Auctions

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites - Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser 1

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites – Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser With Matching Trolley!

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We’re back from some epic adventures last week, and eager to share the wealth of 3000-plus photos taken along the way. We counted at least four FJ40 Land Cruisers at the Mecum 2015 Auctions in Kissimmee Florida, but this sunkissed red example with knobby off-road tires and matching trailer stole our vote. It sold for $35,000. It is interesting to note that the new TRD Pro Tundra echoes this Toyota grille script almost exactly for 2015. Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser  

1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter 12

Updated with 36 New Photos – Mecum Kissimmee 2015 – 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

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This Shelby-upgraded Ford Super Duty truck was a real sentimental favorite ahead of the Mecum auctions. In person, the truck is just as sweet and lovable. It sold for more than $50,000 – proving our affection for the big brute was not a one-off feeling.   PREVIOUS Sure, this Shelby transporter from 1966 might not be as glamorous as the classic Mercedes, Porsche or Ferrari transports — but it does have one huge factor in its favor. Authenticity. This truck is the real deal and in original, unrestored condition. That alone will make it quite a special find for Shelby …

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Mecum 2015 Supercars - Saleen S7 25

Mecum 2015 Supercars – Saleen S7 Wows With 220-MPH Proportions and Hypercar Impact

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Even those approaching the S7 without knowing what it was knew one thing: it is very special. What the Saleen S7 lacks in name and style recognition, it more than makes up for in brute width and hip-hugging overall height. The pop-up doors show just how light all the S7’s carbon-fiber bodywork is, while the piping for the twin-turbo engine is extremely visible under the rear canopy. Saleen itself as a company is in dire straights financially at the moment, so this rare beast might go down as one of the all-American hypercar greats. Saleen S7  

RM Amelia Island Preview - 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 22

RM Amelia Island Preview – 1988 Jaguar XJR-9

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It is fantastic to see a true icon of LMP1 racing design and achievement up for sale. This 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 is the only remaining example and even won the nearby 1990 Daytona 24-hour race almost exactly 25 years before it will go across the block for RM Auctions in Amelia Island, Florida in early March. 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 Amelia Island 14 March 2015 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 Chassis no. TWR-J12C-388 The sole remaining original of only two purpose-built IMSA specification XJR-9s constructed, chassis 388 enjoyed huge record of success through 1988, 1989 and 1990 2015 marks 25th anniversary of this …

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1977 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale by Bertone 2

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1977 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale by Bertone

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Every Stratos is special, but some more than others. This HF Stradale was the absolute top of the line when launched, and proved far quicker than every Ferrari of the time, and even the Lamborghini Countach. The Ferrari’s and Lambo’s could only outrun the Stratos on extremely high-speed autobahn runs or Vmax tracks like the Nardo. 1977 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale by Bertone RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 121 1977 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale by Bertone To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €350.000 – €450.000 Chassis no. 829AR0 001819 Body no. 051 192 bhp, 2,418 cc DOHC …

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1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS by Bertone 1 - Copy

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale by Bertone

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Racing specials with a limited number of road cars made for homologation are some of the coolest machines ever made. This Giulietta SS definitely falls into that category, with an extremely limited number ever made — and even fewer surviving in original, near-perfect condition as this car. 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS by Bertone RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 132 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale by Bertone To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €90.000 – €120.000 Chassis no. AR101.20 00542 Engine no. AR00120 01061 116 bhp, 1,290 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with twin Weber …

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Style Icons – 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider vs 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

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Upon catching the new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider in Giallo yellow for the Detroit auto show, the realization of a modern-day Dino hits you like a ton of bricks. To prove our intuition correct, we’ve lined up the 2015 4C Spider with two exceptional Dino Ferrari’s from RM Auctions — in Paris for the 1970, and Arizona 2015 for the 1974 GTS. We’ve lined up the two side-by-side in numerous angles below. They really are kindred spirits. 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider vs 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS NOSE    FRONT THREE_QUARTER ANGLE PROFILE   REAR THREE_QUARTER ANGLE   …

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1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT L-Series 10

RM Paris 2015 – 1970 Ferrari Dino 246GT L-Series

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After starting life as an afterthought for Ferrari cognoscenti, the Dino really evolved into quite an excellent sports-car. The style and chassis template the 246GT brought to market evolved into the mid-engine supercar Ferrari’s we know and love today. The 458 and all its predecessors, for that matter, have also been the cheapest models in the range. This exceptional 1970 example shows the Dino in a fantastic light. 1970 Ferrari Dino 246GT L-Series RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 167 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT ‘L-Series’ €320.000 – €380.000 Chassis no. 01040 Engine no. 000.5882 195 bhp, 2,418 cc …

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1980 Lamborghini Countach LP400S 20

RM Paris 2015 – 1980 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Twin Turbo!?

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A Countach with a twin-turbo V12! Talk about delicious excess. The original engine and turbocharger parts are all included in the sale, but the Countach as it stands is naturally-aspirated, as it was originally. The colors of this bright Carrara White LP400S Series II, along with its rarity, ensure a very, very strong performance on the auction block in a few weeks. 1980 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Twin Turbo   RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 164 1980 Lamborghini Countach LP400S €500.000 – €700.000 Chassis no. 1121254 Engine no. S10V4-048 375 bhp, 3,929 cc DOHC V-12 engine with six twin-throat …

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1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2

RM Paris 2015 – 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring – Seeks $700k

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The Porsche 911 RS was one of Porsche’s first tries at a truly high-performance 911. They, like most people, were dubious about the super-sports potential of the 911’s rear-engine design. But after re-balancing the company following huge winning streaks at LeMans and the CanAm racing series, Porsche was back to Earth in the early 1970s. The 2.7-liter flat-six was a huge jump in displacement from the original 2.0-liter design — and the 210-horsepower it made was enough to excite even the bravest drivers. This was, after all, a bare-bones and tiny sports-car. To go along with the huge power jump …

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1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1aa

