Worldwide Auctioneers will feature a strong line-up of historic sports racers among the consignments at its fifth Houston Classic Auction.
Chief among these are an important factory prototype 1954 Jaguar XK D-Type, known as the “glass fibre car” and an acclaimed 1957 Chevrolet Corvette COPO Race Car, delivered new to Bob Mouat in 1957 and raced straight out of the showroom with undisputed success until 1965. Joining them are a flamboyant 1936 Delahaye 135S Competition Court Teardrop Coupe with alloy coachwork by Figoni & Falaschi and fully documented race history, a 1960 Scarab Grand Prix Race Car, one of only two successfully raced examples and a wonderful 1951 Ferrari 340 America Berlinetta Coupe, complete with coachwork by Touring and extensive documentation authenticating its history.
“These iconic automobiles have each played a significant role in sports car evolution and motor racing history throughout the years and today represent both a collectors dream and a substantial investment”, said Rod Egan, Managing Partner and Chief Auctioneer.
The feisty “8-ball Cobra killer”, a singular 1965 Corvette Roadster, owned and raced by Herb Caplan alongside the legendary Dick Guldstrand and the ex Alan Sevadjian, John Mecum 1967/74 Corvette “Delmo Johnson Racecar”, the latter offered without reserve, will provide enthusiasts with further temptation at the May sale.
“All of these great sports racers that we are proud to offer in Houston come with a pedigree that would make them welcome entrants at any vintage race event in the world” said John Kruse, Managing Partner and Chief Auctioneer.
Held in conjunction with the fourteenth annual Keels and Wheels Concours D’Elegance, the Houston Classic Auction is on Saturday, May 2nd at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas. Further details regarding any current consignment may be discussed with either Rod Egan or John Kruse on (260)-927-0000. Full information on the sale, admission and advance bidder registration can be obtained by calling (260) 927-0000 or visiting www.wwgauctions.com.
[Source: Worldwide Auctioneers]
Some beautiful cars going up for auction in Houston and its giving to be really interesting to see how the Beautiful Scarab does and if it blows away the Ferraris, Jaguars,and the Corvettes. This car is so unique and so beautiful unforunately this car was built at a time when Lotus and Ferraris had switched from front engine to rear/mid engine and the Scarab became obsolete. Truly a work of art and so unique.It will also be interesting how the Exotic Car Market does in this economy.
I have to wonder about the provenance of the Scarab. Of the “…two successfully raced examples” — that phrase itself a matter of opinion — one was rather badly wrecked, with the chassis cut up and scrapped. Only some bodywork and a few suspension pieces survived, owned for years by the late Ali Lugo.
If this is the Scarab at auction, it’s hard to imagine a record-setting sale for this car, apparently a modern reconstruction using a few parts — but not the chassis — of the original.
(On the other hand, if it’s the real car, fitted with the real desmodromic engine….)