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Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015

Auctions America, Auburn Spring, Auburn, Indiana, May 7-9, 2015

“Auburn” resonates with car collectors. The home of Auburn and Cord, location of the Auburn – Cord – Duesenberg Club headquarters and museum and of NATMUS, the National Auto and Truck Museum, its history in the auto industry – particularly the auto industry in Indiana – and nexus of so much car collecting activity make Auburn particularly appropriate for auctions.

That includes the Kruse family whose giant auction park by I-69 outside Auburn grew, willy-nilly, over the years until it was acquired four years ago by Auctions America by RM and restored to its proper (some would say) place as a premier collector car auction location.

Auburn Spring has never been the event that the Labor Day weekend Auburn Fall is, but has always been, and continues to be, a credible, intriguing event that integrates commercial with hobby activities.

This year’s Auburn Spring was dramatically smaller than 2014, a year whose effect was exaggerated by the 400+ cars from John Scotti, all offered without reserve. Looking back further, however, it is comparable in total sale, average and median transactions with 2011-2013 and reflects a much higher sell-through rate, indicative of better if fewer cars and a few headline sales such as:

• Ford GTX1 TT Roadster sold for $330,000 (Lot 2125);
• Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet sold for $299,750 (Lot 2126);
• Buick Regal GNX sold for $110,000 (Lot 2132); and
• Imperial Crown Convertible sold for $76,450 (Lot 2118).

Big Buck transactions aren’t Auburn Spring’s main attraction, however. Rather it is the diversity and affordability of so many interesting and accessible cars, like:

• Crosley Super Sport sold for $8,800 (Lot 1041);
• Corvair Corsa Spyder sold for $16,775 (Lot 1053);
• Dodge Omni Shelby GLHS sold for $9,460 (Lot 2024);
• Triumph Bonneville Convertible sold for $48,400 (Lot 2090).
• Pontiac Bonneville Vista 4-door sedan sold for $35,750 (Lot 2081) and
• Studebaker Golden Hawk sold for $37,400 (Lot 2166).

These and many others are in the report that follows.

The numbers below reflect only the automobile/truck lots. There were some fifty motorcycles in addition to these – with a 97.6% sell-through – that added over a half-million dollars to the Auburn Spring total.

[table id=132 /]

Kacy Smith and Rob Bennett provided the on-site observations; the editor is responsible for the final content and comments.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report

1979 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
Lot # 1022 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe; S/N 1Q87G9N629453; Black/Black vinyl; Estimate $8,000 – $9,500; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $6,100 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $6,710. With Reserve – 305/130hp, automatic, Rally wheels, power brakes, center console, aftermarket AM radio, sunroof, rear window defogger. – Paint is fair with general fading and one small chip on driver’s side door. Chrome is fairly dull. Engine bay is presentable. Interior is heavily worn and has several tears on the driver’s seat. An old, original, basic Camaro with 77,532 miles. It’s nothing special and was cleaned up for this sale. – With 130 horsepower on tap, Camaros like this do little to excite, but they are at least handsome cars. This tired example has lost quite a bit of credibility in the good looks department, however, and went for an appropriate price.
1973 Cadillac DeVille 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1030 1973 Cadillac DeVille 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 6D47R3Q180890; Burnt Sienna, Tan vinyl roof/Tan; Estimate $8,000 – $12,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $9,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $9,900. With Reserve – Steel wheels with full wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts, power windows, power locks, power adjustable seats, radio, power antenna, air conditioning, pushbutton radio. – Good paint and body. The brightwork has been polished and shows no significant wear or flaws. The original interior has some discoloration on the door panels and has been detailed. The engine compartment has been maintained but not detailed. A decent cosmetic restoration of a driver quality car, finished in very ’70s colors. – With big boat Cadillacs and Lincolns from the 1970s you get a heck of a lot of car for the money, as this market appropriate transaction shows. It’s a good thing gas prices are still pretty low.
1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster
Lot # 1033 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster; S/N WDBBA45A9EA012419; Silver/Blue leather; Silver top; Estimate $10,000 – $14,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $4,900 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $5,390. With Reserve – Aftermarket radio with CD player, power windows, power antenna, climate control. – The paint is old, chipped and scratched everywhere. Brightwork is old and scuffed. Driver’s side rocker panel trim is being held on by duct tape and there is a noticeable dent on the hood. The original interior is old and faded. The engine compartment is grungy. A sad neglected Mercedes that has racked up 116,120 miles. It wasn’t even washed before the sale. Someone was trying to jettison this car, and one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. – The money paid here was a bit under market for a dirty old 380SL (the least desirable of the R107s), but one unexpected trip to the mechanic could make that savings evaporate. This is a M-B with no good surprises in store for its new owner, even at this price.
1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster
Lot # 1036 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster; S/N 10704412048632; White/Red leather; White top; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $5,750 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $6,325. No Reserve – Automatic, radio, air conditioning, power windows. – The paint is decent with a few scattered chips. Driver’s side marker light is cracked. Brightwork is very clean. Driver’s seat has a tear and the engine compartment has been maintained but not detailed. Showing 115,452 miles but presents like a car with much fewer. A good driver. – Just about any Mercedes with an SL in its name has a loyal following and strong value, including the typically more affordable R107. You wouldn’t guess that by looking at this transaction, however, as the bidders were put off by the numbers on the odometer. Every now and then a no reserve lot can result in a tremendous deal, and that’s happened here. The buyer has at least as much as the purchase price left over to do some cosmetic work or take care of any unexpected maintenance and should be pretty thrilled with this purchase.
1966 Triumph TR4A Roadster
Lot # 1038 1966 Triumph TR4A Roadster; S/N CTC59145L; Blue/Black vinyl piped in White; Black top; Estimate $14,000 – $18,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800. With Reserve – Electronic ignition, centerlock wire wheels, woodrim steering wheel, wood shift knob, woodgrain dash, factory AM/FM radio. – Body-off restored and finished just last year. Paint, chrome, engine, interior and undercarriage are all very good. A fresh, fully restored car that leaves nothing to be desired and is in most respects better than new. – This was driver quality money for a fresh and well restored example. The buyer got away very well here with a gorgeous TR4A (with independent rear suspension) for cheap.
1952 Crosley Super Sport Roadster
Lot # 1041 1952 Crosley Super Sport Roadster; S/N VC40205; Teal/Red vinyl; Estimate $12,000 – $15,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $8,800. With Reserve – Rear-mounted spare tire, bucket seats, radio. – Excellent paint and brightwork. Windshield wipers are missing. Chassis has been coated. The interior has been completely redone and is very good overall but there is a big stain in the driver’s footwell. Engine compartment is clean and tidy. A good body-off restoration that needs a few details addressed before really being show-worthy. – This is a bargain price for a Crosley Super Sport, a car that usually finds itself among microcars selling well into five figures, and particularly so for one so well and freshly restored.
1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible
Lot # 1049 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible; S/N 358676M416111; Porcelain White/Light Blue vinyl; Light Blue vinyl top; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $16,500 plus commission of; Final Price $16,500. With Reserve – 425/310hp, automatic, American Racing wheels, BF Goodrich Advantage T/A tires, Protect-O-Plate, power top, bench seat, radio, air conditioning. – Engine compartment is dirty from use, but presentable and complete. Paint is very good. Top looks like new. The interior is original and lightly faded. A mostly original car that’s received attention when necessary and is still solid and pretty enough that it can be driven for fun. 1966 was the first year for the Delta 88 as a separate model. – This car’s degree of originality and preservation was commendable, but there’s no reason for the seller to have realistically expected more than the reported high bid. It was pretty driver money offered for a car that’s just a pretty driver, and it should have hammered sold.
1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Spyder
Lot # 1053 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Spyder; S/N 107675L102807; Crocus Yellow/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $16,000 – $20,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,775. With Reserve – 164/180hp turbocharged, 4-speed, wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, bucket seats, power top, AM Radio. – Paint is dull and has numerous chips and scratches all around with numerous touch ups as well. Chrome is fair with some pitting and scratches. Top has been replaced and fits well and is in good condition. Engine bay is clean and detailed. Interior is good. Undercarriage shows some wear but was clean. At the AACA Museum for many years and presents like a car with lots of static display time on it. – Porsche and BMW often get a lot of credit for turbocharging, but the Corvair Monza and later Corsa came long before. The 180-horsepower Corsa was as powerful as the Corvair ever got (not counting the Yenko Stinger) and remains the version to have. The price here was a bit expensive for a car that’s sat still for so long and will likely need sorting, but it wasn’t outrageous.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Two

