RKM Classic Car Auction, Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, November 1-2, 2013
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
RK Motors has made a big splash. Funded by Rob Kauffman, it has quickly established itself with a massive inventory.
They entered the auction market last spring at the Pinehurst Concours but set themselves up in the big time with this 2013 sale at the Charlotte Convention Center in November. It featured a generous Thursday reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame across the street for the locals. There was a good selection of cars, heavy in the restomods, NASCAR racers, American muscle and pony cars that are the related RK Motors’ stock-in-trade.
It also was the weekend of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, too, and RKM set up a parallel sale during the GP, flying several high dollar cars to the Persian Gulf emirate and simulcasting a block of high dollar cars from Charlotte to a site at the Emirates Palace Hotel. It’s extravagance the collector car market hasn’t seen since the late 80’s bubble.
RK Motors Classic Car Auction was a high-profile jump into the deep end of the pool. No toe-in-the-water here, all the cards were on the table with million-dollar cars (and a few million-dollar wannabes), like a televised poker showdown.
Attendance in Charlotte was sparse. The simulcast went down early in the Abu Dhabi block. Then a spectator had a heart attack in Charlotte, bringing the proceedings to a complete halt for ten or fifteen minutes. The victim survived, and waved as he was wheeled away but it seemed like half an hour before the auctioneer began to sell again and cut deeply into the flow of the most important segment of the sale.
Featured were several cars from Rick Hendrick and Ray Evernham. Neither of them showed up to represent their cars, an inexcusable failure in a sale that prominently promoted their consignments.
To make matters worse, RK Motors had its own bidder walking through the bidder area consulting his clipboard (perhaps containing consignors’ names and reserves?) and bidding regularly. To give credit where it is due, when his bids weren’t exceeded and the cars were hammered sold he signed the tickets, but it’s hardly kosher for the auction company to be bidding covertly from the audience, and calls into question even the meager sell-through rate reported.
At least one of the vehicles reported sold on the block, the Local Motors Rally Fighter consigned by Ray Evernham, subsequently showed up in RK Motors inventory. It’s probably not alone.
The overall results were disappointing, even taking into account the disruption of the Abu Dhabi simulcast.
RK Motors didn’t stint on the presentation, but they missed the execution and the networking that’s needed to gather the bidders, showing that it really isn’t easy to conduct a high quality collector car auction no matter how much money you throw at it.
RK Motors Classic Car Auction is booked back into the Charlotte Convention Center in the spring of 2014. Their presentation will be interesting to see, if it materializes.
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RKMCCA Charlotte 2013 – Auction Report
Lot # 103 1970 MG B Convertible; S/N GHN5UA215602; Orange, Orange hardtop/Black vinyl; Black leatherette top; Estimate $8,000 – $13,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $6,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $6,420. – 1800cc, styled steel wheels, Goodyear radial blackwalls, two tops, luggage rack, Mountney leather rim steering wheel – Flawed repaint, scratched bumpers, old seat belts. Dirty engine and chassis. A quick cosmetic redo in an eye-catching color. – One of the first cars across the block at the RKM Classic Car Auction, it didn’t have much to offer, but the bidders didn’t offer much for it, either. The seller should be happy to get this much for it. Lot # 108 1966 Ford Mustang Notchback; S/N 6F07C270905; Springtime Yellow/Black leather; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $13,750 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $14,713. – 289/200 with added 4-barrel, headers, automatic, A/C, console, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, P/B, no P/S, later AM-FM – Good paint but the wet sanding leaves something to be desired. Leather upholstery is very good. Underbody is done, but not to the standards of the paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment is neat and nearly like new. – An attractive little Mustang made more usable by the A/C. The 4-barrel is hard to fault and it should prove to be an enjoyable weekend driver at this price. Lot # 120 1969 Ford Bronco Utility; S/N U15GLE97900; Light Tan, White plastic fender flares/Two tone tan; Black leatherette top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Customized restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $41,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $44,405. – Fuel injected 302, 4-speed, polished 15 inch alloy wheels, All-Terrain T/A tires, CD stereo, headers, Flowmaster exhaust, Dakota Digital gauge panel – Thoroughly and thoughtfully redone and modified Bronco with a 302 Ford FI crate engine replacing the original six for better performance. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Huge wheels and tires. – A sharp, attractively and thoroughly done early Bronco with ample power to turn its big wheels and lugged tires, it’s not to everyone’s taste but obviously appealed to the RKM auction bidders. Kids will love it and the price is reasonable for the presentation and equipment. Lot # 124 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 336879M239742; Black/Dark Red vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $37,985. – 350/325hp cold air intake W31, tube headers, 4-speed, buckets and console, pushbutton radio, chrome rim Magnum wheels, Hurst shifter, no P/S or P/B, 4.33 axle – Good but lightly scuffed paint. Good chrome and interior, lightly scuffed stainless. New body and window seals. Underbody is neat and orderly. – An unusual Cutlass with the high performance 350, cold air intake and 4-speed. This is a street racing sleeper with features more common on 4-4-2s. It doesn’t appeal to everyone but to those who appreciate its subtle details it is a rare find in very good condition for half or less 4-4-2 money. Lot # 132 2001 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe Intimidator; S/N 2G1FP22G51213805; Black, Grey stripe/Black leather; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $19,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $20,330. – 400hp modified LS1, grey Torque Thrust wheels with polished rims, Eagle F1 tires, 6-speed – # 43 of 83 Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet Intimidators, first owned by NASCAR President Mike Helton. 48 miles and like new. – The first of two Intimidator Camaro SSs offered here and a stupendous bargain in a trophy Camaro. Bidders weren’t paying attention. Lot # 141 1971 Buick Skylark GS 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 434371H105577; Black/Black vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $37,450. – 455/350hp Stage 1, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, AM-FM, tilt steering column, chrome rim Super Sport wheels, Radial T/A tires – Represented as numbers matching. A quality restoration that has had as much attention paid to the inside of the doors and fenders as to the outside. Excellent paint, chrome and original interior. This is one very high quality restoration that has left no issue without attention. – Looking down into the recesses where the windows retract is often instructive. Quickie restorations are surface rusted and covered in layers of goopy overspray and body shop dust. The good restorations, like this one, are crisp, clean and fresh. Buick GSs are coming into their own but the new owner of this one bought it before it became popular, an astute decision and a good value. Lot # 144 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 124378N389807; Engine # T0215MQ 18N389807; LeMans Blue, White nose band/Blue vinyl; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $54,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $57,780. – 396/375hp L78, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, hubcaps, red line tires, Hurst shifter, no console, pushbutton radio – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new and unused since it was completed. Shows a little age but is show-ready. Represented as the original engine. Impossible to fault in any meaningful way. – Offered at Auctions America Spring Carlisle last year with a high bid of $42,000, this is a quality Camaro with Big Block power and a 4-speed that needs absolutely nothing and is a great bargain at this price. It could have sold for twice as much without being ridiculous. Lot # 146 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N 194671S120436; Engine # V0515CJL; Bridgehampton Blue/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $19,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $20,865. – 350/270hp, headers, aftermarket exhaust, 4-speed, Kenwood cassette, Rally wheels with trim rings, General XP 2000 radials, chrome luggage rack – Mediocre paint, sound interior, good major chrome, scuffed stainless, old undercoat. Mismatched cowl fasteners. Aged dashboard and console trim. Usable as is, but not to be proud to be seen driving. Represented as the original engine. – Not much to feel proud to own or drive, but a reasonable value for the money in a chrome bumper C3 Corvette.
