RM Sotheby’s, Hershey, Pennsylvania, October 6-7, 2016
Hershey is a week-long celebration of old cars, really old cars.
Sure, there are plenty of not-so-old cars running around town, but it is nothing like Monterey, Amelia or even Scottsdale where McLaren P1s and Ferrari 488s seem to be ubiquitous. Hershey is pre-war country this week and it is reflected in the consignments at RM Sotheby’s auction.
This is Sports Car Digest, and there were a few readily recognized sports cars (Austin-Healey, Sunbeam Alpine, Porsche Speedster, etc.) on the docket. More importantly, however, the RM Sotheby’s consignment featured a number of sports cars from the dawn of the motoring era, Speedsters and Runabouts with names like E-M-F, Mercer, Chalmers and Pullman that don’t come readily to mind in word-association with the term ‘sports car’.
Yet, they are extremely important. They defined the sports car concept at its most elemental [and these vehicles are nothing if not elemental.] Their four- and six-cylinder engines may not have much sophistication by present-day standards but for their time they were powerful, innovative and imaginative. Many of the ones on offer at RM Sotheby’s were highly original or well used older restorations, ideal for taking out on a crisp fall day for a blast down winding lanes with goggles on and a flat cap turned backward. They would have delighted Henry Austin Clark, Jr. and his early collecting contemporaries in whose hands they have been maintained, preserved and restored.
Hershey is always a good time, even when the weather is awful (which it wasn’t this year.) The opportunity to observe and inspect the originality of thought and design of these early sports cars is part of the charm and appeal.
Even more appealing is the fact that, as evidenced by some of the results in Hershey, they’re not expensive. It is an economical way to experience something that few people in recent generations have enjoyed.
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RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2016 – Auction Report
Lot # 111 1960 Ford Zodiac Mk II 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 206E241841; Burgundy, Cream/Burgundy leatherette; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $4,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $4,400 – 2,553/86hp, automatic, fender mirror, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls. – U.S. delivered lefthand drive model. Good upholstery, dashboard and chrome. Old, fraying window channels. Painted assembled with masking oversights and erratically wet sanded orange peel. Underbody has old, gloppy, dirty undercoat. Superficially cosmetically restored to mediocre standards. – Definitely unusual and cosmetically restored well enough for its inherent qualities, a rare saloon from Ford England that will fill a blank spot in most Ford collections.Lot # 112 1922 Buick Model 22-45 Touring 5-Passenger; S/N 786958; Butterscotch, Brown fenders/Butterscotch vinyl; Beige cloth, Tan piping top; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $22,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,750 – Wood spoke body color wheels, wide whitewalls, single rear spare, varnished wood top bows, rear seat footrest and courtesy light, Stewart speedometer, wind wings. – Very good paint, nickel trim, upholstery and top. Chassis was done a while ago and is somewhat grimy. The cosmetics are holding up very well. More than good enough to tour proudly. – The colors are dated, suggesting a restoration in the 70’s or 80’s and the car’s condition (as well as the 13 miles showing on its odometer since it was done) suggest a reasonably good life with little use and very good care. This is Model T money for a quality 6-cylinder valve-in-head Buick with 60hp and represents a strong value for the money.Lot # 114 1929 Packard Deluxe Eight 645 Roadster, Body by Dietrich; S/N 174037; Engine # 174223; Light Grey, Grey fenders/Orange vinyl, Tan chamois, Grey leather panels; Black cloth top; Estimate $55,000 – $75,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $56,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $61,600 – Dual sidemounts with mirrors, disc wheels, blackwall tires, rumble seat, top frame and bows, red plastic ‘Muncie’ shift knob. – Peeling, surface rusted body panels, scabrous bright trim, tattered upholstery and top but sound old inside door panels. No windshield or sidemounts. Exposed metal has been slathered with WD40 to retard rusting. Chassis and running gear are uniformly grimy. Brake linkage has been worked on and the engine compartment is orderly and functional. Runs and drives. Remarkably sound body with no rust through at all. Don’t restore it, just drive. – It’s all about the potential which I would argue is best achieved by leaving it alone other than making it work properly, fitting a windshield and taking it out on the highway for some fun. It would be a sensation. Then restore it, a straightforward, if expensive, project. The bidders paid all the money for the potential, but not too much.Lot # 115 1931 Chevrolet Independence AE 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 563808; Engine # 2312735; Dark Blue, Black fenders and roof/Grey cloth; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500 – Cream wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, metal luggage trunk, windshield visor, wind wings, rear seat smoker’s kits, radiator stoneguard, dual electric horns. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Carefully restored engine and chassis without going beyond original finishes. Paint is unblemished; upholstery, interior trim and woodgraining are pristine. This is an exceptional Chevrolet. – Particularly for an enclosed coach body and it brought a decidedly modest price considering the thoroughness and quality of its restoration and the comprehensive equipment list.Lot # 118 1928 Ford Model A Tow Truck; S/N A29843; Engine # A3456621; Washington, blue, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Truck restoration, 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $25,300 – Yellow wire wheels, wide whitewalls, hand cranked boom, emergency lights, spotlight, turn signals, single left side spare, Waltham clock, fuel, oil pressure and temperature gauges, Moto-meter, 3-speed with overdrive. – Very good paint and major chrome. Some weak trim chrome and orange peely paint. Derrick is custom built to high standards. Engine and chassis are restored like new. The inside of the cab back panel was painted over old rust pits. – Although there are shortcuts in this Model A’s restoration it is still a standout, cheery old truck that would be a terrific accent piece for any garage or in the paddock of a vintage race meeting. It was sold for $27,500 at Auburn Fall in 2012 and is appropriately priced today within 10% and two bidding increments of its prior result.Lot # 121 1951 Willys M38 Jeep Utility; S/N MC36583; Olive Drab/Olive cloth; Estimate $30,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 – Loaded with equipment including a pedestal mounted propane-firing water-cooled .30 caliber and air-cooled .50 caliber machine guns, radio, siren, axe, shovel, M1 Garand and more. – Meticulously restored and impeccably maintained in authentic military style without going overboard, an exceptionally good example of the Korean Conflict era Jeep by Willys. – Sold for $29,052 at Auburn Fall in 2004 then an astounding $104,500 at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2009 in what must have been a charity sale. It is a quality example and is well worth the price it brought here.Lot # 122 1912 Overland Model 61T Touring; S/N 611191; Engine # 11380; Grey, Burgundy fenders and frame/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Concours restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $65,000 ~ $65,000 – RHD. Castle acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, small halogen auxiliary lights, Rubes bulb horn, Stewart speedometer, grey 36 inch wood spoke wheels, dual rear mounted spares, Castle kerosene taillight, New Ormond 8-day clock, upgraded with overdrive and a 12-volt starter. – Very good older paint and interior with a few chips on the paint and mellow patina on its leather. Good brass showing age and some peeling varnish. Chassis is clean and orderly, showing moderate touring miles and good maintenance. A quality older concours restoration that has been on the road after its show season ended and is still an automobile to be proudly owned and driven. – The seller understandably declined to part with this Overland at this bid, a number than undervalues both the Overland and its restoration.Lot # 123 1925 Lincoln Model L Limousine, Body by Brunn; S/N; Metallic Burgundy, Black fenders and accent/Black leather, Grey cloth; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 – Body color disc wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts, jump seats, windshield visor, crank up division window, varnished wood trunk, pulldown rear compartment window shades. – Sound but scratched and chipped old paint. Good interior and major chrome, thin hubcap chrome. Dull old dash and instruments. Oily, grimy engine and running gear. Good interior wood. A usably but superficially cosmetically restored parade car. – No-saled at Fall Auburn in 2002 with a reported bid of $27,000 and titled by its body number, 34686. The cosmetic restoration is expedient, sufficient for touring and local shows and lends itself to the investment of hours and gallons of solvents to clean up the engine compartment and chassis. It is a quality automobile at a reasonable price.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2016 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 124 1913 Oldsmobile Model 53 Touring 5-Passenger, Body by Rothschild; S/N 81402; Engine # 614606; Brewster Green, Black fenders and hood/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $170,000 – RHD. 37 inch artillery wheels, wide whitewalls, electric headlights, Castle sidelights and kerosene taillight, dual rear mounted spares, Warner speedometer, dual mirrors, Oldsmobile Moto-Meter, Klaxon combination electric and bulb horn. – Cracked, chipped but thoroughly patched old paint. Sound upholstery with abundant patina, good top and nickel trim. Alligatored dash and gauge panel varnish; fair gauges and switches. Bent and superficially repaired right hood side. Oily older restored chassis, engine and running gear. A big, handsome car with abundant, and evident, touring miles but maintained in excellent, largely original condition through a succession of owners for decades. Recently rebuilt engine, new starter and electric fuel pump. – Oldsmobile knew how to built strong, powerful, rugged automobiles and the survival of this Model 53 is testament to that fact, as well as the care and attention of a succession of sympathetic, informed owners. Keep it or let it go at the high bid? Either case could be argued persuasively; the owner chose to keep it.Lot # 125 1928 Marmon Model 68 Roadster; S/N E2YC74; Engine # T3439; Blue, Black fenders/Grey; Beige cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,250 – Body color wood spoke wheels, whitewall tires, rumble seat, rear mounted spare, wind wings, folding windshield, Depress Beam headlights, pedestal mounted Spreadlight searchlight. – Three owners from new, with 38,130 miles. Repainted with recovered seat a long time ago. Otherwise a sound, complete and grimy original car that can be driven and enjoyed as is or easily restored, but why bother to restore it? – This is a huge, exceptional value in a rare 8-cylinder Marmon with extraordinary originality. Really. This is Ford Model A money for a well equipped 72hp Marmon that should have sold for more than twice this much. It needs absolutely nothing to be driven, enjoyed and displayed with pride in preservation events. ‘Bargain’ barely begins to describe what a pleasing, quality automobile this is for this price.Lot # 126 1912 Regal Underslung Model T Touring; S/N 5410; Engine # 5449; Dark Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $75,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $57,500 – RHD. Single right side spare, electrified acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and Atwood taillight, Warner speedometer, dual rear view mirrors, Moto-meter, Garford mechanical horn, upgraded with water pump and 12-volt starter. – Very good older paint with touched up chips and edge scrapes. Gently patinaed leather, good top and brass. Chassis and underbody are surprisingly clean, with little evident use and age. A sweet and rare little tourer. – Rerun Friday as 235A, bid to only $41,000 and no-saled. It is an intriguing little car with many accessories, more than adequate performance and the distinctive stance and handling of an underslung without the high price of an American. Its value should not be judged by the Friday result but more by the Thursday no-sale bid which should have seen it off and away to a new owner in a Hershey minute.Lot # 127 1935 Packard Eight Convertible Sedan; S/N 863227; Engine # 389443; Chiffon Yellow, Brown coachline/Brown leather; Brown cloth top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – RHD. Radio, period turn signals, no heater, body color wire wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, chrome headlight shells, single enclosed sidemount, luggage rack. – Very good older paint, interior and top. Good major chrome but scratched and scuffed side window trim and peeling vent window frames. Clean chassis showing little use. Front seat upholstery has two scuffed spots. Dashboard woodgraining is dirty and discolored. Chassis has been repainted assembled over the old restoration. Never much of a show car and now well past its prime. – This is a generous price for a righthand drive Packard standard eight with a tired and superficial old restoration. On the other hand, for a British buyer even paying with severely depreciated pounds it is a rare and special car with attractive, practical coachwork for an affordable price.Lot # 128 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N J59S105082; White, Silver coves/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $75,000 – $90,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 – 283/230hp, 4-speed, cassette stereo, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls. – Freshly restored with excellent cosmetics. Glossy painted frame and running gear. Clean, orderly engine compartment that isn’t up to the standards of the cosmetics. No engine number. A competent restoration to strong driver condition. – Really? The cosmetics must have sold this Corvette because other than their excellence there is n-o-t-h-i-n-g exceptional about this car and its unnumbered engine block. Its beauty was skin-deep, but that skin was something special. This price could have bought a freshly restored, matching numbers example.Lot # 130 1963 Sunbeam Alpine Series III Convertible; S/N B941020300DLR0; Red, Red hardtop/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $9,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $9,900 – Wheel covers, fender mirrors, two tops, radio antenna (no radio.) – Sound paint, chrome, interior and top. Cracked windshield seal. Sketchy undercoat and bodged headlight wiring. Badly crazed hardtop windows and scuffed bright trim. Big scrape in the center of the front bumper. A sound but unimpressive driver. – The estimate may have been skewed to influence bidding but the real-money bidders weren’t convinced and paid a realistic price for this Alpine, with a moderate premium for the crazed glazing hardtop.Lot # 133 1958 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 58F030075; Alpine White/White, Blue leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $104,500 – Automatic, power windows, power bench seat, Autronic Eye, WonderBar radio, chrome Sabre wheels, wide whitewalls, air conditioning. – 2015 Cadillac LaSalle Club 1st prize winner. Freshly restored to better than new condition. Tight, even, flush panel fits. Flawless paint, chrome, glass, interior and top. As good as it gets. – What shall be done with a show car restoration that’s won its prizes? Sell it and move on to another project is the apparent answer from this consignor. The restoration probably cost nearly as much as the car brought and the new owner has a Cadillac that will be proudly owned, and proudly bought for a responsible price.Lot # 136 1934 Packard Super Eight 1104 Coupe; S/N 753291; Engine # 753217; Red, Brown fenders and accent/Black leather; Estimate $120,000 – $140,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $112,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $123,750 – Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, leather covered trunk, rumble seat, Solar vee lens headlights, Trippe lights. – Sound but flawed old paint shrinking on the rear deck and cracked along the back of the roof. Hood back edges are chipped. Good new upholstery. Some pitted interior chrome trim and outside door handles. Sponge painted dash, instrument panel and windowsills; scrape on the dashboard ashtray. Torn window seal. Orderly engine compartment, chassis and underbody. Enough said. – This is a highly desirable, low production Packard with mediocre preparation and presentation. It brought less than a comparable open Packard of the same year, and it should have. The new owner is betting the many shortcomings can be addressed economically.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2016 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 140 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster; S/N 83643; Engine # P66516; Red, Black hardtop/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Unrestored original, 4 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $310,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $341,000 – Coupe seats, hubcaps, two tops, Bendix Sapphire II AM-FM, oil filter, Solex carbs. – Dull, scraped old repaint, torn upholstery, rusty bumpers. Runs but doesn’t stop. Door jambs and inside of the hood and engine cover still have the original white paint. Comes with all or most of the original trim. Chassis, engine and gearbox numbers match the Porsche Kardex. Gunky, grimy underbody. A dry solid Texas garage find with no serious rust and no holes. – Porsche Speedster barn find madness continues. This would be a generous price for a restored numbers-matching Speedster. It is a bonanza for this ratty (but solid) example that needs everything, not to mention some new seats. The estimate was ample; the price is beyond generous.Lot # 141 1969 Jaguar XKE SII Roadster; S/N 1R9535; Engine # 7R56469; Willow Green/Olive Green leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $60,000 – $70,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $64,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $70,400 – Chrome wire wheels, Dayton blackwall tires, AM-FM radio. – Dull but sound and largely chip free original paint. Very good original upholstery with surface cracked console pad. Engine compartment is original but clean and well maintained. A rare, highly original example that would be despoiled by restoration. – A lot of love and polish may very well restore the luster of the original paint on this XKE; the rest of it needs little more than careful maintenance and preservation and the bidders recognized both its quality and its preservation with this price, which could have been a bit higher and still not unreasonable.Lot # 142 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster; S/N 1980427500397; Red/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $900,000 – $1,100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $750,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $825,000 – Becker Mexico AM-FM, body color wheels with hubcaps and dull polished rims, Dunlop SP Sport blackwall tires, Talbot mirror. – Excellent older color-changed paint, chrome and interior. 1958 engine. Underbody was restored like new, as was the engine compartment, and both now show a little age and minimal use. – Back in 1993 this 300SL crossed the block fresh from restoration at Auburn Spring on a reported high bid of $191,000. It has passed the test of time well and today still looks great. It should be a fine car for tours or spirited weekend drives while holding its own in the gathering points at the beginning or end of the day. The price it brought is entirely appropriate to its history and condition.Lot # 144 1932 Lincoln KB Boattail Speedster; S/N; Engine # KB1411; Black, Polished aluminum/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $200,000 – $275,000; Rebodied or re-created, 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $550,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $605,000 – Lincoln 448 cubic inch V12 with four Strombergs, air suspension, power drum brakes, teardrop fender coachwork designed by David Holls and executed by Marcel DeLay finished by Brian Joseph, wheel covers, blackwall tires, KA chassis, KB engine. – A vision representing what might have been done had Gordon Buehrig and Edsel Ford gotten together with Bob Gregorie to put the Continental to shame. 2nd in class at Pebble Beach in 1999, toured on the Copperstate and Pebble Beach Motoring Classic. The workmanship is high quality throughout, but this is a vision, an homage, not a paradigm, and it is executed to the standards of the time. – A show-stopping automobile that had a constant throng of admirers perusing its curves, finish and details throughout the auction preview. It went out for a drive during the preview and it sounds great and runs like a top. The price is, simply, astounding, a credit to its concept, execution and presentation. Onlookers in the auction were stunned as the bids went up, and up, and up even more to stratospheric heights. This is an unparalleled result for an incomparable automobile.Lot # 145 1946 Delahaye 135 M 2-Dr. Sedan, Body by Guillore; S/N 800410; Blue, Light Blue/Red leather; Estimate $110,000 – $140,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – RHD. Single Solex carb, Cotal pre-selector, body color wheels with hub caps, Lester wide whitewalls, driving lights, rear-mounted spare wheel with cover, pop-out windshield, wood dash and door trim, banjo steering wheel, Marchal headlights and fog lights, triple carb intake manifold included. – Some scuffs on the whitewalls. Light scratches on the nose. Long, deep scratch on the right front fender. Paint blister there as well. Orange peel at the bottom of the passenger’s side door. Pitted, lightly scratched window trim. Paint flaking off gear selector. Good wood and upholstery. Holding up well and looking pretty, but its best days are clearly behind it. Older body-off restoration, done in 1993. Subdued, even conservative styling for a Delahaye as well, but still undeniably elegant. – Offered at Bonhams Amelia Island auction in March where it was reported bid to $125,000. It landed here in Hershey with a reserve and adjusted estimate range and went away at a very reasonable price, particularly with the potential for much better performance (or a prettier underhood presentation) with the triple carb intake installed.Lot # 146 1932 Ford V-8 DeLuxe Roadster; S/N 1874786; Engine # AR6612; Washington Blue, Black fenders/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $65,000 – $75,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,250 – 221/65hp flathead, cream wire wheels, whitewall tires, black leather covered luggage trunk, rumble seat, dual sidemounts with chrome rings, cowl lights, fog lights, whitewall tires, wind