Auctions

Mecum Florida Faves – 2014 Maserati Quattroporte – Hate at First Drive, or As-New for Half Off?

by

How did this new QP end up between a Camaro IROC-Z and a violently impotent custom Wrangler? One of the great parts of the week-long Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is the ‘come-as-you-are’ vibe about the place. They make a carnival atmosphere of these 3000-plus cars finding new homes — and it is truly a fun way to see many curious cars up close and personal.  In fact, they are all unlocked and ready for close-up inspection — so it is a bit like an ‘all-you-can-sit’ sampling of various exotic cars. Wish it were all-you-can-drive… but that’s okay. One very curious find? …

Keep reading

1963 Maserati 3500GTi Superleggera Coupe 25

Mecum Florida Favorites – 1963 Maserati 3500 GTi Superleggera Coupe Is Ultimate Old-Money Villain

by

Part of the joy of owning and driving a vintage exotic is how rich they make you look.  Of course, a modern supercar leaves few doubts about your large account balance, sure. But for a real old-money glamour among those who have seen and done it all?  A vintage exotic has few peers — it is so inherently extra, superfluous and special. This breathtaking 1963 Maserati 3500 GTi certainly impresses at all times. More than external vainty, though, the 3500GT makes you feel quite special inside. That gorgeous oval grille with oversized Trident badge as large as a dinner plate. The …

Keep reading

1959 Chevrolet APACHE Pickup Custom 20

Mecum FL 2016 – 1959 Chevrolet APACHE Pickup Custom 6.0L LQ9

by

From the solid steelies and lowered suspension, to the unpretentious cabin and that fabulous custom-airbrushing?  This truck is a dream for the eyes — but also packs a modern V8 to move and shout like no ’59 Chevy truck should!  The engine is a 6.0-liter LQ9 LS motor with a six-speed automatic and custom axles. Big brake kit and full redo of the steering, brakes and suspension mean this Apache will drive very fast and modern. The exterior is a lovely baby-blue powdercoat, with one-off copper accents to recreate that perfect Death Valley style. This truck crosses the block on …

Keep reading

1988

1988.5 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV in Bianco White is AS_NEW! Just 8k Miles

by

One of just 75 with the full factory aeroit, this 5000QV makes 420-horsepower from its 48-valve 5.2-liter V12.  This particular model has me ait its black badging and 1988.5 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV in Bianco White RM Sothebys Arizona 28-29 January 2016 1988½ Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV Chassis no. ZA9CA05AXJLA12340 Engine no. 1556 420 bhp, 5,167 cc DOHC V-12 engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, five-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96.5 in. A desirable 1988½ model in well-preserved condition Currently showing fewer than 8,600 …

Keep reading

1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG Widebody Looks Ready for One-Way Back to Affalterbach

by

If there was one car that finally convinced Mercedes-Benz to launch a sportscar division, it would be this 560SEC Widebody. The car proved the global appeal of the AMG formula: giant power, wild style and exclusivity to shade any M5 — that upstart sports badge recently launched in full by rival BMW. At this time, BMW was just spreading its wings — and eating into market share — of its dominant German rival. Audi, as we know, was a total also-ran in the luxury segment throughout the 80s. It went from ultra-pricey models like the 5000 to a hard reboot …

Keep reading

1995 Ferrari F512 Modificata 10

1995 Ferrari F512 Modificata – Last Flat-12 Fezza Updated Testarossa Details for 1990s

by

Here is a deeply bizarre Ferrari — a one-year special that even tifosi will have trouble naming. The F512M was a run-out special for the Testarossa and 512TR, which dated to the mid 1980s, or earlier, mechanically. This superficial update brought the 512 into the new Ferrari name scheme: starting with F for the names, and ending in M for modificata. The nose dropped the very-tired flip lamp look for the 1990s vogue of flush-mounted clear lamps, plus a rounded grille to mirror the smiley droop of the 456 and F355’s faces. A fresh tail treatment also brought more rounded …

Keep reading

1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT 8

Mecum Vegas 2016 – 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT Was Race-Fast Roadie

by

This WR-TT classic from 1951 is gorgeous and cool as fahk! This Harley is just one of thousands of bikes at the Mecum Las Vegas auction next week, from January 7th, so act fast…. 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT Mecum 2016 Auctions Las Vegas Motorcycle, January 7-9, 2016 S75_1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

24_001

1987 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S – Mecum Kissimmee 2016 Preview

by

Think what you may about the DeTomaso Pantera from the 1970s. This machine is a totally different beast. Where time and special-edition hell really destroyed the original Countach elegance, the Pantera appears fully reviatlized. The car has the presence of a F40, the nose elegance of the Lotus Esprit, yet rear-drive, naturally-aspirated purity to shade them all. This particular GT5-S Pantera has led a charmed life: just 7k miles and even the original magnesium extra pair of alloys.  Plus a cabin with plush caramel leathers like a bordello! The estimate for this Pantera GT5-S is $250k, which is stellar value. It …

Keep reading

1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition 4

1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition Is Retro Delight; Sharp Bumps And All!

by

Although this Bronco Baja Edition by Stroppe looks amazing, the idea of actually taking it down through Baja California is … daunting. Sure, you might not get robbed right away.  And with retrofit A/C and a body-off restoration, the truck will definitely pull its own weight. But the bumps. Dear God, the bumps. You will need an ass cushion the size of Mama Cass to be comfy in this beast at speed over rough trails! We’d follow behind in an LX570, just to make sure you get there safe. =]     1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition MECUM 2016 Auctions …

Keep reading

Mecum Kissimmee 2016 – 1972 Chevrolet CHEYENNE Super Pickup

by

One of the incredible things about the 10-day auction extravaganza Mecum holds every year in Florida? Incredible bang for your buck. This Red Dawn revival of a Cheyenne pickup truck has a real charm in its authentic exterior, and flawlessly restored and upgraded cabin.  A super pickup indeed! Race you to Cheyenne Mountain NORAD command?  This beast is probably too low-tech to be killed by an EMP…. =] 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super Pickup MECUM 2016 Auctions Kissimmee, January 15-24, 2016 F180_R354_1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super Pickup Photos by Patrick Ernzen, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Meet the Original Black Swan: The McLaren M1

by

Wow. There is a reason you have not seen or heard many of these killer McLaren racecars.  The original McLaren origin story as a driver who starts his own race shop, and sells a few chips of genius to other enthusiasts and race crews. Refined and stiffened over the M1A, the B is one of the most sought-after of its era. Just 28 of these M1B Can-Am cars were sold to be raced in the Can-Am racing series. The North American market was obviously the focus of these races, so the fact that just 28 were ever sold makes this …

Keep reading

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack 12

RM Arizona 2016 – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack in P.Exclusive Frozen White

by

Uh oh. Pretty unusual to see such a new hypercar going across the auction block. Picking a more desirable spec would be hard, though. A painted-to-sample white metallic, the 2015 918 Spyder wears the hot and functional Weissach Pack over dark grey RS Spyder alloys. Will it top its price when new, 1500-miles ago?  We’ll see in Scottsdale at the end of January 2016!   2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack

1955 Porsche 550 SPYDER 28

This 1955 Porsche 550 SPYDER Is Worth $4k per Pound

by

This is the real deal folks!  One of just 75 factory-made 550 Spyders, the premier race-winner of a generation and a timeless icon still today. As such, there is a healthy business in replica models. None will exude the raw genius of this 550 Spyder’s endurance fuel-tank wrapping the entire nose, nor its single-piece frame with strategic lightweighting to the monocoque.  The 550 Spyder is the supreme Porsche, and this one will fetch quite a bit. The pre-sale estimate is about $4-million, but we can see double that from someone in love with its delicate curves and blue topaz contrast …

Keep reading

1965 Alfa Romeo GIULIA TZ 12

1965 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Tubolare ZAGATO Brings Racing Patina to RM Sotheby’s Paris 2016

by

This Giulia TZ is sublime. The car is delightfully compact yet fearsome in its aggressive motorsport details. That applies well below the featherlight alloy body panels: the chassis with a tubular space-frame formed an exceptionally brilliant way to make a racecar exceptionally strong, yet also super-light. 155 ponies mean you will work hard to squeeze every last drop of power from up front — but that is all part of the Giulia Tubolare Zagato’s authenticity. 1965 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Tubolare ZAGATO RM Sotheby’s Paris 2016 Feb 3, 2016 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato Chassis no. AR10511 750087 Engine no. AR0511 …

Keep reading

RM Sotheby's 1990 RIVA Ferrari 32 Speedboat 9

RM Monaco 2016 Preview – 1990 Riva Ferrari 32

by

Image a gorgeous Italian speedboat with not one Ferrari V8 screaming out 400-horsepower, but a pair of them! Derestricted and barely muffled, these growling engines form a very enticing basis for famed ski and surf boatmaker Riva.  The collabo was between Riva and Ferrari Engineering, as close to the F1 and Groupe B skunkworks as it got in Maranello and the greater Emilia-Romagna home base of Ferrari. Vmax is said to be around 60 knots, or about 75-mph at full chat across the marble-like Lake Cuomo surface?  LIke a dream come true, really, with a dashing design and carbon-fiber racing …

Keep reading

1963 Buick Riviera 1

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1963 Buick Riviera

by

This Riviera had to be a very curious sight thrumming around France, and its namesake golden coastline. 1963 Buick Riviera   RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1963 Buick Riviera Without Reserve Chassis no. 7J1105700 Engine no. 7J1105700    

1974 Maserati Bora 4

RM Paris 2016 – 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9

by

Ahh, the Bora. Giugiaro’s dream wedge was approaching production from various marques by the mid-1970s, and for Maserati, represented a swing for the fences.  Big leagues. Long story short?  It ended badly. But the car?  Still quite a fetching design icon from the past — yet lively today and ready for the future. 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9 RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9 Chassis no. AM117/49-US 0720 Engine no. 2132 Body no. 300 482 320 bhp, 4,930 cc mid-mounted V-8 engine with four Weber 42 DCNF twin-choke carburettors, five-speed ZF manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with unequal-length …

Keep reading

1997 Ferrari F50 58

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1997 Ferrari F50

by

RM Sotheby’s is on a major roll lately — establishing classic cars as a true luxury auction staple, along with fine art of all kinds. The 2016 calendar is filling up fast. Some very exciting recent additions to the Paris auction on February 3rd, 2016….   1997 Ferrari F50   RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1997 Ferrari F50 Chassis no. ZFFTA46B000106825 Engine no. 45134 Body no. 210 Gearbox no. 380   520 bhp, 4,698 cc V-12 engine with Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management, six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and unequal-length wishbones, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: …

Keep reading

1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster 5

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster

by

RM Sotheby’s is on a major roll lately — establishing classic cars as a true luxury auction staple, along with fine art of all kinds. The 2016 calendar is filling up fast — with some exciting new additions to the Paris auction on February 3rd, 2016. To kick off the preview, let’s feature this stunningly original and fabulous Kaiser-Darrin Roadster. Brave and innovative, the car was a massive super-GT car with power and prestige unlike its contemporaries. 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster Chassis no. 161-001031 Body no. 161-1031

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback in Candyapple Red 1

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback in Candyapple Red

by

Update:  Or maybe THIS is the car? This is the car. The one. Perhaps the pinnacle of muscle-car design and culture… a forever car. 1969 BOSS 429.  Candyapple Red.   http://www.nvsaac.com/Details/1969_ford_mustang_paint_colors.htm Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons …

Keep reading

R223_1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback 13

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 Fastback in Wimbledon White

by

This is the car. The one. Perhaps the pinnacle of muscle-car design and culture… a forever car. BOSS 429.   Is it Wimbledon White or Polo White?  The Wimbledon shade was a bit creamier, and we think that is the color code of this rolling erotica. Update: yes, it is Wimbledon White.   Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But …

Keep reading

1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 6

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

by

Olds 442 W-30! They might not seem like it, but all were very desirable codes in their day…   Cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info on how to bid online or in the flesh.   The event is a 9-day extravaganza starting January 15th, 2016. Each of the cars featured has their auction lot numbers in the header section, which may be helpful when tracking them down in advance or on their auction days. Mecum 2016 Auctions Kissimmee, January 15-24, 2016   F156_R235_1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Photos by John Hollansworth Jr., …

Keep reading

1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe 5

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe

by

The L88 Corvette is one of the rarest and meanest supercars ever produced by Detroit. It gives new meaning to the Big Block descriptor, and made all other Camaro’s or Mustang’s into distant specs in your Corvette’s rear-view mirrors.   Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info on how to bid online or in the flesh.   The event is a 9-day extravaganza starting January …

Keep reading

1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger RT Convertible 1

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger RT Convertible

by

Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info …

Keep reading

1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 Super Stock 1

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 Super Stock

by

The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info on how to bid online or in the flesh.   The event is a …

Keep reading

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Tanker 10

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Tanker

by

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Tanker Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of …

Keep reading

1970 Ford Torino King Cobra 2

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1970 Ford Torino KING COBRA

by

1970 Ford Torino KING COBRA Best name on this Torino King Cobra, as well as some of the most advanced aero sleekness for any musclecar of the era.  But wow.  Stings like real snakebite venom when viewed from the front…!   Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, …

Keep reading

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 11

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

by

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots …

Keep reading

1973 Dodge Challenger Race Car - Ex-Dale Earnhardt - Saturday Night Special By PETTY 40

1973 Dodge Challenger Race Car – Ex-Dale Earnhardt – Saturday Night Special By PETTY

by

Our previous attempts at chronicling NASCAR history and Petty racecars have been pretty shoddy — so please see the full Mecum Auctions writeup below the AMAZING photo set here.  Fast facts are: — this is believed to be the only 1973 Petty-built racecar still surviving — entered circuit for the ’74 season, and was raced until the late 1980s — original driver?  None other than Dale Earnhardt The most shocking detail?  The price estimate of $40k to $80k!  Another semi interesting tidbit?  There seems to be a possible ‘special mode’  — or something — right above the gauge bezels. Some …

