Mecum Auctions, Kansas City Spring, April 23-25, 2015
Kansas City, whether spring or December, has never been a high-roller sale for Mecum Auctions. It is, however, a steady performer in high seven- or low-eight figures that mines the enthusiasm of a notable car collecting market.
The Spring 2015 Kansas City auction continued that track with a solid $8,955,661 sale and a consistent offering of similarly solid, and sometimes unusual, cars.
The numbers speak for themselves:
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Not surprisingly, one of Mecum’s ever-present Ford GTs was the top seller, albeit at a modest price of $275,400 reflecting its unusually high 8,200 miles. Second top sale, though, was very much out of the ordinary, a beautifully restored 1970 Mustang Twister Special with 428 Cobra Jet power that brought Shelby Mustang money, $243,000.
This auction report – as well as the one from Mecum’s Houston auction two weeks earlier and the Spring Classic in Indianapolis three weeks later – is deluged with pretty ordinary cars described at the auction as ‘believed to be’ some modest mileage on the odometer.
Fifties, Sixties and Seventies cars tended to be used up and unreliable about the time their five figure odometers rolled over. Bought new or used, they were driven ’til reliability became an issue, then passed on to a succession of new owners who drove them, and drove them, and then drove them some more. A hundred thousand mile car was done. These cars didn’t get put away for low mileage.
What’s with this flood of ordinary cars like ’78 Trans Am, ’53 Pontiac Chieftain, ’63 Galaxie convertible claiming ‘believed to be actual miles’? None of their consignors seem to be willing to sign a mileage disclosure statement.
Stating ‘believed to be actual miles’ should be discouraged in the absence of a signed mileage disclosure or a series of old titles with logical mileage progression signed by prior owners. In the absence of documentation and sellers’ certification the ‘believed to be actual miles’ claim becomes another obfuscation designed to mislead buyers. While most are not fooled, it entices the gullible and sets the stage for creating a bad experience which does the collector car hobby no favors.
Let’s make ‘believed to be actual miles’ a thing of the past.
[Andrew C. Newton contributed the on-site observations for this auction; the editor is responsible for the comments.]
Mecum Kansas City Spring 2015 – Auction Report
Lot # F045 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N U5RW111947; Teal, White/Green, White vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $20,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $22,140. With Reserve. 289 V-8, dual exhaust, column shift automatic, black steel wheels with full wheel covers, Denman wide whitewalls, mud flaps???, rear fender skirts, bench seats, pushbutton radio. – Air cleaner, valve covers, block and heads have all been crudely sprayed over once in blue and the rest of the engine bay is fairly grubby. Small dent near the left headlight. Slightly dinged up brightwork. Uneven gaps. Very good newer chrome on the bumpers. Paint masking mistakes on the window moulding. Crude paint with some chips in the interior, but very good newer upholstery. An enthusiast cosmetic restoration, but nothing special. – A fairly nasty car with a replacement 289 V-8 instead of the original 272 Y-block, done to backyard standards of materials and workmanship and bought generously for what it is.Lot # F046 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula Coupe; S/N 2U87E5N549645; White, Burgundy vinyl roof/Burgundy cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $11,880. With Reserve. 350/175hp, 4-speed, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, dual mirrors, power brakes, tilt steering column, air conditioning, woodgrain dash, Sony cassette stereo. – Ok paint. Cracked bubble on the nose and a ding on the rear spoiler. Good roof vinyl. Clean original engine bay and undercarriage. Scratched exterior plastic. Pretty worn interior. Heavy wear on carpets and frayed seatbelts. Scratched window glass. A presentable but unimpressive original Firebird. – The Formula package basically had the equipment of a Trans Am but with the appearance of a base Firebird, and the Trans Am name commands a significant premium. The seller should be pleased to have gotten this much for a fairly unremarkable example.Lot # F050 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe; S/N 2W87Z8L132219; Chesterfield Brown, Gold/Tan cloth piped in Brown; Visually maintained, largely original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $28,080. With Reserve. 400/180hp, 4-speed, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, dual mirrors, power steering, power brakes, Rally gauges, air conditioning, PHS documentation and original build sheet. – Very good newer paint aside from a scuff on the right rear fender. Very clean engine bay and undercarriage. Very good interior. Showing what is believed to be 18,062 actual miles. A very good screaming chicken Trans Am with a high quality repaint in an unusual color. – Offered here two years ago with a reported high bid of $19,000. The “believed to be” mileage is, however, hard to accept and the price reflects the current popularity of Firebird Trans Ams.Lot # F052 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible; S/N 10704412006064; Yellow/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $14,000. With Reserve. Chrome wheels, Pirelli P400 Aquamile tires, woodgrain console, wood shift knob, later Alpine cassette stereo, air conditioning, VDO dash clock, two tops. – Restored in 1997. Chip on edge of passenger’s side door and ding on left rear fender. The rest of the paint is fairly dull. Lining on the inside of the hard top is a little loose. Very good interior. An eye-catching color for a 107 Mercedes, but nothing to write home about. A pretty, comfortable and usable cruiser. – 1973 was the first year for the 450SL in the North American market, where these cars thrived. The 147,340 miles on this otherwise presentable example likely deterred buyers who are spoiled for choice with so many R107s available. That said, the $14,000 high bid was well below market value for a car in this condition. The seller then took it the Mecum’s Spring Classic in Indianapolis where it got real and was sold on a hammer bid of $6,500, $7,020 with commission. Bad decision, lesson learned.Lot # F055 1955 DeSoto Fireflite 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 50349504; Pink, White/White leather with Pink cloth inserts; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $35,000. With Reserve. 291/200hp Firedome Hemi V-8, dual exhaust, PowerFlite transmission, chrome wire wheels with spinner hub caps, whitewalls, bench seats, dash clock, pushbutton radio. – Ground-up restored in 1993. Large paint chip below the trunk, but otherwise pretty, sound older paint and chrome. Passenger’s side door fit is slightly off. Very clean and well kept engine bay. Seat upholstery is lightly worn. An older restoration that’s still pretty and doesn’t really need anything, but isn’t a stunner. The color perhaps limits this car to the wife or to someone very secure in his masculinity, but it is a pretty car. – 1955 saw the first of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” cars and was the first year for DeSoto’s flagship Fireflite, which was a flashier car than the comparable Fords and Chevys. About 37,000 were made so they aren’t exactly common but certainly aren’t hen’s teeth, either. This older restoration was bid to a price that would have been appropriate in the pre-recession high for these cars, but in today’s market it was a price that he should have been thrilled with. It is unlikely to bring more later.Lot # F056 1966 Ford Mustang Notchback; S/N 6F07T702433; Burgundy/Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $13,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $14,580. With Reserve. Built with a six but now has a 289/200hp V-8 and automatic, dual exhaust, chrome wire wheels, Uniroyal Tiger Paw narrow whitewalls, dual mirrors, bucket seats, cassette stereo. – Ding with cracking on the nose as well as a small scratch. Small blister on passenger’s side door and a 3-inch scratch on the right rear fender. Dull older paint otherwise. Very good, lightly worn interior. Used, mostly original engine bay and undercarriage. A decent notchback Mustang that would make a good basic driver. – Combining the driveline upgrade with the shoddy workmanship is a serious detriment to this Mustang’s value. The new owner should have little confidence that the suspension has been upgraded for the V-8, as well. The seller should be very happy to get this much for it.Lot # F064 2000 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe; S/N 2G2FV22G4Y2103681; Mystic Teal/Black leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $6,000 plus commission of 8.33%; Final Price $6,500. With Reserve. 350/330hp, automatic, T-tops, rear spoiler, Sumitomo tires, WS9 Package, power windows, air conditioning, cassette stereo. – Hood and mirrors are a visibly different shade. Several small dings on the hood, nose and headlight covers. Paint is coming up on passenger’s side rub strip. Several small dings on the tail. Very good, lightly worn interior. The wear and tear are unusual for a car this age and the different color front end strongly hints at accident repair. A good car to avoid. – It’s lots of performance for the money, but at the end of the day it’s a used car with visible wear and tear and the scent of front end damage. The seller must be relieved to be rid of it.Lot # F087 1953 Pontiac Chieftain 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N X8XH34002; White/Dark Gray vinyl with light Gray cloth inserts; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $17,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $18,360. With Reserve. 239/118hp, automatic, red steel wheels with full wheel covers, American Classic whitewalls, Chief hood ornament, 12-volt electrics, dual spotlights, windshield visor, dual mirrors, skirts, bench seats, factory pushbutton AM radio and later JVC stereo, dash clock. – Paint run on the passenger’s side door. Uneven finish that has orange peel in spots and is gloppy in others on the pillars. Driver’s side door fit off. Very good chrome. Excellent interior. Very clean engine bay and undercarriage. An enthusiast restoration on a car believed to have just 31,345 miles. – Anyone gullible enough to give even the slightest credence to the claim of 31,345 miles is a prime candidate for purchasing the Brooklyn Bridge. It is an uninspired presentation of an interesting car that brought a full retail price.
