October2008 - Sports Car Market

To Micturate Upon a Ferrari
Time To Sell Your Porsche?
Sports Car Market
Keith Martin’s
The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
All in the D-tails
Scruffy XKD509
Brings Record
$4.4m
October 2008
Salt Flats Record-Holder Cracks $660k
The Diminished Value Game
Mangusta, DeTomaso’s Other Car
www.sportscarmarket.com
Sports Car Market
Keith Martin’s
The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
44
Chrisman Bonneville: One fast Ford
October 2008 . Volume 20 . Number 10
30
Ferrari 456 GT: Beware scruffy ones
34
D-type: The first production car
IN-DEPTH PROFILES
GLOBAL AUCTION COVERAGE
FERRARI
BONHAMS
What You Need To Know
30 1996 Ferrari 456 GT Coupe—$66k
The modern bargain, but still not cheap to own.
Steve Ahlgrim
ENGLISH
34 1955 Jaguar XKD-type Sports Racer—$4.3m
An auction record for the first production D-type.
Paul Hardiman
ETCETERINI
38 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta—$99k
How long can the market overlook these hybrids?
Donald Osborne
GERMAN
40 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe—$309k
Further proof that “instant collectibles” don’t exist.
Rob Sass
AMERICAN
44 1953 Chrisman Bonneville Coupe—$660k
Salt Flats legend gets driven to big bucks in California.
Jay Fitzhugh
RACE
46 1965 McLaren-Elva M1A “Cro-Sal Special”—$249k
Can-Am pioneer seeks a European vintage grid for
a good time.
Thor Thorson
Cover photograph: Bonhams
126 Cars Examined and Rated at Six Sales
50 Chichester, UK: $4.3m D-type leads the pack to $11.9m at the
Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Paul Hardiman
MIDAMERICA AUCTIONS
62 Blaine, MN: $1m from 58 cars at this 22nd annual spring event.
B. Mitchell Carlson
BONHAMS
70 Northamptonshire, UK: Rollers and Bentleys see $1.7m
as the RREC Rally proceeds.
Paul Hardiman
RM AUCTIONS
82 Tustin, CA: Joe MacPherson’s collection of customs and
racers totals $8.4m.
Rick Feibusch
MECUM AUCTIONS
90 St. Charles, IL: Corvettes are the name of the game at
Bloomington Gold, as 131 bring $8.7m.
Dan Grunwald and Thomas Glatch
EBAY MOTORS
98 Projects not for the faint of budget.
Geoff Archer
20 Bugattis displayed at Classy Chassis
Shelley Bernd
28
COLUMNS
10 Shifting Gears
Old cars—you weren’t expecting comfort, were you?
Keith Martin
24 Affordable Classic
Citroën DS, an affordable classic you can’t afford
Rob Sass
26 Legal Files
Pissing off the Ferraristi, one video at a time
John Draneas
32 Sheehan Speaks
The ins and outs of diminished value
Michael Sheehan
36 English Patient
Following the money in Triumphs
Gary Anderson
42 Porsche Gespräch
Why now is a great time to sell
Jim Schrager
102 Bike Buys
Cagiva Alazzurra, a Ducati for the rest of us
Ed Milich
114 eWatch
As-new Jenney globe breaks the bank
Carl Bomstead
FEATURE
28 Classy Chassis: A Texas-sized Bugatti gathering
DEPARTMENTS
12
14
16
18
20
22
25
54
56
99
Crossing the Block / Auction Calendar
The Inside Line
Contributors
You Write, We Read
Display Advertisers Index
In Miniature
20 Year Picture
Our Cars: 1978 Porsche 911SC
Alfa Bits
Fresh Meat: 2008 Audi S5, 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago,
2008 Porsche 911 GT2
100
104
104
106
110
Book Reviews: Two Jacks and a car called Lola
Mystery Photo
Comments with Your Renewal
Showcase Gallery
Resource Directory
Shifting Gears Keith Martin
Just Be Glad It Runs
The cockpit swathed us in leather-trimmed functionality; ancillary systems
like heating and coolant temperature control were just afterthoughts
H
and the Spitfire fighter-plane cockpit swathed us
ave you noticed the oil streak that runs
in leather-trimmed functionality.
across the golf course and ends up
But at our sub-40 mph speeds, the car was
under your Alfa?”
hot inside, and hotter still under the hood. Yes,
That was the comment I was greeted
modern technology in the form of aluminum
with as I ended the Monte Shelton Northwest
radiators and auxiliary fans can manage engine
Classic Rally. A 500-mile, two-day event, it
heat, but in “as-built” configuration, E-types
celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.
simply were delivered with cooling systems
As it is sponsored by the Alfa Romeo Owners
deemed marginal at best.
of Oregon, there was a predictable bevy of vintage Alfas, mostly Giulia and Giulietta Spiders,
No way today
but also a smattering of GTVs, GTAs, and even
We haven’t had the time to decode the engine
a lightweight 1957 Sprint Veloce with Conrero
oil-loss situation with the Alfa, but we surmise it
engine prep.
has something to do with the rubber gaskets that
Our 1965 Giulia Spider Veloce ran well, and
go between the oil canister and the engine block
as the engine now has over 1,500 miles on it, the
mount. Question: Would it be so wrong to put a
car easily reached its 6,300 rpm redline. But
Martin and SCMer Joe Angel agree—a little vino
spin-on filter adapter on the Alfa and be done
somewhere during the last half hour of the rally,
makes any Italian car run better
with all of this?
after a spirited run down twisty Marmot Road
And at the same time, why not upgrade the cooling system on the
on the west side of Mt. Hood, sandwiched between an insanely driven
Jaguar so that you don’t drive with one eye on the road and the other on
1300 Giulietta Spider Veloce and a comparatively sedate 2000 GTV (size
the temperature gauge? And why not look for a modern a/c fan motor
does have its advantages), something caused at least one of the seven
for the GT4?
quarts of oil in the sump to decide to spread itself, quickly, all over the
All of this is to say that our old cars were built to standards far
engine and then onto the ground.
different from those of today. While they were mechanically robust and
But this wasn’t the only old car adventure we’d had recently.
capable of fairly astounding performance in their era, their ancillary
Meadow Brook
systems like heating and cooling—including coolant temperature control—were often just afterthoughts, and users were left to sort things
A week earlier, while I was emcee at the ever-improving Meadow
Brook Concours (we’ll have a story in the next issue), event chairman out.
Larry Smith offered us some cars from his collection to drive on the
Cute or dumb
Meadow Brook tour. We began the day in his 1978 308 GT4, and we
I can’t help but wonder what the next generation of car collectors
finished in his 1964 Jaguar E-type coupe.
will make of such imperfections. Our generation was raised with these
Midwest summer weather is rarely the friend of old cars, and this very
cars, and we accept their inherent flaws with gritted teeth, as reasons to
hot, humid weekend was no exception. My wife Wendie and I continued
be thoughtful in our driving and innovative in our upgrades.
to be delighted by the front-forward seating position of the GT4 and its
Our children, and their children, will have been raised on new cars
cat-like agility, and even its cheesewedge styling is looking better with
that are supremely confident in every way, and which boast things
the passing of time.
like 100,000-mile intervals between tune-ups (the Alfa has covered
GT4s, like 308 GTs, have not seen the same run-up in prices as their
just 88,000 miles since new, and Smith’s 308 had about 30,000 on the
more exotic brethren, so for somewhere in the mid-$30,000 range you can
odometer, his Jaguar under 15,000; by modern standards, they should
still have a very nice example. Of course, due to the Miss Misinformation
still be running on their original set of spark plugs. Imagine that.)
tyranny of Ferrari, every 308 suffers from the “fear-of-belt-failing” synWill our children find overheating English cars entertaining, or just
drome, so that every three years or so a $5,000 bill comes looming for
examples of primitive engineering that take too much care and feedunnecessary maintenance. The experts we have consulted believe that
ing? Will they want to spend $5,000 every three years on a 308 that’s
nine years is probably a more reasonable belt interval, but try telling
worth $35,000, no matter how little they drive it? Will they tire of Alfas
that to someone when you are selling your 308. I know, as when I sold
finding new ways to leak oil on a daily basis?
my Mondial some years ago, the buyer insisted I pay for belts before he
While I don’t have answers to these questions, I do think that the
would take delivery of the car. And you can claim the bill will be less,
challenges facing the collector car hobby in the next 50 years go far bebut once the engine is out, suddenly other things that “might as well” be
yond possible restrictions based on emission regulations and a cultural
taken care of loom large.
But that’s not really the point here. Smith’s car drove well, but halfway shift that views old cars simply as gross polluters. More thoughtfully,
we must wonder if those kids who have never grown up with cranky
through the tour the air-conditioning fan—marginal at best—started
making a horrible racket. I thought about just letting it run and seeing if, cars like we did, and who never had to make the decision between
a) it would heal itself, or, b) it got so bad it flew out of the dashboard in a sports car handling or dependability and comfort—since you couldn’t
have both—will just decide that a retro-looking new Mini is as close as
million pieces (more likely to have happened than a).
they want to get to the real thing. Scarily likely.
However, either choice seemed like a bad way to reward Smith for his
If so, we’re going to be looking at major shifts in the size and conlargesse, so we just shut it off and sweated.
tent of the collector car market. So, if your kids express any interest in
Or we thought we were sweating, until we drove his E-type coupe.
old cars at all, now is the time to get them used to their irascibility and
Completely stock, down to the cooling system, the engine temperature
unpredictability. That way, the “fun factor” potential has a chance to
rode right on the edge of danger the entire trip. Visions of a warped aluoutshine the “dumb factor.” ♦
minum head danced through my brain. The car was otherwise brilliant,
10
Sports Car Market
Crossing the Block Jim Pickering
Mecum Auctions—
St. Charles High Performance Auction
Where: St. Charles, IL
When: October 3–5
More: www.mecumauction.com
Last Year: 363/699 cars sold / $17.5m
American muscle is Mecum’s
specialty, and this year’s October
event will offer plenty of rare
and high-quality examples.
Headlining the auction is a pair of
Nickey Camaros—a 1967 RS/SS
427 and a 1970 Z/28—as well as
a collection of late-’60s and early’70s Mopars that includes several
Chargers, ’Cudas, Challengers,
and Superbirds.
car known as “The Appleton
Special.”
Bonhams & Butterfields—
Vintage New England
Where: Brookline, MA
When: October 4
More: www.bonhams.com
Bonhams & Butterfields
returns to Brookline for this
fall event, which is to be held
at the Larz Anderson Auto
Museum—the same location as
the Frank Cooke Collection sales,
which totaled $1.8m in September
’06 and $3.6m in April ’07. Look
for a 1908 Isotta Fraschini Tipo
FENC two-seater offered at no
reserve.
Barrett-Jackson—Las Vegas 2008
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: October 15–18
More: www.barrett-jackson.com
After hosting popular auctions in Scottsdale and West
Palm Beach for several years,
Barrett-Jackson will travel to
the Mandalay Bay Resort and
Casino for this first-time Las
Vegas event. The Speed Channel
will provide live coverage as approximately 600 no-reserve cars
cross the block, including Carroll
Shelby’s first race car, a 1949 MG
TC he drove to victory in 1952.
RM Auctions—
Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey
Where: Hershey, PA
When: October 10
More: www.rmauctions.com
Last Year: 108/111 cars sold / $12.3m
This second annual auction,
held in conjunction with the
AACA alongside its Eastern
Fall Division meet, will offer
nearly 100 cars, including a 1933
Duesenberg La Grande phaeton,
a 1934 Rolls-Royce drophead by
Mulliner Park Ward, the 1958
Kollins Duesenberg LeGrande
Roadster, and a 1936 Packard V12
dual cowl phaeton.
H&H Auctions—The Haynes
International Motor Museum
Where: Sparkford, UK
When: October 12
More: www.classic-auctions.com
The Haynes International
Motor Museum, which houses
over 350 cars and motorcycles
dating from 1886 to the present
day, will serve as backdrop for
this Sparkford event. Featured
consignments include a 1937
Frazer-Nash BMW 328 roadster,
a 1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Short
Chassis tourer, a 1955 Lancia
Aurelia B24S Spider, a 1955 AC
Ace, and the 1948 Allard J1 Trials
12
1958 Kollins Duesenberg LeGrande Roadster at RM Hershey
Bonhams—Collectors’ Motorcycles
Where: Staffordshire, UK
When: October 19
More: www.bonhams.com
Last Year: 140 bikes sold / $1.9m
Bonhams’s annual auction
held alongside the Classic
Motorcycle Mechanics Show will
feature a number of important
classic and vintage bikes, including an unrestored 1961 AJS 7R
350-cc motorcycle ridden in the
1961 Junior TT by factory rider
Derek Powell and a 1936 Norton
International 350-cc Model 40
“Manx Grand Prix” ridden by
Johnny Lockett to 5th in the 1936
Junior Manx Grand Prix.
RM Auctions—Automobiles of London
Where: London, UK
When: October 29
More: www.rmauctions.com
Last Year: 78/85 cars sold / $38.1m
Following a record-breaking
$38m inaugural event in 2007,
RM will again team up with
Sotheby’s for its much anticipated
second European sale of the year.
Over 75 cars will cross the block
at Battersea Park, headlined by a
1938 Horch 853 Special Roadster,
a rare 1938 Bugatti Type 57C
Atalante, a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM
berlinetta, and a 1924 RollsRoyce Silver Ghost Torpedo.
Bonhams—Veteran Motorcars
Where: London, UK
When: October 31
More: www.bonhams.com
Timed to coincide with the
RAC London to Brighton Veteran
Car Run, this sale will feature a
number of eligible Brighton Run
vehicles, including a 1901 Hurtu
4½hp four-seat rear-entrance
tonneau that’s been in its present
ownership for more than 50 years
and a 1903 Malicet et Blin 8hp
four-seat rear-entrance tonneau
that has been a successful entry in
the Run for the past 13 years. ♦
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: jim.pickering@sportscarmarket.com.
September
1—BONHAMS
London, UK
1—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
3—PETERSEN
Salem, OR
19-20—SANTIAGO
Tulsa, OK
8-11—KRUSE
Hershey, PA
20—ICA
Sioux Falls, SD
10-11—DAN KRUSE
CLASSICS
Biloxi, MS
20—LEAKE
Houston, TX
10—RM
Hershey, PA
6—MECUM
Canal Winchester, OH
26-27—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Owls Head, ME
5-6—TOM MACK
Charlotte, NC
27—SILVER
Portland, OR
12—H&H
Sparkford, UK
8-9—BARONS
Surrey, UK
October
3-4—CARLISLE
Carlisle, PA
16-18—BARRETTJACKSON
Las Vegas, NV
12-13—COX
Branson, MO
13—BONHAMS
Beaulieu, UK
14—BONHAMS &
GOODMAN
Melbourne, AUS
19—BONHAMS
Chichester, UK
20—MIDAMERICA
Blaine, MN
3-5—MECUM
St. Charles, IL
4—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Brookline, MA
4—KRUSE
Morehead, KY
4—POTTS
Hampton, GA
11—MIDAMERICA
St. Paul, MN
17-18—SILVER
Las Vegas, NV
18—KRUSE
Dover, DE
19—BONHAMS
Stafford, UK
19—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
20-21—BARONS
Surrey, UK
24-25—DAN KRUSE
CLASSICS
Fredericksburg, TX
24-26—RM
Toronto, CAN
25—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Los Angeles, CA
29—RM
London, UK
31—BONHAMS
London, UK
November
1—SILVER
Seattle, WA
1—WORLDWIDE
Hilton Head, SC
2—ICA
Louisville, KY
7-9—KRUSE
Auburn, IN
8-9—ICA
Gilbert, AZ
15—SILVER
Spokane, WA
16—ARTCURIAL
Paris, FRA
16—BONHAMS &
GOODMAN
Sydney, AUS
19—BONHAMS
Harrogate, UK
21-23—KRUSE
Dallas, TX
21-21—MCCORMICK
Palm Springs, CA
24—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
26—H&H
Buxton, UK
28-29—ICA
Houston, TX
29-30—KRUSE
Las Vegas, NV
30—BONHAMS &
GOODMAN
Sydney, AUS
Sports Car Market
Inside Line Stefan Lombard
Send news and event listings to insideline@sportscarmarket.com.
Event
Calendar
Niello Concours
SCM News
■ During the Pebble Beach
weekend, Publisher Martin,
in partnership with eBay
Motors, unveiled the Collector
Car Price Tracker. Fueled by
data from eBay Motors, and
powered by the SCM creed that
an informed collector is a smart
collector, Price Tracker is the
world’s fi rst real-time, online
price guide. It features over
500,000 sold-car results, and is
updated weekly with thousands
of new sold transactions.
Subscribers can analyze price
trends over time, and by model
year and geographic location as
well. Based on actual transactions, the Collector Car Price
Tracker is based on fact, not
opinions, and is timely. See it for
yourself at www.ebaymotors
.com/pricetracker. Introductory
pricing starts at just $3.99 for a
day.
Events
■ The Barrington Concours
d’Elegance, Legends &
Legacies, returns to Chicagoland
for its second installment
October 3–5. Scheduled events
on the weekend include a
“Celebration of Speed” at the
nearby Autobahn Raceway,
a leisurely rally, a concours
14
parade, and of course the show
itself. This year, the concours
celebrates 100 significant cars in
twelve classes, plus a motorcycle
class and the new Concours
Couture, which will reward those
most appropriately dressed in
period costume. Tickets start at
$30. www.barringtonconcours
.org. (IL)
■ Sunday, October 5, the
Niello Concours at Serrano
returns to Eldorado Hills,
California. Featured will be the
100th anniversary of General
Motors, as well as Porsche. Other
events during the weekend include the Niello BMW Ultimate
Driving Tour and a gala dinner
before select cars from the
concours. Tickets start at $35.
www.nielloconcoursatserrano
.com. (CA)
■ From October 6 to 9,
drive 70 of Kentucky’s most
scenic roads on the four-day
Bluegrass 1000. Along the way,
participants will stop at state
and national parks, the NADA
narrow gauge railroad tunnel,
and Kentucky Speedway, where
they’ll get some lap time on
the high-banked tri-oval. Top
accommodations are included
in the package, as is the finest
in authentic Kentucky cuisine.
And of course, it wouldn’t
2-4—Alpen Classic Rallye (CHE)
www.alpenclassic.de
be a vintage tour without a
well-equipped support vehicle.
$3,000. www.bluegrass1000
.com. (KY)
■ Don’t miss the Festivals of
Speed in Orlando at the Ritz
Carlton Grande Lakes Resort
on October 11 and 12. On display
will be a collection of great classic autos, alongside some stellar
private aircraft, unique boats,
and motorcycles. The event will
be honoring the 45th anniversary
of Lamborghini, celebrating
the 100th anniversary of Ford’s
Model T, and will pay tribute to
the General Motors centennial.
Tickets start at $10. www.festivalsofspeed.com. (FL)
■ The transition from
October to November is getting
big in the South. This year, on
October 30 and 31, the Hilton
Head/Savannah Historics roar
to life at the newly reopened
road course on Hutchinson
Island, Georgia. On the roster is
a celebration of the centennial of
the 1908 Great Savannah Races,
the Tiedeman Cup American
Grand Prize Race, and the
Vanderbilt Cup. Several classes
will race over the two-day event,
with winners invited to show at
the Hilton Head Island Concours
d’Elegance on Saturday and
Sunday. Tickets start at $10.
www.hhiconcours.com. (GA) ♦
3-5—Geneva Classics (CHE)
www.geneva-classics.ch
3-5—Barrington Concours (IL)
www.barringtonconcours.org
4—Morgan Adams Concours (CO)
www.morganadamsconcours.com
4-5—Louisville Concours (KY)
www.concourslouisville.com
4-7—Bahrain International Motor Show
(BHR)
www.bims.bh
4-19—Paris Motor Show (FRA)
www.mondialautomobile.com
5—Niello Concours at Serrano (CA)
www.nielloconcoursatserrano.com
6-9—Bluegrass 1000 (KY)
www.bluegrass1000.com
7-12—Hershey Autojumble (PA)
www.aaca.org
9-19—Australian International Motor
Show (AUS)
www.carsguide.news.com.au/aims2008
11-12—Festivals of Speed Orlando (FL)
www.festivalsofspeed.com
17-19—Lake Mirror Classic (FL)
www.lakemirrorclassic.com
18-19—24 Hours of LeMons (TX)
www.24hoursoflemons.com
22-24—Mille Autunno (CA)
www.californiamille.com
24-30—La Carrera Panamericana
(MEX)
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com
30-31—Hilton Head/Savannah
Historics (GA)
www.hhiconcours.com
Sports Car Market
SCM Contributors
JAY FITZHUGH has been a muscle, hot rod,
and custom guy since Hot Wheels first hit
the shelves in 1968. He has since owned a
succession of Shelby Mustangs, a Pontiac
GTO Judge, and various flathead-powered
early Fords. Currently, his garage holds a
1932 Ford 3-window coupe and a 1956
DeSoto Hardtop. For over a decade,
Fitzhugh has been a Senior Contributing Writer for The
Rodder’s Journal, where he has published well over 20 story
chapters on the evolution of hot rodding from the late 1940s
through the ’60s. He has received both Gold and Silver Moto
Awards for his writing and photography from the International
Automotive Media Competition and is a member of the
Motor Press Guild. This month he makes his SCM debut, and
you’ll find his profile of the Chrisman Bonneville on p. 44.
ED MILICH is a writer, musician, motorcycle
road racer, and mechanical engineer
living la vida meccanica in Los Angeles.
He edits the motorcycle web sites www.
guzzitech.com, www.bimotacagiva.com,
and www.motobastard.com, as well as his
blog, www.guzzitech.blogspot.com. He
and wife Alice’s fleet of fully operational
race and street bikes includes around ten Ducatis, including Brian Catterson’s former 650 Alazzurra racer, a multiple
Daytona race-winning 650 SS, and an NCR Pantah-framed
650 racer. He usually spends his Saturdays covered in grease
at Moto Guzzi Classics, an old-timey Moto Guzzi shop in
Long Beach. This month, SCM pried him away from his bikes
long enough to write about one, and you’ll find his piece on
the Cagiva Alazzurra on p. 102.
ROB SASS was pre-ordained to accumulate
strange collector cars. His first-ever car ride,
on the way home from the hospital, was
in the back seat of his dad’s 1959 Hillman
Minx. Sass served as Assistant Attorney
General for the state of Missouri and then
as a partner in a St. Louis law firm before
deciding his billable hours requirement
terminally interfered with his old car affliction. His stable of
affordable classics has included a TVR 280i, a Triumph TR250,
an early Porsche 911S, and a Daimler SP250. He currently owns
a 1967 E-type convertible and a 1967 Maserati Mistral coupe.
He has written for Business Week and the New York Times, and
has been SCM’s “Affordable Classics” columnist for two years.
This month, he dives into the Citroën DS on p. 24, and you’ll
find his profile of a Mercedes McLaren SLR on p. 40.
Sports Car Market
Publisher Keith Martin
keith.martin@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 210
Art Director Kirsten Onoday
kirsten.onoday@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 202
Executive Editor Paul Duchene
paul.duchene@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 206
Managing Editor Stefan Lombard
stefan.lombard@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 203
Auction Editor Jim Pickering
jim.pickering@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 208
Copy Editors Yael Abel, Kristen Hall-Geisler, Bill Neill
Senior Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson, Carl Bomstead
Auction Analysts John Clucas (Australia), Richard Hudson-Evans (Europe),
Daniel Grunwald, Chip Lamb, Norm Mort (Canada),
Paul Hardiman (Europe), Jérôme Hardy (Europe), Phil Skinner
Contributing Editors Steve Ahlgrim (Ferrari), Gary Anderson (English),
Colin Comer (Muscle Cars), John Draneas (Legal),
Donald Osborne (Etceterini), Jim Schrager (Porsche),
Michael Sheehan (Ferrari), Thor Thorson (Race Cars)
Contributors John Apen, Diane Brandon, Marshall Buck,
Miles Collier, Kathy Donohue, Martin Emmison, Paul Hardiman,
Simon Kidston, Raymond Milo, Rob Sass, Steve Serio
Internet Director Adam Wentz
adam.wentz@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 212
Information Technology/Internet Bryan Wolfe
bryan.wolfe@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 215
Financial Manager Nikki Nalum
nikki.nalum@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 205
Strategic Planner Bill Woodard
Print Media Director Wendie Martin
wendie.martin@sportscarmarket.com; 206.427.1652
Executive Producer, SCM Television Roger Williams
roger_williams@earthlink.net
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jennifer.davis@sportscarmarket.com; 503.261.0555 x 204
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Questions about current supscriptions 877.219.2605, ext. 204,
service@sportscarmarket.com, fax 503.253.2234
MICHAEL SHEEHAN ran one of the largest
independent Ferrari service centers in
Southern California for 30 years. Currently,
he is a Ferrari historian and broker.
Sheehan has appeared in several automotive television documentaries, including shows on the History Channel. He has a
passion for racing both current and vintage machinery and
has competed in the Mazda Pro Series, Trans-Am, IMSA GTO,
and IMSA Camel Lite, and has three drives in the 24 Hours of
Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. He currently races Legend
cars with his daughter and is getting his pilot’s license with
his son. His regular column, “Sheehan Speaks,” has been
a part of SCM since 1993, and this month he tackles the
subject of diminished value on p. 32.
16
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The information in Sports Car Market magazine is compiled from a variety of reliable sources. However, we disclaim and deny any responsibility or liability for the
timeliness, use, interpretation, accuracy, and completeness of the information
presented. All material, data, formats and intellectual concepts in this issue © 2008
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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
Jack Griffith lives on
After looking over Colin
Comer’s August “Domestic
Affairs” column (“The Dandy
Griffith,” p. 60), I was astounded
that someone so far removed
from this historically significant
yet relatively unknown marque
could write so much a correct
representation of its legacy.
We are finally preparing to
launch into the “autosphere”
the continuation version of
the Griffith—the G2 Griffith.
It will be a very faithful yet
re-engineered version of the
original car. Over the past 18
years, I have assembled a covey
of former factory workers who
have been constants in the publication of my book (The Griffith
Years, reviewed on p. 100)
and have volunteered to be the
advisory group in assisting us
in bringing this misunderstood
marque once again to life. The
prototype is being assembled in
the Pittsburgh area, and the final
assembly plant will be here in
North Carolina.
As someone who worked as
the factory test driver and had
the opportunity to drive just
about every Griffith that came
off the assembly line, I came
to be intimately aware of many
of the engineering pitfalls and
shortcomings in the cars. In the
G2, we have exorcised just about
all of the evils that resided in
the fiberglass and steel of the
Griffith. But in order to permit
some of the more visible vintage
racing sanctioning organizations
to “put wheels on the track,”
we are staying true to the car’s
design and powerplant requirements. Since the G2 will be
introduced as a kit car, the buyer
will be able to put his own powerplant under the bonnet, but the
sanctioning race scrutineers will
be looking for a Ford small-block
(289 or 302 Windsor variant) as
the motivating force.
Some of the engineering
changes included in the G2 are
an ATL fuel cell, non-Lucas wiring for a/c and power windows,
IRS, heat-shielded foot boxes,
a stronger chassis, a radiator
capable of cooling 400 horses,
and manufacturer-supplied VIN
and chassis number.
18
As someone who worked
as the
factory test driver and had the opportunity to drive just about every Griffith
that came off the assembly line, I came to
be intimately
aware of many of
the engineering pitfalls and shortcomings in the cars
The Griffith name, trademark
logo, and vehicle design are now
secure and registered properly
in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO), so
that the lifeblood and continuation will remain in the hands of
those who brought this car to the
world more than 45 years ago.
Thanks again for having Mr.
Comer bring the history and life
story of this car to the forefront
in your fine magazine.—Mike
Mooney, President, Griffith
Motorcar Company
Cornered cats
Rob Sass’s article about
Panteras (August, “Ford’s
Sleeping Beasty,” p. 32) delights
more in maligning the car than
informing your readership. Okay,
so Elvis shot his. Hardy-har. Not
many readers of this magazine
haven’t been similarly tempted
by cars other than Panteras. And
a Google search could yield all
sorts of gory backgrounds on
every car from Alfa to Zimmer
that make for impolite dinner
conversation. I mean, is this
magazine about cars or karma?
I’m a car nut like the rest of
us. But for the purpose of education plus entertainment, maybe
Mr. Sass could’ve mentioned
that Elvis shot his car because it
wouldn’t start. An overreaction
to vapor lock, some say. Others
suggest the world’s longest,
worst-grounded starter cable
ever. Thirty years of Panteraholic intrigue have solved these
problems ingeniously, inexpensively, and effectively.
Oh, so they rust? Shocker.
His investigation found ONE
GUY who said his restoration
bill was higher than expected
(imagine that!) because the
undercoating exacerbated the
process. My ’74 one-owner
Pantera—from Michigan, no
less—is spotlessly un-rusted,
never painted, and tight as a
vault.
Overheating problems? I
don’t see E-types, Tigers, or big-
block Corvettes regularly filleted
in public for this, but this ancient
issue seems to be a “must” topic
if mentioning a Pantera. The best
Edelbrock water pump, a correct
thermostat (a surprising culprit),
and better fans do wonders. I
had all the above done to my car
for a whopping $330 and it stays
at 190 degrees idling, in traffic.
With the air on.
So, the interior is not up
to par? I wish my seats were
leather, too, but Ford accountants
won that one. However, the
gauge layout, lighting, rocker
switches, vertical radio, and
high-quality carpet are enough
to delight my wandering eye
every time I get in it. You get
used to it. It works.
The car’s designer, Tom
Tjaarda, just happened to design
the Rondine Corvette that brought
a mere $1.6m in January (he’s
also credited with the Ferrari 365
California Spyder and 330 2+2).
To me, the Pantera hasn’t a line
out of place. I get more thumbs up
in my virtually stock Pantera than
in my 512 BBi.
As to its Ford block ancestry,
the sound it makes will delight
any horsepower junkie. Do
Cobra or GT40 owners ever
complain about the Ford connection? Plus, the windows actually
go up and down, the air is cold,
it has two trunks, and has been
supremely reliable. To say this
car is undervalued is a gross
understatement. And I’ve never
once considered shooting it.
I encourage you to keep your
magazine a fun and factual
account of the cars we all love,
fairly assessing their quirks and
qualities.—Adams Hudson,
Montgomery, AL
Rob Sass’s report on the
Pantera was one of the most
inaccurate and inappropriate
articles I have seen in quite some
time. I trust SCM to give accurate and unbiased information
on collector cars so we readers
might make wise purchases. The
information in this story was so
counter to my Pantera-owning
experience (and those of most
other owners) and so full of unrelated venom, I can only assume
Sass is trying to drive down the
prices so he can buy one.
Ad Index
2shores International .............................75
Aston Martin of New England ..............87
Autobahn Power ................................... 112
Autosport Designs .................................91
Battery Tender ........................................87
BB One Exports ...................................103
Beverly Hills Classic Cars .....................79
Bonhams & Butterfields ........................11
Bonhams & Goodman ...........................13
Canepa ....................................................61
Charles S Crail Automobiles ...............109
Cheetah ...................................................83
Chequered Flag Int’l ..............................95
Classic Showcase .................................105
ClassicCars.com .....................................83
Collector Car Price Tracker ...................97
Condon & Skelly ....................................27
Continental AutoSports ........................95
Copley Motorcars Corp. ......................109
Cosdel ...................................................105
County Corvette ...................................105
Davidoff Zino Platinum .......................103
Digit Motorsport ....................................93
Doc’s Jags ...............................................77
Driver’s Houston Auto Works ...............33
European Collectibles ..........................105
Exotic Car Transport ............................ 113
Family Classic Cars ...............................85
Fantasy Junction .....................................89
FECC Passport Auto Transport ........... 113
Fourintune Garage Inc ......................... 112
GM ........................................................ 116
Gooding & Company ...............................2
Griot’s Garage, Inc. ................................51
Grundy Worldwide ................................81
H & H Classic Auctions .........................43
Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. ............17
Hamann Classic Cars .............................81
Heacock Classic ..................................109
Hilton Head Island Concours ................85
Hyman, Ltd. ...........................................49
Intercity Lines ........................................25
J.D Classics.............................................73
JJ Best Banc & Co ................................107
Joe Sackey Classics ................................31
Kidston ...................................................15
Kruse International ................................67
Macneil Automotive ..............................55
Maserati North America ........................21
Mecum Auction ......................................53
Mid America Auctions ..........................65
Miller’s Incorporated ........................... 113
Morris & Welford, LLC .........................19
Motorcar Portfolio .................................69
Only Oldies.............................................93
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ........59
Park Place Ltd. .......................................29
Paul Russell and Company ....................89
Plycon Transportation Group ................41
Poff Transportation .............................. 113
Potts Auction ..........................................76
Premier Financial Services .................. 115
Putnam Leasing......................................23
RM Auctions ........................................4, 5
Ron Tonkin .............................................91
RPM Motorbooks ................................. 112
Silver Auctions .......................................57
Sports Car Shop ................................... 101
Spyker of North America LLC ..............63
St. Louis Car Museum ..........................71
Symbolic Motor Car Co ...........................3
Ulysse Nardin Watches ............................9
US Appraisal ........................................103
Vintage Rallies ..................................... 101
VintageAutoPosters.com ..................... 113
Web Steel Sales, Inc. ............................ 113
Worldwide Group .....................................7
20
I own an original pre-L
Pantera. It runs flawlessly, is
rust-free, and the only time it
ever overheated was when I left
it idling outside a friend’s house
in the Phoenix summer heat for
twenty minutes.
True, many of the Panteras
running around today are modified in some way, and rust can
be an issue on these cars. Rust
issues abound on almost any
35-year-old car, regardless of
make, price, or pedigree. Name a
car that doesn’t rust.
Panteras are easily and
inexpensively repaired and maintained, with most bills being less
than the sales tax for the repair
of anything else out of Italy,
while still possessing style and
performance. That a 351 can be
overhauled for less than the cost
of a major service on a Ferrari is
true, but a gross understatement.
It is a quantum leap less. To say
that most parts are available “at
a price” implies they are expensive. They are not. Especially
compared to similar cars.
More importantly, Panteras
are driven and enjoyed, not
kept in garages for investment
speculation. The people who
have them love them, use them,
maintain them, and yes, in some
cases, improve them. Sometimes
the result is less so. But how
this is the fault of the car, as
you would have us believe, is a
mystery.
Finally, as for the claim
that they kill famous owners or
incite them to gunplay, these
are preposterous statements. Are
you sure this story wasn’t for the
April 1 edition? Name a sports
car in which nobody famous has
been killed. Add alcohol, drugs,
or ignorance of the laws of physics to any fast car and disaster
in inevitable. Again, I fail to see
how this is the fault of the car.
As for Elvis shooting one, he
also famously shot a television.
I expect more objective and
accurate coverage from this
magazine. I will read Sass’s
writing with a grain of salt from
here on. I’m not sure what he
has against the Pantera, but this
magazine should not permit such
unwarranted character assassination.—Robert L. Greene,
Phoenix, AZ
That a
351 can be overhauled
for less than the cost of a major
service on a Ferrari is true, but a gross
understatement. It is a quantum leap less
Rob Sass responds: Thanks
for your letters, gentlemen. I
actually had to go back and
reread the article, as I couldn’t
recall doing a “hatchet job” on a
car that I actually like quite a bit
and one that is on my short list of
cars to own in the near-term.
In going through the
article again, I note that the
car’s “sensational looks” were
mentioned, as well as the fact
that it was a “strong performer”
that looked “quite compelling as
a collectible” and provided “a
lot of bang for the buck.” Hardly
the stuff written from the grassy
knoll. If you want to read a real
assassination, look at Road &
Track’s original road test of the
car. And as for the anecdotes
about the cars when new, none
were inaccurate, and frankly,
most add to the mystique of
the car. People boast about
mastering cars like the Pantera
and Porsche 930 because they
are unforgiving to the unskilled
and foolish. And really, the
notion of a bloated, jumpsuited Elvis shooting his car over
a simple electrical problem is
pretty amusing.
