RM Auctions, Hershey, Pennsylvania, October 10-11, 2013
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
Hershey, Pennsylvania in October ranges from tropical heat through rain forest deluges to near-Arctic cold.
Those who have prior experience with the AACA’s Fall Hershey Meet, RM auction and swap meet know to bring multiple layers of clothes, rain gear and several pairs of footwear. But nothing in living Hershey veterans’ experience prepared them for the deluge of rain that settled in over southern Pennsylvania this year.
It didn’t just rain, it didn’t pour, it came down in prodigious, sustained conversions of the atmosphere to an aquatic environment. It was epic. A weather system stalled down around D.C. for two days, pumping water off the Atlantic across Hershey in an incessant stream.
Fortunately it wasn’t cold, so you were just soaked, your feet squishing in shoes like you’d wet your pants. Creeks overflowed their banks. Roads flooded. Isettas floated away like detached buoys (well, maybe not, but close.) Harrisburg reported 10.1 inches of rain in 24 hours. Had it been even slushy snow it would have been six feet on the ground.
RM Auctions chose this year to preview its two-day sale under bright, high, well-lit tents in the Lodge’s parking lot in preference to the dark, dreary, low ceiling Lodge parking structure. Bad timing. On Saturday water ran over an inch deep in fifty foot wide sheets through the preview tent.
Challenging hardly describes RM’s task in getting the Hershey vehicles, many of them rudimentary early 20th century relics, started and through the deluge to the auction block. But it was accomplished efficiently and effectively by Keith Terry’s RM team with time for Bob Knowles and his crew to squeegee off the water, wipe down the brass, chrome, upholstery and tops and present them in remarkably sharp and fresh condition on the block. The crew who start, run, drive and cute-up the cars rarely get credit. At Hershey they exceeded themselves and made an indispensable contribution to the sale’s success.
RM Hershey is a delightful auction. They bring cars that just cry for new homes, others that appeal to automobile enthusiasts who revel in the mechanical intricacy of early motoring and a some great classics. There are vehicles here that even the most eclectic automobile enthusiasts have never heard of.
It’s a regularly successful auction, too, largely without the panicked rush for currently fashionable mega-buck cars that make a circus of Monterey, Phoenix, London and Amelia.
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RM Auctions Hershey 2013 – Auction Report
Lot # 113 1912 Ford Model T Pie Wagon; S/N 116595; Dark Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Rebodied or re-created, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 – No Reserve – E&J acetylene headlights, white tires, C-cab closed body with oval rear windows – Freshly done to very high standards with excellent cosmetics. All new wood, probably a completely new body. A show quality T that has been on display at the AACA Museum for the last four years and will need a little mechanical TLC before it’s driven. – While the number of ‘Pie Wagons’ that actually delivered pies is small the style is extremely popular. Modestly estimated, this example brought a premium price appropriate to its nearly impeccable presentation. Lot # 115 1911 Ford Model T Open Runabout; S/N 63154; Engine # 63154; Dark Blue/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 – No Reserve – Warner speedometer, E&J lights, dogleg windshield, cylinder bolster fuel tank, white tires, folded bulb horn, acetylene generator – 2003 AACA National First Prize and Senior. Still show quality and unreasonable to fault in any meaningful way. – This result is appropriate enough for this rare doorless body style and superb restoration, a car that should be extremely satisfying to its new owner. Lot # 122 1951 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster; S/N 671431; Engine # W3382-8; OE White/Burgundy, Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $130,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. – Steel wheels, hubcaps, Silvertown bias ply blackwall tires, tribar headlights, skirts – No block number. Excellent paint, chrome, interior, top, glass and side curtains. Polished value covers and carb dashpots. Freshly and thoroughly done to nearly like new condition. JDHT certificate. – Maybe