RKMCCA Charlotte 2013 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 147 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupe; S/N 228870N122093; Lucerne Blue, Black, White stripes/Blue vinyl; Estimate $60,000 – $75,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $53,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $57,245. – 400/345hp Ram Air III, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, P/S, P/B, white shaker hood, Rally II wheels, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, AM/FM, underdash 8-track, tilt steering column, sport steering wheel, remote outside mirror – Freshly and accurately restored to showroom condition. Excellent clear coat paint, bright chrome and stainless. PHS documented but not represented as the original engine (car card says ‘correct’, not ‘original’.) – An exceptionally well restored Trans Am with the desirable Ram Air III engine and 4-speed and bought at a realistic price. Lot # 148 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 336770M333250; Twilight Blue, Black hood stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $43,870. – 350/325hp W31 cold air intake, 4-speed, buckets and console, sport steering wheel, Magnum wheels, Wide Oval tires, no P/S or P/B, 3.91 axle, W27 axle cover – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Fully restored and like new but it is unclear from the description if it is the original block although it was represented as numbers-matching. – The W-31 small block gives up some ultimate power to the 455 in the 4-4-2 but this Cutlass is exceptionally rare and is impeccably restored to showroom condition. It will be widely appreciated among Rocket fans for its rarity and configuration and is a sound value at this price. Lot # 150 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix NASCAR; S/N Big Ed; Red “Hawaiian Punch”/Black; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $48,150. – NASCAR-equipped including 358 cubic inch V-8, 4-speed, fuel cell, fire system and racing seat. – Qualified by Michael Waltrip at over 202.95 mph as a rookie in the Winston 500 at Talladega but crashed on lap 92 of 188. Shiny repaint but otherwise a tired old race car with many needs before it turns a wheel on track. – Unlike its successors, in 1986 these were still ‘stock cars’ at least in their origins, with visible differences among the marques’ bodywork. For today’s collectors they offer some of the most enjoyable, fast and safe vintage racing, too, but this Pontiac will need comprehensive attention before being raced even semi-seriously. It has little historical significance, unless you’re Michael Waltrip, and is generously priced in this transaction. Lot # 168 2001 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe Intimidator; S/N 2G1FP22G812101124; Black, Grey stripe/Black leather; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $53,500. – Modified LS1 V-8, 400+hp, 6-speed, A/C, P/S, P/B, grey Torque Thrust wheels with polished rims, blackwall Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, T-tops – The first (PR1) prototype for 83 Intimidator Edition Camaro SSs sold by Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet. Signed and driven by Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Later owned by Jr. 9,100 miles and a little dusty and used. Seats show the effect of some butt time, but otherwise little evidence of use. – This is a significant car here in the NASCAR-centric Charlotte area, or for any NASCAR/Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fan. That, the low miles and complete originality make it significantly more valuable that similar cars, like Lot #132 sold earlier for $20,330. The increment is generous and more miles will start to eat into its value, putting it in the category of ‘garage art’. Lot # 170 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible; S/N 138675B182020; Metallic Burgundy/Black leatherette; Black vinyl top; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $19,250 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $20,598. No Reserve – 327/probably 250hp, 4-barrel, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, buckets and console, P/S, dashtop clock, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, red line tires – Replacement block. Mediocre repaint with dirt and dust inclusions and poorly finished areas. Good interior, major chrome and aluminum trim, scuffed stainless. Orderly, cleaned up but unrestored underbody. – A modestly-powered weekend driver made more fun with the 4-speed and bought for a reasonable price. The paint is disappointingly erratic but looks decent from ten feet, which is all a weekend driver needs. Lot # 180 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N 194676S118302; Engine # T0314IP 6118302; Mosport Green, Mosport Green hardtop/Green; White vinyl top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $117,700. – 427/425hp, 4-speed, centerlock alloy wheels, gold line tires, AM-FM, woodgrain