Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
Palm Beach, now in its ninth year, was the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s first continuously successful geographic expansion.
Palm Beach brought “the experience” of Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale to a new venue far from Scottsdale’s WestWorld and demonstrated that it was a viable, vital concept outside the limits of Barrett-Jackson’s home turf and the January window.
Since then Palm Beach has explored new initiatives – tours, shows, previews – that have then translated to the glitz of Las Vegas and the car-centric culture of Orange County as well as to Scottsdale. It also brought new consignors and bidders from the East Coast and Canada who found Florida a more familiar setting than Arizona’s Valley of the Sun.
2011 brought another new – or rather, recycled – concept to Palm Beach, reserves. Eschewed in Barrett-Jackson auctions since 2005, reserves (previously agreed but undisclosed minimum bids sellers would accept) eased consignors’ concerns over the possibility of not finding just the right combination of bidders.
The change was announced only in mid-February, after Scottsdale 2011, and from the aggregate numbers would seem to have had little effect on Palm Beach consignments.
The sale total of $14,774,875 is the lowest at Palm Beach since 2004’s sale sold 298 of 338 offered with a total of $11.5 million. It is less than half of the 2006 and 2007 sale totals of $34.6 million and $32.1 million respectively.
Lightning still strikes on the B-J block, however, as several of the cars reported in the following narrative reveal. It also brought increasing activity from absentee and Internet bidders who spent $926,500, 6.2% of the total.
Barrett-Jackson is a “Collector Car Event”. The auction and the auction cars are its core but increasingly it is the spectator event – the sponsors, vendors and increasingly the charity sales which in Palm Beach brought in $445,000 on cars alone plus more than $67,000 in spontaneous donations – that are its focus.
The auction cars were reviewed and reported by Jonathan Sierakowski. Rick Carey remains responsible for the descriptions, opinions and for this summary. (See Reference – Auctions Explained, A Note on Conditions and Character). Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2011 – Auction Report Lot # 23 1950 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 21HKG62291; Mist Green, Black roof/Black vinyl with cloth inserts; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,050 -- Green wheels with black pinstripe and hubcaps, wide trim rings, radio, tissue dispenser, fender skirts. Straight body, good older paint with a few chips. Driver's door sagging. Chrome has light even pits throughout. Underside dirty and driver quality with black textured paint flaking off. Interior original and moderately worn. 51,111 miles from new and original except for the repaint. This Bel Air is not in particularly attractive condition but its originality and preservation goes a long way to making up for it. The price paid here would have bought a better restored car, making the choice one of originality over appearance. The bidders' determination of value cannot be faulted. Lot # 24.1 1924 Ford Model T C-cab Pickup; S/N 10490782; Black/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,775 -- Black wood spoke wheels. Silver rims heavily chipped, lots of chips along body edges and joints. Wood varnish rubbed through. Steering wheel delaminating. Brake lever heavily worn. An older correct restoration that shows its use and age but will still make a decent driver. The body style is very unusual and this Model T was purchased for a price commensurate with that of a more common passenger car. The buyer got a good value in terms of rarity and this car still has plenty of potential for parade, farm or advertising duty. Lot # 28 1948 Buick Roadmaster 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 51560067; Black/Black leather, Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $17,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $18,700 -- Dynaflow, black steel wheels with full wheel discs and wide whitewalls. Front bumper guards, fender skirts, radio, heater, dash clock. Door panels loose. Rear seat has original leather and front recovered in vinyl with a different pattern. Steering wheel rotten. Original chrome and trim with pits and heavy scratches. Underside painted black; an auction car. The sloppy presentation left a lot to be desired and the seller should be happy that the bidders weren't paying attention. A car that would be better avoided, and no value at this price. Lot # 28.1 1942 Chevrolet Custom Pickup; S/N BD215513; Red, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $26,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,150 -- Red wheels with Chevrolet caps and skinny whitewalls. Represented as 57,608 miles from new. Lots of orange peel in the paint and driver's door has a prominent scratch. Running boards are nicely refinished but the stainless bed slats are heavily scratched. Underside was nicely refinished but is now driver quality. A decent older truck restoration that has been enjoyed. Although an older restoration the paint damage and orange peel can be easily repaired. The fact that it's a rare 1942 model helped fuel the bidding and achieve a healthy price. Its rarity makes it worth the money, but it deserves