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Milton Robson Collection Auction Report – RM Auctions

Report and photos (unless noted) by Rick Carey, Auction Editor

Milton Robson Auction SceneThe Milton Robson Collection of muscle cars and classics was sold at auction by RM Auctions on Saturday, November 13, 2010 in Gainesville, Georgia.

Collectors have been bemoaning the fate of American Muscle for some time, not without good reason.

Into this environment bravely strode RM Auctions with the twenty plus year collection of Georgia meat entrepreneur Milton Robson who’s moving to Florida and cutting back. Milt was ever-present, talking about his cars, introducing their former owners and restorers and describing his experiences with them.

With estimates up to a million bucks for a GTO Judge convertible, this was a choice collection of a later generation. No Cadillac V-16s, Bugattis or Duesenbergs here, Robson had concentrated on finding, pursuing, acquiring, restoring and preserving the very finest examples of Detroit’s Golden Age in the Fifties and Sixties, refining his collection over time by deaccessioning cars most collectors would sell their firstborn to own to add even better examples.

A heavy emphasis on Pontiac’s metamorphosis from bland Silver Streaks to Super Dutys challenged collectors to assign six-figure increments to subtle distinctions between outwardly similar GTOs and Judges.

The sale offered cars in place in Milt and LaClita Robson’s museum, an imaginatively decorated steel-framed barn with a village décor and neon inside and a broad front porch with rocking chairs and wagon wheel benches out front. The cars didn’t run across the block, but their condition was ample testimony to their readiness to do tours and even Power Tours that needed no verification.

RM’s confidence in the consignment was apparent from the beginning, first by making the whole sale No Reserve and then eschewing warmup lots to offer a beautiful ’57 DeSoto Adventurer and ’70 Shelby GT500, both convertibles, as the first lots across the block. At $341,000 and $335,000 respectively they didn’t disappoint and set the tone for the next few hours.

The fourth car across the block was a superlative ’54 Mercury Monterey Convertible. It sold at a thrilling $118,250 to bidder number 6091. That bidder number would be announced a further sixteen times for some of the most important and valuable cars in Robson’s collection. As the afternoon wore on it became apparent to onlookers that something remarkable was happening. ’57 Bonneville, Yenko S/C Camaro, Airbox ’57 Corvette, ’58 Bel Air Impala Fuelie, SS 409, Buick GS Stage 1, ’57 Bel Air Fuelie, Catalina Super Duty, E-Bird, ’69 Firebird Ram Air IV, ’64 LeMans GTO, 396/375 Pace Car and, finally, the Diamond T Wrecker all were gathered into 6091’s burgeoning collection. It totaled at least $2.9 million at the end of the day, a third of the $9.1 million that changed hands and 30% of the 55 lots offered.

It was a smart move by the collector. These were tried and true cars with a great “ex-Milton Robson” provenance that establishes them among the best of the best and will enhance their recognition, and their value, forever. Buying the very best carries lasting satisfaction, and that’s what bidder 6091 got.

Milt Robson and his wife have kept some of their favorite cars, but the significance of this sale is, to paraphrase an ad phrase, that the beat goes on. The fascination with Detroit Iron is alive and well. The very best cars – in this case identified in perpetuity by their ex-Milton Robson provenance – command superior prices.

By my count no less than ten cars from the Robson Collection brought world record prices. In some cases they were obscure or esoteric variants like the unique 300F factory 4-speed but many others have counterparts that have crossed the auction block and not come close in value to their prices in Gainesville.

The pattern has been seen in prior sales of single-owner collections, but they have been pre-war Classics. Never before has a collection of mid-century American Muscle been offered and achieved such consistently extraordinary results. It cements the appeal of mid-century Muscle with a landmark set of transactions that will have Value Guide editors puzzling over their tables for months to come.

‘Bravely’ is an understatement in the concept of this sale. RM Auctions and Milton Robson stood up and demonstrated by their commitment and confidence that they could take a risky concept – mid-century American performance cars – and singlehandedly prove its enduring value.

The fate of American Muscle is brighter today than it was a week ago.

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Milton Robson Collection Auction Report – RM Auctions (listed by lot number)

