Auburn Fall was rife with rumors about the impending absorption of Auctions America into the burgeoning fold of RM Sotheby’s. The inference made sense after RM’s assumption of the title organization at Santa Monica in June.
By now we know that’s exactly what was taking place after the official announcement on October 13.
The separation between Auctions America and RM has never been distant. Specialists and staff were largely the same. Auctions America gradually evolved closer and closer to the RM/RM Sotheby’s pattern with pre-sale estimates and shared support.
But the auctions were, and remain, different in character. RM Sotheby’s has elaborate production values and glossy, well-researched catalogs of all the cars consigned. Auctions America has some of that but still accommodates last minute consignments with a run-what-you-brung business plan characteristic of American consignment auctions.
With RM’s clout and connections Auctions America migrated upscale with Duesenbergs, classic Packards, Cadillacs, Pierce-Arrows and Lincolns. They did well with them, while still welcoming crummy VWs and obscure Formula Junior homebuilts.
The test will be to see if the new RM Sotheby’s – which promises to reprise the Auctions America schedule at Ft. Lauderdale (or somewhere in Florida) and Auburn Spring and Fall in 2018 – manages the range from tired Chrysler C-300s to their usual fodder of elegant classics, choice unrestored barn finds, famous racing cars and meticulously restored showpieces.
Will consignors who are redirected from Amelia to Ft. Lauderdale be gratified, or feel denigrated?
RM has managed the dichotomy well at Hershey. Their partitioning of positioning with the absorption of Auctions America will be a challenge that has yet to play out. It is a delicate walk along a narrow trail that savings in duplicated overhead can’t cover.
2017 wasn’t Auctions America’s best Auburn Fall, almost $9 million below the peak in 2013, but it was their most successful in terms of sell-through rate, over four points better than the best previous sale rate of 68.76% last year. The median sale was puny, but that’s to be expected when there are Duesenbergs, Cords and Auburns in the mix on the A-C-D Festival weekend.
OK, enough corporate analysis. There were some terrific cars at Auburn Fall along with a nearly nonstop schedule of events, shows and rides and the usual vendors, swap meet and car corral. Kvetching about the greasy fair food is a given, but the numbers chowing down on it shows its appeal (or serious hunger pangs.)
This being the last Auctions America [by RM] Auburn Fall, we’ll give the whole eight-year history (save 2011 where we don’t have full data.)
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ |
| 2017 | 530/728 | 72.8% | 78.3% | 6.2% | $35,833 | $19,250
[53.7%] |
$18,991,443 |
| 2016 | 579/842 | 68.8% | 80.5% | 4% | $36,252 | $23,350
[64.4%] |
$20,989,685 |
| 2015 | 553/870 | 63.6% | 78.2% | 5.2% | $35,053 | $20,900
[59.6%] |
$19,384,445 |
| 2014 | 717/1,056 | 67.9% | — | — | $35,470 | $23,500
[66.3%] |
$25,432,298 |
| 2013 | 778/1,135 | 68.3% | — | — | $35,554 | $24,475
[68.8%] |
$27,554,703 |
| 2012 | 636/988 | 64.4% | — | — | $27,923 | $19,030
[68.2%] |
$17,758.846 |
| 2011 | Incomplete data | ||||||
| 2010 | 417/878 | 47.5% | — | — | $31,921 | $19,470
[61%] |
$13,311,160 |
The cars that follow are sorted by marque, model, body style and year.
Noteworthy are a number of cars with recent auction history and limited (or negative) appreciation that reflect the current stagnant collector car market.
Some market analysts are still touting ten year appreciation in high priced seminars. They have erratic data inputs and an objective that they seek to justify. The collector car market – today – is not “Better than Gold.” It is moribund and in some cases (Dodge Challenger Hemis, for example) wandering in the darkness looking for an honest buyer. That is, as mentioned below, NOT a good omen.
The Cars of Auburn Fall
Lot # 5111 1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider, Body by Touring; S/N AR102041857; Red/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $135,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $107,273 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $118,000. – 5-speed, Borrani wire wheels, Michelin tires, original tool kit. – Two owners, 44,622 miles. Sound recent repaint and older interior. Foggy, crazed gauge lenses, dull faces. Orderly engine compartment with oil leaks, old wiring and plumbing. Good chrome, new wire wheels. A sound but aged driver. – This was a negotiated deal on the block and a lot of effort to move this Alfa from one side of St. Louis to another. The result here is a healthy premium for preservation, originality, known miles and the 2-owner history most recently in the long term care of one of the Midwest’s premier Alfa enthusiasts.
Lot # 2112 1974 AMC Hornet 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N BoS; Red/Black; Estimate $250,000 – $350,000; Original, modified for competition or performance, 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. – Roll cage, center steering, welded doors, Cragar S/S wheels, narrow whitewalls. – Movie stunt car from the James Bond feature ‘The Man With the Golden Gun”, in very used and securely but roughly modified movie car condition. – No doubt a record for an AMC Hornet. For this much money it should have come with a Bond Girl in the driver’s seat.
Lot # 5096 1931 Auburn 8-98 Phaeton Sedan; S/N 48355; Burgundy, Maroon fenders and accent/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $120,000 – $150,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $106,364 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $117,000. – Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, dual cloth covered sidemounts with mirrors, single Pilot-Ray, metal luggage trunk. – CCCA Senior #1727. Lightly soiled sidemount covers, good top. Creased upholstery. Underbody was restored like new, as was the engine. Both now show some age. Very good chrome and paint, aged instrument panel and gauges. A marvelous tour car. – This is no longer a show car but it is a great car for tours, lacking only a 2-speed rear axle to make it superb. Its price here is appropriate to its condition and many possibilities.