Mecum Kansas City Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # F098 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupe; S/N 2W87Z6N585995; Engine # 498298; Silver/Black vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $16,750 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $18,090. With Reserve. 400/185hp, automatic, Rally II wheels, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, T-tops, dual mirrors, power steering, air conditioning, JVC cassette stereo. – Clean, detailed engine bay that looks fantastic. Heavily scratched T-top frames. Excellent newer paint. Very good, mostly original interior. A cosmetically refreshed car showing just 4,829 miles. – Recent auctions have shown that people are willing to pay hefty prices for screaming chicken Trans Ams, buying more into looks and nostalgia rather than any performance value. This car brought a surprisingly low price considering its stellar condition and mileage. The mileage is an issue, but despite the good condition is probably on its second time around. It indicates a Trans Am that has been very well kept and consistently maintained. In many important ways that is even better than a low miles – put in the garage and left to deteriorate – low miles example. The price is reasonable, and could very well turn out to be a real find.Lot # F100 1972 Buick Skylark 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 4D37J2H133441; Red, White vinyl roof/White vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $15,660. With Reserve. 350/175hp, automatic, single exhaust, Goodyear Regatta narrow whitewalls, dual mirrors, power steering, power brakes, tilt steering column, bucket seats, woodgrain console, Clarion cassette stereo. – Believed to be a one owner car. Sound but noticeably older paint and chrome with a few dings on the nose. Good roof vinyl. Trunk fit is slightly off. Grubby engine bay. Well preserved, mostly original car with the look and equipment of a basic driver quality classic. – It is realistic to comment unfavorably on the price this perfectly ordinary Skylark brought, but also inherently unfair given the dollars involved. It would have been a better value at $12K, but is the $2,500 difference in the bid really, in the overall scheme of things, significant? Not if the new owner really appreciates and enjoys owning and driving it, takes their kids or grandkids for rides on soft, subtle spring Saturdays and snuggles with their honey on the way to a cruise-in. Fifteen Six-Sixty is not a lot to pay for the Seventies Buick experience. Is this a generous price? It surely is, but to the right buyer it is all the car for the money. No harm, no foul.Lot # F101 1987 Buick Regal Grand National 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 1G4GJ1172HP460983; Black/Black, Gray cloth; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $25,000. With Reserve. 3.8/245hp, automatic, dual exhaust, BF Goodrich Traction T/A tires, VDO boost gauge, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, climate control. – One owner car with 36,375 miles. Original paint that is lightly scratched and has one touch up next to the hood but is overall quite good. Excellent interior. A very sound, cared for Grand National that has only occasionally been driven. – The high bid for this quite good Grand National was not insulting at all. In fact, it was right on the money and should have ended in a transaction that both buyer and seller could have been happy with. It was bid to $24,000 at Mecum’s Kansas City auction in December. Where does the seller think it’s going, other than getting another ride with Reliable Carriers? There are truckloads of GNs out there, all with this much mileage or less.Lot # F110.1 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible; S/N 138676K134382; Engine # TI208EKH 6K134382; Ermine White/Beige vinyl; Black vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $42,120. With Reserve. 396/325hp, 4-speed, hub caps, Firestone red line tires, power steering, power brakes, Protect-O-Plate, bucket seats, beige vinyl top boot, later cassette stereo, air conditioning. – Clean, largely original engine bay but with newer hoses and plumbing. Excellent top. Very good paint and chrome. Well documented. Visibly but very lightly worn interior. Never fully restored, but still a very solid car that’s been maintained and refreshed as it racked up the 87,572 miles on the odometer – On the cheap end for a car with this equipment and condition, but not exactly a steal, the A/C is an unusual bonus for an otherwise ordinary dealer-stock order SS 396. The new owner got full value for money.Lot # F120.1 1998 Porsche Boxster Convertible; S/N WP0CA298XWU621116; Black/Black leather; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $10,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $11,340. With Reserve. Power top, power windows, power seats, CD stereo, clean CarFax. – Decent paint. A few chips above the left headlight and some on the nose. Tiny dents in the right rear fender. Touch up on the retractable rear spoiler. Small dent in the rear bumper. A used car. As 911s get crazy, Boxsters seem more appealing. – More and larger auctions are creating a vacuum in supply, sucking in later model ‘used cars’ like this Boxster. It will be a collector car some day, but today it’s just a reasonably well presented used car without the protections that a dealer auction provides for wholesale buyers. It’s caveat emptor with cars like this.Lot # F122 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster; S/N 2Y89M156053; Red/Red vinyl; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $43,200. With Reserve. 390/340hp three deuces now with a single 4-barrel, automatic, dual exhaust, wire wheels, American Classic narrow whitewalls, power steering, power brakes, power windows, pushbutton radio. – A 2003 restoration, but looks a lot older. Very good chrome. Paint is a bit dull and has touch ups on the passenger’s side door and chips on the boot cover. Pitted mufflers and exhaust tips. Decent interior. An enthusiast restoration done some time ago. – Only a few Thunderbirds in 1962 were the Sports Roadsters, which featured Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and a fiberglas rear seat cover. This M-Code-powered example is therefore quite desirable as third generation T-Birds go, but was let down a bit by less than stellar presentation and the replacement induction system and bid to an appropriate price.Lot # F138 1972 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 2F03F121299; Yellow, Black Side Stripe/White vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $14,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $15,660. With Reserve. 302/140hp, automatic, Firehawk Indy 500 tires, power steering, power top, black vinyl top boot, pushbutton radio. – Door and trunk fit is slightly off. Very good paint and chrome, but there is one long scratch on the front bumper. Very good interior with a tiny bit of wear and some light discoloration, almost inevitable with white seats. Not an exceptional car in either condition or equipment, but it’s been restored and looks very pretty. – Crossed the KC block again on Saturday (Lot S018.1) and was reported sold for $15,000 hammer, $16,200 with commission. It happens if a buyer disappears or can’t come up with the money (or the auctioneer misinterprets a wave as a bid and the auction company gives the seller another bite of the apple.) In either event it is a sound and usable car at a realistic price.
