Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2014 – Auction Report
Auctions America by RM, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 14-16, 2014
Many auctions seem to be struggling for quality consignments, probably because there are so many auctions popping up all over the place.
Based on their Fort Lauderdale auction this year, Auctions America doesn’t seem to have that problem. There were quality cars everywhere – along with some bufonidae – making Fort Lauderdale a car show that presents plentiful examples to appeal to every collector’s and spectator’s interest. It’s a successful symbiosis with other Auctions America sales in Auburn and Burbank and the catalog sales of RM Auctions.
The evolution of Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale auction shows clearly in the table below with 5% fewer cars offered but a 19.5% higher sale total in 2014 from 2013. Fewer but better cars equals more money.
Of course it helps that it’s only a week after Amelia Island, an excuse to hang out in warm, sunny Florida for a few days. The weather in Fort Lauderdale was much more temperate than it’d been a few hours’ drive north in Amelia the weekend before and a welcome escape from the Northeast’s recurrent (and continuing) Polar Vortex freezes.
After several months of auctions distinguished by their headline sales of six- and seven-figure cars Auctions America in Fort Lauderdale was a welcome respite, an interlude of values that hew to a continuum of steady progression without manifesting near-quantum leaps. It rather cleared the air after two months of befuddling, eye-watering, record prices.
Rather like the clear, warm South Florida climate clears away the frosty rime of recurrent Polar Vortices.
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Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2014 – Auction Report
Lot # 103 1967 Pontiac Firebird Convertible; S/N 223677U153659; Dark Blue/Parchment, Blue vinyl; Taupe vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Post-block sale at $12,727 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $14,000 – 326, automatic, P/S, P/B, Grant wood steering wheel, radio removed, Rally wheels, spinner hubcaps, trim rings, blackwall tires. – Scuffed old paint with blisters, scuffed stainless, pitted door handles, rusty rear bumper. Distinctly odd color combination. Usable, but not attractive. – The greenish taupe convertible top over the dark blue body and parchment/blue upholstery is almost enough to cause indigestion, but it’s characteristic of this Firebird’s nasty presentation, exemplified by the seller’s removal of the radio, probably the most valuable component of the car. The price it brought post-block is a gift to the seller.Lot # 106 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible; S/N 1C3BC55D5GG275412; Light Beige/Beige vinyl; Beige vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,750. No Reserve – Automatic, AM-FM, A/C, P/W, wheel covers, blackwalls. – Mediocre old repaint with some blisters, water stained stainless, sound upholstery. Power top and power quarter windows don’t work. Just a K-car, but one with 41,563 miles from new. – Sold twice here, under this lot number for this price, then on Saturday as a re-run for $3,520, nothing short of amazing. The interior was represented as ‘leather’ but that must refer to the ‘Corinthian leather’ that Ricardo Montalban presented proudly in K-car ads of the period, made from plastic Corinthian cows, like the Naugas that upholstered hot rods of the period.Lot # 107 1986 Nissan 300ZX Coupe; S/N JN1HZ14S3GX158542; Red/Black velour; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $5,500 plus commission of; Final Price $5,500 – Automatic, Alpine CD stereo, alloy wheels, tinted glass tee-tops, Michelin Harmony blackwalls, A/C, P/W. – Clean, orderly used car with a decent older repaint. – A Nipponese Corvette of the mid-Eighties, larded with luxury options and lacking the responsiveness and performance of its 240Z predecessors. Datsun lost its way with the 300ZX and this well preserved but non-distinct car could have been let go at the reported high bid.Lot # 108 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 6Y89A813499; Metallic Ruby Red, Grey leatherette roof/Red velour; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $4,400 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $4,840. No Reserve – Power everything, cassette stereo, Emilio Pucci edition. – Sound old repaint, weak trim chrome, good interior. Surprisingly clean and well preserved. – Kruse offered this Pucci Edition Mark IV at Boca in 2009 with a reported high bid of $4,000. Five years later it’s worth no more.Lot # 119 1939 Ford DeLuxe Tudor Sedan; S/N 184777887; Black/Brown cloth; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $11,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $13,000 – 85hp V-8, 12 volt alternator, Mallory magnetic breakerless distributor, hubcaps, trim rings, antenna but no radio, no heater. – Peeling, buffed through old repaint over old paint. Tattered original upholstery. Peeling chrome. Dry, surface rusted original chassis and underbody. New glass. Attracted a lot of attention, most of it good. – A charming old relic presented in condition no ‘rusto-rod’ could duplicate and bought entirely reasonably for its charm and patina.Lot # 122 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Coupe; S/N 1Z89L8S901651; Black, Silver/Silver leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500 – L-48, automatic, AM-FM-CB radio, A/C, P/W, P/S, P/B, alloy wheels, Radial T/A tires, mirror glass tee-tops. – Decent older paint, original upholstery. Dirty underhood appropriate to the 39,159 miles on the odometer. Imagine, a ’78 Pace car that’s been driven. – Let’s get this clear, by the consignor’s own submission there were 6,502 1978 Corvette Pace Cars built. Bought for silly money when new as ‘instant collectibles’, they have done nothing better than defy the Consumer Price Index with their static values. This 39,000 mile example brought essentially what it showed on its window sticker in 1978, So much for instant collective.Lot # 124 1990 Alfa Romeo Graduate Spider; S/N ZARBA12C3L6001962; Red/Beige vinyl; Black cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $6,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $7,500 – Clarion CD stereo, wheel covers, blackwall tires, A/C. – Erratically masked older repaint. Sound upholstery, worn old top. Dry, oxidized engine. A mediocre driver that will benefit from some attention and miles. – There is nothing of any significance wrong with this Graduate that making up for its deferred maintenance couldn’t cure, aside from the tacky old repaint and a new top, that is. It brought a reasonable price for what it is, and a real value to an Alfa lover.Lot # 125 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Convertible; S/N 1412531778; Green/Tan leatherette; Beige vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $13,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $14,575 – Hubcaps, bumper overriders, no radio or heater. – Quick old repaint over some filler in rear fenders and over headlights. Sound interior and top. Surface rusty old underbody. Generally sound if superficially cosmetically presented. – Not an attractive car, and this is a generous price for its visible shortcomings.Lot # 126 1947 Cadillac 62 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 8422996; Black/Grey cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $10,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $11,000 – Automatic, heater, pushbutton radio, sombrero wheel covers, wide whitewalls. – Poor, chipped old repaint, erratic chrome, sound upholstery. A tired but solid old mostly original Cadillac. – The core of Cadillac’s model lineup for 1947. Fresh out of World War II and into a market that had been starved of new cars for seven years, Cadillac could sell every one it could build and it built 25,834 of them. Today convertibles are seen far more often even though Cadillac built only a quarter of the quantity of sedans, making this largely original but tired survivor a relatively rare if not particularly appealing car. It brought a healthy price for its neglect and condition.
