Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, Missouri, December 1-3, 2011
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
Mecum Auctions continues to confirm its place at the core of the collector car hobby, assembling a consignment of 839 cars indoors at the Kansas City Convention Center for an early December 2011 three-day Thursday through Saturday sale.
What Mecum is accomplishing is remarkable. It’s the Kruse “something for everyone” model, perfected to a high degree of efficiency and competence that Kruse never approached.
At Kansas City the cars ranged from a beautiful 1909 Ford Model T Tourer to twenty-one late model cars (built in the last five years) that topped out with a 2011 Camaro SS. Two-thirds of the cars that crossed the block sold, bringing a total of $12,230,749 with commission, an average sale of $21,958 and a median of $20,935 (1965 Mustang six fastback, ’66 Chevelle 327 4-speed or ’69 Firebird, take your choice at that price.)
That’s a labor intensive way to generate $12 million in sales, but Mecum achieves it with style, flair, efficiency and good humor. They work the cars on the block, but don’t waste time if the bidders aren’t paying attention.
With this many cars and a wide open consignment policy there is a lot of dross – poorly presented or just plain boring cars – but also plenty of gems that keep the bidders in their seats through long days.
It’s a successful system and business model that Mecum presents again and again throughout the year and across the country.
A few years ago Mecum claimed “Nobody sells more Muscle than Mecum.” Today that slogan has changed to “Nobody sells more cars than Mecum.” There’s a reason and it’s apparent at every Mecum auction. Thursday Lot # T089 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 963S54594; Azure Blue/Blue; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $11,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $12,190 -- Automatic, A/C, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, cassette stereo, P/S, P/B. Fair repaint, stone chipped nose. Good chrome and interior. Original chassis. Scuffed stainless. A usable driver. The original Pontiac Grand Prix was a paradigm shift in Detroit design with clean, unadorned subtly shaped panels. They've found little acceptance among collectors but await a renaissance. Even with the base 389 engine (the hood didn't work), this GP brought a responsible price in today's market and some prospect for future appreciation when collectors begin to realize its importance. Lot # T098 1954 Lincoln Capri 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 54WA35111H; Green, Cream roof/Green, Cream vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $16,430 -- Automatic, A/C, P/W, P/seat, stoplight viewer, pushbutton radio, Level Ride suspension, continental kit, wheel covers, wide whitewalls. Fair old repaint and upholstery, otherwise original, clean and solid. Pitted interior chrome. Some torn body seals. A sound and unusual car with potential. There's no premium in this result for the rare and desirable air conditioning option, let alone the other accessories it sports. The buyer got full value for the money, and then some. Lot # T181 1925 Ford Model T Roadster Pickup; S/N 14642234; Matte Black/Mixed; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $4,750 plus commission of 6.32%; Final Price $5,050 -- Homemade wood bed, kerosene side lights, single left sidemount. Crude barely does it justice. Dented body, awful paint, worse upholstery. No Reserve. Load up the Jobes, this Model T is right out of "Grapes of Wrath" -- which does nothing to lessen its appeal, even at this price. The left front fender's "wink" adds to its character, which is worth what it brought. Lot # T183 1922 Ford Model T Roadster; S/N 5835191; Matte Black/Black; Black leatherette top; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $5,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $5,300 -- Single rear spare, Hassler springs, running board luggage fence. Sound and complete but old and used. No Reserve. This is a nice old black trim T, with all its bits and usable as is, which is appropriately reflected in the price it brought. Lot # T184 1926 Ford Model T Touring; S/N 13451920; Black/Black; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $9,250 -- 3-door touring body with leatherette covered full roof and sides, MotoMeter, 12v coil and distributor. Rusty original paint, tattered original upholstery. Sound and complete but needs everything. No Reserve. The accessory roof marks this T as an unusual survivor of a time when touring cars were the norm but owners were looking for something more. Its condition is not much to talk