Keep reading

1961 Chevrolet Corphibian 1

1961 Chevrolet Corphibian – One and Only Original GM Prototype Heading to Mecum Kissimmee 2016

by

    “Rare” does not do this Corphibian justice. Never will anyone you encounter on water or land know what they are seeing, nor are they likely to see it again! The Corphibian was the single prototype comissioned by General Motors, based on the Corvair 95 Rampside Pickup truck production model. Along with the Corvair Greenbriar van, these two rounded out a now very expansive family of rear-engined, air-cooled models from GM. These were designed largely in response to the booming success of the very-cheap VW Beetle, introduced to the US officially in the mid 1950s but well-known in engineering …

Keep reading

Concept Flashback – 1988 ITALDESIGN Aspid – Tinted Bubble Canopy

by

PART TWO: The Aspid bubble hardtop. This Aztec is the first of two from the design studio’s 1988 releases — and is a huge piece of automotive coolness that might otherwise be lost to the ages. It is hard to get psyched about 80s concepts sometimes, but this Aztec’s influence on SO MANY CARS of the 1990s is clear as day. Camaro, Corvette, Probe, RX-7, MX-5, 300ZX… the list goes on and on. The mid-engine concept car runs a 250-horsepower Audi-sourced engine, but its most memorable part is the glasshouse. Twin mini windshields wrap around both passenger compartments, and open …

Keep reading

Concept Flashback - 1988 ITALDESIGN Aztec 11

Concept Flashback – 1988 ITALDESIGN Aztec – Twin-Cowl Design Full of Ideas and Impact

by

  This Aztec is the first of two from the design studio’s 1988 releases — and is a huge piece of automotive coolness that might otherwise be lost to the ages. It is hard to get psyched about 80s concepts sometimes, but this Aztec’s influence on SO MANY CARS of the 1990s is clear as day. Camaro, Corvette, Probe, RX-7, MX-5… the list goes on and on. The mid-engine concept car runs a 250-horsepower Audi-sourced engine, but its most memorable part is the glasshouse. Twin mini windshields wrap around both passenger compartments, and open upward in butterfly arcs as the …

Keep reading

Bentley-Boys-swap-four-wheels-for-two-in-epic-chhxgfbarity-challenge

2015 Bentley GT3 Soaks Up Fearless/Fearsome B-Boy Spirit with 1930 Birkin Blower LeMans Icon

by

Trading paint on a racetrack has always been precarious for all involved. But for open-wheeled racecars like today’s F1 or Indy cars, any contact is almost instantly catastrophic. First you lose grip, then if the car goes sideways or airborn even a tiny bit, you lose all downforce. The results of a track clash were even more stark in the early days of Le Mans racing.  Racing back in the day was 1000X more dangerous than today — so just imagine the balls it would take to pass a race-leading Mercedes-Benz on the side grass of the Mulsanne straight! That …

Keep reading

RM Paris 2016 - 2004 ENZO FERRARI 13

RM Paris 2016 – 2004 ENZO FERRARI Is Tastefully Updated with Dark Tints, Smoked Alloys

by

This Enzo is seriously sexy, even with more than two dozen other hypercars now competing for attention 11 years since its delivery. A slightly darker wheel finish looks more modern than the original bright silver of the five-spoke, centerlock alloy wheels.  Some detail carbon-fiber touches are subtle but cool up close. Finally, a deep window tint all around gives this dark Enzo a menacing stare. 2004 ENZO FERRARI RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 2004 Ferrari Enzo Chassis no. ZFFCZ56B000135564 Engine no. 080164 Assembly no. 52696 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series III 23

RM Paris 2016 – 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series III in Iconic Sunflower Yellow

by

 Many would point to the Lamborghini Countach as the world’s first hypercar — a vehicle so extreme, it sent even seminal supercars like the Miura to the backburner of automotive daydreaming. This beautiful 1981 LP400S is arguably one of the greatest examples in the car’s 30-year production run. What makes this particular vehicle so special?  Its lovely, original condition and its eye-popping sunflower yellow paintwork. Yellow is a famous shade for the Countach — the original concept wore this same bright shade ten years before. 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series III   RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1981 …

Keep reading

1963 Pontiac Bonneville 'Roy Rogers' Nudie Mobile 12

RM NYC 2015 – 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ‘Roy Rogers’ Nudie Mobile

by

  This outrageous Bonneville is the real deal: an authentic piece of memorabilia from the original Hollywood merchandising phenom: Roy Rogers. The iconic cowboy led a global trend spanning most of the 1950s and 1960s, when parents sought to avoid glamorizing WWII via the previously-ubiquitous soldier toys. The Bonneville here is shocking outside, yes, with guns replacing the door handles and an extra train-load of chrome all around its white bodywork. Giant steer horns lead the charge in front, of course. But if the outside is striking, the cabin will make you faint. The custom leatherwork makes the entire giant …

Keep reading

RM NYC 2015 - 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto 30

RM NYC 2015 – 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto

by

Many people cite the Mazda Miata’s inspirations from English roadsters. But the formula was really perfected well before the Lotus Elan, in Italy by a sports-car consortium names S.I.A.T.A. Swapping “S” for “M” and we get to the Miata name! Regardless, this 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto wears exclusive alloy engine components and even bodywork, ensuring an ultra-light and nimble application of the 125-horsepower. From a four-cylinder, you assume? So did we. But no! This last-ever Motto Siata 208S runs a 2.0-liter V8 engine with dual Weber carburettors. The formula would later inspire the Shelby Cobra and many a …

Keep reading

1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina Bianco White 22

RM NYC 2015 – 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina is Hamptons-Perfect

by

This Ferrari feels perfect for the Maidstone and other posh, exclusive haunts of East Hampton, New York. Its Bianco white over Blu Connoly leather is the original specification, returned via a flawless restoration to their humble, delicate original beauty. But not just the Hamptons, of course. For the next owner of this rare and iconic Ferrari, any and every address you visit will become fashionable. Just 40 were ever produced. The estimate is in the $6-million-plus range. What strikes us most about this Series I 250 GT is how humble it really feels versus later models. Like a star on …

Keep reading

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2

RM NYC 2015 – 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring – As-New Example for $1M?

by

Final RM Sotheby’s preview for now… sorry for the six-pack in a row!  Just really geeking out on these rare icons, incredible photo sets, and vintage perfection. This Carrera RS is breathtaking. It look absolutely brand new. As though it just came from the factory, unloaded at the Port of New Jersey and shipped to a tropical vault. As such, an estimate around $1-million is plausible among Porsche fans — who may not have another chance at such a flawless original for years.   1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring RM Sotheby’s Lot 218 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS …

Keep reading

RM NYC 2015 - 1986 Ford RS200 - Final Road-Legal Group B Rally Star 21

Group B Debrief – 1986 Ford RS200 – Road-Legal Rally Legend Up For Sale

by

Imagine if suddenly all the power-cap rules for a major racing series were abolished overnight. A mad rush of skunkworks projects would be fast-tracked, with racecars zinging out their red-hot turbochargers through the World Rally Championship stages just 18-months later. Porsche, Ferrari, Lancia, Ford, and Audi all dove into the Group B program with both feet. The results on track were mixed for many of these cars: the lack of power cap rules meant that intagibles like chassis control, visibility and reliability were paramount for winning rallies in the short Group B time on the global stage. The excitement of …