steering wheel, two tops – An older Bloomington Gold, NCRS Top Flight, Duntov Award winning restoration. Good paint, body fits, chrome and interior. Dusty and lightly oiled engine, light road grime on the chassis and underbody, represented as numbers matching engine. A quality restoration with a few years and miles that now is an excellent driver quality Corvette. – Offered at Mecum’s Bloomington Gold auction in 2010 with a reported high bid of $100,000 with enough awards to give the new owner confidence in its quality and history. Cataloged as the ‘original L72 427 ci Tri-Power’, but that engine was a 4-barrel in 1966, the Tri-Power not appearing until 1967. This is, in fact, a 4-barrel appropriate to its list of awards and brought a price consistent with its presentation and configuration. Lot # 194 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BS23V0B178663; In Violet/White vinyl; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $137,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $146,590. – 440/375hp Six Barrel, 4-speed, 3.54 Sure Grip, P/B, no P/S, dull silver shaker hood, rally wheels, trim rings, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, AM-FM radio, buckets, no console, fog lights – Dusty, used older restoration but good paint, chrome and interior. Represented as numbers matching engine, documented with original window sticker and build sheet. Fender tag appears to be original, with a little surface rust creeping out from under it to add authenticity. – So many ‘Cudas with the Six Barrel left Mopar’s factories with automatics that it is unusual to find one with a 4-speed. The combination of equipment, documentation and a competent older restoration that is holding up well make this example desirable and attractive but this is an extremely generous price for it, 2006-7 money for a car that is no longer a collectors’ favorite. Lot # 201 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC57T235368; Engine # F508EB; Black/Red, Silver vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $89,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $95,230. – 283/270hp dual quads, 3-speed, WonderBar radio, spinner wheel covers, whitewall tires, dual rear antennas – Represented as the original engine and 3-speed, and appropriately stamped. Sharp, crisp, bright, shiny, correct restoration with excellent paint, brilliant chrome and very good interior. Shows a little age but no visible use at all. Doors and fenders bow a little but not enough to detract materially from the car’s overall excellence. – This is a Tarrytown-built car that probably spent its early years in the snowy, salty, wet Northeast. That may account for the bow of the body sides. It is, however, an extremely desirably equipped ’57 Bel Air that has had a comprehensive, high quality restoration in attractive colors. It must be considered to be full value for money at this price and a car the new owner should be proud to own for this price.
RKMCCA Charlotte 2013 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 202 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N WM23V1G151691; Top Banana, Black hood patch and accent/Black vinyl; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $77,575. – 440/385hp, Six Pack, 4-speed, Hurst pistol grip shifter, 3.54 axle, buckets and console, P/S, P/B, rally wheels, F70-15 Polyglas GT tires, wing, Air Grabber hood – 2013 AACA Senior winning fresh, meticulous, accurate restoration. Excellent paint, much better than new. Exceptional body fits and flat panels. Above reproach but not over the top and displayed with an array of fully deserved awards. – Impressively equipped and even more impressively restored, maintained and presented, this is one super-impressive Super Bee that brought a premium price deserved by its configuration and quality. Lot # 207 1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO Convertible; S/N 37675P243713; Engine # 384490 YS; Black/Black; Black vinyl top; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $65,270. – 389/335hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, Hurst wheels with trim rings, red line tires, AM-FM, buckets and console, factory A/C, woodgrain steering wheel, aluminum radiator, P/W – PHS documented LeMans GTO loaded with options. Restored better than new with excellent paint, flat panels, even gaps, brilliant chrome, great interior, top and glass. Done right, clean and orderly underhood. An exceptional GTO except for a faintly musty smelling interior. – While this is an appropriate price for a ’65 GTO convertible, it still reflects the fact that the first few years of GTOs have never attracted the same attention and values among collectors, an oversight that is surprising. ‘Overlooked’ may translate into more potential value growth and also a lot of performance and style for less money than a comparable Chevy. This attractively optioned and restored ’65 GTO convertible could have brought ten or even fifteen