Report and photos by Rick Carey
RM Auctions, Inn at St. John’s, Plymouth, Michigan, July 30, 2011 Meadow Brook is gone, replaced by the Concours America at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan.
Located barely 20 minutes from Detroit Metro Airport, between Livonia and Ann Arbor, the periphery of Plymouth, Michigan suffers some of the ‘closed auto plant’ blight of the Detroit area but more than makes up for it with carefully maintained homes, tree-lined avenues and a walking-centered downtown clustered around a village green with sidewalk dining and more ice cream shops than the Coney Island boardwalk.
Situated just off the main Livonia-Ann Arbor road, the Inn at St. John’s has evolved from a 1940’s seminary and still provides retreat and spiritual services to the Detroit Archdiocese although the seminary closed in 1988. Redevelopment began in 1998 and has proceeded into 2006 with the opening of a 118-room boutique hotel and conference center where the Concours d’Elegance of America is now established on the Inn’s 27-hole golf course.
I don’t know the politics and business plans that ended Meadow Brook, but the Inn at St. John’s is easily accessible, tightly-wrapped and impressively maintained.
RM followed the concours here (or led the concours here?) with a modest 70-car consignment calculated to maximize interest while minimizing the operational risks of conducting an auction at a new venue with just one access portal to the auction block in the Inn at St. John’s unfortunately-named Grande Ballroom. Starting at 11 AM (or thereabouts), the auction wound up about 3 PM leaving more than enough time to get ready for the Concours dinner, and room for RM to add cars to next year’s consignment without falling all over themselves.
Pre-auction viewing was constrained to a parking area outside the ballroom and some adjacent lawn, but there are nearby parking areas that will easily absorb – with less crowding – 50% or more auction cars in coming years. The pre-sale party food was good and ample (as RM’s first-year sales are prone to be.) Downtown Plymouth is only a two mile drive where I found good spaghetti Bolognese and Pinot Noir at Compari’s for barely expensive (the spaghetti was just $11.95, but it was only side order size.)
Oh, yeah, the numbers. RM sold 60 of the 70 cars offered, 85.7% for a total of $7,646,700, an average of $127,445 and a median of $66,000. 30 of the 60 cars sold hammered at less than the low estimate (50%) and only two over their high estimates (3.3%). Total bids on sold cars were $6,951,646 against their low estimates of $7,175,500, 96.9% of estimate.
In RM’s last year at Meadow Brook in 2010 they sold 85 of 99 cars offered, 85.9% for a total of $10,173,850 with an average transaction of $119,692 and a median of $60,500. 53 of the 85 cars sold hammered at less than the low estimate (62.4%) and eight sold over their high estimates (9.4%). Total bids on sold cars were $9,248,955 against their low estimates of $8,920,000, 103.7% of estimate.
No matter what else it means, RM Auctions conclusively demonstrated its command of the market, astutely consigning, reserving and representing a wide variety of cars in a new and untried venue and delivering impressively consistent results.
It will take a few years to become familiar with Plymouth and its surroundings but the initial impression is that the quest will be rewarding. RM Auctions Concours of America at St. John’s 2011 – Auction Report (See Reference – Auctions Explained, A Note on Conditions and Character). Lot # 101 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham; S/N 6B69S6Q180891; Metallic Grey; Grey vinyl roof/Grey cloth; Estimate $8,000 - $12,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $8,800 -- All original and in remarkably well preserved condition with 49,350 miles. One owner from new. No Reserve. Desirable only for its originality and preservation but still pretty remarkable. Max Girardo struggled to get the bidding started on this no reserve Cadillac but eventually cajoled the bidders into reaching the low estimate. A marvelous example of GM’s 70’s flight to mediocrity, it’s hard to imagine why anyone wants this boat, even as well preserved and original as it is, let alone to the tune of eight large. Lot # 102 1974 Triumph TR6 Convertible; S/N CF16022U; Pimiento Red/Black leatherette; Black top; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $16,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,600 -- Steel wheels, trim rings, red line Michelin radials. Thoughtfully restored to good driving condition, documented with BMIHT certificate, tools and manuals. No Reserve. Offered at Mecum's Indy sale in May with a reported bid of $17,000, the result here is appropriate for this car and its sound and presentable condition. Lot # 103 1969 MG C GT Coupe; S/N GCD1U8178G; Black/Black leatherette; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,700 -- Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires. Very glossy paint both on top and under the car. Good panel fits and generally impressive bodywork. A surprisingly well restored MG C in very attractive condition if a bit over-restored. No Reserve. Sold by RM at Amelia in 2007 for $22,000, this MG C attracted a lot of attention here at St. John’s, attention its very attractive condition warranted but this is by any standard a generous price. Lot # 110 1958 Oldsmobile 88 Holiday Fiesta Station Wagon; S/N 587K14453; Red/Red, White vinyl; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- 371/312hp J-2 engine with three deuces, 3-speed, limited slip axle, A/C, P/S, P/B, Transportable radio, steel wheels, hubcaps, whitewalls, 3-row seating, power bench seat, skirts, windshield visor. Restored in 1990 and judged 980 points in Oldsmobile Club judging in 1991. Erratic bodywork fits, edge chipped panels, good but used interior, grungy chassis. Engine is dirty and missing its air cleaner. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. This Olds is one of the best tow cars in the world. In an historic race paddock it will attract as much attention as pretty much any race car. It needs a lot of attention but will reward its new owner with a nearly unique experience. It brought a healthy price appropriate to its equipment even considering the work it needs. Lot # 111 1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible; S/N 539M44930; Red/Dark Red, White vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 -- Dual quads on an HRE aftermarket manifold, Dynaflow automatic, wire wheel covers, blackwall tires, headers, dual exhausts, Autronic Eye, P/S, P/W, WonderBar radio, power bench seat. Sound but uninspired paint and interior. Tidy but aged engine compartment and underbody. A sound and unusual Olds with a great exhaust note. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. A period hot rod with some unusual attributes as well as driver assists like P/S and P/B that make it particularly adaptable for fair weather touring, this Olds could have brought more on account of its equipment, but that value is appropriately handicapped by its mediocre presentation, leaving the buyer with some upside potential to compensate for the time and effort it will absorb in reaching its potential. Lot # 113 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Beverly Sedan; S/N 32157S; Engine # FC2936; Cadet Grey/Indigo cloth; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Non-factory replica, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- Fog lights, wide whitewalls, large hubcaps. Restored in the mid-80's and still in nearly showroom condition with only a few minor paint cracks and blemishes. Clean engine compartment and chassis are almost showroom fresh and look like they could have been done a year or two ago. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. The survival of this Cord in such well preserved and nearly as-restored condition attests to the quality of its workmanship and materials and is much better than many of the Kizziar cars offered today. The bustle-back body isn't especially attractive or desirable but the supercharged engine is. This is a very good example and it brought a very good price. Lot # 114 1930 Cadillac 452 V-16 Madame X Club Sedan, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 72705; Yellow, Black fenders and roof/Tan cord; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500 -- Orange wire wheels with stainless spokes, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with strap-on mirrors, radio, radiator stoneguard, Pilot-Rays, windshield visor. Restored in 1992 in vivid colors and featured in Car Collector and on the cover of Cars and Parts even before it was restored. Decent paint with some checking and minor cracks, sound major chrome with some weak trim bits. Good upholstery and interior trim. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. A classy Cadillac with a quality restoration, this is attractive bodywork for a sedan. It caught the bidders' attention and brought a strong price for a closed car. With these brilliant colors it would be impossible not to attract notice. Lot # 115 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N F7FV306382; White/White vinyl, Blue cloth; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 -- 312/300hp supercharged V-8, overdrive three-speed, pushbutton radio, heater, wheel covers, blackwall bias ply tires. Entirely original except for a good quality old repaint and front seat reupholstery. Two owners from new. Paint, chrome and interior are all sound and presentable. Engine is clean and unrestored. The 86K miles on the odometer are probably real. A real find and a pretty special car documented with the original factory invoice, Texas title and supercharger and owner's manuals plus an audio interview with the original owner. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. There is a moonshine runner story waiting to be invented for this Ford, but even without it the new owner got a pretty wonderful piece of Ford history in exceptionally original and unspoiled condition. It brought a deserved premium price for its originality even though the pre-sale estimate is hopelessly optimistic. Lot # 117 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible; S/N 536275127; Red/Red, White leather; Black top; Estimate $135,000 - $175,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, Autronic Eye, P/W, WonderBar radio, P/S, P/B, etc. Restored in 1992 but not fairing particularly well since then. Erratic door fits, disappointing engine compartment. Decent paint. Some failing chrome trim. Not as good as it could have been even after 19 years. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. Bought appropriately for its condition and rarity. Lot # 118 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible; S/N 539M41972; Pearl White, Agate Red/White, Red leather; Estimate $140,000 - $180,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 -- Spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, P/W, P/S, P/B, automatic, radio. Restored in 1990 and judged 999 points in Oldsmobile Club competition. Shows some age and light soiling but little use. Driver's seat lightly stretched. Good paint and chrome. Very good engine compartment. Not fresh but could be without much effort. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. Bought right and with some room for improvement after some attention to reverse the effects of long storage. Lot # 119 1920 Pierce-Arrow Model 32 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 321946; Olive Green, Black fenders and roof/Beige cloth; Estimate $50,000 - $75,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $60,500 -- Varnished wood spoke wheels, whitewall tires, glass windshield visor, dual sidemounts, jump seats, smoker's kit, footrest, trunk rack, rear seat heater, pulldown rear and quarter window shades. Restored in the early 80's and little used since with sound paint only sparsely stress cracked, good interior and nickel trim. Body panels fit well. Restored to like new condition and holding up very well. No Reserve. With power from a 414 cubic inch T-head six this Pierce-Arrow is a prime example of the quality, luxury and solid performance of one of early American auto manufacturers' best marques. The bodywork isn't going to set any records for style and flair but is large, comfortable and superbly equipped, Pierce's strong points. One of the period's best, this price is appropriate for the closed body and 32hp drivetrain. Lot # 121 1933 Cadillac 452-C V-16 Limousine, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 5000066; Black/Tan cloth; Estimate $130,000 - $160,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $159,500 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, wide whitewalls, 4-blade bumpers, concentric cone horns, jump seats, front fender teardrops with chrome crests. Largely original including paint and interior and delightfully preserved. This Cadillac was good enough that to be shown in 2003 at Pebble Beach. Not much more needs to be said. Lyle Reiswig Collection. No Reserve. This is quite a piece of history, not mention being one of America's great classic automobiles. Its coachwork belies its size with elegance and balance and the combination of Cadillac V-16, Fleetwood coachwork and originality add up to a sound buy at this price. Lot # 122 1930 Packard 734 Replica Speedster Runabout; S/N 184089; Red, Dark Red fenders and accent/Tan leather; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Rebodied or re-created, 2+ condition; Post-block sale at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with fender-color rings, Trippe lights, three-speed. Concours restored using some original Packard 734 parts and an accurately built body and barely used, it is still in show car condition. John O'Quinn estate. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2005 for $211,750 to John O'Quinn paying a generous hammer price $15,500 over the low estimate which was the same then as it is now. This car didn't reach reserve on the block but was put together within a few minutes. The new owner will enjoy a pleasant driving experience along with the comfort that comes from knowing that if something breaks or is damaged it's repairable without damaging the car's value. This is an appropriate price for this 734. Lot # 123 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible; S/N 26782691; Polaris Blue/White, Blue leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Ultramatic, dual remote spotlights with mirrors, continental kit, WonderBar radio, P/S, P/B. Ex-Milton Robson. Good paint, chrome and interior. Freshly detailed, new carpets and tires. A sound and attractive Caribbean. Reported sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2009 for $90,200 with some cosmetic attention since then, work that is reflected in its price here. Lot # 124 1957 MG A Coupe; S/N CM604889; White/Green; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $22,000 -- Minilite wheels with centerlock hubs. Very nicely done with quality paint, chrome and interior. Shows little use or age since restoration six years ago, even on the chassis and underbody. No Reserve. A handsomely presented little car, and more rare than a roadster, the seller got top dollar for a top condition MG A. Lot # 125 1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N E575104676; Aztec Copper, White coves/Beige vinyl; Beige vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $135,000 -- 283/283hp fuel injection, 4-speed, radio and heater delete, spinner wheel covers with whitewall tires. Correct EL code engine block stamping. Freshly restored, clean and proper with good paint, chrome and interior. Described as the original engine. Chassis number is late enough for the 4-speed to be original equipment but the supposedly Aztec Copper color is an odd hue, more pink than copper. The bid is a little light for this car's condition and specifications and was understandably not accepted by the seller. The color choice is odd and may have discouraged bidding. RM Auctions Concours of America at St. John’s 2011 – Auction Report Continued
RM Auctions Concours of America at St. John’s 2011 – Auction Report Page Two Lot # 126 1907 Locomobile Type E 20hp Touring; S/N 1250; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $175,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $115,000 -- RHD. Nonpareil bulb horn, acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, blackwall tires. Restored for David Uihlein who discovered it in a scrap yard in 1946 with a flatbed body but retrieved the original rear tonneau soon after. Restored in 1963. AACA First Prize winner. Good older paint, brass and upholstery but dormant for years and will need recommissioning. John M. O'Quinn Estate. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2007 for $176,000, the bid here could have been accepted with only limited second thoughts in view of the car's age and need for attention. Its completeness, on the other hand, and especially the original body, makes it unusually desirable. Lot # 127 1949 Chrysler Royal Station Wagon; S/N 70051011; Fog Green/Brown faux alligator; Estimate $55,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750 -- Three speed, hubcaps, wide trim rings, whitewalls, fog lights, radio, heater, padded dash. Restored some time ago retaining the original upholstery which is sound but has some seam pulls that need attention. Sound paint, chrome and original wood with some revarnishing flaws including sags that could (and should) have been sanded out and a few old water stains at joints. No Reserve. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 203 for $51,000 in essentially the same condition in which it was offered here, this is appropriate money for this car in this very good condition. Lot # 128 1939 Packard 1708 Twelve All-Weather Cabriolet, Body by Brunn; S/N 17082002; Black/Black leather, Beige cloth; Tan cloth top; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $162,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $178,750 -- Folding rear top (like a landaulet), dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, whitewalls, hubcaps, trim rings, smoker's kit, vanity, side-facing jump seats, rollup division, rear heater. CCCA Premier number 2610, third in class at Pebble Beach in 2004 and more. Impressively restored and maintained with excellent interior, wood trim and good paint and chrome. Shows little use since its concours days. When this car sold at RM's 2008 Meadow Brook sale for $176,000 I noted the rear door wouldn't close. It was still balky here but not for any fault of the bodywork: the limit strap binds and works properly when it is gently guided into the door. This is much the same car as it was three years ago, and it brought much the same money. Lot # 130 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster, Body by Reutter; S/N 81009; Engine # P60104; Ivory/Maroon; Black cloth top; Estimate $160,000 - $210,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $147,500 -- Chrome wheels, hubcaps, blackwall tires, no radio. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. Restored to like new condition six years ago and shows very little use or age. Represented as a matching numbers 1500. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2006 for $137,500, with the steady increase in Speedster values it's understandable why the consignor declined the high bid and took the car home for another try at the $175,000 or so it's worth. At the low estimate here in St. John’s it would be a very good value. Lot # 131 1931 Cadillac 370 V-12 Phaeton, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 1000378; Bedell Green, Dark Harbor Green fenders/Black leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $170,000 - $210,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $182,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $200,750 -- White wire wheels with stainless spokes, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with strap on mirrors, luggage trunk, junior Pilot-Rays, radiator stone guard, wind wings, Cream coachline, full weather equipment. Multiple awards since it was restored in 2002 including CCCA Senior and showing at Pebble Beach in 2004. Excellent paint, interior and chrome, a sharp show car restoration that has earned its spurs. Lyle Reiswig Collection. No Reserve. It may not be a V-16, but it sure is pretty, elegant and fast enough. It brought a reasonable price for what it is, a lot of Cadillac for the money. Lot # 133 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster; S/N 11304210001370; White/Red leather; Estimate $25,000 - $40,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 -- 4-speed, two tops, A/C, later alloy wheels, fog lights, U.S. headlights. An older restoration with sound and presentable cosmetics. Not used for some time and in need of mechanical attention before hitting the road. This is a reasonable price for a pagoda roof 230Sl with the right stuff including air conditioning, both tops and the 4-speed gearbox. A careful recommissioning will present the new owner with an attractive and very enjoyable driver. Lot # 135 1941 Packard Super Eight 180 Convertible Victoria, Body by Darrin; S/N 14292011; Engine # CD503285D; Sand Beige/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $300,000 - $350,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $230,000 -- Hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, radio, skirts, fog lights, grille and trunk guards, heater. Long and colorful history in Mexico, then restored there, completed in 2002. Good panel fits, sound paint and upholstery, generally good chrome. One of just 35 built with the later coachwork constructed by Sayers & Scoville (Hess & Eisenhart), the quality of this Darrin Convertible Victoria is apparent and the bidders missed a chance at a good car. Lot # 138 1942 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon; S/N 186771494; Dark Blue/Brown leatherette; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Trim rings, hubcaps, wide whitewalls, fog lights, radio, Southwind heater, turn signals, dual taillights, enclosed rear spare, three-row seating. Cosmetically restored some years ago with good paint, upholstery, interior and exterior wood following a lifetime in Colorado. Some restoration shortcuts show up under closer examination including a particularly ugly window frame seam and wavy bodywork (probably just the way it came from the factory. Wood appears to be original, consistent with its Colorado history. Tidy but not exceptional underhood. A good driver. No Reserve. Sold by Roger Willbanks at RM Monterey in 2010 for $79,750 in essentially the same condition and bought for an appropriate price here. This Ford Woodie needs nothing to be driven proudly and with pleasure but its presentation won't measure up to being shown other than