a little overdone under the hood but the rest of this XK 120 is extremely satisfyingly and accurately restored. The price the Hershey bidders accorded it is more appropriate than the rather generous estimate. Lot # 145 1910 Schacht Model K Auto-Runabout; S/N 1195; Black/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800 – No Reserve – RHD. 183 cubic inch opposed twin, friction drive transmission, Victor acetylene headlights, wood spoke solid tire wheels plus a set for balloon tires, mother-in-law seat, top, brass frame windshield – Giant opposed twin under the hood, double claim drive. Repainted a half century ago but otherwise original and remarkably good. Needs attention but is too good to restore. Offered by the AACA Museum. – Look under the hood and marvel at the giant flywheel on the transverse crankshaft of the 183 cubic inch twin, an engine 70% the size of the original Chevy small block with 1/4th the cylinders: it needed that big flywheel to smooth out the power pulses of the big twin. Impressively original and exceedingly rare, this is a neat old car that brought a modest price for the attention it will bring on tours or at shows. Lot # 150 1905 Cadillac Model E Runabout; S/N 8289; Engine # 8289; Dark Green, Cream frame/Black leather; No top; Estimate $60,000 – $90,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 – No Reserve – 98 cubic inch single, Gray & Davis kerosene sidelights, Rubes bulb horn, Gray & Davis kerosene taillight – Note in the car reads: ‘Remember!!! No oil, coolant or gas!!!’ Freshly restored by RM to show quality condition. – It’s hard to say what this Cadillac single is worth in the absence of much that’s comparable but its restoration represents this much value or more even if the underlying Cadillac were free, but it’s a strong price for Cadillac that falls a year out of London to Brighton Run eligibility. Lot # 207 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car; S/N 7Y82A974768; Midnight Blue, Dark Blue vinyl roof/Burgundy leather; Estimate $12,000 – $16,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400 – No Reserve – Loaded, even an 8-track and opera windows – 30,173 miles from new. Very good largely original paint with some repaint on the nose, great chrome and interior. In fact, nearly like new in all respects. Underbody shows age but little use. – A creature of its time, not yet ‘down-sized’, a big, comfortable, plush luxo-barge in amazingly well preserved condition. Most of its counterparts eventually entered livery service hustling investment bankers to and from Wall Street until they (the cars, not the investment bankers) were worn out. This is an exceptional find, for those who appreciate it, and is something to enjoy and show off. It won’t fit most garages, but at this price it fits most pocketbooks. Lot # 208 1903 Stevens-Duryea Model L Stanhope; S/N 693; Dark Red, Black leather mudguards/Black leatherette; No top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400. – Early Harley-Davidson F-head twin, chain drive, lefthand tiller steering, white wood spoke wheels, black Non Skid tires, kerosene side lights – A competent old restoration to touring standards with an ingenious old engine swap. Sound older paint and upholstery. Oily, grimy engine and chassis. Usable but unattractive. – What to do with this Harley-Davidson engined Stevens-Duryea is going to pose a problem for the new owner and the price it brought reflects the dichotomy that its age and rarity but replaced engine represents. Call it a reasonable value at this price, especially if the VCC can be convinced to date it 1903-ish and let it participate in the Brighton Run. Lot # 209 1939 American Bantam Model 62 Deluxe Roadster; S/N 64001; Blue, White/Tan vinyl; Tan cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 – No Reserve – Wind wings, rear mounted spare, hubcaps, trim rings, narrow whitewalls, skirts – A disappointing cosmetic redo. Paint, chrome and interior are pretty but the rest of the car is old, surface rusted and dirty. Worn pedals, aged steering wheel with wrapped rim, old instruments, illegible odometer wheels. – This is a parade car that will look good from 20 feet but has so many needs it’s never going to be proud to own and display without taking it apart and starting over to address all the things that weren’t done. The price is generous for what it is, but not unreasonably so … until the cosmetics start to fall apart.
