RM Auctions, Inn at St. John’s, Plymouth, Michigan, July 27, 2013
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
A quick look at the stats below shows that RM has made this auction, on the day before the Concours d’Elegance of America at the Inn at St. John’s a consistent performer. It features solid if not exceptional cars, weighted to classics and antiques appropriate to the venue.
There are good values here, and occasionally something seriously intriguing, like the ’36 Chevy and beautifully restored Cord 812 Phaeton.
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St. John’s started an auction marathon, and also suggested a wave building toward a crest at Monterey in four weeks.
Its 80% sale rate was bettered by Auctions America by RM’s first Burbank auction a week later. At a reported 83% sell-through, AA by RM’s Burbank sale is a landmark for a first time venue and an heroic performance for an LA-area collection car auction, the graveyard of auctions for years. A full report will follow.
As this is written I’m in Reno at Hot August Nights for Barrett-Jackson’s debut sale in Reno. It’s heavily rod, mod and custom but also well populated by restored cars, a typically diverse B-J consignment.
And what about Monterey?
It’s set to be the best ever, that’s all. Every one of the five auctions presenting at Monterey have assembled outstanding consignments. It’s going to be a seven and eight figure bonanza.
RM Auctions at St. John’s 2013 – Auction Report
Lot # 105 1970 Fiat 500L “Cinquecento” 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 110F3001725; Ivory/Black leatherette; Black vinyl folding sunroof; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400. No Reserve. Folding sunroof, hubcaps, blackwall tires, rear bumper overriders – Sound paint, major chrome and upholstery, thin trim chrome. Largely original and reasonably maintained. A prominent car owned by Jean Jennings of Automobile Magazine who drove it onto the block and was followed, in great good humor, by a video cameraman during the preview and auction. – 2/3 for the car, 1/3 for the Jean Jennings provenance and a sound buy on both accounts. Lot # 106 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N P6FH154693; Metallic Grey, Metallic Grey hardtop/Red, White vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900. No Reserve. 312/225hp, automatic, Town & Country radio, skirts, continental kit, wire wheel covers, P/S, P/B. Porthole hardtop only, accessory A/C, alternator – Not as fresh as it was at Amelia in 2005 but still good, sound paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment needs to be detailed. An AACA Grand National winner once, but no longer. – The restoration is getting tired on this T-bird which sold for $59,400 at RM’s Amelia Island auction in 2005 showing 125 fewer miles on the odometer. It looks like it’s been driven more than that and brought a reasonable price here for its mediocre condition. Lot # 109 1936 Chevrolet FA Master Deluxe Sport Coupe; S/N 6549895; Engine # GMF116D8360105; Burgundy/Taupe cloth; Estimate $30,000 – $50,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,700. 3-speed, radio, remote spotlight, fog lights. skirts, dual enclosed sidemounts, steel spoke wheels, whitewalls, rumble seat – Good recent paint and chrome. Underbody was done some time ago as was the interior. Some trim and accessory chrome is aged and pitted. Engine was done a while ago with superficial recent attention to details like the air filter label. – With the enclosed sidemounted spares this Chevrolet looks like more car than it was, in 1936 or in 2013, a charming, sound, eminently usable example that is a great introduction to car collecting for a reasonable price. This is a sound value for both the buyer and the seller. Lot # 110 1957 Packard Clipper Country Sedan; S/N 57L5701; Gold, Cream/Gold vinyl, Brown cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000. 289/275hp supercharged, automatic, P/S, P/B, P/W, WonderBar radio, roof rack, wheel covers, whitewalls – Poor gauges, erratically masked repaint, decent upholstery. A sound and unusual car superficially redone. Quickly repainted over peeling underhood sound deadening. Engine quickly repainted assembled. Thin trim chrome. A disappointing car. – The hood on this Packard weighs more than the Fiat 500L that sold a few cars earlier. It ha a long auction history beginning with RM’s Art Astor auction in 2008 where it sold for $74,250, at RM Monterey in 2009 (sold for $44,000), here two years ago (sold for $60,500.) The two $44,000 sales make sense for an unusual but unsatisfying car even taking into account the recent popularity of station wagons and the supercharged engine. Lot # 112 1958 Packard Hawk Sport Coupe; S/N 58LS1537; Red, Cream roof/Tan leather; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. Supercharged Super 289/275hp, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio – Restored like new with very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment is crisp if not fresh and fan shroud is crudely repaired. Underbody hasn’t been apart. An unusual and attractive car despite the fish-mouth grille. – Sold here three years ago for $50,600 in somewhat better condition but still amenable to being brought back to show (but not concours) condition. It is, however, expensive for what it is. Lot # 114 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner; S/N M6RC119932; Mandarin Orange, Raven Black/Black, Orange vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $77,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $84,700. 