TABLE OF CONTENTS
40 Collecting Thoughts: Bill Warner reveals the pleasures of the new C8 Corvette
Columns
18 Shifting Gears / Keith Martin
The antidote to COVID-19? A 2,000-mile blue-highway road trip
38 Affordable Classic / Jeff Zurschmeide
BMW bids farewell to the i8, and it passes into collector status
40 Collecting Thoughts / Bill Warner
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray redefines America’s sports car
44 Legal Files / John Draneas
A reader suspects he has been the victim of shill bidding
46 Unconventional Wisdom / Donald Osborne
How the COVID-19 pandemic has made us appreciate our collector cars
194 eWatch / Carl Bomstead
More amazing baseball card auction results
State of the Market FALL 2020
52 Looking Ahead / Stephen Serio
Predictions for the next six months
54 Top 50 Sales
2020’s biggest sellers, January–August
56 Blue-Chip Betting
The market is in flux — are blue-chip collectibles still safe?
60 Online Now vs. On-Site Later
Which option should you choose when buying or selling?
Features THE ROAD FORWARD
166 Driven to Ask / Elana Scherr
Caroline Cassini on being the only woman in her auto-restoration curriculum
168 Driving With Elana / Elana Scherr
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Roadster is one hot commodity — literally
170 Double Take
SCM contributors Steve Serio and Sam Stockham trade opinions on six Bring a Trailer sales
174 Unlocking a Car / Paul Hardiman
A glimpse under the skin of BMW’s venerable 2002
176 Road Value / Carl Bomstead
Think about driving a Chrysler Town & Country woodie to next year’s Monterey Car Week
12 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
178 Shootout
Steve Ahlgrim and Steve Serio tell you how
to build a three-Ferrari collection with $100k
per car
180 Reader Forum
What’s the hottest collector-car era?
Departments
24 Crossing the Block
26 Concours and Events: London to Brighton
a go-go
28 Contributors: Get to know SCM staffers
and writers
30 You Write, We Read: Continuation Bentleys,
Merc Shootout, smoking TVR tires, and a
fellow Volvo driver
32 Display Advertisers Index
34 Speaking Volumes: Shadow: The
Magnificent Machines of a Man of Mystery:
Can-Am • Formula 1 • F5000
34 Neat Stuff: Bubbles with juice and parts for
that Porsche
84 Next Gen Market Moment /
Pierre Hedary
2000 Mercedes-Benz E320 pickup
86 Rising Sun / Brian Baker
1972 Nissan Skyline 2000GT, 1990 Nissan
240SX, 1981 Honda Accord Special Edition
96 Buy/Sell/Hold: Auction Analyst B. Mitchell
Carlson’s picks for what to keep and what to
move
114 Market Moment / Mark Wigginton
1960 Dodge Polara station wagon
182 Mystery Photo: “You can check out any time
you like, but you can never leave”
184 Showcase Gallery: Cars for sale
186 Resource Directory: Meet your car’s needs
Page 16
SHIFTING GEARS KEITH MARTIN
Travels with Bradley
A “new” Mercedes SL55 AMG is the perfect way to enjoy a road trip to
Yellowstone
decoding the user-cruel climate controls and learning to control the seat
massager with its Braille-themed switches. With the top up, the car was
remarkably quiet, and at 80 mph, the supercharged engine was barely
loping along.
Hitting the drive-through
Bradley and I have always traveled well together. We have a comfort-
able rhythm, which includes eating and drinking in the car — much to
the dismay of my purist friends. We like to be up and out by 8 a.m. after
a light breakfast. We drive three or four hours before hitting a fast-food
place for lunch. We drive another three hours or so and get to our final
destination by four. We have an early dinner, and are in our room, fed,
showered and relaxed by 7 p.m.
The next day was long but easy, 342 miles on U.S. 89 to our camping
destination near Gardiner, MT, at the north entrance to Yellowstone.
The park experience was remarkable. How fortunate the U.S. was to
“A journey is a person itself; no two are alike.” — John Steinbeck,
Travels with Charley: In Search of America
B
uffalo, elk, coyotes and wolves. Yellowstone National Park.
A 2,000-mile route. A 500-horsepower Mercedes-Benz. A
13-year-old boy just itching to get out of the house.
Those were the perfect ingredients for this summer’s road trip.
Leaving it all behind
My son Bradley is rapidly leaving childhood behind. Coming into
the eighth grade, he is developing a worldview of his own. However,
due to COVID-19, this summer has not been full of the expected computer
camps and athletic activities. At the very time he is expanding and
developing his social skills and outreach, our world is under lockdown.
Of the safe travel options available to us, a week of glamping in
Yellowstone National Park had the most appeal. The organizers, Mango
Safaris, promised a group of just 10, with four adults and six kids. There
would be two naturalist guides with us full time. We all had to test negative
for the coronavirus within 48 hours of checking into the camp.
Once we settled on the destination, Bradly and I had to decide on the
right car. High-speed cruising capability, comfort and reliability were
paramount.
The 1965 Volvo 122 didn’t make the cut. No air conditioner, and
we’d have to take an extra week with its 86-hp 4-cylinder at redline the
entire time.
The 1971 Jaguar S3 V12 coupe ticked many of the boxes, most notably
that it could cruise comfortably at 80 miles per hour. But this was
a once-in-a-lifetime trip with my son. The Jag is a 49-year-old British
car. I foresaw the possibility of spending days of our trip waiting in Twin
Falls, ID, for an ignition part.
Investing in fun
Mercedes guru Dean Laumbach and SCM contributors Philip Richter
and Pierre Hedary all recommended an SL55 AMG. I located one with
48,000 collector-owned miles on it. By the time it arrived in Oregon and was
fettled by Burback Motors, my total “investment” in the car was $25,000.
With its retractable hard top, it gave us the option of open-air motor-
ing. Between the trunk and the space behind the seats, we could carry all
our luggage. The prognosis was good that we could actually leave and
return in the same car, with no flatbed tows in between.
We covered 385 miles the first day, taking Interstate 84 up the magnificent
Columbia Gorge to Coeur d’Alene, ID. We settled into the SL,
18 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
have Teddy Roosevelt as our 26th president, with his great respect for
nature. During our five days there, we watched a coyote chasing a wolf
from its den, and observed bison, elk and bears. We hiked past bubbling
mud pots and to waterfall overlooks. Every night, we gathered ’round
the campfire to roast marshmallows while remarking on the clarity of
the night sky.
We did not take the most direct route home. Following U.S. Route
191 south, we had a quick 159 miles on U.S. Route 89 through the Grand
Tetons to our next destination, Jackson Hole, WY. We immediately
feasted on bison burgers at Sidewinder Tavern.
At every hotel and restaurant on our trip, all patrons were wearing
masks and practicing social distancing. We felt safe.
The next day, we took U.S. Route 20 southwest to the Craters of the
Moon National Monument, a 175-mile drive. Bradley marveled at the
extent of the lava flows, and the evidence they offered of a much more
violent time in the earth’s evolution. From there, it was 484 more miles
on lightly traveled U.S. 20 to Bend, OR, where we visited with good
friend Michael Cottam and his son Benjamin. We admired Michael’s
1950 Bentley Mk VI but declined his offer of trading it for the SL.
We took U.S. Route 26 home, crossing Mt. Hood on a road following
the Oregon Trail. Note that their Conestoga wagons lacked air conditioning
and anti-lock brakes.
A new modernism
After covering 2,040 miles, the bug-splattered SL was home. I have
become a fan of modern technology for long road trips. The comfort of
the SL allowed Bradley and me to have conversations (some thoughtful,
some not so much) all day long. I didn’t have to keep one eye glued
to the water temperature and oil-pressure gauges. I wasn’t constantly
wondering if a strange smell was a fan belt slipping.
I’ve had more than my share of long road trips in vintage cars. It’s not
that I am done with those, but I now place a high value on comfort and
reliability. I no longer anticipate the glory of triumphing over roadside
failures. I just want to get in, buckle up and take off.
Bradley and I are already talking about picking up a late-model
Porsche Boxster in two
years, taking the ferry to
Alaska and driving 2,400
miles down the ALCAN
Highway to Portland. That
would be a great way for
him to celebrate getting
his permit. ♦
Page 22
CROSSING THE BLOCK CHAD TAYLOR IMAGES COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE AUCTION COMPANIES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
Star Car: 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition at Mecum’s Las Vegas auction
ARTCURIAL
Where: Paris, FRA
When: November 1
Web: www.artcurial.com
Last year: 38/74 cars sold / $2.1m
GAA CLASSIC CARS
Where: Greensboro, NC
When: November 5–7
Web: www.gaaclassiccars.com
Last year: 456/646 cars sold / $12.3m
Featured cars:
• 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 fastback
• 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 coupe
• Star Car: 1966 Ford Bronco U13 roadster
MECUM
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: November 12–14
Web: www.mecum.com
Last year: 520/776 cars sold / $16.1m
Featured cars:
• Star Car: 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition
• 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 convertible
• 2003 Ferrari 360 Modena Spider
VANDERBRINK
Where: Atchison, KS
When: November 14
Web: www.vanderbrinkauctions.com
SILVERSTONE
Where: Birmingham, U.K.
When: November 14–15
Web: www.silverstoneauctions.com
Last year: 86/114 cars sold / $7.4m
H&H
Where: Online
When: November 18
Web: www.handh.co.uk
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.taylor@
sportscarmarket.com.
NOVEMBER
1—ARTCURIAL
Paris, FRA
5—BRIGHTWELLS
Online
5–7—GAA CLASSIC CARS
Greensboro, NC
7—ACA
King’s Lynn, U.K.
7—SMITH AUCTIONS
Paducah, KY
10—BARONS
Surrey, U.K.
11–18—SHANNONS
Online
Star Car: 1966 Ford Bronco U13 roadster at GAA in Greensboro, NC
24 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
12–14—MECUM
Las Vegas, NV
14—VANDERBRINK
Atchison, KS
14–15—SILVERSTONE
Birmingham, U.K.
18—H&H
Online
19–21—MECUM
Kansas City, MO
19–21—MECUM
Davenport, IA
20–22—MCCORMICK’S
Palm Springs, CA
MECUM
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: November 19–21
Web: www.mecum.com
Last year: 392/579 cars sold / $8.5m
MCCORMICK’S
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: November 20–22
Web: www.classic-carauction.com
Last year: 327/517 cars sold / $5.7m
Featured cars:
• 1959 Porsche 356A cabriolet
• 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 convertible
• 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 continuation roadster ♦
Page 24
CONCOURS & EVENTS SCM STAFF SEND NEWS AND EVENT LISTINGS TO INSIDELINE@SPORTSCARMARKET.COM
Bob Ames
From Soho Down to Brighton
The Royal Automobile Club will once again be holding its annual London to Brighton event. Open to vehicles manufactured before 1905,
the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is scheduled for November 1. This is the first year that the auction company is the title
sponsor.
Billed as the longest-running car event extant, it has been held most years since 1896, save for during World War II. Although the COVID-19
pandemic threatened the viability of this year’s running, organizers were given the green light this summer to proceed. London to Brighton
celebrates the anniversary of the 1896 Locomotives on Highways Act, which raised the speed limit in the U.K. from 4 to 14 miles per hour and
removed the requirement of having a flagman precede automobiles on the road.
The event traditionally kicks off with the International Concours d’Elegance, a 100-car display held on Regent Street the day before. RM
Sotheby’s will also be holding an auction this year, scheduled for October 31. The drive to the coast commences on Sunday, with cars leaving
London at sunrise (6:55 a.m. GMT) and arriving on Madeira Drive in Brighton all day. www.veterancarrun.com (U.K.) ♦
NOVEMBER CALENDAR
6–8 Austin SpeedTour, Austin, TX; www.
speedtour.net/austin
13–15 Lancaster Insurance Classic
Motor Show, with Discovery, Birmingham,
U.K.; www.necclassicmotorshow.com
14 Springfield Swap Meet & Car Show,
Springfield, OH; www.ohioswapmeet.com
14–15 Goodguys 38th All-American GetTogether,
Pleasanton, CA; www.good-guys.com/
aagt
15 Exotics on Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, FL;
www.exoticsonlasolas.com
20–22 Atlanta SpeedTour, Atlanta, GA;
www.speedtour.net/atlanta
20–22 Goodguys 23rd Speedway Motors
Southwest Nationals presented by Barrett-
Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ; www.good-guys.
com/swn
EDITOR’S NOTE:
With COVID-19 still forcing rescheduling and cancellations, please be sure to check with any event for the most up-to-date information. If
and when you do attend an event, be smart and safe, and make sure to follow all required rules and regulations to protect the health and welfare
of everyone in the collector-car community.
26 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
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
Courtesy of Bentley Motors
If created with respect, and clearly identified as a reproduction,
these new machines may see a broader audience than a few cloistered garages.
Bentley Continuation
To the Editor:
With all respect to Mr.
Kidston, I am not so troubled by
the theory of the Blower Bentley
continuation (September 2020,
“Collecting Thoughts,” p. 48).
I am a lifelong car nut, grew
up within hailing distance of the
Vintage Car Store in Nyack, NY,
and had a 30-plus-year dream
career in the OEM car biz. This
included more unique car experiences
than some, encompassing
numerous concours, Monterey
Car Weeks, auctions of all kinds.
I have never seen a Blower
Bentley. Perhaps it was bad luck,
but more likely the lofty values
of these limited cars made an
encounter something on the
order of seeing a unicorn on the
hoof.
I’m sure Mr. Kidston will
look down his nose, but I am
a fan of drag racing. Among
the kings of that sport were the
1960s Chrysler Hemi Darts
and Barracudas, wild machines
factory-built in the heyday of
the muscle-car wars. They were
so dominant that they were segregated
to an NHRA exclusive
class, where dozens could battle
30 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
it out. That is, until they became
collectible in the 1980s and faced
extinction, their original Hemi
motors too precious to risk in
mere racing.
I was at Mopar Performance
Parts at the time. We didn’t like
the prospect and we reproduced
the Hemi engine. Today, that
class is more popular than ever,
and racers being racers have
pushed elapsed times far lower
than they were in the muscle era.
The engines are reproductions,
and the cars repurposed grocerygetters,
but the racers are having
fun, and the fans love them. Only
a collector with a magnifying
glass can tell the difference from
an original.
If created with respect, and
clearly identified as a reproduction,
these new machines may
see a broader audience than a
few cloistered garages. We may
even see one in action on some
highway, and an owner driving
the hell out of it as originally
intended.
These are cars, to be driven
and appreciated. Otherwise, they
are so many stocks in an investment
portfolio, or private garage
art. How boring, and tragic. —
Mark Reynolds, via email
SCM Contributor Simon
Kidston responds: I’m sure most
SCM readers would applaud
the idea of sharing their cars
with a wider public and letting
as many enthusiasts as possible
experience them, even if not
from behind the wheel. We’ve all
been that kid with his or her nose
glued to the showroom window
or standing behind the rope
at the motor show. If we don’t
encourage that, how will the next
generation take over?
However, the modern
car companies now building
replicas for seven-figure sums
aren’t doing it so that less-lucky
mortals can realize their dreams.
They’re doing it because the
modern car business isn’t in rude
health and the marketing and accounts
departments are looking
at how else to make money.
We all understand businesses
need to make profit, but plundering
your back catalog with spurious
justifications like “we didn’t
have time to build these extra
examples in period” is politely
but firmly showing two fingers to
the collectors — and rich or not,
I can tell you they’re real enthusiasts
— who for years saved these
cars when it wasn’t fashionable
or profitable, and have preserved
them for posterity.
Blower Bentleys get driven,
as do most vintage Bentleys, and
usually fast. I don’t own one, but
if you want a ride, I know a man
who would happily take you out
and show you what a 90-yearold
supercar can do. However
similar the $2m clone may look,
it’ll never feel the same, simply
because it was built yesterday
for a completely different purpose
which, to use your words,
is as “stocks in an investment
portfolio, or private garage art.”
As the Bentley Boys would
have said: “Bugger that. Just
drive it!”
Agony and Ecstasy
To the Editor:
I enjoyed Hedary vs.
Laumbach’s article last month
about which Mercedes you
should buy (September 2020,
“Shootout,” p. 162). I’ve had
experience with the 107 560SL,
currently own two R129 SL500s
(a ’94 and a ’99), and I am
always toying with the idea of
an R230. I think their styling
is fantastic, but I do give some
credit to the belief that the R129
was the “last true Mercedes.”
Page 30
You Write We Read
AIG PC Global Services, Inc .......................... 125
Allard Motor Works LLC ................................ 123
Audrain Auto Museum ...................................... 51
Automotive Restorations Inc. .......................... 106
Avant Garde Collection ................................... 100
Baldhead Cabinets ........................................... 147
Barrett-Jackson .......................................... 77, 125
Bennett Law Office ......................................... 169
Beverly Hills Car Club .................................... 155
Boca Raton Concours ........................................ 36
Bonhams / UK ..................................................... 7
Branson Collector Car Auction ......................... 25
BridgePoint Risk Management ....................... 125
Camaro Central .................................................. 64
CarCapsule USA ................................................ 22
Cars Yeah ......................................................... 155
Cars, Inc. ............................................................ 59
Centerline Alfa Parts ....................................... 122
Charles Prince Classsic Cars ........................... 119
Chequered Flag International .......................... 105
Classic Auto Mall ............................................ 103
Classic Car Capital ............................................ 29
Classic Promenade ............................................ 13
Copley Motorcars ............................................ 107
Custom Autosound Mfg., Inc .......................... 150
D. L. George Historic Motorcars .................... 111
Dobson Motorsport .......................................... 124
Driversource Houston LLC ............................... 49
Driversource Houston LLC ............................. 109
EPAS Performance .......................................... 144
ETS Racing Fuels ............................................ 143
European Collectibles ...................................... 115
F40 Motorsports ................................................ 23
Fantasy Junction ............................................ 20-21
Ferrari Market Letter ....................................... 184
Finarte .............................................................. 101
Fourintune Garage Inc ..................................... 159
GAA Classic Cars .............................................. 99
Gaswerks Garage ............................................. 159
Gooding & Company .......................................... 9
Grundy Insurance .............................................. 87
Gullwing Motor Cars, Inc. .............................. 157
Hamann Classic Cars, LLC ............................... 95
Heacock Classic ............................................... 195
Heritage Auctions ............................................ 145
Hortons Books Limited ................................... 153
Hyman, LTD ........................................................ 8
Intercity Lines .................................................... 45
Jarrah Venables .................................................. 63
JC Taylor .......................................................... 141
JJ Best Banc & Co ........................................... 185
JJ Rods ............................................................... 90
Kevin Kay Restorations ...................................... 6
Kidston ............................................................... 11
Larry’s Thunderbird and Mustang Parts ........... 97
Law Offices of Bruce Shaw ............................ 157
Legendary Motorcar Company ....................... 159
Lutty’s Chevy Warehouse ............................... 151
Luxury Brokers International ........................ 14-15
Luxury Lease Partners, LLC ............................. 37
Macy’s Garage Ltd. ......................................... 138
Manns Restoration ............................................. 27
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center ......................... 31
Metron Garage ................................................. 133
Michael’s Motor Cars ...................................... 127
Miller’s Mercedes Parts, Inc ........................... 169
MM Garage ....................................................... 35
Mohr Imports, Inc. ........................................... 108
Monterey Touring Vehicles ............................. 121
Motor Classic & Competition Corp. ............... 135
Motorology, LLC ............................................. 130
Mouse Motors, LLC ........................................ 153
Northwest European ........................................ 149
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions .................... 43
Paramount Automotive .................................... 139
Passport Transport ............................................. 91
Paul Russell and Company .............................. 145
POR-15 .............................................................. 50
Premier Auction Group ................................... 137
Putnam Leasing ............................................... 196
QuickSilver Exhausts Ltd. ............................... 117
RM Sotheby’s ................................................... 4-5
RMD bvba ......................................................... 41
Ronald McDonald House .................................. 65
Steve Austin’s Great Vacations ....................... 102
Stoddard NLA-LLC ........................................ 113
Streetside Classics ............................................. 77
StreetWorks Exotics .......................................... 42
Symbolic International ...................................... 19
The Creative Workshop ..................................... 39
The Old Racing Car Company, Inc. .................. 89
The Stable, Ltd. ............................................... 129
The Vault ...................................................... 16-17
The Werk Shop ................................................ 136
Tobin Motor Works ........................................... 85
Tony Labella Classic Cars ............................... 169
Torque Classic Cars ........................................... 33
TYCTA .............................................................. 88
Vermont Barns ................................................. 149
Vintage Car Law .............................................. 112
Vintage Car Works ............................................. 47
Vintage Motors of Sarasota ............................. 116
Vintage Rallies ................................................. 147
Volunteer Vette Products ................................... 48
WeatherTech .................................................... 131
West Coast Classics, LLC ............................... 151
White Post Restorations .................................. 167
Worldwide Auctioneers .................................... 2-3
Ad Index
Aerovault ......................................................... 143
LIGHT-HAND DRIVE LARRY TREPEL
32 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
“The next lot is Enzo Ferrari himself, perfectly restored and sitting at his original desk.”
Of course, some people were
saying that back in 1971 about
the 280SL.
But I had to laugh when I saw
the letter in the October issue
from an SL500 owner strongly
advising you to buy an R129 with
a Panoramic top, as my 1999 has
that feature. It’s a Sport model
with both the SL1 and SL2 packages.
I think the Sport SL1 package
is fine; my feeling is it does
not lower the ride quality very
much, and I suspect you’d agree.
I bought my ’94 SL500 in
2013, and have used it a bit
whenever I’m in North Carolina
(all our cars are down by my
brother’s). It had 95k miles on it,
was inexpensive to buy, but has
been a nightmare at times. When
it sits for a few months I actually
have to take the distributor caps
off and clean the mold out. I’ve
had more than one set of replacement
caps on it, but when you’re
in a humid setting, beware. I’ve
lived the Agony and the Ecstasy
of SL500 ownership, and the
Agony side has not been fun.
I didn’t really need two
SL500s, but the ’99 was so
sensational when I saw it that I
grabbed it in 2014. I’ve put few
miles on it, mostly keep it stored,
but exercise it every time I’m
down there. It was originally
at Beck Mercedes (now called
Hendrick), and Mrs. Beck used it
for a few months before they put
it in the showroom. Interestingly,
it was ordered from the factory
with the rear-badge-delete option.
I guess Mrs. Beck didn’t
want anyone to know she was
only driving an SL500, not an
SL600. The original owner was a
very nice local Charlotte woman.
In any case, when I compare
the two SL500s I have, there’s a
huge difference.
I’ve gone back and forth
about selling the ’99 SL. They
seemed to be headed for a good
price increase a few years ago,
but then BaT started getting
a flood of consignments, so I
mothballed that idea, as prices
seemed to drop with so many out
there. But recently they appear to
slowly be coming back up. I can
partly thank Dean Laumbach for
that. I do think they’re great cars
to have for a modest amount, far
more enjoyable to drive than the
107. But still, when I look at an
R230, I start to drool a bit.... —
Larry Trepel (SCM contributor),
via email
Smoke ’Em
To the Editor:
In the profile of the Trident
Clipper (August 2020, English
Profile, p. 50), you mentioned
how the TVR Griffith’s “short
wheelbase helps them change
direction quickly.” I used to
compete with one at the Greene,
NY, airport in the ’60s. When
the smoke from its melting tires
cleared, it would be facing 180
degrees away. I was driving a
1956 Austin-Healey with a 289
HiPo and T-10 trans. — John
McNulty, via email
Moving Forward
To the Editor:
When the live world of col-
lector, sporting and interesting
wheels was put on pause in
March, I wondered about what
the future content of SCM would
look like. Last week, I finally
got to read the August and
September issues. You and your
team have done an absolutely
wonderful job of filling the issues
with valuable and — most
importantly — enjoyable content.
As the world struggles to
adjust, SCM has showed us “The
Road Forward.”
Sorry about the glitches with
your Volvo 122S. I take my PV
544 out every morning this time
of year for a cup of coffee and
a jaunt around town. It attracts
many more looks and comments
from young people than a modern
Porsche. — Terry Turner,
Cumberland Foreside, ME (the
other Portland) ♦
Page 32
SPEAKING VOLUMES MARK WIGGINTON
Shadow: The Magnificent Machines of a Man of Mystery: Can-Am • Formula 1 • F5000
by Pete Lyons, 468 pages, Evro Publishing, $99
T
he Shadow was a radio character in
the 1930s, with “the power to cloud
men’s minds so they cannot see
him.” It was a fitting nom de guerre
for the racing cars from Don Nichols,
himself a man of mystery. Pete Lyons,
the much-lauded motorsports writer and
author, uses all his reportorial skills in
Shadow, though Lyons makes it clear that
Nichols’
failing memory and secretive
nature didn’t speed the process. It’s a deep
dive, supported by more access for Lyons
than you might expect from the private,
idiosyncratic and elusive Nichols.
After all, despite winning the Can-Am
title and notching a Formula One win in
1977 at Austria after changing nationality
from American to British, Nichols and
his team are known mostly for the highconcept,
low-success Mk 1 Shadow. It
was designed by Trevor Harris, and built
around special 12- and 15-inch-high tires
from Firestone. Low drag was the goal,
and they hoped to be fastest in a straight
line, but it never really worked. Every
problem created by the super-low package
wound up being solved by a more conventional shape, with each improvement
in turn creating more drag. But it created media buzz like nothing
else. The Shadow team, in a much more conventional car, eventually won
the Can-Am title in 1974, against a lackluster field of privateers as the
series ended.
NEAT STUFF JIM PICKERING
Porsche Parts
In SCM’s October issue, Jim Schrager dove in deep
on what makes a 356 great: keeping it stock. So what to
do with a car that isn’t exactly complete and in need of
hard-to-source items? Stoddard has a solution in their
extensive line of Porsche restoration parts. From trim
to fuel tanks, tires, brake parts and more, Stoddard is a
good place to start in sourcing what’s missing or to put
back what’s been changed, making that Porsche act the
way it’s supposed to. Learn more at www.stoddard.com
and www.NLAParts.com. ♦
Power in the Bubble
A CarCapsule is a great investment
for protecting that Porsche or Alfa in
your garage from your kids — or even from
yourself. But what about keeping your car’s
battery topped off and ready? CarCapsule’s
IntelliCharge solves that problem. It’s a batt
charger that’s also designed to work with yo
CarCapsule as a backup power source. It’ll k
running — and the bubble inflated around y
for up to 40 hours during a power outage. It t
a battery charger for your car as soon as the p
back on. Get it for $129.95 (single fan) or $1
fan) at www.carcapsule.com.
34 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Weaving in the stories of all the tal-
ented designers and fabricators, Lyons
has written an exhaustive history of the
cars, supported by plenty of never-beforeseen
images. It is in some ways the story
of a moonshot, but without the success.
PROVENANCE:
Pete Lyons had access to most of the
to the Shadow story,
people important
and uses them well, including the helpful
input of Nichols himself.
FIT AND FINISH:
Evro is proving to be a high-quality
imprint, and the design and photography
in Shadow reflect top-notch work.
DRIVABILITY:
The Shadow story is one of audacity
leavened with pragmatism, but it’s the
reaching for something new that created
the Shadow mystique. Images of George
Folmer wedged into the knee-high
Shadow Can-Am car will leave you shaking
your head — it was like a laydown
kart with 500 horsepower. Nichols and
Shadow are in the same out-of-the-box category as rule-bending Jim
Hall and the Chaparral 2J “sucker” car, but aside from the hype, the team
was never really successful against meaningful competition. That doesn’t
make this any less of a ripping yarn, as we all like stories of David going
after the big guy, and Lyons is exactly the guy to tell it. ♦
Page 36
AFFORDABLE CLASSIC 2015–20 BMW I8
More Sports Car Than Electric Car
Thanks to its six-figure new-car sticker price, BMW’s i8 never really caught on,
but the miracle of depreciation means you can now drive one at a deep discount
by Jeff Zurschmeide
Courtesy of BMW
The BMW i8 likely will never achieve legendary status, but it holds an important place in the historical development of hybrid sports cars
B
MW produced the last of its i8 plug-in hybrid sports cars this
past summer. With a few more than 20,000 units sold, the i8
could be called successful, but it never really caught on after
its initial splash in the summer of 2014.
At launch, the 2015-model-year i8 carried a price tag of $135,925.
The final 2020 units still available through BMW dealers at press
time have a remarkably restrained MSRP of $147,500 for coupes and
$163,300 for the roadster. But at this price point, the i8 has had to
compete with a Who’s Who list of modern sports cars, including the
Acura NSX, Audi R8, the Porsche 718s and 911s, and even a pre-owned
Lamborghini or two. Newcomers such as the C8 Chevy Corvette and
the Porsche Taycan have not helped the i8’s cause, and there’s also the
Tesla Model S siphoning off those buyers who care more about bolstering
their alt-fuel street cred than driving a true sports car.
What we thought then
SCM was on hand in Southern California for the pre-release media
launch of the i8 in June 2014. This is what we had to say at the time:
In spirited driving, the i8 performs as expected. It’s not quite
an Ariel Atom, but you’ll get your money’s worth of excellent lively
handling, breathtaking acceleration (0–60 in 4.5 seconds), unfadable
brakes and spectacular engine sounds. In fact, the engine sounds are
a little too spectacular, which led to some inquiries that turned up the
fact that the sounds are recorded and played back for your enjoyment
through the car stereo because the engine is actually very quiet... The
thing is, you can’t turn off the sound, and the engine does have a bit of
a drone at normal highway cruising speeds.
38 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
The i8 primer
BMW fans were somewhat shocked to learn that the i8 had virtually
nothing to do with anything else in the company’s stable. It didn’t even
share much with the i3 dorkmobile, excepting its electric motor and
first initial.
The i8 came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, mid-
mounted to drive the rear wheels. An electric motor powered the fronts,
making it all-wheel-drive with no mechanical connection between bow
and stern. (Acura would later adapt this through-the-road hybrid layout
Page 37
to better effect
in the NSX.)
Combined, the i8’s engine and
motor deliver 357 horsepower
and 420 foot-pounds of torque.
You can plug in and charge
DETAILS
the i8 and with the earlier models
you would see about 15 miles
of all-electric driving, according
to EPA estimates, provided
you don’t get too enthusiastic
with the accelerator pedal. In
later years, BMW gave the i8
a larger battery, boosting the
potential all-electric range to
about 18 miles.
With any hybrid, it’s tempting to talk fuel economy, and while the
Years produced: 2014–20
Price when new: $135,925
Number produced: 20,465
Current SCM Median Valuation: N/A (not
listed in Price Guide)
Pros: Great performance, science-fiction styling
Cons: Buzzy engine noise, ingress and egress can
be a challenge
Best place to drive one: A trendy street in L.A.
or Miami
Worst place to drive one: Sturgis, SD
A typical owner is: Tired of explaining the car
to valets
EPA says the 2020 i8 will return 69 MPGe, in a day of real-world driving
of the kind one might do on the SCM 1000, expect more like 25
mpg. But hypermiling isn’t the way to drive an i8. Think of this hybrid
system as a performance enhancement, not a fuel-economy play. It’s a
sports car, and you should drive it like one.
Buying an i8
Every hybrid that gets to a certain age suffers from battery fatigue
to some extent. Because the i8 shares its traction motor and batterypowered
origins with the i3, replacements should be a simple matter. Or
at least as simple as anything that involves a high-voltage lithium-ion
pack can be. The rest is basic used-sports-car buying.
Early i8 models found in the SCM Platinum Auction Database have
sold between $55,000 (SCM# 6924623) and $69,850 (SCM# 6924877)
in the past year, but in August 2020, a well-kept 2015 i8 with 30k miles
sold for $59,500 on Bring a Trailer — and this might be the bellwether
sale. Because it has butterfly doors, dealers like to price the i8 higher,
but as we say around the SCM Chardonnay cooler, “asking ain’t getting.”
Newer models, generally those made after the 2018 mid-cycle refresh
that included the bigger battery, typically pull prices in the low sixfigures.
A 2019 Tera World Copper special edition i8 showing just 6,340
miles on the odometer was bid up to $110,000 but not sold at BarrettJackson
Online in May 2020 (SCM# 6932408). Just a few months
before, in the time before COVID-19, the same car sold for $143,000
(SCM# 6922561) at Barrett-Jackson’s January 2020 Scottsdale auction,
so it’s best not to read a lot into the no-sale. May was not a great month
for consumer confidence, and the same car would likely do better today.
The BMW i8 will probably never achieve legendary and sought-
after status, but it will be respectable as an example of one of the first
forays into hybrid sports cars. If you can pick up a good one at a substantial
discount from its new-car price, it’s worth putting one in your
collection. ♦
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 39
Page 38
COLLECTING THOUGHTS C8 CORVETTE
No Remorse for the Mid-Engine Corvette
Why I’m glad I bought one of the first C8 Stingrays
by Bill Warner
Bill Warner says his C8 Corvette offers more than other supercars that can cost four times as much
the encumbrance of returning it after just a few hours or days of driving.
I have owned mid-engine cars since the late 1970s, when I raced a
M
Brabham BT8. A decade later, I purchased my first mid-engine street
car, a 1980 BMW M1. This was followed years later by a 2005 Ford
GT. Like Zora Arkus-Duntov, the legendary Chevy engineer who was
“Father of the Corvette,” I feel a modern-day sports car should have
its engine properly positioned at its center. So when I heard that GM
planned the C8 to be the first production mid-engine Corvette, I placed
an early order with my friendly local dealer, Nimnicht Chevrolet in
Jacksonville, FL.
Like a Ferrari
The order form was extensive and impressive. Taking a page out of
Ferrari’s book, options can easily make up 20%–30% of the final price.
Although the starting price is $59,995 including destination charge,
you’re unlikely to see a base car.
I opted for the highly desirable 2LT package, which among many
options included the infotainment center (Bluetooth, wi-fi, GPS, etc.),
an upgraded Bose audio system, a head-up display, and a rear camera
mirror. The next box checked was for the Z51 performance package,
which includes the Brembo big-brake package, performance suspension,
electronic limited-slip differential, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires,
heavy-duty cooling system and sport exhaust (good for adding five
horses to the output, bringing the total to 495 horsepower). I also added
the magnetic ride control and front-end lift with memory.
For my design taste, choosing body-color exterior accents gave the
car a more homogenous appearance. All-in, including some options I
have not mentioned, the MSRP was $81,965.
40 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
ore often than not, when one reads a review of a new car, the
reviewer has no vested interests in the car. But in my case, I am
the owner of one of the earliest C8 Chevrolet Corvettes delivered.
My prose comes from my experiences with the car without
How do they do it?
So what is the car like? In a word: spectacular. How the General
delivered this car so far under $100,000 and with so many capabilities
and features is beyond impressive.
The seating position is much like a Porsche 911, positioned high
and with a commanding view and all the controls at an easy reach. The
seats are infinitely adjustable and comfortable. My only complaint is
the outside bolsters make egress and ingress a bit challenging, but I’m
old — getting in and out of any vehicle is a challenge. There is so much
redundancy in the controls that even someone my age can find whatever
they want easily. For instance, in addition to the volume paddles on the
steering wheel, they cleverly included a simple knob on the dash.
The rear-view mirror is, in fact, a screen. Chevrolet recognized that
a simple mirror would not be sufficient for a safe rear view, hence the
digital display and high-mounted camera. The steering wheel is rectangular,
which allows better view out the front, and more knee room,
too. A center stripe at the top of the wheel mimics a race car, but this
appears to be more of a styling touch than of practical use. There are
enough cameras on board that backing up is easy, with proximity warning
on all corners. If you hit something while backing up, you need to
turn in your license.
Unlike my Ford GT, my Corvette has ample storage front and back.
GM has a specification that requires the car to accommodate two sets of
golf clubs, which the C8 will do in the rear trunk. It also has a “frunk,”
a deep trunk in the front that can handle a medium-size bag. I ordered
the fitted luggage to maximize the use of both compartments.
Barking but not mad
Keyless entry and remote starting are nice touches — for more
than just a Mafioso. Sit down, push the starter button, and the Z51 fires
with a sharp bark, then settles into a subtle idle. The first 500 miles
is considered the break-in period, and the tachometer on the digital
Page 39
instrument panel advises that you should not exceed 3,500 rpm. But
once the odometer hits 500, the tach changes and the redline is raised
to 6,500 rpm.
Of all the features of the C8 Corvette, the gearbox is the most impres-
sive. The dual-clutch 8-speed is an absolute delight. Shifts are seamless
and instantaneous, as slick as deer guts on a doorknob. Anybody who
says they’d prefer a stick should buy something else.
Chevrolet publishes 0–60 at 2.9 seconds, the quarter-mile at 11.2
at 122 miles per hour, and a top speed above 190 mph. I have no doubt
these figures are accurate, although I have not tried to duplicate those
numbers in my 2,000 miles of driving. My friends at GM tell me that
more is coming, but at 77 years of age, I am happy with what I’ve got.
The car feels much smaller than it actually is and is nimble in traf-
fic and extremely stable at high speeds. The C8 is really far removed
from any previous Corvette, and the driving experience is exceptional.
Handling is crisp, the ride is supple and adjustable — from Comfort, to
Sport, to Track — with a simple twist of the knob on the console.
I highly recommend the Z51 package primarily for the Brembo
brake package. It is money well spent. There is no appreciable dive
under braking. In fact, my car can do the opposite, as the front-end lift
feature allows you to raise the nose an inch-and-a-half to clear speed
bumps and steeply raked driveways. The car can remember 1,000 locations
and activate automatically if it detects via GPS that you are
returning to a spot where you need to lift the nose. Is that cool, or what?
Controversies, real and imagined
The styling may be a bit controversial, due to its many creases and
folds, and taillights that appear a bit contrived. But considering all the
heat exchangers that had to be packaged, the scoops and vents were
required. Ordering the accents in body color, as I did, tones down the
whole “boy racer” look to a tasteful level.
The real controversy is that Chevrolet has not only redefined the
Corvette and its brand, but has also blown up the supercar market. The
C8 offers so much more than cars twice, three times, or even four times
the price. And unlike many other supercars, you won’t take an immediate
six-figure depreciation hit if you buy a Corvette.
Will the C8 be a future collectible? Probably, though regardless of
those considerations, it’s still a practical everyday driver with the heart
and feel of a real supercar. If it is exclusivity you desire, then maybe the
pain of buying a $200,000-plus car is what you should endure. But if
you want a car that will perform with the best, effortlessly and comfortably,
then get a C8. ♦
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 41
Page 42
LEGAL FILES JOHN DRANEAS
Letting the Shill “Win”
Shill bidding can hurt buyers and sellers alike, and knowing how to handle one
can keep you from making a big mistake
D
ear “Legal Files”: Have you written about or looked into “shill”
bidding on Bring a Trailer? I’m not sure how common it is or if it
even exists, but I recently had an experience that got me thinking.
I was bidding on a nice restored Datsun 240Z. (By the way,
I’m a Porsche guy, but I owned a 240Z back in college and just wanted
to get one for old time’s sake.) I decided I didn’t want to go beyond $60k.
Toward the end of the auction, when I was the leading bidder, a new bidder
jumped in and outbid me. Every time I bid, he would raise his bid. I’d go
to $56k, he’d go to $58k and so on. I went to $66k, and he went to $68k. I
stopped and he won the car.
A couple of days later, the seller emailed me and told me the high bidder
decided he didn’t want the car, and that I could have it for my $66k
final bid. I didn’t buy the car, but the offer made me suspicious. I wondered
if the other bidder was a shill bidder who might have been working with
the seller to get the price higher.
Your thoughts? Seems like it would be hard to prove, but I still feel like
the whole thing was a bit fishy. — Greg J.
Who’s really bidding?
Let’s start with some definitions and legal foundations. This description
of “shill bidding” is actually one of three distinct but closely related
types of bidding:
• “Chandelier bidding” is when the auctioneer makes up bids, generally
by looking or pointing into the crowd and “accepting” a bid
that no one made. The lingo comes from the observation that it
must have been the chandelier in the room that made the bid. It is
also called “advancing the bid.”
• “Seller bidding” is where the seller bids on his own car.
• “Shill bidding” is when the seller has an associate bid to better
disguise the situation.
All three are much the same — phony bids that are meant to fool real
bidders into bidding larger sums. Most readers will realize that this is
despicable and fraudulent conduct that should not exist. Unfortunately,
it can be a relatively common occurrence, so you need to understand it
and learn to recognize it when it happens.
Is it illegal?
Most readers may be surprised to learn that shill bidding in all three
forms is not entirely illegal. It actually depends on the situation, with the
rules applying equally to live and online auctions.
In a reserve auction, all three types of shill bidding are perfectly legal
as long as the bid is below the reserve. The logic is that no sale is going
to occur when the bid is below the reserve, so the real bidders are not
being hurt by losing a deal. But once the reserve has been met, a sale is
actually going to occur, and shill bidding becomes illegal.
The same logic applies in a no-reserve auction, meaning that since
even a $1 opening bid will win, shill bidding is always illegal.
But there is a huge exception to all of this. All three types of shill bidding
are perfectly legal if the auction company discloses to the bidders
that shill bidding is allowed. How conspicuous does the disclosure need
to be? Shouting it out on the block will do it, but a statement to that effect
in the bidder’s agreement that every bidder signs may also be enough of
a disclosure.
44 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
BaT speaks
We contacted Randy Nonnenberg, founder and CEO of Bring a
Trailer, and presented Greg’s situation to him. “Our system prevents
sellers from bidding on their own car directly,” he stated.
That sure helps, but the tougher challenge is the possibility that the
seller could have a real or fictitious friend bid on the car. Nonnenberg
agrees this is possible, but adds, “We have a number of custom tools that
we use to constantly monitor auctions in the background, and we are
on the lookout for suspicious activity. When we see it, we step in and
inquire further.”
Nonnenberg understandably didn’t want to go into any specifics
about BaT’s techniques, and we can’t blame him. Anything he discloses
could give the unscrupulous among us ideas about new ways to cheat or
help them find workarounds.
When asked how big a deal he thinks this can be, Nonnenberg is
emphatic: “We don’t like or condone shill bidding. We think it is bad for
our business, and we also think it is bad for the seller. The seller doesn’t
sell the car, tarnishes the car’s reputation, and doesn’t really learn what
the real value of the car might be.”
Was it or wasn’t it?
It’s hard to say if Greg has detected a case of shill bidding. If it was,
it was poorly executed, as the shill won the auction. This is why you usually
see shill bidding early in the auction, to get the bidding up to a higher
level, rather than late in the auction, as in this situation. Nonnenberg
agrees, saying, “Playing games with bidding really backfires if the shill
wins the auction.”
Page 43
That may be true, but we may well have seen cases of this in these
pages. Recall an auction lot that ends in a no-sale, and our auction analyst
reports that the bid should have easily been enough for the seller to
let the car go. Astute observers may well ask, “Was there any real money
on the car?”
Then, a few months later, the same car is another no-sale at another
auction, although at a lower bid than the first auction. Our auction analyst
reports that the car was a no-sale at a higher bid at the previous auction,
and again a no-sale at a bid that should have been enough. Now, astute
observers are asking, “Is there something wrong with this car?”
A few more months later, the car finally sells at another auction, at an
even lower bid. The pattern is easily detected: Bidders learn to recognize
these auction frequent flyers (often with the help of the SCM Platinum
Auction Database), and the resulting doubts about the car cause the bids
to trend downward.
A depressing situation
In spite of the risks of depressing the value of the car, sellers do
sometimes resort to this form of market manipulation. Sometimes, they
know the only hope they have of moving a poor car is to catch someone
unaware who gets caught up in the moment and overbids.
So maybe Greg did bid against a shill. The quick offer from the
seller does seem suspicious. Should we believe that, in the space of just
a couple of days, the buyer failed to pay for the car, the seller pursued
payment, the bidder communicated his change of heart to the seller,
the seller accepted it, and the seller went to the second bidder with a
comeback offer? Usually it would take at least a few days just to realize
a bidder isn’t going to pay.
To test this analysis, we asked Nonnenberg what happens when a bid-
der fails to pay for the car. “We always contact the bidder and the seller
to ask what the problem was,” he said. “Over the years, we’ve gotten all
sorts of ‘dog ate my homework’ stories, everything from ‘My kid bid on
the car without my permission’ to ‘I told my wife about winning the car
and she almost killed me!’ No matter how funny or sympathetic the story
might be, we always disinvite them from ever bidding on BaT again.”
That’s encouraging, and it’s really about the most that you can expect
BaT to do in such circumstances. But the fact remains, being blacklisted
isn’t much of a penalty if you’re a fake persona to begin with.
Should you buy the car anyway?
So what should we advise Greg to do? He wants a 240Z and he came
close to buying this one. Should he just pay the $66,000 and get it done?
The liberal view on this is to take a closer look at the bid history. If he
thinks he was bid up by a shill, then his offer should go back to where the
shill first showed up. That looks like somewhere in the low-$50k range.
No one else bid after that, so he should go back to this last “real” bid and
offer that amount at the most.
The conservative view is to take a step back and consider the big
picture. If Greg believes that this was a case of shill bidding, then what
does that tell him about the seller’s integrity? Does he really want to buy
a 45-year-old used car from this guy?
It may be that the best thing about this car is that Greg didn’t buy it. ♦
JOHN DRANEAS is an attorney in Oregon. He can be reached through www.
draneaslaw.com. His comments are general in nature and are not intended to
substitute for consultation with an attorney.
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 45
Page 44
UNCONVENTIONAL WISDOM DONALD OSBORNE
Market Moves vs. Passions
If there is a silver lining to the pandemic, it is that maybe we’ve learned how to
better appreciate our collectibles
can be remedied fairly expeditiously.
Not so with the truly rare vehicles, or those cars needing more than
a bit of work or full restorations. For those, nothing beats placing your
head inside the car for a sniff, or carefully examining that piece of trim
to see if it is original or a reproduction, or if indeed it actually has floor
panels or not.
Despite some doubts, live auctions made a comeback after a short-
ish break as well, with both smaller crowds in attendance and, interestingly,
fewer headline-making consignments. Dealer friends have
reported strong sales in both inexpensive cars under $75,000, as well as
really big cars, those over $2 million. So what does that mean? It says
there is still great demand for the cars that people want to buy. Both
lack of alternative activities and a certain realization that life is actually
finite after all have encouraged enthusiasts to take the plunge.
Note that I wrote “enthusiasts.” Some speculator types may have
With less live-market action, we can pause and appreciate the cars themselves
W
ith the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic now with us
here in the U.S. for five months as of the day I am writing
this, we’ve had ample opportunity to experience the changes
wrought on our collector-car lifestyle.
Some of my friends and colleagues, sensing an incipient panic,
waited for a crash in prices, as frightened and newly impoverished
owners dived out of old cars in search of liquidity. Almost simultaneously,
we watched in astonishment as thousands of people marooned
in their homes and locked to their computers clogged the Internet to
binge-buy cars online.
And what would the lack of live onsite auctions mean to the market?
How much purchase energy came from standing shoulder to shoulder in
stifling tents, holding a $27 martini in a plastic cup while the spotlights
danced across the gleaming flanks of a perfectly detailed car gliding
up the ramp? Would the YouTube walkaround video taken by an owner
on his iPhone, of a car parked half under a tree, viewed on our laptop
screen as we sip from a mug of hot tea in our favorite lounge chair in
our den, rouse us in the same way?
It seemed doubtful, but digital auction sales boomed, with many
online sales records set and even some absolute high prices reached.
The fine-art market also took a successful turn to the digital, with
both Sotheby’s and Christie’s recording more-than-respectable overall
sales figures and Sotheby’s selling a painting by late British modernist
Francis Bacon for $84.5 million in an online sale. I personally purchased
a number of pieces from an Italian art sale online. It featured a
live auctioneer taking bids via video link and worked quite well.
Speculators beware
So was it all winners here? Of course not. While it is no longer
headline news for a vehicle to sell for six figures with the click of a
keyboard, there are also some cars that sell more easily when not inspected
in person than others. If you are searching for a BMW E30 M3,
chances are that you’ve seen many, have trolled the forums learning
which questions to ask and that your downside on a disappointing buy
46 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
looked in at collector cars in April seeking to, as Baron Rothschild so
elegantly put it, “buy when there’s blood in the streets, even if the blood
is your own.” However, the crisis never came to the party. A welcome
development is that there is certainly a new reality in the selling sector.
With eager buyers available, if you want your car to go away, price it
right. You don’t have to give it away, but don’t wish for a record, either.
There is little room in this market for speculators to act, as there is not
so much spread between selling prices and medium-term values.