thousand dollars more without being over priced. Lot # 3004 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible; S/N 252671P110372; Engine # C088010 YE; Laurentian Green/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $232,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $248,775. – 455/335hp, Ram Air hood and intake, automatic, P/S, P/B, hood tach, pushbutton radio, console-mounted factory 8-track, honeycomb alloy wheels, G70-14 Wide Oval tires, wing – Represented as original engine and a correct Judge convertible with PHS documentation, original window sticker and invoice, one of 17 built in 1970. Restored like new. – There is only one thing that would make this GTO Judge better: a 4-speed. Beyond that it is beautifully restored and maintained, in a handsome color, and exceedingly rare and special. It is an extremely good value at this price, a car to be proud to own and to have bought for this price. It also is shown on the RKMotors website as having been sold this year for $299,900. Lot # 3006 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera S GT2 Coupe; S/N WP0AB29963S696061; Silver, Red accents/Black leather; Estimate $75,000 – $85,000; Original, modified for competition or performance, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $76,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $81,320. – Modified ECU for an estimated 500hp, Porsche CD stereo, climate control, P/W, 18 inch one piece painted alloy wheels, Hankook tires, carbon brake discs – Excellent original paint but overdone with red accents. Good interior shows only a little use. A very clean largely unblemished used Porsche unfortunately rendered tawdry by the red wing, mirrors, wheel scallops, sill trim and nose panel. – Looks like it was driven by a pimp but still attracted a lot of attention and an actively contested result. No bargain here, but not unrealistically expensive, particularly if the gaudy red accents can be easily removed. Lot # 3009 1977 Chevrolet Nova NASCAR; S/N; Black “Goodwrench”/Black, Red, Brown; Estimate $175,000 – $250,000; Competition restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $149,800. – 358 Chevy V-8, 4-speed – Dale Earnhardt short track car converted from a Ventura to a Nova. Documented history. Restored for vintage racing by Gene Felton and well used but not used up. Run at least three times at Goodwood. – So what is this car, anyway. Clearly not the Childress Monte Carlo that ran Winston Cup, it’s apparently an Earnhardt-owned car used for Sportsman or the now-junior league Grand Nationals. Reputedly won the Goody’s 300 at Daytona, a creditable history by any standard and one rewarded here with a magnanimous price that should have seen it loose and selling well before the final bid. Lot # 3023 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Hemi Replica Convertible; S/N BH27C1B377155; Red, Black billboards/Black vinyl; Black leatherette top; Estimate $100,000 – $120,000; Facsimile restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $92,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $98,440. – 426 Mopar Performance Hemi, automatic, 3.55 Sure Grip, rally wheels with trim rings, Radial if tires, metalflake argent shaker hood, hood pins, fog lights, pushbutton radio – Restored better than new with excellent cosmetics and attention to its mechanical details. – There were a lot of restomods at RKM’s Charlotte auction, reflecting the parent company’s emphasis on the type. This ‘Cuda is typical, with a pumped up engine in place of the original 145hp six. The new owner can only hope the build process included the necessary frame reinforcements and upgraded suspension to cope with the Hemi’s prodigious power and torque. Looks like it’s old, runs like it’s new, not an unattractive combination. Lot # 701 1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula Coupe; S/N 2U87N4N135459; Engine # 378686YS; Buccaneer Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $19,260. – 350/155hp L30, Ram Air hood and air filter, automatic, P/S, P/B, plumbed for A/C but mo compressor, Pioneer CD stereo, auxiliary engine gauges, Rally II wheels, Radial T/A tires – Good but water spotted paint, good original interior, orderly underbody. A sound and usable driver. – Sold at Mecum Indy in May for $13,390, this is just a car with a smog-strangled 350 V8. It was a better value at Indy. Lot # 703 1995 Porsche 968 Coupe; S/N WP0AA2963S820231; Dark Grey Metallic/Dark Grey leather; Estimate $10,000 – $13,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $9,750 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $10,433. – 3 Liter/236 hp, 6-speed, alloy wheels, sunroof – A clean, original car. Nose is stone chipped, seat bolsters lightly scuffed, all as expected on a car showing 117,926 miles on its odometer. An honest driver for a fortunate 16-year old. – That’s right. Bought by a dad for his 16-year old son to drive. High miles but impressively maintained and a sound value at this price.