Lot # 5035 1961 Auto Union Formula Jr.; S/N BILL OF SALE; Silver, Red/Red vinyl; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $18,909 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $20,800. – Three-cylinder, two-stroke 850cc DKW engine, trailing arm front suspension, coil over wishbone rear suspension, chrome rollbar, drum brakes. – Dull old paint with curdled runs down both sides and under the deteriorating windscreen. Nose emblem says “Andree'”. Aluminum body. Motor Life April 1961 cover car. VSCDA Lake Geneva scrutineering sticker dated 6/6/92. Sound and complete but aged and in need of comprehensive attention. – A post-block transaction at a negotiated price that reflects the challenge of establishing a history for this highly unusual FJ and then rebuilding it so it will be safe to race. Chuck Nerpal (then editor of Motor Trend) built an Andree special that looked like this and had similar suspension for FIII using a motorcycle engine and this could be a bit of history, but also a serious project.
Lot # 4125 1958 Buick Limited Convertible; S/N 8E6019709; Light Yellow/White, Yellow leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $217,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $239,250. – Autronic Eye, air conditioning, WonderBar radio, power windows, air ride, power bench seat, wheel covers, whitewalls. – 2016 AACA Grand National winner and still impeccable. Great paint, brilliant chrome, sumptuous upholstery, bright dashboard and instruments. Above reproach in all respects. – This is Cadillac Eldorado money for a Buick, but this is in every respect but nameplate (and fins) a Buick Eldorado. It is a gorgeous car in beautiful colors, a Harlow Curtice masterpiece of reputational encroachment that helped Buick sell more cars in 1958 than every Detroit brand except Chevrolet and Ford.
Lot # 4136 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 60E109555; White/Red leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $160,000 – $200,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500. – 390/345hp, three deuces, automatic, bucket seats, wheel covers, whitewall tires, radio, parade boot, skirts, Autronic Eye, air conditioning. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine and chassis are like new, clean and orderly. Front seat upholstery is lightly creased. A quality older restoration with a few miles. – Sold five months ago by Auctions America at Ft. Lauderdale for exactly the same amount it brought here, a snapshot of the market so far this year and a pragmatic decision by the consignor.
Lot # 4121 1946 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 8408786; Valcour Maroon/Red leather; Tan Cloth top; Estimate $100,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $84,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $92,400. – Automatic, large hubcaps, wide whitewalls, dual outside mirrors, skirts, pushbutton radio, power windows, power seat. – Excellent paint, interior and major chrome but some shadowed trim chrome. Excellent underbody showing only a little use. The usual touched up hood corner chips and edge scrapes. Sharp, crisp gauges, dash and steering wheel. Restored to high standards, sharp and better than new with only a few flaws. CCCA Premier # 2845, and looks like it. – Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2010 for $74,800, then at St. John’s in 2014 for $66,000, the result here is exceptional, even against the rather extravagant estimate range. It is one sweet Cadillac and owning it (even owning it at this price) promises to be a rewarding experience.
Lot # 4146 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible Pace Car; S/N 124679N626233; White, Orange stripes/Orange vinyl, houndstooth; White vinyl top; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $54,000. – 396/325hp, automatic, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, console instruments, Rally wheels with trim rings, Radial T/A tires, Rosewood grain steering wheel, pushbutton radio, cowl induction. – Very good recent paint, interior and top but the rest of the car is aged and used. Engine has been superficially done and repainted; the rest of the engine compartment is old and dirty. Dash is old, gauges are dull and dirty with fogged lenses. Superficially cosmetically redone to look good on the auction block. – Sold here in 2001 for $31,535, then two years later in 2003 for $33,390. Three years ago it sold here for $45,100 and would have turned over here at a realistic price had the consignor been paying attention (assuming there was money at or close to the reported high bid.) It’s added 70 miles to its odometer since 2014.
Lot # 3105 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 124379N621880; Burnished Brown, White stripes and vinyl roof/Ivory vinyl; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250. – 302/290hp, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, console gauges, Rally wheels with trim rings, Wide Oval tires, power steering, power brakes, cowl induction, Positraction. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment and chassis are like new. A quality Z/28 in a rare color. – Reported sold at Mecum’s Harrisburg sale a month ago for $61,600, and no worse here than it was there making this a sound value for the new owner.
Lot # 4138 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 RS 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 124378N461605; Engine # V0620MO; Matador Red, Black stripes and vinyl roof/Red vinyl; Estimate $95,000 – $120,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $70,000. – 302/290hp, crossram dual quads (est. 465hp), 4-speed, Hurst shifter, 4.56 Positraction, F41 suspension, power brakes, cowl duct induction, radio delete, buckets, no console, Rally wheels with trim rings, Wide Tread GT tires, rosewood grain steering wheel. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment and chassis are like new. 19,839 miles from new. – This cross ram Z/28 was offered here a year ago when it was bid to only $60,000. It attracted a little more attention today but still not enough to match the excellence of its restoration and its splendid equipment list.
Lot # 4133 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E56S002784; Engine # F56FG; Arctic Blue, Silver coves, Arctic Blue hardtop/Beige vinyl; Beige vinyl top; Estimate $65,000 – $75,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. – 265/225hp dual quads, Powerglide, spinner wheel covers, whitewall bias ply tires, both tops, heater, WonderBar radio. – Very good paint, chrome, interior and glass. The clearcoat could use a further wet sand to smooth out light texture here and there. The engine compartment and chassis are nearly like new. A fine Corvette in unusual colors. – In 1956 Powerglide was more expensive than the dual quad engine. The WonderBar radio was more expensive than Powerglide and the hardtop was more expensive than any of them. All that makes this one very rare ’56. Coupled with the essentially flawless restoration and rare color this was an exceptional opportunity and it brought an appropriate mid-estimate price.
