Gooding & Company Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report
Gooding & Company, Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida, March 13, 2015
Gooding & Company’s sixth consecutive auction at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation showed a complete disdain for superstition: it was Friday the Thirteenth.
No slashers wielding machetes or aetherial ectoplasmic forms materialized in or near the Gooding tent village, although a somewhat supernatural rain deluge created an interlude that challenged rationality. The inundation quickly receded and a large crowd kept David Gooding and auctioneer Charlie Ross busy on the block. [There may be some skeptics who correlate adverse weather with auction success: it keeps the crowd in the tent paying attention to the cars and bidding.]
Gooding presented several of the ‘barn-find’ cars that have become regular highlights of its auctions. They bring handsome prices that often defy logic, but they are prized these days by a segment of the collecting community that often is willing to pay dearly for dirt, diametrically opposed to the often less than the cost of restoration prices that brilliantly restored cars bring.
There is a wide gulf between sound, well-preserved but aged barn-finds that proudly display the care and attention of generations of sympathetic owners and some of their scabrous, festering, peeling counterparts that evidence only loss of interest and neglect. Some bidders these days seem unable to perceive the distinction. It’s an observation that applies to all auctions, not just to Gooding’s.
Still, this is a business, and a good business caters to the desires of its customers. If they want dirt it is successful to give them dirt, even if it means that after a few more years of oxidation taking its inevitable toll a restoration is inevitable. At its completion any originality premium becomes inverted, evaporated into a cloud of restorer’s invoices.
At Gooding as well as at RM Sotheby’s Saturday sale collectors also paid sharp premiums for limited production, high performance cars, sometimes measured in multiples of the original retail price only a few years ago. It may be helpful to think of these burgeoning prices [use of the term ‘values’ seems ill-advised] as the sharp edge of new collector money cutting its way into the hobby. Late model limited production cars – as seen here exemplified by the Ferrari 599 SA Aperta, but also the flood of 2x-MSRP Ford GTs that are nearly ubiquitous – offer some comfort to the novice. They are pretty, rare, fast and make an immediately recognizable impression on colleagues and neighbors. They also have air conditioning that works, are serviced by a factory-authorized dealer network, and can be expected with a reasonable certainty to start and run with minimal attention to their electronically-controlled innards.
The fond (if so far unsubstantiated) hope is that exposure to the car collecting experience through ownership of these titans of modern technology will whet their newcomer owners’ appetites for further, and more adventurous, experiences.
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance has grown steadily – as a few hours on the fairways on Sunday morning made abundantly clear – to include the better part of a week’s activities and a vast gathering of manufacturer [this year including a huge display by Alfa Romeo to introduce its 4C and reinforce the marque’s history] and vendor displays. Gooding & Company’s auction at the Plantation is an essential element that mirrors in many ways the rapid growth and appeal of the car collecting hobby.
Here are the numbers:
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Andrew Newton contributed immeasurable to this auction report; the observations and comments are the editor’s responsibility.
Gooding and Company Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report
Lot # 09 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 13069; Silver/Black leather; Estimate $250,000 – $325,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $255,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $280,500. With Reserve – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Blaupunkt multiband radio, P/W, P/S, A/C. – Poor recent clear coat repaint with many flaws and fisheyes, uneven hood and door fit, dull window trim. Air conditioning not working. Good new upholstery. Rocker panel and radiator support rust. A nasty car dressed up for the auction. – It is hard to believe that any Queen Mother could be worth a quarter of a million dollars, let alone this one, but in the present market that’s what they bring. The flawed condition is somewhat offset by a benign history of 25 years in the consignor’s ownership and shows good attention to upkeep appropriate to its nominal value only a few years ago.Lot # 15 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 1980427500580; Engine # 1989807500606; White/Green leather; Green cloth top; Estimate $1,300,000 – $1,600,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,237,500. With Reserve – Rudge-style centerlock wheels, P4000 tires, Becker Mexico radio, white steering wheel, Euro headlights. – 27,249 mile car restored in 1992 with very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment is spotless and accurate. Engine intake plenum is silver painted. Wheel wells are painted exterior color and show scant evidence of road use. – Few owners and a history of continuing attention are among this 300SL’s desirable attributes along with its attract6ive and unusual combination of white paint over green leather and a green top. It brought a representative price for its history, condition and presentation.Lot # 18 1948 Kurtis Kraft Offenhauser Midget Racer; S/N 271; Engine # 159; Dark Blue/Black leatherette; Estimate $45,000 – $65,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $58,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,800. No Reserve – Offenhauser powered, Bosch