RKMCCA Charlotte 2013 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 706 1962 CAE USAC Sprint Car; S/N CAE012; White/Black; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $8,750 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $9,363. – 283 Chevy, Hilborn FI, I/O gearbox, 4-wheel disc brakes, torsion bar rear suspension, transverse leaf spring front, tube shocks, centerlock magnesium wheels – Dull original paint, black painted frame and suspension. Largely as-raced (for many years) and driven by Bobby Allison, Harold Fryer and others. Aged, raced, put up as it came off the track but all there and intriguing, with lots of potential in vintage racing. – Fast, quick and exciting, this sprint car has great possibilities and hasn’t been messed up. It needs a lot, but at this price its new owner can afford to give it what it needs. Lot # 708 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 5F08A791645; Dark Green/Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $17,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $18,725. – 289/225hp, 3-speed, wire wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, console, cassette stereo – Erratically masked clear coat paint, pitted grille chrome, scuffed stainless, good bumper chrome. Old undercoat. – Not your typical Ford dealer’s order for inventory, someone ticked some interesting boxes on the order form to combine the A-code 4-barrel 289 with the 3-speed stick and no P/S or P/B. The cosmetic restoration leaves many things to be desired, but the price takes them into account. Lot # 718 1999 Reynard 99I Toyota Indy Car; S/N 99I 027; Metallic Red, Pioneer/MCI Worldcom, White/Black; Competition car, original as-raced, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $12,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $13,375. No Reserve – CART #0417. Chrome suspension. – Old show car paint, nose cone color doesn’t match. Driven by Scott Pruett to a 235.398 mph pole speed at California Speedway but without further distinction. – A display car bought for display car money. Lot # 719 2000 Reynard 96I Toyota Indy Car; S/N 96I 030; Engine # 710806; Blue, Orange Pioneer/MCI Worldcom/Black cloth; Competition car, original as-raced, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $16,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $17,655. – CART #262. No engine or transmission. Pop off valve #710806. – Show car paint, chromed suspension. Cristiano da Matta’s 2000 Chicago winner in display car condition. – A fun toy for the garage or game room, particularly if it could be hooked up to a good racing simulator. Bought for game room money. Lot # 725 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N XX29L9B400603; Yellow/Black vinyl; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $136,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $146,055. – 440/375hp, automatic, buckets and console, pushbutton radio, Magnum wheels with trim rings, Polyglas tires, Sure Grip – Mileage stated as 21,366 out odometer shows only 40. Freshly restored to better than showroom condition and described as the original engine. Documented with Govier report, original owner’s manual and selling dealer paperwork. Autographed by NASCAR driver James Hylton ‘as he drove a strikingly familiar #48 Daytona in ’69.’ – OK, so what? While Hylton’s autograph adds nothing to the value of this Daytona, its condition sets it apart: this is one beautifully and accurately restored car. Charger Daytonas are rare, even compared with their Superbird counterparts. This one could have brought another twenty or even thirty thousand dollars more without decimating the buyer’s self esteem. Lot # 752 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N J58S106282; Engine # F324CU; Black/Charcoal vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $88,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $94,160. – 283/270hp dual quads, 4-speed, spinner wheel covers, whitewall bias ply tires, no radio – Sharp, clean, fresh restoration in better than showroom condition. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Represented as numbers matching engine. Attractive livery with body color coves and charcoal interior. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2011 for $104,500. This Corvette’s restoration has held up extremely well and looks especially sharp with its subtle charcoal interior. It brought a realistic price here. Lot # 754 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Coupe; S/N 194377S119605; Engine # T0322JE 7118557; Silver, Black stinger/Black vinyl; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; No bidding interest shown $90,000. – 427/435hp, 4-speed, AM-FM, Rally wheels, red line tires, 4.11 Positraction, teak grain steering wheel – Clean, orderly and lightly used older restoration. Good paint, chrome and interior. Small crack on right door. 2008 and 2009 NCRS Top Flight, documented with the tank sticker but a replacement engine. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale earlier this year for $121,000, there was no bidding interest shown here despite its configuration and NCRS Top Flight awards. Lot # 755 1983 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser Utility; S/N FJ40361667; Green/Grey leatherette; Tan vinyl top; Estimate $65,000 – $75,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $64,200. – M/T chrome wheels, 32×11.500R15L Mud Claw tires, center facing rear seats, Warn front hubs, P/S, P/B – Freshly rebuilt like new with better paint. Chrome and stainless body fasteners show nicely with the chrome wheels. Engine, chassis and underbody done like new. – It wouldn’t be a collector car auction these days without a Toyota FJ Land Cruiser in the sale. This one is restored to very good, better than new, standards and looks sharp throughout. With similar examples bringing $20,000 more this is an astute acquisition, although $64,200 for a Land Cruiser, in absolute terms, is somewhat breathtaking.