292/202hp with later intake manifold and Holley 4-barrel, automatic, P/S, P/B, power seat, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, grille guard, continental kit, skirts, rear antenna, pushbutton radio, dual remote spotlight-mirrors, modern brake booster with dual circuits and front discs, AM-FM-CD stereo hidden in the tissue dispenser – Good paint, chrome and interior on an attractive older restoration. Underbody is orderly and nearly like new with some age and use. A thoughtfully modernized and updated Ford perfect for weekend evenings and cruises. – Some people liked this very practical Sunliner a lot. Others grumbled about the updates. From the price it brought it is clear that the likes significantly exceeded the grumbles and while this is a healthy price for a ’56 Sunliner it couldn’t be duplicated for the price it brought making it a reasonable buy for a cruising oriented Blue Oval fan. Lot # 115 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe; S/N 8452648; Engine # 6403677; Dark Blue/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,250. Automatic, skirts, sombrero wheel covers, wide whitewalls, pushbutton radio, dual remote spotlights, power top – 1981 AACA National First Prize and CCCA National First Prize # 2913. A good older restoration showing its age. Paint crazing on rear deck, some thin trim chrome, surface creased upholstery. Dirty underbody. A sound car showing the restoration’s age. – This Cadillac can be brought back to much more attractive standards without spending a fortune. Even the crazed paint is localized and can be redone without doing the whole car. And it’s a CCCA Full Classic ™, a reasonably priced entry ticket to the CCCA’s many events and tours. It is a sound value at this price. Lot # 116 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI Convertible; S/N VC57S302368; Engine # F820FJ; White, Red/Red, Silver vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $85,000 – $105,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,250. No Reserve. 283/250hp fuel injection, Powerglide, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio, tissue dispenser, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, power top, dual rear antennas, electric wipers – Trim tag paint 794A indicates it was originally Imperial Ivory. Good but non-stock paint, good interior, top, chrome and glass. Underbody shows age and engine compartment even more with no small amount of dust, chips and fluid weeps. Looks like an older restoration with freshened paint. Appropriate engine number for the FI configuration. – Owned by BASF and painted this gaudy and inauthentic color scheme (a ‘Red Widow’?) for a paint promotion. The buyer here factored the cost of a good repaint, perhaps in the original Imperial Ivory which would enhance its collectability if not its eye appeal. This is a sound buy for the configuration and equipment.
RM Auctions at St. John’s 2013 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 117 1956 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible; S/N 15970732; Turquoise, Midnight Blue/Light Blue, Dark Blue vinyl; Dark Blue vinyl top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $82,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,750. 276/200hp, pushbutton Powerflite automatic, P/B, Hiway Hifi, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual outside mirrors, dashtop clock – Restored like new with excellent paint, chrome, interior and glass. A very pretty, very unusual car with two owners from new. – This is a neat car. ’56 Chevys, Fords, even Pontiacs and Mercurys are common compared with this choice, impeccably restored, desirably equipped Plymouth. It bought a premium price reflecting not only the quality of the car’s presentation but also its inherent rarity. The colors are great. It’s a real prize at a realistic price. Lot # 118 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Imperial Cabriolet, Body by Hibbard & Darrin; S/N S112PR; Engine # 30120; Lavender, Mauve/Mauve leather, cloth; Lavender top; Estimate $100,000 – $150,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. Rollup divider, dual sidemounts, wheel discs, whitewalls, jump seats, luggage trunk – First owner Reed A. Albee of the theater chain, restored in the late 70’s and subsequently repainted in these idiosyncratic colors. Excellent cosmetics although with some joint cracks and other indications of use. – Sold at the Hershey Auction in 2001 for $94,600, then at Auburn Fall in 2004 for $113,400 in an earlier and less flamboyant livery. The seller should be very happy to get this price for this Rolls-Royce. It is elegant and has coachwork of the highest quality but the colors are … well … idiosyncratic. Lot # 121 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton, Body by Hibbard & Darrin; S/N 176137; Khaki, Brown accent and fenders/Burgundy leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $117,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $129,250. Chrome disc wheels, dual sidemounts with strap on mirrors, cloth covered luggage trunk on rack, dual windshields, dual spotlights, wind wings, Pilot-Rays, Depress Beam headlights, donut