magneto, Hilborn injection, 4-wheel disc brakes, quick change axle center section, polished centerlock Halibrand disc alloy wheels, in-out transmission, chrome torsion bar suspension, lever shocks, nerf bars. – Restored and little if any used. Great paint and chrome. Clean, tidy engine and chassis. Raced when new by Ed Bowman. An honest Offy midget in pristine condition. – Kurtis Kraft Offys were the standard by which all midget racers were measured, renowned for their power, handling and reliability. This one has all the right stuff and is in exceptional condition. Even in the middle of Gooding’s estimate range it is a good value.Lot # 20 1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 237375P338818; Red/White vinyl; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000. No Reserve – 389/335hp, 4-speed, console, spinner wheel covers, red line tires, pushbutton radio, 3.55 Saf-T-Track. – Represented as 1,427 miles from new and restored like new with excellent paint, chrome and interior. – Sold by RM from the Glen Konkle collection in San Diego in June 2010 for $67,100 when it showed just 1,356 miles on its odometer and was in similar better-than-new condition. Its price here is more appropriate for its equipment and condition, although the estimate range is even more over the top than the car’s condition.Lot # 23 1958 Jaguar XK 150S 3.4 Roadster; S/N S830420DN; Carmine Red/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $127,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $140,250. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, Michelin LTX blackwall tires, overdrive. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Good underbody showing some age and use. Lightly soiled driver’s carpet and slightly stretched driver’s seat cushion. Not fresh, but very good. – Sold by Worldwide in Houston in 2009 for $112,000 with 13,630 miles showing on its odometer where 14,202 shows today. It is cataloged as freshly restored in 2013, but that is not borne out by the car’s condition which appears to be the same very good restoration it showed in 2009 other than being trimmed in Tan instead of the Red it had six years ago. In any event it brought a modest price and the new owner should be very satisfied with the car and the transaction.Lot # 24 1987 Lamborghini Countach LP500 QV Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N ZA9CA05A5HLA12188; Pearl White/Cream leather; Estimate $425,000 – $475,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $360,000. With Reserve – Body color telephone dial wheels, Pirelli P7 tires, Euro bumpers (U.S. bumpers included), no wing. – Good repaint let down by some sloppy touchup of the flat black trim. Good, clean interior appropriate to the 15,238km showing on the odometer. – A Countach without its wing is highly unusual, as is the color combination on this car. It should have brought a bid closer to the pre-sale low estimate and given its unusual configuration would not have been unreasonable even at $425K.Lot # 25 1976 Alpine A110 Coupe; S/N A11017163; Metallic Blue/Black vinyl, cloth; Estimate $100,000 – $140,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. No Reserve – 1,289cc/81hp, single 2-barrel Weber carb, 4-point belts, Blaupunkt multiband radio, Cibie cornering lights and driving lights, Yokohama tires on Alpine alloy wheels, Prototipo leather rim steering wheel. – Mediocre older paint, dull bright trim. Overspray all over old undercoat in the wheel wells, pulled dent over right door. Good interior and gauges. A tired and unattractively presented Alpine. – The deteriorated and somewhat neglected condition of this Alpine is troubling, particularly at this price. Gooding scored big with an A110 at Scottsdale a year ago, but it was a 1.8 and a factory Group IV rally car. This has no competition history or equipment and only half the horsepower. The seller should be extremely happy to get this much for it.Lot # 27 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series 2; S/N 2489GT; White, Grey hardtop/Red leather; Estimate $2,000,000 – $2,500,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,090,000. With Reserve – Notchback hardtop with sliding sunroof, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli Cinturato tires, Blaupunkt multiband radio. – Fresh cosmetics, and very good. Wheel wells repainted over old, cracked, undercoat. Color changed from Amaranto Roma over natural leather, to no particular advantage. Ferrari Classiche certified, FCA Platinum award. – An exceptionally handsome Ferrari that is set apart from contemporaries by its believed unique sunroof hardtop. The condition isn’t the best, but it is exceptionally unusual and fully deserves the handsome price it brought.
Gooding and Company Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 31 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 10123374681; Engine # AR0053615034; Red/Black leatherette; Black vinyl top; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. No Reserve – Upgraded with dual Weber 40DCOE carbs, 5-speed, no radio. – Fair old repaint with some overspray. Worn original interior, yellowed gauge lenses, erratic wiring, old undercoat in wheel wells. An aged but friendly driver. – Even giving this Alfa generous credit for originality it is hard to come up with this price, a car that would have been better bought in the $45-55,000 range. At this price it is expensive.Lot # 32 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 08486; Silver/Tan leather, Black stripes; Estimate $500,000 – $600,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $510,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $561,000. With Reserve – Campagnolo alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, chairs and flairs, Borletti A/C, AM-FM. – Underbody resprayed over old, peeling undercoat, then driven. Good recent paint and interior. Some weak trim chrome. Engine is superficially clean, but not restored. A sound car freshened for the hot Dino