Mecum Kissimmee Preview – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

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When it comes to Camaro’s from the 1960s, there are two things two know: — far fewer survive than their Mustang counterparts — the (authentic) high-performance models are even more exceptionally rare. They make Shelby GT350 and GT500 models look like a dime a dozen To find a near-flawless example like this 290-horsepower TurboFire V8 is quite special indeed. 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Photos by Jeremy Cliff Courtesy of Mecum Auctions Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: 8 AM – 6 PM Tuesday January 13 through Thursday January 15 Preview: Gates open 8 AM daily January 16 through January 25 Auction: VEHICLES: …

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1971 Porsche 911S 12

Mecum Kissimmee Preview – 1971 Porsche 911S

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  Amid the huge onslaught of American musclecars heading to Mecum’s 2015 Florida auctions starting tomorrow, the 16th, through late next week on January 25th, is this subtle but very special Porsche 911S. In its fantastic original color with not a drop of grease or grime in the engine compartment, this is surely a Porsche that has lived its life in very gentle sunlight. FOr true collectors all over the world, Florida is a gem of zero-salt and the perfect environment for pre-galvanized vehicle longevity. This Havana dream can be yours via Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. Photos by John …

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lister knobbly2

2015 LISTER Jaguar Knobbly 60th Anniversary Edition Revealed at Autosport Intl

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Recreations and replicas of classic racing Jaguars the are all the rage lately, with the Eagle Low Drag GT fetching $700,000 a pop and even Jaguar Special Operations releasing a limited run of racing E-Type coupes. These custom-made vehicles are usually the only option to own one at all. Very few racing prototype Jaguars were ever made in the 1950s and 1960s, and most were ultimately ‘raced to death.’ Pushed to the max, these cars often came back from race weekends with crumpled bodywork, torn mechanicals and need of major TLC. Most were parted-out and the shells retired to the …

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enzo silver

RM All-Stars – 2003 Ferrari Enzo Earns Double its Sticker Price 10 Years After Built

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Doubling the original sticker price just ten years after a car was made is a solid indication of a car’s all-time greatness and future-icon status. This gorgeous Enzo brought in $1.3-million at RM Auctions 2013 Arizona sale, and is on track to be one of Ferrari’s greatest hits. Including the car today in a post because the RM Auctions photo set of the car in silver is the most gorgeous collection of Enzo pictures we have ever seen. Enjoy.   http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1057513   2003 Ferrari Enzo          

1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi

Iconic Classics – 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi

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If I were any grumpier today, my head would explode.  But this Delahaye by Figoni and Falaschi might help brighten the mood =] Sold by RM Auctions in 2013’s Arizona event for $1.54-million, this Delahaye 135 MS Coupe is the ultimate anti-depressant in creme white. This one-off even flies French-flag colors in the grille and red leather inside for a perfectly Parisian mood. Every inch of the bodywork, the rear-hinged coach doors and slip-stream rear end was all created by master craftsmens’ hands. The result is one of the most beautiful cars of all time.   1938 Delahaye 135 MS …

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1966 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson CRTT 250CC

Mecum 2015 Las Vegas – 1966 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson CRTT 250CC

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When you think of Harley Davidson motorcycles, this streamlined racer is not what first comes to mind. That is because it was extensively upgraded by Aermacchi near Milan for racing on the GP circuits of Europe. This pristine example is a fine combination of American power and Italian beauty. 1966 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson CRTT 250CC     LARGEST MECUM MIDAMERICA MOTORCYCLE AUCTION IN 24-YEAR HISTORY, JAN. 8-10 30/12/14 Event to Host 750 Antique Motorcycles at Las Vegas’ South Point Casino and Exhibit Hall Walworth, Wis. – Dec. 29, 2014 – Mecum Auctions will present MidAmerica’s 24th annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction …

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indian bikes

Mecum 2015 Las Vegas – Previewing Ten 1914-1948 INDIAN Motorcycles

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  The upcoming Mecum MidAmerica auction in Las Vegas is set to be *huge* for anyone who loves motorcycles. More than 750 two-wheelers will cross the block between January 8th and 10th, from 2014 models all the way back more than 100 years. Notable bikes to be sold include the huge number of very rare Indian Motorcycles, which are bound to generate extra interest this year since the brand’s relaunch by parent-company Polaris. Some really special bikes here. Sharing high-res previews here of seven Indian bikes that are for sale next week. Details on the auction location, admission and schedule …

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1971 Lamborghini Miura SV Jota

RM Arizona 2015 Supercars – 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV Jota

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Sharing this 1971 Miura SV Jota right after the 1962 Iso Grifo to nail home how close these two cars are in design and spirit, if not chassis or engine. The mid-mounted V12 of the Lamborghini is a huge part of why this car propelled Lambo to global heights, while Iso and Bizzarrini was nearly finished by the early 1970s. This car was an SV upgraded by the factory to Jota specification, with the hope of taking the car racing. The later Miura’s like this are far quicker and better handlers, but the nose is less graceful than the original, …

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1965 Iso Grifo A3C Stradale

RM Paris 2015 Supercars – 1965 Iso Grifo A3C Stradale in Riveted Green-Apple Bodywork

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  The A3/C Iso Grifo Stradale was such a trend-setting design that it directly inspired the Lamborghini Miura. As one of the lowest front-engine supercars ever built, the A3/C version here was the upgraded Corsa specification with very-rare riveted bodywork. This Stradale variant of the Corsa was the road-legal variant — but still benefitted from all the racing tech of the era to make it fast, stable and reliable at high speeds. 1965 Iso Grifo A3C Stradale RM Auctions 4 February 2015 Lot 157 1965 Iso Grifo A3/C Stradale To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €1.000.000 – €1.500.000 …