Events are off
Another interesting observation I have made is that what had been a
market mover in the upper-middle and top-end ranges — event eligibility
— has caused some cars to almost stop trading altogether. At a time
when just about all rally and vintage racing events have been canceled,
postponed or vastly reduced in scope, it has been difficult for many to
sell cars that just a year ago would have had a market time measured in
days, not months.
For instance: a superb Lancia Aurelia B20 coupe, with period Mille
Miglia history that would make it a lock for acceptance. The shame is
that it’s being offered to would-be American entrants not able to travel
to Europe to use it.
That won’t last forever, but it’s an example of the ways in which the
pandemic has had a measurable effect in a specific part of the market.
Of course, it also is evidence for me that it should not make a real difference
for a true enthusiast. What are the qualities of a Lancia Aurelia, or
for that matter, a Shelby GT350? Both are a thrill to drive, historically
important and lovely to look at.
None of those qualities change if there is a pandemic, driving events
are canceled, or the stock market gyrates based on a speculative hint
of a vaccine that not only eradicates COVID-19 but also deodorizes,
cleans and polishes, leaving a bright shiny surface behind. All collecting
is about a long-term view, whether it’s an 1891 Panhard et Levassor,
a 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara, a 1955 Mercedes Gullwing, a
1969 Lamborghini Miura, a 1977 Porsche 930 Turbo, or a 1989 Nissan
Skyline GT-R. Those vehicles that connect viscerally with their owners
and the public will remain desirable.
If a car raises my pulse and brings an involuntary smile to my face,
I couldn’t care less what someone else might pay me for it years from
now when and if I sell. What it’s already given can’t be taken away.
I think more collectors have come around to this view as the world
has moved our focus involuntarily away from profit and quick turn. I
welcome this silver lining. ♦
Page 50
STATE of the
MARKET
FALL 2020
LOOKING
AHEAD
Predictions for the next six months
by Steve Serio
Dave Tomaro
Cheap therapy
hornets, a veritable army of rats would be just another slight inconvenience
compared to what we got instead. So I’m going to propose we
retroactively rename 2020 The Year of the Fun Sponge, as the majority
of any planned fun got sucked out of the world. Hopefully it will return.
With any luck, and as I’ll explain, I think the odds are pretty much
M
in our favor. Six months from now, when we are well into 2021, we can
look over our shoulder and exclaim loudly, “Boy, am I glad that’s over!”
So let’s regroup, regather and reform. Let’s plan ahead, maybe?
Survival of the…
I’m fairly certain the human inhabitants of planet Earth will have
survived a once-in-a-lifetime, miserable, rotten, disruptive, rather
cataclysmic worldwide event, which — if it didn’t kill you — made you
stronger. I think Vegas oddsmakers will give us solid bets of rejoining
normalcy in 2021. It won’t be easy and there are still a few problematic
Easter eggs that we must avoid, but I’m being cautiously optimistic.
Before I predict anything about the car market and where that’s going
(and I’m the first to admit, no one should really try and predict a damn
thing right now, especially not when writing these words in August,
but I was politely asked), let’s talk about these potential metaphoric
asteroids that could still set us up for a dreadful 2021. Retrospectively,
past eras have solved fairly large disruptions, whether they were civil,
economic, religious or political. I’d like to think this is no different. I
say this squinting.
52 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
y Chinese Zodiac (actually, Google) tells me that 2020 is The
Year of the Rat. Rats would be fine, really. Even a plague of
them would have been just one more thing to step over and
around and potentially make pets out of. Like the murder
I believe...
• COVID-19 cases will flatten and we will learn to live with it and
behave like adults. I’m banking on a second wave being nonexistent.
• The current social upheaval will begin to trend towards peace,
respect and unity.
• Lastly, the November election (whatever the outcome) starts to
chart a stable course for the citizenry of this country and the immediate
economic future.
Utopian? Yes. So what? It’s what fuels me.
Cheap therapy
My thoughts at the beginning of the pandemic and up until today
have been pretty straightforward with regard to our hobby, one that
keeps most of us partially sane, I may add. My cars definitely have the
job of being my in-house, part-time shrinks (another way for me to
justify this expensive habit). I know a lot of people who have turned
to their cars and put some serious smiles to their mugs this summer.
Impromptu road trips with family members and the occasional
flash-mob Cars & Coffees are large and small snippets of pleasure,
much-needed respites. Those “I’ll get it done one day” upgrades and
restorations were tackled and completed.
It is time
But the biggest and not-so-surprising byproduct of the pandemic is
what I call “the mortality moment.” I firmly applaud and understand the
number of transactions that added cars to collections by people pulling
a “Network,” looking in the mirror and shouting “I’m mad as hell and
I’m not going to take it anymore! I’m not waiting a minute longer, as
STATE of the
MARKET
FALL 2020
TOP 50 SALES
from January through August 2020
as recorded by SCM
Courtesy of Bonhams
1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Jean Bugatti roadster, sold for $7,100,000
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
SOLD PRICE MODEL
$7,100,000 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Jean Bugatti roadster
$5,061,380 1931 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport roadster
$4,290,000 2001 Ferrari 550 GT1 Prodrive racer
$3,850,000 1965 Shelby GT350 R prototype “The Flying Mustang” fastback
$3,740,000 1968 Ford Mustang GT “Bullitt” fastback
$3,332,500 1907 Renault Type AI 35/45hp Vanderbilt roadster
$3,222,500 1995 Ferrari F50 convertible
$3,080,000 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB long-nose coupe
$3,000,000 2020 Chevrolet Corvette VIN #001 coupe
$2,782,500 2003 Ferrari Enzo coupe
AUCTION, VENUE, LOT #
Bonhams, Amelia Island, FL, #123
Bonhams, Paris, FRA, #268
RM Sotheby’s, Online: Shift/Monterey, #240
Mecum, Indianapolis, IN, #F140
Mecum, Kissimmee, FL, #F150
Bonhams, Amelia Island, FL, #159
Gooding & Company, Scottsdale, AZ, #44
Gooding & Company, Geared Online Aug., #56
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, #3007
RM Sotheby’s, Amelia Island, FL, #146
54 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 53
RANK
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
(Tie)
28
29
30
(Tie)
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
(Tie)
(Tie)
50
SOLD PRICE MODEL
$2,745,321 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C coupe
$2,640,000 2003 Ferrari Enzo coupe
$2,425,000 1932 Hispano-Suiza J12 dual-cowl phaeton
$2,370,000 2018 Pagani Huayra Roadster
$2,354,000 2003 Ferrari Enzo coupe
$2,310,000 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO coupe
$2,232,500 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder
$2,205,000 1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Torpédo phaeton
$2,200,466 1958 BMW 507 Series II roadster
$2,134,000 1995 Ferrari F50 convertible
$2,113,660 1964 Porsche 904 GTS coupe
$2,040,000 1948 Tucker 48 sedan
$2,000,000 2021 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series convertible
$1,985,000 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider
$1,980,000 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB short-nose coupe
$1,930,000 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale cabriolet
$1,930,000 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider
$1,898,295 1966 Porsche 906 racer
$1,848,000 2014 Pagani Huayra coupe
$1,771,483 1931 Invicta 4½ Litre S-type low-chassis sports roadster
$1,771,483 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Sindelfingen Cabriolet A
AUCTION, VENUE, LOT #
Artcurial, Paris, FRA, #99
RM Sotheby’s, Online: Driving into Summer, #294
Gooding & Company, Scottsdale, AZ, #143
RM Sotheby’s, Phoenix, AZ, #147
Gooding & Company, Geared Online Aug., #47
RM Sotheby’s, Online: Driving into Summer, #279
Bonhams, Los Angeles, CA, #53
Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, FL, #63
RM Sotheby’s, Paris, FRA, #143
Gooding & Company, Geared Online Aug., #72
RM Sotheby’s, Paris, FRA, #146
Gooding & Company, Scottsdale, AZ, #121
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, #3003
Gooding & Company, Scottsdale, AZ, #154
RM Sotheby’s, Online: Shift/Monterey, #227
Bonhams, Scottsdale, AZ, #54
Gooding & Company, Scottsdale, AZ, #42
Artcurial, Paris, FRA, #83
RM Sotheby’s, Online: Shift/Monterey, #154
Bonhams, Paris, FRA, #232
Bonhams, Paris, FRA, #242
$1,750,000 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse “Meo Costantini” convertible Bonhams, Los Angeles, CA, #77
$1,710,000 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider
$1,679,630 2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport coupe
$1,655,654 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB alloy coupe
$1,655,000 1938 Bugatti Type 57 cabriolet
$1,628,000 1992 Ferrari F40 coupe
$1,620,329 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
$1,600,000 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso coupe
$1,578,307 1983 Ferrari 126 C3 racer
$1,497,936 2020 Porsche 935 “Martini” racer
$1,496,000 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso coupe
$1,485,000 2017 Ford GT coupe
$1,475,000 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider
$1,462,500 1960 Ferrari 250 GT PF Series II cabriolet
$1,435,000 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S coupe
$1,430,000 2019 McLaren Senna coupe
$1,430,000 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder
$1,430,000 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Spyder
$1,391,000 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV coupe
RM Sotheby’s, Phoenix, AZ, #242
RM Sotheby’s, Paris, FRA, #161
RM Sotheby’s, Online: European Summer, #132
RM Sotheby’s, Amelia Island, FL, #241
Gooding & Company, Geared Online Aug., #39
Artcurial, Monte Carlo, MCO, #663
RM Sotheby’s, Amelia Island, FL, #236
Artcurial, Paris, FRA, #98
RM Sotheby’s, Online: Euro feat. Petitjean, #409
RM Sotheby’s, Online: Shift/Monterey, #115
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, #1392
Bonhams, Amelia Island, FL, #153
Gooding & Company, Scottsdale, AZ, #46
Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, FL, #34
Mecum, Kissimmee, FL, #S113
Mecum, Kissimmee, FL, #S111
Mecum, Indianapolis, IN, #S143
RM Sotheby’s, Phoenix, AZ, #220
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 55
Page 54
STATE of the
MARKET
FALL 2020
SAFE, STEADY
SLIPPING?
OR
Automotive professionals share their thoughts
on the stability of the market’s tried-and-true models
Buy, Sell or Hold Blue-Chip Collectibles?
Why?
DAVID BRYNAN
Senior Specialist, Gooding & Company
Blue-chip collectibles represent the highest-
quality cars, ones that are well understood,
widely recognized and have withstood the test of
time. You could certainly argue that a collector
would want to buy and hold virtually any car
categorized as blue chip and never sell them.
That said, there are cars that might be considered blue chip based solely
on specific characteristics, which are subject to changing tastes and
ultra-specific criteria, and therefore susceptible to a decline in their
quality grade.
56 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Buy: Best of Breed, Historically Significant, Museum-Quality Cars
This category could include an exceptional car of any era — any-
thing from a pre-World War I, chain-drive Grand Prix car to a Scuderia
Ferrari sports racing car to a race-winning McLaren F1 GTR. While
these are the most extreme examples from a value standpoint, you could
also include something like an exceptionally well-preserved landmark
production model, such as an original Mercedes 300SL Gullwing,
Jaguar E-type or an influential, one-of-a-kind concept car. Here we are
talking about cars that are virtually irreplaceable, often with a notable
race history or provenance, with values not necessarily tied to relevant
comparable sales.
Sell: Instant Collectibles, Numbered Editions and Battery-Tender Specials
If a car is billed as an “instant collectible” and carries a factory-
issued plaque with its production number, I am immediately suspicious
of its long-term prospects. Is this really an important car, or simply a
marketing ploy from a manufacturer to sell a special version of what is
an otherwise mundane production car? If adding a few miles to a car really
diminishes its value significantly, or if possession of a few “unique”
features really increases its value significantly, this is probably not a
Page 55
blue-chip collectible. While they certainly have value and a place in the
market, these types of cars follow the collectible logic of Beanie Babies
and special-issue coins... Time and changing fashions will not be kind.
Hold: Iconic, User-Friendly, Event-Eligible Cars
These are good-quality original cars that are relatively limited pro-
duction and could be used and enjoyed for a variety of purposes. They
may not be masterpiece-level cars, but something with staying power.
An original-bodied Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, a proper Bugatti Type
35, an original V8 Ford, or almost any broadly recognizable or admired
post-war sports car — from a Jaguar XK 120 to a Porsche 911S. If it’s
considered a high-quality example of its type, and its owner derives
enjoyment from using it while not diluting its value, then I’d say it’s
worth holding.
DOUG GOODMAN
CEO, Luxury Lease Partners LLC
There’s no one clear answer to this question;
it depends where you are in the market and the
focus of your collection. When talking with the
collectors in our portfolio, we’ve seen an interesting
split. While some have surely been impacted
by the economic fallout from the pandemic, most
remain in a comfortable financial position, and some have returned to
an acquisitive stance. We’ve seen this across the market, as those in a
strong position have taken advantage of opportunities to add to their
collections, leading to thinning inventories in our dealer network and
strong valuations across exotics.
Specific to the blue-chip market, while activity has been soft
recently, we think that asset-allocation dynamics will have a generally
positive impact on the class. While we’ve seen a strong rally in the equity
and fixed-income markets since lows in March, that rally has been
accompanied by elevated measures of volatility and policy uncertainty,
including potential impacts from the upcoming election. With all the
uncertainty in conventional asset classes, we expect to see a flight to
real assets uncorrelated to the broader debt and equity markets.
In our community, we’ve certainly seen this play out in recent
months with real estate. This inflow may not be spread equally across
collectible classes. If we assume that the bulk of liquidity in the market
is coming from equity portfolios seeking to de-risk, it is likely to skew
younger than the historical buying population and draw from new and
emerging collectors. This should provide more support for more recent
1970s and 1980s vintages that these buyers grew up with.
Combining this liquidity with a growing comfort with online auc-
tion formats and a desire for drivable pieces, younger buyers could drive
strength in the exotic and more-contemporary collectible segments.
For example, see the excellent $300k-plus result on a ’71 Datsun 240Z
Buy, Sell or Hold Blue-Chip Collectibles?
Why?
on Bring a Trailer this past January. This focus has added to the “evergreen”
set of vehicles that appeal across generations of collectors —
most Porsches, 275 Ferraris, Cobras and 300SL Gullwings, for example.
The segments that rely on more traditional shows and live auctions
— the classic Bugattis, Delahayes, and Duesenbergs — may continue
to languish in the near future. We expect demographic trends in the
collector population to reinforce these trends. From a value-appreciation
perspective, it may be time to sell into the classic market, hold your
evergreens, and buy into emerging later-vintage collectibles.
MICHAEL MARZANO
Sales & Operations, Mouse Motors LLC
This year has continued to throw us a variety
of curveballs, and without an end in sight, this is
where I believe things stand with the collectorcar
market. It seems that a trend has continued to
unfold this past year, and that is auction houses
are still struggling to consign quality cars.
Several of the best examples in the world continue to trade “off-market,”
and in most cases, at record numbers. There are obviously a few exceptions
here, specifically with a few classic muscle cars coming out of
the woodwork and fetching big money (i.e. Mecum’s recent sales of the
“Bullitt” Mustang, a Ken Miles-driven GT350 R, etc.).
Another trend that seems to continue is a large amount of money
being placed into race cars. RM Sotheby’s very successful sale of a 550
GT1 for $4,290,000 (inclusive of buyer’s fee) in their August “Shift/
Monterey” auction proved that people are willing to place a substantial
amount of money into race cars that they can use. This was also seen at
RM Sotheby’s 2020 Amelia Island sale with a 1970 Lola T165 Can-Am
car fetching $665,000 (inclusive of buyer’s fee).
I also firmly believe that the “youngtimer” cars are going to continue
to stay strong, especially Japanese cars, as it has become increasingly
difficult to find low-mileage, well-preserved examples.
With that said, if you own the finest examples, hold them! However,
sell anything that is less than the best. Great cars are getting harder and
harder to find, so why settle for a mediocre example? Find the best firstgeneration
NSX, E46 M3, E39 M5, even W211 E55 or E63 and you’ll be
in a great position to drive your car for “free.”
If you’re in a position where you must sell, don’t sell yourself short.
There are more people looking for great cars than you think.
JAKOB GREISEN
Vice President — Head of U.S. Motoring, Bonhams
I see the true blue-chip collector cars gener-
ally undervalued in 2020, and I would venture to
say that there will be a good upside for the right
cars in the next three to five years.
My reasoning is that about half a decade has
gone by since the collector-car market peaked,
This’71 Datsun 240Z sold for over $300k on Bring a Trailer this past January
BringaTrailer.com
and as collector cars are looked upon as an asset class, there will
undoubtedly be an upward movement once it has been “flat” for long
enough. Thankfully, though, the collector-car market is also driven by
truly passionate collectors, who buy what they like and when they want,
which has always made the market less volatile.
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 57
STATE of the
MARKET
FALL 2020
MAKING
A MOVE
Buy or sell online now, or wait for in-person,
land-based auctions to return?
How to decide?
KENNETH AHN
President and CEO, RM Sotheby’s
As the largest auction house globally by total
sales, it is tempting to say now is the best time,
all the time. But without that bias, the honest
answer is it really depends.
The primary decision factor to buy or sell a
collector car—or any asset—should be based
on three factors: 1) an individual’s objectives and needs, 2) the quality
of the product, and 3) the market conditions. Frankly, the channel
60 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Should you wait for in-person auctions or move online now?
Dave Tomaro
Although some live auctions are taking place, online activity is primarily driving the market in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
through which you buy or sell collector cars matters less today — I’d
argue much less than people think.
The development of technology and the level of comfort for digital
commerce has rapidly evolved. In 2000, not many were bold enough
to purchase a Rolex online. Today, digital transactions have become
a norm, and people now have no problem even finding houses online
and submitting offers, sight unseen. Millions are now purchasing used
cars on Carvana or Vroom rather than walking into a dealership. The
world continues to evolve into digital transactions.
For buyers, the decision to purchase a car online ultimately
depends on the level of comfort and degree of trust with the platform
and seller. I purchased six cars from a popular, digital-only, collectorcar
auction site. Three were horrendous busts. A .500 batting average
is great in baseball, but not so great in purchasing cars. For sellers, it’s
usually not a good time to sell an asset in market malaise. However,
the phenomenon we have repeatedly seen throughout cycles is that
when there’s an economic headwind or looming inflation, hard assets
— including collector cars — tend to do much better. We have seen
that play out in recent months, where collector-car values have held up
well. And let’s be honest, nobody can time the market consistently.
Page 59
So whether you should buy or sell online now or wait for in-person
auctions really depends on your objectives. If you no longer want to
keep a car, and you can use the proceeds elsewhere, sell the car today.
RM Sotheby’s and several others have proven that there is no discernible
difference in prices between digital and physical. In August,
we witnessed a digital bidding war for a $4m-plus car. You will lose
buyers who prefer to touch, smell and hear the engine, but that’s offset
by a broader reach of buyers online. If you want to buy a car, buy
now to take advantage of the empty roads and enjoy. Life is short. But
make sure you trust the seller and intermediary. Trust is what drives
successful deals, digitally or physically, and you want an intermediary
you can trust and hold accountable.
JASON HARRIS
Founder, Northwest European
Given these two choices, I would counsel a
client to sell now. Collector-car sales have been
robust here in 2020 (other than a few weeks
in March and April, from our experience).
However, I see the question as more nuanced,
and the sales decision is usually not so clear-cut.
The most important thing to consider for me is the client. What are
your goals? What is your desired outcome? Is this the only car you are
selling currently, or are you considering more of the collection? How
does this affect your local or federal tax situation this year or next
year? Are you buying something as well, after selling?
Selling what you love (or loved!) can be hard. Every car requires
careful thought on the best venue to sell, whether that is online, at a
land-based auction or with a dealer or broker such as what we do here
at Northwest European. The dealer or broker choice gives you access
to all the choices (online, live auctions, retail, brokerage), and you
gain a partner on your sale to help you consider these paths. We can
help you decide the best path for your specific needs and tax situation,
while addressing any needs for privacy or anonymity.
As a boutique dealer, we specialize in the overall preparation stage
to get a car ready for the market. This is something that an online
auction cannot provide, and while a land-based auction house may
provide some ideas, they will not take a comprehensive approach to
make decisions that have financial return weighed against the ultimate
goal: to sell your car in a timely manner, professionally presented, and
for the correct market price.
Buying in this online market has had some challenges and changes
to the pre-purchase inspection process. While not new for us, I think it
has created positive changes in the industry, forcing sellers to disclose
condition more thoroughly, share it through photos and videos, to
allow buyers to make informed decisions when travel may be difficult.
Sadly, we have seen some unscrupulous operators out there taking
advantage of your inability to travel and inspect, but that is a reminder
to proceed with caution and ask for assistance.
This year has been a wild ride, but selling your car in 2020 has
proven to be a solid choice for all our clients — no need to wait. Let a
boutique expert help you navigate the waters, and leave all your sales
options open.
HARRY CLARK
Founder, Classic Promenade Auctions
There’s no reason to wait any longer. The
collector-car market for good-quality cars is
very fluid and hot. It defies any logical explanation
other than we are a community of enthusiasts
whose passion for collector cars remains
stronger than ever. The prices attained are now
about the same for an online auction as from a land auction. Since the
Buy or sell online now, or wait for in-person,
land-based auctions to return?
How to decide?
hammer prices are pretty comparable, you have to look at the buyer’s
risks, the net sale proceeds to the seller, and the gross amount paid by
the buyer.
Online auctions have lower seller’s and buyer’s premiums, by more
than half. In addition, for the seller, there is no need to transport your
car. And for the buyer, the auction company is no longer processing
the title, often saving additional taxes and fees. I believe future analysis
will show that online platforms result in a lower gross paid by the
buyer and a higher net to the seller.
Another major distinction between land and online auctions is
mitigating buyer risk. With land auctions, you look at the car and perhaps
hear it start and run. You rely on your experience and gut instinct
to evaluate the cars. I’ve found that it is very difficult to do this effectively,
especially if it’s a car that you’re excited about. With certain
exceptions, most auction companies don’t have a deep knowledge of
each car, so the opinions of their staff aren’t normally too helpful.
Most experienced buyers factor in an amount of money that will likely
be spent on the unknown issues.
Many of the online auctions are starting to take seriously the
need for increased transparency to reduce the “buyer beware” risk
associated with auctions, and it has been relatively successful. Bring
a Trailer introduced the community comment section, which allowed
the global community to chime in their thoughts, feelings and
opinions. This really helped elevate the information available, albeit
some comments are more meaningful than others. We think this will
increase pressure for land auctions to be more transparent.
Classic Promenade just introduced our online auction platform
that takes transparency to a new level. Every car has an independent
third-party inspection performed and published so that all buyers can
accurately know the condition of the car, not just the seller’s representations.
The inspection has a 158-point checklist, photos, videos,
test-drive feedback, etc.
In the coming years, land auctions may be limited to being ancil-
lary to a handful of major concours events and “Auction Week” here
in Phoenix, while online auctions will be the day-to-day norm.
B. MITCHELL CARLSON
Senior SCM Auction Analyst and Contributor
I take some issue with the phrasing of the
above question, as real auctions have resumed
in portions of the country. As I write this, I
have put boots on the ground at six collector-car
auctions in the COVID-19 era (and that’s not
counting two online-only previews). It’s part of
my job to present you, dear readers, with what happens in the collector
market en masse. To ignore any segment is doing you a disservice.
So to better phrase it, I’ll respond to “Should you buy or sell now via
online auction or wait for in-person, land-based auctions to return in
what will be construed as normal?”
My answer is: What do you want to sell? Some segments of the
market are like printing money; others are sucking air, and these can
and do change regardless of the sales venue.
In the online-only arena, what we see doing well can be distilled
into the statement “the best examples that can be had from an auction
house that has well vetted their consignments.” All types and vintages
fall into this statement, especially 1970s and ’80s pickups, most SUVs
of that era, and limited-production modern performance cars (notably
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 61
Page 60
STATE of the
MARKET
FALL 2020
Buy or sell online now, or wait for in-person,
land-based auctions to return?
How to decide?
pre-water-cooled 911s, early NSXs, and that person who did manage
to take delivery of a 2020 Corvette and wants to flip it). To some
extent, if a bidder can’t go to an auction venue, they’ve been bidding
on the best they can get and skipping the cars with stories — the type
of car that does better at a traditional live auction.
Without buyers having the ability to personally inspect a given
vehicle (or have a neutral third party do it for them), these moreaverage
cars tend not to sell rather than have the consignor lower their
reserves (one thing that few auction houses are willing to facilitate
online). What the online-only bidders are trying to avoid is getting
a car dropped in their driveway that doesn’t measure up. I get the
feeling that when more live auctions return, a lot of those less-thanperfect
vehicles will be filling the dockets.
As for auction houses that have been able to return to live sales, a
lot of the previous paragraph still rings true. All auction houses that
I’ve had contact with offer some sort of online presence to augment
their live events, so those folks in an area where they can’t make it to
a given auction (or wish not to attend) have the option of contracting
with someone on-site to review a given vehicle, giving them one more
tool in their bidding arsenal.
As for what is selling well at on-site sales, it’s generally stock,
post-war domestics with low miles and no stories, but not just muscle
cars and pickups. The types of cars that appeal to the folks who’ll go
to a live event when others say, “Hide in your basement and bid online
to be safe.” The poster child for the strength of the current live-auction
world is featured in this issue: the 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo, with 3k
miles and in factory special-order black, selling for $110,250 at the
VanDerBrink auction of the Don Beneventi Chevrolet Collection in
Granger, IA (see Market Report, p. 146).
Could this have happened on Bring a Trailer, with its “peanut gal-
lery” of registered users egging on each bidder? Yes… but I contend
that it would have settled out between $70k and $80k. The dynamics
of having traveled to the event, plus the give-and-take from the other
folks on-site — where it was a humid 92 degrees — helped this one go
over $100k. Call it “not going home skunked” syndrome.
Which types of vehicles should you wait to sell until some sort of
normalcy returns to the market? Any vehicles that you can afford to
sit on that are not what’s popular today, especially from the 1920s Tin
Era and closed CCCA Full Classics. Also, cars that are not the best
of the best, have provenance issues or need the services of an auction
house to promote the sizzle when the steak is past its sell-by date. ♦
1972 Chevy Monte Carlo, sold for $110,250 at the VanDerBrink auction of the Don Beneventi Chevrolet Collection in Granger, IA
62 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 64
PROFILES IN THIS ISSUE
Significant Sales That Provide a Snapshot of the Market
FERRARI: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose p. 68
ENGLISH: 1962 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward p. 70
ETCETERINI: 1966 DeTomaso Vallelunga p. 72
GERMAN: 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster p. 74
AMERICAN: 1929 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by Murphy p. 76
RACE: 2001 Ferrari 550 GT1 Prodrive p. 80
NEXT GEN: 1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II p. 82
FILES IN THIS ISSUE
Significant Sales That Provide a Snapshot of the
ILES IN THIS ISSUE
Significant Sales That Provide a Snapshot of the Market
FERRARI: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose p. 68
ENGLISH: 1962 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward p. 70
ETCETERINI: 1966 DeTomaso Vallelunga p. 72
GERMAN: 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster p. 74
AMERICAN: 1929 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by Murphy p. 76
RACE: 2001 Ferrari 550 GT1 Prodrive p. 80
NEXT GEN: 1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II p. 82
1966
1966 DeTomaso Vallelunga
Courtesy of Artcurial Motorcars
Page 66
FERRARI PROFILE
Mike Maez, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose
When flaws become features, deserving original cars can become exceptional
by Steve Ahlgrim
Chassis number: 08921
Engine number: 08921
SCM Condition for this car: 2
40 cars were originally supplied with both of these desirable features.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of 08921 is its coachwork. This
O
car’s long-nose body, numbered 0452, was factory-equipped with an
extremely rare competition-style external fuel-filler cap, confirmed by
the notation “tappo carico carburante esterno” written on Ferrari’s internal
foglio allestimenti. Further contributing to this 275’s distinctive
appearance is its attractive, singular color scheme of Bianco (White)
over beige, full leather upholstery.
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 56, sold for $3,080,000, including buyer’s
premium, at Gooding & Company’s Geared Online
auction, August 7, 2020.
We’ll get to this car in due course, but first a digression on one of
the features most identified with vintage Ferraris: their gated shifters.
Those beautiful chrome-plated gates did not always highlight Ferrari
shift levers. Early Ferraris had leather shift boots just like other floorshift
manual-transmission cars. It was not until Ferrari started using
rear-mounted transmissions that the beautiful chrome gates showed up
on Ferraris. Lamborghini, DeTomaso and a few other marques borrowed
the idea, but like a Pepsi is a Coke, all shifter gates are Ferrari
shifter gates.
Race-bred transaxle
A rear-mounted transmission is usually part of an assembly known
as a transaxle. Operation of a transaxle requires moving gearsets. This
68 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
ne of the very last 2-cam 275 GTBs built, just eight cars from
the end of production, 08921 was factory-equipped with the improved
torque-tube driveshaft and specified with the optional
high-performance six-carburetor (6C) intake. In all, fewer than
can be done manually or with the help of an electronic or hydraulic
slave device. In the case of a manually shifted transaxle, the deed is accomplished
with a rod that runs from the shifter lever to the transaxle.
Intermediate linkage connects the rod to the transaxle. The length and
complexity of the assembly can impede precise action.
Precise shifts are helped with controlled movement of the shift link-
age. Ferrari learned on their rear-transaxle race cars that a guide
plate around the shift lever helped the driver make precise shifts. The
275 GTB was the first production Ferrari to feature a rear transaxle
and, accordingly, it was the first production Ferrari to feature the
trademark chrome shift gate.
Heir to the 250
There is little argument that the 1950s was the golden age for Ferrari.
No other series of cars from any manufacturer was as important as
Page 67
the 250 GT series was to Ferrari. Ferrari built on the
250’s foundation, which led to a legacy of innovation
and performance.
The 275 GTB was the first production car to follow
the 250 series. It was a major departure from the production
250s and template for the Ferrari berlinettas
that followed. Racing had taught Ferrari that a rear
transaxle gives a car better weight distribution. It also
learned that independent rear suspension allowed better
handling than a solid axle rear suspension. Both these
attributes were introduced to Ferrari production cars
via the 275 GTB, and both features can still be found in
modern Ferraris.
The long hood and fastback roofline of the 275 GTB
can be traced back to the first Ferraris, but never was
the silhouette used as effectively as it was with the 275
GTB. The 275’s covered headlights, Kamm tail and
round taillights are classic Ferrari. Add in the one-piece
alloy wheels, the first used on a production Ferrari, and
the 275 GTB is as timeless as it is beautiful.
Everything but the aluminum
This 275 GTB has all the coveted 275 GTB options
except for an alloy body. It’s a six-carb, 2-cam, longnose,
torque-tube example with a rare outside filler cap.
It was in the wonderful original condition that many
buyers fawn over.
The 275s were built in 2-cam and 4-cam configura-
tions. The 4-cam was the later and more-powerful version.
Despite the increased power of the 4-cam engine,
many people prefer the looks and engine characteristics
of the 2-cam version. Base 2-cam 275s featured three
2-barrel Weber carburetors. A six-carb setup was optional.
The six-carb was more expensive and more complicated
to maintain. Factory-supplied six-carb cars are
relatively rare and add a substantial premium to a 275’s
value.
The original 2-cam 275 GTBs are known as short-
nose versions. Little of the nose protruded past the
headlight covers. Later cars had a longer protrusion
and a couple of other changes. The long-nose cars are
the most valuable.
Driveshaft vibration could be an issue with early 275s.
Ferrari updated later cars with a bearing-supported
driveshaft, then went to a shaft that was enclosed in
what is called a torque tube. This car has the preferred
torque-tube-encased driveshaft.
This car also features an outside competition filler
cap. These caps allowed fast fuel refills during races.
The fillers have little advantage on street cars other than
adding some jewelry. They are, however, quite rare and
can add substantial value.
HIGH AUCTION SALES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS
$4,000,000
$3,618,227
$3,258,684
$3,000,000
$2,750,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Coupe
$0
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 69
$3,575,000
This sale:
$3,080,000
$2,556,860
Originality means desirability
“They’re only original once.” I have no idea who
coined the phrase, but those four words have become
auction gold. Originality makes cars that normally
would not get a second look highly desirable. Originality
makes truly exceptional original cars record breakers.
This car is described as being in “original” condi-
tion. This implies the paint, interior and the majority
of the car has not been restored. The auction house
provided several images of paint and interior patina to
support their claim.
While this original condition would certainly appeal
to many buyers, it would certainly turn off many more.
Do flaws add character or show neglect? Chipped wheels
on a modern Ferrari would indicate neglect. Chipped
wheels on a vintage car add character. Bad spots in the
paint of a modern car are bad spots. In a vintage car,
bad spots are a badge of honor. We say that sometimes
a car can be too original, but that line is hard to define.
This 275 was a feature car of Gooding’s premiere on-
line auction. It did not disappoint, landing mid-estimate
and earning top-sale honors. It was a deserving car
that could not be duplicated. There was little question
if the car would be worth the estimate; the question
was merely whether there would be two buyers who appreciated
what the car was. The answer was yes, and
the buyer, seller and the auction company should all be
happy with the results. ♦
(Introductory desciption courtesy of Gooding & Co.)
STEVE AHLGRIM cut his Ferrari teeth as general manager and
vice president of FAF Motorcars, a former Atlanta-area authorized
Ferrari dealer. Today he owns Italycars LLC, a Ferrari appraisal,
inspection and consulting service. Steve is an IAC/PFA council
member and judges Ferraris at many of the top concours.
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Long-Nose Alloy
coupe
Lot 36, s/n 08061
Condition: 2+
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $3,174,863
Bonhams, Zoute, BEL, 10/11/19
SCM# 6911723
DETAILS
Years built: 1964–66
Number built: 440
Current SCM Median Valuation:
$2,746,000
Chassis # location: Right front chassis
rail by top of shock mount
Engine # location: Right side near
starter motor, back of block
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Tune-up cost: $2,000–$3,000
Club: Ferrari Club of America
Web: www.ferrariclubofamerica.org
Alternatives: 1956–57 Jaguar XK-SS,
1966–69 Lamborghini Miura SV,
1959–63 Aston Martin DB4GT
Investment Grade: A
COMPS
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB coupe
Lot 157, s/n 06887
Condition: 2
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $1,572,500
Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach,
CA, 8/16/19
SCM# 6907136
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Long-Nose Alloy
coupe
Lot 55, s/n 08011
Condition: 1
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $2,500,000
Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach,
CA, 8/16/19
SCM# 6907053
Page 68
ENGLISH PROFILE
Courtesy of Artcurial Motorcars
1962 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupe
by Mulliner Park Ward
Is that the lingering scent of Elizabeth Taylor’s perfume — or is it just the smell
of a car well sold?
by Paul Hardiman
Chassis number: BC8LXA
SCM Condition for this car: 2
Las Vegas, between the casinos sparkling away in the starlit night.
Of the total of 312 Bentley S3 Continentals built, there were only
O
26 left-hand-drive drophead coupes like this. After being shipped
from London to San Francisco, it was delivered new in Las Vegas in
October 1962. Fitted with a large number of factory options, including
an electric hood and windows, as well as tinted glass, it was finished at
the time in “Porcelain White” with a blue hood and matching interior.
Having spent most of its life on the West Coast of the United States and
in Nevada, it has benefited from the very dry climate.
In June 2009, this magnificent convertible returned to Europe and
was bought by M.A. Oet. It was then restored to a very high standard
in the U.K. Its next owner, a major Belgian collector who includes
a Porsche 917 in his collection, had the car regularly maintained by
Bentley Bourgoo at Knokke-le-Zoute. The car was purchased by its
current owner in 2017.
In impeccable condition and offering exceptional luxury and comfort,
it will be supplied with a folder of invoices, its books and tools.
SCM Analysis This car sold for €303,960 ($347,821), including buyer’s
premium, at Artcurial’s Monaco auction on July 21,
2020.
The S-type Continentals followed in the tradition of the first
70 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
ne of the most notable characteristics of this car is that it was
bought new by Eddie Fisher, who was married at the time to
Elizabeth Taylor. It is easy to imagine this impossibly glamorous
couple cruising the streets of Los Angeles and, especially,
Continental R from 1952, the swiftest four-seat coupe in the world,
which has been described by many of its lucky 207 buyers as “a magic
carpet.” The S-type was heavier, of course, but the arrival of RollsRoyce’s
excellent all-aluminium L-series V8 in the S2 of 1959 evened up
the performance gap somewhat. Launched with 6.25 liters of displacement,
capacity was increased to 6.75 in 1970 when the L-series was
powering the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. In fact, the “Six and ThreeQuarter”
has only just gone out of production, with the demise of the
Bentley Mulsanne, in which twin turbos gave it 530 horsepower.
All S3s had power steering and GM Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic
transmissions. Only 312 S3 Continentals were built, near 100 of them
bodied in aluminium by Mulliner Park Ward. Rolls-Royce acquired
Page 69
Tinseltown luster always rubs off on cars
associated with fame, deserved or not.
Anything associated with James Bond
increases value by a factor of eight to 10. And
we are talking Hollywood royalty here, if you
could prove the Taylor connection.
coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner & Co. in 1959 and in 1961
merged it with Park Ward, which it had owned since
1939. These Continentals, with their distinctive “Chinese
Eye” styling in both coupe and drophead forms, were
built at the former Park Ward premises in Willesden,
North London.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Continental was the
world’s ultimate grand tourer, a car in which you could
set off from any European capital in the morning and
arrive at Monte Carlo fresh enough to play the tables
that same evening. So, of course, the French Riviera was
the perfect setting to sell such a glamorous car — even if
Monaco is replete with building sites these days. Though
the bidding was received at the famous Hôtel Hermitage,
most of the cars were displayed at the Monaco Top Cars
Collection, aka the Rainier museum in Fontvieille. This
is the “poor” district of the principality, built on land
reclaimed from the Mediterranean, though it’s overlooked
by the Prince’s Palace, and the Monaco heliport
is nearby.
Star (Wars) power
Now, this sale is all about ownership history. As much
as I detest the notion of celebrity, famous ownership
does bring with it cachet, which inevitably adds value.
Eddie Fisher is best remembered today as the father of
Carrie Fisher — Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” films
— a product of his 1955 marriage to Debbie Reynolds.
But in the first half of the 1950s, he was one of the most
popular singers in the U.S., selling millions of records
and hosting his own TV show. At least until it was canceled
in the backlash over his affair with Taylor, whom
he married after divorcing Reynolds in 1959.
Taylor came to fame in “National Velvet,” filmed in
1944 when she was only 12. Her affair with Fisher began
soon after the death of her husband, Mike Todd, in an
aviation accident. Taylor and Fisher married right after
his divorce from Reynolds, who had been Taylor’s best
friend. But Taylor soon began an affair with co-star
Richard Burton, during filming of “Cleopatra” in 1962.
She eventually married him (for the first time) in 1964,
10 days after divorcing Fisher. How’s that for some impressive
mileage?
HIGH AUCTION SALES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
N/A
$0
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 71
1962 Bentley S3 Continental Convertible
$266,112
$242,474
$198,535
$171,551
This sale:
$347,821
It’s questionable whether Taylor ever even rode in
this car, which was bought not long after she caught
the eye of Burton. An October 1962 delivery in Vegas
does rather ring of a consolation present
to oneself,
with Fisher having found himself unexpectedly single
and possibly tooling up for another bout of bad-boy behavior.
The catalog says nothing about how long Fisher
owned the car, and while a photograph of Taylor and
Fisher in a swanky convertible does exist, the car in it is
her green 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II.
A little Liz goes a long way
Whatever the gory details, Tinseltown luster always
rubs off on cars associated with fame, deserved or
not. Anything associated with James Bond — another
Riviera playboy, albeit a fictional one — increases value
by a factor of eight to 10. And we are talking Hollywood
royalty here, if you could prove the Taylor connection.
When a Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur “Blue
Lena” owned by The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards
sold for £763,100 in 2015 (nearly $1 million at today’s
exchange rate), that was about four times what it was
really “worth.” The multiplication factor is less here,
but still significant, as this S3 ragtop sold for twice what
you’d expect for a similar, civilian-owned model.
So, a car owned briefly almost 60 years ago by an
actor mostly remembered for his famous daughter and
an even more famous ex-wife, and repainted since, still
managed to carry enough Hollywood sheen to nearly
double its material value. Those are the numbers, but
the logic does not compute. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Artcurial.)
PAUL HARDIMAN has written for a variety of British car magazines
since 1991. His motorsports career extends from navigating John
Surtees in the Mercedes 300 SLR “658” on the Mille Miglia to
picking up the Pomeroy Trophy on several occasions in his faithful
Lime Green Mk1 Ford Escort. He has been SCM’s English-car
specialist since 2007.
1964 Bentley S3 Continental 2-dr sedan
Lot 383, s/n BC38XC
Condition 3+
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Sold at $164,077
Bonhams, Goodwood Festival of Speed,
Sussex, U.K., 7/13/2018
SCM# 6874882
DETAILS
Years produced: 1962–66
Number produced: 312 S3 Continentals,
26 LHD drophead coupes
Current SCM Median Valuation:
$171,500
Tune-up cost: $300–$400
Chassis # location: Plate on scuttle
Engine # location: Front left of block,
hidden by alternator and a/c pump
Club: Bentley Drivers Club
Web: www.bdcl.org
Alternatives:
1960 Lincoln Continental Mk V,
1962 Cadillac Series 62 convertible,
1962–66 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
MPW drophead coupe
SCM Investment Grade: A
COMPS
1964 Bentley S3 Continental drophead
coupe
Lot 200, s/n BC142XC
Condition 3
Sold at $171,551
RM Sotheby’s, Monte Carlo, MCO,
5/12/2018
SCM# 6869891
1965 Bentley S3 Continental drophead
coupe
Lot 24, s/n BC24XE
Condition 2Sold
at $266,112
H&H Duxford, U.K., 4/19/2016
SCM# 6799704
Page 70
ETCETERINI & FRIENDS PROFILE
Courtesy of Artcurial Motorcars
1966 DeTomaso Vallelunga
A restoration with a fantastic story leads to a market record price, but perhaps at
little profit to the seller
by Donald Osborne
Chassis number: VL1612
SCM Condition for this car: 2+
T
he DeTomaso Vallelunga is a particularly rare and interesting
car, and we are delighted to present this example, sold in 1966
to its first owner, probably in France. It was bought by the second
owner in 1971, in the Haut-Rhin, where it remained until
the owner died. At this point it was being prepared for a respray and
had been partially stripped. The car was offered in this condition in
an Artcurial Motorcars auction in June 2015, where it was acquired by
the current owner, an enthusiastic European collector at the head of an
important collection.
In 2017, he set about continuing the restoration that had been started.
This work has recently been completed to a very high standard. During
the restoration process, when the bodywork was off, the original chassis
number was found (VL1612). This number appears in the DeTomaso
registry and it is believed that Vallelunga numbers starting with “VL16”
correspond to a special “Competizione” series. According to the registry,
out of a total of 43 Vallelunga known to have survived, only five
have this particular specification. It appears these cars were fitted with
twin-cam Lotus engines instead of the Ford Kent engines used in the
rest. The owner therefore decided to replace the pushrod Kent engine in
the car (which will be sold with it, still with its DeTomaso cylinder-head
cover) and fit a Lotus twin-cam engine. Note that Artcurial Motorcars
presented the sister car VLD1611, (D for Destra, or right-hand drive), in
the 2018 Rétromobile sale.
The restoration was carried out meticulously, and attention was
paid to the combination of colors discovered when it was stripped. The
results are magnificent, and the Sky Blue with white stripe enhances
the elegance of this petite coupé designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and
72 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
inspired by the Ferrari 250 LM and the Dino 206. The compact cockpit
respects the original layout, with wood trim and lovely bucket seats.
Below the vast glass rear bubble, the rear compartment is covered in
quilted fabric and finishing details such as the drilled door handles reflect
the attention paid to keeping the weight down. The car had a daring
design, with a mid-engine, beam chassis and suspension inspired by
Formula 3. Unfortunately, however, the price was high, the same as a
Lancia Flaminia Zagato at the time, which slowed demand.
The example we are presenting today is rare, well preserved and
comes with a great history. It will be sold with an ultra-rare DeTomaso
Vallelunga sale brochure. As an extra bonus, it is equipped with a powerful
twin-cam engine able to exploit the excellent qualities of its chassis.
Page 71
DETAILS
This was the first production DeTomaso, which paved the
way for the Mangusta and Pantera, and as such, it represents
a milestone in the history of Italian sports cars.
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 678, sold for €321,840
($368,282), including buyer’s premium,
at the Artcurial Motorcars Monaco sale held July 21,
2020.
Longtime readers might recall
that I have written
about this Vallelunga before on these pages (October
2015). I am a big fan of the model, not least because it
epitomizes the spirit of mid-1960s Italy: imaginative,
carefree and effortlessly stylish. Even if the Vallelunga
might not be the greatest car, it has enough qualities
that can catch the heart, which is key to the appeal of
a collector car.
Indeed, it was quite smart of DeTomaso to abandon the
Vallelunga and move on to the Mangusta. This led to a
much larger market, that of the folks to whom more power
is never enough. In a word: Americans. The Vallelunga
simply didn’t have the grunt or the in-your-face presence
required to make a real impression in the U.S., and history
has proven this path to be the correct one.
What a project
Our subject car is more interesting for what research
has apparently revealed and the effect it had on value.
When this car was sold at Artcurial in Paris back in
2015, it was as a restoration project. In addition, the
“chassis number” listed was not a DeTomaso one, but
that of the Ford Kent engine which powered it. There
were strange variations in bodywork and trim from
the standard car as well, raising more questions than
answers. Well, answers were found, and they had the
potential to be game-changing.
The correct “VL” prefix number was discovered
restoration and the
during the
translated catalog
description noted that “it is believed that Vallelunga
numbers starting with ‘VL16’ correspond to a special
‘Competizione’ series.” The original French listing,
however, more directly translates as “According to certain
sources…” which is not quite the same. Regardless,
this is an interesting possibility, and based on that, the
seller made the choice of removing the Kent engine and
replaced it with a much superior twin-cam Lotus unit, as
was said to have been fitted in the competition model in
period. The Ford Kent unit was included as well.
The painting of the car in DeTomaso colors — appar-
ently the original ones — was a good choice. They suit
the shape well, and this gives the car a great historical
appeal. From the catalog images, the car seemed to be
finished to a generally good level, with some exceptions
in the soft trim of the interior and engine compartment.
Although it is likely that the original build details were
not terribly refined. Regardless, the amount of work
done since 2015 is considerable.
Money matters
The last time this car was sold at auction by Artcurial,
in June 2015 in Paris, the exchange rate was practically
at par; $1.08 bought €1, which was quite nice for
U.S. collectors. I mention this because I feel it is vital
to consider currency variations when looking at
the
character of a transaction. In 2015, the Vallelunga
sold for €226,480, or $256,942. This time it brought
$111,340 more — but only €95,360 additional in local
currency. I’ve supervised many restorations in the U.S.
and Europe, and given the state of the car when purchased
compared to when it was sold, I can state with
some certainty that the restoration costs may have been
recouped, but with the commission paid, it is probably
quite likely that a loss was realized on the car.
If they are realistic, no one consciously enters into a res-
toration of this sort with a car of this type with the intention
of realizing a profit. It is possible that the idea of this being
one of the few “competition” examples may have led the
seller to believe it might realize a significant multiple over
the market rate. That didn’t happen, although s/n VL1612
did set a new record price for the model, €40,000 over the
last high sale, which occurred in 2018.
I’m not sure that the special “competition” model sta-
tus applied to this car really made that much of a difference
in the result. It was by all standards an appealing
car, but given the challenges that can come when power
meets the somewhat flexible chassis, let’s hope the Lotus
engine isn’t too highly tuned.
In profiling this very car back in 2015, I wrote,
“Speaking with collectors who have long experience
with these cars, it was agreed that it would conservatively
require $100k–$175k to bring this example back to
where it deserves to be. As the best restored Vallelungas
have sold for $175k–$225k, it seems as if this buyer
might expect this model to appreciate into Mangusta
$300k territory.”
And so it did indeed sell there, while Mangustas in
the past few years have sunk below that level. While I
love the Vallelunga, the market nonetheless remains a
thin one for this very special car. It takes someone who
really appreciates the discreet charms of an almost unknown
vehicle and for whom the explanation of what it
is and what it means will be as enjoyable as the driving
experience. Alas, there are few of us in the world. Unless
more people have the opportunity to get to know the
Vallelunga better, it’s not likely to set the market afire
anytime soon. This was all the money we might have expected
this car to bring, and I hope the seller was more
than satisfied. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Artcurial.)
