon metallic/
black vinyl. Odo: 53,350 miles. 390-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Older whole-body repaint, yet
with inferior masking around vent-window
frames. Sloppy masking of rocker-panel
stripes. Decent door fit, but hood gap at
cowl is pretty wide and trunk gaps are all
over the place. Replacement windshield,
with sloppy overflow glue inside and ill-fitting
stainless trim outside. Mostly reproduction
emblems and replated bumpers. Original
Styled Steel wheels, with surface rust and
economy-grade radial tires on them. Front
seats replaced, but rest of interior is original
and in decent shape. Seam splits starting
on rear seat bottoms. Light pitting on all
interior trim. All driveline and suspension
components were repainted while off the
car, and still present well. Front suspension
sits slightly high. Cond: 2-.
November-December 2016 73
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MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
SOLD AT $39,600. The 1967 Mustang was
the only year to have separate model
names for the manual-transmission GT and
the automatic-transmission GTA. This was
regardless of which engine rested underhood.
Seeing some use since it was restored
several years back, this isn’t too
minty, but still a pretty decent example that
can benefit from better detailing—or just
cruise it. Sold well enough.
#S44-1968 SHELBY GT500 KR fastback.
VIN: 8T02R215983. Wimbledon White/tan
vinyl. Odo: 64,208 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Equipped with Tilt-Away steering column,
center console, sport deck rear seat,
power steering, power front disc brakes and
AM radio. Stated that a current Marti Report
confirms car was restored to its original configuration,
but said report was not displayed
with the car. Competent restoration within
last decade, with light use since. Authentic
sheen to repaint. Replated bumpers and
mostly repop trim. Slightly wider door gaps
at front, but doors shut well. All-reproduction
soft trim, except the seat belts, which are
original and stiff plus have light mildew. Recently
cleaned up undercarriage, with newer
shocks and stock-style clamped exhaust
system. Cond: 2-.
steering pump keep it from being bonestock.
Modern performance shock absorbers
on all four corners. Well-fitted
reproduction interior soft trim. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $74,250. Problem with cars like
this—originally from the Salt Belt—is that
they were either used all year and became
ragged, rusty relics put back together, or
pampered summer toys, tucked away from
foul weather for the winter. It was more often
the former than the latter. Either they
replaced tinwork expertly enough to properly
repair it or it was an easy restoration
that was done when worn-around-the-edges
authenticity was enough to strip it and restore
it—unlike today. In either case, sold at
retail.
MOPAR
SOLD AT $121,000. It never ceases to
amaze me that I find seat belts in muscle
cars are almost never restored or replaced.
Actually, it is recommended that they should
be replaced after 10 years—especially if the
fabric is compromised by sun fade or water.
Maybe it’s a death-wish thing, where the
owner would rather taste the windshield
than survive a crash with his big-buck pony
car. Sold about right here, so the new owner
can justify a couple of hundred bucks for a
reproduction set of belts—at the very least
to make the car look better.
#F96-1969 FORD MUSTANG Boss 302
fastback. VIN: 9F02G214979. Bright Yellow/
black vinyl. Odo: 71,152 miles. 302-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Deluxe Marti Report confirms
it’s a real Boss 302, sold new by Minar
Ford of Minneapolis, MN, with optional 3.91
Traction-Lok differential and Interior Decor
Group. Recently completed professional
restoration. Excellent repaint, but has a few
overspray gaffes on undercarriage. Replated
bumpers have correct sheen. Generally
well-detailed under hood. Only an
aftermarket coil, questionably authentic inspection
marks, and color of the power
74 AmericanCarCollector.com
#S34-1945 DODGE WC pickup. VIN:
9220629. Dark blue/tan vinyl. Odo: 6,055
miles. 218-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Stated a 1945
production, but has 1946 on the title and the
serial number is late in the 1946 range.
Frame-off restoration completed in 1997,
and still presents exceptionally well. Generally
good repaint, but has orange peel in
door posts and cab corners. Good door fit
for a truck of this era. High-gloss varnished
bedwood and modern box-side signage.
Chromed bumpers front and rear. Aftermarket
running-board step plates and fog
lamps. Reproduction headliner, door panels
and rubber floor mat. Period brass fire extinguisher
mounted under dash and modern
chrome fire extinguisher mounted on driver’s
kick panel. Generally well-detailed under
hood. Brush-painted chassis, but is
reasonably clean. Bias-ply wide whitewall
tires and trim rings. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $55,000. It took until 1947 for
metal shortages to abate to the point where
chrome bumpers and trim became commonplace
once again. As such, the lavish
use of trim on this example is not very au
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MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
thentic—although there are plenty of
tacked-on goodies that make it obvious that
this was done up to look pretty rather than
authentically restored. As such, it sold well
enough.
#F57-1966 PLYMOUTH HEMI BELVEDERE
I 2-dr sedan. VIN: RL21H61233436.
Red/red vinyl. Odo: 7,432 miles. 426-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, auto. Originally sold new in Canada.
Radio delete and equipped with no
power assists. That is, unless you count the
gas pedal, with an optional Hemi. Also with
TorqueFlite automatic and 4.56 differential.
Consignor believes the miles on the certified
police speedometer are actual, but the
car has been comprehensively restored in
recent years. Stated that it was restored
with NOS parts, but not stated how many
were used. Superb bare-body repaint,
which is just as nice on the bottom as the
top. Authentically restored under hood, to
include the single-cylinder master cylinder.
Original, lightly yellowed washer-fluid tank.
Modern Mopar battery. Very clean undercarriage.
Cond: 1-.
better-quality restoration, which has seen
some use since. Repainted when the base/
clear process was still a novelty, with a hint
of yellowing over the years, but still presentable.
Good shut lines, although with some
door rattling. Rechromed bumpers and
older professionally polished trim. Authentic,
older engine detailing, aside from belts,
New door seals, but no stop bumpers, so
both doors rattle. Seats and carpets redone
inside, dashpad and door panels redyed,
and that’s about it for what was done inside.
End of turn signal broken off, as is the
speedometer needle. Heavier steeringwheel
wear. Dingy, original seat belts. Well
detailed under hood, except a set of aftermarket
coated headers. Newer gas tank
and non-stock, chambered exhaust on a
black-painted undercarriage. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $42,900. While the repaint and
tidy engine bay give the car some pop,
upon closer inspection, it’s really a dolledup
used car. Not much room for finishing up
details, but hopefully was bought to be
played with.
SOLD AT $126,500. Consignor’s signboard
stated that the car was campaigned in western
Canada by the dealer it was originally
shipped to—Johnston’s Motors of Vancouver,
BC. 1966 was the first year that the
Great Unwashed could buy a Hemi for the
street, yet production was quite limited. In
this case, it’s one of 98 Belvederes with a
Hemi. While Hemis are seeing a resurrection
in the market, they aren’t at the stupidmoney
levels they were a dozen years ago.
At worst, it’s market priced, but longer term
this could look well bought in a few years.
1009. Light Turquoise Metallic/black vinyl.
Odo: 46,671 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp.
Retains its original Certicard in the radiator
frame bracket since it was sold new. Older,
#S18-1967 DODGE HEMI CORONET
R/T 2-dr hard top. VIN: WS23J7714-
“
1966 was the first year that the Great
Unwashed could buy a Hemi for the
street, yet production was quite
limited. In this case, it’s one of 98
Belvederes with a Hemi.
1966 Plymouth Hemi Belvedere I
76 AmericanCarCollector.com
”
NOT SOLD AT $450,000. One of 10 built,
although four actually ran at Indy, and all
were DNF due to steering-box failures. Of
those, three were here in the Monterey area
this week—to include number 43 car owned
by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
displayed at Pebble Beach. Not bad
considering that Henry Ford demanded that
all of them be destroyed due to the embarrassing
showing at the race. Therefore,
most that exist today are reassembled bitsas.
Somehow, before the auction I was
thinking half a million, at the very least, was
going to get it bought, so I’m somewhat in
line with the consignor.
spark-plug wires, negative battery cable and
modern battery. Could well be a well-caredfor
original interior or an older reproduction
with moderate use. Light scuffing to all interior
trim. Faded carpet on the door panels.
Chambered dual exhaust system. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $60,500. A Hemi without power
steering would be a bear to drive around
town, but the choice for hitting the dragstrip.
Not quite the “no-expense-spared restoration”
it’s claimed to be, even back in the
1980s. Still, not a bad car at all, and one
you can take out once in awhile (not to a
concours) and not be overly paranoid about.
With some signs of life in Hemi values, this
was actually a fairly decent buy.
#T122.1-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T
2-dr hard top. VIN: JS23U0B202820. Red/
black vinyl. Odo: 87,258 miles. 440-ci V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Body tag says it had an AM
radio—there’s a stock mast on the fender—
but now has a blanking plate. Decent older
repaint, but with less attention paid to panelgap
areas. New bumper chrome and selective
trim refurbishment and replacement.
AMERICANA
#F101-1935 MILLER-FORD V8 SPECIAL
Indy racer. VIN: 23. Red & white/red
leather. Sold on bill of sale, without the
frame number disclosed, but this car was
logged by AAA as Program Number 23.
Authentic, professional restoration back to
original Miller-Tucker Inc. configuration it
ran at the 1935 Indy 500. Earned AACA
Senior First Place and their Race Car Certification.
Vastly better repaint than technically
possible eight decades ago, with
hardly a polishing scratch. Aluminum skirting
around axles starting to dull. Authentically
reupholstered cockpit—what little of it
there is. Extra gel-cell battery is sitting on
the riding mechanic’s seat. Painted wire
wheels with field-modified knockoffs, fitted
with reproduction Dunlop racing tires. Engine
compartment kept buttoned up all
weekend. Cond: 1-.
BEST
BUY
Page 76
MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
MARKETMOMENT
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
SS 454 2-door hard top
SOlD at $22,000
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, August 18–20, 2016, Lot T172
VIN: 1D37J2L556443
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
#S32-1942 INDIAN FOUR Model 442 motorcycle.
VIN: 440807. Eng. # DDB101.
Black/brown leather. Odo: 45 miles.
Equipped with left-hand shift, crash bars,
foot-board extenders and auxiliary driving
lights. Period-accessory cat’s eye reflector
and Indian emblem license-plate attachments.
Older whitewall bias-ply tires on fully
chromed spoke wheels. By virtue of the engine
serial number—DDB101—the first
1942 Indian Four built. Good-quality, older
repaint of tinwork and frame—showing little
wear, chipping and scuffing since. Heavier
paint flaking on front leaf springs. Good
older rechrome work. Older powertrain detailing,
but now has light oil seepage and
fuel staining. Rust forming along exhaust
manifold on the block. Oil-pressure gauge
mounted right off engine block. Optional
Chum-Me seat is original, but shows heavy
wear. Cond: 3+.
came in 1972. This was the last year of the more attractive A-body, before 1973 came
along and took the car to a larger, more luxurious place.
This GM Chevelle grabbed my attention because it’s the spitting image of a legit SS big-
The last real breath of the muscle car era, at least for Chevrolet,
block car I helped build back in 2004. Everything is the same, down to the color, wheels and
the basic equipment. But that’s not why I wanted to write up this one — it’s the seemingly
cheap $22k price that I think is newsworthy here.
See, fundamentally, this is a lot of muscle car. Just look at the basic specs: 454 V8, 4-speed,
12-bolt Posi with upgraded suspension and 3.73 gears, etc. The listing even says there’s a build
sheet. Seems like a great deal on a big-block car.
But there’s something else to note that was special about 1972 and that has bearing here:
Chevrolet started including engine designation in VINs.
What does that mean? Well, this car, for all its current muscley goodness, has a J as its fifth
VIN character. The J means it was a 4-bbl 350 car from new. 454 cars used a W.
Further, when ACC covered this car’s no-sale at Mecum Seattle in June of 2014, our on-site
reporter noted paint issues including waves, dirt and fisheyes. At that event, the car didn’t sell
at $32,000 (ACC# 244135).
Now, to be fair, Mecum never called this thing original. And for a street machine, originality
and engine swaps don’t really matter much.
This car will run hard and be a lot of fun to
use, even if it’s got a few cosmetic issues to be
worked over between nights at the cruise-in.
At $22k, it was a good deal for what it was. But
there’s not much upside beyond that because of
that telltale J. A
SOLD AT $133,100. The abbreviated 1942
model year proved to be the last for Indian’s
inline four. Dating back to the 1927 Ace, it
was a favored engine by motorcycle cops
due to its ease of starting, comfortable ride
(for the era), and lots of low-end grunt. Four
prices have been taking off in recent years.
This is plenty steep for the condition, and on
the verge of being in the land of silly money.
— Jim Pickering
#T67-1949 WILLYS JEEPSTER phaeton.
VIN: 46382760. Light yellow & black/black
vinyl/black & maroon vinyl. Odo: 10,775
miles. 134-ci I4, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Decently fitted,
recently replaced top. Good older repaint,
although the yellow was done better than
the black. Painted over front turn-signal-lens
gaskets. Typical Jeep lousy hood fit. Vent
windows delaminating along edges. Most
brightwork replated, but still has some light
pitting. Engine bay best described as function
over form. Very old engine repaint in
78 AmericanCarCollector.com
AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 77
MECUM AUCTIONS // Monterey, CA
red, plus cowl and fender liner repaint in
black—all of which is flaking off. Aftermarket
small chrome air cleaner. Wiring ran hither
and yon. If it wasn’t for overspray, bottom of
hood wouldn’t have gotten painted. Seats
reupholstered with generic pleats. More
recent additional layer of undercoating, but
that now has notable road spray. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $19,800. While Jeepsters have
been on the collector-car radar since radar
used vacuum tubes, rarely are they restored
to what would be thought of today as
concours quality. Or even half-ass decent.
Most—like this one—are “pole shed over a
short warm winter” quality gussied up. Perhaps
they’ve been in the hobby for so long
that the expectations on them are inadvertently
lower. As such, a market-price sale.
#T105-1973 AMC JAVELIN AMX 2-dr hard
top. VIN: A3E798H135575. Orange/black
vinyl. Odo: 52,642 miles. 304-ci V8, 2-bbl,
4-sp. Factory-optional a/c. Fitted with period-correct
Rally wheels, with older radial
tires. Consignor of the opinion that indicated
miles are actual since new. Topical repaint
has a few years on it, with good, original
paint in door jambs. Cowl-induction-style
hood. Most trim professionally refurbished.
1989-issued, officer-grade DoD gate pass
decal for Mather Air Force Base on front
bumper. Faded Javelin target emblem on
trunk lid. Lousy door fit. Aftermarket rear-
window slats. Newer carpeting, with nonstock,
racing-style bucket seats. Redyed
dashboard and door panels. Older, overall
flat black undercarriage, aside from newer
mufflers. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $19,800.
Compared to the 1968–70 models, this is
an AMX in name only. Not only does this
have the smaller 304 V8 in it (pretty much a
horse apiece from the entry-level 290 V8 in
1968 and ’69), but it has a lot more car to
haul around also. As such, combined with
being from the smog-car era, these cokebottle
AMXs don’t bring much more than
any other Javelin. Well sold.A
November-December 2016 79
Page 78
RUSSO AND STEELE // Monterey, CA
Russo and Steele —
Monterey 2016
A 2004 FORD GT PRE-PRODUCTION TEST CAR WAS THE TOP SELLER
AT A STAGGERING $836,000
Russo and
Steele
Monterey, CA
August 18–20,
2016
Auctioneers: Jeff
Stokes, Rob Row
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 128/228
Sales rate: 56%
Sales total:
$10,870,000
High American
sale: 2005 Ford GT
PB2-1 coupe, sold at
$836,000
buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
A testbed for supercharger performance modifications among other parts-development duties, this
2005 Ford GT Pb2-1 coupe sold at $835,000
Report and photos by Brett Hatfield
Market opinions in italics
this year’s Russo and Steele auction. The quality and
selection of cars was impressive, and only served to add
to the overall excitement of the week.