1955 Chevrolet 210 Townsman Station Wagon
Lot # 1054 1955 Chevrolet 210 Townsman Station Wagon; S/N VB55K074871; Light Blue, White roof/Blue, White vinyl; Estimate $22,000 – $26,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $16,750 plus commission of; Final Price $16,750. With Reserve – 265/162hp, Powerglide, narrow whitewalls, body color steel wheels with hub caps, dual mirrors, bench seats. – Fair repaint with a few small blisters on the driver’s side fender and near the rear bumper. The engine compartment is slightly grimy. Most of the brightwork has been redone. The seats have been redone, but the remaining interior is original and aged. A largely original car showing 51,020 miles (which probably isn’t actual) that’s gotten some cosmetic attention and is in presentable driver quality shape. – 1955 Chevy 210 wagons could be had in two-door Handyman trim or as the more upscale four-door Townsman. This one was bought new and owned by a Kansas farmer until 1997, but seems to have been used for runs into town rather than hauling hay bales or dirty equipment. Even given its preservation, it’s still a driver quality example of a model that’s not particularly valuable and the seller frankly should have been thrilled at the reported high bid.
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Lot # 1057 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH395561; Flame Red, Red hardtop/Red; Estimate $32,000 – $35,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $29,500 plus commission of; Final Price $29,500. With Reserve – 312/245hp, automatic, removable hard top, red steel wheels with full wheel covers, whitewalls, aftermarket stereo. – Paint, chrome, interior and engine are excellent. Passenger’s side door fit is slightly off. Hard top is good but the rubber seals are startling to dry out and crumble. Well restored and shows very little use. – A sound and desirable car but presented in mediocre, neglected condition not calculated to reassure bidders which explains the disappointing bid here. It crossed the block here in Auburn in September 2013 with a reported high bid of $37,500 and isn’t getting any better with age. The seller should have taken the money before leaving it to sit and molder in the barn until the next auction.
1967 MG B Mk I Roadster
Lot # 1061 1967 MG B Mk I Roadster; S/N GHN3L95815; Engine # 12H1398; Red/Black vinyl piped in Red; Black top; Estimate $23,000 – $27,000; 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800. With Reserve – Lucas driving lights, Minilite-style wheels, passenger’s side wing mirror, woodrim steering wheel, wood shift knob, AM radio. – Paint is good but lightly swirled from aggressive buffing. Front and rear chrome are very good. Windshield frame is a bit dull. Engine bay is excellent and well detailed. Top has been replaced and fits well. Interior is clean but both seats show a bit of wear. Newer gauges. Body-off restored and lightly enjoyed, this car has gotten the kind of treatment usually reserved for cars more valuable than an MGB. – Lightly worn driver quality MGBs can still be had for fairly reasonable money, but restored cars have gotten a little pricier and this was an appropriate price for a very good if not quite perfect ’67 example.
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1062 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 136177Z134089; Butternut Yellow/Black vinyl; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $18,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $20,075. With Reserve – 283/195hp, column-shift 3-speed, Protect-O-Plate, Rally wheels, Hercules whitewalls, AM radio, bench seats, factory air conditioning. – Paint is fair with some fading and touch ups on the hood, front bumper and trunk. Chrome is good with the exception of the vent windows, which are pitted. Engine bay is tidy with heat wear on the headers. Interior is fair but both bench seats are faded and lightly worn. Undercarriage is clean and showing mild use. An older restoration of a car with basic equipment, it’s a modest but decent driver. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2012 for $19,800, crossed the block here at Auburn Fall last August with a high bid of $19,000. It’s an intriguing car with good eye-appeal but nothing much under the hood to back up its looks. This is all the money for it.
1971 Dodge Dart Demon 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1067 1971 Dodge Dart Demon 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N LM29H1B190128; Brite Blue Metallic, Matte Black hood and side stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $22,500 – $27,500; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $20,075. With Reserve – 340/275hp, column-shift automatic, Grand Am Radial G/T tires, Rallye suspension and wheels, power steering, bench seat, aftermarket under dash FM radio. – Paint is very good. Chrome is decent and blemish free but starting to dull. Engine bay is clean. Interior is good with very minimal near on the driver’s seat. Graphics are well done and straight. Undercarriage is very clean with little sign of use. Mostly original with a repaint, this is a neat car that represents relatively affordable Mopar muscle on a smaller than usual scale. – $2,721 would buy one of these when new, and was the whole idea behind the 340 powered Demon, inexpensive performance to compete with V8 Novas and Mavericks. Most have been driven into the ground and left for dead in a field so it’s refreshing to see one survive, particularly in such competently and sympathetically maintained condition. It isn’t cheap, but it is rare and reassuring in its appearance so if the buyer is a few thousand dollars over, what’s the harm?
2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Lot # 1073 2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N 1FAHP60A72Y118972; Whisper White, Whisper White hardtop/Black, Red leather; Estimate $24,000 – $28,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $16,364 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $18,000. With Reserve – Power top, CD stereo, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, power lots of things. – Paint, chrome, interior and engine are all in excellent condition. The hard top fits well and rubber seals are in good condition. Used, but very well taken care of. – Hailed as an ‘instant collectible’, subsequent judgments by collectors have not borne out that sendoff. There are too many of them, and too many of them are lightly used, if used at all, which creates a nearly limitless supply to depress the market. This is a reasonable price, but a highly enjoyable car.
1972 Plymouth Duster 340 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1088 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N VS29H2B368607; Hunter Green, Black hood and side stripes/White vinyl; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $13,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $14,850. No Reserve – 340/240hp, dual exhaust, column-shift automatic, Rallye wheels, Firestone Firehawk tires, bench seat, power steering, power brakes, radio. – Driver’s side door and fender have been touched up on an otherwise fair paint job and the graphics are aged. Brightwork has been completely redone. Interior is original and lightly worn. A fair car that would do well at a local meet or used as a weekend cruiser. – Sold here a year ago for $19,800. Like the Dart Demon 340 sold a few lots before, it is unusual to see one of these pocket rockets survive in good, sound, usable condition like this. It’s not anywhere nearly as well restored and presented as the Demon, but it is an appropriate $5,000 less money.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 1093 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194679S731477; Yellow/Black; Black top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Modified restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000. With Reserve – 454/unknown hp, 4-speed, dual exhaust, Rally wheels, Goodyear narrow whitewalls, rear luggage rack, power windows, radio. – Full restoration completed in 2012. Engine compartment has been highly detailed. Paint is excellent with only a few very light scratches and the top looks new. All the brightwork has been redone with the exception of the luggage rack. Driver’s seat is visibly worn but sound. A recent restoration that shows off very well. – This Corvette, a 1969 model, was oddly fitted with a 1972-spec 454. That engine made 270 horsepower in 1972, while big block cars in 1969 made at least 390 and even the base 350 made 300. The car is very well presented, but the weird choice of engine made for an appropriate markdown in price. This money could almost buy you an equally pretty base 350/300hp from 1969, which would actually be lighter and more powerful. Sold at this sale last year for $39,600 and at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale sale earlier this year for $40,700 ($37,000 at the hammer) where the engine was described as a 454/390hp which, compression ratio aside, is probably accurate at least in performance. This is not a great way to make money collecting cars.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Three

1967 Buick GS 340 California 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1094 1967 Buick GS 340 California 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 433077Z112895; Gold, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $32,000 – $38,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $25,500 plus commission of; Final Price $25,500. With Reserve – 340.260hp, column-shift automatic, Firestone red line tires, bench seats, pushbutton radio, air conditioning. – Very well done paint. Excellent vinyl roof. Engine compartment has been restored and detailed to like new. Interior is very good. A slightly older body-off restoration that is still stunning and showable. – What is a GS 340 ‘California’? The bidders apparently couldn’t figure it out, either.
1960 Triumph TR3A Roadster
Lot # 1095 1960 Triumph TR3A Roadster; S/N TS73945L0; White/Red leather piped in White; White top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $24,000 plus commission of; Final Price $24,000. With Reserve – Factory overdrive, centerlock wire wheels, whitewalls, dual wing mirrors, wind wings, white vinyl top boot, rear luggage rack. – Good paint with a few scattered chips. Brightwork is original and has been polished. Engine compartment is tidy but used. Good, lightly worn interior. An older high quality restoration that has been looked after quite well. – It’s been enjoyed, but this is still a very sound car. Reported sold at Branson Fall in 2005 for $16,960 and at Branson Spring a month ago for $22,950, there is little or nothing left in this car for resale.
1953 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Lot # 1096 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N C530002388; White/Blue; Blue top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $27,000 plus commission of; Final Price $27,000. With Reserve – Powerglide, wheel covers, whitewalls, fender skirts, power top, blue boot cover, bench seats, radio. – Straight body with bad paint and noticeable chips and touch ups everywhere. Large trim pieces have been redone while smaller pieces and emblems have been ignored. Interior has been redone. Engine compartment is somewhat presentable but could stand to be cleaned up. A mediocre cosmetic restoration that really needs more attention. – This mediocre Bel Air should have been on its way to a new home at $22,000, let alone at the high bid reported here.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster
Lot # 1097 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster; S/N 3Y89Z133084; White/Red vinyl; Red top; Estimate $34,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $21,000 plus commission of; Final Price $21,000. With Reserve – 390/300hp, automatic, Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, pushbutton AM radio, power antenna, power windows. – Straight body panels with tired older paint. Chrome is faded and pitted. Convertible top is worn around the base from folding. Newer interior is very good. Engine compartment is aged and a bit grimy with age. A rather bland older restoration that would best serve as a casual weekend cruiser. – No one cared about this T-bird, which was appropriate to its presentation.
1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Lot # 1100 1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible; S/N 242678B115944; Flambeau Burgundy/Ivory vinyl; White top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $30,000 plus commission of; Final Price $30,000. With Reserve – 400/360hp YZ code engine, dual exhaust, automatic, Safe-T-Track rear end, Rally II wheels, red line tires, hood-mounted tach, hidden headlights, power steering, power brakes, tilt steering column, white vinyl top boot, Alpine cassette stereo. – Upgraded non-original engine. A fair paint job with scuffs to the front nose area and scratches on the driver’s side quarter panel. Good newer chrome. Convertible top has a few creases and areas of discoloration long the edges and the interior is original with some light wear. The engine compartment has been detailed but is only driver quality. A sound cosmetic redo that is clean and maintained underneath. – Sold at Mecum Kissimmee in 2012 for $29,680 and Bid to the same number at Mecum Kissimmee earlier this year. The replaced engine is a performance plus, but not going to get serious collectors’ hearts pounding. It is worth more than what was bid for it but in this condition and configuration, not a lot more.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 1102 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 40867S117668; Ermine White/Red vinyl; Black top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $33,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $36,850. No Reserve – 327/250hp, 4-speed, red line tires, JVC AM/FM cassette stereo, power antenna, dash clock. – Straight body and slightly faded paint with blisters on the nose. Good chrome. Faded convertible top. Engine compartment has been highly detailed. Interior is faded and original. A respectable, honest, largely original Corvette with a repaint, believable 72,946 miles on its odometer and appropriate ageing. – Equipped with the base 250-horsepower L30, this isn’t anybody’s dream car, but it is impressively preserved and well presented. Sold at Auburn Fall two years ago for $40,700, the price here was right on and neither party should feel anything but satisfied based on its specifications, equipment and condition.
1959 MG A 1600 MKI Roadster
Lot # 1103 1959 MG A 1600 MKI Roadster; S/N GHN72444; Engine # 16GA-U-13186; Red, Black hard top/Red leather; Black top; Estimate $35,000 – $40,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $28,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $31,350. With Reserve – Supercharger, MGB rear drum brakes, removable hard top, painted centerlock wire wheels, Classic All Season radial tires, driving lights, woodrim steering wheel, tonneau cover, luggage rack. – Paint is fair, lightly faded with some swirl marks. All chrome is very good. Rubber on hard top roof has aged and shows cracking. Hard top is fair with paint showing several hairline scratches. Interior is fair, seats are original and show wear. The dash and instruments are new and connect except for vacuum boost gauge. Interior door panels missing on both sides. Engine bay is very clean and well detailed. Restored in 2009 and tastefully modified for added performance, it’s no show winner but still a very sound car that’s ideal for vintage rallies and weekend blasts through the countryside. – A supercharger was common modification in period on MGs and still is attractive, accounting for the handsome price it brought.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster
Lot # 1116 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412021203; Midnight Blue, Blue hardtop/Parchment leather; Estimate $60,000 – $70,000; Older restoration, 4+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $38,000 plus commission of; Final Price $38,000. With Reserve – Automatic, rear window defroster on the hardtop, air conditioning, radio, power steering, power brakes. – Paint is fair with some fading, small scrapes on the doors and a large scratch on the driver’s side rear. Chrome is fair with some scratches and pitting around the windshield. Engine bay is decent and tidy but used. Interior is poor with very worn and discolored seats. The floor carpeting on driver’s side is also coming apart. Worn out dashboard. Restored 20 years ago and regularly enjoyed since if not maintained. It needs another round of restoration. – This late 280SL is a pretty worn out car but doesn’t have originality to use as an excuse. No Auburn bidders found themselves smitten with this car, and while the seller may think ‘This is a 280SL’ all the bidders can see is the neglect, use and age. It was bid to an appropriate price and the seller shouldn’t expect to get more until its many cosmetic (and mechanical?) shortcomings are addressed. Until then it’s just a 280SL beater, a car that could well be left in JFK economy parking with the keys in the ignition daring someone to steal it to collect the insurance.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Four

