RM Auctions presents the Classic Car Auction of Michigan event at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan on April 25-26, 2009.
From pre-war toy trucks, to Evel Knievel’s personal motorcycle, to a nine-ton 1950 Flxible Motor Coach, RM’s Classic Car Auction of Michigan event will offer a wide selection of collector vehicles.
One of the largest collector vehicles ever to be offered by RM is a factory-built 1950 Flxible Private Luxury Motor Coach. Easily recognized for their bulbous streamlined bodies and split windshields, the fifties era Flxible often made cameos in many famous Hollywood movies such as The Wild One, Vertigo, North by Northwest and Key Largo.
This remarkably original recreational vehicle on offer at the Novi event is one of only five examples built and was designed for its first owners the Slawik family at cost of $20,700 in 1950. Most notably, this is not a converted passenger bus but a purposely designed luxury coach that represents the epitome of 1950s travelling elegance. In 1958 the Flxible was parked in proper heated storage until it was acquired by its present owners in 1995.
The Flxible retains its original Buick eight-cylinder engine and Koehler generator and is equipped with air brakes, power steering, a roof-mounted air conditioner. The lavishly designed interior features mahogany paneling and stainless steel trim. Other accoutrements include a full galley, private intercom, Pullman-style bathroom, special lighting and a circa-1956 Chrysler Hi-Fi radio/record player. Benefiting from careful ownership, this unique, two-owner land cruiser runs and drives as new and has recorded a mere 24,000 original miles.
“This event offers great opportunities for both buyers and sellers as many Michigan area collectors are known for acquiring the best examples of America’s rich automotive heritage and ones that remind them of their youth,” says RM’s car specialist Ken Wallace.
For the two-wheel collector, this event will offer a one-of-a-kind motorcycle custom-built for the legendary American daredevil, Robert Craig “Evel” Knievel. More than just a showman, Knievel was one of the highest paid entertainers at the time and rewarded himself with numerous luxury cars, jets, yachts and of course, motorcycles. One of his favorite rides was a personalized 1980 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Golden Eagle that features genuine 24K gold plating and inlays. This special bike is being offered complete with a copy of the bill of sale from Evel Knievel and photos.
Some of the smaller auction lots include several highly prized pre-WWII metal toys produced by the Buddy L and Steelcraft companies such as an early 1920 International Harvester Truck, a rare 1920 Tri-Motor US Mail Plane and an operating 1928 Little Jim Mack Steam Shovel. The ten examples offered at this event are from a private collection and have been properly restored to their original condition.
Other unique collector cars in this year’s lineup include:
– 1937 Lincoln Model K Judkins – one of only forty-seven Model 367-A Berline V12 models built with custom coachwork by the famous Judkins Company of Amesbury, Massachusetts
– 1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Limousine – presented in light blue livery with matching disc-type wheels and the only example of the last pre-war model built by H.J. Mulliner
– 1958 BMW Isetta – an award-winning example of the microcar that revitalized the German auto industry in the 1950s and was built under license from Renzo Rivolta’s Iso works in Italy
– 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Notchback – an original 5,000 mile NHRA survivor campaigned by the Damone-Venturi Racing team, owned by singer Vic Damone and pro golfer Ken Venturi
In addition to these vehicles, a large assortment of automobilia, including tin signs, petroliana, memorabilia, pop machines and antique gas pumps will be offered for auction.
In support of Michigan’s rich automotive history, representatives from the MotorCities National Heritage organization will be on site to share the latest news on the many exciting events held in Michigan during Autopalooza August including the Meadow Brook Concours, Festival of Speed & Style and the Woodward Dream Cruise.
The Classic Car Auction of Michigan weekend kicks off with a vehicle preview on Friday, April 24th from 3pm to 8pm. Doors open for the auction at 9am on Saturday and Sunday, with the auction action starting at 10am each day, and ending at 8pm Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.
For more information, visit www.rmauctions.com.
[Source: RM Auctions]