Regarding the rust issues,
for every original never-rusted
Pantera, I would be willing to
wager there are five grievously
rusted or once-rusted cars
in existence. It was a fact of
life with cars until recently,
and I mention it in connection
with nearly every “Affordable
Classic” column I’ve done,
including Porsches and even
Corvettes. Nor do I shy away
from mentioning overheating
in other cars; it was one of
the reasons I recently stated
for preferring the small-block
LT1 Corvette over the big-block.
And in point of fact, I did mention that there are plenty of
specialists around who can sort
out these and other issues.
But really, the Pantera is a car
that requires little in the way of
defending. Lighten up, enjoy what
is a truly wonderful car, and you
will have the last laugh when they
join the $100,000 club.
Errata
On p. 38 of our Villa d’Este
event recap in the August issue,
we incorrectly labeled Pescara as
a coachbuilder. As reader David
Rivkin points out, Pescara is a
city in the Abruzzi, which lent
its name to a sporting Alfa in the
1930s. ♦
Sports Car Market
In Miniature Marshall Buck
An Accurate GTO, Mistakes and All
Everybody and his brother has produced the 250 GTO, and even with ten
bazillion out there, collectors are still willing and wanting to buy more
DeTomaso Mangusta
Mangusta Details
Production Date: 2005–06
Quantity: 2,016 of each version
Ratings:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
The first time I saw a DeTomaso
Mangusta in the metal was on
Madison Avenue in New York
Web: www.minichampsna.com
City at age 9 or 10, back when they
were new. That encounter left an
indelible mark, and I have wanted one ever since. As a highwater mark in car design, it’s a little surprising to me that so
few models have been made.
Most over the years have been toys, and primarily in 1:43scale, such as the more recently Chinese-produced blue 1969
version by Minichamps. This model was also done in red and
metallic brown, which looks more like Anthracite Gray. All
three versions are numbered limited editions. This is the best
model produced yet by any manufacturer; I just wish it were
larger.
The model is fairly well detailed with a good interior, seethrough mesh screening at the rear, and nice wheels, which
even have the emblems on the hub centers. The gullwingtype engine doors open, exposing almost nothing—a lot like
the real car, as it is hard to see or get to anything. Underneath,
you can see the very detailed engine, transaxle, and exhausts,
though that requires dismounting the model from what is really great packaging.
The presentation is excellent. Each model comes mounted
in an attractive box with which there is an 18-page pamphlet
about the car, along with a well-finished serial-numbered
lapel pin for this model edition.
Model failings include the window trim on the sides,
which should be chrome, not painted silver. There is a slight
mismatch of the shade of blue on some body panels—a miniature version of a body shop paint job mismatch. It’s now out
of production, but seen fairly often (for the moment) on eBay
at around $70 to $100.
Little Deuce Coupe
Ferrari 250 GTO
In the land of models, everybody and his brother
has produced the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO, in literProduction Date: 2008
ally every scale and detail level imaginable, from
Quantity: About 3,000 of each
mass-market to one-off scratch-builts. Even with
version
approximately ten bazillion models made, collectors are still willing and wanting to buy more,
Ratings:
hence Kyosho have been happy to oblige with an
Overall Quality:
excellent 1:18-scale piece available in five versions,
Authenticity:
all made in China.
Overall Value:
All appear to be 1962 cars. Three are compeWeb: www.kyosho.com
tition cars, two are “street” cars in red, and one
comes in black, which Ferrari never made. They have also just released a terrific 1:43-scale model of this, too.
Kyosho’s GTO is beautifully executed, and the body shape is perfectly
captured. Wire wheels and tires are superb; even valve stems are there.
Overall, the fit and finish are excellent, along with a true abundance of detail,
including all opening body panels (a tool to assist is included), working suspension, and posable front wheels. There’s enough good engine and chassis
detail to satisfy most.
Not many models are without flaws, this one included. As I said, really
great body shape, but the large vents behind the rear tires should be open or at
least have a little black paint there to simulate the opening. Same comment for
the vents behind the door windows.
Clearly Kyosho picked a particular car that has been slightly modified by
its owner, with the addition of black diamond-pattern padding on the entire
rear shelf, along with an added roll bar and black rubber floor mats. I wish
they’d get rid of that awful GTO plate on the rear.
The seats look great in the correct royal blue color, and the rest of the
interior is wonderfully detailed, including the dash and door panels. The steering wheel is one of the best I have seen from anyone; the wood rim is very thin
and correct for the scale, and it is perfectly finished and properly positioned.
I recommend this one, but due to licensing issues, all Kyosho Ferrari models will only be produced until the end of this year,
so don’t wait too long. Prices run from
$118 on road cars to $138 for the
comp. cars.
Available from Motorsports
Miniatures, 800.249.3763;
www.motorsportsminiatures.com.
GTO Details
Deuce Coupe Details
Now for something a little different. The Danbury Mint has just produced what may be its finest 1:24-scale
Production Date: 2008
model—the Little Deuce Coupe—made famous the Beach Boys. It’s great piece of model engineering.
Quantity: 5,000
Flawless metallic candy blue paint adorns the body, with contrasting white trim, and there’s plenty of faultless
Ratings:
chrome everywhere. Chassis detail looks just right. Pop open the trunk and you’ll find a battery with its cables and the
Overall Quality:
gas tank on a carpeted shelf. The doors fit precisely, and each is held firmly in place via a tiny spring-loaded pin.
Authenticity:
Looking into the completely detailed interior is a real treat. Gauges and switches fill the dash as well as the panel
Overall Value:
above the windshield, which happens to tilt forward from the top. Simulation of the
tufted white with blue piping and buttoned material covering the doors, seats, and
Web: www.danburymint.com
headliner is superb. The light blue carpeting even looks to be in scale.
The engine is a highly detailed Oldsmobile V8 with a GMC blower and triple Stromberg carbs, all
of which is pretty much fully wired and plumbed—belts, hoses, delicate fuel lines, clear plug wires to
individually attached spark plugs, and much more.
The engine is good enough to display just by itself, and the overall model is one you can truly
spend a great deal of time looking over to take in all the great workmanship. Don’t wait too long, this is a
numbered limited edition, only available until the end of this year. $140.
Available from the Danbury Mint, 800.243.4664; www.danburymint.com.
22
Sports Car Market
Affordable Classic Citroën DS
The Unaffordable Classic
A dead DS that has settled to the bottom of the suspension travel is likely to
become part of the fossil record at precisely the spot where it died
by Rob Sass
T
1967 Citroën DS21
he introduction of the Citroën DS19 at the Paris Motor Show in 1955 had all the
drama of Klaatu’s flying saucer landing in Washington, DC in the 1950s sci-fi
movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” By the end of the motor show, Citroën
had over 700 firm orders in hand for the “De-esse,” which literally translates to
“Goddess” in French.
In addition to the styling, which some derided as flounder-like or the ultimate in
Gallic weird, the specification was like nothing else on this planet, or for that matter, Klaatu’s. Hydropneumatics, pressurized by an engine-driven pump, powered the
clutch, power steering, brakes, and self-leveling suspension. Ride height was adjustable from inside the car.
When lifting the massive hood of a DS, one is struck by two things: how lost the
little 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine looks, and, who left their
croquet balls in there? The spheres, in Citroën-speak,
Details
are each partially filled with highly pressurized nitrogen
Years produced: 1955–76
and connected to the car’s hydraulic system. The aforeNumber produced: 1,455,746
mentioned engine-driven pump further pressurizes the
Original list price: $2,833 (1959 ID19)
system at up to 2,200 psi. Extreme care in depressurizing
Tune-up cost: $250–$300 (doesn’t include
must be taken when opening a system, as spurting of
sphere recharge)
hydraulic fluid is a very real risk.
SCM Valuation: $12,500–$15,000
Chassis #: Bulkhead by right side air
Early cars used a conventional glycol-based hydrauvent intake
lic fluid, but since these fluids had an affinity for water,
Engine #: Driver’s side near fuel pump;
it was not ideal. In 1966, Citroën switched to a special
passenger side near starter on later
mineral-based fluid, similar to what Rolls-Royce (who
cars
bought the system for the Silver Shadow) specifies.
Club: Citroën Concours of America
Using the wrong fluid has dire consequences.
8515 Arjons Drive #I
Fitting the Concorde with propellors
A new air-cooled flat-6 was planned but never
materialized, so the DS went into production with
the 1.9-liter four from the old Traction Avant. It was a
glaring oversight, not unlike fitting the Concorde with
24
San Diego, CA 92126
More: www.citroen-ca.com
Alternatives: 1974–91 Citroen CX,
1956–75 Tatra 603,
1967–77 NSU Ro80
SCM Investment Grade: D
propellers. Predictably, the new hydraulic systems suffered from problems in the beginning, although these
were somewhat ironed out. Nevertheless, the workshop
manuals didn’t reach dealerships until after some of the
early cars, which creates a mind-boggling picture of the
service area. Perhaps as a result, Citroën introduced the
ID19 in 1956 with a simplified interior and conventional
steering and brakes.
Interiors were bizarre to say the least, with inscrutable minor controls and a single-spoke steering wheel.
They were, however, extremely comfortable, with good
seats and an abundance of room, owing to the fact that
the wheels were pushed to the very extreme corners of
the car.
The real story of the DS was the amazing ride. No
car with conventional steel springs could come anywhere
near approaching the DS’s combination of ride and handling. No DS is a particularly quick car, especially the
early 60-hp cars, but the amazing aerodynamics meant
that surprisingly high cruising speeds were possible over
appalling road surfaces (the pave of Northern France, for
example).
The list of amazing facts about the DS has been welldocumented, including its ability to rise on its suspension
sufficient to change a tire without a jack, or to ford a small
stream, repair collision damage by easily unbolting body
panels, or to maintain a high speed even after having two
tires shot out by machine gun fire. The latter fact was discovered in 1962 by Charles DeGaulle, who survived an assassination attempt by “Algerie Francais” nationalists. He
sped away in an unarmored DS with two flat Michelins.
Various refinements took place over the long life of
the DS, including an eventual doubling of horsepower by
1971 with the 2.3-liter DS23. The iconic quad covered
headlights were added in 1968, with the inner set turning
with the steering wheel.
High school French a real help for parts
Comparatively few DSs wound up in the U.S. A
spotty dealer network and the inability of untrained
mechanics to perform service were largely to blame.
The avant garde styling probably didn’t help in the U.S.,
either. Nevertheless, wherever eccentrics and Francophiles
congregate in large numbers, a DS sighting is possible.
Perhaps the most popular bumper sticker in SCM’s
hometown of Portland, Oregon, is “Keep Portland Weird.”
It’s not surprising that Portland is home to numerous DSs,
an ID19, and several Safari station wagons, at least one of
which was the former property of SCM Executive Editor
Paul Duchene.
Sedans are obviously the most common body style;
however, Safari wagons are not uncommon. Decidedly
uncommon and hugely desirable is the rare Henri
Chapron-built decapotable, or convertible. The best ones
will break $200,000.
In general, DSs are robust, engines and gearboxes are
stout enough, and although they are as rust-prone as anything else, at least body panel replacement isn’t difficult.
Sports Car Market
With over a million cars produced from
1955 to 1975, parts are not a problem,
although your high school French may
be helpful. Western Hemispheres (www
.westernhemispheres.com) in Watsonville,
California, is the patron saint of U.S.
Citroën owners and should be able to help
with most DS necessities.
The main impediment to DS ownership is the hydropneumatic system.
Mechanics not intimately familiar with
it will generally (and rightly) refuse to
touch it. And a dead DS that has settled
to the bottom of the suspension travel is
likely to become part of the fossil record
at precisely the spot where it died.
Even today, there is a distinctly sci-fi
aspect to the DS. Decades after the car’s
introduction, the DS was showing up in
movies set in the future. Look closely in
“Blade Runner,” “Back to the Future II,”
and “Gattaca,” and you’ll catch several.
A fully sorted DS is an extraordinary
car and an attention-getter of the highest
magnitude. However, with the exception
of the coachbuilt convertible, prices don’t
seem to be going anywhere. As when
they were new, fear of the complicated
hydraulics and the lack of widespread
service expertise are the major impediments to DS ownership. ♦
October 2008
20-Year Picture
1966–72 Citroën DS21
Sedan
1965–69 Chevy Corvair
Monza Coupe
1955–61 Borgward Isabella
Sedan
$15,000
$12,000
$9,000
$6,000
$3,000
1989
1994
1999
2004
2008
Prices are for cars in excellent condition. This information is provided by Black Book and Cars of Particular Interest Collectible Vehicle Value Guide, www.blackbookusa.com.
25
Legal Files John Draneas
The Spyder and the Fly…
Armed with a camera, they decided they could earn eternal YouTube fame
by videotaping “Gibby” urinating on the Ferrari
I
t was a nice day in Ontario, Canada,
so a Ferrari owner decided to take
a top-down drive in his 360
Spyder. During his motoring,
he decided to make a stop to run
an errand at a shopping mall. He
found a safe parking place and left
the top down while he went in “just
for a minute.” When he returned
to his Ferrari, he discovered that
he had lost his key somewhere in the
mall. A call to his Ferrari dealer hit
a dead end. It was a weekend, and
a new key couldn’t be made until
Monday.
The mall’s security staff
offered to move the car to an
underground parking area for
safekeeping. But the owner was
worried the car might be damaged while being moved, and he
decided it was best to leave it
where it was. The security staff
placed a tarp over the car and
posted stanchions and rope around it to
keep people away, which was about all they could really
do under the circumstances.
Late that night, a group of drunken young men
walked through the parking lot and spied the Ferrari.
Armed with a video camera, they decided they could
earn eternal YouTube fame by videotaping a prank with
the Ferrari. Thousands have since viewed “Gibby” in his
starring role as he urinated on the Ferrari. (It can be seen
at www.sportscarmarket.com/flyferrari.)
What is it about people who post on YouTube? These
guys filmed themselves committing vandalism, called
each other by name, and then posted it in a public forum
where they could easily be discovered and arrested. Go
figure.
The story unleashed a lengthy diatribe on ferrarichat
.com and other web sites, decrying such reprehensible
disrespect of the Prancing Horse. While “Legal Files”
agrees that this is disgusting conduct, it chooses to
approach the situation with a more practical question:
Whom might the owner sue?
Damages and diminished value
The video suggests there probably wasn’t much damage caused to the Ferrari. Gibby seems to have urinated
on the exterior of the car, and a prompt wash and wax
may be all that is necessary to restore the car to its previous condition. But what if the damages had been more
physically substantial? What if these numbskulls had,
say, keyed the car or beaten it with a pipe? Let’s analyze
the situation from that assumption.
More extensive damage would not only have required
more expensive repairs, but the Ferrari may not have been
worth the same afterward no matter how well repaired.
26
That is because any car damage that requires body and paint work will have
a permanent effect on the value of the car. A subsequent purchaser will always pay less for the car because of the previous damage, even if “perfectly”
repaired. The reasons for this market fact are real and logical. It is always
difficult to know how well the work was done, and time will usually
reveal any shortcomings.
Similarly, the paint on the car is now partly original, partly new. Even
if it matches today, will it always match, or will the different paints fade
differently? Will it last as long as the factory paint?
These questions can go on and on, and cannot be answered satisfactorily
even under the best of circumstances. This effect is referred to as “diminished
value,” and can often be around 25% of the pre-loss value of the car. (Michael
Sheehan talks more on this subject in his p. 32 column.)
What about insurance?
The owner’s auto insurance policy
should pay the claim, but it might not
provide complete relief. The damage
was clearly caused by vandalism, and
would ordinarily be covered under the
“comprehensive” coverage of the policy.
Of course, the owner will be out the deductible, but things might be worse than
that. Many insurance policies are now
written to exclude coverage for “diminished value.” There is a very good chance that the owner’s policy will cover the body
and paint work, but the owner may well be left with a “perfectly repaired” Ferrari that is
nonetheless worth substantially less than it was before.
Gibby and his friends are equally liable
No doubt, Gibby and his friends committed a crime or two, they and could face
criminal prosecution. But that isn’t going to help our Ferrari owner get his car fixed.
He’ll have to pursue civil claims against them to accomplish that.
Of course, Gibby is liable for all damages he caused, including any diminished value.
His friends may be liable as well, even if they never touched the Ferrari. They clearly
seemed to be acting in concert, and the law would hold each of them equally liable as
“joint tortfeasors.”
Their liability would be unlimited. They could be held liable for the repair costs, the
diminished value, the loss of use of the Ferrari while it is being repaired, and even for
punitive damages if their conduct was found to be egregious enough. The only losses the
owner couldn’t recover would be his attorney fees.
Since the hooligans’ cars were not involved, their auto insurance would not cover
their liability. But it might be possible that their homeowner’s or umbrella insurance
might cover it, depending on the policy terms. If coverage were available, it would cover
all the damages they would be liable for, except any punitive damages.
Gibby and friends would have “joint and several” liability for the damages. That
means they are all jointly liable for the damages, and each one of them is severally liable
for 100% of the damages as well. And that means the owner can sue all of them, get judgments against all of them, and then collect the judgments from any one or more of them,
depending on who has the most money or insurance; that is, he doesn’t have to collect the
same amount from each of them. In effect, the law takes the position that the owner is to
be compensated the easiest way possible, and the culprits can later work out the details
among themselves. If one pays more than his fair share, he can get his money back from
his friends, although some states do not make provision for that type of recovery.
But is the shopping mall liable?
Now, to the mall’s position. When you leave your car in another’s possession, it is
legally called a bailment. The bailee (the shopping mall) is required to exercise reasonSports Car Market
able care in safeguarding the car, and can be held liable
for failing to do so. But here, it would seem doubtful that
the shopping mall would be liable for the damages. The
security personnel did offer to move the car to a more
secure location, but the owner declined, thinking it was
safer where it was. Should they have posted a guard to
watch the Ferrari? That would seem to be well beyond
“reasonable” care under the circumstances. After all, the
mall wasn’t in the car storage business, and cars aren’t
supposed to be parked in the lot overnight.
Calling All Lawyers
More on diminished value
Publisher Martin posed the following: “I know that
‘Legal Files’ assumed physical damage would lead to
diminished value, but don’t we have a situation where
YouTube exposure, as it were, might lead to the same
result? After all, this particular car is now infamous. Ask
yourself—would you be interested in owning the “pisser
Ferrari” at any price? What kind of bragging rights would
that give you with your friends?”
Leaving aside the potential that, in some circles, this
might actually enhance the value of this car, we may have
to differentiate between the damage caused by the urine
and the damage caused by the YouTube publicity. Gibby
and his friends are liable for all of it, but it may get weirder
with the others if these are seen as separate occurrences.
The owner’s insurance carrier may be willing to pick up
the cost of the wash and wax, but not cover the damages
caused by publicity, on the basis that it was not part of the
October 2008
Still a full minute left in Gibby’s bladder
physical damage caused by the vandalism. Similarly, if
the mall has any liability at all, it might try to make the
same distinction and limit its liability.
If there is any lesson here, it is that Ferraris elicit different responses from different segments of society, and
leaving one in a public place overnight is probably not
the smartest of ideas. Yes, the perpetrators are fully responsible here, but really, if someone is wealthy enough
to own a Ferrari, shouldn’t he be smart enough to have it
towed to a safe storage area if he loses his keys? ♦
“Legal Files”
frequently receives
calls from SCM
subscribers in need
of legal assistance.
Often, a local
attorney’s assistance is necessary.
To be helpful to
these subscribers,
I’d like to assemble
a national roster
of car-savvy attorneys.
If you are
interested in accepting referrals,
please send a
resume to me at
legalfiles@sportsc
armarket.com and
a short description
of your practice
areas, car-related
legal experience,
and automotive
interests.
27
Event Classy Chassis
The Classiest of Chassis
The ’39 Bugatti Type 57C Van Vooren cabriolet was a wedding present from
the French government to the future Shah of Iran
by Paul Duchene
Classy Chassis SCMers
Don Blenderman—Houston, TX
1953 Kurtis Kraft 500B Indy Roadster
1954 Kurtis Kraft 500C Indy roadster
George Davidson—Louisville, KY
1925 Bugatti Type 35A Grand Prix
Shelley Bernd
Paul Emple—Rancho Santa Fe, CA
1930 Minerva AL Vanden Plas 3-position
cabriolet
Jim & Evelyn Fasnacht—Houston, TX
1934 Chevrolet 3-Window coupe
Jim Foght—Barrington Hills, IL
1939 Bugatti Type 57C LeTourneur et Marchand
3-position drophead
Stephen Forristall—Houston, TX
1965 Shelby GT 350 Fastback
1967 Ford Mustang Convertible
1968 Ford Mustang fastback
Tony Gullo, Sr.—Magnolia, TX
1950 Ford 2-Door Woody wagon
Mike Hardage—Kingwood, TX
2002 Porsche 911 GT3 SuperCup
Type 101 coupe, one of 20 classy Bugattis in Houston
H
ouston might seem an unlikely venue to attract a bevy of Bugattis, but the fifth annual Classy
Chassis Concours d’Elegance, held at Reliant Stadium on June 8, rounded up 20 of the pur sang
sports cars to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston.
The Bugattis were the headliners in an exhibition that featured 125 examples of automotive
history, including vintage American and European icons, rare and exotic handbuilt sports cars, hot rods, and
racing machines.
The Bugatti collection naturally generated a number of winners, including the Petersen Automotive
Museum, in Los Angeles, which won Best in Show. The museum’s stunning 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Van
Vooren cabriolet was originally given as a wedding present by the French government to Mohammad Reza
Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. The Bugatti turnout ranged from a 1923 Type 23 Brescia tourer to a new, 250-mph
Veyron.
Dr. Jim Foght took a first in the Bugatti Open Cars Class with his 1939 Type 57C LeTourneur et Marchand
three-position drophead; John Ridings Lee was a winner in the Bugatti Closed Cars Class with a 1929 Type
46 Semi-Profilee coupe; and David Duthu took first in the Bugatti Competition Class with his 1925 Type
35A Grand Prix car.
Houston lawyer and mega-collector John O’Quinn brought the ex-Nicolas Cage 1951 Type 101 Van Antem
coupe and a blue 1994 EB110; other significant Bugattis (aren’t they all, anyway) ranged from two Type 35A
unsupercharged race cars to a Type 51 GP racer and two Type 46 coupes.
An attractive and unusual car with provenance to match its looks was Lilian McCain’s Graber-bodied
Type 57 convertible, which was ordered new by her father-in-law in 1936 from the Swiss coachbuilder. He
willed it to her and it is essentially original, except for a repaint
in correct colors.
Details
Concours founder Clay Becker was delighted with the turnout. “In five years, Classy Chassis has become one of the premier
Plan ahead: June 13–14, 2009
concours events in the U.S., drawing exhibitors, judges, artists,
Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
and car enthusiasts from around the country,” he said.
Cost: Adults, $25; Children, $7
Next year’s concours will be held June 13–14, once again at
Reliant
Stadium in Houston. Ferrari and Packard are the featured
More: www.classychassis.org
marques. ♦
28
Ron & Sonya Kellogg—Whittier, CA
1956 Jaguar XK 140 Aerodyne Streamliner
1937 Bugatti Type 57/59 Special roadster
John Ridings Lee—Dallas, TX
1929 Bugatti Type 46 Semi-Profilee coupe
Randolph Lopez—Houston, TX
2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 coupe
R.E. Monical—Lake Jackson, TX
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable
1961 Chrysler 300G Coupe
1917 Peerless Model 56 Cloverleaf roadster
Peter & Perle Mullin—Los Angeles, CA
1924 Bugatti Type 46 DeVillars roadster
1931 Bugatti Type 54 roadster
Ken Pylant—Crosby, TX
1952 Pylant 1/4 Midget
Carl & Narcelle Schneider—Eureka, CA
1929 Packard Boattail speedster
1952 Packard Parisian 2-Door fastback
Jay Shaff—Dallas, TX
1971 Intermeccanica Italia spyder
Kevin E. Varner—Sugar Land, TX
2006 Ford GT coupe
Steve Wertheimer—Austin, TX
1929 Ford “The Waco Kid” roadster
Don Williams—Danville, CA
1939 Bugatti Type 57C Galibier sedan
Mike Young—Austin, TX
1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Sports Car Market
Ferrari Profile
1996 Ferrari 456 GT Coupe
I’ve often told people trying to squeak into a Ferrari that if they can’t afford
the best example, they really can’t afford an edgy one
by Steve Ahlgrim
Details
Bonhams
Years produced:1992–98
Number produced: 1,548
Original list price: $239,000
SCM Valuation: $55,000–$75000
Tune-up cost:$6,500
Distributor caps: none
Chassis #: Passenger side frame rail, in
engine compartment
Engine #: Front passenger side where
head meets block
Club: Ferrari Club of America
PO Box 720597
Atlanta, GA 30358
More: www.ferrariclubofamerica.org
Alternatives: 2004 Aston Martin DB9, 2003
Bentley GT, 2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG
SCM Investment Grade: C
Comps
Chassis number: ZFFSP44C00103611
N
ot since the 412’s demise in 1989 had Ferrari
offered a 2+2, and when the 456 GT debuted at
the Paris Salon in October 1992, it was obvious that the long-awaited newcomer eclipsed
all Maranello’s previous four-seat Grand Tourers.
Although new from stem to stern, the 456 GT incorporated elements familiar to generations of Ferrari
cognoscenti—front-mounted 4-cam V12, rear transaxle,
tubular steel spaceframe chassis, and all-independent
suspension—while making an appearance for the first
time were electronically-controlled adaptive suspension and a 6-speed gearbox (there was also an optional
automatic).
Essentially a detuned version of the engine powering
the 550 and 575, the new 5.5-liter V12 unleashed no less
than 442 hp. Except for the F40, the 456 was the most
powerful road car developed by Ferrari up to that time.
For the 456, Pininfarina worked its magic once more
to create a subtly beautiful curvaceous body contrasting
with the hard edges of its predecessor. Aerodynamically
efficient, the 456 remained stable up to its maximum of
around 190 mph, a figure that made it the world’s fastest
production four-seater passenger car. Acclaimed on its
debut, the 456’s styling has not dated and is a tribute
to Pininfarina’s farsightedness in creating one of most
successful designs of modern times.
Supplied new via Maranello Sales in June 1996, this
rare manual transmission example has covered only
38,000 miles from new and remains in good condition
throughout. The car has been in storage, unused, for the
past couple years and thus we recommend a thorough
service/checkover be carried out prior to use.
All handbooks are in the correct wallet, including
a fully stamped service book. Ferrari 575 wheels and
front disc brakes/calipers are the only notified deviations from factory specification.
30
SCM Analysis This car sold for $66,326 at
Bonhams’s Goodwood Festival of
Speed auction on July 11, 2008.
The 456 was Ferrari’s attempt to make a car that
was “different from the other cars in all aspects by
synthesizing the performance and driving pleasure
of a sports car with the comfort and space of a gran
tursimo.” That was a lofty goal and one that could only
be achieved by small increments of differences given
the fine gran turismo offerings from the competition.
Ferrari’s ultimate talent is its ability to exploit small
increment improvements to make a truly superior car,
and in that regard the 456 is a success.
The silhouette of the 456 is a masterpiece of
Pininfarina design. It is a perfect balance of aggressiveness and elegance. The proportions are large enough
to say, “I’m a grown man’s car,” but compact enough
to be sporty. It is a hallmark of highline Ferraris that
every centimeter of the interior is covered in plush carpet or rich leather. The 456 ups the bar with a warm
interior that’s elegant, simple, and uniquely Italian.
Complementing the appearance, the interior has all the
fully adjustable, electronic, and automatic features you
would expect to find on a luxury automobile.
1997 Ferrari 456 GTA
Lot# 34, s/n ZFFWP50A0V0106629
Condition 3
Sold at $72,800
Kensington, Bridgehampton, NY, 6/8/2007
SCM# 45931
1995 Ferrari 456 GT
Lot# 1800267884, s/n
ZFFSP44A1S0099978
Condition 3
Sold at $52,400
eBay Motors, 1/1/2007
SCM# 43385
Breaking tires loose like a muscle car
Mechanics are the heart of any Ferrari, and in this
area the 456 does not disappoint. The V12’s nearly 450
horsepower is impressive, but the magic is the 398 ft-lb
of torque at the sweet spot of just 4,500 rpm; the 456 can
break tires loose like a skinny-tired muscle car. Variableratio power steering, three-way adjustable suspension
dampening, self-leveling rear ride height, and a speedactivated rear spoiler ensure the handling is up to the
performance. In short, the 456 is one heck of a nice car.
Ferraris are a rich man’s toy, and nothing demon-
1993 Ferrari 456 GT
Lot# 531, s/n ZFFSD44B000098109
Condition 1Sold at $65,906
Bonhams, Chichester, UK, 7/7/2006
SCM# 42332
Sports Car Market
strates the principle like a 2+2 Ferrari. Two-plus-twos
are the workhorses of the Ferrari marque. They are designed to be a practical daily driver and are often used
as such. Regular use translates to higher mileage, more
interior wear, more exterior damage, and in general,
less care. Rich new car buyers like to drive new, flawless, low-mileage cars, so after a few chips, their 2+2
gives way to a new car.
Slightly less rich people also like flawless low-mileage cars, so the natural buyer for a used 2+2 often
avoids those cars with a few road scars in favor of a
new something else. This leads to massive deprecation
and a chance for a simply well-off enthusiast to own a
wonderful car for a fraction of its original selling price.
Life couldn’t be better, could it?
I’ve often told people trying to squeak into a Ferrari
that if they can’t afford the best example of the model
they are looking at, then they really can’t afford an edgy
one. Expensive cars have expensive problems. Just because a car’s depreciated 75% doesn’t mean the repairs
are 75% less. As a car depreciates, the cost of repairs
stays the same and the chance of needing repairs goes
up. Mike Sheehan’s “miracle of depreciation,” which
makes late-model Ferraris affordable, is of course
balanced by the reality of maintenance.
The 456 drivetrain is solid and reliable, but everything else is the luck of the draw. These cars are piloted
by no less than 23 Electronic Control Units, which con-
October 2008
trol starting, stopping, turning, as well as most every other aspect of the car. These
sophisticated low-production modules are unusually expensive and often under-engineered for the job. Diagnosis of electrical problems often requires a $20,000 computer that is almost exclusive to Ferrari dealers. Lucky owners get by with reasonable
routine maintenance; unlucky owners see five-figure bills.
Don’t come whining to me
Bonhams’s 456 was not the kind of car you want to buy at auction, unless you’ve
had a chance to find out more than the catalog offers. The catalog states without
explanation that the car has been in storage, unused, for the past couple years.
Besides the normal concerns of buying a car that has been stagnant in storage, you
have to question why it was retired in the first place. This is a car that was designed
for regular use. A 456 doesn’t get put away for preservation or because it’s become
tedious to drive. They get put away because of things like the very-expensive-to-fix
window problem, where the side windows no longer go up all the way and the owner
gets frustrated with wind and water leaks. The catalog warns that the car should be
checked over before use. In car talk that means, “Don’t whine to me when you get a big
bill, I warned you to have it checked out.” It’s a reasonable bet that the first few miles
won’t come cheap for the new owner.
This is an interesting car to value. The SCM Platinum database shows 2007 sales
of 456 GTs from a low of $52,400 on eBay to an absurd high of $154,000 at a Monterey
auction. The Bonhams car being a rare 6-speed 1996 model and an equally rare righthand-drive model in need of service adds to the confusion. This could be a difficult
car to sell on the open market, but on July 11, there were at least two people who
wanted it. The result was about what I would have expected for a good left-hand-drive
example at a U.S. auction, and it fell in the middle of SCM’s price guide range. Given
the storage and service issue, I’d call this one well sold. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
31
Sheehan Speaks Michael Sheehan
Laws of Diminishing Returns
The insurance companies believe that if it’s a car, it will be driven, and if
driven enough, it will get into accidents
I
recently received an email regarding a
430 Scuderia that had hit a deer, with
the damage described as “very lightly
hit, the bumper is scratched and the
hood is lightly dented.” Further emails
stated that the owner, who was a passenger in his own car, felt the diminution in
value to his 430 because of the damage
should be $100,000 over and above the
cost of the actual repairs, and he expected
the driver’s insurance to cover his extra
“loss.”
Two distinct schools of thought
There are two distinct schools of thought on diminution in value: Some owners and their always-eager lawyers are advocates of compensation, while the insurance
companies are equally adamant that when they pay to
repair a damaged vehicle, if those repairs are to “as-was,
or better” condition, then there is no diminution in value
just because the vehicle was involved in an accident. The
insurance companies believe that if it’s a car, it will be
driven, and if driven enough, it will get into accidents.
That’s simply what cars, and their drivers, seem to do.
As someone who owned a shop specializing in Ferrari
crash repair for well over two decades, I was usually on
the side of the insurance companies. Many hundreds of
Ferrari repairs over that time demonstrated to me that
all Ferraris left our shop in better condition than they were
prior to the accident and so benefited from betterment, the
direct opposite of diminution. Simply put, owners wanted
their money’s worth and expected their cars to come back
better than pre-accident condition, even if they weren’t
writing the check. As a shop owner, my goal was to meet
or exceed a customer’s expectation.
Let the litigation begin
Alas, we live in a litigious society that churns out
far more lawyers than it does engineers, and each new
lawyer feels he has a right to a six figure income, a new
BMW, and an upscale condo right out of law school. So
a relatively new industry of specialized law firms has
developed in America’s more affluent areas. Demands
for compensation above and beyond the actual cost to
repair the vehicle, alleging the value of the vehicle has
decreased due to its Diminished Value, are becoming
more commonplace today.
First we need to understand the rules of the game. While
first-party claims for diminution of value (you are driving
your car and you have an accident) are covered, juries are
unsympathetic to diminution in damages for something
you caused yourself. Third-party claims (someone hits
you) are easier to prove diminution in value, which fall
into three parts.
The most common is Inherent Diminished Value,
the position that any damaged vehicle will have some
measure of inherent diminished value—a monetary loss
to the vehicle owner. If you have a 599 or 430 and you
are hit (hopefully by someone with good insurance), you
will collect some level of diminution in value. If you’re in
32
Damn the joy-riding lot attendants
a “driver quality” 328 and you’re hit front
and rear, requiring a complete repaint, new
bumpers, etc., you might have to pay betterment, a small percentage of the cost to
paint the undamaged area of the car.
Next up is Repair Related Diminished
Value, a loss due to repairs paid for by the
insurance company but repaired improperly by the shop doing the work. Unless the
insurance company specifically recommended the shop and guaranteed the work,
your chances of recovery are minimal, as
the insurance companies usually go out of
their way to let you pick the shop, making
the quality of repairs your problem.
Last up is Insurance Related Diminished Value, a loss in value due to the insurance
company failing to pay to repair a flaw or defect listed on the repair estimate. Another
very hard-to-prove position; as in almost every case, if the shop can show repairs are
required, the insurance company will pay a reasonable repair fee. Insurance companies are, by definition, in the business of repairing damage at reasonable costs and
have no desire to go to court, as they know from millions of claims that in most cases
the only winners are the lawyers.
When is it a total?
The industry rule of thumb is that most insurance companies will spend up to 75% of
the retail market price of a vehicle for the repairs, under the theory that the salvage value
is normally around 25% of the pre-accident retail value of the car. If your car is on the
edge, with close to 75% damage and you want it totaled, the insurance companies will
usually cooperate. If totaled, you will usually get 100% of the retail value, plus sales tax
and some percentage of registration fees. You will not get any diminution of value at a
100% settlement.
As for a “loss of use” claim, is a Ferrari owner entitled to an identical car while his
Ferrari is being repaired, or just a very nice car? Most insurance companies will fight
like cornered rats against an owner renting or leasing another Ferrari, Lambo, etc. while
repairs are being made, and they likewise fight against giving an owner a “loss of use”
rate that reflects what it would cost to rent/lease an identical car. Insurance companies do
this knowing that Ferrari owners almost always have other cars they use for their normal
driving, and that juries often have little sympathy for someone who makes such a claim.