Mecum Kansas City Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # F141 1972 Buick Riviera GS 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 4Y87W2H900030; White, White vinyl roof/Brown vinyl; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $13,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $14,580. With Reserve. 455/260hp, column shift automatic, Cragar wire wheels (original Buick wheels included), BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, AM/FM 8-track radio, power seats, air conditioning, dash clock, power windows. – Very clean engine bay. Very good paint with a few small dings on the tail. Very good interior. A pretty car that is largely original and well maintained. Bonus in that it’s a genuine Riviera GS, which featured improved handling and more power. – The market for these distinctive fastback luxury cars has remained pretty much flat over the last few years. This was a spot on, appropriate price and the buyer can take satisfaction in just how much car he got (4,200 pounds, a 122-inch wheelbase and a 455 cubic inch V-8) for under 15 grand.Lot # F154 1951 Ford Custom 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N B1KC149631; Blue/Blue leather; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $9,000. With Reserve. 239/100hp flathead, column-shift overdrive 3-speed, blue steel wheels with hub caps and trim rings, Remington whitewalls, rear fender skirts, locking filler cap, windshield visor, rear bumper guard, radio, dash clock. – Pitted, chipped, flaking paint all over, especially on the doors and with surface rust on the exposed spots. Very clean freshened up engine bay. Dry undercarriage. Good custom diamond tuck interior. Pretty scruffy, but mechanically sound. – A scruffy but largely sound Ford of no particular distinction but sound and well worth the reported high bid, or even a bit more.Lot # F181.1 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 Convertible; S/N 124679N550604; Light Yellow/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $38,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $41,580. With Reserve. 396/375hp, automatic, front disc brakes, 12 bolt rear end, power steering, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, console, later Alpine cassette stereo. – Very clean engine bay. Very good paint and chrome. Excellent top. Very good interior. A fairly fresh and well restored car in pretty colors and with the desirable L78 under the hood. – Even assuming this car doesn’t have matching numbers, the price paid this clean, sharp Camaro with this equipment was a steal. The buyer got a serious value that will pay big dividends in driving and cruise night rewards. It would have still been a deal even if at another ten grand.Lot # F202 1969 Ford Torino Cobra 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 9K45Q133741; Red/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $32,400. With Reserve. 428/335hp Cobra Jet, 3.50 rear axle, column shift automatic, red steel wheels with hub caps, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, power steering, bench seat, Sunpro oil pressure and temp gauges, tachometer, Philco AM radio and later Alpine CD stereo. – Originally painted gold and delivered new in Los Angeles. Body-off restored. The car was filthy first thing Thursday morning but reasonably cleaned up by the afternoon. Grubby engine bay. Big touch up on the right front fender. Decent chrome. Lightly scratched up front bumper. Decent older paint that’s just a little tired. Very good interior. Relatively rare, interesting hardtop version of the hot Torino Cobra, but arguably less attractive than the more recognizable fastback. An old restoration past its prime. – Reported sold Friday under this number for $32,400, it crossed the block again on Saturday as S177 and no saled for a $29,000 reported bid. At the reported result on Friday it is a realistic value.Lot # F205 1970 Chevrolet C10 Custom Pickup; S/N CE140J164153; Olive, White roof/Dark Green vinyl; Truck restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $11,750 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $12,690. With Reserve. 350 V-8, 3-speed, white steel wheels with wheel covers, dual mirrors, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, Pioneer cassette stereo. – Decent repaint with some small scratches around the windshield frame. Heavily used pickup bed with scratches, chips and surface rust poking through. Used, original but cleaned and dry undercarriage. Mostly original, clean engine bay. Excellent newer interior. A mildly refreshed C10 that’s an honest truck that you wouldn’t mind throwing some furniture in the back of once in a while. – Lots of C10s are being restored and selling for less and less affordable prices at auction, but this sound, less than perfect example shows that eye-catching vintage trucks are still attainable. Bought right, even with its multiple flaws.Lot # F215 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 394879M620631; Light Blue, Blue vinyl roof/Blue vinyl with cloth inserts; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $8,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $9,180. With Reserve. 455/375hp, automatic, dual exhaust, column shift, wheel covers, Roadmaster Caravelle narrow whitewalls, tow hitch, tinted glass, bench seats, transistor radio, power windows, dash clock, A/C. – Same owner since 1979. Very good paint, chrome and roof vinyl. Original and tidy underneath. Very good upholstery. Worn out steering wheel. Dull brightwork. Couple of rips in the upholstery on the door panels. One of those classics that someone more or less cherished but didn’t baby, used occasionally and always maintained. – More car than money. The Toronado was one of GM’s better ideas, so often forgotten in the quest for ‘units’. The way GM’s Executive Floor worked, it’s nothing short of a miracle that Corvette survived and a tragedy that the brilliant engineering and design of Toronado was abandoned. Largely forgotten today, their time will come and this car has significant potential for later recognition as the design and engineering bellwether it is. An appreciative buyer got real bragging rights.Lot # F221 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL 4-Door Sedan; S/N WDBCA39E7LA556345; Black/Black leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $4,000 plus commission of 12.50%; Final Price $4,500. No Reserve. BF Goodrich Touring T/A tires, sunroof, heated seats, power seats, power windows, tinted windows, wood dash and window trim, dash clock, JVC CD stereo. – Good paint with the usual small chips on the hood and nose expected from a car with 127,373 miles on it. Straight body. Lightly worn but complete and sound interior. Tidy engine bay and undercarriage. – High luxury. Low purchase price. Offered here on Thursday as T031, bid to the same price.Lot # F222.1 1971 Cadillac Sedan Deville 4-Door Sedan; S/N 683491Q151176; Gold, Black vinyl roof/Yellow vinyl with Gold cloth inserts; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $4,000 plus commission of 12.50%; Final Price $4,500. With Reserve. 472/375hp, wheel covers, Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires, bench seats, pushbutton radio, column shift automatic, power steering, power brakes, power windows, climate control, dash clock. – Rough, grubby original engine bay. Dull windshield glass. Dull chrome. Dull paint with several scratches on the right front fender and several big chips and scratches on the hood. Worn but decent original interior. Mostly original and very tired. – Basically, a rat even with the stated two owners. Odometer shows 61,247 miles, and they have been hard, if not rolled over at least once. Offered here on Thursday as T042 and bid to a reported $4,500, finding a new home at any price is a miracle for this slug. The seller should still be saying Hosannas for getting out from under this roach.
