Profiles
- Hot Rod - 1939 Ford Model 91A DeLuxe Coupe
- GM - 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Nickey Stage III
- Ford - 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Lightweight
- Mopar - 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 440
- Americana - 1978 Checker Cab
- Corvette - 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Custom
- Truck - 1980 Jeep CJ-5 Wrangler Renegade
- Race - 1966 Ford Mustang SCCA A/Sedan Group 2 Racer
Search This Issue
Page 4
CAR COLLECTOR
Volume 4 • Issue 23 • September-October 2015
The Scoop: Profiles
CORVETTE
1954 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE CUSTOM
$160k / Russo and Steele
What would you do with an
early Corvette body?
— John L. Stein
Page 46
GM
1974 CHEVROLET
CAMARO NICKEY STAGE III
$94k / Mecum
Nickey’s final L88 Camaro
garners a super price
— Patrick Smith
Page 48
FoMoCo
1963 FORD GALAXIE 500
LIGHTWEIGHT
$238k / Mecum
Factory racer brings a hefty
figure on the auction block
— Tom Glatch
Page 50
MOPAR
1967 DODGE CORONET
R/T 440
$35k / Auctions America
Serious performer
at a bargain price
— Tom Glatch
Page 52
AMERICAN
™
6 AmericanCarCollector.com
Keith Martin's
Page 5
CUSTOM
1939 FORD MODEL 91A
DELUXE COUPE
$77k / Bonhams
A cool, ready-to-drive coupe
finds a new home
— Ken Gross
Page 54
AMERICANA RACE
1978 CHECKER CAB
$7,700 / Bonhams
Is this just a clapped-out
cab or a piece of American
history?
— Jeff Zurschmeide
Page 56
1966 FORD MUSTANG
SCCA A/SEDAN GROUP 2
$135k / Mecum
Mustang with the heart of a
Shelby brings market money
— Sam Stockham
Page 58
TRUCK
1980 JEEP CJ-5
WRANGLER RENEGADE
$18k / Auctions America
What’s a great classic Jeep
worth in the rising 4x4
market? — Jay Harden
Page 60
Cover photo: 1974 Chevrolet
Camaro Nickey Stage III
David Newhardt, courtesy of Mecum Auctions
1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 440, p. 52
Courtesy of Auctions America
September-October 2015
7
Page 6
The Rundown
EXPERTS’
COLUMNS
10 Torque
What is a real muscle car?
— Jim Pickering
38 Cheap Thrills
1982–84 Dodge Rampage and
1983 Plymouth Scamp
— B. Mitchell Carlson
40 Horsepower
A little legwork can reveal a lot
about the history of your car
— Colin Comer
42 Corvette Market
How to decide what to change
— and not change — on your
Corvette — John L. Stein
130 Surfing Around
Must-have automobilia
— Carl Bomstead
AUCTIONS
64 Mecum — 28th Original Spring Classic
Totals break $40m, and 835 cars sell out of 1,286 at this annual
mega-sale — B. Mitchell Carlson
74 Leake — Tulsa 2015
A 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T makes $165k, leading totals to
$11.6m, and 513 of 689 cars hammer sold — Andy Staugaard
84 Russo and Steele — Newport Beach
Sales jump 74% to $7.4m, and 173 of 343 cars go home to new garages
— Wally Marx
94 Silver — The Theodore Merickel Collection
88 cars sell without reserve for $1.2m in rural Minnesota
— B. Mitchell Carlson
106 Roundup
American vehicles from coast to coast — Daren Kloes, Dan Grunwald,
John Boyle
8 AmericanCarCollector.com
FUN
RIDES
22 Good Reads
Ford Bronco: An Illustrated
History — Mark Wigginton
24 Desktop Classics
1965 Shelby GT350 R “Charlie
Kemp” — Marshall Buck
26 Snapshots
Up close with ACM’s David
Madeira — Jim Pickering
32 Feature: Muscle Car
Verification 101
A look at the specialists who
can tell you if that LS6 or Hemi
is real — Dale Novak
SERV
DEPA
12 What’s
Car events of note
14 Crossing the Block
Upcoming auctions and
highlighted star cars
22 Parts Time
Cool parts to keep your car
on the road
24 Cool Stuff
Plywood kit car, portable
impact driver, gas-pump drink
dispenser, and the fastest
knife of all
70 Glovebox Notes
2015 Ford Mustang
Convertible Premium
82 Quick Take
1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS
454 — Alec Ebert
83 Quick Take
1974 Chevrolet Vega
Kammback wagon
— Chad Tyson
120 One to Watch
1998–2002 Pontiac Trans Am
WS6 and Special Editions
— Chad Tyson
122 The Parts Hunter
Rare parts and pieces on the
market
124 Showcase Gallery
Sell your car in ACC’s
classifieds section
126 Resource Directory
Get to know our advertisers
127 Advertiser Index
Page 8
Torque
Jim Pickering
What is a Real Muscle Car?
JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING LOOKS RIGHT DOESN’T MEAN IT IS RIGHT
D
uring the early 2000s, I worked
at an auto shop on a busy street.
And because I was outside a lot,
I saw all kinds of crazy things.
Once I watched a confused lady
in a Toyota drive right up the middle of a
telephone pole guy-wire. Another time, a
hit-and-run 5.0 Mustang convertible left its
front plate at the scene of the crime. One of
my co-workers handed it to the cops when
they arrived. “Here,” he said, “you’re looking
for the one that matches this.”
But to me, the best sights were the
old cars. I saw plenty of classic trucks,
Chevelles, Camaros, Firebirds, Mopars and
more. But at the top of the list was something
that appeared just twice over six years.
It was a ’68 Shelby GT500 convertible, both
times carrying two blue-haired old ladies to
the restaurant across the street.
From my vantage point, I could see that
it still had its factory hubcaps, and that its
gold paint was chalkboard-faded. The top
was down both times, giving a glimpse at its
period-stock interior.
Even though I never got very close to
that car, I was convinced it was the real deal.
After all, little old ladies don’t drive Shelbys
unless they’ve had them for 40 years, right?
It’s easy to imagine it spending a lifetime
hidden away in a little garage with curtains
on the windows, coming out only for special
occasions and lunch with Agnes.
SS or not an SS?
Compare that to the car I was working
on at the time — a 1971 Chevelle my boss
bought as a starting point for an SS clone. I
thought it was worth about $1,500, but it cost
him twice that.
On a rainy night about two years earlier,
my high school friend Tony brought that
very car by my house. The seller had him
convinced the car was an SS with a 396
even though there was a small block under
the hood. It had deafening two-chamber
mufflers and turndowns, and the carburetor
liked to catch fire. Black SS tape stripes sat
crooked over the hood, and its blue paint was
inches thick and star-cracked everywhere.
Tony’s car-guy friends, my dad (who
bought a ’70 SS 454 LS6 Chevelle new), and
I all questioned whether or not that thing
wore its SS stripes legitimately. He passed
on the deal after that, and after putting out
10 AmericanCarCollector.com
If it looks like an SS, drives like an SS and rumbles like an SS — bad news, it still
might not be an SS
the carburetor with his shirt for the third or
fourth time.
Now, two years later, I was staring at this
same car again, and it was my job to tear it
apart to be rebuilt. The thing was seriously
ratty, looking like it had probably gone
around the world twice. But as I got a better
look at it, this time in daylight, a couple of
things stood out.
First was a round-pod dash with a 5,500-
rpm redline tach, and second was the 12-bolt
rear end, sway bar and factory-boxed rear
control arms — something I hadn’t noticed
the last time I’d seen it.
I was blown away. All of a sudden, this
ratty old Chevelle I’d written off as a clone
was starting to look like it might be a real
SS big-block car. My boss, impressed with
his luck, had it finished as an SS with a 402,
Cranberry Red paint, black stripes and a
4-speed. But I don’t think he ever did verify
it as a legit SS.
The proof’s in the verification
If there’s one theme that runs through
every issue of ACC — especially this one,
with our muscle car verification piece on p.
32 — it’s the notion of the “real” muscle car.
In our world of values, nothing makes more
of a difference in the final dollar amount
on a car than proof it was special from day
one. The trouble is, finding that proof can be
challenging, and many buyers still tend to
rely on what they see rather than what they
can prove. Sometimes that works out just
fine, but sometimes it doesn’t.
Fortunately, as the market for old
American muscle has grown, so too has
the need for high-dollar cars to be properly
vetted before being bought or sold. After
all, a real-deal ’65 396 Corvette is worth a
lot more in the market today than a 327 car
that got a 396 Impala engine transplant in
the 1980s. That means buyers have access
to more information and experts than ever
before, and that applies to pretty much every
make and model. From basic information
through hands-on inspections, it’s all available,
and on big-money cars, the price paid
for that info is always worth it.
That ’71 Chevelle was a good lesson in
things not necessarily always being what
they seem, and as for that GT500, I still
think it was probably real. But it’s just as
possible that the little old lady driver was an
expert in building her own fiberglass Shelby
parts in that little curtained garage. After
all, I’ve seen crazier things. A
Page 10
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.
Courtesy of Mid America Motorworks
The Biggest Corvette Party of the Year
The 22nd Annual Corvette Funfest rumbles to life on September 17 in Effingham, IL, and
Shelby Cobra: The Snake
That Conquered The World
Colin Comer, Editor at Large for
American Car Collector, has published
Shelby Cobra: The Snake that Conquered
the World. Comer, one of the world’s
authorities on all things Shelby, has written
a complete history of Shelby Cobras —
including street, race and continuation cars.
The book also covers the people behind the
car — and features Carroll Shelby tributes
from Chuck Cantwell, John Morton, Henry
Ford III and others. The 272-page book is
stuffed with 246 color and 142 black-andwhite
photos. Comer also is the author of
The Complete Book of Shelby Automobiles:
Cobras, Mustangs and Super Snakes, Shelby
Cobra Fifty Years, Shelby Mustang Fifty
Years, Million-Dollar Muscle Cars and
Shelby: Cobra Mustang GT40.
Cross Carlisle Off Your
Bucket List
Combine 150 acres with 8,100 stalls
crammed to the sky with car parts, engines
and automobilia and you have the Fall
Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet &
Corral from September 30 through October
4. Thousands of gearheads make the pilgrimage
to Carlisle, PA, each year. Bring the
family, so they can help you carry out parts
or choose a new ride. Carlisle’s collector car
auction is on October 1–2. Admission is $10
from Wednesday through Saturday, and only
$7 on Sunday. An event pass is available for
$30. www.carsatcarlisle.com (PA)
12 AmericanCarCollector.com
A Duesie of a Week
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival
kicks off on August 30 and runs through
September 7, with events including a
swapmeet, mini beer tents, car shows and a
historic tour. There is something for everyone
at this automotive event for the entire
family. For a full list of events, visit www.
acdfestival.org (IN)
Courtesy of Charlotte AutoFair
the party runs through September 20. Those four days — and nights — include cruises, seminars,
concerts, a giant Corvette sale corral, a swapmeet, concerts, parties and off-the-hook
burnouts. If you’re a Corvette fan, kiss summer goodbye in a haze of hot exhaust and melted
rubber. For more information, visit www.corvettefunfest.com (IL)
Gearhead Extravaganza at Charlotte
The Charlotte AutoFair — a massive festival of 9,500 vintage-parts sellers, a 1,600-car
sale corral, car shows, car club gatherings and car exhibits — fills up the massive Charlotte
Motor Speedway in Concord, NC, and spills onto the surrounding parking areas from
September 24 through 27. www.charlotte-autofair.com (NC)A
Page 12
CROSSINGTHE
Auctions America — Auburn Fall
Where: Auburn, IN
When: September 2–6
Last year: 715/1,047 cars sold / $25.4m
• 1924 Ahrens-Fox fire truck ($180k–
More: www.auctionsamerica.com
J convertible coupe by Murphy
($1.5m–$1.75m)
Featured cars:
• 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409 “Bubbletop”
(Auctions America estimate: $80k–
$110k)
$200k)
Star Car: 1929 Duesenberg Model
Star Car: 1929 Duesenberg model J convertible coupe by murphy at
Auctions America Fall Auburn
Worldwide — The Auburn Auction
Where: Auburn, IN
When: September 5
Last year: 73/84 cars sold / $6m
Last year: 767/1,135 cars sold / $31.4m
Featured cars:
• 1968 Chevrolet Camaro resto-mod.
With LS1 and RideTech suspension
• 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435
More: www.mecum.com
More: www.worldwide-auctioneers.com
Silver
Where: Sun Valley, ID
When: September 5–6
More: www.silverauctions.com
Electric Garage — Red Deer Fall
Finale
Where: Red Deer, AB, CAN
When: September 11–12
More: www.theelectricgarage.com
Dan Kruse Classics — Hill
Country Classic
Where: Austin, TX
When: September 12
Last year: 81/192 cars sold / $1.3m
More: www.dankruseclassics.com
Mecum
Where: Dallas, TX
When: September 16–19
14 AmericanCarCollector.com
Star Car: 1970 plymouth ’Cuda 440 Six pack with 5,644 miles at mecum,
Dallas, tX
289 Dragonsnake. One of four
289 Dragonsnakes built. All-original
body and frame. One of the winningest
Cobras known, with extensive racing
history
Star Car: 1965 Shelby Cobra
coupe. With factory sidepipes
Star Car: 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda 440
Six Pack. 5,644 miles
Tom Mack Auctions — Big
Thursday
Where: Charlotte, NC
When: September 24
More: www.tommackclassics.com
Tennessee barn find
Barrett-Jackson
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: September 24–26
Last year: 704/706 cars sold / $33.3m
Upcoming auctions (Images are courtesy of the respective auction houses unless otherwise noted)
September
BLOCK
by Tony Piff
Featured cars:
• Two 1967 Ford Mustangs with S-code
390 and 4-speed. One GT fastback,
one convertible, no reserve, from local
estate
Star Car: 1959 Pontiac Catalina
convertible. One-family-owned
Featured cars:
• 1965 Shelby GT350. Licensed
continuation model with all-aluminum
427 V8, highly modified steering and
suspension, four-wheel disc brakes
and performance rubber on custom
Foose wheels
More: www.barrett-jackson.com
• 1974 Pontiac Trans Am 455 Super
Duty. Three-owner car with two build
sheets, original owner’s manual,
warranty booklet and copy of window
sticker from PHS. Less than 9,500
actual miles
Page 14
CROSSINGTHEBLOCK
Petersen
Where: Salem, OR
When: October 10
More: www.petersencollectorcars.com
The Branson Auction
Where: Branson, MO
When: October 16–17
Last year: 117/200 cars sold / $2.8m
More: www.bransonauction.com
Dragone — Fall 2015 Auction
Where: Westport, CT
When: October 17
More: www.dragoneclassic.com
Star Car: 1974 pontiac trans Am 455 Super Duty at barrett-Jackson
Las Vegas
G. Potter King
Where: Atlantic City, NJ
When: September 25–26
More: www.acclassiccars.com
Silver
Where: Portland, OR
When: September 25–26
Last year: 55/102 cars sold / $605k
More: www.silverauctions.com
VanDerBrink — The Grant Quam
Collection
Where: Boone, IA
When: September 26
• 1920 Peerless Model 56 roadster.
Highly optioned preservation-class
original, formerly in the Harrah
Collection
When: October 2–3
More: www.smithsauctioncompany.com
Bonhams — Preserving the
Automobile
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: October 5
Last year: 47/60 cars sold / $3.8m
More: www.bonhams.com
RM Sotheby’s
Where: Hershey, PA
When: October 8–9
Last year: 157/169 cars sold / $13.9m
More: www.sothebys.com
Featured cars:
• 1913 Studebaker Model 25A tourer. A
national award winner
Vicari — Cruisin’ the Coast
Where: Biloxi, MS
When: October 8–10
More: www.vicariauction.com
Mecum — Chicago 2015
Where: Schaumburg, IL
When: October 8–10
Last year: 576/930 cars sold / $15m
More: www.mecum.com
Specialty Auto Auctions —
Larimer County Fairgrounds
(The Ranch) Fall 2015
Where: Loveland, CO
When: October 17
More: www.saaasinc.com
VanDerBrink — The Harvey Bish
Collection
Where: Aurora, NE
When: October 17
More: www.vanderbrinkauctions.com
Auctions America
Where: Hilton Head Island, SC
When: October 31, 2015
More: www.auctionsamerica.com
Featured lots:
• 1980 Ford Mustang GT Enduro
prototype (Auctions America estimate:
$45k–$60k)
Star Car: 1957 Ford Thunderbird
F-code ($175k–$225k)
Collector Car Productions — The
Toronto Fall Classic Car Auction
Where: Toronto, ON, CAN
When: October 31–November 1
More: www.collectorcarproductions.comA
More: www.vanderbrinkauctions.com
OCtOber
Speedster. Documented back to
original owner
Smith’s Auction Company
Where: Cape Girardeau, MO
16 AmericanCarCollector.com
Star Car: 1957 Ford thunderbird F-code at Auctions America, Hilton Head, SC
Star Car: 1925 Kissel Gold Bug
Page 16
Publisher’s
Note
Keith Martin
Madeira. I’ve known David since long before the first concrete was
poured for the museum. He’s bright, personable, and above all else,
driven. Driven to assemble a good board of directors, driven to attract
and nurture a first-rate staff, and driven to keep America’s Car
Museum on track now and in the future.
Without people who care, we wouldn’t have museums that both
I
celebrate our automotive heritage and that also find new ways to
introduce and attract the youth of today to these machines that we are
so fond of.
In this issue you’ll also read about those experts who spend their
days decoding collectible automobiles. Kevin Marti, Galen Govier,
Jerry MacNeish, Roy Sinor and other experts will dig deep into a car
to determine how it was when it left the factory. Is the engine correct
to the car? Is the chassis tag original or a replacement? Has the color
been changed?
As the values of special cars continue to rise, it is of increasing
importance that you know exactly what you are buying. No one has
ever complained to me about paying too much for a car that was
exactly as represented. But you will hear bitter tales from those who
thought they were purchasing one thing (such as a 1965 K-code 289
Mustang) and found out they had gotten another (a car born with
a 6-cylinder and an automatic transmission that had been cleverly
“upgraded”).
Verification of the authenticity of a car has become an essential
part of our hobby. Dale Novak takes us all behind the scenes to talk
with these men, and learn what they see when they are looking at a
car — for you. A
Building the Future
’ve been on the board of LeMay—America’s Car Museum, for
over a decade. I have watched as it has gone from what seemed
like a crazy dream to one of the two most prominent automotive
institutions — along with the Petersen Automotive Museum in
Los Angeles — west of the Mississippi.
In this issue, Jim Pickering interviews the CEO of ACM, David
CAR COLLECTOR
Volume 4, Number 5
September-October 2015
publisher Keith Martin
executive editor Chester Allen
editor Jim Pickering
Art Director Dave Tomaro
Digital media Director Jeff Stites
editor at Large Colin Comer
Auctions editor Tony Piff
Senior Associate editor Chad Tyson
Copy editors Yael Abel, Dave Tomaro
Auction Analysts Andy Staugaard
Dan Grunwald
Pat Campion
Jeremy Da Rosa
Adam Blumenthal
Michael Leven
Cody Tayloe
Joe Seminetta
Daren Kloes
Contributors Carl Bomstead
Colin Comer
John Draneas
Michael Pierce
Jay Harden
Mark Wigginton
Information technology Brian Baker
Lead Web Developer Scott Correy
SeO Consultant Michael Cottam
Advertising and events
manager Erin Olson
Financial manager Cheryl Ann Cox
print media buyer Wendie Martin
ADVertISINg SALeS
Advertising executives Darren Frank
darren.frank@AmericanCarCollector.com
877.219.2605 x 214
Cindy Meitle
cindy.meitle@AmericanCarCollector.com
877.219.2605 x 213
Steve Kittrell
steve.kittrell@AmericanCarCollector.com
877.219.2605 x 211
SubSCrIptIONS
Subscriptions manager Meredith Volk
Subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 1
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M–F
service@AmericanCarCollector.com
503.253.2234 fax
@AmericanCCMag
COrreSpONDeNCe
phone 503.261.0555
Fax 503.253.2234
General P.O. Box 4797
Portland, Oregon 97208
Fedex/DHL/upS 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100
Portland, Oregon 97232
email help@AmericanCarCollector.com
Feedback comments@AmericanCarCollector.com
Web www.AmericanCarCollector.com
Travis Shetler
Jack Tockston
Mark Moskowitz
Phil Skinner
John Boyle
Doug Schultz
Pierre Hedary
Wallace Marx
B. Mitchell Carlson
Ken Gross
Tom Glatch
John L. Stein
Marshall Buck
Dale Novak
AMERICAN
JOIN US
Chad Tyson
go inside one of the country’s premier automotive
museums, p. 26
18 AmericanCarCollector.com
American Car Collector magazine (ISSN# 2164-1323) is published bimonthly by
Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232.
pOStmASter: Send address changes to American Car Collector, PO Box 4797, Portland,
OR 97208. The information in American Car Collector magazine is compiled from
a variety of reliable sources. However, we disclaim and deny any responsibility or liability
for the timeliness, use, interpretation, accuracy and completeness of the information
presented. All material, data, formats, and intellectual concepts in this issue © 2015 by
American Car Collector, LLC, Automotive Investor Media Group, Inc., and Automotive
Investor in this format and any other used by American Car Collector magazine.
Copyright registered with the United States copyright office. PRINTED IN USA
Keith Martin's
Page 18
YOUR TURN
Tell us what’s on your mind
Price of a 409?
I am a subscriber to American Car
Collector. I enjoy the magazine, and I also
enjoy watching “What’s My Car Worth?”
As part of my subscription, I recently
received the Pocket Price Guide. Like
everyone else, I guess, the first thing I did
was look for my particular collector car...
unfortunately, without success.
I have a 1965 Impala SS convertible. It’s
a numbers-matching 409 car with factory
4-speed. The car is triple white, 83,000
miles. It has PS, PB and PW — also an AM/
FM radio.
Anyway, I can find a listing for a 1965
Impala with the 396 engine, but not the 409.
Can you help?
— Stephen Gerbic, Murrieta, CA
Senior Associate Editor Chad Tyson
responds: Thanks for the note, Stephen.
That’s quite the rare beast you’ve got there.
Chevrolet only installed the 409 in the updated
Impala for a brief window early in the
1965 model-year run. That run totaled 2,828
SS Impalas, divided by 26% for the 400-hp
high-performance L31 option and 74% for
the standard 340-hp L33 big block.
Considering the SS 409 was a mere 1.2%
of the 1965 SS production run, and Chevy
made 57,292 396-equipped cars, there’s little
wonder that few pricing publications list
your car.
Few 1965 SS 409 convertibles come to
sale, so direct, current-market comparables
are spotty. Mecum sold one at Indy for
$37k (see Market Report, p. 66), but that’s
it for this year. Using our Price Guide as a
starting point, we can figure out a ballpark
estimate for a #2 SS 409 convertible.
We list a 1965 SS convertible at $22,000–
$32,000. If we add the 20% premium we
usually see for the SS 396 options, that
brings us up to $26,400–$38,400. But I don’t
see that as a good indication for the market
value of your car.
We note a 30% increase for the previous
generation (1961–64) Impalas with the 409.
Using that instead of the SS 396 premium
gives us a range of $28,600–$41,600, which
I’d consider more reasonable.
Let’s not forget the 4-speed factor, which
we list at a 15%–25% premium. At max
value there, that would boost our valuation
to a $35,750–$52,000 range. That doesn’t
take into account condition, mileage and
other options, but hopefully it gives you a
starting place.
Look for your car to be listed in the next
ACC Pocket Price Guide update, available
digitally in early October.
20 AmericanCarCollector.com
Courtesy of Auctions America
1974 Stutz blackhawk — where’s the love?
ZR-1s at auction?
I enjoy your magazine and the coverage
of the various auctions.
I was disappointed, though, in your
coverage of the Mecum Kansas City auction,
where a number of ZR-1 Corvettes came
across the block. You made no mention of
this, nor whether the closing bids were an
indication of the cars’ values.
— Edward Ryan, Columbus, NJ
Auctions Editor Tony Piff responds:
Time and space limitations mean we
can’t inspect, photograph and feature in
print every car offered for sale, Edward.
However, the ACC Premium Auction
Database shows full results for pretty much
every collector car auction, including 310
ZR-1 sales since 2006.
Since 2010, prices have hung in the
$20k–$40k range, which lines right up with
the five ZR-1s at KC. Values don’t appear
to be going up, but they’re not going down,
either.
Valuing the Stutz
The article in the August 2015 issue by
Jay Harden about the Stutz Blackhawk is
appalling in its ridicule of the car as a collectible.
The author must have been given an
assignment to find some auction result and
ridicule the outcome.... “Tear down some
vehicle, any vehicle, to make the magazine
look objective.” He certainly beat on the car
and the auction, but where is the objectivity?
He starts the article stating the many
excellent reasons to own the Stutz as a
collectible: design by Ghia, very limited
production, hand-built in Italy, 425 hp,
luxurious, celebrity lineage galore, etc. All
good reasons to own the car. Then he goes
on paragraph after paragraph belittling the
design, the luxury, the uniqueness, and
complaining that although the car is based
on a Pontiac Grand Prix, it achieved a sales
price of $49,500.
Yet in the same issue of ACC, it is ap-
parently perfectly okay if a 1958 Cadillac
that had been slightly modified brought in
$324,500, and a pedestrian 1957 Pontiac
Bonneville brought $209,000. Even a highproduction
Oldsmobile 98 sold for $187,000,
and a humble 1970 Dodge Dart went for
$170,500. Where is the objectivity relative to
the Stutz?
The Stutz is closer to the Cadillac, if
anything, yet the author bashes the car and
the auction, perhaps because he prefers
muscle cars.
— Harry J. Benedict, via email
Jay Harden responds: Thanks for your
letter, Harry. First, let me be clear: I can
assure you that I’ve never been assigned an
auction or vehicle to ridicule for the sake of
objectivity. That’s just not what we do.
I disagree with your assertion that the
Stutz belongs in a conversation alongside
the 1958 Cadillac Biarritz “Raindrop” prototype
for a number of reasons, not the least
of which is the respective dollar amounts
required to drive each one home. Evaluating
transactions based on the current and future
state of the market is the primary focus of
our work here, and the conversation on the
Stutz had to be shaped by the $50,000 that
exchanged hands for its ownership.
When compared to the enormous sums
you’ve referenced in your letter, $50k may
seem like a number not worth losing sleep
over. However, that number is significantly
higher than the average we’ve seen on the
Stutz up to this point, so, in that context, I
had to put the iron to the fire.
Let me also be clear that I understand
that, at the end of the day, monetary value
has little to do with personal affinity. Am I
a fan of the Stutz? No. But that really is, I
promise you, irrelevant to our argument.
Until we see more no-history Stutz
Blackhawks sell for $50k at auction, I’ll
stick with my analysis. But as always, the
market speaks loudest, and I’m listening.A
Contact us at: American Car Collector, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
or online at comments@americancarcollector.com
Page 20
GOODREADS by Mark Wigginton
Ford Bronco: An Illustrated History
by Paul McLaughlin, Enthusiast Books, 128 pages, $25.08, Amazon
My first experience with a Bronco was in central Missouri, way back in college (Nixon was
hanging on to his office). My news photographer buddy Len knocked at the door, let’s just say well
after he should have. “Blues?” he said, holding a sixer of Pabst Blue Ribbon, and not ironically.
“Let’s go for a ride.”
It was high summer, and I walked out to this thing: deep
blue, boxy, high off the ground and utilitarian. It was the first
Bronco I had seen. Covered in the remains of suicidal bugs
and red mud, it looked dangerous. “Cool, let’s go.”
The only thing this sports-car guy recognized at a genetic
level was the lack of any roof. With the promise of bugs in our
teeth, off we went for several hours of bashing through underbrush
along dirt roads, finally winding up at an abandoned
quarry for an early morning swim.
It’s like I was channeling Ford’s marketing of the new
Bronco. Ford, in their advertising, positioned the Bronco as
an all-purpose vehicle and a new kind of sports car, aimed at
the same youth market that had made the Mustang an instant
hit. Check, check, check.
Paul McLaughlin revisits the history of the brand in Ford
Bronco, from groundbreaking attempts to beat Jeep at their
own game, through the inevitable, ever larger and more
luxurious years to the bitter end.
It’s a tale told mostly in photos, of barn-find Broncos to
trailer queens to hot-rodded off-road beasts. McLaughlin adds in lots of advertising, spec sheets,
build lists and more for the folks who might be thinking about buying a runner or a restoration
project — there are even models and toy collectibles.
Whether you are looking for a basic 6-cylinder 1966 with cut-down doors and folding windshield,
or a fully loaded ’90s-era Eddie Bauer Edition with a 5-liter V8, Ford Bronco walks you through the
history and the options with the ease of a jaunt down a dirt road on a warm summer night.
PARTSTIME by Chad Tyson
Cr Spotless Car-Wash System
How many of us would trust air-drying a high-gloss black car?
How many have unintentionally
done just that, say after washing
the car on a hot day, in the sun, and
ended up with a bunch of water
spots?
When we see water spots, we’re
looking at dissolved solids that
remain after the water evaporates.
CR Spotless’ de-ionized water-
filtration system promises to give
you a faster, better, spotless wash
each time. De-ionizing water
removes a significant amount of dissolved
solids (calcium, magnesium,
potassium, etc.). Fewer minerals
mean fewer water spots.
No drying means more time to
actually enjoy the vehicle. Superspecial
bonus? No more micro
scratches from chamois or towels.
Prices range from $299.99 for the medium-output (approximately
150 gallons) wall-mounted system up to $449.99 for the high-output
(approximately 300 gallons) rolling system (pictured here). Visit
crspotless.com or call 1-800-350-9993.
22 AmericanCarCollector.com
Lineage:
Paul McLaughlin has been writing
about all things Ford for more than
30 years, from pickups to station
wagons, and he knows his way
around the history of the Blue Oval.
His love of Broncos started 50 years
ago with his first taste of off-roading in
a 289 Bronco.
Fit and finish:
This is less a coffee-table book
and more like a long-read magazine
special edition, with acceptable
printing and basic design, essentially
following the fit and finish of an
original Bronco.
Drivability:
In a folksy and simple style,
McLaughlin introduces the uninitiated
to the joys of the Bronco. It’s not
much more than an introduction and
overview, with no in-depth, behindthe-scenes
stories about how it all
came about. However, it is a fine
meet-and-greet with a vehicle that
helped create a market where one
hadn’t existed before.
is best
New products to modernize your street machine
Classic Industries’ 2015 mopar Catalog
Classic Industries has
earnestly ramped up their
repop and aftermarket Mopar
offerings over the past couple
of years.
The 2015 Mopar Parts and
Accessories Catalog is 552
pages crammed full of the
best and newest parts to put
on your 1961–76 A-, B- and
E-body cars. They’ve got
nearly all of it: from 1969
A-body Coachman grain visors
to 1974 B- and E-body
tailpipe hangers and all the
bits and pieces in between.
As a parts company,
Classic Industries offers
over 150,000 different
parts for a wide swath of
American makes and models.
Go to classicindustries.
com or call 1-855-35PARTS
(72787) to order your
free catalog.
Page 22
COOLSTUFF
MAX Power in Your Hand
If you’ve ever wrenched on a car, you’ve come across a bolt that just won’t
budge. Maybe it’s a lug nut that’s too tight, or a suspension component that
hasn’t been apart in 30 years — regardless, you need power to get it loose, otherwise
your project is dead in your driveway.
The solution to that problem used to be a heavy-duty air compressor and a
pneumatic impact wrench. But DeWalt’s new 20V MAX brushless impact drivers
skip the air lines, giving you 1,200-ft-lbs of breakaway torque and long life
from 20-volt lithium ion batteries.
They’re available in three drive sizes, including half-inch, feature three
speeds for great control, and come with an LED work light to ill
you’re doing. They pack a real punch for their seven-pound weig
you can take it places air lines don’t reach.
Pack one with you on that long trek to Hot August Nights or t
Dream Cruise and be ultra-prepared for roadside flat repairs. Pri
$229 to $499. Get it at www.dewalt.com.
Plywood Goods
The build-
it-yourself
Flatworks
PlyFly go-kart
arrives in three
boxes: one for
the engine, one
for the hardware,
and one
for the 13-ply Baltic Birch plywood structure. You supply the gas.
Assembly takes about a day and requires only the most basic tools:
hammer, power screwdriver, Allen wrenches, two crescent wrenches
and sandpaper. The 2-hp kit ($790) is rated for up to 125 pounds and
17 mph. The 4-hp ($885) carries 135 pounds up to 25 mph. Both feature
rack-and-pinion steering, a disc brake, and a smartphone mount
for onboard video. The wooden parts are fabricated in Rhode Island.
www.theflatworks.com.
COOLSTUFF
COOLSTUFF
COOLSTUFF
UFF
MAX Power in Your Hand
If you’ve ever wrenched on a car, you’ve come across a bolt that j
STUFF
MAX Power in Your Hand
If you’ve ever wrenched on a car, you’ve come across a bolt that just won’t
budge. Maybe it’s a lug nut that’s too tight, or a suspension component that
hasn’t been apart in 30 years — regardless, you need power to get it loose, other-
wise your project is dead in your driveway.
The solution to that problem used to be a heavy-duty air compressor and a
pneumatic impact wrench. But DeWalt’s new 20V MAX brushless impact driv-
ers skip the air lines, giving you 1,200-ft-lbs of breakaway torque and long life
from 20-volt lithium ion batteries.
They’re available in three drive sizes, including half-inch, feature three
speeds for great control, and come with an LED work light to ill
you’re doing. They pack a real punch for their seven-pound weig
you can take it places air lines don’t reach.
Pack one with you on that long trek to Hot August Nights or t
Dream Cruise and be ultra-prepared for roadside flat repairs. Pri
$229 to $499. Get it at www.dewalt.com.
Plywood Goods
The build-
it-yourself
Flatworks
PlyFly go-kart
arrives in three
boxes: one for
the engine, one
for the hard-
ware, and one
for the 13-ply Baltic Birch plywood structure. You supply the gas.
Assembly takes about a day and requires only the most basic tools:
hammer, power screwdriver, Allen wrenches, two crescent wrenches
and sandpaper. The 2-hp kit ($790) is rated for up to 125 pounds and
17 mph. The 4-hp ($885) carries 135 pounds up to 25 mph. Both fea-
ture rack-and-pinion steering, a disc brake, and a smartphone mount
for onboard video. The wooden parts are fabricated in Rhode Island.
www.theflatworks.com.
that
that looks like a bottle opener)
catches the pocket’s inside
seam. By the time the knife is
out, it’s already locked open,
ready for action. The Emerson
Snubby is a serious tactical
knife with a full-sized 4.8-inch
handle, but the 2.7-inch blade
complies with knife laws pretty
much everywhere. Check your
local regulations to be sure.
Made in the U.S.A. $208–$217
from www.bladehq.com.
DESKTOPCLASSICS by Marshall Buck
1965 Shelby gt350 r “Charlie Kemp”
No self-respecting Shelby collector should
be without one of these models; it represents the
“winningest” Shelby to put rubber to the road.
Driven by Charlie Kemp, it garnered 32 wins from
1968 to 1970, 17 of which were straight victories.
It also set 16 lap records, along with holding the
record for being the fastest 289-powered Shelby
ever.
ACME Trading has produced this limited-run
model in commemoration of the 50th anniversary
of the GT350. Older tooling was revived with
various upgrades and details. The only giveaway
to the age are the “dog-leg” door hinges, painted flat gray to match the rest of the Spartan race cockpit. All the
basics are there, along with engine, but minimally detailed. Fit and finish is very good, but corners were cut
inside and out on fine detailing. Nonetheless, this is worth making space for in your collection.
24 AmericanCarCollector.com
Detailing
Scale: 1:18
Available colors: White with blue
stripes
Quantity: 996
Price: $134.95
Production date: 2015
Web: www.acmediecast.com
Ratings
Detailing:
½
Accuracy:
Overall quality:
Overall value:
is best
by Tony Piff and Jim Pickering
Party at the Pump
Top off your tank with this
miniature
gas-pump
drink dispenser.
The
pumps
are
made of
chromeplated
steel, and
the reservoir
holds up to 32 ounces of
your beverage of choice. $29.97
from www.genuinehotrod.
com.
Page 24
SNAPSHOTS
Building America’s
Courtesy of LeMay Museum
David madeira, CeO of the Lemay—America’s Car museum,
met with ACC to discuss the museum’s past and future
CEO DAVID MADEIRA DISCUSSES
CARS, COLLECTING, AND HOW
MUSEUMS STAY RELEVANT TODAY
Story by Jim Pickering • Photos by Chad Tyson
the museum became what it is today, how it’s different than other car
museums in the U.S., and what’s in store for it in the future.
J
ACC: This all started with Harold LeMay. Can you tell us a little
about him and his collection?
Like most American males in the 20th century, Harold LeMay had
a connection with automobiles. That connection turned into a passion.
Harold grew up in rural Washington. He went off to World War II,
came back, and had no idea what he was going to do. He had no money.
Eventually, he saved up and bought a truck and started hauling trash.
He turned his company — Harold LeMay Enterprises — into one of
the largest in the country. He made a lot of money.
He began to pay drivers to find cool cars. Over time, he gathered
rather than collected cars. He had over 3,000 cars when he died in
2000. The exact number will never be known — he didn’t know.
I used the word gathered… He really wasn’t a collector in the true
sense. The power of all this is how it relates to America. Harold was a
common guy, and he loved America. He loved to travel, loved people,
loved to collect cars. He collected the cars and trucks and motorcycles
of everyday life, and that’s something people can really relate to.
26 AmericanCarCollector.com
ust off Interstate 5 in Tacoma, WA, sits a shiny, sleek,
stainless-steel covered building full of classic cars. Opened to
the public in 2012, The LeMay—America’s Car Museum is
one of the largest museums of its kind in the country. We sat
down with museum CEO David Madeira to talk about how
more than 1,000 cars populate the museum, with examples from Ha
ACC: How did the museum get its start, and how did it get to
where it is today?
Before Harold passed, his lawyers said to him, “You’re going to
lose your collection unless you set up a charitable organization or
museum as a nonprofit. Put the collection in that and that will take
care of it.” They did back in ’97. The board saw the potential for a
museum, and so business leaders here went to the family, wanting to
get involved and give the collection a proper venue.
Harold signed an agreement with the city of Tacoma that there
would be at least 600 cars for a museum if the city would give them a
spot for it.
