By Andrew Newton, Auction Editor, Hagerty The 2016 Monterey auction week is one of the most anticipated automotive auction events in recent memory. Economic uncertainty abroad, an upcoming election at home and mixed results at collector car auctions so far this year have everyone wondering how the year’s biggest auction event will play out. Now that the consignments have been announced and the presale estimates … [Read more...]
About Andrew Newton
American International Racing – Chevrolet Corvette L88
In late 1967, three 1968 model year Chevrolet Corvettes were prepared to L88 specifications and finished in Le Mans Blue for James Garner's American International Racing team (AIR) to race at Daytona in February. To pick up the three COPO-ordered racers Dick Gulstrand, Bob McDonald and Perry Moore flew out to St. Louis and then drove the cars back to California while doing a little development and setup work, getting … [Read more...]
Shelby’s First Ride – 1949 MG TC
Before the Mustangs, before the Cobra and even before driving to victory at Le Mans, Carroll Shelby drove a little MG TC, this very car. He had to start somewhere, after all. In May of 1952, there was a road race held in Norman, Oklahoma. The event featured a race for smaller cars and one for bigger automobiles like Jaguars and Allards. A man named Ed Wilkins planned to drive up from Dallas to the event and enter his … [Read more...]
Impressions From a First Time Auction-Goer
Aside from escaping this particularly bitter New England winter for a few days, getting to experience the solid week of collector car auctions in and around Scottsdale, Arizona this year was refreshing in its own way. I say refreshing because it reminded me just how alive this strange hobby (some might dare to call it a lifestyle) of ours is, and just how many kindred spirits we have across the country and indeed the … [Read more...]
Gooding & Company Amelia Island 2014 – Auction Preview
The Gooding & Company Amelia Island 2014 auction will take place on Friday, March 7 at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Florida. Gooding's auction has more than doubled in size since their first sale at Amelia Island in 2010, and 2014 will see almost 90 cars cross the block beginning at 11:00 am. Among the cars at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island sale, a dozen are estimated to bring prices in … [Read more...]
Boston Cup Classic Car Show 2013 – Report and Photos
Last year, a new classic car show came onto the scene, and among its distinguishing features was its venue. It wasn't on a golf course green or a lavish estate but in the middle of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, and on the grass of the oldest city park in the country, the Boston Common. The Boston Cup Classic Car Show made an impressive enough debut in 2012 that a 2013 date was booked in short order and on the … [Read more...]
Rush (2013) – Movie Review
From the moment Ron Howard let it be known that he was doing a movie built around the 1976 Formula One season, everyone listening had massive expectations for such a flick, and they couldn’t help it. Those of us who love racing are nothing short of starved for good movies about our beloved motorsports, and with so many bad ones over the years we look at each new racing film with a particular scrutiny. … [Read more...]
Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE – Driving Report
If you're reading the title and "1LE" sounds familiar, that’s because it was a special options package from way back in 1988. And if you do remember the old 1LE, you probably may very well want to forget about it like the rest of the world has and move on to this newer, much more exciting version. Today’s 1LE is a performance package added onto the SS, and it fits neatly in the lineup between the aforementioned and … [Read more...]
Jaguar XKSS – Classic Cars for Sale
By Andrew Newton Featured in this classified ad from Road & Track's June 1964 issue is an example of one of the most exclusive, desirable, and drop dead gorgeous sports cars to have ever graced this earth. Just sixteen Jaguar XK Super Sports, or XKSS's, were built in Coventry during a short production run in 1957. These days, the XKSS is near the top of everybody's dream car wish list. … [Read more...]
RM Auctions Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Preview
The RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum sale will be staged February 15-16, 2013 in Madison, Georgia. The two-day sale will see the entire collection offered without reserve, including approximately 200 microcars, and an assortment of more than 300 lots of collectibles. The "world's largest collection of the world's smallest cars", the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum is highlighted by a roster of microcar … [Read more...]
Maserati 450S Coupe – Classic Cars for Sale
By Andrew Newton Featured in this classified ad from March 1973 is not one but the example of a truly unforgettable and historic sports car: the Maserati 450S Coupe. It led a fascinating life, from promising Le Mans racer to impossibly exclusive road car, and had more than a few legendary names associated with its construction and career. Rarely able to contest for outright victory in international … [Read more...]
1961 Aston Martin DB4 – Classic Cars for Sale
By Andrew Newton Featured in this classified ad from the April 1971 issue of Road & Track is an example of one of the great GT cars of the day: The Aston Martin DB4. The DB4 made its big debut at the 1958 London Motor Show, and the beautiful new car on the Aston Martin stand represented an important step for the company during the celebrated David Brown era. … [Read more...]
Porsche 356 Carrera Speedster – Classic Cars for Sale
By Andrew Newton Featured in this classified ad from May 1972 issue of Road & Track is a fine example of one of the most lusted after Porsches of them all: The 356 Speedster with the four-cam Carrera motor. In 1972 this Carrera was just a used, out of date sports car, and in this ad it is priced accordingly. Today, Carreras of course command top dollar as the kings of the 356 line. If he’s still around, … [Read more...]
Boston Cup Classic Car Show 2012 – Report and Photos
Report and photos by Andrew Newton On Sunday, September 23, 2012 the City of Boston woke up to the inaugural Boston Cup Classic Car Show. Held on Boston Common, the oldest city park in the country, the show attracted dozens of vendors, hundreds of VIPs, and thousands of spectators. For Sunday morning park-goers, the Boston Cup was a very pleasant and unusual surprise. For car enthusiasts, though, it was a small … [Read more...]