Mecum Kansas City Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # S015 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne Pickup; S/N CE141S668172; Burnt Orange, White/White vinyl with Houndstooth cloth inserts; Customized restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $19,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $20,520. With Reserve. 400/300hp, dual exhaust, column shift automatic, Cragar chrome wheels, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, bucket seats, pushbutton radio. – Body-off restored. Clean used engine bay and undercarriage. Small touch up on the hood. A few chips on the door edges and another near the radio antenna. Good paint overall, but visibly duller paint in the bed, which is also a little beat up. Very good interior other than the wood trim on the passenger’s side door that is coming off. A decent truck quality restoration to have fun with and use. Very lightly but tastefully customized. – Reported sold at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale in 2012 for $18,700, further trips to Lowe’s or Home Depot won’t detract from this Cheyenne pickup’s enjoyment or pride of ownership. The price is a reasonable compromise between presentation and utility.Lot # S022 1959 Ford Galaxie 500 Skyliner; S/N B9KW115894; Indian Turquoise, Colonial White/Turquoise, White leather; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $42,120. With Reserve. 332/225hp, dual exhaust, column shift automatic, wheel covers, power steering, power brakes, whitewalls, bucket seats, radio, dash clock, AM radio. – Body-off restored with 400 miles on it. Passenger door fit visibly off. Very good paint and chrome. Excellent, like new interior. Not spotless but very good engine bay. A very pretty, showable car. – Less than 13,000 Skyliners were built, with their extended rear frame and quarter panels from a station wagon to make room for the car’s party piece, its retractable roof. This car isn’t the best, but it’s plenty good enough and better than most Skyliners. At this price it is a good value.Lot # S030.1 1978 MG B Roadster; S/N GHN5UJ452707G; Red/Tan vinyl; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $8,640. No Reserve. Overdrive 4-speed, Kumho tires, rear luggage rack, black vinyl top boot, Kenwood radio. – Dull original paint. Touch ups and scratches on the hood. Good exterior plastic. Trunk fit off. Clean engine bay. Good original interior. Clean underneath. No rust. Well cared for, for what it is, a rubber bumper MGB with 60,016 miles on its odometer. – Tired, but not unattractive, this MG B offers its new owner some enjoyable driving at notably modest cost.Lot # S033 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible; S/N 3D65Z164032; Red/Red vinyl piped in Gold; White top; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $29,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $31,860. With Reserve. 390/300hp, automatic, wheel covers, Goodyear narrow whitewalls, red vinyl top boot, factory radio, dealer installed air conditioning, dash clock. – Described as ‘believed to be 6,483 actual miles.’ All original except for a dull older repaint, slightly scrufy but overall tidy engine bay. Good chrome. Good, lightly worn interior. Cosmetically refreshed some time ago but back to looking a bit shabby. The interior and low miles are certainly impressive, but the car is let down by the tired paint yob. – The Kansas City bidders looked past the repaint and gave this Galaxie 500 a generous price that highlights the perception of originality and even places inordinate weight on the hard to accept ‘believed to be 6,483 actual miles.’ Cars like this just don’t sit around for 52 years with this kind of mileage or, if they do, they will survive in far worse barnfind condition. This hulk is expensive.Lot # S034.1 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 194377S113695; Engine # 7113695 V0301HT; Black/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $52,500. With Reserve. 327/350hp, 4-speed, side exhaust, alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot tires, air conditioning, later cassette stereo, dash clock. – Represented as matching numbers original engine and body-off restored. Clean but used engine bay. Several small cracks around the headlights and hood. Otherwise presentable but not fresh older paint and chrome. Good, lightly worn interior. A sound older restoration that’s seen quite a few miles but isn’t bad at all. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach in 2009 for $55,000. The car isn’t worth any more today and the reported high bid was a solid price, but the seller can’t be blamed too much for wanting to get out of it what was put in six years ago.Lot # S039 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194676S115811; Engine # 6115911 F02I8HR; Tuxedo Black/Red vinyl; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $49,000. With Reserve. 327/300hp, Powerglide, 3.08 Positraction, alloy wheels, Coker Classic gold line tires, matching hard top, Delco AM/FM radio, dash clock. – Represented as matching numbers and showing 62,143 miles. Clean but used original engine bay. Sound but slightly tired older paint and chrome. Good, lightly worn interior. Old tires. An older restoration that’s been enjoyed some. It has base equipment, but a car like this is the most practical way to get into a C2 Corvette. – If the seller had a fresh #2 condition restoration it would have been appropriate to hold on to the car, but this is a #3 car and $49,000 should have been more than enough to take it home, especially as it was reported sold at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale in 2011 for $30,800.Lot # S040.1 1978 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser Utility; S/N FJ402067463; Tan, White roof/Black vinyl; Truck restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $30,240. With Reserve. BF Goodrich Commercial T/A tires, rear-mounted spare wheel, Pioneer CD stereo. – Advertised as a fresh restoration on a vehicle showing 63,209 believable miles. Very clean, but not highly detailed engine bay. Recent paint, but it’s of average quality and unevenly sprayed. Excellent interior. A clean, reasonably fresh truck quality restoration in standard FJ colors. – The fever for FJs seems to be cooling off as more and more of them come crawling out of barns and back yards with fresh-for-the-auction restorations like this, good enough to sparkle under the lights. The day of the six-figure FJ has, thankfully, passed and this result represents good value for money in a sound and usable FJ.
Mecum Kansas City Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # S058 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412006465; Signal Red, Red hardtop/Black vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $65,880. With Reserve. Automatic, black steel wheels with color-coded wheel covers, Pirelli tires, VDO dash clock, Becker Mexico TR radio, two tops. – One repaint. Newer transmission. Small dent in front bumper. Very good paint. Tidy original engine bay and undercarriage. Good original interior other than the driver’s seat, which has numerous small rips in the upholstery from use and age. A cosmetically refreshed Pagoda that’s been used for fun and nothing serious, but still presents very well. – W113 Mercedes-Benzes make great classic drivers thanks to their durability, comfort and adequate if not tire-squealing performance, so this one is great for someone who wants a casual, pretty classic to have for fun. These cars turned 50 a couple of years ago and prices have shot up, pulled along by 7-figure 300SLs and ludicrous prices for 190SLs. This price for a mediocre car is appropriate.Lot # S060 1974 Plymouth Road Runner 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RM21U4G290174; Deep Sherwood Metallic, Black stripes and vinyl roof/White vinyl; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $23,500. With Reserve. 440/275hp, Torqueflite transmission, steel wheels with chrome trim rings, Goodyear Eagle GT II tires, bucket seats, woodgrain console, pushbutton radio, broadcast sheet documented. – Used but tidy engine bay. Four sizable dings in otherwise shiny front bumper. Very good paint and roof vinyl. Some small cracks in the moulding around the bumper. Very good, lightly worn interior. A late Road Runner starved of power, but equipped with the hottest engine available that year and a good restored example. – The most attractive feature of this car is the Road Runner name. The body, redesigned for 1973, has little appeal, the 440 engine is nearly strangled by crude early smog equipment. It’s no wonder it attracted little attention here in KC.Lot # S070.1 1967 Pontiac GTO 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 242177K120418; Metallic Purple/Beige vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $36,720. With Reserve. 400/360hp, automatic, dual exhaust, 3.23 Safe-T-Track, Rally wheels, Coker Classic red line tires, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, His and Hers shifter, factory radio. – Very clean, not overly detailed engine bay. Passenger’s side door fit is ever so slightly off. Slightly beat up window frames. Very good paint and chrome. Very good, lightly worn and mostly original interior. A car that’s gotten quality restoration work but hasn’t been redone top to bottom. The car card forthrightly specifies it has a ‘correct YZ block’ with ‘1967 heads and dual exhaust.’ In other words, not the original engine. – An interesting history at auction: Sold at Branson Spring in 2003 for $19,345, then six months later at Branson Fall for $18,815 (showing 54,295 miles, 56,091 today, 1,796 miles in twelve years and in essentially the same condition), then at Mecum Indy in 2012 for $27,030, here in KC in December of 2013 for a fairly astounding $50,290 and finally two weeks ago at Mecum Houston for $38,880. The result here is appropriate to the GTO’s condition and replaced engine, but it does raise a yellow flag about the Houston transaction.Lot # S071 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 124377N116516; Butternut Yellow, Black vinyl roof, Black stripe/Black, White vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $28,000. With Reserve. 