For reasons known only to Craig Jackson and Steve Davis Barrett-Jackson decamped some 350 miles east from the NRG Center in Houston to the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans after only two years in Houston.
The result was not astounding with everything down by material amounts from what B-J was able to muster in Houston. The competition may have been greater in Houston but the reward was hard to find in New Orleans if 2023 is any indication.
As usual B-J was a celebration of custom cars, Resto-Mods and hot rods. Seven of the top ten transactions were self-identified as modified. The remaining “standard” vehicles – which tell us something about the collector car market – were thin on the ground.
NOLA is a good idea and a potentially successful venue, it just didn’t take off on first impression.
Andrew Newton made the trek to NOLA and his on-site observations – with my transaction comments – follow. The overall numbers are from Barrett-Jackson’s press release [see below.] Top sale was a 1958 Corvette Resto-Mod for $660,000. There was one Charity lot sold twice for a total of $175,000 and bolstered by $200,000 of separate donations to Samaritan’s Purse for Maui fire relief.
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ |
| Houston 2021 | 470/470 | 100% | $77,200 | $49,500
[64.1%] |
$36,284,150 |
| Houston 2022 | 477/477 | 100% | $63,690 | $44,000
[69.1%] |
$30,379,920 |
| New Orleans 2023 | 352/352 | 100% | $60,287 | $41,800
[69.3%] |
$21,221,025 |
[Summary numbers updated 11/10/23 from Hagerty’s results list. It shows 352 lots v. B-J’s press release’s 356 lots and this total v. the $21.6 million reported by B-J. The Charity lot was included here at the $175,000 it brought in two trips across the block, not the $375,000 in total donations reported by B-J which would have brought the total to $21,421,025, a difference of roughly $175,000.]
There are 50 lots described here, sorted in lot number order.
Lot # 16 1980 Jaguar XJ-6 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N JAVLN4AC317256; Dark Red/Tan leather; Unrestored original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $2,800 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,080 – 4,235/176hp, automatic, Michelin tires, cassette, power windows, dash clock. – No real history represented, which is an immediate red flag, and showing 53,506 miles. Faded paint and bumpers. Large scrape and a few chips on the driver’s door, and concerning blisters along the right sill. Decent interior with what looks like newer seat covers. – Sold for cheap, but parts and service will easily double the purchase price.
Lot # 52 1974 Land Rover Series III 88 Santana Utility; S/N E45418533; Blue, White/Charcoal vinyl; Truck restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $12,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $13,750 – 2,286/77hp four, 4-speed, Dunlop tires, rear-mounted spare. – Unusual Santana-built Series III Land Rover. Rebuilt engine. Uneven, poorly prepped and poorly masked respray but it’s somewhat presentable. Clean, lightly used underneath. Gloppy, uneven finish on the front bumper. Scratches on the rear quarter windows, which have been blacked out for some reason. The rear side windows are also heavily tinted. Decent interior. A driver. – Over the years, Series Land Rovers were built under contract by Minerva in Belgium and Santana in Spain. As with any classic originally built by contract overseas, the Minerva and Santana Land Rovers typically trade at a significant discount compared to their home-grown counterparts. This Series III Santana was a $13,500 no-sale on Bring a Trailer a few months ago and had no better luck at a live sale. A British-built Series III in this condition would have brought over twice as much money.
Lot # 64 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II Convertible; S/N HAN7L29771; Light Blue/Dark Blue vinyl; Black top; Enthusiast restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $15,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,050 – 1,275/66hp, 4-speed, blue painted wire wheels, Pirelli tires, single wing mirror, side curtains. – Good paint other than a large chip on the left front fender. Significant pitting on the otherwise shiny front bumper. Beautiful interior. Tidy underneath. The 1275 isn’t what the car came with (it was a 1098) but the extra grunt is a welcome improvement that doesn’t change the essential character of the car, and Sprites/Midgets with this swap aren’t penalized in the market typically. A 2019 enthusiast restoration and, for a square-body Sprite, it’s gorgeous. – This is a fairly strong result for a square-body Sprite, but the car deserves it. It sold twice on Bring a Trailer in 2021 (for $17,850 and then for $15,855) then brought $15,400 in Saratoga last year. Changing hands that many times in two years is a little suspicious, but it has consistently brought the high prices it deserves.
Lot # 114 1974 Datsun 260Z Coupe; S/N RLS30026809; Red/Black vinyl, cloth; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $18,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $20,350 – 2,565/162hp, 4-speed, Hankook tires, wood shift knob, original radio. – Stored in Nebraska for several years, more recently in a Texas collection and recently serviced. Heavy scratches on the rear glass and both bumpers. The paint finish is bright and attractive but there are several small blemishes throughout. Good, lightly worn interior. Wheels look almost new. Tidy underneath. Quite a clean and well-preserved Z-car, especially for the mostly unloved one-year-only 260. – This is a somewhat modest price for the condition, even more so when you remember that the same car sold fresh from its refurbishment at Barrett-Jackson Houston 2021 for $30,800. Its odometer shows just 153 more miles than it did in Houston (less than half the distance between there and New Orleans). That was an expensive handful of drives for the seller in two years of ownership.