Auctions America by RM Fort Lauderdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 128 1955 Nash Statesman Super 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N K638184; Palomino Brown, Snowberry White roof/Blue-Green cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $5,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $5,500 – Three speed with overdrive, heater, no clock or radio, hubcaps, trim rings, narrow whitewalls, window-mounted evaporative cooler. – Quick old repaint and interior, torn old body seals, erratic chrome, aged engine compartment, wiper scratched windshield. Solid body, doors close well, poor hood fit. Not pretty, but pretty unusual. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach last year for $9,350, this cannot have been a very satisfying ownership experience, particularly with just three more miles on the odometer than it had then, about enough to get it on and off the truck for two transporter rides. This result is much more realistic than last year’s. This is not much of a car.Lot # 185 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible; S/N BH27D72305912; Ivory/Ruby Red vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600 – 273/180hp, automatic, P/S, A/C, hubcaps, red line tires, pushbutton radio, buckets and console, gauges, 4-barrel carb. – Gorgeous, fresh, crisp, 2009 AACA Senior winning restoration. Impossible to fault in any meaningful way. – Reported sold at Mecum Kissimmee in 2010 for $39,750, then offered in Kissimmee in January with a high bid of $37,000, this is a Barracuda that needed to go away. The restoration is beautiful, but the car is uninteresting.Lot # 188 1947 Studebaker Commander Regal Deluxe Convertible; S/N 4280834; Tulip Yellow/Red vinyl; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $33,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $36,300 – 3-speed overdrive, turn signals, heater, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, fog lights, remote spotlight, skirts. – Very good older paint, chrome, top and original interior. Restored like new underhood with a little age but almost no use. Sharp dashboard, gauges, steering wheel and interior chrome. Ex-Charles Cawley and a very attractive car done to unusually high standards and thoughtfully preserved. – Sold by RM at Hershey last October for $38,500. Two sales within five months within 6% accurately defines the market for this car, which is more interesting and eye-catching than its market value gives it credit for.Lot # 192 1966 Porsche 912 Coupe; S/N 454382; Engine # 744184; Polo Red/Black; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 – 5-speed, Blaupunkt AM-FM, silver steel wheels, hubcaps, Michelin XAS blackwall tires, folding back seats, Porsche CofA. – Very good recent repaint over moderately filled body. Sound, lightly stretched original interior. Mostly good chrome. Very good, fresh engine compartment done like new. Underbody is like new. An unusually thoroughly done 912. 1965-series engine number. – With early 911s rocketing out of sight the 4-cylinder 912s are getting attention as an attractive alternative. This one is very well done and freshly presented in essentially showroom condition with its original interior. The result is superior for a 912, but congruent with early 911 values’ escalation.Lot # 194 1964 Pontiac LeMans GTO Convertible; S/N 824P166617; Engine # 140819 78X; Light Metallic Green/White; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $53,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $58,300 – 389/325hp with Tri-Power added, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, P/S, P/B, console vacuum gauge, column mounted tach, cassette stereo, Hurst 5-spoke alloy wheels, red line tires, CD changer in trunk. – PHS documented GTO with an older but still very good restoration. – About the only thing a modern collector could ask of this LeMans GTO would be air conditioning, an option that was surpassingly rare in 1964 but is appealing today. GTO values still haven’t caught up with other muscle cars of the era, more’s the pity except for those who recognize their unique status as the car that started the whole Muscle Car craze. Offered by Auctions America at Auburn Fall in 2010 with a high bid of $44,000, then in 2013 with a $50,000 bid, even at this price it is a sound value in a quality GTO.Lot # 195 1987 Ferrari Testarossa; S/N ZFFAA17B00069441; Engine # 00265; Red/Tan leather; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $55,000 plus commission of; Final Price $55,000 – Centerlock alloy wheels, blackwall Eagle tires, A/C, maintenance records, books and tools. – Grey market with Ferrari of Boston sticker. Good original paint with a few edge chips and dimples. Sound, lightly stretched original interior, dusty, lightly oiled engine compartment looks like the engine has been out. Car card says 29,000 miles but odometer reads 40,254 and is clearly labeled ‘Miles’. – The consignor can be forgiven for thinking this two owner well-maintained Testarossa is worth more than the reported high bid, but would not have been criticized for accepting it.Lot # 209 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible; S/N L415743; Maroon/Maroon, White leatherette; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $58,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,800. No Reserve – Automatic, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, pushbutton radio, continental kit. – Good paint, chrome and interior. Underbody quickly painted assembled. Engine is dirty, oily and only superficially redone. Even gaps and flush panel fits. A good looking driver quality cosmetic restoration. – Sold by RM at the Art Astor auction in 2008 for $79,750, at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2009 for $82,500 and last October by RM at Hershey for $90,750, this Caribbean shows 631 more miles on the odometer today than it did at B-J five years ago and is little if any worse for wear. It didn’t make its consignor proud, though, and muddled through at a favorable price for the new owner.Lot # 212 1973 BMW 3.0CS Coupe, Body by Karmann; S/N 2250426; Silver/Red leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $29,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $31,900 – Automatic, Coustic cassette stereo, P/W, A/C, alloy wheels, Pirelli P6000 blackwalls. – Good repaint but slovenly applied and masked underhood. Seats recovered in material not matching the original interior trim. Grubby engine. Old, cracked body seals, weak trim chrome. Wheel wells sprayed body color over old, lumpy undercoat. Filled rear quarters. A good car to avoid. – Fairly despicable, but exceptionally valued by the Ft. Lauderdale bidders, this is a BMW prepared to look good under superficial inspection at the auction. The bidders rewarded the consignor for the smoke and mirrors.Lot # 227 1976 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible; S/N 23111925; Dark Green/Beige leather; Beige leatherette top; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $37,400 – 440/220hp, automatic, alloy wheels, blackwall tires, P/S, P/B, A/C, cassette stereo. – Terrible old blistered repaint, worn original interior. Filthy underhood, rusty trunk floor. A rat. – This price should have bought a good, solid, well-maintained example. It was cataloged as a 4-speed, something hard to manipulate with only two pedals. The new owner is seriously underwater and will not enjoy trying to get out from under this pachyderm.
