CAR COLLECTOR
Volume 6 • Issue 36 • November–December 2017
The Scoop
CORVETTE
1963 CORVETTE Z06
SPLIT-WINDOW TANKER
$358k / Worldwide
Why did a genuine Z06
Tanker sell at a bargain
price? — John L. Stein
Page 50
GM
1965 PONTIAC
GTO
$57k / Mecum
Iconic 1960s tiger-powered
Goat on the rise
— Patrick Smith
Page 52
Eight Sales That Define the Market
MOPAR
1970 PLYMOUTH
SUPERBIRD
$154k / Bonhams
A fair buy for a base ’Bird
on the rise since 2011
— John Boyle
Page 56
FoMoCo
1955 FORD FAIRLANE
CROWN VICTORIA
$28k / Russo and Steele
This time capsule shows
there is still lots of interest in
1950s cars — Chad Tyson
Page 54
AMERICAN
™
8 AmericanCarCollector.com
Keith Martin's
Page 7
CUSTOM
1952 ALLARD K2
CUSTOM
$242k / Gooding & Co.
A Barris/Dutch custom
that brings all the money
— Ken Gross
Page 58
AMERICANA RACE
1963 STUDEBAKER
AVANTI R2
$127k / Mecum
This is the best example
of an original Avanti
— Jeff Zurschmeide
Page 60
1963 SHELBY
COBRA 289
$803k / RM Sotheby’s
This is a 289 Cobra to
own — and drive
— Dale Novak
Page 62
TRUCK
1929 FORD MODEL A
ROADSTER PICKUP
$9k / Worldwide
An inexpensive, fun intro to
the world of vintage pickups
— B. Mitchell Carlson
Page 64
1970 Plymouth Superbird, p. 56
Courtesy of Bonhams
November-December 2017
9
Torque
Jim Pickering
What is Collectible?
I
’ve been following the classic car
auction scene on a daily basis for more
than a decade now.
During that time, I’ve seen a lot of
ups and downs in values — the most
notable being the housing crash of 2008
that blew the floor out of the then-booming
muscle car market and turned seven-figure
Mopars into no-sale trailer queens.
Looking back at the changes that have
taken place over those 11 or so years,
another adjustment has popped up that rivals
even that massive value reset. That change,
which started out small but has become a
full-bore market movement, is a shift in
the cars that we as collectors are deeming
collectible.
Go to any auction — doesn’t matter
which one or where it is — and take stock
of the number of “modern” cars you see
there. Compare that with results from the
same auction five years back and count the
number of similar cars that appeared then.
The result, and the overall trend you’ll
see, is that later 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and
even 2000s have come on strong in auction
appearances — think Trans Am, GNX,
IROC, ZR-1, 1LE, Cobra — and buyers are
buying.
That doesn’t even take into account the
values of these cars — increases in both
interest and dollar totals are the sole reason
more modern cars are crossing classic-car
auction blocks all around the world. It’s not
just the special examples I listed that are
popping up, either. The everyday stuff that
disappeared while you weren’t looking? It’s
back. And it’s more expensive than you’re
probably expecting.
Call it a shift in demographics if you
want. Maybe it is as simple as younger
buyers entering the market and buying what
they’ve always wanted to own.
But the more I think about it, the more
I’m convinced that it’s more than just that. I
think it’s a shift in interest, and a reflection
back at ourselves as collectors.
Something has happened along the way
that has turned these cars, once considered
too new or too pedestrian to be “collectibles,”
into sought-after items at places
where lead sleds, traditional hot rods, and
original muscle reigned supreme.
12 AmericanCarCollector.com
The one that got away
Time marches on
It’s funny how quickly things change, and
I’m not just saying that because I’m currently
adjusting to life with a new baby at home.
In the nearly 20 years I’ve owned my
Caprice, which is featured in this issue’s
“Wrenching” feature on p. 30, I’ve watched
the world change around it — there are now
fewer examples like it in town, to the point
where it’s usually the only Caprice at most
local car events.
My Caprice’s only claim to fame is
surviving the attrition. Most of its luxo-barge
brethren were used up and crushed — the
ones that are left now get a lot more attention.
Well, that and in my case, loping into parking
lots with noisy exhaust and a huge cam.
But I see the same thing happening to
other cars from more recent eras — ones
that didn’t enjoy high styling from Earl or
Exner or high performance from a muscle
war. I see my own reaction to them changing
as well. Funnily enough, even cars I don’t
want to like from the era of no performance
are starting to look good.
Case in point: Back in 2011, Bonhams
auctioned off the Wally Lewis Collection of
American classics and hot rods in Portland.
The sale had everything from Shoebox Chevys
to 409 Impalas and a brace of 1930s Fords.
Among all the cool stuff there, what was
the one car I still kick myself for not buying?
A 1978 Chevrolet Malibu custom station
wagon that sold as Lot 179 for $26,910.
Yep, the epitome of uncool GM wagons
— my grade-school music teacher drove one
through the 1980s — is the car I wish I owned.
In my defense, it was mirror-like in deep
black, had new woodgrain sides, sat right on
polished Salt Flat specials, and had a fantastic-smelling
leather interior that looked
stock but wasn’t. And it had a 350 under the
hood. Usable, cool, different. When’s the last
time you saw one?
The more things change...
What’s really changing our opinions of
these newer cars? I tend to think that it’s
related to the simple passage of time.
Car people are car people because we like
mechanical things, and we like individuality.
While pretty much all cars, including
the traditional ’50s car-guy fodder, are all
series-production machines, the passage of
time tends to thin the herd and make what
was once ubiquitous into something special
to show off. Add in a little sentimentality
(yes, even for the 1980s), and you’ve got a
reason to buy something like that wagon.
But that doesn’t mean your Shoebox
Chevys are on their way out of favor. It’s just
a new graduating class of cool, here to be
preserved or modified at the whims of their
owners.
What’s next? Dodge Neons? Let’s check
back in a decade. A
Like it or not, collectible cars are a moving target,
and the eras of interest have shifted up
Page 14
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.
Al Rogers
Firebirds, Camaros and Kar Kraft in Chicago
The 50th Anniversary F-Body Invitational, featuring 13 of the most significant first-gen Pontiac Firebirds and Chevrolet Camaros, is the
centerpiece of this year’s Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals on November 18–19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, IL.
In addition, you’ll find the Corvette Triple Diamond Judging for Corvettes that have NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington Gold awards.
Other special displays include Kars of Kar Kraft Invitational, Class of ’72: 45th Anniversary Display, 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Invitational, Barn Finds/Hidden Gems, and Fabulous Formulas: Featuring High-Performance 1970–74 Formula Firebirds. There’s a lot more,
and more than 500 muscle cars, dealer-built supercars and Corvettes will be on display. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on November 18 and
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 19. This is the ninth 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 $30
for adults. Kids 12 and younger are admitted for free. More information and discount tickets are available at www.mcacn.com. (IL)
American Iron
at Hilton Head
The 17th Annual
Hilton Head Island
Motoring Festival &
Concours d’Elegance
rumbles to glorious life
from October 27 through
November 4 — and
lots of great American
cars are there! The
Savannah Speed Classic
runs from October 27
to 29. November 4 brings the popular Car Club Showcase, with top car clubs throughout the
Southeast bringing their best cars to show. November 5 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)
Mark Moskowitz
16 AmericanCarCollector.com
Sunshine and Muscle
at Fall Florida AutoFest
Hurricane season is over, the recovery
is on and Florida still cranks out sunshine
when most of the United States is enduring
winter ice and snow.
Steal some warmth with a trip to Carlisle
Events’ Fall Florida AutoFest in Lakeland.
Crowds of American-car addicts will gather
at the Sun ’n Fun Complex at Lakeland
Linder Airport from November 10 to 12 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.
com (FL)A
Page 16
CROSSINGTHE
Upcoming Auctions (Images are courtesy of the respective auction houses unless otherwise noted)
BLOCK
by Garrett Long
Star Car: 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra concept at GAA in Greensboro, NC
NoVember
GAA
Where: Greensboro, NC
When: November 2–4
Web: www.gaaclassiccars.com
Last year: 333/555 cars sold / $7.6m
• 1946 Chevrolet 3100
McCormick’s
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: November 17–19
Web: www.classic-carauctions.com
Featured cars:
• Star Car: 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra
concept
Smith
Where: Paducah, KY
When: November 4
Web: www.smithauctionsllc.com
Mecum
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: November 16–18
Web: www.mecum.com
Last year: 740/1,019 cars sold/ $24.7m
Last year: 50/172 / $640k
Featured cars:
• 1957 Chevrolet Nomad
• 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood wagon
• 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Silver
Where: Fort McDowell, AZ
When: November 24–26
Web: www.silverauctions.com
Dan Kruse Classics
Where: Houston, TX
When: November 25
Web: www.dankruseclassics.com
Featured cars:
• 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird
• 1969 Dodge Charger General Lee
• Star Car: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro
RS Z/28
Leake
Where: Dallas, TX
When: November 17–19
Web: www.leakecar.com
Last year: 318/524 / $7m
18 AmericanCarCollector.com
Star Car: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro rS Z/28 at mecum’s Las Vegas, NV, sale
Mecum
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: November 30–Dec 2
Web: www.mecum.com
Last year: 360/592 / $8.1m
DECEMBER
RM Sotheby’s
Where: New York, NY
When: December 6
Web: www.rmsothebys.com
Raleigh Classic
Where: Raleigh, NC
When: December 7
Web: www.raleighclassic.com A
GOODREADS by Mark Wigginton
Kar-Kraft: Race Cars, Prototypes and Muscle
Cars of Ford’s Specialty Vehicle Activity Program
by Charlie Henry, CarTech, 192 pages, $29.97, Amazon
Charlie Henry spent a brief time working at Kar-Kraft, the inside/
outside race car shop that had a hand in so many of Ford’s racing
platforms during
the 1960s. But his
brief time in the
shop was a peak
experience, and he
felt compelled to
go back and tell
the history of the
specialty shop that
was behind the
success for Ford in
that period, most
notably with the
Ford GT40.
With a lot of
interviews with
former coworkers,
Henry tells
an important
history, providing a wealth of information and anecdotes of a
time when Ford was focused on winning Le Mans, winning in
Trans-Am, winning in NHRA and winning NASCAR. At the heart
was Kar-Kraft, which was an independent race car-prep company
with only one client — Ford Special Vehicles.
A solid read from a passionate insider, Kar-Kraft is a great guide
to the special company behind so much of Ford’s racing success.
Lineage:
(
Fit and finish:
is best)
Match Race Mayhem: Drag Racing’s Grudges,
Rivalries and Big-Money Showdowns
by Doug Boyce, CarTech, 176 pages, $28.69, Amazon
If you ran a dragstrip back in the 1960s, you had class racing to
promote — or match races. Any promoter’s goal is butts in seats, and
the match racing’s success
helped create a golden age of
drag racing across the United
States. You could see Ford
vs. Chevy vs. Mopar in all
the combos. Or it was big
names pitted against each
other — head to head or in
round robins. The name of
the game was promotion and
providing what the racing
fans wanted to see.
It worked.
From the early 1960s
through the early 1970s,
your local strip sold the
sizzle of match racing.
Radio commercials bombarded
listeners with ads for
“32 Funny Cars” or “Jungle
Jim Liberman against the Tasca Mystery 7.”
Longtime drag-race chronicler Doug Boyce has created an expan-
sive history of the era, backed up with plenty of vintage photos. The
era was short, but the excitement was high, and well documented in
Match Race Mayhem.
Lineage:
Fit and finish:
22 AmericanCarCollector.com
Drivability:
Drivability:
Dale vs. Daytona: The Intimidator’s Quest to Win
the Great American Race
by Rick Houston, CarTech, 240 pages, $20.96, Amazon
Perhaps the biggest personality in NASCAR history, Dale
Earnhardt, late in his career, still had an empty spot in the trophy
case — the spot only a Daytona
500 victory could fill.
It wasn’t like he couldn’t
win in Daytona. Since his first
race there in 1978, he had seen
plenty of checkered flags on the
superspeedway — but never for
the biggest race on the stock-car
racing calendar: the Daytona 500.
Dale vs. Daytona is the story
of that quest, and it comes from
seasoned NASCAR reporter
Rick Houston. Starting from the
earliest days when Dale was a
broke, struggling nobody — to his
lofty perch as the superstar of the
series throughout the 1980s and
1990s — Houston goes through
every attempt Earnhardt made to
win the race.
Daytona was the quest — and
a fickle place. Earnhardt led most every lap in 1990. He had a
30-second lead over 2nd place going into the last lap when he blew a
tire. It took until 1998 for him to notch the big win. Three years later,
Earnhardt lost his life in a last-lap crash. It was NASCAR’s darkest
moment.
Lineage:
Fit and finish:
Drivability:
Factory Lightweights: Detroit’s Drag Racing
Specials of the ’60s
by Charles R. Morris, CarTech, 160 pages, $24.95, Amazon
First published in 2007 (and that edition fetching more than $75
a copy now), CarTech is reprinting Charles R. Morris’s history of the
factory lightweights.
With
semi-secret and
deep-dark-secret
build sheets, you
could have your
dealer order that
street sleeper
you wanted to
blow off the
other folks in
stoplight-tostoplight
racing
—and eventually
on the track.
Why else
could you order
“police specials”
for the street,
with big engines and aluminum fenders and without telltale highperformance
badges?
This is a dense take on the admittedly technical world of the factory
lightweights. It was full of intrigue, as well as new technology and a
never-ending horsepower race. Fun times.
Lineage:
Fit and finish:
Drivability:
Page 22
PARTSTIME by Garrett Long
New Products to Modernize Your Street Machine
Light up the road
One of the cheapest and most effective
mods you can do to your car is upgrade the
lights. Retain your classic’s looks while seeing
more at night. Vintage Car LED has you
covered with a wide range of kits for many
models. LEDs are the brightest consumer
lights available on the market. They waste
very little energy as heat compared with
conventional bulbs — and are significantly
more durable. Priced from $189 at vintagecarleds.com
Compressed Air Anywhere
Every vintage car or truck needs air in the tires, but it’s getting hard to find gas
stations with air pumps. Enter the MasterFlow MF-1089 Diabloww Air Compressor.
Hook this sturdy compressor to your battery, and 5,500 cubic inches per minute of air
is flowing into your tires. This model can also handle truck tires. $130 at masterflowair.com
Insure
Your Welds
Have you ever fin-
modern Features, Vintage Look
Installing an aftermarket stereo head unit is an easy way to ruin a tasteful interior.
Instead of gussying up your car with a strobe light, keep your interior looking as good as
your exterior with a subtle, vintage-look head unit from Classic Car Stereos. Officially
licensed by GM and Ford to include their logos, Classic Car Stereos are easy to install
and have modern amenities such as Bluetooth, AM/FM radio and auxiliary inputs. Check
out the Chevy Wonder Bar Radio ($599.95) at classiccarstereos.com.
ished a clean weld only
to have corrosion ruin
your workmanship?
POR-15’s Weld-Thru
Primer is cheap and
effective insurance to
keep your project looking
fresh. POR-15 is
able to adhere to steel,
aluminum, stainless
steel, brass and other
primed and painted
surfaces. Minimizing
heat zones and reducing
welding distortion,
POR-15 deserves a
spot on any serious
welder’s shelf. Find a
can at por15.com.
24 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 24
COOLSTUFF
Bar in a Can
u are camping for the night after a long day of four-wheeling and
want to relax with a nice drink. Yeah, you can throw some beer
in a cooler, but maybe there is something better. Enter the Jerry
Can Bar. A real jerry can cut open and fitted with wood inside
to keep everything organized, it is a great way to carry all
the ingredients for your favorite drink. It is set up for a bottle
of liquor and two cans of soda, and holds two glasses. Take it
along on your next camping trip or use it at home; either way,
you will certainly grab attention. Purchase the Jerry Can Bar fo
about $175 at thejerrycanbar.com
Tire-Pressure Perfection
We should regularly check the tire
pressure on our vehicles. It is important
that your car’s tires perform well in all
conditions.
Instead of fl
ping on the ai
compressor
and untangling
balky
hose, consider
the
Craftsman
C3 Cordless
Inflator. It
will pump out
200 psi of pre
sure, all on ba
power. The inflator
features a built-in backlit digital readout
and can be preset to a desired pressure.
Once that pressure is reached, the tool
shuts itself off. Find one at summitracing.com
for $67.97.
Window-Cleaning Help
When you mention “detailing” to
a car guy,
we usually
think
of paint
condition or
clean wheels
but a very
important pa
of detailing i
cleaning the w
dows on you
covered in fi
detract from a c
— and it’s h
glass.
With Griot
Set, this task is much easier. It features a
triangle-shaped cleaning tool to reach the most difficult
corners of your windshield. The tool comes with three
different fabric bonnets to scrub away the grime. Pick
one up for $24.99 at griotsgarage.com.
ortable Power
n Wheels
A lot of us use rolling carts
o keep ourselves organized
uring car projects, but this rollg
cart comes with something
ecial: electrical outlets.
Run one extension cord
o the cart, and it is your new
ower station. No more tripping
ver multiple power cords as
ou’re running around the
garage. The Rolling Garage
Cart with Outlets is lightweight,
has locking casters, and three
deep shelves hold everything in
place. Pick one up for $199.00 at
griotsgarage.com.
DESKTOPCLASSICS by Marshall Buck
1965 Ford mustang Convertible
Recently re-released from Auto World
— and produced at Ertl Collectibles in their
“American Muscle” series — is this very attractive
model. Auto World has issued a number
of color and detail variants of the ’65 Ford
Mustang convertible in GT and standard trim
going back to 2005.
This latest piece is very well finished and
packed with a lot of detail, including:
• Opening doors, hood and trunk.
• Tilt seat-backs, hinged sun visors and
steerable front wheels.
• A working suspension, and the driveshaft rotates as the rear wheels roll.
The overall appearance looks very accurate. The fit and finish meet most expectations — it is not the best,
but it is very good. The interior, and the 289 V8 engine, are highly detailed. The functional scissor hinges on
the hood are a nice touch. They have even simulated the factory overspray on the underside of the chassis.
26 AmericanCarCollector.com
Detailing
Scale: 1:18
Available colors: Silver and Smoke
Gray
Quantity: 1,000 (estimated)
Price: $95
Production date: 2017
Web: www.autoworldhobby.com
Ratings
Detailing:
Accuracy:
Overall quality:
Overall value:
is best
by Chad Taylor
Page 26
Postcards from Monterey
SNAPSHOTS
American Iron on the Peninsula
Brian Baker
the 1960 DiDia 150, winner of the “American Dream Cars of the 1960s” class at Pebble beach, draws a group of admirers
Dave Tomaro
1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Sunray-DX race car at
Worldwide Auctioneers’ Pacific Grove auction. It failed to
sell on a high bid of $600,000
1971 American
LaFrance 900
Series Pumper
converted into
a car hauler,
displayed at
the Quail, A
motorsports
Gathering
Dave Tomaro
Dave Tomaro
1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 race car at Worldwide
Auctioneers’ Pacific Grove auction. It was not sold on a
high bid of $150,000
28 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 27
Chad Taylor
browsers give a Ford Gt a going-over in the russo and Steele lot
Not tony
bennett, but
Russo and
Steele CEO
Drew Alcazar
working the
crowd to sell a
vintage pickup
Chad Taylor
Garrett Long
I suppose that qualifies as a big block
Chad Taylor
1949 Kurtis Sports
Car, owned
by Arlen and
Carol Kurtis of
bakersfield, CA, on
the Pebble Beach
Tour d’Elegance.
the car’s creator,
Frank Kurtis,
passed it to his
son Arlen as a
high-school
graduation gift
November-December 2017 29
Page 28
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
INJECTION
PERFECTION
Modern fuel injection is great for vintage muscle —
especially when it hides in plain sight
by Jim Pickering and Chad Tyson
engine needs. The weather or even changes in altitude can knock that
old 4-barrel on your Camaro’s 396 out of balance even if it was in
perfect tune yesterday.
Car guys have learned to live with this. But imagine for a second
T
if that old carb could tune itself to always deliver the correct amount
of air and fuel to your engine, regardless of conditions. Something
like that would give great response all the time, start easy, and produce
peak performance along with the best economy possible. That
may be a dream for a carb, but it’s reality for modern electronic fuel
injection (EFI).
30 AmericanCarCollector.com
EFI has taken the aftermarket by storm — there are a bunch of
he carburetor is king in the world of American muscle cars
for good reason: It’s simple and effective in delivering a fuel
mixture to your V8.
But carburetors are quirky, and even when professionally
tuned, a carb can’t always deliver the exact fuel curve your
systems that promise to offer better drivability to vintage engines.
But there’s only one system that can hide under your muscle car’s air
cleaner and look just like a carb — Holley’s Terminator Stealth EFI
system in the classic gold finish. Ours came from our go-to supplier
of performance parts: Summit Racing Equipment.
ACC has always stressed that driving our classics is key to
enjoying them, and this system offers the best of modern technology
while keeping those classic looks. Most importantly, it also draws in
a younger crowd — every single under-40er I told about this system
wanted to be a part of the installation and tuning process. So for
breathing new drivability into a classic — and drawing interest from
a younger, computer-savvy demographic who may not care about
tuning an old carburetor — this system is great.
Here’s what it took to convert a previously carbureted big-block
Chevy to modern electronic fuel injection.
Page 29
SUMMIT RACING PARTS LIST
P/N HLY-550-444K Holley Terminator Stealth EFI Master Kit, $2,449.95
P/N HLY-16-108 Holley Hydramat (3x8), $139.95
P/N HLY-16-203 Holley Magnet Kit for Hydramat, $22.50
P/N HLY-558-409 Holley Computer Connector Cable, $48.27
P/N EAR-AT709167ERL Earl’s Super Stock 90-degree fittings (3), $17.96
each
P/N EAR-AT581806ERL Earl’s -6 AN Tube Nuts (4), $3.48 each
P/N EAR-AT581906ERL Earl’s -6 AN Tube Sleeves (4), $3.19 each
P/N EAR-AT981506ERL Earl’s -6 to -6 Male Union (8), $4.96 each
OTHER PARTS
Edelmann P/N 3600ST 3/8-inch steel line, 25-foot spool, $30
(3/8-inch fuel line mounting clips and self-tapping mounting screws,
10) $10
TIME SPENT:
Three solid days
DIFFICULTY: J J J J J
(J J J J J is toughest)
1
Our Terminator Stealth EFI kit came from Summit Racing with its own fuel system — including an electric pump, 20 feet of
Earl’s Super Stock fuel injection hose, filters and fittings. The first thing to do is unpack all the components, catalog what you have,
and read the instruction manual to make sure everything is accounted for and you fully understand all the steps involved.
2
Since this injection system requires a return fuel line, we had to remove the fuel tank and modify it. We drained the tank
first, disconnected the factory fuel and vent hoses and gauge wiring, and dropped it out of the car. Then we removed the factory-style
sending unit and the gas cap and took the tank to a radiator shop to evacuate the rest of the fumes before drilling into it for the return
fitting.
November-December 2017 31
Page 30
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
3
The return is designed to mount
in the top of the tank, but two
things prevented that here: First,
the top of the tank sits flush against
the floor of the trunk — no room for an external
fitting. Second, this return-line fitting
fastens to the tank with a nut that must be
tightened from inside the tank, and there’s
limited hand access through the two-inch
sending-unit hole, which is at the front of
this fuel tank. So we drilled a 9/16-inch hole
in the flattest section of tank near the sending-unit
hole. We then deburred that hole
inside and out.
4
Note the construction here:
90-degree bulkhead fitting,
special sealing gaskets (called
Stat-O-Seals) that sandwich
either side of the tank, and a large nut on
the back of the bulkhead fitting to compress
it all together, and then a line that continues
on to below the fuel level inside the tank.
This must be assembled inside the tank and
tightened through the original two-inch
sending-unit access hole. Tricky, but not
impossible.
5
Note the bend in the line inside
the tank, fixed with a section of
steel rod and nylon zip ties. This
should run up along the roof of the
tank and then turn back down, exiting under
the fuel level. Here’s why: With the return in
the side of the tank rather than the top, the
weight of the fuel can create resistance in
the line and cause pressure-related tuning
issues. We had no leaks from the seals — if
you encounter leaks, you can have the tank
professionally modified with a welded-in
return fitting instead.
6
electric fuel pumps don’t like to be starved of fuel,
which can happen under acceleration or cornering.
Holley’s HydraMat sits in your stock tank and acts like a wicking
sponge to keep fuel fed to the pump. It sticks in place using
magnets, holds fuel right where you need it at all times, and eliminates
most of the trouble caused by fuel aeration. P/N 16-108 measures 3x8
inches, which is perfect for a stock GM muscle-car tank.
8
Feeding the new system into the tank is a nobrainer,
but be careful of sharp edges that might cut
it. Using a dowel, we positioned the mat in the center of
the tank before reinstalling the sending unit and buttoning
everything up. Then we reinstalled the tank in the car.
7
using fuel line (rated for fuel submersion) and a 90-degree
3/8-inch NPT fitting, we modified a sending unit to use
the HydraMat.
32 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 32
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
9
The Holley Terminator system
uses an externally mounted
electric fuel pump. It must be
located close to the fuel tank and
below the fuel level so that it’s fed an easy
supply of gas — these pumps push better
than they pull. There are also two fuel filters
as well — we’re only using the post-pump
filter here, as the HydraMat functions as a
pre-pump filter.
10
most cars will require
some sort of bracket to
get the pump in the right
place. We welded up this
one out of scrap steel using a cardboard
template as a map. It bolts to the trunk
floor and hangs the pump in a good
spot.
11
Our Terminator system came with enough Earl’s
Super Stock hose to plumb the whole car — that’s
an option, but it’s always better to run steel hard line
whenever possible. We elected to use the original fuel line
as a return line and made a new steel line for the pressure side,
which runs along the frame rail on the passenger’s side of the car.
We then used the Earl’s Super Stock line to tie everything together.
13
the last part of the fuel
system, other than mounting
the 10-micron fuel filter
in-line on the pressure
side, is this pressure regulator, which
feeds the engine and directs excess fuel
back to the tank. It needs to be mounted
under the hood close to the engine, but
preferably away from heat — and for our
purposes, in a not-too-conspicuous location.
We chose the passenger’s side
inner fender. We then ran a section of
Earl’s line from the regulator to the engine.
12
We then removed the car’s mechanical fuel pump,
fuel pump pushrod and carburetor. Holley’s kit includes
a mechanical fuel pump block-off plate and gasket.
34 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 34
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
15
You
can
mount
the
14
Next up is wiring. This is the extent of the Terminator
system’s wiring: two main harnesses, one of which is simple
power and ground that goes directly to the battery.
Everything is labeled and fitted with OE-grade weather-
tight connectors.
electronic control
unit (eCu) in
the engine compartment,
but the
idea here is to
keep the system
as stealthy as
possible. Hiding
that ECU under the
dash requires a
two-inch hole to
pass the harnesses
through. The factory
clutch-rod hole
in the firewall of this
automaticequipped
car was
about the right size,
so we used that
along with a rubber
grommet supplied
in the kit.
16
18
Next, we installed a coolant
temperature sensor at the
front of the manifold, next to
the thermostat. Draining some
coolant from the radiator before installation
prevents a mess here.
The
wideband
oxygen
sensor mounts in
the exhaust pipe
or header. This
car had a wideband
O2 system
already, so we just
installed the new
Holley sensor in our
previously welded
header fitting. The
kit supplies both a
clamp-on and
weld-on-style fitting.
36 AmericanCarCollector.com
17
Next up is the injection unit itself — inside this “carburetor” are four fuel
injectors, an Idle Air Control (IAC) motor, a Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
sensor, a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), and an Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor.
The unit mounts using a special supplied gasket and hardware. Flow rate on
this unit is 950 CFM. All the brackets for various transmission kickdowns and throttle configurations
are included.
19
With all
the sensors
installed
and plugged in, we
routed the main harness
in the engine
compartment and
through the firewall,
and then used the remaining
wire length to
determine where we
could hide the ECU.
The perfect spot was
on the upper section of
the passenger’s footwell, under the carpet. It allows both good access
and limited visual impact. The kit comes with bolts and locknuts
to secure the ECU.
Page 35
20
the second harness —
the power harness for
the eCu — was routed
much the same way as
the main harness, although it must
go straight to the battery for both positive
and negative connections. This
step is extremely important in getting
the system to function as designed.
The kit ships with crimp-on connectors
for these wires, which should also be
soldered and covered with heat shrink.
21
Several more connections needed to be made on the main harness: One
constant hot at the positive side of the battery (red), one engine ground (black),
one lead that powers the fuel pump at the back of the car (green), and one ground
wire for the fuel pump. Finally, we hooked up the keyed ignition hot lead to a
source on the fuse panel that was hot with key on and while cranking (red with white), and
tapped into our HEI’s tach feed to give the ECU a tachometer signal (yellow). We also installed
an optional extra extension harness to allow the ECU to control a previously installed electric
fan. Again, solder and heat-shrink all this for best results.
22
before putting power to the
system, we double-checked
all our fuel-line connections
to make sure they were tight,
away from heat, and fastened to limit vibration.
This system runs 43 psi of fuel pressure
— any small leak is in fact a big leak,
so better safe than sorry. We also refilled the
fuel tank and verified there were no leaks
from the return line bulkhead fitting in the
tank.
23
the last component to install is holley’s 3.5-inch color touchscreen interface,
which plugs into the main harness. This is how most of the communication
with the ECU is done. There’s enough cable to hide it when you’re not tuning
the car to keep up that stock appearance.
November-December 2017 37
Page 36
WRENCHINGHOW-TO
24
27
After hooking up the battery,
we turned the key to the
“run” position. The fuel pump
primed, running for five seconds
to pressurize the system. Again, we
checked for leaks, found none, and then
proceeded to start the tuning process using
the touchscreen.
Once
everything
was
installed,
checked, and the
eCu was calibrated,
we hit the
key and the big
block fired to life
on the first go
— even with a large
roller cam featuring
236/245 degrees of
duration and
0.625/0.639 inches
of lift. It settled into
a nice 850-rpm
idle.
25
A few simple questions from
the system wizard are next.
These include things such as
injection type, cam type, engine
size, etc. The system will then load a tune
that’s close to what you’ll need to get your
car started.
26
before starting the car, the
eCu requires a tPS Autoset
— a zeroing of the throttle
position sensor. Once set, the
system will activate the fuel injectors and
allow the engine to run. This is simple —
when prompted, we just stepped on the gas
twice to set it.
28
Holley’s EFI system tunes
itself as you drive, so once
we double-checked for leaks
and issues and let the engine
come up to temp, the next step was to
drive the car to let the system hone in
on what the engine wanted. We set off
and found way better throttle response and
cleaner off-idle power delivery right off the
bat — even before the system started to
tune itself.
38 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 37
29
This system does away with
screwdriver tuning, as you’d
do on a carburetor, in favor of
a touchscreen interface. All
adjustments are handled from the driver’s
seat. In general, the system works like this:
The ECU has target air-fuel ratios for idle,
cruise and wide-open throttle (all of which
you can change) and the computer uses
input from its sensors to monitor and adjust
itself to hit those targets. It works really well.
30
holley’s self-learning system is fantastic, but this kit is great in that it
also allows you to tune it via a laptop using holley’s V4 hP-series software,
which is available at www.holley.com. A special cable, Summit Racing P/N
558 409, allows you to connect a Windows laptop to the ECU.
31
here’s where it gets interesting — while you can
just let the system take care of tuning itself with
good results, the Holley software gives even more control
than the handheld tuner, with many more in-depth
tuning options to optimize the system. The Terminator ECU will also
control your timing if you use a small-cap computer-controlled HEI,
which puts the power of your ignition curve in the palm of your hand
as well.
32
the true key here is the look — it’s the spitting
image of an old Holley under your air cleaner. And
yet, once set up, it’ll give much better performance, economy
and ease of tuneability than a carb. Whether it’s
worth the investment is up to you, but when it comes to increasing
the overall usability of your classic, it’s hard to go wrong here. And
I’m willing to bet your kids will want to get involved, too, which might
be the most important reason to consider the swap.
A
(Have you tried this project? Tell us about it at comments@americancarcollector.com)
November-December 2017 39
Page 38
YOUR TURN
Tell Us What’s On Your Mind
One Corvette, Two VINs
I am a GM dealer, and I have been employed at GM
stores since 1981. When you put the 1996 Chevrolet
Corvette Grand Sport coupe that you reviewed from the
Mecum Indy Auction (September–October, p. 82) into the
GM warranty system, it shows the info on the car, and the
warranty repair that was done to it.
So far so good.
When you put in the VIN of the coupe
(1G1YY2254T5600634), it comes back as not found.
However, the other VIN (1G1YY338XL5110455) comes
up as showing that recalls on the seat-belt retractor were
not performed. An “L” in that position in the VIN says it
is a 1990 model, where a “T” says it is a 1996.
The GM warranty system shows that VIN, the
one with the “L,” as well as the convertible, as
model ZZUSV-1970. Again, nothing shows for VIN
1G1YY2254T5600634.
B. Mitchell Carlson’s theory of a placeholder VIN may be correct, but the only other time I have seen this is on pre-production or non-public
sale cars, and they usually end with an EX.
Sorry I couldn’t clear up the discrepancy, but the info may help. What did the MSO show? As an aside, for $5,000, you can request to change
the last six numbers of a Corvette VIN to anything you would like (birthdate, etc...) Try to recoup that on resale! — Bruce Corwin, Priority
Automotive LLC/Cerrone Chevrolet Buick GMC, Attleboro, MA
A Cool Sleeper in ACC 35
I just looked over the new issue, and it is
excellent, as always.
The 427 Bel Air is a cool sleeper (GM
Profile, p. 54). Would love to have one, might
be even better as a 4-door for maximum
effect!
The ’66 Mustang fastback shown on p.
Pontiac Trans Am
Expertise
I just read the September–October ACC
35. I always enjoy receiving and reading the
magazine from cover to cover.
I am a Pontiac Firebird collector and
enthusiast. I noticed three Trans Ams that
were listed in the auction section. I don’t
want to sound like a know-it-all, but here are
some comments to both correct some errors
and praise good work:
455. The Formula, Esprit and Firebird could
be built with a 400. Being a replica with the
incorrect engine, this car is worth $10k–
$12k. The auction reporter also mentions
Super Duty induction. All Trans Ams had
a closed shaker scoop. There was no Super
Duty induction, so I assume he is referring
to the decal that was placed on the scoop.
104 is also a very nice car, but it could have
had an automatic transmission with the 289
hp, for the first time in ’66.
Most of the Shelby GT350 H models
came with automatic transmission, after
about the first 85 or so were made with the
4-speed. — Paul Shanahan, Upper Darby,
PA
Contact us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
Twin Cities — #F117 1977 Trans Am
Leake #155 — 1980 Trans Am (p. 102)
Barrett Jackson #467 — 1973 Trans
Am Replica (p. 90) was listed as a Best Buy.
Actually, that is a world-record price for a
replica. Factory 1973 Trans Ams only came
with the Y-code 455 or X-code Super Duty
40 AmericanCarCollector.com
was listed as a turbo car. The car has the
incorrect factory wheels. However, based
on the striping and the comment about the
gold-tone dashboard, this car might be a
Y84 Special Edition (SE) car. I am not sure
I agree with the disparaging comments
about Pontiac performance in light of what
the competition was offering in 1980, but to
each his own.
(p. 126) – Good and accurate report. There
were three engine options — the base
Pontiac 400, Olds 403 and the W72 Pontiac
400 — for Trans Ams in 1977. Based on the
rear-end ratio, this car had the base 400 and,
as discussed by the auction reporter, should
have sold for the bid price of $11,500.
I hope this is helpful. Any time one of the
auction reporters has questions about Trans
Am models, options or engines, please let
them know to send me an email or text. I am
happy to answer or research any questions
to get them the information they need in a
timely manner. — Bruce A. Johnson, via
emailA
Page 40
READERS’ FORUM
Crowdsourcing Answers
to Your Car Questions
Contact us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
Favorite Auto Outings
Dave Tomaro Monterey Car Week
This month’s Reader’s Forum question:
Each year, thousands of gearheads swarm to Hot August
Nights, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Monterey Car
Week. All three of these events are very cool, but they’re also
very different. Which one is best for you — and why?
Readers respond:
Well, I must admit that all of the events sound to be a blast.
However, as much as I would think that Hot August Nights would
be my match, with its deep roots in the hot rod culture, I think that
Monterey would be the top of my list.
I have had friends go to Hot August Nights — and even come
back with new steel in the process — but Monterey is the crown
jewel in the collector car world. Over the years, it has only expanded
venues, as the interests of the spectators have grown. For me, that is
what it is all about now: moving past ordinary and into wanting to be
exposed to extraordinary. — Jay P., via email
n n n
Monterey Car Week is the clear winner, in my opinion!
The reasons are many — it has car shows of different types for
those that like that activity, historic races with open pits, auctions of
all types of cars — and sensory overload if you take in nearly every
event. When you couple all this with the location, it is top in my
book! — Jim H. via email
n n n
Bar none, the Woodward Dream Cruise is top dog. It represents
the true American car collector/enthusiast — the common people.
Where else can you see 40,000 vehicles that show the fabric of the
American automotive industry?
Not to mention that it is held on Woodward Avenue, which was the
proving grounds (for drag racing) for the Big Three’s race cars in the
1960s. — W.M.K., via email
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
Jim Pickering
Hot August Nights
n n n
I attended Hot August Nights in 2016. I drove my 1972 Buick
Skylark convertible from Wichita, KS, to Reno, NV. It was the first
large car event I had ever been to. What an exciting time. I was like a
kid in a candy store. All those beautiful classic cars. Wow.