market. – This Dino has no special history, nor is its early history even known until 1980. Other than Chairs and Flairs it has nothing going for it and it is expensive for its condition.Lot # 33 1965 Porsche 356C Coupe, Body by Reutter; S/N 131063; Irish Green/Black; Estimate $130,000 – $160,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. No Reserve – 1582/75hp, dual Zenith carbs, disc brakes, Pirelli P6 tires, Blaupunkt push button radio, VDO dash clock, locking glove box. – In Porsche terms, the 356 C was the last of the first. It was also the most refined with disc brakes and a more comfortable interior, among other things. This one wears a 2013 restoration and still has excellent paint, chrome and interior as well as a spotless engine bay. It’s a worthy concours Porsche. – It brought a worth concours Porsche coupe price, too.Lot # 35 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 Coupe; S/N 9115609115; Engine # 1876; White, Red, Yellow ‘Cafe Mexicano’/Black cloth; Estimate $1,200,000 – $1,500,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,237,500. With Reserve – 2,993/330hp, FI, 5-speed, roll cage, centerlock alloy wheels, Avon tires. – Owned and raced by Hector Rebaque. 9th at Daytona in 1975 and continued racing until 1983. Freshly restored and raced at the Daytona Classic 24 in 2014, finishing 4th in its age group. Very clean, fresh and sharp. – This is a good history and a highly competitive car restored to very high standards of finish and function. It is reasonable to accept the price the bidders at Gooding’s Amelia auction put on it.Lot # 37 1967 Aston Martin DB6 MK I Coupe; S/N DB62770LN; Red/Brown leather; Estimate $425,000 – $475,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $360,000. With Reserve – 3995/282hp, ZF 5-speed, limited slip differential, chrome centerlock wire wheels, Sigma Paramount tires, Marchal fog lights, heated rear window, woodrim steering wheel, Blaupunkt pushbutton radio, air conditioning, Smiths dash clock, locking glove box. – A largely original US market car that was cosmetically redone at some point in a non-original color combination. It has otherwise been maintained but not restored, and shows 29,914 miles. Good paint with several dings and touch ups on the nose as well as a sizable bubble on top of the hood scoop. There is also some paint crazing on the trunk and a chip on the filler cap. Very good, lightly worn interior. No stunner, but an honest and visibly maintained DB6. – This DB6 was unfortunately color changed from Mink over Dark Blue to the present mundane livery that does little for its appeal. Not especially well maintained, it would have been fully valued at the reported high bid.Lot # 39 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo 3.6 Coupe; S/N WP0AC2960RS480329; Speed Yellow/Black leather piped in Yellow; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $330,000. With Reserve – 3600/360hp, 5-speed, single KKK turbocharger, Bosch fuel injection, alloy modular wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, whale tail rear spoiler, rear wiper, sunroof, power windows, factory cassette stereo, VDO dash clock. – One of less than 1,500 964 Turbos with the 3.6 engine, up from 3.3. Two registered owners and represented as 29,091 miles from new. The car is in corresponding condition, with one touch up on the nose and a couple of scratches on the hood. Very lightly worn interior and clean engine bay. Not like new, but a very lightly used and desirably equipped later 911 Turbo. – Low mileage, striking colors, submodel rarity and lavishly equipped, but Three Hundred Large for a car that looks like every other 911 on the road? If this is ‘market’ that standard is growing so fast no observer can keep track of it. This is a seriously expensive car.Lot # 41 1955 Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 60870; Silver/Black leather; Dark Blue top; Estimate $275,000 – $350,000; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $285,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $313,500. With Reserve – 1582/60hp, 4-speed, steel wheels with chrome hub caps, Michelin tires, driving lights, locking glove box, banjo steering wheel, dark blue cloth top boot. – The Continental was a model for the American market. All it gave buyers were badges that said “Continental”, and that was it. At the insistence of Ford (which claimed dibs on the Continental nameplate), Porsche discontinued it after only one year, 1955. This car wears a 2008 restoration with a later 1600 engine and 12 volt electrical system and is very sound with a tidy engine bay and undercarriage, very lightly worn interior and very good paint and chrome. – Comes with a Porsche Certificate of [in]Authenticity, but a bent-window Porsche will always attract favorable interest, including here where it brought a superior price.Lot # 42 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H Fastback; S/N SFM6S717; Wimbledon White, Gold stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Modified restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500. No Reserve – 289/306hp, 4-speed, Holley carb, Shelby Magnum wheels, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, woodrim steering wheel, dash tach, factory radio, bucket seats. – One of 50 cars finished in Wimbledon White, much rarer than the black that we all associate with the Hertz Shelbys. Most of these cars were automatics and so was this one until it was converted to a 4-speed, then restored a few years ago. Good paint with some masking imperfections on the stripes. Imperfect fit on the trunk and hood. Lightly dinged up front bumper. Excellent interior. An impressive GT350H, but not presented to be particularly impressive to the SAAC crowd. – Not as delivered, but in a good way with a 4-speed conversion dating back many years. Competently if not assiduously restored, a car that can be driven and enjoyed with minimal concern for birds, bugs and pebbles and bought for an appropriate price.