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Lot # 1117 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC55T016837; Light Blue, Dark Blue/Blue; Black top; Estimate $60,000 – $65,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,500 plus commission of; Final Price $40,500. With Reserve – 265/180hp Power Pack, dual exhaust, 3-speed, wheel covers, whitewalls, fender skirts, radio. – Fair paint with a few chips along the panel edges. Very good newer chrome. Top is original and is worn along the edges from folding. Engine compartment has been detailed but shows age. Interior is original and cared for. An older body-off restoration that is still presentable but not at all perfect. – There are so many good cars out there, not least among Shoebox Chevys, that fielding one that isn’t top notch at a high profile auction like Auctions America’s Spring Auburn is not going to find favor with bidders. This ’55 Bel Air Convertible has very attractive colors and a decent equipment package but its age and indifferent presentation curse it to the modest bid it brought.
1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster
Lot # 1122 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster; S/N WDBBA45A4CB012884; Red/Gray vinyl; Estimate $12,000 – $16,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $8,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $9,075. With Reserve – Automatic, fog lights, air conditioning, power windows, aftermarket stereo. – Mostly original one-owner car with newer seats and convertible top. Good original paint that is lightly faded and has one touch up on the trunk and one on right side of hood. Chrome is dull. Rubber seals are cracking. Front left rubber bumper is cracked. Other than newer seats, the interior is worn and rear vinyl is worn and torn. Engine is clean but not detailed. Showing 66,457 miles, it is still presentable enough to enjoy as is, but the next owner couldn’t be blamed for freshening it up. – Made from 1980 to 1985, the 380 was the least powerful of the R107s, although it was 120 pounds lighter than the 450SL that it replaced. The 380 is also the least coveted of the R107s, and is valued at around half the previous 450SL or the later 560SL. This one sold at Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale sale in 2014 for $7,260 and in January of this year in the same venue with just one fewer mile on the odometer for $7,150 ($6,500 at the hammer). After a few months of insurance and some transport costs, the seller made a bit of a profit here and should be grateful to be rid of it.
1967 Chevrolet Nova 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1125 1967 Chevrolet Nova 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 116377W171043; Dark Blue, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $30,000 – $35,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $22,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,750. With Reserve – 283/195hp with Edelbrock intake, dual exhaust, column-shift automatic, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, bench seat, AM radio with under-dash aftermarket stereo, aftermarket gauges, aftermarket ignition. – Paint is fair and somewhat faded with numerous small scratches and microblisters from the trunk deck line to the rear window. The hood has two sizable rust spots. Chrome is fair with ageing rubber that’s starting to dry. Engine bay is used but tidy with paint peeling off of the radiator. Interior is poor with wear and discoloration as well as a few tears on the bench seat. Vinyl roof is faded and worn but shows no damage. Undercarriage is worn. Less than ideal equipment and less than ideal condition, but at the very least a sound candidate for a basic cosmetic refreshment. – A fairly rough car showing 81,501 less than careful miles and equipped with the base powertrain under the hood. It’s hard to imagine anyone being smitten with this Nova, but only that or ignorance of actual market can explain the staggeringly high price here. Drinks were on the seller that Friday night. It was immediately trundled down I-69 to Indianapolis for the Mecum auction where it no-saled at a bid of $18,000, a much more reasonable value for the car and its condition.
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Lot # 1128 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH366290; Raven Black/Black, Cream; Raven Black top; Estimate $30,000 – $35,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $20,000 plus commission of; Final Price $20,000. With Reserve – Floor-shift 3-speed, rear fender skirts, black steel wheels with full wheel covers, whitewalls, power steering, aftermarket radio, Vintage air conditioning. – Mostly original. Very old repaint that is faded and lightly scratched. Chrome is dull and pitted around the wind wings. Rubber seals around the hard top are dried and cracked. Interior is in poor condition with much wear and discoloration. Engine bay is dirty. Rusty headers. Undercarriage is dirty with spider eggs and showing wear. A less than ideal T-Bird brought out of winter storage for a quick sale. – A grimy T-Bird with base equipment, this car got bid to what it deserved and no less, or more. The seller would have been wise just to be free of the thing and make more room in the garage.
1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk Hardtop Coupe
Lot # 1130 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk Hardtop Coupe; S/N 62V21468; Regal Red, Velvet Black roof/Black, White; Estimate $30,000 – $35,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $17,500 plus commission of; Final Price $17,500. With Reserve – 289/180hp, dual exhaust, column-shift automatic, Twin Traction rear end, power steering, steel wheels with full wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, factory AM radio, new gauges, bucket seats, aftermarket center console. – Paint is very good. Chrome is good with light wear around the windshield frame and pitting on the side mirror. Driver’s door fit is off. Interior is good with recently replaced seat upholstery. Engine bay is used but tidy. Rubber seals around the vent windows are starting to dry and crack. Plastic fins above the headlights are starting to crack. Not exactly nasty, but not reassuring, either. – The seller would have been well advised to listen to the grinder and take the money, if there was any.
1979 Pontiac Firebird 10th Anniversary Trans Am Coupe
Lot # 1132 1979 Pontiac Firebird 10th Anniversary Trans Am Coupe; S/N 2X87K9N158655; Silver, Red and Dark Gray graphics/Gray vinyl; Estimate $24,000 – $28,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200. With Reserve – Oldsmobile 403, dual exhaust, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, WS6 handling package, mirror finish T-tops, air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel. – Original exterior with damage to the `screaming chicken’ decal and also minor paint blemishes. The interior is clean but shows some fading from the sun. Tidy original engine bay and undercarriage. Showing just 40,288 possibly real miles, it could use some cosmetic attention, but good enough to enjoy as is. – Engine choices for Trans Am buyers in 1979 were the Pontiac 400 ci with 4-speed or the Oldsmobile 403 with automatic (and 35 fewer horsepower) like on this car. Neither engine made much power, so what attracts collectors to these cars is limited to looks and nostalgia, two things that apparently seduced the Indy bidders into big but not outrageous money for a 10th Anniversary Trans Am. It was bid to $17,000 at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction in January, so the seller did well to wait.
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Lot # 1138 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet; S/N WP0CA2999XS651522; Silver/Reddish Brown; Black top; Estimate $22,000 – $28,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $23,100. With Reserve – Air conditioning, alloy wheels, radio, power seats, power mirrors, power windows, power top, clean CarFax. – Represented as one owner from new. Paint is very good. Engine is bay is clean. Interior is fair as seats and carpets show a fair amount of wear that corresponds to the 32,000 represented miles. This is your standard used 996 that was driven a fair amount but well cared for. – A used car that still has panache for a modest price, probably at or close to the bottom of its depreciation curve.
1966 Chevrolet Caprice 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1139 1966 Chevrolet Caprice 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 166476N130045; Black, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $18,000 – $24,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $16,000 plus commission of; Final Price $16,000. With Reserve – 283/195hp, column-shift automatic, wire wheel covers, whitewalls, trailer hitch, bucket seats, radio, air conditioning. – The original vinyl top had held up well with slight fading on the edges. Paint is in very good condition. Brightwork has been polished and shows well. Engine was pulled and rebuilt 6,500 miles ago. The original upholstery has held up well although the dash has some damage from sun exposure. Very good presentation of Chevrolet’s top tier B-body for 1966, the first year for the Caprice as its own model. – This might be a pretty and well kept car, but it has the base 283/195hp L32 and is no star. The reported high bid was adequate.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Five