My next large event, I believe, will be at the Mississippi Gulf
Coast from October 1 to 8, 2017, for the 21st Annual Cruisin’ the
Coast. I understand it is similar in nature to Hot August Nights.
Again, I will drive my 1972 Buick Skylark convertible to the event.
Looking forward to seeing what everyone else is interested in as
well. — John B., via email
n n n
For me, the Woodward Dream Cruise is an annual event. There is
a huge turnout of the car community! What makes it different than
most other shows is driving my 1965 Mustang convertible alongside
Corvettes, 1950s cars and Super Bees! Cars in motion are great! —
Normand G., Toronto, ON, CA
n n n
I like the Woodward Dream Cruise. It’s nice to see cars that
people have had for years. Some of those people actually had a hand
in making them — and I like hearing their stories from back in the
day, when Woodward was a muscle-car happening place! — Alex P.,
via email
n n n
Monterey Car Week appeals the most to me. I have a place to park
my trailer in the Chaparral Campground at Laguna Seca, and that is
my home for the week.
I also like Hot August Nights, but I don’t have a place to stay
in Reno, and my wife doesn’t like going there. My wife likes the
activities at Monterey — but not in Reno. To keep everyone happy,
Monterey is the preferred place. Actually, I would like to go to both,
but I’ve got to keep the wife happy. — Robert W., via email
n n n
Too hot. Too hard to get my car there. Too crowded. Then, hotels
gouge you! Don’t go! — Jon H., via emailA
2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition
Gooding & Co. Lot 49, VIN 1ZVBP8CU5D5275628.
Condition 2+
Sold for $44,000
I mentioned a few years ago at an ACC Insider’s Seminar that
2012–13 Boss 302s are destined to be collectibles, as they are the
highest evolution of a solid-rear-axle muscle car. Sure, a fresh-offthe-truck
2018 Shelby GT350 (let alone an R model) will beat a Boss
302 Laguna Seca any day around its namesake course, but it won’t be
by a whole lot. The
Boss has an entirely
different feel to
it, and if you like
having to work for
your lap times, it is
your car.
With 332 miles
B. Mitchell Carlson
since new, it still
had the window
sticker in place.
That sticker showed
the only other option was the factory-supplied car cover. It also shows
that it was originally sold to Journey Ford/Lincoln of Novato, CA,
but the auction company had a disclaimer that it wasn’t California
compliant and could not be sold to a California resident. This just
reinforces why I was so damn happy to leave that state and go back
home when Monterey Car Week ended.
The final no-reserve selling price is generally in line with other
examples trading on the Internet, as they are starting to see some
modest deprecation — even with new-in-the-box examples like this.
1948 Willys Jeepster 2-door phaeton
Worldwide Lot 69, VIN not displayed or disclosed. Condition 3
Sold for $18,700
For their first sale on the Monterey Peninsula, Worldwide had a
little of something for everyone, and this Jeepster was one of about
four possible contenders for the lowest sale of a domestic car.
Jeepsters were among the first wave of post-war cars to be
recognized as collectible. This one appears to have been restored
in the early 1970s.
In those days,
“restoration” meant
a repaint at the local
body shop between
collision jobs. The
seats were redone
when the upholstery
guy in town had
time between recovering
couches.
It was redone
B. Mitchell Carlson
a few years back, and it was hardly a professional restoration. Now,
after some time on the road, this Jeepster’s restoration was unwinding.
Most unsettling was rust blistering (at worst) or paint blistering
(at best) on the rear valance panel.
This Jeepster is a driver at best, but it was not so bad that it war-
ranted direct shipment to the new owner’s restoration shop of choice.
Even with its issues, it still had that cute look to it. I’d like to think
good looks carried it to this strong price. I’d hate to think that an
overworked, 4-cylinder, two-wheel-drive kinda car/kinda truck was
really worth this much.
1950 Studebaker R16 1½-ton stake-bed truck
Mecum: Lot T22, VIN 98HA29015. Condition 3+
Sold for $5,500
Fresh from Wyoming, this Stude flatbed still had a set of Farm
Bureau Co-op mud flaps and “necker’s knob” on the steering wheel.
The flathead 6-cylinder and 4-speed won’t win any speed records, but
the deep gearing will get a load of hay from the field to the barn.
This truck was recently repainted and newer tires were fitted, but
the plastic fendermounted
turn signal
lenses are faded.
Although the
B. Mitchell Carlson
description states
that all the wood
on the flatbed is
new, the finish on
it is already flaking
off. The engine was
recently repainted
and lightly detailed.
The door gaps may be uneven, but it is a workin’ truck.
This truck was more gussied-up than restored. Then again, it
wasn’t expected to sell for a record price. That said, if you have the
room to park it, this was one of the best — if not the best — buys for
a Cheap Thrill during Monterey Car Week.
Voice of experience here: Buy this, and all of your acquaintances
will become your best friends — and want to ride on the back during
Back to the 50’s, the Woodard Dream Cruise or Hot August Nights.
1977 Cadillac Eldorado 2-door coupe
Russo and Steele Consignment 1033/Lot TH202,
VIN 6L47S7Q231912. Condition 3
Sold for $3,300
Usually, trying to figure out the low sale at Russo is quite the chal-
lenge. Just when you think that a certain car is a sure shot, something
else ends up getting the reserve removed and goes for less than expected.
Not this time.
Russo and Steele had some nice lots on the lower end this year,
with estimate sale figures around $20k dancing in my head. I was
considering a number of potential low-sale cars — until I walked into
the last row of cars.
I heard a chorus of angels and saw a shaft of light from the heav-
ens beam upon this ’77 Eldo. This car was surely the low domestic
sale of the 2017
Monterey Car
Week.
Sure, drop-tops
B. Mitchell Carlson
have moved up
in value for a few
years now, but the
last one was made
in 1976.
Every 1977 and
1978 Eldorado is a
coupe. They come
with the smaller, uber-smogged 425-ci V8, so they haven’t caught on
with collectors.
Their competitor car — the Lincoln Continental Mark V — was
more popular back in the day — and they are more popular now.
This car was a decent original — but it did show some use and
some scars. It also wore the dumbest set of wheels on a domestic car
from the 1970s. Picture cast-aluminum, wanna-be basket weaves in a
pathetic attempt to look “European.”
And it was no-reserve. I immediately knew this Caddy was The
Chosen One. This Eldo would be the lowball sale — even if someone
dug a Corvair sedan out of a beach surf wall and then dragged the
shards of rust and greasy aluminum castings through The Auction In
The Round.
In that heaven-lit moment, I was sure that no American-made car
would bring less money than the Eldo.
And I nailed it spot-on. A
November-December 2017 45
Page 44
Horsepower
LIFE
Jay Harden
FAST LANE
in the
As a gainfully employed homeowner, husband and father,
I’ve never been busier or more exhausted in my life
time to brush my teeth, much less collect my
thoughts. My cup is overflowing right now, but
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that something has
been missing.
The new me
I’ve recently come to terms with the fact
that my personal identity — the one where I put
food on the table punching a clock body-working
and painting cars that cost more than most
people’s homes, the one where my only mode
of transportation was a big-block ’69 Chevelle,
and the one where everything I owned fit in the
back of that old car — has, well, evolved. Adapt
or die, right?
I’ve fought tooth and nail over the years to
hold onto my Chevelle, but ol’ Bubba (as the car
has come to be called) has been sitting on that
back burner for longer than I can admit.
So here I am, facing my own preconceived
Working on Bubba back in less-frazzled times
decades to build family/house/life, but finally gets around to car of
his dreams.
The only sorrier story was guy reluctantly sells old car to build
I
family/house/life. Honestly, it all sounded pretty pathetic to me. Just
get out there and work on your car, right? Once you’re a boring ol’
adult, what else do you have to do?
Well, as the long-deceased mathematician E.T. Bell once said,
“Time makes fools of us all.”
Wife, kids, house, job ...
As a gainfully employed homeowner, husband, and father of two
ballistic missiles wearing dinosaur undies, I’ve never been busier or
more exhausted in my life.
For the better part of five years now, I’ve been building bunk beds,
restoring wood floors and cleaning tiny hineys instead of turning
wrenches and getting sideways.
Five years gone — just like that.
Life is a blur these days and I sometimes have difficulty finding
46 AmericanCarCollector.com
spent a LOT of my teenage hours nose-down between the pages
of one hot-rod magazine or another.
I read them cover to cover. Over time, I eventually grew
weary of reading what seemed like the same feature article intro
over and over.
I’m sure you know the one — guy reluctantly parks old car for
notions of how my life might play out — and
the judgments I blindly levied against others.
Teenage Me would be sorely disappointed
with Minivan Owner Me, but Teenage Me could
be a real idiot. The idea of allowing my pride and joy to waste away
in a garage for decades on end was once absolutely beyond my realm
of comprehension.
Little did I know that the source of my pride and joy would so
quickly and completely move from the garage to the toy-riddled
bedroom next to mine.
Hello, Bubba
A few months ago, my wife asked what it would take to get
the Chevelle back on the road in a state that was a bit more family
friendly. Knowing full well that this was the opportunity I had been
waiting for, I rattled off a list of parts that I had been cataloging for
just this occasion, and, more importantly, a rough hourly estimate.
You see, my car fits in my garage about as snugly as a new pair of
boots in a shoebox. There’s room for the car or me, but not both. That
means I need daylight hours on rain-free evenings and weekends to
make any real progress. We worked out a plan, and I embarked on
project “Bubba Needs a New Pair of Shoes.”
What I thought would be a quick couple of weekends worth of
work — complete suspension, steering and brake overhaul — has
eaten up my entire summer, and that’s with no cosmetic or paint
changes of any kind.
Every bolt I turned had to introduce me to at least three of his
buddies that needed a little this or that, and most refused to play nice.
Page 45
I couldn’t help but feel like Bubba was acting just a touch resentful
for all those years of neglect. As is our history, though, we eventually
made up and got on with it.
Now that the car is finally all back together and moves under its
own power again, I’ve had a few moments to reflect on just how much
work this undertaking has really been. I traded a lot of time with
my wife and kids for bloody knuckles and marginally satisfactory
progress.
I had to rearrange work commitments to borrow Editor
Pickering’s trailer and tote ol’ Bubs to the muffler shop, and I spent
way more money than I initially budgeted (although no one was really
surprised by that one).
I now have several family-time makeup weekends ahead of
me, but holy smokes, am I fired up about that old car in a way that
surprises me.
You see, about 10 years ago, I began daydreaming of tearing Bubba
all apart and starting over, from bolt one. After years of eating and
sleeping high-end custom builds with bottomless budgets and full-time
progress, I somehow began to convince myself that I would soon have
time, space, and budget to make a complete rebuild a reality.
Turns out Teenage Me wasn’t the only idiot.
If this latest little adventure has taught me anything, it’s the
value of being honest with myself about where I am in my life. For
example, I know full well that if I were to start disassembling my
Chevelle right now, today, it would be 20 years before Bubba was to
see the light of day again. This is an inarguable fact. But I’m okay
with that now. Really, I am.
So what does any of my woe-is-me rambling have to do with
classic-car auctions?
Well, I’ve hit the point where the “Built, not Bought” argument is
lost on me.
What works for right now?
Can I do the work on my old car? Yes. Do I have the time, money,
space or energy? No, I do not. Does any of that mean I don’t still live
and breathe old cars the way I once did? Let’s not be silly.
I’m sure the sun will rise on a morning where are all those factors
will line up for me once again, but it’s going to be awhile. So what now?
Well, I spend a lot of time perusing auction results for cars a lot
like my own — cars that are on the opposite end of the spectrum
from the one-of-ones and the trailer queens.
I want a vehicle that I can use and enjoy now, but I’m not willing
to empty my account for a top-tier example, either. I’m looking at
cars and trucks with a lot of meat on the bone, those that are 70% or
80% of what I envision they could be with just a few long weekends
of effort. If your life looks anything remotely as chaotic as my own,
maybe you should, too.
For every show pony that crosses the block, there are 20 trusty
steeds that could use a good bath, some exercise, and some tender
loving care. I don’t have any time for paint and bodywork right now,
but I can manage a few mechanical tweaks here and there.
As such, I look for cars that were built well with quality com-
ponents — but are out of date or out of style. Can you look past an
ugly, ill-fitting set of wheels and a wonky stance? How about a tired
drivetrain or worn interior? I’m continually amazed at the number of
potential buyers who can’t.
Look for simple fixes that you can manage one at a time, and be
realistic with yourself about what you can afford to spend in dollars
and hours— and what you expect in return.
We all have dreams of the perfect car, but the perfect car often
requires tremendous financial and personal commitment. Today, I can
afford neither. Instead, I’m shopping for the perfect car for right now.
And you? A
November-December 2017 47
Page 46
On the Market
John L. Stein
FUN TRUCKIN’
F
or more than 50 years, swirling in the aerodynamic eddy behind Hemis,
big-block Camaros and Boss Mustangs, we’ve had power pickups.
Since the Dodge Power Wagon of 1957, a small array of specialty pick-
ups has periodically emanated from the Big Three.
Bill “Maverick” Golden’s Hemi-powered Little Red Wagon exhibition
drag racer — based on a forward-cab 1965 Dodge A100 pickup — certainly helped
spur interest in performance trucks.
Later, Dodge offered a 360-ci Li’l Red Express version of its short-wheelbase
D150 pickup for 1977–78. A cocktail of cosmetic bling and police interceptor engine
tech, it showed that the corporate marketing guys recognized that performance
trucks were at least an incremental market worthy of attention.
Borrowing from muscle cars, Chevrolet produced a string of big-block El Camino 396
and 454 models, which were based on the Chevelle platform. I owned one — with a white
vinyl roof and air shocks, man! — during college. It was a thirsty beast — and a total
blast. With little weight in back, it would really burn out (vitally important at the time).
To smog pumps and beyond
The early emissions era of the 1970s choked pickup performance at the same
time it hamstrung cars.
But when axle-tramping power began its return, Chevrolet brought out the 1990–
93 Chevy 454 SS, and GMC crashed the party with the short-lived, turbocharged
V6-powered, all-wheel-drive 1991 Syclone.
48 AmericanCarCollector.com
You can pile five friends into the Raptor, load up bikes, tow
an 8,000-pound trailer and still conquer Baja-caliber terrain
Ford offered the SVO Lightning, a tuner-shop
special with a cool suspension and a neat blackout
motif. Based on the F-150, it ran from 1993 to ’95 and
in supercharged form from 1999 to 2003.
With retro fever flooding the car biz in the early
2000s, the Bowtie boys launched the limited-run
retractable-hardtop SSR pickup in 2003. At its 400-hp,
LS2-powered zenith for 2006, the SSR set a standard
for trick production pickups.
A new high-water mark for performance would
arrive with the 2004–06 Dodge Ram SRT-10. Using an
8.3-liter, V10 Viper engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox,
it delivered spine-bending performance, validated
by an SCCA-sanctioned 154-mph top speed.
Call of the Raptor
The above soliloquy is intended to show that, al-
though they were often minor players, performance pickups
have been part of the collector car mix for decades.
And if the 2017 Ford Raptor (based on the current
F-150) is any indication, the genre is alive and better
than ever.
Page 47
Off to the Sierras
As part of a four-day vintage-motorcycle trip, my buddy and I pinched a new
Raptor Supercrew. Then we loaded its aluminum bed with two bikes and an inflatable
boat. After piling its cab to the ceiling with riding gear, we headed for the most
dramatic country we could find — California’s High Sierras.
With passes over 8,100 feet, narrow two-lane stretches that demand instant accelera-
tion for passing, and ample Jeep tracks revealed by the Raptor’s off-road-enabled GPS
system, that mountain range was a perfect test of Ford’s latest performance-truck variant.
The Raptor is a raucous performer.
Its 3.5-liter V6 is turbocharged, so it suffers not one bit at high altitude. It also
delivers tons of poke, even fully loaded, at the stamp of the loud pedal.
Speaking of loud, a multi-mode system lets the driver select exhaust tone, sus-
pension settings, steering feel and drive systems at will.
The truck comes with heated and cooled seats, a panoramic glass roof, a quiet
interior, good ergonomics and beefy off-road-rated LT315/70R17 BFG T/A tires.
With the huge aluminum lower front suspension arms and Fox shocks all around, the
Raptor is ready for anything.
The truck ate up most everything we threw at it, from sprinting up high-altitude
passes to off-roading to clicking off a 1,200-mile round trip. That usual bugaboo
for bikes and tall pickups — a high bed height — was even eased by the drop-down
tailgate step. I liked the non-slip, spray-in bedliner, especially when the 1969 Suzuki
Savage’s fork seals leaked all over it.
Auto alternatives
Carrying an MSRP of $65,965 with all options included, the radical Raptor
is priced in the same new-car league as the Mustang Shelby GT350 R and the
Challenger SRT Hellcat. In comparison with collector vehicles, it’s on par with a
1967 Hemi Charger or a ’69 Mustang Mach 1 428.
All that said, the Raptor’s 17-mpg average for all of our high-altitude driving and
off-roading is way better than the sub-10 mpg a vintage big-block would deliver.
A friend challenged me after the trip when he
asked if I’d rather have the Raptor or a C7 Corvette
Grand Sport.
It was a tough choice.
As much as I like Corvettes, you can pile five
friends into the Raptor, load up bikes, tow a trailer up
to 8,000 pounds, and still conquer steep-mountain or
hot-desert terrain.
Fun truckin’
I can’t prove it, but if memory serves, there was an
old truck commercial called “Fun Truckin’.”
The lyrics are still echoing in my ears: “On the
road, off the road, having some fun. You and me, babe,
we’ll get the job done. It’s been a good day and it ain’t
half done.” That is certainly valid for the Raptor today.
So now, years after the beginning of the perfor-
mance pickup market, I’d submit that:
1. High-performance pickups are still a viable
market segment.
2. A guy really ought to have two of whatever he
likes, including a classic model to polish, and a modern
one to use with impunity.
My two hot-rod truck choices? They are the cur-
rent, most-excellent Raptor and a 1968–72 El Camino
SS 396.
There, now I’ve really done it. As soon as I turn
this column in, I’m heading to Craigslist for 396s, and
then to Ford Credit to look up APRs. Fun truckin’,
indeed!A
November-December 2017 49
Page 48
PROFILE CORVETTE
1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 SPLIT-WINDOW TANKER
Big Tank, Big Bucks
Courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers
This Z06 is
in rarified
air, besting in
value a host
of esteemed
’Vettes,
including
the rare
first-year
1953 model
and all
manner
of Fuelies
VIN: S109324
by John L. Stein
• One of only 199 Z06 Corvettes built
• Includes desirable 36-gallon fuel tank
• Saddle Tan exterior
• Saddle interior
• Steel wheels with full covers
• Period-correct black sidewall tires
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 19, sold for
$357,500, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Worldwide Auctioneers’ sale in Pacific
Grove, CA, on August 17, 2017.
When the original Corvette Sting Rays debuted
for the public, they came out swinging. Four of them
were entered in the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix
support race for production sports cars at Riverside
International Raceway in October 1962.
Truly street-legal race cars, the Corvettes had been
driven to So-Cal from the assembly plant in St. Louis
to break them in and give their drivers some familiarity
with the new model before getting on track.
As one might expect with racers, there were various
hijinks along the way. Escapades reportedly included
liberal interpretation of speed limits and some dodgy
drafting practice on open roads west of the Rockies.
The fun continued after arrival in the City of
Angels, where Bob Bondurant, driving the Washburn
Chevrolet car, was admittedly late to the race shop
after detouring to West L.A. and dicing it up on Sunset
Boulevard. Afterwards it was discovered the glovebox
contained a rightfully earned speeding ticket.
On race day at Riverside, Bill Krause, in the light-
weight new Cobra, at first outpaced the Corvettes.
Eventually, Doug Hooper and his Mickey Thompson-
50 AmericanCarCollector.com
50 AmericanCarCollector.com
entered Corvette Z06 outlasted the Shelby, which
retired with mechanical problems to hand the Sting
Ray its magnificent first win.
As a result, while some cars toil for years to break
out, the Sting Ray and Z06 gained fame on their very
first attempt.
The one to have
Following this illustrious debut for the new model,
those in the know recognized the Z06 as the best
production Corvette money could buy.
Originally offered for Sting Ray coupes at a price of
$1,818.45, the Z06 “Special Performance Equipment”
option was later dropped to $1,293.95 and made available
for convertibles — although just one Z06 roadster
is known to exist.
Regardless, all Z06s were 1963 models. By 1964, the
Z06 option was gone, never to return until 2001 as a
unique C5 hard-top model.
Among the Z06’s race-focused features were the
fuel-injected, 360-hp L84 engine powering through
a close-ratio 4-speed gearbox and a Positraction
differential.
While the Fuelie engine was available on any 1963
Corvette, the Z06’s special suspension and brakes
were highly exclusive. These track tools included
heavy-duty coil springs and shocks — and an extrastiff
front stabilizer bar. Stopping the car were large,
finned iron drum brakes with internal cooling fans
and a modern dual-circuit, vacuum-assisted master
cylinder.
Cooling ducts, nowadays affectionately known
Page 49
CoLLeCtor’S reSourCe: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
Detailing
Year produced: 1963
Number produced: 199
Original list price: $6,070.45
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $505,000
Club: National Corvette
Restorers Society
as “elephant ears,” directed air to the front brakes,
which were fitted with race-spec cerametallic linings,
a further upgrade from the more common optional
sintered linings.
Rarest of the rare
While all Z06s contained a full array of components
to form a true production race car, one additional
trick component would ultimately become available
as a standalone coupe option. The Z06’s big fuel tank,
which carried Regular Production Option (RPO)
N03, held 80% more fuel than the Corvette’s standard
20-gallon tank. That huge tank kept the car on the
racetrack longer between refueling stops, which is a
valuable competitive advantage.
Initially priced at $202.30, the big tank ironically
survived as a coupe option right through the end of the
mid-year era in 1967. However, it was not a popular
option, as just 210 big-tank coupes were delivered
during the mid-year Sting Ray’s five-year run. No
convertibles ever received the N03 big tank.
All of these factors make our subject Corvette, a
one-year-only Z06 with the 36-gallon tank, really
special. All told, just 199 Z06s were built for 1963
(including that one reported convertible), and not all
of them had the vaunted big tank.
Such cars are now known as “Tankers,” and they
hold a very special and exclusive place in the collector
market.
Bargain or burden?
Selling for $357,500, this subject car lagged the
ACC Pocket Price Guide’s median value of $505,000
for the 1963 Z06 model by 29%.
There were some reasons for this.
One reason was the report that the Corvette had
been crashed hard, and a significant amount of its
original body had been replaced with 1967 fiberglass.
In addition, Z06s with their original engines still in
place are rare and command a premium — perhaps
30% or even $200,000 — above cars that have replacement
engines — even if they are period correct. The
status of this wasn’t clear in the case of our subject car
— at least by the time of publication for this issue.
Despite the price dip from the expected top value
for Z06s, at its nearly $360k selling price, this particular
Z06 flies in rarified Corvette air. It beats in value a
host of esteemed ’Vettes, including the rare first-year
1953 model and all manner of Fuelies. It beats almost
everything, really, except for 1967–69 L88s, the unicorn
1969 ZL1s and, of course, Zora Arkus-Duntov’s
skunk works 1963 Grand Sport racers.
I like good bones — a real car with a clean, clear
history and that has never been subjected to engine
swaps, massive body reworking or wholesale parts
exchanges. To me, even if seriously flawed, the
completeness of an original car far outweighs the
perfection of a restored or “re-imagined” example, no
matter how desirable a model it may be.
So will this somewhat-of-a-bargain Z06 one day
rise above to become as valuable as fully original
cars?
If there were only five Z06s, such as the case of the
Grand Sports, I would say perhaps yes. But with 199
Z06s built, people who have the kind of coin necessary
to buy one will likely always have other options. And
so, given this car’s apparently rocky history, despite
its coveted “Tanker” status, I’d say it was quite fairly
sold, with the advantage belonging to the seller. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide
Auctioneers.)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
coupe
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX,
9/5/13
ACC# 227411
Lot S125, VIN: 30837S115624
Condition 2+
Sold at $267,500
Distributor cap: $35
VIN location: Cross brace
under glovebox
Engine # location: On block
in front of right cylinder
head
Tune-up/major service:
$500–$600
Web: www.ncrs.org
Alternatives: 1965 Shelby
GT350, 1969 Camaro ZL1,
1968–69 Corvette L88
ACC Investment Grade: A
Comps
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
coupe
Lot 48, VIN: 30837S109324
Condition 1-
Not Sold at $440,000
Worldwide, Scottsdale, AZ,
1/18/17
ACC# 6816891
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Tanker
Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/19/16
ACC# 6804163
Lot F150, VIN: 30837S118890
Condition 2Sold
at $253,000
November-December 2017
51CC
51
Page 50
PROFILE GM
This Goat Was a Tiger
1965 PONTIAC GTO
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Shoving
a big-car
engine in
a mid-size
body, adding
a 4-speed,
Tri-Power, a
hot rear axle
and bucket
seats gave
buyers the
vital
muscle-car
DNA
VIN: 237375P250891
by Pat Smith
credentials. It has twice won the GTO Association
of America’s Concours Award and was chosen as
Popular Favorite GTO at the 2015 GTOAA Nationals
in Columbus, IN. A YR-code car denoting its 389/360
horsepower V8 and automatic transmission, it is a
fascinating example that was restored in frame-off
fashion and freshened in both 2009 and 2013.
I
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
ACC Analysis This car, Lot F167, sold for
$57,200, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum Auctions’ Harrisburg, PA, sale on
August 4, 2017.
When Pontiac released their GTO option on the
Tempest series in 1964, it lit the fuse to a powder keg
of unfulfilled car-fanatic fantasies.
Shoving a big-car engine in a mid-size body, adding
a 4-speed, Tri- Power, a hot rear axle and bucket seats
gave buyers the vital muscle-car DNA.
The Pontiac GTO was one step ahead of everyone
else, and sales were strong enough to grant the option
full-model status in 1966 with its own “242” serial
number.
Other manufacturers tried to catch up, but it took
two years to fully match the GTO with hardware that
was readily available.
That’s why sales were hot, with 75,352 sold in 1965.
f starring as an attraction in Floyd Garrett’s
Muscle Car Museum in Sevierville, TN, serves as
an endorsement for a vintage machine from that
classic era, then this 1965 Pontiac GTO comes
highly recommended.
But that’s not the end of this fantastic GTO’s
Horsepower galore
Not only was the engine big, it was well-developed,
with 10 extra horses, making the base 4-barrel a 335
hp, and 12 more with the Tri-Power for 360 hp. The
frame was new that year, with boxed front and rear
frame rails and three built-in cross members to hold
together the open-channel side rails — and a fourth
transmission member that was bolted in.
The camshaft timing, carburetor and cylinder heads
and valvetrain were all reworked.
The heads had improved combustion chambers
and big valves. The valvetrain got oil from the lifters
through the pushrods and rocker arms. Integral
guides kept valve sideplay to a minimum.
The “Tiger” imagery was most appropriate, as a
Tri-Power 389 could eat you alive.
Those changes added up to one hot package, with
quarter-mile times of 14.65 seconds at 101 miles per
hour. The Goat could hustle a quarter-mile down the
strip in 13.77 seconds with just headers, slicks and a
carb re-jet.
It was a seriously fast car for $2,791. To match it
you either had to be connected and buy a factory race
car or a Corvette. The Chevelle SS 396 was limited
production, and Ford’s 1965 Galaxie R-code was
super rare. Chrysler’s Street Wedge 426 was too tame
and the Race Wedge was too hot for street use.
There just wasn’t anything available in that size and
price that could touch a GTO. The closest car to fit the
bill — then and now — is a small-block Corvette.
Popular for decades
Many fans consider the 1965 GTO the best early
example of the muscle-car breed. It was a muscle car
without the excess that came from marketing and at
Page 51
CoLLeCtor’S reSourCe: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
tempts to please every customer.
The GTO, along with the Ford Mustang, found a
strong fan base early in the 1980s, complete with
national club support and shows. This created a thriving
industry that supplies original and reproduction
parts. It’s not hard to restore a GTO.
y at home on the
each. It is a true
oLLeCtor’S reSourCe: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
tempts to please every customer.
The GTO, along with the Ford Mustang, found a
strong fan base early in the 1980s, complete with
national club support and shows. This created a thriv-
ing industry that supplies original and reproduction
parts. It’s not hard to restore a GTO.
y at home on the
each. It is a true
h
h the desirable
ard tops, while
y being the
h a Tri-Power and
LeCtor’S reSourCe: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
tempts to please every customer.
The GTO, along with the Ford Mustang, found a
strong fan base early in the 1980s, complete with
national club support and shows. This created a thriv-
ing industry that supplies original and reproduction
parts. It’s not hard to restore a GTO.
y at home on the
each. It is a true
h the desirable
ard tops, while
y being the
h a Tri-Power and
ing
ing a ’65 GTO
sn’t been altered
d with original
n — is difficult.
e cars were modihin
weeks of
y, especially if
re the hot ones
ith.
mid-1960s street
machine
Our subject car
carries the “fantasy
engine combo” of dual-quad
389 power with twin Carters, Offy intake and Ram Air
pan. No doubt a few of these existed as custom builds
for drag racing and street action.
Pontiac didn’t make this setup at the factory be-
cause of the Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor’s imminent
release. Certain cars, such as the 1965 Chevelle, were
already running Q-jets in trial programs to fine-tune
the carburetor before mass release in 1967.
Multiple carburetion was on the way out because
big 4-barrels were entering the market. However, the
racer can’t wait for the factory. If the parts are available,
he’ll build his own setup and take it from there.
In that regard, our subject GTO’s present configu-
ration is a prime example of a mid-1960s street machine.
It impresses visually — and viscerally — when
you stomp the gas pedal.
But that’s only part of this car’s value package.
Three restos, three big awards
The car was a two-time winner of the GTO
Association of America’s Concours award, and it was
a 2015 Crowd Favorite at the GTOAA Nationals.
It was in Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum in
Sevierville, TN, during the 1980s.
It’s a factory 360-hp automatic car, so it was hot
from the dealer.
The car was also superbly groomed, with three
restorations on record. The original frame-off was
done during in the 1980s. Then there were serious
restorations in 2009 and 2013. It is a very solid, welldone
car with a nice provenance.
Floyd Garrett’s museum was one of the earliest bas-
tions of muscle car preservation. It was running long
before Otis Chandler or the Petersen Museum started.
Still, not a perfect car
There are two weak spots.
The 2-speed automatic transmission is column-
mounted, which looks less sporty, and two extra gears
are always more desirable.
A fully synchronized 3-speed manual wasn’t avail-
able until March of 1965, which left buyers choosing
between the two 4-speeds or the 2-speed automatic.
The second flaw is a lack of options. The buyer
skipped on the radio, heater, power steering and
brakes. Our subject was obviously ordered as a racer.
You have to wonder if there was a favorable break
running a zero-option automatic in super stock that year.
The manual steering is a painfully slow 24:1 ratio,
making it a brute to drive in traffic. The way it’s set up
pushes the car firmly into the staging lanes instead of
the highway.
The irony is that the car is almost too nice to bash
on the strip.
Even with a sun-faded carpet, it would be a shame
to install a roll cage if it ever dips below 11.50 seconds.
That could happen if you’re any good at racing
and tinker with it. It’d be too painful to think of it
smacking the guardrail in third gear.
The dilemma is what to do with this car. It already
has a later- model transmission, so it is tempting to
add power steering, power disc brakes — and make it
a driver again. That 3.55 axle with Safe-T-Track is just
about perfect for road and track use.
This car has done enough sitting around in museums.
It’s time to burn up the road.
A great car that sold well
GTO prices have risen steadily upwards over time.
They’re popular cars because of their contribution
to the Muscle Car Era. They can be verified using
Pontiac Historical Services copies of sales invoices.
In 2004, it was possible to buy one for $19,000. By
the early part of this decade, the average for a nice
car rose to about $26,000 or so, depending on options
and condition.
After 2015, good GTOs were in the mid-$30k range.
Exceptional cars, such as Tiger Gold limited editions
or a rare Blue Charcoal hard top with all the go-fast
stuff, will blast through the $50k mark.
Right now, a nice Tri-Power, 4-speed hard top is a
mid-to-high-$30,000 car. This one sold for about $10k
more than the ACC Median Valuation.
This is strong money, especially considering how
many were made and the limitations on our subject
car. I think it’s a decent buy compared to, say, $74,250
for Reggie Jackson’s GTO — which wasn’t nearly as
clean as this one.
I’d call this one a fair deal for buyer and seller, with
a slight nod to the seller. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
November-December 2017 53
1965 Pontiac GTO hard top
Lot 203, VIN: 237375K139512
Condition: 2
Sold at: $30,000
Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
6/12/15
ACC# 265646
1965 Pontiac GTO hard top
Lot 4074, VIN:
237375P354025
Condition: 3+
Sold at: $74,250
ACC# 266757
Auctions America, Auburn,
IN, 9/2/15
1965 Pontiac GTO hard top
Lot 494, VIN:
237375Z1269444
Condition: 2+
Sold at: $37,400
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas,
NV, 9/26/15
ACC# 270205
Detailing
Year produced: 1965
Number produced: 64,041
Original list price: $3,000
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $42,900
Clubs: GTO Association of
America, Pontiac-Oakland
Club International
Engine # location: Suffix
code on passenger’s side
of block below cylinder
head.
Web: www.gtoaa.org, www.
poci.org
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
Alternatives: 1965 Chevrolet
Nova SS L79, 1965
Mercury Comet, 1965
Dodge Coronet 440
Tune-up/major service: $500
Distributor cap: $25.96
VIN location: Driver’s side
A-pillar post, frame on
driver’s side
Page 52
PROFILE FOMOCO
Art Astor’s Devotion Lives On
1955 FORD FAIRLANE CROWN VICTORIA
Courtesy of Russo and Steele
Collectors
like Art Astor
give old cars
the care they
need to live
on for future
gearheads
by Chad Tyson
• 272-ci, 162-hp Y-block V8
• Formerly part of the Art Astor Devotion
Collection
• Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 1055, sold for
$28,050, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Russo and Steele’s August 17–19 auction in
Monterey, CA.
When buyers went shopping for a new car in 1955,
the options were worlds ahead of the recycled designs
that bookended World War II.
Each manufacturer displayed major engineering
advancements and styling upgrades across their
lines. Consumers flocked to the V8 Shoebox Chevys
and ate up the “100 Million Dollar Look” (updated
to Forward Look in 1956) of Virgil Exner’s Chrysler
designs.
The Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria
In 1955, the Fairlane lineup replaced the Crestline
as the top-trim-level Blue Oval — and it sold and sold.
However, the Crown Victoria, which was the top of the
Fairlane line, did not set sales records. Of the 626,250
Fairlanes produced in 1955, just 33,165 (barely over
5%) were the highly stylized Crown Vics.
54 AmericanCarCollector.com
54 AmericanCarCollector.com
These cars didn’t need to sell many units to make a
statement. The stainless-steel tiara used to separate,
at least externally, the front and rear passenger’s sections
garnered huge praise and media attention.
Some people call it a basket handle, but Ford’s
official designation was Bright Metal Roof Transverse
Molding. Ford borrowed the look from the Mercury
XM-800 concept car, designed by John Najjar, Ford’s
longtime lead designer and co-designer of the Ford
Mustang 1 prototype.
This model was Ford’s first use of the Crown
Victoria name, which would later go on to be the
standard of police vehicles for two decades, starting
in the 1990s. Ford had used the name “Victoria” since
the 1930s.
The only higher step on Ford’s production line was
the Crown Victoria Skyliner. The Skyliner’s smoked
acrylic glass roof was impressive, but it tended to bake
the passengers like ants under a magnifying glass.
That idea was abandoned after only two years.
Art Astor and his collection
Art Astor was a Southern California owner of
radio stations, and he had a passion for cars. Russo
and Steele auctioned off the 14 remaining Art Astor
Devotion Collection cars this year in Monterey. RM
kicked off the Art Astor Collection’s dissolution in
June 2008, offering 200 cars and almost 800 pieces of
Page 53
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Detailing
Year produced: 1955
Number produced: 33,165
Original list price: $2,022
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $28,325
Club: Crown Victoria
Association
Engine # location: Pad near
distributor
Tune-up cost: $125
VIN location: Tag on left front
body pillar below upper
hinge
Web: www.thecvaonline.com
Alternatives: 1955 Chevrolet
Bel Air, 1955 Chrysler
Newport, 1955 Dodge
Custom Royal
condition.
uckskin Brown-and-Snowshoe White
r pairing might not fit modern tastes, but
mooth paint and shiny trim flatter the
r combination. The vinyl seats are clean
d hardly seem used since restoration.
e only interior flaws are the dirty
s floor mat and some slight hazing to
h lenses. An electric fan, worm-style hose
mps, white wire ties and an Interstate
ttery are modern, convenient touches to
e engine bay, but the Ford Special Oil
ath air cleaner housing still sits atop the
uretor.
A time capsule of the ’50s
Nostalgia is a hard thing to kill, but
memories of a generation usually carry
ly as long as that generation does.
There’s nobody around anymore to remind us how
great the 1880s might have been.
The charming, vivid memories of the 1950s are
radio and automotive memorabilia.
Our subject car didn’t quite reach the $616k high
sale of that 2008 RM Auctions sale. This Crown Vic is
no Gary Cooper 1938 Cadillac V16.
That’s fine. It doesn’t need to be. Not many people
can afford that anyway.