chaser radiator mascot – Good paint, chrome and top. Interior is older and sound but an odd color choice with the earthen tones of the exterior. Orderly engine and engine compartment. An older restoration to like new condition with more recent paint and general freshening but aged. – Particularly suitable for retired generals in its khaki colors, it would right at home on the parade ground reviewing a division of similarly clad troops. The older burgundy leather interior suggests it had different colors when most recently restored, and it might be a good idea to think about what would look better although another coat of paint on the body would be unacceptably thick. It is a quality car and brought an appropriate price. Lot # 122 1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Roadster; S/N BN2L231533; Engine # 1231533M; OEWhite, Black/Black leather, White piping; Estimate $110,000 – $120,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $87,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $96,250. No Reserve. Chrome wire wheels, blackwall radial tires, overdrive, woodrim steering wheel, tonneau cover but no top – Represented as a ‘dealer-prepared’ 100/M but all the Le Mans bits (and plaque) appear to be new. Freshly restored by Healey Lane to better than new condition. Excellent cosmetics, engine polished and dressed with aluminum valve cover. – The bidders appropriately discounted this 100/4’s origins with this price while according it full value for its exceptional restoration and presentation. The new owner won’t be disappointed with any aspect of the car as long, particularly not its price. Lot # 123 1954 Jaguar XK 120M Roadster; S/N S676327; Engine # F4033-8S; Black/Dark Red; None top; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $72,500. Dark Red wire wheels, Avon blackwall radial tires, fender mirrors, louvered hood and fenders, wire spare wheel, fire extinguisher, competition style belts, 2-inch SU carbs, headers, dual exhaust, electric fan – Sound paint, chrome and interior. Head and block numbers match. Modified but not extensively. Sound paint and interior. Engine compartment is orderly but not fresh. A competently prepared event car. – This is a well built, good looking and probably very quick XK 120 with a number of thoughtful upgrades that make it an unusually effective track day car. The lack of a top and side curtains are easily remedied to render it somewhat more utilitarian (not that any XK 120 roadster is suited for driving in rain or cold.) It could have been sold without regret on the reported high bid. Lot # 127 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton; S/N 8121546H; Engine # FB3258; White/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $160,000 – $180,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $157,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $173,250. Wide whitewalls, chrome large hubcaps, radio – Freshly restored to show quality. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top without going too far. ACD Category One, First Place at the ACD National Reunion in 2011, CCCA Hickory Corner class winner. – This was probably the best restored car in RM’s St. John’s auction, freshly done by Bill Auerbach with interior by Mark Larder and Don Sommer’s chrome trim. No stone was left unturned in its restoration. It is beautiful and the St. John’s bidders recognized its quality with this price. Lot # 128 1922 Duesenberg Model A Doctor’s Coupe, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 661; Engine # 1075; Green, Black fenders, accent and padded roof/Green leather; Estimate $250,000 – $325,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $170,000. Body color wire wheels, blackwall 21 inch tires, rear-mounted spare, rumble seat, drum headlights and cowl lights, tinted glass windshield visor, top hinged opening windshield – Good older paint, interior, roof and interior wood. Cloudy nickel. A handsome and rare car in condition somewhere between show and touring quality. – Sold by Harrah’s in 1984, original and unrestored, for $49,000, this Model A, believed to be the only one surviving with its coachwork, was still original a decade ago. Its quality now is disappointing, the money spent on its restoration was wasted along with the charm of its lost preservation. The reported high bid is nothing if not generous for its current presentation. Lot # 130 1932 Packard 905 Twin Six Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton; S/N 900363; Engine # 900348; Aztec Olive, Green coachline/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $300,000 – $400,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $330,000. Chrome wire wheels with body color rims, wide whitewalls, dual CM Hall spotlights, cloth covered rear-mounted spare, dual windshields, wind wings, vee-lens headlights, single Pilot-Ray, donut-chaser mascot – CCCA Premier, National First Prize #1870. Handsome body without sidemounts. A Fran Roxas restoration with excellent paint, chrome, interior and top, 1993 Pebble Beach class winner and Most Elegant Car. Essentially unused and still show quality. – A gee-whiz Packard Twin Six, smooth, quiet and powerful, with elegant coachwork and a superlative restoration that still looks great going on two decades after it was done. The colors are dated, but still effective, as they should be. It’s worth every penny.