This year’s auction added $10,870,000 in sales to the
C
80 AmericanCarCollector.com
Russo and Steele coffers, slightly more than last year’s
$10,353,258, but on a lower sell-through rate of 56%,
versus 2015’s 62%. The overall quality of the sale lots
was excellent, with great variety in both offerings and
price.
A 2004 Ford GT pre-production test car sold
for a staggering $836,000 — making it the highest
American-car sale at the event. A rare 1963 Apollo 3500
alifornia’s Central Coast in August offers
a combination of spectacular scenery, mild
weather, great seafood and a slew of great
auctions. Fisherman’s Wharf in beautiful
Monterey, CA, once again played host for
GT found a new owner for $112,750. An Auburn V12
phaeton from 1932 went to a new home for $134,750,
marking one of the best buys all week long. In addition
to the usual Corvette, Camaro and Challenger suspects,
a well-restored 1967 Mustang GTA fastback sold at
$44,000, and a truly bizarre George Barris custom 1958
Corvette sold for $72,500. There were also several race
cars to be found among the classics and customs. A
vintage race-prepped 1965 Mustang fastback sold for
$77,000, while a Pro Street Nomad wagon crossed the
block for a bargain $34,100. A first-year Shelby GT350
was bid to $385,000, but it wasn’t quite enough to
change hands.
Russo and Steele has a loyal cadre of followers and
fans who make this auction the highlight of their Car
Week activities, and for good reason. The lots attracted
to the auction house are a direct reflection of their high
standards and unyielding eye for quality. A
Page 80
RUSSO AND STEELE // Monterey, CA
CLASSICS
#7003-1932 AUBURN TWELVE phaeton.
VIN: BB1856A. Silver & burgundy/ black
cloth/black leather. Odo: 1,527 miles. Featuring
steerable Pilot Ray driving lights.
Comprehensively restored in 2001. Still
shows well, with only 800 miles completed
since the restoration. Little wear evident
anywhere. Paint and chrome still shiny and
vibrant, and the stainless still wears a good
polish. Only a few small chips in the leading
edge of the driver’s side front door detract
from overall appearance. Cond: 2+.
just good, the owner was justified in holding
out for more.
#7032-1967 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
427 2-dr hard top. VIN: 136177Z121590.
Black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 191
miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Rather shiny
black paint with good prep. Rolls on oversize
aftermarket billet mags. Stainless bits
in need of attention, and the passenger’s
side rear-quarter window reveals some light
haze. Powered by a period-correct 427cube
mill yielding 425 ponies, and backed
by a Muncie 4-speed. This Chevelle is as
much as anyone can want for an aboveaverage
cruise-night special. Cond: 3+.
for 290 hp in the high-rpm engine. Previously
sold by Russo at their sale here in
2011 at $59,400 (ACC# 6764811). With the
rarity of the 302-optioned Z/28, and the excellent
condition of this Camaro, it is little
wonder the owner held out for more than
the high bid.
#7095-1974 PONTIAC TRANS AM SD-455
coupe. VIN: 2V87X4N138509. White/blue
vinyl. Odo: 53,639 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Shiny paint shows well—free from
nicks or chips and with good stainless, and
with decals that appeared to be fairly recent.
Minimal signs of wear. Interior in good
condition as well, again showing very little
wear, with bright, fade-free colors throughout.
Engine compartment clean and correct
as a matching-numbers car should be. The
only real fault on this car, and a common
one with these second-generation F-bodies,
was that the doors tend to sag at the rear,
as they are both long and heavy. These
doors sag—although not badly or excessively
for the age of the car. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $134,750. Cars of this era, in this
condition, are exceedingly rare, and take
very specific owners to maintain them as
such. This particular Auburn’s very attractive
colors helped accentuate the car’s
graceful lines. Despite this—and a highquality
restoration that is aging well—the
car sold well below market. The new owner
bought this quite well.
GM
#7107-1954 BUICK SKYLARK convertible.
VIN: 7A1059305. Blue/white vinyl/blue
vinyl. Odo: 94,745 miles. 322-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Paint shows quite well, chrome is hit
and miss, with some of the larger bits having
been redone while others appeared to
be original and beginning to show their age.
Fender wells painted a contrasting white—
apparently recently, as no signs of wear are
visible. Complete interior in good condition,
with the spotlight handles showing signs of
age as the weakest point. Air conditioning
added via under-dash vents. Wire wheels
have a shiny chrome finish and were
wrapped in radial wide-white tires. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $35,200. Despite sitting on
cartoonishly large wheels that make it look
like a life-size version of a Hot Wheels
model, the quality of work and detail here
went far beyond the high bid. The owner
was wise to hold out for more.
#7097-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28
coupe. VIN: 124379N584708. Le Mans
Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 72,887 miles. 302-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Striking in Le Mans Blue with
white stripes. Paint seems recent, as do the
chrome and stainless. Weatherstripping in
good condition; showing no signs of wear.
Interior equally wear-free, with the black vinyl
absent any other marks or defects. The
4-speed manual topped by a chrome Hurst
shifter and knob. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $79,200. The second and
final year of the 455 Super Duty option;
these Super Duties are rare, with only 943
being produced in 1974. This particular car
was in nice shape, with what appeared to
be a good restoration. However, this is not
the most popular color combo for this car.
Let’s hope the owner was right to hold out
for more.
CORVETTE
NOT SOLD AT $74,250. Using the 327 engine’s
bore and 283 engine’s stroke to
make the 302 was designed to let the Camaro
qualify for SCCA homologation, just
sliding in under the 5.0-liter displacement
limit. This combination proved to be good
NOT SOLD AT $126,500. A very desirable
top-down classic, great for weekend cruising.
As condition on this car was better than
82 AmericanCarCollector.com
“
#7147-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Barris custom convertible. VIN: J58S102126.
Cascade Green/silver hard top/
black vinyl. Odo: 29,149 miles. 283-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Purchased new by Accessories
International as a showcase for their customizing
parts, and sent to George Barris in
Hollywood to be made into a show car, this
Corvette looks to have been unloved and
poorly cared for. Flat paint, chrome and
stainless look old, and the engine compartment
just dirty. But, hey, the hard top has
A $15k investment in a quality repaint
could potentially net the new owner a
much higher resale price. Well bought.
1961 Chevrolet Corvette
”
Page 81
RUSSO AND STEELE // Monterey, CA
dummy vents added to it. Faded interior
adorned with a cheap, aftermarket wood
steering wheel. Just a sad state of affairs.
Cond: 3-.
Claimed by owner to be one of only five
red-over-red Tri-Powers ever built. Bolt-on
style wheels and correct Redline tires.
SOLD AT $72,500. If you’ve ever wanted to
know what the offspring would look like if a
Solid Axle Corvette had carnal knowledge
of an aardvark—here you go. The only reason
this has any value at all is from Barris’
one-time involvement, and the fact that
George is no longer with us. Very well sold.
#7054-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 10876S103719. Tuxedo
Black & Sateen Silver/black vinyl/black vinyl.
Odo: 74,077 miles. 283-ci 315-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Shiny black paint that
looks good at a distance fell down upon
closer inspection: Numerous flaws, cracks
at seams and poor prep are evident.
Chrome and stainless pitting and showing
signs of age. Wheel covers could show better
with some light polishing. The hard-top
windows, which are plexiglass on Solid Axle
Corvettes, showed extensive scratches,
Paint as-new, the chrome and stainless
bright and shiny, and all the rubber trim in
good condition. Interior correct and as-new,
too. A stunning example. Cond: 1-. NOT
SOLD AT $275,000. This price is a bit
above the high end of the range for this car,
but this car is as clean and correct an example
as I have seen. The owner believes
this is an extremely rare car, and said he
was holding out for significantly more
money than was offered. It may be a while
before he is able to realize his goal.
#7011-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR1 convertible. VIN: 194670S404021.
Classic White/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo:
74,641 miles. 350-ci 370-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
One of only 25 ZR1s made in 1970, with
possibly from over-zealous cleaning. Interior
shows little wear, and is the only part of the
car supporting the claim of a three-year-old
restoration. Matching-numbers, high-horsepower,
fuel-injected drivetrain. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $82,500. This Fuelie’s paint condition
holds it back. This engine option
should have pushed the price much higher,
but the black paint shows every flaw—and
this car has plenty. A $15k investment in a
quality repaint could potentially net the new
owner a much higher resale price. Well
bought.
#7005-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 194677S117828. Rally
Red/black vinyl/red leather. Odo: 31,098
miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. A
stunning restoration by the renowned Naber
Brothers. An NCRS Lone Star Regional Top
Flight Certified with 97.0 points and had a
Bloomington Gold 99.0 point certificate.
November-December 2016 83
Page 82
RUSSO AND STEELE // Monterey, CA
LT1 backed by the famous Muncie M22
Rock Crusher, heavy-duty brakes, aluminum
radiator, heavy-duty suspension and
radio delete. A recent mechanical restoration
garnered a 2015 NCRS Top Flight with
a score of 98.3 points. Paint shows well, the
chrome and stainless still shiny and polished,
and all the exterior weatherstripping
looks to be in good condition. Interior shows
as-new, with no wear evident. The convertible
top appears to have been recently replaced.
Cond: 2+.
#7041-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector Edition coupe. VIN: 1G1QY0784C521199.
Silver metallic/silver vinyl. Odo:
1,165 miles. 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. Highly original, and obviously stored
inside, but not with enough care. Fully
loaded with power everything and factory
AM-FM/cassette/CB. Interior shows next to
no wear. The downfall is all the damage on
the exterior, with miscellaneous nicks,
scuffs, scratches, haze, nicks in the decals,
and a small burn mark on the driver’s side
just in front of the spoiler. Original Goodyear
Eagle GTs. Quite original, but the damage
can’t be ignored. Cond: 2-.
FOMOCO
#7156-1956 FORD F-100 custom pickup.
VIN: F10D6L13413. Green & black/gray
cloth. Odo: 79,899 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. From 10 feet away the paint is shiny
and looks fairly new, but upon closer inspection
it revealed poor prep, with sanding
marks, swirls and orange peel throughout.
Sits on chrome Riddler custom wheels. Oak
bed nicely finished at one time, but now with
signs of use and wear. Gray cloth bench
seat, aftermarket gauges, and tilt wheel
dress up the interior. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $159,500. Former Dick Guldstrand-sponsored
racer. The ZR1 package
can be difficult to verify, unless you have
the original purchase order and buyer’s paperwork.
With full history from purchase, the
lineage on this Corvette was clear and concise.
Price guides do not typically list values
on these models, as they are so tough to
verify, but one would have to add a substantial
margin to regular LT-1 pricing for
the genuine article. Well bought.
SOLD AT $29,700. They’re only original
once, and this one is. Despite the exterior
condition, the car was very straight and correct.
Looks pristine inside. Some of the flaws
may be corrected without undergoing major
restoration, but some of it was there to stay.
For the seller, avoiding the cost of repairing
what is here, well sold. For the buyer, looking
for one of the last examples of total originality,
well bought.
NOT SOLD AT $33,100. This was a nice
cruise-night special that could be used to
run errands or haul stuff on the weekend,
but the utility of a chore wagon/weekendnight
cruiser must have been lost on the
crowd here. Despite the paint, the balance
of this truck is in decent shape. With a little
detailing and attention, the owner should be
able to capitalize on the hot classic-truck
trend.
Sand Metallic/white vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo:
59,137 miles. 390-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. With
a/c and body-color hard tonneau. A subtle
color that fits the T-bird well—complemented
by the high standard of restoration
here. The engine compartment was spectacular,
and gleamed from every angle. The
chrome and stainless both highly polished,
and interior without flaw. Cond: 1.
#7000-1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD
Sports Roadster. VIN: 3Y85Z100819.
84 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $55,000. This has to be one of
the biggest bargains of the weekend at
Monterey. This final year of the Bullet Birds
showed remarkably well, as it should. A
295.5-point car of a possible 300 in Vintage
Thunderbird Club International judging, this
Sports Roadster was also an AACA Senior
Grand National winner, having amassed an
impressive 67 AACA awards. Although the
sales price sits squarely within the market,
this car deserves to be at the upper end, if
BEST
BUY
Page 83
GLOVEBOXNOTES
not close to the high-water mark. Very well
bought.
#7010-1965 SHELBY GT350 fastback.
VIN: SFM5S199. Eng. # 7E124729. Wimbledon
White/black vinyl. Odo: 21,164
miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. One of the first
300 of 562 cars built for the street in 1965
(#199). Recipient of an older restoration that
still shows quite well. Paint, chrome and
stainless all show well, and the
weatherstripping is just beginning to show
signs of age. Verified by the Shelby American
World Registry as a numbers-matching
car, this fastback also features a trunkmounted
battery—an indication of its early
build. Interior shows minimal wear, and
presents well. Cond: 2+.
Price as tested: $71,250
NOT SOLD AT $385,000. Titled as a 1965
Ford, this debut year for the Shelby Mustang
certainly commands a premium. Accompanied
by the trademark Shelby mods
such as fiberglass hood with scoop, side
exhaust, and auxiliary gauge pod—and
sporting only 21,164 miles from new—this
fastback ticks all the boxes a collector would
want. The top bid sits at the lower end of
the current price range, for what is clearly
an upper-end Shelby. The seller was wise
to hold out for more.
#7102-1967 FORD MUSTANG GTA fastback.
VIN: 7R02S152288. Vintage Burgundy/parchment
vinyl. Odo: 43,671 miles.
390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Stated by owner to
have spent much of its life sitting, and he
believed the 43k miles on the odometer to
be accurate. He also indicated he just finished
the restoration, and it showed. Glossy
paint revealed good prep work. Chrome and
stainless are shiny and showed no signs of
wear. Interior appeared to be fresh, as did
the engine compartment. Cond: 2.
Equipment: 707-hp 6.2-L supercharged Hemi V8, TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic
transmission with paddle shifters, SRT-tuned Bilstein three-mode competitive suspension
with adaptive dampening, 2.62 rear-end ratio, Brembo 6-piston brakes with ABS,
all-speed traction control with three-mode electronic stability control, GPS navigation,
remote start, backup camera and rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, Laguna
Lux leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated wheel,
Harman Kardon audio group with 19 speakers and subwoofer.
mileage: 13 city/22 highway
Likes: Solid chassis is all SRT — this car handles well for being a heavy 4-seater.
Great brakes with no fade, quick-shifting transmission knows just when to downshift
for seamless engine braking. Fantastic interior with a great feel throughout and what I
still believe is the best Nav/stereo interface in the industry. Supercharged Hemi makes
more power than anyone will ever really need. But overkill is what you’re buying here,
right?
Dislikes: It’s not exactly quiet or subdued. Ever. I drove this thing all around Monterey
Car Week — among LaFerraris, McLarens and Bugatti Veyrons — and everyone was
taking pictures of me. Your mileage varies with your right foot. I saw 22 mpg on the
highway, but I also had to fill it up twice in two days.
Verdict: My first experience in this car was at a ramp light on a freeway. Light went
green and I goosed it. The Hellcat let out a shriek from the front and a rap from the
back as it drifted sideways on spinning 275-series P-Zeros. Instant power, big smiles.
“So this is 707 horsepower,” I thought. Sure felt like it.