DONALD OSBORNE, ASA, is the CEO of Audrain LLC and oversees
the Audrain Automobile Museum and the Audrain’s Newport
Concours & Motor Week. An historian and consultant, he stars on
“Jay Leno’s Garage” on CNBC.
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 73
Years built: 1964–67
Number built: 53
Current SCM Median Valuation:
$164,500
Chassis # location: Stamping on frame
member, right rear corner of engine
compartment, data tag in front
compartment on bulkhead
Engine # location: Intake side of block
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Tune-up cost: $650
Club: None
Alternatives:
1960 Porsche 356 GTL Abarth,
1964 Matra Djet II,
1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS
SCM Investment Grade: C
COMPS
1965 DeTomaso Vallelunga coupe
Lot 52, s/n VLD1611
Condition: 2Transmission:
5-speed manual
Sold at $358,421
Artcurial, Paris, FRA, 2/9/18
SCM# 6858182
1968 DeTomaso Vallelunga coupe
Lot 116, s/n 807DTO126
Condition: 1Transmission:
5-speed manual
Not sold at $329,092
Bonhams, Monte Carlo, MCO, 5/13/16
SCM# 6799968
1965 DeTomaso Vallelunga coupe
Lot 356, s/n VLD1611
Condition: 2
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $164,704
Bonhams, Chichester, U.K., 6/27/14
SCM# 244581
Page 72
GERMAN PROFILE
Brian Henniker copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company
1955 Porsche 356 Speedster
The market for Speedsters rolls on, strongly
by Prescott Kelly
Chassis number: 80753
Engine number: 820086
SCM Condition for this car: 4
T
he Porsche presented here is a recently discovered garage-find
example of the most iconic 356 model — the Speedster.
According to the Porsche Kardex, this rare Pre-A Speedster
was completed on July 29, 1955, finished in white and bound for
the U.S., where it was retailed by official U.S. distributor Hoffman
Motors in New York. Remarkably, this car has resided in Southern
California for over 50 years, as evidenced by its classic black plates and
file of original records dating back to 1965.
SCM Analysis This car, Lot 67, sold for $258,500, including buyer’s
premium, at Gooding & Company’s Geared Online
sale on August 7, 2020.
Introduced in 1954, the Speedster became an epochal model for the
young Porsche firm. It remains so today, one of the few early Porsches
desired not only by Porsche aficionados but also by general car collectors
— sometimes their only 356 or even their only Porsche.
Coming to America
Born in 1904 outside Vienna, Max Hoffman was the son of a suc-
cessful bicycle manufacturer. Early in life, Hoffman had success racing
and selling motorcycles and automobiles. Hoffman fled Europe during
World War II, emigrating to America in mid-1941. He prospered in New
York City by selling metallic-coated plastic jewelry, a wartime invention
of necessity. After the war, he leaned on his automotive contacts
in Europe, and over time became the U.S. distributor for marques such
as Alfa Romeo, BMW, Fiat, Jaguar, Lancia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche
and Volkswagen.
Hoffman signed his deal with Porsche at the October 1950 Paris
Auto Show. He sold three Porsches in 1950, 32 in 1951, and 283 in 1952.
Porsche’s U.S. sales grew to over 2,000 cars annually by the decade’s
end, about half of Porsche’s production at the time. But despite his
sales and development talents, Hoffman was not an “agreeable” business
partner. He made most of his money by selling his distributorships
back to manufacturers, sometimes with royalties on future sales. He
was worth a reported $70 million when he died in 1981.
An Americanized Porsche
Hoffman believed in the marketing power of racing success, so he
approached Porsche with his idea for a stripped-down, lightweight
racing roadster. Ferry Porsche and his engineers translated that idea
into the 1952 “America Roadster.” Body maker Heuer built just 16 of the
aluminum-bodied roadsters on Porsche’s steel cabriolet chassis. The
cars were racing successes with stock 1,488-cc engines simply because
once denuded of their tops, windshields, bumpers and accessories, they
weighed as little as 1,365 pounds. At $4,600, they were expensive — yet
even so, the car was a money-loser for both Heuer and Porsche.
Hoffman persisted. At a meeting in New York in May 1952, he laid
out his ideas to Ferry Porsche and body engineer Erwin Komenda for a
steel-bodied sports roadster. Hoffman proposed a price under $3,000,
to be achieved by making almost any loose part a “mandatory option,”
including the tachometer, side curtains, top and spare tire. He promised
sales of 2,000 cars in the U.S. and placed an order for the initial
74 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 73
200 as a measure of good faith.
By June 1954, Porsche had hand-built a prototype,
serial number 12223/80001, followed by three more in
August, numbers 80002, 80003 and 80004. Soon the red
prototype #80002 was in Hoffman’s hands; he showed
it at the September 17–18 road races at Watkins Glen.
Hoffman even had an ad for it in the race program,
calling it a “roadster ... for competition and everyday
use.” The “Speedster” name appeared for the first time
in a Porsche press release the next week, attributed to
Hoffman and probably borrowed from pre-war models
from Packard, Auburn, Duesenberg and even Ford.
The first Speedsters
The first Speedsters were spartan, hand-made on
modified cabriolet substructures, with shell seats, side
curtains and lightweight shell
tops. The low top and
“chopped” windshield gave the car an arresting side
profile.
Road & Track published a positive road test in its
May 1955 issue, calling it “a most desirable machine”
and a good value at $2,995. The buying rush was on. In
September, Porsche introduced the revamped 356A with
new bodies, suspensions and 1,582-cc engines that offered
more horsepower and torque. Speedsters adopted
the new engines in October, with other enhancements
coming in January 1956.
The changeover to teardrop-shaped taillights, replac-
ing the beehive taillights, and a shine-up license plate
light, replacing the shine-down unit, was credited to
chassis #83201, built in March 1957. The T2 356A, with
cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, was introduced in
September 1957.
Porsche also built 151 Carrera Speedsters with 4-cam
racing engines, 15 as pre-As and 136 As. Most had the
1,498-cc, 110-horsepower Type 547/1 engines, followed
later by the uprated 1,587-cc Type 692 engines. The
1957–59 stripped “GT” Carrera Speedsters, especially
the aluminum-panel cars of 1958–59, were the ultimate
racing 356s. They sit at the top of the 356 food chain and
are hugely collectible now, commanding $2,000,000plus.
Decline and modern rebirth
Only five years after introduction, the Speedster was
outdated. Unlike some competitors, Speedsters were
good street cars only in dry, warm climates due to their
limited protection from the elements. Other cars such as
the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spyder had roll-up windows,
a taller top with better vision, better heat and morecomfortable
seats.
This problem, along with waning interest in amateur
weekend racing, limited demand. To compete, dealers
HIGH AUCTION SALES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS
$800,000
$653,361
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$0
$286,000
$220,000
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
$396,957
$418,102
1955 Porsche 356 Speedster
This sale:
$258,500
wanted a comparable Porsche model, which quickly
led to the 1959 Drauz-built 356 Convertible D and then
three years of similarly equipped Roadsters.
Although the Speedster died, interest rekindled a few
decades later. In the 1960s and 1970s, old Speedsters
sold for less than $2,000, as buyers preferred the
comfortable, weather-tight, padded-top cabriolets or
shell-top roadsters. That changed in the 1990s, and then
turned into a boom in the past decade. In 2015–17, excellent
pushrod-engine Speedsters were topping $500,000.
While the cars have softened in the past several years,
they are still extremely desirable.
Porsche built 4,145 Speedsters, of which 1,234 were
Pre-As. While the first 200 model-year 1954s have collector
appeal, all pre-As are for polite street driving.
Enthusiasts prefer the better-driving 356As. As usual,
the devil is in the details: originality (especially build
card matching-number engines), engine horsepower
(Normal or Super), paint color, options, who restored it,
and who rebuilt the engine and gearbox. This is a “specific
example” market, with prices varying by hundreds
of thousands of dollars.
Our auction example
On the positive side, this Speedster was a lifelong
California car, so perhaps it has been spared a visit
from the tin worm. The car had three owners, all known,
and came with paperwork. It had some restorable original
trim.
On the negative side, it had a 1964 356 SC engine,
an unknown gearbox, later 15-inch wheels (pre-As had
16s from the factory), a badly failing repaint, and what
looked like plastic filler puddled in a door jamb. The
interior had been redone in non-original materials and
colors. There were failing rubber seals, odd louvers had
been punched into the rear lid, and a roll bar was added.
A repro bag 1960–61 partial toolkit was included. The
car had been stored for over 20 years, so it needed a
thorough mechanical rebuild.
The final price of $258,500 after buyer’s premium
was, indeed, all the money. For an additional $75,000 or
more, this car could be a decent driver. For $250,000plus,
it could be beautifully restored. But when completed,
the buyer probably would be underwater, and
in a less-desirable Speedster. As is frequently preached
on these pages, buy an excellent example of a highly
desirable model, save years of work, angst and financial
bleeding, and enjoy your car from day one. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding &
Company.)
PRESCOTT KELLY, SCM’s expert on all things Porsche, started
writing for us in 2010.
DETAILS
Years built: 1954–55 “Pre-A” 356
Speedsters
Number built: 1,234 Pre-As
Current SCM Median Valuation:
$258,500
Chassis # location: Steel plate to left
of the gas tank; stamping on body
panel in trunk in front of the gas
tank, tag on driver’s side front
door jamb
Engine # location: On engine-case
boss under the fan, facing rear
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Tune-up cost: $750–$1,000 with new
wires and cap-and-valve adjustment
Clubs: Porsche 356 Registry, Porsche
Club of America
Web: www.porsche356registry.org;
www.pca.org
Alternatives: 1948–54 Jaguar XK
120, 1953–56 Austin-Healey 100,
1954–65 Alfa Romeo Giulietta
SCM Investment Grade: B
COMPS
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster
Lot 361, s/n 80524
Condition: 2Transmission:
4-speed manual
Sold at $405,691
RM Sotheby’s, Online Euro Sale,
6/3/2020
SCM# 6932915
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster
Lot 8074, s/n 81210
Condition: 3+
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Sold at $200,000
Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA,
8/15/2019
SCM# 6908604
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster
Lot 38, s/n 80990
Condition: 2Transmission:
4-speed manual
Sold at $396,957
Bonhams, Zoute, BEL, 10/5/2018
SCM# 6880086
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 75
AMERICAN PROFILE
DETAILS
Years produced: 1929–37
Number produced: 480
Current SCM Median Valuation:
$880,000
Tune-up cost: About $3,500
Chassis # location: Left frame rail
Engine # location: Bellhousing and
connecting rods
billed as “The World’s Finest Motorcar,” with advertisements
showing artful images of obviously patrician
men and women with the simple taglines, “He drives a
Duesenberg” and “She drives a Duesenberg.”
The Model J was powered by the race-developed
straight-8 that produced 265 horsepower, which was twice
the output of any other American offering. It was certainly
needed, as the massive cars, with their 142.5- or 153.5inch
wheelbases, weighed in at close to 5,000 pounds. A
centrifugal supercharger increased power to 320, but this
was an awkward arrangement, with the blower placed on a
stalk that rises out of the right side of the crankcase, where
at 4,000 rpm it delivered the air/fuel mixture at about 5 psi
to the intake manifold on the opposite side. A refined ramshorn
manifold for the supercharger was later developed
that produced as much as 400 horsepower.
The early supercharged SJs were identified by a one-
piece, eight-pipe steel external exhaust, but later models
utilized four flexible pipes. Duesenberg offered the flexible
pipes as an option for the early cars, and they were
often installed on non-supercharged Model Js. Of the
480 Duesenbergs produced, only about 36 were originally
supercharged SJs.
100-point perfection
The 1929 Duesenberg sold by RM Sotheby’s was one
of about 45 convertible sedans produced by the Walter
M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, CA, the most prolific
of the independent Duesenberg coachbuilders. This is a
beautifully proportioned car, with elegant and refined
lines. In 1967 it was acquired by Al San Clemente, a
prominent and robust New England collector, who
played full contact hockey well into his 70s. He spent
two decades restoring the car, originally a Model J, and
decided to modify it with a supercharger. Upon completion,
it received 100 points at a CCCA Grand Classic,
although that was many years ago, when standards were
quite a bit different than today.
Adding a supercharger is not a simple “plug-and-play”
procedure. The original aluminum top portion of the supercharger
was unstable, and it was not until the 1970s
that technology was developed to reliably seal the porous
metal. Longtime collector Leo Gephart produced many
of the unobtainable parts and San Clemente scrounged
the rest. The addition of a supercharger to a Model J
Duesenberg does not add to the value, although we cannot
find any evidence that it has an adverse effect, either.
On parade in PNW
San Clemente’s Duesenberg was sold to Pacific
Northwest collector Tom Crook and was frequently seen
in the area on CCCA CARavans and shows as it passed
through the hands of several of the region’s collectors. It
had more recently gone to Europe, where RM Sotheby’s
seller consigned the car. (Coincidentally, when the car is
repatriated, it will be returning to the Pacific Northwest
under its new ownership.)
While the American car market has been a bit soft of
late, that has not been the case with Duesenbergs. By the
time this car returns to Cascadia and is placed in good
running order, the new owner will have well over $800k
invested. That won’t allow much of a profit in the near
future if the new owner tires quickly of his prize, but it is
doubtful that a sale would result in any loss, either. Call
this deal fair to all and we’re sure the new owner will
enjoy driving “The World’s Finest Motorcar.” ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
CARL BOMSTEAD wrote his first story for SCM in February 1997,
and his words have appeared in each and every issue since then.
His “eWatch” column prompts some SCMers to read the magazine
back to front.
1930 Duesenberg Model J Berline
sedan
Lot 29, s/n 2370
Condition 3+
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Sold at $550,000
Worldwide, Scottsdale AZ, 1/15/2020
SCM# 6922093
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Club: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club
Web: www.acdclub.org
Alternatives: 1929–32 Duesenberg
Model J Murphy convertible sedan,
1929–32 Duesenberg Model J
Murphy convertible coupe,
1932 Duesenberg Model J Derham
convertible sedan
SCM Investment Grade: B
COMPS
1930 Duesenberg Model J convertible
sedan
Lot 379, s/n 2345
Condition: 2+
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $1,000,000
RM Sotheby’s, Guyton Collection, St.
Louis, MO, 5/4/2019
SCM# 6902330
1936 Duesenberg Model JN LWB
tourster
Lot 17, s/n 2590
Condition 3+
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Sold at: $605,000
Worldwide, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/16/2019
SCM# 6890942
In his rallying career, he had done well using the
English rally preparation company Prodrive, so he
approached it with the idea of building and supporting
a pair of 550s for his racing operation, Care Racing
Development. Prodrive proved receptive and the “550
GTO” program, as Prodrive called it, began. Actual
racing in the GT1 class began in spring 2001.
Not a factory Ferrari
The Ferrari factory had nothing to do with the project.
Prodrive started with two used donor cars and tore them
apart. As I said, extensive modifications were allowed,
and Prodrive did them all. Suspension was all-new and
widened the car to the maximum allowed. Using carbonfiber
bodywork, the aerodynamic shape and wing were
developed in a wind tunnel by F1 designer Peter Stevens.
They managed to knock 1,000 pounds off the car to get it
to the legal minimum of 2,425.
The engine retained its original block and heads, but
that was about it. It was moved several inches back in
the chassis, stretched out to a full 6 liters of displacement,
and developed a bit over 600 horsepower. The
Ferrari transaxle was replaced with a sequential Xtrac
version and the brakes were enlarged. The cars were
still Ferraris, but vastly removed from anything that had
left the factory.
Prodrive had done its job well, and by mid-summer
2001, the two cars were the ones to beat in the FIA GT
Championship. Our subject car was particularly successful,
running 49 races between 2001 and 2005 with
15 poles and 14 wins, plus a championship in 2004. The
success of the Prodrive 550 GTOs was contagious, and
several other teams approached Dor about buying the
cars. They were told that those cars weren’t for sale, but
Prodrive would happily build and support leased cars
for them to race. Thus, eight more cars were built and
raced up until 2005.
Watching their success, Ferrari itself decided to get
into the game with a factory racer version of the successor
575 model, called the 575 GTC. Raced in 2003
through 2005, it was generally not as quick or as dependable
as the Prodrive cars.
Apparently, Dor retained ownership of all 10 cars
(the auction catalog says 12 were commissioned, so
perhaps there were two more) during and after their careers,
selling off one in 2017, and now this one. I am not
aware of any other Prodrive 550 GTOs having changed
hands. After this project, Prodrive moved on to building
Aston Martins, which they still do, so these are the only
Prodrive Ferraris.
How do you value it?
This car sold for $4.29 million, a price RM Sotheby’s
claims is an online record. Regardless, it’s a lot for a
non-factory car, one that will never be a real GTO, or
DETAILS
Years produced: 2001–04
Number produced: 10
Current SCM Valuation: $4,290,000
(this car)
Chassis # location: Inner fender in
engine compartment
even a 275 GTB/C. It is an incredible racing car, but
it wasn’t built by the Ferrari factory, so how do we approach
what it should be worth?
There are a number of factors in play. First, it was
an extremely successful racing car, no matter if it was
built in Oxfordshire or Maranello. Second, it is coming
up on 20 years old, so it will qualify for a number of
the most prestigious European vintage racing series and
have a legitimate chance of winning. Third, it is a serious
racing Ferrari V12, with the delicious sounds and
exhilarating experience that implies. Fourth, there are
only 10 (maybe 12) of these cars and apparently only two
in the wild. More may come to light, but not for much
less than this one.
The other consideration here is what other options are
available. If you want a Ferrari V12 race car, the choices
are uniformly expensive. An excellent 275 GTB/C would
cost multiples of this car, as would any 250 SWB. Though
a non-factory comp Daytona stalled at $2 million in this
same auction, a factory comp Daytona would be more
than this Prodrive car. If you could find one, a 575 GTC
with history or non-Prodrive 550 racer would probably
be comfortably under $3 million, but they are nowhere
near as good a car, so you won’t win driving one.
When you consider that the changing buyer demo-
graphic clearly favors newer cars over older ones, that
this Prodrive 550 GTO’s value has increased substantially
over the past five years while the older cars have dropped,
and then add in the fact that it is an extremely competitive
car in today’s racing world… Well, this looks like a highly
rational purchase, both fairly bought and sold. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
THOR THORSON is president of Vintage Racing Motors, a Seattlearea
collector-car dealer and vintage-racing support operation. He
has been actively involved with racing for over 40 years, dealing
with racers from Ferraris to Sprites, but is mostly seen driving Elva
sports racers. He has been writing the race car profiles for SCM
since 2003.
Engine # location: Center of engine
block
Transmission: 6-speed sequential
Club: Ferrari Owners Club
Web: www.ferrariownersclub.org
Alternatives:
2002 Chrysler Viper GTS-R,
2000–03 Porsche 911 GT2,
2003 Saleen S7-R
SCM Investment Grade: A
COMPS
1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB berlinetta
Lot 337, s/n 3359GT
Condition: 2+
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Sold at $8,145,000
RM Sotheby’s, Monterey, CA, 9/15/19
SCM# 6908490
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Series II coupe
Lot 41, s/n 09063
Condition: 1Transmission:
5-speed manual
Not sold at $10,300,000
Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach,
CA, 8/24/18
SCM# 6877157
1971 Ferrari 512M Group 5 Prototype
racer
Lot 317, s/n 1024
Condition: 2
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $3,234,275
RM Auctions, Maranello, ITA, 5/18/08
SCM# 116735
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 81
Homologation and capitalization
Like any automaker, Lancia wasn’t in rally racing
for fun. Riffing on their successful rally cars increased
home-market Delta sales by 42% in the first year of its
championship. Lancia continued to capitalize on the
Delta’s success by releasing street versions of the Delta
HF 4WD and later Integrale models. These served two
purposes: FIA homologation to keep the car eligible for
competition through the required public sales, as well as
serving as the brand’s halo.
It didn’t hurt that the Delta HF line was also fantas-
tic to drive, in contrast to its Audi Sport Quattro rival,
which is said to be quite a handful. From the beginning
of the homologation models in 1987 to the end of the
line in 1994, Lancia sold 44,296 units of the Delta HF
Integrale, far in excess of the number required to qualify
for competition.
The theory of Evoluzione
The Delta’s storied rally career came to an end in
1992. Competition from Europe and Asia overtook the
older platform, and Lancia retired with its laurels after
the 1993 WRC season. The company had already released
the Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione I in late 1991
for the 1992 model year. This was the last model used to
homologate a rally car, and included a host of mundane
but collectively important engine, brake, suspension
and steering upgrades from the older Integrales.
The final and greatest iteration of the Delta platform
was released in 1993 and produced through the 1994
model year. The Evoluzione II featured a 2.0-liter
Fiat-derived engine making 215 horsepower and 232
foot-pounds of torque courtesy of an updated enginemanagement
system that also included advanced knock
control and a water-cooled turbocharger. The engine
was mounted transversely at the front of the car, with a
5-speed manual transmission and the same AWD system
Lancia had been using previously. The front differential
was open and the rear included a Torsen limited slip,
with the torque split of the center diff slightly biased to
the rear.
Visible updates included new Recaro sport seats, a
MOMO steering wheel and snappy red crinkle finish on
the engine’s cam covers. The Evo II, as it was shortly
called, would hit 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds on its
way to a governed top speed of 137 mph.
The price delta on the Delta
As a generation raised on hot hatches have made
them more popular in the collector world, the Lancia
Delta Evo and Evo II have seen a smart rise in prices,
with some interesting trends. Back in September 2017,
we covered a 1993 Evo II that sold for $52,797 (SCM#
HIGH AUCTION SALES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS
1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II
$140,000
$120,000
$80,000
$100,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
$75,730
$56,740
$76,637
$63,513
$78,985
This sale:
$137,500
DETAILS
Years produced: 1993–94 (Evo II)
Number produced: 2,481 (365 Bianco
Perlato Special Edition in 1994)
6836149), which was in line with comparable sales at
the time. Prices have taken a big jump since then, with
one particular street example hitting $170,000 later in
2017 (SCM# 6853713) and then fetching $162,000 in
2019 (SCM# 6909670). Actual Group A rally cars sell
for much higher prices.
That’s the high end. However, most Lancia Delta Evos
are still selling in the mid five figures. Earlier Integrales
tend to go for less yet, offering some affordable buying
opportunities on still-great sports cars.
This May, RM Sotheby’s Online Only: Driving Into
Summer auction saw a nice Evo II attract a high bid
of only $70,000, failing to sell at that price (SCM#
6933107). On the other hand, RM Sotheby’s June auction
in Europe had a stunning yellow Evo II that sold
for $101,111. (SCM# 6933696) Over on Bring a Trailer,
a 1994 Bianco Perlato (Lot 21580) sold for $101,101 in
August 2019. Those auctions establish a good baseline
for this sale.
Restored, with provenance
Conventional wisdom in modern collecting is that
“original” is greater than “restored.” However, many
Lancia Deltas have seen multiple owners who loved
them nearly to death. Unlike rare vehicles that were
clearly always going to pass from collector to collector,
it’s not uncommon to see some miles on a Delta, and
evidence of enthusiastic driving. Naturally we’re seeing
those cars undergo restoration before crossing the
block. This is one such example.
According to the auction listing, this Bianco Perlato
special edition received a full restoration courtesy of
former rally champion Massimo “Miki” Biasion, who
won his pair of driver’s championships behind the wheel
of a Works Delta. Biasion’s personal grille badge still
adorns the front end. The car is presented in as-new
condition, with the odometer reset and showing 237 km.
The auction listing doesn’t mention the actual mileage
on the chassis, though it might be discernable to the new
owner from the restoration photos included with the
sale.
Famous prior ownership does confer some value, and
if you wanted a fresh Evo II to drive, this one was a great
choice. Further, restoration doesn’t seem to knock the
value of these cars at all. RM Sotheby’s failed sale in
May was an original car, while the successful European
sale in June was a restoration. For the Lancia Delta HF
Integrale Evoluzione II, at least right now, originality
isn’t nearly as important as getting your hands on the
best car that can be had. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
JEFF ZURSCHMEIDE is an accomplished writer who has authored
seven automotive books. He began writing for SCM in 2013.
Original list price: $42,981
Current SCM Valuation: $72,000
Tune-up cost: $300
Chassis # location: Right-hand-side
radiator core support
Engine # location: Stamped on block
behind oil filter
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Club: American Lancia Club
Web: www.americanlanciaclub.com
Alternatives:
1993–2000 Subaru WRX STi,
1992–2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution,
1980–86 Renault 5 Turbo
SCM Investment Grade: B
COMPS
1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II
hatchback
Lot 323, s/n ZLA831AB000583983
Condition: N/A
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $101,111
RM Sotheby’s Online Only: The
European Sale, 6/3/2020
SCM# 6933696
1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II
hatchback
Lot 140, s/n ZLA831AB000582135
Condition: N/A
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $71,913
Artcurial Rétromobile, Paris, FRA,
2/7/2020
SCM# 6929086
1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale
Evoluzione hatchback
Lot 222, s/n ZLA831AB000576058
Condition: N/A
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Sold at $107,520
RM Sotheby’s, Phoenix, AZ, 1/16/2020
SCM# 6928574
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 83
Page 82
NEXT GEN MARKET MOMENT
2000 Mercedes-Benz E320 Pickup
If seeing this custom W210 has caused you to realize that the oddball of your
dreams is a German El Camino, do not be alarmed, as there are more out there
Mike Maez, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company
Sold at $47,300
Gooding & Company Geared Online
August 3–7, 2020, Lot 54
Chassis number: WDBJH65J1YB094941
SCM Condition for this car: 2
T
his one-off Mercedes-Benz E320 pickup, commissioned
by a Mercedes dealer and built by historically
important Mercedes coachbuilding affiliate
Binz, was sold through Gooding & Company’s
Geared Online auction platform for $47,300. This just
eight months after earning $30,800 at Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale.
If you feel you missed out on the chance to own this
car/truck before the big run-up in Stuttgart Ranchero
prices, know that there are other Mercedes-Benz pickups
out there. While it might seem like a strange con-
cept, Mercedes pickups were part of the developing world immediately after World
War II. In Argentina and South Africa, pickup variants of the W136 (170D, 1948–55),
W120 (180 and 180D, 1955–63) and the W115 (220D, 1968–76) were sold in respectable
quantities. A Google search for “Mercedes 220D pickups” will leave you utterly
fascinated.
Equally intriguing are the “universals,” wagons built on the ponton and fintail
platforms by carrosseries IMC and Binz. Of course, we can’t forget the 1970s and
80s, when British firm Crayford built station wagons on the W116 and W126 S-class
platforms.
While all of these cars are rare in the U.S., if this bizarre but noteworthy E320
piqued your interest in a trucklet that will leave everyone at your local Cars & Coffee
utterly confused, there are plenty of even weirder and more desirable variants that
could benefit from new homes. The good news is that most of them are less expensive
than our slightly well-sold subject car, though restoration costs will vary.
It’s hard to say whether this will prove to be a smart buy. The person who commis-
sioned this unusual vehicle certainly did not come out on top, although the Gooding
seller has to be thrilled. This sale proves that, even in our shaky COVID-19 market,
something that is totally weird, different and unrepeatable can find an enthusiastic
home. — Pierre Hedary ♦
84 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 84
NEXT GEN RISING SUN BRIAN BAKER
Recent Sales of Significant Japanese Cars that
are Market Leaders — or Future Collectibles
1972 Nissan Skyline 2000GT
#35576. S/N KGC10046000. 94k kilometers (56k miles). “2.8-liter
L28 inline 6, 5-speed manual transmission, triple Mikuni carburetors,
Rocket Bunny fender flares, front and fear spoilers, coil-over suspension.
15-inch SSR Longchamp wheels, color change to silver, racing
bucket seat, Nardi steering wheel, HID headlights, imported to Canada
in 2014.” Condition: 2. SOLD AT $62,475. Bring a Trailer, 8/26/2020.
Brian’s take: Some might be turned off by the modifications to
this classic third-generation Skyline, but to me, this is the ultimate
Japanese-style Skyline I have seen make it to an American auction. The
parts here aren’t just picked at random and tossed onto the car. Many
are period-correct to the ’80s, when Skylines were modified to look
just like this, including the GT-R-style rear wing, the front chin-supo
(chin spoiler), Sabelt seat belts, Nardi steering wheel, triple Mikuni
side-draft carburetors, and finished off with the Speed Star Racing
Longchamp XR-4 wheels. Think of this as your classic muscle car with
Cragars and a Holly double pumper. The newer and also well-chosen
1990 Nissan 240SX
# 35445. S/N JN1HS36P5LW139418. 40,000 miles shown. “2.4-liter
KA24E inline 4, 5-speed manual transmission, Cherry Red Pearl (AH3)
over gray cloth, air conditioning, pop-up sunroof, 15-inch wheels,
style parts include the Recaro seats and the Rocket Bunny fender flares.
Overall, this car was well put together by an enthusiast with an attention
to detail. The real shocking part is the deal the buyer got on a C10
Skyline in this shape. You wouldn’t be able to find one in Japan for this
price. Well bought.
cassette stereo.” Condition: 2. SOLD AT $34,388. Bring a Trailer,
8/24/2020.
Brian’s take: We have been following the 240SX for some time in
the “Rising Sun” column. In the March 2017 issue, I talked about a
240SX that sold for $5,666 and said it was well bought. In the August
2018 issue, there was a 240SX that sold for $13,750. I think we have
finally seen the 240SX reach maturity in the market. The biggest factor
that will drive the price for these perfect examples will be the drift
community. These are a staple car for drifting, and with drifting come
accidents. I can predict in the future that a somewhat-straight 240SX
frame will be worth $7k. As the bidder said in the comments section
on Bring a Trailer, “This was the first car I ever owned. Same color,
model, trim, etc. Met my wife in this car and my brother crashed it. This
will not be a drifter. Been searching 3 years for it.” This won’t be the
last time we hear a story like this for future Japanese collector cars.
Well sold.
1981 Honda Accord Special Edition
# 35352. S/N JHMSM3451BC024988. 46,000 miles. “1.8-liter in-
line 4, 3-speed automatic transmission, Glacier Gray Metallic, gray
Connolly leather, aftermarket Alpine stereo, luggage rack.” Condition:
1. SOLD AT $22,050. Bring a Trailer, 8/20/2020.
Brian’s take: This Accord sale has me a little confused. In the
Japanese classic-car scene, this car has virtually no following. It precedes
Honda becoming a popular platform for modifying, from that
weird period of Japanese cars before they switched to EFI, and there
are no aftermarket parts companies building parts for them. The saving
grace of this car is that it is a limited-run model “Special Edition,”
and it looks brand new. If it were in a different trim and in a more used
shape, it wouldn’t be worth more than $2,000. Some commenters think
the buyer is “ahead of the collector market” on this one, but I think this
is more buyers not knowing the difference between a cool and collectible
Japanese classic and a car that is just old. Well sold. ♦
86 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 91
AUCTIONS IN THIS ISSUE
$31.3m RM Sotheby’s, Online p. 134
$14.4m Gooding & Company, Online p. 110
$12.6m Bonhams, Los Angeles, CA p. 120
$8.2m Artcurial, Monte Carlo, MCO p. 98
$801k VanDerBrink, Granger, IA p. 146
Bring a Trailer p. 158
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose, sold for $3,080,000,
at Gooding & Company’s Geared Online auction.
Mike Maez, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020
CTIONS IN THIS ISSUE
$31.3m RM Sotheby’s, Online p. 134
$14.4m Gooding & Company, Online p. 110
$12.6m Bonhams, Los Angeles, CA p. 120
$8.2m Artcurial, Monte Carlo, MCO p. 98
$801k VanDerBrink, Granger, IA p. 146
Bring a Trailer p. 158
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose, sold for $3,080,000,
at Gooding & Company’s Geared Online auction.
Mike Maez, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020
93
93
Page 92
MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW
It’s Monterey-ish Time
Six in-person Car Week auctions became three online-only events in 2020, but
big cars and big sale prices persisted
by Chad Taylor
Top 10 Sales
THIS ISSUE
(Public auctions only)
T
1. 2001 Ferrari 550 GT1 coupe,
$4,290,000—RM Sotheby’s, p.140
2. 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB long-nose
coupe, $3,080,000—Gooding &
Co., p. 116
3. 2003 Ferrari Enzo coupe,
$2,354,000—Gooding & Co.,
p. 118
4. 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder,
$2,232,500—Bonhams, p. 126
5. 1995 Ferrari F50 coupe,
$2,134,000—Gooding & Co.,
p. 118
6. 1992 Ferrari F40 coupe,
$1,628,000—Gooding & Co.,
p. 116
7. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Gullwing, $1,620,329—Artcurial,
p. 104
8. 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso
coupe, $1,496,000—RM Sotheby’s,
p. 140
9. 1991 Ferrari F40 coupe,
$1,386,000—RM Sotheby’s, p. 140
10. 1990 Ferrari F40 coupe,
$1,098,025—Artcurial, p. 108
BEST BUYS
his was supposed to be the year that answered
all of our questions coming out of a somewhat
disappointing 2019 Monterey. It started relatively
normal. The spectacle known as Arizona
Auction Week came and went as planned. Amelia Island
festivities took place too, just before much of the world
closed up. But as we know all too well, the Pebble Beach
Concours d’Elegance and the plethora of other shows,
events and auctions that come with it were not as lucky.
Every year in the November issue, we fill you in on
all things Pebble Beach — and 2020 is no different.
Well, maybe just a little. Instead of Market Reports
featuring only cars from Monterey, we have added
some spectacular cars from Artcurial’s auction held in
Monaco, where a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing received
top-sale honors. Followed by a Ferrari F40 — a favorite
of collectors — and a Bugatti Type 57 cabriolet bodied
by Vanvooren, the sale had plenty of eye candy.
And Senior Auction Analyst B. Mitchell Carlson
continues his streak of being one of only a few reporters
to have “boots on the ground” at live auctions. This
time, he covers the sale of the Don Beneventi Chevrolet
Collection by VanDerBrink, where a low-mileage, special-order
’72 Monte Carlo sold for a staggering $110k.
That’s not something that happens every day.
While none of the six auction houses that held
Monterey sales last year were able to return with traditional
in-person events in 2020, Gooding, Bonhams
and RM Sotheby’s held online auctions instead. The
sales finished with totals of $14.4m, $12.6m and $30.8m,
respectively.
That makes a total of $58,170,162, a far cry from last
year’s $254m or the $463.5m in 2014, the largest total
ever seen at Monterey Car Week. In fact, not since 2004,
when the final Monterey take sat at $48m, has it been
this low. That $48m was the combined total for six auction
houses, not three.
Measuring the 2020 Monterey-adjacent auctions to
those of past years on the Peninsula is not a fair comparison.
Not only were there fewer sales, the dockets at each
event were also smaller. There really is no replacement
for jumping into a car and traveling the packed roads of
Monterey, Pebble Beach, Carmel and Pacific Grove all
day to gaze at the best cars in the world.
If the 2020 Monterey-ish auctions tell us anything, it
is that substantial sales totals can be achieved at online-
1990 Ferrari F40 coupe, sold by Artcurial for $1,098,025
only auctions. Look at how much these have grown in
size, scale and quality in just the past six months. It may
have happened out of necessity, but the growth will continue
well after “normal” returns. Fingers crossed that
will be in 2021. ♦
Sales Totals of Auctions in This Issue
Artcurial
Monte Carlo, MCO
July 21, 2020
Bonhams
Los Angeles, CA
August 14, 2020
August 3–7, 2020
Gooding & Co.
Online Only
August 14–18, 2020
July 25, 2020
VanDerBrink
Granger, IA
$0
$800k
$5m
RM Sotheby’s
Online Only
$8m
$13m
$14m
$31m
$10m
$15m
$20m
$25m
$30m
$35m
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
1985 Renault 5 Turbo 2 hatchback,
$72,292—Artcurial, p. 102
94 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
coupe, $434,000—Bonhams,
p. 128
1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS coupe,
$225,500—RM Sotheby’s, p. 138
1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16
Evolution II sedan, $258,500—
Gooding & Co., p. 114
1989 Honda Prelude Si coupe,
$17,588—Bring a Trailer, p. 162
Page 94
MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW
Buy/Sell/Hold
Invest in a 300SL Roadster, cash in on Bronco mania, and keep driving your RX-7
to Cars & Coffee (but please wear a mask)
by B. Mitchell Carlson
BUY: 1957–62 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Over the past several years, the post-Gullwing
300SL roadsters have begun dropping out of the OneMillion-Dollar
Car Club. They are now trending just
below seven digits. While not as iconic as a Gullwing,
the “Roadsters” (as they’re known, although “cabriolet”
more accurately describes the configuration) are still
poised to outlast any flavor-of-the-month market swing.
Granted, it may take a while.
But by that token, for years the far-less-plentiful
contemporary BMW 507 was considered — and priced
— as something of an interesting antecedent of the
1950s. Now they are considered a 1950s icon, and pricing
has moved from $100,000–$300,000 to $1m–$3m
today.
By the end of this decade, the ragtop 300SL should
regain its glory for more-mature and less-reactionary
collectors. As such, stay away from color changes
and sketchy refurbished cars, sticking to stock and as
original as you can find and afford, without any “barn
find” nonsense.
HOLD: 1978–80 Mazda RX-7
One would think that the first-gen
RX-7 would be a car to sell, given the
newer generations of buyers in the
market. But those buyers are keener on
the later RX-7. The original is more a
child of the 1970s, introduced for 1978
with the SA VIN code, becoming the
SB with a mild update in 1981 and then
built until 1985. Part of the appeal of
the original RX-7 was its relatively low
cost, so while there are a lot of folks who
grew up with these or owned one when new, there are still enough out
there to meet demand.
Yet the same thing was said of the original Datsun 240/260/280Z
cars. Despite some ups and downs in values, today those are doing
really well. Both the Z and RX-7 started with introductory models that
became ignored as fast as newer variants were introduced. Yet in the
96 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
SELL: Any Ford Bronco that has actually been built
You must admit, Ford has created quite the buzz over the soon-to-be new Bronco.
Problem is, it’s not here yet. And it won’t be for another year. At least. And the real
Bronco (not to be confused with the warmed-over Escape turned Bronco Sport)
won’t be here for another year. At least.
So all things Bronco are selling well. In the case of the first-gen, it’s more like
that Energizer Bunny still going on and on and on. With all the others based on the
F-series pickup, they are picking up more steam in the market, and the Bronco Buzz
is ensuring they are selling strong. So regardless of the platform you market it on, if
you’ve been on the fence for selling one, move it out now.
When new Broncos start trickling into production — with far more capability,
creature comforts and a factory warranty — I suspect a lot of folks who bought
either a 1966 or a 1986 to be part of the Cool Kids Club will dump it for a new one
“because my wife won’t let me put the kids in the old one, as it doesn’t have airbags
and lane-departure warning.” With a car guy now in the front seat at Ford (instead
of an industrial furniture salesman), we might even get the new Bronco on time and
done right, so work on selling your old one now.
case of the 240Z, it’s now desirable as
the genesis of all Zs. This should also
happen with the SA-series RX-7 in the
future, although perhaps to a lesser extent.
Increasing interest in JDM cars is
also helping to drive Z-car prices, while
the RX-7 was marketed more similarly
in both the U.S. and its native Japan,
with fewer unique JDM variants.
If you own an early SA with reason-
able miles that has been well cared
for, wait out the current lackadaisical
market for selling them, as the bulk of the buyers now prefer the SBs
with their 5-speed transmissions and better appointments. As those of
us who came of age with the original RX-7 reach the years of empty
nests, retirement and greater disposable income, SAs should start
moving up in value. That said, should someone offer Stupid Money for
yours (north of $20k), by all means turn it loose. ♦
Page 96
ARTCURIAL MONTE CARLO, MCO
Monaco 2020
Once red, now Graphite, a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing leads all sales
at $1.6m
Company
Artcurial
Date
July 21, 2020
Location
Monte Carlo, MCO
Auctioneers
Matthieu Lamoure
Automotive lots sold/offered
47/89
Sales rate
53%
Sales total
$8,209,780
High sale
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Gullwing, sold at $1,620,329
Buyer’s premium
16% up to $1,029,780,
12% thereafter, included
in sold prices
Top seller: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, sold at $1.6m
Report by Paul Hardiman; photos by Loïc Kernen
Market opinions in italics
A
rtcurial boldly staged an almost-live sale
in Monaco, with viewing at the Top Cars
Collection in the Fontvieille Terraces, sometimes
still known as the Rainier Collection, as
the late prince was a keen collector of both significant
cars and military vehicles. Bidding was held on camera
at the Hermitage in the middle of town.
Usually, the tiny principality, perched on the Côte
d’Azur between France and Italy, hosts sales by the three
major players in Europe during the biennial Monaco
Historics racing week in May. When that was canceled,
Artcurial jumped in to fill the slot with a mixed catalog
offering everything from an Autobianchi Giardiniera to
a Pagani supercar.
All eyes were on the Miura, a very original-looking
P400 that stalled at €760k ($870k) against an estimate
of €875k–€1.05m ($1m–$1.2m), as did the 2019 Pagani
Huayra at €2.1m ($2.4m), €400k ($458k) short of its
lower estimate. But the “Arctic Circle” Ferrari F40
looked right at $1.1m. Lamoure got both 300SLs away for the right money — the wellspecced
but color-changed Gullwing bought new by the originators of the Gaylord car
for $1,620,329 and an older-restored Roadster for $982,084. An exquisite DeTomaso
Vallelunga that Artcurial had previously sold as a project came back restored and with
Lotus Twin-Cam power, selling this time for $368,282. A €41,720 ($47,740) Citroën
SM was notable not so much for single ownership but for its rare Michelin RR resin
wheels, a rarely encountered period option.
Continuing on the homegrown front, a 1993 Venturi 260 Atlantique sold for Porsche
911 money, $65,472, while an Alpine A110SX fetched $92,752. The price disparity
between the Renault 5 Turbo ($114,576) and the rare Turbo 2 “8221” ($72,292) was
down to the difference in conditions. A restored Citroën Méhari ($23,870) sold for less
than a no-reserve Mini Moke at $27,280.
Much of the rest of the catalog was made up of modern Ferraris and Porsches, and
most of those failed to find new owners — as did the 911 RS 2.7 Touring “1157,” the
Ferrari 330 GTC and the Ellena and Pinin Farina 250 GT coupes. Artcurial did sell the
“celebrity” 1962 Bentley S3 Continental convertible, bought new by Eddie Fisher late
in his relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, when he overlapped in Taylor’s attentions
with Richard Burton. It might perhaps really have been purchased as a consolation
present. Read the profile on page 70. ♦
98 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 98
ARTCURIAL MONTE CARLO, MCO
ENGLISH
#611-1962 LAND ROVER 109 pickup.
S/N 27901964B. Blue/buff canvas/black vinyl.
RHD. Odo: 471 km. 2,286-cc fuel-injected I4,
4-sp. Recent full restoration, with new paint,
new tilt, new exhaust and new tires. Very
sharp chassis. Indicator side repeaters. Rear
seats, and checker plate in rear floor. Unusually
straight and uncannily leak-free. Seat vinyl
slightly baggy on driver’s side. Cond: 2+.
vinyl/green vinyl. Odo: 12,444 km. 848-cc I4,
1-bbl, 4-sp. lead Restored/repainted in original
color; has been yellow. Still with full weather
equipment, seats now slightly worn at edges:
vinyl may once have been black. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $27,280. Always in France. Offered
at no reserve and sold for strong money, but
Minis of any denomination always do well in
France and Monaco.
#695-1975 LAND ROVER RANGE
ROVER wagon. S/N 35829558D. Green/tan
vinyl. Odo: 21,555 km. 3528-cc V8, 2x1-bbl,
4-sp. Restored (by a Porsche specialist) at a
stated cost of €55k ($63k). Very straight and
shiny, although rivets in door shuts have been
painted over, and new carpets look a bit too
chunky. Instrument pod looks undamaged.
Extra locking box between front seats. Original
tools and jack still correctly stowed in
right rear wing, plus repair manual. Now with
a/c. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $43,648. Intended for Swiss market,
to Italy in 1988. Offered at no reserve,
sold high. Evidently they’re worth more in
Monaco than they are at home.
#668-1968 MORRIS MINI MOKE Mk2
utility. S/N MABIL1173076A. White/green
SOLD AT $68,200. Sold new in France.
Tricky one: Looks quite well sold (given that
it’s not a very early Suffix A example) but
when you factor in the resto cost, the vendor is
quite likely behind. Therefore it qualifies as an
astute buy.
SOLD AT $572,882. Lately in the Volante
Collection and will need “recommissioning.”
Offered at no reserve and sold 20% under
lower estimate. It’s an important car, but
you’ve got to work hard to appreciate its convoluted
history.
#617-1966 PEUGEOT 404 Super Luxe
cabriolet. S/N 4599478. Blue/black
cloth/black leather & vinyl. Odo: 32,278
miles. 1,618-cc fuel-injected I4, auto. Restored/repainted
at cost of €28k ($32k), still
very good. Nice paint and brightwork. All the
wheel trim pieces appear straight, although
one taillight lens is slightly damaged. Leather
has lots of patina—a little cracked and baggy.
Rear is vinyl. Dash top okay (although with a
few nicks out of crash roll), newish top. Clock
replaced by non-functioning tachometer.
Cond: 2+.
FRENCH
#619-1939 BUGATTI TYPE 57 cabrio-
let. S/N 57780. Blue & black/black cloth/blue
leather. RHD. Odo: 16,754 km. 3257-cc I8,
1-bbl, 4-sp. Coachwork by Vanvooren. One of
the last five Bugatti Type 57s built, and one of
the “Bordeaux Orphans”—chassis without
coachwork completed in the late summer of
1939 at Molsheim and transferred to Bordeaux
in a factory relocation (Molsheim, also producing
aircraft parts, was right on the German
border) and not supplied to customers. Then,
probably in 1941, fitted with a body from another
57. Subsequently modified but more
recently (from 2014) restored back to original
configuration, with replica blue/black-patterned
leather, still all practically in as-new
condition apart from slightly used-looking
engine bay. French registered. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $43,648. In the Alpes-Maritimes
(north of Monaco) until 2013. Sold at lower
end of the estimate range, and quite the bargain
for an elegant coachbuilt convertible.
#615-1972 CITROËN SM coupe. S/N
00SB5496. Blue/orange velour. Odo: 99,324
100 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 100
ARTCURIAL MONTE CARLO, MCO
km. 2670-cc V6, 3x2-bbl, 5-sp. Carb firstseries
“Sa Majesté.” Very original, older repaint
over mildly rippled body, hood sits low
on right side, a few marks on stainless bumpers
though rubber is mostly okay... but only
one owner, who presumably has loved it. And
it has the super-rare resin wheels, rarely encountered
but sadly looking as if they’ve had a
bit of a rattle-can resto. Seat velour quite
baggy but not unduly worn through. No tech
inspection, but no ominous pools of fluid underneath
either, and it sits level... St. Christopher
medallion on center console may be
earning its keep here. Cond: 3+.
#644-1978 ALPINE A110 1600SX coupe.
S/N 30268. Blue/black vinyl & velour. Odo:
8,999 km. 1647-cc I4, 2x2-bbl, 5-sp. SX is late,
most luxurious version with stock R16 motor,
overlapping with A310 replacement, hence
sharing the same wheels. Older restoration,
now with twin Weber 45s instead of single
twin-choke, and with roll bar and harnesses.
Autobleu exhaust. Okay interior, except paint
wearing off instrument bezels. Cond: 2-.
Plumbed-in fire extinguisher a wise precaution.
No spare wheel. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $114,576. Was in England before
restoration. Turbo 1s tend to fetch more than
Turbo 2s (unless we’re talking about the rare
“8221” homologation model—but not always).
Healthy price paid here.
SOLD AT $92,752. Supplied new to Germany.
Sold mid-estimate.
SOLD AT $47,740. Catalog pics by the harbor
in Monaco put me in mind of the Burt
Reynolds movie “The Longest Yard”... Offered
at no reserve, hammered just below lower estimate.
Fair, if only for those wheels.
#646-1980 RENAULT 5 Turbo coupe. S/N
VF1822000B0000268. Red/red & blue leather
& vinyl. 1,397-cc turbocharged I4, 5-sp. Previously
in a different color, restored to original in
2016, including new interior in original mad
technicolor. Original two-spoke steering wheel.
“0043” plaque on dash. Wheels refurbed.
#680-1983 CITROËN MÉHARI utility.