What draws people to this Crown Victoria is its
fading further and further back in history. The movies,
songs, television shows — and cars — of that time
have stuck in our culture for decades. Cars during the
1950s had a huge impact on American culture.
Still, getting lost to time is what happens to most
everything.
Thanks at least in part to collectors such as Art
Astor, many old cars got the proper maintenance, care
and restoration (if need be) to preserve
them for people to buy and enjoy down
the road. These cars don’t get lost in
time.
And that’s why I can’t nail the coffin
shut on the cars of the 1950s, as these
models are holding their own in the
current market.
In 2017, the high-water mark for ’55
Crown Vics was $57,200, as sold at
Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island,
FL, auction (ACC# 6827755). The
year-to-date median valuation sits at
$28,325, which is just a few hundred
bucks more than our subject car’s sale
price.
I’d rank the car at condition 2+,
which means this deal is for a better car
at a cheaper price than expected. Well
done to the buyer.A
(Introductory description courtesy of
Russo and Steele.)
November-December 2017
55CC
55
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown
Victoria resto-mod
Lot 247, VIN: U5NW141779
Condition 3+
Not sold at $27,500
Dan Kruse Classics, Austin,
TX, 11/25/16
ACC# 6810497
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown
Victoria 2-door sedan
Lot 16, VIN: U5RW147929
Condition 1Sold
at $57,500
Gooding & Co., Amelia Island,
FL, 3/11/17
ACC# 6827755
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown
Victoria 2-door sedan
Lot F45, VIN: U5RW111947
Condition 2- (with replacement
289-ci engine)
Sold at $22,140
Mecum, Kansas City, MO,
4/25/15
ACC# 264731
Page 54
PROFILE MOPAR
On a Price Updraft Since 2011
1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD
Courtesy of Bonhams
The new
owner
catches an
entry-level
Superbird
on the rise
VIN: RM23U0A164599
by John Boyle
• 440-ci OHV V8 “Super Commando” powerplant
• Single 4-barrel downdraft carburetor
• 3-speed automatic
• Numbers-matching
• Three owners from new
• Recently completed six-year restoration
• Bucket seats/console/floor shift
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 104, sold for
$154,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Auction in Carmel,
CA, on August 18, 2017.
If you’re reading this magazine, you probably know
the story of Chrysler’s “Winged Warriors.”
If you’re a real Mopar fan, you know the part num-
bers, paint codes and racing stats, so I’ll be brief and
outline the basics.
Winging to victory
In 1969, Dodge started developing a NASCAR-
winning racer to combat the Ford Talladegas and
Mercury Cyclone Spoilers. Those FoMoCo cars were
introduced to counter the flat-grille Charger 500 in a
seesaw battle for oval-track supremacy.
Working with a wind tunnel, Dodge engineers came
up with a drag-reducing nose and lift-controlling rear
wing to create the Daytona.
The enhancements worked, and Buddy Baker was
officially clocked driving a Daytona at 200 mph at
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
Talladega. To meet NASCAR homologation rules, 503
street cars were produced.
The next year, Plymouth wanted in on the action
and decided to add Daytona-like mods to the Road
Runner. Plymouth stylists tweaked the Dodge nose and
swept back the wing uprights.
As a result, the Mopar B-body cousins do not share
any sheet metal, and their aero kits are different as
well. By then NASCAR had changed its rules, and
Plymouth was required to build more than 1,900 cars
for homologation. The aero cars dominated, which led
to NASCAR changing the rules because of safety and
competition concerns. The Aero Car era was over by
1971.
Variations on a theme
Plymouth produced the Superbird in three basic
flavors:
• The base 440-ci engine with a 4-barrel which
produced 375 hp.
• The 390-hp 440-ci engine with the Six Pack of
three 2-barrel carburetors.
• The 426-ci, 425-hp Hemi.
All three could be ordered with the A833 4-speed
or the TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic. Interiors were
white or black, with a standard bench seat and column
shift — or buckets and a floor shift. All came with
power steering, power brakes and a vinyl roof to ease
the amount of body finishing required around the
special rear window.
Page 55
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What’s under the hood?
As you might expect, the engine choices go a long
way to determine the value of these cars today.
At the top of the heap are the 135 Hemi cars — just
58 had 4-speeds — with a current ACC Pocket Price
Guide median valuation of $330,000.
Entry-level 440-ci, 4-bbl cars like our subject car
are at $152,600.
The Six Pack cars are in the middle, with a median
valuation of $170,500. This is not bad for a car with an
original base price of just under $4,300.
That price, while a sizeable premium over a base
Road Runner, was still several hundred dollars less
than a Corvette.
Fast on the track, slow on the lot
What seems in retrospect like the performance deal
of the century didn’t look so great to Plymouth dealers
at the time.
Despite their race-winning heritage, legend has it
that Superbirds were slow getting off dealers’ lots.
Over the years, stories were told of deep discounts
(which probably were true) and of cars being converted
into straight Road Runners.
“Stories of removal of noses and wings and huge
numbers of unsold cars are generally tall tales that
grow in stature from person to person,” said Doug
Schellinger, president of the Daytona-Superbird Auto
Club. “These kinds of things are largely unsubstantiated,
but there were a few.”
Schellinger said the Superbird’s unique look and
performance was appreciated at the time.
“I have met a number of original owners who said
they knew the cars were a one-shot deal and they had
to act if they wanted one,” Schellinger said.
Still, the end of the muscle-car era in the early
1970s made nearly-new cars bargains.
In 1973, a friend bought a Lemon Twist Yellow, Six
Pack Superbird with pistol-grip shifter and bucket
seats for $1,700 off a lot in an Eastern Washington
farm town.
Value peaks and valleys
The winged Mopars eventually became the bell-
wether for muscle car prices.
One of the first ’Birds in the ACC Premium Auction
Database is a condition 2 440 automatic that sold for
$36,650 at a 1999 Mecum auction.
At the time, our reporter said the car was “bought
right at the retail market” (ACC # 10745).
Near the height of the market in 2006, a car with
the same specifications as our subject car brought
$169,500 at McCormick’s Palm Springs sale (ACC#
43694).
The next year, a Hemi brought $529,200 at an RM
event (ACC# 73873).
Following the 2007 correction, prices slowly re-
bounded. By 2011, the SCM Pocket Price Guide listed
a price range of $86k to $128k for a 440-ci, 4-barrel
car and $191k to $270k for a Hemi.
Happily for Superbird owners, prices have been
steadily rising since 2011.
Fairly bought for condition
Our profile car is well equipped, with bucket seats,
console, AM radio, Rim Blow steering wheel and
Rallye road wheels.
The car is in its original Tor Red — aka Hemi
Orange — color. A three-owner car, it was said to
have been the recipient of a six-year restoration using
only OEM parts.
However, a close look at auction website photos
suggests a Mopar expert did not restore the car. Two
issues are significant:
• The lower part of the left front valance panel
doesn’t smoothly line up with the front of the
wheel opening.
• The radiator is incorrect , and the upper hose is
on the incorrect (left) side.
Lesser, more nitpicky, items include:
• The headlight trim appears to be painted instead
of a decal.
• The hood pins are set 90 degrees off.
• The lower grille appears to be unpainted, and a
modern battery is installed.
• The photos don’t show a jack and a spare tire in
the trunk. These items can be expensive.
• The radio has mismatched knobs, and a trim
piece is missing under the steering column.
• Finally, if you want a “day one” appearance, the
car should be on Goodyear Polyglas GT tires.
In other words, our Superbird is a nice car, but it’s
not quite 100%. The sale price, including Bonhams’
buyer’s fee, is $1,400 above the current ACC Median
Valuation, so this car is fairly bought.
A “one-shot deal”
Even among notoriously partisan muscle-car fans,
when new, the Mopar wing cars were something
special.
With an undisputed racing pedigree, vivid colors,
cartoon-character graphics — and that tall wing and
bumperless nose — the sheer outrageousness of a
Superbird or Daytona was the heart of their appeal.
To many of my generation, the cars became a
touchstone of the period — as much as films or music
of the day. While today’s prices mean they’re priced
out of reach for many fans, they do show the cars are
recognized as the icons they are.
The Superbird club estimates that more than 1,300
of the 1,935 built remain. That’s good news for future
generations of car lovers, who will have the chance to
see what all the excitement was about.
Oh, my friend who bought his for $1,700… he still
has it. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
November-December 2017
November-December 2017 57
1970 Plymouth Superbird
Six Pack
Lot S739, VIN:
RM23V0A171644
Condition 2
Not sold at $176,500
Russo and Steele, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/18/17
ACC# 6817047
1970 Plymouth Superbird
Lot 275, VIN
RM23U0A175651
Condition 1Sold
at $110,000
ACC# 6817098
RM Sotheby’s, Phoenix, AZ,
1/19/17
1970 Plymouth Superbird
Hemi
Lot F174, VIN:
RM23R0A166207
Condition 2
Sold at $253,000
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis,
IN, 5/16/17
ACC# 6836068
Detailing
Club: The Daytona-Superbird
Auto Club
Tune-up/major service: $250
Distributor cap: $18.40
VIN location: VIN plate on
the driver’s side instrument
panel behind windshield
Engine # location: Pad on
top of the block near water
pump.
Year produced: 1970
Number produced: 1,084
440-ci, 4-barrel cars, 716
cars with the 440-ci Six
Pack. There were 135
Hemi cars. A total of 1,935
cars were made.
Original list price: $4,298
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $152,600
Web: www.superbirdclub.com
Alternatives: 1969 Dodge
Daytona, 1969 Ford
Talladega, 1969 Mercury
Cyclone Spoiler II
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
Page 56
PROFILE HOT ROD & CUSTOM
1952 ALLARD K2 CUSTOM
Horsepower and Style
Mike Maez, courtesy of Gooding & Company
George
Barris’ and
Von Dutch’s
modifications
added
significantly
to this Allard’s
value. It’s as
much a piece
of rolling
art now as
it is a cool
’50s sports
roadster
58
AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: 91K3021
by Ken Gross
• Modified by legendary California customizer
George Barris
• Painted and pinstriped by the incomparable Von
Dutch
• Updated for performance and reliability
• Previously owned by Hollywood actor Jeff
Cooper
• Colorado Grand participant
• Displayed at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours
d’Elegance
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 105, sold for
$242,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach, CA,
auction, on August 19, 2017.
Sydney Allard was a noted British producer of hy-
brid sports-racing cars in the post-World War II era,
beginning in 1945. In those days, the term “hybrid”
meant combining a British chassis and an American
engine.
Predating Carroll Shelby’s AC Cobra, which
employed the same formula, Sydney Allard eschewed
little English 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines.
Instead, he offered his cars with modified Ford and
Mercury flatheads. Later on, he installed big Cadillac
and Chrysler OHV V8s. Erwin Goldschmidt’s Cadpowered
Allard J2 won the inaugural 1950 Watkins
Glen Grand Prix.
Sydney Allard’s cars used a cheap and diabolical
independent front-suspension setup. The Allard’s Ford
I-beam front axle was literally split and hinged in the
middle, so the wheels flopped and bounced wildly on
uneven surfaces. That aside, the cars were undeniably
fast and quite reliable.
Carroll Shelby and Zora Arkus-Duntov drove
Allards in competition, providing both men with the
experience of seeing how well big American V8s
performed in lightweight sports-racing cars.
A matter of style
Allard built about 119 Model K2s from 1950 to
1952. These were largely street-driven cars — not
racers. Our subject car was shipped from London to
Noel Kirk Motors in Los Angeles, CA, in 1952. It was
originally finished in blue with a red leather interior
and a black canvas top.
During the 1960s, Los Angeles-based film and
television actor Jeff Cooper bought the car. To make
a personal style statement, Cooper commissioned
George Barris, Hollywood’s favorite leadslinger, to
customize his K2.
The irrepressible Barris chopped the windshield for
a lower silhouette. He relocated the headlights from
the stock location in the front fenders to a freestanding
setup atop a new front bumper, which doubled as a
slender nerf bar, then fabricated a complementary
rear nerf bar as well.
Barris added full fender skirts with chromed
accents and modified the dash with multiple Stewart
Page 57
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Detailing
Years built: 1951–52
Number produced: Just
one like this (Allard built
119 K2s)
Tune-up/major service: $300
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $242,000
(this car)
Club: Vintage Sports Car Club
of America
VIN location: Data plate on
the firewall on right-hand
side of the engine
he piece de resistance,
h Howard, aka “Von
right yellow finish with
k scallops and added his
r’S reSourCe: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
Detailing
Years built: 1951–52
Number produced: Just
one like this (Allard built
119 K2s)
Tune-up/major service: $300
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $242,000
(this car)
Club: Vintage Sports Car Club
of America
VIN location: Data plate on
the firewall on right-hand
side of the engine
he piece de resistance,
h Howard, aka “Von
right yellow finish with
k scallops and added his
adillac;
adillac; hello, Ford
e Allard’s original engine
ore contemporary
n Edelbrock 4-barrel car-
peed manual gearbox.
ccording to Gooding &
Co., it’s equipped with
four-wheel hydraulic
disc brakes.
The Allard’s original split
I-beam front axle, with its frantic wheel-hopping
tendencies, and the venerable solid rear axle with a
transverse semi-elliptic leaf spring, were all retained.
The end result, while a tad garish, is pretty cool.
The current ACC Pocket Price Guide gives a
condition 2 Allard K2 a median valuation of $99k. So
this customized K2 at $242k, in very good — but not
excellent — nick, fetched a sizeable premium over a
stock example.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This Allard is
certainly striking, in a Brutalist way, and its customizers,
George Barris and Von Dutch, were two of
the most notable practitioners in their field when the
modifications were made. Whether the custom work has
improved this car’s already good looks is a moot point.
Despite a modern engine transplant and many other
modifications, this custom K2 sold for a lot more than
a standard example.
Is customizing a value detractor?
Personalized sports cars weren’t unusual in the
Kustom-crazed ’50s to ’60s. Von Dutch pinstriped
Earl Bruce’s Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing — and
then festooned it with crab-claw flames.
Dean Jeffries extensively customized a Porsche 356
Carrera 2 coupe, with tunneled headlights, 300SL-style
roof vents and an Eddie Martinez tuck-and-roll interior.
It was a no-sale at Gooding’s Amelia Island sale in
2016 and is currently being offered at $765,000.
Dean Jeffries’ asymmetrical Mantaray was built
on a pre-war Maserati GP chassis. George Barris did
several customized Corvettes. Barris’ shop modified
bandleader Spike Jones’ Jaguar XK 120, and extensively
customized a Jaguar XK 140 for Barry Goldwater.
Interestingly, I couldn’t find the ex-Jeff Cooper
Allard in any of George Barris’ books, including
Barris Cars of the Stars. And there are no Barris
crests on the Allard — although he didn’t mount them
on all his cars.
So what do we make of this Allard sale?
I think it was a great deal for the seller and a decent
purchase for the buyer.
While actor Jeff Cooper’s cachet is nominal,
George Barris’ and Von Dutch’s modifications added
significantly to this Allard’s value. It’s as much a piece
of rolling art now as it is a cool ’50s sports roadster.
The later engine swap didn’t seem to hurt things
either. While I’m not certain this Allard will continue
to appreciate, the buyer got a flashy sports roadster
with a great story. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding &
Company.)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Asteroid by George
Barris
1950 Allard K2 Roadster
Lot 112, VIN: 91K2108
Condition 3
Sold at $98,966
Artcurial, Le Mans, FRA,
7/9/16
ACC# 6803777
Web: www.vscca.org
Alternatives: Mantaray by
Dean Jeffries, George
Barris’ Cosma Ray,
George Barris’ Hirohata
Mercury
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1952 Allard K2 Roadster
Lot 263, VIN: K26015
Condition 2Sold
at $104,500
ACC# 256175
RM Auctions, Hershey, PA,
10/10/14
Lot 5024, VIN: 30837S111775
Condition 1Sold
at $187,000
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/12/14
ACC# 232003
November-December 2017 59
Page 58
PROFILE AMERICANA
1963 STUDEBAKER AVANTI R2
Ahead of Its Time
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
The Avanti
went
168 mph in
stock form,
and up to
196 mph as a
modified car
VIN: 63R2687
by Jeff Zurschmeide
• Very rare factory 4-speed supercharged Avanti
R2
• Sold new in Berkeley, CA, later a resident of
Tucson, AZ, where it was acquired by Colin
Comer
• Copy of the original build sheet
• Matching engine, chassis and body numbers
• Original 289/290-horsepower V8 engine
• Original Paxton centrifugal supercharger
• Original Borg-Warner T10 4-speed manual
transmission
• Original 3.73:1 Twin-Traction rear end
• Power steering
• Power disc brakes
• AM radio
• Excellent original body with perfect “hog
troughs”
• One repaint in its correct Avanti Turquoise color
in the 1980s
• Two-tone Fawn-and-black interior
• Fitted with four new replica 7011 Halibrand
wheels and spinners — which were a rare
dealer-installed option — and new radial tires
• The original steel wheels and hubcaps are
included
• One of 1,883 total supercharged R2 models
produced in 1963 and 1964
• One of fewer than 500 total factory 4-speed R2
Avantis
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
• The 1963 Avanti was the first American production
car to have factory disc brakes
• The Avanti was promoted as America’s Most
Advanced Car and was more expensive than a
Corvette when new
• Supercharged Avantis set 29 speed records at
Bonneville when new
ACC Analysis This car, Lot F79, sold at
$126,500, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s auction in Monterey, CA, on August
18, 2017.
Among all American collector cars, the Studebaker
Avanti stands somewhat apart. It’s not only the
strange pug-like front end, although that’s part of it.
The Avanti was a futuristic design that owed much
more to European sensibilities and the Space Age
than to the solid and respectable American cars that
Studebaker built for decades.
Strange history
The story of the Avanti is as unique as the car itself.
Studebaker was dying when Sherwood Egbert was
hired as president in 1961. The story goes that Egbert
doodled an idea for a personal luxury car on a plane
and gave it to a design team under Raymond Loewy’s
direction.
In 40 days and 40 nights, they birthed the Avanti
onto the existing Studebaker Lark platform.
The company gave the first production car to
Page 59
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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!
Rodger Ward for winning the 1962 Indianapolis 500,
and Egbert swore he’d sell 20,000 Avantis in the first
year. In fact, just 1,200 Avantis were made in 1962.
They were sold as 1963 model-year cars.
Then Studebaker built about 3,400 more Avantis in
1963, with about 800 tagged as 1964 models before
the factory in South Bend, IN, shut down and Egbert
was forced out. Other Studes continued to be made in
Canada until March of 1966, but that was the end of
Studebaker as an automaker.
After Studebaker’s demise, Avanti passed into a
bizarre afterlife.
A group of Studebaker dealers bought the tool-
ing and designs, and they made a small number of
“Avanti II” cars until 1982. The Avanti II was based
on various GM platforms, and about 2,241 were made
through 1983.
In 1982, a real-estate developer bought the rights
and ran the company until 1986, and the cars built
during that era are simply called Avanti.
In 1987, another set of new owners moved Avanti
production to Ohio, then Georgia, and finally to
Cancun, Mexico. Alternate designs, including a
convertible and a 4-door, were tried, and the Avanti
moved to a Ford Mustang platform in its final years.
At the end, the last owner of the brand, Michael Kelly,
was convicted of Ponzi-scheme fraud and sent to
prison.
The final Avanti-derived cars were made in 2006.
Record-setting performance
To understand the Avanti in context, remember that
Andy Granatelli set 29 Bonneville speed records with
an Avanti in production and modified form in 1962.
The Avanti went 168 mph in stock form, and up to 196
mph as a modified car. You can find the “Bonneville
Record Breaker” promotional film that Avanti made
in 1963 on YouTube. It’s worth watching to understand
how significant this car was in its day.
The Avanti came with a fiberglass body, and it was
the first American production car to feature front-disc
brakes. Studebaker gave the Avanti its 240-horse/280
ft-lb, 289-ci “Jet Thrust” V8 engine from the Hawk
line. That model was called an “R1.” A Paxton supercharger
was available as the “R2” option that gave
the car 290 hp/303 ft-lb.
The Granatelli Brothers produced nine “R3”
Avantis with 334 hp/320 ft-lb. Those were the recordsetting
cars.
The Avanti came with a 3-speed manual as standard
equipment, but you could (and should) look for the
optional 4-speed manual. There was also a 3-speed
automatic. A limited-slip rear end was optional.
Collecting the Avanti
The most important thing about selecting an Avanti
is recognizing that the original production under
Studebaker is distinct from later models.
The Studebaker cars are the ones you want, and
you need to be prepared to pay for them. An R1 Avanti
needing attention sold last year for $16,500, (ACC#
6803831), but you should probably expect to pay about
$30,000 for a decent supercharged model (ACC#
6812125).
Those prices have been steady for the past five to
seven years, so don’t look for huge appreciation going
forward. Depending on the year, the ACC Pocket
Price Guide lists the R2 Avanti between $28,500 and
$32,000, and the R1 between $14,500 and $21,500.
The later models are different. Our price guide
rates all the 1965–83 models at a $13,800 median
price, and that’s about on par with auction results. Of
course, there are exceptions, but they’re more rare
than the cars themselves. Raymond Loewy’s personal
1972 Avanti sold for $52,100 in 2012 (ACC# 201777),
but the majority are trading around $10,000–$12,000.
The previous high price paid for an Avanti was
$89,250 (ACC# 215906) in 2013, but it’s worth noting
that the same car failed to sell in 2011 on a bid of
$101,000 (ACC # 169022). This example had been extensively
modified, with hand-tooled leather interior,
custom airbrush graphics and gold plating on all
kinds of parts including the oil pan, transmission case
and differential housing.
Different strokes for different folks, right?
Against that backdrop we have our subject car,
which set a new high-water mark for Avanti auction
prices at $126,500. This 1963 factory 4-speed R2 is
as close to perfect as it’s possible to get. All of the
important numbers match, and it comes with excellent
provenance because it’s been carefully kept all its life.
If you wanted the best possible example of an original
Avanti, this was it.
Looking ahead, the market for the Avanti is likely to
remain steady. If you like them, a reasonable original
example is still affordable. What’s certain is that
there’s nothing else like an Avanti on the market —
and there never will be. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
November-December 2017
61CC
61
1963 Studebaker Avanti
coupe
Lot SN802, VIN: R4789
Condition 4
Sold at $6,600
Russo and Steele, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/14/15
SCM# 257022
1963 Studebaker Avanti
coupe
Lot 107, VIN: 63R1908
Condition 3
Sold at $16,500
ACC# 6803831
RM Sotheby’s, Detroit, MI,
7/30/16
Detailing
Years built: 1962–64
Number produced: 4,643
Original list price: $4,445
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $28,500
Club: Avanti Owners
Association International
Engine # location: Top right
side of cylinder block
Tune-up/major service: $200
Distributor cap: $12
VIN location: Right side
frame member, rear of
engine bay
Web: www.aoai.org
Alternatives: 1953–67
Chevrolet Corvette, 1955–
66 Ford Thunderbird, 1954
Kaiser-Darrin
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1963 Studebaker Avanti
coupe
Lot 508, VIN: n/a
Condition 2
Sold at $89,250
Hollywood Wheels, Palm
Beach, FL, 3/24/13
ACC# 215906
CoLLeCtor’S reSourCe: You can easily track a car’s value over time with the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring more
than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, model, VIN and more. Sign up for just $59 at www.AmericanCarCollector.com!
After GM dropped the ball, McFallo, now ever more
determined to purchase the most bang for his buck,
waltzed down to Francis Ford and laid eyes on two
1963 Cobras sitting on the showroom floor. One was
in red, one was in black. He test drove the red one
home to show it to his wife — and returned the next
day to plop down the cash for CSX2075 in black.
CSX2075 gets a makeover
Chet McFallo was never content with the out-of-the-
box performance of a factory-built car (even a Shelby).
He had modified and built engines for plenty of racers
— even NASCAR teams — so he decided to rework
CSX2075 to perform on some of the area tracks.
First he took CSX2075 street racing, but he soon
decided that drag racing was a better idea. He
reworked the 289-ci engine to exacting specifications,
swapped out the headers, which required modifying
the footwell, upgraded the traction control and threw
a set of drag tires out back on lightweight magnesium
wheels.
Over time, CSX2075 evolved into a sinister
Dragonsnake build in search of an ever-faster time.
Feared on the track
The McFallo racing team became feared on the
track. While Chet toasted the original Ford 289, other,
more-potent engines followed. The car was raced
extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest — even
in Canada — and quickly became notorious for setting
very quick times and dominating. Vintage photos of
the Shelby in drag-racing attire show some of the
various builds and modifications over time, which is
very cool and a great addition to showcase the history
of the machine.
The first 289 Cobra — maybe
By the books, CSX2075 is the first 289-equipped
Cobra. Sources in the Cobra brand and history
confirm this. However, Mr. Carroll Shelby himself
disagreed — at least technically.
While CSX2075 was slated to be the first 289 Cobra
by the production order, the first customer to actually
get a 289 Cobra got CSX2044. It was a custom order
that was changed from a 260 to a 289 as soon as the
client caught wind of the upcoming engine upgrade.
We could split hairs here and argue about this for
hours — which would be fine by me, as long as all this
involves a few dry gin martinis with freshly stuffed
bleu-cheese olives.
Owned by Carroll Shelby himself
After Mr. McFallo’s ownership, CSX2075 was
passed around a few times. Over time, it was transformed
from the independent Dragonsnake back into
the car you see today. In short, it morphed from a
radical drag car to a more usable street example.
Overall, CSX2075 was never fully restored (and
never should be). It remains largely original, at least
by the body, interior and chassis, and it retains much
of its original Shelby DNA.
CSX2075 quickly traded hands through a few deal-
ers and was sold to Carroll Shelby. Shelby did not own
the car very long, and he sold it to the consignor at
Monterey.
Cool Cobra
CSX2075 is utterly cool. It carries an authentic
patina that you simply cannot replicate.
While there are original Cobras out there that are
downright scary, a few seem to be just right. These
just-right Cobras carry paint that looks perfectly
worn, seats that replicate a superbly worn catcher’s
mitt, gauges that have yellowed to perfection and so
on. It’s definitely a case of beauty in the eyes of the
beholder.
For me, this Cobra has the right look, stance and
airtight history. It never tried to be anything more
than what it is — just a great old driver.
The verdict
At the same RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, another
Cobra, CSX2344, sold for $1,100,000 all-in.
This was an on-the-button, original car with 16,000
miles from new. Everything was documented, and the
car shows signs of age, wear and use. It was highly
original throughout, including the engine and transmission.
It is a totally unmolested example with singlefamily
ownership from new. It’s a perfect valuation
benchmark car for us to stack up against CSX2075.
By the math, an additional $300,000 bought you a
better Cobra than CSX2075. That car, CSX2344, will
probably be more coveted over time.
However, if you wanted a more usable car, you
might gravitate to our subject CSX2075. You really
can’t do anything to the car that hasn’t already been
done (short of putting it into a telephone pole). It’s
been modified and altered from stock — but not overly
so. The miles you put on it will never deteriorate the
value — nor will the next stone chip. It’s a very usable
example — and by my standards, a great car to own.
I can’t simply call the car well bought because it
sold for under RM Sotheby’s estimate ($850,000 to
$950,000). Auction houses place estimates on cars
based on discussions with the seller and on their
results databases.
Using the ACC Pocket Price Guide, a worm-
and-sector 289 Cobra has a median value of
$900,000. Naturally, $900k might buy you a better
example, one that’s been restored and beautified,
but placing a value on the “cool” factor and
history of this car is something entirely different —
especially one that was owned by Carroll Shelby.
By the condition alone, well sold. By the
unrepeatable history and perfect patina, fairly
bought. A
(Introductory description courtesy of RM
Sotheby’s.)
November-December 2017 63
1964 Shelby Cobra 289
Lindauer roadster
Lot 154, VIN: CSX2344
Condition 2Sold
at $1,100,000
ACC# 6844624
Detailing
Years built: 1963–65
Number produced: 580
Original list price: $5,995
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $990,000
Club: Shelby American
Automobile Club
Engine # location: Left side
of engine
Tune-up/major service: $300
VIN location: Tag in engine
compartment, hood latch,
inside door
Web: www.saac.com
Alternatives: 1963 Corvette
Grand Sport, 1965–67
Shelby Cobra 427, 1962–
63 Shelby Cobra 260
ACC Investment Grade: A
Comps
1965 Shelby Cobra 289
Lot 24, VIN: CSX2448
Condition 1
ACC# 6844601
Not sold at $1,050,000
Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach,
CA, 8/19/17
RM Sotheby’s, Monterey, CA,
8/18/17
1963 Shelby Cobra
Dragonsnake
Lot 151, VIN: CSX2093
Condition 3-
ACC# 6832751
Not sold at $825,000
Worldwide Auctioneers,
Arlington, TX, 4/21/17
Page 62
PROFILE TRUCK
1929 FORD MODEL A ROADSTER PICKUP
A Rough Rarity
Courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers
You’ll have a
harder time
finding parts
for a 1995
Ford Probe
than parts
to restore or
maintain a
Model A
VIN: 2111874
by B. Mitchell Carlson
• Enduring older restoration of Ford’s iconic Model
A Roadster pickup
• Well-preserved, attractive and ready to be enjoyed
or put to work
• Accessories include a side-mounted spare and
Atlas auxiliary water bag
• 200.5-ci L-Head 40-hp inline 4-cylinder engine
• 3-speed manual transmission
• Solid front axle with transverse leaf spring; live
rear axle with cantilevered, semi-elliptical leaf
spring.
• Four-wheel mechanical drum brakes
ACC Analysis This truck, Lot 27, sold for $9,350,
including buyer’s premium, at
Worldwide Auctioneers’ sale in Auburn, IN, on
September 2, 2017.
When Henry Ford turned the Lizzie into a Lady with
the all-new 1928 Model A, the new pickup truck wasn’t
all new.
The cabin was nearly identical to the previous Model
T version. All Model A pickups built through August
1928 had open roadster cabs, as the Ford AA truck
production line used all the new closed cabs on hand.
Both types of cabs were available for pickups in 1929.
64 AmericanCarCollector.com
64 AmericanCarCollector.com
All Model A trucks got a new cab for 1930. The
closed cab became less boxy and closely followed
closed-car styling. The open-cab roadster pickup also
shared more with roadster cars. In addition to the
same rounded beltline molding, the roadster pickup
got outside door handles for the first time.
The closed cab rapidly became the cab of choice for
Ford Model A pickups.
By 1930, the closed cab was the standard produc-
tion cab, and the roadster cab became an extra-cost
option. As such, only 2,730 roadster cab pickups were
made that year.
It’s surprising that the open-cab option was contin-
ued into 1931, but there were still fleet customers who
preferred the easier access of the open cab. By the
end of Model A production, roadster pickup production
had dwindled to 2,637 out of all 98,116 Model A
pickups made for 1931.
Open it back up
In subsequent decades since, the roadster pickup
veered from being out of favor to being in fashion.
Regardless of condition in stock, modified, or streetrod
form, the roadster pickup is now more desirable
— and worth more.
Page 63
CoLLeCtor’S reSourCe: The easiest way to track a car’s value over time is the ACC Premium Auction Database, featuring
more than 125,000 American cars searchable by year, make, model, VIN and more. Sign up at www.AmericanCarCollector.com.
Detailing
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $18,500
Years produced: 1928–31
Number produced: 77,917
(open and closed-cab
models in 1929)
Original list price: $445
(revised to $430 by
mid-year)
For the 1928–29 Model A pickups, the value dif-
ference slightly favors the open cab versus the closed
cab. For 1930 and 1931 models, open-cab values are
markedly higher.
Year for year, roadster pickups are usually worth
more than Model A roadster cars.
Pickups got pounded more than cars, so by World
War II (especially during wartime scrap-metal drives),
Model A pickups started getting scarce.
The laws of supply and demand kicked in, and
they’re still working when it comes to value difference
between Model A cars and Model A Roadster pickups.
There are fewer pickups, and they’re generally worth
more than the cars.
Not just your grandfather’s Model A
Interest in Ford Model As is making a modest
comeback.
Why? So many of them are in today’s marketplace.
Enthusiasts from the 1960s and 1970s — the people
who made the Model A collectible — are now downsizing
or have gone off to the Concours in the Sky, and
their heirs are moving the cars out.
With so many Model As out there, a few younger
collectors have noticed the reasonable prices and
have picked them up. Couple that with the still-insatiable
interest in all vintage pickups, and the open-cab
Model A Pickup is a winner.
A few little quirks
While no stock Model A is up to speed as a freeway
car (just by gearing, 55 mph is the limit), they are
relatively easy to drive.
Model A cars and pickups have straight-cut gears,
but it’s not like shifting a 13-speed Roadranger.
With even the most rudimentary attempt at doubleclutching,
gear changes are quick and easy for anyone
with any previous clutch-and-stick experience.
Two things give many gearheads pause about
driving a Model A on modern secondary roads: the
mechanical brakes and the gas tank in the cowl.
Model A hydraulic brake-conversion kits are avail-
able in the restoration and street-rod world — and you
can keep the stock wire wheels.
There are options for relocating the fuel tank and
supplying the engine with an electric fuel pump — and
the truck still comes off looking fairly original.
The Model A is a rather fun little runner if you know
and understand its limits.
A ready supply for parts
For more than 50 years, a strong network of resto-
ration parts at multiple price points — from NOS to
re-pop junk — have kept Model As on the road.
In fact, you’ll have a harder time finding parts for
a 1995 Ford Probe than parts to restore or maintain
a Model A. They are one of about a dozen vintage vehicles
on which you can do a credit-card restoration.
You can start with chassis, engine and a title — and
buy everything else reproduction or modified.
Our subject Model A pickup
In the case of our subject truck, that huge network
of easy-to-find parts could be very helpful.
This truck may have been restored years ago (some
tasteful person resisted the temptation to replace the
black-painted grille shell with a repro chrome one
from a car), but it was done on the cheap.
The combination of sitting for long periods of time
and some questionable repairs has done this truck no
favors.
It may not be time to hit the reset button and restore
it from scratch, but it’ll be a labor-intensive ownership
experience for a while. That isn’t a bad thing,
especially if you go in knowing the work is needed and
are willing to do it to learn the vehicle.
Okay, I’ll say it: Bond with the Model A.
I’ve said this many times about Model Ts: Any
serious collector has to have one for a while just for
the experience of owning, maintaining and driving a
machine from the early days of cars. This also applies
to a Model A — perhaps even more.
As there is plenty of work on the horizon, the price
paid for our subject truck may seem a bit strong.
However, at the worst, this is the standard cost of
admission for a roadster pickup. Making it your own
and enjoying it can make it a well-bought new old
friend. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide
Auctioneers.)
1929 Ford Model A Roadster
pickup
Lot 71, VIN: AA2030238
Condition 2
ACC# 6786909
Not sold at $20,000
Silver Auctions, Portland, OR,
9/26/15
November-December 2017
65CC
65
1928 Ford Model A Roadster
pickup
Lot 112, VIN: A444386
Condition 2
Sold at $27,000
ACC# 6803836
RM Sotheby’s, Detroit, MI,
7/30/16
1931 Ford Model A Tanker
pickup
Lot 253, VIN: A4546421
Condition 3+
Sold at $8,800
Branson, Branson, MO,
10/14/16
ACC# 6804890
Engine # location: Boss
on top center of the
driver’s side of engine
block (this was the official
serial number for title and
registration)
Club: Model A Ford Club of
America
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $15
VIN location: None (the serial
number is the engine
number).
Web: www.mafca.com
Alternatives: 1929 Chevrolet
AC International, 1930 DC
Universal pickup, 1928–31
Dodge Brothers pickup,
1929 International Six
Speed Special
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
Page 66
mArKet OVERVIEW
The American Collector Car
Market Hums Along
Most Full Classics aren’t hot, but they’re not ice-cold relics yet
mArKet MOMENT
Full Classics are great to look
at, but they’re not for me. You
need runway lights to back out
of a driveway, and they require
more materials to build than your
average New York apartment. I
guess that makes me a Millennial
car collector.
I’ve been watching the slow
price decline of pre-war cars —
and the opposite happen to more
modern machines. I figured I was
watching my generation move
into the market.
But things aren’t going exactly
as I expected.
Monterey Car Week showed
one of the Full Classics that is still in demand — 1929 Duesenberg model J murphy convertible,
sold for $1,430,000 at rm Sotheby’s monterey, CA, auction
by Garrett Long
G
AA has turned their Summer Greensboro, NC, sale into a science. The number of lots, sales
rate, total sales and average price have all increased every year since 2014 (with the exception
of a drop in sales rate in 2015). This was their first sale that comfortably made its way into the
eight-figure range as well, recording $11.6m in sales. As reporter Jeff Trepel points out, they are
actively trying to improve the overall experience, and it’s paying off in spades.
Auctions America had a great weekend in Auburn, IN, even though their total sales fell below their
historical level. They recorded their best sales rate yet at 72%, and the average car sale price was $35.7k.
However, Auctions America offered an unusually low number of lots. If they had bolstered their lots by 100
more and crept back into the 800-car range that AA is comfortable with, this would have been one of their
best sales yet.