better than its current attempt at a restoration. Lot # 36 1949 Willys Jeepster Phaeton; S/N 82789P; Maroon, Tan coachline/Red leather with Tan edges; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- Cream steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings. Whitewalls are dryrotted. Chrome decent but stainless around the body is scratched and original step plates have only been highly polished. Interior very lightly worn. Decent paint with some chips and cracks around top of doors. Very attractive color scheme and stated to be well sorted. A very nice driver. Excellent overall presentation and a fair price to buyer and seller. Lot # 37 1957 Ford F-100 Pickup; S/N F10J7R28501; Grey-Blue/Grey leather; Truck restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800 -- 6-cylinder, 3-speed, body color wheels with correct hubcaps and trim rings. Deep mirror chrome. Straight Flareside body with excellent paint. Dash excellent. Leather seat upholstery worn but inviting. Underside nicely restored but not overdone. Natural wood bed planks with black bedliner on the sides. A mild custom truck, mostly in the upgraded interior, showing some age and use. Although not particularly rare this truck was extremely well presented. The B-J bidders were less than excited, probably after spotting the six under the hood. It is a sound value at this price. Lot # 45 1914 Ford Model T Speedster; S/N 8924075; Black/Black leather; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800 -- Black wire wheels with covered rear-mounted spare, wooden trunk, bulb horn, push-button Klaxon, acetylene headlamps and kerosene sidelamps. The mount for the monocle windscreen even has Ford script. Chassis lightly worn with nice patina, fender paint has a few chips but very well preserved. Brass has been about 70% polished and clearcoated so it looks like it just came out of the barn. A well preserved older restoration. The bidding stalled around $10K until finally picking up speed and hammering home. This speedster was cool cool cool with excellent patina and a throaty exhaust note that drew crowds when it was being pulled out of the tent to go to the block. It is well worth the money paid. Lot # 61.1 1951 Chrysler Imperial Convertible; S/N 7747605; Cream/Red leather; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800 -- Red wheels with full covers and wide whitewalls. Power windows, AM radio. Older paint with lots of touched-up chips on panel edges. Front-end chrome and side sweeps replated with all the rest left tired, crazed and worn through in places. New top and interior with older interior trim. Underside old and dirty. Reputedly displayed at the Chrysler Museum until three years ago. The rechroming that was done cost a few dollars but the result is inconsistent and off-putting. Sold for appropriate money given the work needed to bring the car up to a more presentable level. Lot # 64.2 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 60F032351; Blue/Dark Blue leather; Dark Blue vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $51,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $56,650 -- Full wheel covers that look like they came off a mid-70's model, whitewall tires, power windows, power locks, P/S, P/B, A/C, cruise control, Autronic Eye. Represented as 92,220 miles from new. Bumpers rechromed with other pieces done selectively which gives a very inconsistent look although at least the window frames have been redone. New top. Interior older with light patina. Underside worn and driver quality. Paint buffed and resprayed in places and has orange peel. Sold with reserve. An auction fluff & buff. Sold with reserve. The seller got good money for a car that needs chroming and other detail work to make it consistent but even that work won't add enough value to make it to the next price level. Best kept in sound and usable condition and driven, a use for which this price is appropriate. Lot # 98 1954 Oldsmobile 98 2-Dr. Coupe Holiday; S/N 549M34867; Light Blue, Dark Blue/Grey cloth with pattern inserts; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $21,382 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $23,520 -- 324/185 with Hydra-Matic. AM radio, dash clock, Autronic Eye. Body colored wheels with spinner hubcaps and wide whitewalls. Factory front and rear A/C. Bumpers rechromed but all other pieces tired and pitted. Old black undercoating peeling ff. Older light blue paint has lots of orange peel and edge chips with nicer dark blue paint which is much more recent. It's a tired old sedan that needs a lot of everything to make it respectable looking but the design of the air conditioning duct work with the clear rear passages and quarter-panel vents that the bidders just had to have it. The seller should be very pleased to get this much for a car that has many needs. Lot # 320.1 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Roadster; S/N WDBBA48D3HA059746; Red/Tan leather, Black cloth top; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $8,800 -- Polished alloy wheels, A/C, Becker radio. Original chrome scratched and cloudy. Decent original paint with lots of touchups on the nose and rear end. New driver's seat leather and worn steering wheel but the interior has been generally well maintained. Underside undercoated. Stated to be dealer serviced from new. A decent driver. Despite the very presentable cosmetic condition, the price paid reflects a car that