S/N 8CA82466. White & blue/blue vinyl/
white & blue vinyl. Odo: 66,701 miles. 602cc
2-cylinder, 1-bbl, 4-sp. Plastic-bodied
“jeep” based on Dyane chassis. Publisher
Martin had one. Tidy, restored in bright colors
suggesting a Méhari Club Cassis job. Monaco
title. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $23,870. Offered at no reserve and
sold where Artcurial expected for decent Mini
Moke money.
BEST
BUY
#648-1985 RENAULT 5 Turbo 2
coupe. S/N VF1822100F0010045.
Bronze/beige velour. Odo: 62,567
miles. 1,432-cc turbocharged I4, 5-sp. Turbo
2, meaning standard interior instead of wild
technicolor of Turbo 1. Paint is original and
rough in places; front-end panel and bumper
fit all over the shop (they’re never very good),
driver’s door lock has been forced and the
tires are shot. Rear carpets are grubby, and
finding a sunroof in one of these is odd. But
it’s the rare “8221”... and engine was rebuilt
1,000 km ago. Cond: 3.
102 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 102
ARTCURIAL MONTE CARLO, MCO
SOLD AT $72,292. The 8221 is the holy grail,
as it’s a 200-off homologation special built to
qualify the Maxi model for Group 4 rallying,
and I would have expected it to fetch nearer to
or more than the price of the Turbo 1, even in
this condition. As long as it’s not a complete
dog, quite well bought.
#656-1993 VENTURI 260 Atlantique
coupe. S/N VK8CUP51193CE0089.
Blue/gray leather. Odo: 82,777 miles. 2849-cc
turbocharged V6, 5-sp. An improved Renault
GTA, or a French Lotus Elite, if you will, and
very accomplished to drive. The 260 is the
lightened, stripped-out version; only 25 built,
all blue, and this wears a dash plate “Execution
no. 25.” Good order, with nice paint
(looks too good to be original), good leather
(possibly redone), unmarked dash carbon and
engine and box rebuilt recently. With a/c, LM
version OZ alloys and short-ratio gearbox.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $1,620,329. Owned new by the
originators of Gaylord Cars in the U.S., no
doubt looking for inspiration; came back to
Europe in 2004. A really lovely old thing with
lots of character. Better than a new restoration
looking like a boiled sweet, and sold well for
the right money.
#694-1956 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL
convertible. S/N 1210426500649.
Black/black cloth/red leather. Odo: 97,781
miles. 1,897-cc I4, 2x2-bbl, 4-sp. Older restoration
(in Holland), with luggage rack (charmingly
pictured carrying water skis in the
catalog). Excellent paint, instruments and
chrome, although original door handles and
mirrors are slightly tarnished. Leather now
slightly baggy and creased, dash roll wrinkled.
Becker Europa. Still on Solexes. No hard top
(121.042 is soft-top-only version, although
many now have both). Dutch title. Cond: 2+.
#631-1968 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
convertible. S/N 11304410004262.
White/blue cloth/dark blue leather. Odo: 1,436
km. 2,778-cc fuel-injected I6, 4-sp. Looks just
out of restoration, though actually completed
in 2018 (rear springs haven’t even settled). In
original color. Full of shiny, brand-new parts,
with motor in replicated factory finishes.
Dead-straight body, good gaps, swages line up
and headlight “nicks” are nicely discreet—
they vary, as they’re cut in freehand. Rubber
sill drains present. New carpets; pedal rubbers
aren’t worn. Leather from new, now redone by
Ferraresi. Dash-top timber perfect. With
Becker Europa and hard top. Euro lights, Italian
title. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $65,472. This sold for decent 911
3.2 Carrera money. They’re usually cheaper
than this... but a helluva lot less than a 964RS,
which would have to be well driven to stay
ahead of it. Unlikely to lose money: the thinking
man’s choice.
GERMAN
TOP 10
#7
#663-1955 MERCEDES-BENZ
300SL Gullwing. S/N
1980405500448. Graphite/black
leather. Odo: 37,928 miles. 2,996-cc fuel-injected
I6, 4-sp. Very good freshened-up original
condition, changed from original red about
15 years ago. Would have been nice if someone
had sandblasted the wheels before painting
them. Original leather, instruments very
original too. Rudge wheels and NSL engine
from new, motor not over-bulled. Original
tools and now with fitted luggage. Still with
undertrays, although not fitted. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $197,781. Huge price for something
that costs a bomb to restore but really
isn’t very good to drive. Oh well, big sister
300 is much more money (see Lots 633 and
663).
#633-1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL
Roadster. S/N 1980427500518. Silver/red
leather. Odo: 102,200 km. 2996-cc fuel-injected
I6, 4-sp. Restored around 10 years ago,
completed 2017, although paint is older.
Leather older/original, well preserved. Now
with fitted luggage. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $170,501. Top money for as near
perfect a “Pagoda” as you’ll find, and manual
gearbox is rare (though not massively soughtafter
on the 280, as the standard 4-speed auto
does a good job and suits the W113). Would it
retail for a bit more in silver?
#697-1975 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2
Kombi Samba 23-window microbus. S/N
BH366940. Red & white/white & beige vinyl.
Odo: 1,163 miles. 1,493-cc H4, 1-bbl, 4-sp.
Brazil-built Samba, with sunroof. Restored and
retroed. Now with seat belts all round, 1,500
motor, USB plugs, etc. “50” logos of French
importer on seats; rears still polythene-covered.
Mileage is since completion. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $982,084. Sold new in France. In
the La Réole museum near Bordeaux from
1991, following death of the first owner, until
July 2003, when the second owner bought it.
Artcurial needed to get the two SLs away and
this hammered just under the lower estimate—
but sold right, according to the applause in the
room.
SOLD AT $88,660. From the seat logos, I’m
guessing it was used as a promotional vehicle.
Sold for as much as a ’60s German-built original.
ITALIAN
#618-1957 LANCIA AURELIA B20S
Series 6 coupe. S/N B20S1676. Pale
blue/black leather & gray wool. Odo: 83 km.
104 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 104
2,451-cc V6, 2-bbl, 4-sp. Left-hand drive with
floor shift. Recently restored. English title.
Cond: 2+.
#640-1967 LAMBORGHINI MIURA
P400 coupe. S/N 3036. Orange/black vinyl.
Odo: 31,000 miles. 3929-cc V12, 6x2-bbl,
5-sp. Very unmolested low-mileage car restored/repainted
to original spec and still with
original interior. English registered. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $133,673. LHD is quite rare in one
of these. Sold new in the U.S. Last in SCM
Platinum Auction Database when it sold to a
European collector for $62k as a solid barnfind
at Bonhams Philadelphia in October
2014, painted white (SCM# 6711790). Difference
in price cannot have covered the restoration,
so by that chalk, the buyer has a bit of a
deal even at what looks like top market money.
However, it hammered at lower estimate, suggesting
Artcurial had been hoping for more.
#678-1966 DETOMASO VALLE-
LUNGA coupe. S/N VL1612. Blue/black vinyl.
Odo: 7,840 km. 1558-cc I4, 2x2-bbl, 5-sp.
Exquisite and rare (53 made, including aluminium
prototype) baby supercar using Formula
car-inspired spine chassis and Ford
power. VL chassis is thought to be the competition
version, so a Twin Cam was added during
the resto, but original pushrod Kent
(Cortina) engine comes with it. Fresh, clean
and new. English title. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $869,668. Italian-market car,
in the U.S. until 1979, then back to Europe.
Not sold against an €875,000–€1.05m ($1m–
$1.2m) estimate.
#622-1972 ALFA ROMEO MONTREAL
coupe. S/N AR1425375. Arancio Pastello/
black velour. Odo: 10,044 km. 2,593-cc fuelinjected
V8, 5-sp. Clean, straight and tidy.
Refurbed/repainted 10 years ago by Franco
Kappa to the tune of €40k—although even
then that wouldn’t have got you a full resto.
No ripples or rust in body sides, door gaps
good, though sit a little proud. Appears to have
all its front-end brightwork (bits often get broken
off). Seat velour only a little worn. Modern
stereo. Leak-free motor with factory
finishes. Stands a bit tippy-toe, but a lot of
them do that, sir. Monaco registered. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $368,282. Sold new in France, then
moved to the Alsace area in 1971. Owner died
while old paint was being rubbed off—was
white then, with blue underneath. Bought like
that as a project from Artcurial Paris (but with
a different chassis number) in 2015 for
€226,480 ($255,197): real chassis number
was discovered when body was off. Artcurial
also sold the right-hand-drive Twin Cam VLD
1611 at Rétromobile in 2018 for €292,040
($360,172). Therefore, price paid here looks
slightly high, but it is a super example and
these just don’t come on to the market often.
Well sold. (See profile, p. 72.)
SOLD AT $84,568. Bought from an Artcurial
sale in 2013 post-resto with 9,800 km for
$95k—twice what was expected. Here sold at
the upper end of the estimate range. It’s the
best color and restored by the best in the Montreal
business, so as such still represents pretty
much the top of the market.
#624-1987 FERRARI TESTAROSSA
coupe. S/N 66275. Red/crema leather. RHD.
Odo: 57,433 km. 4,943-cc fuel-injected H12,
5-sp. Looks a bit weird, don’t it? That’s because
the mirrors are high. It was a Monospeccio,
but first owner asked for addition of a
second mirror. Little did he know... Tidy and
unscuffed, leather slightly baggy, as usual,
Momo steering wheel, stick-on scuderia
106 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 106
ARTCURIAL MONTE CARLO, MCO
shields. Rebuilt motor is clean and tidy. German
registered. Quoted chassis number incomplete;
should start something like
ZFFAA17B0000. Cond: 2-.
Another supercar headed for a great investor future in a few years,
but included here to gauge where the market for these chocolate
fireguards is in the Covid-hit summer of 2020.
2019 Pagani Huayra roadster
Tidy, but with a few nicks in wheel rims. Seats
redone, but the weave looks just a little too
fine. Bag tanks replaced with aluminium. Belts
last done 11 years and 6,000 km ago. Cond: 2.
within 50 km of the Arctic Circle. First F40
sold at public auction for ages, so I’ll take this
as a market-correct price, less a bit for a belt
service. The tanks can look after themselves...
#653-2007 FERRARI 599 GTB Fiorano
SOLD AT $150,041. Has been in south of
France despite German reg. Belts have been
done in recent memory, so it’s on the money.
It’ll get a few weird looks for its, er, weird
looks.
TOP 10
#10
#683-1990 FERRARI F40 coupe.
S/N ZFFGJ34B000084997. Red/red
cloth. Odo: 30,660 miles. 2,936-cc
turbocharged V8, 5-sp. The “Arctic Circle”
F40, with books, tools and luggage. Winding
windows, so assume it also is a cat/adjust car.
SOLD AT $1,098,025. Sold new in Spain,
then in Portugal, and in 2009 moved north—to
coupe. S/N ZFFFD60B000158058. Grigio
Silverstone/tan leather. Odo: 16,600 miles.
5,999-cc fuel-injected V12, F1 auto. Grand old
dinosaur, spiritual successor to the Daytona—
and blindingly fast. Good, original condition
with low mileage. Monaco title. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $111,848. Apparently owned by a
famous soccer coach. Claudio Ranieri, anyone?
On the money with or without “sleb”
ownership.
#641-2019 PAGANI HUAYRA roadster.
S/N ZA9H12RAYYSF76080. White/white/red
leather. Odo: 50 km. 5,980-cc fuel-injected
V12, 7-sp. One of 100, built from “carbotanium,”
with Mercedes/AMG V12 power—
number 98. Perfect, almost unused condition.
Interior like a ’50s jukebox. So pointless the
sole owner has only put 50 km on it. Cond: 1.
NOT SOLD AT $2,403,030. Delivered new in
France. Bid (eventually, in a protracted process)
to €2.1m ($2,403,030), which evidently
wasn’t enough against a €2.5–€3m ($2.9m–
$3.4m) estimate. Number 94 didn’t sell at RM
Sotheby’s Monterey in 2019, while 42 did at
RM Sotheby’s Arizona earlier in 2020 for
$2,370,000. ♦
108 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 108
GOODING & CO. ONLINE
Geared Online August 2020
A coveted unrestored Ferrari 275 GTB with long nose, six carbs and external filler
cap tops the online sale at $3,080,000
Company
Gooding & Company
Date
August 3–7, 2020
Location
Online
Automotive lots sold/offered
40/54
Sales rate
74%
Sales total
$14,358,850
High sale
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB
long-nose coupe, sold at
$3,080,000
Mike Maez, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company
High sale: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB long-nose coupe, sold at $3,080,000
Report by Joseph Seminetta and Jack Seminetta
Images by Mike Maez, Brian Henniker, Josh Hway, Juan Martinez and Gooding & Company
Market opinions in italics
M
illions of people were introduced to their life partners through online dating
services. However, few have ever made lifelong commitments without
meeting the other person in the flesh. People are unwilling to commit based
solely on the limited information of a small, two-dimensional screen.
Passion and chemistry matter and can only be confirmed through our complete set
of human senses. We are analog beings trying to live in an increasingly digital world.
Passion is one of the principal reasons we participate in this hobby. The smell of
Connolly leather, the sound of a well-tuned V12, the feel of a perfectly waxed fender,
the taste… well, four out of five ain’t bad. None of these pleasures can be experienced
through a decoded system of ones and zeros. Even HD video and professional photography
cannot accurately transmit the thickness of paint, the depth of chrome, nor the
patina of vintage leather seats.
The major auction companies have had little choice but to move everything online
in this current COVID-19 environment. Each approached this in slightly different
ways. Gooding’s first online effort did not include cold-start videos, driving footage or
the ability to post comments and questions during the auction. However, the company
did gather all the auction cars in one venue for pre-auction viewing by interested buyers,
a task other auction companies have not undertaken. Like other online sales, time
was extended when last-second bids occurred. But when this occurred, Gooding did
not delay the start of the next lot, an obstruction for people who might be bidding on
consecutive offerings. Many of the lots also included the disclaimer “not to be sold for
use or resale in California or to a non-dealer California resident,” which represented
the loss of a huge addressable market. As this was its first endeavor in online territory,
there are undoubtably some kinks to work out.
Total sales were $14.4 million — less than a top lot might bring in a normal year and
down more than 80% from last year. But we must remember this is not the Gooding’s
Pebble Beach Auction we have come to know in past years. It’s a different monster altogether.
The sell-through rate remained strong at 74% versus the 77% for Pebble 2019.
Of the 52 automobile lots, 14 did not sell; 16 ad-
ditional lots did sell, but the hammer price was below
the low pre-sale estimate. Only five lots hammered sold
above the high estimate. Despite a very strong collectorcar
market, there was only one world record (briefly)
when the top-selling Ferrari 275 GTB was the most
expensive car to be sold at an online-only auction. That
record was broken days later when a Ferrari 550 GT1
sold for more. Sellers did not take the risk of offering
their finest in 2020, but instead took a “gap year” until a
time when order will hopefully be restored.
In this “Zoom” economy, so many business dealings
have turned into sterile, digital transactions. This is
easier when transacting commodities, but 50-year-old
collector cars are a different beast, with storied histories,
different levels of restoration and highly variable
standards of historical care.
Astute collectors rely on all their senses to make
the best decisions with the most positive outcomes.
Collectors want to travel to Monterey, Scottsdale and
other exceptional spots around the globe not only for the
transaction but for the chase, the sport and the show.
Although online auctions have their place in the
market, they are not a replacement for the sensory satisfaction
and excitement that occurs in person, in auction
tents. Until a time returns when we can utilize all five
senses, we are left deciphering what we can from the
ones and zeros on the screens in front of us. ♦
Buyer’s premium
10%, included in sold prices
110 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 110
GOODING & CO. ONLINE
ENGLISH
#74-1967 JAGUAR E-TYPE Series I 4.2
convertible. S/N 1E13338. Eng. # 7E98189.
Opalescent silver blue/black leather. Odo:
53,700 miles. 4.2-L I6, 4-sp. Matching numbers
and colors as per JDHT paperwork. Paint
and panel gaps look better than new from photos.
Some scratched brightwork. Seats showing
some signs of use. Includes hard top and
stand. A very nice S1 that appears just below
show standards (and can therefore be enjoyed).
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $258,500. Opening bid of $100k,
aggressively bid to the final price. Even the
necessary mechanical freshening will cause
the new owner to be underwater. A cosmetic
restoration would likely fund your shop’s
401(k) for generations. Well sold given its current
state. (See profile, p. 74.)
#34-1961 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL
by midweek. The auction was extended (due to
last-minute bidding) so many times that the
next three lots concluded before this one
closed. This model was an unexpected candidate
for such spirited bidding. A crazy final
price, but still below the cost of restoration.
Very, very well sold.
GERMAN
SOLD AT $242,000. Opening bid of $90k.
E-types were in shorter supply than usual during
this auction week. This looked like a nice
restoration of a solid donor car, but the final
price was well beyond the current market.
Very well sold.
#29-1972 JAGUAR XJ6 sedan. S/N
UC1L66824BW. Green/beige leather. Odo:
54,019 miles. 4.2-L I6, auto. Paint quality
okay, but looks a little thick from the photos.
Beautiful dash, tidy engine bay. Brightwork
seems less finished than the paintwork. Extensive
cosmetic and mechanical restoration over
the past five years. Extensive paperwork.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $29,700. Opening bid of
$6k, with its reserve and low estimate met
#67-1955 PORSCHE 356 Speedster. S/N
80753. Eng. # 820086. White/red leather. Odo:
29,246 miles. 1.5-L H4, 4-sp. Parked for decades,
this Pre-A Speedster was offered in
“as-found” condition. Original color (but not
claimed to be original paint), but NOM engine
as per Kardex. California car that seems to be
free from the usually rusted areas. Needing at
least significant mechanical attention before
operating. Every cosmetic part could be replaced,
but where would one stop? Cond: 4.
Roadster. S/N 19804210002957. Eng. #
19898010003010. Ivory/navy blue/red leather.
Odo: 1,190 miles. 3.0-L fuel-injected I6, 4-sp.
Desirable disc-brake/iron-block 300SL. Longterm
ownership with regular attention from
marque specialist. Slight color change from
White Gray to Ivory. Paint seems dull from
pics. Some interior wear/waterstains. Worn
seats with great patina. Tidy engine bay. Tools,
jack, manual and hard top (in original factory
crate). Claimed to never have been fully disassembled—but
a bit of a tweener, with some
aged, original and newer bits throughout.
Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $946,000. Opening bid of $425k,
then enthusiastically bid up to the upper end
of the pre-sale estimate. A fair price if the new
owner intends to just enjoy it in its current
state.
#73-1961 PORSCHE 356B cabriolet. S/N
154283. Eng. # 604234. Heron Grey/black/
green leather. Odo: 95,233 miles. 1.6-L H4,
4-sp. B Cabrio, once owned by Porsche expert,
author and SCM Contributor Jim
Schrager. Matching engine and transaxle as
per Kardex and CoA. Original glass, body
panels and wheels. Previous owner decided to
change the exterior paint paint color from
Slate Gray but left the green carpet and seats
intact. A driver-level car that appears honest.
Schrager reports this was a delightful car to
drive, with well-sorted mechanicals. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $126,500. Opening bid of $70k.
Sold for a market-correct price given condition
and color change.
#71-1971 PORSCHE 911T 2.2 coupe.
S/N 9111102199. Eng. # 6117655. Red/black
leather. Odo: 65,724 miles. 2.2-L H6, 5-sp.
One owner for nearly five decades. Claimed to
have retained much of its factory finishes but
showing some panel-thickness variation. Just
completed a five-month mechanical freshening.
Matching engine and transaxle as per
Porsche Classic certificate and CoA. Well op-
112 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 112
MARKET MOMENT
ET MOMENT
1960
1960 Dodge Polara Station Wagon
Sold at $93,500, Gooding & Company Geared Online, August 3–7, 2020, Lot 38
tioned with Comfort Equipment package including
many S trim pieces. A very
honest-looking car. Cond: 2.
Mike Maez, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company
Chassis number: 6705111160
SCM Condition for this car: 3
W
ell, at least you couldn’t blame
the free cocktails. After all, the
auction was online. But the result
was the same, another entry in the
currently overheated category of vintage station
wagons fetching eye-popping numbers.
However, this time the car is a true rarity,
a delicious example of American styling
excesses featuring an awkward, unnatural
beauty. With a high estimate of $55,000, this
1960 Dodge Polara station wagon more than
doubled the $42,900 it fetched eight years
ago, selling for $93,500.
First, a bit of history. The Polara line
launched in 1960, carefully placed at the top
of the Dodge models. It was meant to signify
the best the brand could do, right down to that
marketing thing where they bastardize a real
word in an attempt to buy cachet. The name
“Polara” comes from Polaris, and since the
world was abuzz about Sputnik and spacerace
fever had set in stateside, Dodge hoped
its fancy new car would have the Right Stuff.
Restraint was not in the design vocabu-
lary. A continuation of the Dodge designs
from Virgil Exner’s 1957 models, Polara
wagons featured all of the goodies that make
these cars special — fins, trim, louvers and
geegaws — and are beautiful examples of his
“Forward Look” styling. The wagons came
with the biggest Dodge engine of the time,
the 383-cid V8, paired with a push-button
TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic.
Dodge sent more than 370,000 Polaras off
the assembly line for the 1960 model year, but only 1,768 were three-row, nine-passenger
wagons. Rarity begets rarity, with Polara buffs now claiming only five examples of the
wagon extant. Plus, it’s worth noting that lots of trim bits on the big wagons (from every
manufacturer) were specific to wagons, making finding spares a job for Indiana Jones.
This is one fine example of the beginning of the end of flamboyant design, with the lovely
rocket exhaust taillights, fins (even little ones on the front fenders) and more chrome than a
Sturgis-bound Harley. It’s nothing less than rolling art.
The lawyer in me (hey, I’ve watched lots of courtroom dramas) can make either case on
this sale, “a perfect example of a rare classic fetching an accurate valuation” or “someone
is letting emotion get ahead of their judgment.” Regardless, the buyer is happy, the seller
is delirious, and a lot of people are rediscovering classic wagons. Which are better than
crossovers every day and twice on Sunday. — Mark Wigginton ♦
114 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
SOLD AT $110,000. Opening bid of $60k,
increasing at an orderly pace to the final sale
price. Sold for a market-correct price given
originality, ownership history and condition.
#31-1978 PORSCHE 911SC Targa. S/N
9118211673. Eng. # 6281782. Copper Brown
Metallic/black fabric/Cork leather and pinstripe
cloth. Odo: 59,661 miles. 3.0-L fuelinjected
H6, 5-sp. U.S.-market SC Targa in the
“fashionable period color scheme of Copper
Brown.” Porsche Production Specifications
Certificate, which unlike the more-desirable
Kardex/CoA, does not identify original engine
and gearbox numbers. Fitted with power windows,
a/c, books, inflator and tools. Minor
paint blemishes shown in photos. Normal
(claimed to be original) interior wear for age
and miles. A used, driver-level-condition car.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $44,000. Opening bid of $20k. 911
Targas are all the rage with the 2015–current
retro-reintroduction by Porsche. This was an
honest-looking lot that brought a market-correct
price given its “unique” color.
#36-1990 MERCEDES-BENZ 190E
2.5-16 Evolution II sedan. S/N
WDB2010361F732965. Black/black
vinyl. Odo: 10,030 km. 2.5-L fuel-injected I4,
5-sp. Factory built, EVO 2-spec W201 originally
sold to the Japanese market. One of 500
homologation specials for MB’s entry into the
DTM racing series. Uber-low miles, with recent
sorting by MB Classic Center. Cosworthdesigned
normally aspirated engine producing
an astonishing (for the period) 100 hp per liter.
In nearly new condition with very little signs
of enjoyment. Comes with books and tools.
Cond: 1-.
BEST
BUY
Page 114
SOLD AT $258,500. Starting bid of $115,000,
aggressively bid to the end for a sensational
final price. One of only five lots to hammer
sold between the low and high estimates. If
you had a time machine, you could have
picked these up for Camry money back in the
day. This has to be one of the best remaining
examples and hence deserved its final bid
price.
#43-2002 BMW Z8 convertible. S/N
WBAEJ13482AH61606. Black/black top/red
and black leather. Odo: 9,143 miles. 4.9-L
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. One of only 352 blackand-red
Z8s. Higher-mileage example with
some wear and signs of use. Features include
books, tools, records, hard top, window sticker
and period cell phone. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $121,000. Opening bid of $60k.
Vintage Alfas are a hot commodity. However,
the pre-sale estimate on this lot was very aggressive,
and at this price, it has to be considered
well sold.
TOP 10
#2
SOLD AT $176,000. Opening bid of $85k,
nicely bid up throughout the auction. Z8s were
instantly collectible when released. They offer
timeless styling, excellent performance (especially
considering they are now 18 years old)
and are very usable. This sold at a marketcorrect
price given its miles and condition.
#40-2019 PORSCHE 911 Speedster. S/N
WP0CF2A9XKS172483. Aetna Blue/black
top/black leather. Odo: 253 miles. 4.0-L fuelinjected
H6, 6-sp. The 991 Speedster comes
with the GT3’s 500-hp engine, a manual transmission
and a rolling catalog of carbon-fiber
bits. Not particularly rare (1,948 made) but
largely offered to Porsche VIP client list.
Paint-to-sample Aetna Blue exterior. As-new
condition in every way, with only 253 miles.
Some might enjoy the “drive yourself happy”
door sills, but I do not (bah humbug). Cond: 1.
#56-1966 FERRARI 275 GTB LongNose
coupe. S/N 08921. Eng. #
08921. White/tan leather. Odo: 81,013
km. 3.3-L V12, 5-sp. One of 40 long-nose,
torque-tube 6Cs with external fuel-filler cap.
Mostly unrestored with some cosmetic modifications.
Well documented from the 1960s forward.
Two sets of wheels. Paint holding up
well. Worn interior. Original-looking engine
bay. One of the most beautiful production cars
in no one’s favorite color. Cond: 2.
AR131531917. Red/black top/black leather.
Odo: 2,154 miles. 1.3-L I4, 4-sp. Numbers
matching, according to Certificate of Origin.
Older, show-quality restoration. Nice paint
with excellent panel gaps. Fine attention to
detail throughout. Tidy-but-no-longer-concours-quality
engine bay and undercarriage.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $3,080,000. Opening bid of
$1.38m. During the “normal” Monterey auction
weekend, buyers would have a greater
choice of 275 GTB offerings. As the supply
was somewhat limited, this lot was exceptionally
well sold. This was 4-cam money. (See
profile, p. 68.)
SOLD AT $330,000. Opening bid of $150k,
aggressively bid to the astronomical final
price. I have never understood the attraction
of the Speedster continuations (a la Carrera,
964, 997, 991 etc.) which takes very well-engineered
sports cars and deletes some very useful
features (such as the rear seat, better
convertible top, etc). I hope the buyer plans to
enjoy it, as they paid handsomely for this lot.
ITALIAN
#60-1958 ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA
Veloce Spider. S/N AR149505063. Eng. #
116 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
#33-1971 LANCIA FULVIA 1.3 S coupe.
S/N 818630001241. Blue/tan leather. Odo:
66,035 km. 1.3-L V4, 5-sp. Series II Fulvia in
attractive colors. Very little history, being “recently
brought to the U.S.” after spending
most of its life in Italy. $10k in recent mechanical
work. Paint looks a bit thick from
photos. Some apparent chrome imperfections.
Nice interior patina with some wear marks.
Beautiful wood dash. Cond: 2-.
Page 116
GOODING & CO. ONLINE
This single-owner, U.S.-spec, lightly enjoyed, bone-stock F40
checked a lot of boxes, but has to be considered well sold at
the final sale price.
1992 Ferrari F40 coupe
SOLD AT $29,700. Opening bid of $15k. Despite
their tremendous rally successes, 1970s
Lancias have not (yet) caught the attention of
the vintage sports sedan (2002, GTV, etc.)
masses. While the S2 cars were a bit pedestrian
compared to the S1 HF and Rallye models,
they did have a 5-speed gearbox and
improved brakes. Well bought if the paint is
not as thick as it looks in the pictures.
TOP 10
#6
#39-1992 FERRARI F40 coupe. S/N
ZFFMN34A4N0090446. Rosso
Corsa/red cloth. Odo: 4,580 miles.
2.9-L turbocharged V8, 5-sp. U.S.-spec F40
with single-family ownership since delivery.
Relatively low miles. Classiche Red Book
certification. Recent major service. Extensive
documentation, receipts, tools, books, cover,
luggage and original window sticker. F40 values
are influenced by how hard they have been
used. This appears to be nicely preserved for
either use or show. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $2,134,000. Opening bid of $1.1m,
which increased significantly during the
course of the week. F50s are rarer than most
realize, but this price was on the high side.
Given the color change, medium miles and
broken fuel sending unit, this has to be considered
well sold.
TOP 10
#3
#47-2003 FERRARI ENZO coupe.
S/N ZFFCW56AX30134948.
Silver/tan & black leather. Odo: 7,130
miles. 6.0-L fuel-injected V12, auto. Oneowner,
higher-mileage Enzo in desirable colors.
Recent major service by
factory-authorized dealer. “Pending” Ferrari
Classiche certification. Some signs of use but
not abuse. Rear spoiler actuator is not functioning.
Comes with tools, books, luggage,
records and window sticker. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $52,800. Opening bid of $30k,
which quickly increased but then stalled as the
auction concluded. Nearly every auction week
has a vintage FJ for sale. Values are often
reflections of the restorations and “upgrades.”
This beautiful example with sensible upgrades
has to be considered well bought.
AMERICAN
#62-1934 DUESENBERG MODEL J
Town Car sedan. S/N 2531. Eng. # J-295.
Black/black/black leather. RHD. Odo: 39,999
miles. 420-ci I8, 3-sp. One of only six Model J
Town Cars with coachwork by Murphy. Technology
and performance decades ahead of its
time, including DOHC engines with four
valves per cylinder that were developed almost
a century ago. On the Pebble Beach lawn
during two different decades. Fitted with its
original chassis and engine. Time and enjoyment
have made this more of a driver-level car
than one for the show circuit. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $1,628,000. Opening bid of $630k,
aggressively bid throughout the week to the
final sale price. F40s are not particularly rare
(total production of 1,315), but many have
been used hard throughout their lives. This
single-owner, U.S.-spec, lightly enjoyed, bonestock
F40 checked a lot of boxes, but has to be
considered well sold at the final sale price.
TOP 10
#5
#72-1995 FERRARI F50 coupe. S/N
ZFFTG46A6S0104755. Silver/black
& red leather. Odo: 10,116 miles.
4.7-L fuel-injected V12, 6-sp. One of only 55
U.S.-spec F50s produced. Color change from
Rosso Corsa to Argento Nürburgring. Inoperable
fuel-level sending unit. Some minor paint
issues. Nicely preserved interior. Higher mileage
for a supercar. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $2,354,000. Opening bid of $1.1m.
With only 400 Enzos produced, they do not
frequently come up for sale. Rarity, desirability
and a non-turbo/non-hybrid V12 keep
prices strong. This one sold right on the
money in today’s marketplace.
JAPANESE
#66-1967 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
FJ40 SUV. S/N FJ4042706. Eng. # 2F164047.
Green/tan leather. Odo: 3 miles. 4.2-L I6, 4-sp.
Documented, comprehensive restoration by
marque specialist in period (but not necessarily
original) colors. “Upgraded” engine, suspension,
brakes and other components to
improve reliability, comfort and safety. Photos
show high-quality work and an attention to
detail. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $1,012,000. Opening bid of $475k,
then nicely bid up to the seven-figure mark. An
online auction might not have been the right
venue for this legendary marque. As long as
the new owner does not embark on a full restoration,
this lot was well bought.
#44-1937 CORD 812 S/C phaeton. S/N
81232465H. Black/Chocolate leather. Odo:
74,911 miles. 4.7-L V8, 4-sp. An authentic
supercharged phaeton. Comprehensive restoration
and multiple show winner, holding up
reasonably well from the photos. Restamped
engine block. Some paint chips and imperfections.
Slightly mismatched brightwork compared
to paint. Beautifully presented interior.
Formerly owned by the president of the ACD
Museum. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $231,000. Opening bid of $100k.
These do not come up for sale every day, which
may have helped this sell at an aggressive level
given condition and non-original motor. ♦
118 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 118
BONHAMS LOS ANGELES, CA
Quail Motorcar Auction Live & Online
A Porsche 718 RSK with competition history and only three owners from new wins
high-sale honors in Los Angeles at $2.2m
Company
Bonhams
Date
August 14, 2020
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Auctioneers
Rupert Banner
Automotive lots sold/offered
61/99
Sales rate
62%
Sales total
$12,552,662
High sale
1959 Porsche 718 RSK
Spyder, sold at $2,232,500
Buyer’s premium
High sale: 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder, sold for $2,232,500
Report by Michael Leven; photos courtesy of Bonhams
Market opinions in italics
Banner’s familiar patience and wit, but it’s not the same as being in the room. Bonhams
did allow in-person inspections of the cars and had some bidders on-site at the Petersen
Museum in Los Angeles, which helped with the cadence of the auction. Many of the
other consignments were spread around the U.S. in strategic locations, with one even
in Australia, the winning bidder to receive free shipping to a global port of choice!
Talk about necessity being the mother of invention.
Mercedes represented the biggest contingent of consignments, with 15.3% of the
O
cars, followed by Porsche at 11.2%. Alfa Romeo — including several pre-war examples
— made up 9.1% of the offerings, while Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar and
Rolls-Royce made up around 5% each. Surprisingly for a “Monterey” auction, Ferrari
accounted for just 4% of the run list.
From an “era” point of view, 19.5% of the cars were built before 1950, 48% between
1950 through 1975, 13% from there to 2000, and another 19.5% constructed since the
millennium. It was a great mix.
When all was said and done, of the 99 cars on offer, 61 traded hands, representing
a 62% sell-through rate, with the most expensive lots really struggling for momentum.
Total sales came to $12.6 million, with the top seller being a 1959 Porsche 718
RSK with great history and much success in the hands of Bob Holbert that went for
$2,232,500 (a good value) followed by a 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse
“Meo Costantini” that sold for $ 1,750,000 including premium. Trailing along in a
distant third was a nice 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc roadster that changed hands for
$951,000.
Other sales of note included a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GTC “Coupe Royale”
with “Disegno #500” coachwork by Touring that traded hands for $582,500, a 1972
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona berlinetta that went to a new home for $434,000, and a
1964 Porsche 901 coupe, the 25th production example built, one of the oldest known
120 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
nline auctions are hardly a new thing, even for a hallowed house like Bonhams,
now operating in its fourth century. Still, with the entirety of Monterey Car
Week being either displaced or canceled outright due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
things didn’t feel quite right. Yes, there on the livestream were Rupert
survivors, and with documented period race history that
sold for $340,500.
Several big-ticket cars did not sell and had they, could
have helped the auction’s bottom line considerably. Not
one of a really lovely quartet of pre-war Mercedes (three
of them supercharged) managed to find a new home: a
1914 18/45 did not make its $250k low estimate; the 1926
Model 24/100/140 Sports Phaeton with a lovely Erdmann
& Rossi body in Primrose Yellow and red leather did not
change hands with a high bid of $430k; a 1929 630K
Town Car with Castagna coachwork was a no-sale at
$550k; and the 1936 500K Offener Tourenwagen went
back home after a high bid of $1.2 million. And finally,
the biggest fish in the pond on auction day, the 1934
Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, with bodywork by Joseph Figoni,
missed its low estimate by almost $2 million, with a high
bid of $4,600,000. Collectively, these five cars could
have raised the overall take by $10,750,000, or nearly
doubled the total sales figure if they’d even sold at their
low estimates.
On the brighter side, there were some great buys that
should leave their new owners pleased. A very nice Irish
Green 1965 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet sold for $95,200, a
1936 Cord 810 Westchester sedan was had for $34,720, a
not-cheap-to-restore Mercedes-Benz 250SE coupe went
for $29,120, and a 1966 Lola T70 Can-Am race car that
will require the donning of the new owner’s big-boy
pants sold for only $110,000, likely due to a “checkered”
history. For the one that got away, how about a 1948
Lincoln Continental convertible at $24,640? ♦
12% on first $250k; 10%
thereafter, included in sold
prices
Page 120
BONHAMS LOS ANGELES, CA
ENGLISH
#37-1935 ASTON MARTIN ULSTER
tourer. S/N B5551U. Eng. # l48900U.
Blue/tan leather. RHD. 2.0-L I4, 4-sp. ExWorks
demonstrator, originally wearing red
paint and two-seat racing coachwork. Tested at
Brooklands for feature in The Light Car magazine.
Crashed on later road test; rebodied prewar
as tourer. Many period photos in both
configurations. Engine replaced in 1957, with
original swapped into former Le Mans team
car. Older blue respray is chipped throughout
from regular exercise. Leather nicely broken
in; original switchgear intact. Still carries original
English registration number. Cond: 2-.
only make this car more appealing. Though
far from original, this Ulster’s life journey is
not so different from other highly prized cars
of the era (i.e. rebodied, repowered Bentleys,
Bugattis...) but unlike some, its history is no
secret, despite its effect on value. Still, Ulsters
rarely change hands, and when they do, have
commanded over $2m for many years. The
high bid here wasn’t even close.
#58-1949 BENTLEY MK VI shooting
brake. S/N B91FU. Eng. # B295F. Blue/tan
leather. RHD. Odo: 71,479 miles. 4.3-L I6, 4-sp.
One of two built; both now in the U.S. Resprayed
blue many moons ago; original blue
leather also replaced with current tan hides. Paint
worn in high-contact areas, looking cracked and
generally tired. Radiator area and scuttle need
another redo. Chrome mostly sound, but with
some large cracks, pitting and discoloration.
Wood remarkably good; some looks newer.
Canvas sidemount cover newish. Seat covers
lightly creased, supple; very inviting. Dash wood
mellowed; some cracks at joints. Steering wheel
cracked as well. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT
$115,000. Clearly a well-kept car that enjoys
use and shows proper care by previous owners
such as Craig McCaw. Still wearing English
reg plate, EVH 831, and oozing character.
One of my favorites from the auction. I’m not
sure it would be up to it, but I would love to
see this as a tow vehicle for a small vintage
racer. High bid might have sold the car, but
only if the consignor was willing to leave $10k
or $20k on the table.
NOT SOLD AT $1,025,000. Consigned from
estate of David Van Schaick, longtime president
of the American Aston Martin Club.
Pragmatic upgrades enhance current use and
#86-1966 ASTON MARTIN DB6 Vantage
shooting brake. S/N DB6SB2272LC.
Black/gray leather. Odo: 43,384 miles. 4.0-L
I6, auto. Originally delivered to the U.S. and
always left-hand drive. One of six Radfordbodied
haulers. Consignor owned for 44 years.
Numbers matching. Black finish with chips
and paint loss in high-touch areas. Paint not
claimed to be original, but no mention of
respray. Original leather dry and slightly
soiled. Carpets well kept but showing some
staining. Wood steering wheel nice. Optional
factory “Coolaire” a/c, luggage rack, optional
head rests, Webasto sunroof. “SB” in VIN
indicates shooting brake. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $900,000. You have to (at
least I do) love the audacity of owning a car
as capable as a DB6 in the form of a station
wagon. This example has been well kept by
two caring owners and is a no-questions
largely original car. Is it worth seven figures?
A driver-quality Vantage coupe can be had for
$300k–$400k, and a Vantage Volante for
about twice that, so one might logically argue
that it isn’t. Even with a premium for rarity
and originality, the final bid looks plenty high.
#36-1969 ADAMS BROTHERS PROBE
16 coupe. S/N AB3. Orange/black vinyl.
RHD. Odo: 3,346 miles. 1.9-L I4, 4-sp. One of
three cars built. All-original condition. Named
the “Best British Styling Exercise” at the contemporary
London Motor Show. Catalog initially
stated car was featured as the Durango
95 in “A Clockwork Orange”; updated entry
withdrew claim. Inner body panel signed by
Malcolm McDowell, star of film. Originally
owned by Jack Bruce, bassist for Cream. Paint
good from five feet, but with numerous chips,
cracking, subsurface issues up close. Interior
to cottage-industry standard; driver’s legs
straddle vertical steering-wheel support. Consignor
owned since 1983. Cond: 3.
122 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
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BONHAMS LOS ANGELES, CA
All she needs is new paint, some interior work and a little TLC to
regain her former glory. Addressing the paint and seats will not leave
the new owner anywhere near upside down, and the elbow grease
is free, so in addition to being a good investment, this car will pretty
quickly be something to be proud of—and a lot of fun.
1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 convertible
ber inconsistent with Lotus nomenclature.
Rides on what might be period Lotus mags.
Distinct and correct 69 rear oil reservoir. Well
presented; paint good, current six-point
Schroth belts, nice red leather. Previously offered
by Bonhams in 2005 with a $30k–$40k
estimate—result unknown. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $184,800. The Adams Brothers
worked for Marcos, and the Probe’s low, flat
roof profile is reminiscent of that marque’s
period styling. Front, side and top glass areas
somewhat awkward and a bit kit-car-like, but
cool anyway. Movie star or not, this car was
very groovy and had a great story. Something
this unique is worth what the market will bear
on a given day and defines its own market, so
fairly bought.
#45-1971 LOTUS TYPE 69 FB racer.
S/N 7169F3FB. Eng. # Arch Motors 33.
Green/red leather. MHD. 1,600-cc I4, 5-sp.
Believed to have raced first as Formula 3 car
when new, then Formula B, as currently prepared
with Twin-Cam Lotus Ford. Restored in
2004. Correct FB square tube chassis and
wings. Carries two serial numbers; main num-
#59-1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE Series III
V12 convertible. S/N UE1S23571. Eng. #
7S14013LA. Regency Red/red fiberglass/
Biscuit leather. Odo: 40,152 miles. 5.3-L V12,
4-sp. Believed California car from new. $10k
service just completed. Still wears California
blue plates. Long-ago respray now thoroughly
and spectacularly crazed throughout—looks
like tree bark. Gaps and panel alignment good,
chrome and stainless could use a buff and detail.
Chrome wire wheels need love too. Rubber
overriders poorly fit. Equipped with
factory hard top and a/c. Original Biscuit
leather needs cleaning and a redye. Engine
compartment looks tidy enough but will require
new hood rubber and a detailing to finish
it out. Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $50,000. Like a few other
Lotus racers, the 69 was adapted to several
applications: Formula Ford (FF) F3 (Europe)/FB
(U.S.) and F2—the latter with a different,
semi-monocoque chassis. Pete Lovely
even raced one in F1 with a DFV V8! That
this one’s identity is a bit muddy is problematic
but not a deal-breaker. It is hardly unusual
for a 50-year-old race car to have a
repaired/rebuilt chassis. Still, it might explain
why the bidding petered out. High bid can buy
a nice FF-spec 69, but not one built to this
level.
SOLD AT $35,840. Recently purchased by a
consignor from estate after 44-year ownership.
All she needs is new paint, some interior
work and a little TLC to regain her former
glory. Addressing the paint and seats will not
leave the new owner anywhere near upside
down, and the elbow grease is free, so in addition
to being a good investment, this car will
pretty quickly be something to be proud of—
and a lot of fun. This story should have a
happy ending. Very well bought.
GERMAN
#29-1926 MERCEDES-BENZ
24/100/140 PS Sports phaeton. S/N 36010.
Eng. # 61002. Primrose/tan canvas/red leather.
Odo: 6,104 miles. 6.2-L supercharged I6, 4-sp.
Coachwork by Erdmann & Rossi. Ex-Kings of
the Road Museum car. Recently recommissioned
(mostly); shift mechanism still not operating
properly. In California since new and
with an unbroken chain of ownership history.
Well documented with many period photos.
First owned by Emil Jannings—silent film star
and first-ever recipient of an Oscar for Best
Actor. Last restored in mid-’60s. Paint chipped
and scuffed but sound. Canvas top rumpled
but unmarked and fits well. Chrome wavy,
worn and pitted. Removable rear windshield.
Leather mottled but is otherwise remarkably
sound. Cond: 4.
NOT SOLD AT $430,000. Last seen at Gooding’s
Pebble Beach sale in August 2017, where
it sold for $726,000 (SCM# 6844596). Unlike
124 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
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BONHAMS LOS ANGELES, CA
Lot 26, the big Mercedes Town Car, I thought
this Benz’s sporty coachwork, wonderful livery
and Ferdinand Porsche-designed underpinnings
would tickle someone’s fancy, but, instead,
bidding petered out at barely 40% of its
low estimate. Yes, the car has a lot of needs,
but is also wonderfully charming in its current
state. I very much wanted someone to buy it,
fix the shifter, and drive it as-is—often and
enthusiastically. A disappointing result.
#26-1929 MERCEDES-BENZ 630K
Town Car sedan. S/N 36278. Eng. # 78662.
Brown & olive/tan leather. Odo: 2,909 miles.
6.3-L supercharged I6, 4-sp. Unique Castagna
body is conservative and distinguished. Originally
delivered to an Oklahoma oil baron living
in New York City. In Tulsa for 40 years,
then Newport Beach, and finally Spain. Looks
to be an older restoration. Paint still very
good. Chrome good, but a detailing/buffing
would do wonders. Dual sidemounts, large
spotlight, rear luggage rack and trunk. Plating
on wire wheels tired. Good tan leather up
front, very nice beige mohair in back. Closed
rear compartment with push-button system for
messaging driver. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $1,200,000. Previously sold
at Bonhams Scottsdale in 2014 for $1.4m
(SCM# 6645747), where SCM’s reporter
rather prophetically wrote, “Turning this into
Pebble Beach perfection would be extremely
expensive, but with a great backstory and no
doubt as to its authenticity, the car has great
potential as a magnificent touring car.” Done
and done! The pre-sale estimate of $2m–
$2.5m might seem a touch steep in this market,
but given the cost of its first-class restoration,
the high bid was way under the money.
TOP 10
#4
#53-1959 PORSCHE 718 RSK Spyder.
S/N 718031. Silver/burgundy vinyl.
1,587-cc H4, 5-sp. Four owners
from new. Under consignor ownership since
1974. Late build (#31) of 35 RSKs. Major
refresh after two decades of inactivity. Fantastic
success in period with Bob Holbert driving.
1959 Bahamas Speed Week winner; SCCA
National Champion in 1960. Looks like it
could have just pulled off the track. Presents
well but not detailed. Paint better than race
standard. Aluminum bodywork a bit wavy on
nose and hood. Both doors with flat spots. One
of the highlights of the auction. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $550,000. This car was
shown extensively around SoCal in the ’70s
and ’80s and once graced the cover of The
Star, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America
magazine. Elsewhere in this write-up, I’ve
questioned whether the classic, pre-war cars
have indeed had their day. Formal Town Cars
like this one, especially those in old-time colors,
almost certainly have. I think this explains
the tepid bidding that barely made it to half
the car’s low estimate. A pity, but not terribly
surprising.
#33-1936 MERCEDES-BENZ 500K Of-
fener Tourenwagen tourer. S/N 209421. Eng.
# 123724. Dark green & black/green cloth/
beige leather. Odo: 17,019 miles. 5.0-L supercharged
I8, 4-sp. Very sporty coachwork; one
of 16 Tourenwagens on a 500K chassis. Purchased
in the early ’50s by an American honeymooning
in Munich; subsequent 60-year
ownership. Matching numbers, including body
panels. License plate matches engine number.
Newly restored, it won Second in Class at
Pebble Beach 2015. Chrome could use a polish,
but still in show-field condition. Beautiful
beige leather broken in but shows no wear.
Showy mother-of-pearl instrument panel in
wood dash. Engine bay in order and unsoiled.
Cond: 1-.
126 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
to the U.S. First Mercedes aluminum V8. Aluminum
body panels, 5.0 engine, and wider
wheels are the major differences from stock,
adding up to an almost 10% weight reduction.
Paint looks good in photos; one respray at
unknown time. To U.S. in 1984; domestic odo
set to actual miles at federalization. Leather
mostly good; dye worn on driver seat bottom
and outer bolster. Dash nice; no cracks. Auto
trans, sunroof. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $24,640. Apart from the rear
badging, this factory hot rod has no outward
clues to differentiate it from a standard
R107—a less-than-sporty boulevardier. This
underlines a very real difference, however, as
the 5.0 SLC was the daily driver for a fairly
discerning crowd: several contemporary F1
pilots. A manual gearbox would be better, but
with the handsome Euro bumpers/headlights,
plenty of grunt, and fairly low miles, this was
an astute buy, aligned with the few prior sales
I found. It will be worth more next time.