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tbirds

RM Sam Pack Collection – Ford Thunderbirds – 12 Sale Results Ranked

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Here is a look at the 14 Ford Thunderbirds sold by RM Auctions from the Sam Pack Collection — in descending order by price earned. Not included are any that did not meet reserve or were no-sales, and we believe there may be a duplicate 1956 or two in the list. But overall, it is a surprising barometer of desirability for the various years of Thunderbird Ford. The all-star was this bright black 1957 F-Code, which at $247,500 sold for more than triple what the next-priciest model brought home. Number two on the ranker is the baby blue 1957 E-Code …

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906

Gooding Arizona 2015 Preview – 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 Race Car

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As you might infer from the Porsche racer names between the 904 and the 907, this 906 Carrera 6 is an important pivot point in the overall design of LMP1 racing prototypes. The shift was coming year by year toward more power, more length and more speed to try and beat the high-speed Mulsanne kings of the era: the Ford GT40 Mark II’s. This 906 is much larger and more substantial than the 904 GTS, but still a minnow versus the big American entries. This design prioritizes visibility over cooling intake are and smooth high-speed aerodynamics, and that may explain …

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365gtb4

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1969 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta – Euro-Spec Plexiglass Nose

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It is hard to believe that the austere and perennially grumpy Europe we know today was once the largest market for supercars like this 1969 Daytona. This car may have itself marked a tipping point – when American sales of Ferrari and Lamborghini exotics would overtake the Continent for the first time. There was plenty of cash in American buyer hands, but the distribution of exotic imports was extremely limited until the mid-1960s. Unless you lived in Greenwich, CT or Malibu — there simply was no place to buy and service most European supercars. Rapid distribution expansion by Ferrari followed …

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750gt

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750GT Double Bubble Coupé by Zagato

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Almost all Italian cars from the 1950s are charming — but few are as ridiculously cute and cool as this 750GT Double Bubble. The exaggerated roofline and tail are a delightful design flourish atop the very-familiar Cinquecento hatchback form.   1958 Fiat-Abarth 750GT Double Bubble Coupé by Zagato RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 108 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT ‘Double Bubble’ Coupé by Zagato To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €70.000 – €90.000 Chassis no. 750.149 430930 Engine no. 400.000 693328 48 hp, 767 cc overhead-valve inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension, …

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db7z

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato

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A pair of these very-rare Aston Martin Zagato specials are set for RM Auctions big sale in Arizona Janaury 15th and 16th. Somewhat surprising? The cabrio is estimated to earn near $100,000 less than the coupe. It looks like after this auction we’ll know the true value of the famous Zagato double bubble roof…. even if the Roadster is arguably more stylish with its flowing hardcover tonneau.   2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato   RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 216 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato $300,000 – $375,000 Chassis no. SCFAE12383K700040 Engine no. 00416 Production no. …

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db ar1

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato

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A pair of these very-rare Aston Martin Zagato specials are set for RM Auctions big sale in Arizona Janaury 15th and 16th. Somewhat surprising? The cabrio is estimated to earn near $100,000 less than the coupe. It looks like after this auction we’ll know the true value of the famous Zagato double bubble roof…. even if the Roadster is arguably more stylish with its flowing hardcover tonneau. 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato   RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 217 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato $200,000 – $250,000 Chassis no. SCFAE62303K800002 Engine no. …

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1952 Jaguar C-Type Le Mans Kettle Aerodynamic Recreation

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1952 Jaguar C-Type Le Mans Kettle Aerodynamic Recreation

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1952 Jaguar C-Type Le Mans Aero XK120-based Recreation Paris 4 February 2015 1952 Jaguar C-Type Aerodynamic Recreation Chassis no. 667255 Engine no. F 2454-8

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Shooting Brake

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Shooting Brake

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There is something sublimely humble and useful about a Rolls-Royce Shooting Brake woody. The proportions are all about decadent luxury, with a huge dash of usefulness in the giant trunk making this a true grand tourer — in a family-plus-dogs-plus-luggage sense! So why a woody Rolls? The wood cabin and wagon shape meant it was possible to make just a few examples – and skip the huge metal stamping investments that a steel cabin would require. The low and lean style of this ultra-long Phantom II Shooting Brake defined elegant family travel for many decades to come. 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom …

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gts

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1996 Dodge Viper GTS

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  The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection   If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better …

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1973 charger rt

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1971 Dodge Hemi Charger RT – Lot R216

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  The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection   If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better …

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1971 Dodge Hemi Super Bee - Lot R212

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1971 Dodge Hemi Super Bee – Lot R212

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  The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection   If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better …

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1970 Buick GSX

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Buick GSX

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Switching it up briefly — this fly-yellow Buick GSX stunner also lived in the Wellborn stables… A note here about “badge engineering.” Sure, badge engineering got a bad reputation and still has one in the auto business. But it was not always about shameless profit-seeking. It was about dealerships demanding a cool their-brand version of whatever popular car came out of these companies. This stemmed ultimately from buyer’s outcry for the same thing. In a time of fierce brand loyalties among whole families, they were much less likely to jump ship to a Dodge if they had traditionally owned Buicks. …

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1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda

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  The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection   If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better …

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1970-Dodge-Challenger-TA22

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Dodge Challenger TA

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The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better one offered …

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1969 Dodge Hemi Charger 500

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1969 Dodge Hemi Charger 500

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The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better one offered …

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1967 Dodge Hemi Charger Show Car

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1967 Dodge Hemi Charger Show Car

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The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better one offered for …

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fxx evo

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione

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This FXX Evo needs no intro. Fantastic. The one downside of buying this car will be the temptation to drive it on the roads in the USA, where it is not street-legal until 2030. A possible single-type exception might be possible depending on the state where you reside — but this one is likely to head overseas, where rules tend to be more flexible. 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione    2005 Ferrari FXX Evo RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 253 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione $1,600,000 – $1,900,000   860 bhp, 6,262 cc rear-mounted longitudinal 65-degree V-12 engine …

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1937 lincoln v12

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1937 Lincoln Model K Two-Window V12 Sedan

