Sports Car Market
PROFILES
Keith Martin’s
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The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
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March 2013 . Volume 25 . Number 3
FERRARI
by Steve Ahlgrim 40
What You Need to Know
ENGLISH
AUCTIONS
What Sold, and Why
by Reid Trummel 42
175 Vehicles Rated at 10 Sales
62
72
2004 Ferrari 360 Modena Spider F1
$87,714 / Artcurial
Made to drive, not yet to collect
ETCETERINI
by Donald Osborne
44
1961 Triumph TR4
$41,803 / Silverstone
Exceptional cars bring exceptional prices
GERMAN
by Prescott Kelly
46
82
92
1951 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet
$227,505 / Bonhams
A million-dollar experience for $800k less
AMERICAN
by Carl Bomstead 48
2005 Porsche Carrera GT
$452,598 / Bonhams
Prices have soared $75k since 2009
RACE
by Thor Thorson 52
108
118
1958 Chrysler 300D Convertible
$198,000 / RM
Chrysler letters are drawing big numbers
6
1952 “Wagner Special” BMW Racer
$177,100 / Auctions America by RM
A home-built tool, not a racing icon
100
RM AUCTIONS
North Palm Beach, FL: John
Staluppi’s collection of rare,
ultimate-spec 1950s “Cars of
Dreams” totals $10.4m
— John Lyons
BONHAMS
Weybridge, U.K.: In the shadow
of the steeply banked Brooklands
race course, Bonhams
closes out the year with a $6.4m
total and an 84% sales rate
— Paul Hardiman
McCORMICK
Palm Springs, CA: Long-running
auction sets a record $6m in
sales, topped by a 2005
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
at $188k
— Carl Bomstead
COYS
London, U.K.: A dust-laden
Miura forgotten since 1972 finds
$418k, while a gleaming 1938
BMW 328 makes nearly $800k
— Paul Hardiman
SILVERSTONE
Birmingham, U.K.: Silverstone
finds success at this notoriously
difficult venue, selling 41 cars
for $1.9m
— Paul Hardiman
ROUNDUP
Highlights from Leake Dallas,
H&H Newbury, Brightwells
Herefordshire and Barons Surrey
— Paul Hardiman, Phil Skinner
EBAY MOTORS
Replicas on eBay Motors
— Chad Tyson
Cover photo: Preselector gearbox
on a 1951 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet,
courtesy of Bonhams
Sports Car Market
Page 6
38 Voisin Exhibit at the Mullin Automotive Museum
COLUMNS
10 Shifting Gears
Only 128 years after the first production car, car collecting is
moving from its infancy to toddling. That’s a pretty quick
transition
Keith Martin
28 Affordable Classic
The Volvo 1800ES makes a distinctive 1970s style statement,
and as such, has begun to benefit from that decade’s
appeal to today’s young hipsters
Donald Osborne
30 Collecting Thoughts
The days of being able to run anything you like on the U.K.
roads — as long as it has a genuine identity and passes a
basic safety inspection — are numbered
Paul Hardiman
32 Legal Files
How to eliminate some of the risk when you send cash
to a total stranger to buy a car
John Draneas
34 Simon Says
It took courage to buy an obsolete 917K before values
raced to the sky
Simon Kidston
50 The Cumberford Perspective
The Chrysler 300D is a truly impressive vehicle
Robert Cumberford
54 Under the Skin
Porsche and Ferrari expressed different philosophies with the
Carrera GT and the 360 Modena
Dennis Simanaitis
130 eWatch
Marilyn Monroe photos, Bugatti mascot light up online
auctions
Carl Bomstead
8
Sports Car Market
DEPARTMENTS
38 25 Years of SCM: A timeline for our Silver Anniversary
12 Auction Calendar
12 Crossing the Block
16 The Inside Line: Get your black or yellow vintage California
plates, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
18 Contributors: Get to know our writers
20 You Write: A kinky Mangusta, real or replica, and choosing an
auction house
22 Display Advertisers Index
24 Time Pieces: Rolex Oyster Perpetual
24 Neat Stuff: Stoplight for your garage, take-along chairs for
your sports car
26 In Miniature: 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster “Mormon
Meteor”
26 Book Review: Lunches with Mr. Q: An Auto Industry Titan on
Business, Life and Sports Car Dreams
90 Glovebox Notes: 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera
114 Fresh Meat: 2012 Ferrari FF, 2012 BMW M3, 2011 Bentley
Continental GTC Speed
120 Mystery Photo: “A Datsun swamp buggy! What’s next — a
Porsche sedan? Oh, they already did that”
120 Comments with Your Renewal: “This magazine has
become my ‘adult’ version of Playboy”
122 Showcase Gallery: Cars for sale
126 Resource Directory: Meet your car’s needs
FEATURES
36 Brass in Berks: Pre-1916 cars ramble for lots of miles through
the Pennsylvania countryside
38 La Vision de Voisin: The Mullin Automotive Museum examines
the life and work of the legendary Gabriel Voisin
Page 8
Shifting Gears Keith Martin
From Tool to Artifact
Changes in automobile safety and operation
will accelerate the artifact nature of old cars
years ago, or, more important to this discussion, than they did 46 years
ago, in 1967 — which we call the final year of the Golden Era of the
collectible car. But more about that later.
Cars today have the same basic purpose as they did in 1885 — to
get you from point A to point B. However, the rapid development of
electronic aids in automobiles means that cars do more for you today
than ever.
An article in the New York Times published on January 12 of this
year stated that Volvo, BMW, Audi and Mercedes “have announced
that as soon as this year they will begin offering models that will come
with sensors and software to allow the car to drive itself in heavy
traffic at speeds up to 37 miles an hour.” It also references already
installed systems, such as electronic stability control, pedestrian detection,
forward collision avoidance and traffic-sign detection.
It would be as if your table set itself, your chairs moved back auto-
matically when you approached them, and your dresser would tell you
where your blue socks are where when you needed them.
These changes in the basic functionality of the automobile will
It all started here
J
ust how young is car collecting?
Let’s start with the big picture. In Ethiopia, 195,000 years
ago, we find the first evidence of modern man. Forty thousand
years ago, in the Upper Paleolithic Era, the first art, cave paint-
ings, figurines and beads were created.
The first significant non-vernacular architecture appears in south-
west Asia 12,000 years ago in the Neolithic period. Notable furniture
is first found from the period of the Old Kingdom in Egypt, about
4,700 years ago.
And the first production automobile? It was the Benz Patent
Motorwagen, built in 1885 (I have driven an exact re-creation of one).
That’s just 128 years ago, barely a tick of the historical clock.
Of course, car collecting didn’t start in 1885, just as collecting
Paleolithic art didn’t begin 40,000 years ago. When cars were first
introduced, they were both marvels of engineering and practical tools
— mobile industrial art. Serious car collecting on a wide scale didn’t
really start until the 1950s, just 60 years ago.
What sets car collecting apart from nearly all other types of col-
lecting is that, because the field is so young, it is one of the only forms
of collecting in which artifacts from the first era of creation are still
in use.
The London-to-Brighton run is the oldest motoring event in the
world, first held in 1896 — when the Patent Motorwagen was just 11
years old. Cars built up to 1905 — in other words, cars built during the
first 20 years of the motorcar’s existence — are eligible, and in 2012
more than 500 artifacts competed.
You will never see an exhibit of beads authenticated to be from the
first 20 years of bead creation, or of artifacts certified to be from the
first 20 years of significant furniture. The origins of these items are
shrouded in the mists of time, unlike automobiles, where the first year
of production of the first artifact is clearly recorded.
My table doesn’t talk to me
Another thing that separates vintage automobiles from most other
collectible artifacts is that they exist in a swiftly changing environment.
While furniture may change its design, functionally it performs
the same task as it has for thousands of years. You sit on a chair, you
sleep in a bed, you eat from a table.
Modern cars offer a vastly different experience than cars did 100
10
continue to accelerate the artifact nature of old cars — and to make
old cars increasingly unsuitable for the modern mix of traffic as well.
Old versus new
If you wished to have an antique bed and a modern one in your
home, you could do so without anything but an aesthetic challenge.
But when you put an old car and a new one on the road together, the
old car faces challenges.
But let’s define “old car.” From SCM’s perspective, cars built from
1955 to 1967, with a smaller subset through 1974, represent an era
we have termed “the Golden Age of the Motorcar.” By 1955, auto
manufacturers had recovered from the World War II-caused hiatus in
technological progress, and had a new generation of machinery on the
road. This was the era in which the Porsche 356, the Alfa Giulietta
and the MGA made their appearance. In the United States, Chevrolet
introduced one of the significant powerplants of the 20th century, the
small-block 260-ci V8.
The Golden Era ended in 1968 with the advent of U.S. smog and
safety regulations. From that year on, drivetrain engineers and stylists
began serving a new master — the government. Prior to that, they
served only their passions and their customers.
A “Golden Era” car can cruise at 60 mph, has reasonable brakes
and acceptable weather protection. They can survive in today’s traffic,
although not always comfortably. They are the benchmark for a useable
vintage car.
The future
Technological advances in the past three decades have created a
vast gulf between old cars and new ones, and the gap will widen even
more dramatically in the years to come.
As mastery and suitable environment combine to make usage
choices more challenging, car collecting will continue to become more
sophisticated. Collectors will have to ask themselves under what circumstances
will they want to drive their cars, and new-generation collectors
will have to find circumstances to develop competence behind
the wheel of a cantankerous — and fundamentally unsafe — old car.
We are in the midst of a massive revolution in the way collectible
cars are used, and in the separation of collectible artifacts from other,
more-modern cars. Only 128 years after the first production car, car
collecting is moving from its infancy to toddling. That’s a pretty quick
transition, especially when compared with the 40,000 years we’ve
been enamored of cave paintings, beads and figurines. ♦
Sports Car Market
Page 10
Crossing the Block Tony Piff
For more information about events marked with (*), see our 48-page SCM Insider’s Guide to the Spring Auctions, polybagged with this issue for subscribers
1928 Bentley 4½ Litre semi-Le Mans Spec Tourer, at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island auction
Bonhams—Collectors’ Motor Cars and
Automobilia
Where: Oxford, U.K.
When: March 2
More: www.bonhams.com
Last year: 58/58 cars sold / $1.9m
The star car at this an-
nual sale, held at Bonhams’
Oxford showroom, is a 1928
McLaughlin Buick 496 Tourer
— one of two former ceremonial
cars used by the English royal
family on a 1927 tour of Canada,
shipped from province to
province by train. Other notable
consignments include a 1910
Renault AX two-seater, a 1918
Dodge tourer, a 1927 Buick X54
roadster with coachwork by
Fisher, a 1927 Buick 48 opera
coupe and a 1968 Ferrari 365 GT
rebodied as a 250 SWB.
Auction Calendar
All dates listed are current at time of publication. Contact information for most auction companies may be found in the Resource Directory at
the back of this issue. Please confirm dates and locations before attending any event.
Email auction info to: chad.tyson@sportscarmarket.com.
FEBRUARY
2—PETERSEN
Salem, OR
4—SHANNONS
Sydney, AUS
7—BONHAMS
Paris, FRA
8—ARTCURIAL
Paris, FRA
15–16—RM
Madison, GA
18—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
22–23—MECUM
Boynton Beach, FL
22–23—LEAKE
Oklahoma City, OK
22–24—MCCORMICK’S
Palm Springs, CA
23—SILVERSTONE
Northamptonshire, U.K.
12
23—CHEFFINS
Bristol, U.K.
23—BONHAMS
Boca Raton, FL
24—BARONS
Surrey, U.K.
26—H&H
Buxton, U.K.
MARCH
1–3—G. POTTER KING
Atlantic City, NJ
2—BONHAMS
Oxford, U.K.
6—BRIGHTWELLS
Herefordshire, U.K.
8—GOODING & CO.
Amelia Island, FL
9—RM
Amelia Island, FL
9—SMITHS
Cape Girardeau, MO
10—WEBBS
Auckland, NZ
12—COYS
London, U.K.
16—CLASSIC MOTORCAR
Akron, OH
21–24—HOLLYWOOD
WHEELS
West Palm Beach, FL
22–24—AUCTIONS
AMERICA BY RM
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
23—SPECIALTY AUTO
Greeley, CO
APRIL
4–6—MECUM
Houston, TX
4–6—BARRETTJACKSON
Palm Beach, FL
12–13—BRANSON
Branson, MO
12–13—SILVER
Portland, OR
12–14—COLLECTOR CAR
PRODUCTIONS
Toronto, CAN
13—COYS
Essen, DEU
13—DAN KRUSE
CLASSICS
San Antonio, TX
13—BONHAMS
Los Angeles, CA
14—BARONS
Surrey, U.K.
17—H&H
Duxford, U.K.
19–20—VICARI
Nocona, TX
20—COYS
Ascot, U.K.
20—DRAGONE
Westport, CT
20—B&T SPECIALTY
Las Vegas, NV
25–26—AUCTIONS
AMERICA BY RM
Carlisle, PA
25–27—MECUM
Kansas City, MO
27—CHEFFINS
Cambridge, U.K.
27—RM
Fort Worth, TX
27–28—CLASSIC
MOTORCAR
Novi, MI
29—BONHAMS
Hendon, U.K.
29—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
Gooding & Company—The Amelia
Island Auction*
Where: Amelia Island, FL
When: March 8
More: www.goodingco.com
Last year: 70/77 cars sold / $36.1m
Among the many blue-chip
collectibles at Gooding’s
Amelia Island sale are a 1949
Jaguar XK 120 alloy roadster,
a 1957 Porsche 356A 1600
Speedster and a 1939 RollsRoyce
Wraith, offered without
reserve. Of particular note is a
1928 Bentley 4½ Litre semi-Le
Mans Spec Tourer, originally
owned by Gerald Beven, a
close personal acquaintance of
“Bentley Boy” Captain Henry
Birkin, and upgraded by Birkin
to Le Mans spec at Beven’s
request.
RM Auctions—Automobiles of Amelia
Island*
When: March 9
Where: Amelia Island, FL
Web: www.rmauctions.com
Last year: 92/106 cars sold / $22m
RM will offer their usual
selection of world-class collector
cars at their long-running
March sale, held in official
conjunction with the Amelia
Island Concours d’Elegance.
Featured consignments include
a trio of significant Cords from
the private collection of Jim
Fasnacht, headlined by an ACD
Club Category 1 1930 Cord
L-29 Sport Cabriolet by Voll &
Ruhrbeck, the Berlin Show Car;
a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Gullwing, in single-family
ownership from new; a multiaward-winning
1932 Marmon
HCM V12 two-door sedan
prototype, with well-known
provenance and ownership
history; and an original 1923
Locomobile Model 48 Series
VIII Sportif, judged Best in
Class — Prewar Preservation,
at Pebble Beach 2002.
Sports Car Market
Page 12
Crossing the Block Tony Piff
For more information about events marked with (*), see our 48-page SCM Insider’s Guide to the Spring Auctions, polybagged with this issue for subscribers
1930 Cord L-29 Sport Cabriolet by Voll & Ruhrbeck at RM’s Amelia Island auction
1960 Ford Sunliner at Classic
Motorcar’s Ohio Spring Classic
Classic Motorcar Auctions—Ohio
Spring Classic*
Where: Akron, OH
When: March 16
More: www.classicmotorcarauctions.com
Last year: 72/117 cars sold / $1m
The featured early headliner
at CMA’s Ohio Spring Classic
is a 1960 Ford Sunliner convertible,
in excellent condition and
equipped with 352-ci 300 hp V8.
More than 165 cars from every
automotive genre will cross
the block at the John S. Knight
Center in Akron, as well as an
important collection of model
cars and airplanes from a local
estate.
Hollywood Wheels—The Palm Beach
Auction*
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
When: March 21–24
More: www.seeyouontheblock.
com
Hollywood Wheels predicts
more than 350 collector cars for
14
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe convertible, once owned by Steve McQueen, at Auctions America by RM, Fort Lauderdale
Sports Car Market
their March 2013 sale, held at the
Palm Beach County Convention
Center. Star cars include a 1957
Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
convertible, a Dietrich-bodied
1936 Packard Twelve dual-cowl
phaeton, and a 1934 Packard
Super 8 resto-mod, equipped
with leather, full power and a/c.
Auctions America by RM—Collector
Cars of Fort Lauderdale*
Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL
When: March 22–24
More: www.auctionsamerica.com
Last year: 388/568 cars sold /
$16.9m
Notable early lots at this
seventh annual event include
a 1967 Dodge Coronet WO23
Hemi Super Stock race car and
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe
convertible, formerly owned by
Steve McQueen. Last year at this
auction, sold cars averaged $19k,
while a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette
convertible took the high sale
slot at $99k. ♦
Darin Schnabel (c) 2012, courtesy RM Auctions
Page 14
Inside Line Alex Martin-Banzer Send news and event listings to insideline@sportscarmarket.com.
The Ford GT40 is one of the star cars at this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Industry News
■ Do you want to install rep-
lica vintage California license
plates on your cars from the
1950s through the 1970s? Now is
the time to place your order. The
state of California’s new Legacy
License Plate program is just getting
started, and pre-orders for
yellow, black or blue plates are
now being taken online at www.
dmv.ca.gov. The fee for each set
of plates is $50. California law
states that at least 7,500 applications
for replica plates must be
filed by January 1, 2015, to make
the program happen. If the program
falls short of applications,
all fees will be returned — and
not one replica plate will be issued.
All of us at SCM are sure
that more than 7,500 applications
will be on file before the end of
this summer, but don’t dawdle.
(CA)
Events
■ America’s Sports Car, the
Corvette, is celebrating 60 years
16
The Petersen Automotive Museum will celebrate 60 years of Corvettes
on the road this year, and Corvettes
will star at the Los Angeles-based
Petersen Automotive
Museum for all of March. On
March 1 and 2, there will be a
Corvette Values Seminar and a
racing panel discussion. Both
are $25. There will also be a gala
with only 350 tickets available at
a price of $125. www.petersen.
org (CA)
■ There’s no better excuse
to visit the Ritz-Carlton than
attending the Amelia Island
Concours d’Elegance. This
year’s weekend proves that good
things do indeed come in threes.
From March 8 to 10, there will
be a seminar to celebrate the
50th anniversary of the legendary
Porsche 911 and another
seminar to honor the 50th anniversary
of the Corvette Sting
Ray. The 50th anniversary of
Italy’s Lamborghini marque will
also be celebrated. The star cars
of the Concours d’Elegance will
be the famous Ford GT40, Cadillac
concept cars and Motorama
LaSalles.
The Porsche Driving Experi-
ence begins the car weekend on
Friday, March 8, and the Marque
Car Road Tour follows. The
seminar of the 50th anniversary
of the Sting Ray begins at
1:30 p.m., and Peter Brock, one
of the designers, will participate.
Tickets are $25. At 4:30 p.m.,
the Porsche 911 Seminar starts,
with Vic Elford, Hurley Haywood
and Peter Schutz on the
panel. Tickets are $25. The RitzCarlton
will be open to the public
throughout the day. The Gooding
Auction starts at 11 a.m. at the
Omni Amelia Island Plantation.
On Saturday, March 9, the
Ford GT40 panel will begin the
day at 10 a.m. The RM Auction
will begin at 11 a.m. at the RitzCarlton.
Legendary race car driver
Sam Posey is this year’s honoree.
The car-happy weekend ends
with the Amelia Island Concours
d’Elegance on Sunday, March
10, starting at 9:30 a.m. For more
details, visit www.ameliaconcours.org
(FL)
■ If Rétromobile didn’t give
you the French fix you needed,
the Avignon Motor Festival
from March 22 to 24 is a must.
This festival includes vintage
cars, classic cars and military
vehicles — and is in the south of
France — so there are no excuses
to miss this event. Admission
is $14. www.avignon-motorfestival.com
(FRA) ♦
Sports Car Market
Photos by Chad Tyson
You Write We Read
All letters are subject to editing. Please address correspondence to SCM, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208.
Fax 503.253.2234, e-mail: youwrite@sportscarmarket.com
How could you not notice that in the Mangusta there is a noticeable kink?
A little kinky?
To the Editor:
I am a great admirer of
Robert Cumberford, who was
kind enough to reply to an
inquiry about Viper styling,
although I do hope one day he
will examine it in SCM.
Many cars have a trim strip
or crease along the side. How
could you not notice that in the
Mangusta (December 2012,
Etceterini Profile, p. 42) there
is a noticeable kink? It’s not a
straight line. I would never buy a
car with such a defect.
Decades ago, I was a member
of the U.K. Ferrari Owners’
Club when it was combined
with Bugatti. Then they split,
as interests diverged. In Keith
Martin’s column (December
2012, “Shifting Gears,” p. 8),
he writes of cars which “simply
aren’t daily drivers anymore.”
You are really covering two very
separate hobbies: cars that might
as well be framed and hung on
the wall, and those which still
are driven. I own and prefer
the latter. — Tom Oleson, Gig
Harbor, WA
100% real or
90% cheaper?
To the Editor:
I have been a subscriber since
20
1996 and love your publication.
I am a second-generation sports
car nut — my dad died a few
years ago and left me a few cars.
Anyway, I value your advice
and am looking for some guidance.
My current cars include
a Ferrari 550M, which I drive
as much as I can. I have a 2006
Ford GT with about 1,600 miles
— it seems price is contingent
on miles with these cars.
I also have a 1977 Ferrari
308 GTB on which the previous
owner did about $85k worth of
very tasteful performance mods,
including dry sump, P6 cams,
lightweight flywheel, brakes,
suspension etc…. The car is
fast and a great track car that I
bought for $23k. I then stripped
the interior à la Michelotto cars.
I am sure I could sell it, as I always
have some inquiries about
the car. I don’t need to sell it.
I have an itch and have
always wanted a car that could
be eligible for cool events, such
as Tour Auto or the like.
A well-known car broker has
a 1972 911S/RSR that was converted
in period to RSR specs
and has an HTP. Documented
race history. I know the car was
an auction — no sale — twice
in recent years. They are asking
$187k, and apparently the owner
is motivated to sell. What are
your thoughts on this car?
My other question concerns
the Ford GT. As we know, prices
have been rising, but again it’s
based on mileage, and I do like
driving it. Ford made over 4,000
of them, so I really don’t know
where that market is going.
I was looking at selling my
GT and buying a Superformance
GT40 built by Holman-Moody in
proper form. I know it’s not real,
but it’s one-tenth the price of a
real one and 100% of the same
experience. And these cars were
built correctly with right-hand
drive, 302 with Webers , and
they have a good resell globally.
— Michael Blank, via email
Keith Martin responds:
Michael, you ask interesting
questions.
The first thing I note is that
all of your cars are relatively
modern, and they share ultrahigh-performance
characteristics.
Second, you like to drive
your cars.
Third, within the group of
cars that you mention, the buy/
sell price does not seem to be an
issue.
What you haven’t told me is
why you would want to buy or
sell each car.
The 308 is a perfect Tour
Auto car, and it’s already done,
so just ship it over there and sign
up for the next event.
What are you going to
do with the Porsche? It’s not
cheap, and you are getting an
“in-period-built” replica. I can’t
comment on the price, as with
one-off cars like that, it is purely
what you are willing to offer and
the seller willing to accept.
Ford GT prices will continue
to hold. You are correct, mileage
will be the determinant of value
— as they are all nearly identical.
They are wonderful cars
to drive, and if you really like
yours, you should just keep it
and drive it and not worry about
the minimal depreciation. You’re
not going to put 25,000 miles a
year on it, are you?
I like the Superperformance
GT40s as well, and they do give
you 100% of the performance at
10% of the price. But they aren’t
the real deal, and you have to
ask yourself how comfortable
you will be at each event when
someone asks, “Is that a real
GT?” — especially after you have
owned one. Further, you haven’t
answered the question of what do
you want to do with the Ford GT/
Superperformance GT40? Tours?
Rallies? Cruise-ins?
Sports Car Market
Page 20
You Write We Read
Ad Index
Alan Taylor Company, Inc......................... 107
Amelia Island Concours............................... 85
American Car Collector............................. 119
Aston Martin of New England..................... 29
Auctions America by RM ............................ 17
Automobilia Monterey............................... 121
Autosport Designs Inc................................ 103
Barrett-Jackson ............................................ 13
Beverly Hills Car Club............................... 117
Black Horse Garage................................... 119
Bonhams / SF............................................... 23
Boston Mini Cars....................................... 121
Branson Collector Car Auction.................... 19
Canepa.......................................................... 95
Carlisle Events ............................................. 56
Chubb Personal Insurance............................ 11
Classic International Auto Museum........... 119
Classic Showcase......................................... 77
Collector Car Price Tracker ....................... 106
Copley Motorcars......................................... 98
Cosdel .......................................................... 99
Daniel J. Rapley LLC ................................ 119
Dealer Accelerate......................................... 35
Driversource Houston LLC.................. 71, 105
European Collectibles ................................ 107
Exotic Classics............................................. 99
Fantasy Junction......................................... 105
Festivals of Speed ........................................ 55
Gooding & Company..................................... 2
Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance... 75
Grundy Worldwide..................................... 117
Gullwing Motor Cars, Inc...........................111
Hamann Classic Cars................................... 93
Heacock Classic .......................................... 21
Heritage Classics.......................................... 63
Hollywood Wheels Inc............................58-59
Hyman, LTD ................................................ 79
Inpelle ........................................................ 115
Intercity Lines .............................................. 33
JC Taylor...................................................... 83
Jeff Brynan................................................. 125
JJ Best Banc & Co ..................................... 123
Keels and Wheels Concours ........................ 91
Kidston........................................................... 7
L.A. Prep...................................................... 73
La Jolla Concours D’ Elegance.................... 69
Leake Auction Company.............................. 27
Luxury Brokers International..................... 125
Mac Neil Automotive Products Ltd............. 67
Maserati North America............................. 132
Mercedes Classic Center............................ 101
Mershon’s World Of Cars ............................ 97
Miller’s Mercedes Parts, Inc........................ 98
Motor Classic & Competition Corp........... 121
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions............... 37
Paramount Classic Cars ............................... 89
Paul Russell And Company ....................... 101
Premier Financial Services ........................ 131
Putnam Leasing.............................................. 9
QuickSilver Exhausts Ltd. ........................... 81
RB Collection............................................... 31
Reliable Carriers .......................................... 61
RM Auctions................................................ 15
Road Scholars .............................................. 57
Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo ......................... 115
RPM Auto Books....................................... 125
Russo & Steele LLC ........................ 95, 97, 99
Santa Fe Concorso ......................................... 4
Silver Collector Car Auctions ...................... 51
Sports & Specialist Cars ............................ 103
Sports Car Market........................................ 90
Swissvax USA, LLC.................................... 25
Symbolic Motor Car Co................................. 3
T. Rutlands ................................................... 39
The Driven Man......................................... 113
The Stable, Ltd............................................. 87
Vicari Auctions............................................. 65
Vintage Rallies............................................111
VintageAutoPosters.com............................ 121
Worldwide Group........................................... 5
You Write We Read
We’re all car nuts in my house. My wife drives a ’78 Macho
Trans Am, I club-race a ’70 Boss 302, and there are four others
we don’t drive every day
Your cars are all interesting.
Please keep us posted concerning
your decisions.
Michael Blank responds:
Keith: Thank you for your
quick reply. Items 1, 2 and 3 are
all accurate.
I have been doing various
track events since 1987 — with
both Porsche and Ferrari — but
I never had a proper race car
and especially one from the
glory days of the 1960s or 1970s.
I thought the Porsche would
perhaps satisfy that, but it seems
to be — just as you state — an
in-period replica with an HTP. I
think you talked me off the ledge
on that one.
I love my Ford GT, but I will
never be able to afford a real
1960s GT40. These continuation
cars are as close as it will get
for me. If they can get HTP
certificates, why should I care?
I am not pawning the car off as
real, as most people think my
actual Ford GT is a kit car.
I know you and others have
written much about rebodied
and continuation cars.
Thanks again for the help.
Who should sell this ’66
LeMans?
To the Editor:
I’ve been an SCMer for a
22
few years now, and I love the
magazine. It’s the best there is.
I’m that guy you often tell your
subscribers to buy from. I’m
the guy with the need to build.
I built a 1966 Pontiac LeMans
into a high-level modernized
“pro tour”-style cruiser — that
I’d now like to sell. I’m sure I
have almost double into it —
compared with what it’s worth
on the open market.
My question — or what I’d
love to see — is a breakdown of
auction companies and venues,
where the focus is on which
houses and venues are best for
a particular type of car. I could
easily picture my LeMans
on stage at Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale, but would they take
it with a reserve, and do people
like me get prime-time placement?
Or is prime time reserved
for the repeat Barrett-Jackson
consignors, and/or something
truly rare or unique?
I’ve also never seen mention
of auction timing and placement.
There’s obviously a big difference
in the bidding on Sunday
morning versus Friday and
Saturday nights.
We’re all car nuts in my
house. My wife drives a ’78
Macho Trans Am, I club-race a
’70 Boss 302, and there are four
others we don’t drive every day.
Keep up the great job. I look
forward to every issue. — Jay
Bovarnick, Medfield, MA
Executive Editor Chester
Allen responds:
Jay, thanks for you thought-
provoking note. Each auction
house has its own style, and
my best advice for you is to
call each one — or send them
an email — and see how they
propose handling your car.
Call it comparison shopping,
which is always a good idea.
Auction timing is a tricky
thing, as it’s actually more
important to have buyers who
are very, very interested in
your car in the room than to
have your car cross the block in
Prime Time without interested
buyers in the room. The best
way to get buyers interested
in your car is to bring it to
auction in the best condition
possible — and then sit by your
car during preview times to
answer questions. Every year,
we see terrific cars sitting alone
during preview times, and
frustrated buyers are unlikely to
fight each other over a mystery
car. ♦
Sports Car Market
In Miniature by Marshall Buck
1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster “Mormon Meteor”
The one-of-a-kind, traffic-stopping and Bonneville-record-setting
“Mormon Meteor” speedster is without a doubt the most un-Duesenberglooking
Duesenberg of them all. The car is based on a Model J chassis, and
Ab Jenkins, with the help of Augie Duesenberg, built the speedster in a garage
next to the factory. It was designed to run and set land speed records at the
Bonneville Salt Flats, which it did.
Over the years, only three companies have produced models of this car; all
were hand-built limited editions and were made only in 1:43 scale. Enter the
fourth model company — Automodello — who has again chosen to replicate
another truly unique automobile. This Duesenberg is their second 1:24-scale
release following their very successful edition of the Phantom Corsair, which I
reviewed in the May 2012 issue of SCM (p. 24).
Except for the edges of the wheel covers, they have modeled the car in its
fully restored 2007 Pebble Beach Concours Best-of-Show-winning form. This
configuration is certainly an eye-catcher, and it appears to be a combination of
eras and details. The car is partially as it appeared at Bonneville in 1935 — but
with added full windshield, fenders and various details as when Knox Kershaw
owned it. Other parts of the car are as it appears now under current owner Harry
Yeaggy, with faired-in passenger’s side head rest and painted wheel covers.
This car is not for everyone, but it is one very impressive model — and big
for 1:24 scale, measuring over nine inches in length, not including the attractive
black display base. Also included is an individually numbered certificate and
information sheet about the car.
Proportions and overall body shape look to be exact, as do many of the nu-
merous details. Paint finish is what we have come to expect from Automodello:
oh so smooth with a high, mirror-like gloss. The body is perfectly cast, with
razor-sharp engraved panel lines. As with the real car, the insides of the wheelwells
are painted red. The tires are very accurate, and the painted wheel covers
with ultra-thin red outer edge and chrome centers are a real treat.
The fit of most parts is excellent, although a few of the photo-etched trim
parts were separating from the body, necessitating a bit of glue. The large
Speaking Volumes by Mark Wigginton
Lunches with Mr. Q: An Auto Industry Titan on Business, Life
and Sports Car Dreams
By Kevin Nelson, Southampton Books , 212 pages, $19.95 (Amazon)
Two men, a continent apart, were instrumen-
tal in changing what Americans thought a
automobiles in the 1950s. They were both
visionary, part enthusiast and all salesm
Max Hoffman on the East Coast and K
Qvale on the West showed America that lig
fast sports cars were fun and cool.
For Qvale, it was an accidental introdu
tion to an MG TC that changed his life, an
what had started out as a trip to New Orlean
to source motorcycles for sale turned into
an iconic career as automobile importer
builder and race-car backer — not to
mention his horse racing and banking successes.
Qvale turned that early interest in the
MG TC into a distributorship for MG
products, starting his San Francisco
company, British Motor Car Distributors. He later
added other British lines such as Morris, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce.
When the next idea, the VW Bug, presented itself, he expanded to im-
porting cars from across the English Channel, bringing in Volkswagen and
Porsche — and Italian exotics Lamborghini, DeTomaso and Maserati.
When the Healey line disappeared from the U.S., thanks to smog rules,
Qvale had a big hole to plug in his sales, so the Norwegian-born entrepreneur
got together with designer Donald Healey and the Jensen company (who built
the Big Healeys for BMC) to create the Jensen Healey. It wasn’t his only flirtation
with car manufacturing, as he also created the Qvale Mangusta, based on
26
the DeTomaso Biguá. His racing history (never as a driver,
always a backer) included cars designed in partnership with
Joe Huffaker for road racing and the Indy 500, and is worth a
book of its own.
The facts behind the twists and turns in the multimil-
lionaire’s empire are fascinating enough, but author Kevin
Nelson teases the soul from the man behind the facts. Built
around a series of lunches over cottage cheese, fruit and a
single egg roll in Qvale’s office, Nelson’s narrative creates a
portrait of a controlled, singular man, a success story with
roots in a personality and way of doing business that changed
what we drive. Now 93, Qvale has slowed down, but what
comes across in Nelson’s portrayal is a still vital man, ever the
optimist, still selling the only way he knows how.
Provenance:
Kevin Nelson has 19 books under his belt, on everything
from baseball to parenting. He became acquainted with Qvale
while writing Wheels of Change, a book about California car
culture.