RM Auctions Hershey 2013 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 211 1957 BMW-Isetta 300; S/N 509090; Red/Grey cloth; Tan cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,750 – No Reserve – – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored better than new. – An exceptional Isetta in the same ownership for many years that brought no more, or less, than it deserved. Lot # 214 1934 Chevrolet DB Master Closed Cab Pickup; S/N 2DB0818816; Engine # 637281-9; Blue, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $28,000 – $35,000; Truck restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 – No Reserve – Blue wire wheels, hubcaps, wide whitewalls, varnished wood bed floor, Wolf Whistle, chrome bumpers, single sidemount – Fully restored. Orange peely paint, good interior and chrome. Engine done like new and showing very little use. An attractive and highly usable truck done to reasonable truck standards. – Thoughtfully restored but for the textured paint, this Chevy is unusual among pickups and represents good value at the price it brought here. Lot # 215 1904 Northern Runabout; S/N 2181; Red, Black steel mudguards/Black leather; Black leather, Red lined top; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $62,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,750. – Righthand tiller steering, Rubes bulb horn on tiller, Gray & Davis kerosene lights, Dietz Dainty tail light, white tires – VCC dated. A quality old show quality restoration now showing a few cracks and chips from age and limited use. 1991 AACA National First Prize and Senior. L-BVCR participant with VCC dating plaque #1946. No longer show quality but still very good. – Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2005 for $55,000, this Northern has aged reasonably with little use in the late John O’Quinn’s collection. O’Quinn was not known for searching out bargains, so his estate should be gratified with this modestly profitable price. The result reflects collectors’ desire for Brighton-eligible cars. Lot # 216 1948 Packard Eight Station Sedan; S/N 22934127; Maroon/Tan leatherette, cloth; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. – 3-speed, dual remote spotlights, skirts, large hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, windshield sun visor, pushbutton radio, heater, fog lights – Cracking old repaint, good chrome and stainless, good interior. Cracking old wood with peeling varnish. Clean, dry underbody but redone a long time ago and used since. – While this is a rare and incredibly funky automobile its condition is less than attractive and it needs extensive (and not inexpensive) work to realize its potential. It can be driven as is, but it’s not going to be particularly satisfying in its present condition and once the process starts it will be hard not to detour down the ‘while we’re at it’ road to financial perdition. Accordingly, this is a result the seller should be very happy with, the buyer not so much. Lot # 217 1912 International Harvester M-W Delivery Car; S/N 3274; Grey, Dirt/Tattered; Torn top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 – No Reserve – Pots, pans, milk cans, buckets, sacks, baskets, rear seat, chicken crate, canteen, wood spoke wheels, solid tires – Presented as a most appealing relic, loaded with farming accoutrements and adorned with tastefully applied faux chicken droppings. Looks a wreck, but the engine and running gear are neat and orderly and it is said to run and drive reasonably well. A rolling junkyard, it needs only a slavering dog to complete the ensemble. – Used by former owner W.K. Haines, Sr. as a parade vehicle where it was, and still will be, the most enthusiastically received even among a series of Duesenbergs, Packards and Rolls-Royces. It makes even the tatty Hudson driven by the Joads in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ seem modern. This IH is decrepitude taken to a higher order and looked right at home standing in the deluge that was Hershey this year. It is impossible to argue with the price it brought and renovation, let alone restoration, would be a crime. Lot # 220 1931 Cadillac 370-A V-12 Convertible Coupe, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 1001934; Engine # Dark Red; Black fenders, Black fenders and accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $210,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $231,000. – Body color wire wheels, chrome lock rings, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, spotlight, rumble seat, luggage rack, radiator stone guard – A good older restoration to showroom condition still in very presentable cosmetic condition. Represented as the original engine and body for this chassis, documented with a copy of the original build sheet noting ‘Montreal Show’. Chrome worn off around the ignition switch but the rest of the dash and instruments are good. Chassis is neat but shows miles and oily road grime. – This is an exceptionally handsome automobile even with its dated colors and sympathetically aged restoration, but it was sold at the Leake Tulsa auction in June for $137,500 and isn’t improved much if at all here. Was it a great buy in Tulsa? Yes. It is expensive here? Also, yes. Lot # 225 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 5762091961; Arctic White/Dark Red leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000. – Silver Sabre wheels, wide whitewalls, automatic, P/W, power seat, WonderBar radio, P/S, P/B, WonderBar radio – A quality restoration of a 27,005 mile Eldorado with flat panels, even gaps, great paint, chrome, interior and top. Shows a more little age and use underhood than its less than two year old restoration should, but nothing a thorough detailing won’t make almost go away. – Spectacular when it was new, and still spectacular today, this is a reasonable result for an exceptionally restored ’57 Eldorado Biarritz. Lot # 226 1934 Lagonda 16/80 Tourer; S/N S10417; Dark Green/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. – RHD. 1,991cc Crossley six, dual SU carbs, ENV pre-selector 4-speed, Lucas headlights and dip beam, grey painted wire wheels, blackwall tires – Good older paint and chrome. Cracked but usable and sympathetically preserved original front seat upholstery, good new rear. Chassis is oily and grimy. Orderly engine. – Classic British Thirties sports tourer with ample power and room for a [small] family, eminently presentable and usable and eligible for events both in the U.S. and in Europe for not a lot of money. This is a sound value.