1957 DeSoto Adventurer Convertible
Lot # 201 1957 DeSoto Adventurer Convertible; S/N 50419195; Gold/Gold vinyl, Black cloth; Beige vinyl top; Estimate $250,000 - $325,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $310,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $341,000 -- 345/345hp dual quad hemi V-8, automatic, P/W, P/S, P/B, power top, gold vented wheel covers, whitewalls, bench seat. Excellent paint, chrome, upholstery, top and glass. Restored like new. Above reproach in all respects. No Reserve. A huge car (both in dimensions and in importance), but also huge money. DeSoto is the forgotten Mopar and the limited production Adventurers, of which only about 300 convertibles were built, are prized collectors' items that have recently come into their own. This Gilbert Propes restored example is beyond perfect. Its price is nearly beyond belief, too, for one with dual quads instead of (the) one with the legendary (factory recalled) fuel injection. A curve- and record-setter that started off RM's Milt Robson auction and set the tone for the sale.
1970 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible
Lot # 202 1970 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible; S/N 0F03R483287; Gulfstream Aqua, Gold side stripe/Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $225,000 - $300,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $335,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $368,500 -- 428/335hp, 4-speed, Drag Pack, Traction-Lok, tilt column, 5-spoke Shelby wheels, rear mounted antenna, fog lights, AM-FM, P/S, P/B. Show quality restoration on a 18,199 actual mile car. Better than new appearance with factory type finishes. Original upholstery. Beautiful. No Reserve. The second car across the block, this GT500 Convertible is above reproach in all respects, on top of being a 18,199 mile car. Its price reflects the quality of its history and presentation. It is a Ford-built Shelby, not a '68 KR Convertible with a Shelby VIN and as such sets a benchmark for the model and year that the new owner will wait a while to see matched. Its Robson collection provenance is a big help, but not enough alone to support the expensive price it brought.
Chrysler Imperial Crown 4-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 203 1959 Chrysler Imperial Crown 4-Dr. Hardtop; S/N M637103291; Copper Spice/Cream leather; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100 -- 413/360hp, automatic, Frigi King A/C, chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires. Reupholstered and repainted to good standards but otherwise aged and original. Pitted trim chrome. Chassis painted over thick, blobby old undercoat. An unusual car in itself, but decidedly ordinary in its presentation and cosmetic redo. No Reserve. The bidders this weekend were looking for Muscle and while this Imperial had plenty under the hood the rest of the car was decidedly mundane. Its presentation among the meticulously restored and beautifully maintained Robson Pontiacs, Chevys and Fords was disappointing, a perception reflected in its reasonable price. It was no bargain.
Mercury Monterey Convertible
Lot # 204 1954 Mercury Monterey Convertible; S/N 54SL116334; Coral/Coral, Cream vinyl; Tan cloth top; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $107,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $118,250 -- 256/161hp, overdrive 3-speed, dual remote spotlights, P/W, power top, pushbutton radio, clock, heater, skirts, wheel covers, whitewalls, fog lights. Odometer shows five miles and the restoration to show quality condition looks like that's as far as it's gone. Beautiful. No Reserve. Both the car and the price it brought are as good as it gets. This is a premium car, and a premium price that has never been seen before was paid for it. The market will catch up with this result in ... a decade? When Brent Earlywine announced the successful bidder number, 6091, no one noticed. That would soon change.
1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible
Lot # 205 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible; S/N 2678269I; Orchard Green Metallic/Green, White leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $125,000 - $175,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- Automatic, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual spotlight-mirrors. Good paint, chrome and interior but showing age. Scuffed trim stainless, poor top fit, scuffed window frames. Odometer shows 44,803 miles. Thoroughly restored some time ago but now ageing and no longer fresh. Although the color is described as 'Polaris Blue', there is little 'blue' about it. It's Orchard Green, and a lot of metallic flake was stirred into the can before it was sprayed. No Reserve. Pumped up in the catalog as one of Milton Robson's favorite cars for drives and tours, this Caribbean has many flaws and shortcomings reflecting its use and a restoration that lets metal things rub on each other. An early Caribbean, the price is an accurate reflection of its year of manufacture and condition. The estimate is loopy.
1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible
Lot # 206 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible; S/N 1G55Z156346; Black/Black, White vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $75,000 - $125,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- 390/401hp with three deuces, overdrive 3-speed, pushbutton radio, heater, power top, dog dish hubcaps, 7.10x15 Firestone blackwalls, Equa Lock axle, heavy duty suspension and brakes. Excellent paint, bodywork, upholstery, chrome, top and glass. Restored to showroom condition and formerly owned by Pat McGroder. No Reserve. When I saw this car all I could think of was, 'What a great, stealthy, moonshine runner.' Comes from being in North Georgia, I guess. Cruise right through town with the top down, a sweetie in the middle of the bench seat and a few cases of corn liquor in the trunk riding high on the stiff rear springs, then blow the Revenuers into the weeds if they take chase. One of my favorites in the Robson collection, and one of the bidders' favorites, too. Even at a 20% premium over the low estimate this is a rare, interesting and exciting car. Robert Mitchum in 'Thunder Road' could only dream of such a sweet ride.
Pontiac Catalina Convertible
Lot # 207 1962 Pontiac Catalina Convertible; S/N 362K13125; Engine # 347691 15H; Red/Metallic Burgundy vinyl, White vinyl top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 -- 389/267hp 2-barrel, automatic, 8-lug wheels, blackwall 8.50x14 tires, radio, heater, bench seat, dual outside mirrors, P/S, P/B. Aged old repaint with a big chip on the right front fender. Otherwise original with sound chrome, upholstery and glass. No Reserve. This is just a car, distinguished only by its 8-lug wheels which Milt Robson added to it. Well, also by the 20,666 original miles and generally attractive and well maintained largely original condition. The paint is a disappointment (big time) but it is presentable and physically sound. It was cataloged with dual quads, another disappointment The price is not a disappointment, at least to Milt Robson, although the buyer may find it less than satisfying but able to take satisfaction that a ’62 Impala with comparable power would be more.