Just as there is a small world of lawyers who specialize in diminution of value, there
is also a small world of expert witnesses who go to court to defend their client’s position,
be it pro- or anti-diminution in value. The International Society of Automobile Appraisers
has published a sliding scale for Inherent Diminished Value. It starts at 10% for cars under
$10k and goes up to 40%–50% for cars over $150k, although in the end every case is a
unique roll of the dice, with the owner and his lawyers betting the insurance company will
blink and settle before you get to court.
I don’t take on diminution cases unless I feel one party is being extremely unreasonable, be it the owner or the insurance company, as my day job pays much better than sitting
in a courtroom. However, having been down that road, I’m still stunned by the vagaries
of the jury system, and will never forget a jury of retirees from a mobile home park who
ruled against a car owner simply because they thought no one had a right to own a car that
expensive!
It is logical that if a car is repaired to its pre-accident condition, there should not be
any diminished value, but used car buyers are often illogical. Given the choice between
two identical used cars, though one is accident-repaired, most would choose the car that is
accident-free. And so, if you have a 599 that suffered a $100k hit at the hands of a joy-riding
parking attendant, you will almost certainly collect that $100k in diminution in value. On
the other hand, if you have a 50,000-mile driver 328, you are almost certainly wasting your
time. The older the car, the higher the miles, or the lower the value, the less chance for
compensation. The bottom line is that be it a 599 or a 328, unless there is major damage,
you are usually fighting for nuisance value money. ♦
Sports Car Market
English Profile
1955 Jaguar XKD-type Sports Racer
This is the first production D-type, out of long and dedicated ownership,
unspoiled and still in its original form
by Paul Hardiman
Details
Photos: Bonhams
Years produced: 1955–57
Number produced: 77
Original list price: £2,500 ($6,957)
SCM Valuation: $2,000,000–$3,000,000
Tune-up cost: $1,000
Distributor cap: Uses magnetos
Chassis #: Stamped into right front
damper mount; plate riveted to hood
paneling
Engine #: Stamped in right side of block
above oil filter housing
Club: Jaguar Clubs of North America
c/o Nelson Rath
234 Buckland Trace
Louisville, KY 40245
More: www.jcna.com
Alternatives: 1950–53 Jaguar C-type,
1951–53 Aston Martin DB3S,
1954 Ferrari 375 MM
SCM Investment Grade: A
Chassis number XKD509
X
KD 509, the first “production” D off the line in
1955, has a long and interesting history. It was
supplied new to New York distributor Chuck
Hornburg, who sold it to Albert R. Browne of
Menlo Park. At the time, its new price in the U.K. was
£2,500 ($6,957).
After unsuccessfully approaching Phil Hill and Carroll
Shelby to drive it, Browne turned to French-born veteran
Lou Brero. The car appeared at Sebring, its British Racing
Green replaced with a shocking new livery of matte dark
blue stripes over white, unlike anything seen on a D-type
before, but intended to make the car more visible in the
night sections of the 12-hour race.
That ended with clutch failure after 58 laps, but later
the car managed a quite extensive American racing
history, including a second overall in a 150-mile race
at Elkhart Lake, beaten only by Shelby in a 4.4-liter
Ferrari.
By 1957, Brero had acquired the D and won at
Stockton. After the car suffered engine failure at
Dillingham Field, Hawaii, on the weekend of April
20–21, he lost his life following a fiery accident racing
a substitute Chevy V8-engined Maserati A6GCM. The
D-type passed to his son Lou Brero Jr., who admitted to
a hippy existence, “sometimes driving the car along the
beach in the sun.”
In 1974, by which time the car appeared battered and
in bare aluminium, he was persuaded to sell to visiting British dealer Brian Classic of Cheshire. Despite
years of neglect and poor storage, 509 was complete and
mostly unspoiled, though the body had been chopped
about to fit a roll hoop. Classic entrusted the rebuild
to his brother-in-law, historic racer Willie Green, and
recalls many happy road miles in the car, plus some club
race meetings at his local Liverpool circuit, Aintree.
34
About this time Nigel Moores became interested in
the car and bought it. Moores was the nephew of Sir John
Moores, founder of Littlewoods Football Pools [a soccer
lottery], but maker of his own fortune in electronics,
forestry, and the hotel business—and highly regarded
on the historic racing scene. But Moores lost his life
as a passenger in a road accident in southern France in
1977, after which his cars were maintained by his longtime mechanic Paul Kelly, some being displayed in the
Lakeland Motor Museum and the Jersey Motor Museum.
The collection was dispersed in the late 1980s—by
much of the team now working for Bonhams—but
XKD509, Moores’s favorite D-type, was retained for his
son James.
At some point during its history, maybe around the
time it was in Jersey, 509’s original engine 2015-9 was
swapped with that from one of Moores’s other Ds, chassis XKD512. It now has its original motor back, rebuilt
in 2003 by marque specialist Pearson Engineering,
and block and head bear the correct number, matching
the chassis data plate riveted to the bonnet panelwork.
Gearbox and body numbers match as well.
SCM Analysis This car sold for $4,378,343 at the
Bonhams Goodwood Festival of
Speed in Sussex, England, on July 11, 2008.
“Please do not touch,” said the notice on the Plexiglas
windshield. It could hardly have made any difference if
the entire Festival had pawed it. Here was a well-used,
even tatty D-type, its paint chipped and its upholstery
cracked, which had, in one of the familiar descriptors
used by SCM’s Paul Duchene, “given long and faithful
service.”
Though panel fit is fair, paint is cracked off around
external bolt heads and just plain missing around the
Comps
1956 Jaguar XKD-type
Lot# 521 s/n XKD553
Condition 3+
Sold at $2,097,000
B&B, Carmel, CA, 8/18/ 2006
SCM# 42614
1955 Jaguar XKD-type
Lot# 28, s/n XKD529
Condition 3+
Sold at $1,815,000
Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/21/2005
SCM# 38901
1955 Jaguar XKD-type
Lot# 219, s/n XKD501
Condition 2
Sold at $2,801,606
Christie’s, London, UK, 10/31/1999
SCM# 7378
Sports Car Market
cockpit edges, and the car wears a later
safety cut-off and untidy wiring on the otherwise original dash. However untouched
it looked, it had been rebuilt from quite a
sorry state in the mid-’70s. Mechanically,
it appears completely up to snuff.
An enviable record
The D-type Jaguar was the spiritual,
stylistic, and structural ancestor of the
E-type, with its monocoque center section
and engine nestled up front in a tubular
frame. And aside from being one of the
most gorgeous shapes ever to thunder
down the Mulsanne Straight, the enviable record of these cars at Le Mans and
elsewhere, against relentless competition,
resulted in the D-type becoming one of
the most formidable and successful factory-built sports racers in the history of
motorsport. Of course this one never went
anywhere near La Sarthe, being instead
consigned to a life of modest races in the
U.S. and even lesser ones in the U.K. But it
is no less gorgeous.
What makes this car significant is that
it was the first production D-type, out of
long and dedicated ownership, and it is
unspoiled, still in its original form, if not
quite in body detail and color. When Green
got the car, for example, extra driving
lights and front cooling vents had been
added, presumably in the U.S. The lights have gone but
the vents remain.
Nigel Moores had owned and cherished several Dtypes, but after his death in a road accident in the late
1970s, this is the one his son James kept. So it’s been in
the ownership essentially of two families for nearly all its
life, lessening the chance of mysterious and indiscriminate “ freshen-ups” between dealers that can ruin a car’s
originality and therefore its intrinsic value.
Yet it wasn’t overly expensive. Tipped to reach up to
$5 million, bidding in the packed marquee stalled at $3.9
million and stumbled for the last $100,000—not quite the
“ frenzied bidding” reported on various web sites after
the fact. With premiums, the figure totted
up to $4,378,343, a claimed world record
for any Jaguar at auction, and Bonhams
says the car went to a British buyer and
will stay in the U.K. A couple of other Dtypes have sold discreetly and privately in
recent months for more than this one cost,
and industry specialists reckon it was well
bought at the price.
D-types were never cheap
Few other D-types have sold publicly in
the past decade; Bonhams & Butterfields
sold XKD553, another ex-Sebring 12-Hour
car, at Carmel in 2006 for $2,097,000. In
1999 in London, Christie’s sold XKD501,
the ’56 Le Mans winner, for $2,801,606.
You could crunch the numbers any time
back to when Ds were new and cost a
then-exorbitant $6,957, about the price of
a decent house.
It’s worth a quick market comparison
with the D’s ancestor, the C-type, which is
not as competitive or sexy or desirable—
but it is actually a nicer driver, for what it’s
worth, Mille Miglia fans. And rarer, with
53 made against the D-type’s 77. Yet Cs
appear to be a relative bargain for a car
using much of the same hardware, at about
$2 million apiece.
This car is an heirloom, and it is understood that the new owner bought it for its
patina. Making it raceworthy would swallow an unknown quantity of money, between
$20,000 and $100,000, depending on what was needed. Cosmetically restoring it is
easier to quantify and would cost in the region of $200,000, interestingly putting the net
cost of the car nearer to where it had been expected to sell.
You could argue against losing that patina, but all of its proper history was acquired
before it was first restored 30-odd years ago.
I’d say this car warrants putting back to factory fresh (not concours) at whatever the
expense, so the owner can sit tight and watch its value continue to climb as one of the
last “original” Ds. He may choose to give it outings on high-profile events such as the
Mille Miglia rather than actually race it, and no one would complain.
For a car with no significant history, this price was fair enough. Had it been a Le
Mans winner like 501, then you could have added at least $1 million to its price. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
Seat Time
Archie Urciuoli, Casey Key, FL: I owned and raced a short-nose D-type Jaguar for several years back
in the 1980s. Most SCMers know the sleek, brutal shape of these cars on sight, but it’s hard to translate the
sheer charisma and thrill of their power, handling, and sound unless you’ve driven one in anger. Once you
have, there is no doubt left as to why this ’50s brainchild of Malcolm Sayer and Norman Dewis won Le Mans
and so many other important races, both in the day and decades later in historic racing.
Sadly, the price escalation of recent years has caused the disappearance of many D-types from the track,
but a few stalwarts still exercise them in their proper venue. ♦
Taylor’s XKD515
Jim Taylor, Gloversville, NY: I’ve owned XKD515 for four
years. It is an awesome automobile, plain and simple. I have done
several rallies with it and have just enjoyed the experience immensely.
Simply driving one informs you as to why they were at the top of the
sports car realm in the 1950s.
Urciuoli at speed
October 2008
35
English Patient Gary Anderson
Triumphs of the Will
As Triumph TR prices lag behind Austin-Healeys, determined, well-advised
collectors can find bargains
T
he big news in British cars over the past ten
years has been the rapid rise in prices for AustinHealeys—from $25,000 to $75,000 for very
nice cars, with a few magnificent ones bringing
$100,000 plus.
By contrast, Triumphs—which offer much the same
highway performance and creature comforts—couldn’t
break out of the $7,500 to $15,000 range. Until this year.
In the past twelve months, most of the Triumph sales
at auction have been in the $20,000 to $35,000 range.
Could it be, now that Austin-Healeys are no longer
“affordable collector cars,” that Triumph prices are
going to be sucked up by the vacuum created in the
$25,000 to $50,000 range? Maybe it’s time to take a
fresh look at the marque.
To start with, we’ll narrow our focus. The Triumph
marque can be divided conveniently into four groups,
three of which are not yet newsworthy.
First, there were the various models produced before
1952, as well as the sedan versions that also carried
the Triumph badge, none of which are ever likely to be
considered particularly collectible. For convenience, we
can include the Triumph Stag in this grouping, since
indifferent quality and maintenance issues have placed
it in a niche all its own.
Within the sports car range, there are the 361,000
Spitfires and GT6s, produced from 1962 through 1980,
but rarely selling for more than $10,000. There are also
112,000 wedge-shaped TR7s that are selling today at
near-throwaway prices, which some people say is about
right. Their look-alike TR8 siblings, with Rover V8
engines, may be the best hidden bargain in the Triumph
lineup. But with only 2,500 produced, they’re an insignificant factor in the market.
Earlier TRs show healthy price increases
1959 TR3
There are probably some who would argue that the Healey is better looking than
the TR; I’m a Healey owner because I personally feel that way, but it’s certainly a
matter of personal preference.
Quality of materials, engineering not as good
More likely is the point made by a friend of mine who has restored examples of
both marques. In his view, the quality of the materials used was not as good on the
Triumphs as on the Healeys. For example, he offered, the grilles on the “wide-mouth”
Triumphs were a very light metal stamping, compared to the multi-part aluminum and
stainless grilles of the Healeys.
There were also more instances of cost-cutting in Triumph’s engineering, which makes
the marque more vulnerable to poor maintenance. An example is the use of a single retaining pin holding the clutch throw-out fork in position on its pivoting shaft, which can break
easily, making the clutch inoperative, not to mention very expensive to replace.
However, on the positive side, with so many more cars produced, it is reasonably
easy to find a good example to buy. There is a deep range of quality replacement parts
available, up to and including complete body panels and chassis, so keeping a Triumph
on the road or doing a complete restoration isn’t difficult.
Equally important to the hobbyist, so many cars produced translates into two active
national clubs and a broad network of local clubs in North America, with comparable
clubs in other parts of the world. Prospective owners of Triumphs won’t lack for companionship, advice, and an active social calendar built around Triumph
events.
So we’ll focus on the TR2 through TR6, which were
made in significant numbers and have shown recent
healthy price increases.
Produced between 1953 and 1976, nearly 250,000 of
these slab-sided roadsters left the Triumph factory near
Coventry. To put this number into perspective, only
about 75,000 big Healeys were ever produced, starting
at the same time but ending in 1968.
Nevertheless, there’s a valid comparison with the
Austin-Healey. First, both the Triumph TR and the
Healey 100 were introduced at London’s
Earls Court Motor Show in October 1952.
Triumph Clubs
Second, like the Healeys, the Triumph
engines, brakes, and suspensions make Vintage Triumph Register
them perfectly practical for use in PO Box 655
modern traffic, so they can actually be Howell, MI 48844-0655
driven—by someone with a modicum of www.vtr.org
mechanic skills, of course.
Triumph Register of America
So if the Triumphs come from the (For TR2 through TR4A)
same place and period, and offer road- 28342 Lake Logan Road
going performance comparable to the Logan, OH 43138
Healeys, why were their prices stagnant www.triumphregister.com
while the Healey prices were going up?
36
Three groups of TRs to choose from
In considering which TR to own, we can divide the TRs into three
groups, based on body style and creature comforts.
First, there are the TR2, TR3, and TR3A, produced between 1953
and 1961, which are all 4-cylinder roadsters with sweeping front fenders and cut-down doors, offering all the joys and sorrows of classic
British motoring at its rorty best and cold, wet worst.
Second, there are the TR4, TR4A, and TR250/TR5, which are all
straight-sided convertibles with real roll-up windows and reasonably
good soft and hard tops, produced between 1961 and 1964. The TR4
Sports Car Market
and independent-suspension TR4A used the same fourcylinder engine as the TR3s, while the TR250 was a
feeble 6-cylinder model produced for North American
markets that didn’t get the fuel-injected TR5.
Finally, there is the TR6, which has the TR5’s 6-cylinder engine offering more power, wrapped in an evolutionary and attractive version of the TR4 body.
Choosing among the three model groupings is largely
a matter of personal preference, at least for the time
being, since the condition of the individual car largely
outweighs any value differences among models.
Longer-term, we can guess that the low-door TR2s
and 3s will show the greatest appreciation, due primarily
to their relative rarity and distinctive styling. These differences in value are already showing up in the standard
appraisal guides.
The TR6s are probably the most practical, since they
can be improved to be fast, comfortable, long-distance
touring cars. Karmann’s quickie TR4 redesign (nose and
tail only, with doors the same) has already proven to have
long-term appeal. But since there were nearly 100,000
TR6s produced, they aren’t likely to appreciate as quickly
as the early TRs.
In the middle are the TR4 through TR250, solid, practical performers with slightly quirky styling that are fun
to own and drive, but neither fast enough nor rare enough
to increase in value as quickly as their younger or older
siblings.
Regardless of the model that speaks to you, keep in
mind that all TRs have many places where rust can rot
the car to pieces. With so many built, there isn’t enough
money in the market to pay for a first-class restoration
without going underwater on the project.
Consequently, for someone poking his toe in the
Triumph market for the first time, the best advice is to get good advice. Find an expert
in one of the Triumph clubs to help you sort out the good from the bad.
It’s best to find a car restored a few years ago to high standards that no longer fits
a family’s circumstances. Choose that over an unrestored original that’s been tucked
away in a garage for many years waiting for the day “when it would be worth real
money.”
If your candidate simply needs some cosmetic upgrades and a good detailing to
regain its pride of place at the club show, that’s fine. However, if the example for sale
has never been repainted and is desperately in need of it—the surfaces are too far gone
for it to be a survivor, or, just as bad, it sports a recent coat of paint with no evidence of
down-to-metal body work—walk away. The potential cost of body work can bankrupt
you or reduce you to suicidal thoughts, due to rust damage inside fender wells or behind
the outer skin of the rocker panels. In extreme cases, the car can be unrestorable.
Mechanical work, on the other hand, is straightforward and within the range of
1961 TR4
1968 TR250
any capable mechanic with garage space and tools.
Bottom line, if you’re lucky enough already to own
a good example of this marque, make sure the agreedvalue of your insurance is up to date, keep your car
in good working order, and seriously consider doing
that rust repair job or interior replacement you’ve been
putting off.
If you’re just coming into the classic car hobby or are
looking for an addition to your collection and are interested in a car that can be used and enjoyed now while
still having the potential for price appreciation, now is
the time to be looking at a Triumph TR2 to TR6. If you
buy carefully, you’ll be very happy with your choice for
years. ♦
The TR Price Range
Model
TR2
TR3
TR3A
TR3B
TR4
TR4A
TR250
Years
53–55
55–57
57–61
62–63
61–64
64–68
68
Number
8,628
13,378
58,236
3,331
40,253
28,465
8,484
TR6
69–74
94,619
(both small and large bumpers)
1972 TR6
October 2008
SCM Price Rance
$23,000–$35,000
$21,000–$32,000
$19,000–$32,000
$21,000–$35,000
$15,000–$25,000
$8,000–$25,000
$18,000–$25,000
$15,000–$25,000
TR7
76–81
(coupe & convertible)
112,368
$4,000–$6,500
TR8
80–81
(coupe & convertible)
Spitfire
62–80
GT6
67–74
2,497
$5,000–$12,000
320,000
40,900
$5,000–$8,500
$6,000–$9,000
37
Etceterini & Friends Profile
1969 DeTomaso Mangusta
As with many fast mid-engined cars few have actually driven, the Mangusta
has a reputation for biting the hand that drives it
by Donald Osborne
Details
Photos: Bonhams
Years produced: 1969–70
Number produced: 401
Original list price: $11,500
SCM Valuation: $55,000–$100,000
Tune-up cost: $425
Distributor caps: $30
Chassis #: Stamping on frame member at
right rear engine compartment; data
tag on front compartment bulkhead
Engine #: Intake side of block
Club: Mangusta International
More: www.mangustainternational.com
Alternatives: 1967 Iso Grifo GL,
1969 Corvette 427,
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS
SCM Investment Grade: B
Comps
Chassis number: 8MA656
A
lejandro DeTomaso began racing in his native
Argentina in 1951 before moving to Italy,
where he drove for Maserati and OSCA.
DeTomaso’s racing experience inspired him to form his own company—DeTomaso
Automobili—in Modena, Italy, in 1959, with the fledgling firm building cars for Formula Junior, Formula 3,
Formula 2 and Formula 1.
DeTomaso’s first road car, the Vallelunga, appeared in
1965. A pretty mid-engined coupe powered by a 1.5-liter
Ford 4-cylinder engine, it was built in small numbers
and was not a commercial success, but did contribute
its short wheelbase and backbone chassis (extensively
re-engineered) to the Mangusta.
It was the latter’s arrival in 1967 that established
DeTomaso as a serious automobile manufacturer. One of
the very first supercars, the Mangusta (mongoose—one
of the few animals feared by the cobra…) was powered
by a mid-mounted 289-ci Ford V8 (302 ci for the U.S.)
driving via a ZF 5-speed transaxle.
Ghia’s Giorgetto Giugiaro contributed the striking
coachwork with gullwing engine covers, which was
riginally intended for Giotto Bizzarrini. With around
300 hp on tap, the aerodynamic Mangusta was good for
a top speed in the region of 155 mph.
All-round disc brakes helped restrain this outstanding performance. DeTomaso enjoyed close links with
the Ford Motor Company at this time, and the American
firm helped put the Mangusta into larger-scale production than would otherwise have been possible.
38
Approximately 400 examples were made between 1967
and 1972.
Delivered new to DeTomaso’s Belgian importer and
well-known endurance racer Claude Dubois in 1969, this
Mangusta remained in Europe and was first registered in
the U.K. on October 1, 1994. It has been maintained by
Italian car specialists Bill McGrath Ltd. since coming
into Alexander Fyshe’s care in May 1995.
Since then the Mangusta has been used mainly for
long-distance trips on the Continent, particularly to
Scandinavia, France, Germany, and Italy, where it successfully completed the 2003 Modena Cento Ore event.
The car has also been shown at the Hurlingham Club and
Parc de Bagatelle Concours d’Elegance and took first
in class at the 1998 Cartier Style et Luxe Concours at
Goodwood. This very collectible DeTomaso is finished
in black with matching interior. The odometer reading
of 58,000 km is believed to be genuine.
SCM Analysis This car sold for $99,241 at the
Bonhams Goodwood Festival of
Speed sale held July 11, 2008.
Alejandro DeTomaso is best known for the Pantera,
one of the most successful Italo-American GTs, and for
creating endless variations of the Biturbo, a car which
both saved and almost again destroyed Maserati.
Opinions of him are polarizing, but there is no
doubt he was both a very creative car guy and an extraordinarily ambitious businessman. His first product
for the road, the ultra-rare Vallelunga, was light, fast,
1969 DeTomaso Mangusta
Lot# 142, s/n 8MA712
Condition 1
Sold at $41,580
Russo & Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/16/2003
SCM# 36173
1971 DeTomaso Pantera
Lot# F70, s/n THPNLY01784
Condition 2Sold at $34,650
Mecum, Kissimmee, FL, 1/24/2008
SCM# 48817
1973 DeTomaso Montella Concept
Lot# 271, s/n THPNNG06114
Condition 3
Sold at $99,000
RM, Monterey, CA, 7/17/2007
SCM# 46425
Sports Car Market
and well-balanced, as might be expected
of a road car created by a racer. It is acknowledged to be the second “production”
mid-engined car and featured simple, clean
styling, with a large rear window covering
the open engine compartment. That, and thin
roof pillars, gave it exceptional visibility for
a mid-engined car. The layout also delivered
noise, vibration, and harshness into the interior in a fairly spectacular fashion.
Light years ahead
DeTomaso realized that his concept
needed a bit more refinement to play in
the big leagues, and the result was the
Mangusta. It was light years ahead of the
Vallelunga, with a well-equipped leatherlined interior and actual soundproofing.
The Ford 289 V8 provided far more punch
than the 1.5-liter four, and it was clothed in
a sleek, almost menacing body designed by
the young Giugiaro.
Sitting still it has a dramatic, muscular,
powerful stance. The distinctive centerhinged rear deck also had the benefit of adding structural strength, although it did come
at the expense of visibility.
As is the case with many fast mid-engined
cars few have actually driven, such as the Lancia Stratos, the Mangusta has a fearsome reputation for biting the hand that drives it. All powerful cars with the engine
behind your ears have to be treated with care, and the ultimate in performance can
only really be extracted by an experienced driver.
The reported 32/68% weight distribution means, as one owner told me, “If you
make a commitment, you’d better stick with it.” That being said, the Mangusta is no
more difficult in that regard than any other such car, and the things that concerned
buyers of the car when new, such as the low ground clearance, haphazard ergonomics, and limited rear visibility, are much less of an issue for the owner of a collector
vehicle.
October 2008
Be sure to see if you fit in it first
Many current owners have fitted skid plates to protect the transmission bell housing, as was done on a few
cars when new. The positioning of the front wheelwells
and design of the greenhouse can make the driving position a bit challenging for some; as is the case with an
Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale, if you want a Mangusta,
first be sure to see if you fit.
This Mangusta appears to be quite the best of both
worlds, with a high-level cosmetic restoration in a very
attractive black over black, and it apparently runs as
well as it looks, with a successful Modena Cento Ore
event as well as much long-distance touring in its recent
past.
As popular opinion comes to embrace cars with a
mixed parentage such as these DeTomasos, they have
become more appreciated and more valuable. Although
the same number of Iso Grifos were made as Mangustas,
it’s fair to say their survival rate has not been nearly as
great. With the striking rise in the prices of the Grifo,
the rarer Mangusta should be worth far more than it
has been.
A well-known U.S. dealer recently sold what was described as a good-running but cosmetically challenged
Mangusta. It showed 14k miles on the clock and sold in
the $50,000 range. Given the reported condition of this
Bonhams example, it would seem to be priced exactly
where one would expect it to be.
If you consider the Mangusta to be sort of a Cobra
in a designer frock, they have great appeal. Mangustas
have ample performance on tap, a now-classic mid1960s design by one of the masters, and they are rarely
seen. I would not expect them to continue to sell at the
considerable discount to an Iso Grifo as is the case currently. In a short time, this sale may be considered quite
a bargain. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
39
German Profile
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe
At about $10,000 below the auction company’s low estimate and a titanic
$145,000 below the 2005 list price, those 4,500 miles were dear indeed
by Rob Sass
Details
Photos: Bonhams
Years produced: 2003–present
Number produced: 3,000, approx.
(roadster still in production)
Original list price: $495,000 (2007)
Tune-up cost: Substantial (it is doubtful
that any have yet accumulated sufficient mileage to require one)
SCM Valuation: $300,000–$350,000
Chassis #: Driver’s side dash at windshield
Club: Mercedes-Benz Club of America,
1907 Lelaray Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
More: www.mbca.org
Alternatives: 2007 Fisker Tramonto, 2008
Lamborghini Murciélago, 2004–06
Porsche Carrera GT
SCM Investment Grade: F
Comps
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Lot# 166, s/n WDD1993761M000029
Condition 1
Sold at $407,700
Bonhams, Monte Carlo, MCO, 5/21/2007
SCM# 45741
Chassis number: WDD1993761M000629
T
he Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren revives
the glorious tradition of the 300SLR and marks
the reawakening of Mercedes-Benz’s passion for
super sports cars. It is a passion that can be traced
throughout automotive history and which was demonstrated with the Uhlenhaut Coupe.
A contemporary interpretation of stylistic elements
lifted from the original SLR and design details taken
from the 2003 Formula One Silver Arrows allows the
21st Century SLR to form a bridge between the past and
the future, bringing cutting-edge motorsport technology to the road, just as the inspirational SLR coupe did
in 1955.
Its new supercar allows Mercedes-Benz and its
Formula One partner McLaren to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction and
production of high-performance sports cars, and just
like its legendary 300SLR predecessor, it incorporates
technological developments that are ahead of their time.
Yet the term “supercar” does not do full justice to the
SLR, which, its peerless performance notwithstanding,
is a luxurious and finely engineered Gran Turismo in the
best traditions of Mercedes- Benz.
Needless to say, the Mercedes-Benz SLR delivers performance figures that are among the best in its
class, taking just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 kph
40
(62 mph); it passes the 200 kph (125 mph) mark after
10.6 seconds and from a standing start takes just 28.8
seconds to reach 300 kph (186 mph). The two-seater has
a top speed of 334 kph (207 mph).
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was launched in
South Africa and introduced for the 2005 model year
priced at $455,000, although choosing from the lengthy
list of options could add considerably to the total.
This left-hand-drive SLR was sold new in 2005 to the
current owner. Finished in black, it features the optional
“turbine” spoked wheels and classic “300SL” red leather
upholstery. Always kept garaged in Sussex, the car has
not been used for over two years and has covered a mere
4,500 miles from new.
SCM Analysis This car sold for $309,258 at the
Bonhams Goodwood Festival of
Speed auction on July 11, 2008.
Mercedes-Benz and the auction company made
great hay out that the fact that the inspiration for the
SLR was none other than the W196 Uhlenhaut coupe,
perhaps one of the most beautiful and charismatic
sports racers of the 1950s.
In reality, the SLR has none of the grace of that car.
Instead, it comes off as a late-model SL with a glandular
problem and contrived doors. When new, it was billed
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Lot# X0025, s/n WDDAJ76F7M000915
Condition 1
Sold at $320,000
Motleys, Richmond, VA, 3/20/2007
SCM# 44730
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Lot# 4596334461, s/n
WDDAJ76F15M000424
Condition 1
Sold at $395,000
eBay Motors, 12/1/2005
SCM# 40000
Sports Car Market
as “the fastest automatic transmission car in the world.”
Still, the SLR is an impressive showcase of technology that
highlights the prodigious abilities of the McLaren group, which
is 40% owned by Mercedes-Benz. With 616 hp, their quoted performance figures are totally credible (in fact, the BBC television
program “Top Gear” bettered the factory claims). Able to run with
all of the usual automotive overkill suspects except the Bugatti
Veyron, it’s difficult to imagine that this isn’t enough swagger for
anyone.
However, it appears this SLR was just a passing fancy for
owner #1, who put 4,500 miles on the car before putting his new
toy away two years ago. And while cosmetically, the car was reported to be in excellent order, one has to wonder what effects the
two-year storage had on it and how carefully it was stored.
Knowing that the half-life of modern gasoline is shorter than
the attention span of an ADHD third-grader, and knowing that
the injection system probably has components in it that cost as
much as a new C-Class may have put some potential bidders
off. At least the carbon fiber brake rotors didn’t rust during the
car’s prolonged layup.
At about $10,000 below the auction company’s low estimate
and a titanic $145,000 below the 2005 list price, those 4,500 miles were dear indeed. It
all goes to illustrate the folly of short-term ownership of a modern supercar. Publisher
Martin and SCM have stressed time and time again in these pages the fallacy of “instant collectibility.” Nearly every new supercar has its day in the sun until the next
“must have” supercar/fashion accessory comes out. At which point the former flavor
of the month begins the inevitable resale power dive.
Only the McLaren F1 breaks the rule
About the only exception that comes to mind is another product of McLaren’s creativity, the McLaren F1. Alone among recent supercars, the F1 was an uncompromising, weapons-grade sports car. And with a 6-speed conventional manual transmission
October 2008
only, it would never become a fashion accessory adopted
by poseurs and professional athletes. The fact that it is
still the fastest naturally aspirated car on the planet,
and that just over 60 street cars were built, assures that
you will likely never see a disappointing auction result
for an F1.
But in the case of the SLR, it will be a long time, if
ever, before it is worth anywhere near its original list
price. With over 3,000 copies planned, the SLR is anything but rare. I’d say well sold, despite the beating. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
41
Porsche Gespräch Jim Schrager
Fast Times at Collector High
The market has doubled and in some cases doubled again, and when this
happens, a readjustment is on the way
Y
Porsche Gespräch / Jim Schrager
ou can see it in the classified ads: This is a wild
time. I can remember
issues of Hemmings that
didn’t have a single 356 Speedster
for sale, yet today, several appear.
I have never seen so many Carrera
RS and open 356 cars for sale in
the European press. Sale records
are frequently set with each new
auction report. Recently, I was
able to buy a few cars out of longterm collections that I’d had my
eye on for years (a Carrera RS, a
356B Roadster, and a 356 Pre-A
Speedster, each among the hottest
Porsche merchandise); cars you’d
Carrera RS, a hot commodity
never imagine wealthy and knowledgeable collectors would part
with. But they figure they’ve had their fun, and it’s time to turn their cars into money.
We have loads of cars changing hands, yet I get more email and phone calls from
dejected buyers than ever before. Who benefits from this type of market? Do you have
the credentials to wade into the firefight or should you wait for things to quiet down?
The two types of unhappy buyers I hear from are on opposite sides of the experience gradient. Newbies, primed and ready to buy their first vintage Porsche, are
frightened by prices and worried about the detrimental effect their lack of knowledge
may cause. They should be. On the other hand, experienced players used to finding
cars cheap complain that it’s too hard to do today. They are right.
It takes guts and knowledge to buy today
Buying cars in today’s wild market takes guts and knowledge. The market has
doubled and in some cases doubled again, and history tells us that when this happens,
a readjustment—and occasionally a severe one—is on the way.
My favorite personal story to drive this home revolves around an absolutely gorgeous Ferrari 275 GTB short nose in Fly Yellow with black leather. It was mid-1989, I
was flush from an initial public offering we engineered in Tokyo, and I wanted something tangible to enjoy for my years of trans-Pacific travel and travail.
The car was at a local (San Francisco Bay area) exotic car dealer. I would visit
regularly and just stand there and stare at it, without moving a muscle, and let it take
me away to another world. The dealer was one of the best independent vintage car
shops around. He knew great cars, and this was one of them. The price had moved in
the last few years from about $150,000 to $650,000 and was “on its way to a million.”
I had no reason to doubt that.
Although the idea of ever-increasing value for the 275 GTB was a pleasant one, that
was not my motivation. The last thing I wanted to do was to think about selling. To
me, this wasn’t just a car, it was a symbol of accomplishment—Ferrari’s as well as my
own—and proof to the world (and to myself) that I had arrived, right along with the
Ferrari. Why would I want to part with my success totem? The thought never entered
my head of the money I would make, because you can only make money with a car (or
a house, or a painting) if you sell it.
How much could it matter if the Japanese stopped buying?
Rather, I was concerned with other possibilities. I had no particular foresight of
the crash in the Japanese stock market that would hit in early 1990, nor the way that
faraway changes in fortune would impose such chaos on collector cars worlds away.
The Japanese weren’t the only people buying vintage cars; how much could it matter
if they stopped?
I did know that other “bubbles” causing large run-ups in prices were caused by easy
42
access to capital. The Japanese had
the ability to borrow at very low interest rates, and when that stopped,
so did their purchases. As leaders
of the market, when they stopped
buying, the market changed drastically.
Within a few years into the early
1990s, I could have bought all the
275 GTBs I wanted for $150,000.
It has taken about 15 years for the
275 GTB market to retrace its steps
to the level of 1989, so in a simple
way, you can reason that the patient
car investor can always recover. But
a closer look skewers that analysis.
Put $650,000 in bonds instead
of the GTB and manage a return
of about 6%, and you’ll have about
$1.5 million 15 years later. Had I bought the GTB, I
would have been seriously negative in real value for
all of the 15 years. But the critical question isn’t price;
it’s one of liquidity. Would I have kept my GTB long
enough? How long can you live with tangible proof of
a mistake of such grand proportions before you want
it permanently removed from your life? Yet once you
do that, all hope of regaining lost ground drives out the
door with it.
Although the original idea of the 275 GTB had
nothing to do with making money, losing 75% of the
value—for 15 years—tends to take away the fun.
Tough time to buy, great time to sell
This is a tough time to buy a vintage Porsche, but it
is an easy and wonderful time to sell one. The winners
in this market are those folks who—like the long-term
collectors who sold me the Roadster, Speedster, and
Carrera RS—want to take some chips off the table.
Dealers are also winners in a market like this. If you
can’t make a great living in these times, you need to turn
in your dealer’s license and find something else to do.
The market is the market. You can ignore it, but you
can’t fight it. So if these prices don’t appeal to you, don’t
feel that everyone else is crazy and all these prices are
lunacy. Just sit this one out and wait for better days.
I’m not the only one who can feel it, and that’s why
we have so many cars streaming onto the market. Word
is out, cars are hot, and even owners located in the most
obscure and isolated locations have heard the siren call.
Yet opportunity awaits the buyer willing to risk that
even when paying today’s record prices, a still higher
price awaits.
How long will this powerful upswing in prices continue? That is the great question, and a careful reading
of history reveals the answer: One rarely knows. My
closing advice? Never gamble with more than you can
afford to lose. And don’t be greedy—you don’t want to
be the one holding the parcel when the music stops. ♦
Sports Car Market
American Profile
1953 Chrisman Bonneville Coupe
While this car was created to race, it combines a high level of technical
competence in construction with the highest standard of finish
by Jay Fitzhugh
Details
RM Auctions
Year produced: 1953
Number produced: 1
Original list price: n/a
SCM Valuation: $660,000
Tune-up cost: $500–$1,000
Magneto: $85 approx.