wings. – Good older paint and chrome. Upholstery shows age, wear and some deterioration of the seat padding. Engine compartment is done right, and still looks good even if not freshly done. A quality older restoration of a year and body style that rarely survived the attentions of hot rodders. – Offered by RM at St. John’s three months ago where it no-saled on a reported $70,000 bid. The estimate was adjusted for Hershey, the seller’s expectations adjusted even more and it went away at a moderate price, even considering the age of its restoration. Deuce roadsters rarely survive in stock configuration, most of them having been used up or hot rodded over the years. This well restored if somewhat aged Deuce could have brought a little more without being expensive.Lot # 150 1931 Ford Model A DeLuxe Coupe with Trailer; S/N A4293098; Black/Brown cloth; Estimate $100,000 – $150,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $82,500 – Red steel spoke rear wheels with 7.00-17 tires, standard Red wire wheels up front, beefed up semi elliptical leaf spring rear suspension and fifth wheel hitch, fishing tackle sales trailer with many fishing display items like rods and outboards, vacuum-operated trailer brakes. – The Model A is restored like new with very good paint, interior and chrome. The trailer is mostly original as used by J.M. Keely who wholesaled fishing tackle and accessories in Florida. A charming artifact of motoring and American commercial sales history. – Offered by Auctions America at Auburn Fall in 2012 where it was bid to $70,000. The estimate was adjusted down for Hershey from $150-200,000 there, but still came up short although this bid seems reasonable enough for what it is unless you’re Bass Pro Shops.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2016 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 152 1948 Packard Eight Station Sedan; S/N 22933287; Green, Wood/Tan vinyl, cloth; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $43,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $47,300 – 3-speed, wide hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewall tires, windshield visor, pushbutton radio, backup lights, fog lights, skirts. – Very good paint, chrome and interior, tiny chip on the right rear hood corner. Good dash, gauges and steering wheel. The wood body trim, though, has cracks at some joints and chipped, peeling varnish and needs to be stripped, sanded and revarnished before it deteriorates further. The underbody has been redone but erratically with the inside of the front upper valence left in primer, now surface rusting. Rare and attractive, but far from perfect. – Reported sold at Auburn Fall in 2010 for $44,000, changed hands here for $1,000 less on the hammer, a realistic price for a flawed older restoration that needs attention.Lot # 153 1915 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A-3 Touring; S/N 67145; Engine # 67145; Red, Black fenders and accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $600,000 – $750,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $480,000 – RHD. Red wood spoke wheels, wide whitewall 37 inch tires, black luggage trunk, electric and bulb horns, dual right side spares, jump seats, Dawley headlights. – Restored to concours condition some years ago with reproduction coachwork but cosmetically maintained extremely well while being toured extensively. Chassis and running gear are lightly grimy but also well maintained. Disc brake added to the driveshaft for touring which is good because the owner says it will cruise at 70. – This is a magnificent automobile in impeccable even if regularly used condition. There were two Pierce 66s in this auction and the proliferation of choices may have daunted the bidders; neither sold, which is unfortunate.Lot # 157 1903 Northern Runabout; S/N 1512; Dark Green, Red frame, Black mudguards/Black leather; No top; Estimate $60,000 – $70,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $36,364 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $40,000 – RHD. Tiller steering, Red undercarriage and wood spoke wheels, Attwood kerosene lights, wicker basket, single half elliptical leaf spring on each side, single chain drive, solid rubber tires. – Excellent fresh paint and red coachlining. Good but older upholstery showing some ago and use. Undated AACA National First Prize badge, 1955 Granville Rally plaque. Sharp, crisp. recently refreshed old restoration. – Sold here in 2008 in essentially the condition in which it is today for $46,200. Bid to $41,000 on the block, closed later at this price. It is a Brighton Run eligible automobile once its age is certified by the VCC in Britain and as such is an extremely good value if only for the possibility of entry in that coveted (if cold) event.Lot # 158 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Limousine, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N LGLW23; Engine # L22G; Tudor Grey, Shell Grey sides/Tan leather, Beige broadcloth; Estimate $160,000 – $190,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $110,000 – Automatic, jump seats, rear footrest, drinks cabinet, power division window, smokers kits, P100 headlights with Lucas sealed beam lights, Lucas fog lights, roof rack, hubcaps, wide trim rings, Denman bias ply blackwall tires, blind rear quarter coachwork. – Very good older paint with a few edge and corner chips. Excellent chrome, upholstery and interior wood; crisp gauges. Filthy, cruddy underbody and chassis. Gobs of money were spent on the cosmetics, and they couldn’t even steam clean and paint the underside? What a waste, and what else was shortcut? – From the rear 3/4 this has the lines of a London taxi. Its condition is a travesty of form over substance. It attracted little or no interest from the Hershey bidders, as it deserved.Lot # 159 1911 Chalmers Thirty Pony Tonneau; S/N 140; Engine # M5832; Green, Dark Green accent and chassis/Dark Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 – RHD. F-head (overhead intake, side exhaust valves with exposed intake valve gear) 226/30hp four, 3-speeds, Solar acetylene headlights with halogen bulbs, Solar kerosene sidelights, bulb horn, dual rear view mirrors, electric Solar kerosene taillight, electric taillights with turn signals, updated with high compression pistons, hardened valve seats, electric starter, oil filter and hydraulic rear brakes by Oldsmobile engineer Ted Beebe. – Represented as the original chassis, engine and Pony Tonneau body. Restored better than new with excellent paint, upholstery and brass. Shows a little use and a few chips unavoidable from activity like erecting the top. Underbody and chassis are nearly impeccable. A quality restoration still more than good enough to show proudly. – Called a Thirty by Chalmers, on its dimensions it’s a 25.6hp ALAM rating but that hardly reflects the real horsepower of its F-head four that thumps away with vigor. It has spirit and originality as well as choice driving upgrades that are minimally recognized by the price it brought. It’s a significant value.Lot # 160 1903 Stevens-Duryea Model L Runabout; S/N 326; Engine # 309; Red, Black fenders and accent/Black leather; No top; Estimate $120,000 – $150,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $100,000 – Lefthand tiller steering, Dietz kerosene sidelights, single chain drive, contracting rear brakes, wood spoke wheels, Non Skid tires, – Stored in the rafters of the barn of the original owner, Dr. Arthur B. Coffin, in New Dorchester, Massachusetts from 1910 to 1941. Restored by Mr. and Mrs. George E. Felton in the late 40’s, later displayed at the Indianapolis Speedway museum. Chipped old paint, worn but sound old upholstery, frayed mudguards, dull brass. A sound and complete but aged and used old restoration. – Offered by Bonhams at the Simeone Museum a year ago with the pre-sale estimate adjusted down from $150-180,000 there but still not sold. This is a usable and still presentable restoration now well over half a century old that would be ideal for historic touring and eligible for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. It could have been sold with only limited regret for the reported high bid here.Lot # 162 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupe; S/N 11102110079804; Light Yellow, Black roof/Brown leather; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 – 4-speed, Behr air conditioning, Becker Europa AM-FM, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, white shift knob and steering wheel, Euro headlights. – Underbody resprayed with sealer while assembled. Exterior repainted over old paint and poorly matched on the cowl panel. Filled body panels. Bad window sill chrome on both doors. Worn window channels and seals. Tired, used and fluffed up with a superficial repaint many years ago, it’s a used car. – A seriously needy 220 that brought a price recognizing its many needs.