Gooding and Company Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 43 1973 Porsche 911S 2.4 Coupe; S/N 911330535; Light Ivory/Black leatherette; Estimate $200,000 – $240,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $142,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $156,750. No Reserve – 2341/190hp, 5-speed, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, Fuchs wheels, Michelin tires, air conditioning, radio delete, VDO dash clock. – Italian market car. Cosmetically refreshed a few years ago with new paint and interior other than what is claimed to be the original seat upholstery. Very good paint other than a chip on the filler cap. Excellent interior. Clean engine bay and undercarriage. A desirable 911S in honest and refreshingly original condition. – Having had no more work done to it than was necessary to keep it going and reasonably presented, this Euro spec 190hp 911S is unusually encouraging. It didn’t come close to its low estimate but brought a realistic price for its specifications and condition and the new owner shouldn’t expect many, if any, unpleasant surprises.Lot # 44; S/N 09489; Bleu Chiaro/Black leather; Estimate $3,400,000 – $3,800,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $3,000,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,300,000. With Reserve – Centerlock alloy wheels, old Michelin X tires, Blaupunkt AM-FM, old set of Borrani wire wheels included. – Stored since 1982, and not well. Flawed, cracking old repaint with masking holidays over shrinking filler. Driver’s seat seam pulled, dirty engine, rusty right door bottom. Not as built, but still charmingly original although needing complete mechanical attention. – The only 4-cam 275 in this year’s Amelia Island auctions, the bidders ignored what it will cost to make it run and drive, let alone what it will take to make it presentable, and paid restored a full retail 275 GTB/4 price for a car that will inhale another low six-figure sum before it can be used. It is seriously expensive, even under the low estimate.Lot # 46 1961 Jaguar XKE SI flat floor Roadster; S/N 875206; Old English White/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $350,000 – $450,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $380,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $418,000. With Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, Dunlop RS5 blackwall tires, outside bonnet latch, welded louver. – Fresh JCNA 99.99 point judged. JDHT certificate documented. Flawless but not overdone. – This is, for some reason, the E-type everyone wants, with all the early details including cramped footwells, Moss gearbox and uncomfortable seats, and this is what it costs to own one. It is too good to be driven, which is just as well because a normal-sized American male would need to have toes amputated to fit the driver’s footwell.Lot # 47 1999 Ferrari F355 Fiorano Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFXR48A0X0116495; Silver/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $180,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $198,000. No Reserve – Paddle shift, CD stereo, SF shields, red calipers, A/C, P/W, power seats, Tubi exhaust. – Spotless underbody. Clean and essentially like new showing 13,338 miles on the odometer. Belt serviced in 2013. – One of 104 Serie Fiorano built with upgraded Challenge features including carbon fiber interior trim, Challenge rear grille and uprated suspension, this is a $90,000 car for which double the money was paid. Go figure.Lot # 49 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9 Coupe; S/N AM11749US688; Black/Mustard Yellow leather; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500. No Reserve – Blaupunkt cassette stereo, alloy wheels, Michelin MXV4 blackwalls, U.S.-spec, books, tools, Maserati Classiche papers, original owner’s manual. – Sound but quick older repaint, sound interior with worn and cracked driver’s seat, good stainless roof. Old undercoat in wheelwells. Engine and chassis are cleaned up and repainted in place.. An honest old car that probably is neither more nor less than it appears to be. – If the Sebring sold here earlier today and this 4.9 Bora are any indication, the Maserati market is on a steep upward slope. It was less than a year ago that 4.9 Boras inched into six figures, now this mediocre example is pushing $200K although it is still half the price of its contemporary super car, the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB (see Lot #54.)Lot # 50 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC; S/N 10671; Smoke Gray/Cream leather; Estimate $900,000 – $1,100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $850,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $935,000. With Reserve – Chrome spoke Borranis, Michelin XWX tires, P/W, Blaupunkt AM-FM. – Good paint and chrome. Good surface creased re-dyed upholstery. Underbody painted over old undercoat. A few minor paint flaws. First owned by Edwin Perona, son of the El Morocco nightclub owner. Repaired in Italy after crashing the driver’s side in 1969 and stored from then until 2001. Driven about 2,000 miles since and now showing 11,171 miles. Not restored but sound and usable. – An attractive color and a refreshing change from ubiquitous red, with a somewhat troubling accident history that supports the price it brought here.Lot # 51 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 11101012103837; Gray/Tan leather with cloth inserts; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. No Reserve – 2308/135hp, automatic, dual carbs, steel wheels with body color hub caps, Michelin tires, VDO dash clock, Euro headlights. – Believed to be (and appears to be) the original paint and interior, including the wood, although the 86,281 miles on the odometer would lead you to believe that there should be more wear and tear than there is. Very clean underneath and no major flaws in the paint or interior. It’s a sound, pretty, driver-quality fintail Mercedes sedan. – An experienced Mercedes-Benz dealer/restorer was agog at the preservation of this finback, amazed at its survival in such good, attractive, well-maintained condition. ‘Rare’ hardly begins to describe its survival and it is the essence of a magnificent ‘barn-find’ without the dirt, grunge and rot so often concomitant with the category. Its over-estimate price was unusual for this year’s Amelia Island auctions, but fully deserved by the car’s condition. For rarity, it makes 190SLs look as common as Fords.Lot # 54 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB Coupe, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 18001; Black/Black leather, white stripes; Estimate $425,000 – $475,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $365,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $401,500. With Reserve – A/C, Voxson 8-track stereo, 5-spoke alloy wheels, Pirelli P600 tires in front, P7s in the rear on 9-inch wheels. – Sound repaint but with masking holidays. underbody has original undercoat. Good interior with some seat cushion stretch. Orderly but not fresh engine compartment. Road grimy chassis and ugly under the engine cover. Big paint blisters on the nose. No Federalization plate. Dressed up for the auction. – The Amelia Island bidders weren’t misled into spending a bundle on this BB, a model that has only recently begun to flirt with half-million dollar values. At this price it can be treated to some needed attention without undue expense and is a sound value.
