Mecum Auctions, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida, January 17-26, 2014
By my count 2,743 vehicles, by far most of them automobiles, crossed the Mecum Auctions auction block in Kissimmee, Florida during its nine-day run January 17-26, 2014 (nine days since only ‘Road Art’ was offered on Monday.)
It is a sea of cars, under a blanket of tents scattered across the Osceola Heritage Park site. The schedule overlaps the final three days of auctions in Arizona so many simply got on a plane in Phoenix on Sunday and headed straight to Orlando. An average of just over 300 cars crossed the block in Kissimmee every day. Three hundred a day. At an [optimistic] average of 20/hour that’s fifteen hours a day moving a steady stream of lots across the block. In clock terms that’s 10AM to midnight, day after day.
Mecum Kissimmee is an extravaganza of epic proportions which has come in just a few short years to dwarf Mecum’s signature ‘Spring Classic’ in Indianapolis. There are plenty of six-figure cars in Kissimmee, but the median transaction in 2014 was just $25,920, an amount affordable for many collectors and the antithesis of the seven-figure centric sales that dominate headlines.
The ratio between average transaction and median is even more significant, just 72.3%. That means that the total sale and average transaction are very close in value, not warped by a few mega-dollar cars. The vast majority of the cars in Kissimmee are accessible, affordable and reasonable. At high profile, high dollar auctions the ratio of median to average transactions often is 30-40% meaning their totals are dominated by really expensive lots.
That observation goes a long way toward explaining why Mecum Kissimmee’s auction report is two and half months late in appearing.
First, there are lots of cars: 90 in this report. Second, they’re especially significant, especially to the huge base of the car collecting hobby with values accessible to collectors who haven’t founded an Internet startup that got bought by Facebook. Third, there are so many auctions that compete for time.
In the first quarter of 2014 every weekend but four were on the road somewhere at auctions: Scottsdale, Kissimmee, Paris, Oklahoma City, Atlantic City, Amelia Island, Ft. Lauderdale. That leaves precious little time to complete the reports, sort and label photos and compile the results. The Alfa sits in the garage waiting for her spring wakeup, and it’s not likely to come ’til spring is nearly over as another marathon begins soon.
It’s not an excuse for tardiness, just an explanation.
[table id=97 /]
Mecum Kissimmee [and other auctions like it] is where car collectors can find cars that are within reach. Even a couple months late this is the heart of car collecting and the results are worth perusing.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report
Lot # F136 1964 Pontiac LeMans GTO 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 824M26530; Black, Black vinyl roof/Black; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $44,280 – 389 with Tri-Power, 4-speed, Rally wheels with trim rings and red line radial tires, 3.23 Safe-T-Track, cassette stereo, woodgrain steering wheel, console, aftermarket A/C. – PHS documented GTO. Replacement engine block. Restored like new. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and glass. Sharp car. – Beautifully and honestly presented, this GTO should be highly satisfactory to own and drive, a reasonable value at this price.Lot # F137.1 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 136370B149216; Black Cherry, White stripes/Black leatherette; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $39,960 – 396/350hp, 4-speed, cowl induction, P/S, P/B, F41 suspension, Super Stock wheels, Radial T/A tires, bench seat, Positraction, AM-FM, bench seat. – Represented as matching numbers, documented with build sheet. Restored to nearly like new with better paint and new trim chrome and upholstery. Sharp and fresh underhood but less carefully finished and detailed where it’s harder to see. Underbody painted over old, peeled undercoat. Rusty right quarter window frame. An auction restoration that looks great from eight feet. – But doesn’t look anywhere nearly as good when up close and peering deeply into places easily overlooked. A desirable car, with a choice set of options. The seller may have been disappointed with the price, but the bidders got it right.
Lot # F138 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E57S103619; Venetian Red, Beige coves, Red hardtop/Red vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $102,600 – 283/270hp dual quads, 3-speed, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, two tops, radio delete. – Engine pad illegible but represented as numbers matching. NCRS Top Flight ten years ago, a little aged and storage dusty but still very good cosmetics on, in and under the car. – The bidders must have believed the implication on the car card that this was an original dual quad solid lifter 270hp Corvette. It’s encouraging to see that the 3-speed, so often replaced after introduction of the T-10, has survived. A handsome but not unrealistic price for a desirable Corvette.Lot # F141 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Convertible; S/N 8T03J149431-01404; White, Blue stripes/Black; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $102,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $110,700 – 302/250hp, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, AM-FM, A/C, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Radial T/A tires, power top, P/S, P/B, Tilt-Away steering column. – Quality older restoration with very good paint, chrome and interior. An unusual and desirable 4-speed unit. – Yes, it’s believed to be one of 33 built in this configuration, but if this were a Mustang GT with the same 302/250hp engine it wouldn’t bring even half this price. Is Carroll’s name on the hood really worth double the money, even if the collector car community continues to say so with its bidder paddles?Lot # F143 1968 Pontiac LeMans Safari Styling concept; S/N 233698P109210; Light Yellow, /; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $41,040 – 350, automatic, P/S, P/B, tilt steering column, AM-FM, Superlift rear shocks, Rally II wheels with trim rings and narrow whitewalls, bench seat. – Pontiac styling concept with a LeMans nose and dashboard on an El Camino body. At one point had a black vinyl roof. Cosmetically restored with very good paint, chrome and original interior. Underbody slathered in new sealer. – An intriguing piece of what-might-have-been GM history, it will bring startled double-takes anytime it drives onto a show field. While this result is nearly double the price of an El Camino in comparable condition the result is if anything a modest price for a unique GM styling exercise.Lot # F144.1 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster; S/N 11304212013769; Dark Blue, /White; Blue cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $43,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $46,440 – Automatic, Lear Jet cassette stereo, trim rings, narrow whitewalls. – Decent repaint and good new top and interior. Otherwise aged and neglected. Pitted door handles and mirror, weak interior chrome, chipped hood edges. Engine is untouched except for maintenance. – Sound, but has not lived a sheltered life, nor is originality an attribute. and this is an abundant price for it.Lot # F149 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N E58J176576; Red, White roof/Red, Black, Silver vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $48,600 – 348 with three 2-barrel carbs, Powerglide, P/B, P/S, pushbutton radio, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts, continental kit. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Nearly like new underbody and engine compartment. No engine block stamping. Restored to showroom condition a while ago with little evidence of use, just age and storage. A thorough detailing could result in a show quality Impala. – Only the appropriate engine number and a thorough detailing could make this ’58 Impala any better and it went home at an appropriate price for what it is.Lot # F150.1 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 6F08C224221; Springtime Yellow, /Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $22,680 – 289/200hp, 3-speed, 4-barrel added, 3-core radiator, A/C, cassette stereo, power top, styled wheels, narrow whitewalls. – Attractively restored throughout and relatively rare with the 3-speed manual. Sharp gauges. Very good paint and chrome. Underbody is painted chassis black but some surface rust is showing. – The 4-barrel is a no-harm upgrade, as is the 3-core radiator. Attractive color that’s perfect for top-down cruising next summer (a season we Northeasterners think may have been postponed until 2015.) There is never a bad time to buy a Mustang V-8 convertible, especially at this price.Lot # F156 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194677S106066; Silver Pearl, Black stinger/Black; Black vinyl top; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $83,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $89,640 – 427/400hp, three 2-barrels, 4-speed, AM-FM, side exhausts, Rally wheels with trim rings and red line bias ply tires. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Missing a seal over the left vent window and the top frame is rusty. Bowed hood. Underbody painted over peeled old underseal. Makes a good first, impression but doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny. – The seller should be very happy to get this much money for a Corvette with many oversights and shortcomings.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # F159.1 1970 Cadillac Coupe Deville 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N J0157406; Light Green, White vinyl roof/Green cloth, leather; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $7,750 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $8,370 – Wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, A/C and everything else. – Sound clear coat repaint with lots of overspray on dirty old undercoat in the wheelwell. Very good original interior. Dressed up for the auction. – It’s safe to call this an auction car, and it brought auction car money.Lot # F165.1 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Convertible; S/N F58F229573; Snowcrest White, /Red, Silver, Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $76,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $82,080 – Powerglide, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio, dual rear antennas, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls. – Freshly restored like new with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Underbody is like new. Later replacement block (probably a 350, not the claimed 283) with polished Edelbrock intake and big Holley 4-barrel, chrome water pump, Mallory coil and distributor. Fresh and orderly engine but the modifications are disappointing. – Cosmetically this Impala is great. The rest of it, however, is the important stuff and it’s well done but unappealing. The price it brought is indicative of the cosmetics, not what’s under the hood.Lot # F177 1993 Ferrari 512 TR; S/N ZFFLG40A8P0096223; Red, /Tan leather; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $113,400 – 18 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, Pirelli PZero tires, A/C. – 9,816 ‘believed to be … original miles.’ Nothing about the 512 TR contradicts that statement, however. Good original paint, driver’s seat lightly stretched and bolster barely scuffed. Engine out belt service seven months ago. An unusually clean and barely used example with a clean CarFax. – Almost pristine and based on both observations and the seller’s statements about as good as a 512 TR can be, an evaluation confirmed by the price it brought.Lot # F179 1959 Chevrolet Apache 31 Napco Suburban; S/N 3A59N123761; Blue, /Charcoal, Beige vinyl; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $59,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $63,720 – 283 V-8, 4-speed, NAPCO 4-wheel drive, 3 row seating, radio, turn signals. – Done everywhere to better than factory standards. Very good paint and interior. Bright, crisp chrome. A show truck done right, without being overdone. – With FJ-40 Land Cruisers bringing this much and more a rare and meticulously restored NAPCO Suburban at this price is a good value.Lot # F180.1 1962 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N 20867S104187; Engine # 2104187 F1130RF; Sateen Silver, Silver hardtop/Black; Black top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $107,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $116,100 – 327/360hp fuel injection, RPO 687 brakes, hardtop and soft top, 4.11 Positraction, fast steering, 5 1/2 inch wheels, hubcaps, WonderBar radio. – Bloomington Gold Special Collection, NCRS Top Flight, represented as numbers matching. Meticulously maintained with only show and auction miles. – Sold at B-J in Palm Beach in 2006 for $137,160, then offered by RM at Ft. Lauderdale in 2009 with a reported bid of $130,000 and here in 2012 and 2013 with bids of $150,000 and $110,000 respectively. The consignor finally got real and took the money, which is right for this Corvette’s specs and condition.Lot # F185 1926 Franklin 11-A Touring; S/N 1583001; Red, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Black leatherette top; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $47,520 – Red wood spoke wheels, chrome lock rings, whitewall tires, rear-mounted spare. – Old paint shines but is starting to blister. Sound major chrome, weak trim and windshield frame chrome. Sound interior and older top. Chassis and underbody are aged and road grimy. – A sound and usable old restoration that looks like it’s been used a-plenty and brought a generous price.Lot # F186.1 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Convertible; S/N 8T03J183066-02917; Candy Apple Red, /Black; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $81,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $87,480 – 302/250hp, automatic, factory A/C, P/S, P/B, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Radial T/A tires, grille-mounted fog lights. – Well restored but showing age. Steering wheel rim is worn, mirror chrome is peeling. Underbody is like new. A mixed blessing. – Reported sold in 2004 by RM at Boca Raton for $55,640 is essentially the same condition as it was offered here with just 19 more miles on the odometer today. A better value than Lot #F141.Lot # F189.1 1935 Packard Super Eight 1204 Victoria Convertible; S/N 847231; Tan, /Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $113,400 – Orange wire wheels, trim rings, wide whitewalls, Trippe lights, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, tan cloth covered trunk. – Old repaint, hard, cracked body seals, creased and stretched upholstery, worn, discolored dashboard. Dirty underbody. Fair chrome. A tired and neglected old cosmetic redo that needs a good home. – Sold at Dave Rupp’s Ft. Lauderdale auction in 2008 for $98,280, then at Mecum’s Dallas auction last September for $103,790. A desirable body style, but this one needs a lot of attention before it rises even to the stature of a sound, reliable and presentable tour car and brought a very healthy price for what it is.Lot # F194 1935 Morgan F4 Roadster; S/N F173; Red, Black/Beige; Black leatherette top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $29,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $31,320 – RHD. Beige wire wheels, chrome radiator shell, later gauges. – Freshly restored, in some areas over-restored, with excellent paint, chrome and interior. – Offered here a year ago with a reported high bid of $35,000. The consignor should have taken the money, but the buyer in this occasion got a sound value in a rarely seen Morgan that will enjoy positive attention at any Morgan or British car gathering.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # F195.1 1970 Subaru 360 Jolly; S/N 111L11511; Ivory, /Burgundy vinyl; White vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $21,600 – Wheel covers, whitewalls, side curtains. – Quickly repainted assembled with erratic masking, otherwise a clean, orderly original car. Decent upholstery, new top, old side curtains, clean engine. Described as one of only 13 in the U.S. – Any Subaru dealer would be proud to own this 360 Jolly, once it’s been put through the body shop for a decent paint job, that is. At barely half the price of a comparable Fiat Jolly and a third of a Shellette it will make its own statement on the beach road.Lot # F197 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 7T03C105982; Red, /Black; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $25,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $27,540 – 289/200hp, automatic, cassette stereo, power top, wire wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, P/B. – Sound and attractive paint, chrome, interior and top. A little disorderly underhood, chassis is dusty. A competently restored driver quality Mustang convertible. – The bidders may be forgiven for being a little enthusiastic with this price. It’s a cute little Mustang.Lot # F199 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Convertible; S/N 252675D124155; Engine # 516236 WH; White, /Burgundy vinyl; Burgundy vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $48,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $51,840 – 421/356hp, Tri-Power, 4-speed, 8-lug wheels, red line radial tires, P/S, P/B, power top, skirts, Safe-T-Track AM-FM, buckets and console. – PHS documented. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Represented as numbers matching. Engine compartment generously sprayed with matte black, underbody thickly undercoated. Solid body. Competently restored to good and attractive driver condition. – No money was spent on this cosmetic redo that wasn’t necessary to create an attractive driver-quality Pontiac and the bidders accurately priced it for what it is. Driving down the boulevard, though, or even lined up at the DQ on Cruise Night it will be driven and shown proudly and is a sound value.Lot # F206 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 1210428500963; Red, Red hardtop/Black leather; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $124,200 – Blaupunkt multiband radio, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, hardtop only. – Restored to nearly like new condition with very good paint, chrome and interior. Pitted outside mirror chrome, clean and orderly underhood but excessively smothered in dull black paint. Underbody is clean and like new. – It would have been better to see the engine compartment done to higher standards after all the work put into the paint, bodywork and interior, especially at this price. 190SLs have gone on a value trip of their own in the past two years or so and despite this 190SL’s shortcomings it brought a realistic price in today’s inflated market.Lot # F207.1 1957 Dodge Coronet D-500 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 35243778; Gallant Gold, Glacier White/Gold vinyl, Black cloth; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $77,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $83,160 – 325/310hp D500 dual quads, automatic, P/S, P/B, flipper wheel covers, whitewall bias ply tires, pushbutton radio, clock, dual outside mirrors and rear antennas. – Shiny clearcoat paint, bright chrome, very good interior. Engine is clean and fresh but the bottom of the engine compartment, underbody and chassis are dirty and grimy. Bumper chrome is cloudy. Even gaps and panel fits. – This Dodge is described as ‘Completely restored’ which it is, but not to the standards that phrase should infer. Offered here in 2010 with a reported high bid of $29,000. Shoulda bought it then, because it was really expensive this time around.Lot # F212 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC56L098121; Engine # 0139969 F56F; Matador Red, White/Red, White vinyl; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $91,800 – 265/170hp engine upgraded to a 4-barrel, Powerglide, P/S, P/B, electric wipers, wire wheel covers, radial whitewalls, pushbutton radio, P/W, skirts, continental kit. – Excellent paint, chrome, interior and glass. Restored to showroom condition and maintained to be nearly show ready. – Sold by Mecum at Indianapolis last May for $69,550, which pales beside this result. Has there been a tectonic shift in the value of ’56 Bel Airs in the last eight months? From this transaction it would seem so, but it is an outlier on a curve that is otherwise flat or gently positively-sloped.Lot # F213 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H Fastback; S/N SFM6S1177; Blue, Gold stripes/Black; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $140,000 plus commission of; Final Price $140,000 – Automatic, Shelby dash top tach, styled wheels, chrome rims, Blue Streak tires, pushbutton radio, woodgrain steering wheel rim. – Restored liter new, detailed engine, dirty, aged underbody. Good upholstery, chrome and stainless. An attractive driver quality GT350H in an unusual color. Represented as numbers matching engine. – How much is an unusual color worth? Apparently a lot if this consignor’s decision to turn down the reported high bid is any indication.Lot # F219 1969 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe; S/N 223379N106311; Engine # 0776009 WQ; White, Blue stripes/Black vinyl; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $135,000 – 400/335hp, Ram Air III, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, P/B, P/S, 3.55 Safe-T-Track, Rally II wheels with trim rings, Radial T/A tires, wing, woodgrain steering wheel, remote outside mirror, console, pushbutton radio – Original owner until 2013, represented as matching numbers original engine, transmission, rear axle, heads, manifolds and carb. Restored to showroom quality condition, clean, sharp and fresh throughout. – Reported sold by Mecum last April for $79,500 making this result a real home run for the consignor. Trans Ams are especially popular these days and are largely putting comparable Camaros in the value-shade. It’s taken a long time, but is an adjustment long overdue except at this expensive price.Lot # F219.1 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad 2-Dr. Station Wagon; S/N VC56S156960; Laurel Green, Crocus Yellow/White vinyl, Black cloth; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $66,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $71,280 – 265/hp 4-barrel, Powerglide, P/S, P/B, A/C, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewall radials. – Restored with excellent clear coat paint, good original interior and good chrome and stainless. Engine compartment is nearly like new. Underbody is refinished over some old undercoat. – Not done like new, but close enough for all but a high point show oriented owner, this is a surprisingly modest price for a Power Pack ’55 Nomad in vibrant colors with a quality if somewhat used older restoration. Both the buyer and the seller should be satisfied with this result, especially the seller.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # F220 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Hemi 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BS23R0B216552; Black, /Black vinyl; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $162,000 – 426/425hp Hemi, dual quads, automatic, P/B, argent shaker, console, pushbutton radio, woodgrain steering wheel, 4.10 Sure Grip, Rally wheels, trim rings, Polyglas GT tires. – Good paint but scuffed and water-spotted. Stainless trim is scuffed. Engine compartment is orderly but a little dusty. A quality older restoration in need of some attention to details. – At this price the new owner can afford to spend quite a bid on details. Not that it’s inexpensive, it just has some headroom.Lot # F224 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 118376N134852; Metallic Blue, /Black vinyl; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $81,000 – 327/350ho L79, 4-speed, wheel covers, blackwall bias ply tires, buckets and console, pushbutton radio. – Excellent paint, good interior and major chrome. Scuffed stainless. Cloudy instrument cover, dirty steering wheel center and console. Underbody is like new. May have been rushed to completion, which is not a good thing. – Offered at Mecum Indy in 2011 with a reported high bid of $40,000, then by Auction America at Auburn Fall in 2012 with a $55,000 high bid. Sold by Mecum at Indy last May for $51,360 in essentially the same condition as it was offered today and turned around here for a pretty astounding profit. Right place, right time, right presentation yielded a formidable result.Lot # F226 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC57A102960; Engine # T126F; Red, /Red, Silver vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $78,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $84,240 – 283 with dual quad intake and FI heads, Powerglide, P/S, dual circuit P/B, electric wipers, spinner wheel covers, whitewall tires, skirts, dual rear antennas, stoplight viewer, pushbutton radio. – Sharp paint, chrome and interior. Clean engine compartment would look better with a bat wing air filter. Underbody is fresh and crisp. Good panel fits and even gaps. Represented as matching numbers engine but the engine block number is overstamped and illegible. Bad odometer wheels. The dual circuit brakes suggest there might be discs behind the front wheels to go with the breathed on engine. – Sold by Kruse in Houston in 2006 for $72,900, then by RM from the Charlie Thomas collection in October 2012 for $52,800. Offered here twice last year with bids of $55,000 and $50,000. It took a while to get back up to 2006 levels.Lot # F257 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Callaway Super Speedster; S/N 1G1YZ23J3L5801157; Cherry Smash Red, /My Favorite Blue leather; No top; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $185,000 plus commission of; Final Price $185,000 – 350/750hp twin turbo ZR1 engine, 6-speed, one of two Super Speedsters – Clean, orderly and barely used, even with 13,174 miles. Richard Berry Collection. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2005 for $210,600, no wonder the seller wouldn’t let go. This is whole lot of car with performance that challenges quarter century newer supercars and design that still looks fresh and sharp. The consignor made the right decision to keep it.Lot # F259 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Callaway Sledgehammer; S/N 1G1YY2180J5109700; Silver, /Black leather; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $600,000 plus commission of; Final Price $600,000 – 383/899hp, 6-speed, AeroBody, Dymag wheels, A/C, cassette stereo, matching luggage, Callaway 88-051. – Good paint but worn, creased upholstery, soiled better. Aged underhood. A performance legend with a top speed that measures up to million+ dollar supercars three decades newer. 