Lot # 4147 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Race car; S/N 40867S106655; White, Red, Blue scallops/Black; Estimate $325,000 – $375,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $275,000. – 331 Traco V-8, Rochester fuel injection, rollbar, modern vintage race equipment, matte black side exhausts, Grey 8-spoke alloy wheels, full width Plexiglas windscreen. – Excellent paint. Engine and chassis are orderly but older. Impressive history of autocross championships from 1964-69, then road raced 1970-72 with 15 class wins out of 26 races, 4 overall wins. Ex-Bill Jobe ‘Supernova’ race car restored to 1971 appearance. – A successful race car for which an appropriate offer was made.
Lot # 4115 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N E53F001127; Polo White/Dark Red vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $245,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $269,500. – Automatic, WonderBar radio, wheel covers, wide whitewalls. – A Bloomington Gold restoration showing some age but still with very good cosmetics and an engine and chassis that are nearly like new. – Every Corvette collector wants a ’53, the start of the Corvette legend, but most have to settle on financial grounds alone for an essentially identical ’54. This result is nearly three times the value of a ’54 in comparable condition with the new owner bearing the burden of history in its cost, which even at this level represents a sound value.
Lot # 4111 1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N E57S105394; Engine # F717EL; Red, White coves/Beige vinyl; Beige vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $132,500. – 283/283hp, fuel injection, 4-speed, WonderBar radio, spinner wheel covers, whitewall bias ply tires. – Two NCRS Duntov Awards, 2001 and 2006, Bloomington Gold twice. Paint, chrome and interior are very good. The engine compartment is orderly but aging. A seriously high quality but older restored Corvette. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2007 for $258,500, just off its last Duntov Award, the age of this Corvette’s restoration is showing, but not enough to make the amount reportedly bid for it sufficient for its quality.
Lot # 4117 1959 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N J59S108878; Engine # F618CS; Black, Silver coves/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500. – 283/290hp Fuel Injection, 4-speed, WonderBar radio, Positraction, spinner wheel covers, wide whitewalls. – NCRS Duntov award winner. Very good older paint, chrome, interior and top. Engine shows age and some use. Restored to showroom condition a while ago and holding up well, in very good driver condition now. – Sold by Barrett-Jackson at WestWorld in 2007 for $154,000, then at Palm Beach three months later for a tidy profit at $192,500. It’s now worth what it was ten years ago, even if not quite as good condition, which traces the collector car market curve pretty well.
Lot # 5133 1962 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N 20867S101969; Engine # F0928RF; Silver/Red vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $95,000 – $115,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $77,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $85,250. – 327/360hp, fuel injection, 4-speed, 4.11 Positraction, WonderBar radio, heater, spinner wheel covers, Firestone bias ply blackwall tires. – Doors and trunk fit well. Clearcoat paint, chrome, interior, top, dash and instruments are excellent. Engine compartment and chassis are like new. Represented as the original drivetrain. A sharp, fresh, comprehensive restoration. – This price is probably less than what was spent on the restoration and is, by any standard a good value for the new owner. This car was reported bid to $92,500 at Auburn Spring four months ago, $15,000 more than it brought on the hammer today and a missed opportunity (if there was money there or close.)
Lot # 2118 1959 Chevrolet Impala 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N F58J219422; Engine # F407D; Black/Red vinyl, cloth; Estimate $85,000 – $95,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $50,000. – 283/185hp with a 4-barrel, Powerglide, power brakes, bench seat, power windows, power vent windows, pushbutton radio, spinner wheel covers, wide whitewalls, continental kit, dual rear antennas. – Superb paint, brilliant chrome, clear glass, excellent interior. The engine compartment, underbody and chassis are like new. Restored to showroom condition with better paint and chrome. – This is a fabulously and freshly restored Impala hardtop loaded with power options but with a totally mundane drivetrain and therein lies the quandary. It was resolved in favor of the bidders with a modest bid appropriate to what the car is, leaving the money spent on the restoration hanging out there like a sore thumb. It needs a 348 Tri-Power to be worth the estimate range.
Lot # 4152 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible; S/N 01867L189246; Engine # T0901HA; Red/Red houndstooth; White vinyl top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $51,700. – 348/280hp, Tri-Power, Turboglide, air conditioning, Red steel wheels with spinner wheel covers, Remington whitewalls, dual mirrors, dual antenna, Continental kit, rear fender skirts, bench seat, column shift, power steering, power brakes, pushbutton radio, heater. – Very good older paint and chrome. Small chips at the front of the driver’s side door. Slightly dirty top. Slightly discolored white upholstery inside. Slightly dull original gauges. Lightly worn older cloth. Older looking steering wheel. Tidy, lightly used engine bay. A fun cruiser that was probably immaculate when first restored, but that was clearly some time ago. There is no representation that this driveline is how it was originally configured. – Sold by RM at Amelia Island a eighteen months ago for $66,000. The engine is appropriately coded as a 1960 348/280hp and while it was a reasonable result 18 months ago, it also is a reasonable transaction today.
Lot # 4096 1969 Chevrolet Yenko Chevelle 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 136379B406668; Butternut Yellow, Black stripes and vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000. – L72 427/425hp, 4.10 axle, M21 4-speed, power disc brakes, Yenko mag wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tires, bucket seats, dash-mounted tach, AM radio, Protect-O-Plate. COPO code 9562, originally of the Otis Chandler collection and being sold from the Lingenfelter collection. – Very good paint. Straight panels and clean brightwork. The vinyl roof is tight and well installed. The engine compartment is very clean and correct as well as the underside. Inside is clean and orderly with only minor wear to the driver’s seat. A well presented Yenko with only a few minor items showing the age of the restoration. – This is an ex-Otis Chandler collection car, honorable provenance that is reflected in this result. It was reported bid to $240,000 at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction in 2016, then to $225,000 at Indy four months later and $150,000 at Kissimmee in January of this year. Yenko Chevelles don’t have the pop of Yenko Camaros, or even Nova’s, but this is a quality car at a reasonable price.