Fit and finish:
Typography and design are lovely and unexpected. The
bright, energetic use of color inside is a pleasant surprise.
Drivability:
Nelson brings Kjell Qvale to life on every page. His fram-
ing structure, the lunches, brings the relationship between
author and subject to the fore in a way that is surprisingly
gentle and inclusive. As a friend says, “That’s a lot of cottage
cheese,” but it allows you to sit in the interviewer’s chair as
the book unfolds. It’s a lovely read about an important man
in the car world. And now, the most important fact last: It’s
pronounced Kjell (Shell) Qvale (Cavalli). ♦
Sports Car Market
chrome block-style DUESENBERG letters on the driver’s side
were unfortunately applied a bit unevenly, which is not a deal
breaker but is disappointing.
Much of the detail on this behemoth is subtle; you do need
to spend some time examining it, and the more you do, the
more you will be impressed. Details such as the single cyclops
headlamp at the bottom of the steeply raked grille come off
looking just right, as do even smaller items. Delicate little
chrome Ab Jenkins scripts on both sides are in place and looking
great. And that monstrous single chrome exhaust pipe running
almost the entire car length makes one hell of a statement.
The interior is very well done, with a good amount of de-
tail, although the shade of red used should be a little brighter.
Individual pedals are perfect, as is the simulated rubber floor
covering with its diamond pattern.
A little welcome extra detail was the
thin metal cable running from the
wiper motor down inside the cockpit
wall.
As with the majority of models
Model Details
Production Date: 2013
Quantities: Up to 599
from this manufacturer, this piece
is what I refer to as a mid-volume
run of hand-assembled models. The
edition is limited, but not too much
so, hence the reasonable price of
$299.95 — and worth it.
SCM Five-Star Rating:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
Web: www.automodello.com
Page 26
Affordable Classic Volvo 1800ES
A Practical Hipster of a Volvo
A sporty two-seater with space to carry the luggage needed for a week
away on the road is very appealing
by Donald Osborne
T
he 1950s saw most car manufacturers reaching to
sports cars to burnish their image and give a spark
to their product lines.
This was especially true of European makers
eager to get a bigger part of the lucrative U.S. market,
where buyers were embracing a more spirited and involving
driving experience — even while continuing to
buy family sedans.
As a result, even Volvo — possibly the most practical
carmaker on the planet — launched a limited-production
two-seater to join the Corvettes, Thunderbirds, AustinHealeys
and Porsches in American driveways. The
P1900, introduced in 1956, had little sporting style and
dash, inadequate power and un-Volvo like shoddy build
quality. Only 68 were built before the plug was pulled.
The P1800 coupe, a successor unveiled in 1960,
was low, sleek and very dramatic looking — a novelty
for Volvos. Drawn by Swedish stylist Pelle Petterson
while he worked at Frua in Italy, the new car had a very
Italianate look and could have easily come from the pen
of Giovanni Michelotti or Franco Scaglione.
As to who would buy an impractical version of a most
practical car, which cost almost as much as a Jaguar
E-type, I suppose it would seem perfect for a certain
niche market, say, university math professors in midlife
crisis whose unshakable basic logic and common sense
wouldn’t allow them to splash out for a Corvette.
The 1800 in the name referred to the 1,780-cc ca-
pacity of the B18 engine, and P stood for “Personvagn,”
which is Swedish for “coach.” The P was dropped with
the introduction of the 1800S in 1963, and even
though the engine size grew to 2 liters in 1969,
the name remained 1800, and many still refer to
all the cars with the letter prefix going all the way
through the last of the line, the 1800ES.
It’s interesting that Volvo turned to Italian
Details
Years produced: 1972–73
Price range: $18,000–$45,000
Number built: 8,077
design houses Coggiola and Frua for proposals
for this sport wagon version of the 1800E.
Each delivered very forward-looking designs.
In the end, they proved to be a bit too forward
for Volvo, which had its in-house stylist Jan
Wilsgaard draw the “Breadvan” greenhouse and
updated details of the ES. With a few other detail
trim changes, Wilsgaard did a very good job of
making the essentially 1950s shell look contemporary
enough for the 1970s. The only things that
dated the car were the narrow wheels and tires. In Europe, they became known as
“Schneewittchensarg,” or “Snow White’s Coffin,” due to their extensive use of glass
— a term Publisher Martin loves to use when referring to his own 1800ES.
Pros: Attractive styling, dependability,
parts availability, practicality
Cons: Unexciting engine, somewhat dated
chassis, expensive to restore, sensibility
Best place to drive one: On a long weekend
trip
A typical owner is: A practical dreamer
Alternatives: 1965–74 MGBGT, 1968–71
Jaguar XKE Series II 2+2 coupe,
1976 Jensen GT
SCM Investment Grade: C
A short production run
It’s a measure of the uncertainly that surrounded the ever-shifting U.S. safety and
emissions standards that Volvo created this model and then killed it so soon — to avoid
the expense of compliance with the infamous 1974 regulations.
While there were almost 40,000 coupes built over 11 years, only 8,077 of the sport
wagons left the factory. The model type makes so much sense that it’s surprising that
there haven’t been more. To have a sporty two-seater with actual space to carry the
luggage needed for a week away on the road or more than a single bag of groceries is
very appealing. The Volvo fits this bill spectacularly, being a car that might actually
be dependable enough to get you there and back — while delivering more than a bit of
Affordabl
Affordabl
Affordabl
Affordabl
Affordabl
Affordabl
Affordabl
Affordabl
Affordabl
Page 27
the 1800ES is one of those collectible cars that is capable
enough to be used as a daily driver in most places.
For owners who want to find performance to match
the looks, many upgrades are available for the B20
engine, and they can as much as double the stock 125
horsepower.
As long as you make sure that your insurance com-
pany provides the proper kind of agreed-value coverage
and that you don’t misuse the car, your 1800ES can do
all the things a contemporary car can do — and with a
great deal more style and fun.
Robust — and few parts problems
Parts availability is excellent, approaching British
car levels, so you don’t feel nervous that if something
wears out or breaks it will cost the Earth to replace. But
costs do have to be considered, especially as they relate
to body condition and the fuel injection of the ES. The
complex body structure, including three-part sills, has
many rust traps, and proper repairs are expensive to execute.
An 1800ES restoration project is something taken
on for passion — not profit.
Mechanically, while the cars are robust and reliable,
problems with the Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection can be
costly to resolve. With the first electronically controlled
fuel-injection unit, close attention should be paid to the
condition of the cable harness. Low-rev drivability issues
can be an indication that there might be trouble in
this area. Replacements for the brake booster can also be
hard to find and expensive to buy.
Inside, the 1800ES has a well detailed-interior, with
leather-faced seats. Replacement parts are available,
SCM’s 1800ES with rare Dunlop wheels
including the original upholstery material. Again, it pays here to find a car with a wellpreserved
interior rather than spending lots of money to bring it back up to snuff. One
thing that someone looking at these cars will quickly notice is that many U.S. delivery
examples were fitted with air conditioning. You’ll quickly next notice that there are
very few with working units. These a/c systems were, as was the case with most nonU.S.
cars, not very efficient, but can be made to do an adequate job with a little effort.
The 1800ES makes a distinctive 1970s style statement, and as such, has begun to
benefit from that decade’s appeal to young hipsters. In fact, the model’s popularity
with many outside those who would be considered Volvo collectors has pushed prices
steadily upward in the past couple of years — a trend that shows no sign of abating.
For a collector looking for an eye-catching, usable classic with great parts and club
support, the 1800ES is a great alternative to an MGB GT, Jensen GT or Jaguar E-type
2+2. And interest is rising steadily, so get yours now. ♦
March 2013
29
Page 28
Collecting Thoughts Weird, One-Off British Cars
Fast Furniture, Tiny Cars and Low Riders
Three very odd cars recently sold at Bonhams’ Collectors’ Motor Cars sale,
but what to do with them?
by Paul Hardiman
Lowest Car, and Wind Up is the World’s Smallest
Roadworthy Car. All of these cars sprang from the
fertile mind and active shed of Perry Watkins.
Only 19 inches high….
Flatmobile was the creation that brought
Watkins, aka Perrywinkle Customs, to public
prominence, although he had achieved some sort
of cult fame in 2002 as the creator of Mr. Nasty,
one of the most successful of the fighting machines
on TV’s “Robot Wars.”
Mr. Nasty proved his chops in inventiveness
and fabrication, although as Watkins says, “After
spending a fortune and coming home from the
‘war’ with a bag of bits, I decided to stick to building
cars.”
His first mad vehicle was a nine-foot-tall (and
street-legal) Dalek, built on two Mini subframes
and inspired by a motorized church bell that he
came across while exhibiting his Ford Pop at a
late-1980s custom show in Ostend.
Aside from being wittily named, Flatmobile is
Fast Food — for when you really need that order to go
M
y apologies to Perry Watkins, Andy
Saunders and other members of the Legion
of Men in Sheds. All of you are thoroughly
nice and decent chaps, but… what to
do when you’d rather stay home with a lot of time on
your hands and an intimate knowledge of the United
Kingdom’s Construction and Use regulations? Your
inventiveness and vision lead you to knock up all sorts
of novelty acts — just to see if it can be done.
This peculiarly English phenomenon has given us,
among other things, the bouncing bomb, the jet engine
and the computer. These geniuses — or madmen, depending
on your perspective — do it because they can.
And so we have three decidedly odd cars sold at
Bonhams’ Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia at
Brooklands, U.K., on December 3, 2012.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records,
Fast Food is the World’s Fastest Furniture and is a
very fast table set for a meal. Flatmobile is the World’s
only 19 inches high and started life as a Hillman
Imp, although it was a rehash of the 26-inch-high
Impressed, which held the lowest car record from
1989 to 2000. Being able to size up the donor potential is just one of the skills of the
special builder, and the Imp lends itself to playing limbo, having low-pivot swing-axle
suspension at the front and a tiny rear-mounted engine that leans over on its side,
along with semi-trailing arm rear suspension that, again, mounts low. This car brought
$15,716.
But what really caught public attention was the jet motor on the back, made from
half a Holset turbo. It doesn’t produce much actual thrust, but it does provide most
satisfying sheets of flame — from a combustion chamber that started life as a fire
extinguisher.
There’s a theme here, as Watkins’ Fast Food flames out via tabletop teapots.
Fast Food was built to take back the title of World’s Fastest Furniture from a motor-
ized sofa, and it packs a 4-liter Rover (nee Buick) V8 with nitrous oxide injection
driving through a 3-speed slushbox — I guess that gives the driver one less thing to
worry about as he shimmies through the quarter-mile.
Based on a Reliant Scimitar Sabre chassis into which the V8 was inserted, more
than tripling its capacity — with a Wizard of NOS kit added for extra oomph — Fast
Food averaged nearly 115 mph timed over two short runs at Santa Pod drag strip in
September 2010, although its real top end is more than 130 — even with aerodynamics
worse than a barn door. Fast Food needs slicks on the rear to get the 350 horsepower
Flatmobile — on the upside, it appears to offer plenty of leg room
30
Sports Car Market
Photos courtesy of Bonhams
Page 29
and untold torque to the ground in a hurry. The entire tabletop with dummy food lifts
hydraulically to allow the driver in and out from under the roast turkey, the whole plot
apparently guided by The Stig. This car sold for $12,018.
Wind Up on the road
Watkins’ next creation is billed as “The Smallest Car in the World.” Although it
is the simplest car of this odd trio, being little more than a “Postman Pat” child’s ride
body mounted over a quad chassis, it fetched the most money of the three at Bonhams’
sale — $21,216 — possibly because it can easily be hefted into the back of a van. It’s
only a little wider than its license plate, and it is technically street-legal with an MoT,
although it would need inspection before it can actually take to the road.
And, yes, England will allow these weird creations onto real roads with real traffic
— at least for the time being.
English road-traffic law has historically been pretty lax about specials, but the
screws are constantly tightening. So far in the U.K., as long as you keep most of the
chassis and running gear, you don’t have to Single-Vehicle-Approve it as long as you
have a friendly MoT man — hence lots of Cobra repros that have Jag chassis numbers
and identity because they keep the rear axle, some of the front suspension and the
steering rack. However, Big Brother is watching, and the days of being able to run
pretty much anything you like on the road — as long as it has a genuine identity and
passes a basic safety inspection —are numbered.
The value of weirdness
So, what is the value of these strange cars? Thousands of disbelieving punters have
had their day made by this trio, and local TV and radio stations have milked them for
all they are worth.
To the man who made them, they are priceless, as it’s all about the project. To any-
one else, they must be practically worthless. This isn’t a new phenomenon, as custom
cars rarely make big bucks — beauty being in the eye of the creator and all.
It was a similar story when Watkins’ mate, arch-customizer Andy Saunders, sold much
of his stable in a workshop clear-out at RM’s Battersea, London, sale in 2008. These unique
creations, including a perfect replica of the original Bertone Stratos Zero concept, were
Wind Up, “The Smallest Car in the World”
works of art, but they meant far more to their creator than
to any casual observer — or even a buyer.
Even with the sculptor at work roof-chopping a
Mini throughout the pre-sale viewing, not much money
was forthcoming for his creations, and in at least one
instance, this led to a few terse exchanges between seller
and agent.
The only real monetary value of these odd cars is to
a promoter who might try to use them for his own event
publicity, which misses the point because once they’ve
been overexposed on the Internet and TV, the bolt is
somewhat shot.
This is probably why Watkins is moving on, and the
cars were sold to fund his next project. He was unavailable
for comment for this story, possibly shut in his shed,
but perhaps he would like to give us a hint as to what
he’ll be up to next. ♦
March 2013
31
Page 30
Legal Files John Draneas
Seven Easy Ways to Avoid Trouble
Don’t buy sight-unseen cars, keep tabs on restorations and tell the truth
legal representation these days. And, to be honest,
the seller has often over-represented the car — at
least a little bit. Most often, it’s a sin of omission,
not an absolute falsehood. But when we dissect the
seller’s description, word by word, it often becomes
clear where the buyer was encouraged to jump to
the wrong conclusion.
This is a really tough one for the seller. In one
1974 Porsche 911
Perfect condition! Call 555-1234
O
kay, it’s March, but we all know that spring is the real start
of the car collecting year. And every new year marks the
time for self-improvement resolutions. Here are the top
seven for the car collector.
I won’t buy a car online without seeing it myself
Hands down, the most common complaint I get from clients and
readers is that they bought a car long distance and, when it arrived,
it didn’t turn out to be anything like what the
common scenario is that the car looked great
all the low-resolution photos on the web site,
the seller’s description was carefully written
to make the car appear to be perfect without
actually saying so, and the deal was consummated
with an “as-is” provision somewhere in
the paperwork. And, to add insult to injury,
the buyer’s complaints to the seller are typically
met with, “Well, you should have come
and looked at it.”
Yes, I know that last month’s “Legal Files”
(February 2013, p. 32) was about how to protect
yourself in these deals, but read it again
and you will see that I was clearly just putting a
Band-Aid on a gunshot wound. Don’t buy a car
you haven’t seen in the flesh. If you don’t hav
the time and you lose “the deal,” don’t worry
another one just as good is just around the corn
I won’t over-represent my car, no matter how
stupid the buyer seems to be
As amazing as it may seem, there are many
will send serious money to you to buy your ca
— and when it doesn’t meet their exaggerated ex
sue you. Once this happens, you are going to lo
win the lawsuit. (Consider the attorney fees.)
When this happens, telling the buyer to stic
ally doesn’t work. It’s just too easy for them
32
case, the buyer complained that the seller was too
honest. By being so specific about the car’s warts,
the seller created a false sense of security that there
were no unmentioned problems. In another case,
the seller’s “no rust” statement was challenged as
false due to rust that was discoverable only when
the car was disassembled.
I will be more careful about originality
Today’s increased collector car values, better
technology and smarter crooks have created a sharp
increase in the number of fraudulently altered cars.
Recently, a client purchased a “numbers-matching”
car after verification by a well-regarded collector
car appraiser, who later admitted to having been
fooled. When the buyer complained that the engine
was a very-well-executed restamp, the seller responded, “What’s the
problem? The numbers all look the same to me. I never said the factory
put them there.”
It’s become too easy and commonplace to falsify cars. If you’re
going to pay extra for authenticity, hire an expert to inspect the car and
make sure you get it.
I won’t bid just because someone bids against me
ngerous thing. When you see a car
walk away when someone is trying
out of it. That’s why we often say
h auction prices require at least two
s who really want the car.
s easy to believe the car is worth
money when another fool is bidding
nst you. But you never know how
y trips he’s taken to the bidder bar,
ther he’s just trying to impress his
ce” sitting next to him, or if he’s
t bidding because you are.
Before you start to bid, know when
u are going to stop bidding.
won’t hire a restoration shop
on a time and materials basis if
e how much it will cost
dly very difficult for a restoration
work on any other financial basis.
o the work, you often can’t tell how
going to be. But that doesn’t mean
Files John Draneas
Seven Easy Ways to Avoid Trouble
Don’t buy sight-unseen cars, keep tabs on restorations and tell the truth
legal representation these days. And, to be honest,
the seller has often over-represented the car — at
least a little bit. Most often, it’s a sin of omission,
not an absolute falsehood. But when we dissect the
seller’s description, word by word, it often becomes
clear where the buyer was encouraged to jump to
the wrong conclusion.
This is a really tough one for the seller. In one
1974 Porsche 911
Perfect condition! Call 555-1234
O
kay, it’s March, but we all know that spring is the real start
of the car collecting year. And every new year marks the
time for self-improvement resolutions. Here are the top
seven for the car collector.
I won’t buy a car online without seeing it myself
Hands down, the most common complaint I get from clients and
readers is that they bought a car long distance and, when it arrived,
it didn’t turn out to be anything like what the
common scenario is that the car looked great
all the low-resolution photos on the web site,
the seller’s description was carefully written
to make the car appear to be perfect without
actually saying so, and the deal was consum-
mated with an “as-is” provision somewhere in
the paperwork. And, to add insult to injury,
the buyer’s complaints to the seller are typi-
cally met with, “Well, you should have come
and looked at it.”
Yes, I know that last month’s “Legal Files”
(February 2013, p. 32) was about how to pro-
tect yourself in these deals, but read it again
and you will see that I was clearly just putting a
Band-Aid on a gunshot wound. Don’t buy a car
you haven’t seen in the flesh. If you don’t hav
the time and you lose “the deal,” don’t worry
another one just as good is just around the corn
I won’t over-represent my car, no matter how
stupid the buyer seems to be
As amazing as it may seem, there are many
will send serious money to you to buy your ca
— and when it doesn’t meet their exaggerated ex
sue you. Once this happens, you are going to lo
win the lawsuit. (Consider the attorney fees.)
When this happens, telling the buyer to stic
ally doesn’t work. It’s just too easy for them
32
case, the buyer complained that the seller was too
honest. By being so specific about the car’s warts,
the seller created a false sense of security that there
were no unmentioned problems. In another case,
the seller’s “no rust” statement was challenged as
false due to rust that was discoverable only when
the car was disassembled.
I will be more careful about originality
Today’s increased collector car values, better
technology and smarter crooks have created a sharp
increase in the number of fraudulently altered cars.
Recently, a client purchased a “numbers-matching”
car after verification by a well-regarded collector
car appraiser, who later admitted to having been
fooled. When the buyer complained that the engine
was a very-well-executed restamp, the seller responded, “What’s the
problem? The numbers all look the same to me. I never said the factory
put them there.”
It’s become too easy and commonplace to falsify cars. If you’re
going to pay extra for authenticity, hire an expert to inspect the car and
make sure you get it.
I won’t bid just because someone bids against me
ngerous thing. When you see a car
walk away when someone is trying
out of it. That’s why we often say
h auction prices require at least two
s who really want the car.
s easy to believe the car is worth
money when another fool is bidding
nst you. But you never know how
y trips he’s taken to the bidder bar,
ther he’s just trying to impress his
ce” sitting next to him, or if he’s
t bidding because you are.
Before you start to bid, know when
u are going to stop bidding.
won’t hire a restoration shop
on a time and materials basis if
e how much it will cost
dly very difficult for a restoration
work on any other financial basis.
o the work, you often can’t tell how
going to be. But that doesn’t mean
umber
umber of cases in which the owner
ntial progress billings but the car
t done. I’ve had cases in which parts
ver find their way into the car. I’ve
nown shops whose employees are
y hour they are paid for, so they just
Sports Car Market
Page 31
spread their hours over every car in the shop even if they never touched
some of them that day.
The common denominator seems to be the owner and the shop
separated by a long distance. If you only see the car once every year
or less, it’s pretty hard to keep tabs on what is going on. There’s a lot
to be said for buying local, but if you have to send your car to a distant
shop, be sure to budget for periodic trips to check in on the progress.
Photographs just don’t work.
You can keep some semblance of logic to the finances by breaking
up the project into components. The shop should be able to give you
a reliable estimate based upon there not being any big surprises. It’s
critical to have a well-crafted contract that identifies what is expected
to be done — and what complications are to be considered par for the
course. When surprises come up, as they inevitably will, treat each as a
new contract, with a new estimate of cost before the work begins.
Same with all the “while we’re at it” changes, as these are often
where all the cost overruns arise. Most of these are predictable — for
example, who would ever remove the engine of an E-type (20 hours)
and not replace the clutch? Or rebuild the transmission? Think all that
through before you start. Later, when more “bright ideas” come up,
start by asking why they weren’t decided upon at the beginning. That
will help keep your “high-condition driver” restoration from growing
into a “national concours standard” project with the attendant tripling
of the cost.
I will be smart about tax planning
We just made it through the fiscal cliff, and we think we may have
some certainty about tax policy. But we still haven’t solved our country’s
budget problems, and raising more revenue (tax increases) will
continue to be on the political table.
We presently have some wonderful opportunities to save money
on taxes in connection with our cars — 1031 exchanges when we sell
them, a favorable (15% or 20%) capital gains rate, a $5.25 million gift,
estate and generation-skipping tax exemption, family limited partnerships,
sales to grantor trusts, GRATs, and a host of other planning
techniques that can produce tremendous income and estate tax savings.
It is absolutely critical to get professional assistance from tax and estate
planning professionals who understand collector cars.
You also need a succession plan for your collection — these cars are
very valuable, and you have to have a plan for them after your death.
As an example, “Legal Files” reported several times about the dramatic
dislocations that arose after the untimely death of noted car collector
John O’Quinn, culminating with messy litigation and the sub-optimal
liquidation of his extensive collection.
I am going to review my insurance coverage
Most collectors use collector car policies to insure their collector
cars because it’s the most economical way to go, and claims are handled
more fairly. These policies are usually “agreed value” policies. That is
generally a good thing, but it can bite you badly if you don’t keep the
value current.
Under these policies, the agreed value is conclusively deemed to
be the value of your car if a loss occurs. If the car is a total loss, or
if the damage approaches or exceeds the agreed value, the insurance
company writes you a check for the agreed value and they own the
car. If you still have a $100,000 agreed value on your 1955 Porsche
Speedster and it gets into moderate damage, the insurance company
can pay you $100,000, spend another $85,000 repairing it, and then sell
it for $250,000 and keep the change, and there’s nothing you can do
about it. ♦
JOHN DRANEAS is an attorney in Oregon. His comments are general
in nature and are not intended to substitute for consultation with an
attorney.
March 2013
33
Page 32
Simon Says Simon Kidston
What Would You Have Done?
Three Ferrari 250 GTOs sat for months — awaiting anyone who would take
all three — for $20,000
back a tarpaulin, “although I’m afraid
it’s been heavily raced, so you could
have it for about the same price as a
new 911.”
Go with the heart or head?
For those who work in the classic-
car world for a living — and an increasing
number of “specollectors” — it’s
hard to resist the lure of a return on
one’s investment, even when it means
parting with something you might have
waited a lifetime to own. Two of my
“what ifs” would probably make most
car collectors wince.
A few years ago, a fast-living friend
Simon with his McLaren F1. Would you have traded it for a Ferrari 250 LM?
W
hat if? History is full of alternative outcomes, near misses and unfortunate
screw-ups. What if Hitler died in childbirth, or the assassin’s bullet
missed Archduke Ferdinand in 1914? If the U.S. Pacific Fleet had already
sailed from Pearl Harbor before the Japanese arrived, or the Enola Gay
had run out of fuel en route to Hiroshima? If Lee Harvey Oswald’s rifle had jammed,
or Neil Armstrong had opened the lunar module door and insisted, “You first, Buzz...”
The list is endless.
Our own “what ifs” tend to have rather less far-reaching or public consequences,
but, as they’re personal, we usually dwell on them for longer.
Art lovers might wistfully imagine “what if” they’d owned the small restaurant in
Provence where hungry, impoverished artists such as Matisse could get a square meal
in return for a freshly painted canvas. Investors (and the rest of us) probably think
“what if” when we see the graph of Apple shares we could have bought for $1.375 on
July 8, 1982 (they’re now $522), and rue what we spent the money on instead.
Car guys have an endless supply of tales, which make newcomers to our world
wide-eyed and old timers sigh knowingly. A motoring author here in Geneva describes
his regular 1960s visits to race-team owner Georges Filipinetti’s garage near the railway
station, where a row of second-hand Ferrari 250 GTOs sat unwanted for months
on end, fruitlessly awaiting anyone who would take all three away as a package — for
$20,000. With the benefit of hindsight, he might have sold his house and bought the
cars instead.
Doing the right thing at the right time
A retired English solicitor with a penchant for racing shared with me recently the
story of how, at the suggestion of a friend, he inquired — more tentatively than hopefully
— at the Porsche factory in 1973 whether they might have any old 917s available.
Much to his surprise, he was invited to Stuttgart to view the only suitable candi-
date. Welcomed outside the entrance in the middle of a cold German winter, he was
led through the competition department...and out the other side. Still no 917. Through
the tiny museum...still nothing. Now they were outside again, in a snow-covered yard.
“We could sell you this,” ventured the Porsche employee apologetically as he pulled
34
and car collector told me he was considering
parting with his (you might
detect a theme here) Porsche 917K.
He’d historic-raced it successfully but,
having made a pact with the Almighty
that if he escaped one season without
injury he’d call it a day, now he’d probably
get more enjoyment from a roadgoing
supercar. What about a swap
with my Miura SV, an F40 and a 959?
He’d give the 917K and throw in
some cash for good measure. Reasoning
that I loved the Miura and driving the 917K would probably
hasten meeting my maker (and bank manager), I
declined and found him another buyer instead, who has
just finished a spectacular rebuild of the psychedelic
Porsche. It looks a million dollars — or six.
250 LM or F1?
More recently, an opportunity arose which could
have seen another much-loved family member — this
time a three-seater British supercar — trading places
with a different classic racer, one that is one of my alltime
favorites. Only time will tell whether the head or
the heart was right, but the lure of many more journeys
to exotic places at the wheel of the McLaren F1 won over
the voluptuous Italian beauty of a Ferrari 250 LM. Any
car enthusiast over the age of 50 would probably have
me certified.
Luckily, some of these stories do have a happy
ending, and it’s often down to a split-second decision.
Against his better judgment, the English solicitor took
a deep breath in the Porsche courtyard and shook hands
on the deal, but that’s only half his good fortune.
Mustering the courage to buy a tired old racing car
wasn’t easy, but holding on to an obsolete piece of machinery
that sleeps in your garage but grows to be worth
more than your home is even harder. I often recall the
wise words of fellow SCM contributor Miles Collier:
“You can sleep in your car, but you can’t drive your
house.”
The Englishman obviously agrees, as 40 years on,
the Gulf-liveried 917K is still in his garage. ♦
Sports Car Market
Page 34
Feature Brass in Berks 2012
No 100-Year-Old Trailer Queens
Milligan’s car still wears its original factory paint some 101 years later
and is one of a handful of Stoddard-Daytons that exist today
by Bill Rothermel
manual-shifting vehicle with a giant steering wheel and
no power steering or brakes — with apparent ease.
“It’s about anticipation and knowing when to shift,”
Milligan said.
What a sight. Sixty pre-1916 Brass cars lined up
side-by-side two rows deep in a modern-day box-store
parking lot. I was giddy. Three Cadillacs, two spectacular
Pierce-Arrows, a 1906 Lozier, a 1914 Mercer, a 1909
Pope-Hartford, an original 1910 Hudson, a 1910 Stanley,
several Buicks and Reos, a one-of-a-kind 1913 Coey
Flyer, a 1912 Simplex Speedster, and a plethora of Model
Ts were among the participants.
Did I mention these people DRIVE their cars? They
know how to fix them, too. Milligan stopped during our
trip and crawled under the car on his back to adjust the
clutch. I just watched and made sure I kept quiet.
I learned that organizers of the tour must include an
Grabbing the Brass (Era) ring, with more than 90 pre-1916 vehicles on display
A
s automotive bucket lists go, I’ve done pretty well.
I’ve been to Pebble Beach. I’ve sailed into Monaco harbor to watch the
Grand Prix. I’ve been to the Daytona 500. I’ve met Jay Leno and seen his
collection. I can count among my dear friends the late Beverly Rae Kimes.
Yet despite 50-plus years in the automotive hobby, I’ve never so much as ridden in
a 100-year-old car—let alone for 65 miles — until Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
I was invited (okay, I invited myself) on the Horseless Carriage Club of America
Brass in Berks Tour in Reading, PA. Two days earlier, nearly 90 pre-1916 Brass Era
vehicles assembled. In addition, there was a flea market that day, followed by four days
of relaxed touring around the picturesque Pennsylvania Dutch countryside.
I called my good friend (and former AACA President) Mike Jones and asked if I
could hitch a ride under the guise of journalistic curiosity. Arrangements were made
to meet that day, but upon my arrival, Jones surprised me and said we would not be
traveling in his 1913 Buick. Instead, we would ride with veteran tourer Jay Milligan of
Hamburg, N.Y., in his 1911 Stoddard-Dayton Touring.
Everyone was quick to tell me how lucky I was to be not only with an expert like
Milligan, but also in the horseless-carriage equivalent of automotive royalty. Milligan’s
three-owner car still wears its original factory paint some 101 years later and is one of
a handful of Stoddard-Daytons that exist today.
In 1911, this was a $3,125 car. Milligan, 21 years younger than his magnificent
motorcar, is a veteran of 22 Glidden Tours and an expert on Brass Era cars. He’s been
on so many tours that he’s lost count, but the number hovers around 100.
The weather was iffy, but HCCA members don’t care. They drive their cars. No
trailer queens here. And they all leave for the tour when
they damn well please. This is an independent group that
Jay’s friend Eileen Barry (my back-seat companion for
the day) described as “like cats.”
First destination was a coffee stop at the Cabela’s
Details
Plan ahead: The 2013 Brass in
Berks County is scheduled for
May 19–23, 2013
Where: Event headquarters is The
Inn at Reading, in Reading, PA
More: www.hcca.org
36
parking lot in Hamburg, PA. During the drive, I was
taken with how smoothly the car rode, along with the
absence of chassis flex. Perhaps the bigger revelation
was how an 80-year-old man handled a 5,000-pound,
Jay Milligan’s 1911 Stoddard-Dayton Touring
Sports Car Market
ice cream stop for the afternoon — or get low marks.
This sounds simple enough, but it is more complicated
than that. Tour organizers of the Olde Tyme Car Club
Region of the HCCA have this down to a science.
Step-by-step directions plot out exact turns (landmarks
included), so mistakes are minimal.
It was likely Milligan would spend the evening tin-
kering with his car prior to the run the next day, which
was scheduled for more than 100 miles.
“It makes him happy, and for him, it’s relaxing,”
Barry said.
When asked why he does this time and again,
Milligan said simply, “It’s my hobby.”
Coey Flyer owners Al and Mary Zamba of Evans
City, PA, said the “horseless carriage” tours are their favorite,
regardless of the vintage and type of automobiles.
“The pace is slower, stops are more frequent, and you
actually get to see things,” Al Zamba said.
I’m hooked. I’m ready to go again. Anyone care to
invite me on the London to Brighton run? Or I could
always invite myself. ♦
Bill Rothermel
Page 36
Feature Voisin Exhibit at the Mullin Museum
La Vision de Voisin
This once-in-a-lifetime exhibit features 17 stunning Voisin-designed
automobiles
by Mike Daly
first-edition books — which Voisin
wrote — nicely complement more
modern media, such as in-case iPads,
a 10-minute documentary and an
animation depicting Voisin’s boardroom
pitch of the famous sleeve-valve
engine.
Mullin hailed the design innova-
tion as “a genius breakthrough in quiet
engineering.”
At center stage, of course, sits the
Pebble Beach-winning C25 Aerodyne,
flanked by its Best of Show trophy. As
has been widely noted, the Aerodyne
features aerodynamic forms and
fender support struts that one might
expect of an aviation designer,
although the Art Deco-patterned interior
upholstery is not to everyone’s
taste. But sleeve-valve design or not, is
such gargantuan coachwork really the
proper face for a vaunted performance
car?
A 1935 C25 Aerodyne, the 2011 Best in Show winner at Pebble Beach, occupies center stage
A
viator. Automotive designer. Architect. Artist. All of these describe pre-war
French marque namesake Gabriel Voisin. We can now add museum-exhibit
honoree to the list.
“He was an unusual guy,” SCMer Peter Mullin said during the opening
reception of his new retrospective on the man who has clearly been the source of much
fascination. “Voisin holds a special place in my heart.”
Inspired by the 2011 Pebble Beach Best in Show award that he won with his 1935
C25 Aerodyne, Mullin has assembled a sweeping and thorough examination of Gabriel
Voisin at his Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, CA. Scheduled to run through
this April, “La Vision de Voisin” features 17 stunning Voisin-designed automobiles.
The exhibit also features airplane scale models, period artifacts and approximately
50 pieces of printed material carefully culled from hundreds of donations and loans.
Contributors range from serious collectors to actual family members of Gabriel
Voisin, including his granddaughters, who loaned several family albums.