Motorsport Auction Group hosted their Hot August Nights sale in Reno, NV, with $7.4m in sales and
310 lots of 527 sold. MAG offers a “cruise night” vibe that matches up perfectly with Hot August Nights. This
isn’t the kind of grand auction you’ll see in Monterey or Scottsdale. That said, MAG knows their customers in
Reno, and their style works for everyone on the scene. A
BEST BUYS
1923 Lincoln model L 4-passenger
coupe, $19,795—GAA,
NC, p. 86
68 AmericanCarCollector.com
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle malibu
custom convertible, $60,500—
russo and Steele, CA, p. 105
1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner
retractable hard top, $6,849—
Lucky Auctions, WA, p. 119
1970 Dodge hemi Charger r/t
2-door hard top, $64,350—James
G. murphy Co., WA, p. 124
1969 oldsmobile toronado
2-door hard top, $10,260—mAG
Auctions, NV, p. 96
that quite a few notable pre-war
cars are still pulling in good
money. The 1923 Pierce-Arrow
Model 33 sold $38k over its high
estimate for a total of $108k at
Bonhams. The 1936 Auburn
Eight SC boattail went for
$1,017,500, $107k above its high
estimate, at RM Sotheby’s, and
the 1912 Packard Model 30 at
Gooding & Co. hit the middle
of its estimate range at $286k.
And these are just a sampling; a
handful more of American Full
Classics sold well within their
estimate ranges.
There were many Full
Classics that went home unsold
or failed to meet their estimates.
I still suspect that most Full
Classics are going to ride down
the value elevator, but that elevator
isn’t dropping as quickly as I
suspected.
— Garrett Long
Page 68
mArKet OVERVIEW
toP 10
SALES THIS ISSUE
buy It Now
What to purchase in today’s market — and why
1 1964 Shelby Cobra
289 roadster,
$1,089,000—Bonhams,
CA, p. 110
2 1936 Packard
3 1937 Packard
eton, $682,000—RM
Sotheby’s, CA, p. 114
Twelve Sport pha-
ster, $467,500—
Worldwide Auctioneers,
CA, p. 114
4 1963 Chevrolet
coupe, $357,500—
Worldwide Auctioneers,
CA, p. 106
5 1969 Ford Mustang
Boss 429 fastback,
$355,000—Russo and
Steele, CA, p. 112
6 1934 Packard
fastback,
eton, $352,000—RM
Sotheby’s, CA, p. 114
Twelve 1107 pha7
1966 Shelby GT350
$297,000—Russo and
Steele, CA, p. 112
8 1951 Hudson
convertible, $165,000—
Bonhams, CA, p. 116
9 1958 Cadillac
10 1941 Lincoln
Hornet Brougham
ible, $164,780—GAA, NC,
p. 82
Zephyr coupe,
$154,000—Gooding &
Co., CA, p. 108
70 AmericanCarCollector.com
$0
Series 62 convertCorvette
Z06
Twelve 1507 road-
1970–74 Dodge Challenger
Names carry weight. Manufacturers know this well and often tack on names with little to do with previ-
ous generations — looking at you, Pontiac. But when each generation builds upon the next, it can create a
legacy that is valuable in its name. The Mustang is one of the best examples of this, and with the Hellcat and
Demon, the Challenger is as well.
Dodge is having their best year selling the Challenger. They believe the 840-hp Demon is promoting the
Challenger and bringing more people to the showrooms. But that hype can work backwards too.
1970 to 1974 Dodge Challenger sales have been fairly steady the past 10 years, hovering around a $50k–
$60k average. The car has been a safe bet for investors. But as Demons dominate YouTube and drag strips
alike, that Challenger heritage is stronger. I imagine it will start to bring more money to the auction floor for
its carbureted brethren.
— Garrett Long
Auctions and Totals in This Issue
$140m
$120m
$100m
$20m
$40m
$60m
$80m
$91.4m
$132.8m
$55.9m
$33.5m
$11.6m
$437k
$18.9m
$7.5m
$7.4m $8.5m
$780k
Greensboro, NC
July 27–29, 2017
GAA
Olympia, WA
Aug 1, 2017
James G. Murphy
Aug 10–12, 2017
Reno, NV
MAG
Aug 16–19, 2017
Monterey, CA
Mecum
Pacific Grove, CA
Aug 17, 2017
Worldwide
Monterey, CA
Aug 17–19, 2017
Russo and
Steele
Bonhams
Carmel, CA
Aug 18, 2017
Gooding & Co.
Pebble Beach, CA
Aug 18–19, 2017
RM Sotheby’s
Monterey, CA
Aug 18–19, 2017
Lucky Auctions
Tacoma, WA
Aug 26–27, 2017
Aug 31–Sept 3, 2017
Auctions America
Auburn, IN
Page 70
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Auburn, IN
Auctions America — Auburn Fall
Auctions America ramps up their sales rate
and hits high numbers at their Labor Day sale in Auburn
Auctions
America
Auburn, IN
August 31–
September 3, 2017
Auctioneers:
Brent Earlywine,
Mike Shackelton
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 527/731
Sales rate: 72%
Sales total:
$18,849,903
High sale: 1933
Duesenberg Model SJ
LaGrande phaeton,
sold at $2,300,000
buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
An attractive package at a great price — 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, sold at $88,000
Report and photos by Kevin Coakley
Market opinions in italics
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
the sales were hot, with a sell rate of 72% and a new
record high sale for Auctions America: A beautiful
1933 Duesenberg Model SJ “Sweep Panel” went
to a new home for $2.3m. Coming in second was a
Fleetwood-bodied 1929 Duesenberg J convertible
with a well-documented and colorful past that sold
for $990,000. Other notables in the top five include a
Bloomington Gold-awarded 1953 Corvette roadster that
sold for $269,500, and a beautiful 1958 Buick Limited
convertible selling at $239,250, exceeding the pre-sale
high estimate by almost $15k.
Notable no-sales included a 1970 Dodge Challenger
R
72 AmericanCarCollector.com
R/T Hemi falling short at $150k and a 1957 Fuelie
Corvette no-sale with a high bid of $132,500.
As always there were bargains to be had, including
an immaculate 1970 AMC/AMX that sold with no
reserve Friday afternoon for $31,350. Had this car run
in prime time Saturday, I’m sure it would have sold in
its estimate range of $45k–$55k.
As they have done in past events, Auctions America
devoted time and resources to raising money for worthwhile
causes. In addition to a $25,000 donation for
Hurricane Harvey relief, Auctions America auctioned
umors regarding Auction America’s future
drifted around as cool temperatures and
partly cloudy skies graced Auburn, IN, for
the Auctions America Labor Day tradition.
While the temperatures were cool,
off an opportunity to tour Jay Leno’s personal garage.
Spirited bidding resulted in raising $35,000 for the
benefit of JDM Charities and Honor Flight of Northeast
Indiana.
While buyers and sellers were busy with the auc-
tion activities, crowds gathered around the grounds,
combing the swapmeet and car corral. There were also
helicopter rides, monster trucks and trick motorcycle
riding demonstrations. Long lines of fans queued up
for autograph signing appearances by NASCAR great
Rusty Wallace and Dave Kindig from the Velocity
Channel show “Bitchin’ Rides.”
Many were speculating whether this would be the
last event under the Auctions America banner.
The Auctions America Media release included a
statement from Rob Meyers, the CEO and founder of
the RM group of companies.
“I have been coming to Auburn for more than 30
years, both on my own and with the RM group of companies,
and I have no plans of stopping. The Auburn
Auction Park and events we hold here are an integral
part of our business,” Meyers said. “We are deeply committed
to continuing this great tradition and putting on
an even more successful Auburn Fall in 2018. We look
forward to sharing details later this year.”
So whether it’s an Auctions America or RM
Sotheby’s auction next year, time will tell. However,
it seems the Auburn sale will continue for years to
come.A
Page 72
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Auburn, IN
GM
#4088-1941 CHEVROLET 3104 pickup.
VIN: 21AD102559. Blue & black/brown vinyl.
Odo: 68,049 miles. Nice paint and
panel fit, good exterior brightwork with
chrome bumpers. Wide whites with rings,
caps and color-keyed wheels. Nice, clean
interior. Bed-side boards with Burma-Shave
signs, equipped with fog lights and runningboard
step plates. Cond: 2.
#2088-1958 CHEVROLET 3100 Apache
NAPCO pickup. VIN: 3A58W100038.
Beige/tan & brown cloth & vinyl. Odo:
25,564 miles. 350-ci V8, 2-bbl, 4-sp. Paint
looks fresh, showing some small drips down
low on the passenger’s side; driver’s door
doesn’t latch. Big tires on wagon-wheel
spokes painted Dark Argent matching the
custom bumpers. Engine compartment
looks okay with auto-store chrome dress-up
kit on motor and headers. Nice interior, new
seat cover and custom wood door pulls.
Equipped with NAPCO four-wheel drive.
Cond: 3+.
#2118-1959 CHEVROLET IMPALA Sport
Coupe 2-dr hard top. VIN: F59J219422.
Tuxedo Black/red tri-tone vinyl & cloth. Odo:
76,274 miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fresh
paint looks very well done. Great panel fit,
exceptional exterior brightwork. Nicely detailed
engine compartment. Inside looks as
good as the outside, all fresh and well executed.
Equipped with power windows,
brakes, Continental kit and fender skirts.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $30,800. Burma-Shave? Seems
like an odd sign to put on an old pickup, but
what the hell, it certainly didn’t detract from
the value. This is a nice, clean, well-done
package at a very fair price. Offered without
reserve and well bought at the low end of
the pre-sale estimate.
#4089-1951 PONTIAC EIGHT sedan delivery.
VIN: P6VS1219. Blue & white/tan cloth.
Odo: 10,147 miles. 268-ci I8, 2-bbl, 3-sp.
Paint looks good and well done. Chief Pontiac
graphic and script done nicely on the
side panels. Hood fit a little off. Brilliant exterior
trim. Clean engine compartment. Interior
looks tidy and unmolested. Equipped
with sun visor, traffic-light viewer, rare illuminated
Chief hood ornament, Deluxe
steering wheel, side mirrors, back-up lights,
chrome trim rings, tissue dispenser, front
and rear bumper guards and wide whitewall
tires. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $34,000. Trucks have been
strong, but not strong enough for this one to
pull $60k. It’s definitely worth more than the
high bid, but not twice as much. Consignor
was right to hold on but may want to think
again about the bottom line.
#3094-1959 CHEVROLET BROOKWOOD
custom wagon. VIN: 11837L11044. Copper
& cream/tri-tone copper vinyl & cloth.
Odo: 26,711 miles. 348-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Nice paint and panel fit, good exterior
brightwork, big wheels with skinny tires,
clear glass and lots of it. Engine compartment
shows well; interior upholstery and
bright bits also show very well. Mild custom
with disc-brake conversion and air-ride suspension.
Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $50,000. Fresh frame-off
restoration; there’s little doubt the seller
would have been upside-down with this result.
While it is a beautiful presentation, the
lack of any original performance goodies
will forever hold this one back. I think I’d
hang on to it and enjoy it for a couple of
years and see if the market catches up to
the expectation.
#4085-1960 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE convertible.
VIN: 860S10376. Newport Blue/
white vinyl/tri-tone blue vinyl. Odo: 19,172
miles. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Paint looks
fresh and well done; lots of exterior trim
shows minimal wear. Wide whites could
used a good cleaning. Glass looks clear
and unmarred. Interior looks new and well
fitted, although the dashpad is showing
some emerging separation of the vinyl and
padding underneath. Equipped with power
steering and brakes; at some point a radiator
cooling fan and concealed aftermarket
stereo mounted in the trunk were added.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $30,250. Sold for $42,900 at Barrett-Jackson
in Las Vegas, October 2013,
offered with no reserve (ACC# 228074).
Offered here again without reserve, it sold
for 25% less—ouch! That’s a pretty significant
loss over four years and well bought
here today.
74 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $35,000. After failing to sell
on the block, this one was spotted “Still For
Sale” with a price of $57,500—not an unreasonable
figure. While the wagon market
seems to have softened a bit, the problem
at auction is getting two people in the room
who want the car. It might (will) take more
time, but this one might do better in a private
sale.
SOLD AT $46,000. It seems like the consignor
didn’t do much promotion on this car.
The windshield sticker made no mention of
the Tri-Power setup. Here’s an ACC Top Tip:
You can’t give the auction company too much
information; the more information you give,
the more money you get in return. Chalk this
one up in the well-bought column.
#5062-1962 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 216375293872. Ermine
Page 73
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Auburn, IN
White/red vinyl & cloth. 409-ci V8, 2x4-bbl,
4-sp. Paint showing some orange peel and
appears to have been resprayed. Decent
minimal exterior brightwork. Nice steel
wheels with poverty caps, engine compartment
shows well. Headers and aluminum
radiator. Interior shows well; nothing to
knock there. Cond: 3+.
door. Equipped with factory gauges and a/c.
Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $58,000. Said to have been
the recipient of a body-on restoration within
the past year; the paint looked like it was
rushed. Other than that, it’s got the right
stuff. I think the money will come; it just
wasn’t happening today.
#4020-1969 PONTIAC FIREBIRD convertible.
VIN: 223679U118802. Carousel Red/
white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 45,411 miles.
400-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Decent paint but
sloppy black paint in hood-scoop inserts.
Poor hood fit. Rally II wheels. Decent exterior
brightwork. Presentable engine compartment.
White interior looking a bit grungy,
aftermarket gauges installed under dash.
Equipped with power top, windows, steering
and brakes; hood tach and rear spoiler.
Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $14,500. The windshield tag
stated “Offered With No Reserve.” This one
had all the signs of someone attempting a
quick flip. The high bid seems like a fair offer
considering the condition. Apparently
there was a reserve after all.
CORVETTE
#4111-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: E57S195394. Roman
Red & white/white vinyl. Odo: 979 miles.
283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Immaculate
paint and panel fit, brilliant exterior
brightwork. Spotless engine bay. Beautiful
interior. Equipped with power windows,
Wonder Bar radio, courtesy lights and 4.11
rear end. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $25,850. This one came close
enough for the consignor to lift the reserve a
good bit below the low pre-sale estimate.
The new owner got a nice, solid car at a
good price; well bought here today.
#4035-1976 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe.
VIN: 2W8726N6003794. Black & gold/black
vinyl. Odo: 34,550 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Paint showing orange peel, scratches
and cracks. Front grille and headlight coves
seem to have been freshly painted gold.
Boyd Coddington five-spoke mags with gold
spokes look decent. Grungy engine compartment.
Decent seat covers. Speakers
hacked into the sides of the console. Aftermarket
steering wheel. Passenger’s side
door weatherstripping separated from the
NOT SOLD AT $132,500. A multiple award
winner—including two Bloomington Golds—
it scored 99.6 points in the 2006 NCRS National
Convention in San Antonio. Is it too
far removed from its award-winning days or
is the market for late-’50s Fuelie Corvettes
getting soft? Did another older presentation
with very few miles give potential buyers
some pause? Obviously the consignor believes
it can pull more money, and I don’t
doubt that it will, but is it worth the additional
expense of the hunt? Time will tell.
#5105-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 194677S107497. Butternut
Yellow/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
26,936 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Paint shows well. Good panel fit. Decent
brightwork. Could use a good wipe-down.
Clear glass, but it could stand a cleaning,
too. Decent engine compartment. Rally
wheels with Redline tires. Interior is well
equipped with factory tach and gauges.
Cond: 2.
November-December 2017 75
Page 74
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Auburn, IN
SOLD AT $88,000. Nothing a little detailing
won’t take care of. A 427, 4-speed convertible—an
attractive package at a great price.
The new owner should be pleased with his
purchase.
FOMOCO
#7054-1939 LINCOLN ZEPHYR V12 convertible.
VIN: H83062. Maroon/tan canvas/
tan leather. Odo: 10,174 miles. Paint looks
presentable under the hall lights. Excellent
exterior brightwork. Wide whites with trim
rings and center caps look great. Top looks
to be well fitted and in good condition; decent
engine compartment detail. Interior is good,
but it looks as though the leather was unevenly
redyed—not terrible, just off. Interior
trim showing some minor pitting. Cond: 3+.
last restored in the early 1990s and is holding
up very well. Assuming the odometer
was reset at the time, lack of miles might
cause some concern, but overall the car
presented very well. Nice examples below
the F-code regularly change hands in the
$40k–$50k range, but this gets that significant
F-code bump. Coming in a little shy of
the pre-sale low estimate. Looks like a fair
deal both ways.
#4087-1958 EDSEL PACER convertible.
VIN: W8ER702597. Driftwood & Jonquil
Yellow/white vinyl/black & white vinyl. Odo:
35,839 miles. 361-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nice
paint and panel fit, exterior trim showing
some pitting and micro-scratches. Decent
engine compartment detail. Solid interior
upholstery. Trim showing minor wear.
Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $75,000. It’s a very nice car,
but let’s face the facts: It’s not a Boss, it’s
not a CJ, it’s not a Mach, it’s a base Mustang
convertible with a big motor. Though it
does show well, it’s also not very well
equipped. All things considered, the bid
seems like a reasonable offer for what it is.
#4118-1970 FORD MUSTANG Boss 302
fastback. VIN: 0F02G172717. Grabber
Orange/black vinyl. Odo: 15,681 miles. 302ci
, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint and graphics look
okay. Wheelarches have been flared—left
rear cracking. Many scratches in the exterior
brightwork. Minilite wheels look decent.
Grungy engine compartment. Cross Boss
intake manifold. Interior rough, column tach
and under-dash gauges added. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $71,000. This car isn’t everyone’s
cup of tea, but it sure is a nice one. When
they say buy one that’s already done, here’s
why. I’m guessing the sale price was considerably
less than the cost to get it in this
condition; well bought.
#4113-1957 FORD FAIRLANE 500 F-code
Skyliner retractable hard top. VIN:
F7FW387795. Red/red & white vinyl &
cloth. Odo: 68 miles. 312-ci supercharged
V8, auto. Paint shows well, small chip on
hood edge, good panel fit, brilliant exterior
brightwork, full wheel covers with wide
whites, excellent engine compartment detail.
Interior upholstery and brightwork show
very well. Well equipped with power steering,
brakes, windows and seats; dual spotlights,
Town & Country radio, factory clock,
tissue dispenser, fender skirts and Continental
kit. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $134,750.
Coming from the Jerry Capizzi “Cappy” Collection,
this multiple-award-winning car was
76 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $35,750. Edsel prices seem to
have taken a minor dip. This one is an attractive
package and probably would have
pulled into the low- to mid-$40ks three or
four years ago. Today the price was right;
well bought and certain to not lose any
value from here.
#4123-1969 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 9F03Q127782. Candy Apple Red/
white vinyl/dark red vinyl. Odo: 71,944
miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint looks
fresh and well done. Driver’s door closes
hard, decent exterior chrome, Magnum 500
wheels in excellent shape. Engine compartment
shows well; interior looks good too,
except for the right rear window crank lying
on the floor. No a/c, power windows or
brakes. Does come with Marti Report verifying
it is one of 30 built with this powertrain
configuration and includes factory-installed
competition suspension. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $35,000. This car was advertised
as “Modified in performance and
looks to 1970 Trans-Am champion.” Maybe
so, but that—along with no race provenance—did
nothing to improve the value of
the car. Bringing it back to stock would be
an expensive proposition when you look at
dealing with the fender flares. This one
seems to be stuck between too far gone to
bring back and too expensive for a track
car. The high bid should have gotten the
deal done.
MOPAR
#5052-1955 CHRYSLER 300C 2-dr hard
top. VIN: 3N551046. Black/tan leather.
Odo: 35,640 miles. 331-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto.
Nice black-paint finish and panel fit. Exterior
brightwork a mix of good and not so good.
Chrome wire wheels with wide whites really
pop. Decent engine compartment detail.
Presentable interior shows minimal wear.
Comes with original factory build card.
Cond: 3+.
Page 76
AUCTIONS AMERICA // Auburn, IN
ered with a garish brown floral pattern.
Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $56,100. A really nice presentation
of a desirable low-production-number
car. Coming in a little over the pre-sale low
estimate, it still looks like a good buy to me.
AMERICANA
#5069-1959 BATMOBILE convertible.
VIN: BoS. Black/black leather. V8, 4-bbl,
3-sp. Rough paint, scratches, big crack in
hood, scrape and dent on passenger’s side
door. Rusty Cragar S/S mag wheels missing
center caps. Plexiglass bubble windshields
scratched. Driver-quality engine
detail, interior console covering starting to
come undone. Cond: 4.
SOLD AT $14,000. This one had some issues,
but it is pretty rare and it seems like
there’s room to make some corrections
without ending upside-down. We’ll call this a
fair deal, if not slightly well bought.
#2112-1974 AMC HORNET “The Man with
the Golden Gun” coupe. VIN: BoS. Red/
black vinyl. MHD. 258-ci I6, 1-bbl, auto.
Heavily modified suspension and body in
preparation for jump in the James Bond
movie “The Man With the Golden Gun.”
Rough paint, lots of scratches, rusty rockers,
glue residue on wheel lips where there
once was lip trim. Heavy rust on Cragar S/S
wheels, cracked windshield, lots of
scratches on plexiglass side windows. Interior
gutted, center-mount seat, full roll cage.
Cond: 4.
NOT SOLD AT $110,000. Claimed to have
been the sixth Batmobile built to promote
the TV show by Jay Ohrberg Hollywood
Cars. This one is said to have been used to
tour the U.S., educating children on the
dangers of drugs and alcohol. After trading
hands among a couple collectors, it did a
couple of museum stints. Another car where
the value is in the story, not the condition.
It’s no George Barris Batmobile, but from 20
feet away, it’s pretty darn close, and it didn’t
cost $4m (ACC# 214858).
78 AmericanCarCollector.com
“
#4084-1959 STUDEBAKER SCOTSMAN
pickup. VIN: E13762. Light green/brown
vinyl. Odo: 85,476 miles. 245-ci I6, 2x1-bbl,
3-sp. Paint shows orange peel and microbubbles
all over, as well as rust on the left
rear fender. Hood fit poor. Driver’s door
wouldn’t latch. Exterior chrome shows
heavy pitting. Natural-finish wood in the bed
with chrome slats. Interior door handles
painted Argent. Windshield-wiper scratches.
Driver-quality engine detail. Bench seat cov-
SOLD AT $110,000. Known as the “Astro
Spiral” stunt car, this Bond car successfully
completed a corkscrew jump in one take.
Designed and built by Calspan Corporation
engineer, Raymond McHenry, with the aid
of computer modeling and driven by stunt
driver Jay Milligan. They say that, having
survived the jump with no damage, it still
runs and drives. I was present when bidding
stalled in the mid-$40ks, but the auctioneer
kept working and the room eventually woke
up. It’s not an Aston Martin DB5, but it is a
Bond car. Based on that, I’ll say it was a
good buy. A
Known as the “Astro Spiral” stunt car,
this Bond car successfully completed a
corkscrew jump in one take.
1974 AMC Hornet coupe
”
Page 78
GAA // Greensboro, NC
GAA — GAA Classic Cars
Auction
GAA fine-tunes their auction experience, with great results
GAA
Greensboro, NC
July 27–29, 2017
Auctioneers: Eli
Detweiler, Ben DeBruhl,
Ricky Parks, Mike
Anderson
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 397/559
Sales rate: 71%
Sales total:
$11,555,828
High sale: 2005 Ford
GT coupe, sold at
$275,525
buyer’s premium:
7%, minimum $700,
included in sold prices
Pedigree ownership helped this 1970 Chevrolet CoPo Camaro rS Z/28 coupe sell at $53,500
Report and photos by Jeff Trepel
and Mark Moskowitz
Introduction by Jeff Trepel
Market opinions in italics
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
hit high numbers consistent with their previous successful
auctions. The March GAA auction is typically
their showcase event, and this past March there were
significant multi-car collections of high-dollar muscle
and sports cars.
As such, upscale collections were not as prevalent
T
80 AmericanCarCollector.com
this summer. Instead, an assortment of great mid-level
consignments dominated this auction.
One sale in particular proved in spectacular fashion
that GAA could compete with — and even beat — the
big boys in the auction world. A superbly restored
1958 Cadillac 62 convertible sold for $164,780. It’s an
impressive price, but even more impressive is that this is
the same car sold for $104,500 at RM Sotheby’s October
2016 sale — where I covered it for our sister magazine,
Sports Car Market (with two fewer miles on it), and
nominated it as a Best Buy.
Major no-sales were — happily — few and far
between, but there were some.
Failing to find a new home was the fascinating-buthideous
one-off 1948 Mercury “Templeton Saturn”
he July edition of the thrice-yearly GAA
Classic Car Auction ran like the well-oiled
machine it has become. At the same time, it
enhanced its growing reputation as one of the
strongest classic car auctions in the Southeast.
Selling an impressive 71% of their 559 lots, GAA
roadster. It is a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance veteran
and Motor Trend feature car. It garnered a high bid
of only $205,000 versus a dealer website asking price of
$350,000 ( which was perhaps aspirational).
Most of the impressive fleet of Mopar muscle cars
met their reserves, but a 1969 Dodge Charger 500 Hemi
achieved a high bid of only $95,000, which was woefully
short of a realistic bid for this ultra-rare muscle
car.
GAA’s website has become increasingly user-
friendly over the years, which has helped the company
grow. One notable feature is that the number of views
on each car is recorded on the site, allowing you to
gauge the level of interest in each car.
It’s still helpful to have a paper catalog to carry
around in the sales room, and GAA now supplies a
paper sales brochure with more lots and detail shown.
That said, a lot-by-lot documentary catalog for over 550
entries would be impractical.
The November GAA Classic Car Auction will
feature the 2004 Ford “Shelby Cobra” V10 Concept
Car, created at Ford Advanced Vehicles with input from
Carroll Shelby. It was on display at this auction and is
impressive to behold.
Sadly, Ford will be disabling the transaxle prior to
the auction, as the car is not designed to be street-legal.
Proceeds from the sale will go toward the restoration
of the original Henry Ford estate, Fair Lane. As GAA
continues to fine-tune their auction experience, we can
expect better service and interesting cars like the Cobra
concept car to cross the block. A
Page 80
GAA // Greensboro, NC
GM
#FR260-1941 CADILLAC SERIES 75 custom
sedan. VIN: 3340916. Candy Apple
Red & Champagne/red & tan leather. Odo:
7,821 miles. 5.7-L fuel-injected V8, auto.
Stunning resto-mod Fleetwood Cadillac.
Exterior paint is extremely well done. Body
panels are straight and the fit of suicide
doors is excellent. External chrome for the
most part is excellent, but portions of hood
underside and parts of the hood vents are
pitted. Leather seats and door panels done
to a high standard. Lots of interior detail
including carpeted footrests and a pair of
extra fold-out seats. Beautiful dashboard
retaining much of stock configuration. Much
wood trim around windows. LS1 Corvette
engine shows significant oxidation on the
headers, header bolts and other surface.
Firewall, master cylinder, radiator, etc. are
excellent. Vintage Air. Cond: 2.
with longitudinal leaf springs. Four-bolt-main
small-block engine. Its surrounds are well
finished, as is interior. Cond: 2+. NOT
SOLD AT $29,000. Re-creation done to an
excellent standard. Multiple nice touches
including preservation of original dashtop
and instrument cluster, a neat padded roll
bar and that classic—though solely cosmetic—front-mounted
gas tank. Certainly
money and time spent was more than high
bid suggested, but without a race or functional
history, this is little more than a fancy
display piece. What’s that worth? Seller and
I both think more than was offered.
#ST0096.1-1958 CADILLAC SERIES
62 convertible. VIN: 58F030075.
White/dark blue cloth/blue & white
leather. Odo: 27 miles. 365-ci V8, 3x2-bbl,
auto. 2015 restoration to a very high level,
beyond superb in every respect. Factorycorrect
a/c may indicate it was not original
to this car, but is indeed done correctly.
Other rare options include factory Sabre
wheels and power vent windows. Accompanied
by Cadillac-LaSalle Club Senior Badge
No.885, plus first-place awards at several
shows. Not shown at many major American
concours, however. Cond: 1.
9
is falling off. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $42,800. GM was at the top of its
styling game in 1965; the big B-body
coupes and hard tops such as this 2+2 were
among the best-looking cars ever from an
American manufacturer. This claimed-twoowner
example is a desirable original
4-speed, but the Tri-Power carbs and factory
air were added later. I thought the bidding
on this car might be held back by the
bland color and its cosmetic deficiencies,
but the ultimate sale price was more than
healthy, not far from values for a concours
example. Well sold.
SOLD AT $46,010. One can see the expense
and detail that went into this presentation.
Stock-bodied, giant sedan
resto-mods have not sold well at GAA and
most other sites. The unique color combination
was a further handicap. Seems like a
fair deal for buyer and seller.
#FR253-1955 CHEVROLET 150 custom
2-dr sedan. VIN: A55J115369. Dodge
Truck Gray/black velour. Odo: 62,797 miles.
350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Gas dragster built for
show. Roof, rear quarters, cowl, transmission
tunnel, windshield glass, dashboard
and speedometer are all that appear to remain
of the original car. Doors, trunk, tilt
hood and bumper are fiberglass. Excellent
paint, with a few inclusions. Driver’s door fit
is slightly off. Painted graphics well done.
Odd black adhesive strip on doors to which
window felt is attached. Straight front axle
SOLD AT $164,780. I reviewed this same
Cadillac at the RM Hershey October 2016
auction, where I asked if there was a condition
1+. I called it a Best Buy when it sold
for $104,500 (ACC# 6804701). An alert
buyer/flipper recognized that then, and
reaped the financial reward here after driving
it two more miles. A breathtaking restoration
that should be welcome on any show
field. I hope it sold here to an end user who
will share it with the public and drive it at
least a little.
#ST0119-1965 PONTIAC CATALINA 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 252375E137215. Fontaine
Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 83,477 miles. 421-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Very good panel fit with
2007 repaint in perhaps too-subdued Fontaine
Blue; looks good, but finish feels
rough to the touch. Chrome showing some
age. Interior purportedly a well-cared-for
original. However, statement with car notes
that the factory air installation was added
later. Since it has the factory vents, the
dash is unlikely to be original. Curious standard
factory tach stuck onto the left side of
the dash adds character. Excellent used
condition underhood, but the insulation pad
82 AmericanCarCollector.com
#FR0249-1966 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
SS 2-dr hard top. VIN: 138176B102549.
Sandalwood Tan Metallic/gold & Parchment
vinyl. Odo: 6,971 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Said to be product of a frame-off restoration.
At that time, frame was powdercoated.
Paint appears flawless. Panels are
straight and gaps are good. A few polishing
scratches around windshield trim. Beautiful
carpets, dashboard, console and two-tone
vinyl seats. Engine compartment appears
better than new. Power steering. Disc
brakes. Stock-appearing 15-inch wheels
and Vintage Air are the only significant visible
deviations from stock. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $44,405. A spectacular car that
generated over 1,000 web views—substantially
more than the average car offered—
and huge attention at the auction. One of 23
Chevelles offered at GAA. This was the lowest-horsepower
model of the three SS 396s
that year and would typically receive a bit
less than Chevelle top dollar, which could
amount to almost $20,000 dollars more.
While fairly sold in comparison with others,
well bought considering the prize.
#ST0150-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS
coupe. VIN: 124379N566222. Burgundy/
black vinyl. Odo: 87,507 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Owner present and said that
this was restored in the mid-’90s and driven
TOP 10
Page 82
GAA // Greensboro, NC
little since. Beautifully applied paint; very
straight body panels. Excellent panel fit.
Excellent window trim. Interior shows minimal
wear. There is some separation of
headrest backing. Engine compartment finished
and spotless. Optional 12-bolt rear
end. Only obvious variation from stock is
the use of stock-appearing bigger wheels.
Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $41,000. The unevenness
of the restoration raises questions and
helps explain why the glamorous mirrored
display did not bring a price its glitz seemed
to think it deserved. Seller received a fair
bid for the product offered but chose to wait
for another day.
SOLD AT $42,800. The Camaro that
some—including ex-GM styling head Ed
Welburn—consider to be the most attractive;
in a striking color with a rare red accent
stripe. A stick shift and the letter “Z” affixed
to the body might make this small-block
Chevy a bit more collectible, but if the RS
was what you sought, it would be hard to
find a better one. Though a few dollars will
be necessary to update a few seals etc, this
seemed like a fair transaction for the seller
and a slightly better one for the buyer.
#ST0148-1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 convertible.
VIN: 344670E169837. Eng. #
30E169837. Bamboo Yellow/gold vinyl/
Saddle Tan vinyl. Odo: 2,010 miles. 455-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint smoothly applied, with
rare inclusion. Some paint loss on driver’s
door. Heavy clearcoat. Overspray on headlight
trim and seals around windows. Undersurface
of trunk lid is a lighter, older color.
Overspray of trunk liner onto paint. Multiple
scratches on window trim. Bumpers appear
to have been rechromed, but front bumper
has inclusions. Chrome trim around the rear
of convertible top fits poorly. Plastic around
taillights appears heavily worn. One-inch
tear in the top. Panel fit is satisfactory. Interior
vinyl appears to have been redone to a
good standard. Replacement walnut wheel
is attractive. Faux-chrome interior trim is
heavily worn and probably original. Mismatched
panel speakers. Engine compartment
appears clean. New blue block paint.
Cond: 3+.
“
#ST0104-1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS
Z/28 coupe. VIN: 124870N547269. Daytona
Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 67,335 miles.
350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. One year ago this
Z/28 was owned by Rich Rinke of Turn Key
Automotive, the Camaro COPO build center.
Said to be in Rinke’s possession for
approximately 20 years and restored by the
experts there. Near-perfect yellow paint and
black striping. Trunk and door gaps off
slightly. Chrome and window trim are excellent.
Rare T3 headlamps. Said to be NOS
door panels. Interior perfect, as is engine
compartment. Front-disc brakes. Cond: 1-.
cc fuel-injected I4, 4-sp. Listed as one of
2,061 built; perhaps that was for the year.
The car has obviously been repainted, with
some overspray on rear window trim, inclusions
and mild orange peel. Body is straight
and panel fit seemed very good in most
places. Bubbling of paint on cowl suggesting
rust beneath. A few dings in windshield
stainless, but the remainder looks quite
good, although it will require some polish.
Oxidation of door-handle chrome. Except
for mild imperfections where door panels
meet the door jambs, the overall interior is
very well preserved. Scratches on windshield
from wipers, but other glass is good.
Engine compartment quite dirty and insulation
deteriorated. The Vega appears to have
original stainless headers. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $6,400. Investment Grade C collectible
bought for slight money. Significant
work ahead, but not much risk at this price
and might make a nice family project.
SOLD AT $53,500. Stunning split-bumper
Gen 2 Camaro sold for top dollar as compared
to similar-conditioned offerings. The
pedigree might have commanded more, but
detractions included new drivetrain, automatic
transmission and the lack of radio.
The seller—owner of 22 COPO editions in
his life—seemed to come to the same conclusion.
#Th0079-1975 CHEVROLET VEGA
Cosworth coupe. VIN: 1V77E5U240638.
Black/gray cloth. Odo: 41,948 miles. 2,000-
A stick shift and the letter “Z” affixed to
the body might make this small-block
Chevy a bit more collectible, but if the
RS was what you sought, it would be
hard to find a better one.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS coupe
84 AmericanCarCollector.com
#FR0083-1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL
coupe. VIN: 1G4GJ1172HP447196. Black/
gray & black fabric. Odo: 29,338 miles.
3.8-L turbocharged V6, auto. Original North
Carolina car said to have been repainted in
2000. Interior has been redone as well.
Paint appears to have been done to a very
high standard; there are some mild polishing
marks, but it’s difficult to find any imperfections
other than one scratch on hood
scoop. Panel fit and glass excellent. Curb
damage on the wheels. Interior appears
very well done. Some loss of plating on leftdoor
trim and minimal wrinkling on right
seat. Clear vinyl on central portion of horn
flawed. Engine compartment shows signs of
age, with bare-metal parts oxidized and
paint loss on frame. Cond: 2-.
”
SOLD AT $25,948. Grand Nationals are
frequent fare at GAA. Lacking chrome, they
appear sinister and are easy to maintain.
This one sold at a typical price for a car of
this condition. If engine compartment issues
and wheels are addressed, it could be a
contender at a local show.
Page 84
GAA // Greensboro, NC
CORVETTE
#FR87-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 40867S120192. Red/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 83,232 miles.
350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Marketed as built for
show and drive. Appears to have been repainted
at some point. There are multiple
small imperfections, although body paint is
smooth. Overspray noted on grille supports
and other areas. Left door fit slightly off.
Excess fiberglass where cowl meets fender.
Replacement big-block hood. Windshield
trim showing age. Windshield gasket deteriorated.
Interior worn but not abused. Seats
without rips or wrinkles. Engine compartment
clean and neat, with Holley 4-barrel,
aftermarket ignition and what appears to be
a later engine with period Corvette valve
covers. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $19,795. From the estate of
Cathy Truett, founder of Chick-fil-A. The
information card and auction block announcement
stated, “Per title undisclosed
liens,” and I wondered if that might have
scared away bidders, but I think that anyone
seriously interested in this wonderful antique
would have checked that out in advance.
This is the kind of car that I think
now draws a very limited pool of potential
buyers. For someone interested in early
1920s classics, this was an unbelievable
bargain.
#ST0100-1932 FORD MODEL 18 Street
Rod roadster. VIN: 184882551. Black/black
canvas w/ red piping/red leather. Odo:
1,971 miles. Said to be all steel with no
patches and with the original frame, firewall
and grille shell. Excellent black paint with a
few scratches. Light scratches on rear bumper
chrome. Pristine attractive top. Six
matching vintage reproduction Stewart Warner
gauges. Leather seats and doors without
significant wear. Carpets look excellent.
Rims show evidence of previous wear on
inside. Extremely clean engine compartment
with no evidence of heat discoloration
on headers. Reproduction Ardun heads.
Lots of chrome and polished aluminum.
Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $39,500. No attempt to deceive
here. A reasonably good-looking
10-footer with attention to many details and
variations from stock disclosed. Bid seemed
to in line with condition but was not accepted.
FOMOCO
& black/brown mohair. Odo: 18,314 miles.
An impressive automobile. The suicide
doors on this characterful Lincoln coupe still
open and shut like bank vaults. Signature
Lincoln brass windshield frame with foldout
windshield section. The tan paint is smooth,
but the black fenders and radiator are thick,
orange-peeled and pitted. The mohair upholstery
is claimed to be original. Modern
temperature gauge and turn signals added.
Engine compartment surfaces mostly aged
but clean. Said to be ready to go, and could
easily be upgraded to at least 3+. Cond: 3-.
#ST0126-1923 LINCOLN MODEL L
4-passenger coupe. VIN: 10285. Tan
NOT SOLD AT $90,000. This was last seen
at GAA in October last year (ACC#
6809622). Custom wheels are gone. It remains
a tasteful and well-done hot rod with
a host of attractive accessories. At this auction
it was bid to $90,000, more than doubling
last year’s $43k high bid. This figure
more closely approaches the sum of the
parts but probably not the labor. While it
seems reasonable for the owner to hold out
for a higher price, I am not certain time,
parts, paint and auction fees will be recouped.
86 AmericanCarCollector.com
#ST0101.1-1948 MERCURY TEMPLETON
SATURN roadster. VIN: S0S300763ILL.
Light blue metallic/blue & white vinyl. Odo:
11,064 miles. 239-ci V8, 2x2-bbl, 3-sp. Oneoff
(mercifully) roadster custom built in
Ames, IA, 1948–52, for Lloyd Templeton.
1939 Ford chassis with a 1948 Mercury
flathead V8, titled as a Mercury. Very cool
high-compression Speedway heads and
twin Stromberg carbs. Body is a hash of
period parts and custom fabrication. A true
roadster: no top, windows, doors or trunklid.
Twelve gauges festooned across the flat
dash. Beautifully restored by Fran Roxas for
then-owner concept-car collector Joe Bortz.
Superbly finished, undoubtedly much better
than new. Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $205,000. A significant, fascinating
but quite hideous custom from an
era when there were no production American
sports cars, but you could build one
yourself. Sometimes rather optimistically
referred to as the “Bob Hope Special.” To
me, every line and proportion on this car is
wrong, yet I have to give Templeton and the
builders high marks for bold creativity. Sold
at RM Scottsdale 2009 for $148,500 (ACC#
1643181). A difficult car to value, of course,
but to me $205,000 seemed like quite
enough for something so offensive to the
eye. Someone will love it, so keep trying.
#FR0248-1948 FORD SUPER DELUXE
Custom coupe. VIN: 1846402898. Black/
red velour. Odo: 1,573 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Resto-mod with front and rear
clip from a Nova. Black paint smoothly applied,
with a minimal amount of orange peel
on the trunk. Panels are straight; body fit is
good. Rare dings in otherwise very nice
trim. Excellent chrome bumper and grille.
Tasteful and well-done interior maintaining
much of dashboard chrome yet integrating
classic instruments. Custom tilt wheel.
Beautiful upholstery with burgundy accents.
Wheel finish excellent. Small-block Chevy
with an attractive air cleaner and Edelbrock
valve covers. Chassis has been painted
black, but several spots were missed. Coilspring
front suspension. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $19,795. This was more than a
stock Chevy block stuffed into a stock Ford
chassis. Dollars, time and effort expended
were obvious. 1948 Ford styling is a matter
of taste, but if you liked or could have even
BEST
BUY
Page 86
GAA // Greensboro, NC
tolerated it, you could have had a very cool
resto-mod for a smoking-hot price. Extremely
well bought.
#FR0067-1950 FORD CUSTOM 2-dr sedan.
VIN: BONR153288. Yellow/gray cloth.
Odo: 3,142 miles. 239-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp.
Said to have undergone a body-off restoration
five years ago. Heavy yellow paint with
inclusions and excessive orange peel. Door
jambs etc. appear to have been painted
poorly prior to above-mentioned paint job.
Chips, cracks and superficial oxidation seen
on surfaces behind all side windows. Panels
are straight, yet trunk and hood fit is poor.
Chrome is above average. Early delamination
of a few windows. Fabric on seats is
above average. Worn steering wheel. Factory
heater. Accessory gauges and aftermarket
blinkers. Repainted engine updated
with modern alternator and 12-volt battery.
Cond: 3-.
on dash. Engine compartment accurate and
pristine. Cond: 2+.
the Continental kit unbalances the car visually
and dynamically. But many T-bird enthusiasts
would strongly disagree. The
market for Baby ’Birds has been sinking like
a rock for several years, but seems to have
stabilized recently. Bid to a $28,000 no-sale
on the block, but apparently the Deal Doctor
cured the sale by finding an additional
$2,000. Slightly well sold.
NOT SOLD AT $11,000. Appears to have
been a very amateurish restoration and
paint job. Mustang wheels are totally out of
place, and I suspect they rub when they are
turned to a significant degree. This was
Ford’s first all-new post-war design and is
emblematic of the era, adding a slight premium
to this model. The owner—who brings
a few cars to most GAA events—seems to
repeatedly offer the car until it receives the
optimum price, which would seem to be
three to four thousand dollars higher than
bid.
#FR0246-1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD
convertible. VIN: P6FH229385. Thunderbird
Green & white/green & white vinyl.
Odo: 58,147 miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Rarely seen Thunderbird Green finish gives
this Baby ’Bird dramatic presence. Wellequipped
with power steering, brakes, windows
and seat, tinted windshield and Town
& Country radio. Nice to see authentic (optional)
T-bird wire wheel covers rather than
the ubiquitous Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels.
Two-seat T-birds are notorious for poor
panel fit, which is above average here.
Older high-quality repaint holding up well
but some microblistering creeping in. Goodlooking
inside, with especially nice seats
and carpet. Interior chrome shows extensive
pitting. Decent under hood. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $32,100. A good-quality, if slightly
unraveling, restoration. Striking colors a
refreshing change. To me, the ’56 T-bird is
not as desirable as the ’55 or ’57 because
88 AmericanCarCollector.com
#TH0081-1963 MERCURY MARAUDER
2-dr hard top. VIN: 3Z66Z536098. Black/
red vinyl. Odo: 1,915 miles. 427-ci V8, 3x2bbl,
auto. Decent paint on straight body, but
far from a show car. Older chrome okay for
a driver, but taillight surrounds and rear appliqué
are painted silver rather than plated,
perhaps in an attempt to economize on rechroming
bills. Good seats and carpet. Interior
is described as “all new,” but the
armrests are heavily worn and the steering
wheel is badly cracked. Red steel wheels
with poverty caps combine with the black
paint for a slightly sinister look. Claimed
rebuilt column-shift automatic; power steering
and brakes. “Odometer reading exceeds
mechanical limits.” Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $43,870. Obviously not an Indianapolis
pace car—they were convertibles.
Ford had shipped 35 Wimbledon White
289-powered Mustangs for Indianapolis
Festival use and Holman & Moody supplied
three more for on-track activities. Ford prepared
another 190 coupes with 260 powerplants
and automatic transmissions for a
dealer sales promotion. “Checkered Flag”
winners received theirs for free. Runner-up
“Green Flag” winners bought theirs at a discount.
This car failed to sell at the spring
Branson sale; a $40,000 bid was offered
(ACC# 6836348). I could not find recent
sales of these Ford-built replicas, but this
sale seems to be in line with that of the better
1965 fastbacks offered. Seems like a fair
transaction for all, with a nod to the buyer.
#FR0256-1966 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 6T08C112622. Raven Black/white
canvas/red vinyl. Odo: 21,715 miles. 289-ci
V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. A nicely restored if somewhat
ordinary base Mustang convertible.
What made it stand out was the suave color
combination of Raven Black with red interior.
Combined with the optional chrome
wheels and dual Redline tires, the colors
gave this Mustang a sophisticated appearance.
Panel fit generally good. Interior highlighted
by very nice seats, door panels,
instruments and dash, but new-looking carpet
has many pulls in it as if a cat was living
there. Overall a nicely presented, high-level
driver with some small correctable flaws.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $23,005. Appealing and unusual
sleeper Mercury. At this price level, no one
could expect an original 427 car. But the
high bid met the reserve, so maybe the consignor
didn’t have any higher ambitions. On
the surface, this Marauder seems very well
bought; hopefully there are few issues lurking
beneath.
#ST0109-1965 FORD MUSTANG Pace
Car replica coupe. VIN: 5F07F121192.
Pace Car White/white vinyl. Odo: 56,859
miles. 260-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Absolutely
stunning and accurate 1965 Indianapolis
500 factory pace-car replica. Straight panels
with excellent fit topped by outstanding
paint. Doors close as-new. Vent window
trim is pitted. Some scratches and signs of
wear on the remaining window trim. Other
chrome is excellent. Beautifully done and
accurate interior with Lee Iacocca signature
SOLD AT $30,495. The auction website
and windshield card touted this dashing
Mustang’s color combination rather repetitiously,
probably because there wasn’t
much else to distinguish it from all the other
1966 Mustang convertibles. But it worked.
In my case, it may be that I am just a sucker
for red interiors. But this car had almost
1,000 views on the website, the secondhighest
of any car I reviewed. Price was
Page 88
GAA // Greensboro, NC
consistent with price guide values for a condition
2 standard ’66 Mustang convertible.
#ST0140-2000 FORD MUSTANG Roush
convertible. VIN: 1FAFP45X9YF115584.
Silver/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 3,935
miles. 4.6-L supercharged V8, 5-sp. Rare
2000 Roush Stage III Mustang. Paint and
panel fit are excellent. A single stone chip is
seen on the front. Some wrinkles in the
seat, but otherwise interior is excellent.
Wheels are flawless. Engine compartment
clean, neat and beautiful. Complete with
supercharger and 3,000 rpm intercooler.
Cond: 1-.
this one, and you could not build it for the
money paid.
MOPAR
#ST0076-1964 PLYMOUTH SPORT FURY
convertible. VIN: 3441120906. Black/black
canvas/red & white vinyl. Odo: 76,616
miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Sharp Sport
Fury convertible with an apparent careful
restoration, though no documentation was
present with car. Smooth black paint, not
concours-quality but more than nice
enough. Chrome appears to be a mix of
original and older replated. Delightful red
interior. Seat belts all around. Worn steering-wheel
rim and deteriorated clutch pedal
pad. Well equipped with power steering,
brakes and top and factory AM/FM radio.
Underhood, the powerful 383 looks great. A
high-quality driver or local show winner.
Cond: 2.
as a quick fix. The 500 was still unsuccessful
in racing, and the next step was the Daytona/Superbird.
This car had a clear
ownership chain including a 10-year stint in
the Wellborn Musclecar Museum, but any
documentation of originality or restoration
was lacking. The high bid here was wholly
inadequate for a car of this rarity, but at the
price point it deserves, I would want more
information. Time to call Galen Govier!
NOT SOLD AT $22,500. Roush is a magical
name synonymous with success in road
racing and NASCAR but not so in the auction
resale market. A number of early-millennium
Roush convertibles with a bit more
mileage than this have sold in the mid to
high teens, and many of those with higher
minimums in the twenties have failed to sell.
The only high twenties sale I located was a
car that appears to have been this one and
was consigned as part of a collection at this
auction’s spring event (ACC# 6831630).
#FR0261-2007 SHELBY COBRA replica
roadster. VIN: DPS07ASVE32186707.
Satin Jade Pearl/black leather. Odo: 7,433
miles. 5.0-L fuel-injected V8, 5-sp. Factory
Five replica with beautiful paint without evident
flaw. Excellent chrome. Excellent panel
fit. Ceramic-coated sidepipes. Shelby American
wheels are pristine. Black hides on
dash and seats show no significant wear.
Autometer gauges. Engine compartment
not as tidy as the rest of the car and shows
significant oxidation. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $27,000. I was throughly
charmed by every inch of this Sport Fury.
There was another ’64 Sport Fury 383
4-speed earlier in the auction (Lot FR0257)
which sold at $37,450. It was also quite nice
but a hard top. To my surprise, this far more
rare convertible could not garner a bid
higher than $27,000. The seller clearly has
much higher expectations, as it was also a
no-sale at Mecum Kissimmee in January at
a high bid of $40,000 (ACC# 6824574). The
seller was right to take this handsome car
home.
SOLD AT $32,100. Sold in the lower range
of what these things go for. They are still
cranking out cars that look and drive like
90 AmericanCarCollector.com
#ST0089-1969 DODGE CHARGER 500
2-door hard top. VIN: XX29J9B248656.
Tan/black cloth & vinyl. Odo: 44,254 miles.
426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Ultra-rare NASCAR
homologation variant. Luxuriously
equipped for a near-racer with power windows,
cloth insert seats, console and numerous
minor options. Satisfactory panel fit,
paint and chrome, but could use some detail
upgrades. Codes out as originally white,
and the consignor proclaimed that the current
color resembles a “body in white,” but
where I come from it’s tan. No significant
interior flaws, nicely done. Authentic and
tidy underhood, but not quite fresh.
Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $95,000. The second-generation
Charger’s tunneled grille
and inset rear window proved to be antiaerodynamic
on NASCAR tracks. The 500
was built with a flush grille and rear window
#FR0103-1969 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA
2-dr hard top. VIN: BH29F9B439507. Sunfire
Yellow/white vinyl. Odo: 45,208 miles.
318-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. A true low-mileage,
preservation-class survivor. Claimed-original
paint has good luster, with slight orange
peel evident from some angles. Handsome
wheel covers on BFG Silvertown Redlines.
Bench seat with folding center armrest and
column-shift TorqueFlite. Interior in nearimmaculate
original condition. Some wear
to rear deck carpet. Very clean and original
underhood. There is a small area of misshapen
metal and bubbling at the lower
right corner of the windshield, looking as if it
may have been painted over. Otherwise a
fine example of a rarely seen car. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $20,330. Compared to the iconic
1970s examples, the second-generation
Barracuda is a near-forgotten pony car. This
was a mild-mannered example, almost a
“fastback Valiant,” with bench seat, column
shift and a mellow 318 engine. But I thought
it was something quite interesting that
would attract a lot of attention at a Cars &
Coffee. The price here is just slightly below
typical guide values for a No. 2 condition
car. As such, an appropriate price for both
seller and buyer. Not a high-performance
pony car, but will be a fun car to own. A
Page 90
MAG AUCTIONS // Reno, NV
Motorsport Auction Group —
Hot August Nights
MAG’s nostalgic auction highlights smoky drag races
and modest prices in Reno, NV
Motorsport
Auction
Group
Reno, NV
August 10–12, 2017
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 310/527
Sales rate: 59%
Sales total:
$7,484,292
High sale: 1968 Shelby
GT500 KR fastback,
sold at $135,000
buyer’s premium:
8%, included in sold
prices
Supercharged, stylish and sporty — 1963 Studebaker hawk 2-door hard top, sold at $25,920
Report and photos by Michael Leven
Market opinions in italics
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
92 AmericanCarCollector.com
thousands of official and unofficial participants brought
out their vintage iron to countless car corrals, judgings,
cruises and even nightly “run-whatcha-brung” drag
races in one of the local casino’s parking lots, replete
with a Christmas tree and E.T. displays.
During all this happy hubbub, Motorsport Auction
I
Group rounded up just over 500 motorized lots to cross
the block at the sprawling Reno/Sparks Convention
Center across the street from the Atlantis Hotel and
Casino.
MAG sold 310 cars, motorcycles and other vehicles
for a total take of $7,484,292, with a respectable 59%
sales rate. The average price per car worked out to be a
very affordable $24,143. Removed from the spendfest at
Monterey by only a week, it was good to see mere mortals
buying and selling a wide array of interesting cars.
For perspective, the high sale over the three-day
event was a black 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 KR.
This car had been dropped off at a San Francisco repair
shop in 1977 for a couple of performance upgrades, but
the owner never came back. The shop just moved it to
t never ceases to amaze how crazy Reno is about
Hot August Nights, the cruise-in and mass gathering
that celebrates the car culture of the 1950s and
’60s. This year Hot August Nights celebrated its
31st year of high-octane horsepower. As usual,
a corner, where it sat for 42 years. A subsequent owner
finished a complete and excellent restoration in 2012,
and the car sold at a very reasonable $135,000. That’s
the kind of story that actually adds value.
A couple of my favorite cars came out of the Bob
Wehe Collection. If there was one car I most wanted to
take home, it was the 1957 Chrysler 300C in white over
tan. It was restored quite some time ago but was still
holding in 2+ condition and was bid to a modest $50k.
Significant no-sale cars included a magnificent Ruby
Red 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible in 2+
condition, bid to $135k. Had it sold, it would have been
the high seller of the auction (after commission). Also, a
1967 Shelby GT500 “Eleanor”’ replica was bid to $100k
against what was rumored to be a $150,000 reserve.
There were a number of cars that found new homes
at very modest prices as well. A well-restored 1958
Mercury Turnpike Cruiser changed hands for $30,780.
A 1950 Plymouth convertible with more than 30 custom
body modifications, including a chopped windshield
and shaved everything, sold for a remarkably cheap
$8,100 — and was just a crate Hemi away from its
potential.
All said and done, the Motorsport Auto Group’s Hot
August Nights auction had something for everyone, and
a lot of buyers and sellers went home very happy. A
Page 92
MAG AUCTIONS // Reno, NV
GM
#136-1950 PONTIAC SILVER STREAK
2-dr sedan. VIN: C8TH21452. Two-tone
gray/gray cloth. Odo: 5,710 miles. 268-ci I8,
2-bbl, auto. Appears to have been cosmetically
restored at various times. Driver-quality
paint; clearcoat shot some time well after
body repaint. Peeling on repainted roof section.
Polish swirls throughout. Chrome badly
scratched, pitted. Paint on trim pieces badly
chipped. Lighted hood ornament crazed.
Doors shut with authority. Upholstery newer,
carpets stained; dashboard nice, save some
paint chipping. Engine bay inner panels with
some undercoating on them. Sold at no reserve.
Cond: 3-.
ner, and was claimed to start every time.
She either carried too much sentimental
value for the consignor to let go, or they had
visions of this being something it was not,
as it was a $5k no-sale across the block.
Almost everyone came to their senses postblock,
where it finally sold at the previous
high bid. Still, a bit pricey.
#543-1957 OLDSMOBILE 98 convertible.
VIN: 579A2453. Powder blue & white/white
vinyl/white & blue vinyl. Odo: 53,752 miles.
371-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A well-done car; restoration
just starting to show signs of aging.
Paint to show-quality. Top clean and still
fairly taut. Copious chrome very good; trim
mostly excellent, some scratching in passenger’s
door. Tri-tone seat covers showing
use, may be older than other parts of restoration.
Carpets slightly mottled. Equipped
with Continental kit, Twilight Sentinel Eye,
twin remote spotlights. Currently running J-2
tri-carb setup; no claim to originally being an
actual J-2. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $135,000. A really marvelous
car, and still impressive many years
from restoration; I would have loved to have
seen it in its prime. From my earliest days, I
have always always been around and had a
predilection for performance cars, but I am
still attracted to such magnificent and ostentatious
statements like this Cadillac. If it had
been fresh, it could have easily commanded
over $200k, but even in its slightly-belowconcours
condition, the high bid was still
$10k–$15k light.
SOLD AT $7,560. A real plain Jane, but
very solid-looking old car with an 8-cylinder
motor that had enough torque to make it a
decent cruiser. Older paint could be left asis,
but a proper two-stage respray, even in
the dowdy old colors, would give the car a
lot of pop for not a lot of money. Well bought
for its good bones and immediate usability.
#336-1951 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup.
VIN: 6JPB5151. Blue/blue cloth. Odo:
90,669 miles. 235-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Already
an old truck when bought into current family
ownership 47 years ago. Brightly hued blue
paint applied with something other than a
spray gun. Finish thick and dull but sound.
Huge dent in rear of cab under delaminating
window. Windshield badly scratched. Both
bumpers dull and scratched, with overspray
and decal remnants. Newish seat cover,
rubber mat on floor. Wood blocks attached
to inner panels as door pulls. Cond: 4.
SOLD AT $75,600. The scuttlebutt was that
the owner wanted $125k, which would have
been top dollar a few years ago for a real
J-2 convertible. It was hammered a no-sale
at $75k, but sold post-block a few minutes
later at a market-correct price. Both parties
should be happy.
#633-1957 CADILLAC ELDORADO Biarritz
convertible. VIN: 5762015428. Red/
black vinyl/white & black vinyl. Odo: 2,131
miles. 365-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. One of
1,800 built in 1957. Miles of stainless trim
and rear valance all to show-field standards;
chrome of equal quality. Very slight waviness
to enormous panels on passenger’s
side only. Glass with some polishing swirls.
Interior way too good to be original, but no
longer crisp; one of the clues to an older
restoration. Carpet looks newer than it likely
is. Engine compartment not prepared to
same level as rest of car but clean and tidy.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $5,400. If ever there was a nofrills,
never-been-off-the-farm, don’t-putany-money-into-it,
granny-geared work
truck, this was certainly it. She was a run-
94 AmericanCarCollector.com
“
#209-1958 CHEVROLET APACHE panel
delivery. VIN: 3A58B109319. Turquoise &
white/black vinyl. Odo: 70,763 miles. 235-ci
I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Bright turquoise and white
livery quite striking; not sure anyone would
have ordered such a basic work truck in
these colors or with all that chrome... Paint
okay; looks like a quickie auction job. Large
panels quite wavy. Chrome grille; bumpers
pitted and chrome thin. Driver’s side mirror
broken off. Emblems painted over little/no
prep. One black seat. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $14,040. Great look in a vintage
truck. Needs another seat—perhaps a
bench; certainly something less industrial.
Probably better suited to more mundane
duties as-is, but with a period 283 or a crate
350 and automatic transmission, it would be
a cool tow/tool vehicle and camper for vintage
racing. Result here may be a touch
If ever there was a no-frills, never-beenoff-the-farm,
don’t-put-any-moneyinto-it,
granny-geared work truck, this
was certainly it.
1951 Chevrolet 3100 pickup
”
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MAG AUCTIONS // Reno, NV
under retail for an equivalent truck, so
there’s a little room for some retrofits without
going too far upside-down. Not cheap or
expensive, and both parties should be
happy.
#354-1958 CHEVROLET DEL RAY custom
2-dr sedan. VIN: A58S209781. Black/
red tri-tone. Odo: 13,350 miles. 348-ci V8,
3x2-bbl, 5-sp. Straightforward, high-end
build of a mid-range Del Ray. Thirteen thousand
miles since restoration. Black paint to
show-standard quality. Bodywork and prep
among best I saw at this auction. All
brightwork excellent; emblems included.
Glass all new. Light wear to carpet. Seat
covers unmarked. Vintage Air, power steering,
air suspension and Tremec 5-speed.
Built 348 with 3-deuces, Offy valve covers.
Some fuel stains across front of manifold.
Riding on plus-size five-spoke American
Racing wheels. Cond: 2-.
left me a bit cold. Obviously, at least two
people disagreed, and bid this one up to an
impressive level. Not overly expensive given
the quality, and a fair price for everyone.
#212-1966 PONTIAC GTO 2-dr hard top.
VIN: 242176P286081. Platinum Metallic/
black vinyl. Odo: 15,167 miles. 389-ci V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. PHS-confirmed real GTO;
documentation of triple-carburetion not
claimed or seen on sales card. Restored to
average level; would do very well in a local
car show. Respray in original color full of
debris, scratches and pitting throughout.
Wearing Redline tires; Rally ST wheels.
Interior replaced; new seat covers, carpet.
Interior brightwork badly pitted, console
somewhat rough. Faux-wood steering
wheel. Incorrect lock pulls on both doors.
Engine clean, not detailed. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $28,000. Nothing particularly
fancy here, but all done very well.
Great stance and the goods to back it up.
Three small chrome-and-enamel tumbling
dice—all showing two (three deuces!)—
mounted down side of rear quarter were
very clever and attractive, and perfect for
Reno and a period vibe. Stock red tri-tone
interior striking against black body. I really
liked this car, with money spent in all the
right places. Bodywork, paint and engine
alone worth more than the high bid.
#340-1962 CHEVROLET CORVAIR 95
Rampside pickup. VIN: 2R1245S105776.
Silver & black/black leather. Odo: 100 miles.
145-ci H6, 2x1-bbl, 4-sp. Professionally restored
recently. Silver paint very well done.
Long, straight panels well aligned. Door
handles a little rough; rest of chrome excellent.
All stainless and glass as-new; lights,
lenses, emblems also very good. New
clutch. Only nits are leather seats, carpeted
floors, speckled bedliner; nice touches
given quality of restoration but certainly not
correct. Not sure the colors are right, either.
Rides on wide whites and baby-moon hubcaps.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $19,170. I have
to say I can’t remember ever seeing any
type of Corvair restored better than this one;
Chevrolet probably never even dreamed
about this level of finish. Unfortunately (to
me), this truck was neither a proper custom
nor correctly restored to original. There was
artistic license taken in several areas which
96 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $32,400. Catalog and sales card
state car has 350-ci engine, but markings
on air cleaner and valve covers say 327 ci.
A 350 was not an option on the ’67 Nova.
And while the paperwork presented claims it
is a V8 SS, both the VIN and data tags are
MIA, at least in the normal locations... Not
saying this was not a real SS (or originally
equipped with a V8 and exactly as the consignor
states) but for 32 large, there should
be no questions. Caveat emptor.
#551-1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/SS
coupe. VIN: 124377L127002. Nantucket
Blue/black vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 36,972
miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A real RS/
SS-optioned car with matching numbers.
Respray in original Nantucket Blue far beyond
factory quality; very few microblisters.
White nose stripe under clearcoat. Vinyl
roof well applied. A few flaws in prep under
bumper chrome. Redline tires a great touch.
Interior very good. Original seat belts sun
bleached. Turbofire 350 with Edelbrock intake/Holley
670, Flowmaster exhaust, 12bolt
rear end; original manifold and carb go
with car. All engine finishes correct, not
overdone. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $57,780. Based on the hyperbole
on the sales card, I did not think this one
was going to sell. What I was looking at did
not live up to the hype, and I figured the
seller might be overly optimistic. I was
wrong. The buyer paid a premium but bid
within reason for a genuine, documented,
great-looking driver-condition GTO. Strong
but not crazy money for a five-footer, and
everyone should have gone home whole.
#157-1967 CHEVROLET NOVA SS 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 118377W128790. Red &
black/black vinyl. Odo: 13,325 miles. 350-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fairly well-done resto with
thick, bright red paint; car appears to have
been white originally. Paint mostly to factory
grade, fisheyes throughout, huge crack behind
passenger’s door. Vinyl roof well applied.
Bodywork straight and flat, chrome
redone but not well prepped. All-new repop
emblems. Interior replaced and shiny; engine
bay very clean and detailed. Ten-bolt
rear end. Harrison aluminum radiator, sway
bars, Magnaflow exhaust, power brakes,
steering and factory a/c. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $34,830. Hard to imagine a lightmetallic-blue
car standing out in a line of
bigger, brighter cars, but this one did—such
was the presence of this fastidiously redone
Camaro. Probably all the money in the
world based on its specs, but a real steal
based on the quality of the restoration.
Whoever took this beauty home is probably
still snickering like a schoolboy thinking he
got away with something naughty. Very well
bought.
M613270. Bronze & green/tan cloth. Odo:
92,454 miles. 455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Exceptionally
well presented. Green/bronze paint
spectacular, save some sanding and pockmarks
on trunk. Vinyl roof with one small
#359-1969 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO
2-dr hard top. VIN: 394879-
BEST
BUY
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MAG AUCTIONS // Reno, NV
patch at right A-pillar, otherwise taut as a
drum. Impeccably straight body panels.
Chrome highly buffed. Upholstery could be
well-kept original or replacement not up to
standard of other work; same with carpets.
Optioned with the big-mama Hi-Po 455, a/c,
power steering, brakes and seat. So nicely
done, and for credit card money. Cond: 2+.
CORVETTE
#133-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 194379S709693. Yellow/black
leather. Odo: 1,250 miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Low odometer reading may indicate
resto work fairly recent; quality of all
work to driver standard. Paint with lots of debris,
ripples. Panels wavy; alignment to factory
standard. Trim okay. Chrome bubbling in
spots. T-top. Seats nicely broken in. Interior
with good patina. Carpets newish; dashboard
okay, with semi-modern stereo. Power steering,
windows and brakes and a/c. Wearing
Mecum plate cards; a $20k no-sale in Portland
in June (ACC# 6840743). Sold at no
reserve. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $10,260. This big log went for the
cost of the bodywork and paint alone. Not
as distinctively styled as the earlier Toronadoes—a
gigantic “BUT” here—if you
could live with the colors it would still make
a helluva statement at the next Cars & Coffee.
Unfortunately for the seller, the longdead-tree-in-the-forest
color made for a
pretty small bidding pool—I was almost
there, but the olive-hued vinyl roof killed it
for me. Very well bought nonetheless.
#197-1972 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS Supreme
2-dr hard top. VIN: 3J57K2M16209.
Matador Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
74,429 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Either
restored a long time ago or an aging redo.
Bright red paint with chips around nose,
swirls, some checking. Sanding marks at
A-pillar door jamb either from repair or
respray. Some door dings. Vinyl top in good
shape. Finish on taillight frames worn
through, grille surround separating. Interior
broken in but not worn, carpets same.
Color-keyed Super Stock II wheels. Well
optioned with power steering, brakes, windows
and a/c along with an 8-track player.
Sold at no reserve. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $27,500. Really good period
vibe with what looked like a recent build; not
overdone and looks aged. Excellent stance
on correct-sized tires and steelies with baby
moons. Tri-carb Nailhead engine a nice,
authentic period touch. Certainly way too
loud with 18-inch pipes sticking straight out
the side, but given the build, totally appropriate.
Intended to look home done, but high
bid did not cover the professional build
costs. Seller was correct to walk away.
#398-1934 FORD MODEL C custom roadster.
VIN: WA78101024. Candy Apple Red/
white vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 29,115 miles.
350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nice older resto
starting to show age. Steel body, fiberglass
fenders in Candy Apple Red. Well-prepped
body; some mottling in base coat(s). Ancillaries
all newish, including excellent
chrome. Interior broken in and well kept.
Odometer on modern gauges indicates extensive
use. Upgrades include disc brakes,
heater, tilt wheel, stereo, power antenna,
cruise control and towing equipment. Nice
stance and rolling on chrome baby moons.
Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $18,360. A 10-footer. Visual impact
of bright yellow and black livery likely
helped result, but bidders were not swayed
much, as this is at, if not a touch under, the
market for a lower-spec C3. After the previous
no-sale at Mecum, seller was wise to
cut this one loose and move on. Slightly
well bought for a car with a lot of eyeball.
FOMOCO
#196-1932 FORD MODEL B 5-window
custom coupe. VIN: 18145557. Olive
Green/black vinyl. Odo: 1,415 miles. Allsteel
body on SoCal boxed, channelled
frame, Vega steering. Three-inch chop,
pop-out windshield. Body with good paint
over poor prep; debris, sanding marks,
matte finish. Stock-style vinyl top insert.
Bare-painted floor. Bomber seats, belts and
gauges. Particle-board interior panels; billet
knobs. Gennie shifter; metalflake plastic
steering wheel. Offy intake and straight
pipes. Moon fuel tank at nose. Wilwood
front discs hidden inside Buick drum shells.
Nine-inch Currie rear end. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $10,800. I couldn’t tell if this car
had been redone a while back or if it was a
well-kept original, but either way it had tons
of come-hither. The performance era was
already dead by 1972, but this car still
looked tough and showed some attitude in
Matador Red, a recycled Chevy color from
the ’50s with more than a touch of orange in
it. Bidding was quick and the buyer got a
great car on the cheap.
98 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $31,320. Doesn’t break any new
ground, but a simple, classic Ford hot rod in
iconic Candy Apple Red; a recipe that will
never go out of style. There was a lot to like
here, not least that the car is clearly wellvetted,
set up for ease of use and touring,
even able to pull a small trailer. You couldn’t
build the car for the amount paid, but both
parties should be pleased with the outcome.
#536-1949 MERCURY EIGHT custom
convertible. VIN: 90M1744441. Candy Apple
Red/burgundy cloth/Caramel leather.
Odo: 15,225 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Incredible show-field quality build. Deep
Candy Apple Red spray one of the best
paint jobs in the whole room. Shaved hood,
doors, trunk, Frenched headlights. Lake
pipes. Billet wheels with faux whitewalls as
part of the rims. Chrome excellent. Burgundy
cloth top, black cover. Buttery Caramel
leather wonderfully broken in,
German-style square-weave carpet. Modern
Dolphin gauges tell all about the SBC 383
stroker in front. Equipped with power windows,
seats, disc brakes, a/c and electric
fans. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $47,520. For a lot
of folks, this is a bucket-list type of car. With
paint so deep it looked like you could stick
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MAG AUCTIONS // Reno, NV
be original. Wavy door panels; carpet
stained but sound. Interior trim, gauges,
steering wheel all slightly worn looking.
Codes as a very late build. Sold at no reserve.
Cond: 3.
13-year-old vehicle could be but no longer
factory-fresh. No flaws found in paint, interior
or wheels. Receipts for $12k of upgrades
which include an intercooler, beefier
transmission parts, reprogrammed chip. 450
ft-lb of torque stock, now unknown. New
seat covers, originals come with sale. Clean
CARFAX. Cond: 1-.
your hand in it, it ticked a lot of boxes and
bidding was strong. A classic case of why
you should bid on a finished car; the high
bid probably only paid for the wheels, engine
and paint. A lot of car for the money;
very well bought.
#153-1959 FORD THUNDERBIRD 2-dr
hard top. VIN: J9YH145819. Cream/tan
leather. Odo: 61,654 miles. 430-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Largely as-built but with 18-year-old
respray in original cream color; paint still
driver quality, holding up well. Long panels
fairly straight. Chrome buffed through and
flaking; most trim would polish well. Wing
windows delaminating. Painted trim chipping,
cracked. Ancient tan leather cracking
and covered in sheepskin. Carpets dingy
but might clean up. Gauges clear, dash in
good shape. Power seats, brakes, windows
and seats. True J-code 430 under hood.
Sold at no reserve. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $8,100. I happened upon the new
owner post-block and said, “Good buy.” He
replied, “I know, you wanna buy it?” I have
to say I thought about it for a second. The
inline 6 and automatic transmission ensure
you will get nowhere in a hurry, but very
appealing as a turn-the-key-and-go errand
tool or Sunday ice-cream runner. With a
classic look in Wimbledon White over red,
there was a lot to like for entry-level money.
Well bought.
#370-1966 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 6T08C159222. Springtime Yellow/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 36,273 miles.
289-ci V8, 2-bbl, 4-sp. Springtime Yellow
paint perfectly named; buffed out nicely to
accurate factory quality finish. Quality of
prep work excellent. Nice chrome, stainless
trim with some pitting, gas cap looks an afterthought.
Modern mirrors, luggage rack.
Interior very good but not perfect, some
wear and seams pulling. Dashboard with
nice patina. Engine tidy, dry but not detailed.
Power steering and brakes. Correct
clamps and stickers in place. Miles claimed
original. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $6,480. Now unloved in comparison,
the big, boxy, gen-two Thunderbirds of
this era outsold the 1955–57 Baby ’Birds
many fold. Go figure. This car has good
bones and that big old honkin’ engine, so
there is a lot to be said for its potential as a
great cruiser, although you may need to
take out a second mortgage to pay for gas.
But at less than seven grand all-in, it was
hard to go wrong, and you could afford a
spiffy new interior. Well bought.
#183-1963 FORD FALCON convertible.
VIN: 3H15U220457. Wimbledon White/
black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 79,622 miles.
170-ci I6, 1-bbl, auto. Not restored per se, it
just looks like everything has been redone
as needed. Paint once driver quality; now
with many scratches, dimples and bad orange
peel in spots. Chrome redone some
time ago. Most trim good, taillight rings both
dented, lenses good. Original-looking emblems.
Front seats re-covered, backs may
100 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $29,430. For the purposes of
analyzing this sale, let’s pretend this truck
did not have all that money spent on low/
no-return aftermarket goodies. Thusly qualified,
this beast would have stickered in the
low- to mid-$30ks when new. The owner
kept it and enjoyed it, albeit sparingly, for 13
years and then sold it for a bit under $30k.
Had it been left stock, that equates to a reasonably
low cost of ownership. The lesson
is to just leave these factory specials alone.
Correct price for condition.
MOPAR
#327-1955 DESOTO FIREFLITE 2-dr hard
top. VIN: 50346249. Red & white/red brocade
& white leather. Odo: 55,758 miles.
330-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Sharp from 20 feet;
paint thin, checking everywhere. Panels
actually very straight; stainless trim also
good, some dents. Badly pitted chrome
from stem to stern won’t be a cheap redo.
Leather and brocade seat covers quite nice.
Modern seat belts. Gauges dark and dull.
Sales sheet notes engine specs of a newerthan-’55
Hemi. Originally an $11k no-sale;
sold post-block for $5k-plus above final bid.
Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $28,500. Fresh as a spring
day, this pretty little pony looked like it was
ready for a ride in the country, with a picnic
on the other end. Amazing that depending
on color and configuration, this magnificent
design can come off as peaceful and calm,
but change to a great-looking Corvetteeater
when dressed for a race. Car was
better than the high bid by a few thousand
dollars.