Chassis #: n/a
Engine #: Block top at front
Club: Southern California Timing
Association
More: www.scta-bni.org
Alternatives: So-Cal Coupe,
Pierson Brothers Coupe
SCM Investment Grade: A
Comps
H
ot rodders Art and Lloyd Chrisman were early
and successful pioneers of drag racing with
their famous #25 dragster, which was the first
to achieve trap speeds of 140 mph and 180 mph
in the quarter-mile.
Early experience gained on the dry lakebeds of
Southern California in a 140 mph 1934 Ford coupe led to
the 1930 Ford-based car offered here, which set records
in three divisions of the Competition Coupe class at
Bonneville.
Hailed as “The Most Fantastic Coupe” on the cover of
the February 1954 issue of Hot Rod magazine, Art and
Lloyd Chrisman’s Model A Competition Coupe featured
innovative design and construction. It was purpose-built
for top-speed competition on the Bonneville Salt Flats,
across several Southern California Timing Association
(SCTA) divisions.
While outwardly resembling a radically chopped 1930
Ford Model A Coupe, the Chrisman brothers placed the
engine, transmission, and rear end assembly in the midrear position as a single modular unit, allowing quick and
easy removal and replacement.
The straight front axle and leaf-spring suspension
were liberated from a 1938 Ford, while the rear axle
housing was bolted directly to the frame. The 1940 Ford
rear end featured a Halibrand “quick change,” which allowed a multitude of final-drive ratios. Drum brakes were
included only on the rear wheels.
The body was drastically altered to provide a smaller
frontal area, thereby decreasing aerodynamic drag. A
1940 Ford sedan provided the steel roof and the steep
windshield was achieved by grafting the cowl and A-pillar from a 1935 Ford. The unique, streamlined nose cone
44
resulted from two hoods being combined, one on top of
the other.
The coupe was first campaigned during the 1953
Bonneville Speed Week; the team came with three heavily modified Ford flathead engines and made a one-way
run of 163.63 mph.
The Chrisman brothers returned in 1954, armed with
new Chrysler Hemi engines. A 243-ci Dodge engine was
reserved for Class B competition, while a 276-ci DeSoto
engine was reserved for Class C. The brothers broke both
records, reaching 180.87 mph in Class B and 180.08 mph
in Class C.
Returning in 1955 with a larger 331-ci Chrysler engine
for a new attempt at the Class D record, Art Chrisman
qualified the coupe at over 190 mph, with a 5% dose of
nitro, and set the record at 196 mph. Hoping to reach the
coveted 200 mph mark, the brothers contemplated an increase to 20% nitro; however, their friend John Donaldson
died at the wheel of the Reed Brothers “belly tank racer,”
and the Chrismans retired to refocus on drag racing.
The coupe was bought by George Barris, the “King of
the Kustomizers,” in the early 1960s and traveled the auto
show circuit for a number of years until Art Chrisman
was hired to return the car to its record-setting glory. Joe
MacPherson purchased the coupe in 1995 and placed it
on display at Joe’s Garage, where it has remained ever
since.
SCM Analysis This car sold for $660,000 at RM’s
sale of the MacPherson Collection at
Joe’s Garage in Tustin, California, on June 14, 2008.
The Bonneville Salt Flats became an annually sanctioned racing venue by the Southern California Timing
1932 Ford Hi-Boy Khougaz
Lot# 241, s/n 1815543
Condition 1Sold at $385,000
RM, Monterey, CA, 8/17/2007
SCM# 46256
1934 Ford Model 40 Speedster
Lot# 252, s/n FLA15512
Condition 4+
Sold at $1,760,000
RM, Amelia Island, FL, 3/8/2008
SCM# 116083
1951 Tom Beatty Belly Tank Lakester
Lot 28, s/n n/a
Condition 4
Sold at $440,000
Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/18/2007
SCM# 46531
Sports Car Market
Association (SCTA) in 1949. The Chrisman coupe first appeared on the salt in 1953, at a
time when a number of undercurrent themes were swirling beneath amateur sanctioned
racing.
There was an intense rivalry between organized clubs. A scoring point system accrued both individually, and also by club affiliation, and annual standings dictated entry
numbers the following year. Historically, only open cars had been allowed to compete
in SCTA sanctioned events before and after the war, which spawned alternative racing
clubs and associations for the “lowly” coupe or sedan racer—most notably the Russetta
Timing Association.
Disbelief that a coupe could outperform a roadster
As records were being set and reported in the emerging media now covering the
various sanctioned races (Hot Rod magazine being the most prominent starting in
1948), there was disbelief from many that a coupe could provide a challenge to, let
alone outperform, a roadster. This added to the emotional intensity when coupes were
invited to participate at SCTA events, such as the earliest Bonneville events starting
in 1949. Ironically, the Competition Coupe image, with radically chopped roof, sloped
windshield, and mail-slot side and rear windows, now embodies the sport.
Aside from club affiliation and open versus closed car rivalries, another element
in the timing of the Chrisman coupe is that it straddled the fence as engine technology
was evolving. It first attempted to earn its stripes with L-head flathead Fords emerging
during the last production year of Henry’s beloved flathead V8. But change was in the
wind, as the Flatheads Forever camp was being forced to re-evaluate.
The magazines pronounced the shift “Flatheads Battle Rocker-Arms for All Out
Supremacy.” In 1953, the Chrismans raced not only with very large displacement
flathead Ford motors running Sharp equipment, but also with a Ford utilizing an overhead-valve conversion that provided a hemispherical combustion chamber. This was
the Ardun flathead Ford conversion that had migrated from New York to England for
the Allard sports and racing cars.
Results speak for themselves, as the Ardun-equipped Ford captured the Class B
record (class lettering related to engine displacement size). For the following two years,
the coupe appeared with an array of Mopar Hemi motors, competing in B, C, and D
Classes, and it was successful in gaining a record in each year.
The placement of the car within the evolving years of the sport, as well as records in
three successive years, provide an interesting backdrop to the Chrisman coupe and its
value. The immediately distinguishable look of the car, however, coupled with its Hot
Rod magazine cover feature, solidify its place at this crossroads in land speed racing.
Dramatic change from the 1933–34 coupe
Much of this unique look is based upon the Chrisman deviation from the more-oftenused 1933–34 Ford coupe as the platform for a competition coupe racer.
The dramatic lean of the A-pillar was
done to satisfy rules that specified
windshield height, but not angle. The
Model A body was both smaller and
squarer than the later Ford. Forward
streamlining utilized two 1940 Ford
Deluxe hoods, a simple but effective alternative to an aluminum hand-crafted
nose section used by most.
Appearance was a large aspect of
the competitive posture between clubs
and even within the ranks of club members. And while this was a car created
to race, aside from the high level of
technical competence in construction,
it also exhibited the highest standard
of finish.
In 2001, Pebble Beach invited racing coupes to the lawn. The Chrisman
coupe was an invited guest and took
third, behind the So-Cal and Pierson
Brothers coupes, which are both the
more commonly used 1933–34 Fords.
The short three-year racing history
of the Chrisman car possibly hurt its
Pebble Beach presentation, as the
October 2008
class-award winners boasted decades of racing and
records under multiple owners.
George Barris Hollywood makeover
There is also a show pony side to this thoroughbred
that cannot be ignored. TV viewers old enough to remember “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis” may recognize
the Chrisman coupe as the flashy XMSC-210 from this
popular TV series.
George Barris bought the coupe from the Chrismans
in the late 1950s and gave it a typical Hollywood
makeover, which included shiny pearl paint and trim,
a chromed engine, gullwing upper doors (to facilitate
filming) along with oversized wheel pontoons that trailed
the thin-spoked front wheels. While all relationship to the
glitzy screen and car show parade vehicle has been removed, this is one of only a handful of hot rods to make a
primetime appearance appealing to the youth of the day.
That has to be a factor in the value.
Collectors and museums are also chasing authentic
land speed racing cars. This is the fourth land speed racing vehicle I am aware of that has changed hands over
the last few years. After the win at Pebble Beach in 2001,
the So-Cal coupe was privately sold. While the price is
unpublished, it is believed to have exceeded $250,000.
Last year, the unrestored Tom Beatty Belly Tank Lakester
(built from a WWII aircraft external gas tank) was sold
at the Gooding Pebble Beach auction for $440,000. At
the same time, over at RM, the Jim Khougaz 1932 roadster, which was a documented lakes racing car, went for
$385,000.
Bonneville is just a cool part of our automotive past
and present; note the recent Tommy Hilfiger commercial
shot with three authentic-appearing bellytank racers.
For this car, the multiple Chrisman pedigrees and the
racing era it represents are a powerful combination that
is reflected in the strong price, which exceeded the preauction estimates. Not bad for a Ford coupe with a big
dose of Yankee ingenuity. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM.)
45
Race Car Profile
1965 McLaren-Elva M1A “Cro-Sal Special”
We dropped Indy racer Mauricio Gugelmin into a big-block M8. When he
came in, his eyes were like saucers, but Lord, he had a grin on his face
Photos: Bonhams & Butterfields
by Thor Thorson
Details
Year produced: 1965
Number produced: 24
Original list price: $12,000
SCM Valuation: $200,000–$300,000
Cost per hour to race: $1,250
Chassis #: Brass plate on firewall
Engine #: Varies
Club: Historic Can Am Association
More: www.historiccanam.com
Alternatives: 1966 McLaren M1B,
1965 Lola T70,
1965 Lotus 40
SCM Investment Grade: B
Comps
1965 McLaren M1A
Lot# 218, s/n 2010
Condition 2+
Sold at $243,840
Bonhams, Chichester, UK, 9/1/2006
SCM# 43002
Chassis number: 2006
T
he Elva-built McLarens, called M1A to distinguish
them from the original McLaren prototype, were
campaigned by some of the most famous and successful drivers and teams with a variety of powerplants. Their characteristics reflect the McLaren team’s
emphasis on simple, straightforward design and rugged
construction, traits which had been inculcated into them
from years with Cooper.
The frame was based on three main tubes incorporating a multi-tubular space frame structure and stressed
sheet floor and bulkhead panels. The suspension was independent all around with very widely spaced pickups for
the front upper wishbones, the rear element running almost to the cowl. The rear had reversed lower wishbones,
single upper links and parallel radius rods. Springing was
by coil springs and tubular shocks.
The body was designed by Tony Hilder with a pointed
46
nose split into two nostrils to take in the air for the radiator,
which exhausted out the top of the nose directly in front
of the very long, shallow, complexly curved windscreen.
The nose also had air intakes to cool the front brakes;
intakes in the front of each rear fender did the same for
the rear brakes. The McLaren-Elva M1A was designed
to accept a variety of powerplants, although the TracoOldsmobile was the preferred source of motive power. A
Hewland transaxle was used. In all, it is believed that 24
McLaren-Elva M1As were built.
SCM Analysis This car sold for $249,000 at the
Bonhams & Butterfields sale in
Greenwich, Connecticut, on June 8, 2008.
Any vintage racer who hasn’t had a chance to drive a
mid-engined V8-powered sports racer—particularly one
that fits into the Can-Am category—owes it to himself to
1967 McLaren M1C
Lot# 231, s/n 4012
Condition 2+
Not sold at $180,975
Bonhams, Chichester, UK, 9/1/2006
SCM# 43012
1963 Lola-Chevrolet
Lot# 211, s/n LGT2
Condition 2
Sold at $694,373
Bonhams, Chichester, UK, 9/1/2006
SCM# 42997
Sports Car Market
the increasing chassis loads were showing the shortcomings of the M1A. By mid-season the McLaren team had
nicknamed the M1A the “FlexiPower” and was working
hard on a much stiffer, stronger chassis adapted to the
changing realities—the M1B. It arrived in September.
There were other visual changes going on as well. The
M1A had been designed to meet the then-prevailing FIA
Appendix C regulations, which had been written years
earlier to maintain the illusion that the racers were in fact
road-going sports cars. The distinctive bulbous windscreen on the M1A is in fact to provide a place to mount
the required spare tire. By mid-1965, the new Group 7
unlimited sports racing car rules had been agreed to, so
road niceties were abandoned and the distinctive Can-Am
shape began to appear in the M1B—wide and muscular
rather than small and curvy.
By 1966, most M1As had gotten fender flares for wider
wheels, bigger engines, and stronger transaxles, and they
had sprouted various aerodynamic appendages in an attempt to stay competitive, but their time was past. The
M1B managed to stay around in a spear-carrier role for
a few more years, but the Can-Am front runners quickly
evolved into fire-breathing monocoque chassis with fuelinjected big blocks and huge, wide tires.
do at least a few laps, if only to understand the visceral rush. The power delivery is
so instant and brutal that it feels like you’re strapped inside some kind of projectile. I
remember a few years ago when we dropped Mauricio Gugelmin into a big-block M8.
Though a very successful Champ and Indy Car racer, he had never experienced CanAm horsepower. When he came in after the first set of laps, his eyes were like saucers,
but he had a grin on his face. My, did he have a grin.
1964 was a year of radical change
Though the idea of mid-engined V8 sports racers had developed a number of years
earlier, the true beginnings of what was to become the Can-Am racers arrived with
the McLaren M1A and the Lola T70, both of which debuted at the London Racing Car
Show in January 1965. Earlier cars like the Cooper/Shelby King Cobra and the Lotus
19/Buick had been designed for 2.5-liter engines and the tall, skinny tires of the early
’60s. By 1964, they were past their time. The year 1964 was a time of radical change
in car racing; it was also the beginning of a period of intense evolution because both
Goodyear and Firestone had figured out how to build wide, low-profile racing tires.
The racing car world would never be the same. In 1964, the biggest Dunlop racing
tire went on a nine-inch-wide rim and had eight inches of tread. The M1A was delivered
with eight-inch front and ten-inch rear wheels. By late 1965, twelve-inch-wide wheels
took tires with twelve inches of tread, and by the end of the decade, 20-inch-wide tires
were in use. The impact this had on chassis design, the ability to get power to the ground,
and thus the importance of cubic inches, was phenomenal.
The McLaren M1A and the Lola T70 were the first commercially available sports
racers that had been designed to utilize V8 engines and the new tire technology, but they
took different paths. While Lola used a relatively heavy monocoque chassis intended
to carry iron-block Chevy or Ford engines and heavy transaxles, McLaren went to a
smaller, lighter, tube-frame approach designed to use the Oldsmobile with a lighter
Hewland transaxle.
From 1961 through 1963, GM had produced an aluminum-block V8 generally called
the BOP 215. Though originally a 3.5-liter, it could be stretched to 4.5 liters and had
the advantage of being almost 100 lb lighter than a small-block Chevy. Oldsmobile’s
variant on the engine used a six-bolt head stud arrangement (vs. Buick and Pontiac’s
five-stud), which allowed the tuners to get more horsepower. If you’ve ever wondered
why so many early V8 racers were Oldsmobile powered, that’s the reason. It
was the aluminum V8, not your father’s Oldsmobile.
Both cursed and blessed by its timing
From a vintage racing standpoint, the M1A is both
cursed and blessed by the timing of its moments of glory,
and it’s the reverse of what you might expect. The M1A
was designed specifically for the American market, but
there’s almost no place for it in American vintage racing.
This is because in the U.S., we tend to grid cars by type,
and as a wide-tired V8, the M1A will almost inevitably
be sent out with later Can-Am cars that are wildly faster
than it is.
There are seldom enough early cars for their own grid,
so you’re stuck being a rolling chicane in the Can-Am circus, which is not fun at all. In Europe, it’s different. The
FIA system is strictly by construction date, and the break
happens to be 1965. This means that the M1A, M1B, and
a few early Lola T70s get to run in pre-1965 grids against
Lotus 23s and the like. In those grids, the McLarens are
king of the hill and thus highly desirable. As a result, the
European market is what drives the 1965 McLarens, and
$250,000 to $280,000 seems to be what they go for these
days, with the B at the top of the range and the A at the
bottom. Tellingly, the M1C (an evolution of the B) came
along in 1966 and is thus worth roughly half of the 1965
cars’ value, due to its lack of eligibility.
The Cro-Sal special looks to me like it was restored
as a display or museum car rather than a serious racer
(though historically correct, those exhaust stacks cost
probably 60 horsepower over headers), and it may well
have sold into a domestic collection instead of the international market, but the Europeans still set the value. I’d
say correctly priced. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams &
Butterfields.)
Bigger tires showed the M1A’s shortcomings
In the beginning, McLaren’s light and nimble approach worked very well; if you don’t have enough
tire to get horsepower to the ground, you’re better
off not carrying the weight of a big motor. It was not
to last, however. Starting in 1965, fatter, stickier
tires were being developed almost by the month, and
October 2008
47
Market Reports Overview
Five Summer Sales Total $32m
Single-marque sales and collections again brought the big numbers, while
more generalized sales saw solid results
by Jim Pickering
T
he early and mid-summer months
$1,064,399
have again seen some stable results
$1,725,535
within the collector car market, with
$11,925,431
Sales Totals
many sales seeing final numbers
Mecum, St. Charles, IL
either matching or exceeding those set in
2007. However, as the top of the market
Bonhams, Northamptonshire, UK
remains relatively solid, with good cars
$8,745,629
still seeing increases, the lower levels
MidAmerica, Blaine, MN
have continued to cool, with mid-market
cars leveling off in price in many locaBonhams, Chichester, UK
tions worldwide.
Bonhams’s $4.4m result for a 1955
RM, Tustin, CA
Jaguar D-type was big news at the
company’s annual Goodwood Festival of
$8,422,150
Speed auction in July, setting a new auction record for a Jaguar. SCM Auction
totaling an additional $1.5m, and as was the case at the
Analyst Paul Hardiman found that even though the $11.9m realized here matched the
final total from 2007, the final sales rate dropped from 73% to 60%, and while that final Fritz Ehn bike sale, he found that many of the lots on offer
easily exceeded their pre-sale expectations—a result due
percentage is still commendable, it has become more difficult to achieve in this uneasy
mainly to the rarity and excellent condition of the cars in
market.
the collection.
Just a few weeks prior, at Kelmarsh Hall, Hardiman made his way to Bonhams’s anMecum’s Bloomington Gold Corvette auction renual Rolls-Royce sale held in conjunction with the annual RREC rally. Here he noted a
relatively wide-ranging group of bidders from around the globe, and final sales increased turned to Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois,
in late June, and analysts Dan Grunwald and Thomas
to $1.7m for 85% sold from last year’s $1.4m for 82% sold. In general, sale prices here
Glatch were present to see final totals grow from the
were right in the middle of pre-sale estimates, which reflected the same stability seen at
$8.3m realized in 2007 to $8.7m at this year’s event. As
other single-marque sales earlier in the year.
has been the case in other recent auctions across the U.S.,
Senior Auction Analyst B. Mitchell Carlson took a trip to Blaine, Minnesota, for the
22nd annual MidAmerica Spring Twin Cities Classic Car Auction in May, where 58 of mid-range cars here were a bit flat, but there was still
133 lots traded at a final total of just over $1m—a substantial increase from the $680k plenty of money available for rare and high-quality cars,
from 54 cars achieved here in 2007. The high sale went to a 1970 Mustang Boss 429 at as evidenced by the $550k high sale of a restored 1971
Corvette ZR2 convertible.
$207k, but this was still an excellent place to find an inexpensive driver, as the majority
Finally, if you’re not intimidated by a few scratches, a
of the lots on offer brought under $20k each.
RM Auctions held its Joe’s Garage sale in Tustin, California, on June 14, and analyst couple of dents, and a bit of terminal rust, Geoff Archer’s
report on recent eBay Motors activity should have just the
Rick Feibusch was there to cover the late Joe MacPherson’s collection as it crossed the
project car for you. ♦
auction block. Feibusch noted a final automotive sales result of $8.4m, with motorcycles
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
48
Top10 Sales This Issue
Best Buys
(Land Auctions Only)
1. 1955 Jaguar D-type roadster,
$4,378,343—Bon Chi, p. 52
2. 1923 Miller 122 Supercharged racer,
$2,035,000—RM, p. 84
3. 1930 Invicta S-type 4-seat tourer,
$834,302—Bon Chi, p. 52
4. 1934 ERA A-type Prototype racer,
$713,979—Bon Chi, p. 52
5. 1953 Chrisman Bonneville Salt Flat coupe, $660,000—RM, p. 86
6. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 convertible, $550,000—Mec, p. 94
7. 1966 Gurney Eagle AAR Indy racer, $528,000—RM, p. 88
8. 1960 Watson Indy racer, $495,000—RM, p. 88
9. 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S Series II coupe, $484,273—Bon Chi, p. 58
10. 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC/S spyder conversion, $375,115—Bon Chi, p. 58
1. 1934 ERA A-type Prototype racer,
$713,979—Bon Chi, p. 52
2. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback,
$206,700—MidAm, p. 68
3. 1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp Sedanca de
Ville, $54,234—Bon Nor, p. 92
4. 1992 Chevrolet Corvette Lingenfelter ZR-1
coupe, $24,675—Mec, p. 96
5. 1976 Cadillac Seville Custom sedan,
$8,250—RM, p. 88
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Chichester, UK
Goodwood Festival of Speed
A scruffy but important D-type Jaguar made $4.4m as Bonhams pedaled
hard to realize a 61% sale rate
Company
Bonhams
Date
July 11, 2008
Location
Chichester, Sussex, England
Auctioneer
James Knight
Automotive lots sold / offered
61/100
Sales rate
61%
Sales total
$11,925,431
High sale
1955 Jaguar D-type XKD 509,
sold at $4,378,343
XKD509, world-record auction price at $4,378,343
Report and photographs by Paul Hardiman
Market opinions in italics
Buyer’s premium
15% on first $59,664 and
10% thereafter, included in
sold prices
($1.00 = £1.99)
A
its own right,” commented Bonhams auction specialist and SCMer Richard Hudsonpacked marquee, accessible
Evans, confirming that both the ERA and the D-type are staying in the U.K.
only through the grandeur of
Other highlights included a 1930 Invicta S-type “low chassis” that had been in
Goodwood House, anticipated
Australia most of its life and which sold for $834,302, and a very sharp Maserati
the sale of the first production
3500 GT with coupe body by Touring that fetched a remarkable $171,435 against an
Jaguar D-type, XKD509. James Knight
estimate of $80,000 to 100,000. An Aston Martin Virage at $38,881 made for a
dropped the hammer on a round $4 million
cheap deal. Notable no-sales included a super ’68 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada that
winning bid from an English collector in the
failed to reach its $400,000 lower estimate, while a ’66 Shelby GT 350 came up
room, after bidding had risen rapidly to $3.9
about $20,000 short of its $155,000 reserve.
million and then trickled the last $100,000.
A couple of interesting rally cars—an original Austin 1800 “Landcrab”
The $4,378,343 paid, including premium,
and a Safari-prepared Datsun 240Z—remained with their original ownwas a world record for any Jaguar sold at aucers. The Lamborghini LM002 in the catalog did not actually reach
tion, and a double jump on the price of the last
Chichester, UK
Goodwood, having been sold for
D-type under the hammer, XKD553, which
$80,000—more than its reserve—
went for $2,097,000 at Carmel in 2006, sold
before the sale but legally forming
by Bonhams & Butterfields.
Sales Totals
part of the results.
That brought the sale total to more than
$12m
Bonhams had obviously been working hard
$12 million on the day if you add the automobilia, which
2008
to convert a few provisionals into actual sales
2007
included a complete Bugatti Type 35 body and a BRM
$10m
2006
in the hours and days after the auction, and to
factory sign.
2005
its
credit
achieved
a
commendable
sale
rate.
2004
Though half the crowd melted away after the ham$8m
But this pattern is the norm now. The days of
mer dropped on the D-type, another bidder in the room
easy sales were over quite some time ago and
eventually secured the ERA A-type prototype R1A
$6m
pedaling hard to get the money is expected,
for $713,979, including premium—rather lower than
starting
with
marketing
the
cars
months
before
expected since serious competition was anticipated for
$4m
the sale through appearances at shows and the
such a rare car being sold at no reserve.
press,
a
business
at
which
Bonhams
excels.
R1A has almost unbroken racing history, and its il$2m
Though everyone’s putting a brave face on it,
lustrious list of drivers includes Raymond Mays, Richard
the
market,
right
across
the
board,
is
feeling
the
Seaman, Kay Petre, Reg Parnell, and Ron Flockhart.
pinch. ♦
“It’s one of the few historic racers that is collectible in
50
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Chichester, UK
1959. Wears DB Mk III hood. Bumper overriders and original seats included in the sale.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $248,003. Aston Martins
have been big news within the market of late,
and this overall clean example was a good deal
for both parties at $30k over the $218k high
estimate.
ENGLISH
TOP 10 #539-1930 INVICTA S-TYPE 4-Seat
No. 3 tourer. S/N S24. Eng. # 7392. Green
& aluminum/black/gray leather. RHD.
Odo: 7,693 miles. Coachwork by Vanden Plas.
The third S-type built, known as “Scimitar” and
restored in 1993. Straight panels, a few chips in
paint, various scratches in polished aluminum
hood, other original aluminum body parts pitted. Chrome fixtures and fittings mostly good,
seats and mats nicely worn in. Underside clean
and showing no big leaks. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $834,302. Right on the top estimate, but
there’s still a 5% import tax to pay. In Australia
since the ’30s, this failed to sell at Shannons
Melbourne sale in March ’07 for $751,280
with 7,520 miles on the clock (SCM# 44717),
but it had more luck here. Low-chassis Invictas
are fast and attractive, with 68 of the 77 built
surviving, and this was rightfully a similar
price to a 4½-Liter Bentley.
#560-1934 ERA A-TYPE
Prototype racer. S/N R1A.
No. 4
Green/aluminum. The exRaymond Mays, John Heath, Reg Parnell,
Ron Flockhart, Bill Moss, Tony Merrick (who
restored it back to its original form) and latterly Dean Butler ERA prototype. Massive
history, including ERA’s first long-distance
race win in 1934, and “on the scene” ever
of and competitive with ERAs. Continually
improved over the years, driven among others
by Roy Salvadori. In well-used condition but
mechanically up to scratch, having had a recent
rebuild. Six Amal carbs fitted. Has appeared at
the Goodwood Revival. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$191,124. This price was a little behind the low
estimate of $198k. Compares well with an ERA,
but at less than a third of the price.
TOP 10 #523-1955 JAGUAR D-TYPE roadNo. 1 ster. S/N XKD509. Eng. # E20159.
Black/green leather. RHD. Odo: 6,515
miles. Possibly the most “unmolested” D left,
although it’s got some stories to tell. Original
motor, numbers matching (though they didn’t
always, as the motor was in the wrong car for a
while). Been loved, raced, burnt, crashed, and
rebuilt. Paint flaking off, leather almost worn
TOP 10
since. Now with double rear dampers and 1500
engine. Beautifully maintained by various U.K.
specialists but not overdone. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $713,979. Sold after quite muted bidding,
and strangely low given an estimate of $1m.
But this car was being sold with no reserve
price into a very niche market. For this rare
chance to buy an ERA “cheaply,” you might
have expected competition to have been fiercer.
Well bought.
#568-1935 RILEY “DOBBS SPECIAL”
2-Liter offset racer. S/N N/A. Eng. # 152777.
White & red/black leather. RHD. Well known
sprint and hillclimb special based on a Sprite
chassis with MPH axles and brakes, forerunner
52
out. Mechanically up to scratch, motor and
gearbox rebuilt four years and probably less
than 200 miles ago. It’s “just right” and needs
to be driven some more. Please, nobody restore
it. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $4,378,343. This was a
new world record auction price from a buyer in
the room after telephone bidding rose quickly
to $3.8m and then stalled at $3.9m—not the
“frantic” escapade Yahoo! news feeds would
have you believe. Punters said they expected
nearly $5m, but this seemed about right. Well
done all around for a very important car. See
the profile, p. 34.
#598-1955 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4
drophead coupe. S/N LML1956. Eng. #
VN6J412. Metallic blue/blue cloth/red leather.
RHD. Very good restored condition, with bills
for $80k in work completed from 2003-2005.
Leather looks new and tidy, engine changed in
#518-1959 AC ACE Bristol roadster. S/N
BE1059. Eng. # 100D2948. Black/red leather.
RHD. Odo: 45,276 miles. Well-loved and
lived-in Ace in the most desirable Bristol motor
and overdrive combination. Some creases and
wrinkles to older restoration, including several
bubbles near rear arches and a couple of parking dings. Seats show a nice patina. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $210,813. Aces have been climbing
strongly in recent years, and this sale takes
them past the $200k mark. Market correct, although making it pristine (a poor idea) would
likely swallow up to another $100k.
#550-1963 ASTON MARTIN DB5
Vantage-Spec coupe. S/N DB51313R. Eng. #
4001271. Dark green/black leather. RHD. Odo:
7,268 miles. Very straight and shiny following
extensive restoration in 2001 with all parts renewed. Nice paint, excellent panel gaps. Motor
rebuilt as unleaded-compatible 4.2. Stiffer
Eibach springs, full service history. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $287,382. This price was about right
for current DB5 values, but it includes the cost
of the big restoration. These cars cost $300k
to do properly, so although it was on estimate
here, it was a relative bargain.
#547-1966 FORD CORTINA GT MkII
2-dr sedan. S/N BA96FA63580. Eng. # 6L9A.
Dark green/black vinyl. RHD. Odo: 65,627
miles. Reportedly the 28th Mk II GT produced—an early pre-crossflow export model
with reinforced body and sump guard. Some
renovation work includes new front fenders,
very good top and bottom with sharp body
and door fit. Some light scratching in paint,
chrome good. Floors excellent, strut tops perfect, replica decals fitted in tidy engine bay.
Sports Car Market
Our Cars
Bonhams Chichester, UK
1978 Porsche 911SC
Owner: Paul Duchene, Executive Editor
Purchase date: September 2007
Price: $11,000
Mileage since purchase: 1,500
Recent work: Rear brakes, cleaning wheat out of
undercarriage.
I haven’t seen a “Don’t Drive Tired” sign
since I was in England, but I opened my eyes
to find myself flying through a field of wheat
as tall as the car, at about 60 mph. Amazing, I
thought.
“Paul, what are you doing?” said my friend
Muriel as the car filled with chaff through
the open windows. Eyes now more than fully
open, I realized I had drifted to sleep while on
Oregon Highway 26, veered off the shoulder of
the road to the right (better than if I had drifted
into oncoming traffic, no doubt) and was doing
my best imitation of Steve McQueen going
cross-country in “The Great Escape.” Except,
of course, that he had been on a motorbike and
I was in a 911.
I slowed to a halt about 440 yards from
where I left the road and switched off the
engine. So much for a trip to the Oregon Coast
on a warm, sunny afternoon….
A state highway worker stopped and called
down from the road to see if we were okay.
The six-foot ditch and 15-foot bank between
us and the highway meant I wasn’t going out
that way, and a tow truck was likely to turn my
undamaged car into a damaged one. But Joe
the highway worker suggested I drive back the
way I came in, and that’s what I did, while he
stopped traffic.
Police, the tow truck driver, and the farmer
who arrived all seemed relieved. People who go
off here invariably roll the car, with dire consequences, but I had chosen the 20 yards where
there wasn’t a ditch, with my eyes closed.
The Porsche is undamaged, except for the
nose, which looks like I rubbed it all with wire
wool. The flat pan, motor, and exhaust raised at
the rear meant nothing was scraped off or bent
and I didn’t start a fire, thank the lord.
Oddly, it all happened and was resolved so
fast it didn’t disturb anybody’s equilibrium.
Muriel, who has allergies, said, “Paul, I told
you—no gluten!” And one of the cops said
dryly, “Of course the guys who made this had
quite a bit of experience crossing wheat fields,
but that was in tanks.”
It was a sobering experience, and my bit
of advice is if you feel sleepy while driving,
pull over and take your nap. Trying to grab a
few winks at 60 mph can lead to unfortunate
results. ♦
54
#503-1971 MARCOS 3-LITER coupe.
S/N 3V5943. Yellow/black vinyl. RHD. Odo:
55,232 km. Rare Volvo-powered fiberglass
coupe with steel rather than earlier plywood
chassis. In storage since 1980, one owner from
new. Lots of paint chips, corrosion to window
trim, rows of rusty bolt heads along rocker
Superb interior with extra instruments. Uprated
suspension, wider wheels, and wood-rim steering wheel. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $18,754. This
made $3,847 more than when it was last sold
by H&H at Harrogate on April 16, with 65,599
miles recorded. Its age means it’s always prey
to becoming a donor for a historic competition car, but hopefully increasing prices will
prevent that as it’s too nice. Fairly bought if
for a keeper.
#587-1967 HILLMAN IMP Group 6
saloon. S/N B412016382T. Blue/black vinyl.
RHD. Odo: 152 miles. Fair presentation of a
restored original rally car. Driven in period
by Rosemary Smith, Roy Fidler, and Andrew
Cowan. Period Halda, extra rev counter, newer
FIA belts. In good order with some surface
corrosion but no rot. Said to run well. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $38,881. A bottom-dollar entry
to the world of ex-Works rally car collecting.
Unlikely to be competitive in today’s historics,
but OK for road rallies. Well bought.
#567-1967 ASTON MARTIN DB6 coupe.
S/N DB63007R. Eng. # 4003006. RHD. Silver/
black leather. Mostly nice overall, but tiny
dings in both front fenders and bubbles in door
bottoms detract. Deep chip in hood corner,
panels serve as main body attachments. Period
Cosmic alloy wheels. Interior OK. No reason
to suggest this wouldn’t be an easy cosmetic
restoration. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $10,978.
Somebody else obviously thought this wasn’t as
bad as it looked, as it sold well at no reserve
against a low estimate of about half this price.
#596-1973 AC 428 convertible. S/N CF78.
Eng. # 1127R8KR. Silver/black cloth/black
leather. RHD. Odo: 11,604 miles. 428-ci V8, 4bbl, auto. Mileage is really 23,604, which is still
low. Clean condition, original and unrestored
with just two owners from new. Sensible mods
include big radiator, electric fan, and stainless exhaust. Oil pressure claimed good. On
peg-drive Halibrands. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$106,898. Sold after the sale, although it did
appear to sell on the auction block. This was
a great value, especially since these have been
hardening slightly.
#517-1974 FORD CAPRI RS3100 coupe.
S/N BBECND15105. Eng. # ND15105. White
& gold/black vinyl. RHD. Odo: 84,243 km.
Rare U.K.-market homologation special with
big motor and spoilers for Group 2 racing,
other paint smooth. Nice leather and carpet.
Restored by leading specialist in 2000, bought
in Switzerland in 2001, in Ireland since 2004.
No MOT. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $94,866. The
automatic transmission keeps values of these
down in the U.K, so this can be considered a
fair value. Priced about right.
Sports Car Market
Alfa Bits
Bonhams Chichester, UK
Recent Il Biscione sales on eBay
by Geoff Archer
(All English within quotes exactly as presented by sellers on eBay.)
#190231890501-1965 ALFA ROMEO GTC convertible.
S/N AR755536. Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. 24 Photos. St. Louis,
MO. “Found nesting in an elderly gentleman’s basement garage
where it has been hiding for the last 10 years. The owner was an
aircraft mechanic who took great pride in the car and had owned it
and one of only 200 built (out of a required
1,000 by the FIA...). Restored by previous
owner and like new top and bottom, including
hard-to-source interior. Correct hand-flared
front arches and unique alloy wheels. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $30,876. From the same dealer as
a mint ’65 Cortina GT at this same sale. These
are very rare on market, and when they do appear, they’re almost never this nice. Near the
low end of the $28k–$36k estimate range, and
well bought.
and soft tops. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $59,501. This
sold well ahead of its high estimate of $43,500.
A fair deal, as this is the price you pay for an
unmolested car even in a tired state.
#574-1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 220SEB
cabriolet. S/N 11102322078852. Eng. #
M12798422003851. Metallic blue/cream
cloth/cream leather. RHD. One owner until
2006, restored in 2000 and still near perfect,
having been looked after by leading specialists. Unleaded/LPG conversion, well-presented
GERMAN
over 30 years. The car comes with all original documents showing
its history, originally sold in Germany new in 1965 to an air force
captain, then imported into the USA in 1966 by the same owner.”