RM Auctions at St. John’s 2013 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 132 1934 Lincoln KB Convertible Sedan, Body by Dietrich; S/N KB3434; Dark Blue, Camel coachline/Camel leather; Camel cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $275,000. Body color wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, vee windshield, luggage rack, rollup division – A quality restoration with sound paint, chrome, interior wood, upholstery and top. Paint may have been redone subsequent to the original restoration, or maybe it’s just thickly applied. Upholstery is lightly stretched but clean. Interior wood could use some attention. Even with age, though, it is an excellent tour car. – Cataloged as restored in 2010, this Lincoln looks older. It just doesn’t have the crisp, fresh look of the 3-year old restoration it is represented to be. All things considered, the seller should be satisfied with this transaction result and the new owner has a Lincoln to be proud to own and drive. Lot # 135 1914 Cadillac 40/50hp Military Sport Roadster, Body by Schutte; S/N E4347; Blue, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. RHD. Folding windshield, varnished wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, round bolster tank, leather covered trunk, rear mounted spare – Rebodied in, according to the catalog, between 1917 and 1919. Represented to be one family owned since 1927 and maybe before. Pulled out of storage last year, freshly repainted and upholstered. Engine got the can of aluminum paint treatment a while ago. Chassis and suspension are sound, but haven’t seen much more than a paint brush in years. A neat old thing that should go like stink. – It will take more research to establish this body’s history but the new owner got it for Speedcar money so it really doesn’t make much difference. The coachwork is authentic-appearing, but that may be due more to the 1919 MoToR article describing construction of such a body by Schutte than to long term preservation. It brought a reasonable price for its performance, sporting appearance and vague history. Lot # 136 1915 Mitchell Light Six 6-Passenger Touring; S/N 55279; Engine # 55286; Blue, Black/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,455 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,001. Body color wood spoke wheels, black tires, jump seats, rear-mounted spare – Touring quality old restoration done better on top than below. sound paint. No hood welting on cowl. Good interior. Walking by her there is a whiff of still curing paint. Engine and chassis are aged and used. A stout old girl with a fresh cosmetic makeover. – Bid to $48,000, sold later for $50,000 all-in. While it’s not very happily presented this is a lot of car for tours and the price is nothing if not reasonable. Lot # 142 1966 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Roadster; S/N 1E13743; Engine # 7E10703-9; Golden Sand/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $120,000 – $140,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $104,500. Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, aftermarket radio, boot and grille guards – Thoroughly done to like new condition with better paint and upholstery. Shows a little age but almost no use and is fresh and crisp. – Sold by RM at Monterey in 2010 for $82,500 and still an exceptionally well restored and preserved example in pristine condition. Plus, its colors are unusual and attractive. It’s impossible not to like this XKE 4.2 a lot, as did the St. John’s bidders even though the result was under RM’s low estimate. Lot # 143 1933 Marmon Sixteen 5-Passenger Sedan, Body by LeBaron; S/N 16140926; Engine # 16863; Blue, Light Blue/Beige broadcloth; Estimate $350,000 – $500,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $330,000. Blue wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, chrome trumpet horns, dual Sportlite remote spotlights, rear seat folding center armrest, pulldown shades on rear and quarter windows, black leather covered trunk on rack, rollup quarter windows, Motorola radio with steering column mounted controls – Good older paint, chrome, interior and interior wood. Gaudy colors. Chassis quickly done but good enough to be a 2009 CCCA Senior National First Prize # 2842. Known history from new – Bid to $250,000, sold later with this result. It’s only a sedan, but it’s a LeBaron sedan on the exceptional Marmon Sixteen chassis. The colors are a bit much, but the paint is meticulously applied and the restoration is still in most respects better than new. This is a lot of automobile for the money and brings bragging rights even onto a field of V-16 Cadillacs not only technically but also for the outstanding coachwork. Painted a dark neutral color it would ooze refinement and distinction. Lot # 144 1932 Packard 904 Individual Custom Eight Convertible Victoria, Body by Dietrich; S/N 194181; Engine # 194200; Maroon/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $350,000 – $450,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $340,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $374,000. Chrome wire wheels, metal luggage trunk, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, chrome trumpet horns, Depress Beam headlights, smoker’s kits – Concours quality restoration with a little age but negligible use. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and engine. Once extensively modified but now restored with the remnants of the original body back in the original configuration with the original engine and chassis. CCCA Senior winner. – A quality restoration of a beautiful automobile and bought at a highly reasonable piece after being bid to $550,000 at Bonhams Scottsdale auction eighteen months ago. Lot # 150 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, Body by Murphy; S/N 2201; Engine # J-183; Metallic Grey, Metallic Dark Green fenders and upper body/Grey leather; Grey cloth top; Estimate $725,000 – $900,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $620,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $682,000. Chrome wire wheels, dual sidemounts with strap on mirrors, blackwall tires, black leather covered trunk – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Concours quality restoration showing a little age. Once shortened (if that’s the right term) to 125 inch wheelbase, bored out to an undetermined but no doubt prodigious displacement, driven through an overdrive White truck transmission and bodied as a two-seater by the legendary Jim Hoe. Raced at Watkins Glen in 1951. Later lengthened back to the stock 153.5 inch wheelbase and bodied with this reproduction Murphy Phaeton by Dee Howard. Beautiful. – this is pretty impressive money for a rebodied (not even in the original style) Duesenberg. The Jim Hoe story no doubt helped, and maybe the engine still has his oversize pistons (but unfortunately not his four Winfield carbs.) Lot # 151 1934 Packard 1104 Super Eight Convertible Victoria; S/N 76735; Engine # 752927; Maroon, Red fenders and accent/Camel leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $180,000 – $240,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $205,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $225,500. Maroon wire wheels, whitewall tires, hubcaps, trim rings, black leather covered trunk with fitted suitcases, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, wind wings – Very good paint, chrome and interior. A quality older. restoration to show quality standards that shows a little age and moderate use with very good care. CCCA National First Prize #2905. – This Packard has an interesting auction history. A no-sale at RM Meadow Brook in 2003 with a high bid of $122,500, it was reported sold at Auburn Fall a mouth later for $143, 100, then at Meadow Brook in 2008 for $187,500, all in essentially the same well-restored and equally well, maintained condition as it is today. The coachwork is nothing if cut beautiful, as is the quality of the old restoration. It is a Packard to be proud to own arid drive and worth all the money it brought.
RM Auctions at St. John’s 2013 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 152 1930 Cadillac 452 V-16 All-Weather Phaeton, Body by Fleetwood; S/N; Engine # 700543; Cream, Beige, Brown fenders/Biscuit cord; Beige cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $159,500. Dark Grey wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, Pilot-Rays. radiator stoneguard, dual sidemounts with strap on mirrors, vee windshield, metal luggage trunk, rollup division – Sound but scratched, chipped and dull paint. Weak old chrome, worn but sound upholstery and interior trim. Interior reeks of gasoline. Top is tired and soiled. Chassis is aged and grimy. The interior wood is the best part of this Cadillac. A very used old restoration that won’t even hold its head up on tour. – A magnificent automobile with a solid but aged restoration, this Cadillac suffered from the (literally) muddy colors in favor at the time of its restoration and a well-used patina (or grime) on every surface. It’s all the car that its condition warranted at this Trice, but may be more value than appears on the surface Call it all the money for the car, and all the car for the money. Lot # 156 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham; S/N 58P020084; Black, Brushed stainless roof/Black, White leather; Estimate $70,000 – $100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500. WonderBar radio, Autronic Eye, Fresnel ridged translucent sun visors, cruise control, steel spring suspension, A/C, power vent windows, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls – Looks like it’s never been apart, just given cosmetic and mechanical attention as needed. Decent paint, interior and roof. Windshield delaminating. Sound chrome. Orderly unrestored engine compartment. Properly kept up, this Eldo will never need restoration. – It is incredibly expensive to restore an Eldorado Brougham. So how much better to find one that is sound, correct, finished