Auctions America by RM Fort Lauderdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 445 1975 Lamborghini Espada 2 + 2, Body by Bertone; S/N 9684; Silver-Grey/Black leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $77,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $84,700 – Chrome spoke wire wheels, Goodyear Viva blackwall tires, P/W, Philips cassette stereo, Ferrero leather rim steering wheel. – Decent repaint, sound interior, fair chrome, underbody partially repainted. Engine is original except for service items and shows age and use appropriate to the 18,737 miles on the odometer. Wire wheel spokes are rusty. – Miuras are outa sight, 350 and 400 GTs not far behind, but with comparable Ferraris bringing a quarter to a third of a million dollars an Espada looks very attractive (in specifications, if not so much in Bertone’s fussy coachwork.) The new owner shouldn’t be faulted for the price paid, at least until the first service bill is rendered.Lot # 447 1978 Fiat 124 Spider; S/N 124CS10127296; Engine # ;, /; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400. No Reserve – 1,600cc replacement engine, Konig alloy wheels, Falken blackwall radials, luggage rack, Sony CD stereo, fat woodrim steering wheel, burl wood dashboard and console trim. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Freshly restored and upgraded only a little. – There’s a lot of summer fun in this Fiat, a svelte little sportster that has a lot going for it and at a reasonable price. An astute purchase for the new owner.Lot # 456 1966 Morgan +4 Tourer; S/N 6083; BRGreen/Black leather, Green piping; Black top; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $25,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,050. No Reserve – Black wire wheels, Michelin XAS blackwall tires, Lucas driving light, tribar headlights, luggage rack, badge bar, Moto Lita 4-spoke woodrim steering wheel (original banjo spoke wheel included.) – Fergus stock number 23891. Cosmetically restored with mediocre paint with edge chips. Sound interior shows age. Orderly engine compartment but dirty unrestored chassis and underbody. Decent chrome. A sound Morgan driver. – Bought right on the money, an attractive alternative to its Triumph second cousins with the added appeal of being a Morgan for no more money. A sound acquisition that should return many miles of enjoyable and distinctive driving.Lot # 459 1958 Plymouth Fury 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N LP2E38813; Light Beige/Beige vinyl, Gold, Brown cloth; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $38,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,350 – Golden Commando 350/305hp dual quads, automatic, no P/S or P/B, heater, pushbutton radio, dual rear antennas, skirts, wheel covers, whitewalls. – Very good older paint, chrome and interior. Clean, sharp engine compartment. Restored like new and maintained that way. Showing age but still very desirable. – Sold at Auburn Fall in 2004 for $21,600, then at Worldwide Houston last May for $33,000, collectors seem finally to waking up to just how rare and interesting Golden Commando Furys like this are. This result is no home run for the seller, but for the new owner there’s hope.Lot # 464 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Victoria 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N B1CH180855; Light Green, Black roof/Grey vinyl, cloth; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $17,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,250 – 100hp flathead, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts, bumper overriders, pushbutton radio, wraparound 3-piece rear window, remote spotlight, red plastic hood ornament. – Older paint with chips, cracked and peeling on the cowl, surface rust under the rear window corners. Decent older interior and chrome. Usable as is until the paint needs to be renewed. – Sold by Worldwide in Houston in 2006 for $23,100, the condition of this Victoria is less than attractive and that accounts for its mediocre price, which is all it deserved to bring even though the car itself is a desirable model and body style.Lot # 466 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BH20E72676149; White/White vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 – 273/235hp, 4-speed, front disc brakes, Rallye wheels with trim rings, Radial T/A tires, pushbutton radio, buckets and console with tach. – Good older repaint with overspray in the fenderwells. Sound interior. Erratic chrome and stainless. Orderly underhood showing some age and use. Not a show car but much better than most and desirably equipped. Represented as original driveline. – A curious car with the little 4-barrel engine and 4-speed and likely to be a lot of fun to drive but lost to the current generation of collectors who hew to the later RB engines and forget there’s anything else in the Barracuda family tree. The new owner got a good and unusual driver for a reasonable price.Lot # 468 1966 Ford Mustang GT Notchback; S/N 6F07A291166; Emberglo, White vinyl roof/Emberglo, Parchment vinyl; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $39,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $43,450 – 289/225hp, 4-speed, console, styled steel wheels with trim rings, narrow whitewalls, Rally Pac gauges, woodgrain steering wheel, fog lights, AM-FM. – Restored inside and out, top and bottom better than new. Bits of weak chrome. Paint is superb. Engine compartment is like new and spotless. – This is a sweet color combination, a sleeper that looks like what was called in the Sixties ‘a secretary’s car’ but has the right stuff to hold its own on the street. Auctions America thought it was worth over $70,000, about as far above the mark as this price is below it. This is a sweet Mustang at a modest price.Lot # 469 1975 Maserati Merak; S/N AM122US2114; Silver-Grey/Black leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $44,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $48,950 – AM-FM, alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, P/W. – Flawed, scuffed, microblistered paint, scuffed bright trim, sound upholstery, good dash and gauges. Engine is orderly and reasonably clean but not restored. Represented as 1,900 miles and one owner. Note on dashtop says, ‘This car has No Brakes’, but at least they’re not the Citroen ones. – This is huge premium for originality, single ownership and the 1,900 miles for a car that needs comprehensive (and not cheap) attention to make it a safe and reliable (as much as any Maserati can be) driver. It would have been a sound buy at half this price.Lot # 470 1974 Excalibur SS Phaeton; S/N 746282; Lemon Twist Yellow, Black fenders/Yellow; Black patent top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 – 454 LS4, automatic, dual black patent covered sidemounts with mirrors, dual spotlights, Carson lift-off top, cassette stereo, Lucas driving lights, A/C, P/S, P/B, chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, wind wings. – Represented as built for Jackie Gleason. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine and chassis show age and use appropriate to the 17,620 miles on the odometer. Windshield frame chrome is a little weak, but the overall impression is sharp. – Air conditioning on an Excalibur is like tits on a bull, interesting but of no practical value. That aside, this is a good example of Brooks Stevens’ retro-car with a celebrity history as a bonus. And awaaaaay we go.