Keep reading

1955 Carlo Mollino Record Car Model by Stola 7

1955 Carlo Mollino Record Car Model by Stola S.p.A., 2006

by

Really an exceptional group of vehicles heading to auction at RM Sotheby’s New York event next month. Lots of 1950s icons to share, but this is one of the highlights. A few reasons. First, this exotic streamliner prototype flashes both back and forward in time: these aero ideals applied to vehicles for the first time in the mid-century, when aeronautics took massive leaps forward thanks to the atrocious WWII battle needs. Engineers swapping back to the car business brought their knowledge with them. Wind tunnels were a new piece of tech, yet complex simulations were still decades away from determining …

Keep reading

1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Barchetta by Scaglietti 12

1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Barchetta by Scaglietti

by

They do not come any finer than this. 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Barchetta by Scaglietti New York – Driven By Disruption 10 December 2015 Lot 224 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial by Scaglietti To be auctioned on Thursday, December 10, 2015 $5,000,000 – $6,500,000     *Premium Lot – Bidding via Internet will not be available for this lot. Should you have any questions please contact Client Services. 170 bhp, 1,984 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with two Weber 40 DCOA/3 carburetors, five-speed manual transaxle, tubular steel chassis, independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs, De Dion rear axle with parallel …

Keep reading

1959 BMW 507 Roadster Series II 6

RM NYC 2015 – 1959 BMW 507 Roadster Series II May Be Most-Valuable BMW with $3M Highball Estimate

by

If this absolutely magnificent BMW 507 clears its pre-sale estimate of between 2.3 and 2.6 million, it will become one of — if not the — most valuable BMW of all time. The top five list from premier auction house RM Sotheby’s is exclusively 507 Roadsters, with the top sale earning $2.42M at Amelia Island 2014. With the presentation and provenance of this rare cabrio, we’d be surprised if the total sale was under $3-million.      Top 5 BMWs of all Time from RM Auctions Lot 152 | 2014 – Amelia Island – The Pray Collection 1958 BMW 507 …

Keep reading

RM NYC 2015 – 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Sportabteilung Gullwing Seeks $7M

by

One of the rarest Gullwings in the world?  One of only four race-prepped W198 300SLs, featuring the upgraded NSL engine with 240HP? A surviving competition car that placed second in the 1956 Tour de France, and driven by Sir Striling Moss? Oh yes. For the first time in more than 25 years, an authentic ‘Sports Department’  Sportabteilung seeks a new home. RM Sotheby’s will sell the special Merc at their December event in Manhattan. No internet bids, riffraff! 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Sportabteilung Gullwing RM Sotheby’s New York – Driven By Disruption 10 December 2015 Lot 223 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL …

Keep reading

SEMA 2015 - Showfloor Mega Gallery in 288 Photos 186

SEMA 2015 – Showfloor Mega Gallery in 288 Photos

by

SEMA is wrapping up today after a wild showcase of the current aftermarket car business.  Highlights are too numerous to mention, but the Ford GT in yellow is my personal favorite sighting. The new MX-5 concepts are pretty fantastic as well.   SEMA 2015 – Showfloor Mega Gallery in 288 Photos

1969 DeTomaso Mangusta by Ghia 18

RM NY 2015 Preview – 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta by Ghia Is Flawless in Sunburst Orange

by

DeTomaso was one of a very talented group of ex-Ferrari men who broke out and founded their own dream supercar companies in the early 1960s. Like ISO, Siata, Bizzarrini and Lamborghini, the mid-1960s were sweet to all these new marques. Export markets to the US and elsewhere were all-new possibilities for the firms, and increases in sales were achieved for almost all the brands. Only a few really made it past the tumult of the early 1970s Arab Oil Embargo and new crash/emissions rules coming into force in America, by now dwarfing Europe in overall sales volumes for supercars. Lamborghini …

Keep reading

1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti 1

RM NY 2015 Preview – 1956 Ferrari 290MM Racecar Piloted by Fangio and Phil Hill

by

Not just a surviving Ferrari racecar from the golden era of the 1950s, but one that looks as fresh today as it did 60 years ago! This Ferrari 290MM is headed for sale at the RM Sotheby’s New York gala on December 10th, where it is expected to be among the high earners in a growing and mighty impressive list of classic-car icons. Ballpark beyond “buku-bucks” for the estimate? Well, let’s assume a bare skeleton of this car after a burnedout wreck would be worth $5-million. Then we have actuality: it is near-perfect  (+$5M) — was driven in numerous famous …

Keep reading

Petty's Garage Mustang GT King Edition

727HP 2016 Ford Mustang GT KING Edition Headed to Ford Stores w/ Race Parts, Factory Warranty

by

Pretty incredible new Mustang heading to Ford showrooms this year! The Petty’s Garage KING Edition is set to be produced and sold with a full warranty, yet wild race parts and custom detailing. The wildly sexy lower-body and flip tail spoiler are offered in matching blue crush of the previous Mecum auction car, donated to the Paralyzed Veterans of America foundation and scoring a major sale haul — in the half-mil range! These new King Editions will go fast, both on the street and on the lot, of course. Standard horsepower for the supercharged base model is 627-ponies, while a …

Keep reading

Supercar FACE-OFF! 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo vs 1991 Ferrari Testarossa

by

A bit of a motley and fun collection in the short list of entrants to the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2016 auction so far. But there is an undeniable charm to the cars offered so far. These two, for example, are separated by 25 years. Yet they feel like kindred spirits all the same. Similarly, they are supercars you could imagine taking to the beach, grocery store and everywhere in between. Though both appear ruthlessly original and OEM inside and out, they could be quickly updated to modern styles via trim and wheel color tweaks.  Painting up the 512 TR’s black …

Keep reading

1962 APAL-Porsche 1600 GT Coupe 5

1962 APAL-Porsche 1600 GT Coupe – RM Arizona 2016 Preview

by

Smooth. Seductive. Tuscan? Look at this stunning 1962 Porsche heading for auction at the RM Arizona 2016 event. Rally-perfect bumper with sunken 901/911 proportions, this machine is a stunning bespoke prototype from APAL studio in 1962. No estimate or description is yet available for the1600 GT Coupe, but it will go without reserve. We’d bring at least $350,000, and perhaps significantly more. 1962 APAL-Porsche 1600 GT Coupe   Photo Credit: David Gooley ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sothebys

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT by Zagato 25

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT by Zagato May Fetch $20M at RM NY 2015 Auction

by

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT by Zagato RM Sotheby’s NEW YORK, NEW YORK | An exclusive exhibition and sale located on Sotheby’s 10th floor gallery 10 December 2015 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT by Zagato Chassis no. DB4GT/0186/R Engine no. 370/0186/GT Photo Credit: Patrick Ernzen ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s In the early 1960s, Aston Martin and Ferrari were in a heated battle for supremacy in the World Sports Car Championship. It seemed as if every season brought about a new, race-ready vehicle to ensure each company’s victory, and the teams were consistently fighting each other for first place. Competition was just …