1977 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Lot # 1140 1977 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 1Z37L7S410105; Orange/Brown vinyl; Estimate $6,000 – $10,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $8,100 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $8,910. No Reserve – 350/180hp, automatic, T-tops, power steering, power windows, air conditioning, radio. – Paint is chipped around the nose and door edges, and the color between the passenger door and quarter panel do not match. The interior is original with cracked seat upholstery. The engine compartment appears untouched but is not overly grubby. Not great but not bad. Just an average, driver quality late C3 Corvette. – Good looks and an eye-catching color for just over eight grand (a bit below market in this case) makes up at least a little bit for the unfortunate lack of grunt that these late C3s had to offer.
1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible
Lot # 1147 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible; S/N 223679U30567; Dark Green/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $22,000 – $26,000; 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,775. With Reserve – 400/330hp, automatic, dual exhaust, aftermarket wheels, power steering, power brakes, later aftermarket CD stereo, B&M shifter. – Paint is chipped on the nose and cracked around the rear deck lid. Rear bumper is rusty and the aftermarket wheels (18 on the front and 20 on the rear) look oversized on this car. The interior has received attention with newer seat upholstery, but the rest of the interior is heavily worn. A scruffy beater. – With those rims and the top down, this car looks more at home in a rap video than a collector car auction. It’s not a terrible specimen, but the Auburn bidders were astute enough to bid it to an appropriate price with enough left over for a less ridiculous set of wheels and some badly needed cosmetic attention and underhood detailing.
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 1148 1991 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 1G1YY3389M5112327; Red/Black leather; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Original, with major mechanical repairs, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $7,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $7,700. With Reserve – 350/245hp, Tuned Port FI, automatic, aftermarket exhaust, upgraded brakes, hard top, power windows, power seats, air conditioning, aftermarket radio. – CarFax reports this vehicle as a total loss in 2011 but has a clear transferable title. If the vehicle was restored, it has been driven hard since with minor touches such as new chrome wheels and Sumitomo tires. Paint is poor with numerous chips and scratches on all portions. The fiberglass front shows many chips and scratches. All rubber seals are cracked and disintegrating. Newer rear body does not match the color of the rest of the vehicle. Seats have been replaced and driver seat has a tear. Dash and carpet show aging and wear. Engine has not been cleaned or detailed. Cobwebs and debris in engine compartment. Front under-carriage shows some work done but is dirty and unrestored. Portions of the vehicle have been replaced while others are original. This appears to have been placed hoping for a quick sale. – With a shady history, tired condition, L98 engine (the Corvette got 55 more horsepower a year after this car was built with the new LT1) and automatic transmission, this car has nothing going for it other than the hard top. For another 1,500 bucks, the buyer could have gotten a significantly prettier example with a clean history and it would have been money well spent. This is an expensive Corvette.
1979 Lincoln Continental Mk V Collector's Edition Coupe
Lot # 1150 1979 Lincoln Continental Mk V Collector’s Edition Coupe; S/N 9Y89S601301; Midnight Blue/Wedgewood Blue cloth; Estimate $18,000 – $22,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,750 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,225. With Reserve – Narrow whitewalls, sunroof, factory tool kit, leather-bound owner’s manual, 8-track stereo, CB radio. – An unrestored original car. The paint is fair with a nice luster but many stone chips around the nose and some small scratches on the passenger’s side. Chrome is good. Engine bay is dirty but orderly and complete. Interior is very good with very little wear. This is a better than average driver. Well cared for and seldom used with just 18,838 miles on the odometer. – This is a $12,000 car with a modest originality premium. It is more than capable of being used as is (for an owner with a large enough garage) and should be a satisfying acquisition at this price which is fair to both the buyer and the seller.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1153 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RM21N0C194077; Orange, Black hood stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,050. With Reserve – 383/335hp, automatic, dual exhaust, Cragar S/S 5-spoke wheels, Mastercraft Avenger G/T tires, bench seat, radio. – Repainted after reported rear end damage, which included a bent frame. The repaint quality is a bit poor with runs in several spots. The brightwork is aged and pitted. The original interior is faded. Not the most prestigious equipment and no star in terms of its condition, but a good enough driver for cruise nights. – The price paid here seems like a steal for a 1970 Road Runner no matter what engine is under the hood, but given this car’s lackluster presentation and a vague mention of frame damage in the catalog, it’s a number that both parties should be content with. It is unlikely ever to be worth much more than this.
1984 Avanti II Coupe
Lot # 1159 1984 Avanti II Coupe; S/N 12AAV1231E1003913; Gray/Gray leather piped in Black; Estimate $12,000 – $16,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $10,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $11,000. With Reserve – 305/190hp, automatic, dual exhaust, Magnum 500-type wheels, Firestone narrow whitewalls, sunroof, Pioneer stereo, power seats. – Paint is poor with too many blemishes to list, and many have been touched up. There are also several cracks near the rear bumper. Brightwork is dull from age. Engine bay is clean. Interior is original and lightly worn. Although it’s a newer Avanti and shows 55,580 miles, it’s still 30 years old and could use at least a cosmetic restoration. – No harm, no foul at this price.
1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1162 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N H57K31437903; Black, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $10,000 – $14,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $6,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $6,875. With Reserve – 350/145hp, automatic, dual exhaust, dual mirrors, power steering, power brakes, power windows, radio, air conditioning, swivel-out bucket seats, burled wood dash. – Decent paint and body with a blemish on the hood and a small dent on the driver’s side door. The vinyl roof looks original and is bubbling on the driver’s side. The brightwork is badly pitted around the taillight bezels and the rear bumper is oxidized. Engine bay is grubby but complete and presentable. This is a decent car overall but the bland presentation could be offset by even a basic cosmetic attention. – A basic boulevard cruiser with precious little power on tap and in average condition at best, this ’73 Monte Carlo is not a valuable car. Even so, it’s worth more than the winning bid here. The seller was eager to offload this car and the buyer got an emerging classic Chevy for well under five figures. Both parties should be satisfied and it is the answer to old-timey collectors who bemoan the five- and six-figure prices of the cars they didn’t buy in the Sixties and Seventies. Buy a Monte Carlo now and wait for the market to come to you.
1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur 4-Dr. Sedan
Lot # 1173 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N SCAZN02A9JCX24047; White, Blue vinyl roof/White leather piped in Blue; Estimate $12,000 – $15,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $13,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $14,300. With Reserve – Column-shift automatic, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, gold Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, wood dash and window trim, aftermarket stereo, Motorola telephone, wood fold-out tables in the seat backs. – All original. Rough, dull paint with several touchups on the passenger’s side and scraped paint near the left rear wheel. Vinyl top is faded but straight and clean. Seat upholstery is heavily worn. Wood trim is in good condition. Engine bay is clean but not detailed. Original wheels are lightly dinged up. Showing 36,934 miles but presents like a car with more, and for a Rolls-Royce like a car with a lot more. A cheap ticket to Rolls-Royce ownership, but no one’s pride and joy. – Reassuringly advertised as being in the same family from new, this old but not quite classic Rolls is still a risky buy. It was not represented with service records, which is everything on a car like this, and deferred maintenance on a Rolls even with relatively low mileage (36,934 in this case) can spell trouble. The buyer paid a market appropriate price, leaving him no room if something big (or even little) fails.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Six