The range of cars is split into two categories, with models paramount to design and
engineering facing off against coachbuilt and racing
cars. Interestingly, just two of the Voisins on
display wear non-factory coachwork: a 1934 C27
Grand Sport Cabriolet bodied by Claude Figoni,
and a 1938 C30 Cabriolet by Louis Dubos. A
very rare 1936 C28 Aerosport on loan from noted
collector Arturo Keller is another highlight, and
this is the only car on the floor not owned by the
museum. The Aerosport is purportedly the only
remaining example of just four originally built.
Visitors delve into Voisin’s life through a va-
Details
Plan ahead: The exhibit is open through April
2013, but the museum is only open to the
public on selected Saturdays during the
exhibition’s run. Those dates are February
9 and 23, March 9 and 23, and April 13 and
27. Private visits are available by appointment
on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission for those visits is $25. Tickets can
be purchased on the museum’s website.
Where: Mullin Automotive Museum, 1421
Emerson Ave, Oxnard, CA 93033
Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for
children 5 through 11
More: www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com
38
riety of visual displays, including separate wallsized
timelines tracking his influences, aviation
pursuits and auto-racing milestones. Fascinating
ephemera, such as original Voisin driver’s
manuals, advertisements, factory blueprints and
Mullin is quick to dispel any no-
tion that Voisin might not hold up as
a genuine performance icon, noting
the marque’s numerous aerodynamic and engineering
innovations, as well as grand prix wins at Pau and Tours.
“It was the exotic high-performance car of its day,”
he said with conviction. “My opinion is the ’30s in
France was the apex of the automobile, including racing
cars. I love the ’60s and ’70s sports cars of today, but I
don’t think the pre-war cars have to take a back seat to
anything.” ♦
1936 C28 Aerosport, purportedly the sole survivor of four built
Sports Car Market
Mike Daly
Page 38
Ferrari Profile
2004 Ferrari 360 Modena Spider F1
If the F355 proved that a V8 Ferrari could be a worthy of the Ferrari name,
the 360 Modena added an exclamation point
by Steve Ahlgrim
Details
Years produced: 2000–04
Number produced: 7,565 Spiders, 8,800
coupes
Original list price: $186,950
Current SCM Valuation: $81,700–
$119,600
Major service cost: $2,800
Distributor cap: N/A
Chassis #: Behind the passenger’s seat
Engine #: On the top of the engine in
the “V”
Club: Ferrari Club of America
More: www.FerrariClubofAmerica.org
Alternatives: 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo
Spyder, 2004 Aston Martin DB9
Volante, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500,
2004 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, 2004
Dodge Viper
SCM Investment Grade: C
Comps
Chassis number: ZFFYT53B00013731
M
aranello Motors in England delivered this
superb cabriolet to its first owner, an emir
of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. It formed part
of a large fleet of vehicles and was rarely
used. In 2008, a French industrial company specializing
in steel production bought the car, which was kept for
special occasions as part of an impressive collection. It is
this company that has asked us to sell the car. It has just
been inspected by Ferrari — Charles Pozzi in LevalloisPerret,
who found no faults. It has covered 19,800 km
(12,303 miles) and the bodywork is impeccable, with a
flawless black leather interior and as-new carpets.
It appears to be in excellent mechanical condition,
starting on the first turn of the key. It has an outstanding
steering wheel-controlled sequential gearbox, which is
wonderful to use. The black hood is electrically operated
and in perfect condition. Here is an exceptional car
that is as easy to drive as a Golf, very well balanced and
precise, with an exhilarating engine note. A fantastic
opportunity at a very reasonable price!
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 118 sold for $87,714,
including buyer’s premium, at the
Artcurial Paris auction on November 11, 2012.
“A Ferrari is a 12-cylinder car.” This quote is often
attributed to Enzo Ferrari, although he probably never
40
said it in earnest.
While Mr. Ferrari thought that the 12-cylinder en-
gine was the perfect powerplant, he raced 4-, 6-, 8-,
10- and 12-cylinder cars. Even Phil Hill’s Formula 1
World Championship was in a 6-cylinder car. Clearly,
Mr. Ferrari was open to using whatever engine configuration
did the job best.
In 1967, Ferrari introduced the 206 Dino. The Dino
was Ferrari’s first production mid-engine car and the
first production car powered with something other than a
12-cylinder engine. The Dino was a sports car — rather
than one of Ferrari’s traditional grand touring cars. It
was an immediate hit and spawned a line of mid-engine
sports cars that have been Ferrari’s best sellers for the
past 45 years.
The introduction of the 206 Dino also started the
debate: Is a non-12-cylinder car truly a Ferrari? The
debate has continued through the 246 Dino, the 308, the
348 series and up to the arrival of the F355.
A new supercar
The F355 was the game changer. Autocar magazine
stated that with the introduction of the F355, Ferrari
“has created a new Supercar class,” and they were certainly
right. The F355 design team borrowed liberally
from Ferrari’s racing department to develop a car that
2001 Ferrari 360 Modena
Lot S101, s/n ZFFYA53A81010125794
Condition 1Sold
at $75,260
Mecum, St. Charles, IL, 9/15/11
SCM# 184102
2002 Ferrari 360 Modena Spider
Lot 1269.2, S/N ZFFYT53A620128629
Condition: 1Sold
at $170,500
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/18/2011
SCM# 168488
2004 Ferrari 360 Modena
Lot S155, s/n ZFFYT53A240136164
Condition 2
Sold at $137,800
Mecum, Kissimmee, FL, 1/24/12
SCM# 192890
Sports Car Market
Courtesy of Artcurial
Page 39
was the most sophisticated Ferrari production car
built up to that time. The car was a giant leap from
the F355’s predecessors and left all of Ferrari’s
competitors wondering what hit them.
The F355 was powered with a 3.5-liter, 375-hp
V8 that featured an innovative five-valve-per-cylinder
head. The F355 was Ferrari’s first mid-engine
production car to use a 6-speed gearbox, and it was
the first production Ferrari to be offered with a F1style
paddle-shift gearbox.
Additionally, the F355 design went through
extensive wind-tunnel testing, resulting in an underside
that was so aerodynamically advanced that
pictures of the bottom of the car were a highlight of
the F355’s promotional material. The F355 rocketed
to 60 mph in less than five seconds on the way to an
incredible 183 mph top speed. The debate was over:
Anyone denying the F355 true Ferrari status must
also believe the Earth is flat.
An even better car
As good as the F355 was, there was room for
improvement, and the 360 Modena did the job.
Instead of warming over the F355, Ferrari’s designers
started with a clean slate and developed a totally
new car. For starters, Ferrari partnered with Alcoa to develop a stronger, lighter
aluminum frame to replace the F355’s steel chassis. The new frame was then dressed
with a beautiful Pininfarina-designed body — also made of aluminum. The pop-up
headlights and flat surfaces of the previous 3 Series Ferraris were replaced with the
360’s continuously flowing curves — which were reminiscent of the beautiful Dinos.
Inside the body shell, the 360 was all new as well. The interior was larger, with
more comfortable seats. The front trunk was larger, too. In back, the old 3.5-liter
engine got bumped to 3.6 liters, with the horsepower moved up to an impressive 390.
The F355 F1 gearbox was more of a novelty than a precision tool, but improvements
in the 360 made it a serious option. The shifts were faster, the clutch actuation much
smoother and the automatic mode reasonably simulated an automatic transmission.
Driving an F1-equipped car in the manual mode is not the mind-numbing exer-
cise that manual shift proponents claim. Yes, it’s as simple as flicking the paddles, but
let your mind wander, and you’ll quickly end up in the wrong gear. Mastering an F1
transmission takes coordination and concentration. It is quite rewarding when done
perfectly. In automatic mode, the F1 is not the equal of a normal automatic, but flogging
an F1-equipped 360 in manual mode around a track is a special treat.
On the road, the 360 is a real barn burner. The 0–60 mph time is in the low foursecond
range. Top speed exceeds 180 mph. On the track, the formidable F355 is re-
duced to a distant second. If the F355 proved that a V8
Ferrari could be a worthy of the name, the 360 Modena
added an exclamation point.
Belt services not a problem
One of the main obstacles to Ferrari ownership has
been maintenance cost. V8 Ferraris have rubber timing
belts that have to be replaced at regular intervals. The
belt change — along with valve adjustments and other
procedures — can push V8 major-service cost over the
$5,000 threshold.
Ferrari acknowledged the problem and switched to
hydraulic lifters on the F355, eliminating the need to
adjust valves. On the 360 Modena they addressed the
timing-belt replacement cost by adding an access panel
in the bulkhead, so the belts can be changed without
removing the engine. Finally, with the F430, Ferrari
switched from timing belts to timing chains, and maintenance
is now limited to little more than fluid changes.
A driver — and not yet a collectible
Ferrari has gotten aggressive about selling
options, with the average new car having over
$40,000 in toys. Artcurial’s 360 was a Spider
version with a soft top that is hidden under a
hard shell when the top is down. Artcurial didn’t
list the options on their car, but the F1 transmission,
painted calipers, and the obligatory
Scuderia badges are apparent. The car showed
the equivalent of a little more than 12,000 miles,
indicating the owners liked the car and often
picked it over the other cars in their fleet.
The 360 market is nothing like the vintage
Ferrari market. There are lots of 360s available,
and buyers have no problem finding one
or determining how much to pay for one.
Sellers have a lot of competition, and they
have to be competitive if they want to sell their
car. There’s no drama with this sale. The car
sold right on the mark, with the seller getting
a fair price and the buyer getting a fair value.
Call this one a draw. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Artcurial.)
March 2013
41
Page 40
English Profile
1961 Triumph TR4
Giovanni Michelotti designed the TR4 body on a day when he apparently
left his French curve at home
by Reid Trummel
Details
Years produced: 1961–65
Number produced: 40,253
Original list price: $2,849
Current SCM Valuation: $7,000–$28,000
Tune-up cost: $350
Distributor cap: $29.95
Chassis #: On a small plaque on
the scuttle panel adjacent to the
windscreen-wiper motor
Engine #: Stamped on the left side of the
cylinder block
Club: Vintage Triumph Register
More: www.vtr.org
Alternatives: 1962–63 Austin-Healey 3000
Mark II (series BJ7), 1962–66 MGB,
1957–61 Triumph TR3A
SCM Investment Grade: C
Comps
Chassis number: CT666L
T
he Triumph TR4 was introduced in 1961 to follow
its very successful predecessors, the TR2 and
TR3. Code named “Zest” during development,
the body was given a more modern and updated
appearance by Michelotti, but its drive train and chassis
remained the same, using the well-proven 4-cylinder
pushrod unit; however, its capacity was increased from
1,991 cc to 2,138 cc.
Handling was improved by a three-inch wider track,
and steering was also updated to the more precise rackand-pinion
system. Internally, the car gained wind-up
windows and the new, angular rear end allowed for a boot
with a very reasonable luggage capacity for a sports car.
Another innovation was the option of an alloy hard top
with a removable roof panel that was five years ahead of
Porsche’s famous 911 Targa. A total of 40,235 cars were
built between 1961 and 1965, and over the years, this car
has become one of Triumph’s most popular sports cars.
The current owner stated that this car has been the sub-
ject of a nut-and-bolt restoration over a four-year period by
marque specialist Nigel Wiggins. This is backed up with a
full photographic record and supporting documentation —
with flawless paint finish throughout, superb shut lines and
beautiful chrome work. This car really is “best of breed.” It
was chosen as the cover car for Bill Piggott’s book on the
restoration of the TR4/5/6 range. Finished in Signal Red
with contrasting black leather interior and black roof, this
car looks absolutely stunning from every angle. It’s petite,
low and lovingly detailed. This particular example also
benefits from overdrive and a removable rear bench seat.
42
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 125, sold for $41,803,
including buyer’s premium, at the
Silverstone Auctions NEC Classic Motor Show Sale in
Birmingham, England, on November 17, 2012.
By the end of the 1950s, the sports car market was be-
ginning to move away from the raw, bare-bones sports
car with no roll-up windows and defrosters that didn’t
push enough air to have any real effect. Manufacturers
veered toward more comfort, including respectable
weather protection and heaters that heated.
The TR4 was born of this movement, and when it
made its debut in 1961, Triumph had beaten both MG
and Austin-Healey in offering improved specifications.
Farewell flowing lines
The TR4 body was designed by Giovanni Michelotti on
a day when he apparently left his French curve at home.
Michelotti apparently worked with only a T-square, and
the angular body was a complete departure from the design
of the predecessor model, the TR3, with those dramatic,
swooping curves and doors cut away so deeply
that the car looked ready to break in two.
In contrast, the TR4 had a distinctively square shape,
which was certainly less inspiring, but it was also more
weather-tight and able to accommodate roll-up windows
and provide a larger trunk. However, songs are
seldom written about cars shaped like shipping crates,
so what it lacked in the swoon department had to be
made up elsewhere.
Beyond the new body, changes were few. Triumph
1965 Triumph TR4A
Lot 1, s/n CTC588475
Condition 3+
Sold at $10,308
H&H, Duxford, U.K., 9/21/11
SCM# 185897
1962 Triumph TR4
Lot 449, s/n CT2966L
Condition 2
Not sold at $23,000
Auctions America by RM, Fort Lauderdale,
FL, 3/16/12
SCM# 197115
1962 Triumph TR4
Lot 127, s/n CT161110L
Sold at $53,982
RM, London, U.K., 6/23/11
SCM# 182213
Sports Car Market
Jonny Shears, courtesy of Silverstone Auctions
Page 41
was in serious financial trouble when the TR4 was designed, and a new drivetrain
was out of the question. Instead, the TR3’s 1,991-cc motor was retained and enlarged
to 2,138 cc, but the resulting increase in power to 105 horsepower was only five more
than that of the TR3A. Additionally, the increased weight of the TR4 — in addition to
its increased frontal area — left it unable to offer any performance increase over the
TR3A.
The TR4 did gain rack-and-pinion steering and a synchronized first gear, but
dealers were so concerned about a potential market rejection of the TR4 that they
persuaded Triumph to produce the so-called TR3B, which was offered concurrently
with the TR4 in 1962. The TR3B was a TR3A with the TR4’s mechanical specification,
and although short-lived, with 3,331 units produced, it did serve to highlight worries
that the TR4 would not be seen as enough of an improvement to assure sales success.
However, the concerns turned out to be misplaced, as the TR4 wore well, and eventually
more than 40,000 were sold.
An early car in spectacular shape
This particular TR4 is a very early example and was originally built with left-hand
drive. As Triumph was badly in need of cash at the time the TR4 came out, nearly all of
the early cars were made with left-hand drive to bring in U.S. dollars.
Converted to right-hand drive during a thorough restoration by a marque specialist,
this TR4 is a fine example with all of the proper components for the early models,
including the short-bubble bonnet, gray carpet and
convex-glass gauges on a white fascia with an aluminum
center portion. This car also lacks a TR4 badge
on the trunk lid, which is correct for this very early
example.
Donning the concours judge’s white gloves for a mo-
ment, we can also note that in the engine compartment
the caps on the clutch and brake master cylinders should
be steel and painted black, instead of the aluminum
types that were for later TR4s, and the battery clamps
should be the Lucas helmet-type, but overall this, like
the rest of the car, is absolutely excellent.
Although this car sold at a price well above the top
of the SCM valuation scale, exceptional cars bring exceptional
prices. The early cars are rare and prized by
collectors, and this one is well-optioned, with overdrive
and the rear bench seat. Add to that the excellent restoration
by a marque specialist, and even at this price we
can call it slightly well bought. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Silverstone
Auctions.)
The 1958 Triumph TR3 at left illustrates how radically the body style changed with the TR4
March 2013
43
Page 42
Etceterini & Friends Profile
1951 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet
When attorney John O’Quinn bought it in 2005 at RM Auctions’ Phoenix,
AZ, sale, the restoration was a few years old then. He paid $130,000
by Donald Osborne
Details
Years produced: 1936–40 / 1946–51
Number produced: 1,500
Original list price: $5,000
Current SCM Valuation: $165,000–
$175,000
Tune-up cost: $1,500
Distributor cap: $150
Chassis #: Stamped on left frame rail
and on chassis plate
Engine #: Tag on left front of engine;
casting number on lower left block
Club: Club Delahaye
More: www.clubdelahaye.com
Alternatives: 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
SS, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S coupe,
1951 Delage D6 coupe
SCM Investment Grade: B
Comps
Chassis number: 801701
be rather lackluster, but then in 1935 came the first of a
new generation that would change the marque’s image
forever: the T135 Coupe Des Alpes. A fine sporting car,
the T135 was powered by an engine which, although
designed for car use, had first appeared in a Delahaye
commercial vehicle. The 3.2-liter, 6-cylinder, overheadvalve
unit produced 110 horsepower on triple Solex
carburetors, while the chassis featured transverse-leaf
independent front suspension, 4-speed synchromesh or
Cotal gearboxes, center-lock wire wheels and Bendix
brakes.
Delahaye improved on the formula the following
B
year with the 3.6-liter, 120/130 horsepower T135MS,
and the sports version was soon making a name for itself
in competitions, taking 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places
in the run-to-sportscar-regulations 1936 French Grand
Prix and winning the Monte Carlo Rally and Le Mans
outright in 1937 and 1938 respectively.
The model reappeared post-World War II as the 135M
with the 3.6-liter engine, and it lasted in production until
1951. By this time Delahaye was in serious financial difficulty
as a result of the French government’s taxation
policies, which heavily penalized cars of over 3.0 liters.
In 1954, Hotchkiss took over the company. Delahaye
had no in-house coachworks, so all its chassis were bodied
by independents, which created some of their most
attractive designs on the Type 135. It was a most for-
44
ased initially at Tours — and from 1906 in
Paris —Delahaye built its first automobile in
1894 and soon diversified into commercial vehicle
manufacture. Its early products tended to
tuitous partnership, resulting in memorable automotive
sculpture from the likes of Saoutchik, Chapron, Franay,
Graber, Pennock and Figoni et Falaschi.
This car features handsome cabriolet coachwork
by the influential Parisian carrossier Henri Chapron.
Indeed, this car is the only Delahaye 135M known to
exist with a hydraulic/electric power-operated convertible
top. It also has a radio and heater. The car was restored
some years ago and formed part of the enormous
private collection belonging to the late John O’Quinn,
who acquired it in 2005. Purchased at auction by the
vendor when the O’Quinn Collection was dispersed in
2010, it has seldom been used while in his extensive collection
and remains in generally very good condition.
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 351, sold for $227,505
(£141,500), including buyer’s pre-
mium, at the Bonhams Surrey, U.K., sale on December
3, 2012.
I’ve always been a great fan of the French Grand
Routiers — both the pre-war variety, which have many
adherents, as well as the post-war flavor, which have,
not entirely rationally, rather fewer acolytes. What’s not
to love about a Grand Prix and Le Mans-winning chassis
and engine wrapped in sexy aerodynamic Figoni
et Falaschi
teardrop coupe or voluptuous Saoutchik
roadster bodywork?
In some cases, the very racers that took the check-
ered flag lost their homely, utilitarian work clothes and
gained one of those haute couture frocks for cavorting
about at concours d’elegance, the casino and the opera.
Sports Car Market
1939 Delahaye 135MS
Lot 118, s/n 60158
Condition 1
Sold at $1,118,768
RM Auctions, Cernobbio, ITA, 5/21/11
SCM# 177918
1947 Delahaye 135M
Lot 26, s/n 800939
Condition 3Sold
at $156,844
RM Auctions, Nysted, DEN, 8/12/12
SCM# 209204
1947 Delahaye 135MS
Lot 334, s/n 800932
Condition 1
Not sold at $580,000
Artcurial, Paris, FRA, 2/3/12
SCM# 192740
Courtesy of Bonhams
Page 43
year stretch, the 135 is notable by any
measure even when you subtract
With a production life spanning a 20the
years 1940–45. Its design was still impressive
in 1951, when this car was built,
particularly in the case of the threecarburetor
“competition” specification.
Of course, most of the post-war bodies
were a bit heavier than many of the prewar
examples — with some resulting
penalty in performance — but given the
contemporary choices available in the
post-war market, the Delahaye delivers
a drive that is more than entertaining.
The coachbuilding firm of Henri
Chapron was never accused of going
too far with style in pursuit of fashion.
The venerable firm provided bodies
for France’s leading luxury cars in the
1930s. These cars had a quiet, solid simplicity
that carried more than a hint of
German seriousness about them. After
World War II, things were a bit different,
and in the prevailing mood, simple
found more traction than showy, which
played to Chapron’s strengths.
This is not to say their designs of the
period weren’t fashionable. As it happens, the ultra-modern mode of the moment was
the “pontoon” body. Slab-sided and clean, eschewing any hint of the separate fenders
of the pre-war age, it fit well with Chapron’s natural tendency toward relatively
unadorned design and suited the new style well.
Not a time for showing off
I’ve written in these pages before about the common belief that unfriendly “tax-
and-spend” post-war governments in France killed its luxury car market and manufacturers.
It’s probably true that the French domestic market was somewhat depressed
by higher taxes on large-displacement engines, but face the facts — the folks with
enough money to buy a Delahaye wouldn’t really worry about the tax rate.
The reality was that it was not very fashionable in most of Europe to display wealth
until the economic boom of the late 1950s took hold. More often than not, the wealthy
didn’t want to be seen as flaunting their assets. The number of large American cars
that were sold in France in this time is further evidence that many chose to hide behind
the wheel of a Yank tank, which the average Jean wouldn’t know was expensive.
It was really the small-minded management of the French luxury companies that
couldn’t see that across the Atlantic — the exuberant U.S. market of the late 1940s and
early 1950s — was where their salvation might have been found.
Sales show upward trend
This Delahaye appears to be a lovely example, an older restoration that still
appears to present quite well. When attorney John
O’Quinn bought it in January 2005 at RM Auctions’
Phoenix, AZ, sale, the restoration was a few years old.
He paid $130,000, and after his death, the car was sold
for $156,384 at the RM Auctions Monaco sale in May
2010.
The buyer then was the seller this time around, and
the $204,753 he likely brought home as his net represents
a $48k margin — note I do not say “profit,” as we
don’t know what the seller’s expenses were — and a 45%
increase in the purchase price over two years. Not bad
for a car with an older restoration — and that is supposed
to be one of the orphan stepchildren of the model.
The ultimate-spec pre-war 135MS sells at a minimum
of $1m. Would you want much of the same experience
for $800k less? I would, especially as a notice in the
online catalog mentions that it was also being sold with
an accepted entry to the 2013 Mille Miglia Storica. I’d
call this Delahaye well bought — and a sign of a maturing
and evolving collector community, one which better
recognizes intrinsic worth. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
March 2013
45
Page 44
German Profile
Column Author
2005 Porsche Carrera GT
The exotic engineering has passed the test of time and is still a high standard
for a car that you can drive regularly
by Prescott Kelly
Details
Years produced: 2004–06
Number produced: Factory reports
disagree, but 1,270 is the best supported
number
Original list price: $448,000
Current SCM Valuation: $400,000–
$450,000
Tune-up cost: $4,000, including valve
adjustment
Chassis number: Top of dashboard under
driver’s side windshield and on tag
behind passenger’s seat
Engine number: Driver’s side where
engine mounts to bell housing
Club: Porsche Club of America
More: www.pca.org
Alternatives: 2002–03 Ferrari Enzo;
McLaren GT, 2005–06 Ford GT
SCM Investment Grade: B
Comps
Chassis number: WPOZZZ9826L000104
Engine number: 90630633
W
hen Porsche decided to attach the GT appellation
to Carrera in 2004, it marked
a return to its competition roots, the new
flagship supercar’s looks recalling those
of the original Type 550 of 50-plus years ago. Known
as “Project Code 80,” the program to develop a frontranking
supercar had begun following Porsche’s Le
Mans win with the 911 GT1 in 1998. Although a couple
of dozen GT1s were adapted for road use, something
more practical would be required for volume production,
although it was intended that the GT1’s advanced
technology would be carried over to the new model.
The first hint that Porsche was planning something
very special was dropped in 2000, when a concept car
designed by American Grant Larson appeared on the
Stuttgart manufacturer’s stand at the Paris Motor Show.
Porsche employed racing driver Walter Röhrl to as-
sist with development, which included countless laps of
the demanding Nürburgring circuit. In the interest of
high-speed stability, the rear body incorporates a wing
that is raised automatically at around 75 mph, retracting
when the speed drops back to 50 mph. This was a vital
necessity in a car capable of exceeding 200 mph.
Porsche stated that only 1,500 Carrera GTs would
be made, thereby emphasizing the car’s exclusivity, and
each example carries a numbered plaque on the center
console (the factory retained No.1 for its museum).
When deliveries commenced in January 2004, the selling
price was $448,000 (approximately £279,500, or
$349,200 at current rates of exchange).
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 355, sold for $452,598,
including buyer’s premium, at
46
Bonhams’ Weybridge, U.K., sale on December 3, 2012.
That sales price continues the recent trend of stronger
prices for this Porsche.
The Carrera GT is Porsche’s third true supercar, fol-
lowing in the footsteps of the 1986 Porsche 959 and the
1998 GT1. Aficionados will argue that there are many
Porsche “supercars,” and the point is well taken. But if
supercars should be a departure from a manufacturer’s
comfort zone, then three is the right count.
The Carrera GT was introduced at the Louvre in
September 2000 as a lead-in to the Paris Auto Show.
Walter Röhrl took the prototype roadster on a short
pre-dawn tour up and down the Champs Elysees before
settling in with a host of journalists gathered for the
occasion at the Louvre. The car was stunning. It was
longer, wider and lower than a production 911, with a
carbon fiber tub and a 68-degree 5.5-liter V10 developing
558 DIN horsepower and 442 foot-pounds of torque.
That normally-aspirated engine had its origins in an
abandoned 1992 Formula One design, the Footwork
Porsche.
At the introduction, Porsche’s CEO, Dr. Wendelin
Wiedeking, told the story of how the car had been conceived
at Le Mans in June 1998 as Porsche’s GT1s were
taking 1st and 2nd place overall at the 24-Hour classic.
The Carrera GT would use some technology taken from
that successful Le Mans race car.
Eighteen months later, in December 1999, Porsche
announced that
they were abandoning the next Le
Mans race-car project to concentrate on development
of their SUV, the upcoming Cayenne. Some industry
observers also opined that Ferdinand Piech, chairman
of the Cayenne co-operative VW Group, might not have
2005 Porsche Carrera GT
Lot S157, s/n WPOCA29875L001277
Condition 1
Sold at $355,100
Mecum, Monterey, CA, 8/21/11
SCM# 183956
2005 Porsche Carrera GT
Lot S663, s/n WPOCA29825L001414
Condition 1Sold
at $291,500
Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA,
8/12/2010
SCM# 165816
2004 Porsche Carrera GT
Lot 25, s/n WPOCA29894L001036
Condition 2+
Sold at $341,000
Gooding & Co., Oxnard, CA, 10/21/06
SCM# 43438
Sports Car Market
Courtesy of Bonhams
Page 45
looked favorably on in-family competition for his Audi
FIA endurance race cars.
Porsche had already assigned the Type 980 Carrera
GT project to the now-not-so busy Le Mans engineering
team. Porsche used the V10 intended for that race car,
along with a host of additional race-car technology,
to design the Carrera GT. The design emanated from
Porsche’s California studio, with Grant Larson often
given primary credit.
From secrecy to a hit
The two roadster prototypes were tested mostly in
Nevada, keeping away from auto spy specialists. Thus, the
introduction took some observers by surprise. The Paris
press showing was to promote buyer interest — and to
perhaps assuage Porsche’s sports car devotees dismayed
by the already-announced Porsche SUV. Wiedeking explained
that the GT would go into production if at least
500 orders were forthcoming by 2003; the price would be
between $350,000 and $400,000; the car would be sold in
the U.S.; and that the production version would hew very
closely to the prototype he was showing in Paris.
Porschefiles waxed poetic. Interest was strong. Buyers lined up. Porsche intro-
duced the production version to the world in March 2003 at the Geneva Auto Show,
announcing that they planned to build 1,000 of them — later raised to 1,500 — while
unveiling uprated specifications versus the Paris prototype. Displacement was now
5.7 liters; horsepower was up to 612 DIN with 437 foot-pounds of torque. Weight was
3,042 pounds. And performance figures were announced: 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds
and a top speed of 205 mph. It was a real supercar.
Saturated with high technology
Porsche applied for 70 patents related to production of the Carrera GT, many of
them for the relatively exotic carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and engine sub-frame,
which involved differing compositions in various weaves and weights, sometimes with
aluminum or Nomex sandwiched in — and up to 10 layers of material. The chassis and
engine sub-frame were built by Italy’s ATR Composites Group, and the technology
was presented separately at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2005. Only the bumpers were
old-fashioned fiberglass.
Mechanically, Porsche brought over their PCCB ceramic brakes, just larger. The
clutch was a newly designed ceramic and titanium multiple-disc setup, only 6.7 inches
in diameter, which was key to the car’s low center of gravity. Magnesium center-lock
wheels combined with the ceramic brakes to keep upsprung weight to a minimum.
The suspension pieces were forged aluminum and stainless steel. The gas tank was
aluminum and located amidships, à la the Auto Union GP racers of the 1930s (a Dr.
Ferdinand Porsche design), to maintain steady weight distribution regardless of the
fill level. The 6-speed gearbox, with a 30% limited slip, was mounted transversely.
More than 1,200 sold
The Carrera GT started deliveries in early 2004, priced at $448,000 with air condi-
tioning the primary option. Five standard colors were offered: Guards Red, Fayence
Yellow, Basalt Black, GT Silver and Seal Grey. Custom
colors were also available, and they usually draw a
premium price in today’s aftermarket.
Ultimately, Porsche sold about 600 units in the U.S.
Car and Driver’s track test achieved better performance
results than the Factory claimed: 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds,
0–100 mph in 6.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile in
11.2 seconds at 136 mph.
Two types of customers bought Carrera GTs: Porsche
aficionados and fans of supercars who might already
have or aspire to cars such as Ferrari Enzos and
McLaren GTs. Some purists were initially resistant,
viewing the Carrera GT as a Porsche money-maker that
was not a sufficiently imperative purchase. That point of
view has fallen by the wayside as the years have passed.
While you could buy almost any Carrera GT you
wanted for about $325,000 in 2009, they have now rocketed
past $400,000 on their way to regaining MSRP.
Several private sales in the U.S. have been in that range,
including a Fayence Yellow example in Connecticut
with 3,500 miles.
Farewell, depreciation
The Bonhams Weybridge auction example was also
Fayence Yellow with an Ascot Brown interior, showing
only 480 miles in the hands of one English supercar
enthusiast who is acknowledged for properly maintaining
his cars. The total, with Bonhams’ buyer’s premium
tacked on, of $452,598 was the new market-correct price
for this somewhat more desirable color and extremely
low mileage. A fair deal on both sides.
Your correspondent believes that the upward trend
will continue. Hardcore Porsche collectors who initially
passed on Carrera GTs are now reconsidering. The exotic
engineering has passed the test of time and is still
a high standard for a car that you can drive regularly.
Whether you love it or not, the styling has not been
replicated in any other car and is as distinctive now as
it was at introduction 12 years ago.
If there is a fly in the ointment, it is the utterly amaz-
ing repair expense for the carbon-fiber parts should the
unspeakable happen — and inopportune application of
the accelerator will get you in a heap of trouble in a
hurry. But for skilled drivers with an adult attitude, the
Carrera GT is one super ride. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
March 2013
47
Page 46
American Car Collector Profile
1958 Chrysler 300D Convertible
A Chrysler 300D set a Class E speed record of 156.387 miles per hour
at Bonneville
by Carl Bomstead
Details
Year produced: 1958
Number produced: 191 (convertibles)
Original list price: $5,603
Current SCM Valuation: $110,000–
$135,000
Tune-up cost: $350
Distributor cap: $40
Chassis #: Left front hinge post
Engine #: Block behind water pump
Club: Chrysler 300 Club International
More: www.chrysler300club.com or
www.chryslerclub.org
Alternatives: 1957 Chrysler 300C convertible,
1959 Chrysler 300E convertible,
1960 Chrysler 300F convertible
SCM Investment Grade: B
Comps
Chassis number: LC41312
F
or much of its history, Chrysler was a frontrunner
in building some of the most interesting and
exciting high-performance cars Detroit had to
offer. Foremost among them are the formidable
early Hemi-powered Chrysler 300 “letter cars” of the
1950s, which, by virtue of their cost and long list of
standard and optional features, were reserved for the
wealthiest and most discerning buyers.
Cloaked in handsome Virgil Exner-designed bodies
and carefully engineered, the 300 series offered the ultimate
in American luxury and performance. Due to low
production and high cost, 1958 was also the last year that
the company offered its Hemi in a full-size Chrysler.
This example is painted white with a tan canvas top.
It has excellent body contours and gaps with few, if any,
detectable paint flaws, except for some scratches near
the top of the driver’s side door, which otherwise fits
and shuts very well. The lightly worn tan seats are in
good condition, as is the black dashpad. The odometer
shows 55,239 miles, which are believed to be original.
Other interior finishes include the excellent black carpeting
and the tan top boot with optional power steering,
power brakes, windshield washers, a power seat, power
windows and an AM radio.
SCM Analysis This 1958 Chrysler 300D, Lot 256,
sold for $198,000, including buyer’s
premium, at RM’s John Staluppi Collection auction on
December 1, 2012.
The Chrysler letter cars were produced from 1955
until 1965, and each year used a letter as the suffix,
with the exception of “I,” which was not used. The first,
48
Sports Car Market
the 1955 C-300 (300A) was really a race car aimed at
NASCAR and was offered to the public for homologation
purposes. It could be ordered in red, white or
black, and tan leather was the only choice offered for
the interior.
To maintain the race car image, there were no out-
side mirrors, and they quickly made their bones by running
127.52 miles per hour in the Flying Mile at the 1955
Daytona Grand National Stock Car Race.