will need an increasing amount of TLC due to its high mileage. Lot # 334 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet; S/N WP0EB0910ES170334; Gold/Black leather; Black cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $22,000 -- Wide body kit, custom black and stainless ROH rims, CD stereo. Excellent repaint with chips on the nose. New interior unworn. Mildly customized but not overly specialized. Odometer shows 6,732 miles. The mileage is likely 106,000 and warranted some heavy cosmetic work that resulted in the modifications made. A very sharp looking car and not a bad value considering the rims and tires make up a good chunk of the price paid. Lot # 336 1962 Chevrolet Impala 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 21847J221083; Gold/Dark green with striped cloth inserts; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $22,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,750 -- 327/300hp, automatic, black wheels with spinner wheel covers and skinny whitewalls, A/C, P/S, P/B, power seats. New deep chrome, excellent paint and panel fit, boody 90% straight. Interior unworn in a highly attractive color. Underside neat and presentable but not over the top. The money paid was commensurate with its condition and the lackluster driveline. The interior color combination was highly attractive and if the exterior was a different color it would not be surprising to see it bring a little more money. As is the price was fair to both parties. Lot # 339 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible; S/N 476BK59545644; Blue, White/Blue, White leather; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $40,700 -- 332/225hp, automatic, wheel covers, whitewall tires, P/S, P/B, AM radio. Nice paint but wavy body and variable panel fit. All chrome refinished. New interior and dash. Underside very nicely restored. A very nicely restored vehicle with great attention to detail throughout. The restoration cost certainly exceeded the price paid here and the buyer should be happy with what he got. Sold at the Leake Oklahoma City sale in February 2010 for $24,200, then at B-J Orange County June 2010 where it brought $35,200. An attractive car, but this is all the money for it. Lot # 354 1935 Ford Model 48 Phaeton; S/N 182090352; Vineyard Green/Brown leatherette; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,800 -- Green wire wheels with trim rings and wide whitewalls, factory radio, wind wings, dual exterior mirrors, dual horns, banjo steering wheel, rear-mounted spare with metal cover and dual taillights. Carpet and interior very fresh with no wear. Dash has a prominent stress crack in the center. Top has moderate soiling from storage and one small tear. All brightwork is show quality. Excellent body but paint has chips and cracks. Underside showing its age. A beautiful but aged restoration that needs some paint work and a new top to be truly spectacular but is still a car that the owner will have pride driving or showing. This is a fair price for a rare and desirable body style with limited needs. Lot # 355 1958 Studebaker Transtar Pickup; S/N E5126466; Blue, White/Tan vinyl with White inserts; Truck restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600 -- White wheels with plain wheel covers. Excellent chrome and paint with some orange peel. Interior unworn. A body off restoration with over the top chassis presentation. Textured bedliner coating in the bed detracts from the overall effect, but still an outstanding Studebaker pickup. This was an extremely high-quality piece. The bidders recognized that and the winner paid all the money and maybe a little extra to get it. Lot # 623 1929 Buick Model 47 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 2254542; Dark Red, Black fenders/Brown mohair; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200 -- Stained artillery wheels with black rims and whitewall tires. rearview mirror with clock, single wiper, rear mounted spare. A solid barn find that was given a new interior and a repaint applied over small body dents and with lots of orange peel left. Runningboards not restored. Crazing in headlight bezel and radiator nickel. Underside painted black and not detailed. Stated to have been taken down to the frame and accompanied by photographic restoration documentation. This car may have been fully disassembled but the restoration was superficial at best. It is a lot of car for the money, but collectors have little appreciation for these big sedans. The seller should be happy to get this much for a car that had such mediocre attention. Lot # 629 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 136370B160814; Black, White stripes/Black vinyl; Modified restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,200 -- Upgraded with LS5 454 and LS6 camshaft, Weiand intake, Holley carburetor, 2’ headers, 3’ exhaust, Turbo 400 automatic, 3.31 Positraction, 4-wheel disc brakes, A/C, tilt steering column, P/S, P/B, dual gate shifter automatic, Rallye wheels, Goodrich tires, tinted glass, buckets and console. Body wavy and paint has light scratches and a large defect near driver's side quarter window. Chrome has heavy polishing marks. Underside would be presentable with light cleaning detail. This car has some cool performance upgrades, but the deterioration of the paint doesn't speak highly of the quality of the restoration. This is a generous price for a Resto-Mod with this presentation.