I had no background in museums, but in strategic planning and
marketing and fundraising. I saw a Wall Street Journal article about
the death of Harold LeMay, his collection, and the plan for a museum.
We were just finishing dinner, and I said to my wife, “Cars are fun,
Puget Sound is beautiful, and it looks like they’re really trying to do
something different here that hasn’t been done before.” They were
Page 25
Car Museum
“This needed to be a destination,
not really a museum. This needed
to be a place that centers itself
around the car enthusiast
community, provides opportunity for
that community, does a legitimate
service to the community.”
to be a place that centers itself around the car enthusiast community,
provides opportunity for that community, does a legitimate service
to the community, and is also a destination so that we’re active and
relevant in the world today.
The whole point from the very beginning was the drive to make
America’s Car Museum. We knew we had to make it relevant to
everyone. We wanted to engage Americans with their love affair with
the car.
To get corporate support, it couldn’t be just about Harold LeMay.
It will always honor him and it will always keep his collection as its
core, but it really needed to be about all of us. We have 70 corporate
sponsors today. No other car museum in the country has that many
corporate sponsors.
ACC: How many cars are here as part of the museum now? Are
there still LeMay cars that aren’t a part of the museum as it sits
now, where are they, and are there plans to rotate them in and out of
display here?
The original review by the collection committee was looking at
arold Lemay’s collection rotating in and out at various times
looking for a CEO. So I threw my hat in, got the job, and we moved
out here in August of 2002.
Our team traveled around to different museums. We concluded
that this needed to be a destination, not really a museum. This needed
1,200 to 1,500 cars. So from the very beginning there was a recognition
that not all of them would come here. They LeMay Family ultimately
agreed to give about 700 cars. I would say at any one time, because we
bring a lot of other cars in here, there are 150 to 300 LeMay cars in the
museum. The rest stay on the LeMay property and we rotate them out.
ACC: What criteria did the museum use to select cars from the
collection for display?
We wanted to show the breadth of American history — the breadth
in terms of age, make, and then type. What was relevant? Station
wagons were relevant, minivans someday will be relevant. Sports cars,
motorcycles, what’s the range?
What this museum needs to do is to tell stories and use the vehicles
to do it. To tell stories about America’s culture, our experiences with
the automobile — good and bad — and about where it’s been and
where it’s going.
The collection committee is now being led by McKeel Hagerty,
and the team has just started to define what we want the collection to
look like in 25 years — again with the notion that it’s about celebrating
America’s love affair with the car, and that includes British cars,
Japanese cars, German cars, Yugos, and more.
relevancy to American history was important to museum
organizers, so station wagons are displayed
ACC: You’ve been operating since 2012. How has the general
public’s reception of ACM been since opening day?
September-October 2015 27
Page 26
SNAPSHOTS
Phenomenal. I get almost zero complaints, but I do get nice notes
from people who have come from all over the world and have taken the
time to write a note to the CEO because of the kind of place that it is.
On opening day, there were over 1,000 media stories. USA Today
called it one of the “top eight cultural openings in the world in 2012,”
and Condé Nast Traveler tweeted about it. The New York Times has
covered us a few times, so the media coverage has been good.
We have had visitors from 41 countries that I know of, and all the
states.
ACC: Museums have a stigma of being static, which I can see as
being a challenge for a business that seeks to bring in repeat visitors.
How has ACM worked to keep things fresh?
I had a woman come up to me and say, “I came to sit with my iPad
because I had no interest in coming to this museum. I didn’t really want
to come but my husband did. We’ve been here three hours and I haven’t
looked at my iPad once. This place is awesome!”
We have to reach the general public, and I think that’s where
we’re different from most car museums. We’re trying to focus on the
American experience.
We have a full-time curator, and we look at what’s coming up —
you know, Mustang’s going to do a launch, Corvette’s going to do a
launch — those are easy. We’ve defined certain areas, so we have one
area about alternative energy — that’s always the theme but it will
slowly evolve. We’ve also got cultural exhibits such as Route 66 and
British Invasion. Cultural stories.
We’re working on a three- to five-year plan of what we want in our
galleries, and how were going to mix things up, so that we can go seek
funding. Companies like Ford need lead time. We have 12 different
galleries, and if you put a quarter of a million dollars into a major
exhibition, it’s going to be up there for a year or two. So we have a mix
in the less costly spaces, and we can turn them over every six months
or three months. BMW was here all week for the U.S. Open, so we had
a big BMW display upstairs, picking up in their presence. We need to
tell a range of stories, and go out to get the cars people want to see.
ACC: ACM has had a number of special exhibits, like the Ford
F-series truck, muscle cars, wagons, Route 66, etc. What’s been most
popular?
Everybody loves the Ford F-series. It’s the number-one selling
vehicle of all time — what is it, 40 years running? Well then, if that’s
reaching the rancher, the guy like me, and the woman taking her horse
to the polo field, we can capture a lot of people with that. That’s been
the most popular. But the Mustangs and Corvettes have their passionate
the Ford F-series trucks have proven an extremely popular
display
folks who come out, and I think that’s important to always remember.
Those subsets — I mean, the Corvette guys won’t even look at anything
else.
ACC: One of the biggest topics in the old-car world today is how
to get kids interested in classic cars. What is ACM doing to get young
people actively involved in the hobby?
We have a really good director, Debbie Kray, who worked in
education at the small level, and she’s really reaching out to the schools.
We have a Kid Zone with fun activities like the Pinewood Derby and
box-car racing that they can get into. We’ve also got our junior judging
going on for the Pacific Northwest Concours, trying to get kids in
middle school and high school a more real experience.
The really significant one is our Hagerty education program, and
its not going to be in vast numbers, but it’s what really distinguishes us
from any other car museum in the country, maybe even the world.
With the Hagerty education program, we’re not only providing
modes of support to places like McPherson or the wooden boat building
school, we’re providing scholarships to young people to go to
those places. We’re providing internships for them in the summer to
go to places like this and other museums to get more in depth, and this
year the big shift was we only started with one. We gave a graduate of
Pennsylvania College of Technology a full-time apprenticeship in Keith
Flickinger’s shop.
If you go back to Europe and the notion of the guilds, you had the
apprentice and the journeymen and the craftsman. We’re starting to
identify master craftsman who are willing to take on young people
to bring them into their shops. I hope that this year we put five young
people into shops with the Paul Russells and the Rob Myers and get
them into the profession. If we can do 10 to 20 of those a year, what
an impact we would have on the car community. That’s what I’m most
proud of in terms of the impact on young people and what this place is
all about.
ACC: Where do you see ACM in five years? Ten years?
I talked about our membership program. It has different names at
different levels. But at $1,200 a year on an annual basis, its called Club
Auto, and we’ve got a clubhouse in Denver with about 40 members.
Up in Kirkland we have a club. We’re looking in Michigan and a bit in
Scottsdale. It’ll be different in each locale, but the idea is there will be
opportunities to take part in organized driving events you can go to as
a member that other people can’t go.
I want that to be a more active part of us than it is, and for us to be
educational programs and fun activities for children are
helping the museum build a future clientele
28 AmericanCarCollector.com
known at all levels to be an active environment. Here you won’t pay
your membership so you can come in unlimited times — you’ll pay
your membership because you’ll belong to something that’s an active
entity. I think we will be. A
Page 30
FEATUREMUSCLE CAR VERIFICATION
bOSS Or buSt:
CONSuLtINg tHe eXpertS
OF muSCLe CAr VerIFICAtION
DETECTING WHAT’S REAL AND NOT REAL IN TODAY’S MUSCLE CAR
MARKET CAN BE CHALLENGING, BUT THERE ARE RESOURCES
OUT THERE FOR BUYERS WHO DEMAND THE REAL THING
by Dale Novak
market can be challenging
buyers who want to be as s
they’re buying is what it a
recognized experts have m
business of providing ever
from general information t
in-depth inspections on
vintage American iron —
the key info you need to
have before you buy.
So, as a buyer, where
I
should you start? Here are
some of the basics.
Are you in over
your head?
It’s a fact that there are m
big-block Corvettes, Hem
and 396 Camaros in the m
than were ever built in De
There are also rebodied ca
fraudulent VIN numbers, r
counterfeit original equipm
trim tags, and more. Let’s n
cloak-and-dagger gang are a
paperwork such as build s
32 AmericanCarCollector.com
s that LS6, Hemi or B
LS6, Hemi or Boss? W
chunk of money on a c
can you tell it’s as it w
reproduction badges a
Detecting what’s real — a
Page 31
The expert opinion
So, especially on high-level cars, it pays
for buyers to get in touch with someone who
really knows the cars and how they were
built — someone who is familiar with all
the special little details of that Boss 302,
LS6 Chevelle and Hemi Road Runner.
Someone who can, with a reasonable degree
of certainty, instruct you on whether the
car you’re looking at is indeed genuine and
worth the money you’re about to lay down.
If you’ve ever been to a classic-car auction,
Protect-O-Plates, factory order records, NCRS paperwork, and even
PHS documents and Marti Reports. It’s the dark side of the hobby, but
you can’t ignore it — especially when your money is on the line.
Just because you owned a great old muscle car 35 years ago
doesn’t make you an expert when it comes to buying one today. That
can be a hard pill for a seasoned gearhead to swallow, but you can’t
argue with the fact that a know-it-all independent attitude can cost
you plenty in a market where everything is not always what it seems
to be.
or watched one on television, you’ve likely
heard the terms “PHS documentation, Galen
paperwork, Jerry MacNeish-certified, Marti
Report and NCRS documentation.” The list
goes on with other names tossed around, such
as inspected by David Wise or Roy Sinor or
even our own Editor-at-Large Colin Comer.
Of course, there are others, too, usually
make-specific, but the aforementioned
names and services are well known in the
classic-car world and referred to often with
hevrolets, Pontiacs and
y, no list would be comd
to the great folks over
vette Restorers Society
udes far too many names
he expert opinion
So, especially on high-level cars, it pays
for buyers to get in touch with someone who
really knows the cars and how they were
built — someone who is familiar with all
the special little details of that Boss 302,
LS6 Chevelle and Hemi Road Runner.
Someone who can, with a reasonable degree
of certainty, instruct you on whether the
car you’re looking at is indeed genuine and
worth the money you’re about to lay down.
If you’ve ever been to a classic-car auction,
Protect-O-Plates, factory order records, NCRS paperwork, and even
PHS documents and Marti Reports. It’s the dark side of the hobby, but
you can’t ignore it — especially when your money is on the line.
Just because you owned a great old muscle car 35 years ago
doesn’t make you an expert when it comes to buying one today. That
can be a hard pill for a seasoned gearhead to swallow, but you can’t
argue with the fact that a know-it-all independent attitude can cost
you plenty in a market where everything is not always what it seems
to be.
or watched one on television, you’ve likely
heard the terms “PHS documentation, Galen
paperwork, Jerry MacNeish-certified, Marti
Report and NCRS documentation.” The list
goes on with other names tossed around, such
as inspected by David Wise or Roy Sinor or
even our own Editor-at-Large Colin Comer.
Of course, there are others, too, usually
make-specific, but the aforementioned
names and services are well known in the
classic-car world and referred to often with
hevrolets, Pontiacs and
y, no list would be com-
d to the great folks over
vette Restorers Society
udes far too many names
k
k at a few of the resources
elp you find your
s to making a sound,
rmed decision to buy an
t-grade classic car.
opars
here are two well-
cted services out there that
elp guide you with regards
hings Mopar: Galen
, who operates GTS in
n, and David Wise, who
MC Detroit in Michigan.
ffer various decoding
ervices to help you verify
y of just about any Dodge,
mouth — especially for
e muscle cars.
ces start at $100. You can
e of his White Books at
h include all sorts of data
s website lists plenty of
s and resources as well.
rvices start at $50 for
ecoding with various
ervices from there. His
ludes literally thousands
s of “right” cars and is
mprehensive digital liaphic
evidence available.
oit website is loaded with
r you “Mopar or no car”
n
So, especially on high-level cars, it pays
for buyers to get in touch with someone who
really knows the cars and how they were
built — someone who is familiar with all
the special little details of that Boss 302,
LS6 Chevelle and Hemi Road Runner.
Someone who can, with a reasonable degree
of certainty, instruct you on whether the
car you’re looking at is indeed genuine and
worth the money you’re about to lay down.
If you’ve ever been to a classic-car auction,
Protect-O-Plates, factory order records, NCRS paperwork, and even
PHS documents and Marti Reports. It’s the dark side of the hobby, but
you can’t ignore it — especially when your money is on the line.
Just because you owned a great old muscle car 35 years ago
doesn’t make you an expert when it comes to buying one today. That
can be a hard pill for a seasoned gearhead to swallow, but you can’t
argue with the fact that a know-it-all independent attitude can cost
you plenty in a market where everything is not always what it seems
to be.
or watched one on television, you’ve likely
heard the terms “PHS documentation, Galen
paperwork, Jerry MacNeish-certified, Marti
Report and NCRS documentation.” The list
goes on with other names tossed around, such
as inspected by David Wise or Roy Sinor or
even our own Editor-at-Large Colin Comer.
Of course, there are others, too, usually
make-specific, but the aforementioned
names and services are well known in the
classic-car world and referred to often with
hevrolets, Pontiacs and
y, no list would be com-
d to the great folks over
vette Restorers Society
udes far too many names
k at a few of the resources
elp you find your
s to making a sound,
rmed decision to buy an
t-grade classic car.
opars
here are two well-
cted services out there that
elp guide you with regards
hings Mopar: Galen
, who operates GTS in
n, and David Wise, who
MC Detroit in Michigan.
ffer various decoding
ervices to help you verify
y of just about any Dodge,
mouth — especially for
e muscle cars.
ces start at $100. You can
e of his White Books at
h include all sorts of data
s website lists plenty of
s and resources as well.
rvices start at $50 for
ecoding with various
ervices from there. His
ludes literally thousands
s of “right” cars and is
mprehensive digital li-
aphic evidence available.
oit website is loaded with
r you “Mopar or no car”
September-October
September-October 2015 33
RESOURCES
Galen’s Tag Service
LLC
Galen Govier
www.galengovier.com
608-326-6346
MMC Detroit
David Wise
www.iccahome.org
248-393-3970
NCRS (National
Corvette Restorers
Society)
www.ncrs.org
513-385-8526
Camaro
Hi-Performance
Jerry MacNeish
www.z28camaro.com
410-781-0418
Sinor Prestige
Automobiles Inc.
Roy Sinor
www.sinorprestigeauto.com
918-834-2143
Marti Auto Works
Kevin Marti
www.martiauto.com
623-935-2558
PHS Automotive
Services Inc.
Jim Mattison
www.phs-online.com
586-781-5164
Bruce Shaw,
Attorney
www.shawlaws.com
215-657-2377
Page 32
FEATURE MUSCLE CAR VERIFICATION
Bowties
Buyers seeking high-value GMs — especially Camaros, Novas
and Chevelles — can seek out the services of Jerry MacNeish at
Camaro Hi-Performance. Corvette buyers can turn to Roy Sinor at
Sinor Prestige Automobiles Inc. Both of these gentlemen have guided
buyers and sellers in the GM world for many years. They are both
highly respected in their particular universe of cars.
Roy Sinor is a household name in the world of Corvette special-
ists — he’s the former NCRS National Judging Chairman. He’ll travel
to inspect most Corvettes for $1,000 per day plus expenses. Keep in
mind, occasionally he can see two cars in one day, even for different
clients, and will discount the services, so you might get lucky and
he’ll inspect a Corvette for $500 and spilt the travel expenses.
Jerry MacNeish has been authenticating GM muscle profession-
ally for over 18 years and has built a huge database of stampings in
the process. When it comes to trim tags, VINs, and other stampings,
if you want verification of originality, MacNeish is the man to talk to.
Like Sinor, he too is available to travel to authenticate cars.
Both of these guys offer all sorts of peripheral services with
regard to restoration, consultation, sales, NOS parts, etc.
The Blue Oval
Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works can tell you all about your old
Ford, provided it was built from 1967 to 2007. They have three levels
of reports (Marti Report), and with prices starting at $18, you can’t
ATURE MUSCLE CAR VERIFICATION
Bowties
Buyers seeking high-value GMs — especially Camaros, Novas
and Chevelles — can seek out the services of Jerry MacNeish at
Camaro Hi-Performance. Corvette buyers can turn to Roy Sinor at
Sinor Prestige Automobiles Inc. Both of these gentlemen have guided
buyers and sellers in the GM world for many years. They are both
highly respected in their particular universe of cars.
Roy Sinor is a household name in the world of Corvette special-
ists — he’s the former NCRS National Judging Chairman. He’ll travel
to inspect most Corvettes for $1,000 per day plus expenses. Keep in
mind, occasionally he can see two cars in one day, even for different
clients, and will discount the services, so you might get lucky and
he’ll inspect a Corvette for $500 and spilt the travel expenses.
Jerry MacNeish has been authenticating GM muscle profession-
ally for over 18 years and has built a huge database of stampings in
the process. When it comes to trim tags, VINs, and other stampings,
if you want verification of originality, MacNeish is the man to talk to.
Like Sinor, he too is available to travel to authenticate cars.
Both of these guys offer all sorts of peripheral services with
regard to restoration, consultation, sales, NOS parts, etc.
The Blue Oval
Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works can tell you all about your old
Ford, provided it was built from 1967 to 2007. They have three levels
of reports (Marti Report), and with prices starting at $18, you can’t
de
de how your Ford left
the factory right
down to the day it
was built. They
also have select
original factory
Ford invoices for
other various Fords
(1962 and newer)
that were saved
by Lois Eminger.
Availability
will vary and is
somewhat slim, but
the list of potential
automobiles with
the invoice on file is
all included at their
website. Prices start
at $45.
Pontiac
For Pontiac fans,
Jim Mattison, owner
of PHS Automotive
ervices Inc., has
actory records for all
ontiacs built from 1961
o 1986. The billing
story is included for all
ntiacs built up to and
cluding 1968 and Dealer
der Forms are included
r cars built from 1969 to
6. These are the origil
factory records that
nerate the documents.
hey also have expe-
d services in case you’re
n a hot lead and want to
e sure that 1965 GTO
e unearthed was actuorn
at the factory as a
ne GTO. Believe me,
For Ford fans, Kevin
arti’s reports may offer
peace of mind
Page 34
FEATURE MUSCLE CAR VERIFICATION
I know firsthand how that can go. The $65 cost plus $15 expedited
fee is well worth the investment. It sure beats buying a badged-up
Tempest that’s only worth half of what you’ve spent on it.
After a dubious dupe
So what happens if you find out that you’ve been defrauded on
a car you bought? I’m a “last resort” sort of guy when it comes to
hiring an attorney to push back on a raw deal, but buyers do have that
option. Like our other aforementioned experts on the pre-sale side,
there are also resources out there to help on the post-sale side.
I spoke at length with Pennsylvania attorney Bruce Shaw about
what can be done in the event you’ve been duped — when that shiny
collector car you’ve dreamed about turns out to be some sort of
counterfeit car that was built from the ground up to separate you from
your hard-earned cash.
Unlike most attorneys, Bruce Shaw has walked the walk. He’s a
car guy from birth and pursued a career in law after tinkering, racing
and building some of the most wicked drag cars on the planet. He has
owned and operated Speed Shops, built professional drag car engines
back in the 1960s and operated a machine shop.
These days, he’s out to financially punish (or even criminally
pursue) those who think “as-is” means “too bad.” This goes for cars
you’ve purchased at auction, private-party sales or dealer sales.
While he rarely pursues the auction house (they are intermediaries
between a buyer and seller), he will pursue the seller. Although no
legal action is ever cheap, sometimes it may be your only option. He
told me that in 2001 he handled about 100 complaints a year of classic
car fraud. Today, that number has leaped to over 1,000, and he can
litigate in all 50 states.
“Collector car fraud is alive and well, and unfortunately we
are busier than ever pursuing cases where an individual has been
defrauded,” Shaw said.
Hitting overdrive
It’s important to note that most of the cars in the market today
are in fact honestly represented, and when a fake does pop up, many
times the seller of the car has no idea that it’s a facsimile.
It’s also worth noting that some of these cars were built as
“clones” 30 years ago, and it wasn’t because it would make the cars
worth more — in many cases it was simply done to create something
more thrilling to own and drive. Nobody really cared all that much
about numbers and codes when a car was worth $10,000. Today, when
we see valuations surpassing $100,000 for rare muscle (and up from
there), it’s obviously a different story.
All of the experts I spoke to are committed to weeding out the
fakes and clones that aren’t being disclosed as such, and they all
shared the same sentiment: When it comes to buying a collector car
in today’s market, the most important things you can do are take your
time and always do your homework. After all, it’s much better to miss
out on a quick deal for a questionable car and spend the time, money,
and effort it takes to know that the car of your dreams is in fact the
car of your dreams.A
BARRETT-JACKSON HIRES THE EXPERTS
‘We wanted to take the high ground rather than kick the can down the road’
Craig Jackson and
his team have recently
contracted with many of our
top-level industry experts.
At Barrett-Jackson’s
auctions, Roy Sinor, Jerry
MacNeish, David Wise,
Kevin Marti and Jim
Mattison are on hand to help
review and dispatch certain
high-end and rare cars that
may be represented (by the
consignor) as numbersmatching
or documented
with show provenance
but simply don’t pass the
sniff test. Even better, as a
registered bidder, you can
often seek out these guys in
advance to help you size up
certain cars, and it generally
won’t cost you a dime.
I spoke with Craig
“It’s a hard process and
plenty of guys have let me
know that … If you are
representing your car as a
high-end and rare car that
is, for example, ‘numbers
matching or documented
with show provenance,’
we’re going to check that.
If it’s reported to be a
genuine ‘born at the factory’
big-block Corvette,
we’re going to check that
too,” said Jackson.
Barrett-Jackson has
Tony Piff
When there is doubt about a high-profile car’s background,
barrett-Jackson consults the experts to ensure authenticity
Jackson about this, and he said that he prefers to deal with problems
that may arise with certain rare, high-end cars before the
auction rather than after they are sold.
In fact, Barrett-Jackson has very strict requirements with
regards to the description allowed on the car card and website.
36 AmericanCarCollector.com
enlisted this specialized
team of muscle-car
experts, which is a bold
undertaking. When asked
how many of these highend
cars are not accepted
for the auction or require
a modification to the car
card, Jackson simply stated, “A lot.” It’s a benchmark move at
Barrett-Jackson.
“We care a great deal about the hobby and that’s why we are
doing this. It’s the right thing to do and we wanted to take the high
ground rather than kick the can down the road.” Jackson said. A
Page 36
Cheap Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Putting the‘K’ in‘TRUCK’
IS MOPAR’S ONLY RANCHERO / EL CAMINO COUPE PICKUP THE ONLY
K-CAR THAT WILL EVER BE WORTH ANYTHING?
1983 plymouth Scamp
Cheap Thr
heap Thrills
B.
heap Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Putting the‘K’ in‘TRUCK’
IS MOPAR’S ONLY RANCHERO / EL CAMINO COUPE PICKUP THE ONLY
K-CAR THAT WILL EVER BE WORTH ANYTHING?
1983 plymouth Scamp
x
x
h, the
E
4-hp
n or
heap Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Putting the‘K’ in‘TRUCK’
IS MOPAR’S ONLY RANCHERO / EL CAMINO COUPE PICKUP THE ONLY
K-CAR THAT WILL EVER BE WORTH ANYTHING?
1983 plymouth Scamp
x
h, the
E
4-hp
n or
m
m the
Thrills
B. Mitchell Carlson
Putting the‘K’ in‘TRUCK’
IS MOPAR’S ONLY RANCHERO / EL CAMINO COUPE PICKUP THE ONLY
K-CAR THAT WILL EVER BE WORTH ANYTHING?
1983 plymouth Scamp
x
h, the
E
4-hp
n or
m the
K-car
K-car will forever be Red Green’s butt of automotive jokes
on his syndicated TV series (“The reason we pick on them
is because they deserve it”), Chrysler certainly got plenty of
mileage out of the platform.
While the 1980s Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant initially had a
Years produced: 1982–84
(Rampage), 1983 (Scamp)
Number produced: 40,003
(37,401 Rampage, 2,602
Scamp)
lukewarm reception, it was taking that platform and using it to create
the minivan that got Chrysler out
of financial hot water and into
profitability. However, most folks
forget that there was a quasi truck
built on this platform (a K-truck, as
it were).
Detailing
More: www.plymouthbulletin.com
Alternatives: 1979–82
Volkswagen Rabbit pickup,
1978–87 Chevrolet El Camino
/ GMC Caballero, 1987–92
Jeep Comanche pickup
ACC Investment Grade: D
Original list price: $7,204
Current ACC Valuation:
$2,000–$8,000
Tune-up cost: $150
Distributor cap: $5
VIN location: Base of windshield
Clubs: The WPC Club
More: www.chryslerclub.org
Alternate: Plymouth Owners
Club
38 AmericanCarCollector.com
K-car goes hauling
Dodge had all the bases covered
for a pickup truck with the new
Rampage, launched for the 1982
model year. Not only did they have
all weight ranges of full-sized D
and W series two- and four-wheeldrive
pickups, but they were also
badge-engineering Mitsubishi’s
compact pickup as the D-50.
The Rampage was not the
first front-drive car-née-pickup
made in the U.S. That honor
lies with Volkswagen, with its
Westmoreland, PA-built 1979–82
Rabbit pickup. The other competitor
in the U.S. market at that time
g rear
leaf springs — helping it to achieve an honest-to-goodness half-ton
rating, with a 1,145-pound cargo capacity.
To spunk things up, they had different trim at two levels: the basic
model and a tape-stripe Sport model. In addition, like all Dodge
trucks at the time, the base model was also available with a Prospector
package, with unique decals on the B-pillars and bundled optional
equipment packages. Sales for the year were the best they ever would
be, at 17,636.
For 1983, the Rampage saw a major improvement in the form of an
optional 5-speed manual transmission. Trim changes included making
the Sport model the Rampage 2.2.
Since the Omni 024 became the Charger, its sporty model became
the Charger 2.2. With the Rampage following lock-step with that, it
featured the same fake hood and front fender scoops with upper body
stripes and faux hood scoop decal having RAMPAGE 2.2 cut out in it
just like the CHARGER 2.2.
Plymouth joins the party
The Rampage also got a twin brother from the Plymouth camp: the
Scamp. It was the first domestically built Plymouth pickup since 1941
and eventually the last pickup ever made by the division, replacing the
Mitsubishi-sourced Plymouth Arrow introduced in 1979.
As can be expected, the Scamp was also nearly identical for
model and equipment availability, with base and GT models. Like
the Rampage versus Rampage 2.2, the only difference in powertrain
between a Scamp and the Scamp GT was that the 4-speed was standard
on the former while the 5-speed was standard on the latter. The engine
in a Scamp GT had just as much of a chance to have been plopped into
a Dodge Aries when it was built.
Scamp sales were lukewarm at best (with only 2,184 base and 1,318
Page 37
and fitted with numerous parts out of Mopar’s Direct Connection
catalog, including graphics.
Then, in 1984, a similar Direct Connection package only for
California-zone dealers was offered toward the end of production.
Although it was fitted with several trim and performance pieces also
used on the Shelby Chargers and Omni GLHs (such as the close-ratio
5-speed and steering rack) and painted the same colors, Carroll had
nothing to do with it, and the truck didn’t have Shelby graphics.
Always had a following and still do
Even while they were cheap used cars, the Rampage and Scamp had
the vision from the marketing guys
GT models made), so it was a one-year wonder, not to return for 1984.
With a downturn in sales of only 8,033 built in 1983, the Rampage
soldiered on for one more year. 1984s featured an all-new front fascia
that was the same as the restyled Charger, incorporating a quadheadlights-and-single-bar
grille that helped the truck look lower and
more streamlined. Trim packages were nearly identical, except that the
Prospector package became something of a luxury equipment group
with two-tone paint and more included equipment.
Performance Rampage?
Once in a while, a mocked-up Shelby Rampage may surface, but
that’s all it is — a phantom. However, there were a couple of close
contenders that look the part. First, the Canadian market had a limitededition
Direct Connection package in 1983. Essentially a base model
built at the Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant, it was heavily optioned
something of a cult following. Sure, their resale value plummeted like a
rock — like all K-car variants, but these small pickups never seemed to
linger on used car lots like an ’83 Plymouth Reliant.
With the demise of a true compact pickup in the U.S. (as the smaller
pickups now built by Nissan, Toyota, and GM are essentially mid-sized
pushing full-size), the Rampage and Scamp now seem to have come
into a renaissance — as have the VW Rabbit pickups. This also correlates
to a general increase in interest in pickups of all vintages — the
1980s included — as much as to buyers wanting a truck that doesn’t
take up an entire ZIP code.
Obviously, a Scamp GT or a Direct Connection package is at the top
of the pecking order for desirability due to rarity, but the 1984s are the
most coveted for those who want to still use them, with the most upto-date
mechanicals — especially the 5-speed — and what is generally
considered the most stylish design. However, any Scampage that hasn’t
rusted out is actually worth saving, if not restoring.
You can’t say that about a K-car convertible, aside from perhaps the
TC Maserati, but you can say it about the only Mopar that was ever on
par with the Ranchero or El Camino. A
September-October 2015 39
Page 38
Horsepower
Colin Comer
DIGGINGBeyond the Numbers
WITH HELP FROM TECHNOLOGY AND A DESIRE TO PLAY DETECTIVE,
YOU MAY BE AMAZED AT WHAT YOU CAN FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR CAR
1967 Yenko 427 Super Camaro, once “just an old drag car,” is no longer enrolled in the Witness protection program
S
ince this issue of ACC focuses on how to document and
verify cars, I considered this a perfect opportunity to go
beyond the nuts, bolts and numbers and talk about digging up
a car’s history. After all, how many times have we all said, “If
this car could talk!” Well, you know what? They almost can.
I’ve always been big on buying cars with known owners from day
one, especially if I can talk to all of them. It’s really the only way to
know the complete history of the car. Of course, as the years go on
and values for old cars continue to escalate, the number of cars offered
by long-term and original owners is shrinking fast. Not to mention
the simple fact that the older we get, the fewer previous owners
there are in general, because besides taxes, there is that one certainty
none of us can avoid.
So, how exactly do we track down information when we have a
car devoid of some meticulous documentation or oral history? It isn’t
easy, but, with some help from today’s technology and a desire to
play detective, you may be amazed at what you can find.
I present to you a case study using a good friend of mine. We’ll
call him Les, well, because that’s his name. Les is a muscle car collector,
but more importantly, a former judge and federal prosecutor.
You could say he has been trained to dig, and as it pertains to his
cars, he has been quite successful at not only verifying their history
but also finding plenty more. I’ve sold Les a few of my own cars, and
following are some of the results he was able to achieve using nothing
more than a telephone, a computer and the USPS.
40 AmericanCarCollector.com
The ’68 Yenko
I sold Les my 1968 Yenko Super Camaro many years ago.
Although it had a very well-documented history and very few owners,
Les decided he should contact the ones I had not to get an even
better account of this rare supercar’s history. After pressing to get
a printout from the DMV that showed the original owner’s name,
something became very apparent: The person who claimed to be the
car’s original owner for 40-plus years was actually its second owner!
Les proceeded to use online White Pages listings to call every-
body with the same name as the original owner in the states around
where the car was originally sold. Time after time Les cold-called
these people and asked if they had ever owned a “blue 1968 Camaro.”
While most hung up, one lady finally said, “No, but we did own a
1968 Yenko.” Bingo. Les proceeded to get photos and info from the
original owners and even invited them to join him (and the car) at
the Supercar Reunion one summer — which they did — and they
have kept in close contact since. The friendship, and the early history
gained, is priceless.
The ’70 Baldwin Motion
Using the same type of simple sleuthing, Les was also able to
track down the original owner of the 1970 Baldwin Motion Phase
III Camaro I sold him. Another very well-known car, it was actually
owned by Joel Rosen himself in the 1990s. Rosen sold it to the fellow
Page 39
I bought it from. That’s pretty good history if you ask me, but nobody
could ever find the first owner, and even Rosen had forgotten the
name of the second owner from whom he had purchased it.
That wasn’t going to stop Les. Once he made contact with the
second owner — a name that was easy to get by doing a title search
— he had the original owner’s name and a general idea of where he
might be living, if he was still alive. Since the car had been recently
featured on a cover of a magazine, Les bought a stack of back issues
and used an online people search to locate everybody with the same
name as the original owner. He then proceeded to mail a copy of the
magazine with the Baldwin Motion car on the cover and a nice note
to everybody on this list asking if it was their old car, and if not, to
“please enjoy the free car magazine.”
I think you know what happened next — the original owner called
Les and wanted to know “why he was looking for him.” But after
Les explained that he was a collector and just wanted to know more
history on the car, the former owner opened up and shared some incredible
stories and information, and Les had now established contact
with another original owner of one of his rare supercars.
The ’69 Yenko
The last Les example is another supercar that he also purchased
from me — this time a 1969 Yenko Camaro. It was an unrestored car
that all of the Yenko guys knew well, with every owner accounted
for. But Les still wanted to talk to all of them, especially the original
owner. So he called him up and started a conversation. By the end of it,
Les had a stack of original photos of the car when new, in 1969, coming
his way. But even better was the fact that the original owner said he had
changed the tires the first day he had the car, and then asked Les if he
wanted the original ones because they were still in his garage!
So while Les may have a lucky horseshoe up his, umm, tailpipe
when it comes to this kind of detective work, none of it has ever employed
any top-secret stuff or magic. It is just simple legwork, albeit
tedious and time consuming, but simple nonetheless. And clearly the
examples above offered great additional history for some known cars.
However, where this research can really payoff is with unknown
cars. I’m currently restoring a 1967 Yenko Super Camaro that was
“missing” for years. Turns out it had just been turned into a mild drag
car decades ago, thereby losing its few identifiable Yenko items, and
passed around as “just an old Camaro drag car” forever. So much so
that when it showed up at a swapmeet for sale for almost no money,
two Camaro enthusiast buddies teased each other about which one
of them needed that “old drag car” more. In the end, the buddy who
bought it just for fun noticed the L78 identifier (4K) on the cowl tag
and ran the VIN through Google. Bingo. It popped up on the Yenko
VIN list, and shortly after that, the new owner secured the original
Yenko deal jacket from Warren Dernoshek, the former Yenko employee
who has paperwork on many original Yenko-built supercars.
There is no doubt this particular Yenko has to be one of the best
swapmeet “Camaro drag-car” buys of all time.
All of this just goes to show that a little legwork costs nothing but
can return a whole heck of a lot. Happy digging! A
September-October 2015 41
Page 40
Corvette Market
John L. Stein
RESTORE,
PRESERVE?
Modify or
PERFORM WORK ON A CORVETTE CAREFULLY, BECAUSE FOR ANY
MISSTEP, IT’S A LONG WAY DOWN
seems to highlight flaws in
the original lacquer. And even
new tires, when spooned onto
old chipped steel wheels or
oxidized alloy knockoffs, look
like glossy misfits.
Upgrade or not?
All of this raises a
fair question about the
unexpected consequences of
making significant upgrades
to our vintage Corvettes.
It’s a highly complex
issue, first because some
people value the honesty of
original cars. “History has
a texture,” points out Peter
Hageman, Chief Judge for the
Preservation Class at Pebble
Beach. I’ve never heard a
more succinct explanation.
Other folks insist on nothing
short of just-off-theassembly-line
perfection in
every detail… and sometimes
better.
Is one group right and the
A
other wrong? No. It’s two
takes on the same vehicle.
Another wrinkle in decid-
fter we completed a remodel
some years ago, a visitor looked
at our backyard and said, “I can
see where the money stopped.”
Although I knew exactly where
we had spent on the project, it was surprising
how obvious the difference between the new
house and the old yard was to someone else at
a mere glance.
Well, as it turns out, the exact same thing
can happen with a Corvette owned for many
years. A repaint suddenly makes original
chrome look tired. A new convertible top
42 AmericanCarCollector.com
ing whether to redo or leave alone concerns usability versus originally and value. As a simple
example, a 40-year-old Corvette with its equally old radiator, heater, fuel, vacuum and brake
hoses, wonderfully original as these parts may be, is trouble waiting to happen if you want to
use the car in earnest — say, taking a trip to Badwater, Death Valley, during summer. And so
in upgrading these pieces, what you gain in usefulness you lose in originality. Value up, value
down.
Then on the upper deck of the game board, such reformative changes as a complete respray
or an interior replacement on an ordinary car will clearly make it more attractive at first
glance. But they will also certainly lead a show judge, a cars-and-coffee quarterback, or a
future buyer to also muse, “I can see where the money stopped.”
These ruminations brought me to the idea of creating a logic path showing when to make
an upgrade, how to make the upgrade, and whether to even make the upgrade. Here is my
thinking for three different Corvette scenarios.
Page 41
Driving Miss Daily
If your Corvette serves as a daily driver or a go-to-work car (as all
Corvettes were designed to do), then service and care for it with this
purpose in mind. Stone chips on the nose or windshield? Fugettaboutit.
Chaffed seat bolsters? Nurture with leather treatment and stop wearing
sandpaper pants. Brakes worn out? Replace with components of your
choosing.
At this point the car’s role is as a tool, so use it as such. My main
rules here are protect what’s there, don’t do anything that can’t be
undone later, and save important take-offs.
Survivor savvy
Be careful here. Survivor cars often present themselves as a
timeworn mixture of paint and interior, oxidized plating, dingy
undercarriages and stained underhood components. But therein lies
their beauty — the uniformly rich, even texture of age. Any upgrades
here — such as a bright chrome air cleaner, fresh new carpeting or
door panels, or a modernized exhaust system — will quickly ruin the
look and feel.
As such, appropriately caring for a Survivor is actually harder
than maintaining a late-model Corvette, where new OE parts are
readily available, or performing a full resto, where the goal is to
return everything to as-new.
In sum, with Survivors, strive to preserve the original compo-
nents, finish and presentation. When replacing parts, do so with either
original or NOS parts, and also keep the take-offs.
On hallowed ground
To corrupt from Orwell’s Animal Farm, “All Corvettes are equal,
but some Corvettes are more equal than others.”
That tidy mid-year, C5 or C7 in your garage right now is the most
important Corvette in the world. And yet, in reality it is also not a
1960 Cunningham Le Mans team car, or Lone Star JR’s Corvette
Challenge C4 racer, or Zora’s personal ride. These are the “more
equal” animals, and owing not to their Corvetteness so much as their
history, they deserve extra-special decision-making.
A Corvette stops being just a Corvette and starts being an objet
d’art when it has accomplished something extraordinary, or else been
present in a historic event or time. The problem here is that with
every incoming tide, even the greatest sandcastle ever built crumbles.