Then I found that the car defaults to 500 hp and second-gear starts until you turn it
up inside the SRT menu. So there were 207
more ponies and a lower first gear hiding
in there, which, when activated, turned
this thing into a traction-compromised evil
purple missile that drew four-letter words
from everyone who rode in it.
SOLD AT $44,000. Big-block Mustang production
started in 1967. Given the freshly
restored condition, and adding a little extra
for 390-equipped cars, this example sold at
the low end of the range. Seller said he had
I think of the SRT Charger as the ultimate
car-guy family hauler. The Hellcat sits up on
a pedestal somewhere higher, with its dailydriver
abilities coupled with a 200-mphplus
top speed and insane amounts of
acceleration and tire smoke. You may not
need a 707-horse-boosted Hemi, but every
self-respecting car guy wants one. I’m here
to tell you that once you’ve tried it, you won’t
want to give it back.
Fun to drive:
Eye appeal:
Overall experience:
November-December 2016
2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat 4-door sedan
By Jim Pickering
85
Page 84
RUSSO AND STEELE // Monterey, CA
YOURCARS
A DAYTONA COuPe DrIVer
restored several other Mustangs over the
years, and was ready for a new project.
This was a smart buy for the new owner.
#7046-2005 FORD GT coupe. VIN: 1FAFP90S05Y401512.
Red/black leather. Odo:
19 miles. Absolutely as-new; there aren’t
even any marks on the brake rotors. It looks
to have been taken out of the wrapper for
this auction. The interior is still wrapped in
plastic. No signs of wear or use anywhere.
Cond: 1.
bay, numbers-matching drivetrain, very little
visible interior wear and shiny paint accompanied
by great chrome and stainless trim.
The weatherstripping appears to be as-new.
Shown with a copy of the window sticker,
the broadcast sheet and certification of authenticity
from Mopar expert Galen Govier.
Cond: 1-.
me with Peter brock in front of my
Daytona Coupe #64 at the monterey
Jet Center in 2012
with functioning side exhausts.
It’s powered by a Roush 427-ci engine and a
Tremec TKO-600 5-speed transmission.
My interests began early. As a teenager
in the mid-’60s, I read the magazine articles
about Cobras and particularly the exploits of
the six Daytona coupes. I was amazed that a
car designed and built in 90 days could take
on the Ferraris and beat them on their own
turf.
Getting one of the original six coupes was
financially out of the question.
Luckily, Superformance hired Peter Brock
and Bob Nagstad, the original Daytona
Coupe designers. They revamped the design
to accommodate modern suspension, brakes
and powertrains,
with a
slight increase
in wheelbase.
These upgrades
make the car
competitive
with modernday
supercars.
Despite its
high-performance
capabilities,
we’ve taken
1,400-mile
trips in great
comfort.
I love my
Daytona! —
Kathy RoyA
Submit your own car story at comments@
americancarcollector.com
86 AmericanCarCollector.com
AmericanCarCollector.com
Daytona coupe, VIN SPC0064.
It was the first car delivered
My car is a Superformance
NOT SOLD AT $357,500. Last seen at Mecum’s
Kissimmee sale earlier this year,
where it didn’t sell at a high bid of $350,000
(ACC# 6798359). Not a whole lot more offered
this time. This is toward the lower
price range for these…and it is as-new.
That leaves little wonder as to why the
seller took it home.
45. Midnight Blue/black leather. Odo:
48,000 miles. 5.4-L supercharged V8, 6-sp.
This GT was the first car built in the last of
the pre-production runs. It’s spotless, showing
no signs of wear, road rash, chips,
scratches, or any other indication of use.
Signed by Carroll Shelby, and accompanied
by full documentation from Ford. Used for
testing various parts and systems, and later
used as a testbed for supercharger performance
modifications. Cond: 1-.
4
#7012-2005 FORD GT PB2-1
coupe. VIN: 1FAFP90SX5Y4000-
NOT SOLD AT $209,000. Heavily optioned,
this Challenger convertible is only one of
two R/T 440 Six Packs produced in this
color, and one of only 99 R/T 440 Six Pack
convertibles ever. As clean, rare, and striking
as it is, bids went far above the current
price range but did not meet the owner’s
reserve. At almost $50,000 above book,
perhaps the owner should have sold. Or
perhaps they’re awaiting the return of prerecession
Mopar prices.
AMERICANA
#7075-1963 APOLLO 3500 GT coupe.
VIN: 1027104A. Red/gray leather. Odo:
28,321 miles. 3.5-L V8, 4-bbl, auto. One of
only 47 Apollos ever produced, and one of
three built with an automatic transmission.
Finished in a resplendent Rosso Corsa.
Some signs of poor preparation on bodywork,
chrome shows slight pitting and some
burnish marks, and driver’s door handle
overhung the door gap. Chrome wire
wheels reveal hammer marks on knockoff
spinners. A sign on the dash proclaimed,
“FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING.” Interior
shows some signs of wear, but nothing out
of line with age and general condition of car.
Overall, it’s in good shape for its age, but
not quite ready for concours. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $835,000. As it was sold on a bill
of sale only, it’s unlikely this car will ever
see a public road. However, that may be
less important to the right collector than
owning a piece of Ford development history,
and the precursor to one of the Blue
Oval’s greatest performers of all time. The
price may seem high, especially for a car
that can’t be driven on the streets, but
where would you find another?
MOPAR
#7057-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T
SE convertible. VIN: JS27V0B203932. Go
Mango/black vinyl/black leather. Odo:
51,174 miles. 440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Nearly spotless, with an immaculate engine
SOLD AT $112,500. The idea of a car with
sleek Italian styling and reliable American
mechanicals is neither new nor unique.
However, low production numbers ensure
this one will always be unusual, and you
would be hard-pressed to ever see two at
the same show. Given that it is one of only
three autos ever made, checks the box for
desirable 1960s Italian styling, and doesn’t
require selling relatives/children to afford it,
this may be a bargain. Well bought. A
TOP 10
Page 86
GAA // Greensboro, NC
GAA — July 2016
TRIED-AND-TRUE STAPLES OF THE AUCTION CIRCUIT — CAMAROS,
MUSTANGS AND CORVETTES — COMPRISED 23% OF THE OFFERINGS
GAA
Greensboro, NC
July 28–30, 2016
Auctioneers: Eli
Detweiler, Jr., Mike
Anderson, Ricky Parks
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 357/551
Sales rate: 65%
Sales total:
$9,502,467
High sale: 1967 Shelby
GT500 fastback, sold at
$129,850
buyer’s premium:
6%, minimum $500,
included in sold prices
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 coupe — rising in interest and dollars, and sold at $34,980
ACC 1–6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. Perfect: National
show standard
2. excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
Report and photos by Mark Moskowitz
and Larry Trepel
Intro by Mark Moskowitz
Market opinions in italics
J
88 AmericanCarCollector.com
uly is the slowest month for most activities in
the Piedmont of North Carolina. Factories shut
down and vacations are scheduled to avoid
triple-digit temperatures. I’ve attended more
than a few Carolina automotive events with the
moniker “July Fry.”
If you were staying home, the Palace — apt descrip-
tor of the site of GAA’s thrice-yearly auction — was
one cool place to be. In the past year this brightly lit,
air-conditioned 80,000-square-foot facility grew to
more than 200,000 square feet under the roof and, for
this auction, eight skyboxes were added.
Despite the summer doldrums, GAA easily filled its
roster with 551 offerings — the number that works best
for their Thursday night through Saturday afternoon
auction. Sales improved 31% over last year’s event,
which was a remarkable achievement as only three cars
— two Shelby GT500s and a restored Mercedes-Benz
190SL — topped five figures.
Trends included bidders’ greater interest in resto-
mods. They accounted for five of the top 11 sales.
Well-done kit cars were plentiful and brought some real
money: A Superformance Cobra topped $74,000 and
a Factory Five GTM supercar was favorably bought
for $64,000. Bill Jordan brought his 19th rendition of
a Shell Valley Classic Wheels Cobra. Magnificently
prepared, it easily brought over $50,000, as expected. A
real 427 Cobra received a high bid of $800,000 but did
not sell.
Tried-and-true staples of the auction circuit —
Camaros, Mustangs and Corvettes — comprised 23%
of the offerings. Typically, the older the model of
Corvette, the higher the sales result. Mopars, however,
were few. Two 2015 Dodge SRT Hellcats, one Charger
and a Challenger went unsold.
GAA is, without a doubt, a great place to buy and
sell. The cars are easy to inspect. Offerings seem fairly
treated on the block, and the Deal Doctor frequently
converts no-sales. A singular concern is the accuracy
and completeness of listings on the website. The website
is extremely easy to navigate, but mistakes and misspellings
are frequent. A huge auction advantage is the
uncommonly low buyer’s commission of 6%. Forget
the Web description; for the extra 4% savings, I’ll go
inspect the cars myself. A
Page 88
GAA // Greensboro, NC
GM
#ST0084-1942 BUICK SUPER convertible.
VIN: 14338937. Blue/Bone vinyl/Bone
leather. Odo: 31,495 miles. Paint has good
luster but mediocre quality, and now shows
various chips and cracks. Panel fit fair.
Bumpers recently rechromed. Trunk handle
broken. Instruments and clock face nicely
restored, set in an overall impressive dash.
Steering wheel and seats nicely patinated.
Interior let down only by missing passenger’s
kick panel and radio volume knob.
Cond: 3-.
pitted. Incredibly well-detailed engine compartment—sparkling
clean. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $60,950. A great 20-footer with amazing
presence and valuable J-2 option. Most of
the hard-to-find parts are there, but car
needs extensive detailing. The four-inchlonger,
triple-carbureted 98 convertible is
commonly a six-figure car. The 88, although
lighter, does not have the cachet. Marketcorrect
sale.
SOLD AT $24,910. One of 17 lots (all noreserve)
from the George Shinn Collection,
this Buick was purchased by Shinn for
$33,480 last year at Mecum’s Rogers Museum
auction (ACC# 6791963). Perhaps he
bought more cars than intended then, as
some are back on the block. An eye-catching
car showing presentable, if not outstanding,
restoration. Looks like no further
work was done, so money lost on the sale
but not on restoration. Buicks from 1942 are
fairly rare, so I’d call it well bought.
#ST0171-1957 OLDSMOBILE SUPER 88
J-2 convertible. VIN: 578W02556. Banff
Blue & Victorian White/white canvas/light &
dark blue & white vinyl. Odo: 80,259 miles.
371-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. From a large private
collection. Older restoration. Two-tone
paint. The white has fair number of inclusions.
Blue paint smooth and well applied.
Repaint does not extend to door jambs and
underhood cowl panel. Door and hood gaps
excellent, but trunk fit poor. Panels straight.
Skirt fit poor. Bumper chrome excellent.
Side and window trim remarkably well preserved
(or expertly reconditioned). Continental
kit chrome has inclusions and
scratches. Nice patina on seat upholstery.
Door panels loose and sagging. Multiple
cracks in steering wheel. Wind lace, felt and
rubber trim detached. Dashboard chrome
#TH0082-1960 PONTIAC VENTURA 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 360L1933. Gold & white/gold
& white vinyl. Odo: 19,303 miles. 389-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. “Fireball” Roberts tribute car.
Two-tone paint well applied and attractive.
Panels are straight and fit is good. Already
some scratches beneath hood and on door
jambs. Chrome taillights, door handles and
mirrors extensively pitted. Bumpers in attractive
silver paint. New, custom gold-andwhite
upholstery attractive and well done.
Steering wheel cracked and pitted interior
chrome. Vent windows delaminated. Engine
painted to match car. Engine compartment
is neat but not well detailed. Cond: 3-.
slight wear. Muncie 4-speed gearbox.
Wheels beautifully repainted in OE gray.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $34,980. This appealing Z/28
displayed elements of a carefully done restoration.
With only 255 hp, some muscle car
devotees will scoff at leaving engine stock,
but one can see why ’70s Camaros have
gained a following. Classic styling, and able
to keep up with a modern Hyundai. Values
should continue to climb on these relatively
rare Z/28s. A decent buy for the amount of
labor and care.
#TH0070-1985 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL
coupe. VIN: 1G4GK479XFH422609. Black/
black & gray vinyl. Odo: 31,437 miles. 3.8-L
turbocharged V6, auto. Paint quality excellent
for age. Panel fit also excellent. Interior
fabric extensively worn and shredded in
multiple locations. Dashboard cracked.
Heavily rusted master cylinder and turbocharger.
Rust and paint loss elsewhere in
engine compartment. Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $17,500. A car of contrasts.
A fabulous framework with incredible attention
to paint and upholstery, but so many
other details needed attention. Did seller
run out of funds for restoration or did he
think the dress-up would hide flaws? Or
maybe he wanted a “20-footer.” Bid was
appropriate, and it’ll take more work to get a
higher bid.
#FR0200-1972 CHEVROLET CAMARO
Z/28 coupe. VIN: 1Q87L2N151667. Mulsanne
Blue/black cloth. Odo: 222 miles.
350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Show-quality paintwork
in correct Mulsanne Blue, with some
very minor flaws in black stripes. Bumpers
have minimal chrome hazing. Firestone
Wide Oval 60 tires. Underbody restored and
clean—appears carefully done. Interior has
newly restored seats, headliner, dashpad
and carpeting. Other elements, such as
dash plastic-wood trim, appear original with
“
90 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $8,750. Midway through the
Grand National cycle, but not the high-end
GNX. Appears to have been stored in a
moist locale but indoors. If mileage is true,
owner seems to have a collectible car with a
good body and good paint. One could easily
fix engine-bay cosmetic abnormalities and
upholstery issues, and sell for a substantial
profit as compared to the amount offered.
But the seller wasn’t letting it go at this
price.
Did seller run out of funds for restoration
or did he think the dress-up would
hide flaws? Or maybe he wanted a
“20-footer.”
1960 Pontiac Ventura
”
Page 90
GAA // Greensboro, NC
#ST0107-1993 CHEVROLET CAMARO
Z/28 Indy Pace Car Edition coupe. VIN:
2G1FP22P5P2111320. Black & white/black
& white cloth. Odo: 2,385 miles. 5.7-L fuelinjected
V8, auto. Indianapolis Pace Car
appears as new, with polishing marks. Striping
perfect. Interior as if it has never been
used. Engine compartment clean and as if
never used. Cond: 1-.
perhaps one small area in the rear hinting at
some body repair long ago. Engine compartment
and chassis also appeared mostly
original. Interior, again claimed to be all
original, was more on the edge, with seats,
console center panel and carpeting restored,
in my opinion. Cond: 3-.
#FR0063-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 1G1YY22P7R5117343. Burgundy/
black leather. Odo: 1,225 miles.
5.7-L 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Flawless
body and paint, pristine underbody,
and immaculate engine support claim of just
1,225 miles. Wheels and tires also in asnew
condition. Scouring the perfect interior
for flaws only comes up with some very minor
wear on driver’s seat side bolster. Cond:
1.
SOLD AT $15,900. First year of fourth-generation
Camaro, and one of 633 Z/28 Indy
Pace Cars. Stored well and used minimally.
Car is attractive, uncommon and soon to be
eligible for AACA shows—where it will undoubtedly
be a winner. Similar cars of lesser
quality have gone for more, and that makes
this favorably bought.
#TH0085-2004 CHEVROLET SSR convertible.
VIN: 1GCES14PX4B107354.
Purple/black leather. Odo: 6,327 miles.