Lot # 630.1 1956 Cadillac Coupe deVille 2-Dr. Hardtop Custom; S/N 5662025940; Black, Pagan Gold roof/White leather, Gold piping; Customized restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 -- Full wheel covers with wide whitewall tires, power windows, power steering, power brakes, Air Ride suspension, CD stereo in glove box, Magnaflow exhaust. Most chrome redone in brushed nickel but taillight housings and window frames left original and pitted. Brand new tuck and roll Interior. Underside presentable. Excellent paint. Mildly customized but still appealing to a wide range of buyers. The brushed nickel plating is a tasteful alternative to chrome. The buyers appreciated the modifications enough to pay as much money as a concours-restored car would bring, despite the overlooked details. Lot # 631 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 20867S101367; Silver, Silver hardtop/Black leather, Black vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $72,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,200 -- 327/340hp, 4-speed, two tops, spinner wheel covers, narrow whitewalls. Excellent chrome and brightwork with polish marks. Spotless engine bay. Underside presentable but not over the top. Excellent paint. No interior wear. This is a potent combination of performance and style but lacked documentation which inhibited further bids. At this price the seller and buyer should both be satisfied. Lot # 636.2 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible; S/N 41867C172595; Red/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,200 -- 409/340 with column shift automatic, SS wheel covers, whitewall tires, fender skirts, cruise control, factory tach, AM/FM radio, dual antennas, bucket seats, center console, power steering, power brakes, tissue dispenser and dual exhaust. Straight body with excellent paint, gaps and chrome. New top fits well. Interior and dash lightly soiled and show some wear as does the underside. This is a very nicely restored car. The seller left about $5,000 on the table, a good value for the new owner. Lot # 638 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Seville 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 58H030749; Silver/Silver leather, cloth inserts; White viny top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600 -- Silver Sabre wheels with whitewall tires, Autronic Eye. Chrome on the edge of presentability; bumpers are lightly pitted and window frames have moderate pitting. Body wavy and paint has some orange peel. Interior upholstery moderately worn. Underside very clean. This car is getting to the point where as soon as it needs full refurbishment of one cosmetic aspect it will necessitate a full, costly restoration. The buyers correctly discounted it because of that. Lot # 639.1 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N VC550037815; Turquoise, White/Teal vinyl with pattern cloth inserts; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $52,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,200 -- 265/162hp, full wheel covers, wide whitewalls, AM radio, dash clock, fender skirts. All new chrome and trim. Excellent body with some orange peel in paint. Interior and carpet fresh and unworn. Fender wells very clean and underside very nicely restored but not over the top. This was a very nicely restored '55 Bel Air, but not THAT nice. The seller should be very pleased to get this much for it. Lot # 640.1 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee Coupe; S/N WM21V0G257900; Plum Crazy Purple/Black Vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900 -- 440/390hp Six Pack, pistol grip 4-speed, Polyglas tires, Dana 60 rear, go wing, factory tach and gauges, heavy duty cooling. Excellent body but panel fit is slightly off and paint has lots of orange peel. Interior immaculate except for worn headrests and pitted headrest bezels. Chrome and stainless have lots of polishing marks. Underside nicely restored but has signs of road use. A great driver-quality car, but the lack of attention to detail leaves questions about what other issues there might be. The price reflects the visible issues and the uncertainty. Lot # 641.2 1942 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet; S/N H132713; Black/Light Brown leather, Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- Black wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, skirts, radio, dash clock, power windows. Front and rear seats moderately worn. Newer carpeting. Window switches, door release buttons and vent window crank plastic have been replaced with new pieces that stand out because they are white. Underside has light road wear, soiling and surface rust. Older paint with touchups and orange peel. Chrome lightly pitted. This Continental makes a good first impression that doesn't stand up to a closer look. The price it brought includes a reasonable reserve for problems, both seen and anticipated. Lot # 642.1 1966 Amphicar 770 Convertible; S/N 106523027; Light Blue/White and Light Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- Body color wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, blackwall tires. Excellent paint with a few small waves in the body. Fresh chrome but the original stainless has light polishing swirl. Lightly soiled top fits well. Interior crisp but lightly soiled. Underside painted black. Overall a clean presentation of a quality restoration that has been gently enjoyed and won awards at local shows in Florida. The seller did well, aided by appearances and wins at local concours events where competition is not extreme. The buyer got a pretty Amphicar but paid all the money for it. Lot # 643 1990 Ferrari