Put another way, high points in automotive history are often fleet-
ing, and by the time we get hold of them, ancient Corvettes with valuable
history may not look anything like they did at their zenith of flight.
Fight for what’s right
In respect to both history and value, I believe it is an owner’s
responsibility to determine his car’s finest hour — its richest point in
time — and then fight like hell to keep it right there.
A low-mileage, mothballed car should be maintained in as-found
condition. Deviating for a moment from Corvettes, for the old “Lake
Maggiore Bugatti,” the most dramatic part of its life story was
actually rusting underwater for 70 years, and appropriately the car
is being so maintained. And for the more recently discovered No. 1
Cunningham Le Mans car — now engine-less, resprayed purple and
hijinxed into a drag racer with cutout fenders — its finest hour was
the starting line at La Sarthe.
So whether you are in possession of a Holy Grail or an ordinary tale,
choose where it needs to be and then take it there. But do so carefully,
because for any misstep, it’s a long way down. A
September-October 2015 43
Page 44
PROFILE CORVETTE
1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM
Go-Go Showboat
The best
return for the
owner of an
orphaned ’54
body could
very well be
to build a
resto-mod
like this one
VIN: E54S004182
by John L. Stein
• Built using an original 1954 body and VIN tag
• Updated with an Art Morrison frame
• Kugel independent front and rear suspension with
a two-inch offset for custom wheels
• Frame and underbody sanded, filled and painted to
match the custom exterior
• Magnuson-supercharged LS6 engine with 554
dyno-proven horsepower to the rear wheels
• 4L60E transmission
ACC Analysis This car, Lot S754, sold for
$159,500, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at the Russo and Steele auction in Newport
Beach, CA, on June 5–7, 2015.
There will always be art, and culturally we’re all the
better for it, I suppose. Because along with Warhol’s
simplistic paintings of Elvis and soup cans, I find the
whole business of creating resto-mods and customs
from surviving old cars — or even new customs
designed to look like old ones, such as a fiberglass ’32
Ford body on a new frame cradling a crate engine —
unsettling.
The reason is that a new car designed to look like an
old one is an imposter. Not real. A wannabe. A fake. All
of those are negatives for me. My feeling is that if you
want an old car, go get an old car. If you want a new
car, go get one, or else create your own design.
46 AmericanCarCollector.com
46 AmericanCarCollector.com
There, I said it. I’m not particularly a resto-mod or
clone fan. And with such a polarizing disclaimer, let’s
look at this hot-rodded ’54.
A body and nothing else
According to the auction info, this custom was built
around a surviving 1954 Corvette body. How and
why did an entire ’54 body survive for over 60 years
while the frame and related underpinnings didn’t? But
taking it at face value, let’s suppose you came into
possession of this body. What could you do with it?
One option would be to part it out to whoever
needed a clip, or a door, or a trunk lid. Another would
be to hang it and its VIN tag from the rafters for another
decade or two until Corvette Classiche (which I
just made up) certified it as the last great missing ’54.
And finally, you could spend the rest of your life and
incalculable greenbacks sourcing the hundreds of OE
parts necessary to complete an authentic ’54 Corvette
that will always and forever be stigmatized as a
“bitsa” — built with bits of this and bits of that, and
which would be worth $70,000 to $120,000 at most.
Follow the money
Disliking the idea as I do, I fully admit that the best
return for the owner of said body was probably to
Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Page 45
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
Club: National Corvette
Restorers Society (NCRS)
Years produced: 1954
Number produced: 3,640
Original list price: $2,774
Current ACC Valuation:
$70,000–$116,000 (stock)
Tune-up cost: $250
Distributor cap: N/A
VIN location: Stamped plate
inside left door opening
Engine # location: On block
just behind driver’s side
cylinder head
pursue yet another course: build a resto-mod. Such
cars do enjoy a robust following, and the price paid
was likely a far better return for the builder than any
attempt at creating an authentic ’54 could achieve. So
on paper, at least, I admire and appreciate what was
done. See? At least I’m a fiscal fan of resto-mods.
This actually appears to be an exceptionally nice
piece of work, with one photo showing dozens of
trophies and awards that seem to validate its design,
execution and quality. The exterior is ultra-clean,
stripped to its most essential elements and devoid of
Corvette badges and scripts, front bumperettes and
driver’s side mirror.
The paint appears brighter than 1954’s Sportsman
Red, but regardless, only 100 ’Vettes were red for
1954, making this a head-turner for anyone. The big
blingy wheels, disc brakes and adjustable ride height
further call attention to this beast. And the lack of
windshield wipers clearly identifies it as a sunnySundays
machine. I like the retention of the originalstyle
Corvette trim and toothy grille, and the restraint
exercised in not flaring the fenders. Panel preparation
and fit appear way better than stock.
Huge power heightens appeal
The engine bay is just as beautifully finished and
shows very little use. The modern LS6, although
hardly beautiful like a small-block Chevy, at least
embraces reality by sparing the plastic finishers over
the cylinder heads, leaving the coils, fuel system and
assorted wiring and plumbing all visible — just like
the original Blue Flame Six. Related items including
the supercharger, alternator and air-conditioning
compressor are plated, polished or stainless, resulting
in a super-sanitary, cost-no-object presentation — just
right for bidding action at auction.
As the engine bay suggests, the undercarriage is also
finished to premium quality, and shows not one piece
of gravel or speck of dirt anywhere. The independent
rear suspension has handmade tubular lower control
arms, inboard cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes,
and the aforementioned air shocks. All components are
plated or polished, and the paintwork in even hard-toreach
areas appears as expert as on the exterior panels.
Bottom line, this car is over the top — even underneath.
Go-go showboat
In contrast to the undercarriage, the beige interior
appears almost staid. The steering wheel, sporting
a medieval spoke design, seems out of character,
although the whiteface modern gauges do evoke a
vintage feel. Twin air-conditioning vents on the instrument
panel are subtly integrated, and a final touch is
an in-console navigation system. The trunk is equally
well finished and showcases what appears to be the
air-ride suspension compressor in a recessed well.
It’s great to have all kinds of pop culture to borrow
from, including the 1963 Beach Boys line, “No-go
showboat” about a custom car. With a claimed 554
horsepower on tap, this custom ’54 is hardly a no-go,
although its lack of essential road equipment suggests
that it’s not likely to go much farther than Cars and
Coffee or a trailer ride to Hot August Nights.
On a greater sphere though, with great creativity, the
builder took an orphaned ’54 body to about the highest
level imaginable here. This sale wasn’t this car’s first
auction appearance, but it was its first reported public
sale: It appeared at auction at Mecum’s Monterey sale
last year but wasn’t sold. Russo’s successful $160k sale
in Newport Beach proves that the resto-mod formula is
still very much alive. Regardless of whether I like such
cars, I can’t quibble with that. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Russo and
Steele.)
1954 Chevrolet Corvette
roadster
Lot 814, VIN: E54S002408
Condition: 2
Sold at $97,900
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/10/2015
ACC# 256738
More: www.ncrs.org
Alternatives: 1957 Chevrolet
Bel Air resto-mod, 1963
Chevrolet Corvette
resto-mod, 1962 Chevrolet
Corvette resto-mod
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1962 Chevrolet Corvette
custom convertible
Lot 439, VIN: 20867S103695
Condition: 2
Sold at $135,300
Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach,
FL, 4/12/2014
ACC# 243168
1954 Chevrolet Corvette
custom roadster
Lot S104, VIN: E54S002260
Condition: 2+
Sold at $44,520
Mecum Auctions, St. Charles,
IL, 6/22/2011
ACC# 179584
September-October 2015
47CC
47
Page 46
PROFILE GM
The Last Super Camaro
1974 CHEVROLET CAMARO NICKEY STAGE III
David Newhardt, courtesy of Mecum Auctions
These
supercars
are aimed at
a different
buyer,
someone
who wants
eyeballflattening
performance
and doesn’t
care which
engine does
the job
VIN: 1S87K4N128358
by Patrick Smith
• Documented with the Certificate of Authenticity
by Nickey Chicago and Don Swiatek as an L88
conversion
• Documented by NICB as delivered new to Nickey
Chevrolet on 11/17/73
• Notarized affidavit from the second owner detailing
the history of the car
• The last known car converted by Nickey
Chevrolet before closing at the end of 1973
• The car scored 999 points at the 2013 Muscle Car
and Corvette Nationals, receiving a Concours
Gold Certification and the award for the Best
Chevrolet-Modified at the show
• Showing 33,000 believed-original miles
• Rotisserie restoration retaining the original interior,
except for the carpet
• Featured on the cover of Muscle Car Review
• L88 427-ci engine with Holley 4-barrel
• Iron open-chamber heads, 12.5:1 pistons
• Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatic
• GM 10-bolt Positraction 4.56 rear end
• Power steering and brakes, LT trim
• Gabriel HiJacker air shocks with Lakewood traction
bars and chrome Cragar wheels
• First owner from 1974 to 1980, second owner
from 1980 to 2010, with 28 years in storage and
part of the Mike Guarise Collection since 2011
ACC Analysis This car, Lot S103, sold for
48 AmericanCarCollector.com
$93,960, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s auction in Indianapolis, IN, on May
16, 2015.
More power
Back in the 1960s, some buyers weren’t happy with
“just” 375 horsepower 396 Camaros. Those buyers
wanted more, and there was a simple solution to the
problem for dealers interested in catering to it: More
Camaro power could come in the form of a heart
transplant from an L72 427 big block either sourced
over the counter or yanked from an Impala sitting on
the same lot.
Jack Stephani owned a Chevrolet dealership in
Chicago called Nickey. Jack and his brother Ed got
into selling high-performance parts in 1957, and as the
muscle car era heated up, they did one of the first 427
engine swaps using a brand-new 1967 Camaro. That
prototype got plenty of press coverage, with out-ofsight
ETs in the low 11s and a top end of over 124 miles
per hour. It was street/strip legal and looked stock.
The car propelled Nickey Chevrolet into the super-
car business. An explosion of dealership conversions
peppered America with variations on the Camaro,
Firebird and several intermediate big-block swaps. At
Nickey, everything was done professionally, with ingenious
solutions from the racing sphere including Dick
Harrell-inspired traction arms to prevent leaf-spring
wind-up, heavy-duty motor mounts, and uprated
radiator and fan systems. In other words, this was
a proper conversion that was both reliable and fast.
Customers didn’t have to put up with compromises.
A last L88 hurrah
By 1973, the muscle car era was shutting down.
Nickey Chevrolet was about to close its doors at the
old location, while Nickey Vice President Al Seelig
Page 47
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
and Parts Manager Don Swiatek opted to set up
shop at another location in Chicago to run as Nickey
Chicago. That enterprise existed until 1977.
The last conversion job the dealer did before closing
its doors in December 1973 was a special request from
a Northbrook, IL, resident. The man read a Hot Rod
Magazine article on the Nickey Stage III Nova L88
car. He loved the idea but wanted to use a new 1974
Camaro instead.
At the time, Nickey offered a Stage III LS6 454
Camaro package. GM no longer carried L88 long
blocks, so using that engine was out of the equation.
But L88 short blocks were still available over the
counter, so they assembled one using cast-iron ZLX
open-chamber heads, as the customer planned to do
long runs with the car instead of drag race blasts.
For the same reason, the rear end got a 3.23-ratio
Positraction unit and the engine a low-rise LS6 intake
manifold. Thanks to the intake and stock factory hood,
the car looked like an LS6 Stage III car instead of an
L88 monster. The Corvette L88 hood scoop and mag
wheels were among several options a customer could
specify for his car, but the original owner went with
plain rally wheels and hood, making this Camaro a
real sleeper.
One of one
After this car was built, the Irving Park Road deal-
ership closed and Nickey Chicago opened its doors.
According to the Nickey NICB files, this is the only
second-generation Camaro built with an L88 engine,
but there was one other Camaro built using an LS6
engine.
It seems fitting that the last conversion car went
out like a lion, similar to the first one from 1967. This
car was offered for sale in 1980 by its original owner.
Rocco Lucente purchased it.
Lucente drove the L88 Camaro a short period
before pulling it off the road to deal with drivability
problems. He believed the car was a Stage III LS6 454
conversion due to the low-rise intake manifold and
plain hood as shown in the Nickey flyer. Lucente also
had a Nickey order form showing the car was ordered
with a high-performance 454 LS6 engine, but it’s gone
missing, loaned to a co-worker who never returned it.
Lucente pulled the rough-running engine but went
no farther before changing his focus. The car sat that
way until 2009, when he sold it to Stefano Bimbi, who
then sold it to Mike Guarise. While the car was being
restored at Wegner Motorsports, the engine was torn
down and discovered to be an L88 long block with
cast-iron heads sporting 12.5:1 pistons. No wonder
Lucente had drivability problems!
While this car was restored, a few additions made
their way on the body, such as the L88 hood scoop,
bumper guards front and back, and a set of beautiful
chrome mag wheels with Nickey center caps. One
strange detail was left unaltered: The 1975 grille and
header panel was left on the car instead of sourcing
the correct 1974 pieces, which had the emblem on the
grille and a blank header panel. Presumably during
one of the original owner’s long high-speed drives,
something blitzed the original grille and nose, requiring
a replacement.
The right money
The Nickey Stage III ’74 Camaro is a special car
any way you look at it. Dealer-authorized big-block
conversions were all done by 1974. Everything
afterwards used small blocks, and the alterations were
minor in nature. Further, the list of big-block dealer
supercar alternatives is short and expensive.
Only one other second-gen F-body got an L88
engine from one of these builders, and that was a
1975 Yenko Trans Am. That car went through the
Mecum Indy auction in 2011 (ACC# 179363). A
documented Yenko car with complete owner history
and only 13,000 miles from new, it was bid to $73,000
but didn’t meet reserve. Having a Chevrolet engine
within the Trans Am fender wells may have limited its
selling price. But while Pontiac purists revere factory
engines, the truth is these supercars are aimed at a
different buyer; someone who wants eyeball-flattening
performance and doesn’t care which engine makes it
happen.
Phase III Motion Chevelle SS and Camaros have
recently crossed the block as well, with bids between
$200,000 and $250,000 — not enough to seal the deal.
That makes this Nickey Camaro Stage III a pretty
good buy at $94k, even with a missing order form and
later-model front end. Call it well bought and fairly
sold. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
September-October 2015 49
Club: www.nickeyperformance.com
Alternatives: Baldwin-Motion
Phase III Camaro, Yenko
Camaro, Yenko Trans Am
ACC Investment Grade: B
Engine # location: Stamped
on block pad in front of
passenger’s cylinder head
Years produced: 1974
Number produced: Two
Original list price: $5,141
Current ACC Valuation:
$80,000–$100,000
Tune up cost: $250
Distributor cap: $30.95
VIN location: Driver’s
side dashboard, under
windshield
Comps
1974 Chevrolet Camaro
Nickey Stage III
Lot S122, VIN:
1S87K4N128358
(subject car)
Condition: 2
Not sold at $125,000
Mecum Auctions, Chicago, IL,
10/10/2014
ACC# 256009
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle
Yenko S/C
Lot S80, VIN: 136379B407823
Condition: 2
Sold at $171,720
Mecum Auctions, St. Charles,
IL, 9/15/2011
ACC# 184406
1975 Pontiac Yenko Trans
Am L88
Lot F169, VIN:
2W87S5N520320
Condition: 2
Not sold at $73,000
Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis,
IN, 5/17/2011
ACC# 179363
Page 48
PROFILE FOMOCO
Lightweight Price Leader
1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 LIGHTWEIGHT
ILE FOMOCO
Lightweight Price Leader
1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 LIGHTWEIGHT
This
This Ford
was sold only
twice, and
both times
through the
same dealer.
It may be
the most
authentic
’63 Galaxie
Lightweight
left
VIN: 3N66R146755
by Tom Glatch
• Number 154 of only 212 built
• 1,483 original miles
• Correct 427/425-hp R-code engine
• Fiberglass front fenders and trunk lid
• Heater, radio and armrest delete
• Special lightweight interior components
• Bostrom lightweight bucket seats
• Rubber floor mat
• No seam sealer or sound deadener throughout
body panels
• Aluminum front and rear bumpers and brackets
• Four correct 15-inch Kelsey-Hayes wheels,
disclaimer in glovebox
ACC Analysis This car, Lot S137, sold for
$237,600, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s massive Indianapolis auction on
May 16, 2015.
When Raymond Loewy was working for Studebaker
in the late ’40s and early ’50s, he had a sign on the
wall of his studio that said: “Weight Is The Enemy.”
His message to his designers was that American cars
were too big and too inefficient.
Loewy’s idea didn’t hit home with the Big Three
until they became actively involved in drag racing a
decade later. Attempting to break the laws of physics
with ever-larger engines and more raw horsepower
worked fine at first, but when the organizing bodies
placed engine-displacement limits for “stock” automobiles
at 7 liters (427 ci), the limits of engine design
were quickly met. How else to gain an advantage at
the drag strip?
50 AmericanCarCollector.com
50 AmericanCarCollector.com
Thinking lighter
The Mopar guys had the advantage first — actually
by default. Chrysler made the decision to downsize
their full-sized cars for 1962, down to a slim, trim 116inch
wheelbase that in a few years would be considered
“mid-sized” or “intermediate.” What turned out
to be a disaster in the showrooms — America wasn’t
ready for smaller family cars — was a big advantage
on the drag strip. The Dodge 330 and Plymouth Savoy
Super Stock racers had competitive horsepower out of
their 413 Wedge engines, but their small size combined
with their unibody construction gave them a decided
weight advantage. And Ford, Pontiac, and Chevy now
knew who the enemy was: weight.
General Motors countered with the Catalina Super
Duty and the Chevy Bel Air Z11. Ford began working
on their lightweight Galaxie in late ’62, and ultimately
11 were built. Ford intended to race the cars in Super
Stock competition, but the NHRA felt they were
not stock vehicles and moved them to the Factory
Experimental class, where they were uncompetitive
against the highly modified vehicles they were forced
to race.
Built to win
Much of what was learned in ’62 was transferred to
a full-blown effort the next year. Initially, 50 special
Galaxie 500 fastbacks were ordered under option AS225-39D.
These cars had a special bill-of-materials
for assembly on Ford’s Norfolk line: Corinthian White
63B Special hard-top Tudor sedan, 289 V8 engine,
standard 3-speed manual gearbox, and the lighter
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
chassis from the base 300 model. No seam sealer or
sound deadener was added in the body shop. The
cars were delivered with radio, heater and carpeting
delete, with thin rubber mats covering the floor.
From the assembly line, they were sent to Ford’s
favorite sub-contractor for drag racers, Andy
Hotton’s Dearborn Steel Tubing, for conversion into
the lightweight racers. This included fiberglass front
fenders and hood, aluminum front and rear bumpers
and brackets, and lightweight Bostrom bucket seats.
Later cars also got fiberglass doors and inner fender
wells. Even the sun visors were thin cardboard.
Police Interceptor brakes, heavy-duty suspension
and Kelsey-Hayes 15-inch wheels were all part of the
package, which added $1,414.15 to the Galaxie’s price.
The real magic was in Ford’s new 427 R-code
engine. It featured an increase in displacement from
406 ci in ’62 and was now right on the 7-liter limit.
Twin Holley 4-bbl carbs atop a “High-Riser” manifold
were used for Super/Stock competition, the same on
a “Low-Riser” for A/Stock. Horsepower was rated at
(wink, wink) 425. This was the same basic engine that
would win Le Mans in ’66 and ’67, and in single 4-bbl
form, earn NASCAR championships in ’63, ’65 and
’68. Fitted to an aluminum BorgWarner T10 4-speed
manual with an R.C. Industries bellhousing, it formed
a potent powertrain for the lightweight cars.
Upping the game
Ultimately, 212 lightweight Galaxies were built
in 1963, all but one in Corinthian White with Red
interiors. They were fast, too. Les Ritchey did a 12.29
at 117.3 quarter with an early car, and Gaspar “Gas”
Ronda did 12.07 @ 118.04 with a Galaxie with all
the lightweight goodies. Hot Rod magazine observed
that while a standard Galaxie fastback weighed 4,150
pounds, “the special lightweight model tips the scales
at just 3,480 pounds ready to drag.”
Unfortunately for Ford, the competition didn’t rest,
either. The small Mopars packed 426 Max Wedge
III power and were faster than ever after their own
aluminum diet. The Z11 Chevy Impalas had their real
fine 409s bored to 427 ci and were given a similar
lightweight treatment. And at Pontiac, their big
421-powered Super Duty Catalina went on the most
extreme weight reduction program, with so many
holes bored in the frame they earned the “Swiss
Cheese” nickname.
Light on weight, heavy on price
For collectors, any of the lightweight drag rac-
ers are quite valuable today. Just 14 of the “Swiss
Cheese” Pontiacs were built before and (don’t tell
anyone) a few months after the GM racing ban in
January 1963. The few “Swiss Cheese” cars that
remain have sold for as much as $462,000 at auction.
The Z11 Impalas are almost as rare (23 built), and
almost as legendary, and have topped $325,000. But at
212 Galaxie Lightweights built, and an estimated 150
still in existence, the lack of rarity hurts their values,
with most selling in the mid-$100k range.
But not this Ford, which may be the most authentic
’63 Galaxie Lightweight there is. It was sold only
twice, and both times through the same dealer. The
dealer who sold it new bought the Galaxie back from
the original owner and then sold it to Danny Hill, who
had the Lightweight in his large collection for over 20
years.
It has just 1,483 miles on the odometer, and since
these cars were much too fragile for regular street
use, we can assume most of these miles came a quarter-mile
at a time. The only thing that could be missing
is the provenance of a major race victory or top-flight
driver, but that didn’t seem to hurt the price at all.
At $237,600, this makes this the highest price of any
’63 Galaxie Lightweight sold at auction by far, but
to me it’s worth every penny. And compared with its
GM competition, it’s still a bargain. I’d call that an
exceptional sale for Mr. Hill, yet well bought by the
new owner.A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
1963 Ford Galaxie 500
Lightweight
Lot 573, VIN: 3N66R142720
Condition: 2+
Sold at $106,700
Club: Ford Galaxie Club of
America
Original list price: $4,197
Current ACC Valuation:
$100,000–$200,000
Tune-up/major service: $300
Distributor cap: $15.97
(non-OEM)
VIN location: Tab attached
to the top right side (weld
flange) of the dash panel in
the engine compartment
Engine # location: Casting
number on front of block,
toward passenger’s side
Years produced: 1962–64
Number produced: 212
(1963)
More: www.galaxieclub.com
Alternatives: 1963 Chevrolet
Impala Z11, 1963 Pontiac
Catalina Super Duty “Swiss
Cheese,” 1963 Plymouth
Savoy Max Wedge III
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1963 Ford Galaxie 500
Lightweight
Lot 179, VIN: 3N66R144637
Condition: 2+
Sold at $134,200
Bonhams, Scottsdale, AZ,
1/16/2014
ACC# 232125
1963 Ford Galaxie 500
Lightweight
Lot S129.1, VIN:
3N66R140512
Condition: 3Sold
at $93,090
ACC# 227292
Mecum Auctions, Dallas, TX,
9/5/2013
Auctions America by RM, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, 3/23/2013
ACC# 215754
September-October 2015
51CC
51
Page 50
PROFILE MOPAR
1967 DODGE CORONET R/T 440
Market-Price Monster Mopar
Courtesy of Auctions America
Make no
mistake,
these cars
pack a
punch. They
just don’t
advertise
that fact
VIN: WS23L77226939
by Tom Glatch
D
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
52 AmericanCarCollector.com
odge’s response to the muscle car movement
in 1967 was the Coronet R/T, a
high-performance package that included
the new 375-horsepower “Wedgehead”
440-ci Magnum V8 engine.
Fed by a 4-barrel AFB carburetor, the Magnum en-
gine very effectively reduced the rear wheels to smoke
with 480 foot-pounds of torque at hand. Standard on
the R/T was the TorqueFlite automatic transmission
(this one has the optional manual 4-speed), special
racing stripes (dealer added, if desired) and identification,
Redline tires, deluxe steering wheel, a beefed-up
suspension with heavy-duty shocks, springs, torsion
bars and front sway bar, a 70-amp battery and heavyduty
brakes.
Priced at $426 more than the standard Coronet 500,
including its comfort and convenience features such
as bucket seats, console and full wheel covers, the
Coronet R/T proved to be immensely popular, with
production amounting to over 10,000 units.
The car offered here is as a frame-off-restored 440
Magnum Coronet R/T finished with Code P Bright
Red exterior paint (per data tag) and a black bucketseat
vinyl interior. It is equipped with the rebuilt original
440-ci, 375-hp V8 engine and desirable 4-speed
manual transmission.
This is a well-equipped example that features,
in addition to the above-mentioned standards, air
conditioning, factory Road Wheels, black vinyl top,
AM/FM radio, tachometer to the right of the steering
column, power steering and brakes with front discs.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 2070, sold for
$35,200, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Auctions America’s Auburn auction on May
9, 2015.
Under the market radar
It’s easy for the average gearhead to lament the ’60s
muscle car market. GTOs, SS 396 Chevelles, Road
Runners, Super Bees — you name them, the prices
have probably gone sky high. For those buyers looking
for inexpensive muscle, it can seem like all that’s left
are slugs from the ’70s, fake “tribute” cars, or other
clones with no authenticity and little real value.
Yet, for whatever reason, there are muscle cars
the fly under the market radar. Case in point: this
1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 440. Maybe it’s the car’s
understated style that keeps its profile low — no gaudy
graphics and psychedelic paint colors. But make
no mistake, these cars pack a punch; they just don’t
advertise that fact.
How much punch? “Dandy” Dick Landy set the
AHRA B/SA National Record in 1967 with a Coronet
R/T 440 at 12.61 @ 110.02 mph. Those were mostly
stock automobiles running headers and slicks (and a
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!
Detailing
Original list price: $3,052
Current ACC Valuation:
$29,500–$39,500
Tune-up/major service: $250
Distributor cap: $22.58
VIN location: Plate on the
driver’s side instrument
panel behind windshield
Engine # location: Pad on
the right side of the block
to the rear of the engine
mount
Years produced: 1967
Number produced: 10,109
(hard top)
little of Landy’s legendary tuning magic). In a magazine
road test, Motor Trend saw 0–60 in 7.2 seconds,
and the quarter in 15.4 on street tires with a passenger
in the front seat (hanging on for dear life, I imagine).
Not a Hemi, but close
So how did the Coronet R/T 440 compare with its
more famous (and temperamental) cousin, the Street
Hemi? Motor Trend, in their June 1967 publication,
tried to put the issue to rest. “Ever since early in the
model year, when we saw the more down-to-earth
Magnum consistently whip one of its exotic King Kong
Hemi brethren in a series of quarter-mile bashes, we
have wondered about the phrase “…performance approaches
that of the 426 Hemi …” in Dodge’s descriptive
literature for the Magnum engine. For this reason
we decided to get one of each, identically equipped in
all essential respects, and make a mano-a-mano, to
borrow an expression from bullfighting, trial of the
two.”
On the drag strip, with street tires, they discovered:
“When running together, the Magnum would leap
into the lead at the start, and the Hemi would start
to close rapidly and catch it at the end — but just
after the quarter mark and the end of the race. Also,
another thing we came to notice about both cars that
added to our enjoyment and which we feel any owner
would doubly appreciate: the sheer ruggedness and
built-to-last impression we got from testing them. They
seemed to thrive on the kind of treatment we gave
them. No howls developed in the rear axles: nothing
seemed about to break or fall off. In short, they seemed
completely unaffected by all the hard running, and
they ran better afterwards.”
Top muscle
Road Test magazine called the Coronet R/T “the top
muscle car in 1967,” and when you look at its comparably
priced competition, they might be right. Other than the
Coronet’s cousin, the Plymouth GTX, everyone had much
smaller engines at the top of their regular options, from
the Ford and Mercury’s 390, and Chevrolet’s 396, to the
400-ci engines powering the GTO, Olds 442 and Buick
GS. While the others had their own attributes, you really
got more raw bang with the R/T.
So why do the Chevelle SS 396s average $50,000 to
$70,000 or more (add at least $10k for a convertible)?
Or GTOs average just a bit less than the Chevy? It’s
the age-old pro-Chevrolet/pro-Pontiac bias of the
marketplace. And while Mopar certainly has its own
strong following, the later more in-your-face cars tend
to be most sought after in the market today. The more
subtle-looking ones, like our subject car, don’t have
the same premiums assigned to them, but that can
make them great cars to buy and use.
Today, most interest in the ’67 Coronet R/T 440
tends to be in convertibles (628 made out of 10,109).
But hard tops are the real bargain, if you can find
a good one. This Coronet R/T is a good one, with
plenty of factory options, including the difficult-to-find
4-speed manual (1,355 made). With factory air, power
steering and front disc brakes, this is about as good
as it gets for ’60s Mopar drivability, so this can be a
frequent driver for the new owner.
Even though this ’67 Coronet R/T sold right on the
money in today’s market, after nearly a half-century,
it’s still a performance bargain. Well bought. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Auctions
America.)
1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 440
Lot 918, VIN:
WS23L77108689
Condition: 3+
Sold at $29,160
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/14/2006
ACC# 40271
Club: The WPC Club Inc.
More: www.chryslerclub.org
Alternatives: 1966–67
Plymouth GTX, 1966–67
Pontiac GTO, 1966–67
Chevrolet Chevelle SS396
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 440
convertible
Lot 5163, VIN:
WS276L77171437
Condition: 3
Sold at $24,200
Auctions America, Auburn, IN,
8/30/2014
ACC# 245279
1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 440
Lot F92, VIN:
WS23L77129049
Condition: 3
Not sold at $28,000
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City,
MO, 12/5/2013
ACC# 231814
September-October 2015
September-October 2015 53
Page 52
PROFILE HOT ROD & CUSTOM
1939 FORD MODEL 91A DELUXE COUPE
Mild Rod Brings Serious Price
Courtesy of Bonhams
A frame-off
restoration,
new black
paint and
a crimson
interior —
along with a
hopped-up
flathead —
make this
car a get-inand-drive-it
proposition
VIN: 184899568
by Ken Gross
flathead V8 was rebuilt to have a bit more juice. The
engine was bored 0.125 over, fitted with Egge custom
four-ring pistons, and a four-inch Mercury crank.
Offenhauser finned 9:1 high compression cylinder
heads, an Edelbrock dual manifold, a Mallory electronic
distributor and an Iskenderian three-quarterrace
cam round out the engine modifications.
The 3-speed manual transmission was retained,
T
54
AmericanCarCollector.com
but with a 12-pound aluminum flywheel and a 10-inch
pressure plate. The rear end was rebuilt with a Getz
3.54:1 ring and pinion. The original electrical system
was updated to 12 volts and an alternator replaced the
Ford generator.
Finished in six coats of True Black high-gloss paint
and skinned inside with bright red vinyl, this classic
Ford took five years to complete.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 212, sold for
$77,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Bonhams’ auction on May 31, 2015, in
Greenwich, CT. Bonhams’ pre-sale estimate on this
car was $52,500 to $57,500.
Ford Motor Company’s handsome ’39 models were
designed by E.T. “Bob” Gregorie, whose nautical
design training was evident in the car’s long hood that
his nicely restored and very mildly uprated
DeLuxe coupe is a perfect example of how it
was done back in the period. The subject of a
complete, frame-off restoration, the original
steel body was refurbished, while the original
resembled an inverted dory, a sharply vee-ed grille,
prominent catwalks over bulbous fenders with oval Art
Deco lenses and, for the first time, sealed beam headlamps.
The roofline was a compound curve that began
at the top of the fold-out windshield, arched skyward
just a tad, and then flowed gracefully to the rear in a
lovely S-shaped arc.
Henry Ford eschewed hydraulic brakes for years,
touting “the safety of steel from pedal to wheel,” and
clinging to push-and-pray cable-operated drums
that worked decently but were inferior to most of the
competition. 1939 was Ford’s first year for Lockheed
hydraulics.
Aping the Gregorie-designed Lincoln-Zephyrs, the
’39’s handsome low grille allowed Ford’s engineers to
mount the cooling fan on the crankshaft pulley. 1939
was the last year for a languid, goose-necked floor
shift for the 3-speed manual gearbox. And the convertible
coupe offered a rumble seat for the final time.
The ’39’s widely admired stock teardrop taillights (a
carryover from 1938) found their way onto countless
early coupes and roadsters.
The hot ticket
In the late 1950s, hot-rod-minded kids from Maine
to California were very attracted to Ford’s pre-war
coupes. Relatively lightweight, possessing handsome
lines, available for under $200, these cars were the
perfect platform for a potent street machine. Equipped
with a modified flathead, or an Olds or Cad pushrod
Page 53
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: 1939
Number produced: 33,326
DeLuxe V8 coupes (38,197
Standards)
Current ACC Valuation:
$40,000–$60,000, depending
on condition and
equipment
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Stamped on the
left front frame rail
Engine # location: Top of
transmission bellhousing
Tune-up, major service:
$200
V8 with substantially more displacement, these were
the cars to have regardless of whether they were
mildly customized or just left stock in appearance.
Before Chevrolet’s small block ran the flatheads
out of business, a plethora of speed equipment was
available to boost a stock flatty’s 85 to 100 horses
up to 150 hp or more. Hot cams, finned aluminum
high-compression heads, multi-carburetor manifolds,
modified ignitions and headers were available at local
speed shops or by mail order from merchants like
“Honest Charley” Card in Chattanooga, JC Whitney
in Chicago, Lewie Shell in L.A., or directly from the
speed equipment manufacturers themselves. Primered
or painted, flamed and pinstriped, these likeable
coupes were highly desired. If you sold one, you
always wanted it back.
Moonshiners loved Ford’s ’39 and ’40 Ford coupes
because the trunks were enormous and suitable for
hauling whiskey crates packed with amber jars of
’shine. Stock-car racers liked them too, and many
coupe bodies were smashed beyond rebuilding after
competing on bullrings across the USA.
Many ’39s were run hard and put away wet. Rusted
quarter panels, butchered chassis and aromatic old
mohair await the restorer or hot-rodder who finds an
old coupe and wants to bring it back.
In this case, a claimed frame-off restoration, new
black paint and a crimson interior — along with a
hopped-up flathead — make this car a get-in-anddrive-it
proposition.
Black and white and red all over
Some mild customizing was done here, and not
for the better. The lower hood-side trim spears were
removed, the trunk lid was dechromed and the “Ford
DeLuxe” trim lettering was moved from the front of
the hood to the hood sides. Blue-dot taillight lenses
were illegal in mid-century because they resembled
police lights. And liberal lashings of red paint aren’t to
everyone’s taste.
The restorers trimmed the engine compartment,
painted the block red — and even the aluminum heads
got a few red accents. A red interior, red steel wheels
and wide whitewalls were not unknown in the period,
but they make this otherwise nice coupe a bit garish.
It’s great to keep the flathead, but the modern Mallory
ignitor and chromed alternator make it strictly 21st
century.
Interestingly, this car doesn’t seem to be lowered. Back
in the day, rodders installed dropped beam axles and
reverse-eye springs in front and either Zee-ed the frames
or reworked the rear crossmember to get their rides
down in the weeds. These cars look a lot better that way,
so I’m surprised the builder didn’t go that route.
Decent comparable ’39 coupes are often listed for
sale at prices ranging from $38,500 to $45,000 today.
Beyond that, a modified flathead like this one has, with
proper go-fast goodies, can easily run $10k to $12k by
itself. So at $77,000, unless this coupe was a stone rust
bucket that needed a huge amount of metalwork, the
seller probably got his money back. I’d call this ’39
quite well sold.
All in the details
But… if it were my car, I’d drop it substantially all
around, paint nearly all the red parts black, swap a
Powermaster PowerGEN (it works like an alternator
but looks like an old generator), disguise the Mallory
distributor, paint the wheels black and get rid of those
whitewalls, hit up LeBaron Bonney for an originalstyle
optional tan leather interior, replace the decklid
handle and re-install the hood trim. Then you’d have a
pretty nice period-style ’39 Ford coupe. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
1939 Ford Standard coupe
Lot 248, VIN: 6793
Condition: 2+
Sold at $36,750
Clubs: Goodguys, National
Street Rod Association
(NSRA)
More: www.good-guys.com,
www.nsra.com
Alternatives: Any vintage
Ford custom or hot rod,
1932–41
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1939 Ford DeLuxe custom
Lot 252, VIN: 185150549
Condition: 2Sold
at $41,250
RM Sotheby’s, Fort Worth, TX,
5/2/2015
ACC# 265125
1939 Ford DeLuxe coupe
Lot 138, VIN: 185090793
Condition: 2
Sold at $78,100
RM Auctions, Plymouth, MI,
7/27/2013
ACC# 227536
McCormick’s Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 2/24/2013
ACC# 215371
September-October 2015 55
Page 54
PROFILE AMERICANA
1978 CHECKER CAB
Checkered Past, But Priced Right
Pawel Litwinski, courtesy of Bonhams
The
independent
cabbie
claimed this
Marathon
carried
Jacqueline
Onassis,
Muhammad
Ali, Elizabeth
Arden and
Walter
Cronkite
VIN: A11299882936E
by Jeff Zurschmeide
• Last working Checker cab in New York City
• Preserved in “as-retired” condition
• Over $12,000 in recent service
• Six-cylinder engine
• Three-speed automatic transmission
• Coil-spring front and leaf-spring rear suspension
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 259, sold for $7,700,
including buyer’s premium, at
Bonhams’ Greenwich Concours d’Elegance sale in
Greenwich, CT, on May 31, 2015.
The universal taxi
In all the history of the automobile, there are few
more recognizable models than the venerable Checker
Marathon. If you rode in a taxicab in the second half
of the 20th century, chances are good you rode in a
Checker.
What’s even more interesting is that you couldn’t
easily tell if the Checker you were riding in had been
built in the 1960s, ’70s, or the early 1980s — the cars
simply never changed very much. Like a shark — or
maybe a cockroach, depending on your point of view
— the Checker Marathon was perfectly evolved to
survive in its environment.
As a car company, Checker was always an anomaly,
producing anywhere from 1,000 to 8,000 cars per
year. In comparison, that was just about one day’s
output for Chevrolet in that era. Checker had produced
taxis since the 1920s, and after the Marathon
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
56 AmericanCarCollector.com
went out of production, the company continued
producing body panels and parts for other automakers
until the economic downturn in 2009 shut their doors.
The Marathon and its related models were produced,
essentially unchanged, from 1960 to 1982.