ITALIAN
SOLD AT $2,232,500. The 718 RSK was a
key part of the reputation Porsche built as a
giant killer, with huge successes in period
against more powerful opposition at major
races like Le Mans and Sebring. And this one
is a terrific example with an excellent and
well-documented history in the hands of a legendary
driver. There is nothing else to say but
that this car was spectacularly well bought at
nearly $600,000 under the low estimate.
#42-1979 MERCEDES-BENZ 450SLC
5.0-L Lightweight Homologation coupe. S/N
1070261201107. Eng. # 11796012001097.
Silver/black leather. Odo: 47,440 miles. 5.0-L
fuel-injected V8, auto. Factory homologation
model for rallying. Fewer than 1,500 built,
with only 100 estimated to have been imported
#90-1931 ALFA ROMEO 6C 1750 GTC
Coupe Royale cabriolet. S/N 101014832.
Eng. # 101014832. Royal Blue & black/tan
canvas/tan leather. RHD. Odo: 25,341 km.
1,750-cc supercharged I6, 4-sp. Seldom-seen
model restored more than 20 years ago.
Slanted 8C grille added at some time. Matching
numbers; known history from 1949. Many
years in Alfredo Celli Collection. Paint still
presents well. Chrome good save chips on
front of car. Plated wheel rings pitted and
rusty. Top rumpled from stowage and showing
some grease stains. Leather quite nice. Wood
dash, crackle-finished instrument panel. Underside
shows oil from use. Driven approximately
130 miles to be displayed at Amelia
Island this year. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $582,500. In my opinion, this car
actually looks better with the top up—so not
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BONHAMS LOS ANGELES, CA
the most elegant of the 6Cs. As a late build, it
displays some features to be seen on the 8Cs
to follow. With this mixed personality, some
have been sacrificed to make 8C replicas.
None of that is to say it isn’t a proper sporting
Alfa; a Coupe Royale won its class at the 1931
Mille Miglia! Sold just above the high estimate.
Acquiring a pre-war 6C at this price has
to be considered a good buy.
#61-1934 ALFA ROMEO 8C 2300 Cabriolet
Decapotable convertible. S/N
2311239. Eng. # 2311239. Red &
burgundy/tan canvas/caramel leather. RHD.
Odo: 9,507 km. 2,336-cc supercharged I8,
4-sp. Coachwork by Joseph Figoni. Known
history from new, documented by well-known
Alfa historians. Second of five remaining Figoni-bodied
8C 2300s offered by Bonhams in
an eight-month stretch. Five owners from
new; numerous black-and-white period photos
showing dark, monochrome livery, as well as
light/dark contrasting paint. Current two-tone
red paint no longer show-ready; some wear
and chipping in places. Brown leather with
good patina, but is mottled throughout. Tan
canvas top a bit loose but unmarked and only
slightly creasing. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $370,000. Last seen at Bonhams’
Amelia Island sale in March 2019,
where it failed to sell for $440,000 (SCM#
6897524). A truly international car, being first
delivered to an RAF pilot stationed in Hamburg,
Germany. In the U.S. by 1962. Back to
Italy, per notes above. Shown at Pebble
Beach, Villa d’Este, Chantilly. Comes with all
its books, tools, extensive history file and a
FIVA Passport. Given these cars have seen a
couple of dips in value since 2017, the low
estimate of $450k looked reasonable for the
car’s condition, so the high bid was under the
money.
#17-1953 ALFA ROMEO 1900 CS
NOT SOLD AT $4,600,000. Unlike the car in
Scottsdale, this example was not hamstrung by
questions of provenance and an unrealistic
estimate, so this car deserved a good result.
While not as dowdy as the car in January, this
one’s livery wasn’t particularly striking and
did not show off the coachwork. That said, as
bidding wound down, auctioneer Rupert Banner
remarked, “Give us a call, we’re close,”
despite the high bid being nearly $2m south of
the low estimate. Presentation and livery may
have held this back.
#67-1951 ALFA ROMEO 6C 2500 SS
cabriolet. S/N 915922. Eng. # 928329.
Burgundy/tan canvas/tan leather. RHD. Odo:
604 km. 2.4-L I6, 4-sp. The last Pininfarinabodied
6C cabriolet. Comprehensive mechanical
restoration prior to running Mille Miglia
within the past decade. Cosmetically redone
after race but before leaving Italy. Returned to
U.S. for interior redo. Matching numbers.
Paint well sprayed over less-discerning prep;
looks like it was done “trim on.” Tan leather
nicely broken in, excellent carpets. Lovely
orange Bakelite switchgear. Soft top unmarked;
slightly shrunken. Engine bay clean
and correct. Not overrestored. Cond: 2-.
coupe. S/N AR1900C01534. Eng. #
AR130618248. Red/black leather. Odo: 3,240
km. 1.8-L I4, 5-sp. Coachwork by Pinin Farina.
Participant in several California Mille
rallies. Useful upgrades by SF Bay-area guru
Raffi Najarian include CSS-spec engine, Abarth
intake, oil cooler, electric fuel pump, electric
cooling fan and rear-mounted battery.
Paint good, with some scratching on trunk and
front fenders. Light chipping around hood
edges. Chrome dull but sound; some pieces
lightly pitted. Trim appropriately dull. Engine
bay tidy. Rides on painted Borranis. Seats gently
creased, Nardi wheel very good, gauges
clear. Cond: 3+.
signed by the founder of Formula Junior Historics
in North America. Little known of
early race history. Offset cockpit; driveline
runs to side of driver. Fiat-based engine and
gearbox; two twin-choke Webers look large
on such a small car. Redline set at 6,800
rpm—78 hp likely feels more than adequate
in such a lightweight car with old tires and
suspension. Well presented to better-thanrace-car
standard. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $106,400. Said to look just like a
miniature Maserati 250F. One could hardly do
better than to copy that shape for a ’50s openwheel
race car. The modern-looking mirrors
seem out of place, but that’s an easy fix. The
winning bid might seem like a lot of money for
a Formula Junior, but there’s another one—in
lesser condition but with its original engine—
listed in Hemmings right now for $50k more!
It really is a wonderful little car at a very good
price. Well bought.
BEST
BUY
#87-1972 FERRARI 365 GTB/4
Daytona coupe. S/N 15573. Eng. #
B1980. Rosso Chiaro/black leather.
Odo: 36,218 miles. 4.4-L V12, 5-sp. Singlefamily
ownership from new. Repainted 20plus
years ago; rear quarters more recently. All
well done and matched. Nose fascia between
headlights wobbly; passenger’s door misaligned.
Alloy wheels refinished. Correct new
Michelin XWXs. Original interior very well
kept; driver’s seat shows some loss of color
and a small tear along bolster. Passenger’s seat
remarkably preserved. Carpets have light soiling
and door panels are lightly mottled. Slight
wear to hood pad the only nit in engine compartment.
Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $285,500. Analyzing this sale is
tricky. First is the price differential between
the more-abundant alloy Touring-bodied cars
versus the rarer steel Pinin Farina cars such
as this one. Then there’s the difference between
SS models and our non-SS subject car.
And how do the useful—yet unoriginal—SS
upgrades affect value? And how does all this
factor in an uncertain COVID-19 market?
Alas, if this car will continue to get used and
toured, I think this was a good result for both
the buyer and the seller.
#32-1959 STANGUELLINI FORMULA
JUNIOR Monoposto racer. S/N CS00154.
Red/black vinyl. MHD. 1.1-L I4, 4-sp. Originally
imported by Alfred Momo, restored by
marque experts in Connecticut, and con-
SOLD AT $434,000. Daytonas have been
softening since 2017, when pricing peaked,
but this result had to be disappointing for the
consignor. Perhaps having amortized the car
since 1972 may have made it less so. Sympathetically
maintained by one family for almost
50 years and recently serviced, there is no
reason to think this car will not provide its
new owner with all the joys associated with
this iconic Ferrari model. Very well bought.
128 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
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BONHAMS LOS ANGELES, CA
#48-2017 LAMBORGHINI CENTENARIO
coupe. S/N Yellow/black leather. Odo:
664 miles. 6.5-L fuel-injected V12, auto. Car
presents as-new. One of 20 coupes built along
with 20 spyders. Introduced at 2016 Geneva
Motor Show to commemorate the 100th birthday
of Ferrucio Lamborghini. Based on Aventador
SV but with more power and
exaggerated aero details. Enormous diffuser
and strakes create 500 pounds of downforce.
Zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds; 217 mph top speed.
All-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering that
adapts to driving mode selected: Strada, Sport
or Corsa. Original list price of $1.9m. Cond: 1.
auto. Built as a homologation special for
Group 2 racing, which required a run of 500
“production” cars. Paint looks good; surely
resprayed given high mileage and age. Blackout
trim unfaded. Wears rear window slats and
California blue plates. Driver’s seat cover has
cracks, creases and a small tear; passenger’s
seat looks new. Some wear on steering wheel.
Dash with two cracks. R134a conversion. Engine
compartment slightly unkempt. Auto
transmission—most cars were manual. Sold at
no reserve. Cond: 3+.
and shown at Amelia Island 2018. Very spindly
at first glance, but clearly unusual upon a
second look. Front seat/door units spin outward
and then rotate down over running
boards, while rear seats fold to fill footwell,
making entire floor flat. Hmmm. Beautifully
turned out with nice finishes. The soft green
paint and Kelly Green canvas roof do the car
no favors aesthetically, but it does serve to
highlight distinctive body features. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $1,300,000. Of the 40 cars
built, at least 10 of them are currently for sale
around the world, with prices ranging from
$2,200,000 to $4,000,000. Auction house
would not provide serial number at the request
of the consignor, although it might not be too
difficult to narrow it down, as there can’t be
too many coupes painted this bright yellow. An
outrageous car for the person who has everything,
but not at such a modest bid. It wasn’t
even close.
SWEDISH
#99-1983 VOLVO 242 Turbo Group A Homologation
coupe. S/N
YV1AX4727D2235725. Silver/black leather.
Odo: 179,675 miles. 2.1-L turbocharged I4,
SOLD AT $8,400. This model is a telling
study in FIA homologation politics. Volvo
Sweden sold all of these cars to Volvo U.S.,
which then shipped 30 back to Europe for race
preparation. The conjecture around those that
stayed stateside varies from “all the trick engine
stuff was removed before they were
shipped to dealers” to “there are a few modifications
that were left and do actually set these
cars apart.” Nobody’s talking. Regardless, an
interesting car purchased for credit-card
money, and well bought.
AMERICAN
#76-1920 MASON TOURING Tourist
King tourer. S/N 1. Eng. # 5617R54480.
Light green/green cloth/light green leather.
Odo: 18,684 miles. 281-ci I6, 3-sp. Subject to
a seven-year (claimed) $545,000 restoration
SOLD AT $201,600. The sole example of an
early automotive oddity. Great creativity and
engineering in a genuinely interesting car that
answers a question nobody asked: Can you
make part of the interior fold and other parts
unfold so I can clear the floor of my open
tourer? Hard to value, as there are no comparables
and the restoration cost of this otherwise-simple
car couldn’t possibly be a fraction
of half a million. Even for a one-of-one curiosity,
this looks like all the money. And then
some. Plus more.
#23-1936 CORD 810 Westchester sedan.
S/N 2140A. Burgundy/burgundy mohair. Odo:
73,242 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-sp. Owned by Key
Collection since 2009. Paint with some
scratches, scuffs and chips, but is largely presentable.
Panel alignment very good; trim all
sound. Chrome wheels very good, but whitewalls
slightly soiled. Engine compartment
very clean and tidy, with surface rust on hood
prop the only nit. Body-matching burgundy
mohair with white piping still museum quality.
Pre-selector gearbox on column of restored,
lightly worn/chipped steering wheel. Turnedaluminum
dash dull but unmarked; gauges
slightly dull. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $34,720. I’ve seen Cord sedans of
only slightly better quality sell for twice this
price, and it’s hard to attribute such a discount
to the (arguably) shrinking interest in the classic-car
market. The Cord 810 and 812 were
breakthrough designs that will always be historically
significant and thus collectible. With
its bold and handsome livery, I wish I’d had a
bidder’s paddle for this one. While not perfect,
it was extremely well bought.
130 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 130
BONHAMS LOS ANGELES, CA
When I saw the $80k–$100k estimate range, I thought this must be
a special car: super-low serial number, celebrity ownership, uniquely
equipped, something... Alas, it’s just a lowish-mile, well-presented
Viper.
1992 Dodge Vipre RT/10 roadster
#97-1940 PACKARD 110 Club coupe.
S/N 535965. Light yellow/black cloth. Odo:
72,874 miles. 245-ci I6, 3-sp. Built for the
Peking to Paris Rally in 2017, which it dutifully
finished—no small feat. Paint well applied;
now beat up from rally. Engine largely
stock, with heavy-duty internals. Fitted with
competition clutch and Ford 9-inch with limited
slip. Front brakes now discs. Interior
stripped and configured for storage. Same for
trunk—shelving holds spares, tools and jerry
cans. Air bag front suspension, full belly pan,
tall exhaust exit, fenders trimmed to minimize
mud accumulation. Odd choice for this duty,
but it worked! Cond: 4.
Recognized in Shelby Registry. Aluminum
body finished to ’64 FIA Competition car
specs. Front flares, big rear hips (fenders),
correct dimples in trunk to accommodate FIAmandated
luggage. Monza fuel filler with
windage lip. “Paper clip” roll bar, with brace
across passenger’s seat. Leather seats; period
lap belts. Modern 302, correct unfinished
valve covers, chrome radiator tube. Tremec
5-speed. Embroidered carpets and vinyl-finished
drive tunnel. Cond: 2+.
example restored to this level is quite unusual.
With 120 hp pushing around less than 1,500
pounds, this car would be a hoot to drive. The
sale price here is very much in line with the
most recent sales found in the SCM Platinum
Auction Database and elsewhere. Very well
bought, as you never overpay for the best.
#51-1963 STUDEBAKER AVANTI
NOT SOLD AT $38,000. I don’t know what
the consignor expected, but he will never recoup
his build cost on such a specialized car. I
can likewise understand the bidders’ reluctance;
they would have to spend a ton of
money after the purchase going through or
rebuilding every last system on the car before
their first event. And aside from the Peking to
Paris Rally, where do you race this heavy,
underpowered car? Can’t say where or when
those different perspectives might intersect, so
just as well this car went home.
#88-1959 DEVIN D Spyder. S/N DD917.
Eng. # P606307. Silver/red vinyl. Odo: 18,306
miles. 1.7-L H4, 4-sp. Very rare (one of 46)
factory-built Devin Ds. Most Devins were sold
as kits, including body and frame. Restored to
very high level in Australia. Excellent paint
over very good prep. Nardi steering wheel. Rebuilt
seats, red square-weave carpets. 160-mph
Carrera speedo. Powered by Porsche 912 engine
that was not available when the car was
originally built. Gearbox upgraded to full synchro.
Original windshield frame, removable
top, bows, side curtains. Sale includes free
shipping from Down Under to buyer’s port of
choice. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $95,200. You don’t
often see Devins of any stripe come up for sale,
and when they do, it’s more often in the racing
classifieds than not. So to find a factory-built
coupe. S/N 63R2552. Avanti Red/red leather.
Odo: 20,847 miles. 304-ci supercharged V8,
auto. California car from new. Retains original
black plates. Body-on restoration done at unspecified
date; work done to (non-original) R3
supercharged spec at that time. Paint excellent.
Chrome mostly very good, with some thin
spots. Seat covers no longer taut and showing
some soiling. White upholstered dash. Rebuilt
trans, diff and gauges. Has a new wiring harness.
ID tag pop-riveted in place. Sporadically
applied undercoating; clumsy welding underneath.
Parts-store U-bolts holding parts-store
chrome tailpipe tips in place. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $180,000. When is a tribute
car just a really nice ride? For an aluminum,
factory-built continuation car, the high bid
here was market-correct and might have gotten
the job done. But any premium expected
because this was a “tribute” car is a nonstarter;
there were a lot of liberties taken with
the build. To wit: wrong color, wrong engine,
wrong gearbox, wrong seat material, embroidered
carpets... Perhaps I’m being too much
of a purist, but the car could have sold.
#34-1992 DODGE VIPER RT/10 road-
ster. S/N 1B3BR65E6NV100119. Red/gray
leather. Odo: 12,784 miles. 8-L fuel-injected
V10, 6-sp. First delivered to Dallas. Number
119 of first-year production. Paint excellent—
looks unblemished in photos. Headlight lenses
a bit foggy. Gray leather gently broken in,
with very light creasing. Stitching on driver’s
bolster frayed. Dash with minor chips and
scratches. Engine compartment very clean;
original finishes quite nice. Factory threespoke
wheels unmarked. Comes with original
targa top, side curtains and tires. Full service
records from new. Sold at no reserve. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $48,000. Built in the last
days of first-year production, this three-owner
car has now been in consignor’s possession
for 10 years, during which it won several class
awards at local and regional events. Mostly
well done, the casual work underneath was a
real buzzkill, especially given the $90k high
estimate. A few Avantis have sold for six figures,
but not lately. The high bid was a touch
light.
#63-1964 SHELBY COBRA FIA Continuation
roadster. S/N CSX7027. Le Mans
Blue/none/black leather. Odo: 7,708 miles.
302-ci V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Purchased directly
from Shelby in 2001, but is a continuation car.
SOLD AT $39,200. When I saw the $80k–
$100k estimate range, I thought this must be a
special car: super-low serial number, celebrity
ownership, uniquely equipped, something...
Alas, it’s just a lowish-mile, well-presented
Viper. The service records and condition might
indicate a more pampered life than some Vipers
have led, but it was difficult to tell online.
As such, it was not a big surprise that this car
managed no better than a market-correct sale.
Buy ’em now, folks; it’s a lot of car for the
money. ♦
132 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
ENGLISH
#142-1958 JAGUAR XK 150 S roadster.
S/N S830856DN. British Racing Green/tan
fabric/tan leather. Odo: 40,577 miles. 3,442-cc
I6, 4-sp. The S package added 40 horsepower.
Five-year restoration completed in 1997 and
numerous awards since. Ten-time JCNA national
class champion, six 100-point scores
and 80 concours awards. One of 200 fitted
with close-ratio gearbox. JDHT certificate.
Cond: 2+.
number exists on replica sold by Gooding in
2010. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $600,000. This stunning Bugatti
was last seen at RM’s 2015 Phoenix sale,
where it realized $800,000 (SCM# 6772418).
Prior to that, a replica with the same chassis
number sold at Gooding’s 2010 Scottsdale
sale for $429,000 (SCM# 156840). It didn’t
seem like anyone was interested in venturing
into the real/not real swamp this time around,
so price bid was well below the 2015 sale.
SOLD AT $176,000. Sold as expected, with
the desirable S package and boot full of trophies
pushing it to this level. An older restoration,
but still a winner at local events. New
owner has a fun driver and can have some fun
at the next All British Field Meet. All is square
with the world here.
FRENCH
#249-1937 BUGATTI TYPE 57C coupe.
S/N 57584. Eng. # 507. Black & maroon/
brown leather. Odo: 4,377 km. 3,257-cc I8,
3-sp. Thought to have been factory demonstrator
at 1937 Paris Auto Show. Engine and data
plate changed during 1950s restoration. Elegant
styling with engine-turned firewall and
chrome wires with knockoffs. Same chassis
GERMAN
#223-1956 PORSCHE 356A 1600 Speed-
ster. S/N 82071. Silbermetall/black canvas/
black leather. Odo: 6,651 miles. 1,582-cc I4,
4-sp. The inspiration of Max Hoffman, the sole
U.S. importer for Porsche. This is a meticulously
restored 356A with disc brakes and 12-volt electrics.
Numbers-matching motor. Color changed
from Ruby Red to Silver. Twin beehive taillights.
Kardex and side curtains. Complete with jack,
tools and tonneau cover. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $291,500. An auction frequent flyer
before 356 values took off. Presented at the
Kruse January 2001 sale, where it failed to
sell at $45,800 (SCM# 1551560). Prior to
that, it was a no-sale at the The Auction in Las
Vegas in October 2000, when bid to $44,000
(SCM# 1537850). It did sell for $45,150 at the
Rick Cole May 1996 Newport Beach sale
(SCM# 1546174). Now restored to perfection,
this is a home run in the 356 world, especially
given the color change. Yet the price remains
in line with current market values.
#123-1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL
Roadster. S/N 19804210002520.
Anthracite/black canvas/beige leather. Odo:
1,028 miles. 2,996-cc fuel-injected I6, 4-sp.
Recently restored with color change from
white to Anthracite with beige seating. Paint
appears a bit wavy at door gaps. Fitted with
matching hard top and fitted luggage. Singlefamily
ownership for 54 years. Differential
changed to 3.25 for improved highway performance.
Full tool roll and proper jack. A wellsorted,
attractive 300SL Roadster. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $1,045,000. There always seem to
be a few SLs in most every major auction.
Condition is paramount, and this one presented
well, with only minor issues noted.
Price paid here was in line with other comparable
sales. Now get signed up for the 2021
300SL Classic tour.
#222-1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE
3.5 cabriolet. S/N 11102712003241. Light
beige/brown fabric/dark brown leather. Odo:
1,054 miles. 3,499-cc fuel-injected V8, auto.
Mercedes’ last “hand-built” automobile. Designed
by Friedrich Geiger, who also designed
the 300SL. Long-term extensive restoration
completed in 2015. Retains original interior.
Limited use since. Equipped with Behr a/c and
factory-mounted floor-selector gearshift. Fully
lined top with six layers of fabric. One of only
1,232 V8 cabriolets produced from 1969 to
1971. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $302,500. A stunning example that
sold for the right money. After a few years of
rapid appreciation, values have stabilized of
late. An elegant car with refined luxury. A
Baby Boomer favorite.
136 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 136
ITALIAN
#239-1930 ALFA ROMEO 6C 1750
Grand Sport Spider. S/N 8513053. Eng. #
8513053. White/black fabric/black leather.
RHD. Odo: 3,756 miles. 1,752-cc supercharged
I6, 4-sp. A premier pre-war sports car.
Tazio Nuvolari drove one to victory in 1930
Mille Miglia. The Grand Sport had a slightly
shorter wheelbase and modified Roots-style
supercharger. Equipped with center-driving
light. Has been used extensively in vintage
racing, and as a result, paint is cracked, with a
bit of brightwork pitting noted. Coachwork in
the style of Zagato. Cond: 3+.
flake. Seating with mild creasing. Brightwork
in good order. “Superleggera” coachwork by
Touring. Powered by SS or “Super Sprint”
Tipo 1308 inline 4. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $236,500. This very stylish Aurelia
sold at the lower end of expectations, but considering
the long list of needs, that was to be
expected. As an export example, it was more in
demand here and worthy of a few restoration
dollars. This was not the last check the new
owner will have to write.
#238-1959 FERRARI 250 GT coupe. S/N
SOLD AT $225,500. This was last seen at
Gooding’s 2019 Amelia Island sale, where it
failed to sell when bid to $270,000 (SCM#
6897423). The Amelia Island bid looks pretty
good right now. The seller rolled the dice on
that last appearance and lost. Who knows
where it might have gone from here, so the
seller took his lumps and moved on.
NOT SOLD AT $400,000. Condition here
was a little iffy, which held back the activity.
This car had very desirable styling and a
proven track record at vintage events, but that
was not enough to push it over the top. When
the world returns to normal and we have an
“eyes on” auction, I’d bet it does better.
#235-1954 ALFA ROMEO 1900 C
SS coupe. S/N AR190001678. Verde
Ortica/tan leather & fabric. Odo:
1,608 km. 1,975-cc I4, 4-sp. A well-maintained
example restored a few years back.
Only 1,608 km since completion. Green metallic
livery has a newer look thanks to metal
BEST
BUY
#113-1958 LANCIA AURELIA B24S
convertible. S/N B24S1502. Avorio/red
leather. Odo: 49,305 miles. 2451-cc V6, 4-sp.
An export example with left-hand “S” or
“Sinistra” designation. A very original survivor
with factory hard top. Red leather seating
very original, with cracking and worn bolster.
Door handles and bumpers pitted. Paint with
numerous blemishes, cracks and blisters. One
of only 521 produced. Offered with set of
original Lancia tools. Cond: 2-.
1433GT. Blue/silver/tan leather. Odo: 16,930
km. 2,953-cc V12, 5-sp. Coachwork by Pinin
Farina. One of 353 produced, but the only one
with factory 410 Superamerica-style hood
scoop. Recent six-figure service. Stated to be
the definitive grand tourer. Restored in early
2000 and still very presentable. Crisp interior
and highly detailed engine compartment. Minor
paint issues here and there, but none appear to
be serious. A delightful example. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $638,000. This was last seen at RM
Sotheby’s August 2017 sale, where it realized
$610,000 (SCM# 6846562). Okay, after fees,
commissions and so on, the seller is out of
pocket a few dollars—but he had three years
of fun. Restoration was starting to turn the
corner, so it was a good time to sell. All’s well
that ends well, so no issue here.
#136-1959 MASERATI 3500 GT Spyder.
S/N AM101268. Cream/black canvas/red
leather. Odo: 3,070 km. 3,485-cc I6, 5-sp.
One-off coachwork by Frua. Mechanical work
by RM Auto Restoration in 2018, then participated
in the Colorado Grand. Interior retrimmed
in dark red leather with new carpet.
Dash repainted to match exterior. Exterior
paint cracked, with a couple of rubs noted. An
exciting design. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $550,000. This was last seen at RM
Sotheby’s Monterey 2018 sale, where it realized
$605,000 (SCM# 6846364). A one-off
design that was good to go. Welcome on the
lawn or on most any tour or rally.
138 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 138
The market has, of course, taken a few twists, but this sale seems
bit aggressive for an example that has a long list of needs. Assuming
all is well under the hood, $250k should handle it, so the buyer just
might be on the right side of the ledger.
1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso coupe
#140-1964 FERRARI 500 SUPERFAST
coupe. S/N 6043SF. Eng. # 6043. Verde
Scuro/black leather. Odo: 19,168 miles. 4,962cc
V12, 5-sp. An extremely well-maintained,
very original example. The 11th of only 36
produced. Exclusive Verde Scuro livery without
blemish. Three owners from new. A few
grand-touring upgrades including rally gauges.
Original owner ordered without Superfast
badging. Powered by Tipo 208 V12. Introduced
at 1964 Geneva Salon. Cond: 1-.
needs. Assuming all is well under the hood,
$250k should handle it, so the buyer just might
be on the right side of the ledger.
#146-1967 FERRARI 275 GTB/4 coupe.
S/N 10045. Fly Yellow/black leather. Odo:
75,649 miles. 3,286-cc V12, 5-sp. A stunning
Ferrari with elegant coachwork and a DOHC
V12 that added 20 horsepower. Only 330 were
produced. Restored in late 1990s by TV show
“Dream Car Garage.” Acquired by Skip Barber,
who had the engine rebuilt. Now wears
Borrani wheels, but born with Campagnolos.
Paint shows a few signs of age-related wear. A
well-preserved and properly maintained 275
GTB/4. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $1,900,000. If a decent Daytona
runs about $700k, what are you willing to
pay for race configuration and history? In this
case not enough, but I have to think the price
bid was ample. Of course, that’s just one opinion.
The seller thought otherwise.
#244-1991 FERRARI F40 coupe.
S/N ZFFMN34A6M0087627. Eng. #
25042. Rosso Corsa/red fabric. Odo:
6,381 miles. 2,936-cc turbocharged V8, 5-sp.
The successor to the 288 GTO and built to
celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary. Wicked
quick, with 0–60 in under four seconds. There
were 1,315 built worldwide, but only 213 destined
for the U.S. market. Low miles are actual.
Only 400 were originally planned, but
demand was such that production was increased.
Participated in 2004 Ferrari Challenge
Rally. In as-new condition. Cond: 1.
TOP 10
#9
NOT SOLD AT $1,980,000. This was last
seen at RM’s May 2009 Maranello auction,
where it realized $983,125 (SCM# 1644437).
An exciting Ferrari, but bidding fell a touch
short. I would think another 10% would have
pushed it over the top. If it were mine, I would
have held out for all the money and then some,
so I can’t blame the seller for not accepting
this offer.
TOP 10
#8
#115-1964 FERRARI 250 GT/L
Lusso coupe. S/N 5379. Eng. # 5379.
Avorio/red leather. Odo: 46,792 miles.
2,953-cc V12, 4-sp. A very original, numbersmatching
example that received a respray in
1988. Recent mechanical work. Red leather
seating with cracking and age-related wear.
Paint cracked, blistered and scratched.
Headlamp ring cracked. Elegant styling that
deserves restoration. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $1,386,000. Gooding, at their recent
online event, sold an F40 for $1,628,000,
so this was a relative bargain. With many to
select from, you would not expect this large a
delta in the pricing. Well bought.
NOT SOLD AT $2,300,000. This was last
seen at RM’s May 2010 Monte Carlo auction,
where it realized $1,041,090 (SCM# 1682871).
Prior to that it failed to sell when bid to
$875,000 at Russo and Steele’s August 2009
sale (SCM# 1664940). In January 2009, it
sold for $918,500 at RM’s Phoenix sale
(SCM# 1643006). As of this writing, it’s still
for sale on RM Sotheby’s site with an asking
price of $2,650,000.
#246-1971 FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Daytona
coupe. S/N 14065. Blue/blue leather &
fabric. 4,390-cc V12, 6x2-bbl, 5-sp. One of
approximately 25 Daytonas prepared for competition
use. Driven by David Hobbs and Skip
Scott at 1972 12 Hours of Sebring. Originally
ordered with a/c and Borrani wires. Engine
replaced with V12 from Cannonball Run Daytona.
Recently received sympathetic restoration
to Competizione specifications.
Recognized as one of the fastest competition
Daytonas. Complete with original sales invoice
and bill of sale. Cond: 2.
#240-2001 FERRARI 550 GT1
coupe. S/N ZFFZR49B000108418.
Red/black fabric. 6.0-L V12, 6-sp. The
second of 12 550 GT1 chassis commissioned
to Prodrive by Care Racing Development.
Increased to 6.0 liters and produces 600 horsepower.
In four years competed in 49 races,
taking 15 poles with 14 outright wins. Last
Ferrari V12 to win a 24-hour race. Rebuilt to
historic-race-ready condition in Spa 2004 livery.
Complete with full race log and mileage
charts. Must be collected from Signes, France.
Cond: 2+.
TOP 10
#1
SOLD AT $4,290,000. This Classiche-certified
racer had everything going for it, and as
such, became the most valuable car ever sold
in an online-only collector-car auction. This is
the new high-water mark. (See profile, p. 80.)
SOLD AT $1,496,000. A few years back,
$2.5m for a well-presented Lusso was not out
of the question. The market has, of course,
taken a few twists, but this sale seems bit aggressive
for an example that has a long list of
140 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
AMERICAN
#131-1929 DUESENBERG MODEL SJ
convertible sedan. S/N 2192. Eng. # J169.
Green/black canvas/green leather. Odo: 481
Page 140
miles. 420-ci supercharged I8, 3-sp. An original
short-wheelbase chassis, fitted with one of
about 45 convertible sedan bodies produced
by Murphy for Duesenberg. Lengthy restoration
began in 1967 and converted to SJ specification
using parts of an original factory
supercharger. Single ownership past 30 years.
Equipped with Pilot Rays and luggage rack.
Well maintained but now aging gracefully
with overall mild patina. Cond: 2-.
over four-year run. Only 13 survive, and this
just may be the only Model 41 convertible
Victoria. Won Best in Class at 2008 Pebble
Beach concours. Reunited with original motor
during restoration. Fitted with trunk rack, sidemounts
and Archer hood ornament. Very limited
use in past 10 years. Cond: 2+.
with minor paint chips and scratches on hood.
Cute as heck, with a lot of smiles per mile.
Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $781,000. The supercharged SJ
was introduced in 1932, so no attempt to fool
anyone here. Only 36 SJs were produced, and
they’re recognized by the side exhaust pipes.
Many Js have the flexible pipes as well, however,
so it’s not always a correct clue. The
price paid here was a surprise, as a car like
this is not always welcome at certain events
due to the incorrect motor and not-very-exciting
livery. (See profile, p. 76.)
#231-1930 STUTZ MODEL MB Monte
Carlo sedan. S/N M854CD17L. Eng. #
32418. Gray & maroon/maroon fabric. Odo:
42,014 miles. 322-ci V8, 3-sp. A stunning and
sleek Monte Carlo body by Weymann with
imitation-leather outer body panels. One of
three known to have been produced. Once in
legendary A.K. Miller Collection. Restored in
1990, with class win at Pebble Beach. Powered
by “SV16” V8 motor. Once in famed
Blackhawk Collection. Well maintained but
showing signs of age. Most elegant styling.
Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $320,000. Last seen at RM’s
October 2016 Hershey sale (SCM# 6804720),
where it realized $465,500. Prior to that, it
sold for $385,000 at RM’s 2012 Monterey sale
(SCM# 4784165). Driven fewer than 20 miles
since 2012. Now heading the other way and
down the slippery slope. A desirable Full
Classic, but not as favored as in years past. I
doubt if we will see much recovery in near
future.
#248-1932 PACKARD DELUXE EIGHT
convertible Victoria. S/N 90485. Black/black
fabric/red leather. Odo: 367 miles. 385-ci I8,
3-sp. An individual custom by Dietrich with
distinctive vee windshield. One of four known
to still exist. Once part of John Mozart and
Otis Chandler Collections. Compete restoration
completed in 2017, and appears to have
been well maintained since. Rides on massive
142-inch wheelbase. An exceptional CCCA
Full Classic. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $25,850. Sold for less than was
expected, and I think it was a heck of a buy. I
have seen these stored in entryways, as a couple
of strong guys can move them. Just the
thing for the next year’s Fourth of July parade.
#251-1947 CHRYSLER TOWN &
COUNTRY sedan. S/N 71002450. Blue/red
leather. Odo: 3,315 miles. 251-ci I6, 1-bbl,
3-sp. Easily recognized with wood side panels
and trunk along with dazzling “harmonica”
grille. This example has a roof rack, Highlander
interior and All Weather Air Control.
Attractive blue livery with a few nicks, some
window rubber worn. A few patches in wood
noted. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $77,000. The market for all woodies
has been a bit soft of late, and the Town &
Countries are following the trend. A few years
ago, this would have been well into six figures,
as it was well maintained and finished in an
attractive shade of blue. The buyer has a fun
driver at a realistic price, but the seller is
probably not as pleased.
#107-1949 OLDSMOBILE 88 station
SOLD AT $256,500. A very comparable example,
also a Pebble Beach class winner, sold
for $550,000 at RM’s 2013 Amelia Island sale.
Interest is not what it has been on exotic Classics,
but I think it’s a temporary blip. A year
from now, this will come back—but not to the
level it was in 2013.
#126-1931 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL
41 Convertible Victoria. S/N 3050235. Butterscotch
& maroon/tan fabric/maroon leather.
Odo: 8,878 miles. 385-ci I8, 3-sp. An older
restoration that is holding up rather well. Only
25 LeBaron bodies ordered by Pierce-Arrow
142 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
SOLD AT $1,056,000. Quality Full Classics
still attract attention, as noted by the sale
here. Price paid was in line with past sales of
individual custom-bodied American cars, so
there’s no issue here. This one already has
awards at Amelia and Pebble, but I hope to
see it at other major outings as well.
#105-1938 AMERICAN BANTAM 60
roadster. S/N 62500. Tan & maroon/maroon
vinyl. Odo: 60,147 miles. 50-ci I4, 3-sp. The
creation of Roy Evans as a revised version of
the American Austin. Styling updated by
Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky. Produced
through 1941, with about 7,000 produced on a
75-inch wheelbase in a number of different
configurations. Rear fender skirts, wind wings
and tan removable top. An older restoration,
wagon. S/N 498M25924. Seafoam Green/red
leather. Odo: 15 miles. 303-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
Powered by America’s first post-war overhead-valve
V8, the Rocket V8. Also featured
new Futurmatic styling. Real mahogany side
panels replaced with steel mid-year. Extensive
restoration competed late 2015 and limited use
since. Paint, wood, trim and interior all present
well. Only 1,355 produced. Cond: 1-.
Page 142
I continue to be amazed at the lack of use, as the temptation to
exercise it regularly at a track day would be a serious one. Problem is,
of course, use it and the value goes away. A dilemma.
2017 Ford GT coupe
SOLD AT $95,700. This was last seen at Barrett-Jackson’s
April 2016 Palm Beach sale,
where it realized $62,700 (SCM# 6801390).
Most American cars have been going the other
way the past few years, but this was an exception.
A strong presentation and a decent buy in
a soft market.
#230-1954 BUICK ROADMASTER con-
vertible. S/N A2009328. Red/tan canvas/red &
white leather. Odo: 25,592 miles. 322-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. The Roadmaster has four ventiports
on each side of the fender. Paint and brightwork
appear to be in excellent condition—good
news, as plating the bucktooth grille is an expensive
undertaking. Equipped with power
steering, brakes and Dynaflow as standard
equipment. Complete with books and records
as well as trunk full of trophies. Cond: 2+.
Sold for a price that was close to what Skylarks
have been bringing of late. The ’50s
American market has been taking a beating,
but this was a strong result. Good car, good
price.
#224-1954 EDWARDS AMERICA con-
vertible. S/N 1941. Blue/tan fabric/blue &
white leather. Odo: 4,576 miles. 324-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Sterling Edwards with his first
Edwards Special won Best of Show at the very
first Pebble Beach concours. This was one of
five Edwards Americas designed by Norman
Tubbs and built by Phil Remington. It used a
100-inch Henry J chassis, fiberglass body and
Oldsmobile V8. Driven a little over 500 miles
the past 10 years. Now showing chips on
hood, scratches on bumpers and some minor
paint blemishes. Body fit decent for 65-yearold
fiberglass. A piece of automotive history.
Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $148,500. This was last seen at
Gooding & Company’s 2010 Amelia Island
sale, where it realized $110,000 (SCM#
1682471). Seller had his fun for 10 years and
came out with a few dollars in his pocketbook.
Now needs a respray and a little replating, but
the car is interesting enough to justify the expense.
Will always create some excitement and
draw a crowd. Fair for both parties.
#124-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S108137. Signet Red &
white/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 1,842 miles.
283-ci 290-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. A nicely
optioned Fuelie with power windows, Wonder
Bar radio, heater and 4-speed. First year for quad
headlamps. Older restoration has been well
maintained. NCRS Top Flight winner along with
Duntov Mark of Excellence. Signet Red livery in
good order and interior crisp. Paint in good order
and seating smooth and even. Engine sparkles. A
solid example. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $83,600. An attractive Roadmaster
that appears to have been well maintained.
NOT SOLD AT $110,000. A quality offering
that is documented with major trophies in the
trunk. The Corvette market has been a bit soft
of late, but this one still should have brought
another $20k or so. I don’t blame the seller for
holding on, as the money should be available
at the next venue.
#153-2017 FORD GT coupe. S/N 2FAGP9CW4HH200097.
Eng. # H097. Liquid
Red/gray leather. Odo: 1,298 miles. 3.5-L turbocharged
V6, auto. Introduced at 2015 Detroit
Auto Show. Race-ready GTs were entered
by Chip Ganassi Racing in 2016 IMSA series
and had numerous podium finishes. This example
is the 97th built and equipped with exterior
carbon-fiber package, leather-wrapped
steering wheel and 20-inch satin silver wheels.
Only 137 built in 2017. Originally required a
rigid application procedure to buy one of the
1,350 produced. This example as-new. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $858,000. As these now legally
come to market, we can predict the pricing.
This one fell right in line. I continue to be
amazed at the lack of use, as the temptation to
exercise it regularly at a track day would be a
serious one. Problem is, of course, use it and
the value goes away. A dilemma! ♦
144 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 144
VANDERBRINK AUCTIONS GRANGER, IA
The Don Beneventi Chevrolet Collection
A second VanDerBrink sale of nearly-new Chevys brings big money
Company
VanDerBrink Auctions
Date
July 25, 2020
Location
Granger, IA
Auctioneers
Yvette VanDerBrink,
Aaron Williamson
Automotive lots sold/offered
22/22
Sales rate
100%
Sales total
$800,558
High sale
1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2-door hard top, sold at
$110,250
Buyer’s premium
5% for on-site bidder; 8%
online, included in sold prices
1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, sold at $110,250
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
franchise, in 1932 he was approved for a Chevrolet franchise
in his hometown of Granger, IA. Don first started
working at the dealership as a 5-year-old, wiggling into
the boxcars that the 1940 and 1941 Chevy cars were delivered
in and steering them while being unloaded. After
the war, the dealership prospered, and by 1965, Don had
taken over the reins of Beneventi Chevrolet.
Just prior, he had taken in a 1937 Chevy 2-door sedan
W
on trade that was originally sold to the customer by his
father. Instead of reselling it, Don decided to hang onto
it as a tangible link to the family’s past. This was the
first of dozens of cars that became the Don Beneventi
Collection. In 1972, he decided to keep the 1972 Monte
Carlo that he special-ordered as his personal demonstrator,
the first of several cars that he ordered new and
never sold — or even had titled, leaving them on the
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
With Don now in his 80s, he accepted an offer with
Des Moines-based Willis Auto Group to purchase his
dealership and to sell off the bulk of his collection at
auction. To conduct the auction, he contracted with
VanDerBrink Auctions, best known for the sale of an-
hile Don Beneventi’s father had sold some
independent brands before the Great
Depression, he wanted to sell a major brand.
Immediately after being rejected by Ford for a
other Chevrolet dealer, the famed Ray Lambrecht of Pierce, NE, in 2013. Of Don’s 22
cars, six were still on the MSO when he sold the dealership, but due to Iowa law stating
that only dealers can sell on an MSO, he had to generate titles for those since they were
still carried as dealer inventory up to that point. However, copies were made of the
MSOs and were supplied to all new owners, showing a complete paper trail from GM
onwards. These MSO cars were also exercised occasionally, so while they didn’t have
single-digit miles, they were all maintained and turn-key ready to drive.
The other twist to this sale, of course, was COVID-19. The scheduled date of July
25 was picked back in January, but as the year progressed, it was becoming hit or miss
whether the sale could take place as a live auction. By sale day, Iowa had eased several
of its restrictions, and since the auction was going to be fully conducted outdoors
(with the cars driving past the dealership’s facade, where Yvette VanDerBrink set up a
podium), the event was approved. Partly due to the Beneventis’ history in the area and
the lack of car events taking place, there was a large crowd in attendance on sale day.
There were more than tire-kickers here, however, as most of the cars sold extremely
well. The high sale was an undeniable world record: that 1972 Monte Carlo demonstrator
which Don kept. With only 3,022 miles and looking as nice as it did when it
was used to sell others like it, an on-site bidders’ brawl saw it sell for a jaw-dropping
$110,250. The second-highest sale was a 456-mile 1977 Camaro Z/28, the lowestmileage
car here. Opening with a $36,000 online bid, it was a Proxibid bidder from
Illinois who topped all others — online, onsite, and on the phone — at $77,220.
Beneventi Chevrolet had the reputation of a dealership that catered to enthusiasts.
It was a fitting close to the dealership’s history that prime pickings from its past sold
not only to the collectors he served over the decades, but also to collectors globally, all
of them paying strong prices for these cars — thanks in no small part to VanDerBrink
Auctions.♦
146 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 146
VANDERBRINK AUCTIONS GRANGER, IA
IRISH
#17D-1981 DELOREAN DMC-12 Gull-
wing. S/N SCEDT26TXBD006802. Stainless
steel/gray leather. Odo: 4,244 miles. 2.8-L
fuel-injected V6, auto. Essentially original.
The stainless panels still gleam smartly and
aren’t cloudy. Plastic end fascias and rubber
bumper cladding are still very good. Door
struts still work, even if they’re a bit weak at
the top of travel. Engine-lid struts shot.
Slightly dusty engine bay, the intake plenum
cover being the most obvious. Driver’s seating
surface shows markedly more wear than you’d
expect from a car with this low mileage. Carpet
remnants used for floor mats. Light soiling
on door-sill carpet (as you can’t help but drag
a foot across it getting in or out). Wears 1981
Iowa dealer plate. Seems to run out with no
obvious issues. Cond: 2-.
#3D-1947 CHEVROLET FLEETLINE
SOLD AT $24,938. Don Beneventi bought
this car from the Chevy dealer in nearby Nevada,
IA, after he had it restored, since Don’s
father opened his dealership in 1932. Some
may feel that this may not be worth the $10k
premium over a Ford Model A, but it’s still
cheap compared to a ’32 Ford V8 5-window.
While the “restoration” (more of a gussie-up)
is unwinding, this is more of a parade car until
it unwinds to the point of restoring correctly
for the long term. Still, worth leaving stock;
put the crate LS engine and Mustang II front
end in a dead field-found car.
#2D-1937 CHEVROLET MASTER 2-dr
SOLD AT $45,150. This was taken in on trade
for a new 1984 Corvette in November 1983
(talk about a swing-and-a-miss for strike two
from the original owner). Rather than try to
peddle a used DeLorean in Iowa, Don decided
to hang onto it for his collection. He went from
potential idiot to real genius within two years,
as the owner of a local movie theater who
knew him and his collection asked him to park
it by the theater’s front door for their premier
of this new Michael J. Fox movie, “Back to
the Future.” Now he’s really a genius by
keeping a 4k-mile DeLorean for 36 years,
bringing current market retail-plus money. A
vastly better payday than keeping any 1984
C4 from new.
AMERICAN
#1D-1932 CHEVROLET CONFEDER-
ATE Series BA 5-window coupe. S/N
21BA0525329. Maroon & black/gray cloth.
Odo: 54,446 miles. 194-ci I6, 3-sp. Trunkback
body, no rumble seat. Repainted three to
four decades ago, and not especially well even
by the standards of that era. Maroon shows
plenty of orange peel, black has several light
runs and sags. Good door fit. Glass delaminating
on edges. Okay older bumper replate,
varying degrees of light pitting on all remaining
original chrome trim. Industrial carpet
squares used for floor mats. Period-accessory
Ha Dees heater (get it?). All upholstery redone
in a more-modern cloth and holding up exceptionally
well, apart from heavier wear around
window cranks on door panels. Engine is getting
greasy, but despite some erratic hot-starting
issues, it runs out very well. Cond: 3.
148 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
SOLD AT $9,975. This was sold brand new
by Beneventi Chevrolet and was traded in by
the then-little-old-lady original owner for a
new 1963 Chevy II Nova (although the title
shows a 1964 issue date) and has been in the
collection ever since. Period photos show it at
times in the 1960s and 1970s on the showroom
floor, with UV rays from the large showroom
windows not doing the car’s rubber any favors.
Worthy of a trim-off-with-glass-and-rubber-in-the-dumpster
repaint, since the
windshield has delaminated to the point of
being illegal to drive in several states. Based
on that, or even just leaving it as-is, enough
was paid—yet it was still a deal compared to
just about everything else sold here.
sedan. S/N 21GB0732408. Green metallic/
beige mohair. Odo: 76,842 miles. 216-ci I6,
3-sp. Mediocre color-change repaint (originally
black) about 30 years ago, but that’s all
that’s been done to it cosmetically since new.
Dry-rotted original window and door seals. All
glass delaminating to some extent—most
rather severely. Several dings in lower half of
driver’s door. All chrome has some light pitting,
while stainless has light scuffing. Heavier
tearing on driver’s seat outside facing edge,
crudely sewn together, plus tears at seat pivot.
Otherwise, all-original interior isn’t all that
bad. Period-accessory defroster fan. All of the
engine paint has worn off, with a light coat of
greasy grime over everything. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $19,980. Don Beneventi stated that
this was originally the Chevrolet zone manager’s
car, and his father obtained it and resold
it at the dealership after the zone
manager turned it back in. Don found and
bought it in 1985. Maybe not as much of a
Survivor-grade car as some would think, but
still nice to see a mostly original sedan get
some love on the auction block. I figured that
this would fetch about $10k–$12k at best, but
it opened online at $17k and it was almost all
online from there until it sold on Proxibid to a
New York state bidder.
#22D-1949 CHEVROLET 6400 dump
truck. S/N 21SJF1847. Red & black/red &
black vinyl. Odo: 53,359 miles. 235-ci I6,
4-sp. Repainted at least four colors, starting
with basic black, and this not being the first
time in red. The current layer is several decades
old and starting to unwind. Based on
rust blisters, multiple layers of paint could be
a major structural component. Five out of the
six tires match—the sixth is a snow tire—all
heavily dry-rotted and cracked. What little
chrome it has is decent; so is the stainless trim.