about but its configuration is. Listed as No Reserve, but reported not sold. Lot # T194 1914 Ford Model T Roadster; S/N 580036; Blue, Black fenders/Black; Black top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $12,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $13,250 -- Corcoran acetylene headlights and kerosene sidelights, single rear spare, Nonpareil bulb horn, Standard speedometer. A competent old restoration with plenty of miles on it since then. Sound and presentable paint, brass and upholstery will look much better after some care and attention. No Reserve. This Model T wouldn't have been over priced at $15,000 or so hammer, a good value for a buyer prepared to spend a few (well, maybe more than "a few") hours on polishing and detailing. Lot # T223 1947 Crosley 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 55006R; Green/Brown leatherette; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $3,750 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $4,050 -- Oil filter, heater. Spotted and chipped old repaint, torn original upholstery, poor chrome. Grungy engine and chassis. Sound and complete but needs everything (except tires.) No Reserve. Whew! A largely despicable car bought on the value of its cuteness. It won't cost a lot to restore, but even a reasonable paint job will put it underwater, let alone everything else it needs. Lot # T225 1948 Frazer Standard 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 106709; Green/Beige, Grey cloth; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $2,400 plus commission of 12.50%; Final Price $2,700 -- Turn signals, hubcaps, radio. Poor repaint, sound but soiled and stained original upholstery. Tired, sound, complete (except for details like the headlight bezels) original car that needs everything. No Reserve. Henry J. Kaiser could make Liberty ships but when it came to automobiles his industrial expertise left a lot to be desired, as this Frazer illustrates. The original body panels are a symphony of waves. Sound and presentable, it is an oddity that should be thankful to bring this much. Friday Lot # F120.1 1960 Chrysler 300F 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 8403125210; White/Beige leather; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $56,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $59,360 -- 413/375hp with crossover long ram dual quad intake, automatic, swivel seats, tach, P/W, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewalls. Cracked steering wheel. Fair repaint over old paint, scratched, scuffed stainless. Quickly painted up underhood and still smells. Carbs freshly aluminum painted. A superficial auction car. This is a sound-appearing car even if its primping for the auction leaves a lot to be desired in quality and thoroughness. The price it brought reasonably reflects both its strengths and its shortcomings. Lot # F133 1997 Panoz AIV Roadster; S/N 1P9PA182XVB213014; Red/Beige; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $18,250 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $19,345 -- A/C, Eclipse CD stereo, BBS alloy wheels. 3,602 miles. Looks new, says restored, and has a salvage title. These are interesting little cars with a thoughtful design philosophy behind its "Aluminum Intensive Vehicle" construction. The story of this car and its restoration at only 3,602 miles and salvage title, however, leaves something to be desired and is reflected in the modest price it brought. It's a lot more car than a late model Miata that would be comparable money but the story severely inhibits its value. Lot # F224 1975 Triumph TR6 Convertible; S/N CF354524; Yellow/Black; Black leatherette top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $7,250 plus commission of 6.90%; Final Price $7,750 -- Sanyo AM-FM. Poor older repaint, sound upholstery and top, decent chrome. Dirty and rusty underhood. An unattractive car. At this price the flaws in this TR6 are appropriately reserved by the buyer. Lot # F236 1993 GMC Typhoon SUV; S/N 1GDCT18Z9P0811329; Black/Black leather; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $6,750 plus commission of 7.41%; Final Price $7,250 -- Automatic, CD stereo, Momo leather rim steering wheel, Autometer gauges on A-pillar, aftermarket wheels with 275 front, 315 rear tires, roof rack, A/C, P/W, P/S, P/B. Clean, orderly used car with good original paint and interior. No Reserve. A rare and intriguing AWD high performance variant of the S10 with an advanced drivetrain and abundant accessories. The odometer shows 102,850 miles but the Typhoon could as easily be 60K miles or so, it's that clean and orderly. It's hard not to see this as a sound buy in a vehicle with future collectibility.
