Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, Missouri December 5-7, 2013
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
The Mecum Auctions machine rolls through Kansas City twice a year.
They had 695 cars cross the block in April. (See Full Report).
How do they do that and still find 791 collector cars to sell in December?
The answer probably lies somewhere in the fact that they sold 63.6% in April and 62% in December, racking up $9.4 million in April sales and $11.4 million in December. Success breeds success.
This is Middle America car collecting, even on a cold, breezy December weekend. The cars are average, but with exceptions – both good and bad. It is car collecting writ large, affordable cars, many with potential to be better and looking for a caring new home.
A sizable contingent come in to kick tires and remember the cars they, or their dads or grandpas, had or wished they’d owned. From there it’s not hard to reach into low five figures (the median transaction for a sold car in the December sale was only $17,120) and make dreams real.
Mecum has figured out the process, too. It takes minutes to check in a consigned car. Checks are waiting minutes after the sale is concluded – after the fall of the hammer on the block, not after the last hammer falls late on Saturday evening. Want to bid? Fog a mirror, hold a couple thousand dollars on a credit card, and you have a good chance of getting a bidder number.
This is the way auctions should be conducted: inclusive and welcoming.
Mecum Auctions is far and away the fastest growing organization of its type in America. They’re a steamroller, inevitable and inexorable. It’s only six weeks until Mecum reprises its system in Kissimmee, Florida with another 2,000 cars.
And now, having made its reputation on Discovery HD and fostering Discovery HD’s metamorphosis into Velocity TV, Mecum Auctions takes its show to NBC for 2014. The schedule starts off with Kissimmee in January (due to prior time commitments) with days on The Esquire Channel (remember the magazine ‘Esquire’?), some coverage on NBC Sports Network and a tape-delayed segment on Big NBC, the network of ‘The Today Show’, ‘Nightly News’. Jay Leno’s ‘Tonight Show’ and the Winter Olympics.
It’s the latest evolution of a Mecum juggernaut.
I don’t know how Mecum Auctions’ staff does it. It’s hard enough for me to cover a few of Mecum’s auctions. Putting them on week after week is a no-letup marathon.
Wow.
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Mecum Kansas City Fall 2013 – Auction Report
Lot # T022 1953 Chrysler Windsor 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 71018505; Black/Grey cloth; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $3,500 plus commission of 8.57%; Final Price $3,800 – Fluid Drive, heater, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls – Dull, scratched original paint and chrome. Front seat covered with a ‘God Bless Our Home’ blanket. A sound but ratty barn find. – Why would anyone want this 6 cylinder Windsor? Why would anyone pay this much for it? Well, maybe if great grandpa had one, but other than that its price is a mystery Lot # T100 1971 Pontiac LeMans 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 235371Z123880; Dark Metallic Green/Parchment vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $11,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $12,305 – 350/250hp, 2-barrel, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, Kenwood cassette, chrome Cragar S/S wheels, Eagle GT II tires – Flawed and erratically finished repaint in a very attractive color. Looks good at ten feet, but not up close. Good interior and chrome. Orderly underhood. A sound driver with a superficial cosmetic redo. – Nice enough, but nothing special although at this price the successful bidder must have thought it was. Lot # T101 1981 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 1G1AY8765B5103497; Autumn Red, Dark Claret, Red accent/Dark Claret leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $10,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $10,700 – 350/190hp, automatic, A/C, P/W, P/S, P/B, JVC CD stereo, T-tops, polished alloy wheels, Eagle GT II tires – Sound repaint, accurately masked. Good lightly stretched but not scuffed upholstery. Orderly but dirty and aged engine, underbody and chassis. A sound and presentable used Corvette showing 52,872 believable miles. – Still, it’s only a preserved used Corvette that’s never been thoroughly detailed. 190hp represents the nadir of Corvette power. No wonder most of them, like this, were automatics. A late model Tahoe loaded with a soccer team and its gear will dust this Corvette at a stoplight without breaking a sweat. It’s a triumph of attitude over substance, but it brought an appropriate price for its attitude. Lot # T125 1951 Kaiser Deluxe 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 1131774A; Blue, Light Blue roof/Dark Blue cloth; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $12,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $13,375 – 3-speed, overdrive, pushbutton radio, clock, wheelcovers, wide whitewalls, skirts – Good paint, upholstery and major chrome. Scuffed stainless trim, rusty inside bumpers. Engine has been out, done and put back correctly but in a dirty, greasy chassis. Hood ornament replated over deep unfilled pits. Frayed window channels. A superficial cosmetic redo of a sound Kaiser. – This Kaiser might have deserved better, but it’s unlikely any Kaiser even restored to pristine originality would bring enough to pay for the extensive work it would need. The seller got every penny this Kaiser might have brought. Lot # T148 1965 Ford Mustang Notchback; S/N 5F07T747899; White, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $7,500 – 200/120hp six, 3-speed, pushbutton radio, wheelcovers, narrow whitewalls – This is a nice little Mustang, with good paint, chrome, interior and vinyl roof. Door handle chrome is lightly pitted, windows rattle but the engine compartment is orderly if not restored. – Can anyone see this 6-cylinder Mustang bringing more than this? The brief answer is, ‘no’ and it should be off to a new home at the reported high bid. Lot # T150 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 1Z37K2S501319; Engine # 12S501319 V0825CKW; Bryar Blue/Black; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $19,500 – 350/200hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, A/C, Autosound cassette stereo, tee tops, Rally wheels with trim rings, Tiger Paw GTS tires, tilt steering column – Microblistered older repaint, left front fender shows signs of being worked. Chrome and interior are good, engine is orderly but not fresh. A sound