Not running, armrests MIA, rear bumper pitted. 22 bids, sf 1842, bf
24. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $42,600. This price would not surprise for
a #2 car, but as long as it is missing pieces and inoperable, I have
to call it worse than #3, and thus well sold.
#508-1958 MERCEDES-BENZ 220S 4-dr
sedan. S/N 18001058519771. Maroon/gray
vinyl. Odo: 34,198 km. A nice original example
of a “Ponton” sedan. Converted to four-speed
from original clutchless Hydrak system, otherwise stock. No rot, panel fit excellent. Restored
in Los Angeles in 1999, then in Hawaii.
Older paint settling in so well it looks almost
throughout. Should be ready to go another
40 years. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $50,317. Last
appeared at Bonhams’s Festival of Speed sale
in 2006, where it was recorded as a no-sale at
an undisclosed amount. Stainless steel exhaust
added since. This price was not out of order
for one of these solid barges, and it was made
more attractive by a number of new parts. Well
bought.
#170189379607-1971 ALFA ROMEO GTV 2+2 coupe.
S/N AR1532222. Orange/black vinyl. Odo: 64,500 miles. 24
Photos. Brea, CA. Restoration “took a year and labor and parts
costed close to $30k, not including the price of a relatively clean
Alfa to begin with.” Paint looks fantastic, 16-inch Panasports really
pop. “Dash, wood panels, door panels, healiners... all redone.”
ITALIAN
$6k in mechanical labor receipts, “Engine has been completely
overhaulted, rebuilt and balanced.” 34 bids, sf 10, bf 161. Cond:
2+. SOLD AT $35,100. An over-the-moon-price for an over-thetop car. It was not concours, not race, and not even a factory color...
but it had so much eyeball that it pulled at least $5k over market.
Orange you jealous?
#330253151560-1974 ALFA ROMEO GTV 2+2 coupe.
S/N AR3024873. Black/black cloth. Odo: 58,780 miles. 24 Photos.
Brooklyn, NY. #2 cond. “RESTORED IN 1995... REPAINTED, NEW
INTERIOR, NEW HEADLINER, NEW GASKETS... ALL NEW 4 BRAKE
CALIBERS, PADS AND ROTORS. NEW PERFORMANCE SPRINGS,
BRAND NEW GAS TANK WITH FUEL PUMP, NEW CLUTCH,
PANASPORT WHEELS AND NEW TIRES, NEW GRILLE. ENGINE
RUNS EXCELLENT WITH GOOD PERFORMANCE, TRANSMISSION
SHIFTS NORMAL. YOUR BUYING THIS GTV AT A REALLY
REASONABLY PRICE BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO SELL MY
COLLECTION DUE TO A BIG LOSS IN THE STOCK MARKET DAILY
TRADE.” 1 bid, sf 6, bf 6. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $13,000. eBay ID
indicates that seller is also the proprietor of an Italian bakery in
Bensonhurst. I hope the winning bidder was able to collect this
fantastic bargain before those Sicilian “investors” did. ♦
56
original. Timber dash nice and interior redone.
Factory replacement engine fitted at some
point. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $25,158. Even
though this car had spent some time in Hawaii,
there was no evident rust to be concerned with.
They don’t get much better than this solid, upto-scratch example, so this was well bought at
mid-estimate money.
#531-1952 SIATA DAINA SL Sport coupe.
S/N SL0201S. Eng. # SL0201S. Red/red &
black leather. Rare small coupe with Fiat
engine, and the only one known with this believed Boano-built body. Restored some time
before 1994, motor rebuilt in 2001. Excellent
#511-1962 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL
convertible. S/N 12104220024911. Eng. #
12192820002580. Green/green leather. RHD.
Odo: 71,056 miles. Completely original and
with one owner from new. Originally supplied
to Aden, home with owner in ’67. Body and
trim as good as you’d realistically hope from
order and sharply presented even after six Tour
Autos. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $147,370. Sold
right in mid-estimate territory. Other Daina
coupes on the market are asking between $140k
and $200k right now, so it’s safe to call this one
well bought at this price.
one-owner cherished Benz, although with
lifting and cracking paint and some corrosion.
Chrome beginning to microblister, seat trim
shows some tears. Tatty underhood with leaking master cylinder, new fuel pump fitted. Hard
#541-1958 MASERATI 3500 GT coupe.
S/N AM101512. Eng. # AM101512. Red/
brown leather. Odo: 66,884 km. Older $120k
restoration in the U.S. Really sharply presented with paint, chrome, and interior done to
concours levels, but not overdone. Leather and
carpets perfect. Upgraded with Series II front
discs at the factory when new. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $171,538. This sale price was more than
double the lower estimate of $79k, which just
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Chichester, UK
for the raw material. Perhaps all the 250 GTEs
have been used up now.
#591-1967 LAMBORGHINI 400 GT
coupe. S/N 01315. Eng. # 1567. Black/brown
leather. Odo: 72,641 km. Body very straight,
paint deep and lustrous with few small imperfections, detail good with very clean and tidy
engine bay. Interior clean and original. Motor
proves that the money’s out there for the very
best cars—and this, which has been in the U.K.
since 2000, was really nice.
#586-1965 FERRARI 250 GTO Replica
coupe. S/N 7225GT. Eng. # 209. Red/black
vinyl. RHD. Odo: 6,560 miles. More convincing
when you stand next to it than in the pictures,
this 330GT-based replica was built in England
as a copy of the only RHD 4-liter, 5-speed GTO
said to be down on compression on one pot,
and doesn’t sound the healthiest when fired up.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $177,998. Bang on bottom
estimate. Bought in California in the mid-’80s,
in the U.K. since. A good buy of a rare and
desirable car—provided the motor issues can
be resolved.
TOP 10 #579-1969 FERRARI 365 GTC/S
No. 10 spyder conversion. S/N 12249. Eng. #
12253. Red/black/black leather. RHD.
Odo: 5,577 km. Damaged GTC converted to
spyder by Ferrari specialist Graypaul Motors
between 1979 and 1983. Recent renovation
built for Le Mans. Very well executed with correct parts and specs (riveted tanks, etc), raced
since completion in 1993. Competition prep including plumbed-in fire extinguisher. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $331,135. Sold nearer the low end
of its $314k-$353k estimate range. This was a
lot of money for a bitsa, but it would probably
cost more to make it again. If viewed as a race
weapon, this was well bought.
#603-1965 FERRARI 330 GT 2+2 coupe.
S/N 5481. Silver/brown leather. RHD. Odo:
52,809 miles. A right-hand GT that’s gone to
seed, with dings in nose, microblistered paint,
and rust in door, door jamb, and sill top on left.
Dirty, tatty and neglected engine bay with air
filter lid in footwell, so I suspect it wouldn’t
58
#530-1969 FERRARI 365 GTC coupe.
S/N 12107. Eng. # 1207. Silver/blue leather.
RHD. Odo: 58,044 miles. Body straight with
good panel gaps and fine chrome, but paint a
bit gloomy. Leather beginning to crack, other
interior bits show use. Engine bay and under-
side tidy. A regular driver. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$180,185. Offered with a very wide pre-sale
estimate band of $140k–$280k, as nobody
was sure if these had jumped like other V12
Ferraris. The last GTC sale listed in the SCM
auction database was a 87,000-km left-hander
in #2 condition that fetched $209,000 at RM
Monterey in August ’07, and with that in mind,
this looked like a good buy.
TOP 10 #577-1970 LAMBORGHINI MIURA
No. 9 P400S Series II coupe. S/N 4659. Eng. #
30503. Lime green/black leather. RHD.
Odo: 46,779 miles. A well-known car, and the
500th Miura built. The first with ventilated discs
and the first U.K. RHD car. In Kuala Lumpur for
and detailing evidenced by new nuts and bolts
to exhaust. Interior looks fresh. Very sharply
presented on refurbished Borranis. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $375,115. Last seen at Coys London
sale in April ’92, where it failed to sell at
$142,300 (SCM# 12389). In good condition
overall, it was well bought nearly right on the
low estimate of $372k.
#535-1969 DE TOMASO MANGUSTA
coupe. S/N 8MA656. Eng. # C5AF6015E.
Black/black leather. Odo: 58,821 km. 289-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Very straight body and good
panel fit, but left-hand clamshell has broken
away from its hinge. Undercarriage all clean
start even though it’s claimed to have good oil
pressure and to run sweetly. Rear seat leather
split, front seats grubby, rust breaking out on
Borrani spokes. Floors OK. Cond: 4. SOLD
AT $72,989. Most likely to be reincarnated as
a GTO replica, but at more than double the presale low estimate of $29k, it looked expensive
and tidy, interior well-fitted and showing only
light use-related wear. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$99,241. This brought almost double its presale estimate of $55k, which did seem a bit
low. Maybe the auctioneers weren’t expecting
much, but this was a very attractive example.
Well sold. See the profile, p. 38.
a time, now restored and excellent throughout,
aside from strangely dinged and butchered front
crossmember. New floors, bulkheads, sill, and
doors. Some welded repairs to flip-front frame,
slightly corroded air vent bezels. Interior redone,
no leaks from engine or trans. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $484,273. Sold slightly shy of the $490k top
estimate. One of the very best but still not quite
perfect, so a fair price on the day.
#563-1972 MASERATI BORA 4.7 coupe.
S/N AM117158. Metallic blue/stainless steel/
tan leather. Odo: 48,227 km. Smaller-engined
early version, restored in the ’90s and still good,
although paint is a bit cloudy. Brushed stainless roof in good shape, some welded repairs
in wheelarches. Leather good, dash top lightly
water stained. Motor tidy, with slight oil weep
from cam covers. Spare wheel cover and jack
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Chichester, UK
straight-through exhaust, Enkei wheels, big
brakes, and carbon fiber parts. Generally good
but there’s a corrosion-led crack in the left rear
C-pillar, as well as some wear to the driver’s
seat bolster. Front damage and $50k Moto
Technique repair in 2007. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $363,950. Sold several thousand dollars
over the bottom estimate of $353k. Not the
nicest example out there, and it’s been modified
and probably well hammered—but it’s an F40
nonetheless. A decent deal for both buyer and
seller.
still in place. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $79,552.
Slap in mid-estimate territory. The Bora and its
smaller-engined sibling the Merak have always
been vaguely unfashionable, although they’re
rarer than a Ferrari Boxer and cost less than
half the price. Both parties should be happy
with this.
#512-1973 FERRARI 246 GT Dino coupe.
S/N 06092. Eng. # 06092. Red/black leather.
RHD. Odo: 54,558 miles. Still sharp following restoration in 2000 by marque specialist
Nick Cartwright. Panels flat, fit and gaps good.
Interior excellent and showing very little wear.
Plexiglas headlight covers from new. No leaks
from engine compartment, and while many
owners over recent years a bit worrying, there’s
massive history in two files. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$156,121. Last sold by Bonhams at the Festival
of Speed auction in July ’06 for $118,853 with
53,968 miles (SCM# 42331). Although up near
the top estimate of $158k, this was not a massive price for a Dino in the U.K.—especially
for one which has had all the money already
spent with a leading specialist. Well bought.
#597-1990 FERRARI F40 GTM coupe.
S/N ZFFGJ34B000085614. Eng. # 22841.
Red/red nylon. Odo: 26,340 km. Imported to
the U.K. by marque specialists in 1998, upgrade to GTM between 2001 and 2005 included
remapped computer for an additional 100 hp,
#585-1992
LANCIA
DELTA
HF
Integrale Evo 1 4-dr hatchback. S/N
ZLA831AB000568514. Eng. # 831C5046.
Burgundy metallic/black. Odo: 96,059 km.
Appears uncrashed with a few touched-in paint
chips and lightly curbed alloys. Stripped interior with roll cage and harnesses, Perspex windows. Motor chipped to overboost to 318 hp,
big brakes, suspension mods. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $14,866. Last sold at Bonhams Festival
of Speed auction in July ’02 for $13,369 with
90,455 km (SCM# 28769). Price paid was just
north of the danger area for these, but it was
$5k less than seller had hoped for. Conventional
wisdom is that you avoid chipped and modified
cars, but this looked well done, had been built
by an acknowledged expert, and would make a
great track day car. A good value.
SWISS
with a/c and Borranis. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$177,998. Another seriously undervalued car,
this one selling for three times its $59k pre-sale
low estimate. Its flattened Studie looks with
sugarscoop headlights won’t be to everyone’s
taste, but that just makes it rarer. Well bought
and sold.
AMERICAN
#515-1966 FORD MUSTANG GT350
Replica fastback. S/N 5R07C173003. Eng. #
V034085P. Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 7,837 miles.
289-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Described as a ’66 but
with a ’65-style fastback body, and according
to the quoted chassis number, the identity of a
’65 San Jose-built 289-ci 2-bbl hard top. Built
as a street/competition car with cage and strut
braces, restored between 2001-2007. Nicely
done with straight panels and good fit except
for crooked right rear corner molding. Phil Hill
and Dan Gurney signed glovebox door. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $33,163. This was cheap for any
fastback in the U.K., and it was a total bargain
for a very potent, clean package... as long as
you didn’t mind the identity issues. This should
make someone very happy, if not the seller.
#543-1969 SHELBY GT500 fastback. S/N
9F02R481021. Acapulco Blue & white/black
vinyl. Odo: 5,907 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Superbly restored and probably better than
new. Hood fit a little off, finish rough in rain
gutters, rear side window trim and door handles
#534-1970 MONTEVERDI 375/S Series
II coupe. S/N 1014. Eng. # 1014. Silver/beige
leather. Odo: 23,363 miles. Coachwork by
Fissore. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Apparently
unrestored and original, first supplied to South
Africa, then U.S. In the U.K. since 1991. Body
good and straight, paint still nice, leather
beginning to crack. Tidy engine bay. Fitted
have pinpricks in chrome. Generally nice paint
a little misty and bloomy. All details present
and correct, clean and tidy throughout. In U.K.
since 2007, mileage recorded is since restoration. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $77,364. Sold some
way behind the $90k–$100k expected pre-sale.
This is a tricky car to market in the U.K., where
Sherwood Green ’68 fastbacks on Torq-Thrusts
are common, but rarer models are a little below
the radar except to aficionados. ♦
60
Sports Car Market
MidAmerica Auctions Blaine, MN
22nd Annual Spring Twin Cities Classic
Echoing the current market, higher-quality cars were more apt to find new
owners, and lesser cars made bidders sit on their hands
Company
MidAmerica Auctions
Date
May 10, 2008
Location
Blaine, Minnesota
Auctioneer
Dave Talberg & Todd Fiskness
Automotive lots sold / offered
58/133
Sales rate
44%
Sales total
$1,064,399
High sale
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429,
sold at $206,700
Buyer’s premium
6%, included in sold prices
Fords of all stripes were well represented in Minnesota
Report and photographs by B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
I
did quite well because of those postblock sales. Had the deals died once the cars
n what almost seems to be a spring
crossed the block, the sell-through rate would have been about a third.
MidAmerica tradition, the weather
Yet the sale cracked $1 million, so this must be considered a pretty
for most of the day was rain. Yet
good day.
this traditionally bodes well for
In an attempt to keep the quality of cars up, the consignments were cut off
MidAm’s sales. As in previous years, this
at 135 cars for the sale. This was within spitting distance of the usual number of
sale was also held on the same day as the
consignments seen over the past few years. Another pleasantry—which may have
Minnesota fishing opener. Why be out on
been a by-product of the cut-off—was that the number of reruns was almost nonthe lake when it’s miserable? Go to the car
existent. There were only three, and
auction. By the end of the day, this proved
all at the end of the sale.
to be true, with a decent 44% sales rate.
Sales Totals
To echo the current national
MidAmerica also proved once again
Blaine, MN
$1.2m
market, it seemed like the
to be a beacon for Ford enthusiasts, both
2008
higher quality cars were
2007
those wishing to buy and wishing to sell
$1m
2006
more apt to find new owntheir Blue Oval cars. The vast selection
2005
ers, and lesser cars made
was augmented on the high end of the scale
2004
$800k
bidders sit on their hands. This was
by the offerings of two prominent local Ford collectors,
almost universal across all types of colbut a number of individuals supplied the brunt of the 17
$600k
lector vehicles, with 1960s and 1970s
Fords and six other Ford products that sold.
This represents nearly 40% of the cars sold overall. luxobarges taking the biggest hit. A
combination of gas at $3.69/gallon on
The top sale was a well-restored 1970 Mustang Boss
$400k
sale day, along with unprocessed cars
429. The Grabber Blue terror of the dragstrips found a
fetching $100/ton across the scale at the
new owner as an announced postblock sale of $206,700,
$200k
local crusher, makes selling grandpa’s
including premium.
1972 Chrysler as a collector car look
Continued negotiation once a car crosses the block
like Mission Impossible. ♦
is a traditional MidAmerica forte, and the company
62
Sports Car Market
MidAmerica Auctions Blaine, MN
ENGLISH
#122-1976 MG B convertible. S/N
GHN5UG407927G. Orange & gray/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 57,858 miles. Reaganera repaint with several touched-up nicks.
Newer application of reproduction body side
graphics. Rubber baby buggy bumpers literally
soaking in about a quart of silicone protectant,
body side brightwork heavily dinged up at
ends. Aftermarket antenna and plus-one size
#5-1973
VOLKSWAGEN
SUPER
BEETLE convertible. S/N 1532994387. Lime
green/black cloth/black vinyl. Odo: 19,135
miles. Mileage claimed original. Well preserved
paint is 85% original according to the seller,
with some light overspray apparent in driver’s
side door jamb. Original bumpers cloudy, rears
rusty. Tons of aftermarket chrome, stainless,
and alloy trim bits have been added. Running
boards blistering under the rubber covering.
then clear coated. OEM grade replacement
dash top. Serviceable original seat hides under
aftermarket sheepskin covers. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $7,685. The consigning dealer, who specializes in these, dropped the reserve when the
bidding stopped. Clearly, he knew well enough
that this was market value for what was basically a dressed-up heavily used car.
JAPANESE
American Racing alloy rims fitted. Older replacement top and interior vinyl done no worse
that the Brits originally did, original carpet
threadbare and coming loose in a few places.
Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $3,074. Since it seemed
to run out as well as a ’70s MG B could, no
harm was done by being the top bidder here at
this money. Not well bought, but a driver until
it drops or things start to get expensive.
GERMAN
#55-1964 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
sedan. S/N 6208184. Light green/green vinyl
& cloth. Odo: 25,880 miles. Good older restoration is staring to age. Presentable older
repaint, most weatherstrips replaced. Broom
handle engine lid prop, motor appears to be
built and restored to stock specs. Original-style
seat reupholstery job and door panel redo, reproduction dealer accessory rubber floor mats.
Consignor claims brakes were damaged when
the car was trailered in (it appears to have had
a brake line breached), along with having a
flooding issue due to newly installed electric
choke. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $6,466. Last seen at
Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale event in January
’00, where it sold at $7,155 (SCM# 5545). The
seller dropped the earlier set reserve once the
bids got past $6k. Since this was the same consignor who had lot 56, a 1963 Beetle, he probably decided to cut his losses and answer the
call of reality. If it was running and stopping,
it would’ve easily been a condition 3+ car. For
someone well versed in VWs, a couple of bucks
can be made here, but not much.
64
Well preserved original top and interior, although both have some light aging and wear.
Bottom of the pan has some heavier surface
rust. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $11,872. This was
a one-year-wonder paint color, and it was only
applied to convertibles. While the car crossed
the block with a $20k reserve, the seller woke
up to reality and took the final bid immediately
after it left the auction block. Fully priced, as
low-mile ’70s VeeWee rag-tops seem to show
up at most auctions.
#96-1978 PORSCHE 911SC coupe. S/N
9118202368. Guards Red/tan leather. Odo:
111,052 miles. U.S.-spec/California-spec.
Factory power sunroof, 1990s vintage 911
alloy wheels on tires in need of replacement.
Formerly owned by ex-pro wrestler, ex-actor,
and ex-Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura. Nice
older repaint, replacement windshield poorly installed, cracking rear quarter window seals. New
fuel lines, power windows, and transmission
bushings. Heavy wear on driver’s side seat bottom makes sense. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $11,024.
A frequent flyer on the auction circuit, this was
bid to $11,500 at MidAmerica’s Minneapolis
event in September ’05 (SCM# 39341), and not
much seems to have changed on it aside from it
actually selling for a market price.
#9-1985 MAZDA RX-7 GS hatchback.
S/N JM1FB331XF0909284. Gunmetal/maroon
cloth. Odo: 75,042 miles. Fading original paint,
especially on hood and roof. Highly chipped
paint on nose looks almost like it had a different color spattered on it. Door seals starting
to crumble, average used car engine bay and
undercarriage. Rather difficult to start, but runs
OK once coaxed. Door panel tops starting to
peel loose from where they were originally
pinched into place. Moderate interior wear,
especially on seat edge piping. Cond: 4. SOLD
AT $3,286. I’ve been one of the advocates of
the RX-7 as a future collectible, but that’s for
cars with light wear, not tired old trouts like
this one. While not a beater yet (unless there’s
something expensive going on with the motor),
this wouldn’t be much more than a driver until
it wears to the point of being made into an
SCCA racer. This price was all the money in
the world.
AMERICAN
#98-1926 DODGE BROTHERS SERIES
126 4-dr sedan. S/N A698264. Dark blue/black
vinyl/black leather. Odo: 39,489 miles. Vintage
accessory running board step plates, collapsible
parcel holder, black vinyl trunk, driver’s door
clamp-on mirror, electric dashboard defroster
#83-1979 MERCEDES-BENZ 450SL
convertible. S/N 10704412034116. Light
yellow/yellow hard top, brown cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 160,328 miles. Freshly repainted
California-spec car done well enough with almost no masking lines but some light overspray
here and there. Buffing on right rear quarter
has burned through to original paint. Freshly
installed OEM soft top, with the hard top also
on site. Used car dealer-grade engine bay prep,
Sports Car Market
MidAmerica Auctions Blaine, MN
fan, Boyce Moto Meter, and “fatman” folding
steering wheel. Repaint likely a half-century
old over haphazard fender repairs, roof vinyl
also likely replaced at that time. Older chrome
replating now with some light pitting. Well
preserved original rear seat, front seat heavily worn. Heavier wrinkling of original door
panels. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $4,770. Hardly
an original time capsule, but rather gussied
up when old cars started to actually get saved
rather than junked after WWII. While not even
close to ’50s restoration standards—what
little they were then—at least the basic car was
saved. Not cost effective to have restored, but
worth it if self-restored by a hobbyist owner.
#57-1940 MERCURY EIGHT coupe. S/N
99A207466. Maroon/gray cloth. Odo: 92,830
miles. Recent high-quality body-on-frame restoration. Repaint with authentic sheen, excellent
bumper rechroming, all reproduction trim fitted. Period aftermarket fog lamps, recently rebuilt flathead with Edelbrock aluminum heads,
intake, and twin Stromberg 97s. Electrics converted to 12 volts. Interior restored with a bolt
of NOS fabric and with NOS fixtures. While
on the block, the owner of the auction company mentioned he had driven this car about
20 miles, and he said it drove and rode as tight
as any new car. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $42,400.
Going into its second year, the Mercury got
better looking with sealed beam headlights and
a more finely detailed grille. One of three cars
owned by a well-known and respected new car
dealer who retired and needed to sell out due
to illness. The final bid went to $37,500, and
when the auctioneer announced that it would
take $40k to meet the reserve, the last bidder
took it, selling the car.
#53-1948 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
convertible. S/N BH181940. Black/tan canvas/blue leather. Odo: 94,062 miles. Factory
build-out card documents original color combination of Grotto Blue with tan top. Fitted
with overdrive, heater, radio, fog lights, and
side mirrors. Repainted several decades ago
and now starting to rust out, with obvious issues along rear fender to body joints. Hood and
66
parts of doors polished, rest of paint very dull
and faded. 1953 Ford truck flathead V8 under
the hood, original V12 available separately for
$1k. Seats have remnants of original leather,
with much of the front seat torn up. Cond:
5+. SOLD AT $14,416. I know the consignor
of this car through membership in the local
chapter of LCOC. When I last saw this car at a
club function, he reported that it ran quite well
but was a bit sluggish. However, like a lot of
us, he needed to trim down his collection and
consigned it here. Both the car and the V12
were bought by a local dealer, who will rebuild
the motor to make it whole and put into his collector car dealership, but I don’t see too much
financial upside here.
#103-1956
FORD
THUNDERBIRD
convertible. S/N P6FH318493. Colonial
White/white vinyl & hard top/red & white
vinyl. Odo: 70,867 miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Factory options include both tops, pb,
power seat, engine dress-up kit, and Town &
Country radio. Claimed to be unrestored with
original mileage, yet wears one better quality
older repaint. Good original chrome and trim
with light scuffing. Typical T-Bird poor door
the dealer to install or bought over the parts
counter. This was bid to a $17,250 no-sale on
the block, but within five minutes, both parties
met in the middle. Having watched another ’62
M-code hard top sell at Mecum’s Kansas City
sale last December for $27,300 (SCM# 47885),
I consider this well bought.
#123-1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible.
S/N 5T08T773577. Red/white vinyl/parchment
vinyl. Odo: 98,678 miles. 200-ci straight 6,
1-bbl, auto. Mediocre older repaint in generic
red in lieu of the original Poppy Red, newer
reproduction parchment interior in lieu of the
original black with white inserts. Valve cover
and air cleaner painted red, rest of engine bay
attacked with several rattle cans of semi-gloss
black. Came down with a bad case of flooding
alignment, other panel gaps OK. Cylinder
heads rebuilt and transmission resealed within
the last few years. Soft top and carpeting in
better condition than original faded door panels
and seats. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $30,210. The
couple consigning the car announced that the
proceeds from the sale of the car were going to
their church’s missionary program. I doubt that
made the bidders get generous, and the sellers
cut it loose when bidding stopped short of their
$35k reserve. Well sold.
and wouldn’t start for love, money, or incessant cursing by the president of the auction
company, who was trying to get it started when
the assigned driver couldn’t. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $9,752. Probably because of its bad case
of stage fright, the reserve was cut loose when
folks quit bidding. There must have been quite
a few folks who figured that the one-pot carb
on the six would be an easy fix—and a few of
them might have had a 289 or 302 just waiting
for a new home.
#131-1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD 2-dr
hard top. S/N 2Y83M172919. Light blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 29,417 miles. 390-ci V8, 3x2-bbl,
auto. Consignor claims correct mileage. High
quality older repaint aside from one-year-old
collision repair and repaint to left front fender.
Front bumper replated at that time but still
matches newer replating job at rear. Other
trim and emblems well-preserved originals.
Clear plastic wind deflector mounted ahead
of vent windows. Recently sorted out induction, with correct 1962 M-code components.
Well preserved original interior, right side
taillight is out. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $20,140.
One of 26 “M-bird” 2-door hard tops made
in 1962. The 1962-63 M-birds were the only
Ford products fitted with three deuces at
the factory. All other FoMoCo three-carb
setups were either shipped in the trunk for
#32-1966 FORD MUSTANG Sprint coupe.
S/N 6R07T196000. Wimbledon White/black
vinyl. Odo: 67,223 miles. 200-ci straight 6, 1-bbl,
auto. Recent California import, via Nebraska,
kitted out in its original color scheme. Older
repaint presents well, most chrome and trim
replaced with modern repops, some chipping of
the quarter window seals visible. Moderate clean
Sports Car Market
MidAmerica Auctions Blaine, MN
up and detailing to engine bay, newer economy
radial tires on original steel rims. Older interior
restoration from a better quality kit shows some
light wear overall. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $8,056.
The Sprint Six was a gussied-up six-banger, with
a chrome air cleaner and valve cover, threeprong spinner wheel covers, side ornament
delete, rocker panel trim, and console interior.
The package was offered to help stimulate sales
of six-bangers... gee, do I sense a new 2009
Mustang trim package? With $4 per gallon
gas, folks are starting to wake up to six-bangers
being decent drivers. Not a perfect example, but
bought well.
#69-1967 PONTIAC GTO convertible.
S/N 242677P166834. Signet Gold/black
vinyl/gold vinyl. Odo: 15,156 miles. 455-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. PHS documentation. Average
older repaint in 2000 with some fisheyes on the
deck lid. Doors rattle when shut, but fit is good.
Presentable original trim quality in line with
paint. Circa 1970 455 installed. Newer engine
repaint, generic corrugated radiator hose fitted.
Homemade wiring harness with heavier than
stock cables fabricated for replacement voltage regulator. Interior original aside from front
seat vinyl, with door panels, carpeting, and
rear seat soiled and faded. Cond: 4+. SOLD
AT $30,740. Another case of a seller abusing
the word Survivor™. Survivors don’t have a
couple of paint jobs under their beltlines and
piecemeal replacement of worn-out seats. This
was clearly gussied up over the years when the
owner could afford it. The reserve was off at
$28k, so it was sold well.
#72-1967 PONTIAC GTO convertible.
Tyrol Blue/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 17,228
miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Consigned by the
original owner. Factory optional ps, pb, electronic ignition, tinted windshield, light package,
tilt column, center console, AM radio with rear
speaker, and wire wheel covers. Original paint
with lots of battle scars, including chips to nose,
68
light dings and scratches on rear flanks, and a
slight dent in driver’s door. All original chrome
and trim scuffed but presents well. Original top
serviceable, white seat vinyl and door panels
are far too bright to be 41 years old. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $36,570. Yes, Virginia, you could get
wire wheel covers on your GTO when new. Sure,
these 14-inchers were the same as on any other
Tempest family car in ’67. Today, you never see
them, as over the years, anyone who would even
so much as pretend to be a street racer would
ditch them for aftermarket wheels or Pontiac
Rally I or II wheels. There was a ton of interest
in this car due to its relatively original state,
and it was a far better buy at more money than
the ’67 offered as lot 69.
#67-1968 SHELBY GT350 fastback.
S/N 8T02J19319702088. Red & white/black
vinyl. Odo: 66,696 miles. 302-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Marti Report confirms ps, pb, Tilt-away
column, and Sport Deck rear seat. Expertly
repainted 14 years ago and still holds a good
sheen, some light polishing swirls visible.
Factory Ford panel and door gaps. Older engine repaint and detail mostly just topical. Well
preserved original interior, with commensurate
patina on the seats, steering wheel, and carpets.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $74,200. Before the auction, the consignor told me he expected to see
$75k out of this. If not from the final bid, then
because he had an offer on the car for that
much outside of the auction house. Since it left
the block as a no-sale at $67k, it looks like it
was sold post event, as this result was released
with the company’s official results.
#58-1970 FORD MUSTANG Boss 429
fastback. S/N 0F02Z11042. Grabber
Blue/white vinyl. Odo: 25,642 miles.
429-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Kar Kraft build number
KK2153. Marti Report confirms equipment.
Concise concours-quality full restoration with
repaint to factory specs, including generally
the same overspray patterns on undercarriage.
Replated or replaced brightwork, excellent
quality engine detailing. Expertly restored interior with mostly new reproduction components.
Runs out quite well, but has stinky old gas in it.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $206,700. Bid to $190k on
the block, but within the hour, it was announced
that the car had sold, making it the top sale of
the day. The consignor, who also had the Boss
302 and both of the Shelbys here, was hoping
to see $225k. While Boss 429s have seen some
cooling in price, this was a good buy, especially
compared to the $288k sale of a lesser ’69 Boss
429 the weekend after at Mecum’s auction in
Indianapolis.
#129-1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/
SS 350 coupe. S/N 124870L525555. Daytona
Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 66,566 miles. 350-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Per the remains of the original build sheet, this is an actual RS/SS with
optional a/c. Completely disassembled when
restored in 2004. High-quality repaint to better-than-original specs, reproduction trim and
emblems fitted. Restored 5-spoke SS wheels,
rebuilt powertrain to slightly warmer than
stock. Concours grade engine detailing with all
GM components, fully restored interior with
reproduction soft trim. Even the dashboard appears to have been disassembled and restored.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $23,850. This was a no-sale
across the block at $21k, but it was declared
sold after a deal was put together post-block.
As all second-generation F-bodies continue to
increase in value, this was bought very well.
#106-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2382M5117820. Black/
black leather. Odo: 60,471 miles. 350-ci 245-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Plexiglas top has a fistsized chunk reglued at the driver’s side front
corner. Average quality repaint, moderate fading of front and rear emblems. Stock alloy rims
shod with older unidirectional Falkens, which
are nearly down to the wear bars. Heavier
interior wear than expected, DIN-mount aftermarket faceplate stereo replaces the stock
unit and power amp is not so neatly tucked
behind the passenger’s seat. Cond: 4. SOLD
AT $8,215. Rode hard and put away wet best
describes this one. The $7k reserve was easily
exceeded, but this can be considered better sold
than bought.♦
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Northamptonshire, UK
Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars
The Rolls-Royce collector market proceeded graciously as Bonhams returned
for its traditional sale at the major annual club meet
Company
Bonhams
Date
June 21, 2008
Location
Northamptonshire, England
Auctioneer
James Knight
Automotive lots sold / offered
28 / 33
Sales rate
85%
Sales total
$1,725,535
High sale
1919/20 Rolls-Royce Silver
Ghost Alpine Eagle, sold at
$335,819
Buyer’s premium
15% up to $58,950, 10%
thereafter, included in sold
prices ($1.00 = £1.99)
A packed tent at Kelmarsh Hall
Report and photographs by Paul Hardiman
Market opinions in italics
W
and sold for just $58,754. Biggest lot, literally, was the gargantuan 1962 Earls Court
ellington boots, Barbour waMotor Show James Young Phantom V, which sold for $128,315, and one of the most
terproof coats, and big dogs
desirable was the Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, until recently owned by
are the order of the day at this
Richard Straman and in excellent order. It found a new owner for an on-the-market
country sale under canvas, which
$132,638.
combines with the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’
Furthest from the podium, there was the usual variety of Shadows and their
Club’s annual rally at a minor stately home in
derivatives, from the rusty opening lot that went for just $3,164 (and will
Northamptonshire.
almost certainly be broken for spares) to a ten-year-old and mint Arnage
Plenty of Dutch, Italian, and French
selling for approximately $10,000
accents—plus a Japanese here and there—
under retail and destined to go
were heard at this busy gathering, which serves
Sales Totals
straight back into the trade.
as much as a social catch-up for marque enthusiasts
Two
very
nice
early
steel-bumand dealers as an opportunity to shuffle around
Northamptonshire, UK
$2m
per Shadows failed to sell, but
some of their rolling stock.
a less good Bentley T1 saloon
Here, under Jamie Knight’s gavel, the genial
2008
2007
did, for $12,429. Two Cloud-secrowd soaked up a respectable 85% of the cars
2006
$1.5m
ries cars included a Bentley S2 once owned
offered, with top sellers being two Silver Ghosts
2005
by Sean Connery. And there were restoration
that sold for $197,483 and $335,819, the former a
2004
projects for the brave—from a 20hp tourer
splendidly original-looking Park Ward 1921 Salamanca
$1m
(actually an older restoration that Bonhams had sold that should be quite straightforward at $14,688
to a coachbuilt James Young Bentley R-type
before), and the latter a delightful near-concours 1919
that will need a lot of commitment and a very
Alpine Eagle dual-windscreen tourer by Hooper, the
skilled body man. It fetched $13,559.
auction’s high sale.
$500k
Prices by and large were just under mid-esOne of the best buys in purely financial terms was
timate, proving either that Bonhams is right on
the 1935 Bentley 3½ Sports saloon by Park Ward that
the ball, or that the collector car market, in this
had swallowed up more than $150,000 in the past despecialized niche area, is holding up well. ♦
cade, and while still not perfect, it was very appealing
70
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Northamptonshire, UK
#224-1919 ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50hp
SILVER GHOST Alpine Eagle dual cowl
tourer. S/N 25AE. Eng. # LH21. Two-tone
green/black cloth/burgundy leather. RHD. Odo:
3,877 miles. Coachwork by Hooper. The star
of the show. The Alpine Eagle has more compression, taller differential gearing for “more
relaxed cruising,” and nine-leaf rear springs.