Auctions America by RM Fort Lauderdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 472 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Convertible; S/N F58S133274; Aegean Aqua/Aqua, Silver, Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 348/250hp, 4-barrel, Powerglide, P/S, P/B, A/C, skirts, dual rear antennas, pushbutton radio, stoplight viewer, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, dual outside mirrors. – A sound and presentable old restoration in unusual colors. Done to good driver standards but nothing special to begin with and now old and used. Overspray inside fenders, body supports repainted over old rust pits. – This is not a gorgeous Impala, it’s no more than a good Impala driver. The price is in largely attributable to its handsome colors. This is not a bad buy, but is all the money for it.Lot # 473 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 Convertible Indy Pace Car; S/N 124679N627222; Engine # T0326JB; White, Hugger Orange stripes/Orange vinyl, houndstooth cloth; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 396/325hp, 4-speed, console gauges, AM-FM, woodgrain steering wheel, P/B, cowl induction, Rally wheels with trim rings, F70-14 Polyglas tires. – Documented with Protect-o-Plate. Very good paint and major chrome but scuffed stainless. Very good interior. Engine was restored better than new but now is dusty down deep and even showing a little surface rust on the front crossmember. – Sold for $60,950 at Mecum’s Kansas City auction in December 2011. Almost in showroom condition, the ‘almost’ could be eliminated by careful and thorough detailing. 4-speed 396 Pace Cars are rarely seen and the Ft. Lauderdale bidders appropriately jumped on this one.Lot # 474 1980 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser Utility; S/N FJ40L320059; Beige/Grey leatherette; Beige vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,273 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,000 – Hubcaps, Warn front hubs, rear-mounted spare, center facing rear seats, 2F engine, Pro Comp suspension, locking front differential. – Restored like new. No, really, like new. Not overdone, just done everywhere and just right. – The FJ to have. This FJ is done right with upgrades that are visually subtle but increase its drivability. With some selling in the six-figure range this is an FJ-value even if its rugged capability could be matched by a Jeep CJ for half the money.Lot # 477 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N JH23J0B283936; Go Mango, Matte Black hood/Burnt Orange vinyl; Modified restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $58,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,800 – 340/290hp, Six Pack, 4-speed, Hurst pistol grip shifter, no console, heater, pushbutton radio, Rallye wheels, trim rings, Radial T/A tires, Sure Grip, Rallye instrument, hood scoop, side-exit exhausts, P/S, P/B. – Originally an automatic (comes with). Restored like new with excellent cosmetics in an especially unusual and attractive color scheme. – It isn’t necessary to have a Hemi or a 440 Six Pack under the hood to own an exciting, fast Challenger. The 290hp Six Pack 340 under this T/A’s hood is plenty powerful and lighter than the RB lumps for better handling. The colors are a bonus, a big bonus, on top of its choice equipment. It is worth all the money it brought.Lot # 482 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster; S/N TRA999; OEWhite/Maroon leather; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $51,700 – RHD. Woodrim banjo spoke steering wheel, fender mirrors, Lucas King of the Road headlights, Lucas fog lights, windowed rumble seat cover, added tach and oil temperature gauge. – Beautifully restored with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Multiple show winner. Exceptionally good interior wood color keyed to the upholstery and trim. – One of the most admired cars at Auctions America’s Ft. Lauderdale auction with its quality endorsed by a Best of Show at a Triumph National Convention. The car card compares it with its Jaguar counterparts, but 68 horsepower doesn’t hold a candle to the XK’s 160. That aside, however, and this is a beautifully restored, presented and judged car that brought a fully deserved superior price.Lot # 483 1940 Cadillac 60 Special 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 6323234; Green, Light Green roof/Beige cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $22,000 – Trippe lights, dual sidemount enclosures with mirrors. – Bad paint, pitted, peeling chrome, decent interior. Clean but used old underbody. Delaminating side windows. No good surprises, but solid and a good starting place for a decent restoration. – Sold by RM at Meadow Brook for the same price in the somewhat better condition showing just 58 fewer miles on the odometer in 2008. Bill Mitchell’s milestone design that influenced the next generation of Detroit luxury cars, it has many faults but is still one of the best, cleanest, designs of the end of the classic era.Lot # 484 1949 Buick Super Convertible; S/N 54495065; Sequoia Cream/Vermillion vinyl; Black cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $51,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $56,100 – Dynaflow, vermillion steel wheels, hubcaps, trim ring, wide whitewalls, radio, power top, heater, grille guard. – Good older paint now showing touched up edge chips and some prep flaws and adhesion issues. Good interior and top. Good major chrome, peeling wind wing trim, scratched window sill bright trim. Old undercoat. Engine shows use. A handsome, but not entirely satisfying, cosmetic restoration that makes a positive first impression. – In the Forties and Fifties GM’s divisions were largely independent fiefdoms with their own chassis, engines, body design studious and fiercely independent and competitive general managers vying for a place on the Fourteenth Floor. Buick conceded nothing to Cadillac as this handsome Super convertible shows. Its condition leaves something to be desired but on tour no one will get close enough to notice. Bought right here for what it is, the new owner should be satisfied with both the car and the price paid for it.Lot # 490 1955 MG TF 1500 Roadster; S/N HDE43/8403; Engine # XPEG2397; Dark Brown/Tan vinyl; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,050 – Wind wings, chrome wire wheels, Lucas fog lights, headlight stone guards, seat belts, Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel. – Car card says the color is deep burgundy but those grapes must have been past their crush-by date. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine is clean, orderly, restored and lightly used. Not a show car, but far better than a driver. – A solid TF 1500 for an equally solid price.Lot # 495 1958 Cadillac Series 62 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 58G120719; Black/White vinyl, Black cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,600 – Automatic, WonderBar radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, P/S, P/B, manual windows, remote driver’s mirror. – Chipped old mediocre repaint, sound interior, erratic chrome. Claimed to be original paint but not with the masking lines. Grungy engine and underbody. Mostly original, but uninspiring. – Reported sold by Auctions America at Fall Auburn last September for $35,200, the seller is fortunate to get out from under this decidedly mediocre, if inherently pleasing, Cadillac with only this loss. The new owner has a hard decision ahead to decide what to do with it.
Auctions America by RM Fort Lauderdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 528 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Coupe; S/N 194377S111981; Marlboro Maroon, Black Stinger/Black; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $227,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $250,250 – 427/435hp, M21 4-speed, AM-FM, F41 suspension, offroad exhaust, 3.55 Positraction, tinted windows, transistor ignition. – Checking but sound and presentable original paint, a few stone chips, good chrome and interior. Four 2008 NCRS Top Flight awards Documented with tank sticker and Protect-o-Plate. Represented as original drivetrain. Very original and well preserved. – It’s difficult, but not improbable, to argue with the price this 427/435 coupe brought. It is fully valued at this price and represents the continuing attraction of the three deuces, solid lifter Big Block.Lot # 530 1958 Devin Special Roadster; S/N S71531; White, Blue stripes/Black vinyl; No top; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – 283 dual quads, Devin intake, 4-speed, dual Plexiglas windscreens, removable driver’s head fairing, woodrim Moto-Lita steering wheel, aircraft style belts, 5-spoke centerlock alloy wheels, Devin nuts, front disc brakes, silver painted side exhausts, S-W antique style gauges. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Restored (or built) like new. No history. – This isn’t represented as a Devin SS, just a Devin body and a lot of period-appropriate parts on top of a Devin-style twin-tube chassis. It was reported sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2006 for $129,600 where it was represented as a Devin SS. This result is more appropriate to its presentation and [lack of] history.Lot # 546 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda AAR 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BS23J0B294273; Tor Red, Matte Black hood/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $58,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,800 – 340/290hp, six Pack, Slap Stick automatic, console, pushbutton radio, P/S, P/B, woodgrain steering wheel, Rallye wheels, trim rings, G60-15 Polyglas GT tires, spoiler, 3.55 axle. – Very good older restoration with quality paint, chrome, stainless, interior, engine compartment, underbody and interior. A re-stamped replacement block, delamination starting at windshield edges and some evidence of age are the only noticeable faults. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 1995 for $23,625, then at Mecum Indy in 2008 where it was a $52,000 no-sale, again at Mecum Indy in 2010 where it no-saled at $43,000 and sold at Auctions America Auburn Fall in 2010 for $58,300. It can be faulted only in minor condition issues here and is a sound value at this price despite the Slap Stick automatic and re-stamped replacement block.Lot # 547 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N E54S004485; Polo White/Red vinyl; Beige cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – – Attractively and carefully restored some years ago. Chassis and engine show a little age but will clean up and detail to like new. Four binders of as found and restoration photos and documents. 1,453 miles. – This ’54 Corvette sold at Christie’s Monterey auction in 2005 for $193,875, then at Worldwide’s Hilton Head auction in 2006 for $269,500. In both cases it was accurately represented as a 1954 TV Guide prize barely used by the original owner and his sister, haphazardly stored for 33 years, then discovered and restored. How it came to be shown here with absolutely no explanation of its history is a mystery but it crossed the block to no particular notice and was snapped up by a Corvette dealer who’d owned it before at a price that reflects none of its history or low miles. The history is known and extensively documented in the binders of articles and photos and there is no doubt whatsoever what it is. A huge bargain is what it is.Lot # 549 1963 Shelby Cobra Roadster; S/N CSX 2023; Silver/Black leather; Black top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $750,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $825,000 – Chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, woodrim steering wheel, wind wings, grille and trunk guards, mechanical tach drive. – Early 260 car with a later 289 engine. Restored like new or better with very good paint, chrome and upholstery. Foggy gauge faces and lenses. Clean and orderly underhood. A clean, sharp early Cobra. – Sold here last year for $533,500, a nice profit for a year’s holding period but a questionable price for a worm-and-sector Cobra with a later engine.Lot # 553 2006 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider; S/N ZFFEW59A260148741; Yellow/Black leather; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $112,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $123,750. No Reserve – Manettino steering wheel, satin chrome 19 inch wheels, SF shields, chip guarded nose, Assembly Number 65969, clear engine cover. – Exceptionally clean and orderly, belying the reported 12,000 miles. – From a cost of roughly $200K when new this result represents modest depreciation that reflects the continuing appeal of the F430, particularly in Fly Yellow. and is a modest discount from the asking prices of dealers. A superb road car, the new owner’s downside risk is largely dependent on Ferrari’s replacement for the current F458: if it’s dramatically different in appearance the values of older models will sink like a stone. Until then enjoy the ride.Lot # 559 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible Sportsman; S/N 99A1224940; Maroon/Golden Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $165,000 plus commission of; Final Price $165,000 – Bumper overriders and tips, steel wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewall tires, oil filter, radio, clock, heater, power top – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Very good wood and varnish except for clumsy fill along rear deck seams and varnished over small cracks in rear deck panels. Beautiful engine compartment and underbody. – A Sportsman looking for a home, offered at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction last August with a reported high bid of $180,000 against a $250-300,000 estimate, then at RM Arizona in January with a $180-220,000 estimate. It seems to be on its way to finding its natural level.Lot # 564 1959 Jaguar XK 150S 3.4 Roadster; S/N 831795; Engine # VS1532-9; OEWhite/Black leather; Black cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $103,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $113,850 – Chrome wire wheels, Dunlop blackwall radial tires. – Sound old repaint. Sound but aged and stiff original upholstery. Weak trim chrome, good wheel chrome. Engine compartment is essentially untouched. Cylinder head and block numbers match the ID tag. A good car that deserves to be preserved. – This is an appropriately numbered S engine, but the chassis should have a ‘T’ prefix and the auction card describes it only as an ‘S-specification car’. The Ft. Lauderdale bidders have appropriately compromised its uncertainty and mediocre condition with this price.Lot # 568 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible; S/N 01867B223234; Engine # T0708DB; Red/Black vinyl, hounds tooth; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $68,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,800. No Reserve – 283/230hp, Powerglide, P/S, no P/B, wheel covers, whitewalls, pushbutton radio, skirts, dual rear antennas, continental kit. – Fresh, comprehensive restoration of a 18,508 mile Impala that is like new except they painted grey and then clear coated some of the suspension and steering parts. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. – A bit over the top in some of its details but a car to be proud to own and drive. On cruise night or in a parade with the Homecoming Queen in the back seat few will notice, and even fewer care, that there’s a 230hp 283 under the hood.
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Lot # 569 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N P6FH285598; Turquoise, White hardtop/Turquoise, White vinyl; Black cloth top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500. No Reserve – 312/225hp, automatic, P/S, P/W, manual seat, cassette stereo, two tops, wire wheel covers, whitewalls, dual outside mirrors. – Restored better than new with very good paint, chrome and interior. A T-bird to be proud to own and drive. – Sold for $69,015 at RM’s Boca Raton auction eight years ago in 2006. Who’s calling collector cars out as ‘investments’? On the record of this very nice T-bird they’re not, and it would be hard to find a better example of ‘the best car you can afford’ that the experts recommend.Lot # 570 1955 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible; S/N 559C8571; Fiesta Red, Ivory/Fiesta Red, Ivory vinyl; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. No Reserve – 324/202hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, P/W, padded dash, WonderBar radio, power seat, Unity remote spotlight, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, continental kit, skirts, dual outside mirrors. – Excellent paint, brilliant chrome, clear glass, sharp interior. Engine is nearly like new but chassis and underbody are aged and have some road grime. A sharp, crisp visual statement that will easily detail back to show car condition. – Big, that’s what is most remarkable about this Starfire. A huge (but not so huge as later Starfires) car that exudes class and rarity (one of only 9,149 built) particularly in Fiesta Red, it is a visual statement and an unusual model that should retain its value at this price.Lot # 582 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Convertible; S/N 8T03J206134-03234; Acapulco Blue/Black; Black vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 – 4-speed, P/S, P/B, intact smog pump and plumbing, pushbutton radio, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Radial T/A tires, grille mounted fog lights. – Shiny but indifferently detailed paint, otherwise original and tired. Grubby engine and underbody. A sound but neglected Shelby in search of a good home. – Offered here last year where it no-saled at $92,500, its value here is a function of the Shelby mystique, not any particular distinction for the car itself. A J-code Mustang will perform as well at less than half the price, which is a generous increment for some gauges, fog lights and plastic trim, but this is what the Shelby name and visual identification is worth in today’s market, even for a car as indifferently presented as this.Lot # 586 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 16393; Red/Beige leather, Red stripes; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $550,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $605,000 – Centerlock grey painted alloy wheels, Michelin X tires, Becker Mexico cantle stereo, A/C, Nardi woodrim steering wheel, headrest seats, painted nose panel. – Good older paint, chrome and interior. Clean, orderly engine compartment. A tidy and lightly used older restoration. – This is an honest, straightforward Daytona with no pretenses of magnificence, just a good, clean, lightly used car. It brought exactly what it should have here in Ft. Lauderdale.Lot # 598 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS 409/425 Convertible; S/N 41467F141939; Black/Black; Black top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 409/425hp dual quads, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, P/S, P/B, buckets and console, cassette stereo, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, rear antecessor. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Dual circuit brakes added with lines poorly located arid rubbing on the exhaust manifold. Straight, flat body panels, flush fits, even gaps. Bright chrome. Sharp, fresh engine compartment with chrome valve corers and air filter housing. Underbody is like new. An impressively sharp, fresh and desirably equipped Impala, but one that does not claim matching numbers. – Not surprisingly in the absence of a representation of a correct, as-delivered drivetrain the bidders hedged their bets on the price they were willing to risk. With documented matching numbers it could have brought over $100K, but the discount will only add to the new owner’s pride and pleasure when turning the skinny rear tires to smoke.Lot # 599 1963 Chevrolet Corvette FI Coupe; S/N 30837S105122; Engine # 3105122 F1207RF; Black/Black; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $172,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $189,200 – 327/360hp, fuel injection, 4-speed, Positraction, alloy wheels, narrow whitewalls, AM-FM. – Good older paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment is orderly. An older restoration that has aged and been dressed up superficially for the auction. Engine number matches, but no representation is made of originality. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale in 2005 for $118,800, then at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction in 2008 for $110,000, the price this Fuelie brought in Ft. Lauderdale is moderately inexplicable. The condition is no better than mediocre, no one is claiming matching numbers and it just makes no sense. A result that is unlikely to be reflected in subsequent Split Window Fuelie values.Lot # 600 1973 Maserati Bora; S/N 11749504; Red/Black leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $112,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $123,200 – 4.9 V-8, Becker Mexico AM-FM, P/W. – Good repaint, interior and brushed stainless steel roof. Clean underbody. Outside mirrors changed to Tornado flags and the old mounting holes clumsily plugged. Small masking oversights. An unusually clean Bora, but not particularly appealing. – Does this healthy price signal a market turn? Is awareness of the Bora’s technical attributes, dramatic design and breathtaking performance finally sinking in? Because this is a curve-setting result for a tired but honest example.Lot # 601 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N 40867S103659; Riverside Red/Black; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $51,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $56,100 – 327/365hp, 4-speed, alloy wheels, narrow whitewalls, AM-FM, side exhausts. – Good repaint with visible nose repairs, erratic chrome and bright trim, fair interior. Underbody has been repainted over old undercoat. Cosmetically restored to mediocre driver standards. – Offered at Mecum’s Dallas auction last September and at Kissimmee two months ago with reported bids of $37,000 and $40,000 respectively, the consignor did well to achieve this price here. In condition it is nothing to be excited about but the drivetrain and high output small block makes up for much of the shortcomings of appearance and maintenance. Only a year before it took the expense and complexity of fuel injection to extract 360hp from the small block making this high output 4-barrel motor a prime example of ongoing engine development at Chevrolet. It is a reasonable acquisition at this price.Lot # 607 1960 Buick Electra 225 Convertible; S/N 8G1049515; Gold/Brown, Gold vinyl; Brown vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $82,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,200 – 401/325hp, automatic, speed minder, P/W, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, A/C, buckets and console. – Freshly restored with excellent chrome and paint except for two small blisters on the hood. Very attractive color combination. Gorgeous. – Reported sold here in 2007 for $32,400, then at Dave Rupp’s sale in Ft. Lauderdale in 2008 for $62,640. It now shows 126 more miles on the odometer than it did in 2008 but has been significantly redone and is in much better condition. The ’60 Buicks are notably attractive designs and this high quality example brought a deserved premium price.
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Lot # 608 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N VC57N141480; Engine # E1212G; Black, White roof/Red vinyl, Black cloth; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $45,100 – 283, dual quads, 3-speed column shift, pushbutton radio, spinner wheel covers, rear antenna, dual outside mirrors. – Engine block coded for a 185 horsepower, 2-barrel, Turboglide. Good paint, chrome and interior. Underbody is erratically redone, showing some white in the rear wheel wells. Better than the usual driver, even if it isn’t what it wants to be. – The bidders didn’t miss the several shortcomings of this Bel Air and paid an appropriate price that recognizes them, an attractive driver but not a show car. It is an investment in enjoyable driving, not calculated to bring a notable financial returnLot # 612 1966 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Roadster; S/N 1E12753; Engine # 7E8112-9; Black/Black leather; Black cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $87,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $96,250 – Chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, Pioneer cassette, luggage rack, dual outside mirrors. – Sound repaint over old paint, good older upholstery. Wheel wells painted over old undercoat. Some rusty chrome trim. Top of the engine is spiffy but the rest is old, superficially dressed up and dirty. Top boot and frame are aged and dirty. Not reassuring for the things that aren’t seen. – This is a superior price for a mediocre XKE, but they’re hot on the market today and moderate six-figure prices paid for the best examples are pulling more marginal cars along with them.Lot # 613 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 1130441201308; Ivory, Blue hardtop/Blue; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 – Wheel covers, blackwall tires, automatic, Blaupunkt AM-FM, A/C, two tops. – Decent older paint job and five year old interior. Weak trim chrome. Orderly but aged and oxidized underhood. Dry original underbody. – This 280SL looks like it’s sat with little use and less attention for a long time and the price anticipates substantial expense to go through it and bring it back to reliable running and driving condition. A car with potential for the right new owner.Lot # 615 1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 Roadster; S/N BN1L/221667; Carmine Red, Black/Black, Red piping; Red leatherette top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $57,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $62,700. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, 185/70R15 Yokohama radials, dual outside mirrors, 4-speed with overdrive, tonneau cover, BMIHT certificate. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Freshly and faithfully restored to showroom condition. Chassis is particularly impressive. – This is one very sharp 100/4, thoroughly done without going too far and updated with the later overdrive 4-speed gearbox. It is a sound value at this price.Lot # 621 1973 Jaguar XKE SIII V12 Roadster; S/N UD1S22084; Silver/Red leather; Black leatherette top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $53,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $58,300 – 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, redline tires, A/C, Sony cassette stereo. – Quick repaint with overspray on the engine, soiled, stretched old upholstery, wiper scratched windshield, grubby engine with some superficial engine compartment touchup. A scruffy auction car that misleadingly claims a ‘recent restoration’. – Series I XKEs are hot in the market today, but this tired and superficially presented old car, even with the 4-speed, is not the same animal. Not even close. It would not have been a good value even at $10,000 less.Lot # 622 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR Fastback; S/N 8T02R2133339-04065; Lime Gold, White stripes/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $118,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $129,800. No Reserve – 428/335hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Goodyear E70-15 tires, cassette stereo, console gauges, fog lights. – Good paint, bright chrome, good interior and gauges. Engine compartment was restored like new and now shows some age but little use. Underbody is orderly and nearly like new. A near showroom condition and not overdone KR. – The letters ‘KR’ are magic, signifying the Cobra Jet engine under the hood. Under-rated at 335hp, it was probably good for 400 off the showroom floor, and even more when assembled with the benefit of four decades of engine development experience. Bought for a reasonable price for its specifications, equipment and nearly immaculate condition, it represents full value for the money.Lot # 626 1954 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible; S/N 546222206; Aztec Red/White leather; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $68,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,800 – Automatic, P/S, P/B, WonderBar radio, P/W, power seat, Autronic Eye, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall bias ply tires, skirts, continental kit, fog lights, parade boot. – A quality old restoration that is holding up very well. Paint, chrome, interior, trim all are still nearly show quality. – Sold for $43,125 at Brooks (now Bonhams) Quail Lodge auction in 2001, then for $71,500 at RM Meadow Brook in 2007, this is a snapshot of Fifties flash and flair with an exceptional old restoration at a reasonable price. A reassuring Eldo that should be enjoyable to own, drive and show.Lot # 628 1965 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 161277; Engine # P713612; Light Grey/Blue leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $151,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $166,100 – Blaupunkt multiband radio, Nardi style woodrim steering wheel, chrome wheels, Michelin XZX blackwalls, Solex carbs, K&N air filters. – Paint code 6410. Moderately magnetic body under excellent paint. Excellent interior, chrome and top. Engine compartment is like new except for the K&N filters. Restored like new with smooth, flat body, even gaps and flush fits. Numbers are from the 1964 range; engine number is for a Normal, didn’t see the Kardex. – Generously priced.Lot # 631 1965 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Roadster; S/N 1E11412; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 – Chrome wire wheels, Michelin blackwalls, BMC radio. – Unnumbered cylinder head and block. Restored a while ago and showing its age while still being an attractive and useable Jag. Good paint, chrome, top and interior. – $60,800 at Brooks Quail Lodge in 2000, $55,000 at RM Monterey in 2002, the trend in values for Series I XKEs is clear with this result. The odometer shows 1,018 more miles today than it did in 2000 but the condition has been steadily slipping which doesn’t bode well for how it will look the next time it shows up, or for the ability to retain value.