Fuel injected — for a while
Carl Kiekhaefer, who made his fortune as the
founder of Kiekhaefer Marine — later Mercury Marine
— decided to use NASCAR to promote his profitable
marine business. He bought Chrysler C-300s, had
team uniforms and transporters, and painted his cars
in team colors. All of which was unheard of in 1955.
With Roger Penske-like precision, he won two National
Championships until a falling out with Bill France
1958 Chrysler 300D convertible
Lot 175, s/n LC41167
Condition 1-
Not sold at $100,000
RM, Monterey, CA, 8/21/11
SCM# 183145
1958 Chrysler 300D convertible
Lot F166, s/n LC41167
Condition 1Sold
at $121,000
Mecum, Monterey, CA, 8/16/12
SCM# 213909
1958 Chrysler 300D convertible
Lot 149, s/n LC41635
Condition 3+
Sold at $203,500
RM, Amelia Island, FL, 3/13/10
SCM# 159899
tpieper@tedisgraphic.com, courtesy of RM Auctions
Page 47
caused him to leave the sport.
Kiekhaefer, however, continued his relationship with Chrysler,
and when they installed a Bendix fuel-injection system in about 20
Chrysler 300Ds, he bought one and drove
it from the Jefferson Plant to his home in
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He called the
next day and said he did not want the car,
as it only got about 10 miles to the gallon.
As he had not yet paid for it, Chrysler had
to send someone to retrieve the car.
Another 300D with fuel injection was
sold to band leader Larry Elgart, and he
was so dissatisfied with its performance
that he said he was “going to drive it
through the Chrysler Manhattan showroom
window if he could get it running
fast enough.” Needless to say, most of
the cars were converted back to standard
dual Carter four-barrel carburetion and
the fuel-injection premium was refunded.
High speed but stalled economy
Performance was still world class, and a Chrysler 300D, equipped
with the 392 Hemi that produced 380 horsepower, set a Class E speed
record of 156.387 miles per hour at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Even
with this performance, only 618 hard tops and 191 convertibles were
produced, and 1958 proved to be the last year for the Firepower Hemi.
In 1958 the economy had the nation on its heels, and that, combined
with an industry-wide automotive strike, reduced the number of cars
built by all manufacturers. A base price of $5,603 for the 300D convertible
was a major hurdle, and while
the cars offered the ultimate in American
luxury performance, only the wealthiest
and most discerning buyers ponied up the
cash.
The Walter P. Chrysler Club suggests
that only 55 of the original 1958 Chrysler
300D convertibles exist; however, three
others have been recently offered at auction.
The SCM Platinum database shows
that Mecum sold one, rated a 1-, for
$121,900 at their Monterey 2012 Auction.
RM sold one — an older restoration —
from the O’Quinn Collection at their 2010
Amelia Island Auction for $203,500. In
2007 RM, at Amelia Island, sold another
for $140,250. This scattergram hardly
establishes a trend.
We’ll say that the Mecum 300D was extremely well bought, the RM
O’Quinn sale was a bit aggressive due to the list of needs, and the RM
Staluppi 300D was every bit of retail and a touch ahead of the market.
Chrysler letter cars are hot property, and the new owner will, in due
time, be on the right side of the ledger. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)
March 2013
49
Page 48
American Car Collector Profile
The Cumberford Perspective
Big, bold, and really fast
By Robert Cumberford
3
ant, but coupes never
had as much panache as
the relatively few convertibles
with the same
mechanical package. Two
aspects of this handsome
car strike an observer’s
eye after more than half a
century:
First, the car’s odd
C
proportions, with the base
of the A-pillar at just onethird
of the body’s length
from the very front.
Second, the com-
pletely anti-aerodynamic
front end contrasting with
the jet-plane styling of the
rear two-thirds of the car.
Today, with powerful
disc brakes and a plethora
of safety equipment at
our disposal, we can only
marvel at the bravery
of people who really
dipped into the car’s huge
reserves of power and
torque. No one would dare
offer a so-obviously nonfunctional
design today,
but we can take pleasure
in seeing a vehicle so
dramatic and so uselessly
over-dimensioned.
The separate chassis
is primitive, and the mechanical
engineering is
rather basic, but there is
no gainsaying that this is
a truly impressive vehicle.
Remember that Chrysler
300s provided some drivers
with exclusivity and
luxury — and others with
cars that could, and did,
win on stock car tracks.
Yes, even convertibles. ♦
1
6
FRONT 3/4 VIEW
1 This chrome chin looks
like half a ton of brightwork,
and it probably did weigh
hundreds of pounds, but we
all expected and approved of
this back in the day.
2 Visors over the
headlamps and the forwardleaning
grille probably
knocked 15 mph off the top
speed, which, in any case,
was more than the brakes
could restrain.
3 The now-illegal pedes-
trian piercers were intended
to look “Space Age,” and did
recall Flash Gordon.
4 Perhaps the most beauti-
ful — and rational — wraparound
windshield of the
1950s, Chrysler’s solution
7
8
hrysler’s “letter
cars” were
all strong, fast
and flamboy-
4
2
5
gave great visibility and
great appearance.
5 Extraordinary restraint
left only this single tasteful
spear as brightwork on the
body flanks. Compare this
with the wretched excess
of the contemporary 1958
Oldsmobile.
6 Fifteen-inch wire wheels
look small to us now in the
era of 22-inch wheels, but
they also look right with fat
tires with wide whitewalls.
REAR 3/4 VIEW
7 Ah, those fins! These
Ghia Gilda-style plain — but
huge — verticals probably
did have a legitimate
stabilizing effect. And they
were wonderfully dramatic
then — and now.
8 Notice how far forward
the rear face of the deck
was. There is well over a
foot of functionless length
behind the usable trunk
space — which wasn’t very
big, really.
9 Again, for all of the ex-
cessive length of the car, the
cockpit was a bit squeezed,
and there was not a lot of
comfort in the back seat.
10 A nice touch is the rearview
mirror mounted on
the instrument panel, which
preserves the purity of the
windshield surround — the
most elegant element on the
entire car.
11 Cutaway rear of wheelhouse
opening is sporty,
and on this admirably
10
9
undecorated flank it gives
some thrust to the painted
portion of the fender above
the front bumper.
12 More than half the length
behind rear wheel center line
is given up to wasted interior
space, the triumph of showy
style over function.
INTERIOR VIEW
(see previous page)
Elements that lock this
interior into a long-gone past
include the (quite sensible)
pushbutton transmission
elector, the bench seat (with
bucket patterning to flatter
two people), the slim-rim
wheel and that fragile
horn half-ring. Still, it’s
impressive and looks very
comfortable.
12
50
11
Sports Car Market
Page 50
Race Car Profile
1952 “Wagner Special” BMW Racer
This car is a one-off 1950 homebuilt — not an icon — so it’s a tool to use
and not a collectible
by Thor Thorson
Details
Year produced: 1950
Number produced: 1
Original list price: N/A
Current SCM Valuation: $100,000–
$150,000
Engine #: Boss on side of block
Chassis #: Probably doesn’t have one
Alternatives: 1949–50 Veritas, 1946–50
Maserati A6, 1951 Lancia B 20
SCM Investment Grade: B
Comps
1937 BMW 328
Lot 125, s/n 85135
Condition 1Sold
at $517,000
Chassis number: N/A
T
his car appeared on the grid at the 1952 Eifelrennen
at the famous Nürburgring complex in Germany.
It finished 5th, in the middle of a collection of
BMW-powered race cars. This is a unique op-
portunity to own a contemporary racer to the Veritas
racer — and at a comparably bargain price.
This example is a “one-off,” totally unique, hand-
built race car; the only example extant. The bodywork
on the “Wagner Special” was fashioned from surplus
U.S. aircraft wing-tanks; the car was built at Honoré
Wagner’s uncle’s workshop in Luxembourg. With a
clear history, this is a great opportunity for a vintage
race collector or enthusiast.
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 2299, sold for $177,100,
including buyer’s premium, at the
Auctions America by RM Bennett Collection Auction in
Rollinsford, NH, on September 21, 2012.
A couple of issues back, I suggested that it would
be useful to think of a pre-war Maserati in terms of a
real estate analogy. I wrote that the car was a littleunderstood
— and thus inexpensive and undervalued
— property in a very expensive neighborhood.
Today, I would like to go back to a somewhat differ-
ent real estate analogy: Think of Europe in the early
post-war years as a single city — the entire place had
been traumatized, but some blocks had fared better than
others.
The racing cars they produced reflected it. Although
Britain was virtually bankrupted during World War
II, the country’s industrial base was largely intact, so
52
they were able to start building a few cars, with Allard,
Jaguar, and Aston Martin at the forefront. Italy and
France were the best off of the continental European
countries, and they got back into the racing business
with enthusiasm in the late 1940s, but their stuff was
expensive. Talbot Lago got going again, Maserati was
building its A6 by 1947, Alfa Romeo dusted off its prewar
158 “Alfetta” racers, and a guy named Enzo somebody
started a small company with high expectations.
Racing from scratch
Central Europe — particularly Germany — was
absolutely devastated, and the Marshall Plan money
that eventually spurred the economic recovery was just
starting to arrive. They had no factories left, no foundries,
no machine tools, little fuel, and no money, but the
desire to go racing was as strong as ever. The challenge
was how to fulfill it. Where there is a will, there is a way,
and the immediate mechanism in that area was to create
racers from what was available to scrounge.
The late pre-war years had pretty much put the final
nails in the coffin of big, heavy cars trying to be racers,
with 8C Alfas leading the way toward light-and-nimble
as the new paradigm, but this created a problem for
would-be racers trying to find a suitable engine to use.
Most everything left around was heavy, clumsy, and
slow.
Enter the BMW 328
The exception was the BMW 328. In 1936, BMW
introduced their model 328, which has been called the
Sports Car Market
Gooding & Co., Scottsdale, AZ, 1/20/12
SCM# 191517
1949 Veritas-BMW Rennsport
Lot 141, s/n 85123
Condition 1
Sold at $563,400
Sportscar, Geneva, Switzerland, 10/6/07
SCM# 48149
1948 Veritas Rennsport
Lot 92, s/n 85123
Condition 1
Sold at $207,020
B-J/Coys, Monte Carlo, 5/26/00
SCM# 9646
Courtesy of Auctions America by RM
Page 51
only true pre-war German sports car. It was a revolutionary
design utilizing a tubular frame, relatively sophisticated suspension,
and a light, 2-liter, 6-cylinder engine that managed
to incorporate hemispherical combustion chambers into a
pushrod design. The 328 was an immediate success both in
racing and as a light, sporting road car, but fewer than 500
had been produced when the war stopped things. An ironic
detail managed to save many of the cars through the years of
World War II. While the 328 would have been a highly desirable
car to be requisitioned for the war effort, the engine required
high-octane fuel that simply wasn’t available, so most
328s sat out the war on blocks.
With the peace and reconstruction, good fuel was still hard
to find, roads were a mess, and money was tight, so sporting
cars like 328s were relatively easy to find as cores for
those few interested in building racers. Several unemployed
ex-BMW racing engineers created the Veritas company, and
they kept busy into the early 1950s refurbishing old 328s and
putting aerodynamically modern bodywork on them to feed
the developing (although still tiny) market for racing cars.
They were still expensive and rare (Veritas built about 75 cars
between 1948 and 1952), so many would-be racers went to the fall-back option: They
built their own.
A one-off, garage-built racer
Honoré Wagner was a Luxembourg native who came out of the war in his mid-20s
with a taste for adventure and apparently an adequate pocketbook to indulge it. He
got his pilot’s license in 1947 and promptly set the Luxembourg single-engine altitude
record in 1948. That same year, he started auto racing, placing 3rd in class and 6th
overall at Monthléry in a BMW 328.
Apparently forsaking aviation for the joys of motor racing and either tiring of — or
possibly destroying — his 328, he constructed a racing special using a 328 engine
and transmission at his family’s garage business in Luxembourg. It appears to have
been completed in 1950, and he raced it at least through the 1952 Eifelrennen race (a
support race for the German Grand Prix held at the Nürburgring). Wagner appears
to have continued on as an amateur racer until he died in an accident racing an Alfa
TZ at Nürburgring in 1965.
At this point, I have told you pretty much everything that I can say with confidence
about the subject car. It was sold by Auctions America, which is sort of the budgetlevel
subsidiary of RM, and the catalog description printed at the top of this profile is
literally everything that was published in support of the sale, so there are a number
of important issues left open. That the body was built using an aircraft wing tank as a
starting point is probably credible — they were certainly available then and the shape
is about right — but what is really underneath it? Is it a BMW 328 with a special body
or is it a homebuilt with a 328 engine and transmission? This has a lot to do with who
might want it and why — not to mention what it might be worth.
A little home cooking
The Internet and a little perseverance can be a wonderful thing when it comes to
pursuing things like this, and I managed to find photographs of the car with its body
off. It is immediately evident that it is a homebuilt chassis: It is a large-diameter
tubular ladder chassis, and the front suspension is unknown but definitely not the
transverse leaf system that BMW used (one blogger mentioned Fiat). The rear is a live
axle shackled to leaf springs on either side, which doesn’t suggest factory-level design
or sophistication, and there isn’t much else to work from.
My brief as a writer for SCM is generally to discuss what makes my subject car
du jour interesting and to try to approach the underlying
issues of value in the current market. The Wagner
Special is particularly challenging in this regard.
It was clearly never represented as anything more than
a “totally hand-built” race car with a 328 engine, but it
was also suggested that it was comparable to a Veritas.
A good Veritas is worth well over $750k these days, so
if true, this car should carry substantial value. There is
little reason to question the history or authenticity of the
car, even though the “clear history” includes a roughly
30-year gap — it’s not the kind of thing that anyone is
likely to invent — but the question remains whether racing
against a Veritas in 1952 makes it comparable. The
BMW 328 and the Veritas adaptations were legendary
and carry substantial collector value because they were
fantastic cars in their time. Their engineering, design,
and construction set the standards that racing cars
following them had to meet or exceed. They are historically
and technically significant steps in the evolution of
the modern racing automobile.
I have to admit that I have my doubts about the
Wagner Special. It is a pretty little thing, and is a “real”
old racing car from Europe in the early ’50s. As such, it
is likely to be welcome virtually anywhere its new owner
wants to take it. It is most likely tractable to drive (in
an early 1950s kind of way) and Bristol built the engine
well into the 1960s, so parts aren’t a problem — nor is
horsepower if you want to hot-rod things — so it has
its attributes. The problem has to do with value: it is a
one-off 1950 homebuilt — not an icon — so it’s a tool to
use, not a collectible, and $177k seems to me to be an
awful lot for that. I suggest that it was better sold than
bought. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Auctions
America by RM).
March 2013
53
Page 52
Under the Skin Dennis Simanaitis
Two Paths to Technical Prowess
Supercars can evolve from decidedly different philosophies
2004 Ferrari 360 Modena Spider F1. See the profile on p. 42
T
here is no unique formula for technical prowess, as is strikingly
seen in two of this month’s in-depth profiles: the 2004 Ferrari 360
Modena Spider F1 and 2005 Porsche Carrera GT.
Each is a state-of-the-art open two-seat sports car. Each has a
mid-engine driving the rear wheels. Each happens to be bright yellow.
But from this point on, their dissimilarities suggest decidedly different
philosophies in Maranello and Zuffenhausen.
The Spider is but one variant of the Ferrari 360 Modena, Maranello’s
most popular series. Built between 1999 and 2005, there were coupes
and Spiders, some 16,000 of them. Other coupes were dedicated to the
Ferrari Challenge race series. There were also enhanced road-going
versions of these. And there was even a competition car, the 360 GTC,
designed for FIA N-GT.
By contrast, the Carrera GT is alone on its branch of Porsche’s
evolutionary tree. It owes its existence to serendipity — not to product
planning. Evolved from a concept car and envisioned as a run of 1,500
examples, fewer than 1,300 Carrera GTs were actually built between
2004 and 2007.
The Modena series all have space-frame chassis of aluminum. Co-
developed with Alcoa, the chassis is 28% lighter — yet 40% stiffer —
than that of the earlier unitized steel F355. The Modena’s Pininfarina
body is aluminum as well.
In contrast, the Carrera GT’s chassis and bodywork are of carbon
fiber, and are generally one-third the weight of a corresponding aluminum
design. Cost of this material and labor intensiveness of its fabrication
were feasible for the Carrera’s limited run — and high price.
Ferrari engineers devised an entertaining 20-second process for the
Spider’s automatically retracting top. Porsche provided two carbonfiber
panels, manually wrestled off and stored up front.
The Modena Spider’s suspension is exotic-car conventional: unequal
A-arms, coil-over adjustable damping and anti-roll bars, front and rear.
The Carrera GT’s suspension is pure race car. Its coil-over damper
units, front and rear, are inboard, mounted horizontally and actuated
by pushrods and bell cranks. From the onset, its brakes were carbonceramic,
a feature that came only to some Modenas later in production.
The Ferrari’s 3,586-cc, 400-hp V8 was new, albeit sharing its
DOHC layout, four valves per cylinder and 90-degree vee with previous
Maranello designs. Two gearbox choices were offered: a conventional
6-speed or — more fashionable and fitted to our subject Spider
— Ferrari’s F1 paddle-shift.
The Porsche’s 5,733-cc, 612-hp V10 engine had a complex heritage.
Originally designed for the Footwork Formula 1 team, it got shelved
then resurrected for a Le Mans project. It was then canceled for a while
when engineers were busy with Cayenne SUV development (and, it’s
said, VW-Audi Chairman Ferdinand Piëch didn’t want fraternal competition
with the Audi R8).
Like the Ferrari V8, the Porsche V10 is an all-aluminum DOHC
design with four valves per cylinder. Its vee angle is an unorthodox
68 degrees — a compromise of packaging and quelling what’s inherently
an unbalanced cylinder count — but one that gives a fascinating
exhaust note.
And, as a last philosophical difference — sans judgmental assess-
ment — the Porsche’s engine is hidden, while the Ferrari could be had
with a transparent engine cover. ♦
2005 Porsche Carrera GT. See the profile on p. 48
54
Sports Car Market
Courtesy of Bonhams
Courtesy of Artcurial
Page 58
Market Reports Overview
December Auctions Burn Bright
Breaking the half-million mark were a 1931 Invicta 4½ Litre
S-type tourer at $750k, and a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Roadster at $687k
By Tony Piff
E
ven as SCMers winterized their classic collectibles
for the season’s arrival, auction houses kept the
rubber rolling across the block, luring bidders from
their cozy homes with high-quality consignments.
Sales totals were respectable across the board at the auctions
featured in this issue, with figures at annual auctions holding
solid or climbing.
Bonhams’ annual December sale returned to Mercedes-
Benz World at the Brooklands motor racing circuit and saw
total sales leap to $6.4m from $4.8m last year. The number
of cars consigned and sold rose as well (up to 62/74 from
37/68), for a very impressive sales rate of 84%. The muchanticipated
1935 Ford van featured in the beloved British
TV series “Dad’s Army” finished at $101k, following spirited
bidding. Sixteen other cars surpassed $100k, including
a 1938 Jaguar SS 100 3.5 roadster at $402k and a 1968 Aston
Martin DB6 coupe at $126k. Breaking the half-million mark
were a 1931 Invicta 4½ Liter S-type tourer, sold at $750k,
and a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster at $687k.
Another 300SL Roadster crossed the block the next day
in London at Coys’ annual True Greats sale. The disc brakeequipped
car sold for $696k, behind a flawlessly restored
1938 BMW 328 roadster at $795k, and ahead of a very nice
1967 Lamborghini Miura SV at $678k. A barn-find Miura
with its engine removed fetched an incredible $418k. These
big sales helped push to an overall total of $5.8m and an
average price per car of $180k among 48 cars sold, but that
was still a slight drop from the $6.6m achieved here last year
among 47 cars sold.
Silverstone found success at its inaugural Birmingham
sale, held in conjunction with the Footman James Classic
Car Show at the NEC. A 1969 Aston Martin DB4 Series
II coupe was the big sale of the day at $356k, along with
a 1986 Ford RS200 coupe at $164k and a 1982 Ferrari 512
BBi at $115k, but there were many strong sales here under
$50k. Two 1968 Mini Coopers — a 1968 Mk II 998 and a
SCM 1-6 Scale
Condition Rating:
1: National concours standard/
perfect
2: Very good, club concours,
some small flaws
3: Average daily driver in decent
condition
4: Still a driver but with some
apparent flaws
5: A nasty beast that runs but
has many problems
6: Good only for parts
60
Sales Totals
RM, North Palm Beach, FL
Bonhams, Brooklands, U.K.
McCormick, Palm Springs, CA
Coys, London, U.K.
Silverstone, Birmingham, U.K.
$2,001,691
$5,760,419
police-spec “S” — sold for $36k and $29k, respectively, and a 1971 Fiat 500 L once owned
by David Cameron before his days as prime minister sold for $29k. Silverstone sold 41 out of
67 cars consigned this first time around, for a decent 61% sales rate, $49k average sold price
and $2m overall total.
Stateside, the auctions tend to drift south in the winter. McCormick’s long-running
November sale in sunny Palm Springs, CA, hit $6m, its biggest total ever. This sale maintains
an average price of about $16k and a sales rate of about 65%, and has grown by consigning
more cars every year. Many of the top 10 slots went to 21st century supercars such
as a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren coupe at $188k and a 2011 Audi A8 MT6 Spyder
at $150k, but classic American and European collectibles made up the majority of the 557
consignments. A 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury sold well at $26k, a 1963 Porsche 356B T-6
coupe was extremely well bought at $47k and a very nicely restored 1966 VW Samba bus
sold on the money at $66k.
And in North Palm Beach, FL, RM sold off the 113-car John Staluppi “Cars of Dreams”
Collection without reserve. Staluppi is a discerning collector and a loyal steward, and nearly
every car presented was exceptional for its rarity, desirability, condition and provenance.
A 1956 Cadillac Series 62 convertible made high-sale honors at $300k, and a 1968 Shelby
GT500 KR convertible took second-highest at $264k. Two Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertibles
sold for $206k each, and a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 convertible went for
$198k. The six-hour sale concluded with a final sales figure of $10.4m.
In the Global Roundup, we take a look at highlights from one other American sale, Leake
Dallas, and four other U.K. sales: Brightwells Herefordshire, H&H Newbury, Barons
Surrey and Broadway in Worcestershire. Chad Tyson concludes the market reports with his
eBay column. This month, he probes the murky realm of the “authentic kit car replica.” ♦
Top 10 Sales This Issue
(Land Auctions Only)
1. 1938 BMW 328 roadster, $795,221—Coys, p. 96
2. 1931 Invicta S-type low-chassis tourer,
$749,720—Bon, p. 74
3. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster,
$696,180—Coys, p. 96
4. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster,
$686,694—Bon, p. 78
5. 1967 Lamborghini Miura SV coupe, $678,173—
Coys, p. 98
6. 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage coupe,
$615,147—Coys, p. 96
7. 2005 Porsche Carrera GT coupe, $452,598—Bon, p. 78
8. 1965 Aston Martin DB5 coupe, $432,550—H&H, p. 110
9. 1969 Lamborghini Miura LP400 S coupe, $418,030—Coys, p. 98
10. 1938 Jaguar SS 100 3½-liter roadster, $402,177—Bon, p. 74
1. 1970 Plymouth Superbird 2-dr
hard top, $110,000—RM, p. 71
2. 1961 Plymouth Fury convertible,
$88,000—RM, p. 70
3. 1935 Bentley 3½ Litre Sports saloon,
$128,464—Bon, p. 74
4. 1960 Dodge Polara D-500 2-dr hard
top, $85,800—RM, p. 70
5. 1963 Porsche 356B T-6 coupe,
$46,725—McC, p. 84
Sports Car Market
Best Buys
$10,421,950
http://bit.ly/ZOf8zr
$6,418,308
Scan this code with
your smartphone for
complete results of
each auction covered
in this issue, or go
to URL listed (left)
$6,097,828
RM Auctions North Palm Beach, FL
GERMAN
#209-1962 VOLKSWAGEN TRANS-
PORTER double-cab pickup. S/N 927177.
Tan/white vinyl. Odo: 87,440 miles. Outstanding
restoration with flawless paint, chrome and
trim. Small nailhead side chip in bumper paint
about the biggest flaw. Panel fit vastly better
Beautiful black top with red piping. Very nice
interior with all correct materials used. AACA
Senior badge from 1996. Car very well cared
for since. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $82,500. How
many times can you say you’ve seen one of
these? This was a lovely little Oldsmobile and
probably one of the sleepers of the auction. It
sold a little above low estimate, but I could not
have faulted substantially more. A good deal
for the buyer, who got an exceptionally rare
car that still has some show life left in it.
#294-1953 PACKARD CARIBBEAN
convertible. S/N L415994. Yellow/black
vinyl/red leather. Odo: 59,296 miles. 327-ci
I8, 2-bbl, auto. Excellent cosmetic restoration
with mostly original interior. Original chrome
and trim with newer bumpers. Original wind
lacing and rubber window trim. Original inte-
trim. Interior very correct with older restored
seats and possibly original instrumentation in
good condition. Squeaks in seat springs, and
some minor pitting in some interior trim
pieces. Clean but not detailed engine bay.
Clean and rust-free underside. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $88,000. From the first year of the mighty
letter-series cars from Chrysler, this was ready
for extended touring and could compete in
local shows as well. The price paid was in line
with recent sales and properly accounted for
condition. A fair deal for both buyer and
seller.
than factory original. Equally well done interior
with all correct materials used. Spotless
engine bay. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $44,000.
This sold a little over high estimate, but the
cost to duplicate would, I imagine, double the
amount paid here. Well bought.
AMERICAN
#249-1949 OLDSMOBILE 88 Futuramic
convertible. S/N 498B5347. Blue/blue
canvas/blue leather. Odo: 3,085 miles. 303-ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. Concours-quality restoration
expertly maintained. Perfect gaps, panel fit
and paint. Spotless trim and chrome all showquality.
Correct and show-quality interior. Un-
rior including seats, carpeting and instruments.
Clean original engine bay. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$82,500. Last seen at Barrett-Jackson Palm
Beach in April 2012, where it sold for $66k
(SCM# 202538). Time and patience paid off,
as the car realized substantially more this time
around in pretty much the same condition.
Well sold.
#234-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S003925. Black/red leather.
Odo: 7,873 miles. 236-ci 150-hp I6, 3x1-bbl,
auto. Outstanding color scheme and restoration
quality. Some slight buffing marks and
other signs of cleaning, but overall excellent.
Interior appears fresh, with biggest concern
being overstuffed front seats. Gap on driver’s
door only major visual flaw. Original engine
#281-1955 MERCURY MONTCLAIR
convertible. S/N 55WA66680M. Red/white
vinyl/red leather. Odo: 2,636 miles. 292-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Very rare and well-restored car.
Show-quality paint, chrome and accents. Interior
on par with rest of car. Concours detailing
of engine bay. Same fastidious attention to
detail on underside. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$68,750. Last seen at Barrett-Jackson’s 2009
derside also show-ready. Engine bay slightly
aging after show-quality detailing. An overall
superb concours-ready car. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $68,200. Someone spent a great deal of
money restoring this car, and 1949 and 1950
Oldsmobiles are very sought-after cars. Someone
got a bit of a bargain. I expected this to go
much farther.
#287-1951 OLDSMOBILE 98 convert-
ible. S/N 51985566. Blue/black cloth/maroon
leather. Odo: 42,791 miles. 303-ci V8, 2-bbl,
auto. Well-done restoration on a really rare
Oldsmobile. Good preparation and paintwork.
Very nice trim with minimal shining marks.
Slightly wide door gap on passenger’s side.
Palm Beach sale, where it sold for $68k
(SCM# 120163). Rare, stylish and the cost of
restoration far exceeds the price paid. Price
paid here is proof positive that the market has
held strong on these (although the seller lost
money between transport and fees). This car
was a real sleeper, and I think someone got a
respectable bargain.
#220-1956 CADILLAC SERIES 62 con-
and transmission. Little documentation to
prove color from new. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$96,250. Sold twice in the span of six months,
at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas in October 2008
for $92k (SCM# 118310) and at Barrett-Jackson
West Palm Beach in April 2009 for $110k
(SCM# 120154). Perhaps those two recent
appearances slowed it down a bit, or perhaps
it was just the overall market. Price was likely
in line with current market conditions.
#253-1955 CHRYSLER C-300 2-dr hard
top. S/N 3N551230. White/tan leather. Odo:
68,531 miles. 331-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Very
well restored some time ago, with use and
aging evident. Average gaps and fit of body
panels. Very good paint prep and application.
Lots of buffing and polish marks on paint and
64
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $299,750. Spectacular
cars garner spectacular results, and no car
better personified that rule of thumb at this
sale than this one. After stalling several times
Sports Car Market
vertible. S/N 5662026320. Red/white vinyl/
red & white leather. Odo: 1,835 miles. 365-ci
V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Expert nut-and-bolt restoration.
Perfect panel fit and gaps. Excellent
paint, chrome and trim. Correct red-and-white
leather interior. Instruments and controls like
jewelry. Perfect carpeting. Continental kit,
Autronic Eye, power seats and windows.
Page 64
RM Auctions North Palm Beach, FL
and coming within moments of being hammered
sold, the car finally sold to an exuberant
cheer. A world-record price for a 1950s
Series 62, according to the SCM Platinum
database, but I don’t ever recall seeing one so
well restored.
#254-1956 CHRYSLER 300B 2-dr hard
top. S/N 3N56552. White/tan leather. Odo:
611 miles. 354-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Very
high-quality and correct restoration of an early
“B.” Superb gaps and fitment, excellent paint,
concours-quality chrome and trim. Equally
well-done interior with minimal signs of use
and nothing left out or neglected. Spotless
brightwork and controls. Show-detailed engine
levard cruiser ready to go. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $63,250. Sold twice previously in 2012:
for $85k at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale (SCM#
191433) and for $73k at Barrett-Jackson Palm
Beach (SCM# 197526). A lot of these have
come to market over the past several years,
and this seems to be a fairly typical result. No
harm done on either side, with edge to buyer.
#227-1958 BUICK LIMITED convert-
bay with correct markings. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $115,500. This was one of the best I have
seen. It had its original build sheet and a host
of other paperwork with it, and the bidders
responded enthusiastically. According to the
SCM Platinum Database, price paid was a
world record for a 300B. New owner should
be happy, though, as restoring one to this level
would cost quite a bit more.
#255-1957 CHRYSLER 300C convert-
ible. S/N 3N573107. Black/black cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 3,361 miles. 392-ci V8, 2x4-bbl,
auto. Excellent older restoration with good
execution throughout. Beautiful black paint,
with some buffing marks. Very good chrome
and trim with similar maintenance markings
visible. Tan interior (said to have replaced the
original formal black) looks great and is very
well done, except a bit of looseness on the
tops of the front seatbacks. Engine bay well
detailed and underside commensurate with
rest of car. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $154,000.
Sold at RM Phoenix in 2003 for $74k (SCM#
30276), then a year later at RM Amelia Island
2004 for $76k (SCM# 32677), and at Amelia
Island 2006 for $125k (SCM# 41093). If nothing
else, the car shows consistent appreciation
as an investment. If it is, as claimed, a factory
triple-black car, new owner should strongly
consider correcting the interior.
#285-1957 OLDSMOBILE SUPER 88
convertible. S/N 578W02556. Blue & white/
white vinyl/blue & white vinyl. Odo: 80,237
66
Very good instruments as well. Dashpad fit no
longer good. Engine bay very clean but missing
air ride components. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$156,750. Out of sight for several years, having
last been seen at Barrett’s 2007 West Palm
Beach sale, where it sold for $162k (SCM#
44804). These have fallen victim somewhat to
the economic downturn over the past six
years, but they are fabulously collectible and
are hopefully seeing their due. A fair deal for
both parties.
#251-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S106032. Panama Yellow/
black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 56,494
miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Highquality
restoration with room for very minor
detailing. Very good gaps and door fit. Good
prep and paint, with minor orange peel
throughout. Show-quality chrome and trim.
Interior looks brand new. Spotless dash and
instruments. Detailed engine bay and underside
complete an overall excellent presenta-
ible. S/N 8E4014966. White/white vinyl/red
leather. Odo: 16,956 miles. 364-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Opulent shrine to 1958, well-preserved
older restoration. Nice paint with buff marks
throughout. Chrome and trim displaying similar
wear. Fair panel fit. Door edge guards detracting
from overall appearance a bit. Old
white vinyl top with minor staining. Very nice
interior with beautiful seats and carpeting.
tion. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $99,000. This was a
correct and attractive car with an appealing,
uncommon color combination. A light wet
sand and buffing would likely bring it up a full
level and have it ready once again for competition
at the highest levels. A good price paid
with a bit of upside, should new owner wish to
address the minor needs.
#244-1958 CHEVROLET IMPALA con-
vertible. S/N F58A178154. Red/black vinyl/
red leather. Odo: 2,214 miles. 348-ci V8, 3x2bbl,
auto. Nice factory-quality restoration of a
solid original car. Good paint preparation and
execution. Some minor blemishing and swirls
from age. Chrome and trim to same standards
with some minor aging as well. Decent inte-
miles. 371-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Nice cosmetic
restoration with largely original interior. Good
paint and trim. Nice original glass. Clean interior
mostly original. Incorrectly stuffed front
seats are the biggest issue. Original engine
with factory J-2 setup fully intact. A great bou-
rior with reproduction seat kit of unknown
origin. Front seat with poor fit and uneven
stuffing. Original instruments and controls in
very nice working condition. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $104,500. This was a nice car ready for
touring. Its show days are probably over until
the next restoration. The Tri-Power 348 engine
was great and helped carry this car to a
very strong result.
#256-1958 CHRYSLER 300D convert-
ible. S/N LC41312. White/tan cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 55,239 miles. 392-ci V8, 2x4bbl,
auto. ’90s-era restoration done to very
high standards. Average gaps and panel fit.