RKMCCA Charlotte 2013 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 756 1971 Plymouth Barracuda 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N BS23N1B355567; Tor Red, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $175,000 – $250,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $47,500 – 383/300hp, 4-speed, Hurst pistol grip shifter, P/S, no P/B, pushbutton radio, rally style wheels with trim rings, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, rear window louvers, wing, 3.23 axle, Rallye instruments – Good older paint, chrome and interior. Looks like it came off the showroom floor a week ago. Represented as the original engine and transmission, documented with its broadcast sheet. – A beautiful restoration surprisingly equipped with the 300hp 383 cubic inch V-8 and 4-speed transmission. In a universe cluttered with 440 and Hemi ‘Cudas, this is a refreshing car that is representative of the vast majority of ‘Cudas. Even for that, however, it could have been sold for the reported high bid. The estimate is bizarre. Lot # 757 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N JS23R0B212809; Plum Crazy Purple/White vinyl; Estimate $175,000 – $250,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; No bidding interest shown $80,000. – 426/425hp, dual quads, 4-speed, Hurst pistol grip shifter, rally wheels, trim rings, Floor 15 Polyglas GT tires, factory indash 8-track, woodgrain steering wheel, buckets and console – An older restoration to like new condition that has lost its edge without apparent use. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Scratched steering wheel ruin. Would benefit from a serious detailing. ‘Correct’ engine, ‘original’ transmission. – Sold by Christie’s in Los Angeles in 2000 for $38,775, the Charlotte bidders showed no apparent interest in this car, probably due to the generous estimate. This reported high bid means nothing. Lot # 759 1970 Plymouth GTX 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RS23U0G159371; Rallye Red, Matte Black, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $35,000 – 440/375hp, 4-speed, Hurst pistol grip shifter, Air Grabber hood and intake, P/S, no P/B, silver rally style wheels with trim rings, Radial T/A tires, pushbutton radio, buckets and console – Excellent paint, interior, roof and chrome. Nearly showroom condition aside from minor flaws like paint scrapes on the hood hinges. – The reported high bid is not enough for this Magnum V-8 GTX, a car that should bring nearly $50,000. Lot # 796 1971 Ford Torino Cobra 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 1A38J111791; Grabber Blue, Matte Black hood/Black vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $42,800. – 429/375hp, close ratio 4-speed, Hurst T-handle shifter, 3.25 Traction-Lok, chrome Magnum wheels, Wide Oval tires, pushbutton radio, rear window louvers, shaker hood, P/S, no P/B, bench seat – Good paint, chrome and interior, flat panels, even gaps. Orderly engine compartment and underbody. An older restoration with a few miles but good and consistent attention. Marti Report documented. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2008 for $110,000, then no-saled at Mecum Kissimmee in 2012 at a reported $48,000. This is the Boss 429 drivetrain, at a third of the price. While its price here is appropriate it represents a remarkable value in FoMoCo performance history. An astute purchase in a tire-melting Ford. Lot # 800 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N WM23M9A261826; Orange, Matte Black hood, White vinyl roof/White vinyl; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $85,600. No Reserve – 440/390hp, Six Pack, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, bench seat, steel wheels, no hubcaps, red line tires, lift-off hosed, 4.1 Sure Grip – RK Motors restored with good paint, interior and most chrome. Weak windwing frame chrome, loose dash padding, wrinkled vinyl roof at right A pillar. Underbody superficially redone. Pretty, fast and rare but the presentation oversights are troubling. – Hammered sold on the block, stickered Sold in the afterview, but not reported in the RKMCCA web results. In any event, it should have sold at the reported high bid which is ample for a schizophrenically presented restoration. Lot # 802 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 Coupe; S/N 63R1992; Gold/Beige vinyl; Estimate $23,000 – $28,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $27,820. – 289/hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, rear speaker – Two owner, 19,816 mile car, original paint chrome and interior. Paint has some blisters, touched up small chips and a small scrape on the right flank. Major chrome is good but vent window frames are weak. Original upholstery is shiny from use but sound. Steering wheel is solid. Engine has been out, repainted, rechromed and put back in a repainted but not restored engine compartment. An impressive, highly original, low miles Avanti, represented as an original supercharged R2. – Low miles, exceptional originality and sound, presentable condition translate into a good result for this Avanti. Lot # 804 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350H Cloke Fastback; S/N 5F09A362698; White, Gold stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Facsimile restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $40,125. – 289, 4-barrel, automatic, Shelby dashtop tach, gauges, Torque Thrust wheels, Radial tires, Sport Deck rear seats – A decent but not exceptional driver quality GT350H replica. Sound paint and interior. Clean, orderly underbody. Good major chrome but weak wind wing frames and interior and exterior door handles. – A good fake, but a fake nonetheless, and bought for a realistic price. Tooling down the freeway not many people will be able to spot the difference. Lot # 806 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N 194675S106504; Nassau Blue/Blue leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $40,000 – $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $50,290. – 327 but no further engine specification, 4-speed, AM-FM, Rallye wheels with trim rings, narrow whitewalls – Represented as the original engine and transmission. Tired, and not very good to begin with, old repaint, casually masked and oversprayed. Good interior, fair top, dirty engine. A scruffy old Corvette. The aluminum valve covers indicate a 300hp, but that’s far from conclusive. – This is not much of a Corvette, and the price is more than enough for it.