RM Auctions Hershey 2013 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 228 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412001942; Dark Olive/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $85,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. – Automatic, Becker Europa AM-FM, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, side-facing rear seat – Good paint, chrome and interior. underbody is clean. Polished up and superficially painted up underhood. An attractive driver but not a restored car. – Sold for $32,450 at RM’s Ft. Lauderdale auction in 2011. Values of these competent boulevard tourers have gone up since then, but not to the extent represented by this expensive acquisition. Lot # 229 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupe; S/N 479-68; Engine # 189082; Grey, Light Grey fenders and accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $120,000 – $140,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. – Red wire wheels, chrome lock rings, wide whitewalls, wind wings, black metal trunk, rumble seat, Trippe lights – A sound and usable older restoration showing some age and use. Good paint, chrome and interior. – Sold earlier this year by RM at Amelia for $110,000. This result is close enough to that one not to signify anything significant. Lot # 230 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp Enclosed Limousine Sedanca, Body by Thrupp and Maberly; S/N GTZ7; Engine # H8H; Black, Silver-Grey fenders, Black cloth roof/Grey leather, Grey broadcloth rear; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $159,500. – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, wide whitewalls, black cloth covered luggage trunk, rollup division, spotlight, glass windshield visor, single sidemount, brass hinges and windshield frame, jump seats, Lucas fog light – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Unusually lavish and well finished interior wood. A quality older restoration that is holding up well even if the color scheme dates the restoration to the late 70’s or early 80’s – Unusual formal coachwork on the short wheelbase, small engine 20/25hp chassis by one of the best at executing and finishing this type of body. It is an interesting car described in the R-R history as delivered to an elderly lady in London and outfitted accordingly, thoughtfully adapted to use in a congested urban environment where its compact [sic] size would admit it to the tightest London lanes and deliver Mrs. Hanchett-Glover to the doors of her destinations. Largely out of favor among today’s collectors, however, the price it brought is surprising. Lot # 231 1966 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Roadster; S/N 1E10675; Engine # 7E2377-9; Carmen Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $110,000 – $130,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500. – Chrome wire wheels, redline tires, pushbutton radio – Very good paint, chrome, interior and top. Engine and compartment done like new with polished cam covers and carb dashpots. Shows a little age but still very good. – This Jag is impossible to fault in any significant way other than a little glitz in the engine’s presentation and the Hershey bidders acknowledged its quality with an appropriate price. Lot # 232 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N E7FH211185; Starmist Blue, Starmist Blue hardtop/Blue, White vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $120,000 – $140,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. – E-code dual quads, overdrive 3-speed, wheel covers, porthole hardtop, whitewalls, Town & Country radio, engine dressup, two tops – Restored better than new with excellent cosmetics. – Rare hardly begins to describe this 3-speed overdrive dual quad 270hp E-bird and its presentation is above reproach in all respects. It is a real prize for a T-bird collector, or anyone who appreciates its combination of rarity, style and performance. It is worth every dollar of the price it brought. Lot # 243 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe Six Station Wagon; S/N P15889313; Engine # P15889313; Casino Beige, Brown leatherette roof/Brown leatherette; Estimate $45,000 – $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – No Reserve – 3-speed, pushbutton radio, heater, burgundy wheels with hubcaps, trim rings and wide whitewalls, 3-row seating, fog lights – 39,691 miles and almost completely original with a sound old partial repaint with some masking oversights, good chrome and interior. Orderly engine, lots of undercoat. Not fresh, but highly original and presentable and usable as is. – This is a pleasing, largely original car with sound wood that has never been messed with or up, just maintained and preserved in remarkably original condition. It is rare, and its preservation and originality are even more rare. A standout among woodies and it brought a standout price. Lot # 244 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 506244280; French Grey/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $75,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500 – No Reserve – Sombrero wheel covers, wide whitewalls, automatic, signal-seeking radio, remote spotlight, shirts – A quality older restoration with very good paint, chrome, top and interior. Scuffed stainless windowsill trim, delaminating wind wing glass. Engine is orderly but shows age and use, as does the chassis. A very pretty tour-quality Cadillac, ex-Len Imke and Charles Cawley. – A choice car that has had a thorough but careful restoration that is standing up well. It wouldn’t take much to bring it back to nearly show-ready condition, so well was it done and preserved, but that hardly accounts for the exceptional premium price it brought, a curve-setting result that is over the top.