Lot # 119 1979 Toyota Pickup Long Bed Pickup 4×4; S/N RN47003357; Yellow, Graphics, White cap/Brown pattern cloth; Visually maintained, largely original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 – 2,189/95hp, 4-speed, hub caps, bed cap, air conditioning, original AM/FM radio, CA blue plate. – Represented with one previous owner in California. Showing 23,662 that could very well be original or close to it. Lightly faded body paint and bumpers but no major blemishes and the decals are all clean. Lightly scratched door handles. Scratches and dings on the wheels with light surface rust poking through. Light scratches in the cap windows. Very good interior. Tidy underneath. This is a fantastic Toyota pickup for someone who values preservation. – Early Toyota pickups were budget workhorses in their day and not something many people thought would be collectible, but their durability and usability endeared them to generations of people who now pine for that rugged simplicity and decal-heavy 1970s/1980s style. Nearly 30 grand for this one seems a little crazy but it’s no fluke, as the same truck also sold for $28,600 at Barrett-Jackson’s Houston sale this time last year and the odometer has added less than 200 miles since then.
Lot # 124 1960 Kaiser Carabela Funeral Car Hearse; S/N 0111700989; Black/Blue; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,700 – 226-cid six, column shift 3-speed, wheel covers, whitewalls, rear fold-down gate, sliding casket holder with rollers. – An unusual Kaiser Carabela Hearse, built by Kaiser’s Argentinian division. Mostly original with faded and chipped paint as well as dry weather stripping and worn interior, but impressively kept wood in the rear. A fairly massive gimmick with its 190-inch wheelbase and 285-inch overall length. – With Halloween just a month away this is a timely purchase that should liven up Trick or Treating this year and for many more to come and will be a welcome contribution to Mardi Gras parades if it stays in New Orleans. Was it worth this much? It was to at least one person in New Orleans, and nearly this much to the underbidder. A choice participant in any gathering of “Professional Cars”, or the 24 Hours of Le Mons.
Lot # 326 1993 Chevrolet Corvette 40th Anniversary Convertible; S/N 1G1YY33P2P5114058; Ruby Red Metallic/Ruby Red leather; Ruby Red cloth top; Unrestored original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $10,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $11,550 – 350/300hp, automatic, saw blade wheels, Nitto tires, CD stereo. – No mileage represented. Worn, discolored top with cloudy plastic rear window. Blemishes on the wheels. Dry, cracked weather stripping. Numerous chips in the nose and heavy water spots everywhere else. Lightly wrinkled leather but not too bad. A used C4. – On 1993 C4 Corvettes the 40th Anniversary cars are all flash with no performance benefits, although they can command a few grand more than a base car. That’s mostly true for low-mile collector-grade cars, however, and on slightly tired examples like this people don’t tend to care as much. In this case, it’s just a #3 C4 convertible sold for #3 C4 convertible money.
Lot # 327 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N WDBDA28D0NF975859; White/Tan leather; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $3,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,300 – 2,299/132hp, 5-speed manual, alloy wheels, factory radio, power windows, air conditioning. – Showing 75,206 believable miles. Cheap respray with sloppy masking just about everywhere. Faded bumpers. Solid wheels and tires. Clean interior with slightly faded dash and gauges, and faded rear deck. The Cosworth/16v cars get all the collector attention, but the regular 190E is still a fun, well-built Benz, and this one has a manual. A cool modern classic on a budget. – Mercedes sold nearly 1.9-million examples of the W201 (190, 190E, 190D), and they are well-built, well-engineered and handsome cars even if they aren’t as fun to drive as the contemporary E30-generation BMW 3-Series. They’re also not particularly expensive. Bad paint or no, $3,300 for a drivable modern classic with a manual transmission is a solid deal in 2023.
Lot # 350 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 60M032931; Red, Red vinyl roof/Red and White vinyl; Enthusiast restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $15,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,050 – 390/325hp, automatic, fender skirts, whitewalls, cruise control, dash clock, pushbutton radio. – Represented as a body-off restoration, but that must have been oh-so long ago. The hub caps are missing on all four wheels. The paint is old and tired with chips all over the hood. Dull chrome. Tight, clean roof vinyl. Good upholstery but worn steering wheel and dash. The gauge below the clock is missing. Imperfect gaps. A whole lotta car, but a whole lotta things to fix. – Reported sold at B-J’s Houston auction a year ago for $33,000, based on its condition in 2023 that was a huge price. In pounds per dollar this is cheaper than hamburger, but it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that a Dave’s Double at Wendy’s might be more satisfying.
Lot # 356 1956 Mercury Montclair 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 56LA28032M; Coral, Beige/Coral, Beige vinyl; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $23,100 – 312/210hp, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, hood ornament, dual mirrors, fender skirts, pushbutton radio, dash clock. – Body-off restored six years ago and still beautiful. That said, the chrome and brightwork all show more age and light scratches, and there is a chip on the left headlight bezel. Lovely interior other than cracks in the steering wheel rim. A cool ’50s cruiser. – In specifications and equipment this ’56 Montclair is nothing special but the combination and the preservation of its older restoration are. It remains a surprise that upscale Mercurys don’t bring similar prices to their Ford counterparts, but Fords (and Chevys) were what today’s collectors lusted for as kids and that has propelled greater demand for them. This is a representative value for this quality ’56 Montclair.