Lot # 4131 1964 Chrysler 300K Convertible; S/N 8443108872; Royal Ruby Poly/Metallic Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $35,000 – $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $33,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $36,300. – 413/390hp, crossram dual quads, automatic, console shift, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, dual outside mirrors, narrow whitewalls, pushbutton radio, bucket seats. – Fair older repaint and good interior. Door edges are chipped, Decent chrome. Dirty original engine compartment and underbody. Good unrestored gauges. – Most 300K convertibles have been through restoration to, or close to, jewelry condition. Finding one with this comprehensive equipment list is an outstanding opportunity to drive it for a while before beginning a restoration that will transform it into a $75,000 car, after spending $75,000 on the restoration.
Lot # 5052 1955 Chrysler C-300 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 3N551046; Black/Beige leather; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $51,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $56,100. – 331/300hp, dual quads, automatic, power steering and brakes, pushbutton radio, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls. – Flawed, scratched, scuffed and cracked old repaint. Scratched chrome, butt-burnished but sound upholstery. Dry original old underbody. A tired but sound used C-300. – A black C-300 is aggressive in ways few others are and continue to induce rapid breathing for their luxury and performance. This one is a rolling restoration project with some sound originality that can be retained to advantage and it brought a price that is appropriate to what it is, and to its potential.
Lot # 5097 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton; S/N 1155H; Engine # FB1644; Dark Blue/Dark Blue leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $165,000 – $185,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $135,000. – Wide whitewalls, large hubcaps, radio, foglights, bumper overriders. – Represented as the original engine. Lightly scuffed older paint, good lightly stretched upholstery, tight fitting top. Very good chrome. Engine, underbody and chassis were restored like new and could be again with some attention to cleaning. – Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2009 for $134,750 and it was then a ‘handsome older restoration’. It’s still that today, just eight years even more older and this is a realistic, if restrained, offer for it.
Lot # 5071 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible Indy Pace Car; S/N 50385872; Ivory, Gold accent/Gold vinyl, Brown cloth; Brown vinyl top; Estimate $70,000 – $80,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. – 331/255hp, automatic, power steering and brakes, power windows and bench seat, pushbutton radio, Highway HiFi, slotted gold wheel covers, bias ply whitewall tires, dual outside mirrors and rear antennas. – Dry, surface rusted underbody. Sound but sloppy old repaint dotted with dust. Good chrome with some scuffs. Sound interior and top. Good dash and gauges. Represented as a factory built Pace Car replica with build card documentation. A presentable driver quality cosmetic restoration. – Despite the disappointing Earl Scheib paint job this is a rare and distinctive DeSoto (any DeSoto is rare these days, but this Pace Car is definitely distinctive.) The price it brought hardly allows for its paint’s shortcomings to be corrected and it is best driven and displayed before starting to spend money on it, a process that may have no end in sight once it is begun.
Lot # 4099 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N JS23R0B107384; Lemon Twist, Black striping/Black vinyl; Estimate $185,000 – $225,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $150,000. – 426/425hp Hemi, 4-speed, R/T Handling Package, Shaker hood, yellow steel wheels with hub caps, Goodyear Polyglas GT tires, bucket seats, woodrim steering wheel, pistol grip shifter, dash clock, documented with build sheet. – A recent total restoration that did not miss any details. Paint, chrome, engine, interior and undercarriage are all excellent. Fresh and show-worthy, plus desirable equipment and appropriately loud paint. – The Hemi Challenger market has been eluding this car for two years. It was reported bid to $300,000 here two years ago against a $340-380,000 estimate range, then plunged to a $190,000 bid at Kissimmee in 2016, back up to $240,000 at Mecum Indy last year and down to this today. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the car or its build sheet documented configuration, just total confusion in the Hemi Challenger marketplace, which is NOT a good omen.
Lot # 5098 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 2157; Engine # J-417; Green, Black fenders/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $950,000 – $1,200,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000. – Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, curved polished hood side vents, rumble seat, golf bag door, dual sidemounts. – 1990 AACA Grand National First Prize and still exceptional with scant evidence of wear, use or age. Very good paint, brightwork, upholstery, wood interior trim and chrome. Crisp gauges and engine turned dashboard. The only known originally Fleetwood-bodied Model J, formerly owned by Dr. Barbara Atwood, known history since new and superbly maintained. – Sold by RM in Arizona from Dr. Atwood’s collection in 2009 for $858,000 and brought an appropriate price here eight years later. Owning a beautiful Duesenberg Model J is more enjoyable than sitting on a stock market index fund but the fees are higher and the return is lower, despite what some London-based soothsayers maintain.
Lot # 4140 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Phaeton LWB, Body by LaGrande; S/N 2540; Engine # J-510; Maroon, Cream Sweep Panel/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $2,500,000 – $3,000,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $2,090,909 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,300,000. – Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, beige leather covered luggage trunk, dual enclosed sidemounts, Pilot-Rays, mesh hood sides, outside headpipes, folding windshield, dual windshields. – CCCA National First Prize (unnumbered). Very good older paint, chrome, interior and top. An older show quality restoration now showing a little age but not much use. Both front doors hang out at the bottom; other panel fits are very good. An originally supercharged Duesenberg with a replacement supercharger, preserved in remarkable condition. – Sold by RM at Hershey in 2008 in a post-block transaction for $1,688,500. Bid to $2.1 million on the block here, reported sold at $2.3 million all-in later. Choice Duesenberg SJs with all their original major parts don’t show up very often, let alone with LaGrande sweep panel LWB Phaeton coachwork. Despite the restoration’s age and the dated colors this is a big time Classic for a realistic price.
Lot # 4076 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Spider; S/N 28725; Yellow, Black vinyl roof panel/Black leather; Estimate $50,000 – $55,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $44,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $48,950. – Air conditioning, CD stereo, grey painted alloy wheels, Fisk tires, power windows, stick-on SF shields, tool roll, books. – Large cracks at each edge of the plastic front bumper. Decent older repaint. Weather stripping between the windshield and roof is dry and cracking, roof panel corners are scuffed. Tidy but used engine bay. Sound interior. A presentable used Ferrari. – This Ferrari showed up at Mecum’s Monterey auction last August where it was reported bid to $62,500. It then went through Mecum Dallas, Leake Dallas and Mecum KC with high bids of $60,000. It was more than time for it to go away and it did at this realistic price.