Mecum Kansas City 2011 – Auction Report Page Two Saturday Lot # S069 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RM23V0A167079; White; Black vinyl roof/White vinyl; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $122,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $129,850 -- 440/390hp Six Barrel, automatic, P/B, P/S, rally wheels, trim rings, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, bench seat, pushbutton radio. Fresh restoration to like new condition with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Wiper scratched windshield. This White-over-White Superbird could have brought another $20 or $30 thousand in an original High Impact color like Sassy Grass or Lime Light but its performance wouldn't have been any better. The result here makes perfect sense and both the buyer and the seller should be satisfied with the outcome. Lot # S075.1 1981 Ferrari 512BB, Body by Pininfarina; S/N F102BB38385; Black/Cream leather, Black stripes; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $120,000 -- A/C, Alpine cassette, 215 front, 225 rear Michelin tires. Grey market car imported by Raymond Peloso. Bad old repaint over old paint, lightly worn, clean interior, soiled but not grungy chassis and engine. Exactly 18,000 miles showing and stated to be from new and engine out serviced in 2009. Sold for $68,200 at RM's 2000 Monterey auction in essentially the same condition (including the Earl Scheib paint job) with 10,000 miles, the consignor's expectation is delusional. It needs a strip and repaint by someone competent and then will be worth maybe $110,000. That makes it no more than a $75,000 car today for someone willing to accept the risk inherent in any old, low miles, badly painted BB. Lot # S079 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback; S/N 0F02Z133522; Grabber Orange/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $200,000 -- 429/375hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, Magnum wheels, Goodyear Eagle GT tires, 3.91 Traction-Lok, rear window louvers, wing, chin spoiler. Restored like new with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Not quite fresh but so close it hardly makes any difference. The seller missed the crest of the Boss-Nine market and would not have been criticized for accepting the reported high bid. Lot # S081 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N VC57K165312; Red/Red vinyl, Black cloth; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $90,000 -- 283/283hp fuel injection, close ratio 3-speed, radio and heater delete. FI car from new, originally built for Bill Chenault for drag racing but ran afoul of the AMA racing ban. Later raced and set an AHRA record. About as thoroughly documented as a GM car of this era can b including the original title and letters. Correct date codes and casting numbers. Excellent restoration to better than new condition and scored 988 and Classic Chevy Platinum in June 2011. I liked this car a lot. The owner stood there and consistently represented it, showing its documentation and drag racing trophies, doing all the right things. Under the circumstances it's impossible to argue with his decision to wait for another opportunity with a wider, more informed audience. It won't be a surprise to see this car at Mecum's Kissimmee auction in January. Lot # S082 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback; S/N 9F02R480755; Red/Black; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $80,000 -- Automatic, P/B, front discs, 5-spoke Shelby wheel, Polyglas GT tires, P/S, A/C, CD stereo. Good paint and interior, scuffed stainless, thin trim chrome. Erratically wet sanded and lightly scratched paint. Chassis quickly sprayed with undercoat and not cleaned of road grime. Makes a good first impression which doesn't hold up. A sound and presentable GT500, but not good enough to warrant paying any more that this for it. Its shortcomings are important and can't be remedied without a lot of work and effort. The costs and risks are appropriately reflected in the reported high bid; the seller could reasonably have accepted less than the bid for this superficially presented GT500. Lot # S085 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC57T119281; Larkspur Blue/Two tone Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Modified restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $64,660 -- 283 V-8 with Edelbrock 4-barrel, automatic, P/S, P/B and alternator added. 3.55 Positraction. Pushbutton radio, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, rear antenna. Good paint, chrome, interior, top and glass. Nicely done and showing little use and age but wheel well paint is starting to chip. This '57 won't win any Chevy Show prizes for accurate restoration but will be a pleasing driver. Its price is all the money for its presentation and configuration, but not unreasonable. Lot # S086 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback; S/N 0F02G189354; Grabber Orange, Black stripes/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $78,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $83,210 -- 302/290hp, 4-speed, Hurst T-handle shifter, pushbutton radio, Magnum wheels, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, P/S, shaker hood, rear window slats, wing, chin spoiler, 3.50 Traction-Lok. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine and underbody aren't up to the same standard. Oil leak from right valve cover. An older restoration that has seen limited use since it was completed and could have been better detailed for the auction. This result is right on the money for this Boss 302's restoration and presentation, a sound acquisition for the new owner and a fair price for the seller. Lot # S090 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible; S/N V917117; Ridge Green/Green, White leather; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $127,200 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls. A thorough and very attractive older restoration to show quality condition. Shows a little age but also shows very well. Offered by Mecum in Monterey in August, it was a no sale at $112,500 and brought just enough more here to persuade the seller to part company with it. It's never good to re-market cars, and rarely results in getting more so the seller did well to come out ahead, even if it's only $7,500 more on the hammer. It's a pretty car in an unusual (and its original) color. Lot # S095.1 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton; S/N 32348H; Engine # FC2696; Grey/Blue leather; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $125,000 -- Chrome wheel covers, wide whitewalls, fog lights, radio. Sound older restoration. Scuffed, chipped paint, good chrome and interior. No longer a show car but a very attractive driver. The medium grey paint job shows the Cord's lines to advantage and this somewhat worn but still presentable example would have been a very good value at anything close to the reported high bid. Lot # S099 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible; S/N 9F03R480247; Gulfstream Aqua/White; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $174,900 -- 428/335hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, cassette stereo, Shelby 5-bolt alloy wheels, Goodyear Eagle GT tires, Autometer gauges on console. SAAC 1994 winning restoration now used, driven and aged. Still pretty and obviously well maintained but no longer stunning. This is a powertrain combination that is available in a Mach I convertible for half the money, but such is the aura of Carroll Shelby's legend. The seller got generously rewarded for keeping this 17-year old restoration in such good condition and realized a premium on the order of $30,000 for a quality car. In other words, this car was expensive for what it is. (photo: Mecum) Lot # S101 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS Notchback; S/N 8R01S156668; Highland Green; White vinyl roof/Ivy Gold vinyl; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $42,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $45,050 -- 390/325hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio, rally wheels, trim rings, Wide Oval tires. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Excellent fits and gaps. Freshly restored and like new. An unusual combination of performance engine in the California Special notchback body, the bidders rewarded its rarity, performance and exceptionally accurate and detailed restoration with a deserved premium price. Lot # S103 1950 Crosley Hot Shot Roadster; S/N WN5400193351; Red/Tan; Tan cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $31,800 -- As nicely done as any Crosley deserves to be. Good paint, upholstery and top. Good chrome except the headlight bezels. Tidy restored engine. Chassis redone assembled, but at least redone thoroughly. Sold by Mecum in Monterey in 2010 for $16,430, then at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale earlier this year for $25,300, this Hot Shot has received some deserved attention to its presentation since, which the bidders rewarded with a curve-setting price. There's no profit left in it without a complete nut and bolt re-restoration.
Mecum Kansas City 2011 – Auction Report Page Three Lot # S105.1 1957 Ford Ranchero ; S/N C7RF148487; Red, White/Red, White vinyl; Modified restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $53,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $56,710 -- 292/212hp with a 4-barrel carb, automatic, pushbutton radio, A/C added, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, P/W, P/seat, grille guard, dual remote spotlight-mirrors, dual exhaust with fishtail tips. Freshly restored with excellent paint, chrome and interior. This is healthy money for a Ranchero, but this is a very healthy and shiny Ranchero. Lot # S106 1969 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air III 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 223379N104772; Engine # 0768165 WQ; White, Metallic Blue stripes/Dark Red vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $110,000 -- 400/335hp Ram Air III, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, Rally 2 wheels, Polyglas GT tires, P/S, P/B. PHS documented. A quality older restoration with very good paint aside from some orange peel on windshield pillars. Generally clean and presentable but dusty where it's hard to reach and in need of careful detailing. One of 689 built, but that hardly supports turning down this much money. Lot # S110 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 6103545; Arctic White, Tiara Gold/Gold leatherette; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $39,750 -- Supercharged 289/275hp, overdrive 3-speed, wheel covers, wide whitewalls, pushbutton radio, dual rear antennas. Older restoration to marque club class winning condition. Still very good but showing some age. Offered at Mecum's giant Indianapolis sale earlier this year where it was reported bid to $45,000. It brought less here, but the seller was determined to bring home only a check and the buyer took advantage of the opportunity to take home a solid value. Lot # S112 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N JS23N0B229937; Green, Black stripe, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000 -- 383/330hp, 4-speed, pistol grip shifter, rally wheels, trim rings, Radial T/A tires, rear window slats, wing, A/C, P/S. Good paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new a while ago, subsequently used and not cleaned up under the hood or chassis. Reported sold at Mecum's Indianapolis auction earlier this year for $34,980, the seller should have