BLENHEIM, Ontario, Canada (November 17, 2006) – It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire some of the world’s most important Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Spirited bidding by serious collectors pushed the final dollar total for the Cappy Collection, one of the world’s most comprehensive Ford car collections, to the $5.6 million dollar mark when the lifelong collection of Ford aficionado Jerry Capizzi went on the block in Addison, Illinois.
The sale, which attracted collectors from across North America, represented the lifelong collecting passion of Capizzi, whose father was General Legal Counsel to the Ford Motor Company and occasionally served as Henry Ford’s personal lawyer. In all, the eight top-selling vehicles set new record prices for their type and 19 cars sold for more than six figures each.
“The quality and rarity of Jerry’s cars was well-known throughout the collector car market, which is why record prices were paid,” says Rob Myers co-founder of RM Auctions. “Collectors in the know made some great investments, buying the very best examples of these particular models ever offered at auction. A provenance that includes the Capizzi Collection will only add to the future value of these vehicles.”
The record-setting vehicle sales included:
• 1957 Ford Thunderbird “F” Code $319,000
• 1956 Lincoln Premiere $275,000
• 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Hardtop $258,500
• 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Indy Pace Car $242,000
• 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser $192,500
• 1963 Ford Thunderbird “M” Roadster $192,500
• 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Dual Carburetor Model $187,000
The Cappy Collection vehicles offered high-point cars with almost all of them restored to the highest standards and strict attention paid to authenticity. Stored in a climate-controlled environment, these cars have received perpetual upkeep, with the on-going preservation of the collection second to none.
“It was easy for me as the consignor, because I was confident in the way the event was organized, cataloged and promoted,” said Capizzi. “While I did keep a few cars from my collection, what will be hard for me will be to resist putting my hand up at another auction. I’ll miss them all, but it’s a great feeling to know that my babies will be going to good homes.”
The Capizzi sale featured Ford products exclusively, including Lincoln, Mercury, and Edsel models as well as a 1972 DeTomaso Pantera sports car. In addition to the cars, the auction also featured hundreds of lots of related parts, automotive literature and artwork, a huge cache of impeccably displayed die-cast models, Ford shop and service signs, tools, and an assortment of shop equipment.
Bidders were eager to get their hands on the Ford memorabilia as well. A rare 1966-67 Lincoln Continental Original Luggage Set sold for an astounding $13,800, while a 1956 Continental Mark II Colors and Upholstery Book sold for $8,625 and a Lincoln 430cu in engine with Tri-Power set-up was hammered down for $6,900.
Celebrating more than 26 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions Inc. and its sister companies are responsible for acquiring, restoring and selling of the world’s rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles including Best of Show winning cars at the prestigious Meadow Brook and Pebble Beach Concours. For additional information on RM Auctions Inc., please call (800) 211-4371 or visit the corporate web site at www.rmauctions.com.