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  We have a bit of a budding infatuation with the Lincoln back catalog and current model range lately. This 1937 Model K really shows how special the brand is. Things like the greyhound leaper badge, the elegant art deco V12 grille plaque and the shrouded lamps of this streamlined nose. Things like the doors ringed in rosewood layers, or the square faces of the dials and gauges. All so quietly elegant and world-class. 1937 Lincoln Model K Two-Window V12 Sedan   RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 215 1937 Lincoln Model K Two-Window Sedan $70,000 – …

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1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sport Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen

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The 540K was one of the first supercars to prove that huge speed and mega luxury were not mutually exclusive. You can add flawless quality to the recipe as well. Just look at how the soft-top fits the windshield for evidence of Mercedes’ core excellence. The 540K Sport Cabriolet was the finest car on the high-speed autobahns of Germany when it debuted. It is the natural predecessor to the SL-Class Roadsters, and established the long-hood sports-car proportions of GT supercars. This was the car for movie stars, playboys and bon vivants of all stripes. No small legacy, then, for this …

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1984 Audi Sport Quattro

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1984 Audi Sport Quattro

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  Why so many auction articles, I hear you asking. Auctions are one of the only appearances of extremely rare and coveted classics, and the photos and bios prepared as owners ready their beauties for sale are some of the best out there. Because whoever buys the car will absolutely adore it and think of it constantly, the pricest ones expecting above $100,000 are truly gussied up for the occassion. It is the equivalent of the Oscars for vintage automobiles — and this is the red carpet. Few rally cars have as much lasting impact as the Audi Sport Quattro …

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rockford firebird

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – Pontiac Firebird from The Rockford Files

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Jim Rockford’s hero car from The Rockford Files!? Yessir. These three Firebirds are about as nice as it gets – truly stunning. James Garner was the ultimate 1970s detective, in a broadcast schedule lousy with imitators that could never compare with his steely delivery and shrewd crime-solving skills. This Firebird Formula was painted gold to match the first Firebird Espirit from the series’ early seasons, and was Rockford’s main ride for the 1978-1980 seasons of the show. Garner disliked the 1979 restyle of the Firebird, so this kid stayed in the picture.   Pontiac Firebird from The Rockford Files Lot …

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1978 788 ta

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Y88 SE Gold Edition

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. This Y88 Gold Special Edition was a one-year release and includes all the great three-letter model codes of the era: W72 6.6-liter V8, Y88 trim and WS6 Performance Pack. The gold leaf paint and glass T-Tops are a special accent, while the 16,000 original miles make this one barely broken in – 35 years later. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Y88 SE Gold Edition     Lot R204// Kissimmee 2015 //Jan …

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trans am

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1978 Pontiac Trans Am – Owned by Burt Reynolds

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. Do you also like Mustaches and wild burnouts? If so, you are doubly fortunate with this Trans Am.  This Firebird is none other than Burt Reynold’s personal Pontiac Trans Am. Not a movie car — his actual daily driver for a few years. The Starlight Black* paint glows just as deeply today as it ever did, and the design of this Firebird is aging very gracefully. The C/B radio is …

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daytona

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi DAYTONA Has Just 6k Original Miles

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. https://www.mecum.com/text-list.cfm?auctionid=FL0115 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi DAYTONA Lot R218// Kissimmee 2015 //Jan 16-25 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona 426/425 HP, 4-Speed, 6,400 Miles Engine 426/425 HP Trans 4-Speed Color Copper Interior Tan The word “restraint” is seldom associated with the muscle car era of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, but it certainly applies to the owners of this astounding 1969 Dodge Hemi 4-speed Daytona, which has been driven an amazing 6,435 …

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chevelle ss

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Super Sport

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. Kicking things off is this triple black Chevelle SS. We think of the Chevelle as the Camaro’s stronger and meaner older brother — so clearly not one to mess with at the lights. The 454 badges show and tell the power of this machine loud and clear, as does its bellowing V8 roar on hard throttle. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Super Sport 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Engine 454/450 HP Trans …

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1970 boss 429

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback

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1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback Lot R223// Kissimmee 2015 //Jan 16-25 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback Unrestored with 4,770 Miles, Well Documented Photos by David Newhardt Courtesy of Mecum Auctions Engine 429/375 HP Trans 4-Speed Color Blue Interior White This 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429, Kar Kraft number 2097, is another incredible treasure from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City, Alabama. According to renowned Boss 429 specialist Ed Meyer, this well-documented 4,770-mile example is one of the top most original 1970 Boss 429 Mustangs in existence, and one of the most unique. The 1970 Boss 429’s defining elements …

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1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

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Sure, this Shelby transporter from 1966 might not be as glamorous as the classic Mercedes, Porsche or Ferrari transports — but it does have one huge factor in its favor. Authenticity. This truck is the real deal and in original, unrestored condition. That alone will make it quite a special find for Shelby and Ford Racing fans. Highlights include the COBRA LeMans engine block, among other tasty details. The big blue rig hits the auction block at Mecum’s Kissimmee, Florida auction in mid-January, 2015. 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter   Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing …

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Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster in 100 Gorgeous Photos

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You can really tell when a classic car up for auction soon is a real pride and joy of its owner. In the case of this 1963 Mercedes 300SL, the love really jumps from the photos intact. It is especially amazing to see such loving photos of a silver/red 300SL because the color set is popular enough to be cliche. So for it to be so amazingly represented here is a big deal. We wish this SL Roadster the best at Mecum Auction’s Kissimmee, Florida event in mid-January 2015 — and might even head down there to attend it in …

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Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1937 Studebaker J5 Express Coupe Pickup

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Clarification: Some confusion on which truck is which: this is the Studebaker, the previous article incorrectly referred to a 1948 Diamond T as the Stud. Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.    https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 …

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1948 Willys Jeep Pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1948 Willys Jeep Pickup

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Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December …

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1941 Chevrolet AK Pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1941 Chevrolet AK Pickup

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Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December …

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Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1939 Willys Series 38 Pickup

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Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December …

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1937 Hudson Terraplane Series 70 Pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1937 Hudson Terraplane Series 70 Pickup