#345-2004 FORD F-150 SVT Lightning
pickup. VIN: 2FTRF07304CA17613. Gray
metallic/gray vinyl. Odo: 9,783 miles. 5.4-L
supercharged V8, auto. As new as a
SOLD AT $16,200. The Fireflite was Desoto’s
flagship model in 1955, and you could
be excused for not knowing that from this
modestly optioned example. While restored
convertibles can command prices way into
five figures, good hard tops don’t fare as
well. This car had some expensive work in
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MAG AUCTIONS // Reno, NV
its future—paint and chrome—so it will be
pretty easy to get upside-down very quickly.
However, the buyer had to have this car
and chased it down post-block, resulting in
the fairly generous price paid.
#332-1956 DODGE ROYAL LANCER 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 3506964U. Iridescent Charcoal
Gray & Crown Yellow/white & yellow
vinyl. Odo: 3,141 miles. 315-ci V8, 2-bbl,
auto. Attractive paint scheme, well applied
over good prep. Chrome would buff out
well; stainless good as new. Enameled emblems
good; plain metal ones a bit less so.
White and yellow interior redone; unmarked
but not crisp. Push-button transmission.
Modern speakers on parcel shelf a bit jarring.
Clean underneath. Gas tank looks
newer or refurbished. Engine compartment
clean and dry but not detailed. Equipped
with a quiet-running Super Red Ram Hemi.
Cond: 3.
paint nicely applied over good prep; some
chipping. Bumpers to driver standard; mirrors
pitted. Green vinyl and cloth interior
very good. Steering wheel restored but now
marked. Supercharged V8 makes 1 hp per
cubic inch. Cond: 2.
plenty of street cred. A tool you can use to
terrorize lesser cars without fear of messing
up perfect paint or a matching-numbers engine.
Certainly a lot of fun, but not collector
grade. Well sold.
#394-1970 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA 2-dr hard
top. VIN: BS23HOOB425368. Lime green
metallic/black vinyl/green vinyl. Odo: 94,569
miles. 340-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Sold as mostly
original, but with modern multi-stage paint.
Repop 340 hockey-stick decals. Vinyl top
good, save large patch at left C-pillar. Microscratching
on rear bumper, front bumper
okay, mirrors badly pitted. Trim dull but unmarked.
Only flaw inside is cracked dash,
rest excellent. All matching numbers with all
docs; window sticker, original invoice, sales
contract, broadcast sheet, factory qualitycontrol
slips. Well finished and documented.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $15,120. Much like its mid-’50s
Mopar stablemate Lot 327, this was a cheap
entry into a vintage Hemi, albeit in a somewhat
conservative wrapper. The good news
is that this one is much less needy than the
other, with much better paint and general
presentation. The even happier news is that
the buyer paid less money for a better car.
A nice driver in handsome period colors,
this will be admired at the next cruise-in,
where the new owner can be proud. Well
bought.
#198-1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER
2-dr hard top. VIN: RM23H9C100845.
Jade Green/black vinyl. Odo: 83,792 miles.
440-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Driver-quality muscle
in period color. Resprayed in modern multistage
paint to factory quality. All panels
straight and aligned well. Rear bumper
rechromed; front bumper scored. Most
brightwork will buff out. All headlights
matching halogen. Silver-piped black seat
covers pulling at seams on seatback. Hurst
shifter. Dash cracked in two places. Originally
a 383 car, now with date-correct Super
Commando 440. 1,000 miles on rebuild.
Modern Alpine stereo under dash. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $29,160. Intimidation factor from
the aggressive stance and dog-dish caps
completely neutralized by the friendly color.
Doesn’t come off as something to fear or a
“sleeper,” but with the higher-output Super
Commando 440 under the hood, it’s got
102 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $25,920. Very stylish and sporty
car that claimed many records during Bonneville
time trials, with an astonishing top
speed over 150 mph. Reserve came off at
$24k and hammered sold without another
bid. With the car’s clear signs of use, bidders
must have been confident of usability
and raised their paddles accordingly, yielding
this market-correct sale.
#238-1969 AMC SC/RAMBLER 2-dr hard
top. VIN: A9M097X302670. Red, white &
blue/gray vinyl. Odo: 3,944 miles. 390-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Low, low miles, no doubt earned
the hard way—1,320 feet at a time. Beautifully
restored to as good, if not better than,
new. Paint with some polishing swirls; panels
aligned well but with some waves. All
brightwork very good. The only real demerit
is the trim around the gauge cluster being a
little SC/Ruffy (note the corny transliteration
and the similarly unimaginative analogy below).
Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $44,000. Okay, so...this car
was not: a 440, a Hemi, a convertible, a Six
Pack, an AAR. It had: an automatic transmission,
an out-of-fashion triple-green finish
and perhaps more painfully, an obvious
respray. My sense is that the consignor was
looking for a considerable premium because
of originality, but the high bid was already
several thousand above the price of six garden-variety
’Cudas showing sold in the ACC
database in the prior three months. It’s not
easy being green, and it should have sold.
AMERICANA
#342-1963 STUDEBAKER HAWK 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 63V2314. Green Mist
Metallic/green vinyl. Odo: 62,710 miles.
289-ci supercharged V8, 4-sp. Last of the
Hawk series; sophisticated redesign by
Brooks Stevens for ’62 model year. One of
4,634 sold in 1963. Good restoration for the
most part. Panels and fit not up to same
standard as rest of car. Light metallic green
NOT SOLD AT $42,000. American Motors
(maker of the milquetoast Rambler brand)
was working desperately hard to lose their
stodgy image through myriad competitive
endeavors around this time, with the SC/
Rambler certainly being the most audacious
tie-in to the showroom. But in trying to be
clever with the name of this car, they actually
reminded everyone who they really
were. Small wonder they’re no longer with
us... Anyway, high bid was at least $15k
under the money for condition, so seller had
to walk away. A
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MONTEREY
Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report
Monterey 2017
GM
#14-1954 OLDSMOBILE SUPER 88 custom
pickup. VIN: 548M36181. Pink &
white/white vinyl. Odo: 31 miles. 324-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, auto. Outrageous custom Oldsmobile,
converted into something like a Chevy
El Camino. Very high-quality paintwork and
chrome to match. All work done in period,
with a lot of effort put into the interior as
well. Exhaust coming out of rear fenders is
very tasteful. Chromed wheels and matching
whitewall tires. Interior shows high-quality
workmanship as well. Known as
“Joanne’s Dream” in hot-rod circles, this
Olds was rescued and restored less than 10
years ago. Cond: 1-.
Dave Tomaro
American iron of all types was well represented at Worldwide’s first monterey
auction, such as this 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Sunray-DX racer
by Garrett Long
A
nother year of Monterey has shown that the collector car market is still cooling
down from boiling-hot 2014 to an even simmer. At its peak in 2014, auction totals
were $464m, in 2015 they were $397m and in 2016 they were $344m. This year
auction totals are down to $330m.
But despite the drops from the peak, Monterey is still vibrant. The past four
years are also the highest-selling in Monterey history and each auction house continues to roll in
high-quality American cars.
Russo and Steele and Mecum offer usable muscle and pristine originals. RM Sotheby’s,
Gooding, Bonhams and Worldwide offer some of the latter as well as big Full Classics.
It was Worldwide’s first foray into Monterey, and the market made it clear they are a welcome
addition to the Peninsula.
Was this the bottom of the cycle? Maybe. But no matter whether the market is revving up
again or setting the cruise control, Monterey will continue to stand as the barometer of the
market.A
SOLD AT $50,600. No one really showed
much interest in the Oldscamino, until Richard
Rawlings from “Fast N’ Loud” showed
up and very well may have bought it. Personally,
I wanted to throw a blanket over it.
It might have sold better as a “mystery car.”
In the end, I’m glad someone appreciated it,
and the selling price was a steal—considering
the cost of restoration. Worldwide Auctioneers,
Pacific Grove, CA, 08/17.
#1011-1956 CHEVROLET NOMAD wagon.
VIN: VC56K098934. Black & white/white
vinyl & black cloth. Odo: 89,836 miles. 265ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. The shiny black paint
looks good from a few feet away, but closer
inspection shows this is an older restoration
with a fair amount of patina. There are miscellaneous
small nicks and chips. The
chrome is beginning to pit and the stainless
could stand to be polished. Panel gaps
could be better. The engine bay is in good
nick but could use a bit more cleaning. The
interior is beginning to age as well, and the
steering wheel does not appear to have
been restored. Cond: 3+.
Dave Tomaro
this 1946 Ford Super DeLuxe Woodie wagon at Gooding & Co. was a very rare
beast built before Ford did their own four-wheel-drive systems
104 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $58,300. I love Nomads! Are
these things ever not cool? This one is
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showing some signs of age on the restoration
but also looks like it has been driven
and loved. It is very original-looking, rolling
on factory steelies with hubcaps and biasplies.
It is claimed to be numbers matching,
and came with factory a/c. Overall, this is a
good show-and-shine car. The price may be
a bit high compared to book value, but
these will only go up in value. This is an
opportunity to enjoy your investment without
guilt. Both well sold and well bought. Russo
and Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#36-1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 Eldorado
convertible. VIN: 59E004429. Red/white
vinyl/white leather. Odo: 67,751 miles. 390ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Sixth-generation Series
62 Cadillac in Biarritz trim. A substantial
hunk of metal measuring almost 19 feet
long and weighing 5,000 pounds. Missing
early history. Color changed from triple
black. Older restorations showing signs of
age. Deeply cracked leather seats. Dull,
scratched paint. Mismatched brightwork
quality. Nicely presented dash and steering
wheel. Cond: 3.
installed repro carpeting. Dingy engine bay,
not helped by being equipped with the optional
oil-bath air cleaner. What isn’t greasy
on the undercarriage is heavily surfacerusted.
Cond: 4+.
P
GLOBAL
showing some signs of age on the restora-
tion but also looks like it has been driven
and loved. It is very original-looking, rolling
on factory steelies with hubcaps and bias-
plies. It is claimed to be numbers matching,
and came with factory a/c. Overall, this is a
good show-and-shine car. The price may be
a bit high compared to book value, but
these will only go up in value. This is an
opportunity to enjoy your investment without
guilt. Both well sold and well bought. Russo
and Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#36-1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 Eldorado
convertible. VIN: 59E004429. Red/white
vinyl/white leather. Odo: 67,751 miles. 390-
ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Sixth-generation Series
62 Cadillac in Biarritz trim. A substantial
hunk of metal measuring almost 19 feet
long and weighing 5,000 pounds. Missing
early history. Color changed from triple
black. Older restorations showing signs of
age. Deeply cracked leather seats. Dull,
scratched paint. Mismatched brightwork
quality. Nicely presented dash and steering
wheel. Cond: 3.
installed repro carpeting. Dingy engine bay,
not helped by being equipped with the op-
tional oil-bath air cleaner. What isn’t greasy
on the undercarriage is heavily surface-
rusted. Cond: 4+.
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GLOBAL
NOT SOLD AT $7,000. The consignor is
certainly doing his part to maintain the stereotype
that tightwads have Corvairs. Thing
is, they could get away with that when this
was a $700 car, not $7k. They should have
taken the money. Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 08/17.
SOLD AT $126,500. Large American convertibles
continue to do well (“Entourage”
effect?) despite their high production numbers.
This lot was a boulevard cruiser that
can be enjoyed without regret. However,
there was nothing special about the condition
or features. Sold well just above the low
pre-sale estimate. Bonhams, Carmel, CA,
08/17.
#W90-1963 CHEVROLET CORVAIR
Monza convertible. VIN: 30967W308328.
Maroon metallic/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
15,474 miles. 146-ci H6, 2x1-bbl, 4-sp. Average
base/clear repaint, with lackadaisical
masking of the glass and door seals and
overspray in wheelwells and the undercarriage.
Decent finish on the outside, but has
plenty of polishing compound in panel gaps.
Door fit is okay, but they rattle like crazy
due to none of the stop bumpers being in
place. Missing the right rear outboard taillamp
assembly (that’s the one with the turn
signal and brake light in it). Dinky little
155/80R13 whitewall radials barely fit on the
rim up front; closer to correct but still a
touch small 185/70R13 blackwall radials on
the rears. Curb-feeler exhaust pipe outlet.
Poorly fitted replacement top. Older Clark’s
seat kit, installed well. Original door panels,
held in place with panhead screws. Poorly
677B169872. Orange/tan cloth/tan leather.
540-ci fuel-injected V8, auto. This is a very
nicely restored/modified Malibu convertible.
The orange paint is in excellent condition—
no doubt due to great prep work. The panel
gaps around the doors could be better. The
chrome, stainless and weatherstripping all
appear to be recent. The glass is clear and
shows no scratches or flaws. The interior
shows the slightest of wrinkles on the driverside
bucket, but is otherwise new and untouched.
The engine bay is immaculate,
housing a monster 540-cube Brodix big
block. Cond: 2+.
#1069-1967 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
Malibu custom convertible. VIN: 136-
SOLD AT $60,500. This was another example
of a resto-mod that was more than
just the sum of its parts. Somebody loved
this car, put their heart and soul (and probably
a good chunk of their bank account)
into it. The paint, trim and interior show the
excellence that only time and patience
bring. The monster lurking under the hood
is reportedly good for better than 700 hp.
This Chevelle had far more than the sale
price in it, and the new owner stole it. Very
well bought, indeed. Russo and Steele,
Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#1203-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO custom
coupe. VIN: 124379N528251. Black &
silver/red leather. Odo: 400 miles. 582-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Stunning, flawless black
November-December 2017 105
BEST
BUY
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paint with silver stripes and red pinstripes.
All chrome, polished billet aluminum, stainless,
glass and weatherstripping are defectfree.
The red leather interior is better than
anything from the factory. The entirety of
the car is spotless. Cond: 1.
MONTEREY
CORVETTE
SOLD AT $90,750. One of the best parts of
this job is getting to see cars like this. This
Camaro was striking in appearance from 50
feet away, and it only got better as you got
closer. The time, effort, money and love put
into this project were undeniable. Speaking
with the owner only reinforced what the car
projected. This build was a father-and-son
undertaking, and they did everything themselves—even
the paint. It looked like you
could reach into it elbow deep. The skill and
dedication was staggering. I can’t imagine
letting this go for twice the money. The new
owner got the deal of a lifetime. Russo and
Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#1039-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
convertible. VIN: 136670L155913. Cranberry
Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
37,541 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A fairly
fresh restoration with few flaws. There are a
few chips under the trunk lid. The stainless
in the driver’s side rear wheelwell is marred.
The stainless trim around the convertible
top could stand to be better polished. There
are two major paint drips on the driver’s
side front fender where it meets the headlight
trim. Otherwise, paint, chrome, trim,
glass and weatherstripping are in excellent
condition. The interior shows little wear, and
the engine compartment appears as-new.
Cond: 2+.
#1097-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: E57S102098. Venetian
Red & white/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo:
63,037 miles. 283-ci 220-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
This solid-axle Corvette is freshly restored,
and it shows. The paint is shiny and shows
good prep. The chrome looks to have been
restored or replaced, and the stainless trim
is well polished. The weatherstripping is in
good condition. The panel gaps are inconsistent,
even worse than when new. The
interior is as-new, showing no signs of wear.
The engine compartment is well detailed,
and looks fresh from the assembly line.
Cond: 2+.
#1067-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
custom convertible. VIN: 1086S102227.
Green metallic/black cloth/beige leather.
Odo: 26 miles. 350-ci 500-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. The paint and prep on this Corvette
are exceptional. The panel gaps are
uniform and consistent. The chrome and
stainless trim shine quite nicely. The engine
compartment is very nicely finished, with
much of the engine painted the same color
as the exterior. The interior shows little to
no wear on any of the surfaces, including
the driver’s side seat bolster. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $90,750. Despite the poor panel
gaps, the rest of this car was quite stunning
with lots of curb appeal. All of the finishes
were at least as good as they were when
new, and likely quite a bit better in some
cases. There was no mention of matching
numbers in the catalog description, just that
the car was restored in 2015. It looked good
on the whole, which is why it sold for just a
fuzz under market value. This will be a great
show-and-shine car, or a remarkable
driver—but probably not an NCRS candidate.
Well bought. Russo and Steele,
Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#11-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: E57S102166. Black & silver/
red vinyl. Odo: 68 miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Clean early fuel-injected
’Vette, properly done up with NCRS stickers
to prove it. High-quality interior with great
dash, carpet and seats. Roof bar showing
some fatigue. Surface irregularities in top
cover. Engine runs nicely but shows signs
of sitting. Cond: 1.
NOT SOLD AT $55,000. The car had a few
flaws, but it was equipped with the single
most desirable powertrain (454 with an
M-22 rock-crusher 4-speed) installed from
the factory, in a striking color, with good
options. The median price for this combo is
over $100k higher than the high bid. The
owner was wise to hang on to this one, and
hopefully will keep enjoying this magnificent
beast. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA,
08/17.
106 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $160,000. A well-executed
resto-mod of a solid-axle Corvette. But as
the owner of a largely original 1960 Corvette,
I believe the mods eliminated some
desirable features. There is no longer a
fresh-air vent in the cowl in front of the
windshield, nor are there windshield wipers
or washers. The gas-filler door has been
glassed in and the filler neck now resides in
the trunk. To be fair, the finishes throughout
the car are exceptional, but maybe it was
too good. It seemed to have been robbed of
some of the honesty of the early models. I
am sure the owner had far more in this Corvette
than the $160k offered. Russo and
Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/17.
S109324. Gold/brown vinyl. Odo: 50,655
miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp.
Iconic ’63 Split-Window Z06 in interesting
colors. Heavy attention paid to paint and
brightwork, with good consistency in panel
fit, but all surfaces not totally flat. Interior
redone to a high standard, but car does not
run as well as it should—given the staff had
some difficulties starting the engine. Regardless,
it was optioned with the big tank,
thus making it one of just 63. Cond: 2.
4
#19-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. VIN: 30837-
SOLD AT $125,400. One of several stunning
Corvettes at this auction. Values for
these cars have been stable, and this one
should sell for about this kind of money later
on. Worldwide Auctioneers, Pacific
Grove, CA, 08/17.
SOLD AT $357,500. Regardless of its running
issues, the engine sounded healthy.
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MONTEREY
MARKETMOMENT
1972 Chevrolet Corvette
454/270 Convertible
SOLD at $44,000
Bonhams, Carmel, CA; August 18, 2017, Lot 47
VIN: 1Z67W2S507664
to Corvettes built
from 1953 through
1982, the engine
under the hood
makes a big dif-
When it comes
Courtesy of Bonhams
ference in value.
The last big block that
Chevrolet shoehorned
into their sports car was
the 454-ci, 270-hp LS5
(390 hp in early itera-
tions). The LS5 was an optional big block from 1970 through 1974. It was the only big-block
option starting in 1972. What sits under this Corvette’s hood was the most powerful engine the
average Joe could pick up at his Chevy dealer in 1972.
Sadly, the 454/270 crammed into the 1972 Corvette was a tame kitten compared with the
454/425 LS6 tiger installed in 1971 Corvettes.
That 1971 454/425 Corvette has a current median value of $97,600 in the ACC Pocket Price
Guide. Our subject 1972 454/270 has a current
median value of $37,500.
So, yes, what’s under the hood — and how
much it snarls — makes a big difference.
That said, the 454/270 engine in our subject
car was as powerful as it got in 1972.
The restoration of this 1972 Corvette 454/270
convertible, as seen in Bonhams’ 2017 Quail
Lodge catalog photographs, is splendid.
The Elkhart Green-over-Saddle is a color
combination I dig, and it is certainly an upgrade
over the original War Bonnet Yellow with
Saddle. The trim/paint tag that lists the original
combination is still with the car. According to
the catalog, the prior owner changed the color to
match a green metallic Corvette he owned back
in the day.
The zip ties and worm-style hose clamps
aren’t to factory standard, but those are quibbles.
Bonhams sold this Corvette for $44k. That’s
well over market.
The car is in beautiful condition.
What’s a little surprising about this price is
that it’s for an automatic, although the car is fully
equipped with a/c, the owner’s manual, and soft
and hard tops. There is no NCRS paperwork
accompanying the car, and there is no mention of these documents in the auction catalog or
preview materials.
Granted, Bonhams sold this car during Monterey Car Week, where alcohol flows freely,
and going back home with a story or two to tell is worth a little extra spending. What better
corroboration for that Red Mist story than the car you bought? A
108 AmericanCarCollector.comAmericanCarCollector.com
— Chad Tyson
SOLD AT $40,150. With just over 800 of
these coupes ever made, these Corvettes
don’t turn up all that often. They are among
the priciest of all the C4 generation. This
Corvette looked to have been socked away
as an investment. With fewer than 8,000
miles covered from new, there is no doubt it
spent the majority of its life casting a
shadow in someone’s garage. It’s a shame
the car wasn’t driven and enjoyed more, but
the exceptional condition and low miles
helped drive the sales price to just a hair
above book value. Well bought for a Corvette
collector looking for a modest investment.
Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA,
08/17.
FOMOCO
10
#47-1941 LINCOLN ZEPHYR
coupe. VIN: H120055. Black/pink
velour. Odo: 52,217 miles. Found in Nebraska
brickyard in 1976; fully restored at
that time. Cosmetically redone between
2012 and 2016. Two-time winner of Dearborn
Medallion for authenticity from Early
Ford V-8 Club, Best of Class at Greystone,
Best 1936–48 Lincoln at Lincoln Owners
Club Western National. Panel work and
black paint flawless. Pastel pink velour upholstery
very well done. Immaculate gold
dashboard trim confirmed correct per Henry
Ford Museum. Toggle switch under dash of
unknown function. Sold at no reserve.
Cond: 1-.
After a few struggles with the fuel-injection
system, it started to idle like it should. While
it didn’t quite make the $400k low estimate,
the selling price was fair enough, leaving
room to sort any mechanical issues caused
by it sitting. Worldwide Auctioneers, Pacific
Grove, CA, 08/17. (See profile, p. 50.)
#1028-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Grand Sport coupe. VIN: 1G1YY2253T5600110.
Admiral Blue & white/black
leather. Odo: 7,546 miles. 350-ci 330-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. This Grand Sport is
in fantastic condition. It has obviously been
protected over the course of its life, as there
are no real cosmetic flaws. The chrome emblems
are as-new, and the engine compartment
is well detailed. The black-painted
factory alloy wheels are undamaged. The
black leather interior shows very little wear,
with only some light creasing on the driver’s
seat. Cond: 1-.
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MONTEREY
SOLD AT $154,000. The long, flowing lines
of this big coupe actually gave it a lower
coefficient of drag than Chrysler’s Airflow.
Speaking of those lines, I looked and looked
but could not find a ripple in the enormous
panels on this jet-black car. In fact, the only
demerit I can call out was the slightly wavy
finish on the trunk-light housing. The somewhat
gaudy pink and gold of the interior
may have held back the bidders, but somebody
made an astute and shrewd buy at
$71k below the low estimate. Gooding &
Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/17.
#166-1946 FORD SUPER DELUXE
woodie wagon. VIN: 99A1180000LD64.
Burgundy & wood/light brown leather. Odo:
65,446 miles. 239-ci V8, 2-bbl, 4-sp. Very
rare beast built before Ford did their own
four-wheel-drive systems. Acres of wood on
outside, a lot inside as well. Wood from donor
vehicle; cracks filled in and finished
well. New vinyl top. Paint very well done;
interior with nicely broken-in leather. Wood
and canvas “headliner” very good. Fit and
finish far better than such a truck would
have enjoyed back in the day. Rides on
modern BFG radials of correct style and
profile. Cond: 2+.
not functional and parts needed to repair
included in the sale. Original shipping invoice
confirms the car to have been restored
in 2012 to its original color and trim
combination. Excellent repaint. Major pieces
of brightwork have been replated. Doors
need an assertive effort to shut properly, as
they sag slightly. Additional bolts added to
the door hinges at the body, with two going
through the body tag. Vent-window seals
are showing some light weather checking.
Interior door-panel trim is starting to come
loose. Excellent upholstery work. Generally
well detailed under the hood, but also used
modern hose clamps and belts. Battery
spent a good share of the weekend on the
charger. Undercarriage mostly gloss-black
paint. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $1,089,000. Cobras continue to
show strong results, particularly well-documented,
nicely restored lots such as this.
Great cars bring great prices. Despite now
being a seven-figure car, this 289 was
slightly well bought given its condition.
Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 08/17.
#1021-1965 SHELBY COBRA roadster.
VIN: CSX2417. White/red leather. Odo: 168
miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Claimed by
the owner to have once been a Shelby factory
demo. Delivered new in Princess Blue.
Now, after an extensive restoration by
marque specialist McCluskey Ltd. from
2012 to 2014, all mechanicals and electrics
rebuilt or replaced. The new paint is top
notch, as is the chrome, stainless and
weatherstripping. The chrome wire knockoff
wheels are spotless. The engine has a
replacement block but retains the original
Hi-Po heads, manifold and wedge-style
bellhousing. The interior and dash are also
new, and the odometer shows a scant
168 miles. Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $90,000. The consignor’s
signage made references to the identical
light blue example that sold out here at
Gooding last year for $363k (“the sister car”
was the term they used, ACC# 6807470 ).
This one is the same color, but otherwise
nowhere near as well assembled and authentic
as the Gooding car. With Mark IIs,
there’s a wide swath of values over condition,
due to the complexity of getting these
cars either done or absolutely right. You can
assemble them like a Chevy and get by with
it, but if the consignor is being truthful here,
they’re probably selling it because it’s not
quite on the button and driving them nuts.
Appropriately bid, at best. Mecum Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 08/17.
NOT SOLD AT $170,000. This was once
part of the Nick Alexander Collection, which
was filled with nothing but the best woodies.
I know someone who recently restored a
very similar Ford/Marmon-Herrington wagon
to perhaps an even higher level, and the
high bid here may not have covered the
restoration costs. All that wood needs a lot
of love. Consignor was wise to walk away.
Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach, CA, 08/17.
#F118-1956 CONTINENTAL MARK II 2-dr
hard top. VIN: C56P3557. Light blue/white
& blue leather. Odo: 70,599 miles. 368-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Equipped with the only factory
option available, a/c, but stated that it is
110 AmericanCarCollector.com
PA4539. Red/black leather. Odo: 1,313
miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. High-quality
Cobra with rack-and-pinion steering and
attractive Stewart Warner gauges. Matching
numbers. Correct colors. Extensive ownership
history. Comprehensive paperwork
including original bill of sale and canceled
check for original purchase. Beautifully restored
to better-than-new condition.
Cond: 1-.
1
#24-1964 SHELBY COBRA 289
roadster. VIN: CSX2328. Eng. #
NOT SOLD AT $700,000. With new body
panels, new engine block, new electrical
and mechanical components, new interior
and dash, there are few parts on this Cobra
that were on it when it left Shelby’s assembly
plant. Of course, the frame has the genuine
Shelby ID plate on it, and the car is
accompanied by the extensive records kept
during the owner’s 40-plus year ownership.
But with that much of the car having been
replaced, does it still carry the value of an
original? Maybe the seller should have let
this one find a new home. Russo and
Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#S100.1-1965 SHELBY COBRA 289 roadster.
VIN: CSX2588. Rouge Iris/black
leather. Odo: 5,523 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Fully documented ownership chain,
starting when it was sold new by Vel’s Ford
Sales in Torrance, CA, to the consignor.
Professionally repainted in its original hue
and the driveline sorted out in 2006. Most
brightwork is in superb condition, the windshield
surround showing some light pitting.
Chrome knockoff wire wheels shod with
Michelin XWX radials. Supple and lightly
wrinkled leather seating. Slightly mottled
dashboard vinyl. Good door and panel shut
lines. Decade-old detailing under the hood,
with more recent topical cleanup on the engine.
Fuel staining on low recesses of the
intake manifold. Not too dingy on the under-
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carriage, but not minty fresh and washed
off, either. Cond: 2.
MONTEREY
past the ACC Pocket Price Guide value.
Well sold. Russo and Steele, Monterey,
CA, 08/17.
NOT SOLD AT $950,000. This is the last
289 Cobra sold to the public and the final
one with a 4-speed (as ol’ Shel kept the last
one built—with a C4 automatic in it—for
himself). Last seen at RM’s auction in Boca
Raton, FL, in 2006, then selling for
$342,400 (SCM# 1565526). Eleven years is
ancient history in the Shelby Cobra world,
as the car has tripled in value since. However,
I get the impression that the consignor
wasn’t going to let this magical small-block
Cobra go unless it tripled in value by crossing
the magical million-dollar threshold with
room to spare (as reflected in the $1m to
$1.2m auction-house guesstimate). Mecum
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 08/17.
White & blue/ black vinyl. Odo: 79,800
miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. This 1966
Shelby GT350 is one of 252 Shelby GT350s
built as “carryover cars,” or late-1965 production
models that were built with 1966
parts. The recipient of a bare-metal restoration
in 2016. The paint is beautifully finished.
The chrome and stainless are both in
excellent condition, the panel gaps are consistent,
the weather stripping is in good nick,
and the Shelby mag wheels are shod with
new modern Goodyear rubber. The engine
compartment looks as-new. The interior
shows next to no wear. Cond: 1-.
7
#1072-1966 SHELBY GT350 fastback.
VIN: SFM6S250. Wimbledon
#58-1966 SHELBY COBRA 427 roadster.
VIN: CSX3359. Red/black leatherette. Odo:
1,981 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. One of
260 427 Cobras produced for the road. Second-to-last
Cobra produced. Under 2,000
original miles. Complete history. Attractive
but incorrect Trigo wheels fitted, with original
wheels accompanying the sale. A stunning,
better-than-new restoration on an
uber-low-mileage car. Cond: 1-.
optioned example has all-original sheet
metal. No signs of corrosion, with a single
owner since 1976. This Mustang was in
storage for 33 years prior to a recent nutand-bolt
restoration. The paint is in great
condition, as are the chrome, stainless and
weatherstripping. The glass is clear, the
panel gaps are uniform and the interior is
as-new. It is equipped with a long list of options—many
quite rare—and accompanied
by a Marti Report. Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $1,360,000. While some
bidders were put off by its over-restored
condition, this lot deserved a higher bid
given its exceptional low mileage. The seller
was right to bring it home for another day.
Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 08/17.
#72-1966 SHELBY GT350 H fastback
coupe. VIN: SFM6S1183. Sapphire Blue/
black leather. Odo: 7,324 miles. 289-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. “Rent-a-Racer” GT350 in the
correct, rare and attractive Sapphire Blue.
Non-factory power steering and a/c. Some
paint issues. Rear window delaminating.
Inconsistent brightwork. Nicely presented
engine bay with some missing details. Seat
foam deterioration. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $355,000. Resplendent in Royal
Maroon contrasting the black vinyl interior.
Priced far beyond any other Mustang of the
same vintage, ultra-low-mile, clean, original
examples are guaranteed to command a
premium. This one fit that bill, crossing the
block well over the price guide median.
However, finding another this clean, this
original, with an ownership history and supporting
documentation this thorough would
be a tall order. For all of these reasons, this
car was well bought and well sold. Russo
and Steele, Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#1150-2006 FORD GT Heritage Edition
coupe. VIN: 1FAFP90S46Y400624. Gulf
Blue & orange/black leather. Odo: 989
miles. 5.4-L supercharged V8, 6-sp. Still on
the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, and
absolutely as-new. The paint, trim, weatherstripping,
and glass all show as new. There
are no marks on the brake discs. There is
no wear in the interior and nothing to indicate
any use of any kind. The only flaw on
the entire car is some sort of weird spot on
the stainless steering-wheel center.
Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $297,000. The recent high-quality
resto on this GT350 made it look as good
as new. The original 4-speed manual—
which was included in the sale—had been
replaced with a more usable Tremec
5-speed. This unit was one of the 1,300-odd
non-Hertz Rent-a-Racers built in ’66. Condition,
rarity and the desirable white-and-blue
color combo helped push this Shelby well
112 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $115,500. Shelby collectors are
religious about correctness and originality.
In addition to the added “improvements,”
many of the small incorrect details scared
off some potential bidders. However, this
created a great opportunity to buy this nice
driver at an attractive price. Well bought.
Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 08/17.
#1145-1969 FORD MUSTANG
Boss 429 fastback. VIN: 9F02Z195403.
Royal Maroon/ black vinyl. Odo:
19,549 miles. 429-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. One of
only 857 Boss 429s produced, this highly-
5
NOT SOLD AT $420,000. Despite its gorgeous
Gulf livery complemented by a flawless
exterior and nearly flawless interior,
this GT did not find a new home. The 989
miles on the odometer was a testament to
the lack of use, if the exterior condition
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wasn’t convincing enough. While it bid well
above average, with a number of others on
the market at higher asking prices, the
owner may be wise to hold out for just a bit
more. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA,
08/17.
MOPAR
#55-1953 CHRYSLER ST. SPECIAL Ghia
2-dr hard top. VIN: 7231533. Eng. # C538-31901.
Two-tone blue/blue leather. Odo:
62,976 miles. 331-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. A
unique Italian coachbuilt design over Chrysler
powertrain. Advanced for the period, with
Hemi engine mated to a 4-speed semi-automatic
transmission. This lot is an older restoration
with decades of missing history.
Some paint inconsistencies, particularly on
the passenger’s door (parts rattle when
closing). Scratched chrome. Musty interior.
Nicely restored wire wheels. A driver-level
car in its current state. Cond: 2-.
have been considered post-block.
Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 08/17.
AMERICANA
6
#118-1934 PACKARD TWELVE
1107 phaeton. VIN: 901630.
Green/tan canvas/green leather. Odo:
29,710 miles. Restored some years back by
Fran Roxas and returned to original livery
and options. Wears an older CCCA Senior
Premier badge and won Best in Class at
Pebble Beach. Still presents well and has
sidemount spares and correct trunk. Properly
restored and documented. A very desirable
Packard Twelve. Cond: 2.
lightful patina but with some flaws in the
convertible top. Paint on wheels starting to
give. One small ding in right rear fender.
Occasional paint chips and touch-up here
and there. Chrome in great shape. Seats
are starting to wear in, wood taking on an
aged look. Glass and lighting don’t raise
any questions. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $400,000. This car sold at
the 2014 RM Monaco auction for $462,353
(ACC# 6720101). These are fairly specialized
cars not on every collector’s bucket list.
The high bid was a shade light but should
SOLD AT $352,000. A wonderful tour car,
or with a little freshening, it could easily return
to the show field. A very correct and
original Packard. Sold for a bit under expectations,
but Resale Green does not always
work. Was owned and restored by a friend,
Dr. Bill Budding. RM Sotheby’s, Monterey,
CA, 08/17.
#22-1935 PACKARD EIGHT 1201 Victoria
convertible. VIN: 392751. Red/tan canvas/
natural leather. Odo: 71,698 miles. Neat
Packard, with paint that has taken on a de-
SOLD AT $74,800. One of the few American
classics at this auction. Managed to
squeak by at low estimate, but this was
nothing to be ashamed of. Still room for improvement,
but at this price, items like a
new top and any mechanical issues could
be resolved. Worldwide Auctioneers, Pacific
Grove, CA, 08/17.
Packard Blue/tan canvas/blue leather. Odo:
1,342 miles. One of just five dual-cowl phaetons
built in 1936 and the final one produced
by Packard. Restored in 1996 and
still crisp and very presentable. Recently
detailed and brightwork sparkles. A clean
look with no Trippe or fog lights. Fitted with
sidemounts and radio. An impressive CCCA
Full Classic. Cond: 2+.
2
#141-1936 PACKARD TWELVE
Sport phaeton. VIN: 904502.
SOLD AT $682,000. Quality Full Classics
still bring strong money, and this impressive
example follows suit. The Packard Twelve
motor is strong and silent. A treat to drive.
Price paid was as expected for an older but
well-maintained restoration. RM Sotheby’s,
Monterey, CA, 08/17.
#38-1937 PACKARD TWELVE
1507 roadster. VIN: 906694. Black/
black canvas/ brown leather. Odo: 57,147
miles. 473-ci V12, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Exceptionally
clean example of a senior Packard, with
high-quality paint—minus a few swirl marks.
Especially good details on integrated radiator
shell. Chrome trim shines consistently
throughout. Excellent detail and fitment on
3
114 AmericanCarCollector.com
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ONETO WATCH
$50,000
$40,000
$38,500
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
$37,800
$35,200
SOLD AT $467,500. The 12-cylinder Packards
remain highly desirable, with this example
selling $17k over the low estimate. A
Full Classic with a stable market, any open
example of the V12 is an asset. Fairly
bought and sold. Worldwide Auctioneers,
Pacific Grove, CA, 08/17.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
1955–57 Ford Thunderbird
N
Number sold at auction
in the past 12
53,166
Average price of those
cars: $39,495
months: 174
Number listed in the
ACC Premium
Database: 2,725
Current ACC Median
Valuation: $36,300
ot many cars have achieved the iconic status of the first-generation Ford
Thunderbird.
Although it could not compete with the Corvette in speed, it excelled
in comfort and luxury and is widely thought of as ushering in the personal
luxury vehicle.
The first-gen was undoubtedly a highlight in automotive history.
Early Thunderbirds are not new to
the collector-car scene, but that does not
detract from their desirability.
Prices have hovered around the mid-
$30k range for a base 292-ci C-code or
312-ci D-code car. This has been the case
for a while now, as sales have been cooling.
So why would I pitch this car as one to
watch?
The vintage-car market runs in cycles, and this seems to be a low point for the ’Bird.
This is the time to pick one up without spending a lot of money.
More than 53,000 first-gen T-Birds were made from 1955 to
Detailing
Years built: 1955–57
Number produced:
1957, so it is not rare. However, it holds a unique spot in history
and styling, so it will always be a collectible car.