Lot # 356.1 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible; S/N 6L67S5Q423757; Orchid/White leather; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $17,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $18,700 – 500/190hp, automatic, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, later cassette, power windows, cruise control, climate control. – Bright, attractive paint finish with only a few flaws throughout, but the chrome is tired, as are the wheels. Lightly discolored leather. Clean dash and gauges. Unrestored but maintained underneath. – Bid to exactly the same hammer amount at Mecum Kissimmee in 2020 as it brought here, this Eldorado convertible is still a prestigious, luxury car with the benefit of mostly analog (and therefore repairable) systems. This is a real car and it brought real money.
Lot # 359 1999 Dodge Durango Shelby SP360 Edition Sport Utility Vehicle 4×4; S/N 1B4HS28Z6XF571654; Shelby Blue, White stripes/Gray, Black leather; Unrestored original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800 – 5.9/360hp supercharged V8, automatic, 4-wheel drive, chromed wheels, Goodyear Eagle GTII tires, tinted glass, power windows, Recaro first and second row bucket seats, third row bench seat. – Represented as one of 300 built. Numerous chips on the nose, blemishes on the wheels, large scratch on the tail, and dull exterior plastic. One of the “Supercharged” decals on the front door is also coming loose. Good interior with light wear on the front seats. A very rare modern muscle truck with a Shelby connection. This one would be more suited for driving and casual Cars and Coffee-ing than gleaming in a collection. – In the context of an active market for vintage trucks, modern performance vehicles, and all things Shelby, here’s a vehicle that packs all three and it’s a lot of truck for the money even if it shows some wear and tear. Especially good value considering it sold for $20,900 at Mecum Dallas in 2018 and for $33,000 there in 2019. It is out of the ordinary, but that’s a big portion of its appeal.
Lot # 369 2005 Lotus Elise Convertible; S/N SCCPC11155HL34227; Canyon Red Metallic/Tan leather; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900 – 1,795/189hp, 6-speed, hard top, Yokohama tires, Blaupunkt radio, air conditioning. – Represented with 19,920 miles and that the AC may be low on Freon, but the AC in these cars sucks no matter what so it may also be just fine. A few dings on the right rear wheels. The PPF on the sills is cracking but the paint itself is in great shape for the age and miles, and it’s a rare attractive color combination. The headlights look like brand new replacements, and the interior is in great shape. A very solid, lightly used, first-year Federal Elise. – For years, Elises were undervalued relative to their performance, looks, performance and fun factor, with prices hovering around the $30K range almost no matter what the miles or condition. The pandemic boom brought them up to numbers that make more sense, and they have stayed at a rational level since. This is a fair but somewhat modest price given the car’s colors, condition and hardtop, but both parties can be happy with it in today’s market.
Lot # 380 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe; S/N 1G2MT25X59Y000914; Silver/Ebony and Red; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 – 122/260hp turbo four, automatic, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. – Final year Solstice GXP Coupe, one of the rarest Pontiacs around, and represented with 12 original miles. It could use a professional detailing, but otherwise it looks like a nearly new car. – A bit of an odd duck for Pontiac in the brand’s later days before it was on the GM chopping block, the Solstice isn’t all that collectible in its base form but there are special models that are somewhat sought after. The GXP coupe is the one that everybody wants. Only about 1200 Solstice coupes were completed-781 of them GXPs. This one is certainly ready for collection-duty given its delivery miles, and it would have brought more were it equipped with the 5-speed manual, which commands a substantial premium. This result is just about top dollar for one with an automatic.
Lot # 398 1947 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon; S/N B1BG; White, Cream/Brown and Tan; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $89,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $97,900 – RHD. 4,257/126hp, floor shift manual 4-speed, hub caps, whitewalls, suicide front doors, sunroof, wing mirrors, single driving light. – Supposedly delivered new to South Africa. Old, faded paint that is bubbling in some places and cracked in many others. Tired chrome. Uneven gaps. Grubby underneath, no serious rot visible but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any. Dry, worn leather and a slight musty smell. It has a lot of the things you don’t want in an old R-R/Bentley, and as a Standard Steel RHD saloon it will never be worth much. – But nobody told the buyer that, apparently. If this car had been some special model like a coachbuilt drophead that would be one thing, but this price is beyond expensive for a scruffy Standard Steel saloon. It could have sold below 20 grand without raising any eyebrows.
Lot # 406 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 1G1BL52P1TR143023; Black Cherry/Gray leather; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,800 – 350/260hp LT1, automatic, alloy wheels, Nitto tires, power windows, CD stereo. – Represented with 198 miles and as a Texas car from new. Supposedly driven periodically to keep it running. Comes with original paperwork. Looks like a new car aside from the flat front seats. It may just have 200 miles on the clock, but some hefty fellas have gotten in and out of this thing. – Even in the mid-1990s, a rear-drive V8 four-door with real performance bona-fides was an unusual thing, and the 1994-96 Impala SS has been recognized by collectors in recent years for the 1990s GM gem that it is. Roughly 70,000 were sold so they aren’t exactly rare, but this one’s low mileage and good color make it a standout, so the near-top-dollar price for it here in New Orleans makes sense.