2,120 miles from new. Richard Berry collection. – Sold for $221,400 at Barrett-Jackson in 2004. It would be interesting to know what Richard Berry thinks it’s worth, although this bid seems reasonable for it.Lot # F261 1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Twin Turbo Callaway Speedster; S/N 1G1YZ23J5M5801985; Candy Wine Red, Red hardtop/Ivory leather; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $275,000 plus commission of; Final Price $275,000 – OZ blind-bolted modular wheels, Brembo brakes, 350/766hp twin turbo ZR1 engine, wing, LM-style bodywork with intercooler extractor vents, double bubble removable hardtop. – 3,636 miles, barely used. Richard Berry collection. – The other Callaway Super Speedster, and the only one with LM-style bodywork and a double bubble hardtop. You have to puff on the engine awfully hard to get 2+hp/cubic inch, which might be an inhibiting factor in actually extracting the endorphins lying dormant under the driver’s right foot. Sold for $189,000 at Barrett-Jackson in 2004.Lot # F262 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Callaway Convertible; S/N 1G1YY3186J5102255; White, /Red leather; Black vinyl top; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $27,000 – Nash 4+3 transmission, White Dymag wheels, cassette stereo. – Sound but aged and used. Used by GM for promotions and road tests. Richard Berry collection. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2005 for $39,960 and a sound value at the price it brought today even with the miles and age.Lot # F263 1997 Callaway C7R GT1; S/N TPSW02F002; Silver, /Black; Competition car, original as-raced, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $150,000 plus commission of; Final Price $150,000 – Aluminum 383/640hp, 6-speed Xtrac, Brembo brakes, carbon fiber monocoque and body, Paul Deutschman designed body. – Getting a little tired. – One of two C7s built, never raced. Bought from Callaway at Barrett-Jackson in 2004 for $216,000 and worth more than that today. Much more.Lot # F268 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Phase 2 Convertible; S/N HBJ8U42799; White, Red/Red; Black cloth top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $59,400 – Overdrive, chrome wire wheels, Vredestein blackwall tires, Moto Lita woodrim steering wheel, BMC radio, fender mirrors. – Good repaint, new top and well-preserved original interior. Underbody is clean and aged appropriate to the 49,890 miles on the odometer. Scratched side windows. – With the exceptional values that Big Healeys have been bringing in the recent past it is surprising to find one in: a) good, sound largely original condition; b) not messed up in some tasteless way; and c) at this moderate price. It’s a very good value, and a rare find.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # F281 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Convertible; S/N B9470832LRXFE; Carnival Red, Black hardtop/Black; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $95,000 plus commission of; Final Price $95,000 – 260/164hp 2-barrel, 4-speed, LAT 13 inch alloy wheels, red line Tiger Paw bias ply tires, wood rim steering wheel. – Good older repaint with minor edge chips, sound original interior showing some age. Underbody is older than the paint job and is dirty. A usable and attractively original driver. – Reported twice by Mecum, as F261 as a $110,000 no sale and with this result. It’s attractively equipped with things like the rare LATiger wheels and the originality offers some real potential. At the reported high bid ($15,000 less than the high bid it got here last year) it should have been loose and selling.Lot # F282 1974 De Tomaso Pantera L; S/N THPNND06836; Red, /Black; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $90,000 plus commission of; Final Price $90,000 – Campagnolo wheels, Arriva tires, P/W, A/C, AM-FM. – 7,625 mile, 2-owner car all original with clearcoat over original paint. Good interior and chrome. Dirty underbody with original undercoat. – Sold at Mecum Dallas last September for $84,530. The consignor apparently hopes for a home run which isn’t about to happen. It is, however, a six-figure highly original car waiting for just the right owner.Lot # F293 1969 Dodge Charger 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N XP29G9B153817; White, /Red vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $36,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $39,420 – 383/290hp 2-barrel, automatic, buckets and console, pushbutton radio, gauges, dog dish hubcaps, blackwall tires. – Represented as matching numbers engine. Very good paint and chrome, good original interior. Filthy windshield corners. A competent cosmetic restoration of a Plain Jane Dodge. – This is not an exciting car except for its originality, and this is a full price to pay for originality with a 2-barrel engine.Lot # F296 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC55F197585; Engine # T55F; Red, Ivory/Red, Ivory vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $46,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $50,220 – 265/162hp, 2-barrel, oil filter, electric wipers, Powerglide, skirts, wheel covers, whitewalls, WonderBar radio, dual outside mirrors, sill moldings. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Bent windshield trim, some masking holidays, filled front fenders. Engine is orderly, showing a little age but no significant use and is correctly numbered for its configuration. Underbody has been hit recently with an erratic application of sealer. Honest, not fancy. – Good colors and generally attractive although some of the cosmetic shortcomings call into question the caliber of the work and attention accorded it during its restoration. At this price, though, it’s worth every penny.Lot # F299 2002 Ferrari 360 Spider; S/N ZFFYT53AX20129427; Silver, /Black leather; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $75,000 plus commission of; Final Price $75,000 – F1 gearbox, 5-spoke alloy wheels, Bridgestone blackwall tires. Assembly number 46614. Motronic ECU upgrade, Chip guarded nose and mirrors. – No mention of miles, but from the interior and steering wheel wear it is more than a few. – Deservedly overlooked by the Kissimmee bidders.Lot # F307 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC57N153596; Black, /Red, Silver vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $66,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $71,280 – 283/220hp, Powerglide, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio, heater, stoplight viewer, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, dual rear antennas, continental kit, bumper overriders. – Very good paint, chrome, interior, top and glass. Filled spots in the right sills, fenders and door. Clean and only lightly used underhood. Right door bottom flares. An attractive, generally well done Bel Air. – Sold for $86,400 at Barrett-Jackson in 2005 freshly restored and beautiful, now a little aged and maybe submitted to a more thorough inspection, this is a generous but not excessive price to pay for its combination of attributes.Lot # F308 1971 Buick GS Convertible; S/N 434671H190727; Lime Mist Metallic, /Pearl vinyl; White vinyl top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $73,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $78,840 – 455/315hp Stage 1, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, hood tach, console, Magnum wheels, Eagle GT II tires, aftermarket AM-FM, tilt steering column, P/W, 3.42 limited slip. – Restored to showroom condition. Excellent clearcoat paint, bright chrome and stainless, good interior, tight top. Underbody is better than new. Hood and driver’s door could fit better. – Typically Buick, Oldsmobile and even Pontiac muscle cars have trailed their Chevrolet counterparts in value. That seems to be changing, although this unusually liveried Buick Stage I could have brought a bit more without being ruinously costly.Lot # F309 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194671S108169; Engine # T0121CPJ 11S108169; Ontario Orange, Orange hardtop/Tan leather; Black top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $59,400 – 454/365hp LS5, automatic, AM-FM, Rally wheels with trim rings, blackwall tires, P/S, P/B, A/C, two tops, luggage rack. – Represented as matching numbers engine. Good paint, chrome and interior. Engine is like new up on top but has a little oil mist and road grime down low. Underbody is clean and like new. – Sold here two years ago for $43,460, the new owner should be satisfied with the car, if a little edgy about the price paid.Lot # S022 1969 AMC Rambler SC/Rambler 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N A9M097X257474; White, Red, Blue/Black vinyl; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $65,880 – 390/325hp, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, bench seat, column-mounted 90 degree Sun tach, blue Magnum wheels with trim rings and red line Polyglas tires. – Restored like new but using some old, pitted trim bits that should have been refinished. Paint is very good, chrome and interior are good, underbody is painted like the top of the car. – Flamboyant hardly is sufficient to describe the B Group SC/Rambler, a car that will never be called a sleeper in its bright white, red and blue paint. When Muscle Cars gather it won’t be the fastest, but it will vie with any chicken-hooded Trans Am for the most flashy. Call it show-off money at this price.