All of the first-gen cars were convertibles, making the
engine choice the most important difference. More-powerful
Thunderbirds command a premium over those with the base
engine. The 270-horsepower E-code will bump the price slightly,
and the supercharged F-code, if you can find one, will send the
price skyrocketing.
There is sure to be a bargain out there. Find a nice, driver-
quality ’Bird with the base engine, and you can probably get the
price to $30k or less. For that money, you get a great driver, loads
of style and an American icon that will attract plenty of attention
at the local car show.A
116 AmericanCarCollector.comAmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $165,000. A beautiful lot that garnered
much attention during the preview
and auction. After a difficult opening of
$40k, the true buyers started showing their
hands. Three bidders seemed to move the
car all the way to $165,000. A firm but market-correct
price for a beautiful example.
Bonhams, Carmel, CA, 08/17.
— Chad Taylor
#W66-1965 DEVIN D roadster. VIN: 115335902.
Silver/red vinyl. Odo: 81 miles.
1700-cc H4, 2x2-bbl, 5-sp. Comprehensive
restoration completed in recent years. Recently
refurbished powertrain consists of a
1968 Porsche 912 engine and a 1967 Volkswagen
Type One-style 5-speed by Bugformance.
Runs out robustly. Good body prep
and paint application. Decent door, hood,
and trunk-lid fit. OEM Devin badges and
gauges, although some of the latter have
light surface rust on the rim. Loose-fitting
7A109578. Sinister Black/ maroon vinyl/
maroon leather. Odo: 1 miles. 308-ci I6,
2x1-bbl, auto. One of the first post-war models
out of Detroit. Many innovative features
including a step-down chassis, Hydramatic
transmission and race-proven 308-ci inline
six wrapped in a beautiful body. Missing
early history. Freshly restored by marque
specialist to a high standard. Some paint
swirls over slightly mismatched body panels.
Inconsistent brightwork. Stunning interior.
Cond: 2+.
8
#22-1951 HUDSON HORNET
Brougham convertible. VIN:
A Focus on Cars That are Showing Some Financial Upside
Median Sold Price By Year
$41,250
$36,300
top. Lenses and glass in exceptional condition.
Interior neat and orderly, with good
woodwork and department-store-quality
leather. Based on pictures, engine seems to
be in good order. Clean undercarriage.
Cond: 2.
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pop-riveted hood pin pad. Only equipped
with a driver’s seat, which has a period-style
four-point racing harness. Upper harnesses
attached to the single-loop-and-bar roll bar,
which also has three tech-inspection stickers
from Laguna Seca. Nardi wood-rim
steering wheel with Porsche crest centerhub
emblem. 5.50-15 Hoosier race tires on
modern period-style alloy wheels. Cond: 3+.
presents very well. Excellent original
brightwork, with only some light pitting.
About as good of a door fit as you’ll find on
one of these; not very solid-feeling, but
latches with minimal effort due to great
alignment. Steering stabilizer added in recent
years, otherwise original undercarriage
that hasn’t been touched since the dealer
undercoated it when new. As part of that
process, it also got significant amounts of
undercoating under the hood and on the
motor. Ends of the plastic door-lock plungers
are broken off, and are yellowed like the
rest of the interior plastic fittings. No discernible
wear on the original rubber floor
mat. Cond: 3+.
P
GLOBAL
pop-riveted hood pin pad. Only equipped
with a driver’s seat, which has a period-style
four-point racing harness. Upper harnesses
attached to the single-loop-and-bar roll bar,
which also has three tech-inspection stick-
ers from Laguna Seca. Nardi wood-rim
steering wheel with Porsche crest center-
hub emblem. 5.50-15 Hoosier race tires on
modern period-style alloy wheels. Cond: 3+.
presents very well. Excellent original
brightwork, with only some light pitting.
About as good of a door fit as you’ll find on
one of these; not very solid-feeling, but
latches with minimal effort due to great
alignment. Steering stabilizer added in re-
cent years, otherwise original undercarriage
that hasn’t been touched since the dealer
undercoated it when new. As part of that
process, it also got significant amounts of
undercoating under the hood and on the
motor. Ends of the plastic door-lock plung-
ers are broken off, and are yellowed like the
rest of the interior plastic fittings. No dis-
cernible wear on the original rubber floor
mat. Cond: 3+.
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NOT SOLD AT $35,000. Bill Devin’s cars
were some of the most serious for SCCA
competition from the 1960s low-production
builders. Regardless of whether they were
powered by Volkswagen, Corvair or
Porsche 4- or 6-cylinder engines, the Devin
Ds were all business on the track or the
street. This example retains all its original
frame and body as assembled by Devin. If it
was heavily used and ready for some refurbishment,
this final bid would’ve been in the
ballpark, but fresh and ready to go, it was
under the money. Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 08/17.
#W106-1969 JEEP JEEPSTER Commando
convertible. VIN: 870201710343.
Light yellow/black vinyl/black vinyl & white
striping. Odo: 4,282 miles. 225-ci V6, 2-bbl,
3-sp. Stated that the 4,282 indicated miles
are actual and that the vehicle is all original
with the exceptions of the fluids, battery and
two-decade-old radial tires. Original paint
Keith Martin’s
NOT SOLD AT $32,000. Little of substance
was mentioned about its past history, but it
seems to have been kept as a backup or
secondary vehicle until 1980, and then stored
until 1995. The consignor also claimed that it
was never put into four-wheel drive—something
that can be said today of the majority of
SUVs and related cross-over thingies now
made. Considering the originality, low miles
and optional Buick V6, this seems to be bid
about right; although with the continued interest
in vintage SUVs of all sorts, I can also
see why the consignor was holding out for
more. Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA,
08/17. A
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“I’ve said it before and I’ll
say it again. Simply the
best publication I’ve
ever read!”
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The Pocket Price Guide and Insider’s
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Page 116
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ROUNDUP
Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report
American Highlights
at Two Auctions
GM
#559-1948 CHEVROLET STYLEMASTER
Custom sedan delivery. VIN: 14F4421059.
Black/black leather. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Restoration/modification done to a decent—
if basic—standard. Plenty of catalog parts
bolted to the car: Vintage Air, VDO gauges,
American Torq Thrusts. No crazy routing of
hoses or wires, just done well. Paint good
enough to place at a local show. Thickrimmed,
heavily stylized wood steering
wheel a bit out of place in otherwise grayand-black,
flat interior. Cond: 3+.
1964 Lincoln Continental 4-door convertible was the cool car at the Lucky
Collector Car Auctions in tacoma, WA, selling for $29,500
Lucky Auctions
tacoma, WA — August 26–27, 2017
Auctioneer: Jeff Stokes
Automotive lots sold/offered: 91/144
Sales rate: 63%
Sales total: $779,654
High sale: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 coupe,
sold at $88,424
buyer’s premium: 15%, minimum of $200,
included in sold prices
Report and photos by Chad Tyson
James G. Murphy
olympia, WA — August 1, 2017
Auctioneers: Tim and Colin Murphy
Automotive lots sold/offered: 82/85
Sales rate: 96%
Sales total: $436,700
High sale: 1970 Dodge Charger 2-dr hard top,
sold at $64,350
buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Chad Tyson
NOT SOLD AT $21,000. Positioned between
the ’69 Z/28 and a couple of Corvettes.
The buyers didn’t seem quite as
interested in this one. This was an unimaginative
build—possibly strictly for auction—
with a 350-ci small block and Turbo 350
transmission. But it was done to a respectable
standard. The car’s information states
the engine is a GM Performance rated at
330 ponies, which adds a fun factor that a
junkyard grab just can’t. Lucky Collector
Car Auctions, Tacoma, WA, 08/17.
#558-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28
RS coupe. VIN: 124379L516132. Fathom
Green/black vinyl. Odo: 1,165 miles. 302-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Impressive, comprehensive
restoration taken seriously to replicate stock
appearance—all the way down to the hose
clamps and GM-branded heater hoses. No
zip ties present, either. Card with car states
this was the “born-with” engine, but underwent
a rebuild during restoration. Frontseat-bottom
vinyl appears a little bunched in
spots. Clean, clear and easy-to-read
gauges. Box of hubcaps in back seat.
Mileage since restoration. Cond: 1-.
A real-deal 1970 Dodge hemi Charger r/t 2-door hard top, sold for $64,350 at the
James G. murphy Co. auction in olympia, WA
118 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $88,424. What’s a seller to do to
convince prospective buyers that this car is
a real-deal Z when they can’t be by the car?
Make an emphatic sign and place it along
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the corridor where said buyers are mostly
walking. The poster frame held a certificate
of authenticity from Jerry MacNeish, NCRS
shipping information, several restoration
photos and a copy of the Protect-O-Plate.
All of this added up to an above-market
price for an above-average car. Fair deal on
that account. Lucky Collector Car
Auctions, Tacoma, WA, 08/17.
#302-2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS
coupe. VIN: 2G1FJ1EJXA9114277. Red/
black cloth. Odo: 15,574 miles. 6.2-L fuelinjected
V8, auto. Title-branded rebuild.
Quick CARFAX check showed 18 records,
so it all kind of adds up. Paint as nice as
new. No obvious indications it was previously
salvaged. No further information provided
by catalog or company as to what
happened, but then again, why would they
post that? Dirty carpets and dusty driver’s
seat. Cond: 2.
elevating this car. Biggest mystery is
whether the top works, as it’s expensive to
replace a lot of those components. Price is
a steal, as the median market value for
these is $40k, according to the latest ACC
Pocket Price Guide. Something spooked off
enough people for the buyer to walk away
laughing at this deal. Lucky Collector Car
Auctions, Tacoma, WA, 08/17.
#736-1964 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 4-dr
convertible. VIN: 4Y86N413468. Black/
black canvas/red vinyl. Odo: 19,221 miles.
430-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A ding in middle of
rear trunk-lid edge is biggest complaint
about paint. A smaller chip missing from
driver’s side of trunk lid. Bright trim is all
there. Hood fit slightly off at front, but other
SOLD AT $12,650. Not the only Chevy in
Snobar’s collection, but the newest and nicest.
Somebody picked up an SS Camaro for
under $13k, which is a hell of a steal. The
asterisk of a rebuilt title might scare off future
profits, but given that this isn’t a particularly
special SS (not a ZL1, serial number
one, etc.), those profits shouldn’t be the
motivation here. Well bought. James G.
Murphy Co., Olympia, WA, 08/17.
FOMOCO
0043. White & black/white & black vinyl.
Odo: 77,402 miles. 352-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
Small chip in paint on front panel of roof,
otherwise largely intact. Trim hasn’t been
polished in years, but it’s all there. Some
rusting around bumper bolts. Black steel
wheels inset deep into fenders. Most everything
underhood dirty or surface-rusted.
Some wires just strung along top of valve
covers. Front bench bottom looking flat in
spots, depressed in others. Horn cap missing.
Dirty carpet. Nest of wires hanging from
dash above pedals. Started after some tinkering,
but ran going through auction tent.
From the LeMay Collection at no reserve.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $6,849. This is one of
the few times I’m calling for modern wheels.
Bigger and shinier rims, to go with refinished
trim, would go a long way towards
#711-1959 FORD GALAXIE Skyliner
retractable hard top. VIN: H9XW11-
November-December 2017 119
gaps line up well. Scratches on driver’s side
rear door exterior handle. Front seats
cracked in remarkable patina. Still flat, not
depressed from decades of weight. I’m
thinking the odometer might still be on its
first go around. Dash in good shape, with
the PRNDL lens the hardest to see through.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $29,500. One of 3,328 convertible
Continentals made in 1964. Black over
red, with those smooth slab sides, made this
one of the coolest cars at the sale. The market
median for the 1964 Continental droptop
is $42,500, leaving plenty of room for
any deferred maintenance or needed repairs.
Solid car sold for a good price. I don’t
imagine anyone is terribly upset with this
deal. Lucky Collector Car Auctions,
Tacoma, WA, 08/17.
BEST
BUY
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#725-1965 FORD FAIRLANE 500 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 5K43C144457. Black/black
vinyl. Odo: 68,977 miles. 289-ci V8, 2-bbl,
auto. Paint with light swirls throughout.
Some nicks and chips along rear panel
edges including trunk-lid. Trim bright and
clean. Carpet faded to almost a brown from
black. Driver’s door card splitting at middle,
peeling back from front edge. Bench seat
settled in sections. Dash still legible, but no
perfect surface. Cragars aren’t a bad touch.
Iowa plate reads: “MYOLD65.” Cond: 3+.
really happened, but upset that I didn’t
make a bid on this one. Selling at a quarter
of the usual market median, this was one of
the better deals at a deal-packed sale.
James G. Murphy Co., Olympia, WA,
08/17.
SOLD AT $5,775. Seller’s card states,
“Nearly all-original, low-mileage car.” I’m
inclined to believe the paint and interior materials
are from the factory. Would be a solid
sleeper start, as I passed by it several times
before opting to include it in my report. And
I’m a bit of a homer for Fords. Or leave it
as-is, and not deprive the world of an unrestored
relic from a bygone era. The buyer
walked away the winner of this deal. Lucky
Collector Car Auctions, Tacoma, WA,
08/17.
#322-1969 MERCURY CYCLONE 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 9H15H566942. Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 13,124 miles. 302-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Front driver’s fender a slightly different
shade and missing the gold side decals.
Same-side rocker-panel trim also missing.
Interior needs deep cleaning, but otherwise
it’s there and in decent condition. Passenger’s
side wheels match, but driver’s side
sports two other kinds. Engine bay complete,
with air-cleaner assembly in front passenger’s
footwell and rusty master cylinder
the obvious detractions. Tiny dual-exhaust
outlets exit out back. Cond: 3-.
#729-1969 FORD TORINO CJ 2-dr hard
top. VIN: 9A460165224. Yellow/black vinyl.
Odo: 3,634 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Cracked turn-signal lens on driver’s front
corner. Owners have taken care of this
paint. Only light polishing swirls visible at
right angles. Engine bay almost clean
enough to eat from, but surface-rusted master
cylinder stands out something terrible.
Bench seat odd with 4-sp., but in good condition
otherwise. Tach strapped to steering
column. Deluxe Marti Report included with
sale. Sitting on front seat is online price report,
with $49,995 scrawled on the paper in
pencil. Resting in the rear seat is a poster
the seller created to help sell the car.
Cond: 2+.
and Road Runner, Torino GTs typically sell
for triple this price. The latest ACC price
guide pegs the median of these at $29k.
The drivetrain internals are unknown without
tearing into them (usually frowned upon
by auction companies), but this is a solid
start for a restoration project. Well bought.
James G. Murphy Co., Olympia, WA,
08/17.
NOT SOLD AT $32,000. A continual stream
of spectators circled this car for most of the
first day and up until it hit the block on Sunday
morning. Despite a semi-spirited bidding
contest, the bidders didn’t come close
to the seller’s hand-tipped price of $49,995.
I’m sure the right value is somewhere towards
the middle, but can’t blame the seller
for taking it home at this high bid. Lucky
Collector Car Auctions, Tacoma, WA,
08/17.
SOLD AT $4,950. My favorite car at the
sale, also the third Cyclone. The other two,
also the two prior lots, likely stole any energy
for this car. It was the oldest and least
expensive of the three, but it was also in the
best overall condition. I’m not sure what
120 AmericanCarCollector.com
#313-1970 FORD TORINO GT 2-dr hard
top. VIN: 0R35M125784. Dark green/black
vinyl. Odo: 89,845 miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Surface rust along insides of doors—
even transferred to weatherstripping. Nicks,
dings and chips along passenger’s side
beltline. Graphics underneath said beltline
in acceptable condition. Driver’s door won’t
open and it’s unlocked. Interior complete,
but it’s as if someone shoveled in lots of
dust. Rip on driver’s seat bottom. Front passenger’s
seat bottom starting to come unstitched
at a seam or two. Back bench seat
in decent condition, sans tears and stains.
Extra steering wheel lying in front passenger’s
footwell. Complete engine bay, but as
dusty as the ground on which it sits. Stickers
on license tags expired in February
1992. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $9,900. Nicest
Torino in a line of half a dozen or so. Still,
not without its faults. A car that should be
mentioned in the same breath as Chevelle
#320-1971 MERCURY CYCLONE Grabber
2-dr hard top. VIN: 1H17J504818. Blue/
blue vinyl. Odo: 84,181 miles. 429-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Pretty blue paint in fair condition.
Some nicks here and some chips
there. Part on upper rear driver’s quarter
that appears to be brush-painted. Missing
front hood trim. Interior pretty beat up.
Chunks of vinyl missing from both door panels,
revealing deteriorating foam underneath.
Cracks across dash. Light surface
rust on exposed steel of steering wheel.
Filthy carpet. Front seats in remarkable condition
considering rest of cab. Radio and air
cleaner just hanging out on front floorboard.
No shifter cover, just a hole in the carpet
showing a hole in the floor. Lettering on rear
glass reads “The Last Muscle Car.”
Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $9,900. Sold for the same as Lot
313, a Torino GT. And in about the same
condition—complete, but needs work. Not
sure I can find many to agree with the rearwindow
statement, as 1972—a year later
than our subject—featured ’Cudas, LS5
Chevelles, big-block Camaros and the like.
Still, this was an interesting find in a mostly
Mopar collection. Buyer didn’t overpay, but
it wasn’t even close to the best deal here,
either. James G. Murphy Co., Olympia,
WA, 08/17.
#357-1971 FORD RANCHERO pickup.
VIN: 1A47F280452. Red/red cloth. Odo:
24,678 miles. V8, 2-bbl, auto. Unidentified
V8, with 2-bbl manifold in its place. Block
numbers illegible—yay for cars sitting out in
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fields for years and years. Found 2-bbl carb
lying in driver’s footwell, which is a good
place to leave your carb. Grille and some
trim panels resting on seats. Headliner
hanging on by few threads. Some panels
with swaths of primer blended into red paint.
Cowl panel filled with plant debris and
moss. Bed filled with parts, including radiator,
fan shroud, one V8 cylinder head,
heater box and hood latch. Cond: 5-.
makes it easy for the buyer to correct minor
issues and still get a good deal. Lucky Collector
Car Auctions, Tacoma, WA, 08/17.
#330-1932 DODGE DB drag racer. VIN:
N/A. Light blue/black vinyl. Former Super
Street racer (a 10.90 index). Unidentified
big-block Chevy sits under goofy hood
scoop. Headlamps don’t fit profile of holes
in fenders. Missing certification sticker for
roll cage. Interior filled with boxes of parts,
but beyond that it’s set up for running down
the track and nothing else. Several gauges
on dash aren’t parallel with horizon. No
speedo, no odo. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $11,000. I didn’t see many people
checking this car out during the preview
or auction, so the five-digit total caught me
off guard. Almost weird to see one of these
complete that isn’t ready to go to Goodguys,
with crate small-block and mag wheels.
Sold price reflects the in-between nature of
car. James G. Murphy Co., Olympia, WA,
08/17.
SOLD AT $660. Even with all of the problems,
this price is tough to beat. Best use is
a parts car, but since it’s almost complete,
perhaps a brave soul will bring it back to
life. Just get up on the tetanus shots first.
Good deal, minus those shots. James G.
Murphy Co., Olympia, WA, 08/17.
MOPAR
#570-1924 DODGE BROTHERS SERIES
116 Special sedan. VIN: A34841. Blue &
black/black vinyl/tan & brown cloth. Odo:
54,072 miles. Non-original paint chipping
here and there, but solid from 15 feet. Turn
signals added to bumper corners, front and
rear. Turn-signal switch attached to steering
column. Headliner and door panels could be
original, while seats obviously re-covered.
Tires need replacement before traveling too
far. Extra transmission comes with the sale,
but the seller states its working condition is
unknown. Series 116 is because of the 116inch
wheelbase. From the LeMay Museum
Collection selling at no reserve. Cond: 3.
#339-1963 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 2231166195. Tan/gray vinyl.
Odo: 9,448 miles. 230-ci I6, 2-bbl, auto.
Appears as if it was left with the hood up for
a long time, then shut for some time afterwards,
with dead plants hanging around the
master cylinder and heater hoses. Surface
rust all over the place. Car’s original tan
color (or is it beige?) giving way to gray giving
way to rust. A baker’s dozen dead
wasps litter the dash. The Spectracide can
in the back seat tells me they likely took up
residence at some point. Rest of interior in
tatters. Smells as bad as it looks. Colors are
bleached out up front. Cond: 5+.
SOLD AT $12,650. Catalog listed this as a
1932 Dodge Brothers drag racer, but the
rounded roofline and curved-base windshield
shape are more in line with 1935 DB
models than anything they made three
years prior. But with no VIN anywhere I can
see on the body, frame or interior, these
things become a little more difficult to identify.
I can’t imagine why a buyer would want
to make this street legal again; just recertify
the roll cage, fix what needs it, and fly down
the dragstrip grinning ear to ear. James G.
Murphy Co., Olympia, WA, 08/17.
#305-1935 DODGE DU coupe. VIN: 3777335.
Black/brown cloth. Odo: 23,861 miles.
Chalky paint, with remnants of a line from
birds lingering above from roof to trunk.
Driver’s side headlamp appears more yellow
than the other one. Red grille really
pops; too bad it matches nothing else on
car. Chipped and flaking paint in spots reveals
red primer underneath. Hood
weatherstripping hanging out on driver’s
side. Tattered, fraying interior smells as
they all too often do on vehicles this old—
musty with a (strong) hint of rodent. Didn’t
see any nests, however. Cond: 4.
SOLD AT $6,502. The auction lineup went
like this: 2003 Bentley Arnage, 1963 Corvette
convertible, then this car. I expected a
horse-drawn buggy to follow up based on
that regression. These steel wheels looked
larger than the Bentley’s. Kinda nice to see
some of the museum cars getting out of
storage and back into garages. This price
122 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $1,100. No, there isn’t anything
amazing or enthralling about this car. But if
the buyer was after a plain-jane project they
just wanted to get running and cruise with,
it’s a helluva deal. Even if the buyer just
wanted it for parts, they’ll likely be way
ahead of the game. This was mostly there,
but it was left in a field far longer than most
buyers apparently could tolerate. James G.
Murphy Co., Olympia, WA, 08/17.
#324-1964 PLYMOUTH FURY convertible.
VIN: 3341229430. Black/white vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 17,145 miles. 318-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Dirtiest part of whole car is the tires.
Carpet needs vacuuming, but no major
tears evident. All interior vinyl in top shape.
Sunpro tach strapped to steering column
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facing out driver’s window. Rear bumper
scuffed and dinged on passenger’s side.
Dusty engine bay with a few wires strung
about rather poorly. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$15,400. Grading on a curve, this Condition-2
car really looks like a number one
compared to the Snobar Collection. I’m sure
this wasn’t the dollar amount the family was
looking for, but the buyer got one of the best
cars available here. It doesn’t take much
classifieds searching to see this was a steal
to the tune of $10k–$15k under market.
James G. Murphy Co., Olympia, WA,
08/17.
#318-1968 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA
convertible. VIN: BH27F8B105742. Blue/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 46,621 miles.
318-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Paint flaking off of
engine block, heads and valve covers. Surface
rust on exhaust manifolds and water
pump. Like many of the vehicles here, no
battery. Black engine-bay paint flaking off
revealing blue body color underneath.
Headlamps bright switch just hanging below
brake pedal. Box of parts on passenger’s
seat. Dash missing radio, cigarette lighter
and heater control knobs. Back seat covered
by loose parts, newspaper and black
plastic sheeting. Clean paint and clear
glass, but convertible top wrinkled in spots.
Cond: 3-.
on hoses stick out, however. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $13,200. I heard them trying to
start this up during the preview. Cough,
cough, sputter, die. But it seems way ahead
of most of the vehicles here in that there’s a
battery hooked up under the hood. It doesn’t
take much looking through ACC’s Premium
Auction Database to see that a number of
bids on ’69 Coronets have been rejected for
more than double this one. I’m sure there
are a few things to sort out here, but the
2-bbl 318 and automatic shouldn’t have
held this one back this far. Buyer picked up
a damn good deal. James G. Murphy Co.,
Olympia, WA, 08/17.
SOLD AT $7,150. ACC’s price guide shows
’68 Barracuda drop-tops have a median
market value of $17k. Adding $10k to this
car would go a long way in buttoning up the
details, but so would some effort. This
seems like it got lost in the shuffle of this
collection. Somebody picked it up for a decent
deal. James G. Murphy Co., Olympia,
WA, 08/17.
#304-1969 DODGE CORONET 500 2-dr
hard top. VIN: WP23F9E119860. Red/
white vinyl. Odo: 37,660 miles. 318-ci V8,
2-bbl, auto. Decent paint, with mostly good
trim—a solid 10-footer. Rear passenger’s
side wheelwell trim dinged and scuffed.
Trunk fit slightly off at front of passenger’s
side. Interior as acceptable as exterior. Biggest
flaw is driver’s door armrest, which
appears gray rather than white from use
and dirt. No complaints underhood, as it’s
painted as nicely as the body. Engine not
thoroughly detailed, but nice enough to lift
the hood at a local car show. White wire ties
124 AmericanCarCollector.com
#319-1969 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA
Formula S 2-dr hard top. VIN: BH29H9B117145.
Bronze/black vinyl/black vinyl.
Odo: 20,505 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Paint flaking off driver’s side front fender.
Trunk-lid gaps inconsistent and not flush.
Large crack where driver’s side quarter
panel meets with panel below rear window.
Bubbles and flaking behind both rear
wheels. Underhood isn’t pretty. Also not
helped by the general rust color of the car.
Brackets and the master cylinder reveal
heavy oxidation. Relatively nice interior.
Worst part is carpet torn at driver’s footwell,
revealing a surface-rusted floorpan. Ugliest
part is pair of aftermarket gauges tacked in
front of shifter hanging from dash. Cond: 4-.
#323-1970 DODGE HEMI CHARGER
R/T 2-dr hard top. VIN: XS29R0G129527.
Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. 426-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, 4-sp. The crowning jewel of the
Snobar Collection. A friend of Snobar stood
watch over this car the entire preview day,
answering questions from bidders and
pesky media types. Windshield set in place,
not secured. Also no wipers (duh) or rearview
mirrors. Top panel flipped upside-down
on remainder of roof. Best paint of any car
here except 2009-and-newer lots. Strippeddown
engine bay a contrast of red and
black. Many unattached parts residing in
trunk. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $64,350. An incomplete project,
but the VIN works out to a real Hemi. This
occupied a place of honor near the auctionroom
entrance and was kept under close
watch. It also drew the most looky-loos, with
a constant stream of traffic around it. Outsold
the next two highest-selling lots combined.
For half of what they usually cost, the
buyer got a mostly done project. Tough to
beat that. James G. Murphy Co., Olympia,
WA, 08/17.
#332-1971 DODGE DEMON custom 2-dr
hard top. VIN: N/A. Gray & black/black
plastic. More a collection of parts resembling
a car than an actual car. Fiberglass
hood bending under weight of massive
hood scoop. No engine, headlamps or anything
one can consider an interior. Aluminum
panels, three gauges, red roll cage and
one racing seat make up the interior. Headers
lying where engine should be. Quickrelease
steering wheel sitting on
transmission tunnel instead of steering-column
shaft. Two additional gauges stuck to
cowl outside of front windshield. Wheelie
bar out back. Cond: 4-.
SOLD AT $12,100. Another car for half the
current market median. This one, a Formula
S 383, is considerably more valuable than
the other Barracuda sitting next to it (Lot
318). This one was in worse condition, yet
sold for $5k more. Guess that shows current
condition is not necessarily what makes
it valuable, but what it could be. It’s a whole
car, but could be a long way from drivable.
James G. Murphy Co., Olympia, WA,
08/17.
SOLD AT $7,370. Not a bad price for a
drag-car start. But a start is all the buyer
BEST
BUY
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got. You supply the engine, transmission
and (hopefully) parachute. Interesting that
this drew more attention than many complete
cars, but not terribly surprising given
the Mopar-mad crowd here and several bidders’
interest in the other drag cars here.
Fair deal in a vacuum, but an overpay compared
to many other lots here. James G.
Murphy Co., Olympia, WA, 08/17.
#737-1971 DODGE D300 pickup. VIN:
D31BE05104243. Tan/cream vinyl. Odo:
42,977 miles. 318-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Driver’s
step worn more heavily than any other
exterior panel. Exterior mirror hinges showing
rust. Even spacing on cab lights.
Underhood looks like it’s been quickly,
lightly sand-blasted. Every painted surface
exposes some metal. New master cylinder.
Rusting, gnarled hole on cowl panel just
outside of driver’s side hood hinge. Benchseat-bottom
vinyl torn in multiple places.
Dash in clean, legible condition. Flatbed in
solid shape, including side rails. Red metal
frame doesn’t complement anything on
truck. Bright white wheels contrast nicely
with shined-up tires. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $880. By the time this car appeared
on the screen for buyers in the auction
room, the crowd considerably thinned
out. It’s cheap enough for a parts contributor
or project foundation. If the buyer opts
for the latter path, there isn’t a section of
this car they can leave as-is. James G.
Murphy Co., Olympia, WA, 08/17.
#364-1989 DODGE DAKOTA pickup. VIN:
1B7FL69X2KS146220. White/black vinyl/ red
cloth & vinyl. Odo: 91,089 miles. 3.9-L fuelinjected
V6, auto. First year of Dakota Sport
convertible production; it’s one of 2,482. Sitting
at a weird angle, but tough to tell if that’s
just the uneven field it’s sat in for years. Dent
in bedside near gas door. Rear of front driver’s
side fender dinged up and surfacerusted.
Top in decent condition, with no
holes. Bed tonneau cover in similar state.
Interior is in remarkable condition. Velour
seats still soft and hardly faded. Dash cover
inscription reads “Fishy Man.” Gauges and
dash controls still legible. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $4,358. I spoke with a gentleman
about this truck for 30 minutes on the auction’s
first day. As he hopped up and down,
he mused aloud that he’d come back the
next day and likely make a bid on this. I
think it was the under-bed winch. Pretty
sure that was his hand waving last. Not too
many Dodge one-ton trucks make it to auction.
Scouring classifieds around the country,
it was a little surprising to see this is
about the going rate. I expected this to be a
bit of a deal, but it turns out to be marketcorrect.
Lucky Collector Car Auctions,
Tacoma, WA, 08/17.
#358-1972 DODGE CHARGER SE 2-dr
hard top. VIN: WP29U2A204163. Gray/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 50,145 miles.
318-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Not a straight, solid
panel on it. Driver’s door with deep dent
near middle and gouge towards front into
fender. Seats torn and covered in loose interior
panels. Aftermarket tach strapped to
steering column. Dirt and dust all over; not
easy to breathe inside here. Wires bunched
up and hanging down from dash near pedals.
Four-barrel intake sitting in driver’s footwell.
Engine block in short-block state—no
intake or even heads to seal up the internals.
Surface rust on every cylinder wall and
lifter bore. Good luck salvaging that.
Cond: 6+.
126 AmericanCarCollector.com
race. It was still the parade car and awarded
to the winner. But this is the badge-engineered
twin of Mitsubishi’s 3000GT, with allwheel
drive and turbos. I was surprised to
see this car in that collection, but not this
price. Right make, but wrong crowd. That
along with the high miles makes this price as
much as I thought it would get. Good deal.
James G. Murphy Co., Olympia, WA,
08/17.
#311-1995 DODGE VIPER RT/10 roadster.
VIN: 1B3BR65E2SV200276. Black/black
canvas/gray leather. Odo: 67,736 miles.
8.0-L fuel-injected V10, 6-sp. California insurance
salvaged title, still needs Washington
State Patrol inspection. The top was fully up,
but ill fitting. The hood latched, but not fully
shut. A bend on the passenger’s side the
likely culprit. Rust on wheel studs and brakes
show how much it’s moved recently. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $935. Reminded me of my brother’s
’88 Dakota, except cooler in any way a
Dakota Sport can be cool. One of four 1989
Dakota Sport convertibles in the field. This
tied for the most expensive, and it was in
the best condition. Great deal on a weird
little cul-de-sac in truck history. James G.
Murphy Co., Olympia, WA, 08/17.
#352-1992 DODGE STEALTH R/T Turbo
coupe. VIN: JB3XE74C8NY012727. Blue/
black vinyl. Odo: 197,440 miles. 3.0-L turbocharged
V6, 5-sp. Bright blue paint from the
’90s really contrasts with surrounding cars
and setting. Clean interior marred by dirty
carpets. Pioneer audio head in place of factory
stereo. Driver’s seat leather tearing at
seams in a few spots. Rear seats perfect
size for adults with no legs. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $1,925. Am I cheating by calling
this an American car to get it into an ACC
market report? Sure, but it bothers me not. It
didn’t bother Dodge or the organizers of the
1991 Indy 500, where this was to be featured,
at least until the backlash from a crowd not
thrilled with a foreign-made car pacing that
SOLD AT $7,150. The oldest and cheapest
of the four Vipers at the sale. Also easily in
the roughest condition. Combine that with
the pending WSP paperwork and it all starts
to make sense. Still, I’m not sure how else
to get into a complete Viper for under
$7,500. Fair deal considering those two
points. James G. Murphy Co., Olympia,
WA, 08/17.
#368-1995 DODGE RAM 3500 pickup.
VIN: 1B7MC36W2SS181356. Red/gray
cloth. Odo: 171,215 miles. 8.0-L fuel-injected
V10, auto. Peeling clearcoat on tops
of panels. Pine needles decomposing on
cowl. Cab lights not spaced quite evenly.
Interior as nice as most ’95s seen on usedcar
lots today. That’s good considering this
has sat in a field for years. Passenger’s
door window and lock switch pulled out and
just hanging by wiring. Dirty carpet, but only
little stain on driver’s seat bottom. Last
tagged in June 2008. Cond: 3.
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the garages, as this appeared as new as
the 14 miles would indicate. Occasional
polishing swirl marks in paint. A nick or
slight chip here and there in the paint. Driver’s
footwell dirtiest part of whole car—including
undercarriage. Window sticker
sitting on dash and temp tag (dated 11-0509)
still stuck in back glass. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $1,100. MSRP was $19,144 on
these trucks. Sure, that’s 22 years ago, but
there is no sniffing a new full-size pickup
anywhere near that price anymore. And this
token price paid here was the bonus to the
bidder who stuck through this long. No mention
of its running condition, and those miles
aren’t low, but I have to call this a good
deal. A relatively modern one-ton pickup for
just over a grand? I’d take a chance on that
most every time. James G. Murphy Co.,
Olympia, WA, 08/17.
#309-1999 DODGE VIPER RT/10 convertible.
VIN: 1B3ER65E3XV504561. Red/
black leather. Odo: 14,561 miles. 8.0-L fuelinjected
V10, 6-sp. Title-branded rebuild. A
nick or chip in paint here and there, nothing
major, but won’t win you any points at Cars
& Coffee. Light swirls throughout. Engine
bay as dusty as some of the outbuildings on
Snobar’s property. Interior better, but that’s
relative. Shop-vac might come away with
several pounds of dust. Console area behind
parking brake cracked. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $21,000. It’s actually quite
refreshing to see a Viper with six-digit mileage.
I know this generation to be a fantastic
road-trip car, and it seems a waste of a
good car to not use it. But those miles are
the main reason the consignor and buyers
couldn’t come to an agreement. Plenty of
these are available with far fewer miles—as
of this writing eBay Motors showed four
2002 Vipers for sale ranging from $39k to
$57k, all with 23k miles or under. There’s
likely more money out there for this car,
mostly due to its mileage-beating condition.
Lucky Collector Car Auctions, Tacoma,
WA, 08/17.
#308-2004 DODGE VIPER SRT-10 convertible.
VIN: 1B3JZ65Z14V100977. Black/
black canvas/gray suede & black leather.
Odo: 6,087 miles. 8.3-L fuel-injected V10,
6-sp. “Title branded Totaled-Reconstructed.”
Registered through March 2018.
Paint as-new. Decent, consistent panel
gaps. Exhaust tips don’t quite line up with
outlets on sides. Deep grooves on driver’s
side front brake disc. Clean interior—as 6k
miles would indicate. Top in great condition.
Rear tire tread a bit low compared to fronts.
I wonder why... Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $25,850. Went for over double
what the one-year-newer SS Camaro did
just one lot earlier. Then again, this was a
Mopar crowd and this only had 14 miles on
it. Action went quick and it sold for over
market value. Shall I mention the mileage
again? The crowd loved it, and the placement
in the auction lineup got bidders interested
early. Third-highest-sold lot of the
sale makes this well sold. I wonder how
long until the new owner doubles that mileage.
James G. Murphy Co., Olympia, WA,
08/17.
AMERICANA
SOLD AT $19,800. Under-20k-mile Viper
for under $20k? Why can’t we all get one?
The title branding will scare some buyers
off, but only because they don’t want a
cheap way into a Viper. And they’re possibly
thinking of future value. But this is best
as a highway cruiser/tire burner, with little
care for tomorrow. James G. Murphy Co.,
Olympia, WA, 08/17.
#555-2002 DODGE VIPER GTS coupe.
VIN: 1B3ER6922V100962. Dark gray/black
leather. Odo: 132,962 miles. 8.0-L fuel-injected
V10, 6-sp. Hood fit is good. Driver’s
door sags when opened. Tough to close on
first try. Surprisingly clean front end, with a
few rock chips here and way over there.
Slight fraying of seams on entry side of driver’s
seat. Pioneer CD player replaces stock
unit. No noted curbing of big, shiny chrome
wheels. Cond: 2.
#702-1976 AMC PACER hatchback. VIN:
A6M667A3351148. Teal/white vinyl. Odo:
87,636 miles. 258-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Glass in
good condition, but paint is nothing to write
home about. Some trim in fine state and
other pieces are dinged badly. Faculty Parking
sticker in rear window—surprise, surprise.