Testarossa ; S/N ZFFSG17A5L0087117; Black/Saddle leather; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- 5-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning. Seat bottoms lightly worn but dash leather excellent. The description says the vehicle has been perfectly maintained but there is no mention of documentation. Underside undercoated and driver quality. Factory paint and body with lots of orange peel. Once upon a time the Testarossa was one of the world's premier supercars. Today it is a fifty thousand dollar car even in apparently good and well mantained condition. Lot # 644 1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO Convertible; S/N 237675B118847; Teal Turquoise/Teal Turquoise vinyl; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $67,100 -- 389/335, automatic, buckets and console, Rallye wheels with trim rings and redline tires, dual exhaust, AM radio, P/S, P/B, tinted windows, Saf-T-Track. Laser straight body with even gaps. Excellent paint and concours chrome. The top fits very well, the engine bay is immaculate and the underside is over the top. PHS documented. Stated to be fresh although the restoration is over six years old, having been offered freshly restored here in 2005 were it was sold for $81,450, a bad return on a restoration stated to have cost $120,000. It has been exquisitely maintained and doesn't appear to have deteriorated since then, except in what the bidders were willing to pay for it. This price is representative of the present market, but a quality car at an advantageous price. Lot # 644.3 1956 Buick Special Convertible; S/N $C1177426; Red, White/Red, White; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $92,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $101,200 -- Automatic. Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, whitewall tirees, dual spotlights, power steering, power windows, power brakes. Older paint that still looks good though chipped around the edges. Underside has old undercoating. Interior unworn but lightly soiled. Chrome still looks excellent. An attractive and unusual driver. The car is a respectful older restoration and there's nothing to knock about that, but the price is amazing, by $25,000 or more. Lot # 647 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback; S/N 8T02J205355; Acupulco Blue/Black Vinyl; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500 -- 302/250, C-4 automatic, A/C, P/S, P/B. 64,342 miles from new. Straight body and excellent paint. Very light pitting on mirrors, vent window chrome and taillight bezels. Unworn and spotless interior. Engine bay and underside presentable but could be brought up a notch with light detailing. Comes with restoration documentation, Marti Report and Shelby Registry info. Strongly presented but not too nice to drive. This car was very nicely presented and is perfect for a novice or seasoned buyer that wants some security knowing he is buying the real deal. Its attraction is apparent in the premium price the bidders paid for it, even taking the known mileage into account. Expensive. Lot # 649 1949 Humber Super Snipe 3-pos. Drophead Coupe; S/N 8805020HX0; Sand Beige/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,600 -- RHD. Black wheels with covers and trim rings. Heater, period under-dash radio, dash clock. Top unworn. Front seat shows moderate wear. Chrome very deep and stainless highly polished with light scuffs. Excellent body and paint with light wear around panel edges. Underside lightly soiled. A well cared for older restoration. This car came with lots of reference books and factory shop literature. Stated to be one of only 24 remaining. Offered by Bonhams in Los Angeles last November with a $70-80,000 estimate but unsold, it is very unusual for this country and for the quality presented certainly worth at least what the buyer paid. Lot # 649.1 1950 Packard Super DeLuxe Victoria Convertible; S/N 237954644; Argentine Grey Metallic/Tan Cord, Leather; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- Ultramatic. Beige wheels, large hubcaps, trim rings, radio, heater, P/W, skirts. Fresh convertible top. Passenger door sags, vent windows delaminating, older respray flaking around panel edges, older chrome has lots of scratches. Some pieces badly need rechroming. This Packard looks great at a distance but up close is easily picked apart. This is a good result for a car that needs a good amount of cosmetic restoration, and heaven only knows how much mechanical work, despite the fact that it was sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2008 for $68,200. The quality of its restoration after just three years is not encouraging. Lot # 650.1 1931 Reo 8-30 Flying Cloud Coupe; S/N 30N342; Beige, Brown fenders, Brown coachline/Brown cloth, embroidered inserts; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,800 -- Stained artillery wheels with silver rims, dual Carlton spotlights, dual Firestone Super Ray fog lights, cigarette lighter, rumble seat and rear-mounted spare. Lots of chips on wheels and panel edges and microblistering on body. Interior unworn. Lots of polish marks in the chrome, radiator shell is rubbed through. This car has been in a museum for years and will likely required mechanical recommissioning. Though this restoration is a heavily aged and in need of attention the chassis and body are described as the only known example. The bidders were enthusiastic but not unreasonable, and the estate selling the car should be happy. The new owner has a reasonable project and a car that will be appreciated on tour or the show field. Lot # 650.2 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E56S001786; White, White coves, White