Pontiac Ventura Super Duty 421 Cloke 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 208 1961 Pontiac Ventura Super Duty 421 Cloke 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 561S3274; Black/Blue vinyl; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Facsimile restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- 421/405hp, dual quads, cast headers with covered dump ports, radio delete, heater, buckets, no console, 8-lug wheels with trim rings, whitewalls, no P/S or P/B, 4.1 Safe-T-Track, aluminum bumpers. No engine number on block. 'Bubble top' greenhouse. Excellent paint, chrome, interior, glass and bodyworks. Engine and underhood are like new. Built by Ed Giolma in the late 80's with all the Super Duty 421 stuff, a thrilling but ultimately fake car. No Reserve. The fake-ness of this Pontiac was hidden in the small print of the catalog description. It's beautiful, but it's not the genuine article and that makes its price a serious stretch ... like about double. Caveat emptor.
1957 Pontiac Bonneville FI Convertible
Lot # 209 1957 Pontiac Bonneville FI Convertible; S/N P857H28412; White, Blue accent/Blue, White leather; Blue vinyl top; Estimate $175,000 - $250,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 -- 347/315hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, WonderBar radio, spinner wheelcovers, windshield washer, continental kit, P/W. Thoroughly restored a while ago and now showing some use and a few valve cover leaks under the hood. Paint, chrome, interior, glass and top are still excellent. No Reserve. This Bonneville needs nothing to be used and displayed with pride and confidence. It could be brought back to pristine frontline concours condition with a thorough detailing. It is a sound value at this price, a transaction that should satisfy both the buyer and the seller with good value for the money, and good money for the value.
1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
Lot # 210 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible; S/N 223679V100280; Engine # 030072 WZ; Antique Gold/Gold leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750 -- 400/330hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, Rally II wheels, red line tires, hood tach, tilt column, AM-FM, factory underdash 8-track. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. Panels aren't as flat as they could be but closely emulate factory. Trunk lid torqued a little. Correct WZ engine markings. Originally used by Pontiac as a regional show car and lavishly equipped included a carpeted trunk. Two owners from new, PHS documented. No Reserve. This result is a very modest price for an exceptional car with a sound and unusual history and highly desirable options. The price is no more -- and maybe even a little less -- than a similarly equipped Firebird convertible would bring after a comprehensive restoration, assigning no value at all to its show car history, limited ownership history and special original features. It is a good value at this price, a surprise in an auction where Pontiacs were the stars of the show.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 4-4-2 W-30 Convertible
Lot # 211 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 4-4-2 W-30 Convertible; S/N 3J67X2M139884; Metallic Green, White stripes/Brown vinyl; Tan cloth top; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,750 -- 455/300hp, 4-speed, P/W, AM-FM, tilt column, buckets, no console, Rally wheels with trim rings, Wide Oval tires, wing, ram air hood and intake, P/S, no P/B. Fair old clear coat repaint with some nose chips and shrinkage of the old paint under it. Good chrome and interior. Orderly but aged underhood with some engine black squirted around at some time in the dim and distant past. Chassis and underbody repainted assembled. A desirably equipped, refreshingly original, clean and well-maintained driver. No Reserve. Among the meticulously restored and obsessively maintained show-quality Muscle Cars in Milt Robson's collection this modestly redone Cutlass S 4-4-2 W-30 4-speed convertible stood out as a serious and very attractive driver's car. The Kermit the Frog green color is not original but in this case it's easy being green and won't be hard to find in a parking lot. It is a good buy at this price.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko S/C 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 212 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko S/C 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 124379N579776; Fathom Green/Black vinyl; Estimate $300,000 - $400,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $280,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $308,000 -- 427/450hp, 4-speed, SW tach on column, Torque-thrust style wheels, underdash gauges, P/B, electric fuel pump in trunk, heater, pushbutton radio. COPO 9737 with COPO 9561 427 engine and 26,010 miles from new. Badly microblistered and checking mostly original paint. Otherwise a very good, clean and well maintained original car. No Reserve. A breathtaking price but it bought a painstakingly preserved and original car with plenty of drag strip passes on its 26,010 mile odometer. This is a Yenko S/C record, at least at auction, even if the price would buy two new ZR1 Corvettes with better performance, reliability, handling and a warranty ... with money left over. Opportunities like this rarely turn up, however, and this is what it took to own it, a price that was endorsed at least by the underbidder.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible
Lot # 213 1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N E57S104957; Red/Red vinyl; Estimate $250,000 - $350,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $340,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $374,000 – RPO 579E 283/283hp airbox fuel injection engine, 4-speed (correct for this late VIN) AC mechanical tach, radio/heater delete, Red steel wheels, hubcaps, blackwall Firestone Deluxe Champion tires, heavy duty suspension, 4.11 Positraction, elephant ear brake ducts. Excellent paint, chrome and upholstery. Restored like new some time ago without separating the body and frame. No longer fresh but could be detailed to show quality. Bloomington Gold certified and NCRS Top Flight. Documented ownership chain from new. No Reserve. This is the straight axle Corvette collector's ultimate prize, an all-out competition Fuelie with only go-fast stuff on it. Red over Red adds to its appeal, as does this car's documented history. The price is in line with other Airbox Fuelies recently, recognizing the car's particular distinctions with a modest but significant premium. Both the buyer and the seller should be satisfied with this transaction.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Roadster
Lot # 214 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Roadster; S/N 194677S120538; Engine # T0425JE 7120538; Red, Black stripe/Red; White vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 - $225,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $176,000 -- 427/435hp, 4-speed, Red hardtop, AM-FM, alloy wheels, side exhausts, red line tires, two tops, 4.11 Positraction. Very good paint, chrome, interior and glass. Restored to nearly like new but missing some of the factory type shortcuts, header overspray and such. Not fresh but desirable. Original fuel tank with sticker attached comes with it along with the original window sticker and invoice. Bloomington Gold certified and NCRS Top Flight 95.97 points. No Reserve. Bought on the money, balancing its history, documentation, equipment, restoration and age, although bucking the recent declining trend in 427/435hp '67 Vette values. An encouraging outlier on these cars' value trend line.