older restoration that needs a repaint. – This Corvette is no better than the reported high bid. Lot # T155 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible; S/N JM1NA3517M0213751; Red/Dark Grey cloth; Black top; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $3,500 plus commission of 8.57%; Final Price $3,800. No Reserve – A/C, Kenwood CD stereo, 5-speed, wing, P/W – Good paint, soiled original interior, fairly new top. Well-equipped for a Miata, a presentable used car showing 106,791 miles. – There are many more miles in this Mazda, the perfected Alfa Giulia. It starts in all weather, is warm in winter and even has A/C so it’s cool in summer. An interior kit will cover up the McDonald’s dribbles on the seats and it’s worth every penny of the price it brought. Drive it home from KC to anywhere and be very satisfied with the value. Lot # T157 1940 Ford Pickup; S/N 54509453; Black, Cream accent/Green leatherette; Truck restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $26,750 – Flathead V-8, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, single right sidemount spare, oak bed floor and side boards – Sound old repaint now with some cracks but still presentable. Usable interior. Soiled, lightly grimy engine with no air cleaner. Cracked bed wood vanish, water stained wood. A sound but aged and used old cosmetic restoration to usable truck standards. – Attractively done to decent standards for a truck and showing some age and use, this Ford needs nothing to be used and enjoyed even if it will benefit from some attention to replace its aged and water stained wood. That’s no knock on the price it brought, a result that is fair to both the buyer and the seller. Lot # T178 1978 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser Utility; S/N FJ40267506; Forest Green/Black vinyl; Black leatherette top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $9,000 plus commission of 5.56%; Final Price $9,500 – Heater, indash CB, forward-facing rear seat, handkerchief top with removable doors – One of the more amusing paint presentations seen in a long time. The dark green color is avocado skin-ish, as is its texture. The hood and front fenders have been wet sanded but not completed, so they present a satiny texture. Frame and suspension have been sprayed black over some old dirt and rust pits. Seats are good. Superficial is not sufficiently pejorative to describe this FJ40 – A scrofulous FJ40 that brought what it is worth but properly and economically dressed up will make a good profit for its new owner, a sound place to start both in the vehicle and its price. Lot # T192 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible; S/N 336679M422447; White, Blue stripes/Blue vinyl; Blue cloth top; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $12,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $12,840 – 350 V8, Edelbrock intake with 4-barrel, automatic, P/S, P/B. A/C, aftermarket CD stereo, Grant GT woodrim steering wheel, Rally wheels with trim rings – Represented as a ‘Frame-off restoration’, the only thing off the frame may be some parts that fall into the street as it rattles by. It is shoddy, superficial and dirty. Doors have empty kick panel speaker holes. The stereo is so cheap its maker declined to affix its name. The dashboard under the windshield is scummy. Doors close well. Rear fenders are filled. Windshield is delaminating. – This is a despicable car and how it brought this much is a miracle. It wouldn’t be worth any more than this had it been treated well, and ‘treated well’ is nowhere evident on this Cutlass. It is a PO_ fill in the blank. Lot # F160 1960 MG A 1600 Coupe; S/N GHDL85773; Light Blue/Dark Blue leather; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $20,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $21,935 – Chrome wire wheels, Dunlop blackwall radial tires, luggage rack, fog lights, badge bar – Good chrome and interior but the paint job is blistered all over. Other than the paint, this is a good looking MG A. – Maybe the buyer didn’t notice the blistered paint, or owns a body shop and can repaint it in his spare time, but in either case this is a generous price for a materially flawed MG A coupe.
Mecum Kansas City Fall 2013 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # F213 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N E54S002660; White/Red; Beige cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $64,200 – 236/150hp, Powerglide, WonderBar radio, heater – Replacement block, original head and carbs. Good old repaint over old paint with cracks on left front fender. Good interior and slightly loose-fitting top. Clean and orderly but not fresh underhood. Never restored, chassis is grungy. – The replacement engine block makes this ’54 Corvette much less than a prime collector car, but it is a presentable example of the first Corvette roadsters that will hold its own around town and is reasonably acquired at this price. Lot # F218 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback; S/N 1F05J107062; Light Pewter, Black hood stripe/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $50,000 – 429/375hp, automatic, 3.50 Traction-Lok, P/S, P/B, chrome rim Magnum wheels, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, Ram Air hood – Represented as matching numbers engine, an older restoration to like new with very good clearcoat paint, good interior and chrome. Evidences little age and less use. – This is a ‘Boss Nine’ without the labels and Kar Kraft number plate, a rare horse. The car card states there were 1,512 built in this combination; there just 39 in my auction database. It was reported sold at Mecum’s Indy auction in May for $30,495 and may in its consignor’s mind be worth more than this, but it makes no sense for him (or her) to pass up a clean profit of nearly $20 Large based on this bid. Lot # F227 1969 Pontiac Firebird 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 223379U110690; Engine # Y4; Carousel Red, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $24,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $25,680 – 400/330hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, hood tach, Rally II wheels with trim rings, Wide Oval tires, Saf-T-Track, console, underdash gauges, pushbutton radio, Hooker headers – PHS documented. Replacement engine. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Clean, orderly engine compartment and underbody. Good interior and gauges except for cracked console woodgrain. Shows a little age and use, but has great eyeball. – ‘Y4’, for the record, is a 1973 Pontiac 400/185hp automatic-configured block. It brought a significant, and appropriate, discount in the present configuration and chassis but will be a highly enjoyable driver at a realistic price. Lot # F234 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Convertible; S/N 1G1FP33F8ML188478; Red/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $7,500 plus commission of 6.67%; Final Price $8,000. No Reserve – 305/205hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, P/W, power mirrors, cassette stereo, cruise control – Tired but sound used car. Interior is grubby and badly needs to be cleaned. – Appropriately price for its condition and configuration. Lot # F253 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 30837S113616; Engine # 3113616 T0409RE; Ermine White/Dark Blue; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $76,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $81,320 – 327/340hp, 4-speed, AM-FM, alloy wheels, narrow whitewalls, P/W, rear antenna – Represented as numbers-matching engine with date coded T-10 transmission. Cracked and erratically wet sanded old repaint over even older, shrunken paint. Sound interior, dash and gauges but scratched and scuffed console trim. Orderly engine and classis. A Corvette that’s been done, but inconsistently and not to very high standards. – This price should have bought a much, much better 340hp Corvette. It needs so much that it will take a serious effort and a lot of money and time to make it the Corvette it could be. It would have been a decent value at $60,000. The fog of owning a ‘split window’ Corvette obscured the bidders’ objectivity. Lot # F260 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 10867S100791; Engine # 100791 F0920CT; Red, White coves/Red; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $64,200 – 283/245hp dual quads, 4-speed, WonderBar radio, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls – Chassis superficially repainted assembled, underbody slathered in sound deadener. Very good paint, chrome, interior, gauges and top. – The car card quotes the engine number, but doesn’t represent it as original. The inconsistency enhances the uncertainty of this Corvette’s erratic presentation. It’s a sweet drive, but it’s fully valued at this price. Lot # F261 1957 Chevrolet 210 Station Wagon; S/N VB57S164757; Engine # F109FC; Turquoise, White roof/White, Black vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $20,000 – 283/220hp, Powerglide, heater, aftermarket 8-track, 2-row seating, alternator, 4-barrel carb, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls – Poor blistered old paint job, sound but aged interior. Dirty engine. Scratched, thin chrome. A car with more potential than presence. – Sold at Mecum’s Dallas auction in September for $16,050, it was re-run on Sunday (S072.1) with a no-sale result of $18,000, a price that would still have been more than adequate for this combination of condition and body. It begs to be a custom, or a surf wagon, but not at the declined bid here. Lot # F264 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Deluxe Panel Truck; S/N H540001691; Green, Light Green/Burgundy leatherette; Modified restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $39,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $42,265 – GMC 248 six, 4-speed, Wayne valve cover, Offenhauser intake with two single barrel carbs, Fenton split exhaust headers, alternator, Vintage A/C, clock, radio missing, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, Cream painted coachlines, black running boards, chrome grille and bumpers – Done way too well for what it is. Excellent paint with a few small nicks or scrapes. Bright chrome. Appropriate upholstery. A star. – This is one sweet truck just waiting to have its big, blank sides emblazoned with some classy speed shop’s name. It has everything anyone could ask for (although ‘anyone’ is rather limited in this context.) There are some vehicles that the cognoscenti spot, and this was one. Considering the interest it attracted the price it brought is a good value. Lot # F275 1972 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe Pickup; S/N CCE142S191144; Copper, White/Black leatherette; Truck restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $17,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $18,725 – 402/350hp, 4-barrel, automatic, P/B, A/C, Rally wheels with trim rings, whitewalls, oak bed floor, stainless bed strips, CD stereo, tilt steering column – Good new clearcoat repaint, engine compartment redone nearly like new, sound interior. Underbody and chassis superficially refinished with sound deadener sprayed haphazardly. – Crossed the block twice at Mecum’s Dallas auction in September with bids of $10,000 and $14,000. It has been done to high standards (for a truck) and deserved what it brought here. Not many people lean over and shine a bright LED flashlight into the wheel wells or depths of the engine compartment; for them this is a sharp, classy truck and the new owner can be satisfied with the excellent first impression. Lot # S053 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 138378K182197; Yellow, Black vinyl roof/Black; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $34,240 – 396/325hp, automatic, 3.31 Positraction, P/S, P/B, CD stereo, Rally wheels with trim rings, red line radial tires, bench seat – Represented as numbers matching and restored to like new condition with better paint. Fresh and tidy underhood and underbody. Documented with its Protect-o-Plate. – How much more could anyone ask in a ’68 Chevelle? A 4-speed, perhaps, but not more than that, and even that would make the bench seat less useful for snuggling. Nice car, right price. Lot # S068 1961 Buick Electra 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 7H4001872; Red, White roof/Red; Modified restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $36,380 – 401/325hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, Cragar S/S polished 17 inch wheels, T/A tires, pushbutton radio – Represented as numbers matching original engine with later transmission, front disc brakes, new A/C using original A/C controls, glove box mounted AM-FM. Very good paint but with too much orange peel showing through the edges of the wet sanding. Very orderly underhood, quality interior and chrome. A bit of a street rod, but thoughtfully done. – Most of the upgrades on this Buick are invisible and affect only its usability and safety. The 17 inch wheels, however, are obtrusive and jarring. It is an unusual marque, model and body style, especially when presented this well, and represents good value for the money, which leaves the new owner the financial flexibility to replace the wheels with stock ones with full wheel covers and period-appropriate radial narrow whitewalls.