#207-1929 ROLLS-ROYCE 20hp Fully
Convertible Sedanca tourer. S/N GVO3.
Eng. # U9F. Black & cream/black vinyl/brown
leather. RHD. Odo: 58,206 miles. Coachwork
by Windovers Ltd. Looks very original, with
rare and intriguing three-position Salamanca-
of $12k, proving that someone thought there
was still some mileage left in it.
1995 restoration with near-concours engine
bay showing lots of polished copper and brass.
All original factory fittings, but leather may not
be very old. Auster rear screen, Zeiss auxiliary
lights, Lucas mains. A former RREC concours
winner. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $335,819. The best
cars continue to pull down top prices, whatever
the economic climate. This one brought $20k
over its high estimate of $314k, and it can still
be considered a decent buy at that price.
#212-1921 ROLLS-ROYCE 45/50hp
SILVER GHOST Salamanca cabriolet. S/N
182AG. Eng. # 0313. Black & green/red leather.
RHD. Odo: 3,765 miles. Coachwork by Park
Ward. In the U.S. from 1930-1970. Older restoration still mainly good, although wheels could
use refinishing. Clean carpets, very nice dash
#231-1926 ROLLS-ROYCE 20hp tourer.
S/N GYK74. Eng. # G1893. Blue/black
cloth/brown leather. RHD. Odo: 5,671 miles.
Coachwork by Maythorn. Restored in 1998
including rewire and retrim, new nickel plating, and new top. As a post-’25 model, this has
#221-1932 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25hp
Sports saloon. S/N GHW43. Blue/black
vinyl/blue leather. RHD. Odo: 17,041 miles.
Coachwork by J. Gurney Nutting. Found neglected in the ’90s, now with good body and
straight lines under older repaint. Blue leather
the more desirable 4-speed right-hand change
rather than early cars’ 3-speed central shifter.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $106,700. First registered
to Sir Malcolm Campbell, but “celebrity”
status hasn’t boosted its value here. There have
been a lot of Campbell cars on the market, but
this was a nice example with no stories, and it
sold at an honest price.
#203-1928 ROLLS-ROYCE 20hp limousine. S/N GBM2. Eng. # E3X. Green & black/
black leather & buff cord. RHD. Odo: 699
miles. Coachwork by Park Ward. A few ripples
in body, but paint and plating still nice throughout. Fair under the hood, with some build-up
and fittings, leather benches show a nice patina.
Huge Lucas headlamps and all other nickel
plating perfect. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $197,483.
Expected money for one of the most elegant
Ghosts. First sold by by Sotheby’s at Donington
in April ’76 for $48,607 (SCM# 17302), later
seen again at Bonhams Northamptonshire in
June ’02, where it sold at $101,250 (SCM#
28703). Well bought and sold. Again.
#230-1926 ROLLS-ROYCE 20hp tourer.
S/N GCK81. Red. RHD. Rolling chassis basket-case with engine and the start of a tourer
rebody. Part-built dash with only an oil gauge
installed, but comes with two big boxes of
spares, two gearboxes, and the doors. Cond:
5. SOLD AT $14,688. From a deceased estate. The 20hp is not the most desirable of the
“small” Royces, and this one still had a long
way to go. It sold slightly over its low estimate
72
style body. Leather only fair, carpets discolored,
nasty modern bulb holder spoils one Grebel
headlight. Non-original engine, cylinder head
cracked, registration documents missing. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $67,793. $10k over top estimate,
and well sold considering it was hardly a driveaway proposition and had approximately zero
effort put into presenting it for sale.
and timber all in good shape aside from some
lacquer splitting. Some small dings in wheel
discs, engine bay could do with a tidy and
some detailing. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $56,494.
$3k under bottom estimate, but fair for a nonconcours car that’s perfectly usable—it was
driven to the sale from Ireland. Well bought
and sold.
#227-1932 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25hp
sedanca de ville. S/N GAV69. Eng.
# U2P. Cream/red vinyl/red leather.
around exhaust manifold. Dash all there, black
leather in front splitting and torn, cloth-upholstered rear is good. Recent new MOT. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $37,286. A usable 20 or 20/25 is
always worth having, so even though this was
near the top range of the pre-sale estimates, I’d
say it was a fair deal for both parties.
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Northamptonshire, UK
RHD. Odo: 83,305 miles. Coachwork by
Thrupp & Maberly. Body straight, all plating
good, nice timber, new leather to front. No
known mechanical issues, recent works include
rebore, new pistons, and new cylinder head.
Engine compartment very tidy. Complete with
drink cabinet in rear compartment. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $54,234. A sharp car needing nothing, and it looks like a good value at well under
the low estimate of $62,900.
isn’t bad though, and the engine is said to
run and have good oil pressure. Timber and
leather don’t look too bad. Cond: 4. SOLD AT
$13,559. These massive coachbuilt machines
are marvelous... until they go all pear-shaped,
and this one was a bit of a catastrophe. Sold
in middle of the estimate range, but these are
terrifyingly expensive to restore properly, so it’s
hard to see how a buyer would get his costs
back. A brave buy.
#229-1935 BENTLEY 3½-LITER Sports
saloon. S/N B16DK. Eng. # T7BJ. Two-tone
blue/tan leather. RHD. Odo: 68,175 miles.
Coachwork by Park Ward. Not perfect, but it’s
had over $150k spent on a long-term restoration.
Hood fit is a bit off, other panel gaps as-new.
#214-1953 BENTLEY R-TYPE 4½-LITER
saloon. S/N B328SR. Black & white/gray
leather. RHD. Coachwork by James Young.
Fair older repaint with a few bubbles, door fit
a bit off, back bumper chrome rippled. Inside is
Very sharp headlights and chrome, good leather,
new cylinder head in clean engine compartment.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $58,754. This must represent super value at less than half the restoration
cost and at slightly below the low estimate of
$59k. As always, let somebody else take the brunt
of the restoration costs whenever possible.
#211-1936 ROLLS-ROYCE 25/30 hp
saloon. S/N GTL28. Eng. # Y24E. Black/brown
cord. RHD. Odo: 98,741 miles. Coachwork
by Park Ward. Reportedly restored in 1986,
but years of storage have not been kind to it.
Poorly aging paint, plating wearing through on
headlamps. Nice interior with good timber and
lacquer, brown cloth seats in good condition.
Mechanicals unknown except for new clutch
and starter in ’86. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $40,676.
Unremarkable, but would probably readily clean
up into a slightly faded driver. It’s not exactly
what the market is looking for right now, which
explains a price $5k behind the low estimate.
#223-1936 ROLLS-ROYCE 25/30hp
sedanca de ville. S/N GTL76. Eng. # G24V.
Burgundy/biscuit leather. RHD. Odo: 55,760
miles. Coachwork by HJ Mulliner. Older
restoration still attractive, although recent repaint over wrinkled body is already cracking
in places (and there’s a big can of spare paint
74
included). Interior excellent, timber in good
order, leather has been reconditioned. Plating
all good, and a few small dings in the wheel
discs are hardly noticed. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $63,273. Last seen at H&H’s Buxton sale
in July ’06, where it sold at $46,670 (SCM#
42505). This just goes to show that great history (it was originally one of Jack Barclay’s
personal cars) and attractive personality can
overcome cosmetic flaws. Well sold at mid-estimate money.
#215-1949 BENTLEY Mk VI 4¼-LITER
saloon. S/N B240DA. Eng. # B120D.
Gunmetal/gray leather. RHD. Odo: 37,847
miles. Coachwork by HJ Mulliner. Slightly
odd-looking slabby body does it no favors, but
creases, shut lines, and paint are good, as are
the lights and all the plating. Inside nice but for
dull timber and inertia-reel seatbelts. Engine
bay tidy, no paperwork or history aside from
Dutch registration papers. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $33,896. From a deceased estate, much of
which Bonhams shifted in Paris in February,
and offered without reserve with a wide estimate range of $30k-$50k. In nice condition
overall, this can be considered a decent deal
at the price paid.
#206-1950 BENTLEY Mk VI 4¼-LITER
2-dr saloon. S/N B94HR. Eng. # B47H.
White/red leather. RHD. Odo: 9,635 miles.
Coachwork by James Young. Rot well into the
windshield pillars, fit of huge doors way off.
Chrome is rusty, tail lights missing. Chassis
mostly good with a couple of cracks in the dash.
Engine bay grubby but with no leaks or obvious
issues. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $22,598. The owner
had driven it 120 miles from Cheshire, and he
obviously didn’t want to make the return journey.
Well bought at a little under the low estimate.
#234-1956 BENTLEY S1 Standard Steel
saloon. S/N B158BA. Eng. # BB79. Green/
brown leather. RHD. Odo: 44,415 miles.
Restored in 2000 and still very good in the body
and paint departments. Plating bubbling on
door handles but OK everywhere else, dash top
a little dull, leather still fresh. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $41,805. This low-estimate price range is
safe territory for an S1, and the money should
get you a car with no issues. This looked like
it was just that, so it can be considered well
bought.
#226-1961 BENTLEY S2 saloon. S/N
B700CU. Eng. # 572CB. Two-tone gray/red
leather. RHD. Odo: 69,313 miles. Formerly the
property of Sean Connery (from 1974 to 1979),
but now just a very average S2. A few dings
and scrapes in the body, fair dash and leather.
Plating in good order throughout. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $35,026. $5k over the top estimate
of $29,500, and fairly strong money for a usable
Cloud/S-type. The Connery provenance likely
Sports Car Market
Bonhams Northamptonshire, UK
#232-1971 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER
SHADOW 2-dr saloon. S/N CRH9543. Silver
& blue/blue leather. RHD. Odo: 93,063 miles.
Coachwork by HJ Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd.
One of the last built before the 2-doors were
renamed Corniche. Unusually, it has a contrasting painted roof instead of Everflex. In sound
order with some wear to leather and paint, good
helped this car achieve this price, and while it
was generally nice throughout, the same money
would buy one in better condition.
#225-1962 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
V Touring limousine. S/N 5VA7. Eng. # A4PV.
Silver & gray/gray leather. RHD. Odo: 88,313
miles. Coachwork by James Young. Elegant,
and a mammoth 20 feet long, this was James
Young’s display car at the 1962 Earls Court
Motor Show. In the U.S. from 1972-1989,
restored in the U.K. in the early ’90s. Body
straight with a few tiny dings, good rechrome
with slightly rippled rear bumper. Good leather
and excellent dash, almost perfect veneer and
tables. Engine heater and a/c fitted. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $128,315. Sold just about on top
estimate. This was one of only 13 bodied by
Young, so it was almost unrepeatable. Well
bought and sold.
history is available from before 2005. Cond:
3+. SOLD AT $12,429. $650 over bottom estimate. The lower end of the classic market has
taken a hit recently, with Turbo Rs now available at $15k, but this rare early example of the
first of the big Bentleys with added handling
and an attractive color stood out. Well sold.
history file. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $14,688. This
failed to sell at Bonhams’ Hendon auction in
February ’03, when it reached only $12,084
against a $17,500 reserve (SCM# 30760)—and
this was at a time when the dollar was worth
more against the pound. Since the current price
was $10k under the bottom estimate of $24k,
the owner must have decided it was time to cut
his losses.
#201-1972 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER
SHADOW saloon. S/N SRH14138. Eng.
# 14138. Silver blue metallic/gray leather.
RHD. Odo: 85,910 miles. Presentable from
ten yards. All usual model minuses present,
including dull and flaking paint, bubbles in rear
wheelarches, and pitted chrome probably due
to years in storage. No MOT, hasn’t run for a
time. Timber dash isn’t too bad, although front
#228-1963 BENTLEY S3 CONTINENTAL
Flying Spur saloon. S/N BC168XA. Eng. #
84ABC. Blue/tan leather. RHD. Odo: 45,046
miles. Coachwork by HJ Mulliner. The Spur is
the 4-door Continental, of which 86 were built.
Owned by Richard Straman from 1989-2007,
restored once back in London. Originally Mist
Green, now very straight body shows wellapplied new paint. Mint interior, tidy underhood
components. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $132,638.
A bit under the low estimate of $128k. All
Continentals were set to rise a couple of years
ago, but they remained static. This was a very
good value, as these super grand tourers can’t
stay this cheap for long. Well bought.
78
door caps (which look intact underneath) have
been covered with odd aluminum “finishers.”
Leather might be savable. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $3,164. This managed to undercut even the
recent succession of cheap old Shadows hitting
the market in recent months, selling for approximately half its lower estimate. With gas about
to hit $3 a liter in the U.K., everyone’s nervous
about buying thirsty, cheap old smokers. With
the state of this one’s hydraulics unknown, the
cost of recommissioning could write it off.
#202-1985 BENTLEY EIGHT saloon.
S/N
SCBZ58004ECH09865.
Black/buff
leather. RHD. Odo: 61,509 miles. Good overall
appearance. A few bubbles in door paint, but
no rot anywhere, and rear arches are good.
Leather is discolored but will probably clean
up. Apparently well maintained, but no service
#220-1989 BENTLEY TURBO R Long
Wheelbase saloon. S/N N/A. Metallic
blue/cream leather. RHD. Odo: 19,300 miles.
Chauffeur-driven for its first 11,000 miles.
Body straight, paint largely good with a few
small touched-in stone chips. Plating well
done, excellent cream leather and all veneer
including picnic tables. Some instruments
moved from dash by factory in original stereo
installation. Tidy engine bay, full service history. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $31,637. Sold after
three bidders jumped in at $25,500. By $26k,
auctioneer Knight was offering $400s (“I’ll
take 200 quid...”) and eventually beat this up to
nearly $32k on the hammer after a $17k start.
A fine effort, but a deserved price for such a
well-kept example.
#228A-1998 BENTLEY ARNAGE saloon.
S/N SCBLB51E5XCH01467. Blue/tan leather.
RHD. Just about as-new, with only one owner,
but I couldn’t determine the mileage. Nice
paint and bright trim, unmarked glass, clean
interior. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $58,754. Values
of the $300k+ new Arnage dropped like a stone
from the start, but this is about $10,000 under
retail and as such must represent a good buy.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this offered by a
dealer at retail pricing in the near future. ♦
Sports Car Market
Corvette Market
Keith Martin’s
2ND ANNUAL
CORVETTE
MARKET
SEMINAR
Scottsdale, AZ • Friday, January 16, 2009 • 9–11 am
“It’s a no-holds-barred morning, with the guys who
really know telling you what’s
hot and what’s not,
what to buy and why, and the ways the pros size up a car.”
Once again, Keith Martin and Corvette Market magazine will bring you the absolute insider’s take on the
Corvette market. Last year was completely sold out, with over 200 Corvette enthusiasts attending.
Watch this space for more details!
For priority notification, email: seminar@vettemarket.com
RM Auctions Tustin, CA
Joe’s Garage: The MacPherson Collection
The star attraction was one of the most important Miller racing cars in
existence—a Pebble-Beach-winning 1923 Miller 122 Supercharged
Company
RM Auctions
Date
June 14, 2008
Location
Tustin, California
Auctioneer
Brent Earlywine
Automotive lots sold / offered
67/67
Sales rate
100%
Sales total
$9,896,150
High sale
1923 Miller Supercharged 122
sold at $2,035,000
Buyer’s premium
10% (included in sold prices)
Every car and every bike sold at Joe’s
Report and photos by Rick Feibusch
Market opinions in italics
R
are examples of Southern
California automotive history
crossed the block in Tustin,
California, when RM Auctions
offered the personal collection of
Orange County automotive icon, the late
Joe MacPherson.
MacPherson, a well known SoCal enthusiast, amassed an impressive collection
of historic sports, racing, rods, and custom
cars, as well as vintage motorcycles during his
lifetime.
Many of the cars and bikes exceeded projected
high bids, including a supercharged 1923 Miller 122
that sold for $2,035,000, the legendary 1953 Chrisman
Bonneville Coupe at $660,000 (profiled on pg. 44),
and the late Dale Earnhardt’s Winston Cup championship-winning 1994 Chevrolet Lumina, which brought
$209,000. The one-day event attracted collectors from
across the U.S., with total sales of cars and automobilia
at almost $10 million.
The star attraction of the sale was one of the most
82
important Miller racing cars in existence—a Pebble-Beach-winning 1923 Miller 122
Supercharged, driven by such racing greats as Eddie Hearne, Ira Vail, Earl Cooper,
and Bill Albertson. The car spurred a frenzy of bidding on the auction block before it
hammered sold.
Other race cars ranged from a Gurney-Eagle Indy car, which sold for $528,000,
to a 1934/35 Ford Winfield that brought $451,000, plus the amazing Miller U16
Special, which netted $412,500. Others included a 1947 Kurtis midget with
a Ford V8 60 flathead, several Offy-powered midget racers, a Baha 1000winning Chevy pickup, Indy cars from various eras, and dirt trackers.
There also were 23 restored vintage motorcycles, many of them
racers, which brought a total of $1,474,000. Apart from the top-sellTustin, CA
ing 1939 Crocker Big Tank V-Twin that brought $302,500, there
were eight Harley-Davidsons and seven Indians, including a 1948
Big Base, which sold for $165,000. From the first years of the 20th
century came a Pierce-Arrow, Yale, Wagner, Excelsior, Flanders,
and Flying Merkel, from which you could have had your pick for between
$30,000 and $60,000. Also on the block were MacPherson’s collection of signs, models, and automobilia, as well as some amazing vintage speed equipment.
In one way, it is sad to see such a fine collection sold off. On the other hand, now
a bunch of people will be able to enjoy a little bit of Joe MacPherson’s automotive
dreams. Prices were about 10%–20% higher than expected, but this just goes to show
that great cars, properly presented, will bring top dollar. ♦
Sports Car Market
RM Auctions Tustin, CA
#222-1932 FORD Custom V12 roadster.
Unpainted steel/unpainted steel. 600-ci fuelinjected Falconer V12, auto. Frame sourced
from the Deuce Factory with an additional
4.5 inches in length to contain the big V12.
Reproduction steel Brookville Roadster
ENGLISH
#255-1961 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER
CLOUD II saloon. S/N RR61LSWC370.
Silver & black/red leather. Older quality restoration appears both slightly used and well
maintained. Nice paint and panel gaps, superb
chrome and trim. Impressive overall, but not so
Collection in October ’06 (SCM# 43478), and
that sale price was as much as $50k above
expectations. This flawless little racer easily
surpassed its estimated high bid of $50k here,
and it was still both well bought and sold.
new and fresh that one would be afraid to drive
it. Super-thin whitewalls date the restoration,
but look great on the car. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$34,100. These cars have been selling in the
$35k-$40k range for years, although many are
just dressed-up RHD rust buckets. This car appeared genuine, and the price paid was more
than reasonable.
#247A-1919 CHEVROLET racer. S/N
3943724. Blue/black vinyl. A flawless museum
piece displayed next to the stage. Unusual
alternative to the Ford Model T Speedsters
that we see more often. Excellent paint, clean
#212-1934 FORD V8 Custom 5-Window
coupe. S/N 18691562. Black w/orange flames/
black leather. 221-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, 3-sp. In
superb condition all around. Not driven much
since construction, and maintained very well.
As with most of the cars in this collection,
this car is true to traditional styles and done
to concours quality. Excellent paint and flame
FRENCH
#246-1928 BUGATTI TYPE 35B Replica
racer. French Blue/black leather. RHD.
Amazing replica by Crosthwaite & Gardiner,
restoration specialists and leading fabricators
for original Bugattis. Visually and dimensionally identical to the original car. Built in 1990,
Company body fitted. Largely complete but
needs finishing. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $137,500.
This beautifully proportioned bare metal project would make a a great starting point for a
high-end show car. Sold between the estimates,
and worth every penny.
seats and engine compartment. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $27,500. Sold at high estimate money.
This price was higher than other, usually
Ford, speedsters sell for, but it was very nice
throughout and could be vintage raced if one
wasn’t worried about the perfect paint. The
right buyer found it.
#240-1923
MILLER
122
Supercharged racer. S/N N/A. Eng. #
No. 2 20. Green/brown leather. Magnificently
restored 1923 Miller 122, driven by such racing
greats as Eddie Hearne, Ira Vail, Earl Cooper
and Bill Albertson. Displayed on a pedestal
behind the bar like a large model car. Quality
is beyond explanation, with considerable detail
work completed throughout. Won Best in Class
award at Pebble Beach in 2006. Still fitted with
TOP 10
has seen limited use due to having lived in
an Australian museum. Excellent condition
throughout. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $214,500. A
wonderful car in like-new condition. While it
will never be as valuable as the real thing, it
certainly has the right look, and here it was well
bought at under the estimated low of $250k.
AMERICAN
#217-1911 FLYING MERKEL motorcycle.
S/N WSNO5484. Orange. Bright orange paint
catches one’s eye from across the room. From
the era where motorcycles were just beginning
to look like cycles, rather than push-bikes, this
looked like it was ready to race. One of the fastest bikes of its day, and presented in excellent
overall condition here. Spotless. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $82,500. A Flying Merkel Model 50 brought
$126,500 at Gooding’s sale of the Otis Chandler
84
its original frame rails, front end, rear axle, engine, transmission, steering, brakes, and pedals.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $2,035,000. One of five race
cars purchased from new by Cliff Durant, son of
GM Founder William Crapo Durant. Its racing
career kicked off with a 4th place finish at Indy
in 1923 and proceeded through the years with
multiple Indy and board track appearances.
Great history and excellent condition saw it
bring almost $1m over the pre-sale projections,
and even at that price, it was a very good buy.
See September 2008 “Race Profile,” p. 62.
(Photo courtesy RM Auctions.)
work, spotless interior and engine compartment. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $68,750. Obviously
the bidders appreciated this car, as it was split
between the estimated high and low bids at
$68,750. As is the case with most hot rods in
this market, the sale price here was well below
what it would cost to duplicate it. A fair deal
for both parties.
#264-1934 FORD TUDOR sedan. Dark
blue/tan leather. Another authentic and tastefully done old Ford. Dropped front axle,
big and little whitewalls, red steelie wheels
with later Ford caps and wheel rings, souped
up flathead. Dark blue paint superbly done
and maintained to perfection. To a lifelong
California rodder like me, this one was
Sports Car Market
RM Auctions Tustin, CA
perfect. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $55,000. This
sold for $10k over the estimated high bid of
$45k, so as was the case with most of the hot
rods offered here, the bidders liked it as much
as I did. Well bought and sold.
bidders thought so as well, as it sold for nearly
three times the estimated high bid of $20k. A
very cool piece of vintage racing history, although not as significant as some of the other
cars in this sale.
#251-1935 MILLER FORD WINFIELD
V8 racer. Blue & white/black leather. Part of
a Preston Tucker-orchestrated deal, this very
advanced Miller design was not completely
developed for its first Indy, did poorly, and
was hidden away by old Henry Ford for a few
years. It then was redeveloped by Lew Welch,
first with a 270 cube Offy, then re-engined
#267-1950 FWD PUMPER fire truck. S/N
115440. Red/black vinyl. Paint looks new, although is cataloged as possibly being original.
Needs chrome trim and fire equipment installed.
A serious fire truck as opposed to a colorful,
open-topped antique. Apparently last used in
with a DOHC V8 developed by Ed Winfield
and Fred Offenhauser with the help of Leo
Goossen. Took 4th at Indy in 1941. Beautiful
restoration in the Bowles Seal Fast livery of the
1941 Indy race. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $451,000.
Sold for $100k over the projected high bid of
$350k, and rightfully so, as it was a rare car
with interesting, industry-connected history as
well as a fantastic restoration. A good value at
the price paid.
#238-1937 FORD Custom Woody wagon.
S/N 183438470. Red/black canvas/tan leather.
New wood, superb body and paint, dropped
axle, perfect hot rod stance, widened stock
steelies and blackwalls. Hot Art Chrismanbuilt 276-ci flathead with a Cruise-O-Matic.
Resto-rod Woodies are very dependent on
details, and this one is well done throughout.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $214,500. This car had a
superb combination of an excellent restoration,
tasteful period-style modifications, and celebrity builders. It was nice enough to gather a
crowd throughout most of the sale day. Even
though stock examples generally tend to bring
higher prices, it was able to top its $200k high
estimate without too much trouble. Well sold.
pickup chassis. Nice older restoration has been
extremely well maintained, but has also been
driven and used. Minor wear everywhere, but
nice and clean inside and out. Features original
“artillery” wheels and yellow fog lamps. Cond:
2+. SOLD AT $39,600. Obviously the bidders
liked this truck as much as I did, as they bid it
up to almost the twice the projected high estimate of $20k. Consider the bar reset for this
type of truck.
#227-1940 FORD DELUXE Custom Club
coupe. S/N 185337654. Black/black leather.
Concours-quality restoration with tasteful and
popular mods. Hot rodded flathead V8, dropped
front axle, red steel wheels with chrome rings,
and Twice pipes. Nice panel fit and paint, interior shows no visible use. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$66,000. Every kid who built model cars in the
1973 in Nebraska, with an index box of the
residents, businesses, and local water sources
in that area. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $12,100. This
was a beauty and needed very little reassembly
to look complete again, and it was a deal at
$2k over the estimated high bid of $10k. Well
bought.
#260-1951 STUDEBAKER CUSTOM
Fastback Woody sedan. S/N 8135881. Natural
metal & wood. A half-built custom offered
unfinished. Chassis, metal work, and the beginning of the wood fastback body, which was prodesigned but only partially completed. Comes
’60s made a number of AMT ’40 Ford coupe
kits, and many of those undoubtedly looked just
like this car. One couldn’t ask for a nicer ’40
coupe, and this one was stock enough to be still
considered “original”—as in “mostly Ford.”
It could easily be returned to stock, but it was
such a great period piece that I doubt anyone
ever would. A lot of money, but it could have
gone for more.
#236-1948 GMC roadster. S/N 68. White/
black vinyl. Hand-built racer from the 1940s
by Al Gray of Porterville, CA. Custom frame
cradles 270-ci GMC truck six and is topped
off with a ’25 Ford T-bucket and turtle deck.
Original workmanship and engineering is top
notch for the time and appears to have been
in reasonable condition before the restoration
despite years of competition use. Nice paint,
excellent detail work. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$57,750. This had a great period look, and the
with plans and final design, but no running
gear. Needs a lot of finishing, but will be amazing when done. Cond: 5. SOLD AT $28,600.
This was a lot of money to spend on a car that
still needed this much work. No matter how
amazing it will be when complete, it was well
sold at this price.
TOP 10 #235-1953 CHRISMAN BONNEVILLE
No. 5 Salt Flat coupe. Copper/bare aluminum. Purpose built in the early 1950s
#204-1938 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
CARRYALL wagon. S/N 5HCO25548.
Two-tone green/brown leather. The second
year for this early body style truck built by
Yellow Truck & Coach on a standard half-ton
86
Sports Car Market
RM Auctions Tustin, CA
by Art and Lloyd Chrisman for competition on
the Bonneville Salt Flats. Sold to George Barris
in the 1960s and modified with “gullwing” style
doors, mags, and slicks. The car was featured on
magazine covers, “The Many Loves of Dobie
Gillis,” and made the show car circut. Later
restored to its earlier dry lakes condition by the
original builder. Spotless condition and equipped
as raced. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $660,000. In the hot
rod world, nothing compares to a highly-restored
salt flats racer that was important from new, was
rebuilt as a drag race-themed show car and movie
prop car by George Barris, and then restored
back to a salt shaker by the guys who built it the
first time. Well bought. See profile, p. 44.
#248-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S002464. Polo White/beige
canvas/red vinyl. 235-ci 150-hp straight 6,
3x1-bbl, auto. Nice early Corvette in excellent
condition. Typical variable panel fit and fiberglass surfaces, superb chrome and trim, proper
age-correct whitewalls. Engine compartment
done in original style and showing little or
no use. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $90,750. Sold for
$10k more than the estimated high bid of $80k.
These cars are getting rarer, and finding one
this nice is not especially easy. This just goes
to show that really nice cars still bring good
money, even in this market.
TOP 10 #234-1960 WATSON INDY racer.
No. 8 Blue/black. Built for Pete Salemi
and Nick Rini. Indy 500 veteran Len
Sutton drove in the 1960 500, qualifying 5th,
but dropped out of the race due to engine
trouble. Won at the Milwaukee 200, qualified
8th in the ’61 Indy 500 and ran with the leaders
until a clutch failure put the car out on lap 110.
2nd place finish at the 1961 Milwaukee 200,
wrecked on the 17th lap of the ’62 Indy 500.
Discovered at a Wauseon, Ohio, Dairy Queen
in 1981 still bearing the scars of the crash.
Restored by race car builder Floyd Trevis. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $495,000. Superb quality restoration on a rare and desirable car, and not over the
top even at almost $150k over the projected high
bid of $300k. A number of the race cars here set
records, which was almost certainly due to the
88
amazing quality of the collection, as well as the
market for vintage racers with good history.
#245-1962 BROMME ANDY GUMP
Sprint racer. Eng. # none. White & blue/black
leather. Built by Bruce Bromme, Sr. over a
three year period starting in 1959 while he
was working at Hughes Aircraft. Powered by
a 270-ci Offy, it was raced continually between 1962 and 1977. Driven by Allen Heath,
although customization is not the best path to
take in terms of return on the dollar spent, this
one still brought a premium price. Very well
done throughout, but well sold at over the high
estimate of $80k.
Bob East, Paul Jones, Don Hawley, Jimmy
Oskie, and Dean Thompson. CRA Points
Champion in 1965, repowered with a Chevy
V8 in 1974. Bruce, Sr. restored the car back
to its 1966 condition including replacing the
Offy engine. Looks new throughout. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $115,500. Superbly restored to a
level much higher than when new, this sold for
well over the projected high estimate of $80k,
and it can be considered both well bought and
sold at that price.
TOP 10 #225-1966 GURNEY EAGLE AAR
No. 7 Indy racer. S/N 201. Dark blue/black
leather. The first of the Indy Cars,
and the ancestor of a long and successful
line of AAR Eagles. While little is known of
its early race history with AAR, 1972 saw
it at Indy with Turbo-Offy power, driven by
Carl Williams. It changed hands a number of
times after that, eventually being purchased
by Bob Sutherland who had it restored by Jim
Robbins. The car looks like new and ready to
race. Presently fitted with a fuel-injected Ford
Indy engine. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $528,000.
This sold for well over the estimated high bid
of $400k, which says a lot for historically significant race cars finished to this level.
#250-1970 CHEVROLET C10 Custom
pickup. S/N CE140Z137176. Chrome Yellow/
tan leather. 502-ci fuel-injected V8, auto.
Substantial custom features include squared
and flared wheelarches, square headlights,
shaved bumper bolts, shaved door handles
and drip rails, wing window eliminators, and
sport mirrors, among others. Styling details
and construction quality to factory concept car
quality. Modified big-block in character with
the rest of the project. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$93,500. Pickups from the ’60s and ’70s have
gained some value over the past few years, and
#202-1976 CADILLAC SEVILLE
Custom
4-dr
sedan.
S/N
6S69R6Q466206.
Maroon/maroon
leather. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Like most of
the cars in this collection, this has been highly
detailed and well maintained. Built as a daily
driver in the early 1980s, later restored to a
high level while being made into a customized
version of its original design. Chrisman-built
big-block V8, blacked-out trim, smooth maroon paint over flawless bodywork. Fitted with
high-end Euro-style alloys. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $8,250. This would cost at least three times
the projected high bid of $20k to build. At this
price it was an absolute steal, as the running
gear alone is probably worth the money spent.
This is the kind of money that a nice restored or
original first-series Seville will sell for today,
and this pro-made luxocruiser would be a
whole lot more fun to drive.
#257-1999 FORD TAURUS Winston Cup
racer. Orange/black vinyl. Built by Robert
Yates Racing for the Daytona and Talladega
circuits. Driven by ’99 Winston Cup Champion
Dale Jarrett, ’00 rookie Scott Pruett, and
Ricky Craven for PPI in ’01. Once retired,
Cal Wells restored the car and presented it to
Joe MacPherson—who was a financial partner
in the car—for display at Joe’s Garage. Looks
unraced and detailed to the max. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $41,250. Every bit as well restored
as the Earnhardt Lumina offered here as lot
221, but not with the same history. Well bought
at a quarter of the $209k Lumina sale price. ♦
Sports Car Market
Fantasy Junction
1145 Park Avenue Emeryville, California USA 94608
Phone: (510) 653-7555 • Fax: (510) 653-9754
www.fantasyjunction.com
Investments in special interest, classic and high performance cars
1967 Jaguar XK-E Series I, 4.2. Sympathetically rebuilt
and properly maintained. Matching numbers. Original Suede
Green leather interior with fresh original special order opalescent
green paint. Lovely car in every way. Original tools. $78,500.
1967 Ferrari P4 Recreation by Norwood. Perhaps the
most beautiful and exciting shape ever seen on a race car. Built
to Norwood’s usual exacting standards of quality and accuracy.
Ferrari 4-cam, injected V-12. Alloy body. $365,000.
1954 Maserati A6GCS, S/N 2053. Desirable and competitive
car. $200,000 in Epifani Restorations receipts. Eligible for all
events. FIA Historical Technical Passport. Correct spare A6GCS
engine # 2067. John de Boer history. $1,950,000.
1935 Bentley 3 ½ Liter, s/n B5EJ. Unique Antem bodied
open Bentley commissioned by Andre Embiricos. Wonderful
example of French design, both elegant and rakish. Thoroughly
documented, multi volume history. $295,000.
Mecum St. Charles, IL
High Performance at Bloomington Gold
The “Tri-Five” trio stalled at $2.7 million, while a ZR2 convertible went out
the door at $550,000, making high sale of the weekend
Company
Mecum Auctions
Date
June 27–28, 2008
Location
St. Charles, Illinois
Auctioneer
Mark Delzell, Mike Hagerman,
& Jim Landis
Automotive lots sold / offered
131/292
Sales rate
45%
Sales total
$8,745,619
Documentation equalled $247k for this ’67 427/435 convertible
Introduction by Dan Grunwald
Report and photos by Dan Grunwald and Thomas Glatch
Market opinions in italics
High sale
1971 Corvette ZR2 convertible,
sold at $550,000
Buyer’s premium
$300 on the first $5,499,
$500 from $5,500 to $9,999,
5% thereafter, included in
sold prices
T
miles. The European market has long held that a bit of patina is a valuable asset,
he annual Bloomington Gold Corvette exbut the Corvette market is still somewhat new to that concept, and many of the
travaganza at Pheasant Run Lodge in St.
St. Charles, IL
original cars offered didn’t sell due in part to high reserves and the fact there
Charles is a four-day affair with many
were so many available here.
special events and classes in all areas of
Many beautifully restored Corvettes were also on offer, including the ’55,
Corvettism. If you attend, you can learn some
’56, and ’57 serial number one Corvettes offered by George Swartz and Al
of the finer points of restoration, judging, and
Wiseman. All three were in factory-new condition, and even though the
analyzing that next possible Corvette purchase.
trio was bid to a combined $2,700,000 ($850,000, $900,000, and $950,000,
You also discover how to make important decirespectively), they went unsold. A rare 1971 LS6-equipped ZR2 convertible
sions about the car you may already own. There is a
was the high sale of the weekend at $550,000, while a 1969 L88 convertible
well-attended swap meet with parts vendors selling
totaled $435,750. There were also some
anything and everything you may need or want for
more pedestrian highlights, such as a 1979
your Corvette, and major vendors of reproduction parts
with 875 original miles that pulled in $27,300
Sales Totals
offer free catalogs and bargains.
and an ’81 with 2,998 miles that traded hands
Mecum’s annual auction started on Friday with
$12m
at $26,500. Both seemed like hefty prices, but
sunshine and record crowds. Drivers of the lots on their
2008
2007
each car was basically as-new, and nobody put
way to the auction block had to carefully wind their way
2006
$10m
away Corvettes of this vintage when they were
2005
through the crowd, and bidder seating inside was at a
2004
new looking for future profit.
premium. The first day of any car auction usually starts
$8m
This year’s final total was up from $8.2 milslowly, but this sale began with spirited bidding that
lion last year to $8.7 million, with a respectable
didn’t seem to stop until the last car crossed the block.