Keep reading

1989 Porsche 962 Miller High Life Racer 12

Mecum Kissimmee 2016 – 1989 Porsche 962 Miller High Life 24H Daytona-Winner

by

The 959 might hold most Porsche glory for taking turbocharging to the next level of performance. But in truth, the turbo racing engine was fine-tuned into a world-beater in the Porsche 962. This particular example is a racing-winning stunner with a unique Miller livery — shimmery in eighties gold  and green over white with Porsche Andial title sponsorship. The magesty of the 962 is that it was the ultimate evolution of the wedge race profile. Decked out in ductwork and extra intakes all over the bodywork, the 962 and its open-backed design was optimized for 250-mph-plus runs down the Mulsanne …

Keep reading

Top 20 MOST WANTED Supercars from Pebble Beach 2015 28

Top 20 MOST WANTED Supercars from Pebble Beach 2015! 140 All-New Photos

by

Top 20 MOST WANTED Supercars from Pebble Beach 2015 Fly Yellow 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 2015 McLaren P1 2015 Pagani Huayra Malboro White 1995 McLaren F1 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder 2015 Lamborghini Aventador 1993 Jaguar XJ220S by TWR 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe 2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid 2017 ACURA NSX 2015 Lamborghini ASTERION LPI 910/4 Club Classics – the Concours winners 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK-GTR Shelby DAYTONA Coupe 1953 Mercedes-Benz SLR Rolls-Royce Coupe Concours-Winner 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 1930s Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Racecars 1955 Ferrari 250GT 2015 Koenigsegg Agera R Stunning photos from all through Pebble Beach 2016 — thanks to Collin Graves. …

Keep reading

2015 Ford Mustang GT Pettys Garage Leads Mecum Dallas 2015 Top 10

by

Mecum just wrapped up a massive Dallas auction haul — with Ferrari’s and classic musclecars heading up the top ten list below. But nothing brought out the cash like the stunning Petty’s Garage Ford Mustang GT. The King was on hand for the $535,000 hammer benefitting paralyzed veterans. The customization is clearly hot as hell. A full blackout and for all the OEM details is matched by a gorgeous blue accent color. The OEM splitter is dipped in this bright blue, as is the full hood and roofline and into the large trunklid spoiler. But just on the upper part …

Keep reading

Janis Joplin 1964 Porsche 356C 4

Janis Joplin’s Winky 1964 Porsche 356C Heading to Auction for First Time at RM New York 2015

by

Never-before sold at auction, Janis Joplin’s acid-trip Porsche 356C is headed to the RM Sotheby’s 2015 sale in NYC this December. Janis was a consummate scene-ster and party girl — living and defining the Haight/Ashbury scene in San Francisco throughout the 1960s while performing at tiny coffee-shop type venues. The tiny gigs often paid not in cash, but just free drinks. The bay area 1960s ideals of peace and love went national and eventually global by the end of the decade, by which time Janis was finally enjoying commercial success for her unhinged and anti-establishment sound. That success came fast …

Keep reading

2017 Buick LaCrosse Nose Teases Avenir-Style Grille – November Debut to Include SuperCruise?

by

Buick just started its 2017 LaCrosse striptease!  The new model will debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show with looks inspired by the Avenir concept, updated chassis and new rear suspension, plus an all-new and super posh cabin. The LaCrosse redesign is a promising one: this large front or AWD sedan is a real all-star in the General Motors global model range. It is giant inside all around, but especially in the back seat. Its appeal is broad with pricing matching up with the Lexus ES but with much larger accomodations inside. And lastly, it is a pretty …

Keep reading

1937 Cadillac V16 Fleetwood Limousine 1

Joe Kennedy Special Order! 1937 Cadillac V16 Fleetwood Limousine – RM Hershey 2015 Preview

by

Any V16 will have a ridiculous front end. And the Cadillac Sixteens defined the genre for its entirety. The gorgeous and clearly ultra-plush proportions of the Cadillac V16 are best on the LWB 7-seater limo. The shorter cars are gorgeous and huge too, but just not as lovely and cartoon-y (in a good way). The provenance of this particular car as a Special Body Order is a good clue to its famous owner: Joseph Kennedy, father of President John F. Kennedy and Hollywood tycoon. So not just a glitzy limo with scale to make you pale… but this very car …

Keep reading

LF15_r102_010sd

RM Hershey 2015 Preview – 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupe

by

This feels timely. But is outre and fabulous on its own, even without Dawn intro…! This 1950s Cloud is just lovely. It shows how far Rolls-Royce has come, but the luxury standard continuing uninterrupted. In example? A giant air conditioner unit up front in this ragtop, plus rear table trays in matching burl walnut. 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupe RM London 2015 London 7 September 2015 Lot 160 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupé Adaptation by H.J. Mulliner To be auctioned on Monday, September 7, 2015 Sold for £218,400 Chassis no. SNH14 Engine no. SN139 Body no. 6213 …

Keep reading

RM London 2015 - 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 6

RM London 2015 – 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 Is Ultimate Soapbox Fantasy Racecar

by

If the debate between Huracan and Miura might be clearly won by the new model, the same is not true for track cars. Imagine actually driving a snorting, rorting racecar to your local track, racing a few hot laps til afternoon, then rumbling home. The design and ultra-short wheelbase of this 1974 Abarth 2000 SE makes it pin-prick accurate. And fiesty. 280-horsepower from a LM-spec four-cylinder? Yep. Rearing to go! RM London 2015 – 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 RM London 7 September 2015 Lot 127 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 To be auctioned on Monday, September 7, 2015 Sold …

Keep reading

SALON PRIVE 2015 Mega Gallery Part Three 50

SALON PRIVE 2015 Mega Gallery – Part Three

by

  Updated 9.7.15 with 111 New Photos   Blenheim palace is rarely upstaged, but LaFerrari, LaFerrari FXX K, McLaren P1 GTR, Aston Martin VULCAN, DBX and DB10, Koenigseggs, Zenvo ST1, Pagani Huayra and a bevy of other hypercars came close. The bubble-top Jaguar won Best-in-Show, but the votes cast obviously skew retro for Concours awards. For hypercar fanatics, the new metal does not come more exotic and exclusive than the 200-plus vehicles on display. Did we mention 2017 Ford GT, GTA Spano, Tramontana, Toroidion, Porsche 918 Spyder, RIMAC concept one, Ferrari’s 488, Cali T and Tailor Made F12? Or how …

Keep reading

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Shooting Brake 6

One-Off 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Shooting Brake from Hexagon Classics

by

Here is a very special machine — an estate-car variant of the legendary Ferrari Daytona. Originally commissioned in 1972, the car headed from Modena to England for its retrofit to custom wagon bodywork. When completed nearly two years later, the bespoke creation headed to its forever-home in Florida — where it was the only Ferrari to fit two people and two golf bags at the same time! Loading those clubs might have been tricky, however. Butterfly glass canopies on each side of the shooting brake rear end were the only access to the newly huge trunk, despite the giant glass …