Excellent paint prep, application and preservation.
Very nice chrome and trim with minor
buffing marks the biggest distraction. Original
glass, well-restored interior done with correct
materials. Older detailed engine bay still very
show-worthy. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $198,000.
In the pantheon of letter-series cars, the “D”
ranks high because there were just not that
many produced. Of 191 convertibles produced,
Sports Car Market
Page 66
RM Auctions North Palm Beach, FL
fewer than a third are thought to survive. The
massive Hemi heads have always impressed
both visually and on the track, and serious
collectors have come to recognize this, as evidenced
by the result today. See the profile on
p. 48.
#235-1959 CHEVROLET IMPALA con-
vertible. S/N F595262858. Black/white vinyl/
red leather. Odo: 749 miles. 348-ci V8, 3x2bbl,
auto. Very nice frame-on restoration probably
about 20 years old. Some wear and dents
visible in trim, lots of minor paint blemishes,
yellowed tires. Driver-quality chrome and
brightwork. Continental kit. Excellent interior
with correct reproduction materials. Original
tion. Exceptional color combination and
oodles of chrome. Very well restored at astronomical
expense several years ago. Some minor
fit and finish issues, probably related to
age of restoration. Said to be a Super D from
ago. Exceptionally well maintained since.
AACA winner in 1995. Stellar panel fit, excellent
paint with cleaning marks only. Great
interior with everything still in as-restored
condition. Show-detailed engine and underside.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $132,000. There
were no records indicating who restored this
car, but it was done to standards rarely
equaled even in today’s hyper-competitive
restoration world. The result was squarely in
the middle of the estimate range, and one
would be hard pressed to restore one to this
caliber for anywhere near the final result.
instrumentation and dashboard in good condition.
Highly optioned from new, including
factory a/c, power steering, brakes and seat.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $115,500. This would
have been considered huge money just a few
years ago, but as the Tri-Five Chevys have
suffered a bit, the ’58 and ’59 cars have been
very robust in collectors’ minds. While this
was a lot of money for this car, the 348 TriPower
and rare factory options put this one
over the top.
#257-1959 CHRYSLER 300E convert-
ible. S/N M591100124. Black/tan cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 88,258 miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4bbl,
auto. Excellent restoration of an original
car. Very good panel fit and door gaps. Stunning
paint with only a few minor buffing
marks. Excellent chrome, trim and side spears.
Correct interior seat pattern and flawless
workmanship. Show-detailed engine bay. Every
conceivable option including factory a/c.
the factory, according to RM, making it one of
fewer than 10 examples known. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $151,250. There were lots of greatlooking
cars in the collection, but for sheer
eyeball, this won the grand prize. The amount
of chrome and trim was bested probably only
by the Buick Limited, and cat-eye headlights
and huge rear fins made this car all that much
more distinctive. I think with additional documentation
and a build sheet, this car could
have taken a run at $200k. The new owner
should be thrilled.
#228-1959 OLDSMOBILE DYNAMIC
88 convertible. S/N 597M69877. Red &
white/white vinyl/red leather. Odo: 26,876
miles. 371-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Frame-off restored
probably 10 years ago with very fastidious
care and maintenance since. Very good
gaps and fitment. Original glass excellent.
Very nice paint in popular Oldsmobile twotone
red-and-white. Matching red-and-white
#283-1960 CADILLAC ELDORADO
Biarritz convertible. S/N 60E015012. Red/
white vinyl/white leather. Odo: 90,829 miles.
390-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Older restoration
with correct factory a/c added at time of refurbishment.
Excellent paint, chrome and trim.
Freshly detailed throughout. Spotless engine
bay and attractive interior. Off-white seats
look great. All instruments and controls look
nice. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $206,250. Previously
seen at Seroka’s West Palm Beach sale
in 1991, where it failed to sell at a high bid of
$56k (SCM# 17367). While now showing
slight signs of age, this car has only been minimally
used. Stellar result.
#276-1960 CHEVROLET IMPALA con-
Will be ready for concours judging with only a
slight detailing. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $176,000.
New owner has a difficult decision, as records
indicate that this car was likely born a one-ofone
with special-order silver exterior paint
and black interior. Returning the car to this
configuration would be an exciting undertaking,
as surely no one has ever seen one like it.
The challenge comes with deciding to undo a
very good restoration.
#267-1959 DODGE CUSTOM ROYAL
Lancer D-500 convertible. S/N M352107882.
Red & white/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 97
miles. 383-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Older restora-
68
interior in nearly unused condition. Sparkly
engine bay appears recently detailed. Glowing
underside. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $107,250. Another
auction veteran, having been sold as a
freshly restored car for $25k at Mecum St.
Charles in 2003 (SCM# 36587) and then reappearing
several years later at Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale 2006, selling for an impressive
$58k (SCM# 40408). These are incredibly rare
and stylish, and the result speaks volumes. Go
find another one.
#229-1959 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
convertible. S/N 859C1659. Red/white
vinyl/silver & red leather. Odo: 309 miles.
389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. High-dollar frameoff
restoration completed less than 20 years
vertible. S/N 01867S187289. Red/white vinyl/
red & white vinyl. Odo: 694 miles. 348-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Very nice frame-on restoration
about the same age as Lot 235, the ’59.
Ready for local shows and lots of fun cruising.
Generally driver-quality chrome and brightwork.
Continental kit. Good interior with
mostly correct reproduction materials, but
wrong seat inserts. Original instrumentation
and dashboard in good condition. Original rear
plastic lenses with some staining. Older detailed
engine bay. Old smelly gasoline. Will
need some rehab, as it has been a display car
probably for years. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$85,250. Nice looking car, and the red paint
certainly helped, but big money for a ’60 in
this condition. Well sold.
#258-1960 CHRYSLER 300F convert-
ible. S/N 8403156821. Terra Cotta/tan cloth/
tan leather. Odo: 62,916 miles. 413-ci V8,
2x4-bbl, auto. Very nice paint, chrome and
trim with aging one would expect of a wellcared-for
nearly 20-year-old restoration. Color
Sports Car Market
Page 68
RM Auctions North Palm Beach, FL
changed from original. Excellent engine bay
show-detailed at some point. Very clean interior
with minimal wear and use. Instruments
Mopar after another, seemingly all with crossram
setups and no shortage of willing buyers.
This car seemed the bargain of the bunch.
Again, I say go find another and restore it to
this standard. Well bought.
#260-1962 CHRYSLER 300H convert-
and controls all restored and in good shape.
Underside heavily undercoated, even on parts
not done when new. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$170,500. A ton of eye appeal here, and the
bidders were appropriately enamored. Very
strong result when compared with other recent
sales of F convertibles.
BEST
BUY
#215-1960 DODGE POLARA
D-500 2-dr hard top. S/N 6307101191.
Blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 84,067
miles. 383-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Outstanding
restoration of an exceptionally rare Dodge.
Flawless paint and prep. Lovely color scheme.
Equally impressive interior with all correct
materials and bits. Slight driver’s door and
wheels. Clean engine bay and very clean underside.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $74,250. No wonder
this car sold so well. It is rare, sporty,
powerful and an honest original. They almost
never come up for sale (the SCM Platinum
Database has no record of one ever being offered
at auction), and finding one this nice
was a real treat. Good luck to the underbidders,
as they will have a long wait until another
of this caliber comes along. Very well
bought.
hood gap fit issue the biggest complaint and
only thing keeping the car from a solid #1
condition. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $85,800. The
survival rate for these is nil, and with the cost
of this restoration, one could only imagine
how many zeros were in the final number.
Throw in the cross-ram setup, and this was
one heck of a car. Well bought.
BEST
BUY
#269-1961 PLYMOUTH FURY
convertible. S/N 3311154875. Gold/
tan cloth/brown & white vinyl. Odo:
4,075 miles. 383-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Rare,
well-restored Mopar with cross-ram setup.
Slight hood fitment issue is the biggest concern.
Concours-quality paint with only a hint
of buffing marks here and there. Likewise for
the bumpers, with show-quality chrome. Well-
done interior with all correct materials and
switches expertly restored or re-created. Spotless
engine bay befitting a car of this caliber.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $88,000. I am running
out of superlatives, as there was one great
70
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $71,500. Purchased at
Mecum Monterey in 2010 for $93k (SCM#
165692), which at first glance seems obscene,
but someone spent a ton of money doing this
car—both in terms of restoring it and adding
the “J” performance parts. Sold for a slightly
more reasonable amount here, but still a huge
sum. If Chrysler ever built a “J” convertible,
this would be the result, I suppose.
#265-1963 DODGE DART Phoenix
D-500 convertible. S/N 5317121966. Black/
black vinyl/red leather. Odo: 64,089 miles.
383-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Restored to show
#261-1963 CHRYSLER 300 convertible.
S/N 8233107769. Red/white vinyl/ white
leather. Odo: 65 miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4-bbl,
auto. Superb restoration with no detail overlooked.
Incorrect but fabulous color scheme.
300J console added and 300J cross-ram setup
also added. Perfectly detailed interior with
incredible off-white color used on seats. Engine
bay show-detailed. Underside flawless.
Ready for any show that would have it.
ible. S/N 8423101883. White/tan cloth/brown
leather. Odo: 13,204 miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4bbl,
auto. The rarest of the letter cars, with just
123 H convertibles built and well under 50
known today. Very nice original car with restoration
only as needed. Very good older repaint.
Good chrome and trim. Factory gaps in
doors, hood and trunk. Remarkably well-preserved
interior. Incorrect Kelsey-Hayes wire
Show-detailed engine with cross-ram setup
and dual 4-bbl carburetors. Spotless trunk and
underside. Concours-ready. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $123,750. Bidders at this sale recognized
quality and were willing to pay for it, as seen
here. Strong money, but well below the cost of
obtaining and restoring one to these standards.
#246-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S102444. Black/tan
cloth/black leather. Odo: 71,314 miles. 427-ci
425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very correct cosmetic
restoration performed some years ago. Some
minor blemishing in paint. Excellent bumpers.
Nice glass and window trim. Redline tires.
specifications, nearly flawless. Excellent paint,
chrome and trim. Great panel fit. Expertly detailed
interior with all correct materials used.
Largely original interior, with new seat covers
and carpeting the only things not original.
Older detailed engine with age and use apparent.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $82,500. Great colors
and nicely maintained. This is probably a car
that you could just drive the wheels off of for
the next five years and then re-restore. No
harm at the price.
#243-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S110556. Blue/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 11,801 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. High-level concours-quality
restoration of a fully documented
and known car. Documentation
includes Protect-O-Plate and a host of other
information proving the provenance. Stunning
prep and paintwork. Excellent panel fit.
Equally well restored chrome and trim. Inte-
rior commensurate with exterior. Show-detailed
engine bay and underside. Correct
Redline tires completing an overall great package.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $198,000. Take a
great car, make sure the documentation is in
order, restore it to the nines and bingo! There
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Brooklands, U.K.
Bonhams — The December Sale
The man just wasn’t stopping until he’d secured Jack Jones’ butcher van
(complete with rifle portholes) at $101k — twice what anyone had envisioned
Company
Bonhams
Date
December 3, 2012
Location
Weybridge, Surrey, U.K.
Auctioneer
James Knight
Automotive lots sold/offered
62/74
Sales rate
84%
Sales total
$6,418,308
High sale
1931 Invicta S-type
low-chassis tourer, sold at
$749,720
Buyer’s premium
1935 Ford Model BB “Dad’s Army” delivery van, sold at $101,453
Report and photos by Paul Hardiman
Market opinions in italics
T
he man from the Dad’s Army Museum
just wasn’t stopping until he’d secured
Jack Jones’ butcher van (complete with
rifle portholes) at $101k — twice what
anyone had envisioned. This English-built 1935
Ford BB somehow became a national treasure
40 years ago as a result of a few cameos in the
much-loved, long-running and much-repeated
British sitcom “Dad’s Army,” about the bunglingbut-proud
World War II Home Guard. As the catalog
pointed out, a one-ton box van was rather larger
than a small-town butcher would have required,
but for filming it had to be able to accommodate
an entire platoon of actors. It was being sold from
the Patrick Collection, which has owned it for 31
years. Now all the museum has to do is find the
money to pay for it.
At this lively sale in the shadow of the famous
Brooklands banking, more novelty acts came later in the
shape of three Perry Watkins creations. His “Flatmobile”
(the lowest car in the world, with a homemade jet motor
on the back) and “Fast Food” (a nitrous-oxide-injected
115-mph V8 dinner table) sold just under their estimates
at $16k and $12k, respectively. Selling a little stronger
was “Wind Up,” the smallest car in the world, a Postman
Pat child’s ride with V5 and quad mechanicals stuffed
inside. It reached $21k against an $8k–$12k estimate.
See more on each vehicle in this month’s “Collecting
Thoughts” feature on p. 30.
72
15% up to $81,462; 12%
thereafter, included in sold
prices ($1.00 = £0.62)
The top sellers reached predictable numbers — $750k for an Invicta S-type
low-chassis tourer and $687k for a 1957 Mercedes 300SL Roadster — but some
of the other 19 cars from the Patrick Collection, which kicked off Bonhams’ 2012
closer, raised eyebrows, too. The Rolls-Royce B40-engined Land Rover prototype
steamrolled past its $13k–$16k estimate — about what you’d pay for a nice Series
I — to hit $76k, and the long-dormant Rover SD1 racer reached $36k against a
no-reserve $45k–$80k estimate. There is a new race series for it in the U.K.,
but it will need a thorough and expensive going-through.
Back in the real world, a nicely original SS 100 Jaguar 3.5-liter made
Brooklands,
Surrey, U.K.
$402k, and a splendid 1924 Frazer Nash Super Sports sold for $107k.
A lovely 1935 Bentley 3½ Litre sports saloon with Gurney Nutting
coachwork sold for $128k, a very usable 1934 3½ Litre tourer was
$92k, and a nice Mk VI Countryman shooting brake by Harold
Radford fetched $96k. The 1936
Lagonda LG45 Fox & Nicholl
race replica sold before the sale for
Sales Totals
$318k and is included in the results here. The
one-owner Pagani Zonda, expected to make the
biggest sum of the day, failed to sell, reaching
$715k against an $830k-plus estimate, and neither
did the airworthy 1942 Hawker Hurricane,
which was looking for about $2.5m.
The Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford needs
to raise almost $100k to pay back the money it
has been lent by two generous benefactors to secure
the old Ford. The truck is in the right place
now, and generous SCMers can show their support
with a donation at www.dadsarmythetford.
org.uk. ♦
$6m
$5m
$4m
$3m
$2m
$1m
0
Sports Car Market
2012
2011
2010
Page 72
Bonhams Brooklands, U.K.
ENGLISH
#334-1923 ROLLS-ROYCE 20HP
coupe. S/N 79A8. Eng. # G460. Two-tone
green/tan leather. RHD. Odo: 17,302 miles.
Originally a tourer supplied to NZ; this coupe
body with rear blind fitted when it reached
U.S. some years later. Straight and shiny, with
Newish leather is lightly creased. Motor still
has correct brown Bakelite coils. With toolkit
and fitted luggage. Car drives but engine is
said to need “checking.” Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$128,464. Auctioneer Jamie Knight’s favorite.
Sold in the room at about the price of a good
Park Ward-bodied example and will surely be
seen soon for a higher price at retail. Well
bought.
has little wear. Crankcase is a replacement
fitted in the early ’60s after a rod went through
the side. Rest of engine is original to car. In
the Patrick Collection since 1966. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $749,720. This was always going
to be the top ticket of the day. Bought by an
agent connected with a London dealer. Just
north of the $730k low estimate, call it well
bought and sold.
a few watermarks in brass radiator shell, nice
Marchal headlights. Buttoned leather is unworn.
Motor tidy. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$46,224. Last sold at auction by Sotheby’s in
London 1993 for $38k (SCM# 12026). Considering
the condition here, price paid was market-correct.
#326-1924 FRAZER NASH 1½ LITRE
Super Sports boattail roadster. S/N 1017.
Eng. # HE4895. Aluminum/green leather.
RHD. Odo: 2,206 miles. Now Anzani-engined
(originally Plus-Power) and rechassised and
rebodied at some time after damage. Nice and
straight and not over-polished. Buttoned
leather is unworn, very nice dash and clear
instruments. Four-speed transmission (with
tered paint. Chrome and plating fair. Looks as
if it has been standing for a while. Leather is
lightly creased. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $92,449.
Less money than you’d expect because of the
non-original body, but well bought 20% under
lower estimate, and a good value for a Derby
Bentley.
four chains) and front-wheel brakes added
some time after it was built. Has VSCC eligibility
form. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $106,855.
One of 14 cars from a single-owner collection.
Not a lot of money for a Super Sports, but well
over the minimum the vendor would have accepted,
so both parties should be happy. Lack
of total originality with these, like Bentleys,
isn’t an issue, but so much of it has been replaced
it does keep the price down.
#315-1931 INVICTA S-TYPE lowchassis
tourer. S/N S46. Eng. # 7423.
Dark green/black vinyl/red leather.
RHD. Odo: 13,850 miles. In good order, although
has triple Webers and oversized rear
tires under cut-down rear fenders. Original
body straight, plating excellent, recent leather
TOP 10
No. 2
number, motor is original, or at least of the
original type. In the Patrick Collection since
1981. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $402,177. Sold on
the money for a decent 3½. 2½s are always a
74
Sports Car Market
#336-1935 BENTLEY 3½ LITRE
Sports saloon. S/N G7BW. Two-tone
blue/blue leather. RHD. Odo: 68,097
miles. In really lovely order with perfect paint
and chrome and nicely hand-done coachlines.
BEST
BUY
sode. Four mannequins loosely resembling
cast members included. From the Patrick Collection,
owned since 1991. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $101,453. The J. Jones van became famous
for its occasional appearances in
“Dad’s Army” and is therefore almost a national
treasure. The man from the Dad’s Army
Museum in Thetford, where the series was
filmed, just kept going until he’d bought it,
about twice over the odds, and quite rightly.
Now all they have to do is raise the money to
pay for it. You can donate at www.dadsarmythetford.org.uk.
#318-1938 JAGUAR SS 100 3½-liter
roadster. S/N 39065. Eng. # M784E.
Metallic green/red leather. RHD. Odo:
25,870 miles. Beautiful condition with nice
paint, except corner of right front fender
lightly crunched. Good chrome, lovely patina
on leather, although some of interior such as
door cards is newer. Dash and instruments all
present and correct. According to the engine
TOP 10
No. 10
#324-1934 BENTLEY 3½ LITRE tourer.
S/N B149AE. Eng. # Q8BJ. Green/black
cloth/brown leather. RHD. Odo: 35,735 miles.
Pictured in the book Bentley: The Silent Sports
Car. Originally with saloon body by HJ
Mulliner. This Vanden Plas-style body dates
from 1991 and is straight. Older microblis-
#307-1935 FORD MODEL BB “Dad’s
Army” delivery van. S/N BB5307774. Eng. #
R57332. Blue & white/black vinyl/white
wood. RHD. Odo: 29,513 miles. English-built
delivery van from the much loved ’60s and
’70s “Dad’s Army”—a British sitcom about
the bungling Home Guard. Previously derelict
with an older restoration and now in basically
good order. Some small dings and paint chips
from film work. Complete with swinging riflehole
covers from the September 11, 1969, epi
Page 74
Bonhams Brooklands, U.K.
little cheaper, and the price here suggests it
still had its original engine, which is rare.
Well bought and sold.
#330-1947 BENTLEY MK VI Countryman
shooting brake. S/N B397BG. Eng. #
B398B. Gunmetal & wood/brown leather.
RHD. Odo: 56,008 miles. Really lovely British
“woodie.” Said to be the first of eight built
on the Mk VI chassis. Straight with beautiful
timber and unmarked load bed. (No rear seat.)
Newish leather in front taking on a little character.
Chrome lightly pitted in places. Nice
ring a couple of small dings in the driver’s
door and rear deck. Nice but slightly orangepeeled
paint. Door fit fairly good, but trunk
floor well corroded. Leather, an older retrim,
is original and nicely creased. In the Patrick
Collection since 1983. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$28,196. Sold for twice over estimate for more
than the Impala, which was a bit of a surprise.
The pre-1960 PA cars with their tall oval taillights
are the more valuable. Well sold.
#352-1963 HILLMAN IMP “Flatmobile”
roadster. S/N 411010491HSO. Black/aluminum.
RHD. Just 19 inches tall, the lowest car
in the world, confirmed by the Guinness Book
of World Records. Well made and in excellent
order. Based on a Hillman Imp and with
homemade afterburner built from a truck turbo
and an old fire extinguisher. Has an MoT, but
DVLA inspection would be needed to use it on
aimable spotlamp. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$96,050. These were classified as a commercial
vehicle when new, to avoid the two-thirds
purchase tax in effect at the time. Price paid
today was a lot of money for a Mk VI, but the
Countryman is a rare version, and this one
was in superb order. Just think of the expense
of redoing all that timber inside and out.
Seems fair.
#306-1950 LAND ROVER SERIES I
81-inch prototype utility. S/N RO6104618.
Eng. # 596. Green/khaki canvas/green vinyl.
RHD. Odo: 6,909 miles. 81-inch-wheelbase
prototype, stretched one inch to accommodate
the Rolls-Royce B40 engine. In good restored
order, fresh khaki tilt. Radiator cap sticking
out through hood; fitted with curious wind-
racer red-painted drums a bit out of place on
one of these, but easily rectified. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $75,808. Purchased at auction in
1992, according to the catalog. This time
around, well sold and fairly bought.
#317-1962 VAUXHALL CRESTA sedan.
S/N S2RADX181465. Eng. # PAX181623.
Yellow & white/green leather. RHD. Odo:
27,716 miles. A kind of British Impala, and
crossed the block immediately following the
real one. Really nice and straight, solid underneath.
Original paint getting tired and now
with a little microblistering in chrome. Leather
screen-pillar-mounted indicators. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $75,808. Of the 34 reportedly
made, only two are known to survive. Another
massive price, as this was expected to make
the same $16k or so that you pay for a nice
restored early SI. And all down to that fundamental
auction principle, that more than one
man wanted it. Very well sold.
#346-1951 JAGUAR XK 120 roadster.
S/N 661002. Eng. # W55847. Old English
White/red vinyl/red & beige leather. RHD.
Odo: 10,269 miles. Lovely and straight, bar-
76
now lightly creased. Dash-mounted stopwatch
is a nice touch. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $73,035.
Bought in the U.S. in 2009 before coming to
the U.K. Before that, offered but not sold at
$27k at Mecum Arlington in November 1998
(SCM# 1683), and before that offered but not
sold at $24k at Kruse Auburn in September
1998 (SCM# 1416). Sold here at the right
money for a nice, usable and attractive early
XK still with its rear spats.
#335-1956 JAGUAR XK 140 coupe. S/N
804612DN. Eng. # G65278. Green/brown
leather. RHD. Odo: 23,517 miles. Older restoration.
Straight with goodish door gaps, paint
all even. Leather only lightly creased. Boy-
the road. Website and domain name included.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $15,716. First of the
three oddballs built by Perry Watkins offered
at the sale, this one to wrest the “lowest car”
title from his mate Andy Saunders. Now that
its novelty value has been used up with a million
appearances on TV and YouTube, not sure
what you do with it, although re-creating it
would certainly cost more than the price paid.
A labor of love, and Watkins is selling to make
way for another project. Read the sales analysis
in “Collecting Thoughts,” p. 30.
#368-1970 JAGUAR XKE Series II con-
vertible. S/N 1R1655. Eng. # 7R112099.
Blue/beige leather. RHD. Odo: 10,844 miles.
Fair older repaint over very solid structure
with good door shuts. Chrome decent. Leather
is original, with light creasing and little wear.
Michelin X tires give a clue as to when it was
last used. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $87,826. Extremely
low mileage was the selling point
here, but buyers found this car somehow unappealing.
It sold post-action for a best offer
£2,500 ($3,450) under lower estimate. Maybe
it was the dull paint, maybe the odd tire choice
or the slightly discouraging estimate. But a
car that’s never been apart gives a unique
driving experience, and that’s what we’re paying
for here, even if it’s about to be torn apart.
Price paid is fair both ways, I reckon.
#370-1970 LOTUS ELAN Sprint S4 con-
vertible. S/N 70030600125. Eng. # G22134.
Green/green hard top/black vinyl. RHD. Odo:
67,368 miles. Tidy car converted to light competition
spec, engine bored out to 1,594-cc. A
Sports Car Market
Page 76
Bonhams Brooklands, U.K.
few dust marks in color-change repaint, interior
vinyl original and excellent. With hard
the centerpiece at M-B World had the Pagani
Zonda (which didn’t sell) not been occupying
the atrium space. Sold right at lower estimate,
and perhaps the value was kept slightly down
because the leather wasn’t plump and shiny.
#366-1960 MESSERSCHMITT KR200
top. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $29,584. Formerly
the property of Ron Hickman, who designed
the Elan’s chassis. Seems odd to eradicate the
very features that confer some value, but it
sold on the money for a tidy coupe.
#353-1994 RELIANT SCIMITAR SABRE
“Fast Food” mobile dinner table. S/N
SCDZ20596NF002118. Eng. # 11A37110.
White/. RHD. Odo: 88,383 miles. Holds world
record for “fastest furniture” at 113.8 mph,
and apparently 130 is possible. Reliant chassis,
Rover V8 with nitrous oxide injection,
slicks on the rear, exhaust exits via pair of
teapots. Fruit bowls conceal pop-up headlamps,
driver sits under the roast turkey. In
at RM’s 2002 Monterey sale for $127k (SCM#
28822) with 46,996 on the odo. It’s done pretty
well since, although these sell better in Europe
than in the U.S. Fairly bought but perhaps
opportunely sold. See the profile on p. 44.
GERMAN
#343-1952 MERCEDES-BENZ 300B
4-dr Cabriolet D. S/N 1860140297052. Eng.
# 1859202302052. White/white cloth/red
leather. Odo: 15,724 km. Restored by M-B in
Stuttgart and still very straight. Good chrome,
although sill trims are a little wavy. Paint has a
few touched-in chips. Leather now lightly
good new. Cabs are easier to deal with, as you
don’t have the huge Plexiglas canopy to worry
about. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $44,375. Sold
massively well, although—as ever—it would
probably cost more than the price paid here
to repeat. Always buy someone else’s restoration
project. Has to be called a fair deal both
ways.
good order with plastic dinners still intact. No
wear to seat covers, and tablecloth unsinged.
Stig dummy overalls still unsoiled. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $12,018. Technically road legal,
but would need a DVLA inspection first. Although
already massively publicized, it will
probably pay for itself as a crowdpleaser, and
website and domain name are included the in
price. Well bought and sold. Read the sales
analysis in “Collecting Thoughts,” p. 30.
FRENCH
#351-1951 DELAHAYE 135M cabriolet.
S/N 801741. Brown/cream leather. RHD. Odo:
48,045 km. Thought to be the only 135M with
a power top. Older resto, very straight. Impossibly
deep and shiny paint with perfect
chrome. Lightly creased leather. Wheel rim
falling apart and wrapped in clingfilm. Previously
missing horn button has been replaced.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $227,505. A “frequent
flier” at auction. Last sold in May 2010 from
the John O’Quinn Collection at RM Monte
Carlo for $160k (SCM# 162935). O’Quinn
acquired it in 2005 from RM’s Phoenix auction
for $130k (SCM# 37406). Before that, it sold
78
creased. Dash and instruments excellent.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $150,073. Left the factory
in 1953. These aren’t as special as the
300Ss although they are mechanically the
same—massive, complex, imposing and handbuilt.
Sold for a smidge under low estimate at
about two-thirds the price of a carbed 300S
coupe.
TOP 10
No. 4
#325-1957 MERCEDES-BENZ
300SL Roadster. S/N 1980427500109.
Eng. # 1989807500126. Silver/red
leather. Odo: 36,838 miles. In dry storage
since 1973 and recently re-fettled. Mileage
very likely original. Straight body, excellent
paint. Leather with beautiful patina and lovely
Interior stock and tidy with lightly creased
vinyl seats. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $2,310. Another
from the Patrick Collection, arriving
there in 1990. This was offered at no reserve
and fetched as much as could reasonably be
expected as, 22 years after the Berlin Wall
came down, the novelty has worn off. Mind
you, I know a concert promoter in Oxford who
drives one.
character. Steering wheel micro-cracked. Front
bumper rechrome a little wavy. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $686,694. This would have been
#355-2005 PORSCHE CARRERA
GT coupe. S/N WPOZZZ9826L
000104. Yellow/red & black leather.
Odo: 480 miles. Straight, clean, tidy and like
new with little more than delivery mileage.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $452,598. Sold where
TOP 10
No. 7
Sports Car Market
#310-1984 TRABANT 601S 2-dr sedan.
S/N 3402978. Eng. # 3366388. Green/brown
vinyl. Odo: 60,452 km. Ah, the East German
peoples’ glorious transport, powered by a tiny
two-stroke “twin.” Would you believe there
used to be a waiting list for these? Body
straight and rot-free (because it’s composite).
microcar. S/N 75492. Eng. # 3132795. Black/
black cloth/magnolia leather. MHD. Odo:
49,304 miles. About the straightest ’Schmitt
I’ve even seen, and almost unnaturally so.
Very shiny paint, new and unworn leather and
an oversize rear tire. They were never this
McCormick Palm Springs, CA
McCormick’s 53rd Palm Springs
Collector Car Auction
An ’05 Mercedes-Benz SLR flies to $188k, and a ’66 Samba Bus makes $66k
Company
McCormick
Date
November 16–18, 2012
Location
Palm Springs, CA
Auctioneers
Frank Bizarro, Jeff Stokes,
Rob Ross
Automotive lots sold/offered
358/557
Sales rate
64%
Sales total
$6,097,828
High sale
2005 Mercedes SLR McLaren,
sold at $188,409
Buyer’s premium
1981 DeLorean “Back to the Future” time machine replica, sold for $44,888
Report and photos by Carl Bomstead
Market opinions in italics
M
cCormick’s November auction
always takes place the weekend
prior to Thanksgiving. This year,
for their 53rd sale, there was
some unexpected competition. Dana Mecum
brought his organization and 836 collector cars
to the Anaheim Convention Center only a couple
hours away, and the two multi-day events happened
to overlap by a few days.
Nonetheless, McCormick’s loyal followers turned
out in force, and even with the competition they set
a record sales total — more than $200k above last
November’s event.
McCormick’s offered their usual eclectic selection
of cars, selling a number of high-end $50k-plus offerings,
as well as a few at the other end of the spectrum.
A 1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 that was a true barn find sold
for $25k. It was a needs-everything restoration project,
and the new owner will be quickly upside-down if that
is his goal. On the other hand, preservation cars are very
much in favor, and this would be a hit at the next RROC
meet, so I hope he does not mess with it.
For the bargain hunters, a 1992 Cadillac DeVille sold
for a paltry $1,425 and a 1989 Cadillac Allanté convertible
realized $4k — a fraction of what they were bringing
a few years back. On the other hand, a delightful
1969 Mercedes 280SE cabriolet realized a most reasonable
$64k, and a 2001 Dodge Viper GTS sold for $74k.
82
A stunning 2008 Bentley Continental Flying Spur brought $113k, and the high sale
of the event — a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren — topped out at $188k, which
re-confirms McCormick’s ability to pull in strong results across all segments of the
market.
Palm Springs, CA
Timing is everything, and that was illustrated by the sale of a very nice
1966 Volkswagen 21-window Samba bus. Finished in correct Tizianrot
and Beigegrau (red and gray), it had a number of unusual options,
including two roof racks. The microbus was well restored, and I’m
sure the seller was thinking of the two that not long ago sold for six
figures. But it was not to be, and the $66k result looked very much in
line with recent reality.
If you were bored with the mundane cars in your garage, then McCormick’s had
just the car for you: a “Back to the Future” timemachine
replica 1981 DeLorean. I have no idea
how many of these replicas are floating around,
but this one was extremely well done with all the
props and goodies. It had a power distribution
block, so the car could be plugged into a standard
wall outlet when on display. If you were
seeking attention, then your $45k would have
been well spent.
The dates for McCormick’s 2013 auctions
have been announced, with the 54th auction taking
place February 22–24. That’s just around the
corner, and with McCormick’s trademark mix
of consignments, I can pretty much guarantee
there will be something offered there to get your
heart started. ♦
Sales Totals
$6m
$5m
$4m
$3m
$2m
$1m
0
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
5%, included in sold prices
Sports Car Market
courtesy McCormicks
Page 82
McCormick Palm Springs, CA
ENGLISH
#189-1962 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 Mk
II BT7 roadster. S/N HBT7L15655. Silver
Blue/dark blue vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 91,311
miles. A very presentable example in the right
color. Restored by Kurt Tanner in 2004 and
has been properly maintained. Heritage Trust
Acapulco edition sells at a premium of 10% or
so over a regular Thing. The price paid here
was about right for a perfect Palm Springs
driver.
IRISH
SOLD AT $66,229. Not long ago, one of these
sold for $100k, then another at $200k, but
times have changed and the bloom is off that
rose. I’m sure the seller was hoping for more,
but price paid was in line with current market.
#184-1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE
certification. Under the bonnet crisp and tidy.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $56,700. The Big Healey
received a curved windshield and roll-up windows
for 1962. This example last seen at
Gooding’s 2004 Pebble Beach sale, where it
realized $43k. Seller had fun with it for seven
years and walked away ahead of the game.
Can’t beat that!
GERMAN
BEST
BUY
#188-1963 PORSCHE 356B T-6
coupe. S/N 125215. Eng. # 707056.