5.3-L fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint has numerous
polishing marks, but no deep
scratches or dents. Paint appears tired. Significant
creasing of driver’s seat. Engine
dusty, but no evidence of leaks. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $47,700. Catalog describes it as
“Top Flight & Bloomington Gold Survivor
Candidate.” Whether or not it meets the
Gold standard, this Corvette is still a delightful
car to look at if you enjoy originality. The
crackled paint on the fiberglass is patina
perfection. Only the seats let it down a bit,
leaving one wondering what it would add to
see the originals still intact. Bidding stopped
at $44k, but it was sold post-block for just
$1k more. Quite well bought.
#FR0265-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 coupe. VIN: 1Z37L2S509016. Yellow/
black vinyl. Odo: 46,648 miles. 350-ci 255hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Previous ground-up restoration,
with date unknown. Originally the
property of a GM exec. Thick paint smoothly
applied without inclusions; some crazing left
front. Paint chipped around roof panels.
Body panels straight, with good fit. Chrome
badges and bumpers appear new.
Brightwork around windows displays multiple
scratches. Dashboard and upholstery
show minimal wear. Chromed interior trim
appears original and shows age. Power
steering and brakes. Tilt wheel. Wires hanging
beneath dash. Trim tag a replacement.
Engine compartment appears restored and
kept to original appearance. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $24,380. Uniquely styled pickup/
hard top/convertible, which failed to sell in
GM’s anticipated production numbers. This
car looks a bit older than its stated mileage.
Perhaps it had extensive time outdoors.
Detailing would have helped its appearance.
A fair transaction for buyer and seller.
CORVETTE
105454. Ermine White/black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 45,793 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Described as all original. Paint
and body certainly seem to be original, with
#ST0116-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 1946765-
92 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $19,345. For the Corvette collector
this was as new an example of a C4 as
one will find. As a late-era C4, the flaws
were mostly corrected, so another plus. In
person this car will not disappoint—except
for the automatic transmission. High price
according to Price Guide value, but a rare
bargain in my opinion. Well bought.
FOMOCO
#ST0132-1940 MERCURY EIGHT convertible.
VIN: A09A7478399210331. Dark
red/tan canvas/tan vinyl. Odo: 26,247 miles.
Older restoration of uncertain age. Slight
orange peel on passengers’ side doors, but
otherwise excellent paint. Front door gaps
wide. Panels straight. Exterior piping fits
well. Window trim dented and scratched,
but remainder of brightwork excellent. Interior
reveals mild wear, but excellent care—
as does top. Rare original-type heater
switch and dual-door heater. Engine compartment
neat, but 59A-B heads and crab
distributor suggest later (1946–48) engine.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $41,340. The older restoration
was good, but the car needed a few commonly
seen details addressed. Chromebumper
LT-1s seem to be increasing in
popularity. Tilt wheel and power options
enhanced desirability (and drivability). Air
conditioning would have made this a
screaming good buy—instead of just a good
buy.
NOT SOLD AT $32,500. A striking driverquality
car, with a few neat touches, but little
to no interest from bidders. Typical auction
offerings have 200–400 views on website.
This had 65 and was not sold at $32,500.
Sold by Branson in 2014 for $43,200 (ACC#
256228). One has to doubt that this car will
see the latter valuation again.
BEST
BUY
Page 92
GAA // Greensboro, NC
#FR0046-1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL
2-dr hard top. VIN: 3JG68Z162178. Corinthian
White/blue leather. Odo: 18,856 miles.
390-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Z-code Galaxie. Previous
restoration, but age unknown. Paint
even and consistent throughout, without
significant flaws. Panels are straight and
hood, doors and trunk line up well. Side trim
shows signs of wear and a few minor dents.
Remainder of chrome and brightwork shows
wear consistent with mild aging and significant
care. Interior has wonderful patina with
no significant rips, wrinkles or gouges. Aftermarket
gauges. Sloppy wiring in engine
compartment. Oxidation on headers and
some oil leaking onto intake manifold. Aftermarket
air cleaner and valve covers.
Cond: 3-.
throughout. Perhaps that and care are what
defines patina. Despite excellent drivability,
a great and reasonably priced parts supply,
a luxurious interior for its day and an attractive
profile, these cars have not caught fire
in the marketplace. Z-code for a 390 engine
confers little value. Sale price close to real
value, so fair deal all around.
#ST0183-1963 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
convertible. VIN: 3Y86N403544. Ermine
white/white vinyl/white leather. Odo: 4,077
miles. 430-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Older restoration
with some significant flaws. Rear suspension
sagging. Paint still largely
presentable with no orange peel, but
chrome trim loose on fenders and in various
stages of pitting. Dent in rear bumper and
front bumper scratched. New vinyl soft top.
Interior decent but tired, as typical in these
cars. Glovebox wood in good shape, but
door wood not at same level. Seats redone
at some time, but leather now extremely dry
and cracked. A few torn window gaskets.
Engine compartment acceptable, but many
pieces painted black that perhaps shouldn’t
be. Oil leak was seeping out in front of car;
had to walk carefully near it. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $26,500. Another Lincoln Continental
suffering from decaying restoration.
These are iconic cars and deserve better,
but modest market value means lack of
maintenance and prohibitive restoration
costs. Some good elements; if buyer was a
restoration shop, they can probably bring
this Continental back to life with modest
investment and resell it. Well sold.
#ST0140-1985 FORD F-150 XLT Lariat
pickup. VIN: 1FTCF15H1FNA24643. Red
& white/red cloth. Odo: 3,610 miles. 351-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Said to have always been
stored indoors and never driven in the rain.
Red paint near perfect on sides and back,
SOLD AT $16,960. Actually a 1963½, as
notchbacks were replaced by fastback
rooflines during the year. There seems to
be something genuine and attractive about
a car that has worn gently and consistently
94 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 94
GAA // Greensboro, NC
MARKETMOMENT
1994 Ford F-150 SVT
Lightning pickup
SOlD at $14,300
Mecum, Harrisburg, PA, July 21–23, 2016, Lot T6
VIN: 1FTD15R2RLA83004
with a few polishing scratches and a small
touch-up on hood. Panels straight and bed
without flaw. Chrome and interior flawless.
Equipped with a/c, power steering, power
windows and cruise control. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $25,440. At GAA pickups outnumber
Porsches, and this low-mileage,
well-appointed truck grabbed so much attention.
Sold well over valuation of a
#1-condition vehicle. Well sold and, perhaps,
an indication of where the truck market
is heading.
MOPAR
#FR0257-1958 DESOTO FIRESWEEP
Sportsman 2-dr hard top. VIN: LS111834.
Black & beige/gray cloth, black & white vinyl.
Odo: 64,489 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Older paint and chrome restoration
now needing another round. Black sections
looking particularly battle-weary. Extensive,
if not severe, chrome pitting. Little or no rust
underneath. New wire wheels with original
hubcaps and fender skirts included. Interior
also appears restored years ago and combines
some fine-looking elements with signs
of aging, chrome pitting and general decay.
Modern under-dash stereo for traveling
pleasure. Cond: 3-.
As weird as it might be to consider, there are new buyers in the market who were merely
then that it still has today. I’ve never stopped wanting one. Where the
Lightning really gets me going is torque. The 5.8-L V8 pumps out 340 lb/ft at 3,200 rpm —
more than enough to plaster a smile on my mug. Of course, that grunt comes at the cost of
fuel economy, but when it comes to collector cars, I doubt many of us are counting single- and
low-double-digit mileage figures as deal-breakers.
This truck’s former owners have tacked on a few deviations from stock: an AutoMeter
kids when Ford’s SVT Lightning was the baddest (at least in reputation) truck on the market.
I was a kid when this truck was new, and it had a pull on me
transmission temperature gauge fills an injection-molded pod on the steering column. There’s
a close-enough-to-Oxford-White tonneau cover, and a Gibson exhaust outlet sticks out behind
the passenger’s side rear wheel. It appears stock otherwise — including the optional tube
bumper. Good luck to the new owner if they ever need to replace that piece.
The buyer made out in a good way here, plunking down just $14,300 for this 56,103-mile
white Lightning. The ACC Pocket Price Guide median value is $18,200, so is there any particular
reason this one went 20% below? Well, it wasn’t because of the condition, as this one
appears to be in remarkable shape. I’d peg placement as the culprit. This was Lot T6, which
translates to T for Thursday and 6 for its run number. That’s really early in a three-day event,
and it was the reason somebody got a great deal on this torque-happy pickup. A
SOLD AT $30,210. This DeSoto had some
serious issues with paint and chrome, and
new owner will probably consider addressing
them soon. These are striking cars to
look at, and sit in, but restoring that exterior
will be no small task. At least rust seems to
be off the table for now. But add to the list
an interior that has also lost some of its appeal
to the passing of time. Well sold.
AMERICANA
— Chad Tyson
96 AmericanCarCollector.com
#ST0077-1955 PACKARD CLIPPER Panama
Super 2-dr hard top. VIN: 55472651.
Moonstone & Ultramarine/blue vinyl & cloth.
Odo: 78,572 miles. 320-ci V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp.
Older repaint still displays nice sheen, but
now has some chips and cracks. Chrome
trim mostly decent, but some dings and
slight hazing. Bumpers look better—appear
recently rechromed. Trunk lock missing.
Underbody clean, body-off restoration done
at one time. New rear exhaust and muffler.
Engine clean and bright, but orange
overspray on fan belt looks careless. Interior
looks recently restored, with headliner
AmericanCarCollector.com
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GAA // Greensboro, NC
and seats especially impressive. Dash in
overall fine condition, but metal fascia has
odd dents on passenger’s side. Steering
wheel has minor cracks. Long interior trim
piece at top of windshield missing. Windshield
glass has large circular hazing on
passenger’s side. Cond: 3.
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 96,102 miles. 258-ci
I6, 2-bbl, 4-sp. Ground-up restoration at a
date unknown. Paint smoothly applied, with
a few touch-ups. Panels straight. Upholstery
reveals minimal wear. Numerous wires
hanging from dash. Several drain holes
without rubber plugs. Floor liner worn on
driver’s side. Power steering. Engine compartment
well restored—neat and tidy.
Cond: 2.
#TH0017-1986 AM GENERAL HUMVEE
M998 utility. VIN: 010845. Tan/tan vinyl/tan
canvas. Odo: 36,133 miles. Seems to have
a freshened-up coat of paint casually applied.
No dents or dings in body. Doors and
top new. Interior shows extensive wear.
Front glass delaminated. Dirty engine compartment,
but no significant leaks. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $13,780. One of a number of
cars from the George Shinn Collection.
Shinn purchased the car just last year at
Mecum’s Rogers Museum auction (ACC#
6792097, $16,200); perhaps it didn’t meet
his expectations. The basics are here for a
fun, driver-quality car to own, but it needs
someone to spend time on some details.
Looks like the work done was prior to
Shinn’s ownership. Fairly well bought; may
bring much pleasure for a modest price.
#TH0035-1980 JEEP CJ-7 Renegade
SUV. VIN: J0M93EC705409. Bronze/black
SOLD AT $15,370. Long-wheelbase Jeep,
with much work done to make it presentable
yet a few details obviously not addressed. I
tried out the shifter to verify it as a 4-speed
and not a 3-speed as listed on website. The
AMC inline-6 engine is reliable and popular.
A great buy and fair transaction for all.
SOLD AT $15,370. GovPlanet auctions
offers a steady supply of Humvees. Over
300k have been built. The government decommissioned
4,000 units in 2014, offering
them at auction with certain conditions.
They cannot be exported or purchased by a
non-U.S. citizen. Mileage of most auction
cars is typically lower than this offering, and
bids are typically a bit more than here. But
the seller decided this was good enough
and let it go. A
98 AmericanCarCollector.com
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American Highlights
at Five Auctions
Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report
CLASSICS
#137-1935 AUBURN 851 SC Boattail
Speedster. VIN: 33151E. Eng.
# GH4401. Metallic gray/black canvas/black
leather. Odo: 113 miles. Fresh restoration in
recent past. ACD Club certified 2016. Pebble
Beach 2015 only show since redo.
Matching-numbers engine. Top end and
supercharger rebuilt during resto. Silver
paint, with black blended in, is show-field
quality. Columbia 2-speed rear end.
Chrome wires on blackwall tires. Couldn’t
find one nit to pick. Cond: 1.
2
$53k over the high estimate — 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 convertible, sold
at $236,500, Gooding & Co., Pebble beach, CA
Gooding & Company
Pebble beach, CA — August 20–21, 2016
Auctioneers: Charlie Ross
Automotive lots sold/offered: 114/138
Sales rate: 83%
Sales total: $129,780,950
High American sale: 1914 Marmon Sixteen
convertible, sold at $1,210,000
buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Michael Leven
Bonhams
Carmel, CA — August 19, 2016
Auctioneers: James Knight, Rupert Banner
Automotive lots sold/offered: 101/115
Sales rate: 88%
Sales total: $36,642,800
High American sale: 1930 Duesenberg Model J
Murphy town cabriolet, sold at $1,254,000
buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices
Report by Joseph T. Seminetta and Nicholas
Seminetta
Photos by Ian Butt
RM Sotheby’s
monterey, CA — August 19–20, 2016
Auctioneers: Bill Ruprecht
Automotive lots sold/offered: 82/100
Sales rate: 82%
Sales total: $117,925,000
100 AmericanCarCollector.com
High American sale: 1962 Shelby Cobra 260
roadster, sold at $13,750,000
buyer’s premium: 10% included in sale prices
Report and photos by Carl Bomstead
Lucky Collector Car Auctions
Tacoma, WA — July 28, 2016
Auctioneers: Jeff Stokes, Evan McMullen, Ryan
Massey, Dan Schorno
Automotive lots sold/offered: 95/192
Sales rate: 49%
Sales total: $1,329,013
High American sale: 1914 Hupmobile Model B,
sold at $57,500
buyer’s premium: 10%; 13% for credit cards;
included in sold prices
Report and photos by Jack Tockston
VanDerBrink
The Wes Anderson Collection
Chatfield, mN — July 16, 2016
Auctioneers: Yvette VanDerBrink, Dale Palvis,
Aaron Williamson
Automotive lots sold/offered: 50/52
Sales rate: 96%
Sales total: $255,371
High sale: 1979 Piper PA-28-181 Archer II
airplane, sold at $36,180
buyer’s premium: 0% for onsite, 8% for online,
included in sold prices
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
SOLD AT $269,500. Whenever I read a
catalog entry with vague references like,
“this and that part appear to be original Lincoln
items appropriate for this model,” or
“the first 50 years of this car’s history are
SOLD AT $990,000. I had a model of a
Boattail Speedster when I was a kid, and
even then I knew these were special cars. I
especially liked this one, as its blackened
paint, blackwall tires and rakish, cut-down
black top gave it a bit of a sinister look. A
few years back, really good ones suddenly
doubled in price and they’ve been creeping
since; this is now the going rate. Not sure
where the classic market is heading over
the long term, but right now this car was
fairly bought. Gooding & Co., Pebble
Beach, CA, 08/16.
#52-1937 CORD 812 SC phaeton. VIN:
32462H. Eng. # FC3249. White/black
canvas/red leather. Odo: 68,577 miles. History
prior to mid ’80s unknown. Numbersmatching
example, but catalog verbiage
ambiguous as to whether all its parts were
born with this car. Most recent restoration
completed in 2006, with work done to a
high, but not concours, level in tasteful color
scheme. Paint smooth and unblemished.
Red leather showing light wear and very
inviting. Turned aluminum dash nicely done;
gauges clear and crisp. Very tidy under
hood and nicely presented. Cond: 2+.
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unknown,” my radar goes off. Not that this
lovely Cord isn’t everything it seems, but a
little more precise information about it would
be useful. What I do know is that this handsome
devil sold ahead of the market. Gooding
& Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/16.