1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible
Lot # 1176 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible; S/N 10704412021634; Red/Tan; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $6,000 plus commission of; Final Price $6,000. With Reserve – Air conditioning, aftermarket radio, Burled wood accents, power windows. – Paint is fair with fading and a number of chips. Chrome is good with one small ding on the driver’s side window trim. Engine bay is clean with a new battery, but the painted surfaces in there are cracked and peeling. Interior is fair with seats showing mild wear and discoloration. Undercarriage has been undercoated and shows mild wear. Car is missing the driver side mirror glass. This is a vehicle that has been recently cleaned up to bring to auction. A tired old car with condition that matches the 108,094 miles on the odometer. – Six figures on the odometer and lots of flaws proved to be sufficient deterrents for this car, and the bidding just never went anywhere. This isn’t a rare car (four of them in this sale alone), so potential buyers had no problem taking a quick look at this one and moving on.
1962 Buick LeSabre 4-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 1179 1962 Buick LeSabre 4-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 4I1071307; Turquoise/Blue vinyl; Estimate $12,000 – $14,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $7,300 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $8,030. With Reserve – 401/325hp, stainless steel exhaust, column-shift automatic, wheel covers, Coker narrow whitewalls, bench seats, radio, air conditioning. – Fair paint with a few golf ball sized touch ups on the passenger side. Trim is oxidized and pitted. Engine compartment and interior are mostly original. The rear seat and the door panels are worn and faded. A mostly original car with new exhaust and a recent brake service. Not too rough to enjoy as a neat survivor-quality car, but would benefit from a straightforward cosmetic freshening. – It really isn’t necessary to spend a fortune, or even a small fortune, to experience car collecting, as this big LeSabre 4-door hardtop indicates. Lots of room for the family or another couple on a night out on the town where it will attract far more attention than even the latest M-B or Bimmer sedan.
1968 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe
Lot # 2019 1968 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe; S/N H8321188; Grecian White, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl with cloth inserts; Estimate $14,000 – $18,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $9,750 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $10,725. With Reserve – 472/375hp, column-shift automatic, narrow whitewalls, bench seats, climate control, power windows, power brakes, cruise control, AM Radio. – Paint is fair with some fading and a chip on both the passenger door and the trunk. Chrome is good. Black vinyl top is in very good condition. Engine bay is very clean and well detailed but with paint chipped on the power steering pump and heat wear on the headers. Interior is clean with only light wear on the seats. Undercarriage is clean with light wear. This will make for a nice driver that you can fit the entire family in. It’s a car that’s gotten cosmetic attention when needed but is still fairly original and showing 73,687 believable miles. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson back in January for $10,450, another affordable entry level collector car that is more than good enough to be used as is.
1986 Dodge Omni Shelby GLHS Hatchback
Lot # 2024 1986 Dodge Omni Shelby GLHS Hatchback; S/N 1B3BZ18E8GD262812; Black/Gray cloth; Estimate $10,000 – $14,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $8,600 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $9,460. No Reserve – 2.2/146hp turbocharged, fuel injected, 5-speed, Koni adjustable springs, front air dam, graphics package, alloy wheels, mud flaps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, radio. – Very good original paint with excellent graphics. Grille has a crack and the front bumper has some chips. Engine compartment is very good for its age but has not been detailed. Wheels are very good and seem to have no wear and the interior shows like new. A very clean example of a Shelby Omni, a once obscure model that’s gained some recent notoriety. – Rarely seen, and then a truckload of performance econobox Mopars show up here at Auburn Spring. An attractive and unusual little car that can really Go Like Hell [Squared?] Carroll did know how to promote himself.
1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 2070 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N WS23L77226989; Bright Red, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,200. With Reserve – 440/375hp Magnum with Six Pack intake added, 4-speed, Road wheels, red line tires, power steering, power brakes, bucket seats, pushbutton AM/FM radio, air conditioning. – Paint is good except for a few small chips, one on each side of the hood and one right on the hood. Front and rear chrome is very good. Trim is fair with aging and minor pitting on the vent windows. Engine, interior and undercarriage are all very good. A very good, interesting Mopar that’s good enough to show with pride at shows on the local level. – A solid car and a solid value at this price. It may not be a Hemi, but it has plenty of grunt from the Magnum, bright paint and solid workmanship in the restoration. The buyer should be highly satisfied with the quality of the car and the transaction.
1969 Plymouth Road Runner 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 2071 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RM21H9A226242; Frost Green Metallic, Black hood stripes/Green, Gray vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $31,000 plus commission of; Final Price $31,000. With Reserve – 383/335hp, dual exhaust, column-shift automatic, Road wheels, Radial T/A tires, power steering, bench seats, AM radio. – Paint is fair and has many tiny dings and scratches. Front and rear chrome is good while the trim is fair due to dulling. Engine bay is very good and well detailed. Interior is very good. Rubber around the rear quarter windows is cracking. Undercarriage is clean and shows minimal wear. Restored some time ago and in driver quality condition today. – A Road Runner is one of the most attractive Muscle Cars of the Sixties, but the reported high bid should have been enough to see the owner part company with this older restored and visibly used example.
1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 2075 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 40927W145324; Gold/White vinyl; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $7,100 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $7,810. No Reserve – 164/95hp, Powerglide, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, radio, documented with window sticker, manuals and books. – Straight bodywork. Single repaint showing well with a few scattered scratches. Very good recent chrome. Engine compartment is detailed and largely original. Lightly worn interior. Largely original with newer paint and chrome, this is a solid Corvair Monza. – From the Howard and Norma Weaver collection. Thanks to their unconventional layout and lack of a V-8, Corvairs have a much narrower target audience in the world of classic Chevys, and even the more upscale versions have remained quite affordable. This sound, pretty, well cared for and usable Monza Club Coupe brought a slightly less than market price. People have spent plenty more than this just on a trip to the Porsche mechanic after a winter’s storage.
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible
Lot # 2080 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 5F08C716653; Red/Red vinyl; White top; Estimate $22,000 – $28,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $29,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $31,900. With Reserve – 289/200hp, automatic, wire wheel covers, Goodyear narrow whitewalls, rear luggage rack, Rally-Pac gauges, pony interior, power top, power antenna, radio, air conditioning. – Decent older paint job with a few cracks on the rear deck lid. Brightwork has been polished and the bumpers have been re-plated. The engine compartment has been spotlessly detailed and the interior is original with minimal wear and fading with age. An older restoration that still presents quite well. – A very good Mustang Convertible with a quality restoration, sympathetic preservation of as much originality as possible and careful use since the restoration was done. It’s also been meticulously detailed for the auction, a factor that is often overlooked in maximizing its value in the few hours of the auction preview and the few minutes on the block. Good, clean, tidy, orderly presentation shows that someone cared about the car and that builds bidders’ confidence. All those factors combined to bring a strong, but fully deserved price for this Mustang.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Seven

1960 Pontiac Bonneville Vista 4-Dr. Sedan
Lot # 2081 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Vista 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 860W3942; Black/Red, Brown vinyl; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,750. No Reserve – 389/303hp, column-shift automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, fender skirts, bench seat, dual power antennas, WonderBar radio, dash clock, power windows. – Minor checking to the paint on the passenger’s side quarter panel on an otherwise immaculate paint job. All the brightwork has been replaced and the interior has been expertly restored. Engine bay looks new and is highly detailed. Beautifully restored a while ago, an AACA National First Prize winner and still nearly impossible to fault. – It is refreshing to see a 4-door sedan restored to such high standards, a car that is far more rare – particularly in this condition – than a comparable sport coupe or even convertible. Just over 39,000 of these distinctive flying saucer roof Bonnevilles were built but they appear only rarely and always draw a crowd. This is a huge price for one, but the new owner can be comforted by the realization there was an underbidder and the car that was acquired is going to be an object of pride and confidence in the quality of its restoration.
1960 Chevrolet Impala 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 2083 1960 Chevrolet Impala 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 01837S159915; Red, White roof/Red vinyl with red Houndstooth cloth inserts; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $29,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $32,450. With Reserve – 348/240hp, Tri-power, column-shift Powerglide, wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts, bench seat, power antenna, radio. – Brightwork has a few scratches and pitting around the windows. Paint is chipped all along the panel edges. Engine compartment was thoroughly detailed a while back and has been used since. Interior has aged and the white houndstooth has become discolored. An older cosmetic restoration that could use another round of freshening up but is still good enough to be seen in. – Values for these Impalas have stayed flat, and the price paid here for this driver quality 348/280hp example was as spot on as it would have been a few years ago.
1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop Coupe
Lot # 2087 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop Coupe; S/N 6102436; Tiara Gold Metallic, White/Gold, White vinyl; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100. With Reserve – 289/275hp Paxton blown V-8, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, machine turned dash face, bench seat, dual antennas, pushbutton AM Radio. – Paint is good with one small chip on the right front fender, one on the hood and a small blister on the left front quarter panel by the door gap. Chrome is fair with some dulling and scratches and some pitting around the headlight. Engine bay is clean with several labels coming off. A new radiator has been added. Interior is good with newer seat upholstery. Floor and steering wheel show slight wear. Undercarriage has been undercoated. A largely original and well maintained car with a mediocre repaint, nothing spectacular condition-wise, but a noteworthy car thanks to its rarity and performance. – Sold at RM’s sale of the Milt Robson collection in 2010 for $46,200 then represented as 51,264 original miles with no such claim made here for the 51,306 now on the odometer. Single owner auctions frequently have the effect of smoking out every possible bidder for cars of known quality and provenance and often the next time they’re sold bring significantly less. This is a realistic price for this Hawk’s condition and equipment.
1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
Lot # 2090 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible; S/N 860S8252; Blue/Blue vinyl; White top; Estimate $75,000 – $85,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $48,400. No Reserve – 389/315hp, Tri-power, automatic, hub caps and trim rings, whitewalls, skirts, power steering, power brakes, power top, bucket seats, center console, WonderBar radio, power windows, dash clock. – Good paint, but the hood and fenders are slightly different shades. Excellent chrome. Top is in very good condition with some creases from being stored down. Interior is original with visibly worn but sound upholstery. A sound older cosmetic restoration with a few spots for improvement but is still good enough to enjoy as is. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2004 for $37,800, then a no-sale at RM’s Ft. Lauderdale auction in 2011 at $45,000, at Auctions America’s FLL auction in 2012 at $40,000 high bid, then sold there in 2013 for a curve-setting $60,500. It came back to earth here and is interesting that it was offered without reserve, a gamble sometimes taken to light a fire under bidders who know the car will be changing hands. The Auburn Spring tinder must have been a little damp because this price is barely smoldering, but entirely reasonable.
1962 Amphicar Model 770 Convertible
Lot # 2092 1962 Amphicar Model 770 Convertible; S/N 31931941; Regatta Red/White, Charcoal vinyl; White top; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $33,000 plus commission of; Final Price $33,000. With Reserve – White steel wheels with hub caps, blackwall tires, bench seat. – A recent cosmetic restoration. Paint is good but has one small scratch by driver’s side door and a crack on the rear. Chrome is fair with large amounts of pitting around the vent windows. The top has been replaced and fits well. Rubber seals on the inside of doors have been replaced. Rubber around windshield is original and starting to harden. Passenger’s side door does not sit well and is difficult to close. Engine bay is good and clean but not like new. The interior is fair with new seat upholstery. The dash is all original and worn. Chrome trim is dull and pitted. The props look original and show some aging but have no damage to the blades. The transmission housing has been replaced and appears secure. Always an interesting vehicle, and once this one has its door fit addressed it will be a fun, pretty toy. – Although they made mediocre cars and worse boats, Amphicars make up for it in character and sheer novelty. Character and novelty are things that collectors like and are willing to pay for, and lots of Amphicars have been coming to auction lately. This unexceptional but perfectly good example deserved a bit more money, and the seller was wise to save it for another venue where there might be more Amphicar fans in the room.
1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback
Lot # 2097 1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback; S/N 7F02S209418; Acapulco Blue/Blue vinyl; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $60,500. With Reserve – 390/320hp, 4-speed, dual mirrors, pushbutton AM radio, Goodyear Polyglas tires. – Paint and bumper chrome are very good. Trim around windows and windshield is fair due to aging and dullness. Engine bay is correct, clean and properly detailed. Interior is good with newer seats but the carpets shows wear. Undercarriage is clean but shows slight wear. This Mustang has the pony car look with the power that started coming with the second half of the first generation Mustangs. A cosmetically redone car that makes a good driver. – A ’67 Mustang with the S-Code 390/320hp is a desirable car, especially with a 4-speed like this one, but this was a huge price for a car in just slightly above average condition and the seller can consider this trip to Auburn a huge success. Sold last month at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach sale for $50,600, which was still a high price. The seller made out very well here. The buyer will be in this Mustang (which is not a bad place to be) for a long time before the world catches up to the price paid.
1982 Ferrari 308 GTBi Coupe, Body by Pininfarina
Lot # 2099 1982 Ferrari 308 GTBi Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFAA01A0C0039279; Bianco/Black leather piped in Red; Estimate $60,000 – $75,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $53,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $58,300. With Reserve – Alloy wheels, leather tool kit, power windows, Denon stereo. – Original and unrestored, showing 34,293 miles. Advertised as having a service two years ago, but no information on what that service entailed. Paint is good with a couple of small chips on the front and the rear. Engine bay is clean but not detailed. Interior is fair with both seats showing heavy wear inconsistent with the 34,293 miles on the odometer. Undercarriage is good with little wear. With new upholstery this would be a better than average driver, but now it’s a used 308 in an uncommon color. – The 308 GTBi that was introduced in 1980 featured Bosch fuel injection on its two-valve V-8 instead of the Weber carbs of the first 308s, and was way down on power as a result. They’re still one of the cheapest ways to Ferrari ownership, but even these less coveted models have been caught up in the recent sharp increases in Ferrari values. The price paid here was expensive but not outrageous for a good but not exceptional example, and the seller should be happy to have cashed in on the Ferrari craze. There is a time to take your profits and this seems like the time for 308s.
1974 Pontiac Firebird Coupe
Lot # 2104 1974 Pontiac Firebird Coupe; S/N 2V87X4N131701; Buccaneer Red, Orange graphics/Black cloth; Estimate $75,000 – $85,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $70,000 plus commission of; Final Price $70,000. With Reserve – 455/290hp Super Duty, automatic, power windows, radio, air conditioning. – Very straight bodywork. Paint is very good other than some microblisters on the right rear wheel well. Door and window trim are lightly pitted, but the rest of the chrome is very good. Engine compartment has been detailed and the old decals have been replaced. There is minor fading on the seats but the rest of the interior is in excellent shape. A very well kept, largely original car showing just 40,814 miles. – Really? Walked away from $70K for this Firebird? Yes, it has the Super Duty, but it’s an automatic. Yes, it is largely original, but it’s aged. It should have been on its way to a new home at $55K, and there is a good argument for letting it loose even before that.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Eight