350/295hp, Muncie M21 4-speed, Rally wheels, store brand tires, front disc brakes, dual mirrors, later pushbutton stereo. – Some orange peel on the black hood stripe. Some dings on the passenger’s side door edge as well as on the driver’s side. Otherwise very good paint. Very good roof vinyl. Very good interior. Used but tidy engine bay. An older restoration showing some age and use. – While the seller’s reluctance to part with this sound RS/SS is understandable, the bidders’ reluctance to go any further recognizes its aged condition and the work it will need to be worth much more than this.Lot # S072 1972 DeTomaso Pantera Coupe; S/N THPNMC03552; Burgundy/Black; Modified restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $44,280. With Reserve. 351/520hp, Koni adjustable shocks, aluminum radiator, sway bars, Wilwood brakes, Yokohama tires, black rear window louvers, wing, fender flares, fixed headlights, aluminum filler cap, Britannia leather-wrapped steering wheel, white-face gauges, Alpine cassette stereo. – Very good, fresh paint. The interior is a little older and more worn but complete. The modifications on this car are a bit polarizing, but at least it hasn’t been beat up like so many of the modded Panteras out there. No ripped fiberglass or rock chips. – As with most any car, modifying a Pantera takes away from its value and such was the case here. If left alone and assuming identical condition, this car would be worth 20 grand more than it brought here.Lot # S075 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS Pickup; S/N 1GCDC14N6LZ166947; Black/Red cloth; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $22,680. With Reserve. 454/230hp, automatic, BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires, fog lamps, cruise control, center console with cup holders, tinted glass, power windows, factory cassette stereo. – From the Ron Deffenbaugh collection. Like new interior. Clean, hardly used engine bay. Very good, almost like new paint. Some light scratches in the bed, so it was used at least once. An almost showroom fresh vehicle that followed the formula of small truck plus huge engine. – Thoughtfully preserved and showing 159 believable miles, the negligible mileage brought a non-negligible price premium that will quickly erode if it is driven to any extent.Lot # S075.1 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside Pickup; S/N 3R124S111886; Orange, White/Dark Gray vinyl with cloth inserts; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $43,200. With Reserve. 145/80hp, 4-speed, orange steel wheels with hub caps, Hankook Optimo narrow whitewalls, tinted glass, dual mirrors, radio. – A like new pickup bed with spray-in bedliner. Excellent paint and chrome. Even gaps. Like new detailed engine bay and undercarriage. A fresh example with 500 miles on it since restoration. A rarely seen variant of the Corvair, and this example could be the best of its kind. The engine in the Corvair pickup was high enough that the rear of the bed was taller than the front, so the side door in the Rampside versions allowed people to more easily push loads up into the bed and makes a terrific motorcycle hauler. – As close to perfect as any Corvair in the world, particularly a Rampside pickup. This is a serious truck that brought a serious but fully deserved price.Lot # S086 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 576206664; Silver/Red leather; Gray vinyl top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $110,000. With Reserve. 365/300hp, automatic, whitewalls, bucket seats, Autronic Eye, power steering, power brakes, radio, parade boot cover, A/C. – Several small chips on the front of the hood. Microblisters on top of the boot cover. Older paint that’s presentable but not great. Lightly scratched chrome. Good top that’s a little bit worn. Trunk and door fit are slightly off. Very good, lightly worn interior. Bodywork is a tiny bit wavy in the rear. A body-off restoration of a magnificent car, but the work was done some time ago and doesn’t evidence top notch workmanship. The somewhat unusual color doesn’t help, either. – The seller was banking on the prestige of the model rather than the condition of the actual car, and the reserve was unrealistic. The Kansas City bidders bid to an appropriate, even generous, price.
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Lot # S090.1 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special Fastback; S/N 0F05R1158862; Grabber Orange, Black stripes/Black vinyl; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $243,000. With Reserve. 428/335hp Cobra Jet, 4-speed, external oil cooler, 3.91 Traction-Lok, power front disc brakes, shaker hood, steel wheels with hub caps and trim rings, Goodyear tires, tinted glass, Hurst shifter, AM radio. – A rotisserie restoration completed last year. Excellent paint and interior. Gorgeous detailed engine bay and undercarriage. One of just 24 Mach 1 Twister Specials equipped with a 428 CJ. Several show wins and Muscle Car Review cover car in November of last year. A shortage of these engines meant that the remainder of the 96 Twister Specials built for sale in the Kansas City region had to make due with 351 Clevelands. – Twister Specials are rare, but 428 CJ Twister Specials a super-rare and that along with the quality of the restoration and the awards it has won explain the Shelby Mustang price.
Lot # S091 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Coupe; S/N 1G1YZ23J9L5802877; Red, Black roof/Red leather; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $33,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $35,640. With Reserve. 350/375hp, 6-speed, power windows, tinted glass, power seats, cruise control, climate control, Goodyear Eagle ZR40 tires. – From the Ron Deffenbaugh collection. Just 619 actual miles. Very sound original paint with no blemishes. Visibly but lightly worn interior that’s almost unavoidable given the quality of material GM used for the seats. Very clean, almost spotless engine bay. It doesn’t look like a brand new car, but about as close as it gets. – One of three 1990 ZR1s in Deffenbaugh’s collection with less than 1,000 miles on the odometer. 1990 was the first year for the ZR1 with its, which finally gave some guts back to the Corvette with its 375-horsepower Lotus-developed LT5 V-8. They are therefore definitely collectible, but quite a bit more time needs to pass before they’re big dollar classics. The price here was good for both parties.Lot # S091.1 1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO Convertible; S/N 237675P144640; Engine # 8782482; Montero Red/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $45,000. With Reserve. 389/360hp Tri-power, 4-speed, Safe-T-Track, Rally wheels, Firestone red line tires, power steering, power brakes, power top, power windows, splitter exhaust tips, tinted glass, woodgrain dash, tilt steering column, console, bucket seats, AM/FM radio. – Originally a 4-barrel car upgraded to Tri-Power. with a ‘period correct’ WS block. Very clean but not overly detailed engine bay. Very good paint and chrome. Excellent, straight convertible top. Excellent interior other than peeling woodgrain in a few spots. An older restoration that still looks very good. – Bid to exactly the same amount at Mecum’s Houston auction two weeks ago. You’d think the seller would have gotten the message.Lot # S093 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Hemi Cloke 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BS23N0B43351; Vitamin C Orange, Black vinyl roof/White vinyl; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $85,000. With Reserve. 472 Hemi with a 4-barrel and automatic, limited slip, steel wheels with chrome hub caps and trim rings, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, dual mirrors, shaker hood, console, wood shift knob, pushbutton radio. – Excellent paint, chrome and roof vinyl. Very clean detailed engine bay. Some visible wear on the seats. Restored 14 years ago but with newer paint, it’s still in top notch condition. Originally powered by a 383/330hp and now something it wasn’t originally. – The reported high bid is more than fair for this non-Hemi.Lot # S095 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe; S/N 60G136408; Burgundy/Tan leather with White inserts; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $12,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $12,960. With Reserve. 390/325hp, automatic, dual exhaust, black steel wheels with full wheel covers, whitewalls, power steering, power brakes, power windows, bench seats, air conditioning, pushbutton radio. – Hood, roof and trunk are a brighter shade than the rest of the car and is a bit newer, but none of the paint is great with a handful of scratches and cracks on the nose and a big scratch on the right front fender. Dull, lightly scratched chrome. Trunk fit is off. Very dull chrome on the rear bumper. Rear bumper fit is a bit off. Paint coming off around rear window frame. Decent, complete but lightly discolored upholstery. Older looking but tidy engine bay and undercarriage. Solid underneath, but needs a cosmetic freshening before it’s something to be really proud of. – The buyer paid a reasonable price, saving a few dollars to put towards the paint and rechrome that will do this car a world of good. When it is done (right) it will be a showpiece.Lot # S103 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Coupe; S/N 1G1YZ23J7L5801582; Competition Yellow, Black roof/Black leather; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $40,500. With Reserve. 350/375hp, 6-speed, power windows, tinted glass, power seats, cruise control, climate control, Goodyear Eagle ZR40 tires, two sets of roof panels. – From the Ron Deffenbaugh collection. No paint flaws. Very lightly worn interior. Showing just 118 miles and in practically new condition. One of 23 finished in Competition Yellow. – In the world of like new original collector cars, every mile on the odometer counts. In this case, the 500 fewer miles on this car (and the rare paint color) compared to the almost identical red car from the Deffenbaugh collection translated to an extra $4,500 on the final price.Lot # S105 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 40837S108768; Engine # 1108768 F0I07SL; Ermine White/Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $49,680. With Reserve. 