One area where the Marathon did change over time
was in its engine. At the start of the production run,
Checker bought both flathead and overhead-valve
straight-6 engines from Continental Motors Company,
ranging from 80 to 140 horsepower. But in 1965, the
company changed to Chevy engines, offering the good
ol’ 230-ci inline 6-cylinder engine and the small-block
V8. Over the years, Checker kept pace with Chevrolet,
Page 55
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
Years produced: 1960–82
Number produced: About
100,000
Original list price: $6,419
Current ACC Valuation:
$7,000–$15,000
Tune-up cost: $200
Distributor cap: $20
VIN location: Upper firewall
Engine # location: Front of
engine block, stamped in
pad in front of passenger’s
cylinder head (SBC)
Club: The Checker Car Club
of America
offering current 6-cylinder and V8 engines through 1982.
If you’re ever shopping for a Checker Marathon,
note that the 1969 model with the 350 V8 offered up
to 300 horsepower if you got the 4-main L48 engine
equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor. That’s by far the
most powerful Marathon ever made.
The last Checker cab in NYC
This particular Checker Marathon has been verified
as the last working Checker cab in New York City. It
was retired from service in a Times Square ceremony
in July of 1999. The independent cabbie who had
owned the car claimed that in the course of almost 21
years, this Marathon had carried celebrities including
Jacqueline Onassis, Muhammad Ali, Elizabeth Arden
and Walter Cronkite.
Overall, the car’s in pretty good shape, considering
its age and mileage. For a car that worked its way
through 21 New York winters, it has remarkably little
visible rust. Sure, there’s some bubbling up around all
the usual places, but the car is far from a rust-bucket.
The bumper overriders have been mashed in, but that
really just adds to the authentic “as-retired” patina.
The interior seems to be in good shape, right down to
the optional rear-facing jump seats in the passenger’s
area. And the car comes with its working fare meter. All
in all, this is a solid car and a good choice for a collector.
But there’s a lesson in this car and its auction
listing, and that lesson is for buyers to do their own
homework.
Here’s why: Bonhams listed this car as a 1965
Checker Marathon, but according to the VIN and
build plates, it’s a 1978 model. They also said the car
has four-wheel drum brakes. According to the VIN
plate and the big vacuum booster visible on the brake
master cylinder, the car has power front discs.
Bonhams says the engine is a 230-ci inline 6-cyl-
inder rated at 140 horsepower, but a 1978 Marathon
came with a 250-ci straight 6 at 105 or 110 horsepower.
Further, the engine bay photos clearly show
a V6 under the hood. The listing does state that this
Checker is on its third engine, but Bonhams should
have noticed the difference and mentioned something
in their catalog copy.
Fair market price
Most Checker sales in the past five to 10 years have
hit a price somewhere between $7,000 and $15,000.
But there are plenty that change hands at less than
$5,000 and very few that sell higher than $15k. One
that sold for $35,000 is reputed to be the very cab that
Lee Harvey Oswald hailed after shooting President
Kennedy in Dallas (ACC# 162914), and a Marathon that
had been carefully restored sold for $25,000. Those
are the true outliers. This Marathon sold at a marketcorrect
price of $7,700, given its condition.
What makes this sale interesting is that just after
this car was decommissioned as the last Checker cab
licensed to operate in New York in 1999, it sold at auction
for $134,500. Read that again — I didn’t add any
zeroes. The car changed hands privately in 2006, and
we don’t know what that price was, but it sure looks
like at least one seller took a major haircut on this car.
So what’s the bottom line? Collectibility is in the
eye of the beholder, and owning the very last Checker
cab to ply the streets of the Big Apple apparently
doesn’t count for much. In the end, this is just another
Checker cab, and if the 1999 buyer thought it was
something special, he was wrong. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
1962 Checker Marathon
Series A11 (Lee Harvey
Oswald Cab)
RM Auctions, Cresson, TX,
6/5/2010
ACC# 162914
More: checkertaxistand.com
Alternatives: 1953–57
Chevrolet 150, 1955–56
Dodge Coronet, 1952–56
Ford Mainline
ACC Investment Grade: D
Comps
1968 Checker Marathon
Lot 901, VIN:
A122095182847A
Condition: 3
Sold at $6,050
Leake, Tulsa, OK, 6/9/2013
ACC# 225700
1965 Checker Marathon
Park Avenue Cab
Lot 304, VIN: A12373727290
Condition: 2
Sold at $25,740
Bonhams, Greenwich, CT,
6/5/2011
ACC# 182221
Lot 128, VIN: A11L12844329
Condition: 4Sold
at $35,750
September-October 2015
57CC
57
Page 56
PROFILE RACE
1966 FORD MUSTANG SCCA A/SEDAN GROUP 2 RACER
Ford’s Shelby Racer
Phillip Pietri, courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Ford was
proud of
their package
for the street,
but they
knew that
for track
dominance,
the Shelby
magic wand
would have
to be waved
VIN: 6R07K191915
by Sam Stockham
• 1966 Ford Mustang Notchback No. 16 built by
Shelby American
• One of 16 1966 SCCA A/Sedan Group 2 cars
• Largely unrestored and never raced
• Painted orange by original owner
• Sat from 1977 to 2014
• Copy of letter from Rick Kopec of Shelby
American Automobile Club verifying authenticity
• 289/350-hp Trans-Am spec engine
• Aluminum high-rise intake
• Holley 715 CFM carburetor
• BorgWarner close-ratio T10 4-speed transmission
• 18-quart Ford Galaxie radiator
• 11.3-inch front disc brakes
• 10 x 2.5-inch rear drum brakes
• Koni shocks and one-inch sway bar
• Lowered A-arms and four-point roll bar
• Maintenance on critical systems only
• New master cylinder and rear wheel cylinders
• New front calipers and pads
• Rebuilt proportioning valve and new rubber lines
• Heads hot-tanked, blasted and Magnafluxed
• Oil pan dropped and pump flushed
• Original calipers and pads included
ACC Analysis This car, Lot T219, sold for
58
AmericanCarCollector.com
$135,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Mecum’s Indy 2015 sale in Indianapolis, IN,
on May 14, 2015.
Raise your hand if you think race cars are cool.
That’s what I’ve always thought. We all want to drive
them. Every car guy at some point in his life fantasized
about the satisfaction of victory from behind the
wheel. It’s what men do.
In the early days, a race car started life as the same
cars we drove on the streets, and the manufacturers
liked it that way. Race on Sunday, sell on Monday.
There was a simplicity to it.
In 1965, the only man cooler than race cars them-
selves was Carroll Shelby. Shelby’s race teams made
a significant statement in 1965 with the GT350R, and
Ford wanted in on the action. Coincidentally, in 1965,
the SCCA decided to create a manufacturers championship
series for the 1966 season. The professional
series, The Trans-American Sedan Championship
(Trans-Am for short), got Ford’s attention. They were
after the Manufacturer’s Trophy, and who better to
help them get it than Carroll Shelby?
Ford goes racing
Ford believed wholeheartedly in the GT350R
competition cars that Shelby had built and wanted
to duplicate the recipe. In order to be compliant with
the new FIA Appendix “J” rules for sedans, the cars
needed to be just that: sedans. The fastback GT350R
didn’t qualify.
Ford fixed that problem by coming up with a short
run of 20 notchback cars that were sold to Shelby
Page 57
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!
was presumably driven on the street until about 1977
when, according to recent pictures, it was stuffed in a
garage and covered with random automotive junk like
a depressing episode of “Hoarders.”
Under examination, it looks like the car is in rather
American directly (according to window stickers) for
modification to Group 1 and 2 specs. Four of the 20
cars were converted to Group 1 specs and the remaining
16 to Group 2 specs.
All 20 notchbacks were produced in Wimbeldon
White with black interiors. In keeping with the elstrippo
weight-saving tradition of race cars, all were
deleted of hubcaps, stabilizer bars, front seat belts
and outside mirrors. One was even heater-box delete.
The fun stuff did include the 271-hp Hi-Po 289 with
a 4-speed and a 3.89:1-ratio “no-spin” locking rear
differential, disc brakes, GT fog lamps and heavy-duty
suspension. While Ford was proud of their package
for the street, they knew that for track dominance, the
Shelby magic wand would have to be waved.
The Group 2 cars got a full complement of Shelby
gauges and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Group 2
specs required that all sedans retain seating for four,
full door panels and a dashpad. In the trunk went a
32-gallon fuel tank with a flip cap and splash bucket.
The suspension rework included lowered front control
arms and traction bars that most other racers left
out of the equation. These can be a valuable clue to
authenticity on these cars.
Runs like a Shelby
The real magic was under the hood. A GT350R-spec
engine replaced the Hi-Po unit, which only sounds like
heresy. These mills were balanced, blueprinted, ported
and polished all to GT350R specs. Induction was courtesy
of a Cobra hi-rise aluminum intake topped with a
Holley 715 CFM carburetor. A larger finned oil pan,
an oil cooler and a high-capacity radiator rounded
out the package to keep the internals from becoming
externals.
On the track, these cars were only slightly off of
the GT350R pace due to added weight. So we know
the cars were potent, but the slight rub here is that
these are still Ford cars as opposed to receiving new
serial numbers from Shelby. This ensured that, if these
cars won, Ford — and not Shelby — received the
Manufacturer’s Trophy.
Adding to the rub was the fact that many privateers
purchased their own notchbacks and acquired all
the modification components directly from Shelby’s
shelves. That leads us to our subject car.
Garage find
This car was the last produced and is claimed to
really have no race history at all. It is known that the
car was first purchased by one of Shelby’s employees,
and by 1969, it was on a used-car lot. This may point
directly to the demand at the time for these cars, when
any Tom, Dick or Harry could build one himself. It
September-October 2015 59
raggedy condition and just sort of complete. It is
stated that the original owner was responsible for
picking the dashing shade of “unsightly orange,” as it
should be properly named, which is now disturbingly
oxidized for being indoors all of those years. No doubt,
this car was basically forgotten about for 38 years
before the basics were addressed to make it run again.
It appears that the steering wheel is incorrect, the oil
cooler was better utilized elsewhere, the air cleaner
grew legs and walked away, the fog lights found a new
home, and the one-size-fits-all top radiator hose is
fooling nobody.
So what’s good? Well, maybe that it was never
raced. This could be the tightest body of the bunch
depending on what happened to it on the street.
No mention is made of miles, which is usually a
moot point when talking race cars, but is this a race
car? If this car became a unibody wet noodle, all
that is left is the story of its origin and not much else.
Personally, I think this is a cool car, but all of the others
have better history and some have been restored to
high standards.
Value in lineage
In 2013, car #12 sold for an amazing $400,000. That
car has the most documented race history of all 16
cars and has been very nicely restored to 1966 race
spec. If you invested another $100,000 in a restoration
of car #16, would you have another $400,000 hit?
I would not think so because of its history, or lack
thereof. Very nice clones of this car that have all the
eyeball and twice the performance sell in this same
price range when done to a high level.
So where do we peg the price? In comparison with
a GT350R, with which it shares build lineage, it’s a
steal. If you want to give a history lesson, you can tell
everyone about what great cars all the others were on
the track, just not yours. That takes a little zip off of
ownership.
This feels like strong money for a story that is just
okay. But in reality, it has that Shelby race lineage —
not Shelby street-car lineage — and that will always
bring a premium even though it does not carry a
Shelby serial number. There is not a big market here,
so I don’t think anyone walked away the supreme
victor on this transaction. But as a mostly all-there
Shelby-built racer from the era, it certainly satisfies
that simple race car cool factor. I’ll call it market
price. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Trans-Am
Lot S134, VIN: 18159
Condition: 2+
ACC# 209471
Not sold at $300,000
Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/16/2012
Detailing
Tune-up/major service: $400
Distributor cap: $15
VIN location: Stamped on top
of left front fender apron
Engine # location: Tag
attached to engine under
coil bolt, casting numbers
on passenger’s side rear of
block, above starter
Years produced: 1966
Number produced: 20 (four
Group 1, 16 Group 2)
Original MSRP: $5,500
Current ACC Valuation:
$100,000–$400,000
(depending on race history
and condition)
Clubs: Mustang Club of
America, SAAC
More: www.mustang.org,
www.saac.com
Alternatives: 1966 Shelby
GT350, any Group 2
Trans-Am racer
ACC Investment Grade: B
Comps
1967 Shelby Mustang
Trans-Am
Lot 3116, VIN: 7R01K218307
Condition: 1-
Not sold at $190,000
Auctions America, Burbank,
CA, 8/1/2014
ACC# 244563
1966 Ford Mustang
Trans-Am
Lot S692, VIN: 6F07K319819
Condition: 2
Sold at $132,000
Russo and Steele, Scottsdale,
AZ, 1/20/2013
ACC# 214976
Page 58
PROFILE TRUCK
1980 JEEP CJ-5 WRANGLER RENEGADE
A Go-Anywhere Collectible
Courtesy of Auctions America
Open-air
Jeeps are
hardly
practical, but
I’ve never
heard anyone
say, “Hey,
you know,
that Steve
McQueen
sure was
a practical
guy”
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
60 AmericanCarCollector.com
VIN: JOM83AB714427
by Jay Harden
W
ith a striking color combination of
brown exterior and tan interior, this
1980 Jeep also has orange Renegade
graphics, orange to yellow tones of
stripes and period-correct white steel
wheels.
The Jeep is reported as running with the “rare”
2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is also known as
the “iron duke.” This is paired with a 4-speed manual
transmission and has the popular 4x4 drive system.
The CJ5 has received a recent, sympathetic
mechanical restoration that is complemented by what
is described as totally original paint. This stunning
vehicle is further reported to be sparingly used and
has a soft top, roll bar with padding, trailer hitch, dual
mirrors, rear-mounted matching spare, rear seat, seat
belts and power steering. Fully sorted and called a
“unique classic,” this Jeep Wrangler can be easily used
for daily service or displayed in a collection of similar
vehicles.
ACC Analysis This car, Lot 1129, sold for
$18,000, including buyer’s pre-
mium, at Auctions America’s sale in Auburn, IN, on
May 8, 2015.
The universal cool
The bearded Dos Equis beer guy, better known as
“The Most Interesting Man in the World,” most likely
doesn’t drive much, but when he does, he probably
drives an old Jeep — and for good reason. What other
form of four-wheeled transportation is as universally
appealing as it is functional — one as equally at home
cruising the local high-school parking lot, commuting
to the office, or scouting along dusty forest roads?
If we look to movies and television as a barometer
for coolness and utility, Jeeps, the CJ-5 and 7 in
particular, must be the automotive equivalent of
Kevin Bacon — think Six Degrees of CJ. They’re sexy
enough for Daisy Duke and Barbie, durable enough
for Jurassic Park, the A-Team, and bad guys everywhere,
but also approachable and endearing enough
for Gumby and the “Cars” movies.
Perhaps the most telling tribute to the classic Jeeps’
character is that there really is no stereotypical Jeep
owner in terms of age, gender, bank account or social
status — a fact not to be idly dismissed.
Of course, the argument could be made that the
open-air Jeeps are fairly worthless if you value such
nonsense as practicality, but I’ve never heard of anyone
saying, “Hey, you know, that Steve McQueen sure
Page 59
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
Years produced: 1954–83
Number produced: 14,156
(1980)
Current ACC Valuation:
$8,000–$15,000
Original list price: $6,195
(1980)
Engine # location: Stamped
number on block deck
was a practical guy.”
Sure, CJs are cold in the winter, hot in the summer,
leaky and foggy when it rains, and plodding and
wandering on asphalt. They’re neither as comfortable
as a car nor as dutiful as a truck. But so what? There’s
something empowering about staring down the daily
commute with the reckless abandon we so often forfeit
on our path through adulthood, and few experiences
can evoke youthful vigor like blasting down a side
street with no roof over your head or doors to keep
you safe. And yes, Mr. McQueen had a chrome rollbarred
CJ-5 of his own.
Off-road for everyone
The first civilian Jeeps hit the U.S. consumer market
under the Willys moniker around the close of World
War II. They were updated only incrementally over
the next decade. The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation then
acquired the Willys-Overland Corporation in 1953,
and immediately began exerting their influence.
The CJ-5 was the result of the new leadership’s
vision, and debuted on October 11, 1954. With a
stretched wheelbase and a somewhat softer, more stylish
visage, the newest CJ proved more comfortable,
capable, and versatile than its predecessors.
Over the next 30 years of production — the longest
ever production run for any Jeep vehicle — the CJ-5
evolved slowly, with the most dramatic updates being
found under the hood. The “Dauntless” Buick 225-ci
V6 was introduced in 1965, and nearly doubled the
output of the standard-issue four. Following the sale of
Kaiser Industries to AMC in 1970, the CJs picked up a
few more inches in the hood and wheelbase to accommodate
two more cylinders in the form of AMC-built
304 and 360 V8s.
In 1976, the CJ-7 was introduced to the public, and
represented the most significant Jeep update in two
decades. The wheelbase was again stretched to pro-
vide enough wiggle room to cram an automatic transmission
between the front seats, and, for the first time,
a cozy little hard top was made available to improve
the Jeep’s all-weather capabilities and broaden its
daily-driver appeal. However, it took nearly a decade
for the CJ-7 to kill off its older sibling — a testament
to the durability, simplicity and lovability of the 5.
Easy and hard to find
To be honest, the market has, in my opinion, gone
a little bonkers for four-wheel-drives in the past few
years, and, strangely enough, the 4x4s don’t seem to
be held to the same quality standard we impart on cars
of similar vintage.
Toyota FJs and early Ford Broncos are perfect
examples of simple, quality machines that have
skyrocketed in value over the past decade, but whose
average sale price appears little affected by fit, finish
or originality.
I’m as much a sucker for giant mud tires and hood
scoops as the next guy, but I don’t expect to pay a
premium for them simply because old four-bys are
suddenly the latest infatuation for the newly initiated.
And I think that’s why I like this CJ so much.
When evaluating older four-wheel-drive vehicles,
it’s important to keep in mind that most were purchased
and used — shockingly — for actually working
off paved roads. As such, many, if not most, bear the
bumps, bruises and blisters of a lifetime of utility. Old
Jeeps seem even more inclined than most to carry the
ravages of the elements simply because they are, by
design, so much more exposed. As a result, finding a
nice, mostly original example is more difficult than the
30-year production run would suggest.
According to the ACC Pocket Price Guide, CJ-5s
should fall somewhere between about $8k and $15k,
and I don’t expect those numbers to fluctuate significantly
in the coming years for a couple of reasons:
First, there are a lot of Jeeps out there, even if the really
good ones are thinner on the ground. They’re easy
to fix, and they’re desirable without the element of
fanaticism that can so easily turn a market on its head.
Simple, rugged and fun is probably the best way to
describe an old CJ, and this particular example fits
that description to a tee. Although it sold for a tick
over our high estimate, the price paid is still reasonable.
I love the period paint and graphics, which are
just old enough and ugly enough to be cool again, and
the likelihood of finding a similarly unmolested and
complete example is slim to none. I’ll call it a great
deal for both parties all day long. A
(Introductory description courtesy of Auctions
America.)
September-October 2015
61CC
61
1965 Jeep CJ-5 Tuxedo Park
Mark IV
Lot 459, VIN: 832212891
Condition: 3-
ACC# 257100
Not sold at $14,000
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell,
AZ, 1/17/2015
Tune-up/major service: $150
Distributor cap: $6
VIN location: Driver’s side
dash
Club: www.jeep-cj.com
Alternatives: 1969–72
Chevrolet Blazer, 1966–77
Ford Bronco, 1971–80
International Harvester
Scout II
ACC Investment Grade: C
Comps
1976 Jeep CJ-5 Levi’s
Edition
Lot 229, VIN: J6M83AA066051
Condition: 3Sold
at $7,290
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell,
AZ, 1/17/2015
ACC# 256983
1974 Jeep CJ-5
Lot 174, VIN: J4F835TA62619
Condition: 2
Sold at $11,000
Leake, Oklahoma City, OK,
2/22/2014
ACC# 238845
Page 60
mArKet OVERVIEW
The Right Price for the Right Car
EARLY SUMMER SALES GROW THEIR TOTALS, AND
A CORVETTE-ENGINED NOVA FINDS CORVETTE MONEY
by Tony Piff
TOP 10
sales this issue
1. 1967 Shelby Cobra 427
roadster, $1,080,000—
mecum, IN, p. 68
2. 1965 Shelby gt350 fastback
, $383,400—mecum,
IN, p. 68
3. 2006 Ford GT coupe,
$337,700—russo and
Steele, p. 92
4. 1970 Dodge Hemi
Challenger r/t Se 2-dr
hard top, $199,800—
mecum, WA, p. 121
5. 1968 Shelby gt500 Kr
fastback , $178,200—
mecum, WA, p. 118
6. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible, $174,960—
mecum, IN, p. 66
7. 1954 buick Skylark
convertible , $170,428—
russo and Steele, p. 86
8. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
COpO coupe, $167,400—
mecum, SeA, WA, p. 108
9. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible, $167,400—
mecum, IN, p. 66
10. 1970 Dodge Hemi
Challenger R/T 2-dr hard
top, $165,000—Leake,
p. 82
BEST BUYS
1947 Lincoln Continental
convertible, $45,360—Silver, ID,
p. 114
62 AmericanCarCollector.com
Indy to $41m from last year’s $38m (a
7% increase). Of 1,286 lots on offer, 835
found new owners. A 1967 Shelby 427
Cobra was top dog at just over $1m.
Totals ratcheted up 16% at Leake
T
Tulsa to $11.6m, and 513 cars sold out
of 689. Finishing in the lead was a 1970
Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T at $165k.
Russo and Steele upped their
Newport Beach numbers by a whopping
74% to $7.4m. A 2006 Ford GT coupe
took the American big-money spot at
$338k, and 173 of 343 lots changed hands.
In late May, Silver went to Pine River,
he annual sales featured in this
issue all bounced back and
showed positive growth following
down numbers in 2014.
Mecum increased sales at
MN, and sold off the Theodore Merickel
Collection. All 88 cars went without
reserve, totaling $1.25m. A 1966 Chevrolet Corvette
327/300 coupe was the most expensive at $80k.
Tony’s Market Moment: In 1966, the Corvette’s
A sleeper packing a punch — 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS 327 L79
2-door hard top, sold for $74,520 at mecum Seattle
Auctions in this issue
mecum,
327-ci L79 V8 featured hydraulic lifters and 11.0:1
compression, cranking out 350 hp and 360 ft-lbs of
torque. And for $93, you could get one of these hot
small-blocks in your Nova SS — which, while 10.5
inches longer than a Corvette, was 310 pounds lighter.
Fewer than 5,500 buyers opted for this special combination
in 1966 and ’67.
In today’s collecting world, the big headlines and
big prices go to the baddest muscle cars with the biggest
big-blocks. The L79 Nova was a street sleeper in
its day, and it’s a market sleeper now. When they’ve
occasionally come to market in recent years, collectors
in the know have paid upwards of $70k for welldocumented
examples.
As of summer 2015, there are signs that the overall
market may be slowing its ascent, but a numbersmatching
1966 L79 Nova came to market at Mecum’s
Seattle sale in early June, and it sold for $74k. It’s only
one data point, but it tells us that right buyers are still
willing to pay the right money for the right car.A
Indianapolis, IN
may 12–17
Silver,
pine river, mN
may 30
mecum,
Seattle, WA
June 5–6
Leake,
tulsa, OK
June 5–7
russo and Steele,
Newport beach, CA
June 5–7
motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN
June 12
Silver,
Coeur d’Alene
June 20
$0
$7.4m
$4.3m
$567k
$10m
$20m
$30m
$40m
$50m
$1.3m
$9.7m
$11.6m
$41m
1951 Chevrolet 3100 pickup,
$25,300—motostalgia, IN, p. 106
1969 Oldsmobile 442 2-dr hard
top, $25,300—Leake, p. 76
1964 Chevrolet C10 Stepside
pickup, $23,220—mecum, IN,
p. 66
1953 Henry J Corsair 2-dr sedan,
$7,975—motostalgia, p. 121
Page 62
MECUM AUCTIONS // Indianapolis, IN
Mecum Auctions — 28th Original
Spring Classic
THERE WERE 1958 FUELIE CORVETTES ON OFFER IN NINE OF THE EIGHT
COLORS AVAILABLE THAT YEAR
Mecum
Auctions
28th Original
Spring Classic
Indianapolis, IN
May 12–16, 2015
Auctioneers:
Mark Delzell, Mike
Hagerman, Russ
Conklin, Matt Moravec,
John Miranda, Logan
Schmid
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 835/1,286
Sales rate: 65%
Sales total:
$41,010,133
High sale: 1967 Shelby
Cobra 427 roadster,
sold at $1,080,000
buyer’s premium:
8% ($500 minimum),
included in sold prices
ACC 1-6 scale
condition rating
for vehicles in
Market Reports
1. perfect: National
show standard
2. excellent: Club
show-worthy, some
small flaws
3. Average: Daily driver
in decent condition
4. meh: Still a driver,
with some visible flaws
5. Questionable: A
problem-plagued beast
that somehow
manages to run
6. Lost cause:
Salvageable for parts
64 AmericanCarCollector.com
the 39-millionth Chevrolet built, in Anniversary gold — 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/250 Fuelie
convertible, sold at $167,400
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
A
rolling color swatch of 1958 Fuelie
Corvettes crossed the block on Saturday
at Mecum Indy, with examples on offer
in nine of the eight colors available that
year. Yes, you read that right. An unusual
eight-car collection had one example of each 1958
Corvette catalog color. All were 290-hp fuel-injected
cars restored to the highest standards, and all earned
over 98 points in NCRS and Bloomington Gold judging.
All eight cars sold for rather strong money, ranging
from $137,700 to $175,500. Shortly after the collection
sold, the only 1958 car in Anniversary Gold rolled to
the podium. It was the 39-millionth Chevrolet built.
While not in the same concours condition as the Fuelie
collection, it saw strong bidding and sold in the same
league at $167k.
Topping all sales was the odds-on favorite to do so:
a 1967 Shelby Cobra 427. Confirming that real-deal
Cobras are now in the million-dollar club, that’s exactly
what this car hammered sold for during prime time on
Friday afternoon. Nearly as momentous was the no-sale
of another Cobra, also at a cool million. That car was
a 1965 289, authentically restored and one of approximately
20 built with an automatic transmission.
Beyond the Shelbys, there was something of an
underlying Ford theme here this year. Two major collections
featured Fords, including one from the owner
of a Ford dealership. One would be hard-pressed to find
more FE-block 427-powered cars at another auction. For
fans of 1963 Galaxies, it was a veritable smorgasbord;
there were nine offered, and one-third were factorybuilt
lightweight drag cars.
Foremost among the Mopar headliners was the
lowest-mile-known 1970 Hemi ’Cuda in existence.
However, this 82-mile muscle icon failed to sell against
a $450k final bid.
Mecum consigned 134 fewer cars than last year,
which was enough not to conduct an auction on Sunday
— a first since they relocated here from Illinois. That
minor detail was a long way from spelling ruin, however,
as the auction house bested last year’s Indy sales
by nearly $2.9m.A
Page 64
MECUM AUCTIONS // Indianapolis, IN
GM
Seafoam green/tan vinyl. Odo: 61,243
miles. 230-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Recent authentic
frame-off restoration. Only deviations
from original are the seat covering, radial
tires and glossy-finished bed wood with polished
stainless strips rather than painted
over. High-quality body prep and repaint.
Better-quality bumper replate and all new
brightwork. Non-OEM replacement windshield.
Remanufactured alternator still has a
barcode tag on it. Good door and panel fit.
Cond: 2+.
#T275-1964 CHEVROLET C10 Stepside
pickup. VIN: 4C154A106759.
under the hood, as the mid-year intro of the
396 all but ensured that future engine
swaps ended as Mark IV big blocks. Not all
that outrageous a final bid for a pretty decent
example, although it’s no bargain, either.
#F203.1-1970 BUICK SKYLARK GS 455
2-dr hard top. VIN: 446370H165996. Diplomat
Blue/light blue vinyl. Odo: 57,923 miles.
455-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Provenance verification
from the Sloan Museum, confirming it
was professionally restored in 2005 to original
configuration. The only deviation is the
standard steel wheels rather than Buick
Road Wheels it had new. Other options include
Stage 1 tune, M20 4-speed, power
steering, tinted windshield, Rally steering
wheel and AM radio. Recent fluff-and-buff
on undercarriage and in engine bay. Good
original interior, with light fading and minimal
wear. Halogen low-beam headlights
and original-style T-3 high beams. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $23,220. One could make the
argument that the grille, bumpers and hubcaps
should be white on this entry-level
truck, but the argument can also be made
that they could be optioned with chrome.
However, if most buyers wanted a “fancy”
truck by 1964 standards, they’d have
bought a Custom package. Rolled off the
block with the statement of “takes over
$25,000 today,” but final results show it sold
at this price. Well bought.
#T162-1965 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS
convertible. VIN: 166675S171261. Regal
Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 68,298
miles. 409-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Stated that it
received a frame-on restoration in 2007.
Excellent body prep and paint application
on an original red car. Excellent door fit for
a drop-top. Replated bumpers and mostly
repro brightwork. All new glass and door
seals. Okay replacement top fit. Generally
clean and stock engine bay. Double
clamped at the upper radiator tank neck
hose. Engine repaint leaves a lot to be desired.
All reproduction interior vinyl trim and
carpeting, well fitted and showing no appreciable
wear. Cond: 2-.
re-dyed. Inside hood release is missing.
Repop Snowflake wheels. Has air, tilt column,
power windows and power locks.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $18,900. This powertrain
didn’t occur in nature, on a couple of
levels. First, only the Pontiac 400 was available
with a 4-speed for ’79. The other engine
that was available in the T/A was the
Olds 403—not the 455. Still, an interesting
“what if” phantom.
CORVETTE
6
08480. Inca Silver/black vinyl/red vinyl.
Odo: 7 miles. 283-ci 290-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. Soft top only and radio delete.
State-of-the-art restoration within the decade.
In 2009, was judged to a near-perfect
99.7 points in NCRS competition to earn a
Top Flight; Bloomington Gold certified at
99.4 points. Since then, it shows no discernible
wear anywhere. Doors slightly cant out
toward the bottom, but vastly better than
most C1s. Otherwise, concours-ready as
presented. Cond: 1-.
#S97-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: J58S1-
SOLD AT $70,200. The plain steel wheels
with dog-dish hubcaps look is coming into
vogue again. Several muscle cars here had
them, and the consignor told me that he
much preferred that look over the “everybody
else has them” Road Wheels. He
bought this at Mecum Chicago in September
of 2013 for $60k (ACC# 236375). Since
then, he decided to downsize his collection,
and he let this one go here when bidding
ceased. Later, he said that while he didn’t
make anything on the car, he enjoyed the
time he spent with it. A good attitude to
have.
#W126-1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe.
VIN: 2W87K9L145050. Bright blue metallic/
white vinyl. Odo: 83,752 miles. 455-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Olds 455 swapped out for the
original Olds 403 under the hood, converted
to a 4-speed manual. Generally stock under
the hood. New repaint. Repop graphics,
including custom “455 – HO” on shaker
hood scoop. Decent door fit, with some
SOLD AT $174,960. As it was one of the
eight in the moving-color-chart ’58 Fuelie
catalog collection, I pretty much was asleep
at the switch for this one. I figured the Signet
Red car (S96) would bring the most
money. However, as one of only 157 in Inca
Silver, reportedly, this was the only one of
the eight that Dana preached up as being
“exceptionally rare.” And the choir heeded
his preaching, passing the $150k reserve
without difficulty.
SOLD AT $37,260. Not too many early-production
’65s are still around with the 409
66 AmericanCarCollector.com
window rattle. Reupholstered door panels
and seats; seat bottoms showing some yellowing.
All interior plastic and steering wheel
#S115-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: J58S107646.
Anniversary Gold/black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 40,522 miles. 283-ci 250-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Built on June 11, 1958, as
the 39-millionth Chevrolet. As such, it was
uniquely painted gold when built, as it was
also GM’s 50th anniversary. Inducted into
the Bloomington Gold Special Collection in
2005. Repainted by the second owner in
1980 as authentically as paint technology
allowed then. Miles claimed actual. Recent
mechanical work to make car reliable after
decades of storage. Mostly clean and original
under the hood. Top and interior replaced
in recent years. Nice door and panel
fit. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $167,400. Surprisingly,
this originally sold as a regular retail
unit, kept by the original
9
BEST
BUY
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 66
MECUM AUCTIONS // Indianapolis, IN
stalled, all-new interior soft trim. All
brightwork inside and out is either replated
or replaced. Cond: 1-.
as you’ll get on one of these. Authentically
reupholstered seat. Good engine bay detail,
although using modern hose clamps. Paint
starting to lift from the engine block.
Cond: 2-.
owner until she traded it to the consignor’s
dad (then a Chevrolet dealer) for a new
1978 25th Anniversary Corvette. Offered 17
lots after the color-chart 1958 Fuelie collection,
this was the ninth color painted on a
’58 Corvette. Being one of one with air-tight
provenance, this was really the car to get,
and the reserve was easily surpassed at
$130k. Lot S97 was the one car from the
perfectly restored ’58 collection to bring
more.
#F163.1-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 30837S101142. Saddle Tan/
Saddle vinyl. Odo: 43,696 miles. 327-ci
340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Mileage believed
actual. Good prep and repaint. Slice missing
from damaged and repaired wheelwell
lip. Could be the original chrome and trim.
Modern Kenwood remote for the sound system.
Seat upholstery is more likely older
reproduction than good original, especially
since it has a perfectly matching T-pad on
the center console. Aside from the modern
a/c compressor, the engine bay is detailed
to stock. Reproduction knockoff wheels with
older Goodyear radials. Modern aftermarket
a/c. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $76,680. The chrome reverselooking
wheels are actually the stock wheel
covers. Undoubtedly the nicest ’64 Comet
on the planet, not to mention that it’s a stock
Cyclone that wasn’t turned into a fake
“Dyno” Don Nicholson lightweight drag car. I
had my doubts that anyone else would appreciate
a HiPo in something other than a
Mustang, but it was heavily bid on, going a
bid past the $70k reserve.
#F181-1965 SHELBY GT350 fastback.
VIN: SFM5S265. White/black
vinyl. Odo: 672 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Listed in the current SAAC registry,
having sold new in Syracuse, NY. Originally
built without rally stripes or Cragar wheels,
the former added when the car was repainted
approximately 15 years ago. Good
shut lines, trunk slightly bowed in the middle.
Muted older bumper replate. Fitted with
Marchal headlights. All interior is original
with some seam repair. Radio-delete panel
signed by Ol’ Shel. Recent engine bay detailing.
Aftermarket headers don’t fit well, as
some bolt holes are oblong. Cond: 2-.
2
SOLD AT $41,040. When I was a kid up
north, most of the pickup Broncos were
snow-plow rigs. The bed made it handy to
haul sand and rock salt for ballast. Bonus:
As they rusted away, they automatically
salted and sanded as they went. It’s no surprise
then that most have long since vanished
from areas where folks don’t ask why
there’s an electrical cord sticking through
your grille. As a point of comparison, the
next lot was a built-up off-road roadster, bid
to $4k less than this. Tell me again how this
Bronco thing seems to have run its course?
SOLD AT $108,000. This car is a good litmus
test for the popularity of Split-Windows.
With a bland paint color and minimal factory
options aside from the 340-horse motor and
required 4-speed—plus blatantly modern
add-on a/c—this car still had them fighting
tooth-and-nail to six-digit pricing.
FOMOCO
#F231-1964 MERCURY COMET Cyclone
2-dr hard top. VIN: 4H27K571643. Peacock
Turquoise/white vinyl. Odo: 389 miles.
289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Optional HiPo V8
with 4-speed, 3.55 Traction-Lok differential
and AM radio with rear-seat speaker.
Dealer-accessory Rotunda tachometer on
dash. Recently completed state-of-the-art
restoration. Fabulous bare-body repaint
authentically done with bare red primer below
the car. Reproduction body tag matches
the serial number under the hood. Betterthan-stock
panel gaps and fit. Superbly in-
68 AmericanCarCollector.com
#F183-1967 SHELBY COBRA 427
roadster. VIN: CSX3356. Blue
metallic/black leather. Odo: 2,175 miles.
427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Originally red with
black interior. Repainted in early 1980s to
current varnish when it was last restored
and converted to full SC spec by Mike McCluskey.
Returned to the same for a major
servicing two years ago. The old repaint still
presents very well, as does the brightwork.
Very tidy engine bay and undercarriage.
Original Halibrand wheels. Light seat bottom
wrinkling is more comfortable patina
than wear. More wear on the dash controls
than the carpeting, light pitting on the gauge
rim chrome. Cond: 2-.
1
SOLD AT $383,400. Built mid-year, it incorporates
the first of three hood types used
and was the last to have a trunk-mounted
battery. It was also the first car offered from
the Don Davis Collection, the first of the
heavy hitters offered on Friday. Bid with
some aplomb to $350k, where it hit the
skids until the reserve was eventually lifted,
generating one more bid.
#F213-1966 FORD BRONCO pickup. VIN:
U14FL733983. Light blue/gray vinyl. Odo:
32,232 miles. 170-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp. Barebones
Bronco, without the dash even
stamped out for a radio. Decade-old restoration.
Bare-body repaint better than technically
possible when new. Grille letters
painted body color rather than correct red.
Good brightwork; light parking damage on
passenger’s taillight trim. Door fit as good
SOLD AT $1,080,000. Helpful note inside
the driver’s door latch reads: “DON’T BURN
YOUR LEG!” Those refinished sidepipes
look so darn nice that you really don’t want
to stain them with seared flesh. Bidding had
no trouble getting to the one-mill point with
a phone bidder, then things hung for a while
until Dana got Mr. Davis to cut it loose
there. Despite trying to get the last two underbidders
on site to step up by $50k, it finally
hammered sold to the phone,
becoming the top sale of the event.
TOP 10
TOP 10
Page 68
GLOVEBOXNOTES By Jim Pickering
S By Jim Pickering
#F175.1-1967
#F175.1-1967 SHELBY GT500 fastback.
VIN: 67402F4A01487. Wimbledon White/
black vinyl. Odo: 49,962 miles. 428-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Narrow-headlight configuration.
Marti Report displayed with the car
indicates it was sold new in California as
presented. Optional power steering, power
front disc brakes, light group, fold-down rear
seat and AM radio. Stripe delete. Stated
that it is a three-owner car showing actual
miles. High-quality repaint and replated
bumpers. Show-quality engine bay detailing.