$6m
45% sold. There seemed to be a consensus comThis can be explained in part by the quality and rarity of
ing into this event that the market for the midthe Corvettes on offer.
$4m
range cars was a bit flat; they just weren’t seeing
Although there were no GM one-off show cars as in
past years, there were plenty of high-level cars available. the stratospheric price increases we’ve seen over
$2m
Forty-two Corvettes came from the collection of Fred the past seven or eight years. But perhaps that
meant newer collectors were able to get into
and Terry Michaelis at ProTeam, and there was also no
decent Corvettes at reasonable prices. ♦
shortage of Survivors with unbelievably low original
90
Sports Car Market
Mecum St. Charles, IL
#F66-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N VE55S001576. Gypsy Red/light
beige. Odo: 25,313 miles. 265-ci 195-hp V8, 4bbl, auto. Very good paint and interior, decent
engine compartment with non-original smallblock engine. Period aftermarket hard top
with mild scratches on Plexiglas, original side
#F72-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S113296. Tuxedo
Black/black cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 2,620 miles.
327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. 2,620
miles since full restoration. Paint, chrome, interior, and engine all excellent. Some scratches on
hard top’s plexiglas rear window. A near-perfect
number grade pretty much irrelevant. Well
bought and sold with that in mind.
curtains and bags. A good looking ’55 that
can be driven and shown. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$75,525. Despite their shortcomings, there is
a certain mystique to these early Corvettes.
This was not a Top Flight restoration, but it
won’t end up as a “trailer queen” either. Well
bought.
#F126-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S103691. Venetian Red &
white/white cloth/red leather. Odo: 57,466 miles.
283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Paint and
chrome in excellent condition, restored interior
shows little use. Engine compartment clean and
done to GM specs. A good car for both show and
go. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $79,800. It’s hard to resist a red ’57 Corvette, especially a fuel-injected
one. This was a well restored car that was ready
to be shown, and the price paid was fair for a
fuelie of this caliber.
#S53-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S107212. Signet Red &
white/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 2,196 miles.
283-ci 250-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Great
new paint and chrome, including windshield
surround. Body as good as original, interior
clean and well-fitted. Optioned with power
windows. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $80,000. This
car wore a brand new high-quality restoration,
and there was little to fault anywhere. Well
bought at this price despite being fitted with a
Powerglide slush box.
92
restoration. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $67,000. Last
seen at Mecum’s Spring Classic in Indianapolis
in May ’08, where it sold at $78,750 (SCM#
116877). A black and red ’62 fuelie is a striking Corvette. This was not genuine enough for
Bloomington Gold, but it was a very desirable
show/drive car nonetheless, and it was a bit of
a bargain at this price. Well bought.
#F92-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S118439. Riverside
Red/saddle leather. Odo: 97,185 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Body-on restoration
with excellent (though over-restored) paint.
Good chrome, knockoff wheels fitted. Interior
looks original and has expected wear associated with miles. Average engine compartment
#F23-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S113022. Sunfire
Yellow/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 14,875
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Nice
newer paint with stick-on vinyl paint protectors
on front end. Globby windshield weatherstriping, new top with a tiny hole on right hand side.
Well detailed non-original engine, leaking master cylinder. Keisler 5-speed manual transmission and new leather seats. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $45,938. A well restored and tight car with
only minor details to be looked after. Sure to
turn heads everywhere. The replacement engine
helped make this car quite affordable for the
new owner, and as a 5-speed equipped driver,
it’s hard to beat.
#F34-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S104929. Marina Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 74,782 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Recently restored with excellent
paint and chrome. Well restored interior shows
no wear. Excellent engine compartment done in
fitted with factory a/c. Not show quality, but
great looking nonetheless. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$71,925. From The Fred and Terry Michaelis
Personal Reserve Collection, this ’63 was delivered in primer and is one of 278 built that
year with a/c. It’s thought to be a COPO or
VIP car. Price was very high for a base-engine,
decent-condition ’63, so the interesting history
(or maybe the red paint and knockoffs) may
have influenced the bidding.
#F95-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S108160. Rally Red/white
vinyl. Odo: 53,813 miles. 327-ci 375-hp fuelinjected V8, 4-sp. Original paint with lots of
chips and touch-ups visible, age and wear to
original chrome. Teak wheel with finish worn
off, driver’s side armrest cracked. Paint missing on console, some yellowing to original
white vinyl seats and door panels. Engine looks
very original other than plug wires and radiator
hoses. Factory knockoff wheels and bias-ply
tires. Solid frame. Windshield chipped. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $91,875. Looks to be a definite
Survivor class contender, which makes the
the original style. Options include a/c, factory
alloy wheels, and sidepipes. Full documentation. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $65,100. A nicely
restored car with plenty of factory options.
The 350-hp small block is great fun to drive,
and this car had the look of the ’67 without the
price of a big-block. Well bought.
#F74-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S112218. Red & white/
white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 88,533 miles. 427ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Shiny new paint
and chrome, door gaps a bit wide at top. Engine
detailed to factory specs. Fitted with pb, ps, pw,
and a/c. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $106,050. This
car had great eyeball, great colors, a beautiful
Sports Car Market
Mecum St. Charles, IL
restoration, and was air conditioned. There was
enough here for the new owner to break through
the six-figure barrier, and considering this car’s
options and condition, the price paid was not out
of line.
#S73-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S114190. Tuxedo
Black & red/black vinyl hard & soft tops/black
vinyl. Odo: 72,210 miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Bloomington Gold Award in 2004,
NCRS Top Flight in 2003. Fitted with sidepipes,
a/c, and ps. Claimed to be matching numbers
and identified as a COPO car. 240 miles since
restoration by Nabers Brothers. Fitted with
four NOS Kelsey-Hayes bolt-on finned aluminum wheels and transistorized ignition. All
documentation included. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$336,000. Showroom new in all respects, and
one of the top three earners in this year’s sale
for good reason. Well bought and sold.
#X19-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S731205. Tuxedo Black/
black vinyl. Odo: 12,609 miles. 427-ci 435-hp
V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Repaint rubbed through right
side of hood and checking at rear of passenger
door. Mileage claimed correct. Tank sticker,
build sheet, Protect-O-Plate, and three owner
history. Fitted with transistorized ignition, F41
suspension, ps, pb, and tinted glass. Numbers
matching. One of 102 fitted with a heavy-duty
clutch. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $93,450. From the
Fred and Terry Michaelis Personal Reserve
Collection. This had some rare options and
was really nice inside and out, and it sold quite
well at the price paid.
#F46-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N
194670S407351.
94
Bridgehampton Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 80,550
miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Excellent
paint might be a respray. Very good chrome
with no issues, nice interior with normal wear
on parking brake handle and console. Clean
original engine compartment, new tires, exhaust, and brakes. Clean throughout. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $21,525. These 350-hp small-block
Corvettes delivered good performance without
the cost and hassles of the high-strung LT1 option. This one looked great inside and out, and
it sold at a good price for both concerned.
#S15-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 COPO coupe. S/N 194371S114576.
Black/black leather. Odo: 48,541 miles. 350-ci
330-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Thick shiny black paint
with normal light corner cracking in usual spots,
rivet bumps showing in front of hood from support brace and radiator core support. Various
chips and nicks in paint, some wear on console
and seats. Tank sticker with special paint code
(black). A three-owner car. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$60,900. Started and ran smooth and solid.
Sold very well even for an LT-1. The demand
on the LT-1 small-block cars is outstripping the
supply, and we’re seeing prices slowly climb.
Well bought and sold considering the options
and condition.
TOP 10 #S107-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
No. 6 ZR2 convertible. S/N 194671S117850.
Ontario Orange/black vinyl. Odo:
21,020 miles. 454-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Good paint, chrome, and interior. Wiper door
sits high, front cowl vent panel not screwed
down tight. Hood fit wide on left, hood release
doesn’t work. Looks body-off restored. Part of
the 1999 Bloomington Gold Special Collection,
the 2003 Bloomington Gold Hall of Fame, and
the 2000 National Corvette Museum exhibit.
Original factory Corvette Order Copy comes
with car. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $550,000. With
only twelve built and only two of them convertibles, the ZR2 cars are very rare and highly
sought by collectors. The ZR2 came from
the factory with the LS6 V8, the M22 “Rock
Crusher” 4-speed, transistor ignition, special
radiator, and many special suspension parts.
This was claimed to have the last build date
of any known ZR2, which makes it the last car
GM ever built with the LS6 big-block. Fast and
rare, even though it will never be driven to its
potential again. Although expensive, I’d call it
worth the money spent.
#F118-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1267J35429293. Mille Miglia
Red/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 57,399
miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Engine
and transmission claimed to be original. Very
good resprayed paint, small pits and spider
cracks on nose. Earlier Rally wheels fitted.
Nice original interior with only minor wear on
console. Clean engine compartment, factory
alarm system still installed and apparently still
functional. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $18,375. We’ve
seen more interest in early-’70s Corvettes, and
the ’73 offers a unique one-year look combining both the plastic nose and earlier chrome
rear bumpers. This one looked very nice and
should make a nice driver that shows well. Well
bought at this price.
#F134-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z57L85429899. White/light beige
leather. Odo: 35,455 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Very good original paint with
only minor wear and stress cracking visible.
Nice alloy wheels and chrome, good trim and
glass. Interior shows slight wear throughout.
Engine and underhood area clean and detailed
as-new. Looks to be very original. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $11,025. Who says you can’t afford
a nice Corvette? This was a great ’78 that
looked largely original and showed really well
(although it needed better tires). Cars like this
are inexpensive now and will never appreciate
much, so why not enjoy it? A good buy.
Sports Car Market
Mecum St. Charles, IL
#F63-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8762B5100072. Beige &
dark bronze/camel leather. Odo: 2,998 miles.
350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Front and rear flex
bumpers starting to change color, as is typical
in this generation of ’Vette. Light delamination
starting on windshield at corners. Right headlight door sits high, other panel gaps to factory
per car, which was a little ahead of the current
market, as good cars can be found in the lower
$30k range. Well sold.
specs. Light paint chips on some interior trim,
clean seats and carpet. The 72nd car to come
from the Bowling Green plant after production
moved from St. Louis in 1981. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $26,500. This low-miles original must be
rare because this vintage of Corvette was not
often saved. I have often wondered why the
factory quit doing two-tone color schemes like
on the great ’50s cars—perhaps color combos
like this were the reason. Expensive, but find
another low-miles example in this condition.
#F44-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector
Edition
coupe.
S/N
1G1AY0781C5111536. Silver Beige/multitone silver & beige leather. Odo: 13,781
miles. 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Odometer claimed correct and car looks the
part. Near-flawless paint and graphics, interior
shows only the slightest wear. Clean engine
with cruise control and HD cooling. Fitted with
Gymkhana suspension, power seat, pl, and
power outside mirrors. Was a radio-delete car,
aftermarket radio added. A strong candidate
for Bloomington Gold Survivor status. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $18,900. The 1982 Collector
Editions are about the only late C3 Corvette to
show any appreciation in the market. This one
was very attractive, and it was about as nice as
you’ll find one that’s had some use. A fair price
for both buyer and seller.
#S33-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J5M5801856.
Red/red leather. Odo: 6,885 miles. 350-ci 375hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Sold as a package
with lots S32, S34, S35, S36, and S37, all of
which are ZR-1s from each production year between 1990 and 1995. Factory new inside and
out with 6,885 miles on the odometer. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $231,000. First year ZR-1s are
still trying to get some respect in the market,
unlike when they first came out. When bought
fairly, the ZR-1 is one of the few bargains in the
Corvette market, considering the performance
it provides for the money. This package was
bought up by one buyer at a cost of $38,500
96
#F80-1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Lingenfelter ZR-1 coupe. S/N
1G1YZ23J5800207. Bright Aqua
Metallic/black leather. Odo: 47,800 miles. 350ci 475-ci fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Nice factory
paint, clean interior with normal wear. Engine
compartment shows regular maintenance.
Fitted with Lingenfelter performance package,
3.92 performance gearing, Borla SS exhaust,
Wilwood 6-piston disc brakes, FX3 suspension,
custom Nassau Roadster SN 001. Chips and
nicks in paint, seats show dirt and wear. Clean
engine with light corrosion on alternator. Vortec
Supercharger, three owners from new. Corvette
Fever magazine and SEMA car. The first of nine
built. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $37,275. Three owners in 13,000 miles suggests light use, and the
condition confirmed the mileage. Should there be
a rule that prohibits painting a Corvette Porsche
Guards Red? Another example made $57,200
at RM’s sale of the Al Wiseman Collection in
December ’07 (SCM# 47756), and although this
one had more miles, it should still be considered
a decent buy at this price.
#S23-2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. S/N 1G1YY12S015127926. Bright
Red/black & red leather. RHD. Odo: 162 miles.
5.7-liter 385-hp fuel-injected LS6 V8, 6-sp.
Mileage claimed correct from new, and it looks
the part. Essentially a new 2001 Z06 looking
and dual removable roof panels. Very good
California car. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $24,675.
ZR-1 Corvettes are an absolute bargain, and
this one, with modifications by Chevy wizard
John Lingenfelter, was an absolute steal. The
factory Bright Aqua Metallic paint is rare
(especially for ZR-1s), the brakes have been
upgraded, and it has 475 hp. What more could
you want for less than $25k?
#F2-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P9R5107821. Polo Green
Metallic/beige leather. Odo: 64,987 miles. 350ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. In excellent
original condition despite the mileage, with
only the slightest wear showing. Paint, wheels,
for a new owner. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $29,400.
Still new in the wrapper. As long as it stays in
this condition, this car could very well bring
a tidy profit for this buyer in the future. Used
Z06s from the first year of production are selling in the mid- to low-$20k range, so this was
not a huge premium to pay for one that’s still
showroom-fresh.
#F106-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY26U165116734. Velocity
Yellow/black leather. 6.0-liter 400-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. A clean two-year-old C6 with
only the slightest wear showing. Fitted with
Z51 package, head-up display, custom wheels,
trim, interior, and engine all look almost new.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $9,400. While nothing really special, this ’94 coupe was in great shape
and had a nice Polo Green/beige color scheme.
Another excellent Corvette for the first-time
owner, this saw limited interest, and it should
have brought about double what was paid here.
Very well bought.
#S111.1-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Guldstrand
Nassau
roadster.
S/N
1G1YY32P9S5105416. Guards Red/beige
cloth/beige leather. Odo: 13,000 miles. 350ci 420-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Guldstrand
climate control, and upgraded red brake
calipers. Original wheels included. Looks very
well cared for. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $35,175.
This was a great looking Corvette with only
light use, and it would have made an excellent
driver at a huge savings over new. Cars like this
are still sliding down the new car depreciation
slope, but this still a market-correct price.♦
Sports Car Market
NOW ONLINE!
The world’s largest collector car price guide based
on over 500,000 sold transactions. Updated weekly.
www.ebaymotors.com/pricetracker
For the collector who needs to know what things are selling for, right now.
Take a free test drive on a the featured car of the week. 24-Hour introductory memberships now $3.99.
eBay Motors Online Sales
Beyond Barn Find
It’s not worth playing Russian Roulette at Ferrari labor rates on a common
production car in a cliché color combo
Report by Geoff Archer
Market opinions in italics
B
kind of money, our remorseful seller could probably even replace it with an SLK in similar fettle.
Well sold given what little remains.
ecause every true gearhead is of necessity also
a masochist, we here
present nine projects
to keep their new owners
occupied—and hemorrhaging
cash—for eons.
#170173720719-1971 PORSCHE 911E
coupe. S/N 9111200395. Eng. # 911 01 35525.
Gemini Blue Metallic/brown vinyl. Odo:
142,915 miles. 15 Photos. Madison, CT. Bold
header opens with, “911E For The Brave!...
This car has structural rust... enough to make
the doors bind... The seats are tired... it was
mouseville for a long time... (several years ago)
Condition inferred from
seller’s descriptions; cars were
not physically examined by the
author. All quoted material taken from
the eBay listings. sf=seller’s feedback;
bf=buyer’s feedback
#140208818271-1954
NASH-HEALEY
LE MANS coupe. S/N 3069. White & red/
red vinyl. 24 Photos. Alpharetta, GA. Mostly
Google copy-and-paste description goes on and
on about how few coupes were made, but fails
to describe this actual car in any detail. Pictures
show that most everything is there, and that the
car and the engine were recently repainted...
but the glass, trim, and interior bits are still
laying about on blankets. 23 bids, sf 93, bf 6.
Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $38,650. Second only to a
Citroen 2CV, the Nash-Healey is the most dastardly vehicle I have ever shifted. Buyer (eBay
ID lordcactus) may not have cared at this price.
Come to think of it, I wouldn’t have either. Well
bought... now screw it together before they
print January’s Scottsdale catalogs.
BRG, which is still visible in the jams and
the trunk. Rust holes in the trunk and floor,
rust bubbles on the doors. Seats and glass
are decent. “MOTOR TURNS OVER VERY
FREELY ON ITS OWN POWER, WATER
PUMP AND CARBURATOR ARE STUCK.
Rear brake drums are off, driveshaft is out,
do not know condition of brakes/trans, but the
gearshift lever moves freely into gears. Car
rolls easily, will roll easily on trailer.” 19 bids,
sf 79, bf 233. Cond: 4-. SOLD AT $9,300.
Does anyone ever sell a rusty car that is not
described as “solid”? I guess being in a state
of liquid, gas, or plasma would just scare too
many potential bidders away. With a simple
American engine and the potential for high
value when completed, this was a mild bargain
despite its abundant superficial ugliness.
#130144651018-1959 MERCEDES-BENZ
190SL roadster. S/N 12104010014902. Silver
& rust. 11 Photos. Seaside, CA. “Parked
sometime in the early 70s with some kind of
problem...” It was overgrown and buried. The
rust is severe and many parts have been scavenged. Motor, transmission and suspension are
there. Of course, anything is fixable, but this
#330203540123-1965 SUNBEAM TIGER
convertible.
S/N
B382001847LRXFE.
Bronze/black. Odo: 15,194 miles. 24 Photos.
North Royalton, OH. Pathetic repaint over
car would be a maximum challenge and at an
impressive level of before and after comparison.
So if you need to impress someone with what
you can do, then this car is for you. 13 bids, sf
14, bf 3. Cond: 5. SOLD AT $4,600. For this
98
A backfire lit up a mouse nest in the air cleaner
and there was a small fire melting the top of the
filter assembly. This engine has not turned in at
least four years. I have a receipt from an authorized Porsche dealer for 6900+ dollars. Assume
the worst.” 23 bids, sf 111, bf 37. Cond: 5+.
SOLD AT $5,728. This is basically a stylish
carrying case for a pile of expensive and hardto-find parts, including 15-inch Fuchs, door
pockets, the torquey 2.0L 911E drivetrain...etc.
Could a cold-hearted person make some money
listing these bits separately on eBay? Probably.
I don’t have the stomach for “wetwork” myself,
but this was fair money for the man who does.
#370033608320-1963 FIAT 1500GT Ghia
coupe. Rust/black leather. 13 Photos. Northern
California. Highly-rated Canadian seller listing for a friend. “The body has some rust and
will need an experienced metal man to repair
as there are no repro parts for this car. Not
sure the mileage. The cars chassis and frame
look real good.” Interior looks twice baked.
“Ran when parked 10 years ago.” (Really? Did
you park it in a nuclear power station’s cooling pond?) 37 bids, sf 3705, bf 220. Cond: 5+.
SOLD AT $8,150. Well sold and then some. If
Sports Car Market
Fresh Meat
you were hell bent on throwing money at a rare
and rusty little Italian coupe, then you should
have bought one of Mike Sheehan’s ASA 1000s...
at least they bring good money when finished.
#290193784786-1968 LAMBORGHINI
MIURA P400 coupe. S/N 3540. Gold &
primer. 24 Photos. Charlottesville, VA.
Originally green, painted gold sometime later.
“In a garage when it was still very young when
a tree fell on the building. The roof and rear
body were crushed. Then delegated to indoor
storage and use as a parts car. Thus the car is
one of the most original and non-rusty Miuras
out there. Missing parts include “all glass,
doors, drive axles, carburetors, oil pump, distributors, exhaust system, clutch, transfer gear
assembly and housing, starter, rear trunk lid
and the seats.” 8 bids, sf 102, bf 557. Cond:
5+. SOLD AT $123,100. Brave? Yes, but I too
can see the prize here. Is a restored, lime green,
matching numbers Miura worth more than the
several hundred thousand it will take to make it
that way? Probably. Was I tempted? Of course.
Still calling this price fair? Yes, because the
great investment required naturally discounts
the initial outlay.
#120261980482-1991 FERRARI TESTAROSSA
coupe. S/N ZFFSG17A8M0089218. Red/
tan leather. Odo: 0,251 miles. 16 Photos.
Rancho Cordova, CA. Entertainingly mislabeled as a “Ferrari 360 Tesstarosa,” as a
360-degree flat spin is probably how it got
to be this way. “Salvage title.” Bumper and
quarter scraped, right rear wheel has 20
degrees of positive camber. “This would be
a very easy car to repair as the majority of
Ferrari labor rates on a common production
car in a cliché color combo.
#170183799934-1951 MUNTZ JET convertible. S/N 147. Gray primer/red vinyl. Odo:
22,573 miles. 17 Photos. Lancaster, CA. “Last
registration was in 1963... Up to 400 Muntz Jet’s
may have been produced.” $5k spent on body,
“primarily sanding and painting with primer
- Nothing major was done.” Interior stripped,
some parts visible in photos. “Probably had
a Lincoln engine from the factory... engine
was replaced in 1960 with an Oldsmobile
- Engine runs.” In 2005, “Radiator ‘new core’
cost $425 - Gas tank ‘boil and coat’ cost $125
- Carburetor rebuilt cost $250 - Brake Drums
turned cost $375.” 21 bids, sf 182, bf 30. Cond:
4-. SOLD AT $15,500. Seller was bombarded
with dozens of emails asking for a Buy-It-Now
option, and he was likely very happy that he
chose to let it ride, as all he wanted to clear
was $10k. A fair price, and maybe a bit of a
deal for an interesting project.
#130209848357-1957 DEVIN K roadster.
S/N 1420477. Burnt orange/burnt orange. 9
Photos. Holland, MI. “Built and titled on a
1957 VW chassis using Karmann Ghia components to make up the windshield, gauges and
tail lights. The extreme light weight of the the
Devin body made even the 36hp beetle engine
a thrill. Offered in it’s as found ‘Barn fresh’
condition ready to restore for street or race.
Imagine it powered with a 1600 Porsche 356
Online sales of contemporary cars.
(Descriptions exactly as presented by sellers, including non-stop capitalization and creative grammar.)
2008 Audi S5
Date sold: 06/17/2008
eBay auction ID: 300231763880
Seller: DCH Millburn Audi, Maplewood, NJ,
www.dchmillburnaudi.com
Sale Type: Used car, 3,800 miles, but not Audi
certified
VIN: WAURV78T28A010614
Details: Phantom Black Pearl over black, B&O
sound, technology package
Sale result: $60,600, 4 bids, sf 301, bf 248
MSRP: $59,015
Other current offering: Riverside Audi, Secaucus,
NJ, www.riversideaudi.com, asking $64,900
for similar but certified car with 2,641 miles.
2003 Lamborghini Murcielago
Date sold: 06/30/2008
eBay auction ID: 330246881532
Seller: Dream Motor Cars, Los Angeles, CA,
www.dreammotorcars.com
Sale Type: Used car, 15,353 miles
VIN: ZHWBU16M83LA00872
Details: Verde Artemis (jade green) with black
leather, 40th Anniversary edition
Sale result: $180,000, 2 bids, sf 12, bf 122
MSRP: $300,200 (2003)
Other current offering: Auto Salon, San Diego,
CA, asking $165,000 for 40th Anniversary car
with 24,700 miles.
2008 Porsche 911 GT2
the damage is isolated to the right side and it is
mostly suspension and very minor body damage. The interior is in excellent shape and we
have all 3 keys.” 22 bids, sf 385, bf 0. Cond:
4+. SOLD AT $39,000. What purpose does it
serve to yell “IF THIS CAR DOES NOT SELL
WE WILL PART THE CAR OUT?” Maybe that
was just the seller’s conscience secretly hoping to frighten you away. Well sold regardless,
as it’s not worth playing Russian Roulette at
October 2008
engine and brakes.” Doors are glassed shut
“and look like they could be made to function
once the outer fill was removed.” 31 bids, sf 32,
bf 504. Cond: 5+. SOLD AT $8,299. Normally
I would suggest that you close your browser
the moment you come across the word “imagine” in an eBay Motors listing, but given the
inexpensive nature of this cool old car, I could
forgive you for watching this auction in your
My eBay. I’d even be OK with you buying it...
although I would have been more enthusiastic
if you’d paid two or three grand less. ♦
Date sold: 07/21/2008
eBay auction ID: 280246276822
Seller eBay ID: duanelyons
Sale Type: Used car, 22 miles
VIN: WP0AD29948S796208
Details: Red over black with red trim, Sport
Chrono, heated seats, Bose surround sound
Sale result: $220,100, 25 bids, sf 367, bf 3.
MSRP: $191,700 (base)
Other current offering: The Porsche Exchange,
Highland Park, IL, www.porschexchange.com,
asking $269,900 for yellow car with 57 miles. ♦
99
Book Reviews Mark Wigginton
Inside Jack Griffith’s Dream
John Starkey shows Lola T70 still sings siren song; “Gentleman Jack”
Sears style graces sports car racing biography
Gentleman Jack: The Official Biography
of Jack Sears
by Graham Gauld, Veloce Publicing, 160 pages,
2008, $37.96 at Amazon.com
In this forword by Sir John Whitmore, he writes of
John “Jack” Sears, “Jack was the gentleman I should
have been. He had the grace, whilst I had only the
title.” Whitmore saw that grace, and Sears’s obvious
skill behind the wheel, during their hard-fought battles
in English touring cars. Sears became the British
Saloon Car Champion in the inaugural 1958 season,
and then followed it up with another title in 1963.
Throughout the ’50s and ’60s, Sears was “dabbling”
from Brands Hatch to Le Mans, living the life of the
wealthy racer. A life well lived.
Provenance: 
Graham Gauld was editor of Motor World and Historic Motor Racing magazine, and the
journalist and stylist shows throughout Gentleman Jack. The book is well researched and
goes beyond Sears’s racing career, to include family history and car collections.
Fit and finish: 
Nicely designed, with tons of well-reproduced black and white photos. Gentleman Jack is
easy on the eyes, with the exception of the dust jacket, which I can only guess is an attempt
to recreate the worst motoring book covers of the 1950s.
Drivability: 
Well written and exhaustively researched, Gentleman Jack is your armchair pass to a
time and place, cars and tracks, people and playthings long gone. Sears was central to an
era, and this biography does him well.
The Griffith Years
by Mike Mooney, Possum Valley Publishing, 152 pages,
2003, $29.95 at Amazon.com
The Griffith turned out to be the Sam Bowie of Anglo/
American sports cars (you know, the guy the Portland
Trailblazers picked instead of Michael Jordan). Fast and
agile, this love child of a lightweight TVR chassis and a
high-performance Ford V8 should have been a Cobra killer,
and with a few breaks it might have been just that—and as
iconic. Instead, Jack Griffith’s “little sports car that could” is
rare and under-appreciated, killed by the kind of economic
forces that can easily crush a small company. The Griffith
Years tells the whole story, and Mooney was there from the
beginning.
Provenance: 
Mooney was a fan of the Griffith, a test driver and deeply involved in the whole mad
enterprise. He went back to research the gaps, and the book stands as a historical document,
as well as an easy, informative read.
Fit and finish: 
The book’s production mirrors the Griffith’s—home-spun, off-the-shelf, and practical.
But humble doesn’t mean badly done.
Drivability: 
Mike Mooney was a trooper in Long Island when he was asked to look the other way as
Mark Donohue did road testing of the first Griffith, and then he found himself doing testing
as well. He has put together a lovely, readable story of the people and the passion that created the Griffith.
100
Lola T70
by John Starkey, Veloce Publishing,
192 pages, 2008, $65.66 at Amazon.com
The Lola T70 was only a competitive
package for a few years, first in the
Can-Am Championship during the 1966
season, winning six of seven races, then
in endurance racing in 1967–68. But the
impact on the senses and psyches of racers and race fans was much more impressive. A thing of beauty from any angle,
whether roadster or coupe, the Lola T70
was just dead sexy, and fast. John Starkey
should know. He was smitten early on,
then had to have his own Lola. His flirtation has turned into a passion. This fourth
edition of Lola T70 has updated chassis
information on nearly the entire production run of this important race car.
Provenance: 
Starkey has put together the definitive
history of the Lola T70. As an owner
himself, and the former curator of the
Donington Grand Prix Collection,
Starkey marries his love of the car and the
skills of a historian into his book.
Fit and finish: 
Top notch quality, with lovely photo
reproduction in saturated color and crisp
black and white, which serves to support
the deep historic research.
Drivability: 
Whether you want to skim or go for
truly obsessive levels of information, it is
all ready for you in Lola T70. The stories
of races and drivers are informative and
richly detailed, while the chassis by chassis history tells the story another way.
Sports Car Market
Bike Buys Cagiva Alazzurra
Biggest Bang for the Duck
The hearty roar of an unrestricted Conti exhaust on a $1,500 Alazzurra is
indistinguishable from a $15,000 late-model Ducati
by Ed Milich
T
Izaak Berezovsky
he Cagiva Alazzurra (“Blue Bird”)
650 may be the most undervalued
2-valve, belt-driven Ducati. Allys,
as they are called, are old enough
to be overlooked by admirers of modern
Ducatis, but young enough to deflect the
gaze of most vintage motorcycle connoisseurs.
The Alazzurra, along with the 750
Sport, F1, and Paso, was produced in one
of Ducati’s transitional periods starting
in the mid-1980s. Originally badgeengineered by the Castiglioni brothers,
(the “Ca” in Cagiva), who owned Ducati
at that time, the Alazzurra was intended
as a mild sport/sport-touring machine.
Production records on the 650 Alazzurra (350-cc variants are rare in the U.S.)
indicate less than 5,000 were built between 1984 to 1987. The prominent “Cagiva”
(instead of Ducati) on the tank is one reason why Alazzurras are the most inexpensive
Ducatis on the secondary market.
But Alazzurras are able race bikes for vintage and modern classes, due to their
efficient design, relatively light weight (300–350 lb in race trim), low cost, and large
potential for chassis and engine tuning.
Pantah frames are much less likely to crack
The 650 Alazzurra uses a version of the twin-shock frame that first appeared on
the 500-cc 1979 500SL (commonly referred to as the “Pantah”). While not as light
or stiff as any modern Ducati trellis chassis, Alazzurra/Pantah frames have much
less propensity to crack at the steering head or other frame welds compared to newer
Ducatis.
Alazzurras employ relatively heavy cast Oscam 18-inch wheels, with 35 mm front
forks and twin remote-reservoir shocks by Marzocchi. The stock suspension is sprung
softly, yet the handling is predictable. The stock brake system, often described as
“vague,” employs Brembo twin piston front and
single rear calipers with triple 260-mm cast-iron
Perfect Ally owner:
rotors. Upgrades are recommended.
Too cheap or too weird
The engine is an oversquare 650-cc (82 mm
for a 750 Monster.
bore x 61.5 mm stroke) variant of Taglioni’s Pantah
Rating (HHHHH is best):
engine, which originally appeared in the 500SL and
Fun to ride: HHHH
later 600SL and 650SL variants. It features twoEase of maintenance: HHHH
valve hemi heads with overhead desmodromic valve
Appreciation potential: H
actuation driven by Kevlar-reinforced belts, which
Attention getter: HHHH
bridge the top and bottom ends.
Number produced: Less than 5,000
This engine formed the basis for all modern
Original list price: $3,743 in 1985
Ducati 2- and 4-valve twin-cylinder engines that
SCM Valuation: $500–$2500
followed. Evolved versions of the Alazzurra 650’s
Tune-up: Under $200 DIY
engine are still in production at Ducati, as the
Engine: 649 cc, 4-stroke V-twin, Desmodromic
current Ducati M620 (Monster) powerplant. The
valve actuation
Alazzurra is one of the last Ducati twins to feature
Transmission: 5-speed
Weight: 421 lb
a vertical cylinder head with an intake at its rear and
Engine #: On engine case behind rear
exhaust at the front. Claimed power for the 650-cc
cylinder
Alazzurra motor is about 56 hp and 40 ft-lb, though
Frame #: On headstock
my experience indicates these numbers are 5%–10%
Colors: Red, gray/pearl, white
optimistic. Racing motors can produce 67 hp–70 hp
Clubs: Pantaheads; Yahoo Alazzurra Group
with stock displacement and a radical increase in
More: www.pantaheads.com
cam timing, compression, and flow.
SCM Investment Grade: D
One of the characteristics of the Alazzurra (like
102
most “real” Ducatis) is its desmodromic
valve actuation. This system uses an
extra, inverted cam lobe and a closing
rocker arm to eliminate valve springs,
the result of which is an extremely rigid
connection between engine top and
bottom end. Like the earlier Pantahs,
Alazzurras require removal of upper
rocker arms for valve adjustment every
few thousand miles, and later-style
rocker arms with retainer clips can
halve the time.
Asian influence in the body
Alazzurra bodywork has more Asian
influence than the Pantah—surely one of the reasons for
its relatively low cost. Even so, the Ally’s form has a
pleasant and unique combination of angles and curves.
Though sometimes branded as unreliable, the Ally’s
Bosch ignition system is fairly robust, on a component
level. The weak link, however, is the four wires that connect the twin pickups inside the left engine cover to the
control boxes underneath the fuel tank. The stock wires
are surrounded by insulation that invariably fails, an
issue aggravated by the wire’s submersion in hot engine
oil. Once the insulation disintegrates, two pairs of bare
copper wires intermittently come into contact, causing
ignition hiccups.
The fix is easy—replace these four wires with modern oil-resistant versions. Also check that the swingarm
isn’t loose in the engine case pivot by means of a firm
sideways push to the swingarm with the bike on its center stand. This need not mean a swing arm pivot rebore;
proper shimming can take out the lash.
As with all modern Ducatis, belts ($70 a set) should be
inspected regularly for wear and tightness, and replaced
at least every two to three years—a two-hour job. Correct
belt tension is important for cam timing and for bearing
life. The expensive factory belt tensiometer can be ignored in favor of measuring belt clearance with a 5-mm
allen key, a work-around that will produce the specified
tension. Over-tightening the chain final drive can cause
output shaft bearing failure, requiring a full teardown and
engine case splitting, a process that points out the scarcity
of critical sundries like engine case gaskets.
Complete running Alazzurras have sold for as little
as $500, and asking prices over $2,000 for Allys are
wishful at best. The later “650 SS” version is most desirable, as it features a dry clutch, larger Brembo F08 brake
calipers, ten degrees more cam timing, and a half-inch
wider rear wheel, which allows for a larger 130 section
rear tire.
Ultimately, the best part of Alazzurra ownership is
that the hearty roar of an unrestricted Conti exhaust on
a $1,500 Ally from half a block away is largely indistinguishable from the exhaust note of a $15,000 late-model
Ducati. ♦
Sports Car Market
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“Who cares what
the other books
say—����������
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only price guide
that matters.”
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Mystery Photo Answers
Comments With
Your Renewal
Evel Knievel’s less publicized jump over
the Clinton Presidential Library.—Jack Brewer, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Runner-Up: Not exactly
W.O.’s idea of a Flying B, now is
it?—Winsor Rose, Garden City,
KS
For sale: Trailer and MG used
in The Flying Midget motion picture.—Walter Meyer, Eagle, ID
The BBC calls the show “The
Archdukes of Hazzardshire.” In
this scene, as the car clears the
jump, Beau shouts out his trademark, “Tally-ho!”—Tim Wright,
Glendale, AZ
The power was amazing as the
car launched itself out of the storage stall.—Al Zim, Bedford, TX
Vintage MG and custom
trailer for sale. Both “slightly
damaged.”—Rod Diridon, Jr.,
Santa Clara, CA
You idiot. I said, “Put the
MG in the trailer.”—Peter
Zimmermann, Bakersfield, CA
After Fonz jumped the shark
on “Happy Days,” MG made a
desperate last attempt to save
itself by jumping the RV.—Art
Russell, Los Angeles, CA
Those darned Trailer Park
Boys are at it again!—Paul
Chenard, Halifax, NS, CAN
Neville Knievel, Evel’s British
counterpart, preferred four
wheels for his death defying.—B.