327/300hp, Powerglide, spinner wheel covers, Dunlop narrow whitewalls, power steering, power brakes, power windows, air conditioning, AM/FM radio. – Paint is lightly cracking all over the nose and below the windshield as well as round the rear bumper, but is otherwise shiny and pretty from a distance. Good, lightly scratched chrome. Very good interior. Very clean engine bay. A presentable ’64 Corvette with base equipment and a few livable flaws. – Given this car’s few but noticeable shortcomings and its automatic transmission, this is a price that the seller should be very happy to get.Lot # S107 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 5F08C763873; Red/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Unrestored original, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $8,640. No Reserve. 289/200hp upgraded with a 4-barrel, automatic, spinner wheel covers, Firestone narrow whitewalls, radio. – Billed as a barn find. Scratched, crazed, chipped, gouged paint all over. Big dent in the driver’s side door. Sound top with a small rip. Cracked taillight lens. Dull chrome and brightwork. Panel fit is off. Rusty, pitted engine bay. The car card says new fuel tank and fuel pump, overhauled carb, new brakes, new wheel cylinder hoses and new master cylinder. Still hard to believe it would arrive anywhere safely under its own power. Rot and holes all along the rockers. The bottom front of the doors have rotted away, but the frame is complete and solid. Not worth enough to fully restore, and too rotten to really enjoy as is. – Someone will spend a fortune on this Mustang and even at this modest price will never surface from underwater. Dreams are wonderful to have, but should not get in the way of an honest, sober, evaluation. Let’s hope the new owner has another ’65 Mustang under restoration and can used the trim and other bits off this parts car to complete the job.
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Lot # S110.1 1956 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible; S/N 569C8219; Alcan White, Rose Mist/Black, White leather; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $60,000. With Reserve. 356/240hp, automatic, dual exhaust, wheel covers, skirts, continental kit, black vinyl top boot, bucket seats, power windows, power steering, power brakes, power top, power seat, Super De Luxe radio. – Lightly scratched chrome. Two huge gouges out of the rear wheel cover. Door fit is slightly off. Sound older paint with a chip on the left side of the hood edge. Window moulding is cracked a bit. Paint is flaking off the wheels. Used but sound engine bay and undercarriage. An older restoration that’s well past its prime. – A Mecum regular, offered at Dallas last September where it was bid to $62,000, then at Chicago in October and bid to $62,500. Sold at Kissimmee in January for $65,000 hammer, $70,200 with commission and rerun on Kissimmee Sunday bid to $60,000. How the new owner thinks there’s anything left after all this machination is inexplicable. It’s a $60,000 car (at best) and should go away when a realistic bid is made for it. It won’t get any better for being given rides in Reliable’s haulers.Lot # S116 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W30 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 3G87X2M150119; Nordic Blue, Black hood stripes/Blue vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $44,280. With Reserve. 455/300hp, 3.73 anti-spin, floor shift automatic, Edelbrock intake, Rally wheels, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, fiberglass Ram Air hood, rear spoiler, dual mirrors, bucket seats, His and Hers shifter, pushbutton radio. – Small scratch on the roof but otherwise excellent paint. Very clean detailed engine bay. Excellent interior. 2000 miles on three year restoration. A gorgeous, fully documented and well-equipped matching numbers W-30. – Sold at Mecum’s Indy sale a year ago for $24,300 and offered at Kansas City in December with a high bid of $34,000, the seller scored well with this transaction. The new owner got a solid 4-4-2, but paid dearly for it.Lot # S118.1 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N JS29N0B137507; Ivy Green, Matte Black hood and White vinyl roof/Dark Green vinyl with cloth inserts; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $41,040. With Reserve. 383/330hp, floor shift automatic, steel wheels with chrome trim rings, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, Rallye wheels, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM radio, tinted glass, bucket seats, console, Rallye gauge package. – Frame-up restored. Represented as matching numbers. Very well equipped. Very clean engine bay and undercarriage. Microblisters under the hood vents, but otherwise very good paint and roof vinyl. Excellent interior. A lightly enjoyed high quality restoration that still presents very well. – Sold for $38,500 at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale in 2006, offered at Mecum’s Austin sale last December with a reported high bid of $40,000, then at Houston two weeks ago where it was bid to the same $38,000 that got it bought here. Getting convinced cost the seller $2,000 plus two hauls and two entry fees. The result is conclusively ‘market.’Lot # S122 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Coupe; S/N 1G1FP2381LL129296; Black/Gray cloth; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $26,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $28,620. With Reserve. 350/245hp, automatic, Goodyear Eagle ZR5 tires, fog lights, power windows, Delco cassette stereo, air conditioning. – From the Ron Deffenbaugh collection. Showing 141 miles. Very good original paint and interior. Engine bay is barely used. Never driven but not neglected. Low mile IROCs are popping up at lots of auctions these days, but this has to be one of the very best preserved ones out there. – This price carries a premium for low miles, originality and preservation of at least $10,000, which is generous for a model that is not all that rare in comparable originality and condition.Lot # S125.1 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback; S/N 0T02G159967; Grabber Blue, Black/Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $81,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $87,480. With Reserve. 302/290hp, 4-speed, Polyglas GT tires, black rear window louvers, rear spoiler, shaker hood, tilt steering column, Magnum 500 wheels, Hurst shifter, console, cassette stereo, documented with original invoice, warranty card, window sticker copy and Marti Report. – Represented as the original matching numbers engine. Lightly used, very clean engine bay and undercarriage. Pretty good older re-chrome. Very good paint. Excellent interior. A restoration that shows a bit of age, but needs nothing. – This car was literally displayed in the shadow of the 428 CJ-powered Twister Special. Although the Boss 302 would be more fun to drive, it didn’t get the same amount of hype. It’s another car with a long Mecum auction history starting back at Kissimmee a year ago where it sold for $104,760, Harrisburg last July sold for $84,240, Dallas last September bid to $72,500, Chicago in October bid to $75,000 and then Kissimmee in January where it sold for $75,600. Mecum has made more on entry fees and commissions than anyone who’s owned it, although the seller here did pretty well.Lot # S126 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N VC57S115643; Engine # TI024FC; White/Red vinyl with Black cloth inserts; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $31,000. With Reserve. 283/270hp dual quads, column shift 3-speed, gold brightwork, dual mirrors, bench seats, AutoMeter column-mounted tach, black steel wheels with full wheel covers, Goodyear narrow whitewalls, radio, dash clock. – From the Ron Deffenbaugh collection. Ground-up restored. Represented as matching numbers, it was an FC 283/220hp Power Pack/Powerglide engine, not the solid lifter dual quad 3-speed setup it has now. Clean, lightly used engine bay. A few blisters near the front and bottom of the passenger door, but otherwise very good paint and chrome. Door and trunk fit are a tiny bit off. Excellent interior. Very pretty, well-equipped car, but the restoration wasn’t done yesterday. – The combination of some notable flaws and the modified drivetrain argue against this Bel Air being worth much if any more than the reported high bid here.Lot # S130.1 2005 Ford GT Coupe; S/N 1FAFFP90S25Y400331; Black, Silver Le Mans stripes/Black leather; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $255,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $275,400. With Reserve. BBS wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, tinted glass, McIntosh stereo, power windows, air conditioning. – It sounds strange to say, but the 8,200 miles on this car’s odometer makes it a high mileage car compared to the other GTs that are coming up for auction lately. That said, this car is in no worse shape and still presents like a car that’s only been driven a handful of times. – It’s gotten to the point that it wouldn’t be a Mecum auction without a Ford GT and this is one of the most affordable (if a quarter million dollars is ‘affordable’) ones seen lately. At least it’s been driven, rather than sitting in a garage as an object of veneration.Lot # S131 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition Coupe; S/N 1G1AY0784C5115645; Silver Beige, Tinted glass T-tops/Silver Beige vinyl; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $17,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $18,360. With Reserve. 350/200hp, automatic, Goodyear Eagle GT tires, pushbutton AM/FM radio, power windows. – From the Ron Deffenbaugh collection. Showing just 8,086 miles and in corresponding condition. Very clean original engine bay. Small chip on the right headlight cover and one small ding on the nose but otherwise excellent original paint. Visibly but lightly worn interior. Someone took the Collector Edition badge on this car very seriously. – The 1982 Corvette was notable for being the last of the C3s and for little else, but the Collector Edition cars (with special paint scheme, badges and aluminum wheels) command a slight premium. This must be among the best low mileage examples out there, but it brought a modest price. The buyer, who likely whisked the car away to a life of static display, should be satisfied.