Mecum Kansas City Fall 2013 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # S105 1973 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe; S/N 2V87Y3N142869; Engine # 855606 ZZ; Buccaneer Red/Parchment; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $50,825 – 455/400hp, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, P/S, P/B, AM-FM, factory 8-track, Rally II wheels with trim rings, Wide Oval tires, shaker hood – PHS documented and represented as numbers matching but rebuilt and putting out 400 dyno hp. Restored like new with better than factory cosmetics except for some blotchy window molding. Orderly and very bright in Buccaneer Red. – It seems like we’re seeing more and more Trans Ams, despite their relatively paltry production numbers compared with Camaros. It probably has something to do with that big 455 engine under the hood, even in 1973 when it was rated at just 250hp or so. In any event, this is a good one, loaded with the stuff today’s Trans Am owners want (except A/C). The Buccaneer Red paint surely helped it stand tall on the auction block, too. It’s all reflected in this handsome price. The ZZ engine code is mysterious, however. Lot # S105.1 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 3G87M2M148379; Flame Orange, Black hood stripes/Black; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $23,000 – 350/295hp, 4-speed, P/B, P/S, cold air hood, A/C, tilt steering column, buckets and console, Pioneer cassette, Rally wheels with trim rings, Wide Oval tires – Quality clear coat paint, good interior, chrome and stainless. Engine compartment restored like new, as is the frame and underbody. The striking color looks great under clearcoat. – Well equipped and brightly colored, but anemic under the hood, the reported high bid should have been sufficient to see it loose and selling. Lot # S106.1 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible; S/N 138676K174614; Engine # T0321EDH; Red/Red leather; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $58,850 – 396/360hp, 4-speed, P/B, no P/S, buckets and console with clock, knee-knocker tach, Rally wheels with trim rings, red line tires, pushbutton radio – Very good paint, leather upholstery and chrome. Tight fitting top, scuffed windshield stainless trim. Documented with Protect-o-Plate. Restored like new and showing only a little age. – Offered at Mecum’s Des Moines auction in July 2011 with 78,497 miles showing on the odometer and no-saled at $67,000. Since then it’s been to Indy in 2012 and 2013 and here in April of this year without finding a buyer while gaining 24 miles on the odometer driving through auctions. It was time to go away and the new owner bought it right. Lot # S107 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible; S/N 21867S248585; Engine # T0223QB; Roman Red/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $65,000 – 409/409hp, dual quads, 4-speed, P/S, no P/B, spinner wheelcovers, narrow whitewalls, buckets and console – Gorgeous, over-the-top restoration with great paint, chrome and stainless. Lightly filled lower right body. Beautiful underhood presentation. As good as it gets, but with no assurance the 409/409 lump was there when new, just a ‘correct 1962 QB suffix 409 block.’ – The reported high bid is too much discount even for the uncertainty of this Impala SS’s original configuration. The restoration is beautiful and the car is worth more even though it brought only $59,920 at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction earlier this year. Lot # S109.1 1967 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback; S/N 67200F7A02221; Red, White stripes/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $112,350 – 289/306hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, 10-spoke Shelby wheels, Goodyear Speedway tires, 8-track stereo, Beach Boys tape, Sport Deck rear seat, grille-mounted high beams – Represented as original matching numbers engine. Marti Report documented. Excellent clear coat paint, interior and chrome. Like new underhood. Underbody shows some age but little use. The Beach Boys tape in the 8-track is a neat touch, even if it probably stopped working a generation ago. – This is money well spent on a fastidiously if not freshly restored Shelby Mustang. While most of the hype is reserved for the big block GT500s and GT500KRs this GT350 has a lot going for it and can hold its head up proudly in any SAAC gathering. Lot # S111 1972 Ford LTD Convertible; S/N 2U61N130329; Light Green/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $10,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $11,235 – 429/212hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, pushbutton radio, P/W, power seat – Largely original with only a clearcoat repaint of dubious quality in the original color. Dirty underhood. Good interior. Odometer shows 61,500 probably original miles. A trade-in at Charles Gabus Ford in Des Moines, pretty much as it was when it arrived on the lot. – The repaint is old enough that it hardly detracts from the originality of this LTD convertible with the semi-hemi 429 under the hood, even if for 1972 it is downrated to just 212 ‘net’ horsepower to escape the insurance villains. It has great potential and most of the potential can be realized at modest cost and effort. Lot # S112 1955 Ford Customline 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N A5GG189060; Black/Blue vinyl, cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $11,770 – 223/120hp 6-cylinder, Ford-o-Matic, pushbutton radio, heater, wheelcovers, narrow whitewalls – Dirty, original car with one old mediocre paint job. Sound and usable interior. Dirty engine has never been touched except for minor service work. Charles Gabus Ford collection. – The six doesn’t do much for this base Ford’s appeal but its originality adds a lot and makes it an attractive buy at this modest price. It will benefit from underhood and chassis detailing, although the six remains an anchor on its value no matter how pretty it is. Lot # S113 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 6K40S227966; Beige/Beige vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $22,470 – 390/335hp, automatic, P/S, no P/B, wheel covers, Eagle ST tires, buckets and console, pushbutton radio – Cosmetically restored with a good paint job, interior and chrome. Looks like a one-year old used car that has been carefully maintained. – A bargain that could have brought double this price without being expensive. Lot # S118 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible; S/N 185775464; Maroon/Brown; Beige cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $53,500 – 59A-B V-8, Remote spotlight, hubcaps, trim rings, oil filter, heater, no radio – An older restoration to better than new condition but now aged and neglected. Paint, chrome, upholstery and top are very good. Engine is dirty as is the chassis but both will clean up. Heater is not plumbed. Erratically restored by Gabus Ford in Des Moines, then neglected. – Some work detailing, cleaning and attending to minor oversights and this will be an attractive ’40 Ford. The price it brought, however, will never by attractive and is generous for its condition and equipment. Lot # S123.1 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 242370B117121; Engine # YZ; Atoll Blue, Orange graphics/Blue vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $45,000 – 400/366hp, Ram Air III, automatic, P/S, P/B, tilt steering column, console, pushbutton radio, Super Stock wheels, G70-14 Polyglas tires, wing – PHS-documented Judge with a ‘date-code period correct’ engine. Sound clearcoat paint, good interior, fair chrome and stainless. Might have been a show car once, but now it’s a handsome driver in an unusual color. – Highly desirable with the Ram Air III engine, even with the automatic. It’s doubtful it started life as a Ram Air III, however, and until the consignor can resolve that issue this result is appropriate for it. Lot # S132 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback; S/N 0F02G196126; White, Black stripes/Black; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $53,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $57,245. No Reserve – 302/290hp, shaker hood, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, Magnum wheels, Radial T/A tires, Hurst T-handle shifter, cassette stereo, rear window louvers, wing – Marti Report documented, represented as numbers matching. Good largely original paint, good original chrome and interior. Engine is orderly, with some cosmetic flaws. An unusual find showing 51,179 believable miles. – The originality of this Boss 302 more than offsets its aged condition an it is a very good value at this modest price. It could have brought $10,000 more without being expensive.