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2016 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 163 1908 Pullman Model H Light Touring; S/N 902; Grey, Burgundy coachline/Burgundy leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $51,700 – RHD. Rushmore acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene sidelights and taillight, Rushmore acetylene generator, outside rear view mirror, wicker trunk, Rubes bulb horn, black cloth covered right side spare. – 1996 AACA National First Prize winner and Senior. Good paint, upholstery and top. Dull brass. Clean chassis, engine is lightly oily but orderly. Needs nothing except Brasso and elbow grease. – There is much value in this 20hp Pullman with its old restoration that has survived in very good condition, attesting to the quality of the materials, workmanship and preservation it has had. It is aged, however, and is fully valued at this price.Lot # 164 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC57B132527; Engine # T1129FD; Calypso Cream/Yellow, Silver vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 283/245hp, dual quads, Powerglide, pushbutton radio, heater, skirts, spinner wheel covers, bias ply whitewalls, power steering, batwing air cleaner, dual outside mirrors. – Very good paint, chrome, interior and top. Fresh engine in a freshly glossy painted compartment. The engine is properly FD-coded for the 245hp hydraulic lifter V-8 and Powerglide. The underbody is older, paint and undercoat are peeling and exposed metal is surface rusting. Looks like an old restoration with fresh cosmetics. – A sweet ’57 Bel Air, but one that brought all the money for the age of its restoration.Lot # 165 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 1Z37J3S410290; Engine # 13S410208V1207CKZ; Red/Black leather; Estimate $18,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $12,100 – Tee tops, 4-speed, 350/190hp engine, CD stereo, Rally wheels with hubcaps and trim rings, Radial T/A tires, chrome alternator, air conditioning with the compressor removed, K&N air filter, power steering, Be Cool aluminum radiator. – Good paint and interior, one eye open headlights. Clean underbody and engine compartment. Block is stamped CKZ, a ’71 350/255hp ZR1 code but represented as the cooking 190hp engine. A presentable driver. – Sold at Auburn Fall in 2012 for $11,275, a result essentially repeated here today and all the money it deserves.Lot # 209 1949 McCormick-Farmall Super A Tractor; S/N; Red, Silver wheel rims/Red; Estimate $7,500 – $10,000; Truck restoration, 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $6,250 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $6,875 – Woods L59A3 rotary mower, electric lights, knobby drive tires, hydraulic implement mount. – Very good paint, for a Farmall. Restored like new. – This is an unusually good restoration for a farm tractor and is both fun and practical although it might be annoying to coat it with the clippings from the mower. If there’s room in the implement shed, however, this is a very good way to use it.Lot # 213 1949 Diamond T 201 Pickup; S/N 2016143; Red, Green accent/Brown vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $40,000; Truck restoration, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 – 236/91hp Hercules six, 4-speed, crank out windshield, 16 inch cast spoke wheels, fog lights, heater, varnished oak bed rails, dummy load of quarter kegs, vinyl Delafield Brewhaus graphics. – Sound paint and upholstery. Some orange peel didn’t get sanded out. Tidy but not restored under the hood. Generally good chrome but pitted door handles. Chassis has been superficially restored and shows age but little use. A usable truck for hauling or promotion. – Sold at Mecum Indy in 2010 for $31,800 in essentially the same condition and brought insignificantly more here today. It’s apparently served its purpose at the Delafield Brewhaus and now a new owner has the opportunity to rebrand it for another promotion at a realistic cost.Lot # 218 1911 E-M-F Model 30 Speedster; S/N 43364; Engine # 18195; Ivory, Red accent/Red leather; No top; Estimate $30,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,750 – RHD. Rushmore acetylene headlights converted to electric, H&B kerosene sidelights, PH kerosene taillights, single rear spare, round bolster fuel tank, Stewart speedometer, bulb horn. – Good upholstery and sound older paint with erratic accent striping. Dull brass. Older restored and very used chassis and running gear. Orderly, aged and used but still very usable. – Mechanically sorted after being bought here two years ago from the John Moir collection for $30,250, it is impossible to argue even with this over low estimate price for a fun and highly usable E-M-F speedster.Lot # 220 1925 White Model 15-45 Yellowstone Park Tour Bus, Body by Bender; S/N 120545; Engine # 11056; Yellow, Black accent/Black; Natural cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Truck restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – Yellow artillery wheels, 22 inch tires, 4-row seating, single left side spare, luggage trunk, acetylene headlights with LED bulbs, five doors, electric starter, electric fuel pump. – Bus number 310 from Yellowstone with its original engine. Reconstructed body. Sound but aged old, paint, upholstery and top. 12 volt electric system with starter. Usable, and highly impressive. – Whew! There has to be a higher and better purpose in mind for this bus because this is a generous price for a utilitarian vehicle.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2016 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # 231 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet; S/N 12803010002524; Engine # 12798310000081; Black/Parchment leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $130,000 – $150,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $90,000 – 4-speed, Blaupunkt multiband radio, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, Hella fog lights, service records. – Bought new by Theodore Roosevelt III. Quickly repainted over old paint and badly repaired dings in both doors. Sill molding doesn’t match the rear fender contour. Original upholstery is surface creased and sound. Good newer top. Cracked fog light lens. Tired interior wood with scrapes, cracks and varnish loss. Decent chrome. Original, dirty, undercoat in the wheel wells. Poor hood fit with a vast rear gap. Said to be recently mechanically serviced with a rebuilt FI pump – Famous family history notwithstanding, this is a tired 220SE with many needs and only limited credit for preservation. Its high bid here is modest, but has room for unexpected issues. The bidders were conservative, and it could have brought a price into six-figures without being expensive.Lot # 233 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Convertible Victoria, Body by LeBaron; S/N 