Lot # 412 1972 Dodge Charger SE 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N WH23U2A132634; Gold, Black stripes, Black vinyl/Black vinyl; Recent restoration 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $72,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,200 – 440/280hp Magnum, floor shift automatic, Goodyear Wide Tread tires, spoiler, buckets and console, Rallye hood, air conditioning, original radio, jack and tools. – Not matching numbers. Restored to very high standards for any car, and for a `72 Charger it’s exceptional. Beautiful paint and shiny chrome. There is a small chip at the back of the driver’s door and the door handles are lightly scratched, but there aren’t other real flaws to speak of. Beautiful. – The attention lavished on this ’72 Charger is admirable. Its replacement engine and updated Charger Rallye hood are not as much but the overall vehicle is pleasing and encouraging in its exceptional restoration and presentation. Its price is mildly astounding, however, for a ’72 and must be considered an outlier for this model, engine, automatic and year.
Lot # 418 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe; S/N 1G1YY25E885132054; Victory Red/Black leather; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 – 7.0/505hp, 6-speed manual, chrome wheels, red calipers, Michelin tires, heads-up display, owner’s manual, original window sticker. – Represented with 3,685 miles and with recently installed tires that have 300 miles on them. The plastic bottom lip looks like it scraped a speed bump at some point, but otherwise there is nothing wrong with this C6 Z06. – This price for a low-mile C6 Z06 isn’t all that remarkable, but what is remarkable is that you can get a 505-horsepower rear-drive manual sports car in like-new condition for such little money in 2023. Despite everything that’s gone on in the collector car market over the past several years, Z06 prices haven’t done all that much so they’re arguably more of a speed-per-dollar bargain now than they ever have been.
Lot # 422 1968 Ford Mustang GT Convertible; S/N 8F03J187995; Meadowlark Yellow, Black/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,600 – 302/230hp, 4-speed with Hurst T-handle shifter, limited slip, aluminum radiator, BFG Radial T/A tires, Cobra woodrim steering wheel, Deluxe Marti Report. – Restored in original colors. Good but older paint and chrome. Pitted door handles. Clean restored interior and engine bay. A restored, lightly aged Mustang. – 1968 was the first year for the 302 in the Mustang, and this one is a handsome, usable example with no serious needs. It brought a spot-on price for the condition and equipment.
Lot # 424 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 336870M308098; Red, White stripes/Parchment White vinyl; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $43,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $47,300 – 350/325hp, automatic, His’n’Hers shifter, W-31, spoiler, Super Stock II wheels, BFG Radial T/A tires, fiberglass hood, factory 8-track, build sheet documented. – Represented as one of 1,352 W-31s built for 1970. Several large paint blisters and cracks on the rear. A few large scratches on the rear glass. Cracks around the hood scoop as well. Good chrome. Tidy underneath. Good, lightly worn interior. A solid driver with a clean, well-organized engine compartment. – Better balanced than a tire-shredding Big Block 4-4-2 but still a serious Olds with plenty of eye-appeal, this is a significant discount from a 4-4-2 but one that detracts not at all from the appeal of this Cutlass and is a sound value in this transaction.
Lot # 439 1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible; S/N 344679M332785; Black, Red stripes/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $53,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $58,300 – 400/325hp, floor shift automatic, Firestone Wide Oval tires, bucket seats, white boot cover, pushbutton radio, power windows. – Represented as matching numbers. Interior looks largely original with a few scuffs and small rips in the upholstery, but mostly holding up well. Paint and brightwork are a little tired. The coachline trim piece on the left side has some fitment issues, and the taillight bezels are scratched and pitted. Erratic panel fit. Not pristine, but a pleasing weekend driver. GM Canada documented. – Among the street rods, customs and restomods the pepper the previews at B-J auctions this is an increasingly rare example of a competently and accurately restored car. Despite its rarity at this venue it brought a positive response from the bidders and an accurate price that reflects its configuration, restoration and age.
Lot # 474 1969 Pontiac GTO 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 242379R123201; Midnight Green/Black vinyl; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 – 400/350hp, 4-speed with Hurst T-handle shifter, Rally II wheels, BFG Radial T/A tires, 12-bolt rear, power steering, power brakes, pushbutton radio, air conditioning, Sony CD/Bluetooth stereo installed in the trunk. – Good older paint and chrome. A few chips around the headlights. Older restored underneath. A few dings in the wheels. Good, lightly worn interior. A sound older restoration. – Another good find at B-J’s new venue in New Orleans, desirably equipped, well-restored and preserved while being driven. It is at least as much car as the money it brought, a result that should satisfy both the seller and the new owner.
Lot # 476 1966 Imperial Crown Convertible; S/N YM27J63286892; Calypso Green/White vinyl; White vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $25,300 – 440/350hp, TorqueFlite, narrow whitewalls, air conditioning, power windows, power steering and brakes. – Represented as one of 514 convertibles built in 1966 and the original engine. Largely original with a decent older respray. Aged, dinged up wheels. Tired, scratched chrome. Wavy body sides. Sound and tight but lightly discolored top. Light smudges on the original seats that might come out with a deep cleaning. Clean dash. A driver. – But an unusual, and unusually luxurious, driver with big block 440 power and a full complement of comfort and convenience options (even though the A/C blower motor needs to be repaired/replaced.) It sold for less than a ’66 Dodge convertible, which is the usual fate of luxury cars, especially with indifferent preparation and presentation, but will be a rewarding weekend driver at this price.