Mecum Kansas City Fall 2013 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # S134 1941 Buick Century 4-Dr. Touring Sedan; S/N 14197645; Grey/Brown cloth; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $45,000 – Large hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, pushbutton radio, turn signals, skirts, oil filter, single 2-barrel carburetor – Flawless is inadequate to describe the restoration of this style # 4609 Buick. It glistens, gleams and glints everywhere. – Sold at Mecum’s auction in St. Charles, Illinois in October for $31,800, this Buick Century got pretty much everyone’s attention here in KC. Some liked it for its spectacular restoration, others for being a rare pre-war car among the sea of postwar performance in KC and a few who appreciated its big engine and performance. The reported high bid represents a reasonable quick turnaround profit for the consignor and it is a surprise it didn’t sell. Lot # S135 1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO Convertible; S/N 237675P168165; Engine # 090470 32B; Teal Turquoise/Teal Turquoise vinyl; Vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $48,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $51,360 – 389/360hp Tri-Power, 4-speed, Safe-T-Track, 3.23, P/S, P/B, cassette stereo, buckets and console, woodgrain steering wheel rim, Rally wheels with trim rings, red line tires – Restored like new with excellent clear coat point, bright chrome and stainless, very good interior and glass. shows a little age but very little use and would detail to a higher order. PHS documented GTO, but the ’32B’ engine suffix is no help and the consignor made no matching numbers or original engine representation which also calls the Tri-Power setup’s originality into question. – This is everything a GTO owner could ask for, except iron clad originality. The latter explains the reasonable price it brought, but to someone who only wants an attractive, well equipped GTO to drive it is a good value for the money. It sold for $46,640 at Mecum’s St. Charles auction a year ago, then cycled through Indy earlier this year with a reported high bid of $58,000. Lot # S136 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe; S/N 2W87Z9L168572; Engine # 20116 572 PWH; Black, Gold coachlines and Firebird/Black velour; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $28,890 – 400/220hp, 4-speed, P/S, power 4-wheel disc brakes, A/C, shaker hood, cassette stereo, tinted glass tee-tops, honeycomb wheels, P/W, tilt steering column, Radial T/A tires – Impressive deep, rich clear coat paint. Very good tape graphics. Bright and shiny underhood. Worn original interior, cracked dash top. Has real eye appeal that doesn’t carry through to the interior. PHS documented. – An attractive combination of options brought a realistic price for this Trans Am with room enough for the new owner to address the interior issues. Lot # S136.1 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible; S/N 344670M402110; Twilight Blue/Black; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $24,610 – 455/365hp, 4-barrel, W25 air induction hood, automatic, P/S, P/B, Rally wheels with trim rings, Eagle ST tires, pushbutton radio, Hurst His’n’Hers shifter – A tired and used fifteen year old restoration. Decent paint, scuffed stainless, sound interior and top. A sound and usable but aged and used 4-4-2. – This result is way under the money even taking into account the age of the restoration and the miles that have been put on it. It could have brought another $10,000 and still been a good value for the money. Lot # S137 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Hemi 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BS23R0B217918; White/Black vinyl; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $171,200 – 426/425hp Hemi, dual quads, automatic, P/B, argent shaker hood, Rallye wheels with trim ring, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, wing – Restored like new with better paint and represented as matching numbers. Shows a little age but no evidence of use. – This Hemi ‘Cuda crossed the block at Mecum’s Dallas auction 15 months ago with a high bid of $130,000. It then apparently sold twice here in KC, first on this Saturday lot number and then later on lot #S266 for $185,645. Go figure, but either result is fair for the car in today’s depressed Hemi ‘Cuda market. Lot # S140 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner; S/N B9EC110334; Blue, White/Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $40,660 – 332/225hp, Ford-o-Matic, Vintage A/C, Pioneer CD stereo in glove box, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, chrome fender skirts, P/S, dual circuit power front disc brakes – An older restoration with several upgrades to make it a better, safer, cruiser. Cosmetics are sound but not fresh. Engine is clean, orderly and shows a little age. – An attractive and usable weekend cruiser, bought at an appropriate price taking into account the subtle, but valuable for safety and comfort, upgrades. Lot # S174 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible; S/N 3Z69G100373; Viking Blue/Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $33,000 – 406/405hp three 2-barrels, 4-speed, bucket seats, console, spinner wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, pushbutton radio, underdash gauges – Sound original paint, chrome and interior, two owners from new. All original and in very good condition. Orderly and only lightly grimy underhood. Represented as 78,721 mites from new. – The consignor wisely is waiting for a better price than this for the rare combination of performance, body style and originality. $45,000 would not be unreasonable for this Ford. Lot # S179 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Silver Anniversary; S/N 1Z8748S432632; Silver, Grey/Silver leather, cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $16,000 – 350/220hp L82, automatic, polished alloy wheels, Radial T/A tires, 8-track stereo, A/C, tilt steering column, cruise control, glass tee-top panels, P/S, P/B – Repainted, otherwise original, clean and in condition appropriate to its age and the 15,807 miles on the odometer. – A moderately unappealing Corvette despite the appearance of low miles. It could have been sold at the reported high bid with only limited regrets, but the consignor also can hardly be faulted to deciding to look elsewhere for a better offer even though that’s a bet that rarely pays off enough to justify the delay and complications. Lot # S181.1 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible; S/N 01867T213648; Black/Red vinyl houndstooth; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $58,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $62,060 – 348, three 2-barrels, Powerglide, P/B, spinner wheel covers, wide whitewalls, cassette stereo – Curiously and troublingly inconsistent. Bright, shiny paint and chrome, wrinkled upholstery fit. Shiny paint underhood but not cleaned up. No engine number on block. Filled right door and fenders. – Under the circumstances the seller got all that could reasonably be expected for this troubling Impala convertible with no verification, or even claim, of its engine’s configuration. Lot # S182 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194676S125673; Engine # T0633IL 6125673; Silver Pearl/Blue leather; Black vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $55,000 – 427/390hp, 4-speed, P/S, spinner wheelcovers, gold line tires, AM-FM, Positraction, woodgrain steering wheel, side exhausts – Represented as numbers matching engine. Mediocre old repaint inconsistently finished and wet sanded. Dye is peeling on re-dyed leather, thin door handle chrome. Microblistered front fender paint. Hood opening edges not repainted. A good driver until the paint completely lets go and all the dye flakes off the seats. – A desirable Corvette, inherently, but not so much as presented here. It holds little hope of any good surprises, and more than a little hint of bad ones to come. The seller should have let it go if there was money anywhere close to this bid. Lot # S183 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible; S/N 31867A118357; White/Dark Red vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $29,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $31,030 – 327/300hp, 4-speed, P/S, no P/B, aftermarket air filter, dash mounted tach, buckets and console, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls – Very good paint, chrome, stainless, aluminum and interior. Orderly underhood. Thoroughly restored to nearly like new standards. Filled sills. Car card says, ‘Factory power top (not currently installed) whatever that means. – In a world were seemingly all Impala SS Convertibles have big block power this is a refreshingly different example, particularly with the 4-speed. While the market favors 409s, the new owner of this 327/300 is going to enjoy a superb driveline, still be able to burn rubber at stoplights, cruise with pride and still have money in his or her pocket. It is an astute buy.
Mecum Kansas City Fall 2013 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # S186.1 1951 Hudson Pacemaker Convertible; S/N 4A38412; Red/Burgundy leather; Black cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; $0 – 232/112hp, overdrive 3-speed, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, heater, pushbutton radio, bumper overriders, skirts, sill moldings – Good older paint, chrome and interior, orderly underhood. Restored long ago to the standards of the time and no longer up to date as well as showing some age and use but still highly presentable and usable. Engine freshened recently with a lot of shiny aluminum paint. A good driver. – Sold for $17,100 at Kruse Scottsdale in 1992, then $40,500 at Branson Spring this year. No result reported here. Lot # S187.1 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 00867S106854; Roman Red, White coves, Roman Red hardtop/Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $58,850 – 283/230hp, 4-speed, WonderBar radio, spinner wheel covers, radial whitewall tires, two tops – Flawed repaint, torn driver’s seat cushion. Rebuilt engine installed in rattle-canned compartment. Only a modest price can make this Corvette attractive. – This price is not modest. Lot # S189 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible; S/N 242676P344048; Engine # 420873 YA; Red/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $31,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $33,705 – 400/?hp, automatic, console-mounted vacuum gauge, Rally II wheels, Radial T/A tires, pushbutton radio, aftermarket woodrim steering wheel, P/S – Engine block decodes to a 2-barrel Catalina 389; car card claims a 400. Decent repaint, upholstery and top. Foggy gauge lenses, badly scuffed stainless. Orderly engine compartment. A usable but not special driver. – 389, 400? What’s 11 cubic inches, anyway? Actually in this context it is a lot but the discrepancy is appropriately discounted in this result, as are the scruffy gauges. Not a great GTO, but adequate. Lot # S191 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BS23N0B269340; Panther Pink/Black leatherette; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $37,500 – 383/330hp, 4-speed, pistol grip shifter, console, pushbutton radio, padded rim steering wheel, rally style wheels with trim rings, Radial T/A tires, P/S, no P/B – Sound repaint and upholstery, good major chrome, scuffed stainless trim, scratched rear window. Shows age and use following restoration appropriate to the 917 miles on the odometer. This was never a pristine restoration but is still an enjoyable driver. – Why not sell at this reasonable bid? Because it hammered sold at Barrett-Jackson nearly two years ago for $44,000, putting the seller somewhat – and apparently unacceptably – underwater at this bid. The car, however, is no better than the reported high bid. Lot # S192.1 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad 2-Dr. Station Wagon; S/N VC57L170734; Matador Red, Imperial White roof/Red vinyl, Black cloth; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $41,730 – 327, 4-barrel, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, pushbutton radio, P/W, power bench seat, spinner wheel covers. whitewalls, electric wipers – No block member. M/T valve covers, aftermarket air cleaner, alternator. Good paint, chrome, stainless and interior. Pitted door hardware chrome. With the 327 and floor shift 4-speed this Nomad will be more fun to drive, but less valuable, than its more stock counterpart. – This is what many Nomad owners or would be owners would have liked to do with their Nomad. Bigger engine and a 4-speed make it especially usable and a car that will make a good impression at the DQ on cruise night. Not so much on the AACA, however, but when accelerating away from a stoplight through all four gears the driver will feel no disappointment at all, not even with the price paid, which is a sound value. Lot # S194 1967 Ford Bronco Utility; S/N U15NLA84836; Peacock Blue, White roof/White, Grey vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $22,500 – 289, 2-barrel, automatic, four-wheel drive, 4.11 Traction-Lok, radio, heater, locking front wheel hubs, removable hardtop, heater – Sound paint and chrome. Engine has had recent attention. Beyond that, however, this is superficially done with many things left as they were when it came out of the barn. – Not sold? This is a superficially and incompletely done Bronco that fails to make the grade in every respect except paint and chrome. The consignor has taken leave of his or her senses to turn down any money bid at this level or even close. Lot # S196.1 1971 Mercedes-Benz 220 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 11501000000000; Blue/Parchment lather; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $2,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $2,300. No Reserve – Automatic, sliding sunroof, multiband Blaupunkt radio, wheel covers, blackwall tires – Original, aged, dirty, doesn’t run but sound and looks honest for its age and the 36,038 miles on the odometer. – The British might describe this M-B’s performance with the saying, ‘Can’t pull the skin off a pudding.’ Still, at this price is has charm and originality. It’s tough to go wrong at $2 Grand. Lot # S197 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N VC57K181760; Engine # F709F; Coral Pink, White roof/Silver, Black vinyl, Black cloth; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $10,750 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $11,503. No Reserve – 283/185hp, 2-barrel, Powerglide, CD stereo, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts, electric wipers – Original paint buffed through in many places. Decent chrome and stainless, some polished up, others needing some attention. Upholstery is usable but not pretty. A sound but not particularly interesting family sedan. – There is little appealing about this Bel Air sedan other than its tired and compromised originality and the price it brought borders on amazing. Lot # S198 1965 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible; S/N 262675P231880; Engine # 369740 YJ; Red/Red; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $26,000. No Reserve – 421/356hp, Tri-Power, automatic, P/S, P/B, 8-lug wheels with trim rings, narrow whitewalls, buckets and console with vacuum gauge, pushbutton radio – PHS documented. Flawed repaint inconsistently wet sanded at margins and worn through on right door ridges. Top is lightly soiled and mildew stained. Windshield frame stainless is dinged and scuffed. Underbody has old undercoat. A few paint chips. Good dashtop but grungy at the lower windshield margin. Clear silicone sealer residue on both windshield posts. Too many flaws and shortcuts to be a good car. – An inherently desirable Pontiac but its condition as presented here so far compromises its PHS documentation, the Tri-Power engine and 8-lug wheels that it is entirely reasonable for the Kansas City bidders to decline to go any farther than this. It needs a good, caring home where it will get comprehensive attention if not a full restoration to make it the Pontiac it could be. Lot # S199 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 9F91R568219; White/Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $64,200. No Reserve – 428/335hp Ram Air, 4-speed, 3.50 axle, Hurst T-handle shifter, P/B, no P/S, silver steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings, Polyglas tires – Good cosmetics but not restored. Solid body, good chrome and interior, good clearcoat repaint. Wiper scratched windshield. Loose steering column trim panel. One of 206 Mercury Cougars with the 428/335hp Ram Air engine. – This lot started a neat row of Mercury Cougars and a big Marauder X100 that showed Mercury at its best. It brought Mustang Mach 1 428 money, which is rare for a Cougar. Lot # S200 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 9R93R500772; Black/Saddle vinyl; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $58,850. No Reserve – 428/335hp, Ram Air, automatic, 3.25 Traction-Lok, P/B, P/S, A/C, chrome rim styled wheels, narrow whitewalls, P/W, console – Straight, solid body shown off by very good black paint and bright chrome. Good stainless and interior. Restored like new, in, out and under. – Offered last year at Mecum’s Des Moines auction with a reported high bid of $41,000, the KC bidders recognized the rarity of this XR7, one of just 65 reported built with the 428/335 and automatic. On the Great Plains of America this torque monster with its 3.25 Traction-Lok is a freeway star and worth what it brought.
Mecum Kansas City Fall 2013 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # S201 1967 Mercury Cougar 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 7F91C643131; Light Green/Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $21,400. No Reserve – 289/200hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, tilt steering column, buckets and console, chrome rim styled wheels, narrow whitewalls, hidden headlights, sequential turn signals – Good clearcoat repaint, upholstery, chrome and stainless. Orderly lightly detailed engine compartment. Underbody squirted with light new coat of undercoat. Documented with build sheet and dealer invoice. Straight body, good fits, even gaps. An attractive cosmetic redo. – Just a car under the hood, but attractively cosmetically restored to decent driver condition and reasonably bought at this price with its cold A/C. Lot # S202 1969 Mercury Marauder X100 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 9Z61N575181; Vintage Burgundy, Black vinyl roof/Burgundy leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $10,000. No Reserve – 429/360hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, cruise control, P/W, power bench seat, tilt steering column, alloy center wheels, rear antenna – Good repaint in the original color, good original upholstery and vinyl roof. Engine compartment has been superficially detailed, underbody was some new sound deadening. Gauge lenses fogged. Interior smells moldy. Impressive for its size and engine if nothing else. – This Mercury is BIG. I mean, it’s HUGE. The healthy semi-hemi 429 under the hood overcomes some of its 2-ton mass. Cataloged as No Reserve, but it didn’t find a new home. Lot # S204 1967 MG B Convertible; S/N GHN3L88020; Red/Dark Red vinyl; Black leatherette top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $4,500. No Reserve – Pushbutton BMC radio, steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings, chrome luggage rack, woodrim steering wheel, chrome bumpers – Fresh exterior paint, interior kit, wood shift knob and bumpers. The rest is cleaned up old MG. Sound, straight body, reasonable panel gaps, but superficially redone with lots left for the next owner to do. – Cataloged as No Reserve but reported not sold which is a surprise even if it had a Reserve – This is more than enough for a dressed up but tacky MG B. Lot # S205 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible; S/N 168677U138099; Red/Dark