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Part of a series. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.      https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December 12 NBCSN: 6:30 PM-12 AM ET/5:30-11 PM CT SDD Saturday, December 13 NBCSN: 3-7 PM ET/2-6 PM CT LIVE Notice: Big Brochure Deadline: Wednesday, October 29 at 5 …

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Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1948 Diamond T Model 201 Pickup

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Clarification: Some confusion on which truck was which: this is the Diamont T, the previous article incorrectly referred to a 1938 Studebaker. Part of a series. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December 12 NBCSN: 6:30 PM-12 AM ET/5:30-11 PM CT …

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RM Airzona 2015 Preview – 1955 Ferrari 250GTE Low-Roof Alloy Coupe

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Anything with low-roof and alloy in the name is almost automatically on our shortlist of amazing classics. But with a name starting with Ferari 250GT — you know you’re on to something special. The cabin of this particular car is outstanding, as is the unbelievably customized two-tone exterior. Very memorable and cool. 1955 Ferrari 250GTE Low-Roof Alloy Coupe   1955 Ferrari 250GT Europa Boano ‘Low Roof’ Alloy Coupe Chassis no. 0447 GT Engine no. 0447 Body no. 19445 220 bhp, 2,953 cc SOHC V-12 engine with triple Weber 36 DCZ3 twin-choke carburetors, four-speed manual synchromesh gearbox, independent coil-spring front suspension, …

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Mecum Austin 2014 Preview – 1955 Chrysler 300C Is Flawless in Fire-Engine Red

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There are old cars, and then there are classic cars. A third group is the absolutely flawless show car — with every inch of the car looking arguably better than it did the day it rolled off the assembly line. This stunning 1955 Chrysler C-300 is in that third group. Sure, the chrome and paint outside is stunning. But wait until you open the hood. Your jaw will hit the grille with the condition of the engine compartment. The cabin is another huge achievement in originality, expert restoration and preserving the complete originality of the vehicle. It is great to …

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1967 SHELBY GT500 Eleanor Mustang Headlining MECUM Austin Auction This Weekend

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Your chance to own not just an incredibly upgraded Mustang GT500 with custom widebody, aero pieces and mechanical improvements throughout — but a famous movie hero as well? This Mustang GT500 is one of three driven by the stars in the 2000 movie Gone in 60 Seconds. Yes, that means Angelina Jolie will have driven your car! The Mecum Austin auction is the first-ever event for the powerhourse auction specialist. More than 600 cars are set to be sold this weekend, December 12th and 13th, starting on Friday — just two days from today! 1967 SHELBY GT500 Eleanor Mustang   …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1961 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder

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Here is a truly beautiful Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder. Flawless condition, navy over creme leather and even a factory hardtop!? Hard to beat this for the ultimate sunny Sunday cruiser. The RM Arizona auction is January 15th and 16th, with more details here. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1071691 1961 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder      

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1970 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Hakosuka Is Ultimate 4DSC Grand Master

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This is the second GT-R from RM Auctions recently — with the 1972 H/T coupe earning an impressive $242,000 at RM’s Monterey 2014 auction. That car is its two-door profile is more in line with the eventual GT-R lineage, but looks less like a Bond henchman’s ride than this G-man special. This Skyline GT-R sedan may find fewer general-interest fanboys, but among the cult of the Nissan 4DSC, it is the one to have. Nissan is eagerly cultivating the Hakosuka’s US descent’s return to 4-Door Sports Car glory with the 2016 Maxima, widely expected to debut in Detroit in January …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible

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So easy to forget how quickly the Mustang evolved between 1965 and 1972. The style of this 1969 is cool but a bit polarizing in some places – where it tends to look less pure than the 1965-1966 cars but less well-resolved than the wider and lower 1970 and onward. Even so, this car is a clear trendsetter and there are awesome details like the milled dual-chamber center exhaust element, or the NACA ducts in the hood, to delight the eye. The one catch with this particular car is the transmission: it is an automatic. 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW Pre-A Emory Special Coupe

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The Porsche Outlaws from SoCal’s Emory family/Valley Customs are well-known in the coolest vintage 356 circles. We spotted a matte black example in Amelia Island and fell hard. The Outlaw Porsches are similar to Singer 911’s — rest0-modded originals that become something altogether more special, unique and fun to drive and own. This Pre-A 356 Coupe is even more enhanced — with a serious racing upgrade for the chassis, engine, exteroir design and cabin. It is truly easy on the eyes and a joy to drive. We envy its future owner! 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW   RM Auctions Arizona 15 …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350

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RM Auctions is looking at a really stellar group of cars for the Arizona auctions in mid-January. It is a funky mix of exotics and Americana that will surely draw a wide swath of car collectors — all salivating at the prospect of driving one of these beauties home. Surprise for your author? Strongly preferring the 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am racecar to the production 1966 Shelby GT350 and (upcoming article) 1959 GT500 Convertible. The 1966 is still the true icon in the trio mentioned above, but seems a bit hokey these days. Actual performance by modern standards, for …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am

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In more than a few ways, the new Mustang invokes the styling of the 1970 Boss 302 more than it does even the 1965 GT350 or the 1969 GT500. The over-wide stance and race-ready upgrades of this Kar Kraft Trans Am racer are just the right icing on the cake. Expect big loot for this School-Bus Yellow Boss 302 at RM Auctions in Arizona this January 15th. Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am  

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1989 Lamborghini LM002 – The Off-Road Countach Is USA Street Legal

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A bit less of a legend than the 037 Lancia? Perhaps. But almost as appealing. After 25 years to appreciate the LM002’s overt masculinity, dreamer-spec engine and mechanicals, and before-its-time superlux offroader credentials — the LM002 looks like a new shape of timeless classic supercar to us. The biggest news about this Lambo Rambo besides its very fresh paint and excellent interior condition? It is finally old enough to be driven legally in the United States! It might even be time for John Rambo Jr. to hit the big screen, with this his on-screen battle truck….   1989 Lamborghini LM002 …