Lot # 494.1 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 Utility; S/N FJ43100753; Mustard Yellow/Gray vinyl; Beige cloth top; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $51,700 – 4,230/125hp, 4-speed, power steering, heat and air conditioning, Sony cassette, rear-mounted spare. – Represented as a body-off restoration in original colors. Chips around the front bumper. Oxidation on and around the leaf springs. The paint is faded and there are chips in the side windows. The top looks newer but there are still a few smudges and stains on it. Good, mostly restored interior other than worn steering wheel and shifter. Whatever restoration work was done, it was on a budget and probably done a while ago. – The color is glorious, but the rest of this Land Cruiser is no better than average and the price it brought is irrationally generous. It’s a restoration on a budget with details intentionally overlooked.
Lot # 495.1 1955 Cadillac Series 62 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 556209217; Pink, White roof/Pink leather, White cloth; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $34,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $37,950 – 331/250hp, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, fender skirts, dual spotlights, Autronic Eye, air conditioning, power windows, original radio on the dash but modern unit mounted underneath it. – Decent paint with minor blisters in spots, a large chip on the right front, and a large crack on the right rear. Discoloration on the white cloth parts of the seats. Tidy but a little tired underneath. Showing plenty of wear and age, but a pink two-door Cadillac is always cool. – This Caddy has seen better days and apparently has been enjoyed for significant miles since it was restored. It is still a reasonably sound and presentable car, however, and deserved the price it brought.
Lot # 497 1989 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX Hatchback; S/N 1FABP41E2KF238198; Gray, Red pinstripe/Red cloth; Unrestored original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $16,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $18,150 – 302/225hp, automatic, alloy wheels, store brand tires, power windows, air conditioning, factory radio. – Showing 77,765 miles and really just a used but well-maintained Fox-body Mustang. The paint looks quite good but there are chips around the radio antenna and several decent sized chips on the windshield. Exterior plastic and weather stripping are aged, and there is some oxidation underneath. Clean seats and mostly good interior but worn switchgear. – This is a fairly high price for a Fox-body LX that is mostly unremarkable in terms of either or equipment or condition, but people have certainly spent sillier money on a Fox-body Mustang before. Still, the seller could have been happy even at several grand under this result.
Lot # 520 1988 Ford Thunderbird LX Coupe; S/N 1FABP62F2JH244640; Silver/Red cloth; Unrestored original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $6,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $6,600 – 302/155hp, column shift automatic, aluminum wheels, Michelin tires, digital dash, power windows, air conditioning, factory radio. – Represented with 23,595 miles and as one of two built with these 14-inch cast aluminum wheels. Those wheels are aged, though, as is most of the rest of the car. There are a few big scratches on the tail, and the taillights are discolored and cracked in places. Good paint other than fading and discoloration on the front bumper. Good, lightly worn interior. – A ninth generation (1983-88) Thunderbird is neither the sexiest nor the quickest thing on four wheels, but V8 power, rear-drive and those plush red seats are a decent deal at this price, which is still about where the market is on these ’80s personal luxury coupes at the moment.
Lot # 636 1994 Panoz Roadster Roadster; S/N 1P9PR2828RB213002; Metallic Green/Tan leather; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 – 5.0/225hp Mustang engine, T5 5-speed, alloy wheels, BFG Comp T/A tires. – Represented as one of six cars built for 1994. Represented as 6,138 miles. A few very minor paint chips and a large blemish in the clear coat on top of the driver’s door (what there is of a door, anyway). Light but noticeable wear on both seats. Lightly wrinkled top. A cool, lightweight, hand-built American sports car. Not pretty, but definitely interesting. – This Panoz has made a few auction appearances over the past few years, bringing $45,100 in RM’s (online) Monterey auction in 2020 and $44,000 at Fort Lauderdale in 2022. It has also had no-sales at $30,250, $35,000, $39,000 and $27,500 since 2021, but between $40K and $50K is really the spot for this car. The New Orleans result is still a little high relative to what other Panoz Roadsters have sold for, but it’s still so much fun and rarity per dollar that it’s impossible to argue with it.
Lot # 637 2007 Honda S2000 Convertible; S/N JHMAP21487S003481; New Formula Red/Black leather; Black top; Unrestored original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $40,700 – 2,157/237hp, 6-speed, Bridgestone Potenza tires. – Represented with 14,462 miles. Faded and swirled paint that really should be better. Light but visible wear in the top. Wrinkled leather. Some dirt underneath. Is it a bad S2000? No, not really, but there are examples with three times the mileage that look better. – But buyers can also fixate on a low odometer reading while ignoring signs of neglect. The buyer here purchased the mileage, not the condition.