Red; White vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $19,000. No Reserve – 327/275hp, automatic, P/S, no P/B, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, pushbutton radio, buckets and console – Once owned by Jim Owen, famous for the song ‘Louisiana Women, Mississippi Man’. Large transmission fluid puddle below it. Decent paint, chrome and interior. Orderly engine compartment and underbody. Lightly filled lower right body. A sound and presentable Impala SS cruiser. – While this Impala is ‘just’ an ordinary Impala SS convertible its performance 327 and generally good presentation would make it a good value at this price, if it were not for the magnanimous ATF leak. Cataloged as No Reserve, it deserved to die on the block. Lot # S207 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC55L030457; Engine # F55DC; Blue, White/White, Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $43,870 – 265/162hp, 2-barrel, overdrive 3-speed, oil filter, alternator, P/B added, electric cooling fan, dual horns, sill moldings, wheelcovers, whitewalls, radio – Restamped engine block. Good repaint, chrome and interior. Engine, chassis and underbody were done some time ago and show age and use. A presentable weekend driver made more desirable by the overdrive. – Here’s the saga of a sound and usable ’55 Bel Air Convertible with overdrive that the consignor just couldn’t let go. It was bid to $43,000 at Mecum Indy in May, then crossed the block twice in Dallas in September with bids of $50,000 and $42,000. It finally sold here for the lowest bid of all, after thousands of dollars in entry fees and transportation. That’s why the first bid is often the best. Lot # S208 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 338176Z101844; Gold, Black roof/Black; Modified restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $17,000 – 455, 3 two barrel intake, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, limited slip axle, new chrome rim Magnum wheels, Eagle GT II tires, pushbutton radio, floor-mounted CD stereo, bench seat – Freshly repainted and cleaned up, otherwise a tired, dirty old car. Three 2-barrel intake is old and painted the same color as the engine. Rusty, pitted side window frames. Sound interior. Sound body and has potential. – Claimed to be a 455, Oldsmobile didn’t have one in 1966. It did have a 400/365hp with triple 2-barrels. This hot rod sold for $13,540 at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction in May and not surprisingly didn’t sell here despite the appeal of its three deuce intake and A/C. Lot # S214 1952 Willys Jeepster 2-Dr. Station Wagon; S/N 453FA215617; Tan/White, /; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $6,500 plus commission of 7.69%; Final Price $7,000. No Reserve – 4-wheel drive, pushbutton radio, heater, Koenig Iron Works shaft-driven winch – New carburetor, fuel filter and in-line electric fuel pump. Truly crappy fresh repaint, otherwise dirty, rusty and grimy. Used to be metallic green, and there’s plenty of it left after the paint job. Body is sound and straight with most if not all the bits and pieces it needs to be a straightforward restoration project but it needs everything, top to bottom and inside and out. – This is a remarkably despicable vehicle that brought $10,890 at Barrett-Jackson’s Hot August Nights auction in Reno in August. It would not have been a good value at the reported high bid here. The original metallic green is an appropriate color for this frog, and no princess’s kiss will be enough to make it anything more than ugly. Lot # S215 1963 Chevrolet Impala 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 31847L132342; Red/Red vinyl, cloth; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $29,425. No Reserve – 327/300hp, 4-speed, P/S, A/C with underdash Chevrolet unit, hubcaps, blackwall tires, pushbutton radio, dash-mounted tach, bench seat – Restamped engine block. Good older repaint with some flaws on the roof. Good interior and chrome. Orderly and nearly like new underhood. No longer fresh, but still very good and solid. – This is a pretty sweet car even with the crudely restamped block, and it’s not expensive. A good value although the representation that it’s ‘Mostly original paint’ is seriously suspect. Lot # S217 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 00867S106911; Engine # F1128P; Roman Red, White coves/Red vinyl; Black vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $64,200 – 283/245hp, dual quads, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, WonderBar radio, spinner wheel covers, whitewall tires – A quality older cosmetic restoration with very good paint, chrome, interior, top and glass. Engine is orderly if not fresh. Windshield bright trim chrome is weak. An appealing driver with no pretentions of numbers matching. – Not egregiously priced, but generously priced for a driver-quality Corvette without matching numbers. It was offered here in the spring with a reported bid of $55,000, then in Dallas in September bid to $57,000, proving that the contention ‘the first bid is the best’ should be conditioned with ‘usually.’ Lot # S220 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 40837S121693; Engine # 4121693 F0708RE; Ermine White/White leather; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $53,500 – 327/365hp, 4-speed, WonderBar radio, centerlock alloy wheels, narrow whitewalls – Thoroughly and attractively cosmetically restored with excellent paint, good chrome and interior. Represented as matching numbers. Shows a little age but negligible use. – The high performance carbureted small block V-8 is a prized Corvette. Fuelies will bring more money, but the extra ten horsepower is not worth the money or the maintenance and tuning troubles. This is the ’64 Corvette to have and it brought a price that represents good value to its new owner. Lot # S223 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 136370R221194; Black/Black; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $41,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $44,405 – 454/450hp, automatic, RS, P/B, Magnum wheels, Wide Oval tires, buckets and console, pushbutton radio – Represented as delivered as an LS6 SS, now with an unstamped block. Seriously flawed paint with cracking filler below the rear window. Repainted assembled and not well masked. Dinged, scuffed stainless trim. Documented with Protect-o-Plate and warranty book. – A thundering tire smoker, but from a collector’s point of view falling short on oh, so many ways. Its condition leaves a lot to be desired; the unstamped engine is a dead weight on its value which this result appropriately handicaps.
[Source: Rick Carey]
Autovetture meravigliose…