spent more time (and money) on preparing and detailing it before the auction if he hoped to avert the lack of interest shown in this high bid. Lot # S113 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback; S/N 8F02R200473; Gulfstream Aqua/Blue vinyl; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $48,760 -- 428, 4-speed, P/B, rally wheels with trim rings and Polyglas GT tires, sport deck rear seat, pushbutton radio. Good older restoration with flawed paint prep on cowl and windshield must. Stone chipped windshield. No longer fresh but still very presentable and clean. Sold for $64,900 at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale in 2009, then $46,200 at Russo in Monterey in August, this is the right price for a usable, but used, car with a sound old restoration. It would cost twice as much to get the same drivetrain in a Shelby Mustang. Lot # S114 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible; S/N 123677N197762; Marina Blue, White nose band/Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $24,000 -- 327/275hp, 4-speed, P/S, Cragar S/S wheels, Cooper Radial GT tires, rear spoiler, pushbutton radio, Hurst shifter. Decent old repaint and interior, fair top, dirty dashtop corners, good chrome, old undercoat. A usable and presentable driver. A desirable car, but one that hasn't received the quality of attention it deserves. In the current environment it's hard to get bidders excited about mediocre cars, and this car is mediocre. Lot # S115 1959 Ford F100 Pickup; S/N F10C9N11894; Meadow Green/Cream vinyl, Black cloth; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $29,680 -- 3-speed, 292/172hp 2-barrel V-8, heater, chrome bumpers, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, dual outside mirrors, bias ply tires. 61,597 miles. Beautifully restored with excellent cosmetics. Fresh, crisp and sharp. This is just a gorgeous old truck, done to the nines with attention to detail everywhere, even subtle details like stainless steel tailgate hardware. It deserved every penny of the price it brought and could have brought more without being overpriced. Lot # S119 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 Convertible; S/N 1Z67L2S522836; White/Saddle leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $53,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $56,710 -- 350/255hp LT1, 4-speed, factory A/C, P/S, P/B, P/W, rally wheels, trim rings, Radial T/A tires, AM-FM. hardtop and soft top, luggage rack. Fair repaint with overspray in wheel wells, otherwise original with good interior. Represented as 65,028 miles from new and looks like it. Documented with tank sticker and represented as numbers matching. Cold A/C. This marks the beginning of the end of performance as insurance companies, government busybodies and the Arab oil embargo brought a sudden end to the horsepower wars of the Fifties and Sixties. It's still a very good car, with a delightful high performance engine, though, and this one appears to have had a good life. That and A/C (cold A/C at that) makes it well worth the price it brought. Lot # S120.1 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N E7FH244665; Red/White; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $44,520 -- 312/270hp, dual quads, automatic, P/S, aftermarket A/C, cassette stereo, chrome wire wheels, whitewall radials. Fair repaint, scuffed stainless, pitted trim chrome, silver painted intake manifold and carb linkage, grimy chassis erratically painted over grunge. Superficially redone to mediocre driver standards. An unattractive car. This isn't an unattractive price, however, even for its general mediocrity. It will take a full restoration to make it much better than it is and the result is fair to both the buyer and the seller. Lot # S121 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH148951; Pink/White vinyl; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $48,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $50,880 -- 312/245hp, automatic, AM-FM, engine dressup, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, White porthole hardtop only. Sharp, fresh, shiny T-bird restoration. Excellent paint, chrome, glass, interior and underhood. Ready to show. Sold at Barrett-Jackson in West Palm earlier this year for a whopping $88,000, the buyer here got a meticulously restored one top '57 T-bird for a modest price at least as much under the market as it was over at West Palm. Lot # S122 1974 Jensen Interceptor Convertible; S/N 23111575; Pearl White/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $50,000 -- 383/375hp, P/S, P/B, alloy wheels, Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel, blackwall tires, Alpine CD stereo, P/W. Later A/C compressor. Fair repaint while assembled, upholstery redyed, engine and chassis untouched and grimy. Sound and presentable but needs attention to be driven proudly. Offered at Mecum's Indy sale in May where it brought a high bid of $47,000, the seller's expectation for this Jensen are far out of synch with its presentation. Anything over $40,000 should be accepted with gratitude. Lot # S126 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 138176A145364; Marina Blue/White; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000 -- 396/375hp, M22 4-speed, wire wheel covers, red line tires, AM-FM, Positraction. No P/S, P/B or disc brakes. Restored like new with excellent paint, chrome and interior. A very pretty car with "(c)orrect block for the year.") The trouble with this SS 396 is its lack of anything more than a desirable drivetrain, a plain jane stripper intended for successful street or strip drag racing but not particularly friendly to today's collectors. It might bring a few dollars more at the right time and place, but the reported high bid is not unreasonable for it, at any time or in any place.