Lot # 2126 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge Coupe; S/N ZFFYR51B000119533; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $45,000. – Rollcage, fire system, fuel probe fillers on both sides, BBS wheels, Hoosier slicks, driver’s seat only. – Beat up and dirty. Claimed to have a recent fluid and belt service. Challenge raced in Europe when new and in nasty condition. – Reported sold at Russo and Steele in Monterey in 2005 for $101,750 and probably hasn’t turned a wheel since then. Neglect is not the same as preservation, at least not in a seventeen year old car and the recent service does little to remedy years of disuse. The bidders didn’t like it, with ample reason.
Lot # 4103 1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 11717; Engine # 11717GT; Dark Red/Black leather; Estimate $200,000 – $230,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $170,000. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli P6000 tires, Voxson 8-track stereo, power windows, air conditioning. – Sound older repaint with masking flaws next to the window trim on both doors. Right door paint is checking. No evidence of significant filler. Sound interior lightly surface cracked. Window bright trim has been polished but not enough to get rid of the deep scratches. The underbody has been painted but not restored. German-delivery data plate. Dirty engine and chassis. Sound but superficial. – This is just a car even though it’s a Ferrari and the reported bid for it is sufficient to have warranted serious consideration by the consignor.
Lot # 4134 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFJA09B000048165; Red/Tan leather, Black bars; Estimate $285,000 – $310,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $255,000. – Pioneer cassette stereo 5-spoke alloy wheels, TRX tires, Borletti air conditioning, Vitaloni mirrors. – Decent repaint, lightly worn original upholstery, good dashtop. Aged original chassis, underbody and engine compartment. New tires. A decent mostly original BBi. – Sold by RM at Meadow Brook back in 2002 for $71,500 in unrestored condition, a period when Berlinetta Boxers were still unappreciated, it sold post-block at RM’s Arizona auction eight months ago for $210,000. Assuming it hasn’t changed hands in the last eight months the consignor replaced the old tires, then passed on the opportunity to realize a modest profit here as avarice clouded judgment. It should have gone away.
Lot # 4113 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner; S/N F7FW387795; Dark Red/White vinyl, Red cloth; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $122,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $134,750. – 312/300hp Paxton-McCullough supercharged F-Code engine, automatic, power steering, black steel wheels with wheel covers, Goodyear whitewalls, dual remote spotlight mirrors, bench seat, column shift, radio, dash clock, Town & Country radio, Continental kit, exhaust deflectors, skirts. – Very good older paint with occasional minor flaws. Very good chrome and interior. The engine compartment is fresh and in showroom condition. – This is an inherently bulky Skyliner retractable hardtop but with the weight of the roof and all its hydraulics concentrated over the rear wheels which may account for its early drag racing history. It was sold at RM’s auction of the Jerry Capizzi Collection in 2006 for a breathtaking $258,500 (at the time noted as ‘Huge car. Huge money’.) Then sold by Barrett-Jackson at Palm Beach in 2016 for $187,000. It has deteriorated very little if at all in the past decade and is a rare (one of seven built) and distinctive Ford that is a realistic value at this result.
Lot # 4108 1934 Ford Model 40 V8 Cabriolet; S/N 18882068; Black/Saddle Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $67,100. – Red wire wheels, whitewall tires, enclosed rear spare, rumble seat. – Fantastic paint, chrome, upholstery, top, engine and chassis. Jewelry, but without going too far, a Ford that’s ready for Pebble Beach. – If there was one car that epitomized quality and obsessive attention to detail at Auburn Fall this year it was this Ford, a beautifully restored and presented car. It is described as ‘fully restored to AACA National prize winning standards’ but apparently has never been judged, a pleasure left for the new owner to enjoy. It is expensive for a ’34 Ford cabriolet, but not for what it is. The restorer has been rewarded for the effort, attention to detail and investment; the new owner will be rewarded with its ownership.
Lot # 2106 1930 Ford Model A Roadster; S/N 12446WIS; Green, Black fenders/Brown leatherette; Beige cloth top; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,250. – Apple Green wire wheels, whitewall tires, rumble seat, wind wings, quail radiator cap, radiator stoneguard, trunk rack. – 2014 AACA National First Prize. Good cosmetics. Engine compartment and chassis are like new. Hard to fault in detail but unsatisfying in its overall impression, at least in part on account of the old tires on the sidemounts. Jay Milligan Collection. – Auburn was a good setting for old Fords of which there were several of obvious quality such as this. It brought a strong price, but not an unreasonable one for a conscientiously maintained three year old AACA NFP restoration.
Lot # 4081 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback; S/N 0F02G169335; Green, Black accent/Parchment vinyl; Estimate $70,000 – $75,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $55,000. – 302/300hp, 4-speed, Hurst T-handle shifter, power brakes, power steering, shaker hood, chrome Magnum wheels, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, pushbutton radio, wing, air dam, Marti Report. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment and underbody are like new. Gauges are crisp and clear. Passenger’s door bottom is filled and the door isn’t flat, but it fits well with even gaps. – This is a better Boss 302 than the reported bid, and at least as good as the estimate range.
Lot # 4097 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback; S/N 0F02G179179; Calypso Coral, Matte Black stripes and rear deck/White vinyl; Estimate $85,000 – $95,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $71,000. – Car card, shaker hood, Magnum wheels, Polyglas GT tires, pushbutton radio, rear window slats. – Freshly restored to showroom condition with a color change from Medium Green Metallic to much more striking Calypso Coral – Auctions America wasn’t doing a great business in Boss 302s this year as this parsimonious bid for an excellent, freshly restored example indicates. The color change is visually effective even if it detracts from the Boss’s authenticity. Even as Boss Nine prices exhibit refreshed strength the prices of quick, responsive Boss 302s languish.