Gooding and Company Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 56 1956 Maserati 200 SI Sports Racer, Body by Fantuzzi; S/N 2401; Aluminum/Red; Estimate -; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $4,700,000. With Reserve – RHD. 1,993cc/195hp, 5-speed, deDion rear axle, side exhaust, outside laced wire wheels, wraparound full-width windscreen, driver’s head fairing. – The first Maserati 200S, raced by Maserati and used in development of the 200SI. Long racing history that includes the Mille Miglia in 1956. Drivers include Moss, Behra, Farina, Taruffi and Musso and Wolfi Zweifler in historic events. Stripped of its paint to reveal the erratic construction techniques of the period (or contemporary race repairs). A winner at Amelia Island in 2010 in the class for Cuban GP cars and shown at Pebble Beach in 2008. Full documentation file, Maserati Classiche certification, photos and race history. – Sold by RM at Monterey in 2001 for $605,000, then extensively documented and restored to its present appearance by the buyer there and sold at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction in 2010 for $2,640,000. It has a remarkable history and is very competitive in historic racing today although the rationale for turning down the reported high bid is difficult to fathom. The consolation prize for the consignor was the car’s appearance among the featured Cars of Stirling Moss exhibit at the Amelia Island Concours on Sunday.Lot # 57 1979 Ferrari 308 GTB, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 25737; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $68,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,800. No Reserve – A/C, Michelin Pilot tires, Blaupunkt cassette stereo. – Poor repaint with alligator skin cracking on the roof and elsewhere. Sound but aged old upholstery. Orderly but aged engine compartment. Rust blisters in the lower front corner of the passenger’s door. Not pretty. – Nothing so clearly shows the renewed interest in the long-overlooked 308 GTB than this result for a distinctly marginal example. It would have been half this much only a few months ago.Lot # 58 1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Touring Berline, Body by Rollston; S/N 2543; Engine # J-514; Burgundy, Black, Burgundy padded roof/Grey cloth; Estimate $950,000 – $1,400,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $775,000. With Reserve – Roof rack, windshield visor, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual semi-enclosed sidemounts with chrome rings and burgundy leatherette tire covers, outside headpipes, Burgundy leather covered trunk, roof rack, jump seats, pulldown shades including division shade but no division window, Lorraine spotlight, Pilot-Rays, opening windshield, polished aluminum body accent – Handsome body purpose-built for Mrs. Constance Evans for European tours loaded with luggage. Known history from new and impressively original in all important respects. Fresh paint, chrome and interior. Fully restored and very attractive in nearly concours condition. – Offered at the Dragone auction in May 2013 where it brought a reported bid of $1 million, then restored by Dragone with a new Brian Joseph supercharger, and now it brings an even smaller bid. It is a highly impressive car with a wonderful story, but built on the scale of a delivery truck, with ample headroom inside for Mrs. Evan’s hats. It is hard to see it bringing much if any more than the reported bid here.Lot # 59 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet; S/N 11102512004187; Gray/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $200,000 – $240,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000. No Reserve – 2778/160hp, automatic, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, power steering, power brakes, Phoenix whitewalls, dual mirrors, black vinyl top boot, power windows, air conditioning, Becker Europa stereo, power antenna, VDO dash clock, fog lights. – One of just under 1,400 280 SE Cabriolets and just 200 with the more attractive ‘low grille’ body. Restored about ten years ago and still with very good paint and interior. Used but tidy engine bay. Lightly scratched but presentable chrome. No show car, but an attractive hand-built Mercedes cabriolet that you’d be happy to be seen in. – Still elegant, stylish and exclusive this 6-cylinder 280SE brought an appropriate price for the age of its restoration and post-restoration miles. It won’t run like the 3.5 V-8, but it looks just as good, for half the money.Lot # 60 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Sport Lightweight Coupe; S/N 9113600354; Light Yellow/Black leatherette; Estimate $1,100,000 – $1,400,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $900,000. With Reserve – 2681/210hp, 5-speed, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, Fuchs wheels, Pirelli Cinturato tires, ducktail spoiler, bucket seats, dash clock delete. – Just 200 of the 1,580 Carrera RS 2.7s were the more hardcore Sport Lightweight. This one was bought new in Switzerland and raced in period before having a replacement engine of the appropriate type obtained from the factory. Restored in the 1990s but the work looks much newer than that. Engine rebuilt with a new alloy case restamped with the original number 6630350 with the factory replacement magnesium case engine (complete and usable) included. Excellent paint, interior and engine bay. The Carrera RS is 911 royalty, and this car has been treated as such. – The engine vicissitudes detract from this RS 2.7 Lightweight’s appeal and the consignor is going to have to find just the