GM
& pewter/black fabric/red leather. Odo:
7,288 miles. Attractive styling with rear
cowling and windshield for rear seating.
Only 85 built in 1930–31, with 17 thought to
survive. Restored when part of Richard
Gold Collection in 1980s. Well maintained
since, with a few paint chips and signs of
wear noted. Rear cowl clock and speedo.
Complete with copy of original build sheet.
Engine compartment is a work of art. A Full
CCCA Classic. Cond: 2+.
5
#130-1930 CADILLAC 452A V16
sport phaeton. VIN: 702425. Black
they wish to continue showing car. The lap
of luxury for the era. Price paid was fair for
all concerned. RM Sotheby’s, Monterey,
CA, 08/16.
#474-1958 BUICK CABALLERO wagon.
VIN: 6E4006767. Red & white/black & white
vinyl. Odo: 25,330 miles. 364-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Older restoration unwinding. Repaint
shows storage rash. Left front fender and
bent door are rubbing from post-restoration
crunch. Extensive chrome present, some
with minor pitting. Stainless and glass good.
Condition of chrome wire wheels and whitewalls
may date to Kennedy administration.
Stock-looking interior musty, but as factory
equipped, including radio. Dusty engine bay
bone-stock save battery shut-off. Block has
correct Buick paint color. Small maintenance
file implies previous Canadian snowbird
ownership history in three provinces,
plus Scottsdale. Cond: 3-.
UP
GLOBAL
SOLD AT $687,500. This impressive V16
sold for the anticipated amount, so no surprise
here. Last seen sold in 2002 by Christie’s
in Paris for $369,533 (ACC# 1553751).
This is an exceptional car, but would take a
bit more work to be in contention on the
show field. My vote is to drive and enjoy,
but I just hope we get to see it—one way or
the other. RM Sotheby’s, Monterey, CA,
08/16.
#216-1958 CADILLAC ELDORADO
Brougham 4-dr hard top. VIN: 58P021440.
Deauville Gray/brushed stainless/light blue
& white leather. Odo: 57,659 miles. 365-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. An exceptional restoration
that won Best of Show at 2012 CadillacLaSalle
Grand National meet. Retains
original functioning air suspension and complete
vanity set. Only 304 produced in 1958.
Stated that GM lost $10k on every one built.
Driver’s window showing signs of delaminating.
Original karakul carpeting shows
signs of wear. A true luxury car. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $42,000. GM took accent
chrome into excess in 1958 across all brand
names. Reportedly, this Buick had a $160k
restoration, but time has not been kind to
this 58-year-old. One could awaken and use
this example as-is, or pursue an under-water
restoration—betting on the continued
rising tide of station wagons. Several bidders
pursued it vigorously but failed to tempt
seller to remove the undisclosed reserve.
Lucky Collector Car Auctions, Tacoma,
WA, 08/16.
#465-1966 CHEVROLET CORVAIR Monza
convertible. VIN: 105676L104984. Maroon
metallic/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 86,372
miles. 140-ci H6, 2x1-bbl, auto. Newer finish
over rust-free panels. Some shallow door
dings in body crease. Variable panel fit.
Bumpers, stainless and emblems good.
Steel wheels hold Cooper white-letter tires
and full GM wire-wheel hubcaps with spinners.
Repop interior includes seats, carpet
and door cards. Engine bay stock. with light
dust and gas smell. New battery and insulation
on lid bottom. Washington collector
plate. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $297,000. Rarely are these offered
with functioning airbags. Vanity set is
also expensive, if not impossible, to replace.
New owner will have to replace window if
November-December 2016 101
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SOLD AT $9,200. This could be one to consider
as a teenager’s first car with automatic
transmission, new convertible top, easy
maintenance, and 95 hp that would stay
with traffic, yet uncompetitive in a stoplight
grand prix. Price paid was on target for condition,
and buyer will probably get his
money back at selling time—if well maintained
at the current level. Another wellbought
and -sold transaction. Lucky
Collector Car Auctions, Tacoma, WA,
08/16.
#485-1966 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 266576C113470. Candlelight
Cream/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
10,848 miles. 421-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto.
Southgate, CA-built. Resprayed in original
hue with sharp-looking black vinyl roof. Finish
has buffer streaks, some original chrome
lightly pitted. Factory mags in good condition,
shod with recent Redlines. Interior near
mint. Spongy bucket seats. Correct tach on
console. Deep vertical scratches on inside
of windshield directly in driver’s view. (Must
be a story there.) Engine bay clean.
Equipped with power steering and brakes.
Optional 3x2-bbl carbs signal the HO version
putting out 376 hp. Tend to nits and
zits and it’s show-worthy. Cond: 2.
lintless black carpet. Immaculate under
hood, with correct teal paint on block. K&N
air filter and Optima Red Top battery are
only deviations from stock. Glorious restoration.
Cond: 1.
FOMOCO
#249-1932 FORD HIGHBOY roadster.
VIN: AB5055556. Blue/gray leather. Built by
Miller Automotive with Offenhauser aluminum
heads fed by triple two-barrels. Southern
California Timing Association plaque on
dash. Times at 142.97 mph at the Bonneville
Salt Flats in 1954. A clean Highboy that
has the right period look. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $55,500. This triple-black
GTO was either an unidentified restoration
shop’s masterpiece, or I was somehow teleported
to a 1967 Pontiac showroom. “Stunning”
was the first adjective that came to
mind. After considerable time searching for
nits, I had to rate it Condition 1 (despite
easily reversed non-stock air cleaner and
battery). The “42” in VIN means authentic
GTO, “B” built in Baltimore. The definition of
mint—this was the best presentation at the
sale. Final bid wasn’t enough; seller should
be making reservations now for Arizona in
January. Lucky Collector Car Auctions,
Tacoma, WA, 08/16.
CORVETTE
SOLD AT $17,825. Long and low design
reflects mid-’60s pursuit of implied luxury
through excess. If you want one, first measure
your garage to ensure it can accommodate
a length of 214.8 inches—plus
walk-around room. In 1966, Pontiac produced
36,757 with base price of $3,757.
Pontiac’s marketeers conjured performance
images with names like Grand Prix and
GTO, while naming the better seller after an
LA street. (Yes, Ventura.) The Grand Prix
was a straight-line performer with no need
for corner workers. This crowd should have
gone nuts with the value-added Tri-Power—
but didn’t. Final bid was enough to own it,
and buyer obtained good value for his
money, with potential appreciation down the
road. Lucky Collector Car Auctions,
Tacoma, WA, 08/16.
#410-1967 PONTIAC GTO convertible.
VIN: 242677B102820. Black/black vinyl/
black vinyl. Odo: 80,816 miles. 400-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Flawless black paint, laserstraight
panels, excellent gaps, new top.
All-new chrome, trim, badges. Mint factory
Rally wheels, glass immaculate, dual exhausts.
Showroom-fresh interior, mint dash
has factory tunes, unblemished console,
102 AmericanCarCollector.com
#53-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194677S104512. Marina
Blue/blue vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 90,809
miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Restored
at unknown date, but twice awarded
NCRS Top Flight Award. Paint excellent
and gaps better than typical Corvette. Interior
well done. Has rare headrest option.
Also with hard top, sidepipes, F41 HD suspension,
power assist on J56 big brakes,
M21 box, and 4:11 Positraction rear end.
Rides on BFG T/A radials and Torq Thrust
wheels. Sold at no reserve. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $60,500. These are a tough sell
unless they have history and known ownership.
As such, this sold for a market-correct
number. Bet the seller was looking for a bit
more, however, with a $75k–$100k estimate
range. (See profile, p. 48.) RM Sotheby’s,
Monterey, CA, 08/16. (See profile, p. 48.)
#130A-1936 FORD MODEL 68 Deluxe 2-dr
sedan. VIN: 8299313. Black/olive green
mohair. Odo: 10,622 miles. Fitted with fully
chromed stock wheels and AM radio.
Dealer-accessory heater, driving lights,
hood greyhound and integral clock rearview
mirror. Decent older repaint, but with
areas of lousy rattle-can touch-up from
dents and scrapes—such as on the leading
edge of right-front fender. Rock-hard running
board rubber cracking and flaking off at
edges. Decent amateur seat redo, although
their take on the headliner wasn’t so good.
Poorly fitted carpeting and rubber front floor
mat. Engine repainted at least twice; the
most recent repaint a few decades back has
generally peeled off and now shows mostly
surface rust and grime. Starts right up, but
the rusted-out exhaust system is in need of
replacing. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $236,500. The only nits to pick
were the period mags and modern whiteletter
tires. Not really a big deal, though, as
it would be a simple matter to swap in the
right set of shoes for the formal events,
should the new owner be of that ilk. Still,
knowing how picky some Corvette guys can
be, I thought the non-stock look might hurt
the sale. Wrong-o! This big block brought
big money—$53k over the high estimate,
and it was very well sold. Gooding & Co.,
Pebble Beach, CA, 08/16.
SOLD AT $11,750. Yvette VanDerBrink
was rightly PO’ed when it came time to sell
this car, since somebody broke off the greyhound
hood ornament. While they are reproduced
by numerous sources, that’s still
about a $350 bill—and will never be the
80-year-old original. While I always work off
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the mantra of “do no harm” when interacting
with a vehicle at auction, unfortunately, far
too many tire-kickers think, “It ain’t mine.”
That is, if they are actually thinking. Regardless,
market-correct sale for an old ride that
still needs some TLC—and a new hood ornament.
VanDerBrink Auctions, Chatfield,
MN, 07/16.
777. Black/red leather. Odo: 3,412 miles.
289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Late-production 289
Cobra sold by an astute Chicago collector.
Storied, well-documented history that includes
significant front-end damage, a color
change and the addition of incorrect
(427-style) wheel flares. Well optioned with
Stewart-Warner gauges, Automate electrics
3
#71-1965 SHELBY COBRA roadster.
VIN: CSX2524. Eng. # BP7-
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $880,000. Perfect 289
Cobras can approach $1m. This car was
well sold given its accident history and incorrect
bodywork. Bonhams, Carmel, CA,
08/16.
#494-1965 FORD F-100 pickup. VIN:
F10DR651935. Orange/gray cloth. Odo:
46,328 miles. 352-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Economy
repaint, with embedded dirt and fisheyes
over original orange, and which
missed front gravel pan and jambs. Chips
on hood edges, thin chrome on bumpers,
grille had road rash and antenna loose—
contradicting radio delete plate on dash.
Aftermarket alloys hold white-letter Road
Hugger tires. Cargo box shows heavy use
that spray-in bedliner can’t hide. Interior not
much better, with chips and scratches in
original orange dash, dirty and worn thresholds
and headliner panel missing. New gray
cloth on bench seat and black carpet. Dusty
underhood, with Holley aluminum valve
covers, new fuel filter, Optima Red Top held
by bungee cord and rattle-can black on
splash shields. Power steering and brakes.
Economy presentation, odometer at least
on lap two. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $11,500. If
you ever wanted to pose as working for the
Forest Service, here’s your ride. Vibe was a
fluff-and-buff for auction while priced on the
selling dealer’s website at $12,999. If the
definition of a 20-footer required a photo
sample, this truck could be a contender.
That said, this was a hauler one could actually
use for trips to the dump without fear of
damage. One bidder liked it enough to
make this a home-run sale for the seller
even after fees. Lucky Collector Car Auctions,
Tacoma, WA, 08/16.
and rack-and-pinion steering. Matchingnumbers
engine and drivetrain. Nice paint
and chrome, with some cracked rubber.
Original interior with beautiful patina.
#17-1966 SHELBY GT350 fastback. VIN:
SFM6S2157. Eng. # 6R09K190645. Ivy
Green/black vinyl. Odo: 56,035 miles. 289ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Lifetime California car
spending time on both the road and racetrack.
Five owners swapped the engine and
gearbox multiple times (the original engine
stayed with the car and was reinstalled). An
unusual combination of restored and original
bits. Front discs, rear drums, live rear
axle, 3:89 rear end, factory alloys. Carroll
Shelby-signed glovebox. Current condition
exudes signs of enjoyment. Poor paint quality
with stars in finish and cracked edges.
Rims need restoration. Cond: 3-.
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ONETO WATCH
A Focus on Cars That are Showing Some Financial Upside
SOLD AT $121,000. This lot could be used
on a regular basis without regret. This was
a good buy—if it was bought with this intention.
The new owner will be underwater all
too quickly if they attempt a full restoration.
Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 08/16.
1992–96 Chevrolet Corvette
LT1
been special performance editions or everyday drivers — both are the kinds of cars that
buyers want in today’s market, either because they always wanted the car on the poster, or
because they had one (or knew someone
who did) and now want to relive that time
in a new way.
The Corvette straddles that line. These
I
cars were on every kid’s wall — I still have
a 1993 Corvette Technical Data Poster
hanging in my office — but these cars were
also everywhere in the real world too, with
98,838 built over
those model years
(and without a lot
to differentiate
them from the
whole 1984–96 C4 run, which all look pretty much the same). So
here we have a weird mix of an attainable, ubiquitous halo car.
But on the plus side, these Corvettes are cheap at an average
Detailing
Years built: 1992–96
Number produced:
19,977 (1992);
21,088 (1993);
22,882 (1994);
19,767 (1995);
15,124 (1996)
Courtesy of calxibe.com
Average price of
those cars: $9,238
Current Median ACC
Valuation: $11,308
Number sold at auction
in the past 12
months: 42
sale price of under $10k, and that LT1 engine is both powerful
and durable. Other than Optispark ignition, there isn’t much to go
really wrong here.
I won’t call this a sure thing, but I also wouldn’t be surprised
to see low-mileage examples go up in value if these ’90s trends
continue across the market. Worst-case scenario is you’ve bought a
usable classic that’ll be fun to drive. A
106 AmericanCarCollector.com
AmericanCarCollector.com
— Jim Pickering
f there’s been one theme that’s laced its way through all the auction results of 2016,
it’s that cars from the 1980s and 1990s have come up in value based on a younger
demographic of buyer. With that, I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest a car
to watch that isn’t yet going up in value but I think stands a good chance of positive
appreciation — the 1992–96 LT1-powered Corvette.
Here’s the thing: Most all of the ’90s cars we’ve seen boosted in the market have either
#140A-1976 FORD MAVERICK coupe.
VIN: 6K91L201214. Two-tone green/green
vinyl/green vinyl. Odo: 51,982 miles. 250-ci
I6, 2-bbl, auto. Factory-optional a/c and upgraded
engine. Original paint, which hasn’t
been cared for much in recent decades.
Rust blisters most prevalent around rocker
panels and wheelwells, but generally everywhere
on the car. Broken plastic grille. Original
vinyl roof dye blotchy and discolored.
Period clear vinyl waffle-butt covers on all
seats, so vinyl beneath is excellent. Moderate-to-heavier
carpet soiling, but rest of interior
in pretty good shape. Rear-view mirror
fell off and is sitting on transmission hump.
While very original under hood—including
smog pump—much of the surface rust is
transitioning into something more serious.
Starts and runs well. Overall a victim of both
the Salt Belt and subsequent poor storage.
Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $1,975. The standard Maverick
powertrain was the 200-ci, 81-hp straight six
hooked to a three-on-the-tree manual. The
slightly larger 250 coupled to the C4 automatic
means that both have equal performance
levels—or a lack thereof. While
generally original, it’s also showing its authenticity
in a propensity to dissolve. Nearby
Rochester, MN—where this car originally
hailed—in particular has long been hell-bent
to salt their streets at the drop of a snowflake,
and it shows on this Maverick. If it’s
not a V8-powered Grabber, not even Ford
fans take much interest. More of a cheap
commuter bomb than anything else at this
point. Bad colors, bad rust—sold well.