Except for replacement carpeting, good
original interior, with some light fading and
seam repair. Cond: 2.
price as tested: $41,295
equipment: 2.3L TI-VCT turbocharged EcoBoost inline 4, 6-speed auto with Select
Shift, 18-inch wheels, HID headlamps, dual exhaust, LED taillamps with sequential turn
signals, heated/cooled power leather seats, selectable drive modes, electric power
steering, Shaker Pro audio, adaptive cruise control
mileage: 20 city/30 highway
Likes: Good economy matched with surprising power from the boosted inline 4 — this
thing is quick when you crank up the boost via sport or track mode. How quick? Try
310 horses and 320 foot-pounds of torque from 2.3 liters — and there’s little to no lag
in the power delivery. Fantastic a/c and cooled seats for when you’re sitting in the sun
with the top down, good feel from adjustable electric power steering.
Dislikes: Doesn’t stand out enough visually. For $40k, I’d be tempted to get something
with a V8 rumble versus the EcoBoost’s quiet swoosh. Rear seat access is pretty
limited with the top up, but that’s a pony car standard.
Verdict: Muscle car guys from the 1990s and 2000s learned to ignore non-V8
Mustangs and Camaros. They had the stigma of being “sporty” cars bought by people
who didn’t know cars. No SS, no 5.0, no Cobra, no V8. What’s the point?
So, considering that, I’m really surprised by this Mustang, because it’s seriously fun.
Normal mode gives you no indication of this car’s capabilities. But crank up the settings
and it turns frantic, like it’s got a score to settle with those old muscle car guys
who sneer at non-V8 Pony cars. It has both performance and economy — the absolute
best of both worlds.
But beyond the new Mustang’s redesign, which is great, there’s nothing visually special
here — no special stylized badges that show off that little jewel of an engine. Because
of that, it does tend to blend into the crowd. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing
depends entirely on the buyer. But one thing’s for sure — don’t look at one of these as
a ho-hum low-performance version, because it’s not.
Fun to drive:
eye appeal:
Overall experience:
70 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $54,540. Magnum 500s are sort
of like Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels on Tbirds—more
cars wear them now than when
new. The only 1969 Mustangs they were
originally on were Boss 302s, not Mach 1s.
This car should’ve had the Mach 1 standard
GT wheels, which to me at least look better
AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $152,280. I know I’m in the minority
here, but to me these 1967–68
Shelbys look a lot better with only the side
stripes. Call it a more mature, serious,
sleeper look, but I think the whole “hey,
cops, look at me” rally stripe thing was
played out a long time ago. Today, that
doesn’t seem to skew values in the least, as
the reserve was cut loose after the final bid
for a market-correct price, with or without
stripes.
#T243-1969 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1
fastback. VIN: 9F02Q215865. Meadowlark
Yellow/white vinyl. Odo: 99,704 miles. 428ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nut-and-bolt professional
restoration to club concours standard in
recent years. Marti Report shows it was restored
to original configuration. Optional a/c,
power steering, power front discs and Sport
Deck rear seat. Repop Magnum 500-style
wheels. Excellent body prep and authentic
repaint, down to having red primer on the
undercarriage rather than incorrectly painting
everything. All underbody components
are still bright metal and paint. Concoursready
engine bay. No reserve. Cond: 2.
Page 70
MECUM AUCTIONS // Indianapolis, IN
simply because everyone else puts Magnum
500s on these. If variations on off-white
work for you, this wasn’t too bad a price.
#F238-1985 FORD F-150 pickup. VIN:
2FTDF15N7FCB50618. Light Canyon Red
& white/red & gray cloth. Odo: 64,745 miles.
5.0-L fuel-injected V8, auto. Most documentation
from when it was bought new in Miami,
FL. Well-cared-for original paint.
Rustproofing plugs in jambs. Quick-disconnect
pigtail for a battery charger sticking out
from the grille slats. Washed-off engine
compartment is generally clean. Oak sideboards
added to top of cargo box. Like-new
interior; greatest wear on the aftermarket
floor mats. With a/c, power steering, power
brakes. Wears America Racing wheels with
newer tires. Cond: 2-.
was one of the press-pool cars that made
its way to various publications. After that,
since it did have a production VIN, it was
sold at retail. While this one went for a premium
since it may well be the first modern
Boss built, there was also a regular production
’12 Boss 302 on offer here (T140) with
453 miles; it was a good buy at $42k. In
January, I called these a car to buy for under
$50k. This one was a no-sale off the
block at that $50k figure, but before it rolled
out the door, a “Dana deal” got it sold.
MOPAR
SOLD AT $17,280. My dad’s 1984 F-150
(another 302/auto in similar condition and
single ownership) sold at auction last fall for
$4,250. The consignor bought this at
Mecum Kissimmee in 2012 for $9k (ACC#
200637). With those two data points, I figured
this might go over 10 grand at best.
Even more surprising was that it wasn’t
4-wheel drive—the usual driving force in
Malaise Era trucks today. Proof that goodcondition
1980s pickups continue to go up
in value at a good clip.
#T240-2012 FORD MUSTANG Boss 302
pre-production coupe. VIN: 1ZVBP8CU6C5199884.
Competition Orange/black
cloth. Odo: 11,906 miles. 302-ci fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. The first “tooling test” preproduction
model, built with a 2012 VIN in
September of 2010. Good original paint and
interior. The only components that show
excess wear are the front spoiler, with
plenty of curb rash and the tires (fancy that).
Includes all the baubles and bells that were
issued with a Boss 302, including the COA,
red key, and re-generated copy of the
#T278-1953 DODGE POWER WAGON
pickup. VIN: 83931301. Red & black/black
vinyl. Odo: 18,963 miles. 230-ci I6, 1-bbl,
4-sp. Originally configured as a fire truck
with a pump unit in the bed. All fire apparatus
has since been removed. Newer highgloss
wood floor overlay in the cargo box.
Externally repainted to driver-grade several
years ago while owned by actor Tom Selleck.
Now has a few light scrapes and dings
from use on his ranch. Original paint and
stencils inside the cab, along with a reskinned
seat and rifle rack in the rear window.
Bedliner on cab floor. Modern
alternator conversion. Stock Budd split rims.
Factory winch. Cond: 3.
rungs lower in condition. Nice enough that it
easily outsold the drop-top, but I’ll still call it
well bought for a 1968 time capsule.
#F177-1978 DODGE D150 Li’l Red Express
pickup. VIN: D13BS8J514286.
Red/black vinyl. Odo: 99,362 miles. 360-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Very good repaint in past
decade. Additional pinstriping in the door
jambs and beneath the hood. Panel fit and
shut lines no better or no worse than any
other 1970s truck. New cargo box wood.
Recent engine bay clean up and light detail.
All plastic in there is original and now noticeably
yellowed. Aftermarket headers and
battery tub. Reupholstered seat with generic
pleats. Period aftermarket speakers cut into
the doors—and I don’t mean the door panels.
Recent replacement exhaust, including
the chrome stacks. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $43,200. Reserve lifted at $40k.
With vintage American 4x4 pricing continuing
to do well, it’s tough to say whether the
celebrity factory helped here. It certainly
didn’t hurt. Better Power Wagons have sold
for more, but tidy drivers have generally
been in the $20k–$40k range.
window sticker, showing “Vehicle not for
sale.” Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $70,200. This
72 AmericanCarCollector.com
#W112-1968 CHRYSLER 300 2-dr hard
top. VIN: CM23K8C229548. Light green
metallic/dark green vinyl. Odo: 14,518
miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. All original car
with actual miles. Even has the original
tires. Optional a/c, tilt/tele steering column,
cruise control. Exceptionally well-preserved
original paint. Nice panel gaps and fit. Light
scuffing on the trim. Tidy engine bay, but it
just doesn’t pop—just like original. Modern
battery is the only obvious item that’s not
circa 1968. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $19,440.
Once you get past the color, this was one
very nice original car. Interestingly enough,
a few lots later in the day was its virtual evil
twin convertible (Lot W136), although that
one’s interior was black, and it was a couple
SOLD AT $23,760. Most folks forget that
the Li’l Red Express wasn’t Dodge’s first
muscle truck. From 1964 to ’67, they offered
the Custom Sports package, which for the
first two years had a 426 Wedge V8 as an
available option—and at least one was documented
to have a Hemi. Prices realized
this year show these have stabilized for the
most part. This sold right for just barely teetering
into weak #2 condition. A
CAR COLLECTOR
AMERICAN
™
SUBSCRIBE TO ACC
877.219.2605 Ext. 1
AmericanCarCollector.com
Keith Martin’s
Page 72
LEAKE // Tulsa, OK
Leake Auction Company —
Tulsa 2015
THERE WERE NEARLY 50 CORVETTES ON OFFER, INCLUDING
A 1954 SOLD AT $85K AND A 1963 SPLIT-WINDOW AT $77K
Leake
Auction
Company
Tulsa, OK
June 5–7, 2015
Auctioneers: Brian
Marshall, Jim Richie,
Bobby Ehlert
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 513/689
Sales rate: 74%
Sales total:
$11,644,820
High sale: 1970 Dodge
Hemi Challenger R/T,
sold at $165,000
buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
The iconic Corvette — 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/250 coupe, sold at $77,000
Report and photos by Andy Staugaard
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
74 AmericanCarCollector.com
sales out of all three days were a 1970 Dodge Hemi
Challenger R/T that went for $165k, a 1966 Shelby
GT350 H at $133k, and a 1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air
IV convertible at $110k. The GTO was one of my favorites
here, along with a well-kept, original 1969 Olds 442
that sold post-block for $25k. What a deal that was!
Up for auction were 748 cars — Leake’s largest auc-
C
tion this year so far. The mood was upbeat, with a lot of
bidding going on using Leake’s dual auction platform.
With sales totaling $11.6m and a sell-through rate of
74%, the collector car market in Tulsa is alive and well,
despite depressed oil prices.
There were nearly 50 Corvettes on offer, almost
half of which were C3s. I was disappointed to see the
high bids for these cars lacking. Maybe C3 values have
leveled off for the time being. However, the bidding on
the C1s and C2s more than made up for the lack of C3
performance. A second-year 1954 sold for $85k, for
example, and a 1963 Split-Window sold for $77k.
hevy dominated the sales numbers at
Leake’s 2015 Tulsa sale while Mopar dominated
the sales dollars, with Ford coming
somewhere in between in both categories.
The top three American collector car
Of particular interest was a 1937 Cord. The car was
owned at one time by Glenn Pray, a seminal figure in
the replica car movement. Pray sold the car in 1960 in
order to buy the Auburn company. The car was not seen
until his son Doug found it 45 years later, stored in a
barn. The car remains totally original and complete,
down to the cigarette lighter, and it sold post-block for
$105k. It was a tremendous buy for such a rare piece of
history.A
top seller — 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger r/t
2-door hard top, sold at $165,000
Page 74
LEAKE // Tulsa, OK
GM
#159-1958 CHEVROLET APACHE custom
pickup. VIN: 3A58S123467. Turquoise/
beige cloth. Odo: 2,578 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Shows very well with an exquisite
paint job. The bottom artwork along with
its lowered body and aftermarket mags with
new tires really set it off. The fit is good all
around, and the covered bed is nicely done.
The glass appears to be original and is in
fair condition. The engine bay is nicely done
with its 350/385 roller-cam engine. The only
downside I see is a cigarette hole in the
right seat and an interior that begs for professional
cleaning. Also, the underside
shows some rust and needs attention.
Cond: 2-.
presented well, and deserved the price paid
here. Well sold.
#2452-1967 PONTIAC GTO 2-dr hard top.
VIN: 242077K113289. Red/red leather.
Odo: 302 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. The
paint on this freshly restored car is terrific.
The chrome is bright but the trim is dull. The
rear window glass is scratched. The interior
is restored to its original condition. The engine
bay is fair, with room for improvement.
The underside needs to be restored to the
level of the topside. Tires show some wear.
All PHS documentation included. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $121,000. This is an excellent
example of a Ram Air IV GTO convertible
with the all-important documentation.
Mecum sold it in 1997 for $29k (ACC#
21727). More recently, it sold for $127k at
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2013 (ACC#
260456). It would seem that the buyer lost
money here, but I’ll still call it well sold, as
the price paid was in Judge territory.
SOLD AT $23,925. This is an awesome
truck and with a little work on the interior
and underside, it would be show-worthy.
This truck was a no-sale at Mecum Houston
in April of 2013 with a high bid of $14k
(ACC# 220284). Although it is hard to value
custom vehicles, I think that this one was
well bought and sold. It paid the seller to be
patient and bring the truck to another auction.
Everyone should be happy with the
final price.
#2446-1962 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS
convertible. VIN: 21867B104550. Red/
black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 85,086 miles.
409-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Body-off restoration.
The older repaint is still showing well. The
chrome and trim are very good. The engine
bay is nicely restored, showing off its big
409. The interior is restored to its original
condition. The underside is immaculate.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $28,050. This would make a
great driver and local show car that could
be improved to national show-car level with
minimal cost. It also has the PHS documentation
to back it up, so it definitely has upside
potential. Fair price for buyer and
seller.
#2442-1969 OLDSMOBILE 442 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 344879Z121031. Nugget
Gold/black vinyl. Odo: 42,925 miles.
455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Mostly original. The
paint is very good with small scratches. The
interior is excellent for its age. The engine
bay and underside are clean and like new.
The rear glass is scratched. Comes with its
original build sheet. Cond: 2.
#2456-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
396 convertible. VIN: 136670B188069.
Black/black vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 572
miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The paint is
fresh and excellent. It has new window and
door seals but poor fit on the left door. The
chrome and trim are bright and shiny. The
interior is restored to new condition. The
underside is clean, matching the topside
restoration quality. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $56,100. This is one nice car;
however, the auction listing does not state
that the engine is numbers-matching. Assuming
that it is the original engine, its market
value should be somewhere between
$35k and $65k, which is right where it was
hammered sold.
SOLD AT $25,300. Nice, clean example of
a mostly original Olds 442. According to the
auction listing, it was owned by the same
family for 40 years, and it has obviously
been well taken care of. It sold just about in
the middle of its market range. I was surprised
that it did not go for more, and wish
I’d had a bidder’s pass. Well bought.
SOLD AT $58,850. First-rate Impala 409
convertible. This car sold at Mecum Indy in
May of 2012 for $31k (ACC# 205209). It
appeared again last year at Leake Tulsa in
June and was a no-sale at $62k (ACC#
251922). I guess the seller had a change of
heart. The car was marvelously restored,
76 AmericanCarCollector.com
#495-1969 PONTIAC GTO Ram Air IV
convertible. VIN: 242679R167185. Matador
Red/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 1,237
miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older restoration
still shows well. There are minor polishing
swirls in the paint. The chrome and trim
are excellent. It has new door and window
seals, making for a tight fit. The interior is
like new. The engine bay is nicely done.
The underside is excellent. PHS documentation
is included. Cond: 2-.
#1172-1972 CHEVROLET C10 Cheyenne
Super pickup. VIN: CCE142F302837. Blue
& white/white vinyl. Odo: 892 miles. 350-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recently repainted and
looks very nice, even at five feet, although it
shows some underlying chips and dents.
The bed is spray-coated to match the truck
color but shows underlying imperfections.
The left door fit is poor and bouncy. There is
evidence of Bondo on the rear fender
BEST
BUY
Page 76
LEAKE // Tulsa, OK
well. The chrome and trim are very good.
The engine bay is fair and a bit too glossy
black for my taste. The underside is fair but
needs cosmetic detailing. The interior is
really nice, and the glass is clear. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $16,500. Although this truck has
some minor issues, it really looks good and,
assuming it runs out well, will make a great
driver. With a little work it could be upgraded
to a nice show truck. These 1967–
72 C10s are on the move, with good upside
potential, and the buyer did well with this
one. Well bought.
CORVETTE
#477-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. VIN: E54S001675. Sportsman
Red/beige cloth/beige leather. Odo: 1,881
miles. 236-ci 150-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. This
car has seen an older restoration but is still
in excellent shape. The paint, chrome, trim
and engine bay are all marvelous, with only
minor scratches. The windshield and window
glass are clear. The underside is dirty
and needs detailing. The door fit is surprisingly
good for a 1954. It is optioned with
turn signals, heater and AM radio. (Hard to
believe those were add-ons.) Cond: 2+.
are period-correct but not original. Radio
delete. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $77,000. SplitWindow
Corvettes are the iconic symbol of
the Corvette world and will always be collector
cars. As long as the price is reasonable,
they will always have upside potential.
This is the base model 327/250 coupe. The
price was reasonable, and the buyer should
be happy. Well sold and well bought.
#520-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194676S108472. Rally Red/
white vinyl/black leather. Odo: 18,874 miles.
327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. I evaluated
this car at Mecum Kansas City in April, and
it hasn’t changed much. The paint is poor
with numerous scratches, chips and orange
peel. The body fit is good. The chrome is
just fair, with numerous scratches and dents
in the front bumper. The trim is poor, dull
and scratched. The underside and engine
bay are dirty and need restoration. There
are several areas of rust showing on the
underside. It comes with sidepipes and new
tires. Cond: 3.
needs a good cleaning, as does the underside.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $18,700. I normally
don’t write up late-model cars, but this
is a good example of a nice entry-level C5
driver that would fit most budgets. It will
probably never be a collector car, but it
should provide the buyer with many miles of
the Corvette experience. Well bought and
sold.
FOMOCO
#2438-1965 FORD F-100 pickup. VIN:
F10JF650436. Rangoon Red/red leather.
Odo: 70,690 miles. 352-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp.
New paint inside and out. It has a very
nicely restored wooden bed. The engine
bay is clean but too glossy for my taste. The
chrome is bright, but the trim is slightly
dulled. The underside is outstanding.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $84,700. A very nice example of
a second-year Corvette. There were only
about 3,600 of these built, and not many are
left in such good condition. Well bought, a
hair under mid-market.
#2413-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 30837S107771. Daytona
Blue/blue leather. Odo: 77,103 miles. 327-ci
250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older repaint has
numerous scratches and a few chips—it
begs to be repainted. The chrome and trim
have been restored and look very nice. The
fit is good all around. An older interior restoration
still looks good. The engine bay appears
correct but needs a cosmetic
restoration. The underside is clean and restored
to factory condition. Knockoff wheels
SOLD AT $46,750. This Corvette is begging
for a restoration to bring it up to investment-grade
level. In my April evaluation at
Mecum I said, “I do not think it will bring
much more at auction in its current condition,”
and it didn’t. The high bid at Mecum
was $50k and the seller did not take it
(ACC# 264722). The price paid here was
below the market low but fair, considering
its condition. The seller must have had a
change of heart.
#216-2002 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 1G1YY32G725103664. Magnetic
Red/black cloth/black leather. Odo:
46,000 miles. 5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. The paint, glass and interior are all
consistent with age and normal wear. However,
there are numerous chips on the front
end, which indicate that a bra would have
been a good investment in the past. A black
bra would also really contrast nicely against
its Magnetic Red paint. The engine bay
SOLD AT $18,810. This truck had a fabulous
restoration. It is an early F-100 collectible
stepside V8 with good upside potential.
In addition, 1965 was the first year of the
Twin I-Beam front suspension, which Ford
continued using into the new millennium.
The ACC Premium Auction Database
shows this truck sold in May of 2013 at
Mecum Indy for $9,250 (ACC# 223700).
Wow, nice 100% value increase over two
years, and I think there’s still more upside
potential. Well bought and well sold.
#207-1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 5R08C128250. Vintage Burgundy/
white vinyl/white leather. Odo: 23,664 miles.
289-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The repaint is excellent.
The chrome and trim are very good. It
has a new top with a split glass rear window.
It is optioned with a Pony interior, a/c,
and woodgrain steering wheel. The Pony
interior is nicely restored. The door panel fit
is good, but the rear windows do not close
up tight. The engine bay needs a cosmetic
restoration to be consistent with the rest of
the car. The underside is clean. Cond: 2-.
78 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 78
LEAKE // Tulsa, OK
SOLD AT $26,950. This is a nice first-generation
Mustang that shows well. These
have been on the increase lately and should
sell at auction somewhere between $26k
and $36k. This is a nice example and
should have good upside potential, even
though Ford made over 100,000 of them.
Well bought.
#2467-1966 SHELBY GT350 H fastback.
VIN: SFM6S2118. Black & gold/black & vinyl.
Odo: 65,455 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Older repaint with numerous scratches
and chips. The chrome is bright and the trim
is dull. The window glass is slightly
scratched. The interior looks all original and
in great condition. The engine bay shows
well, and the underside is nice and clean.
Lots of documentation is included, and it is
listed in the Shelby Registry. Cond: 3+.
slightly above a daily driver. Well sold, but
not a bad buy.
#442-1969 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1 fastback.
VIN: 9T02R173858. Blue/black vinyl.
Odo: 79,305 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
The auction listing states that this is a “Drag
pack car with a V-code 3.91 rear end.” It
has had a recent body and engine repaint,
both excellent. The right exterior door button
is missing, and you must open the door
using the inside handle. The chrome and
trim are bright and in very good condition.
Door fit is poor. Tinted glass is clear. The
seats have been replaced; the rest of the
interior is consistent with age. The engine
bay and underside are bright and clean.
Cond: 3+.
scratched, and chipped, consistent with
age. The replacement shag carpet is not
correct but definitely reflects the 1970s era.
The seats and dash are neat, clean and
well preserved. It even has an 8-track
player. The engine bay and underside are
nasty. Minor surface rust throughout should
not be a concern. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $133,100. The condition of this
car is just above that of an average daily
driver, but it has all the right stuff, including
the documentation to back it up. It is the
real deal. Plus, it has a 4-speed manual
transmission, where most were automatics
for the rental industry. The manual transmission
adds 20% to its value. It was hammered
sold here just above its low market
value of $125k, in line with its average dailydriver
condition. It will still have future upside
potential. Well bought.
#2534-1969 FORD MUSTANG Mach 1
fastback. VIN: 9R02R110567. Blue/black
vinyl. Odo: 57,511 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Recent repaint during restoration with
minor scratches. The chrome and trim are
nice and bright. The engine bay is fair and
needs a cosmetic restoration. The underside
is clean. The glass is clear. The interior
is redone but shows some wear. It has its
original AM radio, but the antenna is broken
off. The right-side window handle is broken.
The doors squeak when opening and closing,
and the left-side door fit is poor. The
build sheet is included. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $56,100. Although not as collectible
as the Boss 302 or Boss 429, the Mach
1 with R-code Super Cobra Jet 428 is still a
significant car. The final sold price here is a
bit on the high side. Well sold.
#460-1969 SHELBY GT500 fastback. VIN:
9F02R482097. Grabber Yellow/black vinyl.
Odo: 90,396 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
This is a mostly original car with original
build sheet and a recent repaint and interior
restoration. Paint and interior present as
perfect. The chrome and trim are bright and
shiny. The engine bay needs detailing to
match the rest of the car and show off that
big 428. The underside is excellent.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $34,650. The auction listing
states there are only two previous owners. It
has been garage-kept and covered since
1983. In fact, the hard top has never been
removed, and the convertible top seals
have never been broken. The bidding was
fast and furious, and the final number represents
how hot these vehicles are becoming
on the auction circuit. Well sold and well
bought, and I think there is still some upside
potential left.
#1141-1972 FORD F-250 Ranger XLT
pickup. VIN: F25HRP87756. Green &
white/green cloth. Odo: 40,238 miles. 390-ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. This 3/4-ton Ford has had a
recent repaint that shows very well. However,
the chrome and trim are dull and need
restoration. The bed has been recently
sprayed with a liner but shows dents from
the original bed underneath. The panel fit
and glass are good. The engine bay is
poorly done and needs some professional
attention. There is a lot of rust on the underside.
The interior needs detailing. It has new
aftermarket mags that really set it off.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $93,500. According to the auction
listing, this is an all-original car with the original
build sheet and is listed in the Shelby
Registry. For its superb condition, it should
have drawn bigger money. The only thing
that might have held it back was its automatic
transmission. Well bought.
SOLD AT $55,000. The main thing this car
has going for it is its matching-numbers Super
Cobra Jet 428. Otherwise it is just
80 AmericanCarCollector.com
#424-1972 FORD BRONCO Explorer
Sport SUV. VIN: U15GLN92677. Gold/
white hard top & soft top/brown cloth. Odo:
24,060 miles. 302-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Low
mileage and looks to be all original. The
paint, chrome and trim are dulled,
SOLD AT $10,780. This truck is optioned
with the high-end XLT trim package and
Camper Special package, which includes
heavy-duty cooling, camper wiring and
larger alternator. An aftermarket a/c unit has
also been added. It would make an excellent
driver with some upside potential. Well
bought with some room to make improvements.
Page 80
LEAKE // Tulsa, OK
QUICKTAKE
1972 Chevrolet El Camino
SS 454
SOLD at $26,950
Leake Auctions, Tulsa, OK, June 5–7 2015; Lot 2432
VIN: 1D80W2L515267
MOPAR
#2448-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER 2-dr
hard top. VIN: JH29G0B149481. Plum
Crazy/black vinyl/black cloth. Odo: 3,568
miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The paint is
just fair with numerous dimples, blemishes
and scratches. The chrome and trim show
their age. The fit is good all around. It has
power steering and disc brakes and an aftermarket
headliner. The interior is in good
condition, showing little wear. The underside
is dirty and dripping fluid. The engine
bay is nicely restored. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $22,550. This car is in decent
condition and would make a good daily
driver. However, a little research on the VIN
shows that it was born with a 2-bbl 318, so
its price needs to be adjusted accordingly.
The bidders must have done their research,
because the sale price was about right.
years 1964 to 1972. When equipped with a nasty big block or high-winding small
block, it was a legit muscle car. But beyond that, the El Camino was always a utilitarian
vehicle, just as at home hauling your garden art or washing machine as it was turning Polyglas
tires into black streaks on the asphalt.
In terms of high performance, the 1970 SS 454 LS6 El Camino was the top dog, pumping
The El Camino was a wildly popular car, especially from the
out over 450 horsepower, followed closely by the LS5 360-hp version that same year. This
car is a ’72 with what appears to be the SS 454 LS5 package, but by then, the engine was
rated at just 270 horses, thanks in part to a change from gross to net horsepower ratings and
emissions regulations that ended some of the
tire-smoking fun.
This El Camino isn’t specifically called out
by Leake Auctions as a factory SS 454, but it
does have a W in the 5th character of the VIN,
which all SS 454s had. It also has original-style
badges and placement, original 15-inch SS
wheels, a 5,000-rpm redline tach, and the
TH400 automatic transmission, all of which
suggest it’s the real deal. This car also has 3:43
gearing, which makes it a perfect all-around
driver.
At $26,950, this car sold a bit higher than
the trend of about $20k for similar cars, seen
at places such as Mecum Kissimmee and
Leake Tulsa earlier this year. However, this
car appears to be, with the exception of its
tires, all original, and if it really is as it was
from the factory, that makes this a pretty good
deal at the price paid. Sure, it may not be a
ground-pounding LS6 from 1970, but it’s still
a big-block El Camino from the horsepower
era that sold for not a lot of money. Call it an
all-around solid buy. A
82 AmericanCarCollector.com
AmericanCarCollector.com
#472-1970 DODGE HEMI CHALLENGER
R/T 2-dr hard top. VIN:
JS23R0B155925. Red/black vinyl. Odo:
69,028 miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto.
Older topside restoration. The paint is very
good but beginning to dull. The chrome and
trim are very good with minor scratches.
The interior shows very little wear. The rear
glass is scratched. The door, hood and
trunk fit are very good. The engine bay is
excellent, highlighting that big Hemi V8. The
underside is dirty and needs a restoration to
match the topside. Original build sheet and
restoration documentation included. J-code
VIN shows it was born with a 340-ci V8 with
3x2-bbl carb. Cond: 3+.
10
SOLD AT $165,000. I evaluated this car at
Leake’s OKC sale this past February, where
it was a no-sale at $125k (ACC# 257390).
At that time I stated that the owner must
have decided to walk and hope for a better
day down the road. Well, he went about 100
miles down the road and had a better day.
Well sold!
— Alec Ebert
#706-1996 DODGE VIPER RT/10 convertible.
VIN: 1B3BR65E5TV100724. White/
TOP 10
Page 81
LEAKE // Tulsa, OK
white hard top/black leather. Odo: 27,761
miles. 8.0-L fuel-injected V10, 6-sp. Paint in
good condition for its age. Hard top is
cracked, has been repainted, and does not
match the slightly faded body paint. The
interior is worn, consistent with age. I could
not inspect the engine bay. The underside
is dirty, and the headlight lenses are
scratched. Cond: 3-.
QUICKTAKE
1974 Chevrolet Vega
Kammback wagon
SOLD at $2,640
Leake, Tulsa, OK, June 5, 2015; Lot 111
VIN: 1V15B4U362157
NOT SOLD AT $29,000. Late in the 1996
model year, Dodge introduced the GTS, a
new coupe version of the Viper which got a
horsepower bump from 415 to 450. The
auction listing states that this car has a 450hp
engine, but I don’t think that is correct,
since it is not a GTS. (A GTS is worth about
$5k more than an RT/10.) The high bid
should have been enough to close the deal
here.
AMERICANA
#199-1980 JEEP CJ-5 Golden Eagle SUV.
VIN: J0M83EC057650. Brown/brown vinyl/
brown leather. Odo: 98,037 miles. 258-ci I6,
2-bbl, 4-sp. The new paint and restored interior
are well done. However, the engine
bay and underside are poor and need to
match the quality of the rest of the vehicle.
New tires and mags set it off nicely.
Cond: 3+.
Chevrolet in downtown Tulsa, OK. He sold it over 41 years later on
June 5, 2015, at Leake’s annual Tulsa sale. He drove this car daily, shuffling his family to
and fro for 36 years. The past five years, the car was reserved for a few trips a week.
Sure, there were some goofy bits with this particular car: a way-too-big driver’s floor mat, a
Louis Stackler bought this car on April 1, 1974, from Bill White
pair of 6x9 boxed speakers tossed behind the rear bench and a cheap-motel indoor/outdoor rug
that fits surprisingly well. But otherwise, it looked original.
Leake noted, “Engine replaced with comparable stock four cylinder.” That shouldn’t be a
surprise to anyone, as the Chevy 2300, later hilariously misnamed the Dura-Built 140, was an
experimental engine that ended up making it to production. A sleeveless aluminum engine was
a dream of GM’s engineers (and bean counters) for decades. It was an admirable attempt, but
with flawed results, especially because of the cast-iron head. Whether it was cylinder warpage,
cylinder scuffing or just rattling itself to death because engineers hadn’t yet developed balance
shafts, too many engines found a way to grenade themselves.
If a Vega shows up at auction, it’s likely to be a 1974. If it is a wagon, it’s likely to be a 1974,
since that year was the highest production for both Vegas overall (452,888 units) and for the
Kammbacks (113,326). Of the few still around, one would be hard-pressed to find an example in
as decent condition as the one-owner Kammback we’re looking at here.
Why is this cool? Pre-1975, one owner, new upholstery,
new paint? These are words buyers usually pony up for. The
Vega was also Chevy’s first real attempt at European handling
and American ride quality. That combination wouldn’t be
adequately met for several decades, but the attempt is laudable.
How does it stack up against the market, such as it is, for
SOLD AT $11,550. It appears to me this
Jeep was recently painted and restored to
sell quickly. A lot of recent Jeep restorations
have been appearing on the auction circuit
lately because these vehicles have been
hot sellers. However, the jury is out whether
or not they will turn out to be long-term collector
vehicles. This price leaves the buyer
some room to improve the engine bay and
underside and still have some upside potential.
Well bought. A
Vegas? Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the generally low values
Vega hold, there have been only 17 of the subcompacts show
up at major public auctions since the start of 2013. The 1974
Kammback we’re looking at here went for far below the average
$8,001 of the 15 we saw sell — buoyed by some five-figure
Cosworth sales. The wagons of that group (all four of them
sold) averaged $4,140. That’s $1,500 more than our featured car and 65% of the original MSRP.
I’ll go out on a (tiny, safe) limb and say the new owner got a steal of a deal here. Some things
just fall under the radar.
For a long while, the best use I could think of for Vega wagons was to install cartoonishly
big wheel tubs inside and squeeze the fattest slicks possible under them. Of course, this is to
match the big-block V8 conversion up front.
I’ll revise that thought in light of Louis’ Kammback. This one, as-is, would be just the thing
for a night at a cruise-in. Odds are I’d have the only one there — admirably flawed and all.A
— Chad Tyson
September-October 2014
September-October 2015
83
Page 82
RUSSO AND STEELE // Newport Beach, CA
Russo and Steele —
Newport Beach
A 1954 BUICK SKYLARK MADE A HEALTHY $170K, AND A TOP FLIGHT
1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE FUELIE CHANGED HANDS AT $95K
Russo and
Steele
Newport Beach, CA
June 5–7, 2015
Auctioneers: Rob
Row, Dan Schorno,
Frank Bizzarro
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 173/343
Sales rate: 50%
Sales total: $7,371,443
American high sale:
2005 Ford GT, sold at
$337,700
buyer’s premium:
10%, included in sold
prices
top American seller at this year’s Newport beach auction — 2006 Ford gt coupe, sold at $337,700
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
84 AmericanCarCollector.com
Report and photos by Wally Marx
Market opinions in italics
A
Russo and Steele auction feels like a rock
concert built around a classic vehicle
auction, with a healthy dose of partyhearty
attitude. What’s on tap is high action,
high volume, and high celebration.
Russo events promise attendees maximum stimulation
of the automotive persuasion.
The auction house also delivers a lot of bang for the
buck. They specialize in “attainable” vehicles in the
$50k to $500k range. It’s a show where the small guys
can present their vehicles for sale alongside rock-star
cars and concours beauties. In June, Russo held their
auction at Newport Beach, CA, and delivered on all
fronts.
The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort was an
excellent venue. Cool mornings and sunny, breezy
afternoons under the palm trees made for excellent
all-day browsing. Easy parking and friendly employees
abounded.
There were many high-quality European sports
cars and luxury exotics, but the overall selection
leaned to the American side of the Atlantic, with a
strong assortment of Tri-Five Chevys, Corvettes,
Mopars and ’50s GM convertibles. This being SoCal,
Mustangs, Shelbys and Cobras were particularly well
represented. A 19,000-mile 1967 Shelby GT500 once
owned by pro-wrestler Goldberg no-saled at $121k,
but a 1966 GT350 H found the right buyer at $138k.
A 1954 Buick Skylark convertible boasting an
exceptional restoration made a healthy $170k, a Top
Flight 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Fuelie convertible
changed hands at $95k, and a 1963 Dodge 330 Max
Wedge “tribute” car brought the money at $41k. One
of the nicest vehicles in the entire auction, a pristine
1958 Nomad wagon, went well under market at $31k.
Overall, this was Russo and Steele’s best outing yet
in Newport Beach. Despite offering fewer cars than
last year, they managed to boost sales to 7.4m — a
74% increase.A
Page 84
RUSSO AND STEELE // Newport Beach, CA
GM
#F516-1951 CHEVROLET custom 2-dr
sedan. VIN: AZ331234. Lime metallic &
silver/white vinyl. Odo: 6,862 miles. 383-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Full lead-sled custom,
chopped, nosed, decked, shaved and lowered.
Sublime paint with good panel fit.
Wide whites on Radir chrome mags. Airbag
suspension controlled via heater-control
levers. Built motor with many color-matched
powder-coated parts. All the tricks and trinkets
of an American custom. Cond: 2.
#S735-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: VC570130307. Adobe
Beige/cream & canvas/copper & beige
leather. Odo: 1,492 miles. 283-ci V8, 2x4bbl,
auto. Full and complete professional
restoration within the past five years, including
bringing the car back to original color
scheme. Paint excellent with no discernible
flaws. Trim, rubber and glass excellent.
Chrome excellent except for two oddly
faded pieces. Continental kit and dual exhaust.
Interior looking as-new, with Autronic
Eye, compass and Traffic Viewer. Engine
bay excellent, don’t know if two-four setup is
original. Hard to fault. No reserve. Cond: 1-.
cess engine, but probably a 283 based on
Internet photo. Beautiful yellow-green paint
on top half with white below the dazzling
chrome spears. Difficult to get this much
paint to look uniformly so good. All chrome
spotless. Interior looks brand new. Car
purred to the auction block effortlessly.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $31,350. After the great Tri-Five
Nomads, the 1958 came as a 4-door version.
Not a wildly rare car, but not something
you see every day. For me, this was
the heartbreaker of the auction: a really excellent
vehicle, sold without reserve at much
less than market value. Very well bought.
NOT SOLD AT $30,250. Serious sled in
top-quality condition. Way too wild for most,
but would be a standout at the local show or
cruise night. Built by Classic Corner Garage
of Mesa, AZ. Last sold at Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale in January for $36k (ACC#
258258).
#S737-1954 BUICK SKYLARK
convertible. VIN: 7A1090889. Light
blue/blue canvas/blue leather. Odo: 97,281
miles. 322-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Phenomenal
restoration of a car brought over from Europe.
Many parts, trim pieces and panels
are reproduction. Beautiful paint with few
discernible flaws. Front bench showing
wear, especially driver’s side. Steering
wheel chrome shows pitting. Driver’s side
kick panel dented. Carpet worn at ingress
points. Engine bay clean overall, but light oil
showing at valve covers. Cond: 2.
7
SOLD AT $75,900. This car sold in 2004 at
RM Phoenix for $65k (ACC# 32473). In
2011 it sold on eBay for $110k (ACC#
182990). At that time the odometer read
zero. Hopefully those 1,492 miles put on
since were spectacular. Well bought this
time around.
#S747-1958 CADILLAC ELDORADO convertible.
VIN: 58E023399. Yellow/cream
canvas/red leather. Odo: 65,065 miles. 365ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. One of 815 built. New
paint with no discernible flaws. Chrome and
trim excellent. New top. New carpet, trunk
kit, glass, dash. Painted chassis. Sabre
wheels. Autronic eye. All available power
options. Engine bay excellent. Hard to fault.
Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $20,900. If you needed
more proof that C10s are hot, take the fact
that this truck was one of no less than six
examples at this auction. Beautifully done,
this truck would be the perfect weekend
cruiser but just couldn’t raise the cash at
this auction. With the excellent condition
and the current truck trend, I can see why
the seller is holding out for better money.
SOLD AT $170,428. This post-auction sale
contradicts the current conventional wisdom
that anyone who ever wanted a Skylark (except
this author) has got one and values are
headed for a slow decline. This car no-saled
at Mecum Kissimmee in January at $110k
(ACC# 257213), then sold at Hollywood
Wheels Amelia Island in March for $126,500
(ACC# 264375), so the seller just made
serious profit. This is the third Skylark sale
this year over $170k.