1965 Ford Mustang GT Fastback
Lot # 2105 1965 Ford Mustang GT Fastback; S/N 5R09K143918; Poppy Red, White GT stripes/White vinyl; Estimate $65,000 – $75,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $62,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,750. With Reserve – 289/271hp, 4-speed, styled steel wheels, double band red line tires, Pony interior, GT package, woodrim steering wheel, Rally Pac gauges. – Paint is good other than swirl marks from buffing. Front and rear chrome is good. Trim is dull. Engine bay is excellent, correct, clean and detailed with proper stickers. Interior is fair with some discoloration and light wear. Undercarriage is clean with mild wear. A well-presented restoration in pretty colors matched with the desired “Hi-Po” engine makes for a head turner. – A highly desirable Mustang that slips perfectly into everyone’s image of the first generation Pony Car. It’s the one to want, and that applies particularly to this one, which is thoroughly and competently restored and has been maintained carefully since it was done. The buyer might have been able to find a similar car in specifications and restoration for a little bit less, but that requires taking a risk, and that risk is reasonably quantified in the modest premium of a few thousand dollars paid here to go home with the car and not be disappointed.
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
Lot # 2106 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible; S/N 11304412014748; Blue Metallic/Tan vinyl; Dark Blue top; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $57,500 plus commission of; Final Price $57,500. With Reserve – Automatic, steel wheels with color-coded wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, Becker Mexico radio. – Paint is good with one small chip on the nose and two thin scratches on the trunk. Front and rear chrome is fair with some light pitting. Engine bay is very good, clean and detailed. The interior is very good and shows almost no wear. The top has been replaced and fits well. Undercarriage has undercoating and is clean with very little wear. This vehicle has a Florida title that brands this as a rebuilt vehicle. It’s an obvious red flag, but it appears to be a very solid car overall. – An ordinary 280SL burdened by a rebuilt title should have sold well before the reported high bid. Consignors sometimes think that holding on to try to drag out the last bid is good strategy. It isn’t. If there is bidding by two or more it is far better to lift the reserve at a reasonable amount and hope the pursuit of the now loose and selling car will encourage the bidders to stay in the game.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Lot # 2108 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC56K057596; Nassau Blue, India Ivory/Dark Blue, Light Blue; India Ivory top; Estimate $90,000 – $10,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $60,000 plus commission of; Final Price $60,000. With Reserve – 265/205hp Power Pack, Powerglide, Continental kit, skirts, wheel covers, whitewalls, dual mirrors, power top, power windows, power steering, power brakes, bench seat, aftermarket cassette stereo. – Paint, engine, and interior are very good. Chrome is fair with large amounts of pitting on the front bumper. Top has been replaced and fits well but is discolored. Undercarriage is clean with mild wear. An older restoration that now presents as a better than average driver. – A strong and usable ’55 Bel Air Convertible but this is also a strong price for its condition and could just as easily been cut loose and held for another auction.
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback
Lot # 2109 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback; S/N 1F02R201430; Grabber Blue, Gray accent stripes/White vinyl; Estimate $75,000 – $85,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $59,091 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $65,000. With Reserve – 351/330hp, 4-speed, 3.9:1 Traction-Lok, Magnum 500 wheels, Firestone tires, rear spoiler, power steering, dual mirrors, Sport Interior Group, Hurst shifter, center console, radio. – Paint is very good with some slight swirl marks on the roof. Chrome is very good. Engine is correct and has all the correct stickers and is well detailed. Interior is very good with almost no wear. Underbody is very clean with no signs of use. A very well done recent rotisserie restoration and sure to be a show winner. – The Boss 351 was a one-year-only Mustang, and with just over 1,800 built they are quite rare by Mustang standards even if they aren’t the most highly valued. This excellent example came in well under market value in a transaction that closed post-block. Another 10 grand still have been a sound value, this price is a bargain.
1988 Porsche 911 Turbo 930 Convertible
Lot # 2110 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo 930 Convertible; S/N WP0EB09XJS070396; Guards Red/Black; Black top; Estimate $80,000 – $90,000; Original, modified for competition or performance, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $65,000 plus commission of; Final Price $65,000. With Reserve – 3299/282hp, turbo, 5-speed, Fabspeed exhaust, steel slant nose, polished Fuchs wheels, snorkely brake light, power seats, power steering, orange gauges, air conditioning, radio, power windows. – Very well maintained original exterior with only a few minor chips and a scrape on the rear bumperette on the driver’s side. The wheels have been polished and the engine compartment has been cleaned. The interior is in good condition with only some wear to the driver’s seat. A quality example of a well maintained, original 930. Showing 56,895 miles and presents better than many of the used and abused 930s out there, even if it does have the polarizing slant nose (non-original in this case) fitted. – Only a year ago the reported high bid would have won this car, but not today. The light modifications, not the condition, are likely what deterred bidders in this case.
1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 2113 1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 237375P354025; Tiger Gold, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $70,000 – $80,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $62,500 plus commission of; Final Price $62,500. With Reserve – 389/360hp, Tri-Power, 4-speed, Hurst wheels, red line tires, bucket seats, Hurst shifter, woodrim steering wheel, radio, center console, PHS documented. – Good paint with chips along the nose. Very good roof vinyl. Very good re-chromed bumpers. Engine compartment has been detailed but not restored. Interior appears to be replaced recently. A sound older restoration that has minor flaws. – Sold at Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale auction in 2006, then offered by Bonhams from the Reggie Jackson collection at Quail Lodge in 2009 with a high bid of $65,000. It is desirably equipped and finished and deserved at least another 10 grand before reaching the territory of an appropriate price. This was just an unfortunate miss, and it will hopefully meet with more enthusiasm if it follows the Auctions America tour and shows up at July’s California sale.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Lot # 2114 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC57F230722; Onyx Black/Red vinyl with silver inserts; Red top; Estimate $80,000 – $95,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $60,000 plus commission of; Final Price $60,000. With Reserve – 283/220hp, Powerglide, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, dual power antennas, dual mirrors, power top, power steering, power brakes, bench seat, red vinyl top boot cover, WonderBar radio, power windows, dash clock. – Excellent paint. Very good recent chrome. Engine compartment has been highly detailed. The interior is excellent and has been thoroughly detailed. A very recent cosmetic restoration that leaves nothing serious to be desired. – Beautifully presented and well equipped, this Bel Air brought nowhere near what it should have, even though it was $4,000 less than the high bid at Auctions America’s Ft. Lauderdale auction six weeks ago. Another trip to another auction is going to cost money and time, and time is money. It’s time to take what’s on the table.
1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 2115 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 20867S114380; Roman Red, Roman Red hardtop/Red vinyl; Estimate $100,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $75,000 plus commission of; Final Price $75,000. With Reserve – 327/360hp, 4-speed, Rochester fuel injection, spinner wheel covers, US Royal whitewalls, hard top, WonderBar radio, dash clock. – An older body-off restoration. Paint is fair and is starting to fade and has chips on the hood and a large scratch on the trunk. Front and rear chrome are very good while rest of trim is fair with fading and scratches. Engine bay is clean and detailed. Interior and underbody are very good. Better than an average driver and very desirable equipment. – The ’62 Corvette was the last of the C1s and the only one available with the 327/360hp fuel injected V-8 that would come in the ’63 Stingray. It was an option on less than 15% of Corvettes in 1962. Sold at the Mecum Bloomington Gold Corvette auction in 2004 for $61,425 in essentially the same condition it is in today showing 423 fewer miles than here, then at Barrett Jackson in 2005 for a stirring $85,320. It is a very good if not prime example and deserved quite a bit more than the high bid.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Nine