RM Auctions Hershey 2013 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 245 1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 125 Coupe; S/N 2005556; Engine # A-7301; Apple Green, Black fenders, accent and padded roof/Beige cloth; Estimate $45,000 – $65,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,250 – No Reserve – Body color wire wheels, chrome lock rings and hubcaps, blackwall tires, rumble seat, rear mounted spare, windwings, Dawley headlights – Good older paint, chrome and interior. Chassis is oily and covered in road grime. Cracked windshield frame. Panels fit well. A sound but used car with very good cosmetics. – Sold by RM in Ft. Lauderdale in 2011 for $48,400 in comparable condition, there is little about this car (not least its coupe coachwork) that endorses the price it brought today. Lot # 246 1947 Buick Roadmaster Convertible; S/N 14787169; Sequoia Cream/Dark Red leatherette, Beige cord; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 – No Reserve – 3-speed, power top, P/W, skirts, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, grille guard, heater, pushbutton radio – Excellent paint, chrome, top and interior. Engine compartment and underbody are orderly but not to the same standard. Dash and instruments are excellent. A pretty car with eye appeal but not consistently presented where it is less obvious. Ex-Len Imke and Charles Cawley, Jim Miller collection. – This is an impressive Buick, well preserved and treated to whatever it needed when it needed it to keep it looking and running sharp and crisp. It has great eye-appeal, which may account for some its exceptional price, but it would be a better value at RM’s low estimate, the price it brought when it was sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2009. At this price it is expensive. Buick values haven’t increased by 42% in the past four years. Lot # 247 1947 Ford Super DeLuxe Sportsman Convertible; S/N 99A1683977; Black/Red leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $220,000 – No Reserve – 3-speed, Columbia 2-speed axle, radio, heater, clock, P/W, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, fog lights, remote spotlight, tool kit, jack and spare, oil filter windshield washers – Restored better than new for Al Webster by Terry Hawirko in the 1980’s with excellent cosmetics. Very good, tightly jointed exterior wood with some attractive birdseye and tiger grain. Top is lightly soiled and interior is lightly stretched. Underbody is beautiful. – It would be hard to find a better Sportsman than this. It is crisp, sharp and fresh, but its restoration is thirty years old. The standard of care lavished upon it in both restoration and subsequent preservation is amazing and it deserves every penny of the superior price it brought. More recent restorations to similar standards have brought more money but none is a better value than this. Lot # 248 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria; S/N U5RW147929; Buckskin Brown, Showshoe White/Buckskin, White vinyl; Estimate $60,000 – $75,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – No Reserve – 272/162hp, automatic, A/C, P/S, P/B, power seat, P/W, radio, rear speaker, wire wheelcovers, whitewalls, driving lights, dual outside mirrors, continental kit, rear antenna, dual exhausts – Meticulously and accurately restored to better than showroom condition a few years ago and still show quality. Shows no signs of use or age at all, not even a little stretching of the driver’s seat covering. Brilliant chrome, spotless engine, gorgeous paint. A real showpiece from the Jim Miller collection. – It’s difficult to put a value on such a superbly, accurately, meticulously restored car. Aside from the usual, ‘it would be impossible to duplicate for the price paid even if the car were free’ observation, value is in the eye of the beholder, and the beholders in Hershey knew what they were doing. This is Skyliner money, but few if any Skyliners are as beautiful as this Crown Vic. Lot # 249 1950 Mercury 0CM 2-Dr. Station Wagon; S/N 50LA33954M; Dark Green/Light Green, Dark Green vinyl; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $92,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $101,750 – No Reserve – Overdrive 3-speed, pushbutton radio, heater, clock, hubcaps, trim rings, blackwalls, enclosed rear spare, three row seating – Very good older restoration to like new with excellent paint, chrome, interior and wood. Not fresh any more, but still very good. – Sold by RM from the Nick