86 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $126,500. Not the most exciting
color combo, but truly a terrific car.
Reserve was set at a sensible $140k, seeing
as these have been going north of
$150k for years. Eventual high bid was certainly
below market.
#S643-1958 CHEVROLET NOMAD
wagon. VIN: 58L110568. Yellow/green vinyl.
Odo: 548 miles. V8, auto. Small block
of unspecified displacement; couldn’t ac-
#S615-1968 CHEVROLET IMPALA
wagon. VIN: 164358F230794. Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 96,841 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Very faded original paint with multiple
dings, scratches and surface rust. Heavier
rust in moisture-accumulation zones. All
chrome trim faded. Factory luggage carrier.
Interior very worn, front bench re-upholstered.
Engine bay solid but shows miles
traveled. Drivable but very used. Copious
documentation. Cond: 4. NOT SOLD AT
$15,400. This car was promoted as a GM
#F475-1966 CHEVROLET C10 pickup.
VIN: C1446Z123784. White/red & white
leather. Odo: 91,970 miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Very clean truck. Looks like a fresh
resto with very good paint and chrome.
Dings in trim. Interior looks brand new.
Clean, correct engine bay. Wood bed with
metal runners and Duraliner. Cond: 3+.
TOP 10
Page 86
RUSSO AND STEELE // Newport Beach, CA
SOLD AT $5,225. It’s easily forgotten that
the Seville was tremendously popular. Production
runs sold out, especially in Europe.
This car was beat but neat, and for a vehicle
that will probably keep running with little
maintenance, it sold at a fair price.
employee special-order car. What this
amounted to was a few fairly mundane upgrades
otherwise not available on this
model, plus the luggage carrier. Recently
sold for $11,880 at Mecum Kissimmee
(ACC# 262902), making this high bid look
like plenty.
#S733-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/
SS custom coupe. VIN: 124379N572107.
Orange/black leather. 6.2-L fuel-injected V8,
auto. Pro Touring monster with DSE subframe
and suspension, rack-and-pinion
steering, and disc brakes all around. Excellent
paint. Spotless chrome. Lowered
stance. New leather interior with Recaro
seats and late-model console. Racepak
digital dash. Antenna missing. Forgeline
wheels. Cond: 2.
harness than I like to see. Originally lime
green; you wonder why the yellow. The final
high bid was low, and the seller was right to
hang on for more later.
#F518-1973 CHEVROLET CAMARO custom
coupe. VIN: 1Q87K3N150004. Synergy
Green/black leather. Odo: 300 miles.
6.0-L fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Custom-built for
the CEO of RS Hot Rods. Good paint with
some swirls. Bodywork straight with good
gaps. Color-matched painted trim, custom
wheelwell fairings, custom-fabricated metal
hood intake, shaved drip rails. Late-model
Camaro center console. Interior features
original seats re-covered in suede and
leather with suede headliner. Highly detailed
LS2 with color-matched intake and
valve covers. Tremec TKO 6-speed driving
a custom aluminum driveshaft and rebuilt
10-bolt rear end with Positraction. Cond: 2.
#S606-1981 PONTIAC TRANS AM Turbo
Recaro Edition coupe. VIN:
1G2AX87T5BN115203. White/black & red
velour. Odo: 3,299 miles. 4.9-L turbcharged
V8, auto. Original white paint has chips,
dings and touch-ups all over. T-tops. Full-on
Trans-Am decal regalia. Turbo hood scoop.
Red and black velour interior with specialorder
Recaro seats. Dash and interior trim
and console very tired. Dirty engine bay
dominated by Garrett TBO-305 turbocharger.
Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $13,750. Said to be one of
2,000, and it’s a time capsule. The highlight
of the car was the boost indicators on the
back of the Turbo bulge, with the words
“Normal,” “Medium,” and “High” in classic
“Tron” font. I would have taken the high bid.
CORVETTE
NOT SOLD AT $115,500. Last seen at
Mecum Chicago in October of 2013, not
sold at $92k (ACC# 236465). First-gen Camaros
are the ultimate Pro Touring machines.
Compact dimensions and parts
availability make performance success
readily achievable—so much so that outrageous
builds like this can seem common.
Regardless, the auction crowd loved the
vehicle. Market-correct high bid for someone
else’s no-expense-spared custom project.
#S727-1971 OLDSMOBILE 442 W-30 convertible.
VIN: 344671M51099. Yellow/black
canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 1,909 miles. 455-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Rotisserie restoration with
non-original school-bus-yellow paint. Front
door gaps wide and nicks at door jambs.
Original Super Stock wheels in fair condition.
Correct and immaculate engine bay
with red plastic fender liners and twin-scoop
forced induction with vacuum-operated air
option. Corrosion on headers. Interior trim
wear, key marks around ignition. Canadian
paperwork. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$101,750. Not a perfect car, but impressive.
More electrical tape around the wiring
88 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $44,000. Gen 2 Camaro
design remains surprisingly resilient. The
size, shape and stance still garner wide appeal.
This car was an all-out street warrior
with huge amounts of labor and money invested.
High bid was low by a long shot.
#SN801-1979 CADILLAC SEVILLE sedan.
VIN: 6S69B99476543. Yellow/cream
vinyl/cream leather. Odo: 32,144 miles.
5.7-L fuel-injected V8, auto. Original paint
with dings all over and beginnings of rust at
trim lines. Chrome in decent shape with
plastic trim deteriorating. Interior well used.
Power antenna stuck. Overall a very used
car that could still roll. Cond: 4+.
#S721-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. VIN: 10867S101763. Black/
black canvas/red leather. Odo: 49 miles.
283-ci 315-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Fouryear
nut-and-bolt resto of a matching-numbers
Fuelie. Nearly flawless black paint
without discernible cracks or bubbles. Gaps
and panel fit good all around. Includes hard
top. Trim and chrome excellent. Newer tires
with highly polished hubcaps. Interior looks
new and correct. Engine bay excellent with
desirable fuel injection unit. Looks like a
new car. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $94,600. This car is an NCRS
Top Flight winner, having scored 96.3 out of
the possible 125, with points off for “nonfactory”
cosmetics such as shiny paint. The
Page 88
RUSSO AND STEELE // Newport Beach, CA
car was a stunner, but bidding stalled
shortly after at $87k. This deal came together
later, so it looks like buyer and seller
came to an understanding. Well bought and
sold.
#S764-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 194375S110884. Blue/white
leather. Odo: 6,556 miles. 327-ci 350-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Full resto in 2004 now
showing signs of age. Original warranty
card, Protect-O-Plate, and matching-numbers
327. Deep and lovely Nassau Blue
paint with a crack at the top of the A-pillar
and bubbles at the rear edge of deck lid,
driver’s A-pillar, and the hood near the
windshield on driver’s side. Newer correct
white interior shows nicely, as does tidy and
original-looking engine compartment.
Cond: 2.
trick door pops mounted on the headlights
to work so the car could hit the block. That’s
how cool a Coddington is. Car came with an
appraisal of $325k, so this market-correct
bid was way below what the seller was looking
for.
#F450-1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
MARK II 2-dr hard top. VIN: C56B1929.
Champagne/tan leather. Odo: 101,451
miles. 368-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint showing
nicks, bubbles and some minor rust along
edges. Chrome bumpers have areas of light
surface rust. Trim pieces have dings and
clouding. Rubber in need of attention. Taillights
fogged. Alignment off on both doors.
Corner of hood near windshield on driver’s
side damaged, large ding on hood. Tan interior
looking old, with sagging, discoloration
and marks. Dash in decent shape. Incongruous
turquoise steering wheel. Engine
bay presentable and looks original. Did not
start readily at auction time. Cond: 3+.
still seems to have the magic touch. The car
was extremely well executed, almost to the
point of being unexciting. Every area was
highly detailed, clean and custom. The Starliner
is not a particularly exciting car to start
out with, but it’s an unusual choice for a
custom. Remains to be seen how long the
big-wheel trend will last. I’d say the high bid
was all the money and should have been
taken.
#S751-1966 SHELBY GT350 H fastback.
VIN: SFM6S1383. Black/black vinyl. Odo:
13,442 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Full
body-off resto to factory specifications.
Good paint showing micro-buffs. Passenger’s
door rear gap off. Trim and chrome
like new. Interior like new, with dash tach
and fold-down rear seat. Engine bay immaculate
save for cracked rubber on shock
mounts. Overall very high-quality presentation.
Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $59,400. The original warranty
card is not going to cover the bubbles—which
is a shame, as this is a
beautiful car with a lot of work put into it.
The knockoff wheels are a piece of artwork
unto themselves. High bid was well below
market. Seller was right to hold.
FOMOCO
#S738-1932 FORD MODEL 18 custom
convertible. VIN: 18144093. Black/blue
canvas/black leather. 358-ci fuel-injected
V8, auto. Full custom by Boyd Coddington.
Hand-formed steel body with all louvers
filled. Hood sits high at rear. Flawless deep
black paint. Pinstriping looks dated. Lift-off
top. Interior looks untouched. Did not see
engine bay. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $31,900. Ten-foot car, and as
such the next owner will be looking at serious
expense to stop the deterioration. Mark
IIs have a gigantic valuation spread right
now, all based on how much work has already
been invested. Examples like this are
selling in the $30k range, plus or minus,
while earlier this year at RM Phoenix a condition
#1 car sold for $248K (ACC#
256987). Call this fairly bought.
#S759-1960 FORD GALAXIE Starliner
custom 2-dr hard top. VIN: 0J53X146143.
Gray/gray leather. 351-ci fuel-injected V8,
auto. Chip Foose custom. Stunning silver
paint. Lower rear quarters fully chromed.
Gigantic custom chrome Foose wheels with
low-profile tires. Original-style interior covered
in gray leather and suede. Resto-mod
add-ons such as new a/c, Magnaflow exhaust
and modern radio. Dressed 351
Windsor powerplant. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $137,500. This was about as nice
an example of the legendary H-car as
you’re likely to see. Seen last at Russo and
Steele’s Scottsdale sale this past January,
where it sold for $105k (ACC# 257088), the
vehicle now has 442 more miles on it.
Hopefully, someone had fun. Reserve came
off at $125k. Fairly bought and sold.
#S749-1967 SHELBY GT500 fastback.
VIN: 67411F5A02665. Dark Moss Green/
black vinyl. Odo: 19,969 miles. 428-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, auto. Correct paint with cracking
and crazing at nose. Large bubble at top of
windshield. Chrome good. Interior excellent.
Original steering wheel held together with
packing tape. Headliner seam coming apart.
Good, original engine bay. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $148,500. I met up with Michael
Anthony, bassist for Van Halen and
an early Coddington patron, and spent 15
minutes trying to find the hidden switch to
turn on the electrical so we could get the
90 AmericanCarCollector.com
NOT SOLD AT $99,000. This car really got
people going, mainly because Chip Foose
NOT SOLD AT $121,000. Formerly owned
by pro wrestler Goldberg. Not the best example,
but low miles make this a solid candidate
for a full resto. High bid was below
the top of the market, but this wasn’t a topof-the-market
vehicle.
Page 90
RUSSO AND STEELE // Newport Beach, CA
3
#S750-2006 FORD GT coupe. VIN:
1FAFP90S76Y401542. Red & white
stripes/black leather. Odo: 193 miles. Basically
a showroom vehicle. Has all of the four
available factory options, which are the
stripes, McIntosh audio system, color-coded
Brembo brake calipers, and lightweight aluminum
BBS wheels. Cond: 1-.
factory spec put them in the custom column.
Such is the “tribute” market. This vehicle ran
strong and attracted plenty of attention. Well
bought and sold.
SOLD AT $337,700. When bidding on this
car stalled at $200k, the auction team really
raised a racket. The lone serious bidder
was worked until the price hit $300k. Well
bought and market-correct.
#S713-2007 FORD MUSTANG custom
convertible. VIN: 1ZVHT85H975344377.
Purple/black canvas/black leather. 4.6-L
supercharged V8, 5-sp. Radical custom.
Scissor-style doors. Full back seat cowl.
Wild metallic purple paint scheme with
flames. Plethora of extra gauges and
switches. Cond: 2.
#S718-1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD
replica convertible. VIN: RH27GOG163877.
Orange/white canvas/white vinyl.
Odo: 88,159 miles. 440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto.
Superbird tribute created from a ’70 Satellite
convertible. Apparently nose and wing
came from a Superbird that was converted
back to a Road Runner. Orange paint looks
well applied, with few blemishes. Good
paint and panel fit. Interior in good used
condition. Engine bay clean, housing a
monstrous 440. Local Newport Beach car;
divorce causes sale. Cond: 3+.
AMERICANA
#F470-1953 PACKARD CLIPPER 2-dr sedan.
VIN: 26974327. Maroon tan/maroon
leather. Odo: 78,585 miles. 289-ci I8, 2-bbl,
3-sp. Older paint with nicks and dings. Excellent
chrome, with trim parts just okay.
Interior in wonderful condition, with dashboard
in good order but showing some fading
and corrosion. Excellent engine
compartment looking very correct. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $25,300. Always a treat to
lift the hood on a straight 8, and this one
was worth the price of admission. A very
nice ’50s boat whose pool of potential buyers
is shrinking annually. That high bid is
the market right now, and I don’t see these
going higher. Previously sold for $25,760 at
Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas in September
2013 (ACC# 233265). A month before that,
it no-saled at $22,500 at Mecum Monterey
(ACC# 230939).
NOT SOLD AT $104,500. Not the first time
this has been done, yet shocking nonetheless.
Most auction-goers seemed not to
know this was a tribute car. The high bid
was very generous for a replica.
SOLD AT $28,600. An outrageous creation
built to suit one person’s bold taste. Luckily,
there was someone here with the same
taste. Market value is wherever the seller
and buyer can agree. Here the deal got
done well under the build cost.
MOPAR
#F517-1963 DODGE 330 Max Wedge replica
2-dr sedan. VIN: 6135158847. Red/
black vinyl. Odo: 86,669 miles. 426-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, auto. Max Wedge tribute built to a
high standard but with some deviations from
factory spec. Blinding red exterior with
equally radiant chrome, both in excellent
condition. Radio-delete example with new,
non-original-spec black vinyl upholstery with
red inserts. Painted steelies with dog-dish
hubcaps. Detailed engine bay houses a
snarling 426 that clearly means business.
California black plates a bonus. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $41,250. It’s difficult to judge
these types of vehicles. On one hand, they
check the boxes for looks, power and attitude.
On the other hand, any changes from
92 AmericanCarCollector.com
#F493-1972 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA 2-dr hard
top. VIN: BH23G2B310531. Moulin Rouge/
white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 47,845 miles.
440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Purchased from original
owner and given body-on resto with
bare-metal paint. Paint shows light orange
peel in spots. 440 ’Cuda decals. Vinyl roof
has dark patches. Dash and center console
original, slightly worn. Rebuilt motor with a
few incongruous dress-up items. Cond: 2-.
#S709-1958 PACKARD HAWK coupe.
VIN: 58LS1312. Black/tan leather. Odo:
25,166 miles. 289-ci supercharged V8,
auto. Paint has cloudy patches on hood and
buff swirl all around. Chrome and trim are in
very good condition. Interior coverings look
new but not well installed. Dash is old and
worn, with tachometer beginning to fall out.
Said to be matching numbers; hard to inspect
engine bay, as hood is very shaky.
Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $30,800. Good-looking car
that sits right and presents a fun ride. Consensus
was that pink actually looks pretty
cool. Mopar interiors are always a bit of a
disappointment, and this one was a bit tired.
Rolled over the block early Friday, not sold.
High bid was right in the ballpark.
NOT SOLD AT $104,500. Seen last wearing
cream and gold paint at Branson in October
of 2013, where it was a no-sale at
$32k (ACC# 231642). Maybe the owner
thought black would give it a better chance.
Noted as a bit scary then, with a inoperative
supercharger and homemade serial number
tag, and both points still apply. The Branson
bid was definitely below value, but this high
bid was good money. A
TOP 10
Page 92
SILVER AUCTIONS // Pine River, MN
Silver Auctions — The Theodore
Merickel Collection
MERICKEL HAD OWNED THE ALL-ORIGINAL 1966 CORVETTE SINCE IT
WAS A LATE-MODEL USED CAR; INTENSE BIDDING PUSHED IT TO $80K
Silver
Auctions
Pine River, MN
May 30, 2015
Auctioneers: Mitch
Silver, Gary Dehler
Automotive lots sold/
offered: 88/88
Sales rate: 100%
Sales total: $1,256,781
High sale: 1966
Chevrolet Corvette
coupe, sold at $80,460
buyer’s premium: 8%
for onsite bidders, 11%
online, included in sold
prices
1966 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, sold at $80,460. And it even came with an NOS Delco battery that has
never had acid in it
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
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
94 AmericanCarCollector.com
work easily rivaling shops using modern photographic
methods. He reupholstered even his most mundane cars
in full leather, down to the kick panels and up to the
headliners. And yet he didn’t appear to care about serial
numbers or getting cars retitled in his name. In late
May, Silver Auctions sold off 88 lots from Merickel’s
collection without reserve.
Owning a chain of hardware stores in Central
C
Minnesota, Ted had the means to buy interesting cars
and to equip his Brainerd Lakes Area facility with
plenty of storage buildings and a top-quality shop. Not
all of his cars showed his handiwork, however. About
half the cars on offer either needed to be restored or
were sold as parts cars. Several were good restorations
done by others when he bought them, such as the 1932
Packard, sold at $28k. Merickel had owned Lot 13, the
heavily optioned 1966 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, since
it was a late-model used car. It remained all original
at 32,000 miles, and intense bidding pushed it to a
ollector Theodore Merickel’s private
body shop was one of the best in greater
Minnesota. The prep done on cars there
was fabulous, and Merickel boasted that
he did all of the woodgraining himself, his
high-sale $80k. I have a feeling it headed directly to
Bloomington Gold Survivor certification.
For some cars that had gone though Merickel’s
restoration shop, neither the auction company nor I
could find a serial number, although most had titles with
a correct style of VIN on them. Such was the case with
the mid-1950s Ford convertibles. The body tags were removed
and, short of disassembling the front ends to find
the Level II VINs, no serial numbers were available. In
some cases, such as the restored 1966 Mustang ($25k)
and the 1932 Oldsmobile ($39k), the serial number was
verified by lifting a fender or frame shielding.
All of this added a potential layer of frustration to
new owners, which was reflected in softer prices for
many cars. As usual, Mitch Silver personally explained
each car’s potential titling scenario and what might be
needed in the worst case. Nonetheless, certain shoppers
seemed to dismiss the title issues, bidding cars to
market prices and beyond.
Merickel didn’t appear concerned whether the cars
sold for big money. It was just time for them to move on.
After the cars, Merickel’s collection of parts and tools
was sold off, as he has sold the property and is moving
out of state to retire. A
Page 94
SILVER AUCTIONS // Pine River, MN
CANADIAN
#34-1936 TERRAPLANE SERIES 62 Custom
sedan. VIN: 62C134. Brown/tan cloth.
Odo: 66,993 miles. Repainted last winter.
Door-seal bases left on during the repaint,
but new rubber not yet fitted. As such, the
door fit isn’t quite there. Some of the easier
chrome pieces have been replated. Engine
has a few pieces missing or improvised.
Possibly original interior or seats redone
long ago. Steering wheel cracked in multiple
places and missing the horn button. No attempt
made to start it. Cond: 3-.
in leather, including the headliner. A bit
over-the-top for a very pedestrian econobox
of the day, and it still didn’t help when it
came time to sell. It brought about as much
here as it would anywhere else.
#16-1932 CHEVROLET CONFEDERATE
convertible. VIN: 3209328. Eng. # 3209328.
Tan & brown/tan cloth/brown vinyl.
Odo: 33,089 miles. Serial-number tag is
gone. Equipped with Free Wheeling, heater,
rumble seat, trunk rack and dual sidemounts.
Good older repaint comes off as
authentic and not showy. Some nicks and
scuffing along hood. Subdued older chrome
replating. Okay door fit. Tidy upholstery.
Hokey wiring on heater switch. Packet of
trim wrapped in newspaper sitting in the top
well. Clean engine bay, but the modern red
heater hose and its general routing detract
from the otherwise stock and tidy look.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $8,100. Terraplane was a lowerpriced
make, built by Hudson. This particular
car was assembled in Canada, and apart
from the body tag stating that it was made
in Canada, one wouldn’t know the difference
between it and a Detroit-built example.
While fairly rare today, this sold well enough
for what is really still a project.
GM
#4-1926 CHEVROLET SUPERIOR sedan.
VIN: 21V2977. Blue & black/blue leather.
Odo: 34,698 miles. Period-accessory MotoMeter.
Trim-off repaint done to driver standard.
Radiator shell is painted. Decent door
fit for an 89-year-old wood body. Mostly
new glass; modern windshield wiper blade.
Good workmanship on the new leatherette
top. Upholstered in all leather inside, including
the door panels and headliner. Front
seat showing minimal wear. Older engine
restoration, now getting dusty. All gloss
black undercarriage, with several larger
chips from road abrasions. Takes some
fiddling with the gas and spark to keep it
running. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $27,000. This seemed to be one
of the earlier restorations that had seen
more use. Not at all a bad car, and could fit
the bill for someone looking for a parade car
or limited driver. Sold and bought about
right.
#29-1932 CHEVROLET CONFEDERATE
roadster. VIN: 3051249. Eng. # 3051249.
Yellow & black/tan cloth/brown vinyl. Odo: 1
miles. Equipped with Free Wheeling, rumble
seat, trunk rack, running-board step plates,
and dual sidemounts. Generally good repaint.
Scrapes on left rear fender. Good
chrome plating. Not the best top fit. Both
sets of seats were redone with the same
vinyl as used on Lot 16, the cabriolet. Like
that car, these seats come off as having
some light weathering. A period-accessory
heater means that an otherwise well-restored
engine compartment is upset with
sloppy modern red heater hose. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $23,220. The problem with
Chevys from the early 1930s is that the serial
number for the car is only on a postage
stamp-sized plate, tacked on the passenger’s
side on either the wood seat frame or
the floorboard. Part of this is because before
WWII, several states (including Minnesota)
titled cars based on their engine serial
number. Helps explain why this car didn’t
fare better across the block.
#36-1932 CHEVROLET CONFEDERATE
5-window coupe. VIN: 3064056. Eng. #
3064056. Blue & gray primer/red vinyl.
Rumble-seat configuration. In bits and
pieces, splayed around the body on a
frame. Originally blue; only the hood has
paint left on it. The body has been media
blasted, some primer applied, some blue
spray. All glass is shot. All the other body
components seem to be in the debris field.
As for chrome and trim, you appear to be
SOLD AT $31,860. Unlike Model A Fords or
even ’32 Fords, 1932 Chevy roadsters are a
pretty rare critter, with only 1,118 made.
Selling on a bill of sale only hindered this
from doing better, but that sort of thing happens
when you restore a car without a serial
number on it.
#8-1932 CHEVROLET CONFEDERATE
3-window coupe. VIN: 6BA017938. Dark
green & black/gray mohair. Odo: 40,846
miles. Equipped with Free Wheeling, dual
sidemount spares, trunk rack, in-dash clock,
vent wing windows. Excellent bodywork and
paint application. Good door fit. All chrome
replated. Authentically reupholstered interior
shows minimal wear. Tidy but not quite
show-quality under the hood. Stock exhaust
now has heavier surface rust. Sold with a
bill of sale plus a title that reflects a 1932
Chevy serial number but is not found on the
car. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $10,800. Being an enclosed sedan,
this would’ve had a low-cost cloth or
mohair-type interior. Yet typical for Mr. Merickel’s
restorations, it was done up entirely
96 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 96
SILVER AUCTIONS // Pine River, MN
on your own. Basic motor is repainted and
mounted in the frame, with most ancillaries
missing. Seat upholstery heavily weathered.
Gauges and most interior trim is missing.
Cond: 5-. SOLD AT $6,480. Another rare
example of a ’32 Chev, with vintage Chevy
folks claiming that this is one of the only
remaining 5-window rumble-seat coupes
left. If barely. Not surprised that the buyer is
only getting a bill of sale. First thing on the
new owner’s shortlist is to get the title dealt
with before spending another dime. At the
least, if titling goes south, it’s already swapmeet-ready.
#6-1932 OLDSMOBILE MODEL F 5-window
coupe. VIN: 1312846. Maroon &
black/tan mohair. Odo: 75,910 miles. Open
title, with an inaccessible serial number.
Equipped with rumble seat, varnished wood
spoke wheels, dual sidemounts, trunk rack
and trunk, in-dash clock, and golf-bag door.
Very good older repaint with some light
cracking. All brightwork has been replated.
Tarnished radiator shell emblem. Tidy and
generally authentically restored engine
compartment. Expertly upholstered interior
shows minimal wear. Cond: 2-.
light corrosion. Expertly reupholstered interior.
Cond: 2.
leather. Bare-body repaint done quite well.
Running boards sitting next to it. Most of the
chrome has been replated and replaced,
but a few pieces are missing. Most notable
is the horn button. Decent door fit. Older
authentically reupholstered interior. Leather
shows comfortable patina. No cardboard
inner liner, so the glovebox really isn’t there.
Clean and authentically restored engine
compartment, although the reproduction
cloth-wrapped insulated wiring could benefit
from better management. Odo shows
“00000.” Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $38,340. I remember seeing this
car over two decades ago at shows around
Minnesota when the previous owner had it.
While Ted claimed that he “all redid it,” it
was darn nice then and pretty much the
same as it was here. It’s hard to forget a car
as rare as a ’32 Pontiac coupe, especially
since it’s believed to be the only known
Sport Coupe to have wood-spoke wheels.
Due to the rarity, it falls into that “it’s worth
what it sold for” territory, and it seems right
landing here.
#9-1939 BUICK CENTURY Series 61C
convertible. VIN: 13551109. Black/tan
cloth/red leather. Odo: 918 miles. AACA
2007 National First Place badge attached to
grille. Equipped with dual sidemounts and
push-button AM radio. Mirror-like paint finish.
Good door fit. Crack in driver’s door
glass. All chrome replated. Well-fitted top.
Not quite show-quality detailing under the
hood, but they came darn close. Buttery
smooth, well-fitted interior upholstery shows
no discernible wear. Reproduction carpeting
up front is somewhat soiled. Stated that it
has a one-digit typo on the title. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $38,880. Mitch stated that when
he first let out word of this auction over the
winter, everyone who’s into 1932 Olds was
all over him, wanting to know where this car
came from, since it was unknown to the
general vintage Olds community. The only
way to upgrade here is to find a straighteight
model L. Selling price seems appropriate,
since you’ll find more ’32 Pierce-Arrows
than ’32 Olds.
#11-1932 PONTIAC SERIES 402 3-window
coupe. VIN: P852271. Eng. # P852271.
Two-tone blue & black/gray broadcloth.
Odo: 26,306 miles. Bill of sale only; no visible
serial number. Equipped with Free
Wheeling, varnished wood spoke wheels,
rumble seat, rear trunk rack with painted-tomatch
metal trunk, vent wing windows, and
lubrication reminder display under the dash.
AACA and POCI Senior award badges from
late 1990s. Excellent repaint. Show-quality
replate on all chrome. Modern bug screen
over the grille. Older engine bay detailing.
Engine block crudely scraped to reveal its
serial number. Most fittings are showing
98 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $32,400. I suppose you could not
bother putting the running boards back on,
since they were an option for this final year
of the LaSalle. Not only was 1940 the last
hurrah for Cadillac’s companion car; it was
also the only year of the Series 52, slightly
upmarket from the existing Series 50. To
top it off, this was the 40th Series 52 convertible
sedan body made by Fisher. Has a
title, but the serial number wasn’t located on
the car. More than enough paid to finish
someone else’s work.
#5-1941 CADILLAC SERIES 62 coupe.
VIN: 8359328. Two-tone green/gray &
green cloth. Odo: 75,843 miles. 346-ci V8,
2-bbl, 3-sp. Expert prep and repaint in original
color scheme. Only has some light orange
peel in the door jambs. All chrome has
been replated. Modern flex radiator hoses,
but otherwise correct under the hood. Thermostat
linkage to the radiator shutters is
missing. Authentically reupholstered interior,
using correct materials, except carpet
seems to be a modern synthetic fiber.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $51,300. Packard advertising in
the late 1930s and early ’40s clearly targeted
Buick’s annual styling changes, pointing
out that unlike that some models that
radically changed frontal styling every year,
you always knew that a car was a Packard
by its styling hallmarks. As one of 249 Century
convertible sedans made for ’39, this
one stands out proudly as an Art Deco period
piece. That’s part of the reason that it
achieved full market pricing—plus the fact
that it’s going to a state where the title issue
won’t be a big problem.
#28-1940 LASALLE SERIES 52 convertible.
VIN: N/A. Gray/tan cloth/tan & maroon
SOLD AT $45,360. The hands-down favorite
for both Mitch and myself (and I’m a
Packard man) for a restored car here. This
one nailed it perfectly, looking the part for
the year, like it just rolled out of the dealer
Page 98
SILVER AUCTIONS // Pine River, MN
ship’s showroom. Not surprisingly, it was
also one of the more hotly contested cars
here, barely getting the jump on an underbidder
hoping to get a ’41 for $41k. Not
cheap, but worth the effort.
#2-1950 CHEVROLET STYLELINE Deluxe
convertible. VIN: 14HKH131035. Seafoam
green/tan cloth/gray cloth & green vinyl.
Odo: 11 miles. 216-ci I6, 2x1-bbl, auto. Engine
is from a 1951, fitted with Fenton dualcarburetor
intake and split-manifold
exhaust. Entire non-stock dual exhaust system
is shiny and like new. Not surprisingly,
it has a nice, unobtrusive burble to its exhaust
tone. Better-quality paint than Chevy
could’ve done, now has some brush touchups.
Generally tidy underhood. Authentically
restored interior. Passenger’s door has
some water staining. Aftermarket headlight
visors with Bowtie logos on them. Cond: 2-.
engine repainted the correct color), this was
still a stand-up car that could justify the
higher market price.
#15-1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr hard
top. VIN: VC56K039393. Matador Red &
light green/light yellow vinyl & light red nylon.
Odo: 950 miles. 265-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
Body tag decodes the original paint as Matador
Red and Dune Beige. Interior originally
Charcoal and Ivory. Fantasy window sticker
lists the options the car has: power steering,
pushbutton AM radio, deluxe heater, Continental
kit (a dealer-installed option for all
years), whitewall tires, hubcaps, and oil filter.
Excellent repaint now has a few light
nicks from limited use. Replated bumpers
and NOS or reproduction trim. Near showquality
engine bay. Very light wear starting
on edge of reproduction seat. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $80,460. Ted didn’t buy it new,
but he did buy it when it was barely used
and kept it original. Not only did he have an
extra battery, but he also had another set of
era-correct Goodyear Power Cushion Goldlines
that match the ones mounted on the
car. Those sold relatively cheap separately
later in the day for $350. The car, on the
other hand, had heavy bidding and became
the top sale here. And most likely, the belle
of the ball at Bloomington Gold later in the
month.
#17-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194676S126941. Ermine
White/white hard top/white vinyl soft top/
Saddle vinyl. Odo: 57,635 miles. 327-ci
350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Good body prep
with sharp character lines. Equally good
repaint. Doors fit well and have good shut
lines. Headlight door fit is a little off. Chrome
no better or worse than original quality, with
a slightly muted finish. Aftermarket seat upholstery
is lighter than original. Authentically
detailed motor. 3.36 Posi differential, both
tops, a/c, full tinted glass, wood-rim steering
wheel with telescoping column, and AM/FM
radio. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $42,120. This car really hit the
mark for that period-correct feel. Rather
heavily bid on, it did quite well when all was
said and done, and it deserved it.
#10-1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: VC56T139960. Red & white/white
vinyl/white vinyl & red nylon. Odo: 1 mile.
265-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Body tag was removed
before the car was repainted, so the
original color combination is unknown.
Vastly better-than-stock repaint. Door fit is
good; gaps are a bit crooked on the driver’s
side. All chrome has a show-quality replate.
Very clean undercarriage with good paint
detailing. Engine bay nearly concoursready.
Full reproduction interior, expertly
installed and showing no appreciable wear.
Equipped with power steering, power
brakes, AM radio, clock and wire-basket
wheel covers. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $41,040. Just when you thought
you’ve seen every tacky ’50s color combination,
along comes this. I’d be hard
pressed to call this Dune Beige; it’s more
Crocus Yellow with green in it or spring special
Imperial Ivory with yellow. However, in a
stomach-churning sort of way, you overcome
the queasiness, and it could well be a
period authentic combo. Market-correct
sale, pushing well bought if you’re color
blind.
CORVETTE
#13-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 194376S106234. Nassau
Blue/white vinyl. Odo: 32,790 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Highly optioned.
Claimed actual miles and essentially original.
Minimal seam broadcasting under original
paint. Aftermarket plastic chip guards
clipped to wheelwells. Correct assembly
procedures for factory sidepipes. Good original
brightwork. All-original interior with minimal
wear and a hint of old-car smell. Light
water staining on rear carpet. Aftermarket
air cleaner is the only out-of-place
underhood item. Comes with an NOS Delco
battery that has never had acid in it.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $69,120. While looking under the
hood, I overhead someone say, “At least he
isn’t like everyone else out there and putting
4-barrels on 2-barrel cars.” How true. Although
it could use some detailing and correcting
under the hood (like getting the
100 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $64,800. Mr. Merickel bought this
a few years back when he was visiting New
Mexico. It had won a car show he was attending,
and afterwards he bought it from
that owner. Ted didn’t do much to the car,
so it’s essentially as-is from then. Nice, but
not almost $65k nice.
FOMOCO
#99-1954 FORD F-100 pickup. VIN: F10D4P13204.
Blue-green metallic/gray nylon.
Odo: 75,265 miles. 215-ci I6, 1-bbl, 3-sp.
Called a 1953, but by the grille and the serial
number, it’s a 1954. Older amateur repaint
in a non-stock color, now with plenty
of scratches, plus blistering at the bottom of
the cab corners from a previous rust repair.
Older seat re-covering with tears. Fitted with
modern seat belts and turn signal quadrant.
Raised white-letter radials on all four
Page 100
SILVER AUCTIONS // Pine River, MN
corners. Not the tidiest under the hood, but
at least it’s being cared for. New starter, oil
filter, and starter solenoid. Runs out well,
but has “weak brakes,” according to seller.
Cond: 4-. SOLD AT $5,400. Last-minute
consignment (it didn’t arrive until the morning
of the auction) from the neighbor down
the road. As such, it wasn’t posted online.
It’s one of those old trucks that you can either
leave like an old pair of boots and use it
to go to the dump or restore without much
difficulty. The patched-up rust and brake
issues kept the locals’ hands in their pockets
beyond five grand, so this isn’t quite the
bargain it may seem to be.
#26-1955 FORD FAIRLANE Sunliner custom
convertible. VIN: U5LC14882. Red &
white/white vinyl/red & white vinyl. Odo: 655
miles. 272-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Hood stamped
out with functional louvers. Rather good
trim-off repaint. Door handles shaved off.
Door latches have cable releases in the
simple but custom tube grille. Dime-store
plastic fake wire wheel covers. Door sills
still have masking tape on them. Interior
restored with stock reproduction vinyl kits.
Engine is a crate replacement Y-block
painted up in dark gray like a truck engine.
Generally clean under the hood, but wiring
is rather haphazard. Cond: 3+.
Power top, Continental kit. Cond: 2.
either by brazing or body filler, rather than
worn or damaged. Body tag on the door is
gone. Good body prep, excellent paint. Variable
panel and door fit. Almost all brightwork
is reproduction. All-reproduction
interior soft trim. Tidy under the hood.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $41,040. It appears that the VIN
on the title is missing the first two characters.
If this really was the original 292 Yblock
under the hood, then in theory the
missing characters would be M6. With a
VIN that you and the DMV could see
stamped on the car, this would’ve been in
the zone for market pricing. As-is, it’s a
$41k game of Russian roulette.
#38-1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 5F08T795656. Dark blue metallic/white
vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 83,826 miles. No motor
in it; originally a 6-cylinder car. Rest of
powertrain is complete from the torque converter
back. Older repaint, not far off the
color chart from its original Caspian Blue.
Rust forming around the seams of a past
rust-out repair from the rear wheelwells into
the rocker panels. Crease in right front
fender. No emblems, partial trim fitted.
Seats appear to have been re-covered before
and are in pretty decent shape. Bill of
sale. Cond: 5-.
SOLD AT $25,380. Without a body tag, you
can claim all day that this is a Candy Apple
Red GT with Pony interior. Or that it’s a
Plain Jane in green metallic. The skeptical
bidders and Mustang enthusiasts tactfully
stepped out for a while when this crossed
the block. I’d recommend that the new
owner notch the passenger’s side fender, á
la San Jose-built Mustangs with a VIN tag
exposed on each side of the engine bay—
but I’d bet money that the new owner just
wanted a pretty red convertible.
AMERICANA
SOLD AT $23,760. Not quite a “lead sled,”
but a mild custom. The body tag was removed
in the course of painting it, and neither
the auction company nor I could find a
serial number stamped on the usual place
on the frame. Since it does have a title with
a 1955 Ford serial number on that, it could
make things interesting at the DMV if it goes
to a state that requires an inspection for
transfer of title. As such, it wasn’t as cheap
as it seems.
#12-1956 FORD FAIRLANE Sunliner convertible.
VIN: LC125781. White & coral/
white vinyl/coral & white vinyl. Odo: 282
miles. 292-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Frame-off restoration
in recent years. Body tag removed
before repaint. Said paintwork is vastly better
than the factory could’ve done in 1956.
All chrome replated or reproduction. Good
panel and door fit. Well-fitted reproduction
interior soft trim. Slight wear and soiling of
the repro carpeting. Engine compartment
nearly concours-ready. Wears Minnesota
collector plates, sold with a Minnesota title,
but it has a partial serial number; no one
able to locate serial number on the car.
102 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $2,700. This appeared to have
been one of Ted’s next projects, with parts
and trim acquired and placed in the car. At
least this was inside one of his buildings, so
it hadn’t weathered too badly while it was in
his possession. However, since it’s from the
land of 10,000 pounds of road salt per mile,
rust is still lying in wait. Since the locals are
all painfully aware of that, it wasn’t as cheap
as you may think.