3050235; Engine # 325760; Khaki, Burgundy fenders and accent/Burgundy leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $400,000 – $475,000; Older restoration, 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $415,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $456,500 – Chrome wire wheels, body color hubs and rims, 18 inch blackwall tires, dual sidemounts with mirrors, metal luggage trunk, Arrolite taillight, TiltRay headlights, dual driving lights and horns, dual inside mirrors. – Superb paint, brilliant chrome, sharp interior, crisp gauges. Chassis and underbody are better than new. A concours Pierce showing little age or use since its 2008 Pebble Beach class win, Best in Show winner at the Concours d’Elegance of the Eastern U.S. in 2012. – Sold by RM in Monterey in 2012 for $385,000 with only 14 more miles on its odometer today and still an outstanding concours-quality car. The colors are dated, but the Pierce will always define class, elegance and quality.Lot # 235 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Convertible; S/N F58J235064; Engine # T519FA; Cay Coral/Gold vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $147,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $161,700 – 348/280hp, 3-speed, three two barrels, Positraction, power steering, power brakes, power seat, windshield washers, skirts, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, continental kit, dual rear antennas, WonderBar radio, dual outside mirrors. – A 2007 AACA Senior award winner. Accurately restored with superb paint, chrome, interior, top, glass, panel fits and crisp, accurate finishes and arrangement under the hood. The tip of the pyramid in Impala restorations, it still looks fresh, sharp and crisp in all respects. – There is no way in any respect that this Impala’s restoration looks nine years old, it is that crisp, defined and accurate. The Hershey bidders, who weren’t very inclined to spend large on Fifties cars, recognized its quality, specifications and equipment and accorded it a deserved premium price. It is as good as it gets, done thoroughly and without excess.Lot # 236 1912 Oakland Model 30 Touring; S/N 7500; Dark Green, Black fenders, Yellow coachline/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 – RHD. Overdrive, cream wood spoke wheels, whitewall 35 inch tires, single right side spare with mirror, electrified head and tail lights, Corcoran kerosene sidelights, Stewart speedometer, rear spring shackle dampers, Prest-o-Lite acetylene tank, front and rear tonneau covers, side curtains, electric starter. – Sound older paint and patinaed upholstery, dull brass. Aged but well maintained engine and running gear. Paint chipped from use but not abused. A sound old restoration that is more than usable as is. – Sold here in 2013 for $49,500 and no less desirable now than it was then. Hershey is the place to place quality old cars that have selective, subtle upgrades for touring and the result for this Oakland shows the appeal.Lot # 237 1935 Auburn Eight Supercharged Speedster; S/N 85133952E; Engine # GH5426; Dove Grey/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $900,000 – $1,200,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $800,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $880,000 – 280/150hp supercharged eight, 2-speed axle, hubcaps, sombrero trim rings, blackwall tires, Stabilite headlights, outside exhaust headpipes, Crosley radio. – CCCA Senior # 2188, ACD Category 1, 2016 CCCA Grand Classic 100 point judged, Amelia Island Best in Class. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment and chassis were restored to concours condition and now show use and age even after being cleaned up for the auction. – This Auburn may not be the show car it was a few months ago, but it is still an exemplary piece of American automobile history, meticulously and accurately restored to better than new condition. For that, it brought a strong but highly deserved price.Lot # 239 1922 Mercer Series 5 Sporting; S/N 16210; Engine # 6315; Light Yellow, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 – Body color wire wheels, 32 inch Dunlop blackwall tires, flying eagle mascot, Nite-Lite Moto-Meter, Gray & Davis electric bell headlights, Waltham clock, dual rear spares. – Quick old repaint now dull, scraped and chipped. Cracked, stiff old leather, dull aluminum brackets. Dirty engine and chassis. This is to all intents and purposes an original Mercer with one old repaint. It is sound and complete with recent mechanical attention for reliability and performance. Feeding the leather to soften it up will help a lot. It has the best radiator mascot in Hershey. – The Chalmers Pony Tonneau sold earlier is a wonderful car, but this essentially original and very complete Mercer is far better, a sports car with room for the family. It rumbled up onto the auction block, and completely fell on its face with the Hershey bidders, who had their paddles under their backsides and not a clue what a marvelous automobile this is. The astute, insightful bidder who took it home at this bargain price got both pride and value, a car that needs no restoration (and should never have one), just maintain, drive and exult in its quality, performance, handling and rarity. Owning a concours restored trailer queen is a burden. Don’t drive it or a stone might chip the five-figure paint. Don’t sit in it, the upholstery might wrinkle. This Mercer can sit in the barn, fire up every month and be ready to go next season, or even drive in the snow and rain. It can’t be hurt. It is a dream car and it didn’t cost very much, either.Lot # 242 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline ‘Country Club’ Aerosedan; S/N 2FKD26378; Engine # 113653; Metallic Grey, Wood/Grey cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 – 3-speed, turn signals, heater, pushbutton radio, windshield and side window visors, remote spotlight, skirts, hubcaps, sombrero trim rings, wide whitewalls, fog lights/grille guard, wood body side framing with Dinok paneling. – Consistently good paint, upholstery and chrome. Very good exterior wood with no water stains. Engine, chassis and underbody were done like new but not cleaned up before the auction and show age. A quality car that could be detailed back to showroom condition. The grey paint complements the Aerosedan design. – There were a truckload of GM Aerosedans in this year’s RM Hershey auction, an assortment of Buicks, Pontiacs and Chevys that could only come from a single, focused collection. The Chevy Country Club with its dealer installed wood trim was one of the most rare and this is a quality example that brought a moderate price for its style and rarity.Lot # 243 1958 Buick Limited Convertible; S/N 8E4012620; Warwick Blue/White, Dark Blue leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $82,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,750 – Dynaflow, power steering, power brakes, WonderBar radio, power antenna, power seat, dual remote spotlights, chrome skirts and rear fender shields, 160 grille buttons. – Good paint in an eye-catching color, good interior and chrome. Orderly underbody with some age, use and road dirt. Clean, crisp gauges and dashboard. Very good upholstery. Restored, orderly engine compartment with some dirt in the deep corners. – There are 160 square buttons in the grille of this Buick Limited and each of them was perfectly square, perpendicular and level. There isn’t a lot of time to look at cars at auctions so little details of careful restoration go a long way toward communicating the quality and attention to detail of a restoration: like the perfectly aligned grille buttons. This car was sold at RM St. John’s in 2015 and criticized for its grubby dashboard and instrument panel. It was sold for $71,500 then and is better now, quality recognized (along with the gorgeous paint and interior colors) here.