locally. Still, it can benefit from some attention and will reward its new owner for the time and effort. Lot # 139 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1980404500143; Silver/Dark Red leather; Estimate $650,000 - $750,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $615,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $676,500 -- Black center Rudge centerlock wheels with polished rims and low profile blackwall tires. Replacement engine. Good paint, chrome and interior. Sits unnaturally low on the low profile tires and maybe a lowered suspension. Engine and chassis are orderly but not done to any more than good driver standards. That is, of course, what a Gullwing should be, a "good driver." This is a presentable and usable example that is too good as it is to be restored until it's been driven many, many miles. The price is appropriate to its replacement engine and condition, a modest result when Gullwings have recently brought seven figures in Arizona. Lot # 140 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline, Body by Murphy; S/N 2307; Engine # J-288; Maroon, Black fenders and accent/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $750,000 - $850,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $640,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $704,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with chrome rings and mirrors, junior Pilot-Rays, dual taillights, elaborately figured wooden running boards and slats over the fuel tank, jump seats, rollup division. First owned by L.H. McCormick in Chicago, later through a succession of owners including (among many others) John Troka, D. Cameron Peck, Mills Lane, Richard Kughn, the Imperial Palace and Dean Kruse. Prepared for tours in 2005 by Brian Joseph with new top and upholstery later. Good paint, chrome and excellent interior. Not concours, but close enough to be shown proudly. Brakes screech like they're down to the rivets. This Duesenberg has exceptionally attractive but also very adaptable open coachwork by Murphy with the characteristic "Clear Vision" thin windshield posts. Its condition isn't extraordinary but is more than just presentable, a soundly restored and maintained old restoration that shows the quality of its workmanship and materials. It is a good value at this price. Lot # 143 1934 Duesenberg Model J Boattail Speedster; S/N 2159; Engine # J-134; Cream, Orange/Brown leather; Estimate $450,000 - $700,000; Rebodied or re-created, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $460,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $506,000 -- Dual cloth covered sidemounts, dual Lorraine remote spotlights, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, Pilot-Rays, flexible exhaust head pipes, screen hood side vents. Supercharger is not original. Good older paint, chrome and upholstery. An older show quality rebody that has been toured with unavoidable nicks and blemishes. Details are aged and need attention. Still an eye-catcher, though. A loose replica of the Walton Speedster started for Harrah's and eventually finished with modifications designed by Herb Newport to the tail for Ray Lutgert. 2159 is the firewall number; no number is evident on the frame. ACD Certified Level Two and CCCA recognized as a Modified Classic. Recognized as what it is, an attempt to replicate a widely admired boattail speedster body with detail modifications to improve its balance and proportion, by CCCA and ACD, this supercharged Duesenberg was bid to $390,000 at Worldwide's Houston sale in 2010 and brought significantly more here at St. John’s. The colors date its restoration's completion and the whole car is probably aged, and shown, enough as it was presented here to warrant a major re-restoration and more contemporary color palette. The seller should be very satisfied with the price RM was able to bring for it. Lot # 144 1938 Packard 1608 Twelve Convertible Coupe; S/N 11392020; Engine # A600481; Chinese Red/Red leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 -- Steel wheels, trim rings, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, turn signals, trunk rack, radio, heater. Attractively cosmetically restored with good paint, chrome, interior and top. An active touring history since restoration is evident from the chassis and engine's condition, presentable and orderly but not up to concours standards. The front fenders are unusually configured to wrap around the sidemounts. An attractive and highly usable 12-cylinder tour car. The new owner got serious value for money at this price. Lot # 146 1935 Chrysler C2 Imperial Airflow Coupe; S/N C23227; Putty Beige/Brown mohair; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- Hubcaps, wide whitewalls, opening windshield, skirts. An attractive older restoration and AACA Senior winner now in good touring condition with sound paint, chrome and interior. No Reserve. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2001 in freshly restored condition for $64,900 and at Auburn Fall a year later for $43,195, the result here reflects good preparation for the auction and the increasing recognition of the Airflows' importance as well as this car's coupe body of which only six are believed to survive. Lot # 147 1931 Packard 840 Individual Custom Convertible Sedan, Body by Dietrich; S/N 840206; Engine # 189598; Cream, Brown fenders and accent/Rose broadcloth; Beige cloth top; Estimate $200,000 - $300,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $190,000 -- Brown wire wheels with chrome lockrings and whitewall tires, dual sidemounts with metal covers, chrome rings and mirrors, trunk rack, footrest, smoker's kit, folding rear center armrest, radiator stoneguard, windshield visor. Restored in the 60's for J.B. Nethercutt, then sold to Harrah's. The restoration has held up remarkably well and is still in excellent touring condition. Excellent interior wood trim and upholstery. Top is newer. One of only nine built and six known to survive this Packard's coachwork is both attractive and rare. With rollup windows and a tight-fitting top it also is practical and useful. The estimate reflects the age of the restoration more than the quality of the car and it is not surprising that the seller stuck to his reserve. Lot # 148 1961 Chrysler 300G Convertible; S/N 8413177100; Black/Beige leather; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, swivel front seats, full power equipment. Restored in 2002 to shiny show car standards, Meadow Brook Concours class award winner. Shows little or no subsequent use. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold by RM at Amelia in 2007 for $198,000 and stored since in John O'Quinn's vast Houston caves, this is an appropriate price for one of the most desirable of all 300s in this condition. Lot # 150 1930 Auburn 8-125 Cabriolet; S/N 2182; Engine # 30656; Red, Black fenders/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $82,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,750 -- Red wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts, rumble seat, golf bag door. Sound paint, chrome and interior. A quality older restoration to like new condition showing little age or use. Sold at Auburn Fall in 2004 for $66,960 and at Meadow Brook in 2005 for $65,000, this attractive Auburn scored a home run with the St. John’s bidders, one of only two cars to break through its high estimate. RM Auctions Concours of America at St. John’s 2011 – Auction Report Continued
RM Auctions Concours of America at St. John’s 2011 – Auction Report Page Three Lot # 151 1907 Cadillac Model M Touring; S/N 4284; Black, Red frame/Black leather; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $42,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,750 -- RHD. Red wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, single cowl-mounted spotlight, Nonpareil bulb horn. Body fitted for a top but none appears to be offered with the car. Ex-Harrah's and Al Wiseman. A rather tired old restoration but complete and up to touring standards once it has been attended to mechanically. Runs and drives. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold at Auburn Fall in 1998 for $27,300 in essentially the same condition in which it was offered here. A sound value in a quality Edwardian automobile. Lot # 152 1937 Packard 1508 Twelve All-Weather Town Car; S/N 1508216; Black; Black padded roof/Black leather, Beige broadcloth; Estimate $180,000 - $220,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $162,500 -- Steel wheels, trim rings, hubcaps, dual enclosed sidemounts, wide whitewalls, smoker's kit, vanity, jump seats, rollup division, footrest. Restored by Stone Barn and Hibernia in the 1970's and eventually finished years later with upholstery by Custom Auto Service. Shown at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach, CCCA Senior #2333 and still in exceptional condition with virtually no wear, age or use. Considering the number of shops and owners involved in this restoration it's amazing it turned out this good, but good it is. Even with its formal coachwork it's a desirable car and it is not surprising the seller decided to take it home at this bid. Lot # 153 1909 Ford Model T Landaulette; S/N 3018; Engine # 3018; Burgundy, Red chassis/Dark red leather; Rose embroidered cloth; Estimate $50,000 - $80,000; Rebodied or re-created, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- E&J acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, wicker umbrella holder, folding rear roof (landaulet-style), fixed windshield that slides on a track up and under the driver's fixed roof, drop down windows, sliding division, jump seats, speaking tube, white tires on Red wood spoke wheels, Nonpareil bulb horn. Reproduction coachwork done to high standards and lavishly embellished in the rear with elaborately embroidered floral pattern cloth. Excellent paint, brass and wood but tarnished on the radiator and headlights from overheating without prompt attention. A few minor stress cracks but overall in exceptionally good condition. John M. O'Quinn estate. This would appear to be the same Model T that RM sold at Amelia Island in 2006 for $81,400 and at Meadow Brook last year for $57,750 with chassis number 3300. It may have had some problems due to the attribution of the reproduction bodywork but a measure of its inherent appeal and the early Model T chassis is the better result it brought here. A tube of Mr. Douglas and lots of elbow grease will remedy the radiator hickey and the new owner will have a fine and rare Model T to drive and enjoy. And it's not Black, either. Lot # 154 1935 DeSoto SG Airflow 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 5085100; Primrose/Brown cloth; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- Wide whitewalls, hubcaps, trim rings, skirts, dual windshield wipers. Freshly restored to like new condition with better than new paint and excellent chrome and interior. Part of the Binder DeSoto collection for 30 years until 2007. Never shown and ready to win awards. No Reserve. OK, this is a sedan and a DeSoto but it's wonderfully and freshly restored and represents a highly unusual and important automobile for this price. Lot # 155 1932 Packard 906 Twin Six Convertible Sedan, Body by Dietrich; S/N 900245; Engine # 900229; Blue, Dark Blue fenders/Dark Blue leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $950,000 - $1,150,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,000,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,100,000 