Lot # 648 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 SportsRoof; S/N 0T05R100692; Yellow/Black vinyl; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $71,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $78,100 – 428/360hp Super Cobra Jet, 4-speed, Magnum 500 wheels, BFG Radial T/A tires, spoilers, rear window slats, Vintage Air, Hurst T-handle shifter, original Philco radio in dash but also fitted with modern Bluetooth sound system, Deluxe Marti Report. – Good but older paint, chrome, interior, and engine bay. Other than rusty fasteners for the window slats, there’s not much to nitpick other than light age and wear from driving. A solid, well-restored Mach 1. – A fair result for the equipment and the age/quality of the restoration. The same car sold for $66,250 and $77,000 at Mecum Indy 2011 and 2021 respectively and was a $65K no-sale at Mecum Tulsa last year.
Lot # 655 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe; S/N SCFEBBCF8BGS00602; Midnight Blue/Kestrel Tan leather; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000 – 6.0/510hp, 6-speed manual, Pirelli P Zero tires, carbon ceramic brakes, custom Borla exhaust, Bang & Olufsen stereo, window sticker. – Represented with 11,110 miles and an original MSRP of $193,800. Light swirling/detail scratching in the paint and light wear on the driver’s seat, but still a gorgeous modern Aston with a naturally aspirated V12 and manual gearbox, two things that are increasingly hard to find these days. – A rational price for the condition and mileage compared to what others are asking/selling for, and in the world of modern Aston Martins depreciating less than 50 percent in 12 years is pretty good.
Lot # 657 1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible; S/N 7Y86G806294; Black Satin/Black; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $56,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $61,600 – 462/340hp, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, under-dash speed control, factory air conditioning, power seats, 8-track. – Shown at the Arts and Heritage St Albert Museum for many years. Apparently commissioned twice for Queen Elizabeth II’s tours of Canada in 1973 and 1990. Represented as 65,553 miles from new. Looks repainted but otherwise original. Engine bay is a mostly tidy mix of old and new components. A few tired, lightly dented body trim pieces. Imperfect gaps. Good dash, gauges and carpets but the leather is dry, cracked, and worn. An unrestored suicide door Continental in classic colors. Usable as-is or a straightforward restoration project, and a little royal history is an added bonus. – Fans of the British royal family must have been at home, because there’s no discernable premium in this Continental’s price for the QEII history, nor even much for its preservation and known mileage. It is a sound value for a luxury automobile with an intriguing story to tell.
Lot # 674 1964 Porsche 356C 1600 C Coupe; S/N 216880; Guards Red/Black vinyl; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – 1,582cc upgraded with dual Webers, 4-speed, chrome wheels, luggage rack. – Good older paint. Slightly uneven door gaps. Good interior. Dry, cracking rubber around the rear glass. Tidy underbody. Straightforward, lightly driven older restoration on a late 356. – Sold at B-J Scottsdale in 2007 for $77,000 and again in 2016 for $96,800, the price it brought here acknowledges its few condition issues to some extent, but also could have been more without being expensive. This result is probably more fair to the buyer than to the seller.
Lot # 680 1980 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am Coupe; S/N 2W87TAN133865; Black, Gold/Tan cloth; Recent restoration 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 301/210hp turbo, automatic, gold wheels, BFG Radial T/A tires, Y-84 T-tops, 3.08 limited-slip, WS6 suspension, power windows, tilt steering column, cruise control, power steering, PHS documentation. – Recently restored to high standards and still fresh with nothing to nitpick. – Well-optioned and beautifully restored, also expensive but far cheaper than the cost of restoring even a sound old Turbo Trans Am to this standard and for someone with that objective in mind is a realistic value.
Lot # 699 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Coupe; S/N WDDYJ7KA0KA024526; Selenite Gray Magno/Black leather\Dinamica; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500 – 3,982/577hp twin-turbo V8, 7-speed dual-clutch semi-auto, Carbon Fiber Package. – Represented with 5,678 miles and shows a small chip on the left front, but otherwise looks gorgeous and nearly unused consistent with the stated mileage. – The base AMG GT R carried an MSRP of $159,350 POE and this one has a few extras that would have put it well over that number. After the auction’s commission it is only slightly less than it cost new, depreciation that is nothing if not modest but is typical of these AMG performance behemoths.
Lot # 701 2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR Coupe; S/N SCFRMFEV7LGL08718; Morning Frost White, Black roof, Blue window trim/Chestnut Tan Alcantara; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $275,000 – 5,204/630hp twin-turbo V12, 8-speed semi-auto, 8-inch navigation system, 360-degree camera and iPhone integration. – Showing 8,156 believable miles. Light swirling in the black roof and blue window trim but the pearly white paint is fantastic. – Late-model Aston Martins typically depreciate like a stone as soon as they hit their second owner, but this is a notable exception that sold for about what it would have cost in 2020 based upon the manufacturer’s base MSRP of $220,086.
Lot # 708 1968 Ford Mustang Lightweight Fastback; S/N 8F02R135044; Wimbledon White/Black vinyl; Older restoration 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 – 428/335hp Cobra Jet, heavy-duty 4-speed, 3.89 axle, hub caps, narrow whitewalls. – Represented as one of 50 special production 1968 Cobra Jet Mustangs built for NHRA Stock Racing homologation and one of 20 lightweights, specifically deleting sound deadener and seam sealer. This car is one of the lightweights and was drag raced for about 10 years before being modified as a Super Stock in the late 70’s. It has been restored to high but not excessive standards and still presents like a fresh car. – A meticulous restoration by Ford and Mustang specialists, treatment it deserved for its special status and limited production. In some cases “less is more”, including leaving off the sound deadener and seam sealer, which goes a long way to explaining why the informed bidders here at B-J New Orleans kept standing up and bidding more. It sets its own standard for value.