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # S024.1 2003 Ferrari 360 Spider; S/N ZFFYT53A030132600; Argento Nürburgring, /Black leather; Black cloth top; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $86,400 – Assembly number 49669. Chip guarded nose and mirrors, SF shields, PZero tires. – Clean car with 10,000 miles. – Ferrari continues to perfect its mainstream cars, even to the point of making them user-friendly. This is half of the original sticker price and can be expected to continue to decline but offers the new owner a nearly unsurpassed driving experience and the opportunity to show off both the car and the buyer’s good sense in getting a good, well maintained example at a price that makes more than a little sense.Lot # S028.1 1951 Cadillac 75 Imperial Limousine, Body by Derham; S/N 517541396; White, Black padded roof/Black leather, Beige broadcloth; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $33,480 – Automatic, P/W, power division, wheel covers, whitewall tires, skirts, jump seats, two zone A/C. – Built for Edith Head. Casually masked and repainted assembled over old paint. Good chrome and interior. An impressive and large automobile most recently in limo service. – Edith Head is a Hollywood legend. Her car not so much. The new owner might have found better ways to spend this much money than on this indifferently presented Cadillac Limo.Lot # S032 1969 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback; S/N 9F02M482675; Blue, Silver side accent/Black vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $58,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $62,640 – 351/290hp, 4-speed, A/C, pushbutton radio, SW gauges on console, woodgrain steering wheel, 5-spoke alloy center, chrome rim wheels, Radial T/A tires. – 27,717 miles, Marti Report documented. Poor quality repaint already blistering. Quarter windows don’t seal and have weak chrome frames. Underbody superficially done. An auction car. – Brought an auction price, too, appropriately reflecting its many shortcomings and giving little credit to its low miles.Lot # S041 1932 Ford Model B Roadster; S/N B5116590; Black, Red painted coachlines/Black; Black cloth top; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $108,000 – Red wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with chrome rings and mirrors, rumble seat, etched wind wings, luggage rack. – Concours restored everywhere and absolutely gorgeous. – A car restored like new with better cosmetics would normally be rated a ‘2+’ but this Model B is much, much better than that but still without ruining its integrity. It is, simply, the best and should not be faulted for being too good, although it is. The buyer wanted a beautiful Model B for years and had no regrets at all about paying a king’s ransom for this piece. It would be wrong to interpret his decision (or his wife’s endorsement of it) by saying anything about the price other than, it’s what it’s worth.
Lot # S045.1 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BH23G0B391911; Moulin Rouge, /Black; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $52,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $56,160 – 440 Six Barrel replacing the original 2-barrel 318, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, wing, fog lights, Rally wheels, trim rings, Radial T/A tires, pushbutton radio, Black shaker. – Described as a ‘Factory AC Car’ but there’s no compressor or plumbing. Dirty gauge faces. Pink everywhere. Good paint, chrome and interior but not what it purports to be. – Offered at Mecum’s Kansas City auction in December with a reported high bid of $42,000, this is not even a good replica of a 440 Six-Barrel ‘Cuda but it brought a wildly superior price. The bidders were blinded by the Moulin Rouge. It would not have been a good value at $35,000.Lot # S079 2007 Ferrari 430 Coupe; S/N ZFFEW58A970154314; Black, /Beige leather; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $115,000 plus commission of; Final Price $115,000 – Yellow calipers, SF shields, Daytona seats, built in radar detectors. – 15,000 mile car with new clutch and fluid service. Nearly bald rear tires. Chip guarded nose. – Used, with only depreciation in store for its value curve, it could have been sold well under six figures without being a great value.Lot # S085 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 61740; Engine # P61887; Black, /Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $195,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $210,600 – Chrome wheels, blackwall no-name radial tires, Blaupunkt radio, clock, Porsche CofA. – Good looking engine put in a not-so-good engine compartment. Body consistently skim coated with filler or many layers of paint. Sound upholstery, good new top, good steering wheel and gauges. clean, freshly painted underbody. Weak window sill, door handle and parking light chrome. An indifferently and erratically presented Porsche Cab with an engine number from the 1956 1600 Normal sequence. – This would have been a much better buy at $145,000 than this price. This is matching numbers, meticulously restored money and this car is neither.Lot # S086 2003 Ferrari 360 Modena F1; S/N ZFFYU51A030130541; Azzuro California Blue, Grey stripes/Black leather; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $77,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $83,160 – F1 6-speed, P/W, alarm, power seats, tools. – No visible wear at all and new tires. Stated to be 14,000 miles from new. – For the money, the 360 Spider sold earlier is a better value.Lot # S090.1 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe, Body by Karmann; S/N 21753; Engine # P601133; Black, /Red vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $64,800 – Blaupunkt multiband radio, chrome wheels, Michelin XZX tires. – Consistently filled body, mediocre old repaint, very thin chrome, orderly but superficially cleaned engine, old undercoat. Cracked steering wheel. A Porsche with no good surprises. ’59 356B 1600 Normal engine number. – Appropriately priced for its several shortcomings, a decent driver Porsche at a respectable price.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Seven
Lot # S091 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N 194677S105700; Engine # 7105700 V1129HE; Black, Black hardtop/Black leather; Black top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $62,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $66,960 – 327/300hp, 4-speed, two tops, AM-FM, A/C, alloy wheels, red line tires. – Restored to good standards and represented as matching numbers engine. Shows some age and use underhood which has been disguised with a more recent rattle can touchup of chassis black. Aside from that, an attractive and attractively equipped Corvette. – Bought right for what it is, this Corvette should be a satisfying driver at an equally satisfying price.Lot # S095 1949 MG TC Roadster; S/N TC9827; Engine # XPAG10477; Burgundy, /Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $39,960 – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, whitewalls, side curtains, Marchal fog lights. – Very good throughout, restored to showroom condition and kept that way. Looks very sharp and stylish on the whitewalls. – An appealing example of a well restored TC for which a little more could have been paid without being excessive.Lot # S095.1 1952 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 526221705; Blue, /Beige leather, Blue piping; Dark Blue cloth top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $97,200 – 331/190hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, P/W, pushbutton radio, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, skirts, continental kit. – A very good older restoration with an especially soft, inviting leather interior. Paint, chrome, glass are like new or better. Paint quality is let down by a few obscure edges that were given short shrift during wet sanding. – A well-traveled Cadillac sold by Worldwide in Houston in 2006 for $90,800, then offered by Mecum in Houston in April 2012 with a reported high bid of $100,000 before being sold by Auctions America at Auburn Fall in 2012 for $80,850. Its colors are great and it has serious eye-appeal which contributed to the appropriate price it brought here. This is a Cadillac that will be a real joy to drive and will attract plenty of positive attention. An early 50’s Cadillac 62 Convertible is a marvelous thing.Lot # S097.1 1958 Packard Hawk 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 58LS1413; Red, /Tan leather; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $80,000 plus commission of; Final Price $80,000 – Chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, pushbutton radio, automatic, P/S, P/B. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Engine dressed up with lots of shiny paint, chassis done like new but the underbody still has old undercoat. Very glitzy, as a ’58 Hawk should be. – Rerun Sunday as U103.1 with no result reported. This is not the best Hawk in the world but the consignor having turned down this reported bid apparently thinks it is better than the best. It should have been in the market at $65,000 on its best day.Lot # S109.1 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 121040109500447; Red, /Red leather; Tan cloth top; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $117,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $126,360 – Hubcaps, trim rings, narrow whitewalls, two tops, white steering wheel, multiband radio. – Good paint, chrome and interior. Underbody slathered with sealer. Engine is done, but not like new. – Appropriate priced in today’s over-priced 190SL market.Lot # S132 1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR Prototype ‘The Real McCoy’; S/N E55S001194; White, Blue stripes and coves/Red vinyl; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $0 plus commission of; Final Price – 307/255hp, ZF 4-speed, gold Halibrand centerlock wheels, BFG Silvertown bias ply tires, driver’s windscreen, White vinyl passenger seat tonneau, quick fill fuel cap, GE driving lights. – 1st in Class and 9th Overall at Sebring in 1956 driven by John Fitch and Walt Hansgen, 2012 Bloomington Gold Great Hall Inductee, Driven by Zora Duntov to a new two-way Flying Mile Speed Record on the sand at Daytona Beach. About as historic and significant as any Corvette can be. Very good paint, interior, engine and chassis. Restored better than new and now a little aged but nearly pristine. – No result reported. It’s interesting to contemplate what this Corvette, with its class win at Sebring in 1956, means to the Corvette brand, not only by its victory but by the development work that went into producing many of the specialized performance parts that individual Corvette racers would employ in coming years to set Corvette apart in racing. The buyer isn’t here, but the buyer is out there.Lot # S133 1967 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback; S/N 67210F3A00117; Black, /Black; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $140,000 plus commission of; Final Price $140,000 – 289/306hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, 5-spoke Shelby wheels, pushbutton radio, center grille high beams, underdash Rally Pack gauges, woodrim steering wheel, roof scoop mounted side marker lights. – Represented as numbers-matching engine. Bad old repaint, blistered side scoops, cracked hood scoop, blistered rear deck. Sound interior and orderly but aged engine. Clean, dry underbody. An unusual, mostly original Shelby that needs paint but not much else. – The contrast of originality and condition didn’t inspire the Kissimmee bidders. Unfortunately for them because they missed a rare opportunity.Lot # S136 1974 De Tomaso Pantera GTS; S/N THGTNE07005; Burgundy, Black hood and deck/Black; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $100,000 plus commission of; Final Price $100,000 – A/C, no radio, Campagnolo wheels, Arriva tires, riveted flares, P/W, leather rim steering wheel. – Said to be 774 miles and looks like it, except for the very good clearcoat repaint. – How bad did the original paint have to be to make it appropriate to give it a new clearcoat repaint that spoils this Pantera’s originality? Bad decision, and it will take a paradigm shift to make this repainted Pantera worth what its consignor thinks it is. It’s a $75,000 car with the repaint, maybe $90,000 with the original paint.Lot # S145 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Touring; S/N 9113601222; Light Ivory, /Black leatherette; Visually maintained, largely original, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $500,000 plus commission of; Final Price $500,000 – – — A no-sale at RM Monterey last August at $430,000. Why is it worth more five months later?
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Eight
Lot # S148 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Dick Lang Race Car; S/N 30837S106553; Riverside Red, White stripes/Black; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $900,000 plus commission of; Final Price $900,000 – 327/360hp, 4-speed, 36 gallon tank, J56 brakes, braced rollbar, 5-spoke Torque Thrust style wheels, black side exhausts. – Raced from new by Dick Lang, 4th in 1963 and 3rd in 1964 SCCA National standings. A quality older Nabers Brothers restoration starting to age. Paint and chrome are very good, chassis is showing age. – Is there a legend building here? This is a fine and well-documented SCCA Nationals Corvette race car but it has no legendary wins to its credit, no famed racing drivers sat in its seat. It never vanquished a notable Cobra. It is largely undistinguished except, that is, to Corvette collectors bent on creating their own legends. The reported high bid means nothing.Lot # S150.1 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe; S/N 30837S108848; Silver, /Dark Red vinyl; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $475,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $513,000 – 327/360hp, 4-speed, 36 gallon fuel tank, P/B, spinner wheel covers, blackwall Silvertown bias ply tires, WonderBar radio. – Original driveline and interior. Excellent clearcoat repaint. Restored like new some time ago with little use since and still in excellent, correct condition. Bloomington Gold Special collection, NCRS Top Flight. – This is essentially the same specification as the ‘Dick Lang Z06’ and it brought half the reported high bid on the ex-Dick Lang car. It seems like a much more realistic valuation.Lot # S153 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Styling Car; S/N 30837S115249; Pink Pearl, /Pink leather; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $340,000 plus commission of; Final Price $340,000 – 327/300hp, Powerglide, centerlock alloy wheels, narrow whitewalls, 4-wheel disc brakes. – Crazing old repaint, cracked original interior, White steering wheel. Dirty old undercoat. Tired old GM styling car driven by Mrs. Harley Earl. – A singularly unattractively presented car, not even distinguished by the originality of its paint. No wonder it didn’t sell even at the reported high bid.Lot # S154 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster; S/N CSX 3016; Silver, Red, White, Blue stripe/Black leather; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,700,000 plus commission of; Final Price $1,700,000 – Centerlock wire wheels, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, fire system, black paperclip rollbar, quick fill fuel tank, quick jack pickups, black side exhausts. – 1966 Sebring class winner driven by Bob Grossman and Ed Lowther (4 laps behind the George Wintersteen/Ben Moore 427 Corvette), track record at Watkins Glen in 1966. Restored to race ready condition with better paint. – Good but relatively undistinguished history that is adequately balanced by the price offered for it.Lot # S165 1960 Porsche 356B 1600S Roadster, Body by Drauz; S/N 88348; Engine # P87182; Silver-Grey, /Black leather; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $150,000 plus commission of; Final Price $150,000 – Chrome wheels, Pirelli blackwall tires, hubcaps, Talbot mirror, Weber carbs, MSD distributor. – Good looking older repaint but with egregious overspray and body shop crud in the wheel wells. Modified engine. Good interior and top. Not reassuring but the engine and chassis numbers fall into the appropriate sequence for 1960. – Reported bid to $145,000 at RM Monterey last August.Lot # S174 1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV Monterey Edition; S/N ZA9DU21B7WLA12017; Cherry Red, /Beige leather; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $129,600 – 790hp twin turbo, chrome modular wheels, PZero tires. – One of 20 “Monterey Edition” built, one owner, 10,860 miles. A few stone chips on the nose and sand pitted wheel well lips, otherwise nearly like new. Richard Berry collection. – For years, and maybe to this day, Richard Berry was the inaugural customer