1957 Imperial Crown Convertible
Lot # 2118 1957 Imperial Crown Convertible; S/N C5736398; Sunset Rose/Brown, Beige leather; Black top; Estimate $90,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $69,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $76,450. With Reserve – 392/325hp, FirePower V-8, pushbutton TorqueFlite automatic, full wheel covers, wide whitewalls, factory air conditioning, AM radio with power antenna, aftermarket speakers, power seat, power steering, power brakes, power windows. – Paint is fair with some fading and small chips and touch ups all around. Chrome is fair, both back and front bumpers have scratches. Both tail lights are chipped and scratched. The top has been replaced and fits well. The engine bay is clean and detailed. Radiator shows some damage. Interior is very good. Undercarriage is clean with very little wear. An older body-off restoration in an eye-catching color. The pluses outweigh the minuses, making this a solid cruiser and something to be proud to own. – In 1955, Chrysler made Imperial a separate brand in order to compete with Lincoln and Cadillac, resulting in magnificent cars like this one. Although it’s past its prime, it isn’t in need of anything and the price realized here was inexpensive but not a steal. It sold at Russo and Steele in Monterey in 2011 for $42,900, then a month later at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas sale for $60,500 and at Bonhams’ sale at the Petersen Museum also in 2011 for $77,220. It is a load of luxury in a striking color for a realistic price today.
1972 Porsche 911S Targa
Lot # 2123 1972 Porsche 911S Targa; S/N 9112310569; Silver Metallic/Black leatherette; Estimate $160,000 – $230,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $140,000 plus commission of; Final Price $140,000. With Reserve – Targa roof ski carrier with period skis, Fuchs wheels, BF Goodrich G-Force Sport tires, Hella fog lights, air conditioning, tinted glass, VDO dash clock, documented with Porsche CofA. – Paint is fair with a quarter-sized crack above rear right wheel and a few scratches on driver’s door. Paint is peeling on the Targa badge on both sides. Chrome is good. Engine is clean but not detailed. Interior is good with little wear. Undercarriage is clean but shows moderate wear. Cosmetically refreshed, regularly maintained and heavily documented but never fully restored. Largely original and showing 66,985 (likely 166,985), it’s a rare and very presentable 911S driver. – It’s no big news that 911 prices have gone wild. Half this much would have bought you the best 1972 911S Targa in the world only a few years ago, but today it’s an appropriate number for a thoroughly maintained and mostly original example like this.
2006 Ford GTX1 TT Roadster
Lot # 2125 2006 Ford GTX1 TT Roadster; S/N 1FAFP90S26Y400847; Gray, Black stripes/Black leather; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $330,000. With Reserve – 330/1000hp twin turbo, vinyl stripes, McIntosh CD stereo system, chromed BBS forged aluminum wheels, custom painted brake calipers. – Paint overall is very good with one small chip on hood on the accent stripe, several chips on lower driver’s door. Engine bay and interior are both very good and show almost no signs of use. A very rare car that will stand out even among a crowd of other GTs. – A factory sanctioned project taken to another level with twin turbos on the little V-8 to produce mind (and chassis) bending power. With regular Ford GTs bringing this much and even six figures more the exclusivity of the GTX1 and the adaptability of its convertible body has much in its favor, but it was priced like a cut car which, in view of the gazillions it cost out of Mark Gerrish’s shop, is something of a bargain to the right buyer.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Lot # 2126 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet; S/N 11102712004266; White/Dark Blue leather; Blue top; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $272,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $299,750. With Reserve – Automatic, wheel covers, leather and wood dash, Becker radio with power antenna, removable center console seat pad, dash clock, power windows, power top, power steering. – Paint is fair with numerous swirls on the trunk, a large scratch just above driver’s side headlight and chips just behind driver’s door and rear with touch ups. Chrome is fair with scratches and pitting on rear accent pieces. Engine bay is very good, clean and well detailed. Top has been replaced and is in good condition and fits well. Interior is good with slight wear on the driver’s seat. Underbody has been undercoated and is clean with little wear. A largely original four-owner hand-built Mercedes that’s been cared for quite well and shows 50,539 believable miles. – While nearly a third of a million dollars is a lot to pay for an old, series-built M-B, the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is an automobile of rare distinction, quality, luxury and performance for which this much money is the order of the day.
1961 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible
Lot # 2129 1961 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N 10867S102971; Roman Red, White coves/Red vinyl; White top; Estimate $110,000 – $130,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $56,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $62,150. With Reserve – 283/315hp, fuel injection, 4-speed, spinner wheel covers, Firestone whitewalls, WonderBar radio, dash clock. – Paint is decent with swirl marks and two cracks, one on rear and one on right rear quarter. Chrome is fair with some scratches and a couple spots of pitting. Top has been replaced and fits well. Engine bay and interior are very good. Undercoated in the wheel wells. It is clean with no signs of wear. An older body-off restoration, this is a desirable vehicle with the fuel injection and a better than average driver. – Fuelies in 1961 came with either 275 horsepower or 315 like this car. A quality example like this could have brought another 10 grand without being over-priced, even given the age of its restoration and the visible shortcomings in its presentation. It is a good value at this price.
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 2130 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N JS23R0B107384; Lemon Twist, Black R/T striping/Black vinyl; Estimate $340,000 – $380,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $300,000 plus commission of; Final Price $300,000. With Reserve – 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. – There was a time, back in the mists of memory, when Hemi Challengers were seven figure cars (at least among the people who owned them and traded them back and forth to create value legends.) No more. This is as good as any Hemi Challenger out there, even to its High Impact color, but if the seller passed on Three Hundred Large there is more legend-building going on.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Lot # 2131 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 194377S106016; Rallye Red, Black stinger/Black; Estimate $125,000 – $145,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $85,000 plus commission of; Final Price $85,000. With Reserve – 427/400hp, Tri-power, 4-speed, side exhaust, Michelin Symmetry narrow whitewalls, power steering, tinted glass, tilt steering column, air conditioning, AM/FM radio. – An older restoration. Paint is fair with swirls, chips and scratches on front and rear. Chrome is fair with dulling and scratches on trim around the windshield. Engine bay is good, clean but not detailed. Interior is good with slight wear on driver’s seat. Undercarriage is clean with mild wear. A desirable car with the desirable L68 under the hood, this example is nevertheless past its prime. – The high bid here should have been enough to take this car home. It was bid to $78,000 at the Mecum Corvette auction at Bloomington Gold in 2004, then sold for $108,000 at Kissimmee four months ago. Once a car is bought for too much, as this one was at Kissimmee, trundling it around from auction to auction is not a recipe for profit, just going further underwater.
1987 Buick Regal GNX Coupe
Lot # 2132 1987 Buick Regal GNX Coupe; S/N 1G4GJ1173HP452830; Black/Gray, Black cloth; Estimate $110,000 – $120,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. With Reserve – Goodyear Eagle VR50 tires, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, AM/FM cassette stereo, tilt steering column, cruise control, power driver’s seat, power windows. – A completely original car showing 121 miles. Paint is decent with visible swirl marks. Engine bay, undercarriage and interior are excellent. A well-kept, extremely low mileage car treated as collectible from new. – Number 496 of 547 GNXs built. These cars cost $30,000 when new compared to the $11,000 regular Grand National. Barrett-Jackson just sold a 362-mile GNX in Palm Beach for a record $165,000. This one with 121 miles on the odometer may have brought 50 grand less, but it was still a very strong and more realistic price. The trouble is that there are too many GNXs out there with essentially only delivery miles.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Ten