Alexander Woody collection at Monterey in 2009 for $143,000, then at Monterey in 2010 for $101,750, exactly the price it brought here. The ’50 Mercury wagon benchmark. Lot # 250 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 344870M278323; Burnished Gold, Black stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – No Reserve – Automatic, His ‘n’ Hers shifter, limited slip, pushbutton radio, factory 8-track, hood locks, Rally wheels with trim rings, G70-14 Polyglas tires, P/S, P/B, Ram Air hood and air filter – Good paint, chrome and interior. Clean and orderly but not fresh under the hood. Represented as all original including paint, with two owners from new. 23,950 miles on the odometer are probably all it has covered. GM Canada documented – Pretty amazing. Mecum eked out another $14,500 for a restored like new ’70 4-4-2 hardtop at Indy earlier this year, but it was a 4-speed. This car’s preservation and presentation are probably unparalleled among its American Muscle counterparts and even a third over its high estimate it is full value for money. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see it flipped in Scottsdale in three months for a tidy profit. Lot # 251 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH202181; Coral Sand, Coral Sand hardtop/White vinyl; No top; Estimate $50,000 – $65,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 – No Reserve – Blind quarter hardtop only. Automatic, Town & Country radio, P/W, P/seat, P/S, P/B, wheelcovers, whitewalls, skirts – Restored like new for AACA’s ‘Mr. Ford’, Benny Bootle in the early 80’s, AACA Grand National winner in 1986. Magnificently restored, beautifully maintained and as good as new. – We panned this car when it was sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2002, not so much because it was tatty but because some dimwit called it an F-bird, which it isn’t. It brought $46,440 there, then $64,900 at RM Ft. Lauderdale in 2008. It offers unusual quality and a first class and well preserved restoration at a very reasonable price here, particularly in Coral Sand
RM Auctions Hershey 2013 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 252 1948 Chrysler Windsor Town and Country 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N C38165347; Catalina Tan/Burgundy leather, Beige cord; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,250 – No Reserve – Fluid Drive, hubcaps, sombrero trim rings, wide whitewalls, pushbutton radio, heater, dual remote spotlights, wooden roof rack, windshield sun visor, rear window defroster fan – Mediocre old repaint, sound upholstery, sound original wood, decent chrome. Doors work perfectly. Underbody is clean and occasionally surface rusted. Dash, instruments and steering wheel are good. A sound and well maintained largely original car with presentable cosmetics. – This is a car that will be appreciated at any woodie show, not only for its style but also for its unusual preservation and sound original wood. It’s a Windsor six, but still an exceptional Chrysler woodie at an appropriate price. Lot # 253 1952 Mercury 2M Custom Eight-Passenger Station Wagon; S/N 52LA33972M; Hillcrest Green/Brown, Beige leatherette; Estimate $100,000 – $120,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $97,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $107,250. – 3-row seat, heater, pushbutton radio, (working) clock, overdrive 3-speed, wheel covers, whitewalls – Concours restoration and better than new everywhere with good wood and excellent wood grain painting. Impressive everywhere. – Sold by RM at Amelia in 2010 for $104,500, then at the second Mike Dingman auction in 2012 for $110,000 and at St. John’s earlier this year for $134,750. It missed its market here at Hershey, for reasons that are inscrutable, and is a sound value at this price. Lot # 254 1954 Ford F-100 Pickup; S/N F10D4M17415; Light Green/Green leatherette; Estimate $30,000 – $35,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,750 – No Reserve – Bed side spare, hubcaps, whitewalls, chrome bumpers, varnished wood bed floor – Freshly done with quality paint, chrome and upholstery. Noticeable attention to detail in the chassis. A very good truck. – It’s unusual to see a six-cylinder F-100 restored to these standards, much better than most pickup truck restorations. Nothing was overlooked, not even the bidders’ enthusiasm for it. Lot # 255 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve 7-Passenger Limousine; S/N 735-182; Engine # 902510; Blue/Brown leather, Beige