Keep reading

SALON PRIVE 2015 Mega Gallery – Part Two in 168 New Photos

by

  Updated 9.6.15 with 168 New Photos   Blenheim palace is rarely upstaged, but LaFerrari, LaFerrari FXX K, McLaren P1 GTR, Aston Martin VULCAN, DBX and DB10, Koenigseggs, Zenvo ST1, Pagani Huayra and a bevy of other hypercars came close. The bubble-top Jaguar won Best-in-Show, but the votes cast obviously skew retro for Concours awards. For hypercar fanatics, the new metal does not come more exotic and exclusive than the 200-plus vehicles on display. Did we mention 2017 Ford GT, GTA Spano, Tramontana, Toroidion, Porsche 918 Spyder, RIMAC concept one, Ferrari’s 488, Cali T and Tailor Made F12? Or how …

Keep reading

SALON PRIVE 2015 Mega Gallery – Aston VULCAN, LaFerrari FXX K and McLaren P1 GTR Headline Massive Hypercar Haul

by

Wowwwww! Every car who is any kind of supercar was at Salon Prive this week. Blenheim palace is rarely upstaged, but LaFerrari, LaFerrari FXX K, McLaren P1 GTR, Aston Martin VULCAN and DB10, Koenigseggs, Zenvo ST1, Pagani Huayra and a bevy of other hypercars sure tried their hardest. The bubble-top Jaguar won Best-in-Show, but the votes cast obviously skew retro for Concours awards. For hypercar fanatics, the new metal does not come more exotic and exclusive than the 200-plus vehicles on display. Did we mention 2017 Ford GT, GTA Spano, Tramontana, Toroidion, Porsche 918 Spyder, RIMAC concept one, Ferrari’s 488, …

Keep reading

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan JUKE Nismo RS Manual

by

Imagine a core group of Nissan GT-R engineers, drivers and designers set loose on the Nissan Juke NISMO. Task? Take the quickest and most performance-focused crossover, and make it truly track-tight in every way. That is how the Juke Nismo RS came into this world — with astounding results. The speed, style and drive experience of the Nismo RS is absolutely incredible versus its $28k competitors — and even versus pricier cars like the AMG GLA45, WRX or Mustang EcoBoost. The Juke Nismo RS is incredibly focused from first sitting in its racing Recaro hard-back bucket seats. A pair of …

Keep reading

Ferrari Pebble Beach 2015 – Record-Breaking Classics + New Cali T Special, Sergio and 488GTB!

by

Ferrari really went all-out for the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours. The marque was specially honored and featured for classics and concours events this year, which is actually a fairly new phenom in the concours circuit. Think of it as perhaps evolving from such a pre-war focus. Along with cars on the lawn and a smashing auction results list, Ferrari brought out its big guns in terms of new metal. Everything but the FXX K and upcoming 488 Spider made an appearance via official displays. (This is in contrast to McLaren mania last year.) The big reveal was a Tailor Made …

Keep reading

2015 Pebble Beach TOUR d'Elegance 109

2015 Pebble Beach TOUR d’Elegance Gallery – Rolling Millions Standard, Breakdowns Optional!

by

The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance is one of the coolest events in an action-packed week. Why? Because it is a delight for owners and spectators alike! In contrast with many of the static displays, the 17-mile route shows priceless classics in action. They snort, they howl, and some even growl!  However your Ferrari or Mercedes or any mark sounds, the senses of its design and beauty are greatly enhanced on the road. Winding around the gorgeous Pebble Beach entry roads, the pace is usually… intermittent, shall we say? Waking these slumbering giants of auto history is not always easy. Frequent …

Keep reading

2016 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI® Scat Pack Shaker

Dodge Courting Collectors With Limited-Run PLUM CRAZY 2016 Charger and Challenger

by

Dodge just released two 2016 special editions in the brand’s famous Plum Crazy paint color. This special-order hue will be offered on all engines and trims, up to and including the thunderous Hellcats. While the Charger is our pick hands-down among the two, the Challenger two-door will always be far more valuable as a collector classic. This is the general rule in classics: two-doors always sell for more than four-doors on the classic auction market. This is doubly true for musclecars. Dodge makes a convincing case for Plum Crazy via some never-before-released production numbers for the limited-production and special edition …

Keep reading

MO15_r264_028

1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Cabriolet – Saoutchik Opus Seeking $2M-Plus At Monterey Auctions

by

Any of the lavish, shouty luxury cars by Jacques Saoutchik are highly cyclical vehicles in terms of their desirability and value. In the boom times, there is no vehicle more iconic than and hand-made mid-century creation from this grand master. But in lean times, they are a lightning rod for the wrong kind of attention. Depending on where your finances are this year, the GS Cab might scream for your checkbook or make you run for the hills. Either way, the chance to buy an original, authentic Saoutchik is quite rare. And among the bon vivants for whom there is …

Keep reading

1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato 1

RM London 2015 – 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato is Foxy/Boxy Icon

by

  We’re pretty bummed not to be attending Pebble Beach this year. But still paying for last year’s $5k work trip at 14-percent interest… so will be sitting this one out. Even so, the classic car auctions of rare and classic vehicles come fast and furious year-round. Next month, this Alfa RZ Zagato will cross the block in London. A perfect embodiment of the late 1980s/early 1990s in high fashion, the RZ will be a foxy/boxy icon for decades to come. 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato RM London 7 September 2015 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato Without Reserve …

Keep reading

1925 Henderson De Luxe with Goulding Sidecar 1

RM Hershey 2015 Preview – 1925 Henderson De Luxe with Goulding Sidecar

by

This beautiful bike grabs the eye and imagination together. The streamlined, art deco shape of fenders and body cowling is mirrored nicely in the luxurious and very roomy-looking sidecar. A patina-filled cobalt/turquoise finish is the perfect showcase of this very rare and innovative motorcycle.   1925 Henderson De Luxe with Goulding Sidecar  RM Hershey 8-9 October 2015 1925 Henderson De Luxe with Goulding Sidecar

1967 Aston Martin DB6 Mk I Shooting Brake by Radford 1

Left-Hand Drive 1967 Aston Martin Wagon!? DB6 Mk I Shooting Brake by Radford – RM Monterey 2015

by

One of four DB6 Mk 1 Shooting Brakes by coachbuilder Radford will cross the auction block next week in California. This one is even left-hand-drive, making it a dream come true for the right new owner to shoot south down the PCH. 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Mk I Shooting Brake by Radford RM Monterey 13-15 August 2015 Lot 360 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Mk I Shooting Brake by Radford To be auctioned on Saturday, August 15, 2015 $550,000 – $650,000 Chassis no. DB6/S/2688/L Engine no. 400/2613 282 bhp, 3,995 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with triple SU side-draft carburetors, three-speed …