Lot # 244 1912 Cadillac 40hp 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 39039; Engine # 64594; Black/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 – RHD. Blue artillery wheels, 36 inch blackwall tires, dual right side spares, Standard Thermometer speedometer, bulb and electric horns, Gray & Davis electrified head, side and tail lights, nickel brightwork, platform rear suspension, DELCO electric starter. – Very good paint, upholstery top and brightwork. Chipped top frame mounts. Show polished engine copper water jackets and plumbing. Running gear is restored like new, not overdone. Thoroughly and thoughtfully restored to very high standards without creating over-restored jewelry. – This is a very pleasing old Cadillac, done thoroughly and meticulously without making it into some kind of reverential object with glossy paint and fussy details. The chassis and running gear are particularly thoughtfully done and both the restorers and the owners who commissioned the work deserve high praise for keeping it down to showroom condition. Its quality and sympathy were recognized with this result, which could have been a bit more without being excessive.Lot # 245 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupe, Body by LeBaron; S/N 189744; Engine # 189773; Tan, Brown accent, Orange coachline/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $250,000 – $325,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $190,000 – Orange wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, luggage rack, Jaeger clock, Pilot-Rays, Depress Beam headlights, radiator stoneguard, donut chaser mascot. – Sound older paint, chrome and interior. Chassis painted to touring standards. Orderly but oily and used engine and running gear. Accent paint unevenly masked. A sound restoration probably done, judging by the colors, in the Eighties and carefully toured and maintained since. – This Packard crossed the block at RM St. John’s a year and three months ago with a reported high bid of $180,000. Having come up short yet again in Hershey maybe the consignor will recognize the realities of its restoration, condition and use and take a reasonable price next time.Lot # 246 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible; S/N 56991266; Dover White, Shannon Green, Corsican Black/White, Light Blue, Dark Blue leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $62,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,200 – 374/310hp, dual quads, pushbutton Ultramatic, bat wing air filter, power steering, WonderBar radio, dual rear power antennas, skirts, wheel covers, wide whitewalls, power windows, Torsion Level suspension. – Good older repaint, surface cracked original interior, scuffed bumper chrome, generally good trim chrome, thin outside mirror chrome. Outer window sills are filled. Crazed clock lens, good gauges. Poor side spear fit at the front bumper. Engine compartment was restored and is now aged. Underbody is original, clean and dry. – Even at this under-estimate price it’s far from a certainty that the new owner will be happy with this erratically fluffed-up Caribbean. It scores points for honesty, with deductions for presentation but on balance is a sound value at this price.Lot # 250 1916 Pierce-Arrow 66-A-4 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 67219; Engine # A4269; Dark Grey, Black frame covers and beltline/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $340,000 – RHD. Dark Grey artillery wheels, 37 inch blackwall tires, nickel brightwork, black metal trunk with leatherette cover, combination bulb and electric horn. – Meticulously and accurately restored with quality paint, upholstery and nickel. Reproduction body, reprofiled Model 48 cowl and fenders. Engine and running gear are restored like new with little subsequent use. Runs like a dream. – Sold by RM in Arizona in 2010 for $325,000 with the same estimate range as today. This was the second Pierce 66 in the Hershey auction; neither sold. Pierce enthusiasts must have been off in the swap meet looking for parts.Lot # 251 1936 Cord 810 Phaeton; S/N 2361H; Engine # FB1632; Cigarette Cream/Red leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 – Outside exhaust headpipes, large hubcaps, wide whitewalls, radio. – CCCA Premier #1158, ACD Category 1. Very good older paint and chrome. Good older surface creased leather, faded and lightly soiled top. Right hood side scratched at the front. Underbody is dry but shows some age and use. – Sold by RM in Ft. Lauderdale in 2007 for $191,700, then at Amelia in 2010 for $170,500. It is modestly better than the price it brought today, but not enough to make much difference.Lot # 252 1927 Duesenberg Model A/Y Prototype Phaeton, Body by McFarlan; S/N 912; Engine # 1598; Metallic Burgundy, Black fenders and beltline/Red leather; Estimate $450,000 – $550,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $309,091 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $340,000 – Black wire wheels, chrome hubcaps, blackwall tires, vee windshield, Ryan-Lite headlights, dual sidemounts. – A prototype Al Leamy-designed Model J phaeton body assembled on a Duesenberg Model A chassis with Model A power by August Duesenberg. Refreshed mechanically and cosmetically by James T. Leeson in the 50’s and left alone since. Dull, chipped old paint, worn and aged but sound more recent upholstery, sound but dull old chrome. Aged instrument panel. Original chassis. Displayed for many years at the ACD Museum, brakes not working but the car runs and drives. – Bid to $375,000 on the block, closed later at this price. Offered by Worldwide at Auburn in 2009 where it was reportedly bid to $500,000. Most of the nuts and bolts on this car were tightened by or under the supervision of Augie Duesenberg, it’s that original. Its 88hp Duesenberg Model A doesn’t impart much performance, but that’s not the point; in fact, the prototype body on the lower Model A chassis is sleek and fetching, much different from the large, imposing Model J chassis and coachwork. This is the real Model J that Fred Duesenberg, racer to the core, had in mind; it was E.L. Cord’s dominating vision for the Model J that made it the behemoth beloved by collectors. This Model A/Y is an important piece of American automobile history, and not expensive at that.Lot # 253 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, Body by Murphy; S/N 2366; Engine # J-347; Violet/Dark Red leather; No top; Estimate $1,600,000 – $2,000,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,090,000 – Chrome wire wheels, 19 inch blackwall tires, black cloth covered trunk, flat windshield, steeply raked vee rear windshield, dual sidemounts with mirrors and chrome rings, Trippe lights, dual trumpet horns. – One of three in this style bodied by Murphy, originally delivered to John F. Howard, the ‘Mayonnaise King’ of Haverhill, Mass after he decamped to Mexico City. Stored many years in the parking lot of the Mexico City airport behind brick walls. In the present family ownership since 1962, restored shortly thereafter. Tired old repaint with surface rust worm tracks showing under the paint on some panels, cracks on others but still suitably protective and usable. Surface cracked but sound leather. Some weak trim chrome. Cleaned up but used and aged chassis. An honest old restoration with terrific coachwork and plenty of patina. – Reportedly sold by Christie’s at Pebble Beach in 1998 for $717,500, which doesn’t square up with the history above. Either way, this is one of the best coachwork designs Murphy ever executed on the super-sized Model J platform, a spectacularly beautiful and sleek automobile with proportions that belie the size of the Model J. It is a momentous automobile that fully deserves the momentous price it brought.