1973 Jaguar XKE SIII V12 Roadster
Lot # 2133 1973 Jaguar XKE SIII V12 Roadster; S/N UD1S22449; Silver/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $75,000 – $90,000; 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $62,500 plus commission of; Final Price $62,500. With Reserve – 4-speed, chrome centerlock wire wheels, Pirelli tires, woodrim steering wheel, wood shift knob, aftermarket radio, power windows, power steering, factory air conditioning. – Paint and chrome are excellent. The top has been replaced and is in good condition. Interior is fairy worn with some light cracking on the driver’s seat. Engine bay is good and clean but not detailed. Very well maintained from new and largely original, this V-12 XKE has a charming level of patina but is still clean enough to please just about anyone. – The reported high bid would have been plenty two years ago, but the XKE market has moved on, even for the less desirable SIII versions. The seller can’t be blamed for holding out.
2006 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Lot # 2135 2006 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe; S/N SCFAB01A46GA06023; Meteorite Silver/Obsidian Black leather; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. With Reserve – 6-speed, alloy wheels, mahogany wood veneer, Linn 950 Watt audio system, heated front seats, navigation. – Paint, engine, and undercarriage are all excellent. Interior is very good other than one small scrape on center console on the driver’s side. A very well kept, very lightly used Aston with a rare proper manual and 6,000 miles on it that comes at a big discount off of the original MSRP. – $191,120 MSRP in 2006, $66,000 in 2015, nine years later. Ouch, but appropriately price here.
1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 2136 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 10867S102671; Roman Red, White coves, Red hardtop/Red vinyl; Estimate $75,000 – $85,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $58,000 plus commission of; Final Price $58,000. With Reserve – 283/270hp solid lifter dual quad engine, 4-speed, Red steel wheels with spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, two tops, power windows, aftermarket stereo, dash clock. – Paint and bumper chrome are very good. Window trim is dull. Engine bay is clean but not overly detailed. Air intake hose has been replaced. Hardtop is fair with dull trim and cracked rubber seals. The interior is fair as everything has been replaced except for the worn carpeting. Underbody is clean and lightly used. An older restoration that’s still solid but nothing special. – A sound, presentable and usable dual quad Corvette that could have been sold without only a twinge of regret at the reported bid.
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Lot # 2139 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH170208; Inca Gold/White; Black top; Estimate $64,000 – $70,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $56,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $62,150. With Reserve – 312/245hp, automatic, skirts, wheel covers, whitewalls, AM radio, power steering. – Paint is very good. Chrome is very good other than a couple of scratches on the front bumper. Top has been replaced and fits well. Interior is very good with no noticeable wear. The engine is correct, clean and properly detailed. The undercarriage is extremely clean had has no signs of use since restoration. A show-ready T-Bird with 146 miles on it since a full restoration was completed earlier this year. – The difference in value between this fresh, sharp, crisp restoration and one restored to equal standards a while ago, then driven, is apparent in this result, a premium price for a premium car.
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
Lot # 2141 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible; S/N 11304412000728; Gray/Red vinyl; Estimate $75,000 – $85,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $55,000 plus commission of; Final Price $55,000. With Reserve – Automatic, color-coded wheel covers, Pirelli narrow whitewalls, woodrim steering wheel, aftermarket radio. – Bad, dull paint with numerous scratches and chips with shoddy touch ups. Chrome is fair with some dulling and some pitting. Engine bay is quite used and dirty with some oxidation on the headers, although the motor is reported to have been rebuilt. Interior is fair with mild wear and discoloration. The undercarriage shows wear and some early signs of corrosion. Heavily used and quickly cleaned up for sale. – This Pagoda SL isn’t good enough to enjoy as is and will require quite a bit of expensive work to get it presentable, so the Auburn bidders were wise to keep that in mind and bid it to a perfectly appropriate price. The seller would be lucky to get a bid that high again and should have cut it loose if there was money on the block.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 2145 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 30867S114919; Sebring Silver/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $55,000 – $60,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $48,000 plus commission of; Final Price $48,000. With Reserve – 327/250hp, 3-speed, centerlock wheels, hard top, woodrim steering wheel, radio, dash clock. – Very good paint. Straight bodywork. The engine compartment is clean but not highly detailed. The interior shows some noticeable wear on the driver’s seat. The chrome has been polished but a few scratches remain. An 10-year-old restoration that’s just presentable. – In terms of what’s under the hood, this car is the base model of all base models, and in terms of C2 Corvettes that’s a very rare credential. These cars actually came standard with a 3-speed manual, but less than 5% were so equipped. It has a hard top for an extra bit of rarity but that is hardly enough to make it special, particularly in its sound but unimpressive condition. The curiosity factor of this car didn’t get the Auburn bidders chomping at the bit, though, It is unlikely to find a bidder willing to pay more for it elsewhere.
1960 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
Lot # 2148 1960 Pontiac Catalina Convertible; S/N 160P47051; Lucerne Blue/White vinyl; White top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100. With Reserve – 389/315hp, Tri-power, column shift 3-speed, Safe-T-Track rear end, wheel covers, whitewalls, power brakes, power top, radio, power antenna, air conditioning. – Passenger’s side door has been touched up and the passenger’s side front fender is chipped. Most of the brightwork has been replaced, but the original bits that remain are pitted. Engine bay is original but cleaned up. Good, lightly worn interior. A well maintained, largely original car that’s gotten cosmetic attention when needed and a very rare 3-speed manual. – Offered at Auburn Fall in 2003 and 2004 with reported bids of $24,000 and $27,000, at Kruse Phoenix in 2005 where it sold for $31,320, then at Auburn Fall in 2013 bid to $30,000 and Leake Dallas in November 2013 sold for $28,050. That is a remarkably consistent trend over a period of twelve years and puts today’s price in sharp perspective although from a pure enjoyment view it is an impressive and enjoyable convertible for not a lot of money.
1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 2149 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194671S106577; Sunflower Yellow/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $60,000 – $70,000; 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000 plus commission of; Final Price $40,000. With Reserve – 454/425hp replacement engine, 4-speed, Rally wheels, AM/FM radio, power windows, power steering, tilt steering column, dash clock. – Very good paint with negligible flaws. Original convertible top is still in very good shape with only a few creases from being folded down. Engine compartment has been thoroughly detailed. Interior is original with some wear on the driver’s seat. Non-original engine. An LS6 clone that offers big performance and sound condition at a discount. – A real LS6 would be worth three or four times the high bid. Although this is a very well done clone, the Auburn bidders weren’t seduced and only bid it up to the value of a base 350/270hp. This car failed to sell at a high bid of $45,000 at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale sale back in March, so the seller might want to adjust his expectations and cut this one loose at its next outing.

Auctions America Auburn Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Eleven

1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner Convertible
Lot # 2155 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner Convertible; S/N C7BC146216; Colonial White/Red, White vinyl; White top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $38,000 plus commission of; Final Price $38,000. With Reserve – 292/212hp, Fordomatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, fender skirts, power top, bench seats, pushbutton AM radio, continental kit. – Paint is good with a few chips on the rear deck lid and one on the passenger’s side fender. Bumpers have been redone and the original trim has a few scattered dings and scratches. Very good newer top and interior. A very good restoration that’s a bit older aside from the interior and top and that have seen some use. – An ordinary Ford convertible, bid to ordinary Ford convertible money and realistically could have been sold with minimal regret. There is nothing special about this Sunliner, nor about the treatment it has received.
2007 Ford Shelby GT-H Convertible
Lot # 2156 2007 Ford Shelby GT-H Convertible; S/N 1ZVHT85H075332392; Black, Gold stripes/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100. With Reserve – 238/320hp, automatic, front and rear spoilers, air conditioning, power top, power windows, power seats, Shaker 500 audio system, Carroll Shelby signature on dash. – All original. Paint is decent with some fine-line scratches on the driver’s side door and a chip on front bumper. The engine bay is clean and lightly used. Top is good and fits well. Interior is good with minimal wear. A nice tribute to the early Hertz Shelby Mustang, it is still a head turner but not quite like new. One of 500 built, compared to the original 1,0001 GT350Hs. – A good everyday driver that is something a little bit special even among the gazillion modern Mustang variants and things bearing Carroll Shelby’s name. On the other hand a good ’05-’06 Pontiac [Holden] GTO will suck its doors off for half the price.
1971 Dodge Challenger 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 2159 1971 Dodge Challenger 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N JH23G1B445054; Blue, White/Blue vinyl; Estimate $18,000 – $22,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $12,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $13,750. No Reserve – 318/230hp, floor-shift automatic, power steering, power brakes, bucket seats, AM/FM radio, factory air conditioning. – Good paint with some cracking around the seams and a few scratches on the passenger side drip rail. Original brightwork has not aged well with bad scratches and pitting. The interior is partially replaced with the front seat covers are noticeably newer than the rear. The engine compartment is original and has been detailed for sale. A straight, honest, partially redone car that would benefit from a more comprehensive restoration but could be enjoyed as is. – A base powertrain, lackluster condition and unusual colors for a Challenger meant that this car failed to win many fans in Auburn. It was bid to $10,000 here a year ago, so the seller did well to wait, although waiting longer would be unlikely to discover a bidder willing to pay any more than this.
1949 Plymouth P-15 Special Deluxe Convertible
Lot # 2164 1949 Plymouth P-15 Special Deluxe Convertible; S/N 12356293; New Brunswick Blue/Blue vinyl with Tan cloth inserts; Beige top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,455 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,000. With Reserve – 218/97hp six, 3-speed, dual exhaust, skirts, wheel covers, whitewalls, power top, pushbutton radio. – Paint is fair with many swirl marks and scratches dispersed all around. Chrome is fair with dulling and pitting. Newer top that fits well but shows a fair amount of dirt and discoloration. Engine is clean and detailed. Interior is good with slight wear on floor and dash. Undercarriage is clean and shows only mild wear. A strong older restoration that now makes a good, pretty driver. – Yawn. Postwar Mopars were the original shoebox cars and their boxy design was matched by anemic powertrains. This will be a fun and unusual weekend driver, but not a car that will ever get bidders’ blood flowing and it brought a reasonable, post-block transaction, price.
1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop Coupe
Lot # 2166 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop Coupe; S/N 6102659; Apache Red, White/Red vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $37,400. With Reserve – 289/275hp, McCulloch supercharger, automatic, dual exhaust, wheel covers, whitewalls, power steering, machine turned dash, AM radio. – Paint is fair with several small chips on the nose, two touch ups between rear window and trunk on the right side and several scratches on the roof. Front and rear chrome is good. Window trim is dull and lightly scratched. Engine bay is clean and detailed. Engine stickers are all intact. Interior is clean but lightly worn. Seams on both driver and passenger seat are pulling apart. An AACA National First Prize winner in 2000, it is now a good driver. – Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2008 for $41,800 with three fewer miles on the odometer than it displays today. It isn’t getting any better with age, nor is its value.
1957 BMW-Isetta 300 Coupe
Lot # 2167 1957 BMW-Isetta 300 Coupe; S/N 507760; Red/Red tartan cloth; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200. With Reserve – White steel wheels with hubcaps, whitewalls, folding sunroof. – Paint is good with three small chips around the door latch. Interior is fair with light wear and fading. Chrome is fair with some aging showing and a chip on front right bumper. Gas cap is missing. Sunroof fabric is discolored. Undercarriage shows some wear with a piece of tape from painting still attached. A restoration done on a budget and not taken too seriously. – The market for cars heavy with the cute factor has grown tremendously, especially for top notch restored examples. This car cannot be described as top notch, and although over 20 grand seems expensive for a 750-pound car with a one-cylinder engine, it’s an appropriate price in today’s market and still less than half what a show quality Isetta 300 could bring. It sold at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach in 2003 for $16,416 with the $7,800 bump to 2015 being solely attributable to Isettas’ cute appeal in the market (and an inflated dollar). The Isetta is no better now than it was then.
1960 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible
Lot # 2175 1960 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible; S/N 0C55Y136481; Monte Carlo Red/Red, Black, White vinyl; White top; Estimate $34,000 – $38,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,200. With Reserve – 352/300hp, automatic, hub caps and trim rings, whitewalls, power top, power steering, power brakes, AM radio. – Paint is fair with swirls and a small scratch on the left rear fin. Two touch ups above the left taillight. Chrome is fair with scratches and fading and slight pitting on driver’s side vent window. Engine bay is clean but aged. Interior is good with little wear but the white portions of the seats are discolored. Dirty, worn underbody. An older cosmetic restoration that is now a solid driver good for hauling the family. – Sold here a year ago for $26,400. You make your money when you buy, not when you sell: this Sunliner was underpriced a year ago, today it is full retail.

[Source: Rick Carey]

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