in subtle, elegant black, updated with steel spring that overcomes the Eldo Brougham’s biggest weakness and has never needed, nor with proper maintenance and attention need, restoration. This one is a solid value. Lot # 157 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 5762030078; Engine # 5762030078; Dakota Red/Red, White leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000. Autronic eye, P/W, P/Seat, chrome Sabre wheels, wide whitewalls, WonderBar radio, parade boot – Fair repaint buffed through on driver’s door and poorly masked along hood trim. Good interior and chrome, even the cowl trim. Orderly underbody painted assembled. – The repaint on this Eldo isn’t as good as it could have been, or maybe the wet-sanding ‘with 3,000 grit paper and buffed to a wet-look gloss’ was more aggressive than-it needed to be. In any word, this is all the money for a beautiful but only cosmetically restored car. Lot # 158 1927 Pierce-Arrow Series 36 3-Passenger Doctor’s Coupe; S/N 361902; Engine # 361150; Burgundy/Burgundy cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. Varnished wood spoke wheels, wide whitewall tires, dual rear spares, Dawley headlights, black leather windshield visor, Trico straight line windshield wiper, bud vase, wood steering wheel – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored better than new without going too far. Clean and orderly throughout. – This is a very interesting Pierce with a long auction history triaging to find an appreciative long term home. It was reported sold by R M at Ameba in 2008 for $121,000 but then fell flat at a high bid of just $45,000 at Meadow Brook in 2009. It found anew owner at RM Amelia in 2010 for $49,500. Despite the objective evidence to the contrary in earlier transactions the price today is entirely reasonable for the Pierce’s rare coachwork and excellent condition. Lot # 160 1939 Packard Twelve Touring Cabriolet, Body by Brunn; S/N B602030A; Black, Beige roof/Beige cord; Beige cloth top; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $112,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $123,750. Dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, radio, dual heaters, rollup division, jump seats, trunk rack, Trippe lights – Largely original with mediocre old paint, chrome and interior. Underbody and other bits like canvas window seals are original or very old. Repainted over old paint with some overspray inside fender wells. Good dash, gauges and interior wood. – A charmingly original and rare custom-bodied Packard Twelve, but its charm and originality are balanced, and largely outweighed by the cumbersome Brunn coachwork. It was reported sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2009 for $166,100 but even the price it brought today seems appropriate to the car’s condition and coachwork. Lot # 161 1960 Jaguar XK 150 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N S836887BW; Engine # V2710-8; Maroon/Black leather; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $57,500. 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, whitewall bias ply tires, bullseye headlights, Dual CD stereo – Unnumbered cylinder head. Good paint applied over old paint. Very good new interior. Underbody repainted assembled over old undercoat with exterior wet sanding runoff not cleaned. Engine is orderly but used. Repro ID plate. Good chrome. – It’s no surprise the bidders at St. John’s didn’t rise to the stale bait of this XK 150. The reported high bid is meaningless, except as an indicator of the bidders’ lack of interest. Lot # 162 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 5762097498; Ivory/Ivory, Black leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $82,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,750. Power seat, P/W, wheel covers, whitewall tires, WonderBar radio – Good paint, chrome, interior and top. Filled door bottoms. A pretty but only ordinary driver quality restoration with a highly attractive interior. A sound car for weekend cruising but no more than that. – Sold by RM at Amelia in 2007 for $83,600. It is something of a miracle that it brought more today in this condition. Lot # 163 1958 Pontiac Parisienne Convertible; S/N 8786733796; Engine # 9D3361; Blue, Light Blue accent/Light, Dark Blue vinyl; Light Blue vinyl top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500. 348/250hp, Tri- Power added, Hydra-Matic, P/B, P/S, dual remote spotlight-mirrors, wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts, continental kit, P/W, pushbutton radio, CD stereo concealed in the tissue dispenser – Excellent paint, chrome, interior, top and engine compartment. Chassis and underbody are a little dirty but could be detailed back to showroom condition. Pretty colors. – A rarely seen Pontiac Parisienne, an Impala with Pontiac panels, trim and labels. Very well done with great eye-appeal and bought reasonably enough For its condition and rarity. It will be the center of attention at any Pontiac or Chevy gathering.