Never had a radio. Original headliner and door
panel cardboard panels heavily warped and
painted over. Seat was redone a few decades
ago; seams now splitting. Dingy unkempt motor,
but a willing runner. Unfortunately, the
brakes aren’t functional. Cond: 4-.
sedan. S/N 3K1J43853. Black/tan & maroon
cloth. Odo: 47,014 miles. 216-ci I6, 3-sp.
Miles claimed correct from new. Period-accessory
Fulton windshield visor, backup lamp,
plus red and tan plaid vinyl seat covers. Below
them is very well-preserved original cloth upholstery.
Even what’s exposed is pretty good,
although door panels have varying degrees of
water staining. Moderate wear on driver’s
door printed woodgrain trim. Said to have
been repainted about 35 years ago and still a
decent 10-footer. Stainless trim quite good,
muted bumper plating, all other chrome has
light frost pitting. Vent windows starting to
delaminate. Heavy paint wear below valve
cover. Somewhat dingy overall under the
hood. Cond: 3+.
Page 148
VANDERBRINK AUCTIONS GRANGER, IA
SOLD AT $7,350. It’s a bit unusual for a twoton
truck to have the 5-window deluxe cab,
which was part of why Mr. Beneventi bought it
years back. Oddly, from a collection of cars
that were well cared for, this truck didn’t even
have working brakes—is nobody at the dealership’s
shop old enough to remember or understand
a Hydrovac system? More oddly, the
underbidder on the $110k ’72 Monte took this
home. Some consolation prize. Either that, or
he REALLY needed an alibi. Otherwise, why
would you pay too much for an unwinding old
dump truck that’s basically a collection’s unloved
cast-off?
#4D-1954 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup.
S/N H54J024654. Dark green/brown vinyl.
Odo: 47,503 miles. 235-ci I6, 3-sp. Purchased
new from Horner Chevrolet of Le Mars, IA, on
September 1, 1954. “Frame-off restoration” a
couple of decades ago; it’s more of a drivergrade
redo at best. Sanding scratches in repainted
fenders, but cab finish is pretty good.
Replacement glass and rubber. Average-grade
replating on bumpers and grille. Fitted with
1954 Bel Air wheel covers and newer radial
tires on stock rims. Well-fitted correct reproduction
seat, door panels and headliner. Never had
a radio. Engine was repainted as part of the
restoration, now paint is flaking off front of
motor. Heavy fuel staining on carburetor and
everything below it. Runs out well. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $27,300. This pickup was worth
having, but not at what it brought here. When
a lookie-loo on Friday asked me what I
thought it should bring. I told him it’ll likely
do about $25k, although I personally feel that
the $17,500 it opened at online was more in
line with reality (if a tad short—more like
$20k seemed right to me). In recent years,
Advance Designs have sort of bobbed and
weaved in value, especially as the weight ratings
increased on given trucks. I recently tried
to buy a 1953 3800 one-ton that my uncle used
to own, in similar but more original condition
than this one, and couldn’t get it done at
$7,500 (it sold for $9,735—SCM# 6930586).
Unless your uncle in Le Mars bought a ’54
new, this is where the market is now.
#5D-1954 CHEVROLET BEL AIR convertible.
S/N C54K047136. Red & white/
white vinyl/gray & red vinyl. Odo: 1,497
miles. 235-ci I6, 3-sp. Originally Pueblo Tan
with beige and tan interior. Expert colorchange
repaint, but with sanding scratches in
door jambs. Good door fit and gaps, trunk
gaps vary. Dealer-accessory stainless rocker
panel and fuel-filler trim, all polished. Also
fitted with a dealer-accessory eagle hood ornament.
All plating is show-quality other than
vent window frames, which have light uniform
pitting. Replacement top has yellowing on the
edges. Period Continental kit. All-reproduction
interior soft trim. Authentically detailed
under the hood when restored, now with light
to moderate soiling. Said to be fitted with an
NOS engine. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $35,700. By 1954, Chevy was done
with the babbitt-pounder 216-ci Stovebolt 6,
and the full-pressure lubricated 235 became
common fare in cars and trucks. The 235 was
a markedly better engine with greater longevity.
If it wasn’t for that small-block V8 introduced
in 1955, the 235 would’ve enjoyed an
even better reputation, yet just about everyone
would rather have a V8. One can’t make an
apples-to-apples comparison of the ’55 Bel
Air convert that sold right after it, due to that
car’s V8, but considering that the ’54 is the
last of the “tubby old man” generation of
Chevys, this sold about right.
#6D-1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR con-
vertible. S/N VC55F003654. Gypsy Red &
Shoreline Beige/white vinyl/red & white interior.
265-ci V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Factory optional
overdrive unit. Wears stock 4-barrel Power
Pack induction. Well detailed under the hood
and all GM, to include a modern AC/Delco
battery. Brake master cylinder is rusty and
nasty. Dealer-accessory bumper over-riders
and fuel-filler trim, all brightwork show-quality.
High-quality repaint on the exterior, with
some light orange peel in door jambs. Good
door and panel gaps. Fully reupholstered interior,
with some edge wear on driver’s door
panel from being out of alignment. Door glass
to rear quarter glass alignment slightly off, the
former canted slightly more inward. Light
road spray on undercarriage. Aftermarket dual
exhaust outlets. Cond: 2.
150 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 150
VANDERBRINK AUCTIONS GRANGER, IA
SOLD AT $59,325. Word is this car was purchased
as-is out of California, just after it won
a category at Hot August Nights in Reno. The
thing I like about it is the overdrive option.
You’ll more often than not find OD on ’55
Fords than Chevys, but the Bowtie continued
to offer the same Borg-Warner unit that Ford
used well into the 1960s. While inspecting the
herd on Friday, Yvette told me that Coyote
Johnson, whose collection of barn-saved muscle
cars she sold for him at auction in Red
Oak, IA, last fall, was keen on this Bel Air.
Bidding opened online at $37,500, and when
the dust settled, Yvette’s phone bidder—Coyote—had
the car at this retail final bid. It goes
to show that one nice one beats dozens of projects
that’ll never get done.
#7D-1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 2-dr
hard top. S/N VC57B181991. Turquoise/aqua
vinyl & black nylon. Odo: 49,765 miles. 283ci
fuel-injected V8, auto. Said to have a 1958
prototype fuel-injection unit from when the
car was part of the GM test fleet in Phoenix,
AZ. Two of three vacuum ports off the aircleaner
housing plugged with corks. Engine
bay detailed like it’s stock and all-GM. Lots of
light dents on radiator tank. “Body by Fisher”
tag trim code matches the restoration; paint
code shows it was originally a two-tone in this
aqua with an Ivory-painted roof. Repaint was
done very well on all visible surfaces. All new
or refurbished brightwork when restored a few
years ago, now slightly starting to mute. Rearquarter
windows delaminating. Expertly fitted
reproduction interior soft trim with only slight
carpet wear. Runs very well. Cond: 2.
57,830 miles. 402-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Optional
Cowl Induction, power steering, power front
disc brakes, a/c, tinted glass, windshieldwasher
monitor light, and AM/8-track stereo.
Bought by the seller in 1987 with a GM replacement
block that’s still in the car. Restored
a few years before that time. Body filler and
off-fit at left front fender to rocker panel joint.
Nice repaint over that, to include painted
stripes. Doors need a little help to latch properly.
Good brightwork. Engine bay isn’t too
bad, but doesn’t pop like it may have in 1987.
Air cleaner decals fraying on the edges.
Claimed to have an all-original interior; if it is,
it’s gorgeous. Cond: 2-.
to the shoulder-belt instruction card on the
driver’s visor. Clean and stock under the hood,
with good original engine paint. Runs well.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $110,250. Don said that
he always tried to have black cars as demonstrators,
but in 1972 black wasn’t available on
Montes, so he special-ordered it. Since he also
planned on keeping it after the end of the
model year, he also loaded it up with options.
By the time the 1973s were out, he had 2,400
miles on it and retired it to his collection, but
it remained on the MSO until he sold the dealership
this year. By the time it rolled in front of
Yvette to sell, it had an opening bid online of
$43k. Past $70k, Yvette’s Proxibid and phone
reps were spectators, as two guys on site were
hell-bent to either get it or make the other guy
pay dearly. Behold, a new world record price
for a first-gen Monte Carlo. Now just imagine
if it had the SS 454 package.
SOLD AT $55,125. Beneventi bought this
from someone who had some Corvette parts he
was looking for. He became smitten with this
car in that guy’s garage, and I get the feeling
that this person may have oversold the car for
what it probably really is—even if Don says
that it’s a nice driver. There’s no provenance
beyond the body and VIN tags to prove much,
and some bidders felt there was rust in the
floorboards (I suspect what they thought was
rust was really several layers of undercoating
balled up at the Welch plugs under the front
seats). Yet there was some bodywork that had
been done. Not a bad car, but not a $55,125
car, either.
SOLD AT $48,300. This car was said to have
been sent to a Chevy dealer in Phoenix to get
the fuel-injection unit pulled off and a 4-barrel
put back on before clearing it to sell from
GM’s inventory. Seems odd to me that GM
techs didn’t pull it off at the Proving Grounds.
Instead, the car was bought almost immediately,
and when GM called the new owner to
get the FI unit back, he told them to go pound
sand. Years later, Don located and bought the
car (still in Arizona) and had it restored. He
stated that the underside of the intake manifold
and FI unit are stamped with “58X” part
numbers, theorizing that this was a developmental
unit for the next model year. The proof
in the pudding will be to pull off the FI unit
and inspect it. Until then, this sold market
correct.
#8D-1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
SS 396 2-dr hard top. S/N 136370K159661.
Cortez Silver & black/black vinyl. Odo:
152 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
#9D-1972 CHEVROLET
MONTE CARLO 2-dr hard top. S/N
1H57J2K594825. Black/black vinyl/black vinyl.
Odo: 3,022 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
3,022 miles from new and original—excepting
fluids, an upper radiator hose clamp and the
battery. Original window sticker still present
after 48 years, showing optional special paint
(for $36), a/c, full tinted glass, bucket seats
with console, vinyl roof, deluxe seat belts,
door edge guards, Rally wheels (the original
G78-15 Uniroyals still on them), tilt steering,
and AM radio with rear speaker. Chrome
dealer tag affixed to rear fascia trim panel,
which was poorly fitted when built (as was
the grille, protruding out from the body a bit).
Light polishing scratches on hood and trunk
lid over original paint. Interior minty down
#11D-1974 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
Laguna S3 coupe. S/N 1E37Y4B554509. Maroon
& white/black vinyl & gray cloth. Odo:
51,811 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Torq
Thrust alloy wheels on older radials. Optional
a/c, AM/FM stereo, and swivel bucket seats
with center console. Both colors repainted quite
well, to include masking and inside of door
jambs. Vinyl to plastic shell welting loose on
outboard side of passenger’s seat; it interferes
with the door latch. Cloth seating surfaces show
little wear. Seat-mounted shoulder-belt loops
faded but haven’t broken…yet. Jensen Triax
speakers cut into faded rear package shelf. Engine
paint staring to chip and discolor. Nonstock
red heater hose and clamps, but generally
stock under the hood. Newer undercoating and
dual exhaust. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $33,075. This was something of a
NASCAR homologation special, with the mailslot
rear-quarter window for better aero. Don
originally ordered this as a demonstrator, having
no problem getting it with a 454 during the
OPEC oil embargo. By the end of the year, he
sold it to a retail customer, who traded it in
during the 1980 model year (and another oil
embargo). Instead of putting it on the used-car
row, he had it repainted and kept it. He also
said that it was traded in with the original
Rally wheels in the trunk, but somewhere
along the line they were stolen. Rarer than
most folks realize, especially today after attrition.
It opened online at $31k, yet it only took
one more bid on site to get it bought.
#15D-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37T4S433866. White/Saddle
leather. Odo: 3,523 miles. 350-ci 245-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Mostly original. Yellowed window
sticker taped back in place, showing it was
built with optional a/c, power brakes, power
windows, tilt/tele steering column, power
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VANDERBRINK AUCTIONS GRANGER, IA
steering, map-light rear-view mirror and AM/
FM radio. Well-cared-for original paint. Good
forward door gaps, although too tight at the
rear—but they latch well. Very sloppy glue
application for the driver’s door seal. Interior
not only looks assembly-line new, it still has a
hint of new-car smell to it. Aside from the
battery, the engine bay is all circa-1974 but
could benefit from cleaning. Spare-tire carrier
still has inspection-tag tape on it. Freshly issued
Iowa title from the original MSO, with a
copy of it included. Cond: 2+.
the MSO into an Iowa title for his revocable
trust. It takes a little more digging around, but
occasionally a ’75 Caprice or Buick-OldsPontiac
X-top surfaces under identical circumstances
as this car, so it’s less of a
three-legged dog than some folks think. With a
base-level 2-barrel 350 working hard to move
this sled, it sold well to an online bidder from
Wisconsin.
SOLD AT $45,360. When Don ordered the
car, he specified alloy wheels but got Rallies,
as aluminum wheels were on constraint from
1973 until they became available for 1976.
When he finally got another C3 for inventory
that did get alloys from the factory, he
swapped wheels and updated the invoices on
both cars. Today, this is a probable Bloomington
Gold Benchmark Corvette.
#18D-1975 CHEVROLET CAPRICE
Classic convertible. S/N 1N67H5S171532.
Light blue/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 1,241
miles. 350-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Options include
a/c, power windows, power front seat, cruise
control, tilt steering, light group and AM/FM
stereo. Essentially original. New economygrade
radials recently fitted to stock rims, with
optional wire wheel covers. Slightly wavy end
on the left rear fender stamping, near trunk lid.
Factory-applied paint better than most
circa-1975 GM spray jobs, but not perfect.
Very nice original chrome, alloy and plastic
trim. Engine bay could use a good detail
cleaning, but due more to dust than grime.
Service inspection sticker from original ordering
dealer. Rear armrest panels starting to yellow,
but otherwise a very well-preserved
interior. Cond: 2.
#10D-1976 CHEVROLET MONTE
CARLO Landau coupe. S/N
1H57Q6K434013. Red/white vinyl halfroof/white
vinyl. Odo: 45,208 miles. 305-ci
V8, 2-bbl, auto. 45,209 indicated miles said to
be actual. Optional a/c, cruise control, tilt
steering, AM/FM stereo, and alloy wheels.
Expertly repainted below the original painted
pinstripe and below the vinyl roof trim, but
not inside the door jambs (where I found the
masking ridge). Original paint above that is
quite good. Doors need a bit of a slam to latch
properly and have a slight rattle. Good original
brightwork. Vinyl roof coming loose at bottom
corners. Good original engine paint, but could
benefit from a detail-grade cleaning. Repair
splice in low-pressure a/c line. Well-cared-for
original interior, with heaviest wear on the
carpeting. Cond: 3+.
dow stickers taped back in place. Light soiling
and wear on floor mats, otherwise interior is as
assembled in 1977. Excellent original paint
and graphics, yet sloppy masking in blackedout
turn-signal pods. Drip rails yellowing
slightly. Show-quality engine bay. Light discoloration
on exhaust and gas tank; no flash
rust on undercarriage. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $77,220. 1977 was the return of the
Z/28, after going on hiatus in 1974 (funny how
that keeps happening to Camaros). Unlike
damn near every 1978 Indy Pace Car Corvette
that was kept pickled with little or no miles,
almost nobody kept a new-in-box ’77 Z/28.
Unlike the Lambrecht Chevrolets that Yvette
sold back in 2013, this epitomizes the vast
contrast in long-term ownership philosophies.
Here, Don actually cared about his collection—not
by letting them sit and rot but exercising
them a little. I’d certainly be far keener
on this Camaro than any IPC Corvette with
single-digit miles, simply because you know
this still functions. For that privilege, someone
was willing to pay a premium, and even from
this Ford guy, I’d call it money well spent.
#16D-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
SOLD AT $12,420. 1976 was the first year of
both the 305-ci V8 (a stalwart for GM for over
two decades) and rectangular headlights for
the Monte. Personally, I thought they ruined
the look of the front end, with most every other
line on the car essentially being a French
curve. This one was sold new by the dealership
and when it was traded back in in 1988,
Don kept it for his collection. Maybe not as
minty as it seems, but a pleasant reminder of
when pedestrian cars could be had in dynamic
color combinations. Bidding opened online at
$9k, and with fewer bids than most folks expected,
hammered sold to an online bidder
from Texas. Seems to be slightly well sold to
me, but dynamic color combinations will do
that if you drive dirt-colored cars too long.
SOLD AT $51,840. Since 1975 was the last
year for all GM convertibles aside from the
additional year for the Cadillac Eldorado, it
seems like most were bought as “instant collectibles,”
either used little or pickled for posterity—like
this car. Bought from the estate of
a Chevy dealer near Chicago in December
2000. Don got it on the MSO and kept it that
way until selling his dealership and converting
154 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
#12D-1977 CHEVROLET CAMARO
Z/28 coupe. S/N 1Q87L7L644609. Silver &
matte black/black vinyl. Odo: 456 miles. 350ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recently titled off the
MSO. Optional Positraction, a/c, tinted glass,
power windows, tilt steering, cruise control,
console, body side moldings, bumper guards,
compact spare tire, AM/FM stereo and conventional
battery for an $11 credit. 456 miles
since new and original aside from battery
(smart move getting the cheap battery—it
wasn’t going to last anyway) and fluids. Win-
Silver Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1Z87L8S402804. Silver & Gunmetal/red
leather. Odo: 478 miles. 350-ci 180-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Recently titled off the MSO. Unaltered.
Original window sticker is untouched,
showing optional a/c, power windows, cruise
control, rear window defroster, tilt/tele steering
column, convenience group, alloy wheels,
and AM/FM stereo with power antenna. Poor
paint coverage on tops of doors. Finish imperfections
(voids) on fuel-filler door. Incomplete
bonding strip finish on the left front wheelwell
edge. Door gaps off; the driver’s door and rear
quarter panel pinstriping don’t line up.
Heavier surface rust forming under the engine
paint. Heavier wrinkling on the seat bottoms,
but otherwise interior is like new. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $32,025. Those who whine about
build quality on a C8 need to look at this car
for perspective. No 1978 rates a 1 condition
as built new—they were lucky not to be 3+
when they came off the line at St. Louis. Build
quality was becoming more abysmal as the
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VANDERBRINK AUCTIONS GRANGER, IA
1970s progressed, and several sources within
GM have stated that the two 1978 limitededition-package
cars were the tipping point
for the company to establish a new Corvette
plant and shutter St. Louis assembly. This C3
is a prime example. Some dealers refused delivery
on ones finished this badly or invoiced
GM for repainting as a warranty claim. Since
finding another NIB silver anniversary is still
not hard to do even in 2020, this sold market
correct.
#19D-1979 CHEVROLET MONTE
CARLO coupe. S/N 1Z37J9K424062. Twotone
green metallic/tinted glass/green vinyl.
Odo: 79,505 miles. 267-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto.
Fitted with a/c, power windows, power door
locks, center console, full gauge package with
tachometer, wire wheel covers and AM/FM/
CB radio. Has some areas of spot touch-up,
but mostly has good original paint and decal
pinstriping. Good original chrome and stainless,
even with some light scuffing in places.
Very light GM door-seam rust blistering.
Doors need to be shut fairly hard to latch
properly. Very light interior wear, less than
expected on a 79,505-mile car. Odometer
poorly aligned with viewing slot in the speedometer.
The paint is all but flaked and baked
off the right valve cover, while the left one
isn’t far behind. Cond: 3+.
dow). Paint is still pretty good, but corrosion
is percolating from underneath a few of the
pot-metal chrome emblems. Half of the bumper-to-body
trim plastic is broken. Very good
original interior but shows slight wear. Engine
bay could benefit from a good detailing job
with a rattle can of engine paint. I’m still
laughing after reading the 1982 emissions
compliance decal, stating that the official GM
engine code for this motor is “ODD” (that had
to be intentional). Cond: 3+.
wear are on the carpet. Wiring-harness pigtail
hanging down below the passenger’s side of
the dashboard. Recent cleanup in bone-stock
engine bay. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $29,400.
With 10 fewer ponies than the Corvette engine
and only with an automatic behind it, the
IROC-Z was the next-highest-horsepower
Chevy available in 1987, and the only other
5.7-L available in a car that year. The other
V8 was the 5.0-L. Don ordered this for a good
customer of his, trading it back a year later
for an S-10 Blazer (insert kicking self in hindquarters
sound effect), then it went to another
customer who traded it back in 1990. At that
point, Don kept it. Sold here for nearly double
its MSRP new; I can think of far worse investments,
both for Don and for the new owner, as
these are becoming the Millennials’ 1969
Z/28.
#14D-1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO
SOLD AT $22,680. I have a bit of a soft spot
in my head for these downsized Montes because
this is bascially what I had for a driver’s
training car in high school. The district got
two leftover 1979 Monte Carlo demos for the
year in similar two-tone paint schemes—one
blue, one maroon. At best they had this baby
small-block, but they were doggy enough that
they could’ve had the base Buick 3.8-L V6 (I
already had enough seat time in Dad’s 360-ci
’68 F-100 to know they were slugs). They certainly
weren’t T-top cars, as few were kitted
out like this. Bidding opened at a very strong
$19k online, selling for an even stronger sillymoney
high bid from an online bidder from
within Iowa. I hope they looked at the car before
bidding.
#20D-1982 CADILLAC SEVILLE se-
dan. S/N 1G6AS69NXCE692570. Light
brown metallic & white/light brown leather.
Odo: 17,769 miles. 350-ci fuel-injected V8,
auto. Optional 5.7-L diesel and electronic AM/
FM/CB radio. Bought by Beneventi in January
1983 from a GM dealer auction, being an exFisher
Body division executive car (with the
decal stating such still on the driver’s win-
156 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
SOLD AT $9,720. Let’s see…in 1982, Cadillac
offered this Olds 350 modified into an oil
burner, a V8-6-4-2-0 that was three decades
out from having enough computing ability to
work right, and a 4.1-L V8 with cast-iron
heads bolted to a steel block. Any wonder that
Lincoln dealers needed crowd control to handle
all the fleeing Cadillac owners? And I was
there, as my mom dodged a bullet. She almost
bought a new 1982 Cimarron, but at the last
minute got smart and bought a new Ford Escort
wagon instead. Let that heat soak for a
moment. Some say that Cadillac (and GM) has
been playing catch-up ever since. The folks
wearing masks around it were doing so more
to keep from breathing in soot than COVID-19.
Well sold online to Texas, where
they’ll appreciate it more.
#13D-1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO
IROC-Z coupe. S/N 1G1FP2184HM81102.
Maroon metallic & gold/tinted glass/red cloth.
Odo: 31,082 miles. 5.7-L fuel-injected V8,
auto. Miles from new. Modern replacement
performance tires on stock 16-inch alloy
wheels, dealer-accessory mudguards behind
front wheelwells. Light polishing scratches on
otherwise well-cared-for original paint, with
just enough light orange peel to be GM authentic.
Doors need to be slammed to properly
latch. Beneventi Chevy dealer decal on hatch
glass. T-top panel vinyl stowage bags look like
they’ve never been used. Only signs of interior
LT convertible. S/N 1G1FP31H6HN155249.
Red & black/black cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 1,150
miles. 5.0-L V8, 4-bbl, auto. Specially ordered
to be kept long term. Recently converted from
being on the MSO to an Iowa title, but a copy
of said MSO is included. 1,150 miles since
new, and original aside from battery and most
bodily fluids. Optional Sport Coupe Convertible
package loaded it up heavily, with the
only other options being the automatic, 215/65
R15 radials (which it still wears), and a heavyduty
battery (now long gone). Generally wellcared-for
original paint, but has some buffer
cut-through on edges of rear deck carrythough
trim on doors. Top looks like it’s never
been lowered, yet has some surface fraying at
bow pivots. Interior looks almost like it was
freshly installed. Cleaned-up and clearcoated
engine. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $32,400. When Chevy brought the
convertible back for the 20th anniversary of
the Camaro mid-year in 1987, they were converted
into drop-tops by ASC. All told, only
1,007 were done in all trim levels from this LT
to the IROC. This was another car that Mr.
Beneventi specifically ordered for himself to
keep for his collection, as he told the crowd at
the auction before it sold, “I ordered it exactly
as I wanted.” With a $17,715 sticker price
when built, one could say the new online bidder
from Iowa paid $15,225 ADM for the luxury
of waiting 33 years to take delivery. ♦
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BRING A TRAILER ONLINE
From Blue-Chip Staples to Next Gen Newcomers
Larry Trepel offers a taste of the varied models — and prices — listed on BaT
The BMW 2002 tii covered below is a car I also in-
spected in person. In this case, it was exactly what I expected
after I viewed the extensive photos. Nevertheless,
there were countless details and an overall image of the
car that I didn’t have when viewing it online. And there
will continue to be a small percentage of cars that appear
noticeably different when they reach the buyer, in most
cases because of too few or badly shot photos, but in a
few cases because of intentional alterations. In a recent
case, BaT removed a Mercedes from auction when it was
credibly alleged by BaT commentators that photos of the
bumpers had been heavily Photoshopped.
Among the cars I cover here are a 2004 Volkswagen
Cult classic: 1988 Pontiac Fiero, sold for $19k
Report by Larry Trepel; photos courtesy of Bring a Trailer
Market opinions in italics
and no videos may sell, but it lowers the odds that
multiple bidders will go all out. Another online must,
good underbody photos, goes past what is even available at a live auction. But in other
respects, there’s still nothing quite like viewing a car in person. You can see panels
that might be slightly mismatched, the true luster of paintwork, and the subtle wear of
interiors. Will viewing a car on your computer ever match that? Not entirely, but the
gap is narrowing.
B
ENGLISH
#35452-1963 ROVER P4 95 sedan. S/N
76001915A. Gray/red leather. RHD. Odo:
10,439 miles. 2.6-L I6, 4-sp. Distinctive-looking
Rover with much originality and in overall
good condition. Body panels and door fit very
good; no serious paint flaws. All chrome trim
pieces intact, but most are quite pitted, including
rear bumper. Front bumper and rockerpanel
trim rechromed. Interior appears highly
original, with seats showing much patina but
no splits. Dash wood decent and lovely; carpets
a bit worn but presentable. Door and
windshield gaskets are dry-rotted—almost all
need replacement. Undercarriage quite clean
and appears well considering age. New Michelin
tires in 2017. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$11,025. Currently in Canada, just used in an
upcoming Netflix series. This delightful Rover
is a rare car to have over here and packed
with charm. A commenter states it is
ring a Trailer has raised the viewing standards
of posting a car online, with most lots now
having extensive photos and videos of driving
and walkarounds. Those with limited photos
Company
Bring a Trailer
Date range
August 13–August 24, 2020
Buyer’s premium
5%; $250 minimum, $5,000
maximum, included in sold prices
R32, a 1989 Honda Prelude, a 1994 Honda Civic Del Sol
and a 1988 Pontiac Fiero. My hunch is that none of these
would have sold for as much at a live auction. The market
for Japanese cars seems entrenched in BaT, as well as
for cult classics like the Fiero. In contrast, the fabulous
1934 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow was a no-sale, as well
as the 1968 Ferrari 365 GTC. Pre-war classics are still
heavily featured in the live-auction market, and while
that may shift a bit, for now it is a case of older, wealthier
collectors preferring the excitement and glamour of the
auctions they attend. This was only the second PierceArrow
to appear on BaT, so the waters were being tested
here, but given the low cost of consignment, we’ll no
doubt see more. Ferraris fare better than pre-war clas-
sics on BaT, but it is mixed, with some significant nosales
as well. How much of that is the venue and how
much is due to some Ferraris facing a drop in value is
hard to say. Here’s hoping both auction modes co-exist,
and live auctions survive today’s difficult conditions. ♦
GERMAN
#35157-1958 MERCEDES-BENZ 220S
the same car he owned years ago, that the 10k
mileage is correct, and the paint and interior
are original. Claims he still has photos, and
sold it in 2000. That would mean it has been
mostly stored the past 20 years, which is quite
possible. Film company did $5k worth of work
recently to get brakes and engine running correctly,
so buyer is getting a car that seems
usable as-is. Should chrome trim and gaskets
be restored? Maybe, but I see this as a preservation-class
jewel, and call it well bought.
cabriolet. S/N 180030Z8509485. Light blue
& cream/black cloth/blue leather. Odo: 67,789
miles. 2.2-L I6, 4-sp. Consigned by owner of
18 years. Body, trunk and interior restoration
around 2000, just prior to purchase. Work
nicely done, now showing age with a few
scratches and bubbles. Passenger’s door fit
off—may just be the latch. Some chrome trim
not restored, with pitting and aging evident.
Bumpers rechromed in 2020, but front bumper
installed at an angle. Interior very inviting,
with wood dash and doors done to high level.
Seats show evidence the car was enjoyed; convertible
top appears well, but headliner discolored.
Heater boxes just replaced but controls
not installed. Engine compartment and undercarriage
unrestored but appear fairly well; no
signs of serious corrosion evident in the photos.
Engine has modern hose clamps—a sin to
158 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
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BRING A TRAILER ONLINE
As good as it gets. Do you drive it or put it back in the vault? For $30k,
doesn’t matter if driven sparingly, as a thousand miles a year means
just 13k on the odometer in 2030.
2002 Porsche Boxster S convertible
serious Mercedes collectors. Manual choke
disconnected. Cond: 2-.
stored example at 2017 Zoute sale for $942k,
which included a hefty 15% European commission.
So should the consignor have taken
this bid? Maybe, but in my view, the 365 GTC
is one of Ferrari’s most beautiful cars. Compared
to the $2m–$3.5m values of its period
brother, the more iconic 275 GTB, I see current
values as near bargains, so I agree with
holding out.
SOLD AT $100,589. This 220S is nice enough
to be shown but imperfect enough to drive
without concern. Striking original two-tone
color. Interior changed from original tan to
light blue, which was a good choice, in my
view. Some of the details need to be taken care
of, but other than the nightmare of the heater
controls, can be quickly sorted. These rose
dramatically in value a number of years ago,
and have been fairly steady ever since.
They’ve lost some attention to the 190SL recently,
but I find them far more appealing in
style. And you get a 6-cylinder, not just a 4.
Fairly bought and sold.
#34856-1968 FERRARI 365 GTC coupe.
S/N 12091. Eng. # 12091. White/black leather.
Odo: 40,318 km. 4.4-L V12, 5-sp. Superb restoration
back in 1993. Driven about 2,500
miles since. Not clear if mothballed during
long part of this time. Restoration still appears
excellent—testimony to work by top craftsmen,
but likely some aging is hard to detect.
Power steering installed, disengages at 25
mph. Driving video a visual and auditory joy.
Cond: 2+.
#35407-1973 BMW 2002 tii coupe. S/N
2716261. Condor Yellow/black & white cloth
& vinyl. Odo: 27,035 km. 2.0-L fuel-injected
I4, 5-sp. European car. Much restoration work
done in Austria around 2001, with upgrades
including correct period Recaro seats, Getrag
5-sp, Bilstein shocks and Petri steering wheel.
Color changed to Condor Yellow. Quite well
done and applied to entire body, including
undercarriage. Purchased in Switzerland in
2011 by consignor, who returned to U.S. with
it in 2017. Holding up well, with chips and
minor flaws touched up prior to auction. Body
panel fit excellent. A few small dings in trim
and a cracked turn-signal lens are the only
flaws. Interior excellent, with perfect carpet
fit. Seats redone in 2014. Engine rebuilt in
2019. Cond: 2+.
such a time capsule. Perhaps owner often sat
in it in his garage. Comes with hard top. Major
issue is whether or not to immediately pull
motor and replace infamous IMS bearing.
Might depend on whether it will be driven or
put on display. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $31,238. Beautiful Boxster—superb
color and manual transmission. As good as it
gets. Do you drive it or put it back in the
vault? For $30k, doesn’t matter if driven sparingly,
as a thousand miles a year means just
13k on the odometer in 2030. If one wants to
enjoy lots of miles, there are many decent Boxsters
in the market for half this price that will
also serve well. Sold on the second round, as it
was a no-sale on BaT in June 2019 with a
high bid of $22.5k. I’ll call this well bought
for the excitement of an almost-new classic
Boxster at a reasonable price.
#35140-2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
R32 hatchback. S/N WVWKG61J34D076289.
Deep Blue Pearl/black leather. Odo:
1,789 miles. 3.2-L fuel-injected V6, 6-sp. Appears
as-new. Condition verifies extremely
low mileage. Body, paint and interior perfect;
one very small scratch in fender shown. Undercarriage
clean and fresh; discs have typical
touch of rust. Lower rear wing and front
spoiler were installed by original owner but
removed by consignor and come with car. Aftermarket
exhaust installed; OE exhaust not
included. Cond: 1.
NOT SOLD AT $651,000. Seventeen-day
auction well presented by dealer Fantasy
Junction. This turned into a long existential
debate about the nature of true classics, but
finally bidders took over. Recently advertised
for $789,500, so the high bid was well below
asking price. Values have dropped a bit recently,
with a comparable example selling for
$588k at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in
2019 (SCM# 6909639). A few have sold in the
$800k–$900k range in the past decade, with a
rare, highly original example just breaking the
million-dollar barrier at Gooding Amelia in
2013 (SCM# 215659). Bonhams sold a re-
160 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
SOLD AT $61,950. A unique and very desirable
2002 tii. Euro heritage and excellent restoration
work made it special, and it has the
desirable round taillights and slim bumpers.
No longer exact original build, but all the upgrades
are on target and in some cases were
factory options at the time. Many 2002s have
compromised restorations; this one struck all
the right notes with its heritage, options and
appearance. Pricey, but fairly bought and
sold.
#35296-2002 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
convertible. S/N WP0CB29822U664100.
Speed Yellow/black cloth/black leather. Odo:
2,998 miles. 3.2-L fuel-injected H6, 6-sp.
Near-perfect as-new condition. One owner,
who mostly kept it stored prior to dealer acquisition
in 2018. No flaws in photos other
then small pinch in soft-top plastic window.
While interior is near-perfect, driver’s seat
outer bolsters appear surprisingly creased for
SOLD AT $65,100. As a non-member of the
R32 fan club, I was stunned at the price. As
published in the September Sports Car Market,
one could have bought a 2+ Aston Martin
Vantage from the same era with just 16k miles
for $16k less than this price. Many values are
Alice in Wonderland in the collector-car
world. I assumed this was an ultra-low-mileage
outlier sale, but a slightly higher-mileage
example also sold recently for $58k. This one
is now at the top of the chain, but buyer will
face conflict over whether to drive or mothball.
I say drive, as it may well be more fun
than the Vantage.
Page 160
BRING A TRAILER ONLINE
JAPANESE
#35391-1970 DATSUN 240Z coupe. S/N
HLS3004156. Eng. # 007085. Red/black vinyl.
Odo: 36,323 miles. 2.4-L I6, 4-sp. Consignor
purchased in 1975 with 23k miles, so
has added just 13k miles during 45-year ownership.
Original owner raced it in various hillclimbs,
installed roll bar, tow hooks, had front
end repaired and repainted. Some dings and
imperfections during current ownership, but
still presents fairly well. Interior original and
impressive, dash has no cracks, seats still good
except for a flawed edge on driver’s seat. Racing
seat belt still installed, along with vinyl
cover on steering wheel. Tachometer not
working. Undercarriage and suspension
weathered; likely needs bushings and other
parts replaced. No serious rust, but aging and
surface rust in many spots. Mag wheels installed
long ago, set of OE wheels and hubcaps
from a 1971 model included. Cond: 3-.
#35347-1994 HONDA DEL SOL SI con-
SOLD AT $10,500. Interesting but not inspiring—neither
original enough nor well restored.
Likely will have many issues to keep it
drivable, and a full restoration would take
much effort and investment. Interior suffers
from the Dawn of Plastic problem—many
pieces don’t have patina, they just look bad,
and don’t have the appeal of an unrestored
’60s MGB or earlier Datsun 1600 Roadster.
While Datsun 1600s and 2000s have gone up
in value the past five years, I view this as a
$7k–$8k example. Well sold.
BEST
BUY
#35192-1989 HONDA PRELUDE
SI coupe. S/N JHMBA4148KC056167.
White/black cloth. Odo:
SOLD AT $42,788. A very interesting history;
used hard for first five years and then driven
sparingly for following 45. Owner states he
drove in the rain five times and once in snow.
Mileage is well-supported, but it’s not a time
capsule despite low mileage. Coveted original
items such as green distributor cap, engine
stickers and Craig 8-track player were exciting
to 240Z followers. The new owner will
have to make decisions about which pieces to
restore and which to leave preserved. Given
condition, I thought the sale price was strong.
There was some value gained from direct conversation
with the longtime owner.
#35433-1970 DATSUN 1600 convertible.
S/N SPL31127302. Red/black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 81,131 miles. 1.6-L I4, 4-sp.
Owned by consignor since 1982, mothballed
in late ’80s until revival in 2005. Body appears
straight, but repaint done in 1970s displays
many flaws. Interior fair, with aging,
cracked plastic dash, deteriorating gaskets,
tired seats with a few tears and carpeting that
has seen better days. Vinyl top decent and hard
top included. Bumpers, badges and chrome
trim pieces all there and in better condition
than paintwork. Undercarriage displays typical
surface wear, but probably not severe corrosion.
Video displays engine running, but it
doesn’t sound in perfect health. Minor mechanical
work in 2016 to keep it drivable.
Cond: 4+.
162 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
34,965 miles. 2.0-L fuel-injected I4, 5-sp.
Fairly low mileage. All original and in excellent
condition—just a few scratches and minor
dings keep it from perfection. Wheel center
caps have slight flaws. Interior near perfect,
with subtle wear on driver’s seat fabric bolster.
Plastic pieces appear in top-grade condition.
Engine compartment looks very good, but
detailing will make it stunning. Undercarriage
very good, though suspension pieces show
some weathering and salt staining. Timing belt
and water pump replaced during auction.
CARFAX shows only about 600 miles added
between 1993 and 2008, so stored for many
years. Cond: 2+.
vertible. S/N JHMEH6160RS002769. Samba
Green/black cloth. Odo: 37,800 miles. 1.6-L
fuel-injected I4, 5-sp. Distinctive green paint
on this impressive if imperfect Del Sol. One
owner since new until acquired by dealer in
late 2019. Body and paint in excellent condition,
with a few minor flaws. Consignor had
bumpers and front fender repainted. Undercarriage
in good shape, but suspension, brakes
and engine hardware have surface corrosion in
spots, all typical for a Northeast car used in
the winter. In addition to bodywork, mechanical
work included rear brakes, timing belt,
water pump and muffler, for a total of close to
$5k prior to sale. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $21,525. Low mileage and fairly
fresh-looking—there are probably not many
Del Sols left in this condition. Dealer smartly
decided to do mechanical and cosmetic work,
and return on the investment was evident. This
Del Sol does not have the revered B16 twincam
engine, so the sale price was even more
impressive. A sporting Honda on the rise with
younger collectors. Well sold.
#35416-1995 LEXUS SC 300 coupe. S/N
JT8JZ31C5S0024798. Platinum
Metallic/black leather. Odo: 91,620 miles.
3.0-L fuel-injected I6, 5-sp. Very fine throughout.
Body and paint appear immaculate, with
just a few stone chips visible. Rear bumper
resprayed at one time. Wheels have minor
curb rash. Interior excellent, with acceptable
creasing on driver’s seat. Wood panels and
plastic pieces all appear in perfect condition.
Engine compartment appears detailed. Tires
dated from 2008. Limited photos of undercarriage;
no visible flaws, but can’t fully judge.
Consignor states rear shocks are leaking.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $17,588. Consignor did an excellent
honest presentation, with a walkaround
that shows some minor flaws in close-up that
were not visible in the photo gallery. There are
probably not many Preludes left in this condition,
from an era when Honda was quite distinct
from other Japanese manufacturers
because of their focus on lightness, advanced
high-revving engines and airy interiors. This
example has Honda’s innovative four-wheel
steering (4WS), which some of us first feared
might result in an onslaught of tragedies. Today’s
Hondas certainly seem more conservative
and less distinctive, so I’ll call this
Prelude well bought.
SOLD AT $17,588. While not favored with
low mileage, this shows great long-term care
from the consignor, who purchased it when it
was three years old. Classic design of the firstgen
SC has given them a following, with values
up recently. When new, the SC 300 was
Page 161
BRING A TRAILER ONLINE
While the Fiero is still mocked by the upscale collector community, I
have to say that the styling—particularly the fastback GT version—still
is quite beautiful, and the handling and ride of GM’s mid-engine
sports coupe was ground-breaking.
1988 Pontiac Fiero GT coupe
less desirable than the SC 400, with its powerful
V8 and larger wheels, but condition now
trumps model, and it also has rare 5-speed
manual not offered on the SC 400. Similar
situation to ’90s Mercedes SLs, with a manual
gearbox only offered on the SL320 and not the
SL500. How Lexus went from the stunning SC
300/400 to the hideous SC 430 is a mystery to
me, and may it never become a neo-classic.
Fairly bought and sold.
AMERICAN
#35187-1934 PIERCE-ARROW
MODEL 1240A Silver Arrow coupe. S/N
400229. Black & gray/gray & white cloth.
Odo: 587 miles. 462-ci V12, 3-sp. Fantastic
full restoration done in early 2000s, then repainted
by current owner in more stately colors
than the previous purple and white.
Concours-winning quality in every respect.
Body, chrome, undercarriage and engine all
superb. Interior is hugely impressive—a work
of restored art. Tire whitewalls might be starting
to yellow, but may just be the lighting in
the photos. Cond: 1-.
miles. 427-ci 430-hp V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Originally
a 327 C2 with Powerglide. Restoration
started before 2015, with a Heritage ZL1 427
motor (built by GM in 2008 with original tooling)
installed along with Tremec 5-sp, Baer
disc brakes, Kooks headers, 17-inch American
Racing wheels, Vintage Air, coil-over suspension
and rack-and-pinion steering. Interior
appears stock except for smaller wood steering
wheel. Original numbers-matching engine
included. Body- and paintwork stunning; engine
compartment appears carefully thought
out. Suspension work, exhaust and all other
details appear top-notch. Horsepower rated by
GM at 430, but likely higher from factory and
even more from mods here. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $65,500. Still show-quality in
appearance, but bidding fell short. The age of
the restoration and replacement service block
may have affected bidding. There are many
Boss 302s on the market, and prices have perhaps
softened just a bit recently. While there
are good photos, I can’t help but wonder if
lack of a video and more detail shots might
have been a hindrance here. The bar has been
raised to include even more extensive visuals
on BaT. Mustangs often fill the grounds at
Mecum and Barrett-Jackson auctions, so BaT
may still be climbing the curve to get consistent
maximum offers for these. Nevertheless,
the high bid might have been market-correct—
certainly not far off.
#35112-1988 PONTIAC FIERO GT
NOT SOLD AT $167,000. A truly striking
Pierce-Arrow, and while not one of the three
remaining original 1933 Silver Arrows with
futuristic, avant-garde styling, it has many of
the same design elements, as well as the same
V12 engine and chassis. The original Silver
Arrows have sold in the multi-million-dollar
range, so from both financial and historic
viewpoints, I personally view this as worth
much more than the high bid of $167k. It had
been previously advertised by Hyman Ltd. for
$249k, so this was pretty far off the mark. The
bids were few and far between. Perhaps notable
pre-war American classics are better off
at a high-end live auction, where the appropriate
collectors gather. Or at least did gather,
until recently.
#35181-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S116984. Eng. #
013427. Marina Blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 10,846
SOLD AT $133,000. Consigned by shop in
Mooresville, NC, the center of stock car and
resto-mod country. Many resto-mods don’t
appeal to me, but this Corvette is done—and
not overdone—to perfection. Appears largely
stock but runs to a different beat, with highend
brakes, steering, suspension and a/c. As
much as I revere originality, there’s something
very appealing about having a ’67 Corvette
with accurate steering and no fear of being
outbraked by a Hyundai Accent. Was the price
right? Many resto-mod Corvettes sell at auction
in the $200k range. Some have more addons
than this one, but don’t have as much
appeal in my view. Well bought.
#35378-1970 FORD MUSTANG Boss
302 fastback. S/N 0F02G121256. Calypso
Coral/black vinyl. Odo: 50,541 miles. 302-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Owned by consignor since
2002. Not totally clear, but likely restored
prior to his purchase. Engine had a replacement
block installed many years ago, and another
engine rebuild was done in 2008.
Overall in very good condition. Paint, body
panels look good, interior shows modest use,
with owner adding about 4k miles. Wheels
and tires in perfect shape. Undercarriage still
appears quite fresh. Marti Report verifies original
color is the attractive Calypso Coral it
wears. Engine compartment reflects careful
work done in 2008. Cond: 2.
coupe. S/N 1G2PG1190JP224637. Bright
red/tan leather. Odo: 31,621 miles. 2.8-L fuelinjected
V6, 5-sp. Final—and considered finest—year
of the Fiero. Excellent condition and
appears original, with body and paint near
flawless. Interior in prime condition, with
plastic pieces not warped or discolored.
Leather seats show appropriate use but no real
wear. Undercarriage and engine compartment
both exceptional-looking. Stock gold mesh
wheels excellent. It was the ’80s, and that was
a hot color for wheels, if you’re wondering.
Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $19,163. This Fiero was unanimously
praised by Fieroisti in the comments
section, and that reflected in the impressive sale
price. While the Fiero is still mocked by the
upscale collector community, I have to say that
the styling—particularly the fastback GT version—still
is quite beautiful, and the handling
and ride of GM’s mid-engine sports coupe was
ground-breaking. A very similar example—
some more miles and a touch more wear—went
for $8,715 on BaT back in January. That’s a
more-common number, and shows the price
jump that another notch up the condition scale
can bring. Fairly bought and sold. ♦
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 163
Page 163
Photo by Jean Jordan
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 165
Page 164
DRIVEN TO ASK
A Trailblazer Since Birth
Caroline Cassini talks about getting dirty at art school, where she was the only
woman studying automotive restoration
by Elana Scherr
I
t’s a common story among collectors: growing up
in a car family and knowing from a young age that
you love cars. What makes Caroline Cassini’s story
unusual is just how young she was — and how
completely she has immersed herself in the culture
since then.
Cassini attended her first Pebble Beach Concours as
a toddler, and when she was 8, she visited RM Auto
Restoration in Canada with her father. The senior
Cassini was having a 1933 Auburn Boattail Speedster
restored, and he let Caroline help pick the colors —
orange and yellow.
“That’s probably not what we would pick today,” she
says with a laugh, “but it was a pretty beautiful car.”
This time spent with her dad left a lasting impres-
sion. It got Caroline into horsepower at a time when
most girls her age just wanted a horse. As a teenager,
she organized a concours event at Thomas Edison’s
historic home in Llewellyn Park, NJ, and then bravely
set off across the country to San Francisco to become
the first — and as of this writing, only — woman to
complete the San Francisco Academy of Art’s School
of Industrial Design Automotive Restoration program.
These days she’s polishing wheels and sales pitches
at Fantasy Junction, the high-end classic-car broker in
the Bay Area.
What made you go to art school for automotive
restoration?
I loved cars, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted
to do. While my dad and I were organizing the Edison
Concours, Rob Meyers from RM said, “Hey, Caroline.
There’s this program that’s going to be started and you
should take a look at it.” I just packed my bags and
moved to San Francisco, which, looking back at it now,
was pretty crazy.
As the only woman in the program, did you run into any
negativity?
I wouldn’t say negativity. I had a couple professors
who were reluctant to have me do certain tasks, mostly
in regard to getting dirty. I remember having to change
the tire or something, and I was fine with picking it up,
and one of my teachers was like, “Oh no, you don’t want
to get dirty.” And I was like, “Well, what am I here for?
Of course I want to get dirty.” So that was something I
had to get over, and when I did, and the professors saw
me focusing on my work and taking it seriously, they got
more comfortable too.
Caroline Cassini
166 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 165
You’re surrounded by amazing cars every day. If you had
time for a project car, what’s something that you’ve got
your eye on?
I like the Mercedes-Benz 190SLs. I think they’re
attractive — the little sister to the 300SL. They’re easy
cars to work on, pretty simple. I think it means so much
when you’ve completely rebuilt something and you
know the ins and outs of a car, it makes it a lot more
fun. You feel a little bit more connected.
Same question, but if you could go big.
That would be Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti Atlantic. If I
could have just that car, I would be very happy.
On the collector side, do you meet many women who are buying and selling?
Definitely. There is such a women’s presence. Look at Anne Lee. She has this
incredible collection in Reno started by her husband, Bob Lee. Bob passed away a
few years ago, and most people think when the husband dies, everything’s going to
be sold. But she’s keeping that collection alive and creating a legacy for him in a way
that’s really beautiful, to see a strong woman like that bring out some of the most
incredible Ferraris and Delahayes. She knows how to drive them, too. She knows
everything about each car. She’s always been a huge role model.