right buyer willing to accommodate its exceptions in order to get much if any more than the reported high bid here. It is good to keep in mind that the reported high bid is enough to buy a good, original engine, Ferrari Daytona.Lot # 61 1974 Volkswagen 181 Thing Acapulco Edition Convertible; S/N 1842542990; White, Blue/White, Blue vinyl; White, Blue vinyl top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $48,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,800. No Reserve – 1585/46hp, 4-speed, steel wheels, Michelin Primacy tires, vinyl surrey top, bucket seats, wicker shelf underneath the dashboard, wood slat floors, later stereo, locking glove box. – Decent quality paint. Touch ups on the right front fender, uneven paint and drips on some of the hinges. Worn, faded vinyl roof. Slightly faded blue and white cloth seat covers over vinyl in similar condition. Missing a top frame bolt in the back. Restored 10 years ago and received an engine rebuild with increase to 1,835 cc and dual carbs. It has cosmetic shortcomings to be sure, but what’s appealing about this Volkswagen is that it’s a fun, charming and fairly ridiculous beach vehicle that’s far more usable and way cheaper than a Fiat Jolly. – “Way cheaper” doesn’t mean cheap, though, in this case. This same Thing sold at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale back in 2010 for $22,500, less than half what it brought here. and this over-estimate price is generous to a fault for a Beach Thing in this condition.Lot # 62 1991 Ferrari F40 Coupe, Body by Scaglietti; S/N ZFFMN34A8M0088374; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $1,600,000 – $1,800,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,622,500. With Reserve – A/C, modular centerlock wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, Tubi exhaust (factory exhaust included), fitted luggage, tool kit, owner’s folder, car cover. – U.S. spec car with 2,426 miles from new. Thick repaint over old paint, good only lightly scuffed upholstery and belts, cloth upholstered dash top. Body color wheel wells with stone chips through black overpaint. Assembly number 06054. Clean engine compartment is nearly like new. Ferrari Classiche certified. Timing belt serviced four months ago. – Compared with $1,155,000 for the 599 SA Aperta this seems like a heck of a deal in a low mileage, maintained and largely original F40.Lot # 63 1964 Jaguar XKE SI Convertible; S/N 880192; Gray, Black hardtop/Black leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $325,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000. No Reserve – 3781/265hp, 4-speed, chrome centerlock wire wheels, black hardtop, woodrim steering wheel, Clarion AM/FM stereo, grille and trunk guards. – An original car that stayed with the same family from 1965 to 2009. Showing 29,950 miles and its condition corresponds, if showing more than a little sitting-in-the-garage wear. Faded paint with scuffs, nicks and scratches throughout. Inch-wide dent on the nose. Decent chrome. Very tired hard top with worn out paint and foggy rear glass. The interior, which was redone in the 1990s, is very good. Original but tidy and complete engine bay. This is a fine preservation class E-type. Much more wear and tear, though, and it would border on being an eyesore. – What a contrast to some of the other peeling, festering, grungy Amelia Island ‘barn-find’ cars, this is actually a good, reasonably well maintained E-type, yet it brought barely less than a competently restored example. No better example than this exists of the misplaced fad for dirt, neglect and grime. It is a shame, but this sound and well-preserved E-type would probably have brought more if it had been used as a chicken coop for the last two decades. This is a responsible, realistic price for a sound old car.
Gooding and Company Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 64 1951 Lotus Mk IIIB Roadster, Body by Williams & Pritchard; S/N 151844; Black/Green leatherette; No top; Estimate $250,000 – $450,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $247,500. With Reserve – RHD. 1,099cc Ford L-head four, single carb, white wire wheels, treaded Dunlop Racing tries, bench seat, dual Plexiglas wind screens, cycle fenders, hydraulic brakes. – The first customer Lotus and the first to wear the Lotus badge. Raced when new by the first owner, Adam Currie, and sometimes by Colin Chapman. Five owners from new and stated to be the original chassis, engine and coachwork. Presented like an honest old race car after a restoration completed in 1995. Erratic wiring, crudely painted engine. – A significant piece of automobile, particularly British, history and a welcome entrant in most historic events, tours and competitions. Its aged condition aids the [proper] decision to keep it active, as does the modest price it brought for such an important artifact.Lot # 65 1973 Lamborghini Espada SIII 400 GT Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 9128; Light Metallic Green/Beige, Brown leather; Estimate $120,000 – $160,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000. With Reserve – Blaupunkt AM-FM, slotted alloy wheels, Pirelli P4000 tires, headrest seats. – Quick clearcoat repaint, erratically masked over edge chips. Sound original upholstery worn appropriately for about 65,000 miles (odometer reads 4,272 km.) Cleaned up but not restored engine compartment. Old undercoat in wheel wells. A tired but sound Lambo. – Offered by Rick Cole in Monterey in 1991, then sold by RM in Monterey in 2002 with 3,966 km showing on the odometer, just 276 fewer than it has now. RM sold it in Arizona in 2010 for $41,250, then Bonhams sold it in 2013 at Boca Raton for $60,500. This Espada may not have gone very far since 2002, but the Lambo market has and this is a realistic price for it.Lot # 66 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210003123; Red, Black hardtop/Beige leather; Black top; Estimate $1,600,000 – $2,000,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Post-block sale at $1,159,091 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,275,000. With Reserve – 2996/250hp, body color steel wheels and hub caps, disc brakes, hardtop, Becker Grand Prix stereo, VDO dash clock, tool roll, jack, owner’s manual. – Never fully restored, but maintained and freshened when necessary, although the interior is original and has seen plenty of wear. The 18,428 miles on the odometer are represented as actual. Very good paint and chrome, stiff original soft top. Recent brake and fuel system service. A genuine disc brake, alloy block late 300SL in good, honest condition. – Like the XKE sold a few lots earlier (#63) this alloy block, disc brake 300SL Roadster has never been neglected into advanced deterioration yet its sale had to be closed at a post-block negotiated deal 38% under the low estimate. It is a car that can, with some not insignificant careful recommissioning, be driven and enjoyed with the pride of continuing the sympathetic, caring ownership of its four owners in over half a century. A rewarding and satisfying car, and transaction.Lot # 67 1990 Ferrari 348tb Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFFA35AXK0082673; Medium Blue/Light Grey; Estimate $75,000 – $95,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500. No Reserve – 3405/300hp, FI, 5-speed, P/W, A/C. – Two owners from new. Rust appearing above the left headlight. Lightly scuffed and surface creased driver’s seat. Clean underbody. Small stone chips on the nose. Minor windshield edge determination. Engine out major service in May of last year. – A good color combination, but showing its age and nothing special even with the fairly recent major service. Even under the low estimate this is an expensive 348tb.Lot # 69 1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I Convertible; S/N B9471139; Balmoral Grey, Grey hardtop/Blue leather piped in Dark Blue; Black top; Estimate $130,000 – $160,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000. No Reserve – 260/164hp, 4-speed, Minilite wheels, Michelin all season tires, hardtop, woodrim steering wheel, Radiomobile pushbutton radio, Smiths dash clock. – After its 2008 restoration this Tiger Mk I went to the Quail in 2010 and was featured on “What’s My Car Worth?” 2011 Shelby and Tiger club Best in Show. Fully restored in 2008 and lightly used since. Very good paint and chrome. Excellent interior. One of the best Tigers out there. – Even for a stellar first year Tiger, this was a huge price and the seller should be thrilled, but their values are filling in behind Cobra 289s and can be expected to catch up with time.Lot # 71 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR Convertible; S/N 8T03R20605602555; Red, White side stripes/Black vinyl; White top; Estimate $150,000 – $180,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000. No Reserve – 428/335hp, automatic, Holley carb, Goodyear Eagle GT tires, black vinyl top boot, wood shift knob, pushbutton radio. – Recent engine rebuilt on an 89,863 mile 428, but otherwise presents like an older restoration. The paint shines, but there are cracks, scratches and crazing on the nose, hood and hood vents. Windshield frame is very scratched up, and the interior is visibly worn with two long, straight rips in the driver’s seat. Not a car to write home about, and notable only because it’s a Shelby GT500 KR. – This is a driver-quality KR Convertible, relatively undistinguished in its history or equipment but desirable for what it is. It brought a price that accommodates its plusses and minuses.Lot # 72 1973 Ferrari 246 GT Dino, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 04984; Verde Pino Metallizzato/Beige leather; Estimate $380,000 – $440,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $330,000. With Reserve – Cromodora alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, cassette stereo, headrest seats, Prototipo leather rim steering wheel. – Tired, original car with cracking, peeling paint, cracked, seam pulled upholstery. Rust blisters and festering lumps in the passenger’s door. Needs everything and too far gone to be preserved. – There were three Dino GTs, and another three GTSs, in the Amelia Island auctions. This one was distinguished by its ‘originality’ which in this case means deterioration, body rot and neglect. The pre-sale estimate is nothing if not generous. Even the reported high bid is nothing if not generous for a car that will suck up six-figure money before it is even usable, let alone presentable. Its condition is not close to ‘Preservation’, it’s only neglect.Lot # 73 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe; S/N 11102612000148; Gray, Black roof/Black leather; Estimate $120,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500. No Reserve – 3.5/230hp, automatic, BF Goodrich narrow whitewalls, Becker Mexico cassette stereo, power windows, dash clock. – Recent restoration and MBCA concours winner just last year. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Very good, detailed engine bay. Gorgeous and impossible to fault. – Excellent driver’s cars even with the automatic (or maybe better with the automatic) and avidly sought by collectors, but this is a strong price even for a very good coupe.