[Source: Rick Carey]
RK Motors really missed the mark on this auction! Several thing which I observed with this auction that really made it seem like an amateur event are as follows:
I attempted several times from different locations on different computers to watch the live auction. each time, there was a problem with the feed and most times nothing would come up.
The cars estimates were much like RK Motors website pricing, outrageously overpriced.
I have asked several times on their Facebook page to post a full listing of the cars and what the high bid was on the cars that did not sell, that has not been done.
A lot of the cars that were sold, are now all of a sudden showing up on RK Motors website for sale. This perplexes me more than anything! Does that mean that they actually did not sell? Did RK Motors just buy back the cars because they weren’t hitting their marks? Who knows.
As you mentioned above, only 101 cars sold, not very good considering the caliber of cars crossing the block which means either they did not market the event appropriately, or the reserves were just set way to high. My guess is it was a mix of both.
All in all, when compared to the way RM and Bonhams and some of the other auction houses run their auctions, RK has a lot of learning to do. Reading what you wrote above how “RK Motors had its own bidder walking through the bidder area consulting his clipboard (perhaps containing consignors’ names and reserves?) and bidding regularly.” This is just preposterous. You don’t do this and you especially don’t allow this to happen at your auction. It gives the impression that things are rigged and there are shady deals going on.
” It gives the impression that things are rigged and there are shady deals going on…”
Apparently you are free to speak those words Mike. Not me. I will just concur since my comments keep getting deleted…
Much like a Squeaky Piece of Cheese, I smell a Rat!
“RK Motors Classic Car Auction is booked back into the Charlotte Convention Center in the spring of 2014. Their presentation will be interesting to see, if it materializes.”
Lets see what the NC Auction Licensing Board & NC DMV Licensing & Theft Bureau has to say after they conduct an investigation.. .I’d be more than happy to take the witness stand. It’s my civic and Christian duty.
Squeak, Squeak, Squeak. . . .
It’s true about RK having their own people there. They were also running the bids up on the cars they were selling. Most of the cars in the auction were RK’s; at the Pinehurst auction they bought most of the cars there.
Total misrepresentation…..Bid on your own cars, running the sales numbers up falsely. the presence of Joe Carrol “secretly” bidding on almost all the cars…..and then shutting down and firing/laying off the entire Auction staff days after the event. Couldn’t agree with Mike anymore!
rk motors lies about everything and treats their employees like dogs
Super shady company that tries to take advantage of their customers. BUYERS BEWARE
Can someone please help me. I purchased a vehicle at this auction and it turns out I have a non-negotiable title to the car. The only Vin plate is on the door which does does not qualify, meaning the title they gave me is no good and I would need to get a new VIN fromt he DMV in order to sell it. I am under the assumption that the auction must produce a negotiable title within 30 days or take the car back? What can I do in this situation, I have contacted them and they are not help!! Any help is greatly appreciated. Reply to [email protected]
It’s Race Week here in Charlotte. There is no auction scheduled for RKMCCA. The Mooresville RKMCCA and RKM Performance Center signs were painted black this week and a for sale sign is up. . . all that remains is a lone red blossom in the planter that hung from the shepherds crook outside the office window. The Victory belongs to the Lord. Hallelujah!
Smoky Mountain Traders currently attempting to sell the ’71 Torino Cobra Jet for $60k. Good luck with that!