1952 Plymouth Suburban 2-Dr. Station Wagon
Lot # 215 1952 Plymouth Suburban 2-Dr. Station Wagon; S/N 18185323; Light Green/Brown leather; Estimate $35,000 - $50,000; Customized restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 -- 383 Mopar, Weiand intake with Demon 4-barrel, TorqueFlite automatic, windshield visor, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, AM-FM-CD stereo, S-W gauges, leather rim steering wheel, Camaro front clip and suspension, P/S, P/B. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Chassis superficially redone and repainted. Excellent airbrushed exterior woodgrain. Fresh and showing little use. No Reserve. A refreshing alternative to the usual Ford, Mercury and even Chevy woodies, this Plymouth has unusual style and promises good driving dynamics. It brought far less than was invested in its creation, typical of oddball customs like this. Even if it doesn't appeal to most collectors it's a sound buy at this price and a fun weekend driver at this price.
1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged Coupe
Lot # 216 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged Coupe 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 6102436; Gold/Gold, Cream vinyl; Estimate $50,000 - $75,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,200 -- 289/275hp Paxton blown V-8, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls. An original car in condition appropriate to its 51,264 miles with one good older repaint and upholstery. Engine is mostly original and a little crusty. Scuffed window sill chrome and door handles. An unusual car that neither needs nor should have a restoration. No Reserve. Rare, but a car that appeals to a limited audience and brought a superior price here considering its mediocre condition and compromised originality.
1960 Chrysler 300F Convertible
Lot # 217 1960 Chrysler 300F Convertible; S/N B403141816; Alaskan White/Beige leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $250,000 - $350,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $397,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $437,250 -- 4-speed, F Special 413/400hp cross-ram dual quad, wheel covers, whitewalls, 3.23 Sure-Grip and all the 300F assists and accessories. 13,844 miles and three owners from new. Chassis repainted over old undercoat. Good older repaint and very good chrome and upholstery. Chassis not done to the same standards. Engine redone but showing age. The only factory built 4-speed 300F convertible and a rare, wonderful piece of Mopar history. No Reserve. Two bidders beat on each other in $2,500 and $5,000 bumps from about $275,000 to reach this extraordinary price, a result that had everyone in Milt Robson's barn holding their breath until the hammer dropped to enthusiastic approval and applause. Simply astounding, and the new owner is contemplating changing the color ... his privilege. An interested 300F convertible owner observed, ‘You can't pay too much, just too soon,’ an observation that time will bear out but leaving the new owner plenty of time to enjoy this car's exclusivity and performance.
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
Lot # 218 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 58E037519; Desert Bronze/Dark Red leather; Dark Brown cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $175,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500 -- 365/335hp, automatic, Autronic Eye, power everything, Silver Sabre wheels. Good older paint, chrome, top and original leather upholstery. Chassis has been redone but not to the same standards. Door jambs chipped from use. Not fresh but very nice. Usable and presentable but not up to the standards of the majority of the Robson collection. No Reserve. Appropriately bought at full retail. (picture unavailable).
1957 Ford Custom Supercharged 2-Dr. Sedan
Lot # 219 1957 Ford Custom Supercharged 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N F7FG294564; White/Grey vinyl, cloth; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500 -- 312/300hp Paxton supercharged, overdrive 3-speed, heater, hubcaps, 7.50x14 Firestone Deluxe Champion blackwalls. Restored like new by Wayne Davis except for paint cracks on the B-pillars. Plain piperacks never looked better. No Reserve. A plain Jane sleeper car that's all about performance. Bought at half or less the price of a similarly meticulously restored F-Bird, this car is much more exclusive, rare and cool. It had potential bidders drooling over it in the preview and they kept after it in the auction. While this isn't F-Bird money, it's arguably more than an F-Bird in rarity and is a trophy car for an insightful collector. The sixth car sold to bidder 6091 today.
1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Lot # 220 1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N QY73Y112964; Black/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,750 -- 352/300hp, automatic, A/C, remote spotlight-mirror, pushbutton radio, chrome wire wheels, continental kit, whitewalls, P/S, P/B. Engine dressup. Excellent paint, chrome, glass and top. Supple leather interior isn't authentic but is inviting enough to encourage snuggling. Engine done like jewelry with sparkly chrome and shiny paint. Chassis redone like new. Tiny flaw in hood paint but that only shows how great the rest of the car is. No Reserve. This is heroic money for a square bird, but this is an heroic square bird. Not to everyone's taste (including mine), but worthy of accolades nonetheless and a landmark transaction, especially with the ordinary 352/300hp V-8.
1934 Ford Roadster
Lot # 221 1934 Ford Roadster; S/N 40-743328; Beige/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000 -- Burgundy wire wheels, blackwall tires, enclosed near spare, rumble seat, dual horns, cowl lights, wind wings and other DeLuxe features. Fresh, show quality restoration. Better than new without ruining the car. AACA National First Prize in 1996 and an Early Ford V-8 Dearborn Award winner. Comes with its original upholstery in a box. No Reserve. This is easily one of the prettiest, most carefully restored '34 Ford Roadsters around and the bidders accorded it plenty of honors on the block. This is full retail and then some, especially for a '34 Ford ‘with DeLuxe features’ and not a real DeLuxe.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Lot # 222 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N 56B133000; Matador Red/Red, White vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $100,000 - $140,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 -- 265/225hp dual quad, batwing air cleaner, wire wheelcovers, whitewalls, WonderBar radio, 3-speed, grille guard, skirts (in trunk). Show quality restoration with great paint, chrome, upholstery, top and glass. Shiny black underhood. No Reserve. This is ample money for this car. It's a fine '56 Bel Air dual quad convertible but it would have been market-priced at $120,000 or even a little less.
1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala FI Convertible