VanDerBrink Auctions, Chatfield, MN,
07/16.
#116-1999 SHELBY SERIES 1 convertible.
VIN: 5CSXA1816XL000064. Centen
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nial Silver & Bright Blue Metallic/black
canvas/blue leather. Odo: 2,637 miles.
4.0-L fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Bought back by
Carroll Shelby from third owner. A performance
car loaded with creature comforts
such as a/c, power top and Monsoon sound
system. One of only 249 built. Powered by
tweaked Oldsmobile L47 V8. Forged threepiece
aluminum wheels. The right color
combination. Only issue I found was scratch
on right front fender. Cond: 2+.
mohair. Odo: 92,387 miles. Titled off the
engine number. Repainted several years
back, and still presentable. Sloppy masking
around running boards, which have rockhard
rubber chipping off. Good door fit. Dent
in right-rear corner of the car—missed the
trunk lid, but did cause paint to flake off.
Skewed wiper blades. Professionally reupholstered
interior, with good workmanship
throughout and minimal wear or soiling. Period
Coronado AM radio mounted beneath
left end of dashboard. Heavier surface rust
where original engine paint was. Heavyduty
00-gauge, custom fabricated battery
cables. Otherwise generally stock under
hood—albeit more along the lines of expedient
repairs versus a concerted effort to keep
things original. Starts easily and runs out
well. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $137,500. These were plagued
with production delays, and delivery positions
were sold for well above $200k. Times
change and modern supercars put these in
the dust. Price paid here is about right, and
proceeds benefit Carroll Shelby Trust. RM
Sotheby’s, Monterey, CA, 08/16.
MOPAR
#131A-1937 PLYMOUTH P4 sedan. VIN:
10302844. Eng. # R18102003. Black/tan
SOLD AT $7,000. Compared to the lowpriced
competition of Ford and Chevrolet,
the Plymouths in 1937 really looked plain
and frumpy. But the tough-as-nails flathead
six under the hood made up for it. While not
as powerful as the Ford, it was more frugal
with gas in the era of the economy starting
to come back from the Great Depression,
and was far more durable than the splashlubricated
Chevy Stovebolt. Opened up on
Proxibid at $5,100, but was all boots on the
ground from there on out. VanDerBrink
Auctions, Chatfield, MN, 07/16.
110398. Black/ beige leather. Odo: 11,351
miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. An historic
Letter car, one of six built for speed-record
trials on Daytona Beach—only two known to
still exist. In completely original, low-mile
condition, stored under temperature control
for 40 years. Paint well preserved in places,
but significant shrinkage and orange peel in
others. Chrome polished to where it’s
8
#73-1960 CHRYSLER 300F GT
Special 2-dr hard top. VIN: 8403-
November-December 2016 107
TOP 10
Page 106
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
scratched. Trim mostly good. Interior lightly
soiled, but with few actual flaws. Comes
with original, custom-made Goodyear Blue
Streak racing tires. Heavily documented.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $440,000. A wonderful
piece of Chrysler/Daytona/automotive history
and Americana and so will always be
desirable to many groups of collectors. Has
been to auction many times over the years,
the most recent of which was Gooding’s
Amelia sale in 2013, where it sold for
$236,500 (SCM# 5832622). Bid many multiples
of a pedestrian 300F this go-around,
and hammered $75k over the high estimate.
Hard to say it was overpriced even so.
Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/16.
#138A-1978 DODGE D150 Adventurer Li’l
Red Express pickup. VIN: D13BS8J516061.
Red/black vinyl. Odo: 42,920 miles.
360-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Non-stock pinstriping,
going horizontally on the flanks of cab
and front fenders. Repainted in a flat red on
doors and hood. No factory graphics on
doors. Random dings, dents and chips
throughout whole exterior. Box side wood
looks like it’s never been refinished. At least
it matches the bedwood. Rust blisters on
cab corners. Rusted-out chrome step plates
around exhaust stacks. Driver’s seat has
multiple rips, while the passenger’s side
okay. Heavy wear on door-panel fake-wood
trim. Dusty and dingy under hood, but es-
sentially stock. Heavier surface rust on
stock wheels. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $6,750. If you’re too young to
know why woodie wagons quickly were put
out to pasture when steel-bodied wagons
became feasible, this pickup shows why.
Every year you’d basically spend an entire
weekend—likely longer—stripping off what’s
left of the old varnish and refinishing a realwood
wagon. Otherwise, they rotted away
within five years in a climate more humid
than a desert. Thing here is, panels on a Li’l
Red Express not only are not structural,
they are easily removed for refinishing. It
didn’t seem like all that long ago that you’d
occasionally see one of these as a beater in
daily life, but not anymore. Final price here,
especially considering the slightly better ’79
sold for the same, fully warrants a WTF.
(Hint: ’78s are no more rare or desirable
overall than a ’79.) VanDerBrink Auctions,
Chatfield, MN, 07/16.
#137A-1979 DODGE D150 Adventurer Li’l
Red Express pickup. VIN: D13JS9S207930.
Red/red cloth. Odo: 88,032 miles.
360-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Factory-optional a/c.
Aftermarket front bug deflector, windshield
visor and diamond-plate aluminum running
boards. Repainted several decades ago,
with lesser-quality masking around windshield,
backlight seals and door glass. Door
fit not that great. Wood on box sides refinished
within past decade, while box floor
was ignored. The flat left front wheel is the
spare, while the original chrome wagon
wheel is MIA. Just as well if it was as rusty
as the three remaining. Kmart (literally—
KMC was their captive brand) graphic
equalizer mounted below dash near driver’s
door, powering the aftermarket AM/FM/cassette
deck in dashboard. Rather dingy and
unkempt under hood. No belts on the a/c
compressor. Engine starts up and runs with
no undue effort. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $6,750. A local yokel made the
108 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 108
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
comment to me while I was photographing
this, “Yer not gonna find a nicer one than
this,” to which I replied, “That depends on
how hard you look.” Which pretty much vapor-locked
him. Granted, this was the better
of the two here, so if you wanted to look
around the auction site, yeah, yer not gonna
find a nicer one. However, there’s things
called the Internet, eBay, Craigslist, classified
ads, smart phones, dumb phones and
highways that will lead you to better examples.
Funny thing was, despite being in better
shape than the ’78 parked next to it, this
brought the same money, and so at least
this one was closer to market-correct, yet
sold more than well enough. VanDerBrink
Auctions, Chatfield, MN, 07/16.
AMERICANA
#115-1931 PACKARD DELUXE EIGHT
Model 840 convertible. VIN: 191094. Eng.
# 191021. White/tan cloth/red leather. Odo:
53,791 miles. Older, photo-documented,
decade-long restoration, but with 60 years
of missing history. Some stress cracks in
paint. Slightly mismatched brightwork. Discolored
whitewalls. Beautiful wood dash and
gauge set. Nicely presented engine bay.
Cond: 2-.
the merger which created it, Minneapolis
Steel & Machinery Co., with their Twin Cities
line of tractors. As a smaller competitor
to the big companies like International Harvester
and John Deere, M-M had a small
but loyal customer base that kept them going
until White Motors bought them out in
1963. Today, enthusiasts of the brand are
still fiercely loyal. Wes Anderson’s collection
included a dozen Many-Mistakes (one of
the popular slang nicknames from detractors—pun
intended—such as my late uncle,
who farmed with IHs or John Deeres, but
wouldn’t touch a yellow tractor with a 10foot
pole). Sold for a reasonable enough
price that another repaint is likely in the
works for parade duty. VanDerBrink Auctions,
Chatfield, MN, 07/16.
SOLD AT $71,500. Early and late offerings
can present value to astute bidders. The
missing history did not help, but this car sold
at a nice level—approximately half of the
high estimate. Well bought. Bonhams, Carmel,
CA, 08/16.
#101A-1936 MINNEAPOLIS-MOLINE JT
Twin Cities row-crop tractor. VIN: 553507.
Gray/gray-painted steel. Electric start,
but does not have lights. Does have a crank
up front, just in case. Repainted quite a few
years back, now faded, with plenty of nicks
and scratches from use. Older reproduction
decals are lifting. Previous repaint was in
M-M Yellow, as seen by chipped areas on
the engine and ancillaries. Very dusty,
greasy and stained from fuel dripping on
engine and transmission. Tube from the air
cleaner to sidedraft carburetor venturi missing.
Light dents and dings on all of the sheet
metal. Cast solid wheels up front, each
missing a mounting tab. Spoke rear wheels
out back, shod with newer tires. Starts and
runs. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $900. Built seven
years after Minneapolis-Moline was formed,
by one of the companies that was part of
110 AmericanCarCollector.com
#103A-1950 MINNEAPOLIS-MOLINE RTS
Standard farm tractor. VIN: 0017490 3818.
Minneapolis-Moline Yellow/yellow-painted
steel. 165-ci I4, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with a
period aftermarket Arts-Way belt-driven triple-blade
mower deck. Rear PTO fitted with
pulley drive for the mower, with the rear
deck cut on the tractor to accommodate it,
and without any safety shields. Older cosmetic
restoration (repaint and new stick-on
decals), with plenty of grease and grime—
primarily on the powertrain. Mower deck
was on the tractor when the latter was
painted, as there’s paint splotches all over
the deck and upper shield. Heavier overspray
on the gauges, to the point where one
is almost covered (might be oil pressure).
Front wheels were painted red, rears were
in maroon. Serviceable older tires, front and
rear. Started with little difficulty and ran well.
Cond: 3-.
designators for specific configurations. In
this case, TS for fixed tread, wide front axle.
As Mr. Anderson had a dozen Many-Mistakes
in his collection, this was his designated
mow-the-yard tractor—a task and
reasoning of many budding old-tractor fans
for getting one in the first place. Arts-Way is
still in business, so parts are less of an issue
than for the M-M driving it, and, since I
use an identical deck on an Allis-Chalmers
D-14, I can attest they are durable and easy
to maintain. While the lack of shielding from
the rear pulley and drive belt is something
that should really be addressed, selling
price here wasn’t all that bad. VanDerBrink
Auctions, Chatfield, MN, 07/16.
#120A-1975 JOHN DEERE 800 snowmobile.
VIN: J800D030162M. John Deere
Green/black vinyl. Odo: 952 miles. Has not
run on snow in a couple of decades—not
licensed since 1991. Decent, original finish
on fiberglass hood, with leaping-deer logo
decals and registration numbers flaking off
on both sides. Substantial crack on left-front
corner of hood. Pushed-in aluminum front
bumper. Heavier paint scratching the farther
you go down the chassis. Original windshield
now a yellowed translucent screen
that can’t be seen through. Good original
seat, which is slightly deformed in back
where something rested on it for several
years. Dingy, generally complete under
hood. Motor isn’t seized, but doesn’t run.
Good complete rubber track and boogie
wheels. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $1,900. The R-series was M-M’s
smallest line of tractors. Their naming conventions
from the late 1930s into the 1950s
consisted of a basic model and then sub-
SOLD AT $675. For the less informed on
vintage snowmobiles (which we can pretty
much assume includes everyone who lives
south of Interstate 40), John Deere did
make their own at their Horicon, WI, lawn
and garden equipment plant from 1972 to
’83; during the 1970s snowmobile craze.
When the farm economy started to tank in
the early 1980s, they elected to drop the
sleds and focus on their core ag and construction
competencies. This sled was their
top-end touring machine, one of 3,276
made only for the 1974–75 season. This is
one of those cross collectibles that not only
vintage sled collectors covet, but John
Deere tractor loonies also go after with even
more fervor. Hence the seemingly high
price for a literal dead sled. It’s actually a
decent buy for an easy restoration of this
rare model. VanDerBrink Auctions,
Chatfield, MN, 07/16.A
Page 110
The Parts Hunter
Pat Smith
Go Used or Pay Through the NOS
NEW OLD STOCK PARTS ARE THE BEST FOR YOUR PROJECT,
BUT USING THEM WILL COST YOU A PREMIUM
1965 that were poorly stamped around the emblem opening because the tooling was shot.
This grille has faint vertical lines in it from the stamping process as did some of the originals.
If you want a grille that fits and looks right, then this is it.” Buy It Now. Sold at $295.
The phrase “it’s only original once” can be artfully dodged during a sympathetic restoration
that uses New Old Stock (NOS) pieces like this grille. On the other hand, a reproduction piece
costs less and it’s not a disaster if a stone smacks it while you’re driving — which explains
why original items that are new take a long time to sell. Pieces can be in perfect shape, but
the market is a small one.
#330251331996 NOS Mopar 1965 Dodge Monaco
Console Extension
5 photos. Condition: New. eBay. West Columbia, SC.
9/24/2016
“NOS 1965 Dodge Monaco console extension.
Genuine NOS! Chrysler PN 4435AB8. Brand new!
Still in original box! Dark blue in color! For use with B8
interior-trim-code cars. One-year-only! One model only!
1965 Dodge Monaco! Note: Part number, Chrysler logo and 1965 date stamped on back.”
Buy it Now. Sold at $600.
Ah, one-year-only restorations. You get to deal with special headaches. This part is in
excellent condition, and vinyl dyes are good enough now that it can be redone to match any
interior color. At this price, however, a lot of restorers are going to take a crack at reviving
their existing console extension using Gorilla Glue if necessary. The 1965 Monaco just isn’t a
high-dollar car warranting these kinds of prices for original parts. Rare doesn’t always mean
desirable.
#171340021151
1969 Dodge
Polara Headlight
and Grille
Header Panel
12 photos.
Condition: Used. eBay. Joliet, IL. 9/24/2016
“Does have actual wear. 1969 Dodge Polara grille headlight header
panel assembly taken from a 1969 Polara.” Buy It Now. Sold at
$467.50.
Another one-year-only model, and a rare one at that. It could have
been so different if Dodge tooled up their alternative Hemi for the
C-body and released it. As it is, the hottest engine offered was the
440 Magnum, which was good enough to make Polara the fastest
California Highway Patrol car tested for over a decade. This piece
is used, and if you think $467 is pricey, wait until one shows up with
the optional Westinghouse Superlite. That little third high beam will
tack $100 or so to the price.
112 AmericanCarCollector.com
#351806320088 1965 Chevelle El
Camino NOS grille. Original in box.
12 photos. Condition: New. eBay. Rancho
Cordova, CA. 9/8/2016.
“This grille is for the 1965 Chevy Chevelle
Malibu, El Camino, Super Sport, Z16.
It is genuine GM in the original box, which
is dated 10/2/79. Don’t confuse this with
some of the last grilles GM made for the
#322250679432 NOS Baldwin Motion Fly
Eye Air Cleaner Brand-New Yenko
8 photos. Condition: New. eBay: Auburn,
CA. 9/8/2016.
“NOS
Baldwin
Motion
chrome
Fly Eye air
cleaner,
Brand new!
It has the
NOS air
filter installed and is ready to go on your
show car! It has two very small dimples
underneath from storage over the last 40
years, but I never noticed them until I took
these pictures and they will be hidden once
installed.” Sold at $150.
The Motion bug-eye air cleaner was a key
part of the visual impact you got from seeing
a built 427 with Holley 3-barrel carb and
open chamber heads. Despite what the
ad says, Yenko Camaros used factory air
cleaners, not bug-eyes. The original Motion
air cleaners from the primo era were usually
Stellings & Hellings units, which were well
made with three separate screens, a spunmetal
base and the lock-down screw within
the snap ring. This appears to be a cheaper
version with one screen and the usual foam
element. A number of companies made
these with variable quality. Price paid was a
bit high but it wasn’t nosebleed territory.
bore due to #7 cylinder.” 2 bids, Sold
at $199.