hardtop/Red vinyl; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $83,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $91,300 -- 265/225hp, Powerglide, hardtop only. Red wheels, wheel covers, whitewall tires. An over-the-top restoration with excellent chrome, body, paint, underside, interior and engine bay. Represented as matching numbers engine. This is an excellent restoration with a factory hardtop, but the price is more than ample for an automatic. Lot # 6500 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH300107; Red, Red hardtop/Red vinyl; Black cloth top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $63,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $69,300 -- 312/245hp, automatic, new chrome wire wheels, whitewall radials, P/seat, P/S, wind wings and AM radio. Concours chrome, straight body with excellent paint. Interior, engine bay and underside over the top. Timed sale scheduled for 4:30PM Saturday. Meticulously restored to very high standards, much better than new, fresh and crisp, this is as good as it gets in a 2-seat T-bird, a conclusion reflected in the price it brought in Palm Beach. Lot # 651.1 1936 Packard 120B Convertible Coupe; S/N 9993664; Cream, Brown pinstripe/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- Body color wheels with quad pinstripes, Packard Eight hubcaps and trim rings, dual Unity spotlights, dual sidemounnts with metal covers and script mirrors, Trippe lights, trunk rack with period trunk, radio. Rumble seat has fold-out windscreen. Radiator shutters heavily pitted, paint detail on bumpers flaking. Older paint and body work showing stress cracks. Light patina on driver's seat. Underside recently paint detailed. A very nice driver but showing its age and use since it was the 1991 Hershey Best Of Show winner. Sold with reserve. This 20-year-old restoration has aged very well. Despite being older it still remains correct and the owner won't be afraid to show it off to curious onlookers or fellow participants at local events or tours. It brought a healthy price for the base 120 model, not a CCCA Full Classic. Lot # 651.2 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I Roadster; S/N HBN7L189; Black, Ivory/Black vinyl, white piping; Black canvas top; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Chrome knock-off wire wheels. Brand new top and interior. Body ripples in doors and fenders although paint is overall excellent. There is one spot on the top of the driver's side fender that is beginning to lift which could signal problems elsewhere. Perfect chrome. Underside nicely restored and could use light cleaning detail. This Healey has held up nicely since it was sold here in 2009 for $86,900 save for the paint lifting which was not apparent then. The odometer shows 179 more miles than it did two years ago. It looked great under the auction block lights and the high bidder paid a little too much considering there may be some costly paint repairs later on.
Lot # 652.6 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible; S/N 344670E165335; Matador Red, White pinstripe/White vinyl, White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 -- 455/365hp, M-20 four-speed, Super Stock I wheels with trim rings and Firestone tires, seat belts, A/C, AM-FM radio, power windows, power locks, bucket seats, power disc brakes, Ram Air hood. Freshly restored and truly over the top in every respect. Represented as matching numbers and well documented. Cars that are highly optioned and can claim to be ‘the best one in the world,’ even if for just a moment, command huge premiums and this is an example. The seller must still be beaming, but the buyer got a car of which he/she can be honestly proud. Lot # 653.1 1998 Ferrari F355 Spider; S/N ZFFXR48A3W0110818; Argento Nurburgring/Dark Blue leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $68,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,800 -- A/C, P/W, Ferrari cassette radio. 9,969 miles from new and given 10,000-mile service prior to sale. Underside shows light soiling and road use. Comes with tool kit, service records and shop manuals. Light patina on interior. This car presented well enough on its own but would have really stood out with a good detailing. A pretty car in attractive colors with a reassuring history, bought for a representative price. Lot # 653.2 1995 Ferrari 348 Spider; S/N ZFFRG43A2S0098872; Yellow/Black leather, Black cloth top, black boot; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $54,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $59,400 -- Air conditioning. Driver's headrest and floor mat heavily worn. Polish marks in original paint. 15,000 mile service card displayed and the description states that the car ‘has all books and records.’ 19,598 miles from new. Chassis and underbody show road use and dirt. This is a strong price but not unusual in a market where Fly Yellow frequently gets bidders excited. In plain old Rossa Corsa it would have been a stretch at $50,000 hammer. Lot # 656 1956 Lincoln Premier Convertible; S/N 56WA43639L; Island Coral/White, Pink leather; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- Body color wheels, wheel covers, whitewall tires, power seats, power brakes, power windows, power antenna, dual spotlights and factory continental kit. Very deep chrome with light polishing marks. Absolutely straight body with excellent panel fit and paint. Front seat lightly worn. Dash beautifully restored. Underside restored to show standards. An older restoration that is still up to show quality standards. Sold for $113,400 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2004 and maintained in excellent -- maybe even