Lot # 223 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala FI Convertible; S/N F58J102663; Engine # F1210CH; Rio Red/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $132,000 -- 283 Fuel Injection, 3-speed, P/S, P/B, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, Autronic Eye, dual rear antennas, continental kit, stoplight viewer, WonderBar radio, remote spotlight/mirror, electric wipers, heavy-duty heater, vacuum ashtray. Cataloged as a 290hp Fuelie but the engine is coded CH, which my references describe as a more appropriate hydraulic lifter 250hp engine. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new, maintained in nearly showroom condition and recently refreshed. No Reserve. Most Bel Air Impalas equipped with this many options and accessories in 1958 would have a truck block 348 under the hood where the displacement and torque would help carry all the weight. The lightweight, high rpm Fuelie smallblock is as rare as it is inappropriate. This is a super-rare car, largely because the 1958 buyer who would spend $484 for a (250hp) Fuelie instead of $70 or $80 for a 348 was a rare individual who didn't understand vehicle dynamics or economics. It is what it is and it's going to be a long time before another one shows up.
1969 Ford Mustang 428 CJ Cloke Convertible
Lot # 224 1969 Ford Mustang 428 CJ Cloke Convertible; S/N 9R03R116921; Indian Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $140,000 - $180,000; Facsimile restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750 -- 428/335hp, 4-speed, heater and radio delete, rally wheels, trim rings, F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas tires, no P/S or P/B. Gaudy clear coat repaint. Good interior, chrome and top. Some orange peel. Not impressive in this crowd and revealed in the catalog as not a real CJ despite the VIN (cataloged with an 'O' in the third position.) No Reserve. Reported sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2008 for $203,500. A big 'ouch' for someone along the way, but a neat, fast car for the new owner at a realistic price. This is real money for an honestly-represented fake.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI 2-Dr. Sedan
Lot # 225 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N VC57K180258; Engine # F613EK; Canyon Coral, India Ivory roof/Black vinyl, cloth; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 -- 283/283hp, 3-speed, manual radio, heater, spinner wheelcovers, blackwall 8.00x14 tires, Positraction. 40,536 miles, three owners and represented as an original FI Bel Air sedan. An older restoration with excellent cosmetics and presented in showroom condition. No Reserve. Like the blown '57 Ford that went before it the hunters of esoteric American performance cars were right on this '57 Bel Air Fuelie and paid a premium, but realistic, price for it. Thank its three owners for not making it into a 'Black Widow' replica.
1933 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet
Lot # 226 1933 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet; S/N 18359811; Dark Gray, Black fenders/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $48,400 -- Light Yellow wire wheels and coachline, wide whitewalls, greyhound, rear-mounted enclosed spare, rumble seat, dual horns, cowl lights. Good but not exceptional older restoration. Dust in paint, instrument faces not done. Good chrome and lightly stretched and used upholstery. Sound and attractive but not aged or failing. No Reserve. This is inherently a great old Ford and its condition and older restoration invites driving and enjoying it. The price it brought is realistic money under the circumstances, despite its massive shortfall from the excessive estimate range.
1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Lightweight 2-Dr. Sedan
Lot # 227 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Lightweight 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 21847F306159; Adobe Beige/Gold vinyl; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $132,000 -- 409/425hp, 4-speed, Sun 90-degree tach on column. Radio and heater delete. Wide steel wheels with 8.00x14 blackwall tires. No engine number on block after reportedly being decked. Described as one of just 18 lightweight Impala SS 409s built, with aluminum front fenders, hood, bumpers and more. Restored to very high standards with its original body panels, .060 bored block, raised port heads, 2-piece aluminum intake manifold and original interior. Raced when new by Dick Bourgeois and Earl Wade with a 11.53/123 mph pass. Like new except for some paint loss on the engine. No Reserve. A carefully restored, rare and powerful example of one of the most famous of Sixties cars. Realistically priced for its valuable and rare specifications and carefully preserved original components as well as a thoughtful and well-maintained restoration.
1937 Ford Deluxe Roadster
Lot # 228 1937 Ford Deluxe Roadster; S/N 7871250; Maroon/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 -- Hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, wind wings, rumble seat, heater. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. A quality older restoration with newer paint. Shows some age but little use. One of only 12 similar cars listed by the Early Ford V-8 Club. No Reserve. The appeal of this '37 Ford is its rarity as the roadster style body was being superseded by more comfortable and secure rollup window convertibles. Only 1,250 were built in '37, the last year Ford cataloged the roadster body. This is a very presentable example, competently restored and kept in first class condition that brought a deserved premium price.
1970 Ford Ranchero GT
Lot # 229 1970 Ford Ranchero GT; S/N 0A48J212183; Black/Black vinyl; Estimate $60,000 - $100,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $42,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,750 -- 429/370hp Cobra Jet, 4-speed, Sun 90-degree tach on column, underdash gauges, heater, hubcaps, red line tires, no P/S or P/B. One of just 78 built with this engine/transmission combination. One paint repair on the left front fender but otherwise original, very choice and an AACA Preservation winner. No Reserve. The rarity of this driveline in the Ranchero chassis is explained by the difficulty of controlling its power with little road-hugging weight on the rear tires. It's somewhat surprising even 78 people were daring enough to specify it. It probably handles and accelerates better with 200# of cement blocks in the bed. However, with Boss 429 Mustangs regularly bringing six figures it represents a rare and desirable combination, particularly augmented by this one's originality. It is a good value at this price, especially to a dedicated collector of Total Performance.
1953 Buick Skylark Convertible
Lot # 230 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible; S/N 17141723; Mandarin Red metallic/Burgundy, White leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 - $225,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $175,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $192,500 -- 322/188hp, Dynaflow, P/S, chrome wire wheels, dual outside mirrors, whitewalls. Sharp older restoration with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Top fit is no longer very good and the engine is showing age and use. No Reserve. One of just 1,690 built and while it's not the 'sports car' that Buick advertised it is a mighty attractive and rare personal car. It brought appropriate money here balancing its rarity and show quality restoration and preservation against the years that have passed since it was done.