Mecum Kansas City 2011 – Auction Report Page Four Lot # S127.1 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 21847A198104; Engine # 198104 T0523QB; Red/Red; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $57,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $60,420 -- 409/409 dual quads, 4-speed, pushbutton radio, 90 degree tach on column, large Autogage engine gauges under dashboard, steel wheels, hubcaps, blackwall tires, buckets and console. Edelbrock carbs. Represented as numbers matching without documentation. The chassis number stamping on the block is uneven and decidedly odd looking but the Tonawanda stamping looks good. Excellent paint and body fits. Underbody is better than new. Chrome is thick, flat and brilliant; maybe even too brilliant. Close to being overdone. There's no way without a paper trail leading back to the original purchase to know if this car was built as it appears today and the price it brought balances that uncertainty with the desirability of the drivetrain and the excellent restoration it has received. It's an attractive and desirable Chevy at a reasonable price. Lot # S130.1 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 194377S117365; Engine # T0410JE 7117365; Marina Blue/Black; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $105,000 -- 427/435hp, 4-speed, alloy wheels, red line tires, 4.11 Positraction, P/W, F41 suspension, telescopic steering column, AM-FM. NCRS Top Flight, represented as numbers matching, documented with tank sticker and owner history since 1970. Excellent older paint, chrome and interior, shows some age but essentially like new. It's worth more than this although how much in the present environment is open to question. Lot # S133 1949 Hudson Commodore 8 Convertible; S/N 49418012; Maroon, Red/Maroon; Black cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $37,500 -- 3-speed, turn signals, skirts, wide wheel covers, trim rings, whitewalls, windshield sun visor, remote spotlight, pushbutton radio, fog lights, power top, P/W. Cosmetically restored without being disassembled. Fair paint cracked over fender joints, sound interior, good major chrome, scuffed window sills, orderly but not fully restored underhood. Old undercoat on underbody and chassis. A barely presentable driver. It may be barely presentable but it still has plenty of charisma and appeal. The reported high bid isn't unreasonable and the seller could have accepted it with only slight regret. Lot # S136 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 00867S102395; Red, White coves/Red; White vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $39,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $41,870 -- 283/230hp, 4-speed, cassette stereo, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls. No engine number on block. Decent older paint, interior and major chrome. Badly scuffed stainless and trim. Underhood superficially redone but clean. A usable driver as is, with potential. No Reserve. Just a car with potential which was amply rewarded by the Kansas City bidders. It wouldn't have been a particularly good buy at $35,000. Lot # S137 1954 Chevrolet 210 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N B54J054008; Red, White roof/Grey cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $9,250 plus commission of 5.41%; Final Price $9,750 -- 235 six, 3-speed, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts. Quick old repaint, chipped and used. Sound but incorrect upholstery. Underhood dressed up with brush and rattle can. Decent chrome and stainless. Scratched windshield and delaminating vent window. Larry Pfaff collection. No Reserve. Typical of the Larry Pfaff cars in condition and cosmetics as well as his rather odd taste in sculpted velour upholstery, this Chevy brought a healthy price for what it is. Lot # S138 1941 Chrysler Windsor 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 7929558; White/Grey cloth; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $11,660 -- Six cylinder, 3-speed, turn signals, red wheels with hubcaps, trim rings and whitewalls, heater, no radio. Decent repaint and good interior. Good major chrome and glass; erratic trim chrome. Orderly and presentable underhood but does not warrant being called restored. A fairly presentable and sound driver. Larry