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Lot # S135 1994 Chevrolet Corvette 40th Anniversary Coupe; S/N 1G1YY23PXP5118725; Ruby Red, Black roof/Ruby Red leather; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $12,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $12,960. With Reserve. 350/300hp, 6-speed, saw blade wheels, Pirelli tires, FX3 adjustable suspension, climate control, power windows, power seats, cruise control, glass roof panel. – Clean engine bay. Small stone chips on the nose. Big, deep scratch behind the driver’s side door. Scratch on the tail near the radio antenna. Clean wheels. Several deep scratches on the rear glass. Good, lightly worn interior. Not a showroom fresh-looking car, but a well cared for example showing 42,000 believable miles and still very pretty. – A good, if unremarkable, Corvette the moved on from here to Mecum’s Indy auction three weeks later and sold again for $12,500.hammer, $13,500 with commission. That sounds like a tiny profit, but doesn’t take into account transport and entry fees.Lot # S136 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 138176K166696; Engine # T0303EDH6K166696; Tuxedo Black/Blue vinyl; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000. With Reserve. 396/325hp, 4-speed, 12 bolt rear end, black steel wheels with chrome hub caps, Firestone red line tires, bench seats, knee knocker tach, dash clock, cassette stereo. – An all original car top to bottom. Paint has lots of chips on the nose, numerous small scratches and crazing on the tail. Chrome is dull and pitted. Undercarriage is clean. Engine bay is maintained and dressed up a bit but mostly original and also reasonably clean. Excellent original interior with only worn seat belts betraying its age and 95,259 miles. Shiny restored Chevelles are a dime a dozen at any given Mecum sale, so survivor examples like this really stand out. – This Chevelle sold for $41,040 at Mecum’s December 2014 Kansas City sale after being bid to $54,000 at Chicago in October. The seller must have been counting on barn find mystique to snag a few bidders in Kansas City, but it wasn’t to be and the reported high bid of $40,000 was more than enough to take an L35-powered SS 396 in this tired and aged condition home, as it was back in December.Lot # S138 1955 Buick Century Convertible; S/N V7690816; Condor Yellow/White, Black leather, Black piping; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $45,000. With Reserve. 322/236hp, Dynaflow, chrome wire wheels, BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls, power steering, power brakes, power antenna, dual mirrors, bench seats, power windows, power top, power seat, Selectronic radio, dash clock. – Clean original engine bay and undercarriage. Believed to be 49,056 actual miles. Door fit is slightly off. Small paint chip near door edge on passenger’s side. Decent older paint that has lost some of its shine. Fairly worn but presentable interior. An older restoration, but it still has plenty of eyeball. – Another one of many ‘believed to be’ actual miles cars; it’s becoming a Mecum car card trademark, and it is hardly credible under even the most optimistic view. This Century convertible was offered at Mecum’s Monterey auction in 2010 with a reported high bid of $55,000. Its combination of the small Special chassis and big Roadmaster engine made it one of the first Muscle Cars and one that is lavishly equipped like this is arguably more fun to own and drive, as well as more rare, than a comparable Roadmaster convertible, but even at that the reported high bid here is appropriate to the model, equipment and condition.Lot # S141 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe; S/N 1B3ER69E6TV200483; Blue, White stripes/Black leather; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $29,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $31,860. With Reserve. 488/450hp, 6-speed, chromed wheels, power windows, Alpine CD stereo, A/C, tilt steering column. – A handful of small rock chips on the nose but otherwise great original paint. Very good, very lightly worn interior. Showing 69,722 miles, but it presents like a car with much, much fewer. – Sold in Mecum’s Houston auction a year ago for $32,400 when it had 62 fewer miles on the odometer, those 62 miles cost the seller more than $46 each, before taking carrying costs, the auction entry fee and seller’s commission into account. The miles were expensive; the car isn’t.Lot # S142 1969 Dodge Charger R/T SE 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N XS29L9B210238; Dark Bronze Metallic, Brown vinyl roof/Light Tan leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $41,000. With Reserve. 440/375hp engine bored .30 over, Firestone red line tires, power steering, power brakes, dual mirrors, bucket seats, console, woodgrain dash, pushbutton radio. – Clean used engine bay and undercarriage. Good older paint. Sound roof vinyl. Wood veneer dash is pretty worn. Very good interior otherwise. Never fully redone, but got attention when necessary. – Bidding was just shy of what this car deserved. Another few grand should have done the trick, but perhaps the seller should have saved the trouble of moving it around and just let it go.Lot # S149 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 1G1AY8785C510557; Silver/Black vinyl; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $16,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $17,820. With Reserve. 350/200hp, automatic, Goodyear Eagle GT tires, power windows, power mirrors, power driver’s seat, air conditioning, pushbutton radio. – From the Ron Deffenbaugh collection. Very tidy engine bay. Shiny, blemish-free original paint. Very good interior. Time capsule example believed to be 4,014 miles, a claim that is borne out by its condition. – A largely uninteresting Corvette except for its originality and exceptional preservation which brought it a negligible premium.Lot # S150 1962 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N 20867S106050; Honduras Maroon, Maroon hardtop/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $75,000. With Reserve. 327/360hp fuel injection, 4-speed, spinner wheel covers, Goodyear narrow whitewalls, dash clock, WonderBar radio. – Rare equipment and represented as matching numbers engine. Heavily scratched windows in the hard top. Older paint is past its prime, and there is a big scratch on the roof of the hard top. Clean detailed engine bay. Tidy undercarriage. Very good interior. Good chrome. A sound older restoration that won’t be winning any concours trophies. – It is, however, more than good enough to drive and enjoy. The seller was not wrong in declining the offered bid, but much more than this should have been enough to buy it, even with the Fuelie engine, in its present condition.