cloth rear; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 – No Reserve – Steel spoke wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts, rollup division, smoker’s kits, luggage rack – Tired, scratched, chipped old paint, rusty windshield frame, dented headlight housing. Cracked but sound chauffeur’s upholstery, good rear compartment upholstery and trim. Dry but aged engine, underbody and chassis. A tired but sound, complete and luxurious old beast stored from 1969 to 2008 with original paint (except for the front fenders), chrome and interior. – The appeal of this formal 7-passenger limousine body style is limited, but the appeal of this car’s originality knows no bounds: it is a choice, delightful, quality car that restoration could not improve. Bought reasonably, it needs only further preservation and regular use. Lot # 259 1934 Packard 1104 Super Eight Club Sedan; S/N 756-319; Engine # 753896; Black/Beige cloth; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. – Ride Control, radio, smoker’s kits, red wire wheels, dual enclosed sidemounts with minors, wide whitewalls, luggage rack – Delaminating windows, sound old repaint, interior and chrome. Cosmetically restored some time ago. Usable as is if not sparkly, it recently drove from New York to California on the CCCA’s Re-Discover America CARavan. – Offering many possibilities for all kinds of events or just making a prestigious entry at neighborhood gatherings and events, this is a quality Packard that has never needed a full restoration and gives its new owner full value for the price paid, albeit with an implicit obligation to continue its sympathetic preservation. Lot # 260 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible; S/N L415743; Maroon/Maroon, White leatherette; White leatherette top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $82,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,750. – 3-speed, P/B, chrome wire wheels, WonderBar radio, continental kit, P/W, power seat, power antenna, P/S – Good paint, chrome and interior. Underbody quickly painted assembled. Engine is dirty, oily and only superficially redone. Even gaps and flush panel fits. A good looking driver quality cosmetic restoration. – The first year for the Caribbean, without the glitz and bling of later editions, just elegant, refined, simple lines and quality materials. Sold by RM from the Art Astor collection in 2008 for $79,750, then at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2009 for $82,500, all in essentially the same condition in which it is offered here. Lot # 262 1934 American Austin Pickup; S/N AUS43834; Red, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $30,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 – No Reserve – Red disc wheels, whitewall tires, varnished wood bed floor, black composite roof – Restored to better than new condition with impeccable paint, chrome, interior and bed wood. – Even less practical as a pickup than a Ranchero or El Camino, the effects of power steering could be induced by loading the bed’s overhang with a few bags of groceries. This is a beautiful little bantam, and probably a chick-magnet. Grandkids will be enchanted. Try to find another one, let alone one as beautiful as this. It’s worth every bit of the price it brought. Lot # 263 1969 Land Rover Series IIA Air-Portable Utility; S/N 23600812A; Engine # 23600840A; Dark Olive/Black vinyl; Olive cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $65,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 – No Reserve – Hood-mounted spare, skinny 7.50R16 Michelin tires, galvanized frame, bumpers and brackets, heater, lefthand drive conversion – Freshly restored to like new condition. Specialized lightweight unit with narrow tread designed to be pallet-mounted and air dropped. – Ever seen one? No. Ever heard of this variant? No. Ever seen a Land Rover Series II restored to this standard? Not likely. People pay this much for Jeeps. This is a good value in a rare and superbly restored Land Rover that is better than new.
[Source: Rick Carey]
Thank you Rick for another great auction report. I always look forward to an afternoon reading them! Keep them coming.
Great report Rick, I really like your use of the English language. It´s just so you. Cheers from Sweden Graham.
Your reports are the best thing about this wonderful site. Boy, are you right about Hershey in the summer. Great writing, although I wish you’d not confuse “like” with “as if” — the editor in me made me record that quibble.