Lot # 723 2023 Maserati MC20 Coupe; S/N ZAMBMRAB1P0413181; Grigio Mistero, Red stripe/Black leather; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $230,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $253,000 – 2992/620hp twin-turbo V6, 8-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic, heated comfort 6-way sport power seats, Alcantara trim and headliner, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, stainless-steel door sills, lightweight stainless-steel sport pedals, aluminum footrest, premium sound system, security and remote start system, backup camera, blind-spot alert and rear cross-path detection, cruise control, wireless phone charger, Sirus XM, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. – 391 miles and essentially new. – The most exciting new Maserati in a generation, the MC20 is still a rare sight on the road but a few have hit the secondary market, with most asking or selling in the quarter-million dollar range, which is about what a new one costs at the dealer with a few options.
Lot # 725 2005 Ford GT Hennessey 1000 Coupe; S/N 1FAFP90S55Y401621; Red, White stripes/Black leather; Original, modified for competition or performance 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $450,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $495,000 – 330/1000hp, 6-speed, McIntosh stereo, base wheels. – Rare modified GT given a big boost in performance thanks to two turbos working in conjunction with the factory supercharger for 1000hp. Sounds scary, but unlike many GTs people actually drove this one, as its odometer shows 19,985 miles. Other than light age on the paint, though, it shows few signs of age or use. – Modifications and mileage can have a detrimental effect on a performance car’s price, but not this time. This is the kind of money that clean, lower-mile GTs typically bring these days. Credit the fact that Hennessey is an established name as well as the prospect of the new owner actually getting out and enjoying this car’s awesome performance without feeling guilty.
Lot # 730 2020 Lamborghini Huracan LP640-4 EVO Coupe; S/N ZHWUF4ZF3LLA13952; Verde Mantis Green/Black, Green; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $260,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $286,000 – 5,204/640hp, 7-speed dual-clutch semi-auto, NOVITEC coilovers, black forged wheels, PPF, carbon fiber exterior aero bits. – Represented with 17,669 miles but looks nearly new. Looks like there are a few bubbles in the PPF on the front but that’s it. – Very Green. In fact, so bright it almost sears eyeballs. Having left over $350,000 in greenbacks at the dealer this is meaningful but not excessive depreciation.
Lot # 735 2005 Ford GT Coupe; S/N 1FAFP90S35Y401598; Wimbledon White, Guardsman Blue/Black leather; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $380,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $418,000 – 330/550hp, 6-speed, BBS wheels, McIntosh stereo, painted calipers. – A four-option car represented with 12,000 miles but still clean. – Respect to the owners who actually took this car out to enjoy it in all its 550 supercharged horsepower and 6-speed manual glory, as far too many of these cars sit and get trailered from auction to auction. It was mildly discounted for its relatively high five-digit odometer reading but not excessively so. Maybe the mileage obsession with 2005-06 GTs is wearing off a bit.
Lot # 768 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon 65 Convertible; S/N 1G1YU3D62J5300563; Ceramic Matrix Gray/Black; Blue top; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500 – 376/650hp, 8-speed automatic, competition seats featuring heating and ventilation, PDR recorder, carbon-fiber exterior spoilers. – One of 650 Carbon 65 (a $15K option available on Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ trims) models produced in 2018, and represented with 2,805 believable miles. – It may be yesterday’s Corvette, but the hotter versions of the C7 are still some of the quickest cars on the road and they are still changing hands at premium prices, a marked change seen in previous generations of Corvette when the next newest ones come out. This isn’t far off from what the car cost new (the window sticker reads $111,500) and made a good day for the seller.
Lot # 771 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 30837S108475; Tuxedo Black/Saddle vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $138,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $151,800 – 327/340hp L76, 4-speed, Rally wheels from a 1967 Corvette, Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires, Positraction, side exhaust, power brakes, WonderBar radio, original invoice documented with owner’s guide and protection plan booklet. – Tired, flawed and faded paint and chrome that look original. Unrestored underneath with dirt and oxidation under the hood and body. Clean wheels. Very good original interior showing forgivable wear. A mostly original split window holding up well. – Given a fair premium for its originality and options but nothing excessive, this was a solid transaction for both parties with the usual ’63 Split Window premium for obstructed visibility.
Lot # 774 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 10867S100369; Tuxedo Black/Black vinyl; Black top; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000 – 283/245hp, dual quads, T10 4-speed, WonderBar radio, tach, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls. – Represented as matching numbers. Older paint and chrome with minor flaws on the front. Tidy, lightly run engine bay. Large scratch on the passenger’s door. Good, lightly worn interior. Former show car, regularly enjoyed and still presentable. – Offered at Mecum’s Harrisburg sale two months ago where it was bid to only $95,000, it found its audience here in New Orleans, changing hands at this price which is generous considering the age of the restoration.