#32-1966 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
VIN: 6F07C119534. Candy Apple Red/white
vinyl/Pony white vinyl. Odo: 2 miles. 289-ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. Appears to have been built
from about three different Mustangs. Sold
on an “open title” in the previous owner’s
name. Secondary VIN is stamped under the
right front fender and matches the title. The
primary VIN appears to have been covered,
#23-1932 PACKARD EIGHT Series 901
formal sedan. VIN: 5031956. Maroon &
gray/black vinyl/gray cloth. Odo: 52,582
miles. Trippe lights, dual sidemounts, trunk
rack with Packard metal trunk, grille screen,
and Cormorant hood ornament. Restored at
least two decades ago, since it wears an
AACA National First grille badge from 1995.
Since then, the paint has started to peel. No
issues with the replated chrome. Modern
Packard crest cloisonné hat pins attached
to the landau bars. Motor authentically restored
but now showing heavier surface
rust. Noticeable staining on driver’s seat;
rest of interior presents well. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $28,080. Here’s a prime example
of why I don’t get too worked up about a car
that’s a former award-winner. In this case,
the paint probably didn’t like going from
sunny Florida (where it’s actually still licensed
and titled) to the cold Minnesota
winters. Now it’s in a rather uncomfortable
Page 102
SILVER AUCTIONS // Pine River, MN
place of not quite needing a re-restoration,
but without a repaint, it’s not much of a
show car. Or tour car. Appropriately bid or
pushing generous.
#35-1936 PACKARD ONE-TWENTY Series
1401 coupe. VIN: C5046922. Black/
copper vinyl. Odo: 74,854 miles. Multiple
very old repaints beneath cracking and flaking.
Windows delaminated. Newest New
York state inspection sticker on the windshield
dates to 1976. Door fit is so-so. All
chrome is rusty or pitted. Seats worn and
cracking. Door panels and headliner are
original and will serve best as patterns for
replacements. Runs good enough to get to
a trailer. Body/serial-number tag is missing,
but engine number is easily visible.
Equipped with rumble seat and integral
trunk, plus Goddess hood ornament, heater
with defroster, and clock. Cond: 5+.
of a deal on the surface, especially if you
speak Packard, but titling issues may lurk in
the future, as it’s sold on a bill of sale.
#19-1937 PACKARD ONE-TWENTY Series
1501 convertible. VIN: 143680. Eng. #
143680. Red/. Odo: 141 miles. A work in
progress, with a lot of work already done.
Exquisite repaint. Replated chrome, but not
entirely certain that it’s all there until the
interior of the car is unpacked of all the
boxes and bundles of parts. Top bows are
fitted, but also has wood components for
other body sections bundled in the top well.
1956 Chevy steering wheel expediently
added to jockey the car around. Engine
started up and ran during the pre-auction
has been done was done exceptionally well.
However, it isn’t done. While the engine
runs, you can’t drive it out of here. Some
folks looked at it and said, “The hard work is
done.” I say the hardest part is getting it
finished. Guilty as charged, but a lot of projects
stop right at this point because now
that you have the car disassembled,
painted, and plated, you have to put that
jigsaw puzzle back together again. And
make it function. Because it ain’t there yet,
well sold.
#64-1940 PACKARD 160 Series 1804 sedan.
VIN: 13622728. Dark blue/light blue
cloth. Odo: 79,893 miles. Per the patent
plate, sold new by Packard Minneapolis on
August 18,1940. Paint heavily oxidized.
Heavier rust at nicks and chips and underneath
trim. Said trim is mostly complete but
will be good cores for restoration. All seals
dry-rotted and crumbling. Reupholstered
seats look like a 1970s couch. Original door
panels and headliners will serve best as
patterns. Overdrive cable dangling beneath
dash. The on-site mechanic got it running
on the morning of the auction, but using a
gas can sitting on the cowl. No title.
Cond: 5+.
SOLD AT $7,830. At least nobody had
started to rip it apart to redo it. Not too bad
day. No serial-number tag, so sold on a bill
of sale. Comes with dual sidemounts with
metal covers. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $32,400.
I hate rating works in progress. Here, what
SOLD AT $5,400. New for 1940 was a refined
straight eight. Having an integrally
cast block and crankcase (dispensing with
the separate castings as previously used), it
was rated at 160 hp; hence the name. It
was also shared with the new top-shelf 180.
It was the only body to use this 158-inch
wheelbase, so a faux-convertible sedan
probably won’t cut it (literally). This will not
be a cheap date to restore, nor will it bring
enough to justify the expense, so it brought
enough money. A
WHAT’S YOUR CAR
WORTH? FIND OUT AT
NOW FREE! The world’s largest collector
car price guide based on over 500,000
sold transactions from
.
Updated weekly.
www.collectorcarpricetracker.com
104 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 104
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report
American highlights
at three auctions
GM
#180-1933 CADILLAC 370C town car.
VIN: 40005005. Black/gray cloth. Odo:
64,988 miles. Most of this paint left town
long ago. The hubcaps and the passenger’s
door handle are missing. Still has air in the
“All Service” rayon tires. Some visible rustthrough
on the lower body panels and lower
areas of the front fenders. Some side glass
is cracked. Has original cloth interior.
Cond: 5+.
top seller — 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger r/t Se 2-door hard top, sold for
$199,800 at mecum Seattle
Mecum Auctions
Seattle, WA — June 5–6, 2015
Auctioneers: Mark Delzell, Russ Conklin,
Mike Hagerman, Matt Moravec
Automotive lots sold/offered: 284/578
Sales rate: 49%
Sales total: $9,661,620
High sale: 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE,
sold at $199,800
buyer’s premium: 8%, $500 minimum, included
in sold prices
Report and photos by Daren Kloes
Motostalgia
Indianapolis brickyard Auction
Indianapolis, IN — June 12, 2015
Auctioneer: Peter Bainbridge
Automotive lots sold/offered: 65/104
Sales rate: 63%
Sales total: $4,308,225
High sale: 1932 Cadillac 370B V12 Convertible
Victoria, sold at $308,000
buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Dan Grunwald
Silver Auctions
Coeur d’Alene, ID — June 20, 2015
Auctioneer: Mitch Silver, Matt Backs
Automotive lots sold/offered: 39/101
Sales rate: 39%
Sales total: $566,784
High sale: 1947 Lincoln Continental convertible,
sold at $45,360
buyer’s premium: 8%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by John Boyle
SOLD AT $55,000. Out of the Barn Find
Collection of Texas. Very dirty but no pigeon
poop anywhere. This one has the most
needs of the five cars in the collection but
still is mostly complete. Motostalgia, Indianapolis,
IN, 06/15.
#202-1951 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup.
VIN: 21JPB5407. Blue/gray cloth. Odo:
84,019 miles. 217-ci I6, 1-bbl, 4-sp. A fresh
nut-and-bolt restoration with all new
chrome, very good quality paint (couple of
chips), new fender welting, oak bed wood
and new wide whitewalls. The interior sports
a new cloth-covered seat and in-dash radio.
A couple of steering wheel cracks, faded
gauge faces and a missing brake-pedal
cover are small downsides. The engine
compartment is well detailed and clean. A
new sidemount spare tire matches the other
tires. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $25,300. A very nice quality truck
with all of the hard stuff done. Interior details
are the fun stuff for the new owner to
play with. My Best Buy of the sale. Motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN, 06/15.
1947 Lincoln Continental convertible, sold at $45,360 — Silver Coeur d’Alene
106 AmericanCarCollector.com
#155-1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
VIN: VC55T135951. Orange &
ivory/ivory cloth/orange & ivory vinyl. Odo:
2,346 miles. 265-ci turbocharged V8, auto.
Some previous body repair work shows on
the rocker panels and below the trunk lid.
New chrome, interior, paint and top. One of
BEST
BUY
Page 105
ROUNDUP
GLOBAL
the rear bumper bolts has the chrome peeling
off. The side body panels and some of
the trim appear slightly wavy. Aftermarket
radio and period-look Firestone wide whites.
The 265-ci small block now has a Rajay
remote-mounted turbocharger. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $56,650. Looks all stock and
shows very well. This was a hard call between
a 2 and a 2+. This car generated lots
of lookers during the viewing. Fair sale both
ways. Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
06/15.
#105-1957 CHEVROLET 210 wagon. VIN:
B57MX3352. Gold & beige/gold & beige
cloth & vinyl. Odo: 28,583 miles. 265-ci V8,
2-bbl, 3-sp. Some of the rechromed parts
show light pitting, and the side trim on the
right side is wavy. The antenna is rusty, and
the right rear glass is cracked. New carpets
and seat covers, with the driver’s side cover
showing a large stitched repair on the outside
edge. The armrests show cracks in the
plastic. Most weatherstrips look new. No
heater installed. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $82,080. With acres of sheet
metal and dripping with chrome, nothing
works better than black. Loaded with accessories
and restored to an excellent standard.
A proven post-restoration driver, as
the owner logged 180 miles the weekend
prior with no problems and claimed “everything
works.” During restoration, the owner
resisted adding a popular but fussy TriPower
in favor of a tried-and-true 4-bbl,
which may explain its reliability. The strong
price here probably doesn’t come close to
recouping the restoration costs. A good
value. Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA,
06/15.
#S79.1-1960 CHEVROLET IMPALA convertible.
VIN: 01867J131678. Red/white/
red & white vinyl & cloth. Odo: 41,589 miles.
348-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Nice exterior paint
let down by brush-painted door jambs and
touched-up dash. Seats show some soiling.
Stainless dull. Nicely detailed engine compartment.
Cond: 2-.
P
GLOBAL
the rear bumper bolts has the chrome peel-
ing off. The side body panels and some of
the trim appear slightly wavy. Aftermarket
radio and period-look Firestone wide whites.
The 265-ci small block now has a Rajay
remote-mounted turbocharger. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $56,650. Looks all stock and
shows very well. This was a hard call be-
tween a 2 and a 2+. This car generated lots
of lookers during the viewing. Fair sale both
ways. Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
06/15.
#105-1957 CHEVROLET 210 wagon. VIN:
B57MX3352. Gold & beige/gold & beige
cloth & vinyl. Odo: 28,583 miles. 265-ci V8,
2-bbl, 3-sp. Some of the rechromed parts
show light pitting, and the side trim on the
right side is wavy. The antenna is rusty, and
the right rear glass is cracked. New carpets
and seat covers, with the driver’s side cover
showing a large stitched repair on the out-
side edge. The armrests show cracks in the
plastic. Most weatherstrips look new. No
heater installed. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $82,080. With acres of sheet
metal and dripping with chrome, nothing
works better than black. Loaded with acces-
sories and restored to an excellent stan-
dard. A proven post-restoration driver, as
the owner logged 180 miles the weekend
prior with no problems and claimed “every-
thing works.” During restoration, the owner
resisted adding a popular but fussy Tri-
Power in favor of a tried-and-true 4-bbl,
which may explain its reliability. The strong
price here probably doesn’t come close to
recouping the restoration costs. A good
value. Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA,
06/15.
#S79.1-1960 CHEVROLET IMPALA con-
vertible. VIN: 01867J131678. Red/white/
red & white vinyl & cloth. Odo: 41,589 miles.
348-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Nice exterior paint
let down by brush-painted door jambs and
touched-up dash. Seats show some soiling.
Stainless dull. Nicely detailed engine com-
partment. Cond: 2-.
GLOBAL
GLOBAL
SOLD AT $25,000. Shows an old 1986
AACA National 1st badge on the grille, but I
can’t guarantee it was for this car. According
to the catalog, Chevrolet had an export
operation that sold knock-down kits in 1957,
and this car was a kit assembled in Mexico
with some locally sourced materials and an
assigned local serial number. Some major
savings were realized on import duties and
cheap local labor. I never heard of that before,
but it might explain the strange VIN if
the story is true. Motostalgia, Indianapolis,
IN, 06/15.
#S159-1958 CHEVROLET IMPALA convertible.
VIN: 8186732186. Onyx Black/
black, white & blue vinyl. Odo: 57,726 miles.
348-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Loaded with options
including power brakes, steering, windows
and Continental kit. 2,000 miles since complete
restoration using many NOS parts
including much of the stainless trim. All mechanical
components rebuilt.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $77,760. Top-of-the-line full-size
Chevrolet for 1960. Equally at home in the
suburbs and among the country-club set.
This car was an eye-catcher in red on red,
but somewhat let down by the details. A
good show-and-shine restoration sold at a
slight premium. Mecum Auctions, Seattle,
WA, 06/15.
#S215-1966 CHEVROLET NOVA SS 327
L79 2-dr hard top. VIN: 118376W118485.
Eng. # 5W118485. Marina Blue/blue vinyl.
Odo: 78,836 miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Matching-numbers 350-hp L79 engine option.
Excellent paint in an eye-popping
color. Excellent chrome and stainless. New
reproduction seat covers well fitted. Detailed
engine compartment looks like new. Muncie
4-speed, 12-bolt rear-end. Overall, nicely
restored. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $74,520.
With the L79 engine option pumping out
350 horses, there is a lot of power in a relatively
light car. Sold last year at the same
venue for just $49k (ACC# 244107). One
September-October 2015 107
Page 106
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
Rally wheels with Redlines. Excellent paint
and good body lines. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$54,000. Finding a true Z/28 from the 1967
model year is a tall order. Converting a
standard Camaro to proper Z/28 specs
takes a true enthusiast with lots of time and
money on his hands. This one was faithfully
done, down to the cowl plenum air cleaner
assembly that was a rare option on the original.
Nicely done and solid result. Mecum
Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
year and 34 miles later, the seller realized a
tidy profit. Sold at the high end, but given
the combination of a quality restoration,
matching-numbers drivetrain, and terrific
colors, the buyer got a great package.
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#S53-1966 OLDSMOBILE 442 convertible.
VIN: 338676Z121731. Red/white
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 371 miles. 400-ci V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Frame-off restored to a high
standard. Muncie 4-speed with Hurst shifter.
Positraction. Power steering and brakes,
factory air and tach. Bucket seats with console.
A loaded car, beautifully restored with
excellent paint, interior and detailing.
Cond: 1-.
#S94-1969 CHEVROLET
CAMARO COPO coupe. VIN:
124379N644119. Rally Green/black vinyl.
Odo: 17,545 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Stored from 1978 to 2002, this car from the
John Wickey Collection was recently rotisserie
restored. Besides the L72 427 engine,
it also has the factory BE-code 12-bolt rear
end. Believed original miles. Cond: 1-.
8
SOLD AT $74,000. Perhaps the best ’69
Pace Car anywhere, and it brought all the
money today. Well bought and sold. Motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN, 06/15.
#F244-1969 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 400 HO
convertible. VIN: 223679L109592. Midnight
Green/white vinyl/green vinyl. Odo:
26,094 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Said to
be one of 91 Firebird 400 convertibles built.
Unfortunately, not a numbers-matching car.
The original engine was replaced with a ’69
Pontiac 400 engine, but presumably not an
HO. Freshly restored; new paint over rustfree
body is well done. Loaded with 4-speed
transmission, Saf-T-Trac rear end, power
steering, power disc brakes, power top,
hood tach, rally gauge cluster and a/c. PHS
documented. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $64,800. By 1966, Pontiac’s GTO
with its Tri-Power engine had already established
itself as the performance leader
within GM. Oldsmobile wasn’t about to relinquish
the throne and offered a Tri-Power
monster of its own in the 442. The civil war
was on, and the 442 would continue to give
Pontiac a run for its money. This car was a
testament to what Olds could produce, and
the restoration did not disappoint. Correct
E-code block, but no mention of matching
numbers. Well sold, but worth it. Mecum
Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#S180-1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28
replica coupe. VIN: WP0JB0933HS051066.
Bolero Red/red vinyl. Odo: 90,127
miles. 302-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Date-coded
1967 block. Muncie 4-speed transmission.
12-bolt Positraction, power disc brakes,
SOLD AT $167,400. In 1969, the corporate
edict from GM execs declared engines over
400 cubic inches could only be used in fullsized
cars or Corvettes. GM promotions
manager Vince Piggins defied the brass,
slipping orders through a fleet vehicle loophole,
and the COPO was born. Part of the
John Wickey Collection, this car was rotisserie
restored and showed beautifully, despite
having a date-code-correct
replacement block. Final bid seemed a bit
shy for such a nice COPO, but the matching-numbers
police can be pretty unforgiving.
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#152-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/SS
Pace Car convertible. VIN: 124679N638051.
White & orange/white canvas/white &
black vinyl. Odo: 9,379 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Documented 9,379-mile car
with all matching numbers. Seems believable,
as I can find nothing that doesn’t look
factory-new. Said to be one of the official
pace car vehicles that GM supplied for Indy
in 1969. It comes with the special garage
parking pass (#422). Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $38,880. In this handsome yet
understated color, the car seemed like it
should be driven by a grown-up. The tachometer
bulging almost discreetly from the
hood is the only clue that this car means
business. It was beautifully restored, but not
to the point it couldn’t be driven and enjoyed.
A slight premium paid for a deserving
car. Last sold in 2011 at Russo and Steele
Scottsdale for $32k (ACC# 168533).
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#S134-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS
454 LS6 2-dr hard top. VIN: 136370K145892.
Red/red vinyl. Odo: 30,892 miles.
454-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Documented history
with matching-numbers 450-hp 454 engine
and TH400 automatic transmission. Beautiful
paint on claimed original sheet metal.
Chambered exhaust. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $88,560. Back in the salad days
of 2007–08, these LS6 Chevelles were selling
for $200k with regularity. Fast-forward to
2015, and they struggle to make $100k. I’m
not sure why, as I think they are far better
looking than a Hemi Road Runner and
slightly better performers, too. With 450 hp
and 500 ft-lbs of torque, these brutes are a
blast off the line. This car was an excellent
example and could have brought 10%–15%
more without raising eyebrows. Good buy.
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
108 AmericanCarCollector.com
TOP 10
Page 108
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
#S103-1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 W-30 convertible.
VIN: 344670M263439. Rally Red/
white/pearl white vinyl. Odo: 57,210 miles.
455-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Rotisserie restoration
completed to high standard. Retains original
matching-numbers big-block with the W-30
package, giving the car 5 more horsepower,
an aluminum intake manifold, red fiberglass
inner fender wells, and a fiberglass hood.
Originally painted copper, now wearing
shiny Oldsmobile Rally Red paint. Nice
pearl vinyl upholstery. Original Oldsmobile
Rally wheels with raised-letter tires. Hurst
shifter, four-spoke steering wheel, power
top, and Rally gauge pack with Tic-TocTach.
Cond: 2+.
undermined my faith in the quality of the
work. (Come on, how hard is it to put in a
radio and speakers?) Considering the recent
expenditures, I can’t blame the seller
for not taking the high bid, but it came
across as a quickie fluff-and-buff effort.
More attention to details will give bidders
more confidence next time out. Silver Auctions,
Coeur d’Alene, ID, 06/15.
#28-1974 BUICK RIVIERA GS 2-dr sedan.
VIN: 4Y87U4H432305. Blue/white vinyl/
white vinyl. Odo: 120,851 miles. 455-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Very nice paint over straight
body. Newer, well-fitted top. Gaps per factory.
Minor cracks on soft plastic body to
bumper trim. Black rubber bumper trim
shows usual age and wear. Well-applied
factory-style tape pinstripes missing in a few
areas. Interior like new except for usual GM
fade to glovebox door. New trunk carpet
held in with Velcro. Very clean and mostly
stock underhood; aftermarket spark-plug
wires detract. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $126,900. Said to be one of 96
W-30 4-speed convertibles produced in
1970, with only a handful remaining. This
was one of several muscle cars at this sale
brought by owners from neighboring British
Columbia, Canada. The owner found this
once-forlorn project squirreled away in the
corner of a body shop in 1994 and made a
deal to buy it before even realizing the significance
of the W-30 designation. Dumb
luck then turns into a 150% premium today.
It no-saled here a year ago at $120k (ACC#
255736), confirming this price. Mecum
Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#33-1971 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 33287M160896. Bronze/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 99,460 miles.
455-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recent repaint and
top. Hood color is a shade off. Black panels
on hood well applied. Body appears straight
with factory panel gaps. Bumpers and trim
aging. Trim piece on front edge of quarterwindow
worn. Seller claims new interior, but
it is marred by aftermarket steering wheel.
Wooden parcel shelf is missing fabric and
has gaping speaker holes, and probably not
coincidentally the radio is missing. Engine
bay is driver-quality with aftermarket headers.
Cond: 3.
“preservation” category in many areas.
Stated to be “all matching numbers.” Fairly
bought and sold, considering the 340-hp
engine, which was the most powerful carbureted
option available in 1963 and normally
commands a premium. Motostalgia, Indianapolis,
IN, 06/15.
#S102-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 30837S104636. Black/black
vinyl. Odo: 90,201 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Split-Window Fuelie,
black-on-black. Repainted, probably a few
years ago. Fiberglass has a few light stress
cracks. Nicely detailed engine compartment
to driver standard. Stainless could use polish.
Corvette Turbine wheels. No mention of
matching numbers. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $6,588. You want a big Riviera
but the '71–'73 Bill Mitchell “Boattails” don’t
float your boat? Well, Buick has you covered.
1974 Riviera sales dropped by a third,
but that probably had more to do with gas
prices than losing the boattail. This car has
everything a successful white-shoe-wearing
Realtor wanted in the day, including a drumtype
thermometer on the outside rearview
mirror. This car came with a recent engine
rebuild, build sheet, and all books and manuals.
On a per-pound cost, the buy of the
sale. Silver Auctions, Coeur d’Alene, ID,
06/15.
CORVETTE
NOT SOLD AT $7,700. A big-block car with
fresh cosmetics and suspension work to
tempt bidders. But the obvious shortcuts
110 AmericanCarCollector.com
#129-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 30867S112276. Saddle Tan/
black cloth/tan vinyl. Odo: 1,313 miles. 327ci
340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Said to be original
paint with worn-through areas, nicks, chips
and scratching everywhere, but no paint
crackling. Chrome shows pretty well with
only light pitting on the rear bumpers. The
interior has a large tear in the driver’s back
rest and a carpet hole as well as the usual
denting in the aluminum console top. Hurst
shifter. Some of the ignition shielding is
missing. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $47,300. Not
an iconic Split-Window, which is the only
coupe Corvette that out-prices a convertible,
but this car also falls into that elusive
SOLD AT $81,000. This black-on-black
Corvette has sold twice at auction in the
past year (at $115k and $132k) and nosaled
three times between $80k and $100k.
Seemingly sold for a bargain price here, but
maybe there’s a story. Where will we see it
next? Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA,
06/15.
#170-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 194375S115410. White/red
vinyl. Odo: 65,768 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. A few visible prep flaws show in
the fresh paint; couple of chips on the
edges of the headlight buckets. New interior
and newer chrome. Tinted glass with a
deep scratch on the windshield. Power
brakes and modern R134a a/c. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $71,500. Said to have been
awarded NCRS Top Flight with 99 out of
Page 110
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
100 points “a few years back.” The paint is
just starting to age somewhat, but still a
nice example of a mid-year. Well sold. Motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN, 06/15.
#186-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible.
VIN: 194676S107102. Black/black
cloth/black leather. Odo: 7,279 miles. 327-ci
350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Looks fairly recently
restored with new chrome, paint, tires and
interior. Paint shows a flaw on the right rear
and cracks starting at the headlight corner,
hood corner and backup light. Optioned with
teak steering wheel, power steering, power
brakes and steering, sidepipes and alloy
wheels. No mention of matching numbers.
Cond: 2.
let down by faded dash pods and holes in
speaker grille; rest of interior unworn reproduction.
Engine bay looks correct and is
clean. Well equipped with sidepipes, factory-style
knockoffs, AM/FM and telescoping
teak wheel. Claimed to be numbers
matching. Cond: 2-.
with an original sales brochure and documents.
Sold right on the money. Silver
Auctions, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 06/15.
FOMOCO
SOLD AT $61,600. Well optioned and localshow-ready.
Previously sold for $50k at
Russo and Steele in Vegas in September of
2013 with 7,269 miles on the odometer. I
think this is still fairly priced considering the
quality of the restoration, though it might
start to age soon. Motostalgia, Indianapolis,
IN, 06/15.
#141-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 194376S112731. Red/red vinyl.
Odo: 45,653 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Very nice paint over a wave-free
body. Signs of minor work on left quarterpanel.
Chrome and stainless nice. Interior
NOT SOLD AT $65,000. A well-equipped
big-block car. Seller didn’t know much about
it other than it was restored eight years ago.
If correct, it’s held up very well. Sold in January
at Silver’s Fort McDowell auction for
$82k, which our reporter called “market
price” (ACC# 257125). Six months and zero
miles later, it was bid well under that. Silver
Auctions, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 06/15.
#88-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. VIN: 1G1YY2183H5105196. Red/
red. Odo: 44,029 miles. 5.7-L 240-hp fuelinjected
V8. Well-cared-for car with expected
paint chips. Large chip on
passenger’s door. Interior shows wear appropriate
for mileage. Driver’s seat bolster
worn. Dash and console holding up well.
Very clean and correct underhood, with
signs of recent service. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $7,020. C4s are the affordable entryway
to Corvette ownership. This one was obviously
cared for by an enthusiast and came
#173-1932 FORD custom pickup. VIN:
19KK3ES752. Green & gold/aluminum.
Spotless everywhere. Countless custom
parts. Chrome louvers and rivets everywhere.
Pod headlights. Genie deuce frame
and a chrome five-inch drop axle. Harry
Miller-inspired custom chrome grille shell.
Bendix-style brakes with machined fins.
Powered by a Donovan all-aluminum 4-cyl
engine with two 2-bbl Strombergs mounted
sideways with custom air intakes. The wood
in the bed is Australian lacewood. The photos
do not do it justice. An amazing hot rod.
Cond: 1.
NOT SOLD AT $240,000. Built by Brian
Stinger and Troy Trepanier for George Poteet
with what must have been an unlimited
budget. Won “Best Hot Rod Truck” at the
Grand National Roadster Show in 2010 as
well as “Truck of the Year” at Goodguys.
Cover photo on the August 2010 issue of
Street Rodder magazine. The auctioneer
tried hard but simply wasn’t able to make
the seller and the bidders reach a happy
place today. Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
06/15.
#S132-1941 LINCOLN ZEPHYR convertible.
VIN: 126208. Beige/tan cloth/brown
leather. Odo: 126,208 miles. V12 motor.
24K gold interior trim and door handles.
Three-speed transmission with overdrive.
Old repaint now showing chips and
scratches. Top showing fading and slight
sag. An older, tired restoration that would
require attention to every detail to make it
concours. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $44,280.
These budget Lincolns were lightweight and
elegant and have beautiful streamlined
112 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 112
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
newer than the rest of the bay, which is
stock and very clean. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$45,360. You see a lot of 1946–48 Continental
convertibles at sales, but fewer than
1,500 were built. Seller claimed it was rustfree
but said little else. Lack of information
may have held down bidding, as this convertible
went for coupe money. A convertible
CCCA Full Classic for less than $50k is
a great deal. Silver Auctions, Coeur
d’Alene, ID, 06/15.
body lines. In 1941 this model sold for
$1,800 and today is quite rare, with only
725 examples being produced. Given its
needs, well sold. Mecum Auctions, Seattle,
WA, 06/15.
#34-1947 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
convertible. VIN: 7H167552. Yellow/
black fabric/brown leather. Odo: 43,501
miles. Older restoration out of a large collection.
Nice paint over straight body with
good gaps. Noticeable color mismatch on
Continental kit and side skirts. Top of rear
window loose. Bumpers okay, but some
puckering on grille chrome. Seats look unused,
interior is nice, some wear to trim.
Engine compartment body-color areas look
older than rest of car. Engine paint looks
#196-1951 FORD COUNTRY SQUIRE
wagon. VIN: B1LB142391. Yellow/brown &
tan vinyl. Odo: 81,138 miles. 239-ci V8,
2-bbl, 3-sp. New “do it fast” paint shows
drips, orange peel, dust and some mask
lines. The finish on the wood also shows
dust and cracks. Light pitting on overall
shiny chrome and fit issues on some of the
front chrome pieces. Three-row seating with
new upholstery. The floor pans show some
rust-through. Cond: 3-.
#198-1956 MERCURY MONTCLAIR 2-dr
hard top. VIN: 56SL59963M. Melon &
cream/melon & cream vinyl. Odo: 33,600
miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The bumpers
look good, but there is some pitting on
some of the smaller chrome pieces. Lots of
bright trim pieces with a few visible dents.
The left-side vent pane is delaminating. The
paint presents well. There are some dents
in the hubcaps and the engine is dusty.
Comes with power steering and brakes.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $38,500. Looks like a long-term
storage car that could use a light reconditioning
to bring it back to glory. Both the
buyer and seller should be pleased with this
final price. Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
06/15.
SOLD AT $46,200. A bit of “fluff and buff”
going on here, but it has a nine-passenger
capacity, and it runs out okay. Hopefully the
floors don’t fall through. Not expensive on
the face of it, but I feel the price was plenty
strong. Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
06/15.
#133-1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD convertible.
VIN: E7FH264695. Bronze/white
hard top/bronze. Odo: 71,842 miles. 312-ci
V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Fresh, good-quality paint,
chrome and interior. A couple of paint chips
are visible, but nothing drastic. Detailed engine.
Porthole hard top with no side-window
weatherstrips. E-code with 2x4-bbl carburetion.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $56,100. A fresh, complete and
well-done restoration that was offered at
Mecum Indy in May of 2014 and did not sell
at $85k (ACC# 254298). Makes it seem like
a real bargain this time around. Motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN, 06/15.
#S136-1957 MERCURY TURNPIKE
CRUISER Indy Pace Car convertible. VIN:
57SL70016M. Sun Glitter/white vinyl/white
vinyl. Odo: 61,308 miles. 368-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Mostly original car. Repaint in the distant
past could almost pass for original.
Some dings in aluminum side trim. Vent
windows delaminating. Factory Continental
kit, tach, power steering, leather interior,
and Town & Country radio. A solid car that
has probably been cared for most of its life
but now requires attention in every category.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $48,600. In the
mid-1950s, Mercury reached for the
114 AmericanCarCollector.com
BEST
BUY
Page 114
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
tray on lower dash shows an oil change in
1984 at 27,634 miles. Dealer sticker on
back from Kredit Ford in Platte, SD.
Cond: 3+.
looks good, with very minor pitting to console
trim. Underhood clean, correct but not
detailed. Cond: 3+.
space age with this outrageous flagship
model and features with names like QuadraBeam,
Lube-O-Matic, Seat-O-Matic, and
Merc-O-Matic—as though it drove straight
out of a “Jetsons” cartoon. This car was a
conundrum: keep it as-is, or restore? I’d like
to see a shiny and proud return to the glory
it once enjoyed. It recently sold for $52k at
Silver Portland in April (ACC# 265034), so
no profit for the seller. I’ll call it well bought.
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#10-1959 FORD GALAXIE 500 Skyliner
retractable hard top. VIN: B9RC171283.
Red & white/white vinyl/red, white & black
vinyl. Odo: 56,238 miles. 332-ci V8, 2-bbl,
auto. Older paint holding up well. Good
body gaps. Bumpers are nicer than trim;
heavy wear to door handles. Windshield
scratched, vent windows delaminating. Rear
side window trim loose. Interior presents
very well with nice dash and unworn seats.
Engine bay is stock-clean but not detailed.
Large coolant leak noted under car.
Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $4,800. My favorite car at
the sale. If your parents (or grandparents)
were farmers in the ’60s, this is their car. It’s
obviously been very well cared for and
looked cleaner than most trade-ins you
would have found in the ’60s. High bid was
light for such an original car. I hope it finds a
good home. If you’re a Chevy fan, see Lot
93. Silver Auctions, Coeur d’Alene, ID,
06/15.
#S48-1965 FORD MUSTANG fastback.
VIN: 5R09A233558. Red/black vinyl. Odo:
70,170 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Rotisserie-restored
A-code car with 225 horsepower,
mid-level 289, 4-speed, disc brakes,
console, styled steel wheels, fog lamps, and
trumpet exhaust. Excellent paint, reproduction
seat covers, and carpets. Rubber coming
off at top of door, which may be the
reason for difficulty with door shut.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $9,720. Looks like a nice car; too
bad about he unexciting color. A wellequipped
example with its signature hightech
dash, floor and overhead consoles
from the time automakers assumed everyone
wanted to be an airline pilot. Well
bought. Silver Auctions, Coeur d’Alene,
ID, 06/15.
#S170.1-1967 FORD MUSTANG fastback.
VIN: 7R02S190219. Wimbledon White/black
vinyl. Odo: 32,871 miles. 390-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Marti Report. Paint good, but lower
body lines and door fit could be crisper.
Nice reproduction interior. Limited-slip differential.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $45,360. There is a limit to the
old hot-rodders’ axiom, “There’s no replacement
for displacement.” The big 390 engine
stuffed into a light Mustang can offer a lot of
power, but the weight on the front end
doesn’t make for a great handler. White on
black looks great on a Mustang, and this
one showed well. Still, I’ll call it well sold.
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
SOLD AT $22,950. Car was being sold by
long-term owner who’s obviously taken care
of it. Well optioned with all the '50s clichés:
twin spots, fender skirts, signal-seeking radio,
Continental kit. As it sits, it’s nice
enough for local cruises, and paying some
attention to details could easily take it up a
notch. Well bought for a fun convertible.
Silver Auctions, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 06/15.
#91-1965 FORD GALAXIE 500 sedan.
VIN: 562X185673. Blue/blue cloth & vinyl.
Odo: 35,908 miles. 352-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
Original everything on an untouched body.
Paint has some age but would come back to
a factory shine with a cut-and-buff. Small
ding in edge of trunk and trim. Otherwise,
chrome and trim very good. Interior untouched
and clean. Looks like a two-yearold
car. Dash uncracked and perfect. Door
rubber still good. Engine bay all original,
including factory stickers. Small clear plastic
116 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $37,800. Very desirable 2+2 fastback
model Mustang, beautifully restored.
While not the scarcer K-code model that
produces 271 hp, this A-code model can
still burn tires in stock form. Sold for market
price. Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA,
06/15.
#20-1966 FORD THUNDERBIRD 2-dr hard
top. VIN: 6Y81Z112849. Beige/beige vinyl/
brown vinyl. Odo: 106,701 miles. 390-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Good paint on straight body.
Trunk gaps off, otherwise good. Vinyl top
looks fresh, aftermarket body side moldings
don’t do the car any favors. Rubber and
window whiskers could be original but are
holding up well. Bumpers look newer, stainless
has wear and large dent above driver’s
door. Hubcaps are worn. Original interior
#S117.1-1967 SHELBY GT500 fastback.
VIN: 67412F9A02408. Red/black vinyl.
Odo: 60,769 miles. 428-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto.
Well documented with copy of invoice, list of
previous owners, and Marti Report. Body
and paint finished to a high standard. Trunk
fit slightly off. Some scratches and dings on
door panel chrome and sill plates. Power
steering, power disc brakes. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $153,900. Beautiful Shelby with a
high-quality restoration. Original specs let
down slightly by the automatic transmission.
Page 116
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
Had it been a factory 4-speed, it might have
garnered another $20k–$25k. Prices for
Shelbys are still behind their pre-recession
peak, but inching closer. When muscle cars
complete their comeback, holding a Shelby
wouldn’t be a bad thing. Mecum Auctions,
Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#190-1968 FORD MUSTANG fastback.
VIN: 8F01C116922. Red/black vinyl. Odo:
1,074 miles. 351-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Variable
panel gaps everywhere. A deep dent on the
driver’s side roof goes all the way across
the top—looks like a transporter’s issue.
Simpson racing belts. Modern electronicdash
gauges. Cond: 2.
#151-1969 SHELBY GT500 fastback. VIN:
9F02R48299. Maroon/black vinyl. Odo:
41,961 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The
new paint looks a bit wavy but shines well.
Wide front fender gaps. The side stick-on
stripes could be better. A couple of small
dents in the windshield trim. The bumper
chrome looks new, but the passenger’s
door-handle chrome is worn through. Clean
engine. Optioned with tinted glass, power
front discs and a/c. Cond: 2.
Claimed original miles. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $75,000. Marti birth certificate
included. The ’69s were built at the
Rouge Dearborn plant and had some creature
comforts available, as this car shows.
High bid for this one must’ve been close.
Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN, 06/15.
NOT SOLD AT $44,500. This car was born
as a base V8 Mustang coupe. With most
Mustang body panels now available, I predict
we will see more converted to fastback
Shelby clones like this one. Previously sold
at Mecum Houston in April 2013 for a very
strong $70k (ACC# 220473), so no surprise
that the seller decided to keep it. Motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN, 06/15.
#S95-1968 SHELBY GT500 KR
fastback. VIN: 8T02R21092103794.
Highland Green/black vinyl. Odo:
12,155 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Excellent
restoration on a low-mile car. Factory
a/c, 3.00:1 gears, GT equipment and visibility
groups, power steering, power disc
brakes, tilt wheel, AM radio and tach.
Cond: 1-.
5
#S92-1969 SHELBY GT500 fastback. VIN:
9F02R481659. Aqua/black vinyl. Odo:
54,625 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Restored
in 2008 but retains its excellent original
interior. Paint looks a little thick. Door fit
slightly off. Restoration beginning to show
some age, but still very nice. Known history
since sold new in Seattle and backed with
documentation proving its authenticity, including
a Marti Report. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $88,560. The versatility of the
Mustang platform offered something for everybody.
Ford stuffed big 428 and 429
blocks into them to deliver brute force in the
horsepower wars against GM, but the smallblock
Boss 302 provided the most balanced
approach of them all. Developed for the
Trans-Am racing series, the lighter engine
combined with a few suspension tweaks
was a terrific combo. This was a good example
in appealing colors that brought a
very strong price. Mecum Auctions, Seattle,
WA, 06/15.
#163-1971 FORD TORINO Cobra fastback.
VIN: 1A38J105304. Green/black vinyl.
Odo: 85,590 miles. 429-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. The driver’s door has an edge chip,
and the side glass shows scratches. Good
panel fit and fresh, good-quality paint. Detailed
engine. All-new chrome and trim.
Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $178,200. Ten-time MCA Thoroughbred
Gold winner with just 12,155
miles. A textbook example and well-known
among the Shelby set. Said to be one of
just 299 that paired the 428 Cobra Jet engine
with factory a/c. Given the automatic
transmission and high gearing, this car is
set up for high-speed touring rather than
drag strip peel-outs. If Route 66 is calling,
this just might be the ticket. Provenance
helped it achieve a strong price. Had it been
a factory 4-speed, it would have broken the
$200k barrier. Mecum Auctions, Seattle,
WA, 06/15.