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Lot # 710 1959 Fiat 500 Sport 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 110097896; Light Grey, Crimson/Crimson, White vinyl; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,050 – Crimson steel wheels, hubcap, blackwall radials, black vinyl folding sunroof, high output heater. – US-spec Nuova 500 Sport with 21.5 hp and 7 inch US sealed beams. Freshly restored with very good paint, chrome and interior. Nearly like new. – 20 more cc than the standard 500 and some engine tuning adds 30% more horsepower (even if it’s only 5 hp in absolute terms.) Freshly and thoroughly restored to nearly showroom condition and bought reasonably for what it is, or the fun the new owner can have. Just don’t get in a drag race with one of the current generation.Lot # 711 1956 BMW-Isetta 300 Coupe; S/N 493961; Red, Grey/Red plaid; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900 – Bubble window, Z molding, black cloth sunroof, luggage rack, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, vent windows, dual outside mirrors. – Restored like new with excellent paint, chrome, interior and sunroof. – Isettas are perennially popular and this might even be considered a good value with its bubble side windows and Z-molding.Lot # 712 1970 Fiat 500L Cinquecento; S/N 110F2594724; Ivory/Black vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $11,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $12,375 – Hubcaps, whitewalls, grille (?) guard, black vinyl folding sunroof. – Quick, thick repaint over old paint, some masking misses. Sound upholstery. Clean underbody with old undercoat. Weak trim chrome, frayed window felts. Not an attractive car. – Not attractive, except to the mechanic and body shop that will get to work on it, that is. Sold last year at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach and not getting any better with age, this result is an ample price for a Fiat with no good surprises.Lot # 713 1967 Amphicar 770 Convertible; S/N 106522420; Beach White/Red, White vinyl; Black vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $43,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $47,300 – Red steel wheels, hubcaps, bias ply whitewalls, heater, no radio. – Sound but aged repaint with masking oversights and overspray flecks on gaskets and top. Sound old interior, stiff old top. Hard body seals. An aged and neglected Amphicar. – This is a pretty scurrilous Amphicar, even for an Amphicar, and the bidders appropriately handicapped it with a price that leaves some flexibility to make it into something better.Lot # 714 1957 BMW-Isetta 300 Coupe; S/N 506909; Red, Ivory roof/Grey cloth; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $28,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $31,350 – Ivory wheels, hubcaps, blackwalls, sliding side windows, black vinyl folding sunroof. – Good paint except for deep orange peel on the roof around the sunroof. A few bright trim blemishes. Good interior. Well restored but with a few oversights. – Sold at Mecum’s Indianapolis sale last May for $25,145 and appropriately priced at about $10K less than the bubble window Z-molding Isetta sold earlier today.Lot # 715 1958 Triumph TR3A Roadster; S/N TS23088L; BRGreen/Vermillion leather; Black leatherette top; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $13,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $14,300. No Reserve – Body color steel wheels, hubcaps, blackwall radials, fender mirrors. – A ‘garage find’, not bad enough to be out of a barn. Chipped, dull old repaint, sound upholstered old, stiff top. Grungy old engine and chassis. Tired but sound (but for small rust blisters in the front fenders), needs everything. – Even as a project car with free labor the new owner is never going to pop above the financial surface.Lot # 716 1953 MG TD Roadster; S/N TD26387; Red/Red; Tan cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $24,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $26,400. No Reserve – Silver steel wheels, Dunlop radial blackwalls, wind wings, cloth covered spare, badge bar, Lucas driving lights. – Decent repaint and interior. Chassis is painted over old chips, and is lightly grungy. Paint has some dirt and small fisheyes. Engine has been done but many years and miles ago. – Described as a ‘bumper-to-bumper’ restoration, a new description for a quick cosmetic and mechanical re-do. It will absorb the new owner’s hours and dollars in a steady stream and is generously priced for what it is.Lot # 719 1957 Austin-Healey 100/6 Roadster; S/N BN4L046580; OEWhite, Red/Red leather; Black leatherette top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,050 – Chrome wire wheels, Michelin ZX blackwalls, overdrive, badge bar, Lucas fog lights, dual outside mirrors, AM-FM, electronic ignition, polished valve cover and carbs, K&N air filters (originals included). – Done to very high standards with better than new cosmetics showing only a little careful use. An exceptional BN4 4-seater. – As most cars tend to do as they evolve, the 6-cylinder Healeys got bigger, and heavier, without much improvement in power. Having said that, however, this is a very good example and is thoughtfully equipped. It should be a pleasure to own and show, especially at this reasonable price.Lot # 731 1964 MG TF Roadster; S/N HDE43/1521; Metallic Green/Tan leatherette; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,750 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,425 – Silver painted wire wheels, blackwall tires, badge bar, full weather equipment including tonneau cover. – Good older paint chrome and interior. A little dusty underhood but not neglected. Was restored like new, now shows a little age and use but will detail to nearly show quality. – A good car at a reasonable price.Lot # 771 1914 Roamer Speedster; S/N Engine Number; Engine # 0080; Light Yellow/Black vinyl; No top; Rebodied or re-created, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $42,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,750 – 340 cubic inch, 75hp 4-cylinder Rochester Duesenberg horizontal valve, walking beam engine, 4-speed, RHD, monocle windshield, Warner speedometer, Buffalo centerlock 35 inch wire wheels, Zenith one barrel updraft carburetor, electric starter, acetylene headlights, Roamer Motometer. – Old, scratched paint, lightly oiled engine. Aged and used Elliott Museum displayed car recently recommissioned to run and drive. Made up with new body in the Forties by one Lassiter Hoyle, said to be on a 1912 Regal frame. Not pretty, but eminently usable as is. – With a 1912 frame and a Rochester-Duesenberg engine built in 1919 or later the dating of 1914 is clearly wrong but irrelevant. This is a cool old thing with no weight and something like 200 lb-ft or torque. It should go like the wind. It is pictured and described in Fred Roe’s Duesenberg book where he noted it is ‘geared to do about 120mph in direct drive, and it had an overdrive fourth!’ It will take a brave person to plumb the extent of its performance but performance it has in abundance and it should be a welcome entrant in all kinds of events. The new owner got a significant piece of history for a modest price, a very good value.