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, luggage trunk, raked vee windshield. First owned by Al Jolson, with continuous ownership history since 1960. Restored in 1963 in the present livery and won its class at Pebble Beach. One only two known to survive. Retains a number of original details including the tool roll and an Earl C. Anthony oil change sticker. Sound and well maintained, the restoration is showing its age but is still exceptionally wail preserved with good paint, chrome, upholstery and interior wood trim. The star of the show today, a fabulous, luxurious automobile with an intriguing history both with Al Jolson and a succession of owners who have carefully nurtured its originality and condition. Twin Six Packards are a rarified stratum of car collecting, largely eclipsed in the public's mind by Duesenbergs but appreciated and desired by those who are especially experienced and discerning. This is a representative price for this car's history, chassis and Dietrich coachwork. The contrast between this and the 1931 Packard 840 Dietrich Convertible sedan, a no-sale today for $190,000, could not be more dramatic. Lot # 156 1939 Pontiac Deluxe Six 4-Dr. Sedan "Ghost Car"; S/N 3113436; Clear/Brown cloth; Estimate $275,000 - $475,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $280,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $308,000 -- Developed by Rohm & Haas and GM for the 1939 New York World's Fair 'Futurama' display. Clear Plexiglas body panels elaborately molded in the shapes of Pontiac's 1939 Deluxe Six sedan body complemented with white rubber moldings and tires, chrome plating, white painted chassis and running gear and copper washed details like the window mechanisms. Runs and drives, with 89 miles on the odometer. Original throughout except for some detail replacements for safety and functionality. Known history from new. Some Plexiglas panels are chipped, cracked, crazed or broken but all are structurally intact. A restoration would ruin this car. This is the only known survivor of two built and its value is whatever the bidders wanted to put on it although the successful bid is in accord with the general sentiment at the auction. Photos only begin to do it justice. Lot # 157 1937 Cadillac V-16 Imperial Cabriolet; S/N 5130313; Black; Black padded roof/Black leather, Beige cloth; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $130,000 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, wide whitewalls, Trippe lights, rollup divider window, rear clock, heater and radio. Elaborate blind quarter formal car first owned by MGM VP Eddie Mannix, and reputedly used by Clark Gable during the filming of "Gone with the Wind". Mostly original and freshly detailed, sharp and clean. Known history since new. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2008 for $192,500, this car has too much quality, originality and history not to be worth more than the high bid here. Lot # 158 1909 Oldsmobile Model X3 Touring; S/N 55934; Red, Black accent/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $70,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Post-block sale at $59,091 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $65,000 -- RHD. Acetylene headlights, Prest-o-Lite tank, kerosene sidelights, Nonpareil horn missing its bulb and tube, black tires on red wood spoke wheels. Believed to be the only surviving Oldsmobile X3, thoroughly restored in the late 90's and winner of the AACA Cup in 2000. Still in show quality condition although showing some age and neglect. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold by RM at Houston in 2004 for $137,500 at the beginning of John O'Quinn's acquisition binge, this is a high quality, rare automobile bought for little more than the price of a Model T Ford and a great value. Lot # 160 1954 Kaiser-Darrin 161 Roadster; S/N 161001110; Pine Tint/Pine tint vinyl; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,250 -- Wire wheel covers, whitewalls. Largely original, with all the visible body panel faults of an early fiberglass bodied car. Sound old, possibly original, paint, good new upholstery. Some chrome redone but other pieces overlooked and showing some blisters and flaking. An attractively maintained, largely original, example that can be driven with pride and is too good to restore. This result is entirely appropriate for this car which is a bit too restored to be valued for its originality, but a bit too original to be restored. Enjoy it for what it is in an unusual color combination and at a price that is fair to both buyer and seller. Lot # 161 1913 Pathfinder Series XIII Touring; S/N 1331; Dark Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $110,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 -- RHD. Electric lights and starter, Steward speedometer, dogleg windshield, Ivory wood spoke wheels with blackwall tires, foot rest, trunk rack. Side valve 281 cubic inch 4-cylinder engine rated 40 ALAM hp, 3-speed. Good older restoration that is still presentable after many years. Decent paint, upholstery, top and nickel trim. One family owned until 2007. John M. O'Quinn estate. Offered by the original family at Auburn Fall in 2003 where it no-saled at a reported $95,000 bid, then at the Hershey Auction in 2006 where the bidding topped out at $92,500 and finally sold by RM at Amelia Island in 2007 for $87,000. Both rare and powerful, the price it brought here is not out of line. Seen another one? I haven't. Lot # 162 1951 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster; S/N 670895; Engine # W2227-8; OEWhite/Red leather; Fawn cloth top; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $67,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, blackwalls, original