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RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1982 Lancia 037 Stradale Directly Influenced F40, 959 and GT-R

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The Lancia 037 is a legend to the core. The rally version and its AWD traction were a benchmark for Audi, Ferrari and Porsche when those firms were designing cars as legendary as the Sport Quattro, F40 and 959. No small praise! The “zero-three-seven” innovated up and down its chassis – with the tech specs below reading like a hypercar must-have list for the 1990s, far after this car was retired from sale for road use. Gas shocks, supercharged four-cylinder engine, ZF box slung out behind the mid-mounted powerplant, dry-sump-lubrication, kevlar-reinforced fiberglass panels, dual fuel tanks, magnesium and titanium components, …

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Iconic Classics - 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3

Iconic Classics – 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3.7M At RM Monterey 2012

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Aston Martin classic buyers come in similar taste preference buckets as new Aston buyers: either conservative Silver and Green rule the mind, or wild shades and racing liveries. This fire orange example of a pristine DB3S falls into the latter camp very spectacularly. Emblematic of Aston’s resurgent post-war mission to take on the world’s best in racing, the DB3S is best known today as one of the most beautiful racing roadsters of all time. 1955 Aston Martin DB3S RM Auctions Monterey 17 – 18 August 2012   Lot 214 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Sports Racing Car To be auctioned on …

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Hero Racecars – 2001 Bentley Speed 8 LMP1 Winner Laid Bedrock for Modern Flying B

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  You have to hand it to the Volkswagen Group for their skillful rebirth of the Bentley brand in the early 2000s. Long mired in Rolls-Royce’s shadow with shakey engineering expertise and wobblier cars, Bentley sought greatness by going back to its roots in grand style. This meant competing in LeMans – where Bentley had dominated for a few years in the 1920s with its supercharged Speed 8 models — innovative technology that delivered crushing pace when the blowers were attached to such enormous engines. Specific output in this era was barely 10-percent of what it is today; with a …

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Pebble Beach 2014 Concours Lawn – 1935 Cadillac 370D Fleetwood V12 Town Cabriolet

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Getting a car onto the Pebble Beach Concours lawn is mostly objective: the car has to fit the category and be absolutely flawless in every way. But moving from the fairway and onto the greens where the awards are given? That is all about subjective appeal — with metrics like “elegance” telling you that winning is largely about the mood of the year and the slinky aesthetic of the cars in question. All this seems silly until you spend time with a car like this. Elegant is one of the first things that comes to mind, and sticks with you …

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Pebble Beach 2014 Concours Lawn – 1936 Horch (Auto Union) 853 Cabriolet

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Despite Audi’s rapid rise to prominence in the global luxury stakes over the past 20 years, there is still one place where Audi has almost no presence versus rivals BMW and Mercedes. This is primarily because Audi is formed from the merger of four automakers into the “Auto Union” we know today. Each of the marques is one of the four rings in the modern Audi badge. One of those brands was Horch — and this 853 Cabriolet is not only seriously exclusive, but also very refined in the flesh. Most cars from this era were destroyed in WWII, as …

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Hypercar Heroes – 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Brings $1.5M at Gooding Pebble Beach 2014

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The 959 is just coming out of a bit of limbo period – too young to be a true classic, but too old to have appeal among the trendiest supercar owners. But the 959 appears to have firmly graduated to greatness and rapidly appreciating values. This 959 Komfort with tastefully updated dark alloys and tinted windows brought in $1,45-million at Gooding and Company’s Pebble Beach 2014 auction — well above its $900,000 – $1,100,000 pre-sale estimate. It is easy to see why — the car is stunning and flawless. 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort   Gooding & Co. Lot 35 Pebble …

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RM Monterey 2014 – 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti Brings $11.5M

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When SEMA becomes too much to handle, where to we turn for comfort and a little much-needed class? This 1964 Ferrari 250 Le Mans — one of the first mid-engine Ferrari’s ever made. Despite bringing more than $11-million this August in California, the only way is up for a car as special as this. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM   RM Auctions Monterey 15 – 16 August 2014 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti To be auctioned on Friday, August 15, 2014 Sold for $11,550,000 Chassis no. 6045 Engine no. 6045 320 hp, 3,286 aluminum-block V-12 engine with six Weber 38 …

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RM London 2014 Highlights – 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione Tour de France by Scaglietti

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  With many high-dollar supercars that are sold at auction, the outside world might have a hard time appreciating their finer detail. What makes one model worth exponentially more than another? But to those in the know, the “old masters” of the (post-war) car world are racing Ferrari 250GT’s. Any 250GT, really. A 250GT with racing influences in their design/construction or track time under their belts will always bring huge money. FOr this 1956 250GT Tour de France, anyone can appreciate the glamor and beauty and iconic design from all angles. This is one that takes no concours experience to …

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RM London 2014 Highlights – 1982 Ferrari 400i Earns $58k In Great Condition

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The Ferrari 400i is one of our all-time favorite Italians — one that seems timeless in its design appeal and practical enough to drive every day. This car is in fantastic condition but has one big demerit (or advantage, depending on your perspective…). What is this thing? The three-speed automatic versus a manual transmission is a let-down, even if it barely stunts the performance from the 4.8-liter V12 engine’s 310-horsepower. 1982 Ferrari 400i London 8 September 2014 Lot 167 1982 Ferrari 400i Automatic To be auctioned on Monday, September 8, 2014 Sold for £36,400 Chassis no. 38627 Engine no. 00523 …

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1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Is Most-Valuable Post-War Pug?