1970 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible
Lot # 231 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible; S/N 446670H293768; Dark Green/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $125,000 - $175,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- 455/360hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, A/C, AM-FM, no console, alloy wheels with trim rings, G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. Excellent paint, chrome, interior, top and bodywork. Excellent, even, flush fits. Better than new underhood and chassis. No Reserve. Rare, impressively equipped and optioned and a real showpiece with a high quality restoration that is holding up well, this GS brought a record but responsible price from a collector who was bent on filling a barn with Milt Robson's cars today and not deterred by competitive bidding. About this time in the sale eyebrows were being raised when Brent Earlywine announced the successful bidder number 6091. It would continue.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI Convertible
Lot # 232 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI Convertible; S/N VC57L107202; Black/Red, Silver vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $209,000 -- 283/283hp, 3-speed, WonderBar radio, heater, power top, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls. Great paint, chrome, interior, glass and top. Like new underhood and chassis. Doors puff a little, as they did when the Bel Air left the Los Angeles assembly plant. Plenty of documentation to show it is correctly configured as built, including the Corvette air filter appropriate to its early build date. A show winner at multiple venues and an AACA Senior winner. Judged 995 of 1000 points. No Reserve. This 283/283 Bel Air is one of the best of its rare breed and it brought, at least in my auction database, a record price for its kind by a small but significant margin. The money is impressive, but no more impressive than the car it bought.
1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Convertible
Lot # 233 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Convertible; S/N 11867B168246; Engine # T0213Q; Metallic Blue/Blue vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- 409/360hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio, healer, Sun 90-degree tach on column, spinner wheel covers, narrow whitewalls. Excellent paint, chrome, interior. Wiper scratched windshield. Like new underhood and chassis. Represented as a correct, matching-numbers 409. No Reserve. This spectacular SS 409 shows up in my database at Mecum's Rockford auction in 1991 before it was restored. It attracted a high bid of only $15,800 there. The two results are comparable only in noting that its colors today are the same as they were 19 years ago. A prime car bought for a modest retail price.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Custom
Lot # 234 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Custom; S/N VC55T216639; Black/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Customized restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- 430/430hp ZZ crate motor, Tremec 5-speed, Torq Thrust II chrome wheels, low profile tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, Currie axle. Excellent workmanship throughout. Completed the 2004 Hot Rod Power Tour without problems. Mostly stock exterior aside from some smoothing that appropriately complements its aggressive, subtle appearance. No Reserve. This car couldn't be duplicated for the amount it brought here and it is still in all but as-built condition with brilliant chrome and superb bodywork, paint and interior. A dream ride that brought a whopping but deserved price. Despite bringing 75% over the high estimate I am loathe to describe the price as anything but fair, it's that neat a ride.
1954 Buick Skylark Convertible
Lot # 235 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible; S/N 7A1063697; Carlsbad Black/Burgundy leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $175,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, P/W, Selectronic radio, dual remote spotlight-mirrors, power antenna, P/S. Microblistered old repaint. Good original upholstery, top and chrome with some new chrome. Impressively sound, largely original and very usable. Clean, tidy chassis. A choice example in exceptionally well preserved condition. No Reserve. This Skylark could easily be mistaken for an older but well preserved restoration (as I did upon first looking at it), it's that good. The price it brought reflects its preservation and outstanding appearance. There aren’t many, if any, like this.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 236 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 362P25306; Engine # 13U; Yuma Beige/Gold vinyl, cloth; Estimate $250,000 - $400,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- Pushbutton radio, heater, bench seat, 8-lug wheels, 8.00x 14 blackwall tires, underdash gauges, no tach, P/S, no P/B. Cosmetically redone with careful attention to preserving originality to nearly like new condition. Sound but somewhat dull paint, scuffed stainless, good chrome, interior and glass. Clean and like new chassis and underbody. Very nice, just not fresh. Aluminum fenders, hood and bumpers. Documented by PHS and the original factory invoice. Two owners and 20,646 miles from new and carefully redone to retain its original paint and interior. 8-lug wheels were added later by the first owner, James R. Kurzen, a Pontiac field rep. No Reserve. One of 162 Super Duty Catalinas built and surprisingly modestly priced for its rarity, performance and carefully-preserved originality. This is a lot of Pontiac Performance for the money, especially with the two owner history and documentation, and a good value at this price.
1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 Convertible
Lot # 237 1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 Convertible; S/N 344679M280739; Saffron Yellow, Black stripes/Black vinyl; Black vinyl stripes; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- 400/360hp W-30 with dual forced air intakes under the front bumper, 4-speed, console, pushbutton radio, Super Stock II wheels with trim rings, P/S. One of 91 4-speed W-30 convertibles built. Three owners from new. Excellent show quality restoration to better than showroom condition and honestly spectacular except for a torn shift boot. No Reserve. Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2008 for $170,500 and there is no earthly reason why it should have brought any less today. The new owner got very good value for the money.
1949 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible Custom