for every new Lambo in the U.S., a remarkable position that has put him in the path of astronomically powerful automobiles. If this Diablo SV Monterey Edition is any example, with almost 11,000 miles he uses them, too. Good for him, and good for the new owner who got an remarkable Lambo for a remarkably modest price. Enjoy it.Lot # S180.1 1954 Jaguar XK 120SE Roadster; S/N S676116; Metallic Maroon, /Black leather; No top; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $70,200 – Silver painted wire wheels, whitewall tires, woodrim steering wheel, no top. – Represented as numbers matching, JDHT certificate. Good older paint and interior, Chrome is weak, underbody shows a few tour miles, upholstery is creased but sound and comfortable. Engine compartment is aged and dusty. May have been shown at Pebble Beach and Hillsborough but that was in the Seventies and the forty years are showing. – The quality of this old restoration is showing in the way it is holding up even after no small amount of use. This is a good, sound, attractively presentable XK 120 and its new owner should be pleased with both the car and the price paid for it.Lot # S204 1965 Amphicar 770 Convertible; S/N 106521822; Red, /White, Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $65,000 plus commission of; Final Price $65,000 – Hubcaps, whitewalls. – Better than new. – A very impressive Amphicar. While the seller’s reluctance to let it go is understandable the prospect of finding a venue where someone is willing to pay more than this for it is small.Lot # S205.1 1965 Porsche 356C Coupe, Body by Karmann; S/N 221260; Engine # P716584; Red, /Tan vinyl; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $55,000 plus commission of; Final Price $55,000 – Chrome wheels, Vredestein blackwall tires, VDO oil pressure gauge, no radio. – Repainted over a consistent coating of Bondo or many layers of paint. Edge chips touched up with mismatched color. Orderly and clean engine. Sound interior with mismatched headrests. Weak trim chrome, frayed window channels. Old, dirty undercoat. ’64 build date with appropriate sequence engine number. Dressed up for the auction. – The Kissimmee bidders can’t be faulted for passing on this mediocre Porsche. It’s a driver, and this is appropriate money for it.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Nine
Lot # S206 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194677S100732; Goodwood Green, White stinger/Saddle leather; White vinyl top; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $145,800 – 427/400hp, 4-speed, AM-FM side exhausts, alloy wheels, A/C, P/S, P/B, P/W, narrow whitewalls. – Good cosmetics and orderly underhood if not fully restored. A quality driver but unusually thoroughly equipped. – Highly desirable, if not represented as matching numbers, the Kissimmee bidders accorded it a restored Corvette price, generous to a fault.Lot # S207 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E56S001598; Black, Silver coves/Red vinyl; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $53,000 plus commission of; Final Price $53,000 – 265/225hp, dual quads, Powerglide, black hardtop only, WonderBar radio, spinner wheel covers, whitewall bias ply tires. – Mediocre old restoration with oversights and shortcuts. Good paint and interior, scuffed hardtop trim. Dash, instruments and steering wheel left ’til last and not done well. Disappointing. – Not quite Nasty, but not far beyond that. It’s hard to sell near-nasty cars when there are nearly 3,000 others from which to choose.Lot # S208.1 1954 Nash-Healey LeMans Coupe, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 3082; White, /Maroon leather; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $70,000 plus commission of; Final Price $70,000 – 252/140hp, 3-speed, wire wheel covers, turn signals, whitewalls. – Sound older repaint, upholstery and chrome. Areas on the body are generously filled. Engine compartment, underbody and chassis benefited only from a generous application of matte black. Dash and gauges superficially redone. A desirable car that deserves better. – You’d think this Nash-Healey was restored from the consignor’s decision to turn down even 2/3 of the reported high bid. It’s not restored, or anything close, and has lost most of the appeal of original by misconceived attempts to dress it up. A project car, it should have been sold for no more than 2/3 of the reported high bid.Lot # S219.1 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Big Brake Fuelie; S/N E57S105868; Engine # F624EL; Venetian Red, /Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $107,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $116,100 – 283/283hp fuel injection, 4-speed, RPO 684 Big Brakes, radio and heater delete, blackwall tires. – Engine number stamping is inconsistent in the characters’ impressions and no representation of original engine is made. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Shows some age but very good care and no appreciable use. – This girl has been traveling the country in search of a new owner for a while. It crossed the block here in 2012 with a reported high bid of $135,000, then a year later with a bid of $130,000, and at Mecum Monterey last August with a $110,000 bid. It shows 24 miles on the odometer, most if not all of them going on and off transporters and auction blocks. Let’s hope if found a caring new home here where the mis-stamped engine number doesn’t make any difference.Lot # S220 1988 March 88C Indy Car; S/N 88C-6; White, Signet Red, “Marlboro”/Black; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $59,400 – USAC #0820, Advanced Composites # 88C 4274N023 – 2nd at Indy in 1988 driven by Emerson Fittipaldi. Reportedly a two-race winner driven by Emmo. Shiny paint but dull old running gear with surface rusted steel suspension arms. Tired and neglected as last raced, not used since 1989. Richard Berry collection. – It will take immense, and expensive effort, to make this March run again. Until then it’s wall decor, and this is plenty to pay for it. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2002 for $57,200, then again in 2004 for $78,100, this is what static display will do for value.Lot # S234 2004 Crawford DP03 Daytona Prototype; S/N 001; Black, Boss Snowplows/Black; Modified for competition during restoration 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $55,000 plus commission of; Final Price $55,000 – – Tired, used, as last raced. – Someday the opportunity to race old Daytona Prototypes will open up. Until then they’re places to park money.Lot # S241.1 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon; S/N 99A835001; Burgundy, Brown composite roof/Brown leatherette; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $59,000 plus commission of; Final Price $59,000 – Columbia overdrive, radio, heater, clock, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, grille guard, enclosed rear spare, 3-row seating. – Good older paint, chrome, upholstery and interior wood. Exterior wood appears to be original but is dark on the doors and light on the rear. Varnish is good, but showing age. Underbody was redone like new but now shows age and some miles. – Rerun of L140.1, no-sale at $62,000, re-run again on Sunday as U193, also a no-sale at $50,000. Three strikes and you’re out, a surprising disinterest in a sound and largely original Ford Woodie even with the mis-matched wood. It should have sold, even at the Sunday price.Lot # S257 1982 Toyota FJ43L Land Cruiser Utility; S/N FJ43106730; Yellow, White roof/Grey vinyl; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000 plus commission of; Final Price $40,000 – CD stereo, A/C, P/B, Warn winch, center facing rear seats, roof rack, snorkel engine air intake (not connected), locking front hubs. – Sound repaint and upholstery. Engine and chassis are clean but aged and lightly grimy with oil mist and road dirt. In good, ready to off road, condition. – The Land Cruiser phenomenon is striking, maybe even astonishing. They have gone from nowhere to high-five and even low-six figure vehicles on an exponential value curve in less than two years. This is a mediocre example but of the unusual FJ-43. It’s not surprising that the Kissimmee bidders didn’t favor it, but if the reported high bid was even close to real money the seller should have given it serious consideration.Lot # S264.1 1966 Sunbeam Tiger Convertible; S/N B382001867LRXFE; Red, /Black vinyl; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $37,800 – Alloy wheels, hardtop only. – Ratty barn find, not running but all there and sound. Needs everything, but a good basis on which to begin the restoration. – Rerun of K154.1, a no-sale at $27,000. It needs, at the very least, ‘everything’ and the seller is the winner at this price. Restored better than new it could bring six figures (in a few years on a generally upward trajectory) and that leaves room to do what it needs. Barely.