RM Auctions at St. John’s 2013 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 165 1935 Packard 1207 Twelve Coupe Roadster; S/N 839215; Blue/Crimson leather; Tan cloth, Maroon binding top; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000. Chrome wire. wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, rumble seat, radio – A sound and toured old restoration. Good paint, weak trim chrome but good bumpers and lights. Sound upholstery showing some age and use. Clean but aged underbody. A presentable tour car. – A Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster is a lot of CCCA Full Classic ™ and at this price even with the shortcomings of the restoration is a sound value at this price. Lot # 168 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe; S/N 11102612000001; Engine # 11698012000003; Cinnamon, /; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. Column shift automatic, A/C, Blaupunkt multiband radio, sliding sunroof, P/W, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, Euro headlights – Chassis number 1 in the 280SE 3.5 coupe, and engine number 0. Fair old repaint, good older upholstery and carpets. Threadbare window channels. Dirty original underbody. Interior dashtop wood needs to be refinished. – It needs work but even at this price will always occupy pride of place in any Mercedes gathering. Lot # 171 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412008224; Green/Tan leatherette; Estimate $75,000 – $90,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. Automatic, Frigiking A/C, Becker Europa TR AM-FM, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, pagoda hardtop – Good paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment done nearly like new. Underbody resprayed over old undercoat and has some oil mist and road grime. Straight, solid body. An attractive cosmetic restoration. – This is a sound and usable weekend driver that is desirably equipped and is a good value for the money at this price. Lot # 173 1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible; S/N 7407554; Engine # C3969629; Panama Sand/Black leather, Beige cord; Black cloth top; Estimate $140,000 – $170,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $130,000. Fluid Drive, remote spotlight, pushbutton radio, marbleized interior trim and steering wheel, turn signals, sombrero trim rings, hubcaps, wide whitewalls – Restored like new with good new wood, paint, chronic, interior and top. Clean and orderly throughout and very presentable. – Sold at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall sale last year for $134,000 it is no surprise it didn’t get cut loose at the reported high bid here, although it would not have been an unreasonable price if it had sold. Lot # 176 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Coupe; S/N C56C2255; White/Red, White leather; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000. No Reserve. Air conditioning, wheel covers, whitewalls, Town & Country radio – Fair old paint with minor cracks, good interior, dash and gauges. Some pitted interior trim. Good exterior chrome. Underbody is original with some rust-through in fender wells. Passenger’s door window is askew. Makes a good first impression that is quickly disappointed. – A car with many needs (including a full restoration) the seller was lucky to get this much for such a superficially done automobile. Lot # 178 1950 Hudson Commodore Six Convertible Brougham; S/N 50261895; Cornish Cream/Maroon leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $75,000 – $95,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $57,500. 262/123hp six, overdrive 3-speed, heater, P/W, pushbutton radio, power top, dual remote spotlights, dual outside mirrors, chrome sill trim, wire wheel covers and wide whitewalls on maroon steel wheels, trunk and grille guards, fog lights, skirts – An indifferent older cosmetic restoration with sound and usable paint, interior and major chrome. A usable tour or Thursday cruise-in Hudson. – The bidders weren’t turned on by this Hudson but it is surprising they stopped at this very modest bid. It is good, and attractive, enough to have been worth mid-Sixties. Lot # 179 1964 BMW 3200CS Coupe; S/N 76409; Silver/Burgundy leather, cloth; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,800. No Reserve. Phillips cassette stereo, sliding sunroof, alloy wheels, Continental blackwall tires, P/W – Sound paint, sound older interior, small dent in the center of the decklid, some weak, dented trim, thin interior trim and door handle chrome. Good upholstery and soft trim. Underbody covered in peeling original undercoat. Filled lower body and diver’s door. A sound, mostly original car that has had a modest cosmetic redo to indifferent standards. – An unusual but pretty icky BMW that got what it deserved from the St. John’s bidders. This should be considered a project car. Lot # 180 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V Convertible; S/N 0Y85H419072; Black, Tan coachline/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $75,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. Wheel covers, whitewalls, aftermarket A/C, power antenna, Pioneer CD changer and navigation system – Sound paint, good major chrome, pitted outside mirrors. Very attractive upholstery and tight fitting top. Clean underbody. Chipped corners and badly fit weatherstrip on top boot cover. Some erratic masking. Worn top seals. – This Continental got a LOT of attention. Some of it was humorous but most appreciated the quality of the cosmetics and the usefulness of the updated air conditioning. One thing is sure: it will never be overlooked. But it is hard to park, at least without the aid of tugboats.
[Source: Rick Carey]
Another great auction report by Rick – always enjoy reading his comments !! Keep it up