A strong line-up of classic Pontiacs, including 17 GTOs from a private Southern California collection, are part of the RM Auctions Classic Muscle & Modern Performance sale, held June 19, 2010 in San Diego, California.
Leading the charge for the single-day sale are two examples of the iconic and unmistakable GTO Judge, offered from the private Southern California collection. Restored by marque specialist, Scott Tiemann of Supercar Specialties, the first example – an award-winning 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, is packed with punch, thanks to its 366 hp, 400 cu. in. Ram Air III V8, and regarded as one of the finest examples in existence.
The second GTO Judge, another professionally-restored ’69 model, also features the most desirable performance options for its production year, backed by copies of its build sheet and window sticker. Other highlights are: a fully loaded 1965 GTO Convertible; a triple black 1970 GTO Convertible; and a rare ‘Tiger Gold’ 1965 Pontiac GTO Coupe, considered one of the finest surviving original ’65 GTOs.
“It’s a privilege for RM Auctions to be the auction house of choice in the sale of this outstanding assemblage of cars. ” says Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.
“With each example maintained to the highest possible standards, the offering features some of the most desirable big- and small-block machines we have ever had the pleasure of offering. Some are amazingly original and very well-preserved survivors while others feature award-winning restorations by highly regarded marque specialists,” Kelleher adds.
Continuing the Pontiac theme and adding to the excitement is a series of recently-consigned cars from the personal collection of the renowned ‘Godfather of the GTO’, Jim Wangers. A lifelong enthusiast and industry expert, Wangers is well-known in the automotive world as the legendary ‘ad man’ for Pontiac and the marketer behind America’s original muscle car, the unmistakable and iconic Pontiac GTO and GTO Judge, along with several other Pontiac specialty cars.
Wangers’ long history with the Pontiac brand is well-represented in the select vehicles consigned to RM’s San Diego sale – an anniversary collection of Pontiac Trans Ams, spanning four decades of production. Headlining the offering is an all powerful, first year 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupe, joined by special anniversary editions from ’79, ’89, and ’99.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be part of RM’s upcoming Classic Muscle & Modern Performance event in San Diego,” says Jim Wangers.
“I am proud to have my personal collection of Pontiac Trans Ams—Trans Ams from each of the milestone anniversary years starting from 1969—as part of this exciting auction. I attend dozens of Pontiac events each year and visit with many collectors around the world but never have I seen a better collection of so many great Pontiacs assembled under one roof. I am looking forward to sharing a wonderful day surrounded by great cars and great car lovers,” Wangers adds.
In addition to the Pontiacs, RM’s Classic Muscle & Modern Performance sale will drop the hammer on some 26 Corvettes, seven Chevelles, six Mustangs, five Oldsmobile 442 Convertibles, and three Camaro Z/28s, along with an impressive assortment of virtually brand new modern performance vehicles, including late-model AMG Mercedes-Benz, M-Power BMWs, and a Ford GT. Of the 100 cars slated for the auction block, the vast majority are being offered directly from the private Southern California collection, which is considered one of America’s premier muscle car collections. All lots will be offered ‘without reserve’.
RM’s Classic Muscle & Modern Performance auction will be held Saturday, June 19th at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego, California. A full day preview will be held Friday, June 18th from 9:00am to 6:00pm, with the auction starting at 11:00am the following day. Admission to this event requires the purchase of an official auction catalog, available for $80. The catalog admits two and must be presented at the entrance to be granted entry.
For full details, including a digital copy of the auction catalog, feature cars and bidder registration information, visit www.rmauctions.com/sandiego or call +1 519 352 4575.
[Source: RM Auctions; photo credit: Darin Schnabel © 2010, courtesy RM Auctions]