Winning bid was $199 for a block with
main caps, crank and standard bore.
Sure, it needs to be punched out, but
virtually any block with miles will have
that done during rebuild. A sleeve is
only about $100 extra if the restorer
wants to go that route. Seller is throwing
in heads if buyer wants it, so you’re
getting a nice short-block for the price.
Buyer did well here. A
#142106625043 1970 Pontiac 400 Four-Bolt Main Block with Rods
and Crank
8 photos. Condition: Used. eBay. Port Chester, NY. 9/10/2016
“1970 Pontiac XZ block #9799914, rods with factory pistons and crank
#97954 only. If you want low-performance pressed-in stud heads, they
will go with sale. Drilled for four-bolt mains from factory. Will need .030
Page 112
JUNKYARD TREASURES
Your Next Cool Classic Just Might
Be Waiting for You in Ogden, UT
Story and photos by Phil Skinner
Orphan cars abound at b&r, like this 1965 rambler American 440 hard top
Junkyard
Classics
S
ituated north of Salt Lake City, UT, in the college town
of Ogden, B&R Classic Cars and Parts was established in
1983.
B&R specializes in cars and trucks as early as 1925, and
up to the early 1980s for some models. For domestic cars,
you name it and they probably have it: Mopar, GM, Ford, Willys, and
a plethora of orphan brands. They estimate that there are about 900
vehicles currently in stock for parts, plus
as many as 300 others that are complete
and should be brought back to life.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
Detailing
What: B&R Classic Cars
& Parts
Co-Owners: Bob and
Ray Jensen
Where: 770W 1700S
Ogden, UT 84404
Phone: 801-399-5203
Email: bob@broldcarparts.com
through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment
or luck. The weather can have
extremes. During the summer, bring
along some extra water; during the winter,
dress warm. All year round, proper
footwear is required. A
Factory overdrive equipped, this 1958 edsel Villager
9-passenger wagon awaits a new life
Not all 1958 Chevrolet hard tops were Impalas. Case in
point, this project-in-progress bel Air
114 AmericanCarCollector.com
A 1967 Jeepster Commando awaits restoration, or maybe
the start of a unique rat rod
Page 114
Showcase Gallery
Sell Your Car Here! Includes ACC website listing.
Showcase Gallery color photo ad just $66/month
($88 non-subscribers)
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Three ways to submit your ad:
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Email: Send photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only, to classifieds@
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Snail mail: ACC Showcase, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208-4797,
with VISA/MC or check.
25 words max, subject to editing. Deadline: 1st of each month, one month
prior to publication.
Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their advertisements. The publisher of
American Car Collector Magazine is not responsible for any omissions, erroneous, false
and/or misleading statements of its advertisers.
GM
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
396 2-dr hard top
1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
replica 2-dr hard top
S/N 10867S108478. Ermine
White/red. 5,418 miles. V8,
automatic. Black soft top.
Original numbers matching
283, 2x4-bbl, 270-hp engine
with numbers-matching transmission
and rear end. Perfect
unit body with superb paint.
Excellent frame. Lovely interior
and top. Radio delete. Superb
mechanically and a delight to
drive. $72,500. Contact Adam,
bno.com, 213.622.9000, Email:
adam@bno.com (CA)
1966 Chevrolet Corvette
427/450 convertible
S/N 136379A341714. Carolina
Blue/blue. 86,928 miles. V8,
3-spd automatic. Very nice
example of pure American
muscle. This special-order color
Carolina Blue SS was originally
delivered to Wannamaker Motor
Company in Broughton, SC.
Date-code-correct 396-ci 325hp
engine. $39,500. Contact
Tom, Legendary Motors LLC,
978.852.3988, Email: tom@
legendarymotorsllc.com (MA)
S/N 344870E166189. Burgundy/black
vinyl top/black.
6,000 miles. V8, 4-spd manual.
455 Ram Air, 4-speed, console,
15-inch rally wheels, power
windows, locks, doors, and
trunk, interior hood lock, new
carpeting, AM radio (not working),
AM-FM radio in glovebox,
amp under passenger seat,
Tic-Toc-Tach all rebuilt and
speedo reset to zero. 6,000
miles since complete rebuild,
including engine. I have all
S/N 194676S101400. Fathom
Green/black. 3,000 miles. V8,
4-spd manual. One SoCal
owner for 45 years. Numbers
matching with extensive SCCA
period race/competition history.
Street legal and set up for
vintage touring events. Very
original. Unrestored/presented
as finished in 1968 livery. Recent
full engine rebuild. Dick
Guldstrand/Traco rebuild preparation
in the past. $99,990.
Contact Paul, Auto Kennel,
714.335.4911, Email: paul@
autokennel.com (CA)
S/N 5T07C195598. Yellow/
black. V8, 3-spd automatic.
Newly restored to near-perfect
condition. Show ready and a
trophy winner. This car still has
its original 289 V8 motor, which
has been newly rebuilt and so
has the automatic transmission.
New rear gears, new suspension
and front disc conversion.
$22,900. Contact Andy, Modern
Muscle Cars, 352.789.3364,
Email: andya@natda.org (FL)
f 1966 Shelby GT350 H
astback
receipts and documents for all
work done. $60,000 OBO. Contact
Jerry, 262.497.3747, Email:
mr1970olds@att.net (WI)
CORVETTE
1961 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
S/N 18392001. Black/tan. 2,713
miles. V8, 3-sp manual. This
is one beautiful unaltered ’33!
When’s the last time you saw
one that wasn’t rodded? Older
restoration that is in excellent
condition. Black lacquer is
deep, with very few flaws, and
the interior could pass for new.
Mechanically sound. $83,500.
Contact Gary, 541.519.8128,
Email: gholman46@yahoo.com
(OR)
1965 Ford Mustang coupe
FOMOCO
1933 Ford Deluxe 40
5-window coupe
A supremely original car with
just one repaint over 40 years
ago. Originally black, has
4-speed top loader installed in
1970. Runs and drives beautifully,
never rusted, damaged or
tracked. Contact Matt, Matthew
L. deGarmo Ltd., 203.852.1670,
Email: matt@deGarmoLtd.com
Web: deGarmoLtd.com (CT) A
116 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 115
Showcase Gallery
November-December 2016 117
Page 116
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
Auction Companies
Auctions America. 877-906-2437.
Auctions America specializes in
the sale of American Classics,
European sports cars, Detroit
muscle, hot rods, customs and
automobilia. Headquartered at the
historic Auburn Auction Park in
Indiana, Auctions America boasts
an expert team of full-time specialists
who offer 190 years’ combined
experience, making them uniquely
qualified to advise on all aspects
of the hobby.
www.auctionsamerica.com. (IN)
Barrett-Jackson Auction. 480421-6694.
480-421-6697. For over
four decades, the Barrett-Jackson
Auction Company has been
recognized throughout the world
for offering only the finest selection
of quality collector vehicles, outstanding
professional service and
an unrivaled sales success. From
classic and one-of-a-kind cars to
exotics and muscle cars, BarrettJackson
attracts only the best. Our
auctions have captured the true
essence of a passionate obsession
with cars that extends to collectors
and enthusiasts throughout
the world. A television audience
of millions watches unique and
select vehicles while attendees
enjoy a lifestyle experience featuring
fine art, fashion and gourmet
cuisine. In every way, the legend
is unsurpassed. N. Scottsdale Rd,
Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
info@barrett-jackson.com.
www.barrett-jackson.com. (AZ)
Lucky Collector Car Auctions.
888-672-0020. Lucky Collector
Car Auctions is aptly named after
Harold “Lucky” Lemay. Based in
the majestic, pastoral ground of
Marymount, home to the Lemay
Family Collection Foundation
near Tacoma, WA, the collection,
formerly the biggest in the world
according to Guinness, now hosts
an unrivaled event center, art collection
and charitable foundation,
which features two exceptional
collector car auctions a year. www.
luckyoldcar.com (WA)
Palm Springs Auctions Inc.
Keith McCormick. 760-320-3290.
Family owned and operated for
28 years. Producing two large
classic car auctions per year in
Palm Springs, CA. Each auction
features over 500 cars. Held in
November and February every
year. www.classic-carauction.com
Russo and Steele Collector
Automobiles. 602-252-2697.
Specializing in the finest American
muscle, hot rods and custom
automobiles and European sports;
Russo and Steele hosts three
record-breaking auctions per year;
Newport Beach in June; Monterey,
CA, every August; and Scottsdale,
AZ, every January. As one of
the premier auction events in the
United States, Russo and Steele
has developed a reputation for its
superior customer service and for
having the most experienced and
informed experts in the industry.
Fax: 602.252.6260. 5230 South
39th St., Phoenix, AZ 85040.
info@russoandsteele.com,
www.russoandsteele.com. (AZ)
Silver Auctions. 800-255-4485.
2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA
99205. silver@silverauctions.com.
www.silverauctions.com. (WA)
Petersen Auction Group of
Oregon. 541-689-6824. Hosting
car auctions in Oregon since 1962.
We have three annual Auctions:
February—Oregon State
Fairgrounds, Salem, OR; July—
Douglas County Fairgrounds,
Roseburg, OR; September—
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem,
OR. On the I-5 corridor. We offer
knowledgeable, fast, friendly “hassle-free”
transactions. Oregon’s #1
Collector Car Auction. www.petersencollectorcars.com
(OR)
Leake Auctions. 800-722-9942.
Leake Auction Company was
established in 1972 as one of the
first car auctions in the country.
More than 40 years later, Leake
has sold over 34,000 cars and
currently operates auctions in
Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Recently they have been featured
on several episodes of three
different reality TV series — “Fast
N Loud” on Discovery, “Dallas Car
Sharks” on Velocity and “The Car
Chasers” on CNBC Prime.
www.leakecar.com. (OK)
118 AmericanCarCollector.com
RM Sotheby’s, Inc. 800-2114371.
RM Sotheby’s is the world’s
largest collector car auction house
for investment-quality automobiles.
With 35 years’ experience, RM
Sotheby’s vertically integrated
range of services, from restoration
to private-treaty sales and
auctions, coupled with an expert
team of car specialists and an
international footprint, provide an
unsurpassed level of service to the
global collector car market.
www.RMSothebys.com. (CAN)
Worldwide Auctioneers. 866273-6394.
Established by John
Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The
Worldwide Group—Auctioneers,
Appraisers and Brokers—is one
of the world’s premier auction
houses, specializing in the
procurement and sale of the
world’s finest automobiles
and vintage watercraft. www.
worldwide-auctioneers.com. (IN)
Buy/Sell/General
Allard Motor Works LLC. BThe
Allard Motor Works J2X is a handcrafted
version of the famed British
competition roadster that stirred
the crowds in Europe and the
Americas in the early 1950s. Our
modern J2X MkIII, recognized by
the Allard Register, integrates the
latest technology into the original
design, to provide a safe, comfortable
and reliable vehicle without
compromising performance.
www.allardj2x.com • info@
allardj2x.com • 877-J2X-1953 •
facebook.com/allardj2x.com
Motorcar Portfolio LLC. 330-4538900.
Buy, sell, trade, auction of
affordable antique, classic, collector
vehicles. Bob Lichty offers over
40 years’ experience in the classic
car industry. Motorcar Portfolio,
LLC. has been serving NE Ohio
and the world since 2004. Let us
help with your needs. See our
current inventory at our website
www.motorcarportfolio.com (OH)
Park Place LTD. 425-562-1000.
Founded in 1987 in Bellevue, WA,
our dealership is locally owned and
independently operated. The fouracre
Park Place Center features
an Aston Martin sales and service
center, a Lotus dealership, and we
have one of the largest selections
of collector & exotic cars available
in the Northwest. We consign, buy
and sell all types of vehicles. We
also have an in-house service center
and high-end Auto Salon.
www.ParkPlaceLtd.com (WA)
Classic Car Transport
21 South Auto Gallery.
480.986.6460. Located in Mesa,
AZ, 21 South Auto Gallery
specializes in the sale of highquality
European sports cars and
American muscle. Whether you
are looking for an investmentgrade
collector car or a fun
weekend cruiser, we would love
to make your dreams a reality.
We also buy classic cars in any
condition. (AZ)
Direct Connect Auto Transport.
800-668-3227. “The driver was
friendly and helped our son feel
comfortable about moving his
lowered ’59 Volkswagen Beetle
antique auto. The driver communicated
well during pickup and
delivery. It was fast, too. We spent
two days in Phoenix after the car
was picked up and it beat us back
to the East Coast.”
Page 117
Advertisers Index
American Powertrain ........................... 73
Auctions America .................................. 7
Autosport Groups ................................ 91
Barrett-Jackson ................................... 31
Bellflower Art ....................................... 62
Blue Bars ............................................. 70
Camaro Central ................................... 93
Car Art by David Snyder .................... 109
CarCapsule USA ................................. 71
Chevs of the 40’s .............................. 101
Chubb Personal Insurance .................... 9
Corvette America ................................. 13
County Corvette .................................... 2
EMS Automotive ................................ 104
Evapo-Rust .......................................... 27
Gano Filter Company ........................ 119
Grundy Insurance ................................ 15
Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. .......... 59
Heggen Law Office, P.C. ..................... 79
JC Taylor ............................................. 95
Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc. ......... 72
JJ Best Banc & Co ............................ 103
Kinekt ................................................ 116
Leake Auction Company ....................... 3
Liquid Performance ............................. 98
Lory Lockwood .................................... 89
Lucas Oil Products, Inc. ...................... 81
Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ................. 117
Manheim Auto Auction ........................ 75
MCACN, LLC ....................................... 63
McCollister’s Auto Transport............. 124
Michael Irvine Studios ....................... 123
Mid America Motorworks .................... 11
Motorcar Portfolio ............................. 107
Moultrie Swap Meet .......................... 105
National Corvette Museum ................ 119
National Corvette Restorers Society . 111
National Parts Depot ........................... 87
Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts, Inc. .... 94
Original Parts Group ............................ 61
Out of Sight Audio ............................... 79
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ...... 67
Paramount Automotive ........................ 99
Park Place LTD .................................... 73
Passport Transport .............................. 57
Performance Racing Oils ..................... 74
Petersen Collector Car Auction ......... 119
POR-15 ................................................ 37
Race Ramps ........................................ 19
Ronald McDonald House .................... 97
Russo and Steele LLC ......................... 17
Steve’s Auto Restorations Inc. ............ 35
Summit Racing Equipment ................ 115
Summit Racing Gifts and Collectables 21
Superformance .................................... 65
The Chevy Store Inc .......................... 108
Thomas C Sunday Inc ......................... 83
Twin Oaks Classic Corvette .............. 117
Veterans Fire Protection ...................... 83
Volunteer Vette Products .................... 69
WeatherTech ....................................... 84
Woodside Credit................................ 113
Zip Products, Inc. ................................ 39
zMax .................................................. 111
November-December 2016 119
Page 118
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
5-Star Reviews
Let Us Earn Yours
directconnectautotransport.com
all 48 contiguous United States
and Canada. Whether you’ve entered
a concours event, need a
relocation, are attending a corporate
event or shipping the car of
your dreams from one location to
another, one American transportation
company does it all.
www.reliablecarriers.com
Intercity Lines Inc. 800-221-3936.
Gripping the wheel of your dream
car and starting the engine for the
first time is a high point for any
enthusiast. We are the premier
enclosed auto transport company
that will ensure your car arrives
safely for that experience. For over
35 years our standards for excellence
have clients returning time
and time again. Trust the Best.
Trust Intercity Lines.
www.Intercitylines.com.
County Corvette. 610-696-7888.