Mecum Kansas City Spring 2015 – Auction Report Page Nine
Lot # T106 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 40th Anniversary Coupe; S/N 2G1FP22P7V2106925; White, Orange stripes/White leather with Houndstooth cloth inserts; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $17,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $18,360. With Reserve. 350/285hp, 6-speed, Goodyear Eagle tires, power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, CD stereo. – Showing just 2,809 miles and has the looks to match. Phenomenal original paint without blemish and it’s the same on the inside. Treated as collectible from new. – The 30th Anniversary package cost $575 in 1997 and included the unique paint scheme and houndstooth interior for a look similar to the Camaro pace cars of the 1960s. Chevrolet sold both a Z/28 and an SS version, with the SS being more desirable with its 330-horsepower LT4 engine. This Z/28 is about as close to a new example as you can get and found a new home for a price that should be satisfactory to both parties.Lot # T114 1979 Datsun 280ZX Coupe; S/N HS130155684; Blue, Silver hood/Blue cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $7,900 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $8,532. With Reserve. Store brand radial tires, dual mirrors, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, 8-track stereo. – Cracked headlight lens cover. Decent paint with a scuff on the right front fender and lots of scratches on the roof. Decent exterior plastic but a bit scratched and warped on the rear bumper. Good interior with very lightly worn upholstery and a fairly used dash. Grubby original engine bay. Tidy undercarriage. Far from perfect, but pretty good compared to most of the later, fatter Z-cars that you see out there. – The later Z-cars lost quite a bit of the spirit of the original 240, and the purists never took to them. They have a nostalgic appeal to people of a certain age but are like later 4-seat T-birds. Nostalgia hasn’t translated to value and there’s no sensible reason for the seller to have hung on to this car at a bid of $7,000.Lot # T118 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N 194676S109090; Engine # TI202IP 6109090; Sunfire Yellow, Sunfire Yellow hardtop/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $87,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $94,500. With Reserve. 427/425hp, 4-speed, side exhaust, centerlock alloy wheels, Michelin X radial blackwalls, AM/FM radio, two tops, transistor ignition. – NCRS Top Flight last year. Clean but not detailed engine bay. Rear window of the hard top is heavily scratched and has a big scuff on it. Excellent chrome and interior. Excellent paint overall, but the hood is a couple of shades lighter than the rest of the car. A well restored car that has been shown. Its shortcomings are big knocks for a concours car, but quite easy to look past on a car used just for enjoyment. – Offered at Mecum’s Dallas auction last September with a reported high bid of $75,000. The wait proved to be productive. A highly desirable car, the first Corvette with 7-liter power, with the power of ’67s 427/435 but far less expensive among collectors, [Chevy called this engine 450hp when it was introduced, then cut the rated power to 425 mid-year to give the ’67 tri-power 427 an advantage.] A recent NCRS Top Flight, even with the evidence of use it is appropriately priced here.Lot # T119 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 7F03C162546; Red/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $22,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $24,300. With Reserve. 289/200hp, automatic, Cragar wheels, Radial T/A tires, air conditioning, cassette stereo. – Lightly discolored top. Sound older paint. Very good chrome. Very good interior. Clean undercarriage. Maintained and largely original. An enthusiast’s classic Mustang. Nothing show worthy and not fully restored but very pretty driver. – A fun little Mustang, but one of many similar cars that brought all the money at this price in this condition with its many needs.Lot # T124 1977 Ford Ranchero GT Pickup; S/N 7A48H176686; Silver, Black/Red cloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $4,500 plus commission of 11.11%; Final Price $5,000. No Reserve. 351/148hp, 4-barrel, Radial T/A tires, column shift automatic, bucket seats, tinted windows, pushbutton radio. – Tired paint with microblisters on the nose. Scratched up chrome. Imperfect door fit. Scratched up, dull, heavily used pickup bed. Grubby engine bay and undercarriage. The interior is quite good at least, but this is not a pretty car after having covered at least the 98,727 miles showing on the odometer of what can’t have been easy driving. – A nasty Ranchero but sound and solid and a reasonable buy at this price even if all it ever does is make hardware store and lumber yard runs on the weekends.Lot # T133 1964 Pontiac LeMans 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 824F36191; Light Green Metallic/Gold vinyl; Modified restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $15,660. No Reserve. 326/280hp, automatic, performance camshaft, Moroso valve covers, K&N air cleaner, aftermarket aluminum radiator, Edelbrock intake, dual exhaust, Torque Thrust wheels, Road Max Delta GT tires, bucket seats, AutoMeter gauges, column shift, cassette stereo. – A non-matching engine with 5,000 miles on it. Tidy but used, modified engine bay. Pretty paint with a few small scratches on the front fenders. Good interior mostly, but one small tear along the stitching in each of the front seats, and one of the door lock knobs is missing, leaving just the end of a bolt hanging out. A muscle car clearly done on a budget, but not bad, just superficial. – This price was a bit high for a modded ’64 LeMans, but still comes in at half what a GTO in similar condition would cost, if that’s any consolation for not having a GTO.Lot # T140 1971 Opel GT Coupe; S/N 772354982; Red/Black vinyl with cloth inserts; Enthusiast restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $5,750. With Reserve. 1897/89hp, 4-speed, store brand radial tires, dual mirrors, Blaupunkt cassette stereo, Pioneer speakers, dash clock. – Used engine bay. Awful paint with a huge touch up on the hood and huge scratch running along the right half of the hood. Overall it is dull, crazed and has light scratches all over. Very good interior. An enthusiast quality cosmetic restoration done on a budget and driven a lot since. – Sold in North America through Buick dealerships, the Opel GT had the looks of a C3 Corvette in a smaller, cheaper package and among its contemporaries like the MGB GT, it compared favorably. They’ve seen a big jump in value over the last couple of years but remain attainable. The high bid on this shabby example wasn’t insulting. Another grand would have been right on.Lot # T147 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N LRA13398; White, Dark Blue vinyl roof/Dark Blue leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $9,500. With Reserve. Dual SU carbs, wheel covers, Michelin Symmetry tires, wood dash, window and console, power windows, Radiomobile 8-track pushbutton stereo. – Grubby original engine bay. Decent older paint and chrome. Very good roof vinyl. Good lightly worn interior with the wood trim peeling near the windshield. A mostly original car with the risk of astronomical service bills. – Not sold here, it went on to Mecum’s Spring Classic in Indianapolis where it was bid to $500 less. Expect that trend to continue until the owner gets the message and takes any money present in the room.
Lot # S090.1 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special Fastback; S/N 0F05R1158862; Grabber Orange, Black stripes/Black vinyl; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $243,000. With Reserve. 428/335hp Cobra Jet, 4-speed, external oil cooler, 3.91 Traction-Lok, power front disc brakes, shaker hood, steel wheels with hub caps and trim rings, Goodyear tires, tinted glass, Hurst shifter, AM radio. – A rotisserie restoration completed last year. Excellent paint and interior. Gorgeous detailed engine bay and undercarriage. One of just 24 Mach 1 Twister Specials equipped with a 428 CJ. Several show wins and Muscle Car Review cover car in November of last year. A shortage of these engines meant that the remainder of the 96 Twister Specials built for sale in the Kansas City region had to make due with 351 Clevelands. – Twister Specials are rare, but 428 CJ Twister Specials a super-rare and that along with the quality of the restoration and the awards it has won explain the Shelby Mustang price.
Switch picture of Impala that stands over #T109, ’97 Camaro. Wonderful reports otherwise.
That ’66 Chevy coupe with the incorrect Camaro comments is beautiful, I want to read about it. And the ’59 El Camino next to it, too.