118 AmericanCarCollector.com
SOLD AT $86,400. By 1969, Ford had transitioned
Shelbys from all-out performance
cars to more of a grand tourer, replete with
creature comforts. Not that they lacked in
performance. Ford’s 428 Cobra Jet was
hot-rodded with larger valve heads, the
same intake manifold as Ford’s competition
427, and a Holley 4-barrel. This example
was nicely done, and it sold at a price commensurate
with its quality. A slight loss for
the seller after commissions since purchased
for $80k at Russo and Steele’s
2014 Scottsdale auction (ACC# 242594).
Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#S43-1970 FORD MUSTANG Boss 302
fastback. VIN: 0F02G169734. Coral/black
vinyl. Odo: 77,599 miles. 302-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Authentic numbers-matching Boss
302 with Marti Report and shipping invoice.
Nice restoration with a few tiny nicks on
otherwise excellent paint. Chrome and
stainless trim show use. Power disc brakes,
power steering, front and rear spoilers.
NOT SOLD AT $59,000. Comes with Marti
Report showing this to be a factory J-code
Torino. Nice car that failed to reach the reserve
price and will be going back home. I
anticipate we will see it again at another
auction. It no-saled at Vicari Nocona in May
of 2014 at an undisclosed high bid (ACC#
243534). Motostalgia, Indianapolis, IN,
06/15.
MOPAR
#166-1948 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY
New York convertible. VIN: 7407494.
Green/tan cloth/green & tan leather. Odo:
74,574 miles. 323-ci I8, 2-bbl, auto. Some
of the bright trim pieces are just starting to
age out but are still very presentable. The
wood and paint look very good, with no significant
chips or cracks. Nice leather interior
with light pitting on some of the interior
chrome. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $100,100.
The T&C base price in 1948 was $800 more
than the eight-passenger limo. This car sold
at Mecum Monterrey in 2009 for $86k
TOP 10
Page 118
GLOBAL
ROUNDUP
ONETO WATCH
A focus on cars that are showing some financial upside
(SCM# 141957). The owner cared for it and
enjoyed it and made some money as well.
The new owner still bought it right, and everybody
should be happy. Motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN, 06/15.
#S125-1969 DODGE SUPER BEE 440 Six
Pack 2-dr sedan. VIN: WM21M9A302870.
Butterscotch/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
8,682 miles. 440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Restored
with matching-numbers 440 Six Pack
V8. Black steel wheels with Redlines. Super
Bee trunk stripe. Lightweight lift-off hood.
Some orange peel in paint. Panel fit off in
front fenders. Slit in carpet. Cond: 2-.
1998–2002 Pontiac Trans Am
WS6 and Special Editions
(1998–2002) of production. The WS6 option, a ram-air package with some suspension,
exhaust and wheel upgrades, was the go-to base for special editions, but added $3,100 on
top of the $25,975 TA coupe base price.
At the heart of the Trans Am WS6 and related special editions is the LS1. This 5.7-liter
F
V8 shares the metric displacement with the venerable 350-ci Chevy small block, but there
are limited similarities after that. Trans Am WS6 horsepower started at 320 in 1998 and
reached 345 in 2002 with the SLP Blackwing intake.
The 2011 average for special edition and WS6 Trans Ams was
Detailing
Years built: 1998–2002
Number produced:
45,411 (WS6 and
Special Editions)
Number sold at auction
in the past 12
months: 6
Average price
of those cars:
$21,787
Current ACC
Valuation:
$15,000–$22,000
$17,983. That average shot up an impressive 32% (to $23,658) in
2012. Bigger-picture look: The average sale price for the first half
of 2015 was $25,888 for the cars that sold. That’s up 14% from
2014’s average and a shocking 44% from 2011.
True, we’re looking at a rather small data set for 2015, espe-
cially considering that the market saw an average of 14 come to
auction per year since the start of 2011. These are relatively rare
submodels that aren’t quite the proper age for a collectible. They’re
on the verge, however, as the oldest of these is now 17 years old.
Lastly, the median sold price is a worthwhile stat to look at
since it gives us the midpoint (half the sales are above and half fall
below this price) for all sales for each calendar year and reduces
the statistical importance of outlier sales. The median price for
WS6 and special-edition Trans Ams has jumped a whopping 52%, from $16,695 in 2011 to
$25,413 so far this year. That’s nearly back to 1998 base Trans Am coupe pricing not counting
inflation.
All in all, it’s still a helluva deal for shaking your neighbor’s windows every time you
120 AmericanCarCollector.com120 AmericanCarCollector.com
turn the key to IGN. But these prices might not last, as the value needle is pointing up. A
— Chad Tyson
SOLD AT $87,480. “Correct date-coded” is
a polite way of saying the block was not
born to the car. I say no harm done if the
block and other components are a match,
but the market usually applies a slight penalty.
Add another ding for the automatic
or a couple of years, a dark blue Trans Am Firehawk parked a block north of
ACC’s offices in Portland, OR. Once in a blue moon I’d walk past it as the driver
started it up and its Loud Mouth exhaust sounded thunderously intimidating.
Especially when compared with Editor Pickering’s ho-hum Hemi.
GM produced several special-edition Trans Am WS6s in the later years
SOLD AT $56,160. Raised hood and
painted wheels without hubcaps to make it
look like a real contender. Unfortunate original
Butterscotch paint color was off-putting.
Well sold and well bought. Mecum Auctions,
Seattle, WA, 06/15.
#S117-1969 PLYMOUTH HEMI ROAD
RUNNER 2-dr hard top. VIN: RM23J9G232693.
Scorch Red/black vinyl. Odo:
63,799 miles. 426-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Outstanding
rotisserie restoration. Said to be
one of 188 combining the 426 Hemi with a
TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission,
out of a total of 788 ’69 Hemi Road
Runners built. Includes woodgrain center
console, power brakes, Fresh Air hood, and
A32 Super Performance Axle Package.
Original fender tag and title. Correct datecoded
block and other components.
Cond: 1-.
Page 119
ROUNDUP
GLOBAL
transmission, and that’s why such an overthe-top
restoration couldn’t achieve a bigger
price. Mecum Auctions, Seattle, WA,
06/15.
#S97-1970 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T
2-dr hard top. VIN: JS23V0B238063. Tuxedo
Black/black leather. Odo: 45,797 miles.
440-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Some light aging
of original paint. Original rubber dry and
cracked. Broadcast sheet. Leather, 8-track,
power windows, 150-mph speedo, console
with Slap Stik, and tach. Non-factory headers
installed when nearly new. Wrinkle in
applied white stripe, likely from the factory.
Outstanding original condition overall.
Cond: 2-.
#S96-1970 DODGE HEMI CHALLENGER
R/T SE 2-dr hard top. VIN: JS23ROB218163.
Orange/black vinyl. Odo: 3,683
miles. 426-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Authentic
R-Code Hemi Challenger. Correct 426/425
Hemi, but no assurance that it’s original to
the car. Four-speed manual, Sure-Grip differential,
power disc brakes, dual exhaust,
Pistol Grip shifter, and Rallye wheels. Many
NOS parts used in restoration, including the
Goodyear raised white-letter tires. Restored
in 2008 and appears museum-kept since.
Originally purchased by a Connecticut state
trooper. Cond: 1-.
ROUNDUP
GLOBAL
SOLD AT $97,200. Owned by a former Flying
Tigers pilot for 42 years and impeccably
maintained. Terrific colors and loaded with
all the goodies from new, including leather.
The Six Pack will give it plenty of grunt and
better street manners than a Hemi. Purchased
for the John Wickey Collection in
January of 2013 at Barrett-Jackson for
$94,600 (ACC# 259919), so a slight loss
after commissions. Mecum Auctions, Seattle,
WA, 06/15.
VIN: JS29ROB191259. Plum Crazy/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 99,406 miles. 426-ci
Other, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Rotisserie restoration in
2014. Loaded R-code Hemi R/T SE Challenger.
Said to be one of just 22 Challengers
fitted with both a Hemi and 4-speed.
Super Track Pack, power steering, power
disc brakes, power windows and AM/FM
radio. Replacement engine block, but
4-speed transmission original. Cond: 1-.
4
#S76.1-1970 DODGE HEMI CHALLENGER
R/T SE 2-dr hard top.
SOLD AT $162,000. Another of the five
museum-grade muscle cars brought to the
sale by Canadian home-builder John
Wickey. One of two R-code '70 Hemi Challengers
in the sale, the other being the top
seller of the auction. Fantastic, thorough
restoration seven years ago that is just
starting to lose its freshness. These cars
still haven’t rebounded to the lofty $300k
level they achieved seven or eight years
ago, but today’s results offer some encouragement.
A good value. Mecum Auctions,
Seattle, WA, 06/15.
AMERICANA
#103-1953 HENRY J CORSAIR 2-dr
sedan. VIN: K53355066. White/brown
vinyl. Odo: 24,866 miles. 134-ci I4, 1-bbl,
3-sp. Huge panel gaps at rear of hood and
front clip. All-new chrome. New fixed window
and door weatherstripping but window
fuzzies not replaced. Both vent panes are
delaminating. Newer mid-level paint with
some hood edge chips. All plastic light
lenses and the plastic hood emblem are dull
and cracked. Cond: 2.
Sports Car Market
Keith Martin’s
The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
™
SOLD AT $199,800. Let’s see...a mint Hemi
Challenger with a 4-speed in Plum Crazy,
loaded, including R/T SE packages. Does it
get any better for Mopar muscle fans?
Okay, maybe if it were a 'Cuda... Still, this is
one sweet package despite the correct replacement
block. Sold for strong money in
today’s market, but awfully hard to duplicate.
The auction’s top sale. Mecum Auctions,
Seattle, WA, 06/15.
SOLD AT $7,975. So there’s no confusion,
this Corsair is the Henry J (aka Kaiser), not
the Edsel. Seldom seen at auction or anywhere
else. One of the 1950s economy cars
that nobody saved. Not concours by any
means, but I liked it a lot. Well bought. Motostalgia,
Indianapolis, IN, 06/15. A
Subscribe to SCM
today and become a
collector car insider
www.sportscarmarket.com
September-October 2015 121
TOP 10
BEST
BUY
Page 120
The Parts Hunter
Chad Tyson
Big-Money Parts and
Accessories from Around the Nation
owner is competing at the Grand National Roadster Show or Detroit Autorama. Buyers were clamoring for these spotlights, bidding 41 times
before the dust settled. These were the highest-bid spotlights on eBay going back for half a year, but several pristine 112 series approached
and exceeded $1,500. Well sold.
cab supports. Rust preventative coating was applied to areas prone to rust such as the inside
of the floor supports. The cab exterior and interior have been primed. All seams have been
sealed. The cab, doors and cowl vent panel need only final sanding and preparation prior to
refinishing.” Buy It Now. Sold for $6,950.
Remember when this money would buy you a whole ’67–’72 Chevy pickup? It still will, but in
this market, a truck that cheap will need a cab like this to replace the rusty one it’ll undoubtedly
have. This was the only cab the seller had listed at press time, but their history showed
several others that sold for this same price. Guess they found the going rate. You can buy a
welder and patch panels and fix your own cab for less, but what’s your time worth?
#151688174672—1967–72
Chevrolet Pickup Refurbished
Cab Assembly. 12 photos. Item
condition: Remanufactured. eBay,
Spokane, WA. 6/18/15
“From a 1971 Chevrolet C20,
2wd, 350-powered, automatic
pickup with the low transmission
hump. This cab is an a/c cab.
This OEM cab, doors and cowl
vent panel were cleaned, media
and sand-blasted to bare metal.
All areas of rust have been
replaced with new, aftermarket
repair panels including outer
rockers, left and right lower cab
corners and front and rear outer
#111706066186—Appleton Series 552 Spotlights. 12 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay,
Bethel Park, PA. 7/5/15
“This pair is in fantastic condition with original bright chrome finish and are near mint. The
housings and rims have scratches and should be replated if used on a show car. All plastic components
have been meticulously polished to a high-gloss finish and the APPLETON metal logo
inserts in the switch covers look like NOS. Both units have new wiring and have been lubricated,
adjusted, tested and function as-new. The bulbs are designed to work on 6–8 volts. Includes
the inside mounting hardware and left and right outside mounting feet, as well as the clips that
neatly secure the wire to the tube.” 41 bids. Sold at $1,982.
George Barris used Appleton spotlights on some of his early customs, like the Series 552s on
the Larry Ernst Chevy. There doesn’t appear much left to be done on this pair — unless the new
#391126460883—1933–34 Ford Fender
Skirts. 7 photos. Item description: New.
eBay, Northborough, MA. 5/3/15
“These skirts are reproductions and have
never been attached to a car. Beautiful,
detailed metal work. I have trial fit them and
they will fit both coupe and sedan rear fenders
’33–’34.” 10 bids. Sold for $2,923.
I don’t often care to feature new or repop
pieces, but the metal work here is impressive.
And boy, did a few people want these.
Three bidders kept upping the ante, but it
ended up being the original bidder spending
nearly $3k on something that gets in the
way of servicing the car.
#171807847329—1964–65 Mopar A-Body A833 4-Speed Manual
Transmission. 9 photos. Item description: Used. Carmel, NY. 6/5/15
“Up for sale is a rebuilt Mopar 4-speed tranny for 1964–65 A-body cars
(Barracuda, Dart, etc.). Transmission has been completely rebuilt with new main
and roller bearings, new synchro rings, new countershaft, all new seals and
gaskets, reconditioned side cover and shifter levers.” 1 bid. Sold for $650.
This is about the going rate for a BorgWarner T10 or a need-to-be-rebuilt, nonRock
Crusher Muncie, so it’s not always mo-money Moparts. This particular
A833 is for the smaller cars with smaller engines (the other A833 was built with
a numerically lower first-gear ratio, extending its RPM range for the torque-tastic
B-body engines). From the additional auction photos, it appears this unit has the
stronger ’67 and later synchros and brass stop rings. Fairly bought and sold.
122 AmericanCarCollector.com
Page 121
#271891225244—1957–58 Cadillac
Eldorado Brougham Vanity Lanvin
Arpege Perfume and Atomizer Set.
8 photos. Item condition: Used. eBay,
Lebanon, CT. 3/15/15
“Purchased at an estate sale on our recent
trip to California. The bottle and top are
glass and the atomizer to the best of my
knowledge is a thin gold-tone metal, cool to
the touch. I don’t have the lid, or any of the
papers, just what you see on the photos. I
have not removed either item from the box,
or opened the bottle to have a sniff. It’s very
full, so if it was used at all, could have been
for a few dabs on the way to the nightclub in
that fabulous automobile. I see a tiny bit of
wear to the box the perfume and atomizer
reside in and some small blue stains on that
box, as well.” 11 bids. Sold at $1,825.
As obscure as this set is (only 704 Eldorado
Broughams were built ’57–’58), the pieces
and parts can sell for incredible money.
Except here. Still, somebody got a steal of
a deal, even without knowing whether the
atomizer is original or not. Reproduction
atomizers can go for $1k, with original ones
reaching $2,500. One thing holding the
price back, however, was the missing lid and
documentation. I’ve seen complete, documented
sets go for $10k. Well bought. A
September-October 2015 123
Page 122
Showcase Gallery
Sell Your Car Here! Includes ACC website listing.
Showcase Gallery color photo ad just $66/month
($88 non-subscribers)
Text-Only Classified ad just $15/month
($25 non-subscribers)
Three ways to submit your ad:
Web: Visit americancarcollector.com/classifieds to upload your photo
(300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only. Secure online VISA/MC payments.
Email: Send photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only, to classifieds@
americancarcollector.com. We will contact you for payment information.
Snail mail: ACC Showcase, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208-4797,
with VISA/MC or check.
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.
CORVETTE
1959 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Fuelie Sting Ray convertible
S/N J59S104983. Classic
Cream (1 of 223)/black. Other,
4-spd automatic. Impeccable!
NCRS Top Flight. $160,000.
Contact Terry, ProTeam Classic
Corvettes, Email: terry@proteamcorvette.com
Web: https://
www.proteamcorvette.com/
Corvette-1957-1004G/1004G.
html (OH)
1960 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible
S/N 30867S114605. Sebring
Silver/black. V8, 4-spd manual.
Original matching-numbers
fuel-injected 327/360 with
manual trans. Body-off restoration,
NCRS Top Flight, judged,
autographed by Duntov and
Shinoda. Original window
sticker, extensive photos and
documentation. $122,500. Contact
Bob, 207.590.0059, Email:
enzo@gwi.net (ME)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
327/340-hp Split-Window
coupe
S/N 00867S101940. Tasco
Turquoise/Turquoise. 4-spd
manual. 270hp. Impeccable.
$160,000. Contact Terry,
ProTeam Classic Corvettes,
Email: terry@proteamcorvette.
com Web: https://www.proteamcorvette.com/Corvette-1960-1002G/1002G.html
(OH)
124 AmericanCarCollector.com
S/N 194676S121721. Mossport
Green/black. 44,800 miles.
V8, 4-spd manual. This is one
of the rarest produced from
1966, a true L72 big-block
427-ci/425hp optioned car from
the factory. Perfect fresh Mosport
Green finish with black
top and interior, Teak wheel,
Goldwall tires on cast-alloy
wheels, non-matching-number
motor. $25k-plus in receipts,
the perfect event Corvette.
$84,995 OBO. Contact Craig,
C. Brody Investment Motorcars,
954.646.8819, Email: craigbrody@investmemtmotorcars.net
Web: https://www.guitarbroker.
com/cars/1966-chevrolet-corvette-427425-roadster/
(FL)
1967 Chevrolet Corvette
coupe
1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Export Fuel-Injected Tanker
coupe
www.proteamcorvette.com/
Corvette-1967-1007G/1007G.
html (OH)
1970 Chevy Corvette coupe
S/N 194375S110192. Tuxedo
Black/black. 4-spd manual.
Bloomington Gold Special
Collection and NCRS Duntov
award. $450,000. Contact
Terry, ProTeam Classic Corvettes,
Email: terry@proteamcorvette.com
Web: https://www.
proteamcorvette.com/Corvette1965-1021E/1021E.html
(OH)
1966 Chevrolet Corvette
427/425 convertible
S/N 194370S406213.
Blue/black. 67,000 miles.
V8, 3-spd automatic. Original
drivetrain with ps, pb, pw and
factory a/c. I’ve owned this car
for almost 20 years and it’s in
excellent mechanical condition.
The engine runs strong
(no smoke),the frame is good,
there are no funny noises, the
trans shifts crisply and the ride
is smooth. It has received professional
service on a regular
basis. $25,500 OBO. Contact
Edward, 302-875-3359, Email:
broadcreek@comcast.net (DE)
1973 Chevrolet Corvette
coupe
S/N 1Z37Z3S405849.
White/tan. 95,773 miles. V8, 4spd
manual. T-top with matching
numbers with build sheet,
records, invoices, owner’s
manual, 454-ci. Power options:
p/s, p/b, a/c, p/w. Other options:
tilt-tele steering column, alarm.
Excellent overall condition,
runs and drives well. $24,900.
Contact Chuck, Central Classic
Cars, 419.618.3855, Email:
chuckputsch@hotmail.com
Web: centralclassiccars.com
(OH)
FOMOCO
1986 Shelby Cobra ERA 427
replica roadster
S/N 30837S102047. Saddle
Tan/Saddle Tan. 4-spd manual.
Body-off restored. Jewelry!
$169,000. Contact Terry, ProTeam
Classic Corvettes,
Email: terry@proteamcorvette.
com Web: https://www.proteamcorvette.com/Corvette-1963-1056F/1056F.html
(OH)
S/N 194377S119262.
Goodwood Green/Saddle Tan.
14,870 miles. 4-spd manual.
435hp. 14,870 actual miles.
Bloomington Gold and NCRS
Duntov award. $200,000. Contact
Terry, ProTeam Classic
Corvettes, Email: terry@proteamcorvette.com
Web: https://
One owner from new and
Page 123
Showcase Gallery
only 20k original miles. Pampered
and never tracked or
abused in any way. All the best
components. Mint condition.
$69,500. Contact Matt, deGarmo
Ltd. Classic Motorcars,
203.852.1670, Email: matt@
deGarmoLtd.com (CT)
f2008 Shelby GT500
astback
1000 Audio System and ambient
lighting. Simply the best!
$42,995 OBO. Contact Craig,
C. Brody Investment Motorcars,
954.646.8819, Email: craigbrody@investmemtmotorcars.
net Web: https://www.guitarbroker.com/cars/2008-shelby-gt-500-fastback/
(FL)
MOPAR
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
Formula S coupe
Silver & black/gray. 32,000
Vista Blue clearcoat metallic/
black leather. 87 miles. V8,
6-spd manual. BRAND NEW
w/87 miles on the odometer.
It includes every stitch of paperwork
including original bill
of sale, window sticker and
all contracts. It has Sirius radio,
HID headlamps, GT500
Premium trim package, white
tape GT500 stripes, Shaker
CUSTOM
1950 Citroën 11B custom
4-dr sedan
miles. V8, 3-spd automatic.
Looks stock on the outside. All
custom inside. 350 motor/350
trans. TCI front end, TCI power
rack, 10-bolt rear, Edelbrock
carb and intake, a/c, custom
interior, custom paint, Alpine
stereo, custom wheels, Evans
coolant, electric fan, battery in
trunk and more. Very fast and
handles like a dream. $39,000.
Contact Frank, 760.464.6728,
Email: ftonne@live.ca (CA)
CAR COLLECTOR
S/N V852659371. White/blue.
34,000 miles. V8, 4-spd
manual. Original miles, Hurst
4-speed, 273 Hi-Po V8, PS,
PB, Sure-Grip, excellent
condition, set up for rallying.
Email for additional photos
and info. $25,000. Contact
Albert, 814.466.6115, Email:
bav1140@comcast.net
SUBSCRIBE
TO ACC
AmericanCarCollector.com/subscribe
877.219.2605 Ext. 1
AMERICAN
™
September-October 2015 125
Keith Martin’s
Page 124
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 and customs.
The company boasts an expert
team of specialists, who offer 180
years combined experience buying,
selling, racing and restoring
collector vehicles, making them
uniquely qualified to advise on all
aspects of the hobby.
www.auctionsamerica.com. (IN)
features over 500 cars. Held in
November & February every year.
www.classic-carauction.com
Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485.
2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA
99205. silver@silverauctions.com.
www.silverauctions.com. (WA)
Petersen Auction Group of
Oregon. 541.689.6824. Hosting
car auctions in Oregon since 1962.
We have three annual Auctions:
February—Oregon State
Fairgrounds, Salem, OR; July—
Douglas Co. 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
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)
Premier Auction Group.
844.5WE.SELL . The auction professionals
that have been taking
care of you for the last two decades
have partnered together to
create a team that is dedicated to
providing the utmost customer
service and auction experience.
We applied our 83 years of auction
experience to build a platform
ensuring that every aspect of our
company exceeds your expectations.
844.5WE.SELL. 844.593.7355.
www.premierauctiongroup.com.
info@premierauctiongroup.com
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)
RM Sotheby’s, Inc.
800.211.4371. RM Sotheby’s is
the world’s largest collector car
auction house for investmentquality
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.rmauctions.com. (CAN)
Palm Springs Auctions, Inc.
Keith McCormick. 760.320.3290.
Family owned & operated for 28
years. Producing 2 large classic
car auctions per year in Palm
Springs, California. Each auction
126 AmericanCarCollector.com
Russo and Steele Collector
Automobiles. 602.252.2697.
602.252.6260. 5230 South 39th
St., Phoenix, AZ 85040.
info@russoandsteele.com;
www.russoandsteele.com. (AZ)
Worldwide Auctioneers.
866.273.6394. Established by
John Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The
Worldwide Group—Auctioneers,
Appraisers and Brokers—is one
of the world’s premier auction
houses, specializing in the
procurement and sale of the
world’s finest automobiles
and vintage watercraft. www.
worldwide-auctioneers.com. (IN)
Classic Car Sales
Intercity Lines, Inc. 800.221.3936,
413.436.9422. Rapid, hassle-free,
coast-to-coast service. Insured
enclosed transport for your
valuable car at affordable prices.
State-of-the-art satellite transport
tracking. Complete service for
vintage races, auctions, relocations.
www.intercitylines.com. (MA)
Motorcar Portfolio, LLC.
330.453.8900. Buy, sell, trade,
auction of affordable antique, classic,
collector vehicles. Bob Lichty
offers over 40 years experience in
the classic car industry. Motorcar
Portfolio, LLC. has been serving
NE Ohio and the world since 2004.
Let us help with your needs. See
our current inventory at our web
site
www.motorcarportfolio.com
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
antique 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
Passport Transport.
800.736.0575. Since our founding
in 1970, we have shipped thousands
of treasured vehicles doorto-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.
Reliable Carriers, Inc.
877.744.7889. As the country’s
largest enclosed-auto transport
company, Reliable Carriers faithfully
serves all 48 contiguous
United States and Canada.
Whether you’ve entered a
concours event, need a relocation,
are attending a corporate event or
shipping the car of your dreams
from one location to another, one
American transportation company
does it all.
www.reliablecarriers.com
Page 125
Sports Car Market
Keith Martin’s
r Market
Keith Martin’s
Subscribe
Subscribe to SCM today and
become a collector car insider
www.sportscarmarket.com
Advertisers Index
American Car Collector ............... 72, 125
American Collectors Insurance ......... 116
Auctions America ................................ 19
Barrett-Jackson ............................. 15, 17
Blue Bars ........................................... 114
Camaro Central ................................... 89
Carlisle Events ..................................... 35
Charlotte AutoFair ............................... 97
Chevs of the 40’s .............................. 107
Chubb Personal Insurance .................. 29
Classic Restoration ............................. 27
Coker Tire ............................................ 37
Collector Car Price Tracker ............... 104
Corvette America ................................. 41
Corvette Specialties .......................... 112
County Corvette .................................... 2
Danchuk .............................................. 76
Dr. ColorChip Corporation ................ 104
Evans Cooling Systems Inc. .................. 9
Evapo-Rust .......................................... 73
Gano Filter Company ........................ 119
Genuine HotRod Hardware ................. 23
Grundy Worldwide ............................... 39
Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. .......... 99
Hendrick Motorsports ......................... 11
Investment Motorcars, Inc................... 91
J & D Corvette ................................... 113
JC Taylor ............................................. 81
Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc. ....... 123
Kinekt ................................................ 123
Leake Auction Company ....................... 3
LeMay - America’s Car Museum ......... 44
Lucky Collector Car Auctions .............. 79
Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ................. 111
MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd .... 123
Mainline Exotics ................................ 113
Memory Lane Motors, Inc. ................ 115
Michael Irvine Studios ....................... 105
Mid America Motorworks .................... 45
Morphy Auctions ................................. 31
Motorcar Portfolio ............................... 65
Mustangs Unlimited .......................... 117
National Corvette Museum ................ 129
National Corvette Restorers Society . 125
National Parts Depot ......................... 115
Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts, Inc. .. 115
Original Parts Group ............................ 67
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ...... 71
Paragon Corvette Reproductions ...... 101
Paramount Classic Cars .................... 103
Park Place LTD .................................... 95
Passport Transport .............................. 75
Petersen Collector Car Auction ......... 119
Pro-Team Corvette Sales, Inc ........... 109
Reliable Carriers .................................. 63
RM Auctions, Inc. ................................ 13
Ronald McDonald House .................... 93
SEMA ................................................... 30
Sports Car Market ..................... 121, 127
SwissTrax Corporation ........................ 21
The Chevy Store Inc .......................... 111
Thomas C Sunday Inc ....................... 121
TYCTA ............................................... 119
Vanderbrink Auctions .........................4-5
Volunteer Vette Products .................... 69
Watchworks ....................................... 123
Wildwood NJ Auction .......................... 87
Woodside Credit.................................. 85
Zip Products ........................................ 43
zMax .................................................. 117
September-October 2015 127
Page 126
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Put your company in the ACC Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218,
or email advert@americancarcollector.com
Corvettes for Sale
Thomas C. Sunday Inc.
800.541.6601. Established in
1970, Thomas C. Sunday Inc. provides
clients with fully-enclosed,
cross-country, door-to-door service.
Thomas C. Sunday Inc. are
well-seasoned experts in the field
of automobile transportation, hiring
only Grade-A drivers, and offering
clients the best possible service at
competitive pricing. Fully-licensed,
insured and bonded. Call 1-800541-6601
or 717-697-0939, Fax
717-697-0727, email:
info@sundayautotransport.com
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
Corvette Central . Parts and
accessories for all Corvettes.
Corvette Central has been a leading
manufacturer and distributor
of Corvette parts and accessories
since 1975. We offer the most
comprehensive and detailed parts
catalogs on the market today
and produce a different catalog
for each Corvette generation. All
catalogs are also online with full
search and order features. From
Blue Flame 6 to the C6, only
Corvette Central has it all.
www.corvettecentral.com. (MI)
County Corvette. 610.696.7888.
Sales, service, parts and restoration.
When it must be right.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
Mid America Motorworks.
800.500.1500. America’s leader in
1953–2008 Corvette parts and accessories.
Request a free catalog
at www.mamotorworks.com. (IL)
County Corvette. 610.696.7888.
The most modern and bestequipped
Corvette-only facility in
the nation.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
The Chevy Store. At The Chevy
Store, you will find only the
highest-grade, investment-quality
Corvette and specialty Chevrolet
automobiles. We take pride in
providing our clients with the finest
selection anywhere. Offering
investment-quality Corvettes and
Chevrolets for over 30 years!
503.256.5384(p) 503.256.4767(f)
www.thechevystore.com. (OR)
Insurance
American Collectors Insurance.
1.866.887.8354. The nation’s
leading provider of specialty insurance
for collectors. We offer affordable,
agreed value coverage
for all years, makes, and models
of collector vehicles. Since 1976,
we have provided superior service
and broad, flexible coverage.
Experience our quick quoting and
application process, as well as our
“Real Person” Guarantee every
time you call. Email: Info@
AmericanCollectors.com
www.AmericanCollectors.com
ProTeamCorvette.com.
Corvettes: 1953–1982. Over
10,000 sold since 1971! Moneyback
guarantee. Worldwide
transportation. Z06s, L88s, L89s,
LS6s, ZR2s, ZR1s, LT1s, COPOs,
Fuelies, Special 425s/435s/RPOs.
Call toll free 888.592.5086 or call
419.592.5086.
Fax 419.592.4242, email: terry@
proteamcorvette.com or visit our
website: www.ProTeamCorvette.
com. ProTeam Corvette Sales,
1410 N. Scott St., Napoleon, OH
43545. Special Corvettes wanted
at CorvettesWanted.com! NCRS
Member #136.
Volunteer Vette Products.
865.521.9100. 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
128 AmericanCarCollector.com
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)
give us a call. (TN)
Chubb Collector Car Insurance.
1.866.CAR.9648. The Chubb
Collector Car Insurance program
provides flexibility by allowing you
to choose the agreed value and
restoration shop. Broad coverage
includes no mileage restrictions
and special pricing for large
schedules. For more information,
contact us at 1(866)CAR-9648 or
www.chubbcollectorcar.com.
J.C. Taylor Insurance.
800.345.8290. Antique, classic,
muscle or modified — J.C. Taylor
Insurance has provided dependable,
dynamic, affordable protection
for your collector vehicle for
over 50 years. Agreed Value
Coverage in the continental U.S.,
and Alaska. Drive Through Time
With Peace of Mind with J.C.
Taylor Insurance. Get a FREE
instant quote online at www.
JCTaylor.com. (PA)
Leasing
Grundy Worldwide.
888.647.8639. Grundy Worldwide
offers agreed value insurance with
no mileage limitations, zero deductible*,
and high liability limits.
Our coverages are specifically
designed for collectible-car owners.
From classic cars to muscle
cars, Grundy Worldwide has you
covered. (*Zero deductible available
in most states.)
888.6GRUNDY (888.647.8639).
www.grundyworldwide.com. (PA)
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)
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
LeMay Family Collection
Foundation. LeMay Family
Collection Foundation at
Marymount Events Center near
Tacoma, WA, hosts an epic backdrop
for your next event. Home to
500 fabulous collector cars, worldclass
art exhibits, and assorted
ephemera, consider your next
event here. Weddings, swap
meets, conventions, auctions. The
facility can likely exceed your expectations.
Visit during the 37th
annual open house along with
13,000 other enthusiasts.
253.272.2336
www.lemaymarymount.org.
Page 127
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
AutoBahn Power. Performance
+ Looks + Durability + Comfort
= Autobahn Power! Autobahn
Power is a veteran of vehicle
modifications, parts and accessories.
Our specialty has been to
carry products that are better than
original equipment in performance,
safety and quality. Our warehouse,
service shop and retail store are
located in the Midwest for good
access to all parts of the USA. We
have completed literally hundreds
of project cars. These performance
vehicles are in enthusiasts’ hands
across the USA. Many of the
cars are in daily use, proving the
durability of our workmanship and
products. Check us out at www.
autobahnpower.com.
Restoration—General
Evans Waterless Coolant is a
revolutionary coolant with a boiling
point of 375° F, providing superior
engine cooling protection. This
means no vapor formed, no
hotspots, no boil-over, and a much
lower cooling system pressure.
Evans eliminates water caused
corrosion, electrolysis and pump
cavitation. Evans protects on the
other end of the temperature scale
to -40°F, and lasts the lifetime of
the engine. Visit www.evanscooling.com
for more information.
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.
Cosmopolitan Motors, LLC.
206.467.6531. 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.cosmo-
politanmotors.com (WA) A
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.
Mustangs Unlimited. Since
1976, Mustangs Unlimited has
been the source for Restoration,
Performance, and Accessory
parts for 1965–present Mustang,
1967–1973 Mercury Cougar, and
1965–1970 Shelby Mustang.
More than 55,000 available parts
in 2 fully stocked warehouses,
Mustangs Unlimited is YOUR
Mustang Parts SUPERSTORE!
FREE Shipping on orders over
$300.
Visit www.mustangsunlimited.com
or call 800.243.7278.
National Parts Depot.
800.874.7595. We stock huge
inventories of concours-correct
restoration parts for:
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)
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
September-October 2015 129
Page 128
Surfing Around
Carl Bomstead
Automobilia on eBay
and Beyond
Carl’s thought: Brandon Spikes, former All-American linebacker from the University of Florida, recently had
a couple of bad days. He had just been re-signed by the New England Patriots to a mega-million-dollar contract.
But after rear-ending a family car with his 2011 Maybach and beating feet, he was promptly cut by the team.
Only $25,000 — maybe two payments on the car — of his contract was guaranteed. His 2011 AFC
Championship ring soon appeared on eBay. It quickly sold for the asking price of $19,499. However, he is claiming
that the ring was stolen and he was the not the one selling it. Regardless, I sincerely hope he works his way
out of his predicament.
Here are a few more items I found that are not so disturbing:
HERITAGE AUCTIONS LOT 80006—1969
MARIO ANDRETTI INDIANAPOLIS
500-WINNING FIRE SUIT. Starting bid:
$2,500. SOLD AT: $52,580, including 19.5%
buyer’s premium. Date sold: 6/18/2015. Mario
Andretti won the 1969 Indy 500, his only victory
there, but it was a memorable year, as he
won nine additional races and captured the
season Championship. The winning Indy 500
race car is in the Smithsonian and a replica is
on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Hall of Fame. This is the actual fire suit that he
wore and is documented with a letter of provenance
from Mario. A piece of racing history. I
sure hope it ends up with the winning car.
EBAY #271863407471—“TIME
TO TRADE” VINTAGE CARDEALER
WALL CLOCK.
Number of bids: 45. SOLD AT:
$3,500. Date sold: 5/14/2015.
This cool clock dates to the late
’40s, and according to the seller,
was removed from a Chevrolet
dealership in Anderson, MO, in 1981. It appeared to be in very acceptable
condition but should have a neon inner ring that was not
mentioned. A great addition to most any car barn.
HERITAGE AUCTIONS LOT
80069—1940s GILMORE RACING
FLAG SIGNED BY 19 DRIVERS.
Starting bid: $200. SOLD AT:
$3,346, including 19.5% buyer’s
premium. Date sold: 6/18/2015. This
very desirable Gilmore Oil Company
flag was signed by 19 prominent
early racers including Mauri Rose, Lou Meyer and Harry Hartz.
These flags were used at races, the Gilmore economy run and at
Gilmore service stations. They sell, in good condition, for $500–
$1,000, so the signatures made the package on this one.
EBAY #271850112167—1944
GEORGIA “FDR1” LICENSE
PLATE. Number of bids: 4.
SOLD AT: $3,320. Date sold:
130 AmericanCarCollector.com
5/5/2015. According to the seller, this plate was from FDR’s 1938
Ford phaeton that he used when he visited the “Little White House”
in Warm Springs, GA, for hydrotherapy sessions. The story does
make sense, as the Ford is on display at the Little White House
Museum with an identical plate from 1945. As such, price paid does
not seem out of line.
EBAY #291437775501—ORIGINAL 1948
VOL #1, ISSUE #1 HOT ROD MAGAZINE.
Number of bids: 17. SOLD AT: $1,530.
Date sold: 4/26/2015. Hot Rod magazine,
which was part of the Petersen Publishing
Empire until 1998, is still being published
to this day. Wally Parks, who went on
to found the NHRA, was the first editor.
Question is, what size were the original
first issues? One set of “experts” states it
was slightly smaller than 8½ x 11 and had
three staples. Others stated, with equal conviction, that they were 9
x 12¼ and had two staples, as did the example sold. Another states
it was 13½ x 10½. All claim that their opinions are based on original
examples that were obtained in 1948. You pays your money and
you takes your chances!
EBAY #271833122550—1926 PACKARD
MASTER SALESMAN’S AWARD CLOCK.
Number of bids: 1. SOLD AT: $695. Date sold:
4/9/2015. About 475 of these Seth Thomas porcelain
clocks were awarded to the leading 1926
Packard sales performers. They normally sell
for close to $3,000, but this one was listed under
“antique clocks” and missed the market. Sold for
a song and the bargain of the year. Just wish I had spotted it!
EBAY #17193474413—1956–57 CORVETTE
KIDDIE CAR REPRODUCTION
RAFFLE DRAWING BOX. Number of
bids: 9. SOLD AT: $662.07. Date sold:
5/24/2015. In 1956–57, Chevrolet dealers
held drawings for Corvette pedal cars,
and they still show up from time to time.
This was a reproduction of the box in which the kids would place their
entries. Now, this was a rather pricey quality reproduction, but then
again, the originals are a couple grand — if you can find one. Would
sure be a cool piece if you had one of the Kiddie Corvettes.A