What does your normal day at Fantasy Junction look like? What would we find you
doing?
So many different things! I take care of all the advertising. I answer the phone.
I’m getting into sales. It’s a small operation, so we all do a lot of everything, from
photography to post-sale follow-up. It’s a great job.
From Hosts:
MARK GREENE Cars Yeah & KEITH MARTIN Publisher, Sports Car Market
Buy Sell Hold is a
podcast where market
experts Keith Martin
and Mark Greene take
you on a ride into the
collector car market and
talk to industry experts to
help you navigate your
collector car journey.
Visit www.sportscarmarket.com/buysellhold to listen
to past episodes with notable collectors including
David Gooding, Jon Shirley, Christian Philippsen,
Tom Cotter.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts,
or view the full archive at
www.sportscarmarket.com/buysellhold
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 167
What are three cars everyone should see in their lifetime?
I think those of us in the industry take for granted
what we get to see frequently. I think a 300SL. The
engineering with the Gullwing doors, it definitely was
ahead of its time. There are so many different types of
Bugatti Type 57s, but I think everyone should see at
least one. And if you can, definitely an Atlantic. Peter
Mullin, he has a wonderful museum, and he keeps one
on display when it’s not at different shows. I really
respect when collectors do that. When you keep these
cars hidden, it’s almost like keeping a piece of art, like
the “Mona Lisa,” away from the public eye. One more.
This is hard. If you’re going to go pre-war American,
I think everyone should be able to see a Duesenberg
Model J. ♦
Page 166
DRIVING WITH ELANA
2020 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT R ROADSTER
Jean Jordan
Sports Car Gestalt
The AMG GT R Roadster is better than the sum of its parts
by Elana Scherr
a classic muscle car, it doesn’t have to be a looker to be appealing.
There’s something about seeing the road ahead over a rolling landscape of hood
O
and carbon-fiber fenders that adds to the drama of the drive, and the AMG GT R is
already dramatic, laying power down and turning corners with graph-paper precision,
yet happy to smudge the lines the second you give it permission. It gives an overall
impression of power and speed even when it’s parked, and it delivers on both as soon
as you put the pedal down.
With 577 horsepower and 516 foot-pounds of torque, the AMG GT R isn’t the most
powerful car in its class by a long shot. It’s not even the most powerful Mercedes, but
it sounds like it is, with a summer thunderstorm of exhaust grumble that builds to
an absolute maelstrom at high rpm. You can muffle it with the exhaust button on the
console, if you don’t like things that are wonderful.
Engine growl is just one of the things you can control from the cockpit. Each menu,
from drive modes to splitter extension, has its own back-lit button on the console or
steering wheel. It looks amazing when powered up but makes learning the layout difficult.
Complicated controls, visibility-blocking side mirrors, and an awkwardly farback
shifter placement are the main complaints with the interior, which still managed
to be comfortable for both my six-foot photographer and my nine-inch-shorter self.
For a car that looks low and doesn’t offer a nose lift, the Mercedes surprised me by
never scraping on a driveway or speedbump and taking every rock-strewn mountain
road I threw at it as if it were a lifted 4x4 instead of a rear-drive sports car. Imagine a
Dodge Viper with better manners, but no less thrill. I set out for a test drive over the
weekend and wound up putting more than 1,000 miles of twisting roads and desert
straightaways on the AMG GT R. It’s usable and exciting all at once, and that would
make it a rarity even if it wasn’t limited to just 750 units worldwide. ♦
168 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
h, this car is hot. Literally hot, as air-conditioning remains the one technology
the German auto manufacturers haven’t quite mastered. But also emotionally,
poetically and performance-wise. The AMG GT R Roadster is too
lumpy and toothy to be truly pretty, but with the long nose and curved rear of
ELANA’S GRADEBOOK
Fun to drive:
Eye appeal:
Overall experience:
Price as tested: $216,240
Equipment: 4.0-L twin-turbo V8, DCT 7-speed transmission, AMG
Dynamic Select drive modes, performance exhaust, carbon-fiber
front fenders, carbon-fiber rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control,
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.25-inch center display, touchpad
infotainment interface, SiriusXM radio, heated and ventilated seats,
retractable soft top, LED headlights and taillights, AMG Solarbeam
Yellow paint, 19/20-inch five-spoke forged wheels, yellow seat belts,
AMG exterior carbon-fiber package, convenience package, lanetracking
package, active rear-wheel steering
Mileage: 15/20
Likes: Thunderstorm exhaust note, engaging drive experience,
muscle-car proportions
Dislikes: Large frontal blind spots, complex infotainment controls,
awkward shifter placement
Verdict: The AMG GT R (that’s right, no hyphen, because that would
make it a Nissan) hasn’t changed much in the past few years. That
means it’s not the absolute most powerful sports car on the market
and the ergonomics still need help. But when it drives this well, does
it really matter?
Page 168
DOUBLE TAKE
An M5 and a Toyota You’ve Never Heard Of
SCM contributors face off on six recent Bring a Trailer sales
by Stephen Serio and Sam Stockham
sider this to be the best M5 ever. This mill was also
shared with the Z8, and we all see where those prices
went years ago.
I’ll admit, I wanted one when they came out and still
do, but prices have passed me by in terms of bang for the
buck. This car was a good deal for the miles and color
combo, and I love the interior. Compared to an Imola
Red 2003 that recently fetched $49,000 with double the
miles, this was the deal.
SERIO My original black 1988 M5 was always the
king of the M5 hill. Yes, it was horrendously
expensive to maintain in-period compared to a regular 5
Series, but that is now overlooked, as they remain coveted
by collectors. And those cars have a presence to
match their M1-derived engines.
This $39k result speaks to the high value of any BMW
Lot 35219. 2000 BMW M5. S/N WBSDE9341YBZ95113. Avus Blue over two-tone Le Mans Blue and black
extended leather. 4.9-liter V8, 6-speed manual. 48,000 miles. Sold at $39,375. Bring a Trailer, 8/17/20. 31
bids. Condition: 2- or 3+
STOCKHAM The E39 BMW slapped the luxury-car market in the face with its arrival in
1999. With its customary BMW good looks and the all-new M5 V8 crank-
ing out 400 horsepower, it is easy to understand why many BMW aficionados still con-
M5, but the anonymous E39 design looks like melted
soap. Great performance and a snappy color combination
have me overlooking the limp aesthetics here, however.
Compared to what, say, 2002s or 3.0s are commanding,
an argument can be made for ownership — just not an
argument I care to win. The color must have been offputting
because higher-mileage recent BaT offerings
have commanded more cash. This was well bought —
I’ll give the new owner that.
Lot 35223. 1988 Ferrari 328. S/N ZFFXA20A1J0075289. Red over tan
leather. 3.2-liter V8, 5-speed manual. 34,000 miles. Sold at $74,550.
Bring a Trailer, 8/17/20. 52 bids. Condition: 3+
STOCKHAM It was a 308, only better, right? While the
design was getting long in the tooth and
none of the “Magnum P.I.” jokes were funny anymore,
Ferrari continued to peddle these until 1989. By all accounts,
the 328 was a solid car, and the transverse engine
didn’t need to be removed every seven years for a timing
belt.
This car was described as having a title issued in 1993
with “non-actual-mileage,” which is a bit suspect. If the
34k miles are accurate, it shows that the car was enjoyed
and still presents well. A similar car on BaT a month
before brought $56,500 with a few more miles and no
stories. $71k is a bit high for something with this mileage
and a story.
SERIO
I rented a 328GTS in 1988 for a week in the
south of France — then committed to own-
ing 1960s Ferraris instead. But I’ve always remained a
fanboy of the model, especially the GTB in non-red colors.
The 328 is a sweet-spot ride, much better in every way
than the earlier 308s and far better than the engineering
foible known as the 348. This car was spot-on-the-money, even allowing for the apparent
human-error CARFAX cluster-mess. Well serviced, good presentation and a solid
example; a fair transaction for the buyer and seller.
I believe the new owner could put 15k miles on this and pass it along to the next
enthusiast for little downside.
170 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 169
Lot 35215. 1963 Triumph Herald 1200 convertible. S/N GA127248.
Resprayed British Racing Green over tan, replacement top and interior.
1,147-cc inline 4, 4-speed manual. Odometer reads 800; true mileage
unknown. Sold at $12,863. Bring a Trailer, 8/17/20. 40 bids. Condition:
3-
STOCKHAM Cute as a button, slower than pig snot and
body fitment akin to socks on a rooster. Let’s
see, how many more folksy adages can we cram into the
description of these slab-sided Triumphs? Well, they
came in more versions than an iPhone, for one. Everything
from the convertible we see here to a delivery van, with
the only missing body type being an ice-cream truck —
and I could be wrong on that.
This car sold for big money — five digits worth, in
fact. This is the definition of a credit-card car, and one
costing this much should be pretty darn nice. This one
has surface corrosion underneath, paint bubbles and rust
spots in places. It seems to drive nice in the video, but we
all know that British cars of this era had more problems
than a hippo. Values are flat, and by British-car standards,
there were more of these made than New York rats. Well
sold for sure.
SERIO
I think the term “bloody slab-sided mess”
must have been coined by some Morris
Minor owner when he first spotted a Triumph Herald,
before emptying his stomach of its recently digested
bangers and mash.
An old college friend squired around London in one
in the 1980s (two, actually, and one was a Vitesse). I
thought, “Yup, you’ve done now, the fashion equivalent
of dressing in sweatpants all the time. You’ve given up on
life. This is your ‘I’ve failed’ chariot of choice.” Maybe he won it at his local in a snooker
or dart match, taking the V5 log book instead of 10 quid from the loser? I forgave my
friend when he bought a Porsche 356.
Not charming, dull. Not jaunty, dull. Not unique, dull. For any car to make the Nash
Metropolitan look downright aerodynamic or to make a VW Bug look like a Porsche
Carrera Abarth, you can only be described as brutally... dull. Erector Sets assembled by
Jane Goodall’s chimps have a better chance of going down the road without rusting and
falling apart. Just because it’s old, it doesn’t make it charming or worthy of continuing
on. The seller wins, as he was apparently tired of being dull.
and exterior color are all bonuses if we’re looking for one
of these wretched things. The downside is quite a high
dive off a Hawaiian cliff into three feet of rocky water: an
automatic transmission, “limited edition” of only 6,502
(how is that limited?) and an interior that doubles as the
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. At least the original owner
didn’t sticker it up with all that replica Pace Car dreck.
Well sold?
STOCKHAM I agree with Steve. Looking back in time,
there were turkeys all over 1978, and the
Lot 35236. 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition. S/N 1Z87L8S902268. Black and silver over silver
and Smoke leather. 5.7-liter V8, 3-speed automatic. 1,242 miles. Sold at $27,038. Bring a Trailer, 8/17/20.
Condition: 2+
SERIO You know what was great in ’78? My high school graduation, Studio 54,
“Annie Hall” and the New York Yankees... but not this awful car. These are
the Corvette lost years, and they should remain as such. Please, don’t go looking.
Decorum dictates I remain fair. The seller (an A+ car guy with a spotless reputation),
the rig itself in “as-new condition,” low mileage (frankly, who would want to drive it?),
Corvette from this era is one of them. Regardless of the
paint job, the Buck Rogers chrome upholstery and the
“limited” status, this car is polyester bell bottoms and a
gold chain topped off with a bad perm. This pooch even
came with the downgrade L42 engine wheezing out 182
horsepower and an automatic, so all you got was show
and no go. (Thanks, EPA.) The silver lining around this
particular cloud is the low miles and the Pace Car stickers
rightfully left in the box.
These cars struggled to break $15,000 for many years,
and now the SCM Pocket Price Guide pegs them at around
$19k. I am not sure if too many people are trying to get
out of cash and into assets for fear of inflation, but the
price increase on these is a little bit of a head-scratcher.
Make no mistake, though; the rising tide these days is
even taking these rowboat equivalents with it. I still think
they are $15,000 cars.
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 171
Page 170
DOUBLE TAKE
Lot 35044. 1978 Toyota Chinook 4x4 conversion. S/N OR52523.
Metallic Walnut over two-tone brown and tan. 2.2-liter inline 4, 5-speed
manual. 44,000 miles. Sold at $51,450. Bring a Trailer, 8/12/20.
Condition: 3+
SERIO This modified Toyota pickup is plainly the
work of a talented technician who was fond
of shades of brown, shag carpet and Recaros. He had a
great knowledge of interchangeable car and camper
parts the way Dr. Frankenstein knew body parts. I can’t
stop looking at it and thinking Woody Harrelson should
be driving it while massacring zombies. Maybe if it was
armored I’d like it more? A small gun turret, perhaps?
On the other hand, being a fan of VW Westies
and Airstream trailers, I get the exercise in building
a camper more unique and personal, but visually, this
is such an incongruous mashup of nuttiness it’s vomit
inducing. Well, maybe vomit inducing after a great
night out with old college buddies? I’m trying to remain
positive. Beyond well sold unless you need to go off-grid
next week.
STOCKHAM Oh, c’mon, Steve, it can’t be that bad, can it?
I like RVs and I especially like ones that are
small enough to be able to go anywhere without needing
to tow a dinghy. In theory, I should really like this one,
but something falls short for me. Maybe it’s the showcar
glitz under the hood. Maybe it’s the cheap switchgear
in the dash. Maybe it’s the awful shag carpet strewn
liberally about the interior. Maybe because from the
profile it looks like it might need a wheelie bar if you dump the clutch. Maybe it’s because
it started life as something completely different, including the number of drive
wheels.
This whole package just feels poseur-ish. For the bucks spent here, I would think
a small Airstream or even a canned-ham trailer would offer a better vintage camping
experience and return on the investment. Either of those would certainly offer more
aesthetic appeal. I guess it is that bad.
The Convertible D replaced the Speedster, and in
many ways it’s a more practical ride. Yes, it’s a hobgoblin
of components and design from a Speedster and the
forthcoming 356B Roadster, but it’s 90% the same darn
thing and at 50% the Speedster price. No matter, it has
always been the redheaded stepchild in the 356 world,
oddly enough.
But this sale proves that 1) a tastefully restored
Convertible D with a few cosmetic mods and some neat
(non-original) accessories can prove a great success
for buyer and seller, 2) color matters and Aquamarine
Blue rocks, and 3) I guess a few people are attracted to
gingers. This is a smart and tasteful buy.
STOCKHAM I’ll admit, the 356 is not a passion car for me
like other Porsche models are, so I will defer
to Mr. Serio’s expertise on the model details. From my
perspective, the bathtub is a great-looking car that defines
early sports cars and will always have a strong following.
For the people who don’t get it, they will just think driving
one makes you look like Kelly McGillis in “Top Gun.”
Yeah, that was a Speedster, but those people don’t understand
the difference anyway.
This particular example looks to have been tastefully
Lot 34912. 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D. S/N 86307. Meissen Blue over tan. Numbers-matching 1.6-liter
flat 4, 4-speed manual. 33,000 miles. Sold at $273,653. Bring a Trailer, 8/14/20. Condition: 1- or 2+
SERIO This is the Monsignor speaking to the choir: Listen up, heathens! Most everyone
who has heard me blather on at SCM events or read my occasional
written word here surely knows my favorite two cars are my 356A Speedsters — handsdown
the greatest sports car ever made, for me anyway.
executed. The colors are spot-on, and items such as the
custom luggage are indicators of a careful restoration
with great attention to detail. Definitely top of the pecking
order without being a Speedster. Plenty of money
spent, yet on a great, numbers-matching example. No
harm done on the purchase because you won’t find many
that are nicer. ♦
172 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 171
What’s happening in the market today?
What’s being sold, and for how much?
And most important, why!
We tackle those questions and more on SCM Live,
our Zoom-based SCM discussions held weekly.
SCM Live! guests include Tom Papadopoulos,
Philip Richter, Steve Serio, Harry Clark, Bill Noon
and more.
These experts predict what cars coming
up for auction are going to sell for. Cars
discussed include a Lancia Aurelia
Spider, the Great Gatsby Rolls, a
lightweight Alfa Sprint, a Porsche
930 and many more.
Attendance is free.
To register, visit:
www.sportscarmarket.com/scmlive
New zoomcasts are posted to the
Sports Car Market YouTube channel each week.
Subscribe today!
INTERIOR
Germanic and mostly hard-wearing vinyl (sometimes with cloth
inserts) is functional if not fancy. Wood door and dash trim, cloth seats
and a rear center armrest were available. Turbos (LHD only) have a
red instrument panel, which tends to fade with age and time.
ENGINE
The M10 single-overhead-cam slant-4
is tough — its block was used as the
basis of 1,400-hp turbo engines in F1.
Weakness is in the aluminum head, which
can crack. Valve adjustment is simple, via
rotatable eccentrics clamped in ends of
rockers. The 1,990-cc 2-liter (from 1968)
comes in three strengths:
• 100-hp/116 foot-pounds single-carb
• 120-hp twin-carb in the 2002 ti
• 130-hp with Kugelfischer mechanical
injection in the 1971 2002 tii. (If
you have one of these, find a good
specialist and make friends with
them.)
The Turbo
The rare 170-hp Turbo
(1,672 made, mostly in
1973, never sold in the U.S.)
is a different animal: flares,
a deep chin spoiler, no front
bumper, stripes over white or
silver finish, and sometimes
a 5-speed gearbox. Power
delivery is laggy in a
hilariously ’70s sort of way.
Think: Cheech and Chong...
deep intake... long pause...
blam! “Hey, maan, what wuz
that?” Aggressive reversed
“turbo” script on the front
soon disappeared, as it
was considered somewhat
unseemly in a fuel crisis.
Tired, smoky turbos (KKK)
aren’t a dealbreaker, as
they’re cheap enough to
have rebuilt — though
smoke on the over-run on
any 02 is probably worn
valve guides.
STEERING
Steering is by box (worm and roller), as rack-and-pinion
didn’t appear until the 3-Series of 1975, but it’s cleverly
arranged, so play manifests itself at the extremes of lock,
not at the straight-ahead. No power steering is available,
but it should be light and slop-free while driving — and
exceptionally communicative.
BRAKES
There are twin brakes servos on these cars, which means
two master cylinders running twin circuits (4-piston
calipers from 1969), so when they start leaking, you have
potentially twice the headaches.
FENDER ROT
Front-end inner structure is a
weakness of the 2002, as it’s
prone to rot, as eventually are
the inner fenders. Parts are
intermittently available from
BMW Classic (shop.bmw-classic.
de). In the U.S., see 2002bmw.
com and pelicanparts.com.
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 175
Page 174
ROAD VALUE
At Home on 17-Mile Drive
A 1946–48 Chrysler Town & Country is the perfect choice to replace your rental
car for the 2021 Monterey Car Week
by Carl Bomstead
1947 Chrysler Town & Country sedan — a stylish ride for Monterey Car Week
I
n our youths, the 26th of December would start the countdown for the following
Christmas. Now, of course, we are older and much more mature. The countdown
starts instead as we head out on the 101 from Pebble Beach with Monterey Car
Week in our rear-view mirror.
This year, as we are all painfully aware, things were different. The car world has
come to an abrupt halt, with COVID-19 throwing up an interminably long red light.
The activities and camaraderie we cherish throughout the Monterey Car Week were
put on hold. That does not, however, mean we can’t start hoping and planning for a
bigger and better week in 2021.
Skip the Hertz counter
The first thing is to ditch the rental car and find a ride with a bit more panache and
style. Let’s place a $100,000 limit on our acquisition, because that seems like it should
be more than enough to replace a Nissan Sentra with mismatched tires. As long as
we’re buying a car just to go to Monterey, being accepted for a spot on Ocean Avenue
for Tuesday’s Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue and even possible entry
into The Quail on Friday would be a major plus. So let’s figure out a way to get those
organizers’ attention. While we’re at it, a car with a little potential appreciation would
also be nice.
When I go to Pebble, I bring my better half, and as there’s always a friend or two
176 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
or another couple to pal around with, a flashy two-seater
just won’t cut it. Thus rejecting any number of potential
rides, a Chrysler Land Yacht — otherwise known as a
Town & Country — comes to mind (not the minivan!).
My first preference would be the spectacular 1941
“Barrelback” station wagon, but financial parameters
take it out of the picture, along with the convertible. The
1946–48 4-door sedan, however, has seen values dip
under $100k of late for decent drivers.
What’s in a name?
The origin of the Town & County name has been lost
in the shuffle, but one possibly apocryphal version is
that the president of the Boyertown Wood Works, who
produced wood bodies for Chrysler, sketched several potential
designs. He thought the steel front looked “town”
and the wood portion looked “country” and so noted on
his sketches.
The Town & Country used a wood body with ash
wood framing and mahogany inserts. In mid-1947 the
Page 175
inserts were changed to Di-Noc decals, but the manufacturing
process was still much more expensive than
the Nash Suburban sedan and the Ford Sportsman,
Chrysler’s main competitors. Both had their wood panels
attached directly to steel bodies.
Chrysler described the Town & Country as having the
grace and elegance of a yacht, but “just as every yacht is
refinished every season, so should the beauty and luster
of the wood body be maintained by periodic varnishing.”
They recommended every six months, with particular attention
being paid to the joints, “which at all times must
be kept thoroughly sealed against moisture.” As time
drifted on, this chore was more frequently ignored, which
explains the high mortality rate of this model.
A brand halo
In 1946 the nation was catching its collective breath
from the lengthy war, and the automotive manufacturers
were selling all the warmed-over 1942 models they could
produce. Why, then, would Chrysler go to the expense
of producing these woodies? Well, they were customer
magnets, “traffic generators,” and brought potential buyers into the dealer showroom
where they would, hopefully, purchase a more practical and affordable Chrysler product.
The interior of our Town & Country sedan will, unfortunately, be a bit spartan. The
side panels were plain wood and the seating was leather or vinyl with Saran-woven
plastic or cloth. Chrysler’s Highlander plaid was listed as an option. A few restored
sedans have added the attractive interior, but their owners should be prepared to defend
their decision if they drive onto the judging field. No T&C convertibles are known to
have been manufactured with that interior.
Another issue we will face is that the Town & Country sedan is underpowered. These
were all built on the 123½-inch Windsor chassis and were powered by the 114-horsepower
L-head 6-cylinder engine. With the sedan weighing in at close to two tons, performance
is not a talking point. So we won’t be leading the pack going over Laureles
Grade heading from Laguna Seca to Carmel Valley.
2022 and beyond
With a little faith in the market and adding in the value of the attention it will garner
heading to and fro during Car Week, now is the right time to acquire a Town & Country
sedan. Recent sales have been depressed, dropping into the $70,000 range — this while
one notable example sold for twice that nine short years ago. These are stunning cars
that should rebound eventually, provided we take care of the timber and stay away from
the hills. Fingers crossed that we get that concours spot! ♦
The grace and elegance of a yacht, but “just as every yacht is
refinished every season, so should the beauty and luster of
the wood body be maintained by periodic varnishing.”
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 177
Page 176
SHOOTOUT! SCM EXPERTS DUEL IT OUT
How to Spend $100,000 on a Ferrari
Two Steves — Ferrari experts Ahlgrim and Serio — tell us which Ferrari
is the best buy from three recent decades
Your lotto numbers hit last night. You won
enough to pay your bills, bank some cash and
fulfill your dream of assembling a Ferrari
collection. You want cars you grew up with,
one each from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
Your budget is $100,000 per car. What are
you going to get?
Steve Ahlgrim
Owner of Italycars LLC, a Ferrari appraisal,
inspection and consulting service.
Italycars@aol.com
1987 Ferrari 328 GTS
The 1980s: 328 GTS
There are a lot of options in the 1980s, but
not all of them are good. Nobody’s going to
fault you if you want a Testarossa, but this
iconic Ferrari is expensive to service and not
that much fun to drive.
A 328 would be a better choice. Still mid-
engined, just down a handful of cylinders.
But these cars are dependable, reasonable to
service and fun to drive. It’s what I’d buy and
what I’d recommend.
SCM’s 2020 Pocket Price Guide shows
a mean value of $68,000 for a 1986–88 328
GTS, so with $100k, you should be able to find
a nice example.
The 1990s: 456 GT
Options thin out as you move to the ’90s,
but you can still get a lot of car for your money.
This is where you secure your front-engine,
12-cylinder Ferrari. The low end of the 550
Maranello market straddles the $100,000 line.
If you can find a good car at that money, buy it;
otherwise, try my pick below.
I’m a fan of 456 GTs, the original 6-speed
version. This is Ferrari’s best-looking fourplace
car, and the front-mounted V12 is as
sweet as they come. But the 456 can be expensive
to own, so pick one with a great service
history over a great price. You’ll be able to do
so, as the price guide shows a mean value of
$58,500 for a 1992–98 456 GT.
The 2000s: 612 Scaglietti or F430
The picking gets slim when you cross into
the 21st century, but anything that fits the budget
will be a worthy purchase.
If you have children, the 612 Scaglietti is
your car. The four-seat, front-engine, 12-cylinder
612 is only a hair slower than an F40
around Fiorano. It’s good-looking to boot.
SCM price guide shows a mean value of
$83,000 for a 2004–10 612 Scaglietti.
Although the 2006–11 599 GTB Fiorano
is priced well over our $100,000 bogey (price
guide lists a mean value of $145,500), I’ve
seen a couple early 599s advertised right at
$100,000. For that money, you may have to accept
a bad CARFAX, but a well-repaired lightdamage
example might be a good tradeoff to
get supercar performance and exceptional
Pininfarina styling. Don’t forget your savings
on the buy side also means a lower resale.
If not, be happy with an F430 coupe or
spider. The 2004–10 430 berlinetta comes in
at $104,500.
Barrett-Jackson
1994 Ferrari 456 GT
2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
178 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 177
Stephen Serio
President and owner, Aston Martin of New
England / Lotus Motorsports Inc., Waltham, MA
www.astonmartin-lotus.com
First let me proclaim that I’m spending
every nickel for each decade to get a great
car. And these three cars have one thing in
common: There is no room for anything that
is devoid of a third pedal. I think we can all
agree on that. Valeo gearbox, really? F1 transmission?
No thanks!
The 1980s: 412 GT
The ’80s are the hardest decade for me to
pick. I am torn because I’d like a 1989 328
GTB, preferably in a rare color like Prugna,
Grigio or Azzurro. These cars have great
build quality and were the end of the line of
wringing great performance from an injected
3.2-liter V8. I had the pleasure of renting one
in the south of France for a weekend in 1988,
and it was intoxicating.
But the 412 GT is rarer and more fitting for
building my three-car collection. A manual
412 has controversial Pininfarina styling, was
never imported here, and suffers from the
dreaded 2+2 seating configuration. Perfect!
Because only 270 were produced for the
world, most were painted in tasteful period
colors, and we’re talking a 4.9-liter Colombo
V12 mated to a 5-speed box. A gentleman’s
express, so sign me up. I might just settle for
a 400i — err, scratch that, 412 only. The 2020
SCM Pocket Price Guide says median price
for a manual 412 is $80,500.
The 1990s: Testarossa
What a horrid decade for a lot of exotic-car
manufacturers. Ever-changing safety standards
and emissions requirements coupled
with slower economic times made for some
1991 Ferrari Testarossa
grim exotic-car chowder. I think the Sultan of
Brunei single-handedly kept most of these car
companies afloat with all of his special one-off
derivatives during this nadir.
But in the early 1990s there was still an
’80s Ferrari hanging on for a few more years
of production that I’ll try and find for $100k:
a 1990–91 Testarossa. By this point the
Testarossa had been around since 1984 and
would soon morph into the 512 TR and then
the 512 M. Neither interest me. I’ll take a lateproduction
original design here, side cheese
graters and all. I’ll probably have to settle for
red and with higher-than-average miles, but
it will be worth it. The price guide says later
Testarossas have a median value of $100,000
on the nose.
I enjoyed having a Testarossa included in
our group during a cross-country trip in 1998,
and I hammered it up to 140 mph near the
Bonneville Salt Flats before I ran out of nerve.
That memory alone qualifies the car, plus I just
love the name — Big Red, indeed.
The 2000s: 550 Maranello
The easiest decade for a standout Ferrari,
again going V12 here with the Maranello.
Yes, this car carried over from the 1990s, but
I’d look for a later model, maybe with a few
more miles on it. I’d like NART Blue, please,
with a red gut. Having only 100 large is limiting
and means a longish look for the right car,
but what’s the rush? This model tends to peak
and valley in price and fashion from time to
time, so I think it’s an attainable goal.
The sound of that 5.5-liter V12! And mar-
ried to a 6-speed gated shifter is the way to
go. Personally — and I don’t think I’m alone
here — this model exemplifies something
that was not improved upon with the next two
iterations,
the 575M and 599 GTB. Bigger
and faster is sometimes not better. There is
a certain Ferrari DNA that’s stronger in the
550, one that comes from its older, proper
brother the Daytona. ♦
1989 Ferrari 412 GT coupe
2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello coupe
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 179
Page 178
READER FORUM
Which Era is Hottest?
We often talk about which cars are surging in desirability and valuation, but what about entire eras? Which one is seeing attention and prices
rise the most, the 1950s through 1970s, the 1980s and 1990s, or 2000 to the present? Why? What interest do you have in cars from this time
period?
The era that is currently the hottest is the ’80s and ’90s. The ’60s and early ’70s have
performed well for many years, and the 2000–present era hasn’t reached its peak yet.
I first noticed the change four years ago at the Auburn Fall Auction, where a 1996
Toyota Supra was a no-sale in the mid-$60k range. I couldn’t figure out who made a
bigger mistake, the seller or the buyer, but assumed the auction house was running the car
to get closer to the reserve. Since then we have all seen the prices for pristine low-miles
Supra Turbo Targas breaking $150k.
The 1987 Buick GNXs have always performed well, but recently many other units from
the ’80s and ’90s have seen a large increase in value. The ones that break the bank are
always extremely clean low-miles examples with good history and clean CARFAXes. Look
at the prices of Acura Integra Type Rs; we’ve seen them bust $80k. Recently we have seen
a few ’93 Mustang Cobra R models sell for well over $100k. I know they only produced 107
of them originally, so they are rare, but that’s a lot of money.
The Eddie Vannoy Collection resulted in the sale of two full-size SUVs from the ’80s for
$80k-plus — both records, I’m sure. Both of these examples were once again low mileage
Depends on how old you are.
— Bela Thury, via email
180 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
— I believe under 2,000 miles each — and the best examples available (judging from
the auction descriptions and pictures).
I have been fortunate to have been driving since 1972, and I’ve had the opportunity
to drive muscle cars from the late 1960s and the early 1970s, and many of these collector
cars from the ’80s and ’90s, as the manufacturers were getting back into performance.
For most of the cars in the ’80s and ’90s, the performance expectations are better than
the realities. I feel the 2000-and-newer cars will be the next “hot performers” in the
marketplace, probably four to five years from now. The overall performance is so far
superior to anything from the previous decades it’s a no-brainer.
Look at the value you get with a low-miles 2006–13 Z06 Corvette. There are plenty
of them out there that have never seen the track (or have never seen the rain, for that
matter); they are great cars. The 2015–19 Z06s with 650 hp are incredible performers and
can be had for under $70k. These are just two examples, but the list goes on and on across
domestic and import lines.
The problem with the recent cars is that they aren’t old enough to rekindle memories of
childhood or early-life aspirations like the other eras do. But that time will come soon for
the 2000–present era, and it will be the strongest segment because it will be the pinnacle
of performance, but for now the ’80s and ’90s are performing the best as the “hottest”
era. I know where I’ll invest my money, and it won’t be at the peak of the market for
underperforming cars, if you catch my drift. — Mike McGinley, Overland Park, KS
Page 179
I know the 1980s and 1990s are surging, but in my mind it is only because they are relatively easy
to find and (usually) less expensive to purchase and maintain, except for the true collector-status
vehicles (e.g., F40, etc.). The 2000s are also hot for the same reason and because parts and service
are still readily available. Select vehicles in the 1950s to 1970s I believe will remain strong because
they can always be made to run, as computers degrading and obsolescence are not an issue, and it is
relatively easy to transplant or otherwise upgrade them (hence the resto-mod craze).
I do think, however, that regardless of era, there is a generational shift occurring. The younger
enthusiasts generally do not have the interest or knowledge to maintain most of what they own,
so they appear to be willing to pay more up front for something where the parts are relatively
inexpensive and there are many mechanics to work on them. So, for instance, I think air-cooled
Porsches will continue to do well, while I think the vintage-Ferrari market will soften as the 50-plus
age group dissipates. In addition, the cars must drive well, so if the car is a ’57 Chevy, only the restomods
will continue to hold any (and still diminishing) interest. Because of the drivability issue (they
must be at home in the city and on the highway), my air-cooled Porsche pick and other vehicles with
similar attributes (maybe like Datsun Zs and the like) fit the “safe bet” bill.
As the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s cars finally start having the inevitable computer and other electrical
issues, I fear that market, too, will suffer unless the aftermarket saves them. Brass Era cars and Classics
will find an increasingly smaller audience and are clearly not good long-term holds. — Stanton P.
Beck, Seattle, WA
I collect cars from the 1950s through the 1990s. My collection
today ranges from a 1955 Ford Thunderbird to a 1958 Porsche
Speedster replica, a 1967 Intermeccanica Italia coupe and a 1981
Lancia Zagato, to a 1994 Range Rover Classic RHD TDi and a
1998 Porsche Boxster (my daily drivers), with a couple of others in
between. So I guess my era is the 1950s through the 1990s.
The Range Rover is diesel, and all the others but the Lancia and
the Boxster are carbureted. I’m in my early 70s and probably pretty
typical of the average collector who does most of his own work.
True exotics are too expensive for us, fuel injection (particularly old,
mechanical fuel injection) confuses us, and onboard computers terrify
us. We like cars that don’t have a “check engine” light.
I follow Bring a Trailer pretty closely, and I think the 1950s
through the 1980s era is what’s hottest right now for sheer volume
of cars changing hands. There are some pretty nice cars from that
era that are fun to drive and relatively easy to maintain, and there
are examples out there that are relatively affordable. — Dave
Hedderly-Smith, Poulsbo, WA
Let’s face reality: The ’80s and the ’90s vehicles are
currently captivating the market! This coming from a
member of the Baby Boomer generation, who grew up
on Road Runners, Corvettes, Mustangs, etc.
I still love me some ’60s muscle cars — I managed
to hang on to a nice ’66 Mustang GT that I occasionally
take out for a ride — but with the demographics of
the overall population moving younger, it’s inevitable
that the majority of collectors will gravitate towards the
poster cars of their youth: KITT from “Knight Rider,”
the Acura NSX, Honda Preludes, T-top Trans-Ams,
AMGs, M1s, M3s, M5s, 5.0s, Broncos and Blazers, all
manner of Porsches, RuFs — Audi Quattros, rally
cars, Yugos, flip-up-headlight sports cars of all types,
Widebody Euro gray-market cars, oddball Radwood
cars, Youngtimers, Typhoons and Cyclones. You get the
“drift”!
The ’80s and ’90s were an era when the auto
industry was emerging from the funk of early emissions
regulations, big 5-mph bumpers, and sealed-beam
headlights. With newfound styling freedom and a
better handle on emissions controls, car manufacturers
(led by the Europeans) began introducing exciting new
models and bringing real performance to the forefront
again.
Note that collector cars from this era, while trending
upward, might never catch up to the average values
of those from the Golden Era of true Classics, or the
muscle-car era. Although that might disappoint some
of the auction houses, that should not dampen our
enthusiasm for these vehicles. The fact that the entry
price to car collectibility is lower should serve to interest
new collectors in entering a collector market where the
stakes are a bit lower than blue-chip territory.
It’s working for me: I have several ’80s and ’90s
cars in my fledgling collection. I have different flavors
I can try every day of the week. If I was specializing in
earlier cars, I might not be able to afford as many!
— Pete Engel, White Post, VA
I notice you don’t even mention the Classic era or anything before 1950. I believe the truism is that
today’s new collectors will seek out what was cool when they were young and impressionable but broke.
So who are the most influential collectors?
Boomers who like chrome and have finally reached
middle age and prosperity, or young hotshots who had
their tastes shaped in the ’80s and ’90s, but somehow
skipped over the doldrums and got rich quicker?
The answer to that question is the answer to every
marketing, advertising and political campaign ever —
and the key to understanding a lot of similar jokes.
For now, I think the whippersnappers will still have to wait. — Robert FitzSimons, via email
Certainly, the era of the 1980s is on the rise due to the financial maturation of that demographic group. This has
been happening for quite some time already, and the prices of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other marques from that
time frame have shown this to be true. The cars that were featured in posters on their bedroom walls during their
youth, including the 308 and 328, Countach (especially Periscope) and Miura, among others, have clearly risen in
recent years.
My generation (a little older here) still appreciates early 911s, 356s, Lussos, 330 GTCs, 275 GTBs and 300SLs,
among others. In the American lineup, fuel-injected Corvettes continue to be coveted, along with the Split-Window
1963 Corvette, and are still considered “hot.” All the better if a ’63 Fuelie is in the barn! — Ann M. Fagan,
Briarcliff Manor, NY ♦
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 181
Page 180
MYSTERY PHOTO ANSWERS
Doesn’t matter. None of them run anyway. — Sam Mak, via email
RUNNER-UP: We always said
he’s one short of a six pack! —
C.T. Troilo, Yardley, PA
Our neighbor with the MGs
has the biggest shoehorn I’ve
ever seen! — Winsor D. Rose,
Derby, KS
“Mmm... Gee, it’s getting kind
of crowded in here. And who’s
leaking oil on me? I really hope
Morris comes home soon.” —
Brian Kearney, Boston, MA
Geez, I’ve seen cans of sar-
dines packed looser than that! —
Billy Hufnagel, Placentia, CA
“It has always been shoulder-
to-shoulder with MG.” — Rob
Cart, Saluda, NC
“With MGs, your two-car
garage can become a five.” —
Jessie Cart, Saluda, NC
MG: More Garage space
needed! — Tony DiBiase,
Fayetteville, NY
“All fart and no start!” —
Richard Lincoln, via email
“You can check out any time
you like, but you can never leave.”
— Eugene S. Kraus, Chicago, IL
The ultimate masochist’s ga-
rage. — Robert Stein, Franklin,
MI
Having parked his open car
underneath a vintage British car,
Mr. Oilybottom was once again
reminded of how he acquired his
nickname. — Chris Visser, Falls
Church, VA
Pity. He’d traveled all that way
to buy a secret cache of vintage
MiGs. — Jeff Brock, Colorado
Springs, CO
“As a former stunt double on
‘The Dukes of Hazzard,’ I’m
well versed in getting in and out
through the window. That’s why
I pack ’em and stack ’em.” —
Leslie Dreist, Lachine, MI
I only buy cars that start with
“M.” — Joe Amft, Evanston, IL
So my wife says, “Get as many
as you want, as long as they all
fit in the garage.” — Al Nelson,
Pentwater, MI
“Cheer up, Nigel. At least
the wall clock works!” — Art
McDonald, Durham, NC
Clearly, the wall clock was not
made by Lucas. It works nicely.
—James S. Eubanks, Marietta,
GA
“Hey, Junior, you got a crow-
bar?” — Warren D. Blatz Jr.,
via email
We had to award this month’s
SCM hat to Sam Mak, because,
to quote comedian and TV host
Steve Allen, “Tragedy plus time
equals comedy.” A garage stuffed
with old British cars that don’t
move under their own power must
surely be tragic. Or as Homer
Simpson is wont to say: “It’s
funny ’cause it’s true.” ♦
Comments With Your Renewals
“I always call my car
friends and ask, ‘Did you see
the new issue?’” — Kevin
Woeller, Toledo, OH
(SCMer since 2008)
More Miatas! Millions of
us love ’em! — S.J. Hotze,
House Springs, MO (2008)
Like I did last year at
renewal time, I will borrow
again from Porsche advertising:
“Sports Car Market
— there is no substitute.” —
Paul Naberhaus, Loveland,
OH (2018)
Please offer more advice
on investing in cars below
$50k for us normal people.
— Phillip Erma, Henderson,
NV (1997)
Get rid of “youngster” cars
— what a joke! Stick to the good
stuff. — Colin Fleichtmeir, Los
Gatos, CA (2007)
182 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
This Month’s Mystery Photo Response deadline: October 25, 2020
Really enjoying the “Next
Gen” content and the perspective
of the youngsters! —
Brooks Esser, Menlo Park,
CA (2001)
Increase focus on
affordable cars under $20k.
Otherwise, good job! —
Lorenzo Schide, Bellbrook,
OH (2019)
More on entry-level cars.
Discuss affordability, durability
in different levels of car
collecting. — Marc Mrus,
Santa Fe, NM (2014)
Best auto mag out there!
— Frank Earle, Friday
Harbor, WA (2005)
Thank you all for your
thoughtful comments and
continued subscriptions
— Keith Martin, Publisher
OUR PHOTO, YOUR CAPTION
Email your caption to us at mysteryphoto@sportscarmarket.com, or fax to 503.253.2234. Ties will be arbitrarily
and capriciously decided.
Do you have a mystery photo? Email it to mysteryphoto@sportscarmarket.com at 300 dpi in JPEG format. Please
include your name and contact information. If we use your photo, you’ll get an official SCM cap.
Greg James
Page 181
KIDS & CARS NEXT GEN GEARHEADS
SEND YOUR PHOTOS OF YOUR NEXT-GENERATION GEARHEADS TO SCM. If your photo is selected, you’ll win an official SCM cap.
Send your high-res photos to kids@sportscarmarket.com. Please include your contact info, the name of the child in the photo, the
make and model of the car and any descriptive information you would like.
LOOKING
BACK
The types of cars may change and the
numbers get ever bigger, but SCM remains
a steady hand to help steer you through
the market for more than 30 years
2020
15 Years ago
HE’S THE RIGHT SIZE TO FIT: Bennett William Nichols sitting in Grandpa Norb Bries’ 1970 Lotus Europa at Elkhart Lake’s
Road America. — Michelle Bries Nichols
2015
2010
The Europa in action — but not with Bennett behind the wheel
2005
30 Years ago
2000
1995
1990
MAKING THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION: While sequestered at home during the coronavirus, I taught my 16-year-old son
Grant a new life skill. He’s doing his first oil change on my 1966 Corvette convertible. He did a great job! — Mike Benson,
Oak Park, IL
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 183
Page 182
SCM SHOWCASE GALLERY
Sell Your Car Here! Includes SCM website listing.
Showcase Gallery Full-Color Photo Ad Just $66/month ($88 non-subscribers)
Text-Only Classified Ad Just $15/month ($25 non-subscribers)
4 ways to submit your ad:
Web: Visit www.sportscarmarket.com/classifieds/place-ad to upload your photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or
text only. Secure online Visa/MC payments.
Email: Send photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only, to classifieds@sportscarmarket.com.
We will call for your VISA/MC.
Fax: Attention Showcase, to 503.253.2234 with VISA/MC.
Snail mail: Showcase, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208-4797, with VISA/MC or check.
50 words max, subject to editing. Deadline: 1st of each month, one month prior to publication.
Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their advertisements. The publisher of Sports Car Market
Magazine is not responsible for any omissions, erroneous, false and/or misleading statements of its advertisers.
ENGLISH
1954 Jaguar XK 120 coupe
Restored by British Auto Restorations in Roanoke
and JR Auto in Arkport, NY. Hardly driven since.
$38K invested, Price $25,000. Car now in Elmira, NY.
$25,000. Contact John, Ph: 607.739.8446, email:
mactr3@gmail.com. (NY)
1965 Elva McLaren M1A
S/N 219997. Champagne Yellow/black. 88,729
miles. Manual. Five documented owners from new.
Matching-numbers engine, transmission and colors.
Original sheet metal and floors. Outstanding original
factory gaps. Sympathetic restoration carried out
from 2011 to 2013 including paint, chrome, engine
and transmission rebuild, and suspension, with
receipts. Never in an accident. Still with original
interior. An excellent, well-cared for example. Grand
Prix Classics. Contact Mark, Ph: 858.459.3500,
email: info@grandprixclassics.com. Website:
https://grandprixclassics.com/1965-porsche-356ccoupe/.
(CA)
1968 Porsche 912 SWB coupe
GERMAN
1965 Porsche 356C 2-door coupe
Original owner, 487 miles. Call for full option
list. None better, $259,000. Contact Natale, Ph:
631.848.7674, email: nlanza@fly-efi.com. (NY)
AMERICAN
2008 Dodge Viper ACR 2-dr
S/N 1B3JZ69ZX8V200933. Black/black. 42,000 miles.
V10, 6-spd manual. Real ACR, serviced by Chuck
Tator, renowned Viper wizard, who‘s available for
consult. New tires, all fluids, oil lines. Runs perfect,
over 600 hp, one of 58 black ACRs produced in
2008. Custom interior dash panels. $72,000. Contact
Vincent, Ph: 914.912.0526, email: vmarrone@
publicstrategiesllc.net. (NY)
RACE
1959 Lancia Appia Zagato GTE coupe
Black on black, super nice. $99,500. Forza
Motorsports. Ph: 860.350.1140, email: forzamot@
aol.com. Website: https://www.forzamotorsports.
com/1954-jaguar-xk-120-coupe-black
1960 Triumph TR3
Seek to buy Elva McLaren; reward for help. Contact
Frank, email: p538@yahoo.com.
1967 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 roadster
S/N 12804292. Light Ivory/black. 91,606 miles. Flat
4, 5-spd manual. Very nice, mostly original driver.
Total mechanical restoration. Receipts total $37k.
Never damaged and never taken apart. Matching
numbers. Solid pan. One repaint in 1987. Very
quick and reliable. $47,500. Contact Wayne, Ph:
970.355.9826, email: pondislandwayne@gmail.
com. (NC)
S/N HBJ8L40446. Olive/Sand Pebble. 1,400 miles.
Inline 6, 5-spd manual. Total disassembly and build
with all new parts. Always Best of Show or People’s
Choice. 10,000 miles since restoration. None any finer.
$79,500. Contact Eddie, Ph: 704.578.0795, email:
eddiebur123@gmail.com. (SC)
ITALIAN
1970 Maserati Indy 2-door coupe
S/N 812012533. White/white/blue. 32,825 miles.
V4, 4-spd manual. Toly Arutunoff’s 45-year-owned
Lancia Appia GTE. ‘78 respray, otherwise original.
Engine by Jack Beck/Orion Engineering, same year.
Monterey x6/Torrey Pines/Pittsburgh/Philadelphia
x4/Memphis/San Diego/Copperstate/Sebring vintage
race history. For sale by owner. Dealer display
engine and transmission on stand also available.
$175,000. Contact Anatoly, Ph: 918.743.0888,
email: tolyarutunoff1@gmail.com. (OK )
2006 Porsche 996 GT3 RSR
S/N 116372 and 116414. Red/white. 70,000 miles.
V8, 5-spd manual. New transmission, clutch, pressure
plate and resurfaced flywheel. New shocks, plugs
and wires. Valve adjustment and tune-up. P/w, p/s.
Michelin 215X70VR14. ANSA exhaust. $60,000-plus
in restoration costs. Leather interior and carpet
binding. A/C disconnected and parts saved. Parts car
had 29,000 miles and was running when taken apart
in 1986. $90,000. Contact Dr. Joe, Ph: 562.335.8499,
email: ejcuny@verizon.net. (CA)
2018 Ferrari 488 GTB coupe
The latest evolution of Porsche’s most successful 996
GT3 R(S)R-lineage. One of only 37 996 RSRs built
by Porsche Motorsport. Retains its original bodyshell
and equipped with all 2006 factory updates.
Excellent race history including two Le Mans 24Hour
finishes. State-of-the-art preparation, 100%
race-ready with very extensive spares. RMD. Contact
Marc, Ph: 011/324.75422790, email: salesinfo@
rmd.be. Website: https://rmd.be/cars-for-sale/car/
view/1/206/porsche-996-gt3-rsr. (BE)
AUTOMOBILIA
Concours swag
S/N ZFF7ALA5J0230134. Blu Tour de France/Cuoio.
487 miles. V8, full front nose and hood clear wrap
as well as rocker panels. Full warranty until 10/20
is extendable. Maintenance warranty until 10/24.
Pebble Beach Concours judge’s swag 1984–2019:
messenger bags, totes, dash plaques, binders,
badges; Rolls-Royce and Bentley items; Forest Grove
Concours dash plaques, car models, 1980 BMW 730i
unopened first-aid kit; Harley-Davidson collector
items, Vintage oil cans, polish, R-R/Bentley dealer
sales kits. Contact Diane, email: thebrandonindex@
gmail.com. ♦
184 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Page 184
RESOURCE DIRECTORY Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218 for information; e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
ADVERTISING / MARKETING
Barrett-Jackson Auction. 480.421.6694.