steel wheels included, stainless steel exhaust, electric fan. Cosmetically restored with wavy bodywork and good interior. Driven some 5,000 miles since the restoration, and it shows. A usable driver but nothing to be excited about. Today's bidders didn't like this XK 120 much, an understandable conclusion in a market that is generously populated with really good examples. This is now the benchmark for this car. Lot # 165 1956 Packard Caribbean 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 56971154; Engine # 440335; Cream, Vermillion, Grey; Cream vinyl roof/Red, White leather; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 -- 372/310hp V-8 with dual quads, pushbutton Ultramatic automatic transmission, P/S, P/B, P/W, P/seat, chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, dual rear antennas, skirts. The middle stripe color on this Caribbean is described in the catalog as 'Scottish Heather' but that's a pale lilac. This is Vermillion. The rest of the car is pretty nice, but only cosmetically restored to sound but not exceptional driver condition. No Reserve. A '56 Bel Air hardtop with dual quads in this condition would bring as much as this. The new owner of this Caribbean, as many needs as it has, has a pretty exceptional automobile for a reasonable price. Lot # 166 1942 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe; S/N 8384112; Carmine Red/Red leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 -- Hydramatic, large hubcaps, whitewalls, skirts, remote spotlight, pushbutton radio, heater. A competent older restoration with subsequent use and age. Some paint flaws and edge chips. Good upholstery and interior trim. No Reserve. Aside from being a rare 1942, of only 308 built prior to the WWII production halt, this Cadillac is defined by its very attractive, unusual and unfortunately not cataloged by Cadillac exterior color. It is really handsome. The bidders were apparently captivated by it, especially after it was bid to only $80,000 at the 2006 Hershey Auction. Lot # 167 1935 Brewster-Ford Town Car; S/N 9065; Beige, Maroon/Black leather, Beige cloth; Estimate $65,000 - $75,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- Trim rings, hubcaps, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts, driver call button, vanity mirrors, luggage trunk, footrest, division. Rear body faux caning painted over in dull maroon, including an area where the caning has been lost. Mediocre repaint, sound but uninspired upholstery, aged chassis. '40 Ford engine. This is a Brewster in search of a good home. No Reserve (as it should be.) A CCCA Full Classic (tm) with the almost cartoonish appeal of the steeply raked and convex Brewster heart-shaped grille and cowcatcher front bumper. It could be a star, but it is in eclipse in today's guise and the seller should be grateful to get even this much for it. Lot # 168 1936 Buick Special 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 2921779; Black/Green mohair; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,600 -- Hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls. 2009 AACA National First Prize winning restoration by the students at McPherson College's Auto Restoration Technology program. Better than any Buick Special deserves to be and restored at a cost -- with zero labor -- well in excess of its value. This may be -- and probably is -- the best 1936 Buick Special in existence. No Reserve with proceeds to McPherson College. Owned since new by Pennsylvania's Yingling family (which suggest beer to me) and ultimately donated to McPherson College, this Buick Special knows no peer and is an amazing piece of work. Bought by a Missouri collector who kept the bidding alive when interest in the car -- reasonably -- faded. He doesn't expect to break even. Lot # 169 1957 Austin A35 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N A2S5LHCS44945; Black, Silver/Red leather; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 -- Two-piece wheel covers, whitewalls, radio. Restored to beyond showroom condition. No Reserve. This Austin is hard to believe and brought a superlative price appropriate to its presentation. Lot # 171 1951 Crosley Super Hot Shot Roadster; S/N VC302278; Red/Black leatherette; Black top; Estimate $15,000 - $20,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800 -- Superficially restored with good exterior eyeball appeal but not backed up by the rest of the car. Cast iron engine. No Reserve. This is Spridget money, but the Hot Shot has more than Spridget appeal and this is a sound value at this price even with its less than stellar restoration. It is uniquely cute with appeal even a cute Isetta or Messerschmitt can't rival at twice the price. RM Auctions Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s 2011 – Complete Results
[Source: Rick Carey]
Meadow Brook is gone, replaced by the Concours America at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan.
“Located barely 20 minutes etc.” Probably one of the best written paragraphs ever in this industry specific discipline.
Nice one Rick ( as ever ) but lose the ” final price ” thing , we can all ad 10 %
That’s all well and good when it’s just 10%, or even 6% (most of the time) at a Mecum sale, but if you look at the Goodwood Festival report (commission of 15% of the first £30,000 and 10% over) you’ll see the effective commission rates come out at some very odd amounts: 11.67%, 14.55%, 12.94%, etc. Since they’re based on Pounds Sterling at various exchange rates depending upon the date of the sale it is even more complicated to figure. The calculations are built into the database, so we present the simple ones along with the more complicated ones.