Lot # 777 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194677S101947; Engine # 7101947; Silver Pearl, Silver Pearl hardtop/Blue vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $123,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $135,300 – 427/400hp L68 Tri-Power, 4-speed, Rally wheels, Firestone red line tires, two tops, tinted glass, AM/FM radio, 3.70 Positraction, transistor ignition. – Represented as a two-owner car stored for 25 years with 35,387 miles. Restored by the Nabers Brothers in 2006-07. Lovely older paint and chrome. Clean, correct engine bay. Original windshield with some minor chips. Small scrape on the hardtop. Beautiful interior. – Presented like a solid older restored ’67 with good equipment, limited ownership history and known miles, and priced like one, too. This Corvette has a lot going for it and the new owner should be very pleased with it and with the price paid for such originality, history and quality restoration.
Lot # 784 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster; S/N 3Y89M122691; Black/Black leather; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $83,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $91,300 – 390/340 M-Code with three 2-barrel carbs, automatic, column-mounted tach, power windows, power seats, tinted glass, air conditioning, Gate Release and build sheet documented. – Represented as one of 37 M-Code Sports Roadsters built for the year. Tired paint and chrome. Worn seats that look like the wrong upholstery. Worn steering wheel. Tidy engine. Desirably configured but the older restoration is certainly showing its age. – This drivetrain with the Sports Roadster body style is about the best a Bullet Bird can get, and the bidders recognized both that and the visible age shown by this example. They gave it an appropriate discount for the restoration’s age but the seller should still be happy with this result.
Lot # 792 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 20867S104127; Roman Red/Black vinyl; White top; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – 327/340hp, 4-speed, spinner wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, WonderBar radio. – Dull, lightly scratched bumpers and body trim. Decent older paint. Lightly worn interior. A straightforward older restoration on a final-year C1 Corvette. – And a straightforward, appropriate result for it. It was a $70,000 no-sale at Mecum Kissimmee earlier this year and saw another $60,000 no-sale in Harrisburg, but patience paid off in New Orleans.
Lot # 795 2005 Maybach 62 Sedan; S/N WDBVG78J85A001145; Himalayas Dark Gray, Light Gray/Galapagos Gray; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $51,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $56,100 – 5.5L twin-turbo V12, automatic, Privacy Roof, dual rear seat DVD entertainment, front and rear seat massage, heated leather and wood steering wheel, voice activated radio, heated/cold seats front and back, rearview camera, 14-way power rear seats, wireless cell phone link, umbrella, books. – No mileage represented other than an inconsistency reported in 2010. The driver’s seat is lightly worn but otherwise the interior looks excellent and supremely comfortable. Small but numerous chips but otherwise very good paint. The lap of luxury with plenty of advanced features even though it’s almost 20 years old. Just pray nothing breaks. – This was a $375,000 extravagance when it was new (which, by the way, is nearly $600K adjusted for inflation). A top-shelf luxury sedan depreciating to commuter car budget territory is nothing new, but the steepness of the fall here is still remarkable. It was a $70K no-sale at Kissimmee in 2019 and is no less expensive to maintain today but is four years further away from being the latest and greatest in luxury.
Lot # 799 1939 Packard One-Twenty Eight (?) Convertible Sedan; S/N 12972215; Maroon/Gray leather; Beige cloth top; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 245/100hp six, 3-speed, overdrive, hub caps and trim rings, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemount spares with mirrors, dash clock, radio, luggage rack. – Represented as a matching numbers older body-off restoration. Presentable but aging paint and chrome. Lightly worn and discolored top. Beautiful interior with no serious age or wear. Tidy underneath. An attractive event car. – “Matching numbers”? Not if the engine really is a 384 cid eight because the 1939 One-Twenty had a 245 cid six. In fact there was no 384 cid eight in Packard’s 1939 catalog and you have to go back to the 1936 Super Eight to get that displacement. The convertible sedan coachwork is roomy and practical with rollup windows for weather protection. B-J’s photos show only six spark plug wires, pretty conclusive evidence this Packard does not have an eight cylinder engine although Packard didn’t catalog the convertible sedan in the Six series. The chassis number is appropriate for a One-Twenty Eight convertible sedan. It is generously priced for a confused car.
Lot # 820 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II LWB 4-Dr. Sedan, Body by Mulliner Park Ward; S/N LLCB96; Sage Green/Green leather in front, Green cloth in back; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $24,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $26,400 – LHD. 6,230/185hp V8, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, cassette, factory air conditioning upgraded to modern unit, division window, original jack and spare, build sheet documented. – Paint is cracked and crazed all over. Several small dents. Tired chrome. Dry, worn, cracked leather. Decent wood and clear gauges. Recently serviced but plenty worn underneath. Notable as a long wheelbase division window car, but it’s still pretty rough. – This is a modest number for a Silver Cloud II in the desirable configuration of both LHD and long wheelbase, but buyers have repeatedly recognized it for its serious, money sucking needs as it sold for $24,750 in a Bonhams online auction last year and was a $20K no-sale at Mecum Monterey this August. Hopefully this new owner will finally take the time and incur the expense to put it right.
Thanks as always Rick (and Andrew).
John