Motorwerks Marketing.
1-833-4-MWERKS. Founded on a passion
for the special interest, classic and collector
automotive marketplace, Motorwerks is a fullservice
marketing and creative agency. With a
focus on crafting a high impact, highly effective,
budget- and time-sensitive message, Motorwerks
brings a level of industry expertise that is tailor
made to meet your brand’s objectives. We only
service clients in the Specialty Automotive arena
and like you, our team are first and foremost true
automotive enthusiasts. Ask us what we can do for
you! Info@MotorwerksMarketing.com
www.MotorwerksMarketing.com (AZ)
ADVISOR SERVICES
480.421.6697. For over four decades, the BarrettJackson
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, Barrett-Jackson 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.
3020 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
info@barrett-jackson.com.
www.barrett-jackson.com (AZ)
Premier Auction Group. 844-5WE-SELL.
GAA Classic Cars Auction, Greensboro,
NC. 1.855.862.2257. A classic, muscle and unique
vehicle auction experience. Offering 650-plus
vehicles three times per year: spring, summer and
fall. All presented in a climate-controlled, enclosed,
permanent, dedicated facility affectionately
called “The Palace”. GAA Classic Cars brings
you a customer-oriented team full of southern
hospitality, a floor team with many years of classic
auction experience and a selection of vehicles that
continues to evolve and grow with each sale. www.
gaaclassiccars.com, 1.855.862.2257 (NC)
Leake Auctions. 800.722.9942. Leake
Bonhams is the largest auction house to hold
Valenti 360 LLC. 414.421.6300. Valenti 360
LLC is a premier global automotive consulting firm
offering specialty procurement, auction assistance,
value assessment, estate planning, collection
management, and expert testimony on collector
and special interest automobiles and automobilia.
We ensure that your buying, selling, or investing
decisions are well-informed. Valenti 360’s practice
spans thirty years in the industry with extensive
hands-on experience performing concours level
restorations, custom one-off builds, service, sales,
valuations, and more. Our goal is simple. We want
to help you navigate the curves with ease, so you
can fully enjoy the road. www.valenti360.com
AUCTION COMPANIES
scheduled sales of classic and vintage motorcars,
motorcycles and car memorabilia, with auctions
held globally in conjunction with internationally
renowned motoring events. Bonhams holds the
world-record price for any motorcar sold at auction,
as well as for many premier marques.
San Francisco: (415) 391-4000
New York: (212) 644-9001
Los Angeles: (323) 850-7500
London: +44 20 7447-7447
Paris: +33 1 42 61 10 10
www.bonhams.com/motors
Auction Company was established in 1972 as
one of the first car auctions in the country. More
than 40 years later, Leake has sold over 34,000
cars and currently operates auctions in Tulsa,
Oklahoma City and Dallas. Recently they have
been featured on several episodes of three
different reality TV series — “Fast N Loud” on
Discovery, “Dallas Car Sharks” on Velocity and
“The Car Chasers” on CNBC Prime.
www.leakecar.com (OK)
The auction professionals that have been taking
care of you for the last two decades have partnered
together to create a team that is dedicated to
providing the utmost customer service and auction
experience. We applied our 83 years of auction
experience to build a platform ensuring that every
aspect of our company exceeds your expectations.
Join us for the Gulf Coast Classic March 17 & 18, in
Punta Gorda, FL. 844-5WE-SELL / 844-593-7355
www.premierauctiongroup.com
info@premierauctiongroup.com
Raleigh Classic Car Auctions.
919.269.5271. BUY — SELL — SPECTATE
We are proud to offer some of the most desirable,
low mileage, original and collectible vintage
automobiles nationwide. Offering 300-plus
vehicles twice each year in June and December —
all within modern, well ventilated, temperature
controlled and very comfortable facilities. The
Raleigh Classic Car Auctions offers honesty and
unmatched customer service for everyone involved
to make the buying or selling process fun and
stress-free. WWW.RALEIGHCLASSIC.COM
INFO@RALEIGHCLASSIC.COM
New England Auto Auction. 207.594.4418.
Branson Auction. 800.335.3063. The
Branson Auction is now in it’s fourth decade
of “service to the collector”. Jim and Kathy Cox
have made a career out of helping the newest
enthusiast to the hobby and the veterans
who have been coming to Branson twice a
year for over forty years. They help arrange
transportation, reservations, appraisals, detailing
and maintenance for one or fifty cars. Dedicated
to the hobby and collectors as well. Ask what they
can do for you! www.bransonauction.com
Artcurial Motorcars.
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)
Gooding & Company. 310.899.1960.
310.526.6594. Gooding & Company offers
its international clientele the rarest, awardwinning
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 record-setting
Scottsdale Auction in January and a world-class
auction at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation in
Florida in March. www.goodingco.com. (CA)
Presented by the Owls Head Transportation
Museum, the New England Auto Auction™ is the
nation’s largest and longest-running event in its
class that operates solely to preserve the legacy
of transportation’s earliest pioneers. Over more
than four decades, NEAA™ has continuously raised
the bar by connecting discerning enthusiasts and
collectors with rare and sought-after automobiles.
Web: owlshead.org; Email: auction@ohtm.org
RM Sotheby’s. 800.211.4371.
RM Sotheby’s is the world’s largest auction
house for investment-quality automobiles.
With 35 years’ experience in the collector car
industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of
services, coupled with an expert team of car
specialists and an international footprint, provide
an unsurpassed level of service to the global
collector car market. For further information, visit
www.RMSothebys.com (CAN)
Palm Springs Auctions Inc. 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 and exotics.
www.classic-carauction.com (CA)
Russo and Steele Collector Automobile
Petersen Auction Group of Oregon.
541.689.6824. Hosting car auctions in Oregon since
1962. We have three annual Auctions: February,
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, OR; July, Douglas
County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, OR; September,
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, OR. On the I-5
Corridor. We offer knowledgeable, fast, friendly,
hassle-free transactions. Oregon’s #1 Collector Car
Auction. www.petersencollectorcars.com
186 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Auctions. 602.252.2697. Specializing in the
finest American muscle, hot rods and custom
automobiles and European sports; Russo and
Steele hosts three record-breaking auctions per
year; Newport Beach in June; 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 and informed experts in the industry.
Fax: 602.252.6260. 7722 East Gray Road, Suite C,
Scottsdale, AZ 85260. info@russoandsteele.com,
www.russoandsteele.com (AZ)
Page 185
ALFA ROMEO
Coachbuilt Press. 215.925.4233. Coachbuilt
Saratoga Motorcar Auctions. Located in
Saratoga Springs, NY, the fourth annual Saratoga
Motorcar Auctions returns September 18 & 19,
2020. Proceeds help to fund the educational
programs of the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
To consign a vehicle, register to bid, or to learn
more about the Saratoga Motorcar Auctions, visit
www.saratogamotorcarauction.org
Centerline International. (888) 750-ALFA
(2532). Exclusively Alfa Romeo for over 35 years.
You can rely on our experience and the largest
inventory of parts in North America to build and
maintain your dream Alfa. We carry restoration,
maintenance and exclusive performance parts for
Giulietta through the new 4C. Newly developed
parts introduced regularly. Check our website or
social media for new arrivals, tech tips and special
offers. www.centerlinealfa.com (CO)
APPRAISALS
Stratas Auctions Inc. +1.310.749.0174.
Stratas Auctions is an online auction platform
delivering an elegant, streamlined customer
experience with straightforward bidding and
transparent sales. Our in-house specialists curate
inventory and assist consigners and bidders
throughout the entire sale process. Daily sales
allow for immediate market tracking and regular
access to the world’s finest automobiles without
having to wait for the traditional auction season
schedule. Consign when the time is right and
ensure that your car will be given the spotlight
it deserves, not being lost in the frenzy of an
in-person auction. For more information, visit
stratas.auction (CA)
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)
AUTOMOBILIA
Unlike any other. The Legendary Dials
Hat from Motorology®. Inspired by the early
Porsche 911 dashboard. More unique gifts for the
car collector available now at www.motorology.
com. Motorology, LLC, Essex Junction, VT;
617.209.9902
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
Press creates limited-edition automotive titles for
the discriminating motoring enthusiast. We present
exceptional material on the most significant
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)
BMW
The Werk Shop. 847.295.3200. BMW full
and partial restorations has been our main focus for
over 20 years. We build show winners and awesome
daily drivers. Our shop is located 30 minutes north
of O’Hare Airport in Libertyville, Illinois. We also
provide our clients with collection management,
temperature/humidity-controlled storage, show
assistance and private treaty sales. We’ve built
an international reputation on our rich history of
restoring both pre- and post-war BMWs and are
honored to be recognized for the care and quality
of our work. Our collectors have won numerous
prestigious awards at Pebble Beach, Hilton Head
and many other concours. Contact us by phone or via
our website: www.thewerkshop.com (IL)
BUY / SELL / GENERAL
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 catalogbased,
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.)
We also 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)
Vintage Auto Posters. Since 1980, 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
AUTOMOTIVE LUGGAGE
AutoMobilia Resource magazine is a
dedicated resource for anyone who collects
automobilia — from serious collectors, to the car
guy (or girl) who occasionally collects. Each issue
provides a wealth of unique editorial content from
industry experts, covering most aspects of the often
“increasing-in-value” automobilia market. PRINT
subscriptions (U.S.): 6 issues for $36 or 12 issues
for $59. DIGITAL subscription: 1 year for $29 or
1 month for $10. All print subscribers may add
digital for only $10/year extra. Call Lynn at 224558-8955
or go to AutoMobiliaResource.com/
subscribe. Or send check to: AutoMobilia Resource,
1217 Cape Coral Pkwy E, #178, Cape Coral, FL
33904. Advertising inquiries; contact Sharon at
954-579-5280 or Sharon.Spurlin@classicads.us
Editorial inquiries; contact Marshall at 631-5632876
or Editor@AutoMobiliaResource.com
Automotive Restorations. 203.377.6745.
Collector car sales, both road and race, have
been a key activity for over 35 years. Our sales
professionals actively seek consignments on a
global basis. We also offer vehicle “search and
find” for rare models. We undertake pre-purchase
inspections worldwide. We provide auction
support, including in-person or telephone bidding
for absentee buyers. Restoration management
and special-event assistance are also included in
our services. Our aim is to make sure that your
collector car passion is as enjoyable and worry-free
as possible. www.automotiverestorations.com
Alan Taylor Co. accounting@
alantaylorcompany.com. Alan Taylor Co. of
Temecula, CA introduces Taylor Made Automotive
Luggage for any and all cars, new and old. Arrive in
style with Taylor Made Automotive Luggage custom
made for you in your choice of matched leather
or vinyl, or upgrade to one of our exotic leathers.
Contact us at accounting@alantaylorcompany.com
Beverly Hills Car Club is one of the largest
European classic car dealerships in the nation, with
an extensive inventory spanning over 135,000 sf.
We can meet all your classic car needs with our
unprecedented selection; from top-of-the-line
models to project cars. We buy classic cars in any
shape or condition & provide the quickest payment
& pick-up anywhere in the U.S. 310.975.0272.
www.beverlyhillscarclub.com (CA)
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 187
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218 for information; e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
BUY / SELL / GENERAL (CONTINUED)
Daniel Schmitt & Co. 314.291.7000. A
Classic Auto Mall — One of the largest
Blackhawk Collection, Inc. 925.736.3444.
One of the world’s foremost companies specializing
in buying and selling classic cars for clients around
the globe for over 45 years. Over the years, many
of the greatest cars in the world have passed
through the doors of the Blackhawk Collection.
Visit our website at www.blackhawkcollection.com
Classic Car Facility’s in the world, with nearly eight
acres under one roof in a climate controlled, secure,
indoor showroom. Over 800 vehicles on display/
for sale. The Ultimate Destination for Classic and
Specialty Cars, located one hour west of Philadelphia
on the Turnpike in Morgantown, Pennsylvania.
Consignments invited, single car or entire collections.
Worldwide marketing coverage. Call 888.227.0914
or visit us at www.ClassicAutoMall.com
family tradition of more than 50 years, at Daniel
Schmitt & Co. we specialize in procuring and selling
investment-level classic and exotic motorcars! In
over 30 years of business we have sent thousands
of cars across the globe and we pride ourselves
on our extremely loyal clientele. Located in St.
Louis, Missouri our facility spans four acres and is
minutes from Lambert International Airport. Let us
introduce you to your next automotive investment!
www.schmitt.com | info@schmitt.com (MO)
DriverSource. 281.497.1000.
Classic Investments Inc. 303.388.9788.
California Car Cover Company. More
than just custom-fit car covers, California Car
Cover is the home of complete car care and
automotive lifestyle products. Offering the best in
car accessories, garage items, detailing products,
nostalgic collectibles, apparel and more! Call
1.800.423.5525 or visit Calcarcover.com for a
free catalog.
Barn find. Redefined. Since 1989 our company
specializes in the restoration, sales and service of
1950s–1970s Classic European sports cars: Ferrari,
Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Aston Martin, Jaguar,
Austin Healey, Porsche and Mercedes. Colorado’s
premier one-stop shop for all of a collector’s needs.
Friendly, knowledgeable, passionate staff welcomes
you to call for all inquiries; our in-house factorytrained
Ferrari mechanic has 40 years’ experience.
www.ClassicInvest.com (CO)
Charles Prince Classic Cars. Based in
London, we are specialists in the finest historic
motorcars and in contact with dealers and
collectors from around the world. We offer
the best advice and service in the collector car
field. Int T: (0)798 5988070 or email: sales@
charlesprinceclassiccars.com
www.charlesprinceclassiccars.com
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6100. For over
35 years, we’ve been restoring automotive history
and helping collectors obtain, restore and sell
classic vehicles. Our world-class facility houses
three showrooms of cars and department specialty
areas to perform all facets of restoration under one
roof. Let our team of professional craftsmen and
specialists make your classic car vision a reality.
www.classicshowcase.com (CA)
Chequered Flag. 310.827.8665.
Chequered Flag is Los Angeles’ best known classic
car dealer. We specialize in European classic and
sports cars, particularly air-cooled Porsches. We
have over 100 classics in inventory including over
25 Porsches. We appreciate our many repeat
customers with over 15,000 cars bought and sold
since 1986. www.ChequeredFlag.com
sales@chequeredflag.com (CA)
Gullwing Motor Cars stocks more than
100 cars at our warehouse location, 27 years
of experience; visited by customers across the
country and overseas. We specialize in European
and American cars and we are always looking to
buy classic cars in any condition. We pick up from
anywhere in the U.S. Quick payment and pickup.
718.545.0500. www.gullwingmotorcars.com
Pursuing & Preserving Fine Automobiles Since
2005, DriverSource is a leading specialist in
the classic collector car market. Our concept of
sales, service and storage is tailor made to the
automotive enthusiast lifestyle. To learn more
about our services or inventory, please give as a
call or contact us via email. sales@driversource.
com. www.driversource.com
Legendary Motorcar Company.
905.875.4700. Since 1985, Legendary Motorcar
Company has specialized in buying, selling and
restoring some of the rarest cars in existence.
For sale, in our 150-car showroom you’ll find,
ultra-rare muscle cars, European sports cars and
modern performance cars. In our 75,000 squarefoot
facility, our highly-skilled craftsmen perform
complete award-winning restorations. Whether
you are buying one special car or building a
museum, our collection management services will
help you make the right decisions. Over 30 years
in business, we have grown to become the nation’s
premier collector and performance car facility.
www.legendarymotorcar.com (ON)
Luxury Brokers International.
Girardo & Co. +44 (0) 203 621 2923.
Girardo & Co. provide clients with a specialist
service offering expert advice in buying, selling
and sourcing classic cars at the very top end of
the collector’s market, whilst delivering the best
possible service to clients. info@girardo.com
www.girardo.com
215.459.1606. Specializing in the sales, purchase
and brokerage of classic automobiles for the astute
collector, with a new-age, contemporary approach.
Focusing on original, high-quality examples
as enjoyable, tangible investments. Classic car
storage, classic car consignment, brokerage, and
other consulting services are available as well.
We actively pursue the purchase and sales of
any investment-grade classic car. Since 2009, we
have offered a unique opportunity for collectors,
enthusiasts and other industry professionals.
www.lbilimited.com, sales@lbilimited.com (PA)
Motor Classic & Competition Corp.
914.997.9133. Since 1979, we have been racing,
restoring, servicing, buying and selling highquality
sports, racing and GT cars. Motor Classic &
Competition is where enthusiasts find their dream.
We specialize in Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo,
Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lotus, Aston
Martin, Ford GT40, Cobras and all European sports
and vintage racing cars.
www.motorclassiccorp.com
Copley Motorcars. 781.444.4646.
Copley Motorcars has been trading in sports and
classics for over 20 years out of its suburban
Boston showroom, specializing in vintage Ferrari,
Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Land Rover Defender.
And now a second showroom — CopleyWest —
has opened in Newport Beach, California.
www.copleymotorcars.com
copleycars@gmail.com (MA)
www.copleywest.com
pat@copleywest.com (CA)
Hyman Ltd Classic Cars. 314.524.6000.
After more than 30 years in business, Hyman Ltd
stands proudly as one of the most respected names
in the global collector-car trade. Whether your
interests focus on concours champions, brass-era
powerhouses or new-millennium icons, Hyman
Ltd’s unique approach and unrivaled experience
helps you navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Our highly successful consignment program placed
some of the world’s most significant motorcars with
new owners, and our showrooms house a diverse
inventory of nearly 200 vehicles. If you are buying,
selling or exploring your options to manage your
collection, choose Hyman Ltd to serve your needs.
2310 Chaffee Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146.
314-524-6000. sales@hymanltd.com
188 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Paramount Automotive Group/Foreign
Cars Italia. 888.929.7202. Since 1989, we have
offered all the exclusive brands that you have ever
dreamed about. Offering new and used Ferrari,
Maserati, Aston Martin and Porsche in Greensboro,
NC, Aston Martin, Bentley and Maserati in
Charlotte, NC and Porsche in Hickory, NC. We sell,
buy and trade. Visit us at www.Paramountauto.com
or www.ForeignCarsItalia.com (NC)
Page 187
CAR STORAGE
Paul Russell and Company. 978.768.6919.
www.paulrussell.com. Specializing in the sales of
1970s and earlier great European classics since
1978. You can rely on our decades of knowledge and
experience with Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche,
Bugatti, Alfa Romeo and other fine collectibles.
Guidance is given with an emphasis on building
long-term relationships. Contact our Classic Car
Sales team via email at: sales@paulrussell.com
(MA)
CARS. 310.695.6403. For more than two
Precious Metals: Fine Motorcars of
San Diego. 619.515.2220. We are one of the
Premier Classic Exotic Dealerships in Southern
California since 2004. Owned by Dr. Perry and
Judith Mansfield, we buy, sell, consign and
provide auction management. American Classics,
Vintage European, Modern Performance. Help
with exhibiting client vehicles at car shows. Our
showroom hosts private events, art shows and club
meetings. Precious Metals is passionate about
making your car experience first class. Contact
David Young 619.515.2220, sales@pmautos.com,
www.pmautos.com (CA)
decades, CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation
Services) has looked after some of the most
irreplaceable motorcars in the world. CARS are now
able to offer secure indoor vehicle storage solutions
at its new state-of-the-art warehouse facility in
Los Angeles. Contact CARS directly to discuss your
vehicle storage requirements and find out more
about the many services that we offer. History has
proven that CARS are the team to trust. Do not take
any chances with your pride and joy — hand it to
the people that will care for it as their own. Fax:
+1 (310) 695 6584. Email: info@carsusa.com;
www.carsusa.com
CLASSIC CAR TRANSPORT
Barrett-Jackson is proud to endorse a new
breed of insurance for classic, antique, exotic,
special-interest, contemporary classic and limitededition
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.
AUTOSPORT DESIGNS, INC. 631.425.1555.
All Aston Martin models welcome regardless
of age, as new inevitably become old! Routine
servicing-complete 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)
COLLECTOR CAR INSURANCE
ENGLISH
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6100. Classic
Intercity Lines, Inc. 800.221.3936. Gripping
Vintage Motors of Sarasota.
941.355.6500. Established in 1989, offering
high-quality collector cars to the most discerning
collectors. Vintage’s specialized services include
sales, acquisitions and consignment of high-quality
European and American collector and sports cars.
Always buying individual cars or entire collections.
Visit our large showroom with 75-plus examples in
the beautiful museum district of tropical Sarasota,
FL. www.vintagemotorssarasota.com (FL)
the wheel of your dream car and starting the engine
for the first time is a high point for any enthusiast.
We are the premier enclosed auto transport company
that will ensure your car arrives safely for that
experience. For over 35 years, our standards for
excellence have had clients returning time and time
again. Trust the Best. Trust Intercity Lines.
www.Intercitylines.com
Grundy Insurance. 888.647.8639. James A.
Grundy invented Agreed Value Insurance in 1947;
no one knows more about insuring collector cars
than Grundy! With no mileage limitations, zero
deductible*, low rates, and high liability limits, our
coverages are specifically designed for collector car
owners. Grundy can also insure your daily drivers,
pickup trucks, trailers, motorhomes, and more —
all on one policy and all at their Agreed Value.
www.grundy.com (PA)
Showcase has been an industry leader in the
restoration, service and sale of classic Jaguars, and
most other fine British automobiles. From sports cars
to luxury sedans, our world-class restoration facility
and highly skilled team are ready to assist your
needs with acquiring the perfect British classic today!
760.758.6100. www.classicshowcase.com (CA)
Fourintune Garage Inc. 262.375.0876.
Hagerty. 800.922.4050. is not just the
Passport Transport. 800.736.0575. Since
West Coast Classics. 424.376.5151. West
Coast Classics are internationally renowned
California Classic Car Dealers who specialize in
buying and selling of rare and classic European and
American classic cars. Southern California location at
1205 Bow Avenue in Torrance. We ship throughout
the world and will provide you with unparalleled
service of your rare, sports, exotic, luxury, collector or
classic car needs. www.WestCoastClassics.com
info@WestCoastClassics.com (CA)
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
world’s largest provider of specialty insurance
for enthusiast vehicles: they are all-in on the
automotive lifestyle dedicated to the love of
driving. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Drivers Club,
DriveShare, Car Values, Hagerty magazine and
MotorsportReg. Hagerty also helps keep the car
culture alive for future generations through youth
programs, support for Historic Vehicle Association
and the RPM Foundation. For more information,
call or visit www.hagerty.com (MI)
www.fourintune.com. Complete ground-up
restoration on British marques — specializing
in Austin-Healeys since 1976. Experience you can
trust, satisfied customers nationwide. Visit our
website for details on our restoration process,
which includes a complete quotation on Healeys.
Located in historic Cedarburg — just minutes
north of Milwaukee, WI.
JWF Restorations Inc. Specializing in AC
Reliable Carriers Inc. 800-521-6393. As the
country’s largest enclosed-auto transport company,
Reliable Carriers faithfully serves all 48 contiguous
United States and Canada. Whether you’ve
entered a concours event, need a relocation, are
attending a corporate event or are shipping the car
of your dreams from one location to another, one
American transportation company does it all.
www.reliablecarriers.com
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
restoration from street to concours, U.S. Registrar AC
Owners Club (U.K.). Now selling AC parts and tires,
including inventory from Ron Leonard. Jim Feldman.
503.706.8250, Fax 503.646.4009.Email: jim@
jwfrestoration.com (OR)
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 189
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218 for information; e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
ENGLISH (CONTINUED)
FINANCE
Bud’s Benz. 800.942.8444. At Bud’s, we sell
Classic Car Capital 310.254.9704,
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)
ESTATE PLANNING ADVISORY
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
619.233.5008. Earning the reputation as one
of the finest internationally renowned classic
automobile showcases in the United States, The
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance continues to attract
discerning car enthusiasts from around the globe.
La Jolla California is proud to welcome the La
Jolla Concours d’Elegance presented by LPL
Financial and Pacific Sotheby’s International
Realty back to the jewel of the West Coast on
April 16 through 18, 2021 to celebrate its 16th
year of automotive excellence. Register and
purchase tickets at lajollaconcours.com
Ext. 1. Maximize the return on your passion by
recapitalizing the equity in your vintage cars.
Whether to expand your collection, invest or for
personal use, you decide how to use the funds. With
unparalleled experience, service and expertise in
this highly specialized lending, we understand the
market and needs of the collector. Whether using
one car or multiple cars as collateral, we offer lines
of credit with no origination fees or prepayment
penalties.
a full line of Mercedes-Benz parts for cars from the
1950s through the 1980s. We do minor and major
service work on most Mercedes. Restoration work;
including paint, interior, mechanical and other
services are available. We pride ourselves in doing
work that is tailored to our customers’ needs and
budgets. We also (locally) work on later-model
Mercedes, BMW, and Mini Coopers. Computer
diagnostics and work related to keeping your daily
driver on the road are all available at Bud’s.
www.budsbenz.com (GA)
Ferrari Financial Services. 201.816.2670.
Chrome Strategies Management LLC.
Trust and Estate/Wealth Advisory Services
focuses on meeting the increasingly complex
financial planning needs and interests of classic
car collectors, investors, trust, estate, wealth
professionals, and family offices. We are a
completely independent advisory that develops
best practice strategies to fit your objectives.
Please contact us to discuss our scope of services.
www.chromestrategies.com
Email to: info@chromestrategies.com
EVENTS–CONCOURS, CAR SHOWS
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
831.620.8879. A prominent component of
Monterey Car Week, The Quail is a world-renowned
motorsports event featuring one of the world’s
finest and rarest collections of vintage automobiles
and motorcycles. The Quail maintains its intimacy
and exclusivity by limiting admission through
lottery ticket allocations. Admission is inclusive of
six gourmet culinary pavilions, caviar, oysters, fine
wines, specialty cocktails, champagne, and more.
Web: signatureevents.peninsula.com (CA)
As the world’s only Ferrari-owned finance company,
no one understands a Ferrari customer’s unique
perspective better than the company that designed
these iconic sports cars. Whether it’s a line of
credit for owners interested in utilizing the equity
in their collection, or a simple interest loan, we
stand committed to help our clients enhance
their collection — without origination or early
termination fees. “FFS” offers a level of expertise
that cannot be matched by other lenders.
European Collectibles Inc. 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 and 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)
J.J. BEST BANC & CO. is the largest lender
Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, October
16 - 18. Benefiting Erlanger Neuroscience
Institute, the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival will
bring hundreds of classic cars and thousands of
automotive enthusiasts to Chattanooga for a threeday,
family-friendly event. Three components will
anchor the festival schedule: High Jinks Rallye,
Time Trials and the Concours d’Elegance. Visit
www.chattanoogamotorcar.com to learn more
about how you can get involved.
of its type in the country – providing financing
on collector cars ranging from 1900 to today.
Whether you have your eye on a 1903 Curved Dash
Oldsmobile or a 2010 Ferrari – we’re here to make
your dream car a reality. Offering low rates, long
terms, and no prepayment penalties. Our programs
start at $6,000 and exceed $2 million with terms up
to 96 months. Visit our website at jjbest.com or call
800-USA-1965 to receive an approval in minutes.
Our team of experts is here to find the program that
fits all of your needs. Your dream car will be in your
garage in no time!
SCCA’s San Francisco Region (SFR)
Concours Chapter has been sanctioning concours
d’elegance since 1952. SCCA provides judges,
field crew and scorers at each SCCA-sanctioned
concours. To exhibit your motorcar, contact the
event organizers listed on each event’s own web
page. SCCA SFR Concours d’Elegance Chapter is
honored to sanction the following concours:
Coyote Creek June 28, 2020
www.coyotecreekconcours.com
Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival.
The South: a place where tea is sweet, people are
darlin’, moss is Spanish and, come autumn, cars are
plentiful. This fall, HHI Motoring Festival returns to
the towns of Savannah, GA, and Hilton Head Island,
SC. Join us this fall — October 30–November 1,
2020 — in the land of Southern hospitality. To
purchase tickets or for more information, visit
www.HHIMotoringFestival.com
Hillsborough July 12, 2020
www.hillsboroughconcours.org
Ferndale September 13, 2020
www.ferndaleconcours.org
Danville September 20, 2020
www.danville-delegance.org
Niello October 4, 2020
www.theconcours.net
SFR-SCCA seeks new judges and field crew. Contact
Jim Perell at japerell@icloud.com or 916-765-9739.
concourscca.org
190 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
Art’s Star Classics. 800.644.STAR
(1.800.644.7827). 30 years of expertise in
new and hard to find parts, as well as component
restoration for all Mercedes from 1931–1971.
Servicing owners and restorers worldwide. Star
Classics also offers: Sales and Acquisitions of all
’50s and ’60s Mercedes and restoration project
management for car owners so they realize the
car of their dreams. Contact us today: info@
artsstarclassics.com; www.artsstarclassics.com
International Phone #: 1.602.397.5300
Precision Autoworks. 856.966.0080.
MERCEDES 300SL: If you already own such a car or
have an interest in buying one, THE 300SL STORY
featured in www.precisionautoworks.com could
save you from making a $500,000 mistake.
info@precisionautoworks.com
GERMAN
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
1.866.MB.CLASSIC. 1.866.622.5277). The trusted
center of competence for all classic Mercedes-Benz
enthusiasts. Located in Irvine, CA, the Classic Center
is the only sales and restoration facility in the
U.S. exclusively operated by Mercedes-Benz. Over
50,000 Genuine Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts in its
assortment. From small services to full ground-up
restorations, work is always true to original. Everchanging
showcase of for-sale vehicles. We are your
trusted source. www.mbclassiccenter.com (CA)
Page 189
MUSEUMS
Putnam Leasing. 866.90.LEASE. For over
Scott Grundfor Company. 805.474.6477.
Since the 1970s, Scott Grundfor Company has
set the bar with best of show cars. Four decades
later, we continue our long and rich tradition of
excellence in the collectible car and restoration
market. As trusted and respected MercedesBenz
experts, we strive to not only continue the
restoration and sales excellence we’ve worked so
hard to develop, but to also bring awareness to
the appreciation, preservation and history of the
automobile.scott@scottgrundfor.com
www.scottgrundfor.com (CA)
IMPORT / EXPORT
David North LLC. 862.823.1182.
Magneti Marelli distributor service and
restoration for Ferrari, Maserati and
Lamborghini. Service includes complete
documentation before and after work. Distributors
are disassembled, cleaned with all worn, missing
and incorrect parts replaced. Advance curves, points
and all adjustments are set to factory specifications.
All distributors are extensively tested and checked
before delivery. Fast service turnaround to meet any
schedule. Most of these distributors are found to be
in need of maintenance and many have incorrect or
non-functioning advance mechanisms. This is just
one part of a complete tune up that is necessary for
a well running engine. davenorth73@gmail.com
LEASING
Vintage Car Law. 717.884.9010.
CARS. 310.695.6403. For more than two
decades, CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation
Services) has looked after some of the most
irreplaceable motorcars in the world. If you need
your vehicle transported, CARS have the expertise
and knowledge to ensure it arrives in perfect
condition, on time, and with no unexpected costs.
CARS are able to action any shipping request
through its own offices in the U.K., New York,
Los Angeles and Japan, and via its network of
global agents. Whether your vehicle needs to be
transported by road, sea or air freight, please get in
touch and allow CARS to take the worry and stress
out of your shipment needs. History has proven that
CARS are the team to trust. Do not take any chances
with your pride and joy — hand it to the people
that will care for it as their own. Fax: +1 (310) 695
6584; Email: info@carsusa.com; www.carsusa.com
ITALIAN
Luxury Lease Partners LLC. 201.822.4870.
LLP is a self-funded exotic car lessor that does not
follow conventional lending rules, such as scores,
debt-to-income ratios or comparable borrowing
requirements. LLP can provide lease financing on
any exotic car from $50,000 to $5 million, regardless
of your credit history. If you own a car and need cash,
LLP provides sale/lease-back financing so you can
keep driving your car!
Contact us at info@luxuryleasepartners.com
Bryan W. Shook, Esquire, acts for and represents
leading antique and collector car dealers, brokers,
restoration houses, and private individuals
Internationally. He has been responsible for
innumerable and prominent cases, distinguishing
himself with his unparalleled knowledge of
automobiles and network of contacts, experts and
clients. He is redefining automotive law.
www.vintagecarlaw.com (PA)
MULTIMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Dr Beasley’s. Using better products to care
Premier Financial Services. 877.973.7700.
Hamann Classic Cars. 203.918.8300. With
more than 30 years in the industry and worldwide
clientele in dealing in European race and sports cars,
specializing in classic Ferraris of the ’50s and ’60s.
www.ferrari4you.com
As a serious sports car enthusiast, you’re always
seeking a better driving experience. Your high
standards should also apply to car financing.
Since 1997, Premier Financial Services has been
recognized by countless owners for our integrity,
deep understanding of the sports car market, high
level of customer service and ability to tailor flexible
leasing solutions. If you’ve never considered leasing,
let us explain how it could be your best financing
alternative. If you’ve leased from others in the past,
let us show you how we’re different. Either way,
you’ll benefit from starting or ending your search for
a better financing experience by contacting us at
877.973.7700. Learn more at
www.premierfinancialservices.com (CT)
The Lamborghini Club America is the
world’s largest organization of Lamborghini
owners and enthusiasts. Inclusive to both vintage
and modern Lamborghini owners, the Lamborghini
Club America is a critical asset to the Lamborghini
ownership experience. Membership includes
La Vita Lamborghini magazine, a carbon fiber
member card, special pricing at most authorized
dealers for parts and service, and much more. Join
today at: www.LamborghiniClubAmerica.com
Turtle Garage provides readers with unique
insights into the collector vehicle market and
the broader automotive industry. Our exclusive
content focuses on vintage motorcycles, modern
classics, and the exciting future of the automobile
— including developments in ride-hailing,
electrification and autonomous driving. We
produce diverse articles on travel, restoration
projects, book reviews, auction analysis, vehicle
summaries and relevant automotive industry news.
“Turtle Garage is a must-read. Subscribe today.”
— Keith Martin, Sports Car Market
www.turtlegarage.com
for your vehicle can make all the difference in
the world. So start with quality products like Dr.
Beasley’s. Located in Chicago, IL, Dr. Beasley’s
manufactures detailing products that have
amazing ease of use and the performance that
professional detailers require. All of our products
have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so try them
for yourself. Or if you’d rather, hire one of our
Authorized Detailers for the ultimate in car care
and protection. Visit www.drbeasleys.com or call
us at 773.404.1600. Let us know SCM sent you.
AmericanMuscle 877.887.1105. Starting out
in 2003, AmericanMuscle quickly rose to be one of
the leading aftermarket Mustang parts providers in
the business. With the addition of Challenger parts
in 2018, AmericanMuscle provides the most soughtafter
products, accessories and fast shipping.
AmericanMuscle.com
30 years, Putnam Leasing has been the leader in
exotic, luxury, and collector car leasing. This honor
comes from Putnam’s unique ability to match the car
of your dreams with a lease designed just for you.
Every Putnam Lease is written to provide maximum
flexibility while conserving capital, lowering monthly
payments, and maximizing tax advantages. Its
Putnam’s way of letting you drive more car for less
money. For leases ranging from $50,000 to more
than $1 million, with terms extending up to 84
months, contact the oldest and most experienced
leasing company in the country by calling 1.866.90.
LEASE. Or just visit www.putnamleasing.com
LEGAL
LeMay—America’s Car Museum celebrates
America’s love affair with the automobile. Named
the Best Museum in Western Washington, the
four-level, 165,000-square-foot museum features
12 rotating exhibits and 300 cars, trucks and
motorcycles on display. ACM includes a 3.5-acre
show field, State Farm Theatre, Classics Café,
banquet hall and meeting facilities and offers a
majestic view above Commencement Bay. For more
information, visit www.lemaymuseum.org.
LeMay—America’s Car Museum
2702 E D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421
877.902.8490 (toll free); info@lemaymuseum.org,
www.lemaymuseum.org (WA)
PARTS, ACCESORIES & CAR CARE
MetroVac. MetroVac’s car vacs and car dryers
are the top choice of professional detailers and
passionate car enthusiasts worldwide, like Wayne
Carini. Our products are proudly made by American
workers using only U.S. steel. These powerful
machines are built to be virtually indestructible
and last decades. MetroVac products are the classic
way to care for classic cars. www.metrovac.com
Sports Car Market NOVEMBER 2020 191
Page 190
RESOURCE DIRECTORY Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 Ext. 218 for information; e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
PARTS, ACCESORIES & CAR CARE (CONTINUED)
RESTORATION – GENERAL
Farland Classic Restoration.
Branson Collector Cars. 417.336.1155.
National Parts Depot. 800-874-7595.
We stock huge inventories of concours-correct
restoration parts for:
1965–73 and 1979–93 Mustang
1967–81 Camaro & Firebird
1964–72 GTO, Tempest & LeMans
1964–87 Chevelle, Malibu and El Camino
1948–96 F-Series Ford Truck
1947–98 C/K 1/2-ton Chevy Truck
1966–96 Bronco
1955–57 Thunderbird
1967–73 Cougar
www.nationalpartsdepot.com
TOURANIL Leather by AERISTO +1 (817)
624-8400. A deep passion for classic automobiles
has led AERISTO’s founder Christian Schmidt to
develop an authentic line of classic, vegetable
tanned leathers. AERISTO, the market leader for
high end, technical aviation leathers is now proud
to offer their TOURANIL article to the restoration
community. All raw materials are sourced from
premium South German bull hides, available in
stock in a wide array of colors. Please reach out to
AERISTO to learn more. info@aeristo.com;
www.aeristo.com
“The Shop” at Branson Collector Cars began in
the late eighties for the sole purpose to maintain
and restore the owner’s personal collection and
that of a few close friends. Beginning in 2010
“The Shop” was opened to all collectors for the
maintenance, repair and full ground up
restorations. The technicians have an envious
amount of skills, experience and dedication to the
art of preserving your favorite ride. Ask for
Jason! https://bransonauction.com/the-shop/
303.761.1245. A complete facility offering
concours-level restorations, repair and fabrication
services. We work on all makes, and specialize in
Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche. Highly organized
and fiscally responsible, we provide biweekly
detailed billing to keep you abreast of the rapid
progress of your project in every way. Check out
our site for details. Email: info@farlandcars.com.
www.farlandcarscom
Hahn Auto Restoration. 724.452.4329.
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6100. For
Original Parts Group Inc. 800-243-8355. At
Original Parts Group, we are proud to be the largest
USA supplier of in-stock restoration parts for your
classic GM A, B, C, E and G-body vehicle, including
newly released Cadillac CTS, ATS, STS, Escalade,
EXT and XLR. 100% privately owned to serve you
better, since 1982. We are devoted to quality parts
and customer service. Visit OPGI.com today or call
today to order your free parts catalog. (CA)
Automotive Restorations. 203.377.6745.
QuickSilver Exhaust Systems. 011 44
1428 687722. Our customers are sophisticated
enthusiasts who choose our exhaust systems for
various reasons — originality, durability, weight
reduction and enhanced sound. We’re the default
choice for many of the most important classics.
Originality is important, but there’s no reason
why subtle improvements cannot be introduced.
QuickSilver use superior materials and modern
manufacturing techniques unavailable when the
cars were new. quicksilver-exhausts.myshopify.com
RACING SERVICES
Founded in 1978, we are well-established
practitioners of the art and craft of vehicle
restoration, preservation and service. Nearly
40 experienced craftspeople focused on the art
and entertainment to be enjoyed with great cars
describes our culture. Our staff and expertise
encompasses a broad range of skills and specific
vehicle experience. Proper project management
and control produces the quality and attention
to detail we have come to be known for in all we
produce. See much more on the web at
www.automotiverestorations.com
over 35 years, we’ve been restoring automotive
history by creating driver-, show/driver-, show- and
preservation-level restorations for collectors
worldwide. Our world-class facilities consist of a
team of passionate and dedicated craftsmen who
are ready to perform either factory standards or
performance/modified upgrades. Visit our website or
call us to discuss your project today.
www.classicshowcase.com (CA)
We take pride in offering concours-level collector
car restoration, recommissioning, custom builds
and repair services. With our experienced staff
and cutting-edge technology, we can restore your
car back to its original beauty and help it perform
better than when it was first driven off the lot! We
understand how much your classic car means to you
and we will treat your restoration or repair with
the quality care and respect it deserves — getting
the job done right the first time. We believe that
a restoration should last a lifetime and beyond,
so we strive to provide our clients with quality
restoration services that will last for generations.
www.hahnautorestoration.com
Hjeltness Restoration. 760.746.9966.
D. L. George Historic Motorcars.
610.593.7423. We stand at the crossroads
between you and historic European motorcars of
the pre-war and early post-war era. We provide
full-service restoration, maintenance and support
of the finest cars driven extensively by the most
refined collectors. Find us at concours from Amelia
Island to Pebble Beach, venues from Lime Rock to
Goodwood, and events including the Mille Miglia,
Peking to Paris, and The Colorado Grand.
www.DLGEORGE.com (PA)
What began as attention to detail developed into
love. We benefit from 34 years of disassembling
original cars with the intent to restore yet also
with an eye on the future, other restorers will need
benchmarks to copy. If your own personal piece of
history needs doing for the first time or the second
please contact us. www.HjeltnessRestoration.com
Jeff’s Resurrections has been bringing
Fantasy Junction. 510.653.7555. For
Brightworks. 937.773.5127. Brightworks
Vintage Racing Services. 203.377.6745.
Our full-service shop facility and experienced staff
provide all aspects of racecar construction, setup and
repair for production-based cars to purpose-built
sports racers to formula cars. We can build a racecar
from the ground up, restore your historic vintage
racer to its former glory or maintain your racecar, all
to ensure your maximum enjoyment. Our trackside
support, transportation, racecar rental and coaching
can round out your experience. Our sister company,
Automotive Restorations Inc., offers high-quality
upholstery, body and paint and panel fabrication
services. www.automotiverestorations.com/vrs/home
has partnered with Ruote Borrani to be the only
authorized restorer of Ruote Borrani wheels in the
world, and to be a distributor for any new Ruote
Borrani products in North America. We use the
original Ruote Borrani drawings and blueprints to
restore your wheels to exact factory standards and
offset. Additionally, we use the correct font letter/
number stamps to re-create all of the original
markings to restore your Borrani wheels to be
factory original, correct and certified.
www.brightworkrestoration.com (OH)
35 years, Owner/Enthusiast Bruce Trenery has
operated Fantasy Junction from the San Francisco
Bay Area. The dealership enjoys an outstanding
worldwide reputation for integrity and knowledge in
the collector car field. Many of the world’s greatest
sports cars have passed through the doors, with both
buyers and sellers enjoying expert representation.
Email Sales@FantasyJunction.com,
www.FantasyJunction.com (CA)
some of the world’s finest cars back to life in a
quiet corner of Central Texas for almost three
decades. Founded in 1990, we are a full-service
auto restoration facility specializing in classic,
exotic and antique vehicles, whose work has won
many awards. With a full-time team of ten skilled
mechanics, metal craftsmen, specialist re-finishers
and detailers, we offer complete mechanical and
coachwork services. Our premises encompass
36,000 square feet of historic property that once
housed a pre-war Dodge dealership in Taylor,
Texas, just a short drive from downtown Austin,
Austin Bergstrom International Airport and the
Circuit of the Americas. 512.365.5346.
www.jeffsresurrections.com (TX)
192 NOVEMBER 2020 Sports Car Market
eW CHCARL BOMSTEAD
PAGE HEADER
AT
Condition Critical
A uniquely mint $615,000 Nolan Ryan rookie card delivers the perfect punch
C
ondition, condition, condition. That is the mantra for valuing most collectibles but is especially
true for baseball trading cards. Goldin Auctions, at their August 22 event, offered a 1968 Nolan
Ryan Topps Rookie Stars baseball card that PSA rated a perfect 10. They stated that of the
approximately 11,500 examples evaluated, this was the only one they rated 10.
Nolan Ryan, a Hall of Famer and now CEO of the Texas Rangers, was an eight-time All-Star and holds
the Major League record for strikeouts, with 5,714 over his 27-year career. He is also known for whopping
— in 1993, at age 46 — Robin Ventura in a little dust-up after hitting the 26-year-old with a pitch. Due to
its amazing condition, the card sold for $615,000 after 24 bids. That, however,
pales in comparison to the $3,936,000 recently bid for another Mike Trout signed
rookie card (an even rarer card than the one we wrote about in the September
2020 “eWatch”).
Here are a few more things that caught our eye as we wiled away the hours
on our computer:
RM SOTHEBY’S ONLINE ONLY: OPEN ROADS AUCTION LOT
101 — FERRARI 275 GTB TOOL ROLL. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000.
SOLD AT: $6,600. Date: 7/30/2020. This vinyl tool roll has leather straps
and a full complement of tools. Included was a Battaini jack, spanners,
and spare fuses and bulbs, along with other necessary items. It displayed a
bit of wear and age but is just the ticket to sway the judges at Palm Beach
Cavallino Classic.
MORFORD ANTIQUE ADVERTISING
ROUTE 32 IOWA GAS
AUCTION LOT 581 —
HUSKY GAS PUMP GLOBE.
SOLD AT: $24,600. Date:
8/6/2020. The Husky logo was
the brand name for the Western
Oil and Fuel Company, which
was founded in Minnesota. The
logo with the Northern Lights is
very desirable, and the orange
ripple body added a bunch to
the package. Quality gas and
oil items continue to go through
the roof, as we witness with this
rare item.
AUCTIONS LOT 55 — BOWERS SPARKLUG
DISPLAY. SOLD AT: $5,664. Date:
/22/2020. This was a very attractive tin litho
ountertop display that presented 12 different
owers spark plugs. A working thermometer sits
ehind the glass, and the shelves in back hold 41
dditional spark plugs. Automotive display pieces
re the hot ticket, and this one, with minor nonoffensive
wear, sold for an aggressive number.
RM SOTHEBY’S ONLINE ONLY:
SHIFT / MONTEREY AUCTION LOT 101
— 1948 MONACO GRAND PRIX POSTER
BY GEO HAM. Estimate: $10,000—$15,000.
SOLD AT: $3,750. Date: 8/14/2020. Geo Ham
was a French illustrator known for his incredible
work, especially his drawings of airplanes and
automobiles, which often sell for aggressive
prices. This one, however, fell through the
cracks and went for a song. The other posters in
the auction did not fare well either, but did not
fall as far as this one.
ROUTE 32 IOWA GAS AUCTION LOT 648. GILMORE OIL WOOD
FLAGMAN WITH FLAG. Estimate: $4,500–$9,000. SOLD AT: $9,225. Date:
8/7/2020. These wood “Dominic” flag men were on the roof of many Gilmore
gas stations throughout the West. They were rumored to be named after Dominic
Distarce, who was the actual flagman at the Gilmore Stadium. This one had a bit of
wear and staining and the flag was not attached correctly. It still sold for a bunch,
as complete examples don’t show up that often.
at Portland, OR, and at additional mailing offices.
Subscription rates are $75 for 12 monthly issues in the U.S., $105 Canada, $135 Mexico, Europe, Asia/Africa/Middle East. 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.
194
SEPTEM
NOVEMBBEER 2020 Sports Car MarketR 2020 Sports Car Market
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Sports Car Market (ISSN #1527859X) is published monthly by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Ave, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. Periodicals postage paid
EBAY #164321227592 —
1948 TUCKER ASHTRAY/
DESK SET. Number of Bids:
6. SOLD AT: $3,148. Date:
8/16/2020. The trials and tribulations
of Preston Tucker and
his unique automobile are well
known. With production delayed,
Tucker resorted to promotions
and other giveaways to keep
buyer interest. This promotional
ashtray/desk set was offered in
red or gold and, according to the
seller, somewhere between 1,730
and 2,230 were produced. This
was the later version and was as
good as it gets. It even had the
Bakelite insert in the cigarette
compartment. Considering the
condition, the price was more
than fair.
MORFORD ANTIQUE
ADVERTISING AUCTIONS
LOT 74 — BOSTON STORE
TIN TOY DELIVERY
TRUCK. SOLD AT: $3,776.
Date: 8/22/2010. A very nice
1920s tin litho wind-up truck toy
by German maker Bing. It is 7¾
inches in length and the colors
are bright and vibrant. Complete
with driver and opening rear
door. An exceptional toy that sold
for a strong but realistic price
considering the condition. ♦
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
Sports Car Market
PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
CPC IPM Sales Agreement No. 1296205