Ruby Red/black leather. Odo: 96,375
km. A T-6 Reutter coupe with an engine rebuild
3,000 miles back. Stated to have one
respray. Fresh brightwork, but window trim
pitted. Four-wheel disc brakes. Original
leather interior is in good order. Engine de-
Pricey when new, with list price of $9,967,
and air was an extra $500 or so. Complete
with original invoice and metal warranty plate.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $64,050. Price paid was
about right for a high-grille example with a
few needs. The more desirable low grille almost
doubles the value.
tailed. Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.
Complete with books and records. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $46,725. An honest 356 with no
surprises. Although disc brakes not original to
the car, it’s an update that does not detract
from value in most cases. Seller worked the
car the whole weekend and was rewarded with
a market-correct sale. A car I should have
bought!
#187-1966 VOLKSWAGEN TRANS-
PORTER 21-window Samba bus. S/N 246075384.
Red & white/gold mesh. Odo: 99,872
miles. A well-restored example of a desirable
VW bus. McCormick’s reported 700 website
hits the first hour it was listed. Sunroof and
two roof racks. Engine compartment highly
detailed. Paint acceptable, but a few touch-ups
here and there. Interior very crisp. Cond: 2+.
84
say they look like a cross between a shipping
container and a dumpster. Doors are removable.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $19,950. Well
bought and sold, although I doubt the seller
agrees, considering cost of restoration. The
#227-1974 VOLKSAGEN THING Acapulco
convertible. S/N 1842542608. Blue &
white/blue & white surrey/blue & white vinyl.
Odo: 30,234 miles. Very nice presentation
with no glaring issues. Stated $40,000 spent
on restoration. Acapulco editions were blue
and white and were designed for Las Brisas
Hotel in Acapulco. Built in Puebla, Mexico,
and sold in the U.S. in 1973 and 1974. Some
cabriolet. S/N 11102512002151. Silver gray/
blue fabric/blue leather. Odo: 87,669 miles.
Trim pitted and windshield delaminating. Attractive
colors. Equipped with power steering
and windows. Has a/c and 4-wheel disc
brakes. Equipped with Bosch fuel injection.
#200-1981 DELOREAN DMC-12 timemachine
coupe. S/N SCEDT26T4BD001305.
Stainless steel/black leather. Odo: 36,675
miles. A “Back to the Future” time-machine
replica, including many details of the original
car, such as flux capacitor and sound effects.
Complete with concert-grade smoke machine
and lots of goodies. Sure to draw a crowd.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $44,888. Price paid was
far less than the cost of construction, but what
the heck do you do with the darn thing? Better
get your story ready, as you will soon tire of
telling it. Well sold.
AMERICAN
#139-1940 CROSLEY SERIES 2A con-
vertible. S/N C22042. Two-tone green/tan
fabric/red vinyl. Odo: 26,910 miles. First introduced
by Powell Crosley of radio and Cincinnati
Reds ownership fame in 1939, and sold
at stores that handled other Crosley products.
Weighed all of 924 pounds and cost $298.
Sold only 422 cars in 1940. Powered by 12-hp
Waukesha twin. Cute but finished in incorrect
colors. Perfect circus clown car. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $9,135. Price paid was up there for
a novelty, but new owner can have his fun and
most likely get a good part of his money back.
#152-1941 MERCURY 19A convertible.
S/N 30176. Conestoga Tan/tan fabric/red
leather. Odo: 5,105 miles. Restored in 1998
and now showing signs of age and use. Attractive
colors with contrasting red leather interior
that has a few scratches and scuffs. Very nice
dash plastic. Large front bumper guard.
Sports Car Market
Page 84
McCormick Palm Springs, CA
#225-1952 CHEVROLET STYLELINE
convertible. S/N 9KKJ51982. Red/white
vinyl/red vinyl. miles. 235-ci I6, 1-bbl, auto.
Attractive colors. Equipped with Powerglide
2-speed and whitewalls, which were seldom
seen in 1952 due to Korean War. Interior not
redone to factory spec. New floor mats. Fitted
woodie or anything exotic here, so the price
bid should have gotten the job done and then
some.
#212-1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR con-
vertible. S/N VC55K018608. Sea Mist Green
& India Ivory/white vinyl/aqua & white vinyl.
Odo: 4,100 miles. 265-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. In
“Easter Egg” colors of Sea Mist Green and
India Ivory. Paint very presentable and brightwork
in good order. No issues with interior.
Body straight and solid. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$37,682. A flat-motor Mercury convertible
that sold for a fair price. The older restoration
needs some attention, but all in all a solid
transaction.
#325-1949 CADILLAC SERIES 62
coupe. S/N 496178303. Black/black leather.
Odo: 18,459 miles. 331-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
Stated to have had a frame-off restoration, but
door and trunk handles pitted. Wind-wing
glass delaminating. Hood fit off a bit. Nice
leather interior. Very distinctive Cadillac
bodystyle. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $31,000. This
with a new top, but fit off a bit. Cute period
Chevy. Odo reset to zero. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$26,834. Price paid was on the light side, as
these in decent condition can push $34k–$40k.
We will call this a well-bought top-down
driver that needs to get out on the road.
#141-1953 BUICK SPECIAL 2-dr hard
top. S/N 46796521. Yellow & white/white
vinyl. Odo: 30,107 miles. 263-ci I8, 2-bbl,
auto. A recent respray in a bold shade of yellow.
Trim badly pitted and window rubbers
hard and cracked. Steering wheel cracked and
Engine bay not detailed, which seller should
have taken care of to maximize his opportunity.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $62,803. The most
popular Tri-Five Chevy? The debate goes on.
These are off their high of a few years back,
and the Power Pack V8 would add another
$15k or so. The bid was a touch light, so I’ll
chalk this one up to the buyer.
#45-1955 OLDSMOBILE HOLIDAY 88
4-dr hard top. S/N 559T5746. Aqua & white/
black fabric & tan vinyl. Odo: 96,753 miles.
324-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Trim held on with
sheet-metal screws and paint loaded with orange
peel. Chrome trim on hood dented. Interior
appears to have been redone. Equipped
Cadillac has had an active life of late, appearing
at McCormick’s February 2012 sale, where
it realized $32,500 (SCM# 198429). Prior to
that it sold at the November 2011 sale for the
same figure (SCM# 195883). A slight uptick
here, but after fees, etc., the car has been
treading water for the past few years. Three
sales nonetheless accurately peg the value.
#52-1952 CHEVROLET 210 wagon. S/N
B540032704. Light blue & white/tan vinyl.
Odo: 68,830 miles. 235-ci I6, 1-bbl, auto.
Equipped with Powerglide Six, which made
about 13 additional horsepower. Paint worn
with large primer spot on hood. Interior appears
to be original with appropriate wear and
the gauges badly worn. The Special was the
only Buick to retain the straight eight in 1953.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $15,225. A tired car.
Price paid was certainly cheap enough; this
will work for a fun driver for the new owner,
who can fix it up a bit and upgrade when the
time comes. Reasonable transaction.
#211-1953 CHRYSLER TOWN &
COUNTRY New Yorker wagon. S/N
76558613. Maroon & tan/brown vinyl. Odo:
83,715 miles. 331-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. An attractive
but rather plain wagon. Paint very
presentable and interior in good order. Number
with factory a/c, which was a $550 option.
Also has Super Deluxe radio, but that’s where
it ends. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $14,559. Last
seen at McCormick’s November 2009 sale,
where it sold for $21k, which we said was all
the money (SCM# 152729), and which proved
to be the case today. Price paid here was more
in line. Seller drove the car less than 1,000
very expensive miles.
#492-1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
MARK II 2-dr hard top. S/N C56E2937.
Black/red & white leather. Odo: 66,500 miles.
368-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The seller put some
effort into his Mk II, with a new windshield,
tear. Lots of work to be done on this one.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $9,000. Price bid
was about right for a handyman wagon that
had a list of needs. Based on what I could see
on the outside, I have to wonder what needs to
be done under the hood. Seller may have made
a mistake not letting this go.
86
of options here with power steering and windows,
sun visor and front bumper guards.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $50,000. The Town
& Country wagon was offered as both a 6-cylinder
Windsor and the Hemi V8 New Yorker.
The “V” on the hood told you there was a
Hemi underneath. We are not talking about a
Sports Car Market
Page 86
McCormick Palm Springs, CA
dash and leather interior. Paint has a few issues
common with a black color. Door handles
pitted and worn, and the wind wings are delaminating.
Brightwork with a few issues, but
all in all a decent offering. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $34,125. These are magnificent cars, but
the market has yet to give them any traction.
They cost a fortune to restore, and there is no
return on investment. Values have hardly
budged in years. As such, market-correct price
here.
#424-1957 FORD FAIRLANE 500 Sky-
liner retractable hard top. S/N D7FW330877.
White/black & white vinyl. Odo:
79,831 miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The retractable
Skyliner hard top was introduced in
mid-year and about 20,000 were produced.
This example a bit rough, with paint badly
very original car that has had at least one
respray. Power windows, brakes and seats.
side. Swivel bucket seats were standard. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $26,263. This price for a Sport
Fury ought to include the 395-ci Golden Commando
V8, but this was still a good car. Any
regrets will soon be forgotten after the first few
outings.
#257-1959 STUDEBAKER DELUXE
pickup. S/N E71479. Blue/gray fabric. Odo:
199 miles. 289-ci V8, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Tricked out
and restored to the nines with bumpers painted
white and other add-ons. Paint and interior
properly restored. Very attractive interior.
Equipped with aftermarket radio. Only issue is
Brightwork shows a bit of age; interior just
OK. One of only 1,498 produced. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $19,950. Price paid was about
right for an Imperial in respectable condition.
New owner can drive and enjoy while he picks
away at it. Fair all around.
#207-1961 CHRYSLER NEWPORT
2-dr hard top. S/N 8113150452. Delicate
Dubonnet & white/silver vinyl & burgundy
fabric. Odo: 21,518 miles. 361-ci V8, 2-bbl,
auto. An attractive bodystyle that still retained
a hint of the fins of the late ’50s. Unusual factory
color. Equipped with dealer-installed a/c
worn and rust bubbles here and there. Wipers
missing and brightwork a bit dull. Has Continental
kit in back. A project. Cond: 3-. NOT
SOLD AT $14,500. Even in this rather tattered
condition, the bid was light by about
half. On the other hand, finding a buyer for a
project car is not easy, and the seller would be
well served to fix the more obvious issues.
#209-1958 EDSEL VILLAGER wagon.
S/N W8UT732838. Sunset Coral & Silver
Gray/coral & gray vinyl. Odo: 6,787 miles.
361-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A recent two-year restoration.
Equipped with unusual factory compass.
Has Teletouch push-button transmission
wear on the rear step plate. Strong package.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $19,163. Pickups continue
to be hot property, but the market for
Studebakers is not as strong as it is for Fords
and Chevys. Being a bit different, it will draw
a crowd at the next show-and-shine and was
bought for a fair price.
#190-1960 CADILLAC SERIES 62 con-
vertible. S/N 60F113088. Beaumont Beige/tan
fabric/fawn leather. Odo: 59,105 miles. 390-ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. Paint presentable and brightwork
is in good order. Glovebox is missing,
window rubbers are cracked. Top also dirty.
in steering wheel hub. Rotating speedo. Finished
in correct colors. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD
AT $27,000. Price bid should have sent this
Edsel Wagon down the road, but seller was
looking for a home run. Edsels don’t have
much traction, but seller might do better in
Arizona in January.
#280-1959 PLYMOUTH SPORT FURY
2-dr hard top. S/N H234101255. Flame Red
& white/red & white vinyl. Odo: 26,089 miles.
318-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint shows a few minor
issues. Brightwork with a few pits. Interior
with no major issues. Equipped with dual rear
aerials. Most would call this a decent driver.
The Sport Fury was the top of the line and had
a silver anodized aluminum insert down the
88
and optional wires. Interior worn a bit but still
presentable. One of fewer than 10,000 produced.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $24,500.
Price bid should have been close to the number,
but as Chrysler coupes continue to escalate
in value, a few thousand dollars more
would not have been unreasonable. Seller
should get his money next time out.
#202-1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD con-
vertible. S/N 3Y85Z120869. Raven Black/
black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 39,778 miles. 390ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Lots of goodies added to
simulate a Sport Roadster, but no grab bar.
Tri-Power added, but no “M” in VIN. Accept-
Series 62 convertibles had a list price of
$5,455. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $51,975. Price
paid was rather aggressive considering the
needs. I think the sun shining on the bright
chrome may have distracted the eye away from
the other less impressive areas. Well sold.
#389-1960 IMPERIAL CUSTOM 2-door
hard top. S/N 9104112011. Tan/tan vinyl.
Odo: 4,959 miles. 413-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A
able paint, but trim pitted here and there. Rear
window damaged. Attractive black-over-red
color combo. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $32,025.
No issue with price paid, but don’t get too
close to a judged T-Bird event. If it were a real
Sport Roadster with true M-code engine, price
would be more than double.
Sports Car Market
Coys London, U.K.
Coys—True Greats
The dust-covered 1969 Lamborghini Miura found in an underground car park
in Athens sold for $418k, with its V12 displayed on a pallet beside it
Company
Coys
Date
December 4, 2012
Location
London, U.K.
Auctioneer
Chris Routledge
Automotive lots sold/offered
32/48
Sales rate
67%
Sales total
$5,760,419
High sale
1938 BMW 328 roadster, sold
at $795,221
Buyer’s premium
1969 Lamborghini Miura LP400 S coupe, sold for $418,030
15% on first $48,532; 10%
thereafter, included in sold
prices ($1 = £0.62)
Report and photos by Paul Hardiman
Market opinions in italics
intimate Lindley Hall. It’s a smaller venue, but a coffee
bar and gallery conveniently oversees the proceedings,
with an adequate number of seats in the room.
The dust-covered 1969 Lamborghini Miura found
C
in an underground car park in Athens sold for $418k,
with its V12 displayed on a pallet beside it. Later, auctioneer
Chris Routledge hammered sold a 1967 Miura,
converted by the factory to SV specification, for $678k.
Other big-money sales included a 1961 disc-brake
Mercedes 300SL Roadster, in one family since 1967,
sold at $696k; a restored 1938 BMW 328 roadster
at $795k; and a left-hand-drive Aston Martin DB5
Vantage, which went to a bidder in the room for $615k.
A tidy DB4 did not find a new owner when bidding came
up $16k short of its $275k lower estimate.
This was the week for Bentley woodies in London. A
1949 Mk VI Countryman by Harold Radford sold here
for $118k — $22k more than the similar one offered the
day before by Bonhams at Mercedes-Benz World, and
a little more than the high offer for Lot 649, a 1935 3½
Litre Derby woodie by coachbuilder Jones Brothers.
While the Jones Brothers car failed to sell, it still flagged
up the sale elegantly from its location on the street.
92
oys once again patronized the Royal
Horticultural Society’s premises for
its annual True Greats sale in central
London, but this time shifted to the more
A Ferrari 250 SWB copy looked good at $205k, when a tired but driving
example of the car on which it was based, a 330 GT 2+2, brought only
$127k — just $18k more than the barn-find twin-headlight version fetched at
Bonhams Harrogate last month.
The 1922 Talbot-Darracq open tourer from the estate of the late Motor
Sport founder Bill Boddy took $30k, and an AC Sociable made $25k. A
far-too-shiny 1934 Riley Imp brought a correct $137k and will look
excellent as it collects miles and character at the hands of its enthusiastic
new owner.
Representing the Etceterini genre, Maseratis were $66k for
London, U.K.
a 1966 Quattroporte and $73k for a slightly tired 1963 3500
GTi. A fair restored 1956
Lancia Aurelia B24 convertible
sold for $277k, and
the enterprising London dealer
Sales Totals
who bought it immediately listed it on the open
market for $150k more. At the far end of the
condition spectrum, a long-neglected 1933 Fiat
508S with no discernible chassis number sold
well at $100k.
With fewer than 50 cars on offer and an av-
erage price per lot of $180k, this small auction
drew an impressive $6m total, showing that a
few big sales are all you need to get the numbers
up. Coys follows this small sale promptly with
another run of about 50 classics at Autosport
International in January. ♦
$6m
$5m
$4m
$3m
$2m
$1m
0
Sports Car Market
2012
2011
2010
Page 92
Coys London, U.K.
ENGLISH
#630-1913 AC SOCIABLE tourer. S/N
1750. Yellow/black leather/brown leather.
MHD. Yes, folks, the Cobra story started here:
with single-cylinder power under the driver’s
seat, chain drive and 2-speed epicyclic transmission.
In good overall order with decent
paint, leather and trim, and said to be in good
bought it. This was the week of woodies,
though, as Lot 640, a 1949 Mk VI Countryman
Radford shooting brake, sold for $118k, and
Bonhams had one at Brooklands the previous
day, sold for $96k. By the time this crossed the
block, the market was fairly saturated.
running order. No instruments. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $24,664. Another car once owned
by the late Jimi Heselden, owner of Segway,
who sadly plunged off a cliff on one of his twowheelers
in 2010. Acquired by seller in 2011.
Compared with similar cars advertised, priced
about right, although adding in the premium
makes it look a little spendy.
#609-1934 RILEY IMP roadster. S/N
6025410. Blue/blue cloth/blue leather. RHD.
Odo: 3,592 miles. Clean and shiny with
painted drums. Looks unused. Very clean underneath
and with new body gaskets. Blockley
tires still have casting lines. Leather unworn,
steering wheel binding clean and unhandled.
Nice lights and chrome. Original Rotax tripod
lights included with car. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$137,049. Sold on the money. It looked way
too shiny, so just needs a bit of use now to take
on some character.
#649-1935 BENTLEY 3½ LITRE woodie
shooting brake. S/N B80DG. Green & wood/
black vinyl/black leather. RHD. Odo: 55,828
miles. In lovely restored order with good timber.
Converted from a drophead coupe early in
its life in 1937. Black vinyl top in good order.
Nice headlights and chrome. New leather and
carpets. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $114,516.
Last lot of the sale, and parked outside along
with three others, as there wasn’t room for all
the cars and people in the tight Lindley Hall.
Declared not sold for £1,000 ($1,613) over
lower estimate, which I thought should have
94
2+. SOLD AT $128,946. 1938 Paris Motor
Show car, then four decades in the U.S. before
returning to Europe around 1990. Sold at low
end of estimate range for average Derby Bentley
money. Last offered but not sold at Bonhams’
Brooklands sale December 2011 (SCM#
191754) and Bonhams Goodwood sale September
16, 2011 (SCM# 189432), earlier sold
pre-restoration by Brooks at Hershey for $44k
in 2000 (SCM# 10523) after being a $52k nosale
at Brooks Quail Lodge sale two months
before (SCM# 10142).
#640-1949 BENTLEY MK VI Countryman
shooting brake. S/N B34CD. Gray &
wood/gray leather. RHD. Odo: 99 miles.
Nicely restored over a long period by the previous
owner, with decent paint and very good
#645-1938 BENTLEY 4¼ LITRE coupe.
S/N B8MR. Black/gray leather. RHD. Odo:
35,452 miles. “Overdrive” 4¼, restored in last
decade. Very straight with good door fit and
mostly good paint now showing small cracks
around usual stress points at base of A-pillars.
Excellent rechrome. Lightly creased leather in
front, unused in rear. Easiclean discs straight.
Nice coachlining. Still with full toolkit. Cond:
motor with C-type head, electric fan and newish
exhaust. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $101,935.
Initially unsold across the block, later sold for
this fair price—which is what auctions are all
about, isn’t it?
#604-1953 MG TD roadster. S/N TD28185.
Ivory/off-white cloth/beige leather. RHD.
Odo: 24,215 miles. An older restoration that’s
slightly fading or nicely mellowing, depending
on your point of view. Better close up than it
looks from 10 paces. Older repaint, nice
more than the offer that didn’t buy Lot 649, the
3½ Litre woodie at the end of the sale, making
it look something of a good deal.
#607-1953 JAGUAR XK 120 roadster.
S/N 661083. White/buff canvas/red leather.
RHD. Odo: 75,940 miles. Sixth from last XK
120 built. Straight with good door and spat fit.
Beautiful patina on 30-year-old leather. Tidy
chrome. Lightly creased leather. Top and
frame in good shape. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$27,510. Sold on the money for a tidy TD, as
the best examples run about $30k, but still a
lot cheaper than an MGA.
#639-1956 JENSEN 541 coupe. S/N
5411485206. Green/green leather. RHD. Odo:
39,945 miles. Forerunner of the C-V8 and
Interceptor. Restored, with a few blemishes
and sink marks in paint, although it still managed
to win the Jensen Owners’ Club concours
in 2012. Lightly baggy leather might be origi-
timber. Leather is newish. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $118,142. Sold for just £900 ($1,451)
Sports Car Market
Page 94
Coys London, U.K.
nal. Motor over-chromed and polished, but it’s
nice to see someone finally taking the trouble
with one of these. Now with alternator, front
disc brakes and a modern spin-off oil filter.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $49,842. Not sold in the
room at $44k, so apparently the top bidder
stumped up a little more for a post-sale deal,
as shown in Coys’ final results. These haven’t
been worth restoring, and the numbers still
don’t add up unless you do it yourself at home,
but the tide is gradually turning.
#627-1965 ASTON MARTIN DB5
Vantage coupe. S/N DB52056R.
Silver/black leather. Odo: 9,077 miles.
Restored 15 years ago, when presumably converted
to left-hand drive. Body still straight
with good shutlines. Motor concours. Probably
TOP 10
No. 6
shiny, but recent restoration was a bit heavyhanded,
with chromed alternator. Now with
Holley double-pumper. Recorded mileage is
presumably since restoration. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $51,225. In from the U.S. in 2007 for restoration.
Offered at no reserve and sold well,
for about $8k more than half-decent Tigers
were making two years ago.
GERMAN
#612-1938 BMW 328 roadster. S/N
85208. Eng. # 32601100085208.
Gray/green cloth/ green leather. Odo:
75,443 km. So restored even the hood straps
are new. Leather and top are unused. Dash and
instruments perfect. Still with original motor
and 6v electrics. Although it wears “1000
TOP 10
No. 1
original leather now creased and cracked, sits
right on tall ZZs. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$615,147. Sold in the room for the right
money. DB5s have stuck close to $600k following
their meteoric rise over the previous
couple of years, and this was no exception.
Left-hand drive widens this one’s market
somewhat, canceling out the lack of originality.
#629-1966 ALVIS TE21 drophead coupe.
S/N 27348. Silver/black cloth/tan leather.
RHD. Odo: 73,009 miles. Tidy car, body
straight and ripple-free. Good chrome, freshly
painted and undersealed chassis. Has a lot of
slop in steering. Newish leather and carpets,
quoted. Speedo missing. Seat covers look like
pajamas. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $100,134. In
one ownership from 1957. Sold on the phone
at high estimate. Well sold.
#610-1956 LANCIA AURELIA B24 S
convertible. S/N B24S1316. Celeste Lancia/
tan leather. Odo: 15,857 miles. Restored in
Italy by Novaira Lusardi. Older repaint, almost-new
leather. Refinished crackle-black
dash top looks good, with one bubble. Floors
dead-straight. Almost new stainless-steel ex-
Miglia” stickers, it sits on unused Michelin
Xs. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $795,221. Originally
supplied to Indonesia, then the Dutch East
Indies, back to Europe after WWII and now
German registered. If you wanted a brand new
and shiny 328 straight out of the box, then this
was it. It just about dictated its own price as
the high spot of the sale.
TOP 10
No. 3
nice dash and instruments. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$137,950. One-family owned from new, and
said to have spent most of its life in California.
This appeared to sell on the block for $128k,
but final declared price was a little more.
Good money for one of these, as they were
nearer $45k–$50k three years ago.
#611-1966 SUNBEAM TIGER Mk I
convertible. S/N B382002074FLXFE. Black/
black cloth/black leather. Odo: 18 miles. Very
96
#636-1961 MERCEDES-BENZ
300SL Roadster. S/N 19804210002897.
Red/red aluminum hard top/
haust. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $277,347. U.S.
export car, in California from new to 1986
before going to Italy. It looked like a good buy
on the day at less than Spider money, and the
London dealer who bought it immediately
marked it up for exactly £100k ($160k) over
the hammer price.
#606-1963 MASERATI 3500 GTI coupe.
S/N AM1011988. Silver/red leather. Odo:
21,465 km. Still with Lucas injection. Has a
few chips out of paint around hood opening
Sports Car Market
black leather. Odo: 93,385 km. Disc-braked
car. Amazingly shiny as if it’s just been born,
chrome excellent. Leather is original and
nicely creased in. Left door fit out a little at
bottom. With factory hard top. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $696,180. German registered, with
this owner (its second) since 1967. Although
steel Gullwings are peering over the $1m
mark, the Roadsters lag a little behind, and
this was market-priced.
ITALIAN
#647-1933 FIAT 508S Mille Miglia road-
ster. S/N N/A. Red/red striped cloth. So original
it’s tatty. No chassis number visible or
Silverstone Birmingham, U.K.
ENGLISH
#109-1955 LAND ROVER SERIES I
utility vehicle. S/N 57105407. Eng. # 57113068.
Green/green canvas/green vinyl. RHD.
Odo: 259 miles. Immaculately restored to better-than-new.
I have never seen one this
straight and shiny, with a perfect, virgin load
bed. Mileage is presumably since resto. Cond
RHD. Odo: 50,302 miles. Meticulously restored
2008–11. Shell perfect, floors flat, subframes
shiny. Motor more than concours with
polished SUs and coil. Interior vinyl is like
new. Other than the slightly overdone motor,
really nice. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $36,466. In
one family ownership until 2005. Post-restoration,
a National Mini Show class-winner and
car of the year. This price is not out of order
for a super Cooper, even though this level of
money is normally attached to the best “S”
cars.
#155-1968 MORRIS MINI Cooper S
Police car 2-dr sedan. S/N KA2S61129371A.
White/black vinyl. Odo: 11,683 miles. Rebuilt
2002–10. Perfect structure with jig brackets
still in place under floors. All details correct.
Presented with policeman’s helmet, trun-
been used in anger in five years. If you fancy
doing some fairly serious club rallies in something
other than a front-drive hatch, a nice
little deal. Could run in historics with some
sheet metal mods.
#149-1974 FORD ESCORT Mexico 2-dr
sedan. S/N BFATPM00109. Yellow/black
velour. RHD. Odo: 64,138 miles. Real Mexico
with July ’74 build date. Restored 1992–98
back to original spec. Appears good, straight,
unrusty. May be a re-shell, but has all correct
#1, but I’m deducting half a mark for being
too shiny. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $39,135.
Clearly a labor of love, but it (almost) paid
off, as this reached around twice what a nice
restored Series I fetches, meaning the vendor
got about two-thirds of his money back. As
ever, the moral is to buy one that someone else
has already restored.
#143-1960 ASTON MARTIN DB4 Series
II coupe. S/N DB4294R. Eng. # 370304.
Black/beige leather. RHD. Odo: 87,382 miles.
Near perfect and incredibly straight, with paint
like a mirror. Newish leather, only marked
cheons and radio telephone, which apparently
still works. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $28,589. An
original police car. Fair money, as although
it’s of historical interest, it wasn’t quite as nice
as Lot 106, the other ’68 Cooper in the sale.
Fair deal both ways.
#170-1972 FORD ESCORT rally car.
down for its modern stereo. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $355,770. Delivered new to Canada, back
to the U.K. in 1989. Sold slightly light for a
nice SII with good history, but made all that
the seller was looking for, so a fair deal both
ways.
#106-1968 MORRIS MINI Cooper Mk
II 2-dr sedan. S/N KA25611541OA. Eng. #
9FDSAH34665. White/black/black vinyl.
S/N BBATMA32379. Yellow/red velour.
RHD. Rally car built out of a non-RS shell,
but with lots of good bits, including Tran-X
Rocket box, five-linked and turreted rear end,
plus front crossmember that will accept a variety
of engines—currently it’s running a Pinto,
for which there is a class in the British Historic
Rally Championship. Not in the greatest
cosmetic condition, but that’s irrelevant here.
panel gaps. Low mileage and still on original
P700s. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $163,654. These
have been creeping up over the past couple of
years. Even though it can ever only be a collector’s
item, the price paid here didn’t look
out of order.
GERMAN
Digi odo. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $18,678. Large
gearbox tunnel, among other items, renders it
ineligible for historic rallies as-is and keeps
price down, so what we have here is a journeyman’s
rally car in fair order. A lot of fun
for little outlay, but it’ll likely want a bit more
spending to make it nice to drive, as it’s not
102
#181-1952 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
split-window 2-dr sedan. S/N 10399408.
Mittelblau/blue velour. Odo: 44,451 km.
Looks like a bone-stock restoration apart from
number plate on the left corner, hot-rod style.
Unworn patterned blue velour interior, and
photo record of resto displayed behind car.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $37,356. Found in Milwaukee
in 2009 and then restored by Motorkars
of Columbus, OH, at a cost very close
Sports Car Market
features. Velour and vinyl unworn, a few small
cracks in dash. Motor tidy and standard. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $20,457. Sold quite light even
though this was all the vendor was looking for.
So the buyer got a bit of a deal, even if he only
wanted it as the donor for a historic-rally
car—which would be a shame.
#112-1986 FORD RS200 coupe. S/N
SFACXXBJZCGL00156. Eng. # GL00156.
White/black velour. RHD. Odo: 1,066 miles.
Rare rally-spec car retaining torque-split shift
lever. Good and unscuffed. Factory (variable)
Page 102
Silverstone Birmingham, U.K.
#105-1983 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI
hatchback. Red/tartan red & black velour.
RHD. Odo: 93,000 miles. Clean and tidy late
first-gen Golf GTI (Rabbit in the U.S.). Nicely
unmolested and with full main-dealer service
history. Mudflaps are a bit pedestrian but point
to conservative ownership, which is what we
spider. S/N AR665627. Red/black cloth/black
leather. Odo: 47,787 miles. Really sharp and
proper, following restoration in 2003. Straight
panels and even paint. Some small scratches in
chrome. Top and interior still look new. Cond:
2+. SOLD AT $29,529. Sold new in the U.S.,
into the U.K. by 1970. Offered here by an Alfa
specialist who’s just moved into classics, and
all his cars are top notch. Deserved the money.
#113-1971 FIAT 500L 2-dr sedan. S/N
to the sale price. After shipping, someone has
lost out, and it isn’t the buyer.
#127-1975 PORSCHE 911 2.7 coupe. S/N
91151925. Eng. # 6151925. Metallic blue/
black leather. RHD. Odo: 89,795 km. U.K.market
car retro’d during restoration into earlier
small-bumper 911S appearance. No rot,
structure and kidney bowls look okay, shiny
like here. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $11,563. The
value of standard cars well exceeds those that
have been boy-racered, and there are few like
this. So although it’s not a late-model limited
edition, this is what you’re paying for. Lots of
BaT readers would kill for this, but it’didn’t
bring massive money, even offered at no reserve.
#136-1989 PORSCHE 911 Speedster.
S/N WPOZZZ91ZKS152443. Eng. # 63K04395.
Red/black leather. RHD. Odo: 12,272
miles. Wide turbo-body version with sports
seats whose leather is only lightly creased.
Tidy and unscuffed. One ding in engine lid.
Kidney bowls look okay. Full service history.
repaint. Motor dryish underneath. Fresh stainless-steel
exhaust. Interior unworn. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $53,366. Fair money for a lookalike.
If it had been real, the dollar price
would have been in pounds. Probably would
not have drawn this price in the U.S.
#153-1981 PORSCHE 911SC coupe. S/N
WPOZZZ91ZBS102051. Eng. # 6313189.
White/gray velour. RHD. Odo: 41,653 miles.
Straight, tidy, alloys unscuffed. Velour interior
has survived well. Decent history with recent
top-end motor rebuild. About as nice as you
get with a used SC, and reasonably low mile-
politician David Cameron and bought for his
wife (and sold again) before he became prime
minister. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $29,351. Although
Cameron is much reviled by certain
sections of the British community, any “celebrity”
status appears to confer value, and here
this sold a little stronger than Lot 150, the
beautifully restored car that brought $27k.
#150-1971 FIAT 500L 2-dr sedan. S/N
2877540. Eng. # J102551. Red/black vinyl/
black vinyl. RHD. Odo: 73,505 miles. Perfect
restoration carried out by Fiat technicians.
Floors like a mirror. Motor out to 650-cc, so
110F2880194. Eng. # 3104244. White/black
vinyl/black vinyl. RHD. Odo: 15,043 miles.
Straight and tidy short-top model, restored
2010. Floors solid. Seat vinyl and carpets unworn.
Low mileage claimed to be genuine.
Famously owned by up-and-coming British
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $104,952. Three times
the price of the same car as a coupe, about the
same—condition for condition—as a 356
Speedster over a 356 Coupe. Still, price below
the $130k some dealers are asking, which
makes this example with modest miles look
like a good value.
ITALIAN
#177-1967 ALFA ROMEO DUETTO
age. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $29,885. Wellknown
Isle of Man car and well kept. Interest
in SCs is increasing as people discover what
great all-around cars they are. Well sold for
what it is; probably would not have brought
this much money in the U.S., unless you could
prove mileage. Top-end rebuild almost always
means much higher actual miles than shown
on the odometer here.
104
therefore may be a 126 unit. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $26,683. A concours trailer queen. Much
nicer, but cheaper, than the ex-David Cameron
car earlier in the sale. Go figure.
#160-1977 ALFA ROMEO 2000 spider.
