BRANSON, MISSOURI (April 26, 2009) – Now in its twenty-eighth year, the Branson Collector Car Auction held April 17 and 18 in the Branson Convention Center recorded outstanding results that indicate the return of collectors’ confidence in a healthy, vibrant collector car market. Leading the Branson Auction’s results was the unique 1933 Duesenberg Model J with one-off touring sedan coachwork by famous French carrossier Franay, chassis 2385, engine J-365. Proudly displayed at the Paris Auto Show in 1931 and 1932, it was then sold to the Countess Porceri (née-Mabel Boll of Rochester, NY), known in the celebrity press of the day […]
BRANSON, MISSOURI (April 26, 2009) – Now in its twenty-eighth year, the Branson Collector Car Auction held April 17 and 18 in the Branson Convention Center recorded outstanding results that indicate the return of collectors’ confidence in a healthy, vibrant collector car market.
Leading the Branson Auction’s results was the unique 1933 Duesenberg Model J with one-off touring sedan coachwork by famous French carrossier Franay, chassis 2385, engine J-365. Proudly displayed at the Paris Auto Show in 1931 and 1932, it was then sold to the Countess Porceri (née-Mabel Boll of Rochester, NY), known in the celebrity press of the day as “The Queen of Diamonds”. The Duesenberg sold in Branson for $777,600 and, significantly, represented an increase in value of 89.5% from its last auction transaction, a time period in which the Dow Jones Industrial Index declined 25%.
Also recording an outstanding result at the Branson Collector Car Auction was the sole known surviving 1914 Peugeot 145S. Bodied with sporting open Torpedo Tourer coachwork and restored and maintained in concours condition, it brought $243,000, an increase of 31% from its most recent auction transaction on the Monterey peninsula just eight months ago.
A pair of 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertibles, among collectors’ most popular cars, brought excellent results: $78,300 for a Power Pack car and $108,000 for one of the rare and highly desirable factory fuel injected examples.
The Branson Auction is known for its unusual discoveries and this year was no exception, an experience highlighted by a wonderful 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad station wagon. Restored many years ago and in storage since, it promised its new owner, who paid only $47,520 for it, a simple path to create a concours-ready gem. Another station wagon, a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe, also represented an attractive discovery at $43,200. Complete, well and consistently maintained with what appeared to be only an old repaint separating it from complete originality, its sound wood, good interior and excellent fits offer its new owner the opportunity to enjoy a well-preserved, rare and desirable woodie wagon for years before justifying a restoration.
Sales at the Spring 2009 Branson Collector Car Auction totaled just over $4 million with a 50% sale rate, a significant increase from the $3.5 million total recorded a year ago, a remarkable accomplishment in the tentative economic and commercial environment.
Branson Collector Car Auction principal Jim Cox observed, “We anticipated the uncertainties of the market and worked especially hard to bring an extraordinary group of cars to Branson this spring, then to back them up with enthusiastic, committed buyers. This sale also brought our largest-ever group of quality vendors to the Branson Convention Center and helped to create an enthusiastic, optimistic environment that was supported by a great staff led by my wife Kathy. It was a group effort, it paid off and I think it shows that car collectors, at least, have retained their confidence in America and the American economy.”