Keep reading

3.2s, 216MPH 1995 Bugatti EB110 SS in Famous Schumi Livery – RM London 2015 Preview

by

Thought we had a real scoop here: Michael Schumacher famously bought one of these hypercar heroes in so-called ‘p***y magnet yellow’ in 1994, but this exact car is not his, nor was it ever. The EB110 registry confirms that his chassis number ends in 39020, while this car was built 18 units later as 39038. The performance stats of the EB110 SuperSport are still competitive today, which is a testament to its performance benchmark 20 years ago. This SS is far more than a production “unit” in terms of most vehicle factories. This car sunk more bucks into R&D that …

Keep reading

1960 Chevrolet CERV I Prototype 1

RM Monterey 2015 – 1960 Chevrolet CERV I – Zora’s F1 Dream Prototype

by

If there were two words more taboo than ‘racing’ at General Motors in the 1950s, they would be: open-wheeled and mid-engine. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the world’s largest automaker was a big prude when it came to racecars and production exotics. Safety pressure from DC was woven into the product planning and board rooms with an iron lock. But the late 1950s opened many doors. A total ban on racing sponsorship or factory participation was fading fast. Moral leaders and crazy think-tanks of the day were losing their grip on culture thanks to mass media and tectonic advancements …

Keep reading

1971 Abarth Scorpione Prototipo 5

1971 ABARTH Scorpione Prototipo is Rear-Engine Rallycar for RM London 2015

by

    Abarth built a series of fascinating race concepts between the 1950s and the mid 1970s, usually somehow based on a Fiat 500 but often completely redesigned. This Scorpione Prototipo was a very contemporary take on a quasi-factory rally car. The glasshouse and overall proportions of the vehicle are far more advanced than any Cinquecento, with a complete repackaging into a two-seat GT car with its engine in the trunk. Theoretical competition in racing would come from cars like the Alpine A110 or the Lancia Fulvia. The Abarth 1300 badge in back next to the circular punch-drilled ventwork is …

Keep reading

1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C 3

RM Monterey 2015 – 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C

by

Very special Aston Martin to see on the market! This Speed C streamliner was engineered and built as a LM-ready race prototype. Just eight of this C spec were produced, with this exact car thought to be the last Aston delivered before WWII.  Army green paintwork is fitting, then, and quite fetching on the exotic shapes of the speedster fenders and bobtail trunk. 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C RM Monterey 13-15 August 2015 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C $750,000 – $950,000 Chassis no. G40/718/U 125 bhp, 1,949 cc SOHC inline four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors, …

Keep reading

Apollo Edition 2015 Mustang

627HP 2015 Ford Mustang APOLLO EDITION Wears CF Bodykit + Forgiato 21s

by

Before you get too excited… this Apollo Edition Mustang is a one-off custom — not one coming to showrooms to rival the 2016 GT350. Created for this week’s Experimental Aircraft Association show in Oshkosh, Wisconin, the Apollo Mustang will be sold to benefit EAA AirVenture and youth engineering programs. The Apollo Mustang wears a variety of off-the-shelf Ford Performance parts, custom details, and designer features like the Forgiato wheels. The carbon-fiber body kit is beautiful with its functional strut supports looking great on the Apollo’s slammed stance. 2015 Ford Mustang APOLLO EDITION     FORD ANNOUNCES APOLLO EDITION MUSTANG TO …

Keep reading

1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2

1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 Is Lime Green Dream for RM Monterey 2015

by

1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 Is Lime Green Dream for RM Monterey 2015 RM Monterey 13-15 August 2015 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI Coupe Without Reserve $300,000 – $375,000 Chassis no. 9114600447 Engine no. 6640620 Gearbox no. 344215  210 bhp, 2,681 cc SOHC air-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with torsion bars, McPherson struts, and an anti-roll bar, independent rear suspension with torsion bars, trailing arms, tubular shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 89.4 in. Matching-numbers example Fully restored by marque experts; striking color …

Keep reading

1967 Bizzarrini P538 Speedster 1

1967 Bizzarrini P538 Speedster – RM Monterey 2015 Preview

by

 If there is one 1960s hypercar style we love best, it is the rare mid-engine speedster. This mid-engine exotic aimed to be a true racecar prototype for the roads — with a mid-mounted Chevrolet V8 under a louvered back deck. The design is nicely functional yet playful all around, with shared details from the 5300 Strada sitting nicely with the all-new slimline upper half and interesting inverted tail details. RM Monterey 2015 Preview – 1967 Bizzarrini P538 Speedster 1967 Bizzarrini P538

RM Monterey 2015 - 1938 Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine 7

RM Monterey 2015 – 1938 Adler Trumpf RennLimousine – LM ‘Racing Sedan’ with Airship Aero

by

The fantastic convergence of aerospace and supercars has a glorious history! This Adler Trumpf Rennlimo from 1938 represented a fascinating view of automotive aerodynamics in a time before effective wind tunnels or computer simulations. The learnings and design principles of aerodynamics were far more theoretical in the pre-jet age. Yet Adler designers brought great insights from airship and Zeppelin design into the car world to great results. This ‘racing sedan,’ as the Rennlimo translates, was the first closed-cockpit racer to take on LeMans. Just six were produced for sale, all with unique spindle and wing tweaks to the bodywork. The …

Keep reading

One-Off 2006 Lamborghini Concept S - RM NYC 2015 Auction Preview 7

One-Off 2006 Lamborghini Concept S – RM NYC 2015 Auction Preview

by

What a special surprise! The incredibly sexy 2006 Lamborghini Concept S will soon be auctioned off the the highest bidder! This gorgeous design vision was the original Gallardo Spyder preview car — with this stunning, dual-cowl speedster then diving for the archives. The one-off details on this car make it one for the ages. The Concept S is leading the RM Sotheby’s New York auction in November 2015. Ballpark estimates? Well, it is a concept from the show circuit. But also fully functional down below.  This is pure Gallardo V10. Helmets recommended. Road legal? In sum, we’d expect nothing less …

Keep reading

1971 Mazda COSMO Sport 18

1971 Mazda COSMO Sport – 130HP/Liter Flyweight Laid Roots for MX-5 and Wankel RX-7

by

As you might know, we get really excited to find any Japanese car in the high-dollar auction world. The Monterey sale is the Super Bowl for car collectors. Tens of thousands of wealthy individuals descend on Pebble Beach and Carmel for a week-long extravaganza of past, present and future exotics. This makes the atmosphere fairly competitive even outside the fast-talking auctions. Polish up your current ride and eyeball what might become your next? A few Datsun roadsters, Skyline’s and Toyota 2000GT’s are the only regular attendees of the oceanfront Cali spectacular — but are joined this year by an exceptionally …

Keep reading

1952 Jaguar XK120 SuperSonic by Ghia 33-horz

Jet-Age 1952 Jaguar XK120 SuperSonic by Ghia to Cross Block at RM Monterey 2015

by

Here is a vehicle that would have fit right in to the Atlanta High Museum of Art’s ‘Dream Cars’ exhibit along with the Stratos HF Lancia, Ferrari 512 Modulo, GM rocket cars, and nearly a dozen others. The XK120 SuperSonic was Ghia’s special application of their design aesthetic atop a Jaguar. Freed from the limits of mass production, the panels of the SuperSonic could be as wild as imaginable. Just three were ever completed — and helped inform the eventual look of the E-Type by the end of the 1950s — where they apply some of these ideas in a …