S/N AR2472857. Primrose/black vinyl/black
vinyl. RHD. Odo: 50,748 miles. Nice replica
period Momo wheels. Shiny paint with a few
sink marks. Good vinyl interior with rubber
mats. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $9,784. Although this was a perfectly usable
car, the difference in condition and
Sports Car Market
Roundup Selected Sales Combined in One Comprehensive Report
Highlights from Leake Dallas,
H&H Newbury, Brightwells
Herefordshire and Barons Surrey
Dallas 2012
ENGLISH
#479-1915 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER
GHOST 40/50 tourer. S/N 15LB. Eng. #
86D. Ivory/tan canvas/tan leather. RHD. A
rather stunning car to look at, lots of highly
polished brass. Older restoration holding up
well. Excellent workmanship. Mechanicals in
order, underhood is as clean as everywhere
else. Chassis reportedly worked as a WWI
ambulance. Few post-war details. Not sure of
the bodystyle, as I’ve never seen a Brewster
The third highest seller at Leake, Dallas—1967 Chevrolet 427/435 Corvette convertible, sold for $105,600
Company: Leake Auction Company
Location: Dallas, TX
Date: November 16–18, 2012
Auctioneers: Daniel J. Kruse, Jim Ritchie, Brian Marshall
Automotive lots sold/offered: 327/577
Newbury Racecourse
Company: H&H Auctions
Location: Newbury, U.K.
Date: December 18, 2012
Auctioneer: Simon Hope
Automotive lots sold/offered: 26/58
Sales rate: 45%
Sales total: $1,671,103
High sale: 1965 Aston Martin DB5 coupe, sold at
$432,550
Buyer’s premium: Sold prices include buyer’s premium
of 10% ($1.00 = £0.62)
Report and photos by Paul Hardiman
Classic Vintage Cars & Motorcycles
Company: Brightwells
Location: Herefordshire, U.K.
Date: November 28, 2012
Auctioneer: Richard Binnersley
Automotive lots sold/offered: 70/107
Sales rate: 65%
108
Sales rate: 57%
Sales total: $6,574,959
High sale: 2006 Ferrari F430 Spider, sold at $143,000
Buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Phil Skinner
Sales total: $1,382,387
High sale: 1964 Aston Martin DB5 coupe, sold at
$289,974
Buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices ($1.00
= £0.63)
Report and photos by Paul Hardiman
Annual Yuletide Classic
Company: Barons
Location: Surrey, U.K.
Date: December 18, 2012
Auctioneer: Fabian Hine
Automotive lots sold/offered: 34/66
Sales rate: 52%
Sales total: $536,686
High sale: 1965 Jaguar XKE Series I 4.2 coupe, sold at
$87,389
Buyer’s premium: 10%, included in sold prices,
minimum of $243 ($1.00 = £0.62)
Report and photos by Paul Hardiman
magneto, but refurbished original-type Watford
unit comes with the car. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $288,366. Well-known car, in this ownership
since 1984. Restored by marque expert
Arthur Archer, and sold on the money mid-way
between Bentley 3 Litre and 4½ Litre prices.
H&H Auctions, Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
#23-1926 MORRIS COWLEY bullnose
tourer. S/N D123442. Eng. # 143545. Blue &
black/black cloth/black vinyl. RHD. Odo:
7,793 miles. Older resto. Dull brass radiator
with one tiny ding. Top good with full weather
equipment. Seat vinyl older but holding up
Sports Car Market
like it, but it does have proper sill plates. Factory
gauges, but no odometer. Cond: 2. NOT
SOLD AT $375,000. As a later production
unit with improved induction and 4-speed, this
would make for a splendid fair-weather tourer.
Looking at other recent sales of Ghosts in this
condition, the bid was a bit light, so I’ll side
with the seller on keeping it. But while something
closer to $500k might have been appropriate,
the $750k on the paper was a bit rich.
Leake, Dallas, TX, 11/12.
#55-1925 VAUXHALL 30/98 tourer. S/N
OE250. Eng. # OE244. Brown/black canvas/
brown leather. RHD. Odo: 20 miles. In really
super order and needs nothing. As the vendor
put it, “Not spoilt by over-restoration.” Beautifully
burnished leather. Comes with Scintilla
Page 107
Roundup
Singapore, but returned to England in pieces
in 1982. Fairly strong money for a Seven, but
it is in super order and it is Vintage, which
adds a small premium. Both buyer and seller
should be happy with this deal. Brightwells,
Herefordshire, U.K., 12/12.
#49-1930 INVICTA S-TYPE low-chassis
well. Sold with original car manual. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $16,221. Pre-1960s cars are no
longer required to have an MoT so this was
being sold without one. Right money paid for
a driver-quality bullnose, about the same as a
decent (but smaller and more sporting) Austin
Seven. H&H Auctions, Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
#56-1929 MG M-TYPE roadster. S/N
408. Black/red vinyl. RHD. Odo: 6,662 miles.
Nicely restored and very sharp-looking. Aluminum
parts of body very straight and probably
better than new. Good plating. Fabric
parts in excellent shape, seat vinyl looks new-
replica tourer. S/N A93. Blue/blue cloth/blue
leather. Almost complete and in straight, unused
condition. This is a re-creation on replica
chassis rails and replica body, using a lot of
real bits from a saloon, and just about everything
to finish is boxed up behind it. Zero
Hemi heads. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $70,917.
Chopping older Bentley saloons into hairraising
specials is a time-honored British tradition,
but they usually fall down on
proportions and stance. This succeeds on both
counts, and promises a rip-roaring ride at a
price you couldn’t repeat unless you did all the
work yourself. Completely envious of the lucky
buyer. H&H Auctions, Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
miles, and chassis’ original registration number
is available. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$171,218. A similar car has been on the market
recently asking nearly $500k, and the real
thing, of which most survive, is worth at least
half as much again. So with perhaps $80k left
to spend and since it was sold here for less
than has been spent on it so far, this looked
liked something of a deal. H&H Auctions,
Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
ish. Original instruments cracked and faded.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $33,830. Black’s a nice
change from the usual blue, and this sold for
the right money. Slightly more sprightly than
an Austin Seven but at almost twice the money,
which shows that marketing works just as well
today as it did in the ’20s. Brightwells, Herefordshire,
U.K., 12/12.
#44-1930 AUSTIN SEVEN RL box sa-
loon. S/N 0126796. Eng. # M127727. Blue &
black/black vinyl. RHD. Odo: 796 miles. A
really nice, straight Seven, fresh from restoration
to completely original and stock condition.
Door fit good, older vinyl interior holding
such as modern ignition, fuel pump, electric
water pump and intermittent, variable-speed
wipers. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $112,475. Sold
on the money. Nice to see such a well-sorted
example as this, which cost more than the purchase
price to get to this state. Brightwells,
Herefordshire, U.K., 12/12.
#31-1949 BENTLEY MK VI special
up well, all details correct. Only 200 miles on
motor. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $16,520. Found in
March 2013
roadster. S/N B421EW. Green/black leathercloth.
RHD. Odo: 70,438 miles. Well-executed
older conversion, like a Caterham on steroids
that looks naughty even standing still. Still
109
#85-1937 ALVIS SPEED 25 SB saloon.
S/N 14347. Green/green leather. RHD. Odo:
21,110 miles. Straight with good paint and
nice hand-applied pinstriping. Excellent dash
with perfect instruments, newish leather. Motor
very clean and tidy, although some parts
have been chromed. Some invisible upgrades
SOLD AT $63,080. These are gathering speed
fast enough to prevent them being made into
AC Ace or Frazer Nash Le Mans replicas.
This sold for just about the same money spent
on restoring it, which looks a sound buy. H&H
Auctions, Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
#450-1954 MG TF roadster. S/N HDC4-
31528. White/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
63,319 miles. Recent restoration. Paint is
smooth, some very minor orange peel detected.
Soft trim sharp, including top and sidecurtains.
Clean, clear plastic windows, despite
being dated 1975. Panel alignment at or above
factory standards. Underhood clean except for
minor oil seepage near tappet covers. Wiring
neat and tidy, might even work as designed.
#22-1950 BRISTOL 401 coupe. S/N
401807. Eng. # 1620. Blue/beige leather.
RHD. Odo: 35,066 miles. Restored in late
1990s, now on its third engine and nicely settled
in. Older paint, newish leather, Deco instruments
all present and correct. Cond: 3.
straight and shiny. No slop in steering, leathercloth
seats unworn. Unusually, has Daimler
V8 power—a fine choice with its aluminum
Page 108
Roundup
Lots of little touches like clean wheels, tires
and the MG exhaust tip extension. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $20,350. Previously sold for $17k
at Mecum Monterey in August 2011 (SCM#
185100), which is where the reserve sat this
time. Early TFs still lag a bit behind the TDs
and the TCs, but they are great vehicles. The
buyer got a really nice car for the right price.
Leake, Dallas, TX, 11/12.
#16-1955 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 drophead
coupe. S/N LML923. Maroon/black
cloth/gray leather. RHD. Odo: 32,565 miles.
Older restoration now with a few bubbles
around rear arches. Newish top. Chassis solid
with some previous weld repairs. Panel gaps
massive, as per factory. Faded carpets, newer
rear picnic tables. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$26,306. Cheap for an S1 driver, although a
really sharp one would be $15k more. Fair for
the price. Barons, Surrey, U.K., 12/12.
#43-1960 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 Mk I
roadster. S/N HBN7L09487. White/black
vinyl/blue leather. RHD. Odo: 7,132 miles.
Restored, presumably when converted from
left-hand drive. Straight panels with fit fairly
good. Chassis rails straight and not hammered.
Leather shiny and mildly cracked. Moto-Lita
some time. The color combination and interior
trim all came together well, with mechanicals
in good order. Bidders lined up for this car.
Very well sold. Leake, Dallas, TX, 11/12.
#28-1964 AUSTIN MINI Super Deluxe
2-dr sedan. S/N AA2S57S501750M. Red.
RHD. Another restoration project (Brightwells
always has a few) but with even greater needs
than the Frogeye. Rotten floors, holes in the
left front wing; I can’t bring myself to look
leather. Motor tidy with new stainless exhaust
manifolds. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $270,344.
Honest old thing taking center stage that really
made the sale a success. Sold on a commission
bid against the phone, which petered
out at $225k. Fairly bought. H&H Auctions,
Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
#482-1958 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100-6
roadster. S/N BN4L057035. White & black/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 570 miles. Sheet
metal smooth and well aligned, mirror paint
finish. Appears 100% stock, but fitted with
engine from later 3000-series which looks
right at home. Underhood decent, just a bit of
cleanup needed. Other reported upgrades in-
wheel fitted. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $42,178. In
storage since 2002, being offered from an estate
and sold slightly under lower estimate.
The buyer got a bit of a deal here, especially
as it’s the more elegant two-seater, so I think
we may see it retailed soon. Brightwells, Herefordshire,
U.K., 12/12.
#1189-1960 TRIUMPH TR3A roadster.
S/N TS61241L. Light blue/black vinyl tonneau/
black vinyl. Odo: 88,759 miles. Very
minor orange peel. Excellent body panel
alignment, at or better than factory. Straight
body, brightwork done very well, including
grille, which looks brand new. Gauges all look
clean and bright, accessories in place and reported
functional. Doors opened and closed
clude bigger brakes, improved steering and
heavy-duty suspension. Odometer reset at time
of build, used only for test driving since.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $46,200. High bid was top
of the market, even for a stock car in this condition.
But with $40k recently put into the car,
buyer did well. Conversions on these are rare,
but this one was done right. Leake, Dallas,
TX, 11/12.
#139-1958 BENTLEY S1 sedan. S/N
B279FD. Eng. # BF463. Blue & gray/blue
leather. RHD. Odo: 42,516 miles. Straight,
with recent windows-in repaint. Right rocker
is scraped. Original leather lightly creased,
nice timber. Power steering, electric windows,
110
easily. Underhood clean and tidy. Original
hubcaps for those steel wheels. Has rack on
the back and tonneau cover but no sign of top
or side curtains. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $21,450.
One of the nicest early TRs I’ve seen in quite
Sports Car Market
front bumper. Chassis very good. Motor
punched out to 4.2 with large alloy radiator.
Nice leather is likely original. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $432,550. The last lot. Bought and
sold at an acceptable price for a driver-quality
5. H&H Auctions, Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
#60-1965 ASTON MARTIN DB5 coupe.
S/N DB51588R. Eng. # 4001586. Silver/black
leather. RHD. Odo: 7 miles. Restored and
modded from racer to fast road-spec, including
throttle position sensor on Webers for engine
brain. Body straight and tidy with pulled
rear arches, floors good and straight. Big-bore
underneath. No paperwork. Cond: 4-. SOLD
AT $3,163. Early Minis are all the rage right
now, but this wasn’t particularly early or special.
Still managed to exceed its upper estimate,
and may be a candidate for a reshell.
Brightwells, Herefordshire, U.K., 12/12.
#56-1965 ASTON MARTIN DB5
coupe. S/N DB51974R. Silver/red
leather. RHD. Odo: 65,929 miles.
Older resto. One small dimple in front of right
wheelarch and a patch of chrome flaking off
TOP 10
No. 8
Page 110
Roundup
exhaust, Borg-Warner T5, adjustable brake
bias. Relatively civilized with inertia-reel seatbelts,
standard dashboard and most of trim.
Original seat included. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$289,974. Formerly the property of late TVR
boss Peter Wheeler, who liked to drive fast.
Cheap for a road-going 5 at half the market
rate for a decent stock car. However, lest anyone
gets any ideas, there would be a lot of trim
parts to source to put it back to standard. Fair
price for a hot rod to enjoy as-is. Brightwells,
Herefordshire, U.K., 12/12.
#53-1965 AUSTIN A40 racer. S/N AA25
8L7453. Gray/black velour. Odo: 92,773
miles. Tidy racer built more than a decade ago.
Structure all sound and solid, panels straight.
Currently with FIA papers and a 1,293-cc motor,
but a 1,098 is included for certain U.K.
events such as the Silverstone Classic. Cond:
ing front hubs. Recorded mileage is since restoration.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $16,168. Bills
for parts alone are said to have been more
than the price paid here, which is right for an
SI—but a IIA this good must be worth as
much. Cheaper than the amazing restored Series
I that hit $39k at Silverstone’s November
auction at the NEC (SCM# 214615). Brightwells,
Herefordshire, U.K., 12/12.
#142-1969 BMC MINI Cooper S Mk II
Wood & Pickett 2-dr sedan. S/N KA2S61321285.
Eng. # 9F1SA1Y54194. Dark
blue/black vinyl/black leather. RHD. Odo:
72,055 miles. Wood & Pickett provided posh
Minis to the movers and shakers of the fab
’60s, carrying on from where Radford had
started. This well-known car is restored, good
and straight. Floors and subframes excellent
3. SOLD AT $21,177. Has been raced in Denmark.
Last competed in the U.K. in 2002 and
could go straight into the HRDC series, or is a
possibility for the Goodwood Revival on alternate
years. A cheap entry for much less than it
would cost to build again. H&H Auctions,
Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
#143-1965 JAGUAR XKE Series 1 4.2
coupe. S/N 1E20457. Eng. # 7E33699. Silver/
black leather. RHD. Odo: 61,228 miles. Clean,
straight and tidy. Displayed over a mirror.
Rear wheel-to-arch clearance is wildly different
from side to side. Highly polished engine.
and not de-seamed, so the paint hasn’t cracked
at panel joints. Seat leather lightly creased and
likely original. Still with original 8-track
player and tapes. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$38,344. The nicer of the two W&P Minis on
offer here, from the proper swinging ’60s, and
with a better back-story, including ownership
by “a well-known figure in the music industry,”
so no wonder it did better (although not
as well as Barons had hoped). If only it could
talk... And because of that, a mildly good deal.
Barons, Surrey, U.K., 12/12.
Leather lightly creased. On Dunlop alloys
over big brakes. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $87,389.
Slightly strong money for a coupe, but condition
makes it worth the price—and bought far
cheaper than it would cost to do again. Barons,
Surrey, U.K., 12/12.
#22-1966 LAND ROVER SERIES IIA
utility. S/N 24126895C. Eng. # 25258760H.
Green/khaki canvas/black vinyl. RHD. Odo:
10,829 miles. Nicely restored on new galvanized
chassis. Dead straight. New canvas tilt.
Motor rebuilt to run on unleaded, freewheel-
112
#158-1969 MGC convertible. S/N
GCN12495G. Red/black mohair/black leather.
with American components. Wheels clean,
rubber close to new. Easy to start, runs quietly.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $7,000. I would
have loved to drive this car, just to see how it
performed and handled. The installation
looked professional in all ways. Not sure if the
seller did the work, but he probably had a bit
more into this job than the $10,500 reserve he
was looking for. Realistic high offer was on
the high side of wholesale and low side of retail.
Leake, Dallas, TX, 11/12.
#20-1978 ASTON MARTIN V8 Vantage
coupe. S/N Metallic blue/beige leather. RHD.
Odo: 74,834 miles. Good paint and chrome,
structure appears sound, couple of small dimples
in the sides. Original leather lightly worn.
5-speed is a bonus. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
RHD. Odo: 93,933 miles. Restored in 1990s.
Straight and tidy, still rot-free. Interior stock
with lightly worn red-piped leather, Moto-Lita
wheel and wooden gearknob the only deviations.
Clean and respectable motor. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $19,618. Cs have stuck around the
$19k mark for years now, which is decent B
money. Selling for about the same here, for the
age-old reason that the owner wasn’t using it
enough, this was a fair deal on a good tourer/
cruiser. Barons, Surrey, U.K., 12/12.
#414-1971 MGB convertible. S/N
GHN5UC268737G. Red/black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 1,446 miles. Looks 100% stock
outside; under the hood is a DOHC Pontiac
engine that fits like a glove, with upgraded
5-speed. Professional-level fit and finish, some
crazing noted on cowl. Radio removed, rubber
plug in fender antenna hole. Underhood very
clean. Electrical system completely revised
$83,468. Fair money. One of the few cars to
sell at this regional house’s first foray into
cars. But the company was happy, as the profit
on the Aston exceeded a few sales’ worth of
antique furniture. Broadway, Worcestershire,
U.K., 12/12.
Sports Car Market
Page 111
Roundup
#154-1980 BMC MINI Wood & Pickett
Margrave Elite 2-dr sedan. S/N XE2D2661316A.
Eng. # 29864. Metallic blue/blue
vinyl/cream leather & blue velour. RHD. Odo:
37,859 miles. Coachbuilt luxury Mini by
Wood & Pickett. In good overall order. Originally
Caribbean Pearl with white Everflex.
Repaint is cracking where scuttle seams have
been filled, which is what happens when you
One-off prototype made in six days under the
direction of Aston designer William Towns,
using taller GT windshield and unique nose
and tail treatments. Still original Russett
de-seam a Mini. Motor tidy, rocker cover finished
in body color. Interior unworn. Original
Wolfrace wheels come with car. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $21,580. This has been on the market
for a while. I drove it in 2011 with 37,848
miles and a $29k asking price. Here it brought
just enough to sell. Lot 142 (SCM# 214741), a
’69 Margrave Cooper S, sold here for $38k.
Barons, Surrey, U.K., 12/12.
#19-1980 MGB Aston Martin prototype
convertible. S/N GVADJ1AG510877. Silver
Sand/black velour. RHD. Odo: 6,868 miles.
Brown in the engine bay; cracking where pillars
join scuttle. Interior not holding up well,
and Tickford seats are skewed to fit. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $18,023. Historically, this was a
quick and dirty attempt at a vehicle that it was
hoped could save MG from extinction, even
though by then the B was a pretty lame duck.
Price paid was under estimate, but as a reminder
of a never-was that should-not-havebeen,
still call it well sold. H&H Auctions,
Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
#46-1986 PROTEUS C-TYPE replica
roadster. S/N 109344DN. Silver/red leather.
RHD. Odo: 22,734 miles. Early Proteus C rep.
Original fiberglass body replaced with aluminum
but retains the more accurate and pleasing
taillight treatment and correct live rear
axle. Evidently well sorted and just taking on
some patina with lightly creased leather. DN
chassis number suffix means it has Laycock
de Normanville overdrive. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $101,829. Sold a little under market value
for a later alloy car, so looks like a fair deal.
H&H Auctions, Newbury, U.K., 12/12.
GERMAN
#785-1969 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
“woodie” convertible. S/N 159951919. Red
& wood/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 49,438
miles. Bodywork decent, paint good but not
perfect, some dimples and light debris. Wood
very well finished with framing in light ash
and real veneer panels. Interior pure stock, as
March 2013
113
Page 112
Fresh Meat
by Chad Tyson Roundup
Online sales of contemporary cars
2012 Ferrari FF
Date sold: 01/02/2013
eBay auction ID: 251205832509
Seller’s eBay ID: bentleylamborghinigoldcoast
Sale type: Used car with 2,650 miles
VIN: ZFF73SKA7C0188478
Details: Gray over red leather; 6.3-liter V12 rated at
651 hp, 7-sp auto, RWD
Sale result: $295,000, best offer, sf 45
MSRP: $384,768 (as equipped)
Other current offering: Bentley Boston in Wayland,
MA, offering a 4,010-mile silver example for
$299,998.
2012 BMW M3
is the motor. Chrome and glass all clean and
clear. Great eye appeal overall. Cond: 3. NOT
SOLD AT $5,000. 50 years from now a VW
purist might cringe, but for today’s collector,
this type of specialty vehicle has great appeal.
I could not fault the seller for holding on to
this car. Even in stock condition, it should
have hit $7k–$8k, plus $2k for the wood (I
would think). Seller was looking for something
in the area of $7,500, so he was realistic.
Leake, Dallas, TX, 11/12.
IRISH
#411-1981 DELOREAN DMC-12 gullwing
coupe. S/N SCED2DT7BD005770.
Stainless steel/charcoal gray leather. Odo: 792
miles. Fresh out of long storage, low miles
claimed to be original. Has been washed, but
exterior needs a treatment by the special pad
(included). Seats have a bit of crinkling. Tires
very aged. All books and papers included, plus
dealer-accessory floor mats and car cover.
but would you really want to? Brightwells,
Herefordshire, U.K., 12/12.
#513-1965 FERRARI 330 GT 2+2 coupe.
S/N 6561. Eng. # 6561. Red/black leather.
Odo: 88 miles. Older repaint showing a little
age with micro-scratches and some fading.
Chrome good, not perfect. Borranis quickly
cleaned with steel wool. Interior sound, wood
redone, soft trim supple, pedal wear looks
light. Gauges clear, clean and in working order.
Engine runs out well. Could use a good
run on an open highway to get some minor
bugs worked out. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$90,000. The dealer who brought the car said
he really liked it and wouldn’t be disappointed
if it didn’t sell. But his asking price of nearly
$120k looked about $30k high for a quadheadlight
car in this condition. Leake, Dallas,
TX, 11/12.
#906-1980 FERRARI 308 GTBI coupe.
Date sold: 01/02/2013
eBay auction ID: 170963249997
Seller’s eBay ID: ddwpartners
Sale type: Used car with 6,750 miles
VIN: WBSKG9C53CE798185
Details: Silver over black leather; 4.0-liter V8 rated
at 414 hp, 6-sp manual, RWD
Sale Result: $66,400, best offer, sf 33
MSRP: $76,695 (as equipped)
Other current offering: Thomas Classics in Akron,
OH, asking $74,800 for a Frozen Silver Metallic
over black leather coupe with 3,914 miles.
2011 Bentley Continental GTC
Speed
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $27,500. Deloreans have
gone up and down in value the past few years,
but they appear to be on the upswing right
now, bringing $25k–$30k for decent examples,
higher prices for premium examples. Despite
low miles, this car’s value was somewhat limited,
but seller said he had made a few dollars
and was happy with this result. If new owner
invests a little more, I think it could bring upwards
of $40k. Leake, Dallas, TX, 11/12.
ITALIAN
#84-1937 FIAT 500A Topolino 2-dr se-
dan. S/N 013525. Eng. # 028141. Maroon &
black/beige canvas/brown leather. RHD. Odo:
377 km. Beautifully restored short-chassis car.
Finishes better and shinier than new. Doors fit
well, but right-hand vent handle is broken off.
New rubber mats. Little wear to seat leather.
Sliding top like new with chrome frame.
Odometer reading is since restoration. Cond:
Date sold: 12/31/12
eBay auction ID: 121043355806
Seller’s eBay ID: bentleydallas
Sale type: Used car with 4,690 miles
VIN: SCBDP3ZA0BC068622
Details: Beluga over Saffron leather; 6.0-liter, twinturbocharged
W12 rated at 600 hp, 6-sp auto, AWD
Sale result: $169,000, best offer, sf 113
MSRP: $231,400 (base)
Other current offering: AutoCenter Northwest in
Bellevue, WA, is selling a Granite over Beluga
leather GTC Speed with 65 miles for $199,999. ♦
114
rubber. Underside shows some road use but
not filthy. Lots of attention from a TV crew.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $26,125. This car was a
mystery, but the biggest mystery was how did
the auction house get it sold? A bit of drama
on the block for the cameras, but the sale was
real and the auction house did work with the
seller to get him to let it go. It might have been
one of the best bargains in Dallas. Maybe.
Leake, Dallas, TX, 11/12.
#135-1999 FERRARI 550 MARANELLO
coupe. S/N ZFFZR49C00
S/N ZFFAA01A2A0031343. Black/black
leather. A mystery car, with dark tinted windows
and kept locked until just before going
over the block. Body has a few minor dings,
but doors and hatches line up well. Seen
through the windshield, dash top has some
staining and fading. Wheels clean with fresh
1-. SOLD AT $25,658. A U.K.-market RHD
car, sold on the money. Mille Miglia eligible,
Sports Car Market
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English
1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Vanden Plas Open
Tourer
a restored car, rather an exceptional original car
that has been maintained flawlessly its entire life.
Red, black interior and top. Turn key and ready for
touring. $89,000 Firm. Contact Matthew, Matthew L.
deGarmo LTD, 203.852.1670, Email: Matt@deGarmoLtd.com
Web: www.deGarmoLtd.com (CT)
1960 Omega Jaguar
S/N FB3317. One of Bentley’s most magnificent cars
with its original Vanden Plas Open Tourer body.
Known provenance. Regularly exercised. Eligible for
premier events worldwide. $995,000. Contact Chris,
Fantasy Junction, 510.653.7555, Email: sales@
fantasyjunction.com Web: www.fantasyjunction.
com (CA)
1948 Jaguar Mk IV 3.5 saloon
A crowning achievement, this E-Type is a show-level
champion and subject of a no-expense spared restoration;
One of the finest XKE examples available
in the world today. An amazing opportunity for the
discerning collector! Classic Showcase, 760.758.6100,
Email: sales@classicshowcase.com Web: www.
classicshowcase.com (CA)
1967 Jaguar XKE 4.2 roadster
S/N SYCC34. Wonderful, minimalist English special.
Period competition race history. Jaguar drive-line,
four wheel discs. Extensive documentation. Suitable
for track and tours. $225,000. Contact Chris, Fantasy
Junction, 510.653.7555, Email: sales@fantasyjunction.com
Web: www.fantasyjunction.com (CA)
1961 Jaguar XK 150 3.8 convertible
RHD. Show-winning example with an esteemed
Jaguar history, received a frame-off restoration,
multiple award winner, luxurious style, design, and
appointments. This is a spectacular example that
is truly for the discerning Jaguar collector! Classic
Showcase, 760.758.6100, Email: sales@classicshowcase.com
Web: www.classicshowcase.com (CA)
1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC 3.4 OTS
Body off, fully documented restoration to Pebble
Beach standards about 15 years ago. Used summer
weekends since, properly stored winters. Meticulous
and documented service since restoration. Black,
black, numbers matching, rare factory hard top.
Superb in every detail. $105,000. Contact Matthew,
Matthew L. deGarmo LTD, 203.852.1670, Email:
Matt@deGarmoLtd.com Web: www.deGarmoLtd.
com (CT)
1967 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2 convertible
Spectacular Imperial Maroon/biscuit color combo
with a no-expense spared restoration by Jaguar
professionals, this XK 150 is a JCNA national champion,
scoring 100 points in 3 consecutive 2011 shows!
Excellent opportunity for the serious collector! Classic
Showcase, 760.758.6100, Email: sales@classicshowcase.com
Web: www.classicshowcase.com (CA)
1961 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II drophead
coupe
S/N 879063. Silver/Black. 4.2-liter, 4-speed. ExBrian
Donovan Jaguar N.A. vintage race team car
‘03-05. Fresh MWE 4.2L, fresh Donovan transmission,
aluminum hard top, AFCO shocks, two sets
Panasports. Dead reliable. $115,000. Contact Don,
713.941.1025, Email: speedstarinc@sbcglobal.
net (TX)
1966 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2 convertible
S/N SCBCR63W45C027426. Black/Burgundy. 19,088
miles. W12, AWD. Impecable, low-mileage GT.
Distinctive black over burgundy. All options. New
Michelin’s on desirable 20” Mulliner rims. V12 rated
at 552 hp and 479 ft-lb. Sumptuous leather interior
and exhilarating performance. A gentleman’s racer.
$79,900 OBO. Contact Paul, 239.263,7877, Email:
pkoller7@comcast.net (FL)
German
1960 Porsche 356 Super 90 cabriolet
1963 Jaguar XKE Series 1 Roadster
automatic. One of 48 hand-built, aluminum-bodied
sedans. Probably the lowest-mile one in existence.
Oil-change sticker states to change at 10k in 1992.
Last registered in CA in 1994. Spent over $1,500 refreshing
mechanics. New whitewall tires. Only thing
left is recharge the a/c. The build quality impressive.
Zero rust. Original paint with minor flaws. Connolly
leather in great condition. Left-hand drive. $79,500
OBO. Contact JP, 954.525.0600, Email: jp@vdbcollection.com
(FL)
2005 Bentley Continental GT coupe
S/N 153861. Black/black. 98,546 miles. Super 90,
Black with black leather interior, 2-owner California
car, only 98,546 original miles, Super 90 engine.
Complete with tools and manual. Runs great.
$109,500 OBO. Contact Herve, Heritage Classics
Motorcar Company, 310.657.9699, Email: hiwillems@heritageclassics.com
Web: www.heritageclassics.com/
(CA)
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Restored by Classic Showcase, this matching-numbers
XKE is a current JCNA national champion, scoring
100 points in 3 consecutive shows in 2011-12. This
example presents a rare opportunity for the discerning
collector ready for competition! Classic Showcase,
760.758.6100, Email: sales@classicshowcase.com
Web: www.classicshowcase.com (CA)
This striking, original California black plate car has
received a no-expense spared restoration by Jaguar
Professionals; with a rare color combo of Imperial
Maroon & Beige, this Roadster is sure to satisfy the
serious collector! Classic Showcase, 760.758.6100,
Email: sales@classicshowcase.com Web: www.
classicshowcase.com (CA)
1959 Jaguar XK150 drophead coupe
1969 Lotus Elan S4 convertible
S/N LSVB451. Black/black Leather. 79,621 miles.
LHD Automatic. Matching Everflex top and leather
tonneau boot, absolutely spectacular left-hand drive
model with automatic transimssion, factory a/c,
power windows, Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, altimeter.
Complete with tools and handbook, one of only
75 left-hand dropheads ever built. The rarest and
most desirable four seat open cars of the post-war
era. Runs and drives beautifully. $295,000 OBO.
Contact Herve, Heritage Classics Motorcar Company,
310.657.9699, Email: hiwillems@heritageclassics.
com Web: www.heritageclassics.com/ (CA)
One family owner from new. Matching numbers. Not
122
Coming soon. A spectacular, numbers-matching disc
brake Roadster. Fully documented ownership history,
low mileage, all original books and tools. Ivory,
original immaculate black interior, black top. Always
maintained to the highest standards by the best
guys. Call for details Contact Matthew, Matthew L.
deGarmo LTD, 203.852.1670, Email: Matt@deGarmoLtd.com
Web: www.deGarmoLtd.com (CT)
1966 Volkswagen Type 2 E-Z camper
White/black. Manual. Spyder Chassis. Please call
with questions. $17,000. Contact Robert, 646-2409160,
Email: csiegelberg@gmail.com (NE)
1977 Panther De Ville sedan
S/N 2106. Silver/black/red. 8,000 miles. V12,
S/N 215067919. Red & white/tan. 182,000 miles.
1.5-liter, 44 hp, manual. This conversion van has
been owned since new by the same family. Full
restoration on a totally rust free camper. Mint condition
throughout - ready to drive and enjoy. $35,000.
Contact Gary, 440.263.7360, Email: ghfeldman@
roadrunner.com (OH)
Sports Car Market
Page 122
SCM Showcase Gallery
1967 Porsche 911 coupe
updated. All original documentation. Exceptional
rust-free original car. $7,500. Contact Scott A,
828.545.9958, Email: sjrasco@charter.net (NC)
1983 Porsche 911SC Targa
1939 American Bantam pickup
Total professional restoration and is now ready for
your enjoyment. Numbers-matching drive train, rare
black corduroy interior option. $135,000. Contact
Jim, 816.510.6406, Email: jnknance@gmail.com
(MO)
1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupe
Yellow/black. 90,000 miles. air-cooled 4 cylinder,
4-sp. Never rusted California car, older restoration,
recent engine rebuild, great driver, collector
owned, original bill of sale. $8,200. Contact Mark,
267.992.2658, Email: farmermark@comcast.
net (PA)
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 cabriolet
S/N WP0EA091XDS161254. Grand Prix White/
Saddle. 122,000 miles. 3.0, 5-spd. Last and best year
of the SC. This car was owned and maintained long
term by Peter Zimmerman until 2000 when it was
purchased by Jim Schrager, who had it until recently.
Maintained as you would expect. Runs/drives great
and needs nothing. Email for pics and a full write
up on it, or call to discuss. $30,000 OBO. Contact
Danny, 574.361.5315, Email: danny@stephensonsofelkhart.com
(IN)
1984 Porsche 944
Red. 5-sp. Recent timing belt and water pump. 92k
miles. Runs and drives excellent. $2,900. Contact
Brian, 630.988.8090, (IL)
2000 BMW Z8 convertible
Italian
1958 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super 4-dr sedan
ful 70 mph proven tour car. Needs nothing. $94,900
OBO. Contact Lee, Vintage Motor Cars, 216.496.9492,
Email: sales@vintagemotorcarsusa.com Web: www.
vintagemotorcarsusa.com (OH)
Silver green/53,325 miles. Highly original example.