Lot # 238 1949 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible Custom; S/N 496K3000; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Not evaluated; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $132,000 -- 383 Chevy, 700R4 automatic.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham 4-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 239 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham 4-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 5770146838; Kenyan Beige/Beige leather; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000 -- Cosmetically restored to high standards of fit, finish and function some time ago and retaining the original upholstery which shows age appropriate to the 95,433 miles on the odometer. Very clean and orderly including under the hood. Spring suspension, shot glasses but no perfume atomizer. No Reserve. Fabulously expensive to restore, this Eldo Brougham should never need such attention, having been carefully maintained and cosmetically refreshed as needed throughout its life. The bidders today offset its age with an allowance for originality. It could have brought $20,000 or so more without being over-priced.
1953 Cadillac Eldorado Supercharged Convertible
Lot # 240 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Supercharged Convertible; S/N 536266847; Azure Blue/Blue, White, Dark Blue vinyl top; Estimate $450,000 - $650,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000 -- 4-71 supercharger, single Rochester 4-barrel, P/S, P/B, steering wheel spoke mounted clock, S-W gauges in engine turned panel, Borrani centerlock wire wheels, blackwall tires, functional outside headpipes feeding front fender outlets from a cross-over header system, open rear wheel wells (no skirts). Specially built for John E. Alexander, President of Nekoosa-Edwards Paper, by Frank C. Burrell. A 2007 Amelia Island special prize winner. Excellent older show quality restoration showing age but little use. No Reserve. Taste is hard to account for. For some this 50's customized and modified Cadillac is unnecessarily extravagant and ostentatious. For others it is a choice relic of a bygone age in the manner of 30's classic one-offs. The 'choice relic' bidders were here in Gainesville today and paid fully for the privilege of owning this unique and highly developed Cadillac. Their judgment of value is definitive.
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Lot # 241 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N E7FH203807; Leghorn Cream (Ivory)/Green vinyl; Green cloth top; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500 -- 312/270hp, dual quads, 3-speed, Town & Country radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts. Special factory-ordered color combination that is very effective and inviting. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and glass. Better than new and gorgeous, a vivid endorsement of the quality of the restoration completed in 1985. No Reserve. Seriously different and sure to be the center of attention at any Thunderbird gathering, this E-bird brought a serious premium, too, but nothing more than it can justify for rarity and visual distinction. A particularly nice car.
1969 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air IV Convertible
Lot # 242 1969 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air IV Convertible; S/N 223679L118124; Engine # 0767872 WH; Dark Blue/Parchment vinyl; white vinyl top; Estimate $200,000 - $300,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $260,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $286,000 -- 400/345hp, 4-speed, buckets and console, AM-FM, console-mounted factory 8-track, Magnum wheels with trim rings, hood tach, P/B, no P/S, Ram Air hood and intake. One of 17 RA IV convertibles. Superb paint, chrome, glass and top. Better than new underhood and chassis. Gorgeous. PHS documented. No Reserve. Extremely rare as well as extremely powerful, this Firebird rings all the right bells, a combination that also rang the bell at the auction. It is the fourteenth of the seventeen trophy vehicles (well, sixteen trophies and one Diamond T wrecker) bought here by bidder #6091 and by now the audience's eyebrows couldn't be raised much higher. It's almost surprising that anyone would bid against him.
1962 Pontiac Grand Prix Super Duty
Lot # 243 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix Super Duty 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 962P8232; Engine # 279812 13U; Maroon/Pearl vinyl; Estimate $225,000 - $325,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500 -- 421/405hp Super Duty with dual 4-barrels. 4-speed, heater, radio delete, 8-lug wheels, narrow whitewalls, no P/S or P/B. Excellent paint, even gaps, flush fits, excellent chrome, glass and interior. An older (1992) restoration to show quality condition now showing a little age but meticulous care. No Reserve. While at this auction no reference was made to documentation, when it was offered at Russo and Steele in Monterey in 2001 it was represented as having PHS and original paperwork to support its configuration. It no-saled there at $78,000. Today's price is modest for its rarity (one of 16, of which only one other is known to survive) and performance, as well as the allure of the Grand Prix, one of Pontiac's and GM Styling's masterpieces.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible
Lot # 244 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible; S/N 136670B161703; Medium Turquoise Metallic/Parchment vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $300,000 - $500,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $195,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $214,500 -- 454/450hp LS6, 4-speed, buckets, no console, radio delete, Magnum wheels, trim rings, P/B, F70-14 Polyglas tires, stripe and cowl induction delete. Documented by its original build sheet. Meticulously restored to better than showroom condition with great paint, flat panels, even gaps and flush fits. Baltimore never built one this good, or even close. No Reserve. An intriguing combination of performance and subtlety, this is a street racer's dream with a restoration that is impossible to fault. LS6 convertibles were subject to even more hype and hyperbole than anything else (except Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles) a few years ago but have settled back to earth and a more rational value structure recently. This result is indicative of the return to rationality and is fair to both the buyer and the seller.
1971 Pontiac GTO Judge 455 H.O. Convertible
Lot # 245 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge 455 H.O. Convertible; S/N 242671P121426; Quezal Gold/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $350,000 - $500,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $260,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $286,000 -- 455/335hp, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, A/C, Rally II wheels, Firestone Wide Oval tires, buckets and console, Hurst T-handle shifter, wing, Endura nose, leather rim steering wheel, power driver's seat, P/W, power locks. One of three believed built. Restored like new with superior cosmetics. No Reserve. Believed to be one of two survivors, a rare, important and eye-catching piece of Muscle Car and Pontiac history. Its price here reflects the rarity of the car and the quality of its restoration and subsequent preservation. It bears little resemblance to the highly optimistic pre-sale estimate range, appropriately enough.
1964 Pontiac LeMans GTO Convertible