You must be bleary from preparing these reviews. I read every one of them, especially the Morgan item. Wonderful work, as always. I’ll never look at a Jensen again without thinking of pachyderm.
Please get a camera with a good autofocus control. I keep trying to blink to make many of the photos come into focus — with no luck. As a photographer, it pains me to see so many out-of-focus shots.
John,
Y’re right. The Lumix has done yeoman work, but it’s tired. I migrated from SLR film cameras (and thousands of dollars every year for developing and scanning) to digital and eventually to little pocket cameras. They do well when new and fresh but aren’t built to stand up to thousands of shots a year and constant zooming in gritty environments.
I’ll be stopping at Milford Camera tomorrow on my way to Spring Auburn and Mecum Indy to investigate an upgrade competent to handle a forthcoming memorable trip and photo essay. I want a Nikon dF (an F was my first quality camera and I love the memory of its tactile elements, not to mention being able to resurrect my old non-AI Nikkor lenses like the 50-300mm zoom) and 24-70 f2.8 zoom, but the budget doesn’t seem to be there.
Part of it is weight: 5# of computer plus flashlight, drink tickets and other impedimenta hanging from my shoulders. I need another 4# of big DSLR like a hole in the head.
But that’s justification. You’re right, the Lumix photos make me squint sometimes, too, and that’s before I run them through Lightroom to reduce to 900pixels long dimension for presentation on the Web.
Fuji Finepix HS20 EXR – A point ’n shoot in a compact DSLR shape but about 8 OZ!!! 24mm Wide to —300 mm Mega Tele, MANUAL, infinitely adjustable zoom barrel. Outstanding Optics. I know Pro-Photog’s with 50K worth of gear that leave it all behind and take this puppy on vacation, that’s how I found out about them. Super Practical 4 “AA” 2450mAh NiMH’s take up to 500 pic’s on one charge and work down to -40 C without a hitch(I shoot daily all winter at average -20C @ http://tinyurl.com/lgpbe6f . Here’s another sample from the Historic Reunion of the First Ever, Can Am Race @ http://tinyurl.com/khqwsmn . Not perfect but @ roughly $350, an excellent value for a light, accurate, traveling workhorse.
I went to Milford Photo on my way to Auburn Spring and Mecum Indy with the express purpose of getting hands-on with a Nikon dF. My understanding wife didn’t appreciate the appeal of the dF, but signed off on my fascination.
I remember that Nikon F tactile feedback, still have an FG on the shelf, a delightful, compact quality film camera.
The dF is a huge disappointment. It’s big, with a battery compartment bulge under my right fingers. The dials may be machined aluminum, but they’re nothing like an F’s intuitive controls.
It’ll use my old Nikkor lenses, but why bother?
I rejected it in 30 seconds, not least because of its exorbitant cost.
The advantage of going to a real photo store like Milford Photo is that they know the product and have them there, untethered, to experience.
An hour handing and evaluating and I have a 16mp Olympus E-M5 with 12-50 f3.5-5,3 zoom (35mm equivalent 24-100mm), more than appropriate for shooting cars at auction previews. Shoots jpg and RAW at the same time. Circular polarizer, spare battery and BlackRapid sling brought the whole thing to $1,233, half the cost of the dF body.
I shot Auburn Spring and Mecum Indy with it and can find no fault in its performance.
I’ve never been an Olympus guy, but this is a superior 4:3 camera with a sharp wide angle zoom lens and [bewildering] features.
Shot all week in Auburn on a single charge, the extra battery is almost redundant, but shooting jpg and RAW consumes storage so I bought a 64G chip. to augment the two 32G cards I’ve been working with in the Lumix
The Nikon dF is a joke until they can figure out how to make it really compact like an F. The E-M5 is what Nikon intended to build, but missed the mark.
If I have any gripe after two weeks’ shooting it’s that my hands are too big for the E-M5’s compact form. I’ll deal with that.
In the end it’s the pictures that count, and they begin with Auctions America Auburn Spring. Make up your own mind.
I always enjoy reading your summary and analysis of the cars sold even with their past sales totals. I especially liked a few of the cars shown: the 60 Buick convertible, the 54 Cadillac Eldorado, the 66 Mustang convertible and the 65 Porsche SC convertible. Thanks for the great work.
Rick…………..I love your comments (e.g. plastic Corinthian cows, and the pachyderm one). Great stuff. Keep up the good work!!!
Lot #710 was my car. I had a $20,000 reserve, but the auction company had a goon at the block to pressure me nonstop as the car was going through, telling me they could work to get me more bids if I lifted the reserve. I caved in to their psychological game and lifted it.They hammered it sold just ten seconds later. They cared nothing about getting me any bids. They were just locking in another sales commission. So, after commission and travel expenses, I netted about $12,000 on a $30,000 car. Potential consignors be warned!
@Kevin … it is unfortunate that you agreed to remove reserve … on the other hand the market spoke and at this venue and on this particular day that is all the car was valued it … win some, lose some as they say.
Kevin,
In auction-speak your goon is called ‘the Grinder’, a designation that’s clear enough in its intention.
During the preview you and I talked about the car, and even why you were selling. It was apparent you were a ‘motivated seller’, i.e., you wanted the liquidity for other purposes.
Was the car a good deal for the buyer? Absolutely. But you got what you wanted: a check and space in your garage.
You can read in these reports how many times a car crosses the block repeatedly while the owner searches for what he or she thinks it’s worth only eventually to sell for less than the high bid the first time it came under the hammer (not that it means there was money on the bid.)
Seller beware? Absolutely. But they had money — even if only one bid — on the car, and now you have money in your pocket.
Faced with the same situation there are alternatives:
Tell the Grinder what you want ‘in your pocket’ net of commissions — remember that they’re getting 8% on the buy-side and can sell under the net-to-you and still generate revenue — on the block the auction company has already spent its money and any revenue is better than none;
Grind the grinder on the seller’s commission rate;
Ask how many bids they have — if there’s only one money bid lifting the reserve is unlikely to have any effect.
Keep in mind that if you have an obscure car there aren’t going to be many bidders, and you had a cute, neat but obscure car.
And, just to present the other side of the argument, I’ve seen many occasions when lifting the reserve — so the bidders know the car is really in-play — results in several more bids, sometimes reaching extraordinary prices. It’s the ‘No Reserve’ rationale where bidders know the car’s going to a new home, look closely at it, get their juices flowing and home in on it.
Don’t swear off the auction, just learn how to use it.
Rick