One owner until 2008. Successful 2010
California Mille participant. Unbelievably cool
and fun. $49,500. Contact Chris, Fantasy Junction,
510.653.7555, Email: sales@fantasyjunction.com
Web: www.fantasyjunction.com (CA)
1963 Maserati Sebring Series 1 coupe
S/N AM10101741. Red/black. 53,000 miles. I6,
5-speed manual. A stunning example of the rare and
unique Sebring coupe. Inline twin-spark 6-cylinder.
Matching numbers and fully reconditioned of a low
mileage example. Sold new in Paris and immediately
brought to the southwestern U.S. No rust issues
and in beautiful condition. Mechanicals are sorted
and it runs drives well. Sadly, for sale to make room
for another Maserati project. Owned by a Maserati
collector. Contact if serious. Martin 805.895.1226
So. Calif. area. $120,000 OBO. Contact Martin,
805.895.1226, Email: sbroadster@cox.et (CA)
Japanese
1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL
Ivory/Among the last of the truly hand built Mercedes-Benz.
Recently freshened and excellent running
car. Behr A/C, Becker AM/FM, books. $169,500.
Contact Chris, Fantasy Junction, 510.653.7555,
Email: sales@fantasyjunction.com Web: www.
fantasyjunction.com (CA)
1972 Porsche 914
S/N AH60041. Silver/red. 14,340 miles. 4.9-liter V8,
From private collection. Original, no stories car w/
hard top w/roller storage, 400-hp, BMW Performance
Pkg struts, Eisenmann stainless exhaust, tool
kit, WIN-numbered coffee table book, two original
keys, owner’s book w/pouch, four spare & mounted
chrome wheels. A truly beautiful specimen of a vanishing
breed. $110,000. Contact Jim, 561.379.9448,
Email: jim.sherman@earthlink.net (FL)
2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550 coupe
Yellow/black. 840,000 miles. Original miles. Second
owner, have documentation since new including
window sticker. Stock, not rusty, turn key. $11,000.
Contact Adam, 360.752.1395, Email: greenf1@
hotmail.com
1977 Porsche 911S coupe
This incredible 911 S Coupe has 21,000 original
miles, received a complete servicing of all major
systems components, documented by recent receipts
and photos. This is like a new car, ready for the
Porsche collector or enthusiast! Classic Showcase,
760.758.6100, Email: sales@classicshowcase.com
Web: www.classicshowcase.com (CA)
1979 BMW 528i 4-dr sedan
S/N 5340728. Fjord Blue/navy. 56,000 miles. Exceptional
528i with 56k original miles. Beautiful Fjord
Blue over navy. Leather, AT, sunroof, alloys, A/C,
cruise, metallic paint. Bilsteins, brakes, exhaust, tires
124
S/N WDDRJ7HA3BA000930. Magno Monza Grey
Matte/red leather. 1,700 miles. 6.3-L V8, Auto. Oneof-a-kind,
super rare Matte finish Magno Monza
Grey/red leather. Hand-built AMG engine,563-hp,
Keyless-Go, Parktronic, COMAND GPS/Navi, DVD/
CD changer, 40GB hard-drive, Sirius, Xenon, mbrace,
on MSO, never titled. Be the first owner. $172,500.
Contact Robert, 908.601.0288, Email: suzanne@
shadowbrook.com Web: wallstreetcollection.com/
listing/2011-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gullwing/ (NJ)
S/N WDDEJ71X77A001695. Pewter/black leather.
39,000 miles. 5.5-L, Auto. Loaded, all options, mint,
all service records. New tires/wheels. COMAND Navi,
alarm, Xenon, burlwood, heated/active ventilated
seats, SIRIUS, perfect CARFAX. $46,500 OBO.
Contact Robert, 908.601.0288, Email: suzanne@
shadowbrook.com Web: wallstreetcollection.com/
listing/2007-mercedes-benz-cl550/ (Ne)
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing
S/N JM1FB3314D07060920. Tornado
Silver/burgundy leather. 89,900 miles. 1.2-liter
rotary, 5-sp. Sunroof. New tires & battery. Properly
maintained. Original sales documents with window
sticker, original owners manual, tools, original
unused spare tyre. Exceptional original condition
- adult driven, never abused. $6,500 OBO.
Contact Mike, 701.235.4796, Email: haringmp@
aol.com (ND)
1990 Mazda Miata convertible
S/N P5FH216273. Bronze/black and white. 86,266
miles. 292, automatic. Good driver! Hard top. Power
steering, power brakes, power windows, power
seat. Rebuilt engine with engine dress-up kit. See
more photos on website. $16,500. Contact Jerry,
503.708.7206, Email: jerrysharp@frontier.com
Web: www.birdbrains.net (OR)
S/N JM1NA3512L0141467. Orange/black. 39,300
miles. 1.6-liter DOHC 4-Cyl., 5-sp. Unique Mazda
Miata “Sunkist” color car: One of the six different
Miatas used by Mazda in 1990 to evaluate paint
colors for production. The only bright-orange Miata
ever made. Documented history. Original paperwork.
Restored condition. Runs and drives excellent.
$34,900. Contact Doug, 805.927.5044, Email:
gdz54@att.net (CA)
American
1938 Packard Super Eight Model 1605 convertible
sedan
1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible
S/N D7FH285214. Colonial White/Red. 15,400 miles.
D-Code 312, Automatic. Older ground-up restoration
(1989). New, correct red interior with white porthole
hard top, black vinyl soft top. Power steering and
brakes, engine dress-up kit, T & C radio, radials.
15,000 miles since restoration. Still show quality.
Runs and drives well. $32,000 OBO. Contact Stanton,
781.326.2707, Email: salyman@verizon.net (MA)
1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible
All original wood refinished by Nick Alexander a
few years ago. Painted once and still show quality.
Flawless body. Never rusted or damaged ever.
100% original interior and absolutely immaculate.
61,000 original miles. Recent complete and documented
engine rebuild by Ford V8 guru. $75,000
OBO. Contact Matthew, Matthew L. deGarmo LTD,
203.852.1670, Email: Matt@deGarmoLtd.com Web:
www.deGarmoLtd.com (CT)
1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible
S/N 64503. Bantam Golden Orange & black/black.
45-ci I4, 3-speed. Austin/Bantam Club Best of Show
2009, AACA Grand National 2009, AACA National
Award Winner “Discontinued Automobile Award”
2009. Body off restoration. Numbers matching. Better
than new. $45,000. Contact Mark, 904.262.5683,
Email: nmbecker@comcast.net (FL)
1950 Ford Woodie wagon
S/N A501912. French Blue/Blue Leather. 58,000
miles. 320-ci straight eight, manual. Engine and
front end rebuilt 3000 miles ago. Overdrive. Beauti-
S/N 860P28213. White/Tri-blue. 4,000 miles. 389-ci
V8, Automatic. All numbers match; 389 4-barrel,
auto trans, white power top, 4,000 since professional
restoration. Excellent condition; drive or show.
$45,000 OBO. Contact Matthew, 734.717.4470,
Email: mmorri45@ford.com (MI)
Sports Car Market
Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218 for information, e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
Auction Companies
Artcurial-Briest-Poulain-Le Fur.
33 (0)1 42 99 2056, 33 (0)1 42 99 1639.
7, Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées,
75008 Paris, France.
Email: motorcars@artcurial.com.
www.artcurial.com/motorcars. (FR)
block. Hundreds of muscle cars, antique,
collector, and special-interest
cars, trucks and motorcycles. Real
Cars. Real Prices.
www.carlisleauctions.com. (PA)
eBay Motors. List your car for sale.
$0 insertion fee. $60 listing fee if vehicle
sells for under or at $2,000, $125
if it sells for over $2,000. Visit the “Services”
section on www.ebaymotors.com
for more details.
and informed experts in the industry.
www.russoandsteele.com. (AZ)
Mecum Auction Company.
Auctions America. 877.906.2437,
Formed in July 2010 as a subsidiary of
RM Auctions, the Auctions America by
RM team, led by collector car expert
Donnie Gould, specializes in American
classics, Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs
and vintage motorcycles. Consign
With Confidence.
www.auctionsamerica.com. (IN)
Gooding & Company.
Barrett-Jackson Auction.
480.421.6694, 480.421.6697. For nearly
four decades, the Barrett-Jackson Auction
Company has been recognized
throughout the world for offering only
the finest selection of quality collector
vehicles, outstanding professional
service and an unrivaled sales success.
From classic and one-of-a-kind cars
to exotics and muscle cars, BarrettJackson
attracts only the best. Our
auctions have captured the true essence
of a passionate obsession with cars that
extends to collectors and enthusiasts
throughout the world. A television audience
of millions watches unique and
select vehicles while attendees enjoy a
lifestyle experience featuring fine art,
fashion and gourmet cuisine. In every
way, the legend is unsurpassed. N.
Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
info@barrett-jackson.com.
www.barrett-jackson.com. (AZ)
310.899.1960, 310.899.0930. Gooding
& Company offers its international
clientele the rarest, award-winning examples
of collector vehicles at the most
prestigious auction venues. Our team of
well-qualified experts will advise you
on current market values. Gooding &
Company presents the official auction
of the famed Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance in August, the recordsetting
Scottsdale Auction in January
and a world-class auction at the Omni
Amelia Island Plantation in Florida in
March. www.goodingco.com. (CA)
H&H Classic Auctions. +44 8458
334455, +44 8458 334433. The Motor
House, Lyncastle Road, Warrington,
England. WA4 4BSN
www.handh.co.uk. (U.K.)
Palm Springs Auctions Inc.
Hollywood Wheels Auctions &
Shows 800.237.8954, Hosting two
auctions a year in beautiful Palm Beach,
FL, March & December. Offering
quality collector cars and personalized
service, all in a climate-controlled,
state-of-the-art facility. Come be a part
of the excitement! Check us out at
www.hollywoodcarauctions.com.
Where Collectors Collect! See You On
The Block!
Bonhams. +44.207.228.8000,
+44.207.585.0830. Montpelier St.,
Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1HH.
www.bonhams.com. (U.K.)
Bonhams. 415.391.4000,
415.391.4040. 220 San Bruno Avenue,
San Francisco, CA 94103.
www.bonhams.com. (CA)
Branson Collector Car Auction.
800.335.3063, 417.336.5616. 1316
W. Hwy. 76, Suite 199, Branson, MO
65616. www.bransonauction.com. (MO)
Leake Auctions. 800.722.9942,
Carlisle Collector Car Auctions.
717.243.7855, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road,
Carlisle, PA 17013. Spring and Fall
Auctions. High-line cars cross the
126
Join Leake Auction Company as they
celebrate 40 years in the collector car
auction industry. Their unsurpassed
customer service and fast-paced twolane
auction ring makes them a leader
in the business. Leake currently operates
auctions in Tulsa, Oklahoma City,
Dallas and San Antonio. Visit them
online at www.leakecar.com or call
800.722.9942.
Russo and Steele Collector Auto-
mobile Auctions. 602.252.2697,
Fax: 602.252.6260. Specializing in the
finest European sports, American muscle,
hot rods and custom automobiles;
Russo and Steele hosts two recordbreaking
auctions per year; Monterey,
CA, every August and Scottsdale, AZ,
every January. As one of the premier
auction events in the United States,
Russo and Steele has developed a reputation
for its superior customer service
and for having the most experienced
RM Auctions, Inc. 800.211.4371,
519.351.1337. With over three decades
of experience in the collector car industry,
RM’s vertically integrated range of
services, coupled with an expert team
of car specialists and international
footprint, provide an unsurpassed level
of service to the global collector car
market. www.rmauctions.com. (CAN)
Keith McCormick. 760.320.3290,
760.323.7031. 244 N. Indian Canyon
Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
A family-run auction house producing
two large classic cars auctions per year.
McCormick’s Palm Springs Auctions
has been in business for over 25 years,
and each auction features over 500 classics
& exotics.
www.classic-carauction.com. (CA)
Worldwide Auctioneers.
800.990.6789 or 1.260.925.6789,
Worldwide Auctioneers was formed
over a decade ago by vintage-motorcar
specialists Rod Egan and John Kruse.
The sale and acquisition of classic automobiles
is our core business, and no one
is better qualified. Worldwide is unique
in having owners who are also our
chief auctioneers, so you deal directly
with the auctioneer, and we are wholly
invested in achieving the best result for
you. Our auctions are catalogue-based,
offering a limited number of higher-end
consignments, with an emphasis on
quality rather than volume. (We don’t
limit ourselves to only selling the most
expensive cars in the world, but do
ensure that every car we consign is the
very best of its type.)
In addition to helping collectors
buy and sell cars at auction, we offer
specialist-appraisal, estate-management
and collection-consultancy services.
Our dedicated private sales division
serves the needs of individual collectors
who seek privacy or to acquire
vehicles that may not be available on
the open market.
www.worldwide-auctioneers.com. (IN)
Alfa Romeo
262.275.5050. The Mecum Auction
Company has been specializing in the
sale of collector cars for 25 years, now
offering more than 12,000 vehicles
per year. Mecum Auctions is the world
leader of collector car, exotics, vintage
motorcycles and road art sales. Auctions
are held throughout the United
States and broadcast live on Velocity,
Discovery Network. For further information,
visit www.Mecum.com.
445 South Main Street
Walworth, WI 53184.
262.275.5050 (WI)
MotoeXotica Classic Cars & Auc-
tions. 866.543.9393, After 24 years of
selling classic cars, MotoeXotica has
branched out with classic & exotic car
auctions. MotoeXotica currently has
auctions in St. Louis, MO; Springfield,
MO; and Phoenix, AZ. Combining
some of the industry’s lowest entry
fees and commissions MotoeXotica
is poised to keep expanding while
maintaining superior customer service.
Contact MotoeXotica today at 866-5439393
or online at www.motoexotica.
com. Worth the trip!
Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485,
Silver Auctions isn’t successful because
we auction the most expensive cars,
we’re successful because we auction
the cars that you love. Silver Auction’s
staff, bidders and consignors are everyday
people with a passion for Nostalgic
and Collector cars. Come see the difference
at Silver Auctions. 2020 N. Monroe,
Spokane, WA 99205.
Email: silver@silverauctions.com,
www.silverauctions.com. (WA)
Specialty Auto Auctions and Sales.
800.901.0022, Established by Bruce
and Helen Douglas in 1987. Based
in Colorado and doing auctions in
Colorado, Nevada and South Dakota.
This year we will join forces with Hot
August Nights and B & T Custom Rods
for two sales in Nevada. We will also
be working with Automania for sales in
South Dakota. For personalized service
contact us. www.saaasinc.com. (CO)
Centerline Products. 888.750.
ALFA, Exclusively Alfa Romeo for
over 30 years — rely on our experience
to build and maintain your dream
Alfa. Restoration, maintenance and
Sports Car Market
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Page 125
performance parts in stock for Giulietta
through 164. Newly developed products
introduced regularly. Check our web
site for online store, new arrivals, tech
tips, and special offers.
www.centerlinealfa.com. (CO)
collections, museums and marques with
a balance of authoritative writing, precise
research, unique historical documents
and the modern photography of
Michael Furman. Please visit our website
to view our latest titles and order.
www.CoachbuiltPress.com (PA).
Steve Austin’s Automobilia &
Great Vacations. 800.452.8434, European
Car Collector tours including
Monaco & Goodwood Historics, private
collections, and car manufacturers.
Automobile Art importer of legendary
artists Alfredo de la Maria and Nicholas
Watts.
www.steveaustinsgreatvacations.com.
Jon Norman’s Alfa Parts.
800.890.2532, 510.525.9519. 1221
Fourth Street, Berkley, CA 94710.
Large selection of parts from Giulietta
to 164. Efficient, personal service.
www.alfapartscatalog.com. (CA)
Vintage Auto Posters. Since 1980,
Appraisals
Everett Anton Singer has been supplying
international collectors with
the most diverse selection of authentic
vintage automotive posters. The vast
inventory runs from the late 1890s
through the 1960s; featuring marque,
event and product advertising. Please
visit us at:
www.VintageAutoPosters.com.
Auto Appraisal Group.
800.848.2886, Offices located nationwide.
Pre-purchase inspection service,
insurance matters, charitable donations,
resale vales, estates, expert witness
testimony. On-site inspection. Certified,
confidential, prompt, professional.
“Not just one man’s opinion of value.”
See web site for locations and service
descriptions. www.autoappraisal.com.
Brighton Motorsports.
Gooding & Company.
310.899.1960, Gooding & Company’s
experts are well-qualified to appraise
individual automobiles as well as collections
and estates. Whether it is the
creation of a foundation, living trust or
arrangement of a charitable donation,
we are able to assist you.
www.goodingco.com. (CA)
480.483.4682, Brighton Motorsports,
Scottsdale, AZ, is a unique dealership
specializing in Vintage European and
American Collector Cars with their
Sales/Showroom and Mechanical Repair
facility in the heart of Scottsdale’s
legendary auction arena. They also
have a state-of-the-art paint & body
shop specially equipped to do all levels
of repair and restoration just down the
road, creating a one-stop shop for the
avid car enthusiast.
www.brightonmotorsports.com. (AZ)
Barrett-Jackson is proud to endorse
Paul Russell and Company.
978.768.6092, www.paulrussell.com.
Specializing in the Preservation and
Sales of European Classics, pre-war
through the 1970s, since 1978. You
can rely on our decades of experience
with Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche,
Bugatti, Alfa Romeo and other fine
collectibles. Repeat customers are the
lifeblood of our business. Contact us
today to join them. Car Sales Manager,
Alex Finigan: Alex@paulrussell.com.
(MA)
West Coast Auto Appraisals.
310.827.8400, Pre purchase, diminished
value, total loss settlements,
expert witness. Let us be your eyes and
ears, friendly and very knowledgeable
car experts, muscle cars, street rods,
Europeans, Full Classics, modern-day
and more. Servicing all of California,
nationwide for larger car collections.
Member of IAAA and AMA. Check out
our web site for a full list of services.
www.thecarappraiser.com. (CA)
Automobilia
Coachbuilt Press. 215-925-4233,
Coachbuilt Press creates limited edition
automotive titles for the discriminating
motoring enthusiast. We present exceptional
material on the most significant
March 2013
The Last Detail. 847.689.8822
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6100,
restoration 760.758.6119. Always
buying: Offering top dollar for your
European classics. Always selling: 3
showrooms with an excellent selection
to choose from. Always Restoring: We
feature an award-winning, world-class
restoration facility, with the expertise
to restore you car to any level, including
modifications. Super craftsmanship;
attention to detail; knowledgeable staff;
servicing all of the collector’s needs.
Located in San Diego County.
Email: sales@classicshowcase.com,
www.classicshowcase.comm. (CA)
North Chicago / Kenilworth, IL, As
“Trusted Advisors” for over 35 years,
we have been helping enthusiasts make
critical decisions before creating costly
mistakes. Whether servicing, buying or
selling, your one stop destination for all
of your automotive needs, Down to....
The Last Detail!
www.thelastdetail.com. (IL)
a new breed of insurance for classic,
antique, exotic, special-interest, contemporary
classic and limited-edition
cars.
To get a quote is even easier with our
new online improvements. Go to www.
barrett-jackson.com/insurance/, select
Get a Quote, enter in a couple of key
pieces of information about your vehicle
and get an estimated quote within
seconds! It’s that easy.
Don’t be caught without the right
insurance for your vehicle. In the unfortunate
aftermath of damage to your
vehicle, learning that your insurance
won’t restore your prized possession
to its former glory, or appropriately
compensate you for your loss, is the last
thing you want to hear. To get a quote
by phone, call 877.545.2522.
Buy/Sell/General
Heritage Classics Motorcar Com-
pany. 310.657.9699, www.heritageclassics.com.
Heritage Classics Motorcar
Company, the premier West Coast
classic car dealership established in
1985. Offering one of the largest indoor
showrooms in Southern California with
an exceptional inventory of the very
finest American and European classic
cars available. We buy, sell and consign
collectible automobiles, offering the
best consignment terms available, contact
us at sales@heritageclassics.com
When in Southern California visit
our beautiful showroom and specialty
automotive bookstore, Heritage Classics
Motorbooks, open Monday–Saturday.
For current inventory and to visit
our virtual bookstore visit
www.heritageclassics.com
Passport Transport. 800.736.0575,
Since our founding in 1970, we have
shipped thousands of treasured vehicles
door-to-door with our fully enclosed
auto transporters. Whether your prized
possession is your daily driver, a vintage
race car, a classic, a ’60s muscle
car or a modern exotic, you can depend
on Passport Transport to give you the
premium service it deserves. We share
your appreciation for fine automobiles,
and it shows.
www.PassportTransport.com.
Collector Car Insurance
Hartek Automotive, 319.337.4140,
Hartek Automotive is a division of
Hartwig Motors Inc., one of the oldest
automotive retailers in the Midwest
since 1912. Hartek Automotive specializes
in the maintenance and sale
of sports and prestige automobiles.
Their reputation for service continues
with a very personalized approach to
maintenance of an individual’s daily
driver, to the restoration of that special
automobile. Hartek Automotive also
offers pre-sale or post-sale inspections.
Located in Iowa, we are equally accessible
for the enthusiast from anywhere.
Drive in or fly in...you will find us most
accommodating. www.hartek.org (IA)
949.412.8812, We buy and sell great
woodies — hundreds to date. If you
are buying or selling give us a call.
We can help. Woodies are fun! Every
car collection should have at least one.
Located in Laguna Niguel, California.
www.woodiesusa.com. (CA)
Classic Car Transport
Motor Auto Express, Inc.
360.661.1734, Enclosed Transport.
MAX cares for what you care for. We
offer Personal, Private, Professional
services with liftgate loading for your
vehicles. Please contact Randy McKinley,
Owner. maxiet@gmail.com. (WA)
Chubb Collector Car Insurance.
1.866.CAR.9648, The Chubb Collector
Car Insurance program provides flexibility
by allowing you to choose the
agreed value and restoration shop.
Broad coverage includes no mileage
restrictions and special pricing for large
schedules. For more information, contact
us at 1(866)CAR-9648 or
www.chubbcollectorcar.com.
Woodies USA. 949.922.7707,
127
Page 126
Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218 for information, e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
Grundy Worldwide. 888.647.8639,
Grundy Worldwide offers agreed value
insurance with no mileage limitations,
zero deductible*, and high liability
limits. Our coverages are specifically
designed for collectible-car owners.
From classic cars to muscle cars,
Grundy Worldwide has you covered.
(*Zero deductible available in most
states.) 888.6GRUNDY (888.647.8639).
www.grundyworldwide.com. (PA)
pointed Aston Martin Heritage Dealer
for the USA. New and pre-owned Aston
Martins are our specialty. Please contact
us when buying, selling or restoring.
www.astonmartin-lotus.com. (MA)
Griffith, Jaguar, Austin Healey, MG,
Marcos, Panoz, Lola, and more. Over
50 sports and race cars always in stock.
Please check our website for our latest
inventory offerings:
www.wirewheel.com. (FL)
Ferrari/Maserati/Lamborghini
AUTOSPORT DESIGNS, INC.
631.425.1555, All Aston Martin models
welcome regardless of age, as new inevitably
become old! Routine servicingcomplete
mechanical restorations/rebuilds
— cosmetic repair/paintwork to
complete frame-off restoration. Large
inventory of parts. All services as well
as our current unventory of automobiles
for sale can be seen at
www.autosportdesigns.com. (NY)
Hagerty Insurance Agency, LLC.
800.922.4050, is the leading insurance
agency for collector vehicles in the
world and host to the largest network of
collector car owners. Hagerty offers insurance
for collector cars, motorcycles
and motorcycle safety equipment, tractors,
automotive tools and spare parts,
and even “automobilia” (any historic
or collectible item linked with motor
vehicles). Hagerty also offers overseas
shipping/touring insurance coverage,
commercial coverage and club liability
coverage. For more information, call or
visit www.hagerty.com. (MI)
Carobu Engineering. 949.722.9307,
Ferrari specialist. Engine rebuilding/
development, dyno-testing, parts and
service. Your source for high-performance
brakes, suspension, gaskets,
engine parts, wheels and exhaust.
Dealer for Tubi, Brembo, Koni, Razzo
Rosso, Sangalli, Zanzi, Novitech Rosso
and X-Ost. WWW.CAROBU.COM.
Program is ideal for those who wish to
own their vehicle at the end of the term,
as well as for those who like to change
cars frequently. Our Simple Interest
Early Termination Program allows you
the flexibility of financing with the tax
advantages of leasing. Contact Premier
at 877.973.7700 or info@pfsllc.com.
www.premierfinancialservices.com (CT)
German
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6100,
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6100,
restoration 760.758.6119. World class
full service restoration facility. Creating
show/show drivers, and driver
restorations. Specializing in British,
German and Italian classics. Superb fit;
attention to detail; great craftsmanship;
knowledgeable staff; passionate on
quality. Located in San Diego County.
sales@classicshowcase.com
www.classicshowcase.com. (CA)
RPM Classic Sports Cars.
802.877.2645, With over 25 years of
experience in Classic Italian Sports
cars, we know how to make your car
perform as new. Please visit our web
site showing numerous cars for sale and
a frequently updated blog to see what
is going on in our busy shop, including
video links of engines being run on a
test stand and on a chassis dynamometer.
Our two-car enclosed transporter
makes getting your car to our shop
within the Northeast a breeze.
www.rpmvt.com.
Heacock Classic. 800.678.5173, We
understand the passion and needs of the
classic-car owner; agreed value, one
liability charge, 24-hour claim service
and paying by credit card. We provide
classic car insurance at rates people can
afford! Instant quotes at
www.heacockclassic.com. (FL)
Fourintune Garages Inc.
262.375.0876, www.fourintune.
com. Complete ground-up restoration
on British Marques – specializing in
Austin-Healeys for 35 years. Experience
you can trust, satisfied customers
nationwide. Visit our website for details
on our restoration process. Located in
historic Cedarburg since 1976 – just
minutes north of Milwaukee, WI.
restoration 760.758.6119. World class
full-service restoration facility. Creating
show/show drivers, and driver
restorations. Specializing in German,
British, and Italian classics. Superb fit,
attention to detail, great craftsmanship,
knowledgeable staff, passionate on
quality. Located in San Diego County.
sales@classicshowcase.com
www.classicshowcase.com. (CA)
European Collectibles, Inc.
T. Rutlands & T. Rutlands West
J.C. Taylor Insurance.
800.345.8290, Antique, classic, muscle
or modified — J.C. Taylor Insurance
has provided dependable, dynamic,
affordable protection for your collector
vehicle for over 50 years. Agreed
Value Coverage in the continental U.S.,
and Alaska. Drive Through Time With
Peace of Mind with J.C. Taylor Insurance.
Get a FREE instant quote online
at www.JCTaylor.com.
English
Kevin Kay Restorations.
530.241.8337, 1530 Charles Drive, Redding,
CA 96003. Aston Martin parts,
service, repair and restoration. From an
oil change to a concours-winning restoration,
we do it all. Modern upgrades
for power steering, window motors,
fuel systems and more. Feltham Fast
performance parts in stock. We also
cater to all British and European cars
and motorcycles.
www.kevinkayrestorations.net. (CA)
provides international service from one
of the world’s largest Ferrari parts inventories
coast to coast. We have more
Ferrari parts, more Ferrari parts experience
and better Ferrari parts prices than
most anyone. Since 1981 T. Rutlands
has been building valuable partnerships
with the Ferrari industry’s most
respected repair shops, professionals
and car owners seeking to provide a
one-stop shopping experience for Ferrari
parts, tools and accessories. Ferrari
parts are our only business and we are
true product and service specialists
in every sense of the word. When you
need a comprehensive parts selection
for both vintage and contemporary Ferraris,
you can count on a single-source
leader in the Ferrari parts business…T.
Rutlands.
Call us Toll Free 800.638.1444, Internationally
770.493.8852. Email: Sales@
trutlands.com. www.trutlands.com
Finance
www.wirewheel.com, 772.299.9788.
Aston Martin of New England.
781.547.5959, 85 Linden Street,
Waltham, MA 02452. Proudly ap-
128
British Sports and Race Cars BoughtSold-Traded.
Located in Beautiful Vero
Beach, Florida. In business for over
25 years, specializing in Lotus, TVR,
Premier Financial Services is the
nation’s leading lessor of vintage and
exotic motorcars. Our Simple Lease
Cosdel International Transportation.
Since 1960 Cosdel International Trans-
Sports Car Market
949.650.4718, European Collectibles
has been buying, consigning, selling
and restoring classic European sports
cars since 1986. We specialize in
Porsche (356 and 911) 1950s to early
1970s along with other marks including
Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari,
MG, Austin Healey & Jaguar with 40
vehicles in stock to choose from. European
Collectibles also offers complete
mechanical and cosmetic restorations to
concours level along with routine service.
Located in Orange County, CA,
between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Sales@europeancollectibles.com or
visit our website
www.europeancollectibles.com. (CA)
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
1.866.MB.CLASSIC, The center of
competence for classic Mercedes-Benz
enthusiasts — for vintage car sales,
meticulous restorations by manufacturer-trained
technicians and the widest
selection of Genuine Mercedes-Benz
Classic Parts, we are the source.
www.mbclassiccenter.com. (CA)
Import/Export
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Carl Bomstead
eWatch
Bugatti Mascot and Tin Toys Lead Sales
The original cardboard box boosted a tin Packard toy past $11k. Did you
save toy boxes on your birthday?
Thought
Carl’s At a recent auction in Warsaw, Poland, a number of celebrity photographer Milton H. Greene’s photographs were offered. Most were
proceeds going to the Poland State Treasury, owners of the photographs as a result of a complex mid-1990s embezzlement scandal.
Here are a few other items of interest we found while whiling away the hours on the Internet:
EBAY
#140896289517—
STANOCOLA POLARINE
MOTOR OIL PORCELAIN
FLANGE SIGN. Number
of
bids: 17. SOLD AT: $5,600. Date:
12/17/2012. Stanocola was the
brand name for Standard Oil of
Louisiana, and their colorful logo
and limited marketing area makes
any of their advertising very collectible.
This colorful 22-inch-by20-inch
porcelain flange sign was
in wonderful condition and was
well worth the money.
EBAY #251199904466—1953
EBAY
#300816613444
—1950s PERSIANS CAR CLUB
PLAQUE. Number of Bids: 17.
SOLD AT: $356. Date Sold:
11/25/2012. The Persians were a
hot-rod club in California’s San
Gabriel Valley and lasted until the
early 1970s. What was left of the
club became the better-known Majestics.
Due to the Southern California
history, this plaque attracted
a lot of attention and sold for about
three times what lesser-known hotrod
club plaques sell for.
ALPS PACKARD PATRICIAN
JAPANESE TIN TOY. Number
of Bids: 31. SOLD AT: $11,600.
Date: 12/20/2012. This is one of the
most desirable 1950s Japanese tin
toys. It is 16 inches in length and
in very good, but not exceptional,
condition. The colorful box was the
big plus here. It was acquired by the
seller at the Donald Kaufman auction
in 2009 for $11,500, so not a lot
of movement in the ensuing years.
EBAY
#290800418193—
l’art et l’automobile LOT
366—BUGATTI ROYAL MASCOT
SCULPTED BY REMBRANDT
BUGATTI. Number
of Bids: 5. SOLD AT: $89,100.
Date: 12/12/2012. This sterling
LORAIN PRESSED STEEL
TOY SET #305. Number
EBAY #300823831343—1928
of
Bids: 15. SOLD AT: $449. Date:
12/2/2012. This set included a 12-
EBAY
#160901576634—
ROLLS-ROYCE SCHNEIDER
TROPHY SEAPLANE MASCOT.
Number of Bids: 3. SOLD
AT: $1,899.03. Date: 10/24/20121.
The Schneider Trophy seaplane
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Sports Car Market (ISSN #1527859X) is published monthly by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. Periodicals postage
paid at Portland, OR, and at additional mailing offices.
Subscription rates are $65 for 12 monthly issues in the U.S., $95 Canada/Mexico, Europe $105, Asia/Africa/Middle East $115. Subscriptions are payable in advance in U.S.
currency. Make checks to: Sports Car Market. Visa/MC accepted. For instant subscription, call 877.219.2605, 503.261.0555; fax 503.253.2234; www.sportscarmarket.com.
130
LANDON KNOX LICENSE
PLATE ATTACHMENT. Number
of Bids: 14. SOLD AT: $500.
Alf Landon, who was the governor
of Kansas, ran for president in 1936.
Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated him
in a landslide, with Landon winning
only Maine and Vermont. This
license plate attachment was in unused
condition, and the sunflower
motif was, of course, recognizing
the Sunflower State, which Landon
could not even carry. This item
pushes a lot of buttons — thus the
big bucks. ♦
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
Sports Car Market
PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
CPC IPM Sales Agreement No. 1296205
Sports Car Market
silver mascot decorated the Coupe
de Ville Binder Type 41 Bugatti
Royale #41111. It was stated to have
been taken off the car by the thenowner
in the late 1950s and given
to the consignor’s father, an avid
mascot collector. It was stamped
“Atelier d’art Valsiani,” which was
the foundry mark. An expensive
buy, but in time, a solid investment.
inch chassis and three bodies that
can be interchanged, making the
toy a dump truck, taxi or coupe. It
also included a booklet showing
their other toys. It was in un-playedwith
condition, with only minor
wear to the attractive box. A cool
piece at a reasonable price.
race took place 11 times between
1913 and 1931. Great Britain won
the event in 1927, 1929 and 1931 —
permanently retaining the trophy.
The Supermarine S.6 was powered
by Rolls-Royce engines, and they
presented these mascots, which
were stamped “Rolls-Royce” under
the pontoon, to team members and
other dignitaries. They are rather
rare, but they show up from time to
time and usually go for a bit more
than was paid here. Well bought.
of Marilyn Monroe taken between 1953 and 1957, when Greene was her adviser and business manager. A black-and-white photograph
of Monroe reclining in a chair wearing black stockings realized $16,000. Another of her in a ballerina dress fetched $20,000, with the
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