Lot # 4141 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH393721; Red, Red hardtop/Red, White vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $60,000. – 312/245hp upgraded with a centrifugal supercharger, 3-speed, overdrive, Town & Country radio, chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, skirts, continental kit, porthole hardtop and soft top, power brakes. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Fogged gauge lenses. Orderly restored engine compartment showing a little age. A sound and pretty older restoration. – Although the consignor doesn’t seem to realize it, this is not an F-code supercharged T-bird. It is a 1961-upgraded D-code with an older restoration and the bid here should have been given serious consideration.
Lot # 5107 1958 Jaguar XK 150 3.4 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N S835623; Black/Claret leather; Estimate $75,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. – Black wire wheels, blackwall bias ply tires, fender mirrors. – Good cosmetics, little use. Sinister look with the black wheels and tires. Restored in 2005, repainted in 2014. JDHT Certificate documented. – Oh, my dear, you’ve been passed around, haven’t you? Sold at Mecum Indy in 2015 for $55,080, there a year later in 2016 for $49,500 and at RM Amelia six months ago for a whopping $71,500. That’s one winner, two losers and an auction history that can only be described as ‘checquered’, to use a proper adjective for a British car. The money is attracted to roadsters (Open Two Seaters) and to high performance S and 3.8S models. This is a fairly ordinary XK 150 and it brought fairly ordinary money.
Lot # 4072 1925 Lincoln Model L Convertible Coupe, Body by LeBaron; S/N 29368; Tobacco, Black fenders and accent/Beige cloth; Beige cloth top; Estimate $95,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $68,000. – Orange wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, dual cloth covered sidemounts with mirrors, Owlite, single large Pilot-Ray fog light, drum headlights and cowl lights, luggage trunk, wood steering wheel, rumble seat with windshield, golf bag door, windshield visor. – Sound but now aged old paint, lightly soiled top with cracked bindings. Edge chips. Dull nickel windowsill trim, generally good chrome. Orderly engine compartment and chassis. A quality old restoration with some tour miles that’s holding up well but showing age. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2005 for $70,200, then at Auburn Fall last year for $73,150. It’s showing a little age and limited use since 2005. The reported high bid here would have been $74,800 all-in and the seller should have given it serious consideration. The market for cars like this is stagnant at best, particularly with this closed coachwork.
Lot # 4130 1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible; S/N 56WA41115L; Amethyst/Amethyst, Black leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $132,000. – Automatic, Town & Country radio, wheel covers, whitewall tires, power steering and brakes, remote spotlight, headlight dimmer, power windows, power bench seat. – 12,282 miles from new, concours restored, top, bottom, inside and out. Superb paint, brilliant chrome, luxurious interior. Immaculate engine compartment. AACA and LCOC award winner. – It’s easy to talk about ‘the best in the world’ but this is a prime example of the quality that goes with that description. It is essentially flawless even under the scrutiny of the specialist judging at LCOC and is worth every penny of the expensive price it brought.
Lot # 5099 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 12104010014932; Carmine Red, Red hardtop/Black leather; No top; Estimate $80,000 – $110,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $89,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $97,900. – Becker Mexico radio, hardtop only, hubcaps and trim rings, Firestone radial blackwall tires, Solex carbs. – Excellent paint, interior and chrome. Engine compartment is nearly like new aside from some oxidation of unpainted surfaces that a little attention will resolve. Unusually satisfying and properly presented. – Both the bidders and the consignor got real where this 190SL was concerned, recognizing that 190SLs days of extravagant value have passed and this is what a good example is worth.
Lot # 4142 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet; S/N 12803010003229; Dark Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $170,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. – 4-speed, Becker Grand Prix AM-FM, wheel covers, whitewalls, fog lights, white steering wheel. – Very good older paint, chrome and interior wood. Clean, orderly older restored engine compartment. Very good rubber seals and gaskets. Chassis and underbody were done but now show age and some miles. – Sold by Auctions America at Ft. Lauderdale five months ago for $110,000 and turned here for slightly more, a fortuitous result in an otherwise stagnant market.
Lot # 4144A 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 10001212000580; Maroon/Coney leather; Estimate $75,000 – $95,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $84,909 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,400. – Wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, Behr air conditioning, Becker Grand Prix stereo, power windows, sunroof, rear seat headrests. – Thick, fresh clearcoat repaint. Some chrome is redone, some is typical old M-B thin. Excellent new upholstery and interior wood. Very good dash, gauges and steering wheel. Old undercoat in the wheelwells. Front doors don’t close flush. Orderly and clean unrestored engine compartment. A good quality cosmetic restoration. – Reported sold also as lot 4144 for $75,900. This is a post-block sale at a negotiated all-in price. Either way it’s an attractively maintained 600 for appropriate money; the first buyer took advantage of the opportunity to turn a quick $10,000 profit, handily covering the week’s expenses and making the trip worthwhile.
Lot # 4126 1960 Mercury Park Lane Convertible; S/N 0Z55M506441; Gold/Gold vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $79,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $86,900. – 430/310hp, automatic, power steering and brakes, skirts, spinner wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, air conditioning, power windows, power bench seat, pushbutton radio, dual outside mirrors. – 2012 AACA Grand National and Senior. Great paint, brilliant chrome, fresh interior, clear glass. Underbody, chassis and engine are like new. An outstanding example. – Loaded with options, assiduously restored to better than new condition, this is one spectacular Mercury Park Land convertible. It also is a spectacular price.