Pfaff collection. No Reserve. A usable car for weekends but far removed from being special either intrinsically or in its condition, the bidders accorded it a generous price. Lot # S140 1934 Hudson Terraplane Coupe; S/N C52337; Metallic Blue, Black fenders/Beige cloth; Tan leather rumble seat; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $28,090 -- Opening windshield, cream wire wheels, whitewalls, rumble seat, rollup rear window, enclosed rear spare. Vent windows roll down with side windows. A very superficial restoration than somehow claims a 2007 AACA National First Prize. Poor paint prep, engine superficially painted silver, window frame chromed over pits and rust. A great car to avoid. This is a good place to begin a real restoration. Much of the hard work is done (if uncertainly) and much of what's left can be brought to a higher (one might say acceptable) standard with reasonable effort and cost. Even at that, though, this is a lot of money to pay for a seriously mediocre car. Lot # S141 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Convertible; S/N 20336926; Light Blue/Blue vinyl, Beige cloth; Faded cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $23,500 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $24,910 -- 3-speed, pushbutton radio, fog lights, skirts, sombrero wheel covers, whitewalls, oil filter. Fair repaint, good major chrome, stained upholstery. Sound body, even gaps. Orderly underhood. Titled as 54,286 actual miles. No Reserve. Not many of these survive, adding an element of rarity to a car that otherwise has little appeal. Survivorship determines their value, which the result represents. Lot # S144 1959 Austin-Healey 100/6 Convertible; S/N CA946362; Healey Blue/Blue leather; Blue leatherette top; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $18,000 -- 302 Ford V8, Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel, 4-speed, Minator 5.5x15 8-spoke alloy wheels with 165/80R15 tires, louvered hood, alternator. Decent paint and chrome, good interior. Tidy engine installation. The most amazingly bad door fit, probably rent askew by the Ford's torque. Not surprisingly the Kansas City bidders looked askance at this Healey, a pig in a poke that only the bravest and mechanically inclined would undertake even at a bargain price. The reported bid would be that bargain. Lot # S146 1958 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible; S/N LY115164; White/Red leather; Black vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $79,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, power seats. Cosmetically restored without being taken apart. Good paint and major chrome. Weak trim chrome. Upholstery redyed over cracked piping, pitted interior chrome. Underbody slathered in shiny goop. An expensive car, done inexpensively. Usable and modestly presentable is about the best that can be said for this Imperial. The price reflects an intelligent compromise between the buyer and the seller. Lot # S163 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 136370B115898; Red, Black stripes/Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 6.00%; Final Price $42,400 -- 396/375hp, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, tilt steering column, AM-FM, rally wheels, trim rings, Radial T/A tires, cowl induction hood. Repainted assembled, looks good but has some masking flaws and could have been finished better. Good interior and chrome. Chassis and underbody are clean and nearly like new. A handsome SS 396 that changed hands at an attractive price. It needs work, but those needs are reflected in the price it brought. The solid lifter 396 sounds great. Lot # S167 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194676S108074; Engine # 6108074 F1202HT; Red/Black leather; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $47,000 -- 327/350hp, 4-speed, 3.70 Positraction, side exhausts, repro alloy wheels, narrow whitewalls, teak steering wheel rim. Fair older repaint, good interior and top, said to have been fully restored a while ago but has been driven plenty since and shows its use and age. This car could have been sold for the reported bid.
[Source: Rick Carey]
Great choice of cars to highlight from the auction. Interesting story and pictures.
barrett jackson has ruined the muscle car hobby.