Keep reading

S114_1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback Calypso Coral 15

Mecum July 2015 – Four Flawless Mustang Mach 1 and Shelby GT500KR Fastbacks

by

Humble Harrisburg, Pennslyvannia is ready to feel some Ford V8 rumble this July 30th! These four Mustangs are a highlight of the sale: a gorgeous black GT500KR, lovable red 1969 Mach 1, and a pair of 1970 Mach 1’s in eye-popping Calypso Coral paintwork. The orange twins are a highlight — but can be confusing to tell apart. They have different cabin colors — but adding the auction code prefix just for clarity among prospective owners. They’ll be Mustang experts, of course, and know that one is packing 335HP versus the other at 300HP. Which is which?  It is confusing… …

Keep reading

1962-Western-Pacific-40-Foot-AIRSTREAM-17a

1962 Western Pacific 40-Foot AIRSTREAM Earns $200k at Mecum Denver Auction

by

AirStream popularized the towed-home vacation for Americans in the middle of the 20th century. Roomy cabins with the mod-cons of home, the AirStream phenom really took off after WWII as the interstate highway system grew in the 1950s. These light but relatively strong streamliners were and are constructed of high-grade polished aluminum — which was good for looking cool and staying rigid over thousands of miles. But it was less good for overall comfort inside. Small windows were the only option for designers and engineers, limiting cool breezes inside. If parked in the hot sun of a national park all …

Keep reading

Mecum Miami Vice Testarossa 9

Miami Vice Ferrari 512 TestaRossa Bringing Coked-Up 80s Cool to Mecum 2015 Monterey Auctions

by

What was the epitome of South Beach chic in the 1980s? White. White car, white house. White blazer and belt. A white “carphone” to match. All bought with an empire of white powder. To fit the profile, the detectives in Miami Vice had to live the part of druglords as their undercover personas. Fast cars and fast women… all wrapped up nicely with a solved case at the end of the hour. Perhaps even more iconic than the art deco beachfronts and rampant turquoise from the show? The Ferrari 512 TR hero car of the show. Unlike Hawaii 5-0 Magnum …

Keep reading

TOPCAR Classics 1999 Lamborghini Diablo GT 4

TOPCAR Classic Restorations Showcase – Lamborghini Diablo GT + DeTomaso Pantera

by

Lest you think mega-tuner TopCar.ru is all about swapping new German metal for carbon-fiber, here are two restoration projects to showcase the diverse skills on offer. These TopCar resto-updates create two of the cleanest and most flawless examples of Italian classics: the ultra-rare Diablo GT plus a DeTomaso Pantera. The rests speak for themselves — with the Diablo GT especially impressive inside and out. TOPCAR Classics Lamborghini Diablo GT   TOPCAR Classic Restorations Showcase – Lamborghini Diablo GT + DeTomaso Pantera   TOPCAR Classics DeTomaso Pantera   http://en.top-car.ru/

1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Steve McQueen 73

1976 Porsche 930 Turbo – Steve McQueen Special on Video + 150 Photos

by

    Here is a fantastic way to kick off LeMans weekend: with a fabulous inside look at Steve McQueen’s last special-order Porsche. This 1976 930 Turbo was one of the very first forced-air 911 Carrera’s ever made — and was at least partially put into series production at the urging of the acting and racing badboy. Like McQueen himself, the 911 Turbo would become far more than just a badge or a nameplate. It has come to represent the ultimate in man over nature; speed against all odds, and the joys of being a badass. How badass? McQueen had …

Keep reading

2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta 1

2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta Doubles Price at RM Villa Erba Auction

by

Here is a curious one! A 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta crossed the block the other week at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Villa Erba, Italy — earning its first owner a handy 90-percent profit margin along the way. True story. The 458 SA is available to order now with pricing from $330,000. Yet this barely-driven 2015 model just raked in $580k at auction. What is the deal? Should we all get in the supercar speculation business? Get rich quick, drive quick cars?! Sounds perf. But there is a reason this is so unusual: new supercars are not frequently seen …

Keep reading

SJ15_r103_005

Musclecar Origin Story – 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe

by

There is some debate as to what was the first American Musclecar. The Mustang certainly takes most of the glory in launching this new segment, but a few important machines paved that road first with big, affordable power. The Bonneville launched in 1958 but really became unique and special in 1959 and 1960 – with a wide-track design that stood apart from similar cars from the GM R&D trenches. And though it looks huge today, this 1960 is actually a drastic lightweight-ing of the previous models, like this 1958 example below. In fact, the Bonneville became the blue-collar hero of …

Keep reading

1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage 5

RM London 2015 Preview – 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage

by

What to say about this extra-special DB2 Vantage — with its stunning primer whitewash and flat black spokes screaming 2015 loud and clear! 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage RM Sotheby’s London 7 September 2015 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Chassis no. LML/50/19 Engine no. LB6V/50/240 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s 125 bhp, 2,580 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, twin SU HV6 carburettors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with trailing link, coil springs and Armstrong lever dampers, live Salisbury rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,515 mm. The very first Aston …

Keep reading

2013 Ferrari 458 Challenge Evoluzione 1

RM Monterey 2015 Preview – 2013 Ferrari 458 Challenge Evoluzione

by

Ferrari Challenge cars are brutal, hardcore and seriously extreme. If your senses have been dulled by supercars as daily drivers, these cars are a harsh wakeup call to the terror and glory of a true racecar. It is extremely rare to see one with the most current technology come up for sale, and this 458 Challenge Evo is basically brand new. It just returned to the US from Maranello, where it was upgraded to the quickest ‘Evo’ form with new mechanicals and aero updates via all-new nose and tail. Before that voyage, it only had a few hours of total …

Keep reading

144_128

RM Monterey 2015 – Pinnacle Portfolio: Up Close With 21 Exotic-Car Icons

by

Get ready to move some funds around! RM Sotheby’s just revealed a new entry into the 2015 Monterey classic auction: the Pinnacle Portfolio. 20 of the most desirable and collectible modern and classic supercars. Maserati MC12, McLaren F1 LM Road Car, Ferrari F40 LM and regular, 250GT’s, CCXR Koenigsegg…. the list really is drool-worthy. Each is likely to draw a unique type of buyer, despite them all coming from one very large home before. Check out the high-res preview photos of 21 Pinnacle cars below. RM Monterey 2015 – Pinnacle Portfolio 2015 – Monterey – The Pinnacle Portfolio 1994 Ferrari …

Keep reading

eb1zm3h0

Ferrari Bringing FXX-K + 488GTB and More to 2015 Goodwood FOS in New Concours Strategy

by

Ferrari is the most-collectible car brand of all time. Vehicles from the company’s storied past have owned the top-ten vehicle value charts for at least the last 20 years — with that dominance set to continue indefinitely. Especially considering the brilliance of the current range! As the dominant force in supercars, racing and exotics — Ferrari can be choosy about the events it attends officially, and the coolness of the cars they bring along to show. Case in point? The FXX K has not been seen again in public since its debut at Yas Marina the other month. The F12 …

Keep reading