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$251,000 for the Peugeot from the 1980s? A sale price in this realm is by far the most for any post-war Peugeot that was not a LeMans prototype. This result shows the immense passion behind this legendary vehicle – which was hand-assembled and carries the same tubular steel monocoque as the T16 rally cars. The primary difference is in engine power, with this Turbo 16 putting out a relatively paltry 196-horsepower. But at the time, in the mid-1980s, power outputs like that in a mid-engine subcompact was still enough to provide a shocking level of thrust.   1984 Peugeot 205 …

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1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition Brings $358k at RM London

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Surprising to see a 1990 model year attached to any Countach, but there you have it! An original and low-mileage example, this Lambo is a perfect time-capsule hypercar for some lucky owner. 1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition

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RM Hershey Highlights – 1941 Chris-Craft 27-Foot Barrel Back “Runaway Jane”

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A bit of a diversion here — the Hershey PA event from RM Auctions delivered a huge swath of old-world excellence. More pre-war cars, coaches and trucks than are typically seen at these events, to be sure. Among the collection’s top earners is this stunning 1941 Chris-Craft 27′ Model 115 Custom Runabout. Widely know as one of the most beautiful boat styles of all time, any Chris-Craft is a beautiful sight on the water. But this “Runaway Jane” is particularly beautiful, with the stunning handmade tail section forming almost a perfect half-circle. Dubbed the “Barrel Backs” for a resemblence to …

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RM Dallas Preview – ORIGINAL 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra Estimated at $1MM+

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All original – right down to this lovely green color – with less than 15,000 miles from new? Fitted with a 427 Ford Police Interceptor V8 with extra torque and durability from new when built in 1966? Yessir!   1967 Shelby 427 Cobra RM Auctions   Sam Pack Collection 14 – 15 November 2014 Lot 188 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra To be auctioned on Saturday, November 15, 2014 Without Reserve $1,100,000 – $1,400,000 Chassis no. CSX 3279   425 bhp, 427 cu. in. Ford V-8 engine with a single four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel coil-spring independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic …

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268MPH 2015 Bugatti Veyron SS – Pebble Beach Parking Lot Finds

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  Pebble Beach attracts many of the top car collectors and fans from around the world. The super-rich with cars on the lawn have teams to bring the classic cars there and manage every aspect of their appearance. But they also need a way to get themselves to the event. Step in, this brand-new 2015 Bugatti SuperSport in Beluga black over polished alloys. Note the gorgeous faring and rounded rear window element — just like the current world-speed-record holder — a GS Vitesse drop-top. This coupe is perhaps the most pure expression of the Veyron — and is sure to …

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RM Dallas Preview - 600HP V12 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe GIF

RM Dallas Preview – 600HP V12 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe

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The upcoming Sam Pack collection sale from RM Auctions in Dallas is shaping up to be a big mover and shaker in the world of American classics. As a follow-up to the cool Lincoln concept cars article, here is perhaps the most stunning Lincoln in years: a 1939 custom Zephyr Coupe. The waterfall grille design shown here is perhaps the best-known Lincoln design theme aside from the 1961 Lincoln Continental of JFK fame. The fact that modern Lincolns wear this aesthetic is no coincidence.     A ground-up restoration and customization sees the original engine replaced by a 6.0-liter V12 …

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Future Classic Feature – 1999 Saab 9-3 VIGGEN Is Thunderbolt Legend – And This One Is For Sale!

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The SAAB 9-3 Viggen is a legend of a car. Named after the Thunderbolt fighter jet, the Viggen celebrated all that made the Saab 9-3 the firm’s most-successful model throughout the marque’s storied history. Front-drive, mad power and turbo antics were all paramount with the Viggen — but in typical Saab fashion, this was not a badge and stickers job. The upgrades list over the standard 9-3 Aero is absolutely huge — with what amounts to an all-new, direct-injected engine just the start of the custom elements in the Viggen.   EXHAUST NOTE VIDEO INTRO The 225-horsepower and 258-pound-feet of …

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Ferrari IPO! Fiat Chrysler to Float 10% Stake on Global Market

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BBC and FT.com are reporting today that Ferrari will be spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles into a seperate unit. The vast majority of existing Ferrari equity will go to FCA shareholders and current backers, but a 10-percent portion of the firm is heading for an IPO. No word on the timing or location of this first-ever public sale offer from Ferrari, but New York is the most logical venue for a mega-debut of the firm in the stock market. The Ferrari spin-off is said to be part of an overall capital investment plan by FCA, which is heavily leveraged …

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RM London Highlights – 1920 Bugatti Type 23 Was First Rally Supercar + RARE Archive Photos

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When racing in a straight line, the key attributes you want are a long wheelbase and huge power. But when racing up tight mountain roads, with switchbacks every few hundred metres, you want the shortest wheelbase possible. Still with the huge power, but in a nimbler and pointer package. Bugatti has always chased the extremes of performance, and this Type 23 is no different. Chopped short like a Sport Quattro — this Type 23 is hilarious at first. We can see in these extremely rare archive photos a T11 racer and an the enclosed-shell Bugatti T32 ‘Tank’ sharing this same …

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RM Hershey Highlights – 1905 FIAT 60HP Five-Passenger Tourer by Quinby & Co.

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A top earner at the Hershey, Pennsylvania event from RM Auctions earlier this month? This 1905 Fiat Tourer with a whopping 60-horsepower. 60HP is double what anything else offered in 1905 — with huge power like this making it the Rolls-Royce and Bentley of its era. The Fiat packs triple the 20-hp that the Ford Model T’s “L-head” four-cylinder delivered from from 1910 to 1930. A wheel and triple-pedal setup on the floor also predates nearly any other car with this now-standard control layout. This very car was originally owned by August Anheuser Busch Senior — to give a sense …

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RM Hershey 2014 Highlights – 1956 Ford F-100 Panel Truck

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In the auction world, you either go where the money is — or where the collection is. In the case of the Sam Pack collection in Dallas this November, you go to the collection. Same applied here with the Hershey, PA auction earlier in October for the Jeffrey Day estate. A charming collection of mostly pre-war vehicles is specked with stagecoaches from 1860 and curio’s like this F-100 panel van. The more utilitarian models in many millionaire’s collections carry some form of sentimental value. And how could this baby blue Ford not be special? We just wonder: how many cases …

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RM Dallas Preview – 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept + 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept

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This is a rare pair of concepts — two of more than 75 very special cars that are up for auction November 14 and 15 in Dallas. Part of the Sam Pack collection, these two Lincolns are both very special parts of the Pack auction. Pack appears to have loved American cars best, and Ford and Lincolns best of all. These modern concept cars represent an option to own something that does not exist — true one-offs. But one is far more desirable than the other! Which one? We would say the Mark X concvertible is the more usable versus …

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Gooding Pebble Beach Highlights – 1920 Mercer Series 5 Raceabout Is Charming and Innovative

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With a sale price of $308,000, this handsome yellow Mercer Raceabout was very well bought. There are charming details all over this 1920 classic, including the very deep honeycomb of the grille, twin spare tires in back, and a brake light with illuminated ‘Stop’ letters. Other safety innovations include a rear-view mirror just to the left of the drivers seat, which was an uncommon feature in this time period. Also cool are the manually-tilting headlamps. A form of highbeams 30 years before that was a feature in most cars. But perhaps the most lovely is the steering wheel. This wood-rimmed …

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RM Monterey 2014 Highlights – 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S Earns $1.2M

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  After being declined an RM Auctions press pass for this year’s Monterey (Pebble Beach) auction, we froze RM coverage for a few months to focus on Gooding and Bonhams. But this stunning Lamborghini has brought us back into the fold. A combination of the right spec and the right colors makes it one of the hottest classic supercars in the world in 2014. Originally yellow, this early P400S runs an original engine and shows just 30,000 miles under its Carrara White exterior. We have learned a bit about the Carrara White color recently – being named after the Carrara …

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2015 DELAHAYE USA Bugnotti Reimagines Type 165 With New Styling and Modern Mechanicals

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PART TWO: The Bugnotti While researching the Delahaye 135M Figoni et Falaschi article yesterday, we came across Delahaye USA — a custom fabrication specialist with two stunning models in the current range. The Pacific is an ultra-long and low homage to the classic Bugatti Type 57S, but powered by a modern V12 and bodied in carbon fiber.  The Bugnotti is a nod to the Delahaye Type 165, but vastly different in design. Modern running gear and standard AC make Delahaye USA a one-of-a-kind option for those seeking art deco design, exquisite craftsmanship, and fully bespoke choices for every possible element …

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2015 DELAHAYE USA Pacific Is Ultra-Chic V12 Homage to Art Deco Masterpieces

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While researching the Delahaye 135M Figoni et Falaschi article yesterday, we came across Delahaye USA — a custom fabrication specialist with two stunning models in the current range. The Pacific is an ultra-long and low homage to the classic Bugatti Type 57S, but powered by a modern V12 and bodied in carbon fiber.  The Bugnotti is a nod to the Delahaye Type 165, but vastly different in design. Modern running gear and standard AC make Delahaye USA a one-of-a-kind option for those seeking art deco design, exquisite craftsmanship, and fully bespoke choices for every possible element along the way to …

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Spanish Bay Classics – 1948 DELAHAYE 135M Figoni et Falaschi Captivates In Black

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Tucked over in the corner of Pebble Beach resorts is Spanish Bay, a more modern setup than the relatively classic (albeit still uber-lux) accommodations at The Lodge. And in a corner of a mini classic car display at Spanish Bay? This surreal 1948 Delahaye. It took more than a few minutes to even identify this car tonight – we even wondered if it was a replica briefly, simply because there is little info about each of these low-batch supercars handcrafted near Paris. The 135M is very enchanting in a rich black monotone — which is quite a contrast with many …

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Gen-6 Toyota Camry NASCAR Revealed Ahead of 2015 Season

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The NASCAR ‘Car of Tomorrow’ is now in its sixth generation after barely as many years roaring round the nation’s speedways. Luckily, this latest design rulebook allows the cars to look much less generic, and more like their actual namesake road car models. The first out of the gates for the 2015 season of the Sprint Cup and 2015 Xfinity (formerly Nationwide) racing series is the new Camry. It really does look like the production car! ANIMATED OVERLAY ANALYSIS: Camry v ‘NASCamry’ In this transparency of the production Camry XSE versus the NASCAR Camry, we can see how similar these …

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Concept Debrief – 1969 BMW 2800 Spicup Was Bertone Spider-Coupe Prototype

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Named for its dual purpose, the Spicup is a contraction of ‘Spider’ and ‘Coupe’ into one word. This one was a joint effort and actually led with Bertone proposing the idea of a spider coupe with a retractable hardtop to BMW. A 2.8-liter straight six lives up front and the one-off Spicup BMW opened the door to more Bertone-BMW collaboration later in the 1970s. The machine is certainly unique and eye-popping today: imagine it today as some form of BMW Z4 variant: a cabrio two-door built off a traditional sedan platform. More accurately, considering the roof and semi-popup headlamps, was …

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Top 10 Most Beautiful Pebble Beach Hood Ornaments

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One of the most delightful details of cars in the 1920s and 1930s are their hood ornaments. These free-standing sculptures became a symbol of prestige and class and were a sign of a super-luxury car due to their labor-intensive casting and polishing processes — not to mention the actual concept vision, sculpting prototypes for the reverse mold, followed by chrome or brass plating. The below are all pretty outstanding, with the anthropomorphic ones featuring living creatures as perhaps a bit more captivating than the pure Art Deco style shown by the LaSalle and Horch Auto Union cars. In terms of …

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1962 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta Still Available for Gooding Private Sale

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This goes into the “if only it were red” files. Another huge-price Ferrari, the 1962 SWB Coupe as well as the 365P Tre Posti, have left Pebble Beach without new homes. Another of the few 250GT SWB Berlinetta’s sold for $3.4-million in Monaco in 2012, so the value for this car is in that ballpark. Interested buyers can reach out directly for a presumed private sale.     1962 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta   GOODING & Co. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Coachwork by Scaglietti Estimate Available Upon Request Chassis: 3113 GT       CAR HIGHLIGHTS An Exceptionally …

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