Lot # 254 1949 Citroën 11BL ‘Légère’ Sedan; S/N 2491385; Engine # AF06487; Black/Olive cloth; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $23,100 – Beige steel wheels, blackwall Michelin tires, enclosed rear spare. – Reeks of old, bad gasoline. Superficial old repaint with dirt inclusions, scratches and chips. Good but odd fuzzy upholstery. Filthy original engine compartment and chassis. Flaky windshield trim chrome. Sound body, doors close like a vault. – The seller should be rejoicing at getting this much for a stinky, nasty old Citroen.Lot # 255 1941 Buick Special Sedanet; S/N 34187515; Engine # 4400021; Maroon/Brown cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Customized restoration, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,700 – 15 inch wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, windshield visor, remote spotlight, lowered, skirts, bumper tips, Guide fog lights, grille guard, pushbutton radio, clock, backup lights. – Good paint, chrome, upholstery. Dirty restored underbody, pitted vent window frame chrome. An appealing mild custom. – One of the more unusual GM Sedanets in this auction, a car that will show as well on a classic car show field as at a Sunday Cars’n’Coffee and brought a realistic price for its condition and presentation.Lot # 257 1910 Pullman Model O Roadster; S/N 4510; Yellow, Black coachline/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 – RHD. 255/40hp T-head four, 3-speed, Rushmore acetylene headlights and firewall mounted spotlight, monocle windshield, Boa Constrictor bulb horn, Stewart speedometer, round bolster fuel tank, single rear mounted spare, Dietz kerosene sidelights, Atwood-Castle taillight, New Haven clock, Yellow wood spoke wheels, 34 inch tires. – Restored in 1992 and looks like it, the only known surviving Pullman Model O. Dull brass, chipped and dinged but sound old paint, good upholstery, sound but aged and discolored old top. Old, dirty engine. Restored to good standards a long while ago and showing both age and use as well as being knocked around more than a little. – This is an automobile with real character even if its 40 (ALAM) hp side valve engine may be a little light on power. The condition while aged is not disreputable and will respond to a new owner’s efforts to clean it up and deal with some of its cosmetic issues. A rare and sporting vehicle, both the seller and the buyer should be satisfied with this result.Lot # 258 1954 Chevrolet 150 Special Handyman; S/N A54L023557; White, Woodgrain/Tan, cream leatherette; Estimate $30,000 – $35,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200 – Skirts, Fury spinner wheel covers, wide whitewalls, 3-speed, alternator, oil filter, windshield sun visor, clamp on roof rack, painted woodgrain sides, pushbutton radio, underdash Sony CD stereo. – Sound old paint with edge chips. Sound old interior. Orderly engine compartment superficially repainted assembled. Chassis is dirty and grimy. Woodgrain paint is unconvincing. A weekend hauler with visual appeal but little distinction. – It’s taken four years for this Handyman to find its market level. It was no-saled at Auctions America in Ft. Lauderdale in 2012 on a reported bid of $31,000, then a year later at the same place with a reported bid of $22,500. It finally found its place here in a no reserve offering; the new owner is undoubtedly grateful not to have been a buyer back in ’12.Lot # 259 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible; S/N 55881269; White Jade, Zircon, Sapphire/White, Light Blue, Dark Blue leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 352/275hp, dual quads, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, skirts, automatic, power steering, power brakes, WonderBar radio, dual rear power antennas, power bench seat, Torsion Level suspension. – The Torsion Level suspension isn’t level and stands way too tall at the front. Paint and interior are fresh and very good. Most of the chrome is very good but the left vent window frame is rechromed over ugly rust pits. Doors fit flush but the door gaps are unequal. The underbody is highly finished and shows no use to speak of. A fresh, good quality restoration. – While the visible flaws are troubling the overall presentation of this Caribbean is exceptional. At $8,800 more than the ’56 Caribbean sold earlier and the same price as the dual quad ’57 Bel Air convertible, it is a particularly sound value for money leaving the new owner some flexibility to adjust the Torsion Level suspension so the rear doesn’t sag like it had a load of sandbags in the trunk.Lot # 260 1960 Volvo PV 544 Sport 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 274054; Engine # 79516; Red/Red, White vinyl; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100 – Hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, Motorola transistor radio, bumper overriders, mud flaps. – Excellent paint, chrome, glass and interior. Underbody is like new. A surprising restoration to very high standards in showroom or better condition. – The time, effort and money put into the restoration of this PV544 show everywhere and had onlookers flushing with admiration for it, a reaction that continued when it came onto the block and brought this price. The result is surprising, but fully deserved and the new owner should enjoy both the car and the value it represents.Lot # 263 1950 Willys Jeepster Phaeton; S/N 10825; Engine # 48935; Red/Red vinyl, cloth; White vinyl top; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $23,100 – Dual remote spotlights, chrome step plates, overdrive, turn signals, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, fog lights, side curtains. – Fair older paint, good upholstery and top. Orderly engine, road grimy chassis. A usable weekend driver to haul the family to the beach. – Bought right on the money and a fine way to entertain family and friends for a modest investment.Lot # 265 1916 Chevrolet Baby Grand H-4 Touring; S/N N4133; White, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $23,100 – White wood spoke wheels, 34 inch Non Skid tires, rear-mounted spare, brass bezel electric headlights and sidelights, brass tube front bumper. – Sound paint, good upholstery. Many miles on the restored engine and chassis. Chipped and dinged hood sides. Too good to restore; not good enough to show. Displayed at the AACA Museum since 1997 and needs recommissioning, proceeds to the AACA Museum. – Much less common that contemporary Fords, but with better performance from their overhead valve engines and a superior value for the money. That comparison is still good today with this result even though it is nominally generous befitting its charitable purpose.