The most modern and bestequipped
Corvette-only facility in
the nation.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
McCollister’s Auto Transport.
800-748-3160.
Thomas C. Sunday Inc. 800541-6601.
Established in 1970,
Thomas C. Sunday Inc. provides
clients with fully enclosed, crosscountry,
door-to-door service.
Thomas C. Sunday Inc. are
well-seasoned experts in the field
of automobile transportation, hiring
only Grade-A drivers, and offering
clients the best possible service at
competitive pricing. Fully licensed,
insured and bonded. Call 1-800541-6601
or 717-697-0939, Fax
717-697-0727, email:
info@sundayautotransport.com
We have transported thousands of
collector vehicles over the past 35
years all across the United States,
whether they are moving an
exotic, street rod, vintage racer or
muscle car. With our experienced
drivers trained to ensure the finest
protection and our customized,
lift-gated, air-ride trailers, we make
sure your vehicle safely arrives
on time. www.McCollisters.com/
AutoTransport
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
County Corvette. 610-696-7888.
Sales, service, parts and restoration.
When it must be right.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
Passport Transport. 800-7360575.
Since our founding in 1970,
we have shipped thousands of
treasured vehicles door-to-door
with our fully enclosed auto transporters.
Whether your prized possession
is your daily driver, a
vintage race car, a classic, a ’60s
muscle car or a modern exotic,
you can depend on Passport
Transport to give you the premium
service it deserves. We share your
appreciation for fine automobiles,
and it shows.
www.PassportTransport.com.
Mid America Motorworks.
800-500-1500. America’s leader
in 1953–2016 Corvette parts
and accessories. Request a free
catalog at www.mamotorworks.
com. (IL)
The Chevy Store. At The Chevy
Store, you will find only the
highest-grade, investment-quality
Corvette and specialty Chevrolet
automobiles. We take pride in
providing our clients with the finest
selection anywhere. Offering
investment-quality Corvettes and
Chevrolets for over 30 years! 503256-5384
(p), 503-256-4767 (f)
www.thechevystore.com. (OR)
Volunteer Vette Products. 865521-9100.
1963–2004 Corvette
Parts and Accessories. Supplying
Corvette restoration parts and
accessories for 30 years. Visit our
website at
Grundy Worldwide. 888-6478639.
Grundy Worldwide offers
agreed value insurance with no
mileage limitations, zero deductible*,
and high-liability limits. Our
coverages are specifically designed
for collectible-car owners.
From classic cars to muscle cars,
Grundy Worldwide has you covered.
(*Zero deductible available in
most states.) 888-6GRUNDY
(888-647-8639).
www.grundyworldwide.com. (PA)
www.volvette.com and take advantage
of the Free Shipping offer
on orders over $150. You can also
speak with us directly by calling
865-521-9100. New parts are
added daily, so if you can’t find it,
give us a call. (TN)
Insurance
Hagerty Collector Car
Insurance. 800-922-4050.
Collector cars aren’t like their latemodel
counterparts. These classics
actually appreciate in value,
so standard market policies that
cost significantly more won’t do
the job. We’ll agree on a fair value
and cover you for the full amount.
No prorated claims, no hassles, no
games. www.hagerty.com. (MI)
Zip Products. 800-962-9632. Zip
customers know that the voice on
the other end of the phone is a
true enthusiast. Someone who, in
minutes, can hold in their hands
any item in stock. Further, someone
with knowledge of, experience
with, and genuine affection for, the
car we hold so dear: Corvette.
www.zip-corvette.com (VA)
Reliable Carriers Inc. 877-7447889.
As the country’s largest
enclosed-auto transport company,
Reliable Carriers faithfully serves
120 AmericanCarCollector.com
Corvettes for Sale
American Collectors Insurance.
1-866-887-8354. The nation’s
leading provider of specialty insurance
for collectors. We offer affordable,
agreed-value coverage
for all years, makes, and models
of collector vehicles. Since 1976,
we have provided superior service
and broad, flexible coverage.
Experience our quick quoting and
application process, as well as our
“Real Person” Guarantee every
time you call. Email: Info@
AmericanCollectors.com
www.AmericanCollectors.com (NJ)
Chubb Collector Car Insurance.
1-866-CAR-9648. The Chubb
Collector Car Insurance program
provides flexibility by allowing you
to choose the agreed value and
restoration shop. Broad coverage
includes no mileage restrictions
and special pricing for large
schedules. For more information,
contact us at 1-866-CAR-9648 or
www.chubbcollectorcar.com.
J.C. Taylor Insurance. 800-3458290.
Antique, classic, muscle or
modified — J.C. Taylor Insurance
has provided dependable, dynamic,
affordable protection for
your collector vehicle for over 50
years. Agreed Value Coverage in
the continental U.S., and Alaska.
Drive Through Time With Peace of
Mind with J.C. Taylor Insurance.
Get a FREE instant quote online at
www.JCTaylor.com. (PA)
Leasing-Finance
J.J. BEST BANC & CO. provides
financing on classic cars ranging
from 1900 to today. Visit our website
at www.jjbest.com or call
1-800-USA-1965 and get a loan
approval in as little as five minutes!
Page 119
Premier Financial Services. 877973-7700.
Since 1997, renowned
customer service and honest leasing
practices have made Premier
the nation’s leading lessor of luxury
and performance motorcars.
We are small enough to ensure
your business gets the attention it
deserves, and large enough to
finance any new, used, or vintage
car over $50,000. Contact Premier
at 877-973-7700 or info@pfsllc.
com. www.premierfinancialservices.com
(CT)
for-profit foundation with a mission
of celebrating the invention of the
Corvette and preserving its past,
present and future. www.corvettemuseum.com.
(KY)
Parts—General
Putnam Leasing. 866-90-LEASE.
For over 25 years, Putnam
Leasing has been the leader in
exotic, luxury, and collector car
leasing. This honor comes from
Putnam’s unique ability to match
the car of your dreams with a
lease designed just for you. Every
Putnam Lease is written to provide
maximum flexibility while conserving
capital, lowering monthly
payments, and maximizing tax
advantages. It’s Putnam’s way of
letting you drive more car for less
money. For leases ranging from
$50,000 to more than $1 million,
with terms extending up to 84
months, visit www.putnamleasing.
com or call 1-866-90-LEASE. (CT)
Museums
AutoBahn Power. Performance
+ Looks + Durability + Comfort
= Autobahn Power! Autobahn
Power is a veteran of vehicle
modifications, parts and accessories.
Our specialty has been to
carry products that are better than
original equipment in performance,
safety and quality. Our warehouse,
service shop and retail store are
located in the Midwest for good
access to all parts of the USA. We
have completed literally hundreds
of project cars. These performance
vehicles are in enthusiasts’ hands
across the USA. Many of the
cars are in daily use, proving the
durability of our workmanship and
products. Check us out at
www.autobahnpower.com.
coolants. Evans eliminates water
vapor, hotspots and boil-over,
resulting in a less pressurized,
more efficient cooling system and
preventing corrosion, electrolysis
and pump cavitation. Evans also
protects down to -40°F and lasts
the lifetime of the engine.
See how it works at
www.evanscoolant.com (CT)
work on collector cars — including
detailing, restyling and general
maintenance. Race Ramps provides
solutions even for low clearance
cars. Complete line includes
Trailer Ramps, Service Ramps,
Rack and Lift Ramps, and the bestselling
FlatStoppers to prevent tires
from flat spotting during long periods
of storage. www.raceramps.
com. (MI)
Restoration—General
Evapo-Rust® 888-329-9877.
Evapo-Rust® rust remover is safe
on skin and all materials except
rust! It’s also biodegradable and
earth-friendly. Water soluble and
pH-neutral, Evapo-Rust® is nontoxic,
non-corrosive, non-flammable,
and contains no acids, bases
or solvents. Evapo-Rust® is simply
the safest rust remover.
www.evapo-rust.com
info@evapo-rust.com (AR)
California Car Cover Company.
800-423-5525. More than just custom-fit
car covers, California Car
Cover is the home of complete car
care and automotive lifestyle products.
Offering the best in car accessories,
garage items, detailing
products, nostalgic collectibles,
apparel and more! Call 1-800-4235525
or visit Calcarcover.com for a
free catalog.
National Parts Depot. 800-8747595.
We stock huge inventories
of concours-correct restoration
parts for:
Corvette America. 800-458-3475.
The No. 1 manufacturer and supplier
of interiors, parts and wheels
for all generations of Corvettes.
Our Pennsylvania manufacturing
facility produces the finest quality
Corvette interiors and our distribution
center is stocked with thousands
of additional Corvetterelated
products. Corvette America
is a member of the RPUI family of
companies. Visit
www.CorvetteAmerica.com (PA)
1965–73 and 1979–93 Mustang
1967–81 Camaro & Firebird
1964–72 GTO, Tempest & LeMans
1964–87 Chevelle, Malibu &
El Camino
1948–96 F-Series Ford Truck
1947–98 C/K 1/2-ton Chevy Truck
1966–96 Bronco
1955–57 Thunderbird
www.nationalpartsdepot.com
LeMay Family Collection
Foundation. LeMay Family
Collection Foundation at
Marymount Events Center near
Tacoma, WA, hosts an epic backdrop
for your next event. Home to
500 fabulous collector cars, worldclass
art exhibits, and assorted
ephemera, consider your next
event here. Weddings, swapmeets,
conventions, auctions. The
facility can likely exceed your expectations.
Visit during the 37th
annual open house along with
13,000 other enthusiasts. 253-2722336
www.lemaymarymount.org. (WA)
National Corvette Museum. 80053-VETTE.
The National Corvette
Museum in Bowling Green, KY,
was established as a 501(c)3 not-
Custom Autosound
Manufacturing. 800-888-8637.
Since 1977 providing audio solutions
for classic car and trucks.
Covering over 400 application our
radios and speakers fit the original
location without modification. Keep
the classic look of your vehicle
while enjoying state-of-the-art
audio. Check out all of our products
at www.customautosound.
com. Or if you’d like a free catalog,
call 800-888-8637 (CA)
Cosmopolitan Motors LLC. 206467-6531.
Experts in worldwide
acquisition, collection management,
disposition and appraisal.
For more than a quarter century,
Cosmopolitan Motors has lived by
its motto, “We covet the rare and
unusual, whether pedigreed or
proletarian.” Absurdly eclectic and
proud of it. Find your treasure
here, or pass it along to the next
generation. www.cosmopolitanmotors.com
(WA)
Original Parts Group Inc. With
over 30 years’ experience, OPGI
manufactures and stocks over
75,000 of the finest restoration parts
and accessories for GM classics, at
the best prices anywhere. The largest
selection of Chevelle, El Camino,
Monte Carlo, GTO, Le Mans,
Tempest, Gran Prix, Bonneville,
Catalina, Cutlass, 442, Skylark, GS,
Riviera and Cadillac classic parts
anywhere. Visit www.OPGI.com or
call 800-243-8355. (CA)
Evans Waterless Coolant is the
solution to running too hot. With a
boiling point of 375°F, our revolutionary
liquid formulation is a superior
alternative to water-based
Race Ramps. 866-464-2788.
Lighter. Safer. Stronger. Offering
the ultimate way to display and
November-December 2016 121
Park Place LTD. 425-562-1000.
Founded in 1987 in Bellevue, WA,
our dealership is locally owned and
independently operated. Our restoration
department works full time to
restore vehicles of every year,
make and model to provide an
award-winning finish. We consign,
buy and sell all types of vehicles.
We also have an in-house service
center and high-end Auto Salon.
www.ParkPlaceLtd.com A
Page 120
Surfing Around
Carl Bomstead
Automobilia
from eBay and Beyond
Carl’s thought: Heritage Auctions, at their Beverly Hills sale on June 6, sold Prince’s Yellow Clou
guitar for $137,500. It had been custom made for Prince and was used in most of his earlier videos,
live performances and album recordings. The buyer was Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis
Colts, who is also a major guitar collector. Here are a few other items I found while stumbling
around cyberspace that are not as well known as Prince or Jim Irsay but are cool nonetheless.
EBAY #291833016535—
FRAMED GT350 OWNER’S
MANUALS SIGNED BY
CARROLL SHELBY.
Number of Bids: 29. SOLD
AT: $2,560.25. Date sold:
8/6/2016. The seller acquired
these six New Old Stock
Shelby GT350 owner’s manuals
in 1978 for the princely
sum of $48 and sent them to
Shelby, asking him to autograph
them. They were for the 1965–70 GT350s. Shelby returned
them a year later and they were mounted and framed. A way-cool
set for anyone with a GT350 or any fan of Shelbys.
EBAY #252428802784—
COLORADO PIKES PEAK
LICENSE-PLATE FRAME.
Number of bids: 27. SOLD
AT: $307.99. Date sold:
6/24/2016. This cast-aluminum
frame was in very nice
condition without any breaks
or cracks, although the paint was slightly worn. It did not fit a standard
license plate, which dates it prior to 1957, when license-plate
sizes were standardized. Just the ticket for your collector car if you
live in Colorado.
EBAY #122007276400—MATTEL
HOT WHEELS BLUE
FLAME SUPER VAN. Number of
bids: 45. SOLD AT: $1,051. Date
sold: 6/12/2016. This 1975 flyingcolors
Mattel Super Van had
signs of mild play wear but nothing serious. Seller stated how rare it
was, but two others were offered at about half of what this one sold
for. Now, I’m not a Hot Wheels collector, so there may be something
here that I’m missing, but it still seems like the buyer paid a bunch.
EBAY #252439795272—
1956 ESKA CORVETTE
PEDAL CAR—ATTIC FIND.
Number of bids: 22. SOLD
AT: $1,982.77. Date sold:
7/3/2016. There were about
1,000 of these produced,
with one for every Chevrolet
dealer. Some were sold to
122 AmericanCarCollector.com
Corvette customers, while others found their way into employees’
hands. This one was found in the attic of a longtime employee and
is best described as an “attic find,” as the neglected condition was
a mess. Now there are folks who restore these, but at a price. With
a value of about $3,000 in good condition, the buyer here could be
upside-down in a hurry.
EBAY # 291827162303—1963
B&M SPEED EQUIPMENT CATALOG.
Number of bids: 19. SOLD
AT: $255. Date sold: 7/31/2016.
This catalog, with a 1941 Willys on
the cover, was full of information
and pricing for the B&M Hydro Stick
and the necessary adaptors. It also
included material on the other B&M
speed-equipment accessories. It
was in very nice complete condition
with no tears or discoloration. Price paid was not out of line, either.
Cool piece if you are into vintage speed equipment.
EBAY #191919343590—GRIZZLY
GASOLINE 12-INCH PUMP
PLATE. Number of bids: 15. SOLD
AT: $4,400. Date sold: 7/17/2016.
Gas and oil items from Montana
are extremely popular, and Grizzly
is at the top of the list. They were
acquired by Standard in 1942 and
rebranded Carter in 1945. This
pump plate was not in the best of
condition, with edge wear and small chips in the field of the sign.
Regardless, there was a lot of interest and it sold for adult money. In
better condition, however, it could have reached $6,000 or so.
EBAY #272329763730—FLYING A PORCELAIN 42-INCH SIGN.
Number of Bids: 27. SOLD AT:
$6,200. Date Sold: 8/10/2016.
The Flying A brand was introduced
by Associated Oil Company
of San Francisco in 1932
as a premium grade of gasoline.
They were prolific advertisers,
and their early signage is readily
available. The more desirable
ones have the wings of the A extending beyond the border of the
sign. This example was in very acceptable condition and the wings
were not chipped or scratched. Market-correct price in an appreciating
market. A