superlative -- condition since. These are fabulously expensive cars to restore. The survival of this one in such exceptional condition attests to the quality of the workmanship and materials invested in it. It's worth every penny of the price it brought. Lot # 657 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC57J250678; Larkspur Blue/Two-tone Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- 283/250hp, dual quads, spinner wheel covers, wide whitewalls, P/S, P/B, windshield washer, tissue dispenser, WonderBar radio, fender skirts, bumper guards, trunk and door-handle guards. Excellent deep chrome. Excellent body and paint but with some (factory-style?) orange peel. Spotless engine bay and underbody restored to like new condition. Sold for $90,200 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2009. It can't be in any worse condition today than it was then and this result parallels the market. Lot # 657.1 1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N E57S102150; Red, White coves/White, White top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $87,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $95,700 -- 283/283hp, fuel injection, four-speed, 5.5’ wide wheels, hubcaps, blackwall tires, radio delete, soft top only, big brake, heavy duty suspension, special steering, Positraction. Chrome has light scratches and pitting in a few places. Paint and panels excellent. Engine bay and underside very presentable but not over the top. Correct number block with later casting date. Represented as having correct period parts but not that this was how the car was originally built. A very attractive, desirable and rarely configured Corvette but devoid of any intimation this is its original configuration, which probably explains its price at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale earlier this year with exactly the same car card: sold for $73,700. The Palm Beach bidders were more gullible, or more wishful, and gave it a big bump, a price more than enough for its sketchy history. Lot # 660.1 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback; S/N SFM6S1066; White, Blue stripe/Black with pattern vinyl inserts; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $148,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $162,800 -- 289/250hp, transmission upgraded from C-4 automatic to 4-speed top-loader. Originally Green. Excellent bumpers but window frames lightly pitted and stainless scratched. Engine bay nicely detailed. Paint presentable but flaking just above the drip rails. Underside clean and presentable. New interior with racing seat belts. Represented as raced from new in Peru. Sold with reserve. This car has an interesting, documented South American racing history and a cherry restoration, but the color is different and the transmission is changed. Would it be worth more in Green with a slush box? Probably not. It is richly valued at this price, no matter its configuration. Lot # 662 1962 Volkswagen Type 2 23-Window Samba Bus Custom; S/N 864677; Orange, White top/White vinyl with Black piping; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- Body color wheels with whitewall tires, radio, vintage luggage on roof rack. Scratches in window glass, interior unworn but soiled. Good chrome but with scratches in stainless trim. Painted trim pitted and body wavy with nice paint. Underside painted black. A very nice driver but not overly impressive. This is staggering money, even if this Samba were over-the-top restored and spotless. Barrett-Jackson auction lightning is the only explanation. Lot # 665.5 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 516244546; Black/Red leather, beige cloth; clear top; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $76,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $83,600 -- Body color wheels with sombrero hubcaps and whitewall tires, P/S, WonderBar radio, P/W, custom parade top. Claimed as tour vehicle used by Princess Elizabeth on her first official visit to Canada. Deep concours chrome, excellent paint but body has small waves. Very good panel fit except driver's door which is sagging. Interior unworn. Underside painted black and lightly soiled. Sold with reserve. This is a healthy price for a nicely restored 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible plus a reasonable premium for the royal provenance. Lot # 669.2 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N NY12538; Black, Black hardtop/Black and White vinyl; Black cloth top; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,600 -- 292 V-8, P/S, continental kit, AM radio, aftermarket CD player, Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. Excellent chrome but paint has some orange peel and other defects and door fit is off. Engine bay presentable but not like new. Underside restored but not like new. Interior immaculate. An auction car with a salvage VIN. This is more money than a mediocre restoration of a salvage title '56 T-Bird deserves, but it achieved its purpose and richly rewarded the seller. Lot # 670 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible; S/N BS27V0B242372; Hemi Orange, Black hockey stripe/Black vinyl with insert; Black vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $74,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $81,400 -- 440/390hp, Six Barrel, Slap Stick automatic, factory wheels, trim rings, Rally dash, console. Testored with some body ripples, lots of polish marks in the chrome and stainless, decent paint, some orange peel. Top and interior are good. Engine bay and underside like new. One of 12 with this engine/transmission combo. This car appeared at Worldwide's Atlantic City