Mecum Kissimmee 2014 – Auction Report Page Ten
Lot # T210 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Le Mans Pace Car; S/N 1G1YY22G135109035; Anniversary Red, /Beige leather; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $35,100 – Automatic, full road equipment, working safety lights, heads up display. – Like new except for lightly used seats. 1,216 miles. One of 2 Pace Cars used at Le Mans. Richard Berry Collection. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach in 2005 for $62,640 in essentially the same condition, this is an historic Corvette that exemplified Corvette’s commitment to international GT racing at the head of the Le Mans 24 Hours field. It was a good, seriously good, value at this price.Lot # T211 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Daytona Pace Car; S/N 1G1YY22G045113482; Millennium Yellow, /Black leather; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $54,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $58,320 – Automatic, full road equipment, CD stereo, track safety lights, heads up display, polished alloy wheels, Daytona 500 Pace Car, one of 3 built. – Essentially like new with lightly creased seats. Richard Berry collection. – Interesting that the Daytona Pace Car brought double the price of the Le Mans Pace Car. Nearly the same was true nine years ago when this car sold for $86,400 at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach. For some the emphasis is misplaced.Lot # T212 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Le Mans Safety Car; S/N 1G1YY22G635108947; Anniversary Red, /Beige leather; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $24,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $25,920 – Automatic. One of 4 Le Mans safety cars with lights and logos, full road car equipment, owner’s manual and VHS tape. – Nearly like new but the seats are shiny and lightly soiled despite having only 1,166 miles. Richard Berry collection. – Sold for $44,280 at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach in 2005 from the GM Collection. A piece of Corvette’s international racing history for not much money at all.Lot # T213 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car; S/N 1G1YY32G1W5105352; Radar Blue, /Yellow, Purple leather; Black cloth top; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $108,000 – Automatic, full road equipment, Yellow wheels, CD stereo. – 1998 Indy 500 Pace Car driven by Parnelli Jones. 283 miles and like new except for some seat wear. Richard Berry collection. – Like Daytona, the Indy 500 struck a chord with the Kissimmee bidders, racking up a premium price (not least for Parnelli’s bum prints in the seat) and even more than it brought when last sold from the GM Collection at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach in 2004 for $97,200.Lot # T214 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Pace Car Edition; S/N 1G1YY32G5W5116127; Radar Blue, /Yellow, Purple leather; Black cloth top; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $49,680 – Automatic, Yellow wheels, full road equipment, Pace car graphics. – Festival Queen’s parade car. Seats are lightly worn, 2,116 miles and nearly like new. Documented with MSO, window stickers and letter from GM. Richard Berry Collection. – Ahh, the Festival Queen isn’t like Parnelli Jones, is she? Some hat the Radar Blue and ribbon Pace Car graphics. Call itLot # T238 1958 Dodge D100 Sweptside Pickup; S/N L8D1L07226; White, Light Blue/Light Blue, White; Truck restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $32,400 – 315/204hp, 2-barrel carb, pushbutton automatic, heater, no radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, wood bed floor, white bed strips, wraparound rear window. – Good paint, chrome and upholstery. Black painted bed floor. Repainted over old paint, overspray over old, peeling undercoat in rear wheel wells. Frame repainted over rust pits. An eye-catching truck with very good cosmetics but not like new underneath. – A flamboyant beast, but with no value progression at all. Sold at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction in 2007 for $44,000, at RM Ft. Lauderdale in 2010 for $38,500, at Auctions America Ft. Lauderdale in 2012 for $49,500, then bid to $45,000 at Mecum Indy last May. The owner got tired; the new owner got lucky at this price for a rare and flamboyant pickup.Lot # T309 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car; S/N 1G1YY32P0S5112397; Purple, White/Black, Purple leather; Black cloth top; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $25,000 plus commission of; Final Price $25,000 – Automatic, full road equipment, silver painted alloy wheels. – 500 Festival Corvette driven by Chevrolet GM Jim Perkins. 3,529 miles and like new. Richard Berry collection. – Sold for $43,740 at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach from the GM collection in 2005. One of the least attractive of Chevrolet’s ribbon graphics liveries and a car that could have been disposed for the offered price.Lot # W287 1915 White 5 Ton Stake Bed Truck; S/N 59780; Red, Black fenders and frame/Black leatherette; Truck restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $29,160 – Double chain drive, steel spoke wheels, solid tires, single kerosene headlight, dual kerosene taillights. – Open cab with buckboard style seat, wood floor load bed with low sideboards. Aged but sound paint, good upholstery. Grimy chassis and drivetrain. Sound but tired older truck quality restoration. – Displayed on the main concourse outside the auction arena this white and its FWD mate (Lot #W290) were constantly the center of attention. A fascinating example of how to do Heavy Duty when the whole idea of internal combustion power for a goods-mover was a novel concept. Absolutely captivating, but gloriously expensive to get home, the buyers’ decision on value is not to be disputed.Lot # W290 1918 FWD Model B 3 Ton Truck; S/N 17758; Red, /Black leatherette; Black leatherette top; Truck restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 8.00%; Final Price $24,840 – RHD. Four wheel drive. Acetylene headlight, single sidelight, disc wheels, solid tires. – Amazingly cool. Sound but dirty and aged old paint. Grimy chassis and drivetrain. T-head four cylinder power. Open cab body with no load bed. Ugly but sound and imposing. Richard Berry collection. – As cool as the White (Lot #287) was, this FWD was far more involved and entertaining. Like the White it had no cargo bed so the panoply of iron mongery that made it go and (sort of) stop was out there and visible. Those old enough can remember gigantic solid tire lumps like this on the roads in the early 50’s delivering coal and sand. It isn’t beautiful, but it has style and purpose that no Cameo comes close to expressing. The White was cool, but this FWD is cooler, and less money.
Rick: It appears that the XK120, Lot S180.1, has a cut down windshield. This could be why there is no top.
It does look low, but the hooks for clamping a top down on the windshield posts are there. I think it just got lost somewhere.
Nice catch.
Rick
Hey Rick, always a fan of your reports, especially on the Corvette and muscle car auctions. I appreciate your car by car descriptions and often go back to the auction catalog to see how the cars were presented in the catalog vs your description which often gives the actual condition number of the car. I find it very helpful and interesting noting the difference between what I perceived the car to be from the catalog and what it actually is after your inspection, especially since I am handicapped and cannot get to as many auctions as I’d like to see the cars for myself. The one request I would make is that you always list the condition number (sometimes that it missing) with the other details. I look forward your work each month. I might suggest you take a break and get the Alfa out and enjoy it, especially after such a brutally cold and much too long winter..
JR,
Thanks.
the only time the condition number should be missing is if the car is “Not evaluated.”
Rick,
Another great report, thanks for all the effort you put into it. I especially enjoy where you trace a cars auction history. Do you mind sharing where info from?
The prior auction result data comes from my own personally compiled and maintained auctions result database. It contains results primarily from the early 90’s to the present but some from prior auctions which I have compiled from catalogs and a variety of sources for the sale and value data.
I continue to build it, both forward and backward, as data sources and time permit.
I’m happy to consult it on behalf of others, either with regard to a specific chassis number or for a specific year/marque/model. If I don’t have anything its free; if I come up with meaningful data it costs a little more.
Rick
Do you appraise cars for a fee too?
Thanks,
Bill
Bill,
No, I don’t do appraisals. It would be, I feel, expose me to conflict of interest situations, and I’m more than busy enough doing the auction reports and some articles.
Having said that, I’m more than willing to compile and send comparable transaction background that lets you, or a qualified appraiser, form opinions of value.