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Lot # 74 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta Convertible, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFF72RHA7B0182522; Avio Metallic Azure California/Beige leather; Carbon top; Estimate $900,000 – $1,100,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,050,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,155,000. With Reserve – F1 gearbox, yellow calipers, SF shields, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber roof panel. – New car with about 350 miles on it, one of 80 built. – $456,000 MSRP, and as magnanimously over-priced as RM’s 599 GTB 6-speed.Lot # 75 1961 Porsche 356 B 1600 Super Coupe; S/N 113267; Heron Grey/Black leather; Estimate $120,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. No Reserve – 1582/75hp, 4-speed, dual Weber carbs, Michelin tires, sunroof, rear luggage rack, armrests, Blaupunkt Koln pushbutton radio, VDO dash clock. – Fully restored just two years ago. Excellent paint and chrome. Only very lightly worn interior. Very tidy, detailed engine bay. In stellar condition and with desirable equipment, including a sunroof. – Sold at Worldwide’s Auburn auction in 2013 for $91,300 fresh from restoration, then offered at Bonhams Scottsdale in January 2014 with a high bid of $85,000 and Mecum Anaheim in November 2014 with a high bid of $130,000. The consignor was wise to accept the bid it brought here, the new owner took home a sound car at an appropriate price.Lot # 76 1953 Fiat 8V Coupe, Body by Vignale; S/N 106000051; Engine # 000084; Blue-Green, Dark Blue roof/Dark Blue leather, White piping; Estimate $1,600,000 – $2,000,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,200,000. With Reserve – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli Cinturato tires. – Restored to concours condition in 2002 in its original colors, first in the 8V class at Pebble Beach that year and still ready to show. Excellent paint, sparkling chrome, sumptuous interior, flat panels, flush fits, even gaps. – A beautiful car that occupied pride of place in the entryway of Gooding’s Amelia Island tent compound. Much more desirable that the usual Rapi-bodied 8Vs. The seller’s decision to keep it at the reported high bid is understandable, but debatable.Lot # 79 1957 MG A Roadster; S/N HDR4324225; Old English White/Black leather piped in White; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000. No Reserve – Dual SU carbs, painted centerlock wire wheels, Dunlop Road Speed tires, banjo steering wheel, tool roll, jack, wheel nut hammer, air pump, owner’s manual. – And older AACA National First Prize winning restoration, but barely used and presents like a much newer one. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Engine bay is near spotless. The only real fault is that the trunk fit is visibly off. – The trunk can’t be opened more than about a dozen times and supported on its one-sided prop without becoming ‘off.’ A very good MGA and a responsible price that should satisfy both the buyer and the seller.Lot # 81 1972 Porsche 911S 2.4 Coupe; S/N 9112300846; Signal Yellow/Black leatherette; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $209,000. No Reserve – 2341/210hp, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, 5-speed, black center Fuchs wheels, BF Goodrich tires, sunroof, RS steel rear fender flares, VDO dash clock. – Impeccably presented and equipped with a rare sunroof. Excellent paint, interior and engine bay. A show quality 911S that will likely never be driven hard. – Sold at Gooding’s Scottsdale auction 14 months ago for $165,000, the $25,000 increase (on the hammer) is no more than early 911 escalation in the past year. No matter how that might appear, it reflects where Porsche buyers are these days: rich and willing to spend.Lot # 82 1972 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino; S/N 03652; Red/Black leather, Red stripes; Estimate $350,000 – $425,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $325,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $357,500. With Reserve – A/C, P/W, Daytona style seats, Cromodora alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, mousehair covered dashboard. – 1972 LA Auto Show display car. Restored by Ferrari Classiche in 2006 with a renumbered replacement engine. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Underbody repainted over old undercoat. Superficially cleaned up engine in an unrestored compartment. Dressed up to catch the Dino wave. – This Dino looks good at ten feet, but not so good more closely viewed and should be considered fully-priced at this result. It sold at Christie’s Retromobile auction in 2003 for $86,575. When it was offered again by Christie’s at Het Loo six months later they qualified its description with a note on needing ‘thorough mechanical service’, a warning addressed by the subsequent cosmetic restoration and new engine at Ferrari Classiche. Even in the current environment with Dinos the object of avid attention it is no better than the mediocre price it brought.Lot # 84 1958 Fiat 1200TV Spider; S/N 103G115002039; Red/Tan, Red leather; Black top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. No Reserve – 10898/50hp, 4-speed, single Weber carb, steel wheels with spinner wheel covers, BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls, black vinyl top boot, Nardi woodrim steering wheel, wood shift knob. – Three owners from new, restored in 2008 to surprisingly high standards with little use since it was completed. Impressively cute and restored to a cute standard. – While this is a modest price relative to its pre-sale estimate, it is Fiat Dino Coupe money for a 50hp 1200 Trasformabile. By that rather relative standard it is one very expensive little Fiat.Lot # 86 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster; S/N WP0EB0914KS173720; Red/Black; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $220,000. No Reserve – Bosch Motronic fuel injection, black center Fuchs wheels, Bridgestone tires, snorkely brake light, climate control, power seats, Blaupunkt cassette stereo. – Originally purchased in Connecticut and has racked up just 2,316 miles since then. The paint, interior and engine bay match the mileage, resulting in a practically new Carrera Speedster, which has recently become a highly collectible submodel. – These cars shot way up in value over the last year, and have been showing up at auction with more frequency. This price was appropriate in today’s market for a car in top condition.
i like the way the auction is covered. I enjoy this digest a lot. I would like to know what it cost a seller who will not sell because it did not meet the reserve. Thank you ts