sale two months ago where it no-saled at a reported $125,000. The consignor got real at Palm Beach and accepted the money, a good value for the buyer. Lot # 674.6 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 59E068713; Red Metallic/Black leather; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Autronic Eye, factory A/C. Driver's seat heavily worn. Excellent chrome. Overspray on one piece of fin trim. Good gap between top and windows. Undebody shows age since restoration. Freshened for the block, but not particularly attractive. Sold with reserve. The result of the freshening doesn't give the impression of a typical ‘fluffed and buffed’ auction car but there was still room for more massaging. The buyer still got a very nice car and can make improvements without being upside-down. Lot # 676 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N E7FH244643; Red, Red hardtop/White vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $59,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $64,900 -- 312/270hp, dual quads, factory A/C, wind wings, P/S, P/B, Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, two tops. Engine bay correct and presentable with correct factory stamps but not over the top. Lightly worn interior lightly, filthy floor mats. Chrome and paint have polishing marks and the rear bumper is rubbed through. Underside very nicely detailed. Presented as a ‘recent restoration’, a loose definition of both ‘recent’ and ‘restoration.’ This car had been fluffed and buffed up to this condition following an older restoration that was none too good to begin with. The price is a home run for the seller but an acquisition that is not going to sit well with the buyer when it gets home. It is expensive for what it is. Lot # 677 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC570170299; Colonial Cream/Cream with Grey inserts; Black vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- 283/22hp, Powerglide, spinner wheel covers, whitewall tires, continental kit, tissue dispenser, later Alpine stereo, traffic light finder, skirts. Minor body ripples with excellent paint. Excellent chrome. Interior unworn. Engine bay highly detailed. Underside nicely redone but not over the top. A body-off restoration to better than new condition in lovely colors. This was a very nicely restored car that sold for under a modest price. $65,000 or even $70,000 on the hammer would not have been excessive for this pristine and handsomely equipped '57 Bel Air. Lot # 683 1991 Ferrari Testarossa ; S/N ZFFSM17AXM0081175; Red/Red leather; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 -- A/C, P/W. No paint defects. Driver's seat badly out of shape and scratched. Reportedly 7,750km from new. A home run for the seller, especially for a car without maintenance history documentation. It must have been the red leather interior. Lot # 683.1 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Roadster; S/N HBJ841619; Champagne/Black vinyl; black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $49,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $53,900 -- Chrome wire wheels, AM radio and heater. Excellent chrome, straight panels and gaps with no paint flaws. Underside lightly soiled but correctly finished. No wear on the top and interior. Engine bay nicely detailed with paint peeling on exhaust manifold. A nice restoration that looks like it sat for a time. Stated 25 miles since restoration. As nice as this Healey was it stumbled badly on the block and someone got a steal to the tune of around $20,000. Lot # 684 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Roadster; S/N HBJ828465; Red/Black vinyl; Black canvas top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $45,100 -- Chrome wire wheels, fog lights, radio, heater. Dash excellent, driver's seat very lightly worn, top fits well. Underside dirty and not fully paint detailed. Chrome excellent except grille teeth which are older and pitted. Straight body with excellent paint and gaps. A somewhat spotty restoration that will benefit from some attention. Offered at Mecum's Kissimmee auction in January where it no-saled at $60,000. It failed to attract much attention on the block, like the Big Healey before it. It was not the best example of its type, but not as bad as the price it brought. A bad day for Big Healeys. Lot # 689.4 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N J58S107216; Panama Yellow, Snowcrest White coves/Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 -- 283/245hp, 4-speed, spinner wheel covers, whitewall tires, radio and heater delete. Flawless deep, concours chrome. Straight body, excellent paint, new interior and dash. Underside and engine bay over the top clean. Presented with Edelbrock intake but owner states that the original dual-quad setup comes with the car. ‘Period correct’ engine. Offered with reserve. This is ample money for a replacement engine Corvette without a hint of the car's original configuration presented in this exceptionally well restored condition. Sold here four years ago for $101,200. Lot # 720 2000 Jaguar XK8 Convertible; S/N SAJJA42C6YNA07876; Black Metallic/Black leather; Black cloth top; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $16,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,600 -- A/C, Harmon stereo. Very nicely maintained with original paint showing road wear on the nose. Top in perfect shape. Driver's seat leather lightly worn. Underside undercoated and very clean. Plastic on door mirrors sun bleached. Used car, but a lot of used car for the money.
[Source: Rick Carey]
We have mental giants that build cars for $100,000 and sell them for $50,000. High school dropout?