White door panels each cracked at
top—driver’s side with chunk missing. Carpet
worn through at driver’s footwell. Plates
on car last tagged in 1988. Rear licenseplate
frame faded to obscurity. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $25,300. I walked around this car
several times looking for evidence as to
why/where/how it was totaled. The techs did
a decent job, as nothing stood out immediately.
Hopefully that holds true at highway
speeds. The newest of four Vipers in Snobar’s
collection—also the nicest and with
the lowest miles, so that is why it was the
most expensive. If the buyer wasn’t looking
for resale value down the road, this is a
fairly cheap way into a legendary American
name. James G. Murphy Co., Olympia,
WA, 08/17.
#303-2009 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T
coupe. VIN: 2B3LJ54T59H643000. Red/
black vinyl. Odo: 14 miles. 5.7-L fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Must have been in one of
SOLD AT $1,322. Hipsters and the fading
memories of “Wayne’s World” will keep
Pacers in slight demand for the foreseeable
future. A fair price. But I can’t say it was
worth a whole lot more. It drove through the
auction tent, and I didn’t witness too much
fussing with it prior to starting, so the buyer
got the better end of this deal. Mostly because
not too many people were interested.
Lucky Collector Car Auctions, Tacoma,
WA, 08/17. A
November-December 2017 127
Page 126
The Parts Hunter
Pat Smith
Rat Rod Grilles
and Galaxie 500 Taillamps
Need a rare emblem or trim piece?
New Old Stock is the way to go, but be ready to pay
#142462214648 NOS OEM 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 taillamp panel trim set and emblem.
12 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay. Evansville, IN. 8/10/2017.
“Up for auction is a NOS set of tail panel moldings with emblem for a 1963 Galaxie 500. They
are brand-new, original Ford and in very nice condition. One of the larger panels has the small
dent/ding as shown, and outside of that there are a few rubs as shown, but nothing too serious.
This gives you the three aluminum components as shown along with the “500” emblem.”
Sold at $1,136.
Older chrome- and anodized-trim cars can be very expensive to restore. Trim can bring down
a nice paint job if it’s tatty. If you’re repainting a car, it only makes sense to set if off as nicely
as possible. Shelf wear and age means that sometimes even New Old Stock isn’t going to be
perfect, as this set demonstrates. A good metal man can fix the dent, but not much can be done
about the abrasions. I’m sitting on the fence with this one because depending on the color, the
imperfection could shine like a beacon at night.
#302403968471 1966–67 Chevy II, Nova,
NOS taillight assemblies with new
lenses.
3 photos. Item condition: New. eBay.
Graham, N.C. 8/13/2017
“You are bidding on a NOS pair of 1966–67
Nova or Chevy II taillight assemblies. One of
them has a few scratches on the side. Look
over the pictures. The other one is nice.
Shipping on this item will run $14 within the
continental U.S.”
Sold at $608.
This might seem like a lot of cash for small
taillamps. For the aficionado, the details are
what matters. Reproductions cost less, but
the lenses won’t have “Guide” or any of the
SAE markings seen on the originals. There
are also differences in lens colors, depending
on who made them. Some are too light
when illuminated and are cherry colored
instead of deep red. The scuff marks on
one assembly are minor and were likely
there from new. Will likely appear on a Nova
SS 327 in the near future. Calling this one
market-priced for new originals.”
128 AmericanCarCollector.com
#1827130552 NOS 1970-74 Plymouth
’Cuda wheel opening moldings, set
of 4.
4 photos. Item condition: new. eBay.
Rochester, MN. 8/20/2017.
“Here is a complete set of 4 NOS
1970–74 Plymouth ’Cuda wheel-opening
moldings. Part numbers 2965368/29653
69/2965370/2965371. These have been
wrapped up for years, and if I remember
right, one or two do have some very light
shelf wear from the wrappers crumbling away over the years. This is my last set. We all know
how the repops fit, so if you need a complete set, here you go.”
Sold at $711.61.
I realize New Old Stock is the way to go for a top-drawer restoration, but some common
sense is useful when buying these items. Shelf wear means used, no matter how you slice it.
The seller’s comments about reproduction moldings is not accurate, as excellent reproduction
moldings exist at less than half this price. I have appraised many restored Mopars. Items like
these demonstrate how strong the market can be for original parts with high visibility factor. I
have to say this set was well sold.
makes sense if you’re building a Mustang to MCA concours standards. No harm done here,
and the purists will love it.
#132256789612 NOS pair of 1966 Mustang quarter-panel ornaments.
12 photos. Item condition: New. eBay. Indianapolis, IN. 8/17/2017.
“You are looking at a NOS pair of 1966 Ford Mustang quarterpanel
ornaments. They are in the original box. The reason there
is only one picture of the ornament is because the other box has
never been opened. Very low opening bid with no reserve.”
Sold at $80.
With the abundance of reproduction ornaments available, does
it make sense to pay double the going rate for these? They are
genuine factory parts — and they are in a highly visible area. It
Page 127
#152672657689 Vintage Original 1934 Ford Grille Hot Rat
Rod TROG 32-26
12 photos. Item condition: Used. Ebay. Sparks, NV. 8/26/017.
“Vintage original 1934 Ford grille. It is in solid, straight condition.
These are getting harder to come by in this condition.
Please see all pictures. This would work great on that period
project.”
Sold at $1,275.
For every vintage survivor street rod pulled intact out of some
musty garage, there are three times as many cars missing
cool pieces like this grille. Crusty coolness is in, which
explains why it sold for hearty money. I’m not sure what kind
of staying power rat rods have, but for now, demand is strong.
Price paid was market because it had the right kind of wear.
No pitting or rust, because it was from Nevada.
#162643093285 Ford, Chevrolet, Mopar, Original ACCEL Super Coil.
8 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay. Mount Jackson, VA. 8/30/2017.
“This is an almost-new ACCEL Super Coil. It was only used once and for a very short time.
If you buy this from me and you are not happy, please return it for a full refund, plus all your
shipping.”
Sold at $16.25.
decal, and the tan top is in good shape. Very solid deal for the right buyer.
Sometimes you just stumble across a great deal. Building a
retro street machine and you’re looking for that ideal late-1970s
speed part? A Super Coil was THE distributor to have under
the hood. That bumble-bee-yellow can that looked like it
was ripped out of the nearest hydro transformer station said
“power.” Add that to your set of new yellow-jacket wires, and
you were ready to blast off. This one still has the chrome foil
The most valuable tool in your box
AmericanCarCollector.com
877.219.2605 Ext. 1
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November-December 2017 129
Page 128
JUNKYARDTREASURES
C.L. Chase: Crushing Cars
is Not in His Blood
1966 Plymouth barracuda: body solid, back window complete, bring your own engine
The owner of this towing/salvage business will keep a junker until
it’s out of usable parts
Story and photos by Phil Skinner
back on the road during a winter’s storm.
Chase was born and raised in the area, and his first love is hooking and cooking,
I
but a close second is his love of vintage cars. Spread out over several dozen acres,
his salvage business caters to some late-model cars, but the real treasures are with
the 1,500 or so vintage vehicles that he will not allow to be crushed as long as there
are any worthwhile parts that can be sold.
We found quite a few very desirable vintage passenger
Detailing
What: C.L. Chase Towing
and Recovery
Hours: Monday–Friday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open Saturdays by
appointment. Towing
services are always
available.
Where: W10416 County
Road C, Camp Douglas,
WI 54618
cars on the property — and some interesting commercial
vehicles that could be the basis for a restoration or a rodding
project.
Chase is a friendly sort of yard owner, as long as you
make contact with him before exploring the facility. He
has been known to run off some parts hunters who failed
to get permission before entering the yard. Several neighbors
help him keep an eye on the property.
Even though we had talked with Chase before our ex-
Phone: (608) 427-6734
Web: www.clchasetowing.
com
pedition, one neighbor called and let him know there were
strangers in his Field of Dreams. Once he verified who we
were and that everything was okay, the fun continued. I
say “fun” because you never know what you might find
here.
130 AmericanCarCollector.com
f you stop in Camp Douglas, WI, and find someone with a big rig, chances are
he knows C.L. Chase. Chase’s towing company has helped many truckers in the
area at one time or another.
No, he doesn’t come out and jump a battery or change a tire, but his selfbuilt,
heavy-duty tow rigs have pulled thousands of trucks out of accidents or
Solid and complete, this 1957 Chevrolet
3800-series ambulance would make a great
candidate for restoration
There were a surprising number of cars from the
1950s, including several sought-after orphan makes
and mainstream collectibles. Several vintage buses —
some we could not even identify — were seen. Rarely
seen professional cars, especially ambulances, were in
good numbers.
Wisconsin is Rust Belt territory, and there were
plenty of cars where the metal-eating termites had a
feast, but we also found many cars that were relatively
solid.
The brush can get a bit high in the summer, and we
did encounter some blood-sucking mosquitos. Chase
said fall and spring are the best times to visit. Be sure
to wear parts-expedition clothing and footwear — and
be sure to bring along some bug repellent! A
Page 130
Showcase Gallery
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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
1948 Buick Super convertible
1966 Pontiac GTO 2-dr hard top
Rallye Green & white stripes/black. 94,000
miles. V8, 4-spd manual. Numbers matching,
rebuilt original DZ302, M20 4-speed,
PS, PB, ZL2 hood, standard interior, gauges
and console. Nut-and-bolt restoration,
one respray since new. very clean #2 condition.
Contact Charles, Ph: 206.427.9606,
email: cottageblue@msn.com. (WA)
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko coupe
WANTED FOR SERIOUS PRIVATE COLLECTOR:
1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro. Preferably
LeMans Blue or Daytona Yellow, with
4-speed. Must be 100% real car with
matching numbers, known history and professional
restoration or original condition.
Ph: 860.690.9630,email: cars@jonathansierakowski.com.
(MA)
1970 Buick GS Stage 1 2-dr hard top
Sea Foam Green/tan leather. Stunning
body-off restoration; equipped with 3-speed
transmission, power seats, power windows
and power top and original AM radio. Complete
with handbook and manual, runs and
drives beautifully. $79,500. Heritage Classics
Motorcar Company. Ph: 310.657.9699,
email: sales@heritageclassics.com. Website:
www.heritageclassics.com/inventory/
detail/1317-buick-super-convertible.html.
(CA)
1956 Pontiac Star Chief Custom
Catalina 2-dr hard top
S/N C856H10768. Sandalwood & Sun
Beige/Sandalwood & Sun Beige leather.
62,300 miles. V8, automatic. Factory 317
ci, 4-barrel carburetor, Hydramatic. Low
miles, drives nice, overall very good condition.
Professional repaint in 2006, much
trim rechromed/buffed. Newer Coker radial
tires. Original nice matching leather interior.
Comes with lots of literature, sales brochures,
etc. No PS or PB, clock does not
work. Have 2012 appraisal for $28k. Owned
11 years. Located in Portland with ’56 Oregon
license plates. $24,000 OBO. Contact
Tim, Ph: 971.279.5878. Email: twgodfrey@
hotmail.com (OR)
132 AmericanCarCollector.com
Signet Gold/black. 80,604 miles. V8, 4-sp
manual. This GTO is a real 4-speed HO
car. One of 1,591 HO convertibles built in
1967. Drivetrain is NOM, but engine was
rebuilt to HO 360-hp specs. Full body-off
rotisserie restoration in 2005, with less than
1,000 miles since. PS, PB with front discs
and tilt wheel. $80,000 OBO. Contact David,
Email: dpilkins@yahoo.com (VA)
1968 Chevrolet Camaro convertible
Red/black. 2,000 miles. V8, 3-sp manual.
Beautiful base-model Camaro that has
undergone a recent refurbishment. Fresh
S/N 136370K185271. Cranberry Red/black.
4,005 miles. V8, 4-spd manual. 454-ci
big-block engine, M22, Posi rear end with
two original and verified build sheets, built
at Kansas City Leeds plant, documented by
Rick Nelson and complete owner history.
Cowl-Induction, bucket seats, center console,
power steering and front disc brakes.
Contact Richard, Ph: 503.577.8226, email:
richmaloney@aol.com. (TX)
S/N 242176K11533. Canary Yellow/black.
V8, automatic. With a/c, manual-crank
windows and retro radio. $33,000 OBO.
Bowie Culverts LLC. Contact Jeff, Ph:
940.733.6390, email: jwt@3texploration.
com. (TX)
1967 Pontiac GTO HO convertible
paint, all-new chrome, new carpet, new
seats and top. 327 with manual transmission.
Runs and drives great, with full
documentation going back to 1968. Bought
from original owner. Rebuilt motor and
trans. Can be driven anywhere. No rust
issues, frame, floors, trunk, etc. in excellent
shape. $28,500 OBO. Contact John,
Ph: 201.317.4073, email: jrodimer@aol.
com. (NJ)
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 2-dr
hard top
1971 Oldsmobile 442 convertible
S/N 34467M151955. Saturn Gold/white.
73,000 miles. V8, 3-sp automatic. One of
1,096 automatic convertible 442s. Survivor
with 65% original paint, top and interior.
Numbers-matching block and transmission.
Highly documented with window
sticker, broadcast sheets and more. A host
of options: a/c, tach, tilt, PW, PS, power
top, AM-FM stereo, 8-track and dual-gate
shifter. Drives like new. $47,500 OBO.
Contact Jason, Ph: 414.688.0604. Email:
jstrits@sbcglobal.net Web: goo.gl/photos/
MUJXfAvGJEn37gv18 (WI)
1979 Pontiac Trans Am coupe
Black/tan. 2,879,159,334 miles. V8, 4-sp
manual. 6.6-L (403-ci), 4-bbl carb, manual
trans., W72 package, WS6 package, Pontiac
Historical Society documentation. Extensive
history/documentation including window
sticker, contract application, original 10-day
temporary permit, copies of titles and sales
of the car, repair orders dating back to 1979,
log book kept by owner in the ’80s; original
warranty info with original owner’s name
and original owner’s manual. $30,000 OBO.
Contact Craig, Ph: 214.232.2608. Email:
craigbas77@gmail.com (TX)
1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass 2-dr sedan
S/N 446370H214819. Brown/saddle. 600
miles. V8, 3-sp manual. One of 16 built
with these options, total frame-off restoration,
numbers correct, only 600 miles since
rebuild. Stage 1 with loads of power. the
3-speed on the floor is truly a rush, as it
is so long in second gear. Engine built by
professional speed shop. I give it a 4-plus
on a scale of 1 to 5. $60,000 OBO. Contact
Jeff, Ph: 920.420.2248, email: ra@centurytel.net.
(WI)
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6
2-dr hard top
78,000 miles. In same family since new.
Pristine original condition, garaged. Olds
4-bbl V8, fully equipped. No disappointments.
$12,900 OBO. Contact Sam, Ph:
706.335.6441, email: thurmondofficemgr@
gmail.com. (GA)
CORVETTE
1955 Chevrolet Corvette 265/195
roadster
S/N VE55S001661. Gypsy Red/light
beige. V8, 3-sp manual. V8 (265/195), rare
3-speed transmission, NCRS Top Flight,
1,200 miles since complete frame-off restoration.
Excellent interior and top. Fun to
drive. Contact Rodger, Ph: 971.227.1753,
email: dwights@cbbmail.com. (OR)
1957 Chevrolet Corvette convertible
S/N E57S101498. Black/red. V8, 3-spd
Page 131
Showcase Gallery
manual. 283/270 hp, 3-speed. NCRS Top
Flight (2016). Ownership history back to
1968. Two tops (hard top unrestored). Two
sets of wheels and tires. Judging sheets
available. Send email for photo gallery.
Contact Jim, Ph: 253.845.3975, email:
james.shepherd7@comcast.net. (WA)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
convertible
Hurst 4-speed. Originally black, of course.
In a Shelby collection for many years,
beautifully maintained. $135,000. Matthew
L. deGarmo Ltd. Contact Matt, Ph:
203.852.1670, email: mattcars@aol.com.
(CT)
MOPAR
1964½ Plymouth Savoy Lightweight
Race 426 Hemi Cross Ram 2-dr sedan
S/N 30867S118349. Red/red. 94,790 miles.
V8, 4-spd manual. 327/340-hp with manual
trans. Matching numbers and meticulously
cared for. Comes with both hard and soft
tops. Loads of history and paperwork and a
blast to drive. $49,500 OBO. Mark V Motors
LLC. Contact Dustin, Ph: 315.271.7828.
Email: markvmotors@aol.com (NY)
1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible
S/N 194676S118937. Sebring Silver/silver
leather. 27,588 miles. V8, 2-sp automatic.
327/300 hp “CE”, black top. Options: headrests,
AM/FM, power antenna, telescopic
column, side exhaust, knockoffs, Goldline
radials. 1991 stunning body-off restoration
and 2012 show-quality repaint. Everything
works properly and the car is a delight to
drive and show. $64,900 OBO. Contact
Greg, Ph: 317.490.3418. Email: greg@
esmindy.com (IN)
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 coupe
S/N 1G1YR26R195800499. Cyber Grey
Metallic/Dark Titanium. 7,340 miles. V8,
6-spd manual. Incredible Corvette ZR1
supercar in showroom condition, featuring
an LS9 6.2-liter, supercharged V8. Includes
all options: carbon fiber throughout, heated
seats, in-dash CD/DVD/navigation, Onstar
system, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted
controls, Bose seven-speaker stereo system,
memory package, remote, luggage
shade, climate control, head-up display and
includes original documents and accessories.
Classic Showcase. Ph: 760.758.6100,
email: webmaster@classicshowcase.com.
Website: http://classicshowcase.com/index.
php/inventory/detail/397. (CA)
FOMOCO
1966 Shelby GT350 H fastback
S/N 3141246868. White/red. 218 miles.
V8, automatic. 1964-1/2 factory Lightweight
Hemi Savoy. Shown in the 2006 Mopar
Performance calendar (copy goes to buyer)
and acknowledged by Mopar experts (Galen
Govier and others, in Davis book) as a
top-tier car. This rare car is a time capsule.
Two Govier authentications, window sticker,
original fender tag and copy for shows.
Infrequently raced in the early to mid-’60s
in the Midwest as the “Hemi Harvester“
but never fully caged, tubbed or cut up.
First-class restoration by top restorer Scott
Tiemann upon its sale to a major collector.
1990 to date largely spent in two well-maintained
collections. It has won its class and/
or Best of Show at many major West Coast
Mopar shows and high-level concours and
is acknowledged by Mopar experts as the
best seen. Never abused and used little, its
floors and unibody are factory original and
straight. Factory-original K-head engine,
correct wiring, optional front American Mags
and steel rears with period M&H slicks.
Car has unique and rare parts. The original
lightweight Corning rear window, perfect
Plexiglas side windows. Body including all
the ORIGINAL aluminum is flawless and
has all the ORIGINAL lightweight pieces
including alloy hinges, brackets, lightweight
front bumper, etc. Body and engine have
correct factory build markings and paint
swatches. Engine and trans are refreshed.
The first of the factory Mopar Super Stocks.
Will sell together with the 1968 Plymouth
Barracuda Hurst Hemi Super Stock. A
package of the first and the last factory
Mopar Super Stocks. Contact Roald, Ph:
415.608.1901. Email: tra.kasco@gmail.
com (CA)
1968 Dodge Coronet 440 2-dr hard top
S/N BO29M8B299131. Black/V8, February
of 1968 build, #75 of total run of mixed SS
Dart and Barracudas. Largely unused from
new. Never caged or tubbed, thus from ’70
on it was not allowed to run by NHRA due
to no cage. Unibody, floors and torque
boxes not twisted or bent like A-bodies that
were raced without a cage. Original black
rear carpet under large rear window unfaded,
floors have factory primer, no rust
and original taillight plastic perfect. History
from 1980 known, but ’68 delivery to ’80
unknown. Apparently, car was stored. 8¾
diff with factory heavy-duty drag axle remain.
Owned by the Hemi Club president
for many years. In magazines and pictured
painted yellow in Hemi book prior to complete
black-paint restoration. Also featured
post-restoration in Mopar 2006 calendar.
Very correct, has won many shows and
concours, in #1 condition and needs nothing.
Correct date-coded wiring, original blue
coil. Hidden MSD 6 ignition replaced dead
blue-box ignition, but have original unit.
Period-correct SW oil and temp gauges and
correct Jones mechanical tach. Brakecylinder
bores stainless bushed, correct
Hurst dual gate shifter (rare and expensive),
interior excellent, period 2 1/8-inch
Hooker headers now ceramic-coated, dual
three-inch stainless track exhaust added for
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Hurst
Hemi BO 29 Super Stock racer
shows. Car used only for show after restoration.
Car now has NOS Keystone mags
(used on Sox & Martin cars) with correctsize
Goodyear slicks. Full set of 1970 dated
Centerlines with Firestone slicks originally
on car are included. Many spare parts
acquired over the years available. For
serious Mopar collectors. Will package with
64½ Savoy Lightweight, which is the best of
the best. Own the first and last of the SS
Hemi Mopars. Hemis don’t get any better
than these iconic cars. Contact Roald, Ph:
415.608.1901. Email: tra.kasco@gmail.com
(CA)
AMERICANA
1955 Packard 400 mock convertible
coupe
Cream & tan/cream & copper. 75,000
miles. V8, 3-sp automatic. Three owners.
Restored in 2008, won Best in Class in
first show in 2009, driven sparingly since.
Gorgeous car, PW, PS, PS, PB, AT. No
rust, runs and drives excellent, needs
nothing, hop in and take to a show. This
is not a convertible but made to look like
one. $27,499 OBO. AutoArcheologist.com.
Contact Dave, Ph: 860.398.1732. Email:
Dave@AutoArcheologist.com Web: www.
AutoArcheologist.com (CT) A
S/N WH23F8G173967. Sunfire
Yellow/white. 58,257 miles. V8, 3-spd automatic.
Documented with its broadcast sheet
and driven 58,000 original miles, recent
repaint in the original color Sunfire Yellow,
paired with white top and interior. 318 V8,
2-barrel carburetor and factory air conditioning,
dual exhaust and radiator stripping
to reveal the brass upper tank. New water
pump, valve cover gaskets, intake manifold
gasket and thermostat. $29,900. Contact
Richard, email: ls3_camaro@yahoo.com.
This is without question the best-driving
GT350 ever in our inventory. Repainted
once in the 1970s, otherwise all original.
November-December 2017 133
Page 132
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)
Bonhams is the largest auction
house to hold scheduled sales
of classic and vintage motorcars,
motorcycles and car memorabilia,
with auctions held globally in
conjunction with internationally
renowned motoring events.
Bonhams holds the world-record
price for any motorcar sold at auction,
as well as for many premier
marques.
San Francisco: 415-391-4000
New York: 212-644-9001
Los Angeles: 323-850-7500
London: +44 20 7447-7447
Paris: +33 1 42 61 10 10
www.bonhams.com/motors
134 AmericanCarCollector.com
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)
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)
houses, specializing in the
procurement and sale of the
world’s finest automobiles
and vintage watercraft. www.
worldwide-auctioneers.com. (IN)
Buy/Sell/General
California Car Cover Company.
800-423-5525. More than just
custom-fit car covers, California
Car Cover is the home of complete
car care and automotive lifestyle
products. Offering the best in car
accessories, garage items, detailing
products, nostalgic collectibles,
apparel and more! Call 1-800-4235525
or visit Calcarcover.com for a
free catalog.
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—
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
Ideal Classic Cars.
855-324-0394. Our goal as a company
is to showcase the highest
investment-quality, restored classic
cars to the world; while offering
these vehicles at a fair market
price. Our attention to detail is
Classic Car Dashes.
Sales@ClassicCarDashes.com.
Specializing in reproduction and
replacement dash pads for many
of your favorite cars, trucks and
SUVs. Each pad is manufactured
as close as possible to original
specs. All dash pads offer quality
in both fit and appearance and are
manufactured in the U.S.
www.ClassicCarDashes.com (PA)
Classic Fit Covers.
sales@ClassicFitCovers.com.
Welcome to Classic Fit Covers.
We specialize in custom fit car
covers and seat protectors for
classic and modern vehicles. At
Classic Fit Covers you get quality
materials, superior craftsmanship
and fast delivery...all at a great
price. We have you covered!
www.ClassicFitCovers.com (PA)
Page 133
unsurpassed. If you are looking for
a true investment car that will go
up in value...contact us. We have
a full sales and service department.
We also provide shipping
worldwide. We are in business
simply because of our love and
passion for classic cars, trucks
and motorcycles. Let us share that
with you. www.idealclassiccars.
net (FL)
tered 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
Mustang America. 844-249-5135.
Mustang America is a new company
initially specializing in first
generation (1965–1973) Mustang
parts, interiors and accessories.
Launched by Corvette America,
Mustang America provides the
same level of world-class customer
service, product quality and
fast delivery. We look forward to
serving the vintage Mustang enthusiast.
www.MustangAmerica.com (PA)
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
Direct Connect Auto Transport.
800-668-3227. “The driver was
friendly and helped our son feel
comfortable about moving his
lowered ’59 Volkswagen Beetle
classic auto. The driver communicated
well during pick up and
delivery. It was fast, too. We spent
two days in Phoenix after the car
was picked up and it beat us back
to the East Coast.”
5-Star Reviews
Let Us Earn Yours
directconnectautotransport.com
Intercity Lines Inc. 800-221-3936.
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.
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:
McCollister’s Auto Transport.
800-748-3160.
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
info@sundayautotransport.com
Collection Management
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.
RideCache – Organize, Manage,
Preserve your Collection. Your
documentation represents 5% or
more of your vehicle’s value — yet
it is fading away in folders and
binders susceptible to loss or
damage. Let our professionals
take those binders and turn them
into organized, protected, transferable
digital resources — all for
less than the cost of a high-end
detailing service. Learn more at
ridecache.com/ACC.
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
Mid America Motorworks.
800-500-1500. America’s leader
in 1953–2016 Corvette parts
and accessories. Request a free
catalog at www.mamotorworks.
com. (IL)
Reliable Carriers Inc. 877-7447889.
As the country’s largest
enclosed-auto transport company,
Reliable Carriers faithfully serves
all 48 contiguous United States
and Canada. Whether you’ve en-
Paragon Corvette
Reproductions. 800-882-4688. At
Paragon, you’ll receive the finest
quality of 1953–96 Corvette parts
and experience in the industry.
Our catalogs and website are filled
with hundreds of helpful schemat-
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)
Corvettes for Sale
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)
ics, photos and tech-tips. Our
Vintage Department has a treasure
chest of NOS and used parts.
Look up our Stick With Us
Discount Program and our firstonline-order
savings. Call us or
visit www.paragoncorvette.com
to order today. (MI)
Volunteer Vette Products. 865521-9100.
1963–2004 Corvette
Parts and Accessories. Supplying
Corvette restoration parts and
accessories for 30 years. Visit our
website at
www.volvette.com and take advantage
of the Free Shipping offer
on orders over $150. You can also
speak with us directly by calling
865-521-9100. New parts are
added daily, so if you can’t find it,
give us a call. (TN)
FOLLOW
ACC
November-December 2017 135
Page 134
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
Events—Concours,
Car Shows
Leasing-Finance
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.
The Quail, A Motorsports
Gathering. 831-620-8879.
A prominent component of
Monterey Car Week, The Quail
is a world-renowned motorsports
event featuring one of the world’s
finest and rarest collections of
vintage automobiles and motorcycles.
The Quail maintains its
intimacy and exclusivity by limiting
admission through lottery ticket
allocations. Admission is inclusive
of six gourmet culinary pavilions,
caviar, oysters, fine wines,
specialty cocktails, champagne,
and more. Web: signatureevents.
peninsula.com. (CA)
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!
Grundy Insurance. 888-6478639.
James A. Grundy invented
Agreed Value Insurance in 1947;
no one knows more about insuring
collector cars than Grundy! With
no mileage limitations, zero deductible*,
low rates, and high liability
limits, our coverages are
specifically designed for collector
car owners. Grundy can also insure
your daily drivers, pickup
trucks, trailers, motorhomes and
more — all on one policy and all at
their Agreed Value.
www.grundy.com (PA)
Riverside Military Academy
Champions and Heroes.
404-237-2633. June 1–3, 2018
A 3-day hijinx competitive rally,
1-mile driver time trial and
juried Contest of Elegance for
Champions and Heroes (race
cars through 1974) from the
Carmel Concours on the Avenue
producer. info@rmachampionsandheroes.com,
www.rmacham-
pionsandheroes.com (CA)
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)
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)
drop 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. 253272-2336
www.lemaymarymount.org. (WA)
National Corvette Museum. 80053-VETTE.
The National Corvette
Museum in Bowling Green, KY,
was established as a 501(c)3 notfor-profit
foundation with a mission
of celebrating the invention of the
Corvette and preserving its past,
present and future. www.corvettemuseum.com.
(KY)
Parts—General
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)
136 AmericanCarCollector.com
J.C. Taylor Insurance. 800-3458290.
Antique, classic, muscle or
modified — J.C. Taylor Insurance
has provided dependable, dynamic,
affordable protection for
your collector vehicle for over 50
years. Agreed Value Coverage in
the continental U.S., and Alaska.
Drive Through Time With Peace of
Mind with J.C. Taylor Insurance.
Get a FREE instant quote online at
www.JCTaylor.com. (PA)
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
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)
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
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)
LeMay Family Collection
Foundation. LeMay Family
Collection Foundation at
Marymount Events Center near
Tacoma, WA, hosts an epic back-
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
Page 135
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)
vided the highest quality restoration
parts and accessories for:
1967–1981 Camaro
1964–1972 Chevelle & El Camino
1962–1972 Nova
Store Hours:
Tuesday–Friday 9:00 am–5:00 pm,
Saturday 10:00 am–3:00 pm.
Closed Sunday and Monday. 8705
SE Stark St, Portland OR 97216.
sales@superchev.com
www.superchev.com (OR)
National Parts Depot. 800-8747595.
We stock huge inventories
of concours-correct restoration
parts for:
Restoration—General
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
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)
Super Chevrolet Parts Co.
503-256-0098. Restoring Classic
Chevrolets Since 1980. Serving
the Chevrolet enthusiast for over 25
years. Since 1980, we have pro-
Advertisers Index
Alan Taylor Company, Inc ................... 14
American Car Collector ..................... 129
Autosport Groups .............................. 103
Barrett-Jackson ................................... 19
Barrett-Jackson ................................. 107
Camaro Central ................................... 85
CarCapsule USA ............................... 101
Carlisle Events ..................................... 17
Chevs of the 40’s ................................ 75
Corvette America ................................4-5
CoverCar Concepts ........................... 121
Custom Autosound Mfg., Inc ............ 119
EMS Automotive ................................ 123
Evapo-Rust .......................................... 33
Classic Garage Automobile
Restoration. 208.755.3334.
Classic Garage is a full service,
classic car shop offering full-restoration
and partial-restoration work,
including custom builds. Our specialty
is high-end, show-quality
body and paint work. We work with
many reputable shops around the
country that send us their projects
for bodywork and paint. We also
offer classic car collection management,
storage, consulting and
classic car valuations.
www.classicgaragellc.com (ID)
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)
Located in Irvine, CA, the Classic
Center is the only sales and restoration
facility in the U.S. exclusively
operated by Mercedes-Benz. Over
50,000 Genuine Mercedes-Benz
Classic Parts in its assortment.
From small services to full groundup
restorations, work is always true
to original. Ever-changing showcase
of for-sale vehicles. We are
your trusted source. www.mbclassiccenter.com.
(CA)
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
1-866-MB-CLASSIC. (1-866-6225277).
The trusted center of competence
for all classic
Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
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
PUT YOURSELF IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
WITH ACC PREMIUM!
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)
Factory Five Racing ............................. 91
Greensboro Auto Auction .................... 89
Grundy Insurance ................................ 21
GT Motor Cars LLC ............................. 97
Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. .......... 69
Ideal Classic Cars .............................. 6–7
JC Taylor ........................................... 109
JJ Best Banc & Co ............................ 113
JJ Rods ............................................... 95
Leake Auction Company ....................... 3
Lucas Oil Products, Inc. ...................... 99
Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ................. 125
Max Jax by Dannmar Equipment ........ 81
MCACN, LLC ....................................... 77
McCollister’s Auto Transport............. 140
Metal Rescue ..................................... 131
Metron Garage .................................. 115
www.americancarcollector.com/premium
The Insider’s Authority on Collector Car Values
Auction results on over 250,000 vehicles compiled over 29 years
Graphs, price trends, photos and more
Michael Irvine Studios ....................... 139
Mid America Motorworks .................... 13
Mosing Motorcars ............................. 121
Motorcar Classics ............................. 105
Moultrie Swap Meet ............................ 66
Mustang America .............................. 4–5
National Corvette Museum ................ 133
National Parts Depot ........................... 83
Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts, Inc. .. 123
Original Parts Group ............................ 23
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ...... 27
Park Place LTD .................................... 93
Passport Transport .............................. 73
Performance Racing Oils ..................... 78
Petersen Collector Car Auction ......... 114
Petty’s Garage ..................................... 11
Pilkington Classics Automotive Glass ... 2
Plycar Automotive Logistics ................ 87
POR-15 ................................................ 25
Premier Auction Group ........................ 15
Ronald McDonald House .................. 117
Russo and Steele LLC ......................... 41
Shelby American Collection ................ 43
Smith Auction Co. ............................... 79
Sports Car Market ............................. 117
Steve’s Auto Restorations Inc. ............ 47
Superformance .................................... 71
Swisstrax Corporation ....................... 111
The Chevy Store Inc .......................... 125
The WheelSmith ................................ 115
Thomas C Sunday Inc ....................... 129
Tub O’ Towels ..................................... 35
Volunteer Vette Products .................... 67
Zip Products, Inc. ................................ 49
November-December 2017 137
Page 136
Surfing Around
Carl Bomstead
Automobilia at Auction
Carl’s thought: “Casablanca,” staring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, was one of the greatest films ever
produced. Re-released in 1946, it gave relief to a nation that had endured years of hardship. The film far exceeded the
expectations at Warner Bros., as filming began before the cobbled-together script was completed. The 1946 poster
with artwork by Luigi Martinati measured 55 inches by 78 inches, and it might well be the only example still in
existence. Heritage, at their movie poster auction held on July 29–30 of this year, sold the poster for an astonishing
$478,000, including the buyer’s premium.
Here are a few more finds that caught our eye as we wound down from a hectic week at Pebble Beach.
EBAY #202009839098—
1914 ARKANSAS LICENSE
PLATE. Number of bids:
27. SOLD AT: $5,288. Date
sold: 8/14/2017. The 1914
Arkansas plate is hard to
find, as it is rumored that you
had to turn in your 1914 plate in order to receive the 1915. Even so,
this is a bunch for a rusty plate. The seller offered the other in the
set, which was far worse, selling it for $2,650. Okay, that’s almost
eight grand for a pair of rusty plates. I like license plates, but…
EBAY #302318017593—
ORIGINAL 1929 DUESENBERG
MODEL J INSTRUCTION
BOOK. Number of bids: Buy-ItNow.
SOLD AT: $1,500. Date
sold: 9/1/2017. This little booklet
was in excellent condition and
was full of all kinds of useful
Duesenberg information. A deep
and narrow market, but if you
have the car, then you need this.
Expensive, but nothing compared
to the cost of an actual Duesie.
EBAY #382181186689—
1947 COCA-COLA
STOCK-CAR RACING
WOOD SIGN. Number
of bids: 23. SOLD AT: $715.01. Date sold: 8/6/2017. This was a
hand-painted wood sign with a Coke button on each end. It announced
stock-car racing on Saturday night, and this was still in the
era when the drivers were wild and woolly. It had a paper label on
the back that mentioned the company that made the sign. The real
deal for not a lot of money.
EBAY #192285950588—
CARROLL SHELBY-SIGNED
VISOR WITH COA. Number
of bids: 6. SOLD AT: $610.
Date sold: 9/1/2017. Carroll
Shelby signed anything and
everything, so his autographs
are not that valuable or difficult
to find. He is no longer
with us, so they will be harder to find as time goes on. A cool display
piece — especially if your ride is one of his products.
138 AmericanCarCollector.com
EBAY #82191679567—
SIGNED HENRY AND
EDSEL FORD PHOTOGRAPH
AND 1939 FORD
LETTER. Number of bids:
43. SOLD AT: $985.50.
Date sold: 8/20/2017. This
letter and signed photograph
were presented to
Howard and Lewis Motor
Sales of Rhode Island
for selling more than 100 new Ford cars in the month of May 1939.
They were presented in an attractive frame and were in exceptional
condition. Now, Ford guys are not known for squandering their
funds, but this was worth every penny. A cool piece.
EBAY #132286800147—
1939 RPM MICKEY
MOUSE TIN SIGN. Number
of bids: 45. SOLD
AT: $2,198. Date sold:
8/20/2017. The seller did
not know what he had, as
these were actually tire
advertising inserts. They
were a series of four or
five tin inserts that were
done for RPM Motor Oil
and they all featured Walt
Disney characters. This
one was in great condition and sold for a below-market price. Have
fun finding the rest of the set.
EBAY #162618997096
—TEXACO COMPLETE
LUBRICATION
SERVICE PORCELAIN
SIGN. Number
of bids: 38. SOLD AT:
$2,183.77. Date sold:
8/20/2017. This large,
colorful sign measured
60 inches by 39 inches
and was in decent condition, with some edge wear. There are many
excellent reproductions on the market, so you are sending your
money and taking your chances. From the pictures, all looked well
here, but pictures can be deceiving. It’s a shame that everything is
now so very suspect. A