Milner, Victoria, BC, CAN
More powerful than a lowly
Fiat, able to leap small RVs in a
single bound…—Pat McGee,
Cheraw, CO
Evel Knievel has gone
British.—Charles Jost,
Melbourne Beach, FL
Another great BritishAmerican hybrid, The
MGTRAILERCEPTOR.—Brady
Lindsey, Monterey, CA
Eat your heart out, Evel
Knievel.—Pu-Chin Waide,
Great Falls, VA
Seeking to expand the demographic of his car-event empire,
Martin Swig stages the first-ever
vintage car trailer jump, the
“Leap de Double Wide.” Norman
Vogel, San Francisco, CA
Before upgrading to a T-Bird,
Thelma and Louise tried to end
it all by driving their woefully
underpowered MG B off the roof
of a camper.—Kick Wheeler,
New Milford, CT
Dangerously tinkering with
the boost on the Judson-supercharged engine, Juan’s vowed
re-launch of the famed Octagon
marque literally proved to be
just that.—John Weagley,
Bridgewater, NJ
Failure to Launch.—Roger
Wooley, Portland, OR
Who said nothing exciting
ever happens in a trailer park?—
Joe Amft, Evanston, IL
At the end of his career, as
with most famous personalities,
Evel Knievel’s agent struggled to
book the big venues.—Michael
Miskiv, Saddle River, NJ
For Sale: 20-ft travel trailer,
a/c, awning, low miles, small
goiter, will not separate. Cheap.—
Pete van Hattem, SeaTac, WA
Behold, our tow vehicle arrives.—Bob Bayuk, Annandale,
NJ
Because he knows that even
the daredevils—vehicular and
otherwise—must eventually hang
up their hats, Jack Brewer wins a
soon-to-be-collectible SCM hat.♦
This Month’s Mystery Photo
Response Deadline: September 25, 2008
Our Photo, Your Caption
Be the author of the most accurate,
creative, or provocative response and
receive a Sports Car Market cap. Ties will
be arbitrarily and capriciously decided.
Fax your response to 503.253.2234;
email: mysteryphoto@sportscarmarket.
com; snail mail: Mystery, P.O. Box 4797,
Portland, OR 97208-4797. Please include
your name and contact information.
Send us your mystery photo. If we use it,
you’ll also get an official SCM cap. Email
photos at 300 dpi in JPEG format.
104
Your guide for events in
Monterey surrounding the
Historics/auctions/concours is
spot-on in every respect. My experiences on the peninsula go back
more than 60 years and I can say
with confidence you folks have not
missed a thing or place of significance. Bravo and thanks!—G.
Williams, Montecito, CA.
Enough with the muscle and
American cars.—B. Stein, Glen
Ellyn, IL
Aren’t you tired of writing
about cars that have pistons the
size of thimbles, and make a sound
like an angry bumble bee when
driven in anger? You would be
well served to pay more attention
to the American cars that really
matter, and are what collecting
in this country is all about. —S.
Stilkowski, Novato, CA
I am a concours judge, and
SCM provides great background
on many lesser known autos. It
is truly number one.—R. Lynch,
San Pedro, CA
Still the best.—R. Rader, Los
Angeles, CA
Great magazine. Keep up
the great work.—M. Winton,
Mechanicsburg, PA
Keep the good stuff coming.—R.E. Drake, Orange, CA
What happened to “fright
pig?” Call a spade a spade.—D.
Fowler, Ithaca, NY.
Is it possible to cover more
“budget” cars without getting involved with junk?—A. Rappaport,
Cedar Falls, IA. The definition
of “budget” is arbitrary, and the
bottom of the market continues
to rise. For instance, Triumph
Spitfires that were once $5,000 are
now $10,000. So if we cast affordable as being cars under $5,000,
we’re left with Geo Metros and
Kia Rios. If we decide that $25,000
is an entry-level price, have we
busted someone’s budget? In any
event, we’ll continue to cover cars
at auction from all price ranges.
Best source for all subjects
concerning the collector car
market. Please keep up the great
work.—S. Keeney, Irvine, CA
Thanks for helping through a
long, long winter.—J. Weisbeck,
Post Falls, ID
Great magazine. Keep up the
good work.—J. Capasso, North
Salem, NY
Only suggestion I have is that
you devote your last page to a
full-page salon shot of something
dandy. Not necessarily one of your
featured or auctioned cars, just one
you guys like.—T. Weatherup,
Springfield, OH
And thanks to all of you for
your thoughtful comments and
your renewals.—Keith Martin♦
Sports Car Market
SCM Showcase Gallery
Sell Your Car Here! Includes SCM website listing.
Showcase Gallery Full-Color Photo Ad Just $44/month ($66 non-subscribers)
Text-Only Classified Ad Just $15/month ($25 non-subscribers)
French
1961 VW Cabriolet.
1938 Peugeot 402 BL Eclipse
4 ways to submit your ad:
Web: Visit sportscarmarket.com/classifieds-post.php to upload your photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text
only. Secure online Visa/MC payments.
E-mail: Send photo (300 dpi jpg) and text, or text only, to scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
We will call for your VISA/MC.
Fax: Attention Showcase, to 503.253.2234 with VISA/MC.
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25 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
1957 AC Ace Bristol, s/n BEX378
Connolly hides. Immaculate rust free body, numbers
matching. Superb, fully sorted mechanicals. Owned
by meticulous enthusiast for many years. $95,000.
Matthew L. deGarmo Ltd. 203.852.1670. www
.deGarmoLtd.com. (CT)
Georges Paulin’s pioneering retractable hardtop.
One of the most intriguing and practical of the
French streamlined Art Deco cars. A sure hit wherever it goes. $295,000. Offers/trades considered
Fantasy Junction, management@fantasyjunction
.com; www.fantasyjunction.com. 510.653.7555. (CA)
German
Nicely restored, new trim, interior, top, paint in tomato red, gray cloth interior, wide whitewalls; 1600
C.C. late (1973) engine for reliable freeway adventures, lots of eye candy! $22,500. 805.966.3272 or
Hemmings/dlrs/autostore
Italian
1980 Ferrari 308 GTBi
1966 Mercedes 230 SL Roadster
Yellow/black 6,500 miles. Major service done,
records, a totally unmolested and unrepeatable time
warp car. $49,900. Jim, 440.460.0161.
1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I
2002 Ferrari 360 Modena
The combination of a light nimble chassis and
sophisticated Bristol engine make for this ideal
event car. Recent bare-metal restoration with photo
documentation. $255,000. Fantasy Junction, management@fantasyjunction.com; www.fantasyjunction
.com. 510.653.7555. (CA)
1956 Austin-Healey 100M
Originally a Texas car, it has all been done including
a bare metal re-spray, rebuilt engine, transmission,
rear suspension, new top and interior. Available invoices exceed $50k. A poor man’s Cobra…$41,000.
Charlie, 203.655.2510, charlesengland@sbcglobal
.net.
Restored from the ground up by Bob Platz at a cost
of $160k, with full documentation. Ultra rare ZF
5-speed transmission. Looks, runs, drives as new.
Two tops, books, tools. Absolutely flawless throughout. Green, cognac leather. $85,000. Matthew L.
deGarmo Ltd., 203.852.1670, www.deGarmoLtd
.com. (CT)
1959 Porsche RSK F2
1961 Triumph TR3A
O/D transmission, signal red, restored in 1980’s. 2K
miles on rebuilt engine, oil cooler, many upgrades.
Gary W. Brown, 757.564.3336. gwbrown@cwf.org.
American
1974 Triumph TR6
Roadster, 2,660 cc, manual, red. $130,000. Factory
100M. Fresh restoration, good history, ex-Dr. George
Sniverly. Mary Ellen Ford, meford464@hughes.net,
434.973.8160. (VA)
Restored in California in early 90’s. Driven summers
only and meticulously cared for by two fussy owners
since. Teal green, saddle leather. A really lovely
car, ready to drive and enjoy. $18,500. Matthew L.
deGarmo Ltd., 203.852.1670, www.deGarmoLtd
.com. (CT)
106
1994 Porsche Speedster
1969 Triumph TR6
1966 Jaguar XKE Roadster
4.2 Liter Series I car finished in green with biscuit
1988 AC Cobra Mk IV Convertible,
s/n 718-030. Well documented and significant race
car in show quality condition. Ex-Jean Behra, One
of only six center seat cars built. Exceptional history
including Targa Florio, Spa and Reims. $1,435,000
Fantasy Junction, management@fantasyjunction
.com; www.fantasyjunction.com. 510.653.7555. (CA)
1956 Jaguar XK 140MC
Beautiful, award-winning Mike Wilson restoration.
Single family ownership for past 46 years. Great
performance. Matching numbers, black plates,
working O/D. Original owner’s manual, tools,
jack. $129,500 Fantasy Junction, management
@fantasyjunction.com; www.fantasyjunction.com.
510.653.7555. (CA)
One female owner from new; 4000 original miles.
Grigio Alloy, dar blue interior. All services done
including timing belts. Immaculate throughout.
$129,000 or best offer. Matthew L. deGarmo Ltd.
203.852.1670. www.deGarmoLtd.com. (CT)
One local California owner, (black plates, original
title) 4-speed drive, modified engine, blue-printed,
balanced, ¾ cam, re-worked cly. Head, electric ign,
up-graded exhaust. Widened steel wheels, nice
chrome/paint/interior, rock-solid, very quick, (150
hp) maroon/tan. $18,995. 805.966.3272 or hemming/dealers/autostore.
Manual, 900, White, Black/Grey,
WP0CB2964RS465358. $135,000. Time capsule 964
Speedster manual; 900 miles; Grand Prix White;
This car is new! 60mi/yr to maintain mechanical
integrity; Stored properly (top up) and serviced in
heated garage. A/C; Cruise; Radio; Rare Speedster
seats. Laurence Kenyon, lkenyon@kenyonconstruction.com, 303.817.8780.
302 CID, 5-speed, 3900, Yellow, Black $115,000,
Originally Black but repainted by SportsLeicht in
Pinehurst, NC in 2003 to current BMW Mini Yellow
with Black stripes. New tires with less than 500
miles. Includes second engine: 1966 289 Hi Po from
Shelby GT350. Built by Delmont’s Rod & Custom,
Dedham, MA, in 1988. Le Mans cam, C7FEBoss
302 CrankBinolia PistonsGurney/Eagle Weslake
heads, 4x2 Weber carbs. Serial number verified
by SAAC. Mike Cooper, mike_coop@comcast.net,
206.491.3693. (WA)
1960 Corvette FI Convertible
Numbers matching, a totally original, untouched
car. Rare black/black. Superb original body,
Sports Car Market
SCM Showcase Gallery
flawless frame. 283/290. Mechanically fully
sorted. Needs absolutely nothing. Factory hardtop
included. $120,000/offer. Matthew L. deGarmo Ltd.
203.852.1670. www.deGarmoLtd.com. (CT)
1962 Ford Falcon Wagon
1928 Sprint Car
1966 Shelby GT350 H
1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe
Restored with reliability and dependability keymost,
numbers matching 340hp, 4-speed manual, VIN
30837S119736, $84,000, Kelso Lynn 303.888.0158.
1 of 2,535 made in 1975. T-Tops, swivel buckets,
Hurst shifter. Lots of new stuff. Looks good, runs
great! $4,900 obo. 630.988.8090.
Numbers matching 6 cyl, Auto, 40K Original Miles,
new whitewall tires, carpet, headliner. Nice original
interior. Reduced $9,900 OBO. Part trade. Venice,
FL. 765.661.0420. (FL)
1973 Ford F-350 Flatbed Extended Chassis
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The real deal and the best one on the planet.
National concours level, and fully sorted for driving.
100% correct and authentic. Original black with
gold stripes, correct original automatic transmission.
$225,000. Matthew L. deGarmo Ltd. 203.852.1670,
www.deGarmoLtd.com. (CT)
Race
Show/race restored. Tel. 415.987.1942 or
415.868.2940.
1947 Grand Prix
Concourse with complete history. Tel. 415.987.1942
or 415.868.2940.
1959 Formula Junior
Front engine, race ready. Tel. 415.987.1942 or
415.868.2940. ♦
911SC Track Car
1 Owner, 50,000 miles. Diamond plate bed, electric
winch, 18” from back of bed to ground. 8 ft aluminum ramps. Bob Avonson. Cell: 203.215.4846.
Home: 203.874-7916
Black, Coupe, 429-4V Boss, Four-Speed Close Ratio
Manual, 33067, Black Jade, Black Clarion Knit Vinyl,
9f02z172921.Marti Report. All original documents,
including original title. Check this vehicle out in the
8 page spread in Automotive Quarterly Volume 37
No. 3. Rob Lombard, rlombard@lombardford.com,
860,379,3301 ext 107.
1975 Hurst/Olds
Never hit, orig. paint, full SCCA cage, ported,
stainless exhaust, sorted. Runs and drives as new.
Fast, safe, reliable. Track ready today. This is the
one to buy, no regrets. $14.5 Please call: Bill Hair
805.466.1015 or e-mail automojo@hughes.net.
“The must-read magazine for Corvette collectors”
Cosdel
Subscribe Today!
One Year Corvette Market (4 issues), plus bi-weekly Corvette Insider’s email newsletter, $29.95.
Subscribe online at www.vettemarket.com or call 1.800.810.7457
108
Sports Car Market
ORDER YOURS TODAY!
Just $17.95, plus shipping.
Keith Martin’s Guide to Car Collecting
is an almanac worth its weight in vintage
Weber carburetors. Created especially
for fans of collectible cars and Sports Car
Market. Filled with over 300 pages of
incisive articles, hard data, market analysis,
and the world’s largest resource directory
for collectors.
To Order: Phone 800.289.2819;
Fax 503.253.2234; Online at
www.sportscarmarket.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 x211 for information, e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
Auction Companies
Artcurial-Briest-Poulain-Le Fur.
33.1.4299202, 33.1.42292021. Maison
de vente aux enchères, 7, Rond-Point
des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris.
artcurial@auction.fr www.artcurial
.com. (FR)
Bonhams. +44.207.228.8000,
+44.207.585.0830. Montpelier St.,
Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1HH.
www.bonhams.com. (UK)
Bonhams & Butterfields.
415.391.4000, 415.391.4040. 220 San
Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, CA
94103 www.butterfields.com. (CA)
Branson Collector Car Auction.
800.335.3063, 417.336.5616. 1316
W. Hwy. 76, Suite 199, Branson, MO
65616. www.bransonauction.com. (MO)
Carlisle Collector Car Auctions.
717.243.7855, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road,
Carlisle, PA 17013. Spring and Fall
Auctions. High-line cars cross the
block. Hundreds of muscle cars, antique, collector, and special-interest
cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Real
Cars. Real Prices. www.carlisleauctions
.com. (PA)
eBay Motors. List your car for sale
for only $40 and pay $40 more when
it sells. Visit the “Services” section on
www.ebaymotors.com for more details.
www.ebaymotors.com.
Gooding & Company.
310.899.1960, 310.899.0930. Gooding
& Company offers the rarest examples
of collector vehicles at the most prestigious auction venues to its international
clientele. 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
and record-setting Scottsdale Auction
in January. www.goodingco.com. (CA)
H&H Classic Auctions.
+44.01925.730630, +44.01925.730830.
Whitegate Farm, Hatton, Cheshire
WA4 4BZ England. www.classicauctions.com. (UK)
Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers. 815.568.8888, 815.568.6615.
950 Greenlee St., Marengo, IL 60015.
Auctions: Orlando, Kansas City, Rockford, Bloomington Gold, St. Paul, Des
Moines, Carlisle, and Chicago. Nobody
Sells More Muscle Than Mecum. Nobody. www.mecumauction.com. (IL)
Palm Springs Auctions Inc.
Keith McCormick. 760.320.3290,
110
760.323.7031. 244 N. Indian Canyon
Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262. www
.classic-carauction.com. (CA)
Mercedes specialist - SL, Pagoda &
other models “Our website is a virtual
buyer’s guide for the 280SL.” www
.motoringinvestments.com.
American
RM Auctions, Inc.. 800.211.4371,
519.351.1337. Our team of highly qualified professionals with over 25 years
of experience will perform complete
classic car collection appraisals. Your
collection will be assessed by superior appraisers who are exceptionally
detailed and want you to get the most
value from your collection. RM is the
world’s largest vintage automobile house
specializing in vintage automobile restoration, auctions and appraisals. www
.rmauctions.com. (CAN)
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles. 602.252.2697, 602.252.6260.
5230 South 39th Street, Phoenix AZ
85040. info@russoandsteele.com;
www.russoandsteele.com. (AZ)
Santiago Collector Car Auctions.
405.475.5079, 501 E. Britton Rd.,
Oklahoma City, OK 73114. Rocky:
rockydb5@sbcglobal.net. (OK)
Legendary Motorcar Company.
905.875.4700, North America’s premier muscle car center, specialize in
restoring and trading the fi nest and
rarest American muscle cars. We are
the home of Speed TV’s “Dream Car
Garage.: We are a professional, discreet, and fair buyer for your quality
American Muscle. www.legendarymotorcar.com. (ON)
Shelby American Automotobile
Club. 860.364.0449, 860.364.0769. PO
Box 788, Sharon, CT 06069. Over 5,000
members, 50 regions throughout the
world. Dedicated to the care and preservation of the cars that Carroll Shelby
produced. Two national conventions a
year, semi-annual magazine, bi-monthly newsletter as well as a registry. (CT)
Appraisals
classic car collection appraisals. Your
collection will be assessed by superior appraisers who are exceptionally
detailed and want you to get the most
value from your collection. RM is the
world’s largest vintage automobile house
specializing in vintage automobile restoration, auctions and appraisals. www
.rmauctions.com. (CAN)
USAppraisal. 703.759.9100, Over
25 years experience with collector automobiles, available nationwide. David
H. Kinney, ASA (Accredited Senior
Appraiser, American Society of Appraisers). dhkinney@usappraisal.com
toll free: at 800.872.7772 www
.usappraisal.com. (VA)
Automobilia
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.
Buy/Sell/General
Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485,
2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205.
silver@silverauctions.com. www.silverauctions.com. (WA)
The Worldwide Group.
866.273.6394, Established by John
Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The Worldwide Group— Auctioneers, Appraisers
and Brokers —is one of the world’s
premier auction houses, specializing in
the procurement and sale of the world’s
fi nest automobiles and vintage watercraft. www.wwgauctions.com. (TX)
Tom Mack Classics. 888.TOM.
MACK, PO Box 1766, Indian Trail, NC
28079. Three annual auctions in Charlotte, NC: April, September, and January. Selling Southern muscle, collector,
and antique cars with experience and
integrity for 24 years. North Carolina
auction license 4017. www.tommackclassics.com. (NC)
Auto Appraisal Group.
800.848.2886, Offices located nationwide. Pre-purchase inspection service,
insurance matters, charitable donations,
resale vales, estates, expert witness
testimony. On-site inspection. Certified, confidential, prompt, professional.
“Not just one man’s opinion of value.”
See web site for locations and service
descriptions. www.autoappraisal.com.
California Dream Cars Appraisals.
888.314.3366, Over 30 years experience
in Southern California appraising classic, antique, special interest, muscle and
custom to current-year models. Specializing in pre-purchase inspections, stated
value insurance appraisals, insurance
disputes, and expert witness testimony.
For more info, visit our web site. www
.caldreamcars.net.. (CA)
2shores International.
49.5691.912460, 49.5691.912480. Take
advantage of the strong Euro and let
us market your car in Europe! Based
in Germany, working worldwide. Connecting buyers and sellers of collectible
automobiles in a global marketplace
since 1990. We put our market knowledge to work for you. Your trusted
partner in Europe! Call Jurgen today!
www.2-shores-classics.com. (DE)
Jon Norman’s Alfa Parts.
510.524.3636, 1221 Fourth Street, Berkley, CA 94710. Large selection of parts
from 1900 series to Milano. Efficient,
personal service. 510.525.9435. (CA)
Gooding & Company.
310.899.1960, Gooding & Company’s
experts are well qualified to appraise
automotive and collectible estates.
Whether it is the creation of a foundation, living trust, or arrangement of a
charitable donation, we are able to help
you. www.goodingco.com. (CA)
Brighton Motorsports.
480.483.4682, Brighton Motorsports,
Scottsdale Arizona is a unique dealership specializing in Vintage European
and American Collector Cars with their
Sales/Showroom and Mechanical Repair facility in the heart of Scottsdale’s
legendary auction arena. They also
have a state of the art paint & body
shop specially equipped to do all levels
of repair and restoration just down the
road, creating a one stop shop for the
avid car enthusiast. www.brightonmotorsports.com. (AZ)
Motoring Investments.
619.238.1977, Award winning restorations, brokerage, sales & locating.
Vintage German, Italian & British
RM Auctions, Inc.. 800.211.4371,
519.351.1337. Our team of highly qualified professionals with over 25 years
of experience will perform complete
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6199,
Alfa Romeo
Sports Car Market
760.758.0600. sales 760.758.6100.Fullservice restorations. Creating show
winners in a world-classic restoration
facility. Specializing in European
classics. Superb fit; attention to detail;
great craftsmanship. “Where great cars
achieve perfection.” Located in San
Diego County. sales@classicshowcase
.com www.classicshowcase.com. (CA)
one. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona.
www.woodiesusa.com. (AZ)
Classic Car Transport
Motor Auto Express, Inc..
360.661.1734, Enclosed Transport.
MAX cares for what you care for. We
offer Personal, Private, Professional
services with liftgate loading for your
vehicles. Please contact Randy McKinley, Owner. maxiet@gmail.com. (WA)
Collector Car Insurance
Family Classics. 949.496.3000, Our
showroom houses some of the world’s
most prized classic cars, hot rods,
muscle cars, and modern exotics. If we
don’t have what you want, check backor tel us what you want. We’re equipped
to fi nd numbers matching 100-point
restorations, low-mileage survivors or
just beautiful, reliable drivers. www
.familyclassiccars.com.
Legendary Motorcar Company.
905.875.4700, North America’s premier muscle car center, specialized
in restoring and trading the fi nest and
rarest American muscle. Our 55,000
sq. ft facility and 100 car showroom is
the ultimate car heaven and the home
of Speed TV’s “Dream Car Garage.”
www.legendarymotorcar.com. (ON)
Park Place LTD. 425.562.1000,
Park Place LTD is the West Coast’s
largest luxury, sports and special interest auto dealership. We’re an authorized
dealer for Aston Martin, Lotus, Spyker,
Shelby, Superformance, and Speedster
Recreations and carry collector and
special interest vehicles of all kinds.
20 years in the business and familyowned; Park Place LTD is driven to
excellence. www.ParkPlaceLTD.com.
Paul Russell and Company.
978.768.6092, 978.768.3525. Since
1978, offering restoration and sales of
classic European sports and touring
models from pre-war through 1960s.
Successfully brokering MercedesBenz, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW,
Alfa Romeo. Guidance given with
emphasis on building long-term relationships. Sales Manager Alex Finigan:
Alex@paulrussell.com www
.paulrussell.com. (MA)
Woodies USA. 480.694.7929, We
buy and sell great woodies - hundreds
to date. If you are buying or selling give
us a call. We can help. Woodies are fun!
Every car collection should have at least
October 2008
English
Grundy Worldwide. 800.338.4005,
With 60 years of experience in servicing and preserving the collector vehicle
hobby, Grundy provides “The Gold
Standard” of insurance, offering the
most options to you: Agreed Value,
No Model Year Limitation, Unlimited
Mileage, and coverage options for
Spare Parts, Trip Interruption, Towing
and Labor Costs, Inflation Guard, and
Auto Show Medical Reimbursement.
Fast, immediate quotes. www.grundy
.com. (PA)
Hagerty Collector Car Insurance.
800.922.4050, Collector cars aren’t like
their late-model counterparts. These
classics actually appreciate in value so
standard market policies that cost significantly more won’t do the job. We’ll
agree on a fair value and cover you for
the full amount. No prorated claims, no
hassles, no games. www.hagerty
.com. (MI)
Heacock Classic. 800.678.5173, We
understand the passion and needs of
the classic car owner; agreed value, one
liability charge, 24-hour claim service
and paying by credit card. We provide
classic car insurance at rates people can
afford! Instant quotes at www
.heacockclassic.com. www.heacockclassic.com. (FL)
Motor Sport Personal Accident
Coverage. 441.297.9439, 441.296.2543.
Email, mcooke@evolution.bm. Limits
up to $1,000,000 including accident
medical and helicopter evacuation.
Comp Capital Ltd. can obtain coverage
at competive rates including drivers
over the age of 65. Either 12 month
policy covering a whole season and or
for specific events. Please contact Mark
Cooke and or Kevin Way.
Aston Martin of New England.
781.547.5959, 85 Linden Street,
Waltham, MA 02452. Proudly appointed Aston Martin Heritage Dealer
for the USA. New and pre-owned Aston
Martins are our specialty. Please contact us when buying, selling or restoring. www.astonmartin-lotus.com. (MA)
Doc’s Jags. 480.951.0777,
480.951.3339. Restoration Center
623.869.8777. 23047 N. 15 Lane, Phoenix, AZ. 85027. The world’s BIGGEST
and BEST Jaguar Web site. #1 in Jaguars WORLDWIDE. Largest inventory
of all models. Ask for “DOC.” Email
doc@docsjags.com www.docsjags
.com. (AZ)
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)
T. Rutlands. 800.638.1444, The
largest independent Ferrari parts source
in the business. Our vast inventory
includes new, used and rebuilt parts
for vintage and contemporary Ferraris.
Buy your parts where the Ferrari shops
do. Now, shop 24/7 at www.TRutlands
.com (GA)
Garage/Tools
Baldhead Cabinet Company.
877.966.2253, Offering a fi ne selection
of quality metal garage cabinets suitable for shop and residential
garage applications. SS and custom
colors available. Many modules to
choose from. Call for a custom quote
and drawing. See ad in this issue.
www.baldheadcabinets.com. (CA)
Racehouse Design. 541.330.8766,
GARAGE DESIGN PLANS FOR
SALE. Racehouse Design has four
portfolios of garage designs: “SPEEDCLUB GARAGES”, “COACH QUARTERS”, “CLASSIC GARAGES”,
and “CAR COTTAGES”. Each plan
is professionally designed by Lawren
Duncan, Designer and Race Enthusiast.
www.racehousedesign.com. (OR)
German
Motoring Investments.
619.238.1977, Award winning restorations, brokerage, sales & locating.
Vintage German, Italian & British
Mercedes specialist - SL, Pagoda &
other models “Our website is a virtual
buyer’s guide for the 280SL.” www
.motoringinvestments.com.
Ferrari/Maserati/Lamborghini
Motoring Investments.
619.238.1977, Award winning restorations, brokerage, sales & locating.
Vintage German, Italian & British
Mercedes specialist - SL, Pagoda &
other models “Our website is a virtual
buyer’s guide for the 280SL.” www
.motoringinvestments.com.
Randy Simon. 310.274.7440,
310.274.9809. I constantly collect and
sell all Ferraris, Maseratis, and Lamborghinis. If I don’t have what you seek,
I can usually fi nd it for you (at low
prices). Please call anytime for straight
advice on the market. Finder’s fee
gladly paid. simonrandy@aol.com (CA)
Classic Showcase. 760.758.6199,
760.758.0600. sales 760.758.6100.Fullservice restorations. Creating show
winners in a world-classic restoration
facility. Specializing in European
classics. Superb fit; attention to detail;
great craftsmanship. “Where great cars
achieve perfection.” Located in San
Diego County. sales@classicshowcase.
com www.classicshowcase.com. (CA)
Motoring Investments.
619.238.1977, Award winning restorations, brokerage, sales & locating.
Vintage German, Italian & British
Mercedes specialist - SL, Pagoda &
other models “Our website is a virtual
buyer’s guide for the 280SL.” www
.motoringinvestments.com.
111
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 x211 for information, e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com.
Inspections
Automobile Inspections LLC..
860.456.4048, “When you need the
job done right.” The nation’s premier
provider of pre-purchase inspections on
classic, exotic and specialty cars of any
year, anywhere in the USA or Canada.
Fast 72-hour turnaround! Hartford, CT.
www.automobileinspections.com. (CT)
Parts and Accessories
Griot’s Garage. 800.345.5789, The
ultimate online store for automotive accessories and car care products. www
.griotsgarage.com. (WA)
Restoration - General
Doc’s Jags. 480.951.0777,
480.951.3339. Restoration Center
623.869.8777. 23047 N. 15 Lane, Phoe-
nix, AZ. 85027. The world’s BIGGEST
and BEST Jaguar Web site. #1 in Jaguars WORLDWIDE. Largest inventory
of all models. Ask for “DOC.” Email
doc@docsjags.com www.docsjags
.com. (AZ)
toration company specializing in exotic,
European and classic cars. Complete
structural and body reconstruction, upholstery, world-class paint/refi nishing,
engineering, prototyping and mechanical services. Transport and logistical
services available. www.healeywerks
.com. (IA)
Tires
Sports and Competition
Legendary Motorcar Company.
905.875.4700, You may have seen our
award winning, show quality restoration. Our 55,000 sq ft facility is specialized in extreme high-end restorations of
rare American muscle cars.
www.legendary-motorcar.com. (ON)
Performance Restoration.
440.968.3655, High-quality paint,
body, mechanical service. Discreet
installation of a/c, cruise control, superchargers. Stock restorations done to exacting standards. Clean, well-equipped
shop. Near I-90 since ’96. We fi nish
your projects. supercharged@alltel
.net. (OH)
The Healey Werks. 800.251.2113,
712.944.4940. Premier automobile res-
Morris and Welford. 714.434.856
2/203.222.3862, We operate an international specialist historic car consultancy and brokerage company based
on both the East/West Coasts of the US
and the UK offering specialist brokerage services of important historic cars
to buyers and sellers throughout the
world. www.morrisandwelford.com.
(CA/CT/United Kingdom)
RM Auctions, Inc.. 800.211.4371,
519.351.1337. Our team of highly qualified professionals with over 25 years
of experience will perform complete
classic car collection appraisals. Your
collection will be assessed by superior
appraisers who are exceptionally detailed and want you to get the most value
from your collection. RM is the world’s
largest vintage automobile house specializing in vintage automobile restoration, auctions and appraisals. www
.rmauctions.com. (CAN)
Only Oldies Garage. 480.966.9887,
The Southwests Only Coker Tire Distributor! Contact us for Best Pricing on
all Classic Tires. Only Oldies Specializes in all Classic Service from Pre-war
- 60’s Muscle. We Don’t Restore ‘em…
We Keep ‘em Running Right. www
.onlyoldiesgarage.com. (AZ)
Vintage Events
Muscle Car 1000. 949.838.7076,
October 2008. This six-day luxury tour
of Southern California includes exceptional muscle cars, exclusive activities,
exquisite dinners, premium hotels,
great friends, and fi ne wine. We’re covering Orange County, San Diego, Palm
Desert, Lake Arrowhead, Beverly Hills,
and a great deal in between. Reserved
for 1964-73 American muscle cars,
1962–68 Cobras, 1955–73 Corvettes.
Apply early, as space is limited. www
.musclecar1000.com. (CA) ♦
Advertise in the SCM Resource Directory
Includes Web Listing!
FOR INFORMATION:
Call 877.219.2605 x 211
e-mail: scmadvert@sportscarmarket.com
112
Sports Car Market
October 2008
113
Carl Bomstead
eWatch
Jenney, I Got Your Number, $24,099.99…
Extremely rare as-new gasoline gas globe sends collectors scrambling;
FDR inaugural license plate nets $4,550
I continue to be amazed at what shows up on eBay. The City of Seattle, with the best intentions,
Carl’s
Thought spent $5 million of taxpayers’ money for five self-cleaning restroom facilities for the use of
tourists and the homeless of the city. However, they were used for other, more nefarious activities deemed
unacceptable to the city, so the offending facilities were quickly flushed. The city stated it did “not want
to make a killing on the sale,” so it offered them on eBay for a mere $89,000 apiece, willing to take that
$4,555,000 loss. Alas, no takers, so the city has extended the auction. I think the taxpayers are the ones
getting killed here. Why am I not surprised?
Here are a few items from the private sector that are a bit more realistic.
EBAY #380034885330—1935
HUPMOBILE HOOD ORNAMENT.
Number of Bids: 18. SOLD AT:
$1,075. Date Sold: 6/15/2008. This
futuristic hood ornament was for
the ill-fated Aerodynamic series
of Hupmobiles designed by Raymond Loewy. Production of the
Hupmobile was halted in December 1935, and when it resumed, this
series had been dropped. This example was in excellent condition, but
the cabin lights and tips of the exhaust should have been painted red.
These are difficult to find, so I have no issue with the price, and I feel
fortunate that I paid $75 for mine many years ago.
EBAY #360069211332—1932
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
INAUGURAL LICENSE
PLATE. Number of Bids: 25.
SOLD AT: $4,550. Date Sold:
7/20/2008. This was the first year
presidential inauguration license
plates were issued. This one was,
of course, for President Franklin
Roosevelt’s first term and was in
excellent condition. These were
only issued to bigwigs and other
important dignitaries, so we have
rarity, condition, and historical
significance, which equals big
bucks.
EBAY #180264959424—
CHEVROLET OK USED
CARS TIN SIGN. Number of
Bids: 15. SOLD AT: $1,425.
Date Sold: 7/20/2008. This sign
was in as-new condition and
was one of two that were banded
together and recently separated.
The sign measured 40″ x 60″,
with a black wood frame. The
name of the dealer and the “miles
to” were not applied. I’d call this
a nice buy for the Chevy collector, as the sign was in excellent
condition and the colors were
bright and vibrant.
EBAY
#380043638730—
HOOD TIRE TIN
SIGN. Number of
Bids: 13. SOLD
AT: $3,650. Date
Sold: 6/15/2008.
This tin sign was
18″ x 76″ and was in
exceptional condition.
There are three different versions of the
Hood policeman, and
all are sought by collectors. This was the
later version and dates
to the 1930s. The money was
strong, but the condition justified
the price paid.
EBAY #120283930621—
JENNEY GAS PUMP
GLOBE. Number of Bids: 31.
SOLD AT: $24,099.99. Date
Sold: 6/22/2008. This incredible globe was for the Jenney
Manufacturing Company,
founded in Boston in 1812 and
a dealer in whale oils. At the
turn of the century, the company
entered the gasoline market
in the New England area, and
by the 1920s had a number of
elaborate service stations. In the
early ’60s, it merged with Cities
Services, and the Jenney brand
disappeared. This extremely rare
globe was in as-new condition
and was in the original shipping
box. When the rare and unusual
shows up, collectors throw financial sanity out the window, as
was illustrated here. I wonder
if the new owner bought
the globe its own airplane seat
for the flight to its new home. I
would have.
EBAY #230259760810—AUTOMOBILE CLUB
FIRENZE BADGE. Number of Bids: 15. SOLD AT:
$276.75. This badge was in the shape of a pennant and was
almost four inches long. The badge was in excellent condition, with bright and vibrant colors. I’d think this dates to
prior to WWII and would consider it well bought.
EBAY LIVE #3600604485244 —HUDSON ESSEX SERVICE DOUBLE-SIDED PORCELAIN SIGN.
Number of Bids: 8. SOLD AT: $224. Date Sold: 6/22/2008. This was Lot 2347, offered by Philip Weiss Auctions.
The sign was not in the best condition, but it had some redeeming value and would have to be considered a fantastic
buy. It’s amazing what shows up at some of the more obscure auctions, and this piece proves there are still bargains
to be found. ♦
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114
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