Lot # 2049 1958 Morgan Plus 4 Roadster; S/N 3793; Silver, Carnation Red fenders/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $30,000 – $35,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $25,300. – Silver steel wheels, hubcaps, Firestone bias ply tires, fender mirrors, rear mounted spare. – Hasty old repaint, sound upholstery, leather wrapped banjo spoke steering wheel. Gauge faces are faded, discolored and spotted. Underbody has been repainted over dirt and grime. A tired driver. – Triumph TR2 power and with not much else going for it, but no matter how used and aged it is it’s an entry into Morgan ownership for a moderate price. There is a special place for Morgans at British car meets and this is an economical price of entry, as well as an enjoyable classic British sports car.
Lot # 4101 1939 Nash LaFayette Cabriolet; S/N 36832; Burgundy/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $20,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $22,275. – 235/99hp six, 3-speed, heater, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewall tires, Unity fog lights. – Mediocre old repaint and interior. Dented bright trim and hubcaps. Scruffy unrestored dash and gauges. Dirty unrestored underbody. Unusual but unattractive. – It is ‘unusual’ that delivers the goods for this economical Nash introduced in 1934 in an effective response to the Depression’s auto market and part of the reason Charles Nash’s company made a profit during the period. It is far more important than similar Fords and Chevys of the day, built to Charlie Nash’s high standards and is a sound value (for those who value unusual cars with significant stories) at this price.
Lot # 5119 1937 Packard 1039 Twelve Coupe Roadster; S/N 1039212; Bronze/Olive leather; Brown cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $237,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $261,250. – Radio, rumble seat, golf bag door, metal luggage trunk, steel wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, remote Appleton spotlight. – Very good older paint lifting in the grooves on the hood sides. Sound surface cracked upholstery. Very good major chrome, weak trim chrome on the trunk and hood trim. Very good dash and gauges. Peeling steering wheel rim finish. Underbody and engine were better than new but now show some age and miles. – This is a seriously imposing and impressive Packard, restored to high standards a while ago and showing good continuing care and maintenance. It brought serious, but well-deserved, money at a price that both seller and buyer can feel good about.
Lot # 4132 1928 Packard 443 Eight Phaeton; S/N 229222A; Brown, Olive, Orange accent and wheels, Black fenders/Brown leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $110,000 – $130,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $85,000. – Dual sidemount spares with mirrors, dual windshields, disc wheels with wide whitewalls, wind wings, rear luggage rack, wood dash, dash clock, radiator stone guard. – Good older paint and chrome. Some thin trim chrome and paint lifting in valleys on the hood. Windshield post grommet has cracked and shifted. Speedometer lens is fogged badly. The interior is very good, top fits well, luggage trunk cover is soiled. A quality old restoration in gaudy colors but holding up well. – Sold here a year ago for $91,300 ($83,000 hammer) with nothing done to it since. The consignor apparently unreasonably expected the result to be more this year; the bidders demurred.
Lot # 4148 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper 7-Passenger Sedan; S/N 21513026; Black, Grey roof/Beige cloth; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,800. – Large hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, jump seats, rear compartment radio, fog lights, overdrive. – CCCA Full Classic ™. Poor but sound old paint, sound but old and slightly aged interior, weak old trim chrome. Underbody is original, clean and dry. An elegant and imposing but ultimately tired old car. – RM offered this Packard at St. John’s in 2014 and 2015 where it brought bids of $27,500 and $25,000 respectively. It takes a big garage stall to shelter this monster but it has the capability to be a rolling party on CCCA CARavans and brought a price here that’s fair to both the seller and the buyer.
Lot # 4098 1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 126 Convertible Coupe; S/N A4308; Brown, Orange sides/Brown leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $120,000 – $140,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Post-Block sale at $92,727 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $102,000. – Orange wire wheels, whitewall tire, dual sidemounts with mirrors, Dawley headlights, rumble seat, black metal trunk, dual outside and inside mirrors, Philco radio, turn signals. – Good older paint, chrome and interior. Top fits well, with some creases from being folded. Engine has a little oil on the crankcase but otherwise is only lightly used. A quality older restoration in great touring condition. – A post-block negotiated transaction with a modest final result for a handsome CCCA Full Classic ™ that stands proudly beside Packards and Peerlesses. The restoration’s age is showing, but also showing is consistent care and attention.
Lot # 4149 1928 Pierce-Arrow Model 36 Touring; S/N 363024; Olive, Black fenders/Black; Black leatherette top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $54,000. – Dual sidemounts with mirrors, body color artillery wheels, wide whitewall tires, Dawley headlights, windwings, trunk rack, jump seats. – CCCA #2997 Senior winner. Good older paint, interior and top. Dull nickel trim. Very good dashboard and gauges. Engine and chassis show some miles and age. A quality older restoration holding up very well. Richard Kughn Collection. – Sold by RM at the Arizona Biltmore in 2011 for $110,000 and not getting any better with the passage of time, even within a collection known for the quality of its cars and the attention they get. It would be a reasonable buy at the low estimate, or even a little above it, but the bid here isn’t realistic.
Lot # 4151 1936 Pierce-Arrow Twelve Open Front Town Car, Body by Derham; S/N 3150069; Dark Blue/Blue leather, Grey cloth; Dark Blue cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $155,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $170,500. – Rollup division, jump seats, footrest, vanities, body color spoke wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts, trunk rack. – CCCA Premier #1764, 2007 AACA National First Prize, Pierce-Arrow Society National First Prize. Still in show quality condition, just a little old. Sharp gauges and dashboard. A standard Pierce-Arrow Brunn Limo with significant modifications by Derham. Restored in the mid-80’s. Richard Kughn Collection. – Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2007 for $231,000, the price it brought here is a very good value in a rare and luxurious classic with an honorable provenance over many years.