Lot # 246 1964 Pontiac LeMans GTO Convertible; S/N 824P38557; Engine # 78XW 093544; Starlight Black/Parchment vinyl; white vinyl top; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $176,000 -- 389 with Tri-Power added, 4-speed, pushbutton radio, no console, red line tires, P/S, A/C, chrome valve covers. Tilt column, woodrim steering wheel, P/B, padded dash, power antenna and chrome Hurst wheels with trim rings added during restoration. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. Flat panels, even gaps, flush fits. Way better than new. No Reserve. I liked this car a lot when I saw it, then liked it progressively less as I reviewed the catalog and learned how much of it wasn't originally built this way. It is a way cool '64 Goat, but way expensive at this price.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396/375 Convertible Pace Car
Lot # 247 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396/375 Convertible Pace Car; S/N 124679N639590; White, Hugger Orange stripes/Orange vinyl, houndstooth; White vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 - $250,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000 -- 396/375hp, 4-speed, Rally wheels with trim rings, F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas tires, spoiler, radio, heater, P/S, P/B. 20,731 original miles. Documented with factory invoice and Protect-O-Plate. Restored like new with excellent cosmetics, meticulously detailed and presented. Original Orange and Black houndstooth interior retained. No Reserve. Low miles, top of the line engine, 4-speed, fastidious restoration and thorough documentation make this one very special '69 Pace Car. It also brought one very serious price, more than I have ever seen a '69 Pace Car bring at auction.
1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible
Lot # 248 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible; S/N 242670Z133454; Cardinal Red/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $400,000 - $600,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $280,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $308,000 -- 400/370hp, 4-speed, Hurst T-handle shifter, AM-FM, factory 8-track on console, Rally II wheels, G70-14 Polyglas tires, wing, P/B, P/S, Endura nose. One of twelve 4-speed GTO Judge RA IV convertibles built. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. Like new underhood and chassis. No Reserve. This auction just keeps getting better, both the cars and the money they are bringing. Highly desirable, fast and impressively rare, this Judge is the real deal and brought an appropriate price. No one is going to mistake this bright red rocket for a grocery-getter.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible
Lot # 250 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible; S/N 242679B173023; Starlight Black/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $750,000 - $1,000,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $620,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $682,000 -- 400/370hp, close ratio 4-speed, Hurst T-handle shifter, Rally II wheels, red line Firestones, 8-track factory stereo, wing, buckets and console, P/S, P/B, Saf-T-Track, hideaway headlights. Gorgeous Black paint. Better than new underhood. Better than showroom, too, in fact better than anything. The only Starlight Black 4-speed RA IV '69 Judge convertible. Bought new by Milt Robson's friend Rut Johnson in Gainesville and later tracked down by Robson and restored by Gilbert Propes over a four-year period. Spectacular. No Reserve. I am mystified by this transaction. 2/3 of a million dollars? One of five, count 'em, 5, RA IV '69 4-speed convertibles? OK, so it's the only one in Starlight Black. Is that distinction really worth half a million bucks? I don't understand, but since this is so rare it is never likely to be needed for assessing some other transaction and I don't feel compelled to take the time to understand the value dynamics of its world and will simply take this transaction as an expression of 'the market.' Like paying $32 for a share of GM’s post-bankruptcy IPO.
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Gold Edition 2-Dr. Hardtop
Lot # 251 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Gold Edition 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 2W87Z8N17870; Solar Gold/Tan cloth; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- 400/220hp, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, AM-FM, A/C, tinted glass T-top panels, gold honeycomb wheels, Radial T/A tires, P/S, P/B. 15,392 miles from new, PHS and other documentation. Good repaint. Chassis is like new. Good interior and chrome. Upholstery freshly redone in NOS velour material which looks like buckskin suede. No Reserve. Maybe that should be 'early Alcantara' material? In any event it's weird and brought many comments from the onlookers. The car is exceptionally well preserved and pretty rare. Even smog-strangled the 400 Pontiac has sufficient urge to be exciting. The price is a fair reflection of its originality, rarity, desirable drivetrain and preservation.
1934 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet
Lot # 252 1934 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet; S/N 18-939000; Olive/Chocolate Brown leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 -- Light Yellow wire wheels, wide whitewalls, trim rings, rumble seat, enclosed rear-mounted spare. Restored like new with excellent paint, chrome, upholstery, glass and top. Dashboard beautifully woodgrained, but gauge faces not done. No Reserve. This is at least as good a car as the price it brought.
1933 Ford 3-Window Coupe Project
Lot # 253 1933 Ford 3-Window Coupe Project; S/N 442421; Primer/Brown cloth; Estimate $65,000 - $90,000; Incomplete restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Stock flathead, body in primer, fenders and hood painted black, new running board covers. Most of the hard work was done, and done very well, by Ernest Allen before he died. Needs to be finished and assembled but looks straightforward and probably has most of its parts, many of them already restored and waiting for assembly. No Reserve. Judging from the surprisingly generous price this project brought, the buyer may have some hours to fill in the coming winter months. Brilliantly displayed in a mockup rustic garage, the buyer paid as much for the story vignette as for the 3-window.
Diamond T 201 Wrecker
Lot # 254 1948 Diamond T 201 Wrecker; S/N 2016108; Dark Red/Brown; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000; Truck restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- 236/91hp Hercules six, 4-speed, Weaver Auto Crane hand cranked crane with original towing dolly, single sidemount, fog lights, gumball machine roof light, tire pump, spotlight. Sound but aged repaint and upholstery. Painted over shrunken older paint. Chassis properly restored and even more attractive than the paint. No Reserve. The paint's patina actually adds appeal to this old Diamond T, which brought a modest price considering its completeness, the highly desirable equipment and accessories and the inherent appeal of the truck. B-J got $104,500 for a 201 pickup (restored like jewelry) in January and Mecum got $31,800 for a pickup in comparable condition to this one but without the wrecker setup in May. This looks like it deserves to be described as 'Well bought.'

Lot # 255 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Mega Truck & Featherlite Aluminum Trailer; S/N 3D7MX49A38G118203; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Not evaluated, condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 (picture unavailable).

[Source: RM Auctions]