Lot # 5118 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RM23V0A172636; White, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Modified restoration, 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $100,000. – 440/390hp Six Barrel now with a 426/425hp Hemi, automatic converted to a 4-speed, Hurst pistol grip shifter, underdash engine gauges, power brakes, Rally wheels, trim rings, Wide Oval tires, pushbutton radio. – Sound older paint applied to a partially assembled body with several masking holidays. Prep flaws and fisheyes here and there, chips on the painted hood hinges. Crazing black paint on the nose. Sound, aged interior. Aged engine compartment. – Converting a perfectly good 440/390 Six Barrel Superbird to a Hemi was a total waste of time, effort, money and a period Hemi that could have been productively employed to replace one blown to smithereens on some drag strip. On top of that the condition is tacky, about as tacky as the Hemi substitution. It was offered here in 1998 in essentially the same condition when it was a $31,000 no-sale. It should have been on its way to a new home today well below the reported high bid.
Lot # 4085 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible; S/N 860S10376; Engine # 459P 14901; Newport Blue/Blue vinyl tri-tone; White vinyl top; Estimate $50,000 – $55,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Post-Block sale at $41,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,000. – 389/303hp, Tri-Power intake, automatic, power steering and brakes, wheel covers, whitewalls, dual mirrors, bucket seats, column shift, WonderBar radio – Lightly discolored top. Large paint crack in the nose. The ‘N’ and ‘T’ in the middle of the nose are crooked. Pitted, dull mirrors. Sound paint. Very good tri-color upholstery. Decent paint and chrome. A standard older restoration that’s seen its fair share of top-down enjoyment. – This Tri-Power Bonneville convertible is as good as it was at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach sale in 2016 where it sold for $52,800, and probably as good as it was six years before that when it brought $41,800 at WestWorld. It sold here post-block at this reasonable price which should make the buyer very happy, as long as the garage is deep enough to accept it. A little work will add significant value.
Lot # 3101 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 242379Z119153; Orange/Black; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $45,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,050. – 400/366hp Ram Air III, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, power steering and brakes, hood tach, Super Sport wheels, red line tires, console, AM-FM, tilt steering column, rear antenna, Endura nose with hideaway headlights. – PHS documented, build sheet and window sticker copies. Very good paint let down by the prep on the Endura nose. Brilliant chrome and polished stainless. Upholstery is almost like new; steering wheel rim woodgrain has been redone, but the gauge lenses are cloudy. The hood is bowed. The engine compartment and underbody are clean and like new. – Sold by Barrett-Jackson at West Palm in 2013 for $63,800 then five months ago at Auctions America in Ft. Lauderdale for $78,100. Its result here is disappointing and suggests the bidders didn’t think it was what it claimed to be. If it is (and that was what was represented at B-J WPB in 2013), it is a huge value.
Lot # 4143 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Drophead Coupe, Body by Binder; S/N 162SK; Black/Dark Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $340,000. – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, blackwall 20 inch tires, Lucas tri-bar headlights, trafficators, integrated luggage trunk tucked between the fenders. – Very good older paint, chrome and interior. Rear frame horns and crossbar are sloppily brush painted. Engine and chassis are nearly like new. Gauge faces are a little dull and the dashboard varnish is checking. Good top. A quality older restoration holding up reasonably well. – A body swap from 103GY in the 1980’s, the coachwork is striking viewed from the front, but clunky and old-fashioned at the rear. It was sold by Brooks at Quail Lodge in 2001 for $158,700 in nearly the same condition as it was offered here. Offered by Worldwide at Scottsdale in January, it was bid to the same $340,000 as it attracted here, a remarkable confluence of opinion about value and appropriate to its rarity, style and condition.
Lot # 4102 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Convertible; S/N 8T03J193205-02136; Dark Metallic Green/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $110,000 – $125,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $82,500. – 302/250hp, 4-speed, power brakes, power steering, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Goodyear blackwall bias belted tires, pushbutton radio, rear antenna. – Good paint, chrome and interior. Freshly restored and like new inside, outside, underneath and under the hood. – Even though a ’68 GT350 is a parody of earlier Shelby Mustangs it is an honored marque and this one is beautifully restored, has a 4-speed and its top goes down. It was offered here in the Spring with a reported bid of $100,000 with the same estimate range. Bidders’ expectations seem to have diminished since then.
Lot # 4105 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback; S/N 67412F2A00824; Dark Blue, White stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $120,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000. – 428/335hp, automatic, power steering and brakes, underdash Rally Pac gauges, Shelby alloy center chrome rim wheels, Goodyear Speedway tires, woodrim steering wheel, grille mounted high beams, functional rear brake scoops. – Excellent paint, interior and chrome. Restored like new, including a meticulous engine compartment and chassis. – Even though it seemed to be hard to find willing buyers for some high performance Mustangs and Shelbys this year at Auburn Fall this seriously good and meticulously presented GT500 brought serious money fully deserved by its equipment and presentation, with scant attention to its automatic.
Lot # 2075 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I Convertible; S/N B9473502LRXFE; Red, Red hardtop/Black vinyl; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $33,000. – K-Code 289/271hp engine swap, 4-speed, black steel wheels, parts store tires. – Sound old repaint with masking holidays in the wheel wells. Sound older upholstery, crazing hardtop quarter windows. Good original dash and gauges Sound major chrome but pitted vent window surrounds. Dirty engine and chassis. A decent car and a straightforward project. – The engine swap to the later hi-po 289 has little effect on the value of this Tiger and it was bought right for a lightweight restoration that should cost much less than what it will be worth when it’s all done.
Lot # 1041 1959 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus 23-window; S/N 448517; Red, White/Grey vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $60,500. – Folding full length sunroof, roof rack, 3-row seating. – Generally sound body with rot in the driver’s door, the panel below it and the right rear corner and rear valence. Surface rusted and dull paint, rusty drip rails at the roof rack mounts. Dead original upholstery and body seals. Old replaced engine. A restoration project. – This one got everyone’s tongues wagging on when it absolutely, totally connected for a grand slam out of the park home run. A 23-window Microbus with full length sunroof and roof rack is a wonderful thing, but come on, this is an absurd price to pay for a project that will take years and cost a fortune to restore. Even more amazing, there were at least two people prepared to take it home for this kind of money.