RM Auctions, Hershey, October 6-7, 2011
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
RM has turned its annual auction during Hershey week into a celebration of old cars and unusual cars.
It’s a perfect place to highlight the unusual to the legions of collectors and restorers who’ve spent the week wandering the swap meet field looking for Mason connecting rods and Owen Magnetic transmission gears. Their mindset is to see the potential in every tired old beater, scruffy barn find and used old restoration. Hershey is the place to put them in front of a receptive audience, and that’s what RM does.
Highlights included eight cars from the Nethercutt Collection’s back lot, another eight cars from the steadily diminishing collection of the estate of John M. O’Quinn and the enigmatic star of the sale, “La Marquise”, the 1884 DeDion Bouton et Trepardoux Steam Runabout that only recently (2007) earned John O’Quinn’s favor at Pebble Beach. How would collectors react to it coming back to market so soon?
Resolution of that question came in a haze of the aromatic smoke of the mesquite chips used to fire up her boiler as “La Marquise” steamed onto the RM Hershey auction block and a few minutes later hammered sold for a solid million dollars more than she brought just four years and a few months ago. It was a masterful performance.
[table id=37 /] RM Auctions Hershey 2011 – Auction Report (See Reference – Auctions Explained, A Note on Conditions and Character). Lot # 102 1926 Ford Model TT 1-Ton Stake Truck; S/N 13840530; Black/Black leatherette; Estimate $15,000 - $20,000; Truck restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $12,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $13,750 -- Dull old paint over pitted panels, used chassis, blow-molded plastic barrels, red wood wheels, dull chrome. Fun, not a showpiece. No Reserve. The price makes sense, even though it's less money for a more intriguing Model T than the usual touring car or even truck. A good value to someone with a bunch of Scouts to carry in a Memorial Day parade. Lot # 103 1930 Ford Model A Panel Truck; S/N B5024752; Beige, Black fenders/Brown cloth; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Rebodied or re-created, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400 -- Orange wire wheels, beauty rings, whitewalls, radiator stoneguard, quail mascot, turn signals. A thorough older restoration with new panel delivery body. Peeling, blistered hood paint, wood needs varnish. Attractive and not hard to make very pretty. Cataloged as a Huckster, but it isn't. No Reserve. More Model T than the money it brought. Lot # 104 1949 Willys Jeepster Phaeton; S/N 46389888; Yellow/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $20,000 - $25,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800 -- 6-cylinder, overdrive 3-speed, red steel wheels, trim rings, whitewalls, side curtains, grille guard. Decent paint, fair chrome, pitted chrome step plates, good interior and top. A driver quality older restoration. No Reserve. The consignor was watching over his Jeepster like it was a show car. It wasn't and brought an appropriately modest price. Lot # 105 1972 Volvo P1800E Coupe; S/N 1826353038437; Ice Blue/Black vinyl; Estimate $8,000 - $12,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $19,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $20,900 -- Blaupunkt CD stereo, fuel injection, A/C, Nardi steering wheel, 8-spoke alloy wheels, 205/65R15 blackwall tires. Original wheels included. Good repaint and some chrome but otherwise a clean, original used car. Sound interior, orderly but not restored underhood. No Reserve. This car got a lot, I mean a LOT, of attention in the preview, attention which carried over to the auction block and a serious premium price. Its honest character and presentation evidenced caring ownership and gave bidders confidence there were getting what they say in the preview, a good old car that had continuing attention and was never neglected. The price it brought, premium thought it may have been, was reasonable. Lot # 106 1923 Franklin Series 10-A 5-Passenger Touring; S/N MVD103299; Blue, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $22,000 - $28,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $10,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $11,550 -- Light Yellow wire wheels, blackwall tires. Poor quality chipped old repaint, sound upholstery, good tires. Chassis is mostly original, clean and sound. Engine is clean and orderly but not restored. Can be used as is but not with much pride or confidence. Restoration, whether complete or just cosmetic, will be straightforward. No Reserve. This is the second old Franklin that has crossed auction blocks recently, the other one being the 1927 that Bonhams sold in Fairfield just two weeks ago. Both were modestly priced and are far better automobiles than the money that was spent for them. For a CCCA Full Classic (tm) this is a serious value and inexpensive entry ticket to some great events. Lot # 107 1925 Ford Model T C-Cab Dump Truck; S/N 10917408; Black, Red bed/Black leatherette; Estimate $18,000 - $25,000; Truck restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- Ruckstell 2-speed axle, cool working dump bed. Good paint. Frame painted over pits. Sharp and unusual truck, freshly restored and done everywhere. No Reserve. RM had an unusual inventory of old Model T trucks of which this was by far the most intriguing. Think about the local landscaper arriving with a bed load of mulch in this. Everyone in town would hire him, just to see the old T do its stuff. Lot # 109 1913 Cadillac Model 30 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 76511; Dark Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $105,000 - $125,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $90,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $90,000 -- RHD, Body color wood spoke 36 inch wheels, whitewalls, single rear spare, electric lights, nickel brightwork. Well done a while ago with little evidence of subsequent use, just age. Some thin plating. Very nice paint and interior. Sold by RM at Amelia Island in March 2009 for $82,500 in essentially the same condition. If there was money in the room it should have sold. Lot # 110 1931 Ford Model A 2-Dr. Sedan Victoria; S/N A4763394; Black, Dark Green/Brown cloth; Estimate $15,000 - $25,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $15,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,050 -- Motometer, single rear-mounted spare. Good older paint chrome and interior. Restored to presentable but not show quality standards a while ago and well maintained since. An attractive tour car. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold at Auburn Spring in 2005 for $20,250, the $3,000 difference here is just time and place. Lot # 111 1917 Oldsmobile Model 45 Light Eight Touring; S/N 126312; Brewster Green, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $13,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $14,850 -- Wind wings, footrest, varnished wood spoke wheels, (cracked) whitewalls. Failing old repaint, aged but sound upholstery, dull brightwork. Orderly but grimy engine and chassis. A sound, mostly original and complete old car with just enough attention to its cosmetics to retard the aging process. Doesn't look like much, though. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold by RM at Amelia in 2004 for $27,500 to John O'Quinn and no better here today. The buyer got an Oldsmobile V-8 for Model T money, a great value. Lot # 112 1926 Oldsmobile Model 30-D Touring; S/N D41722; Moleskin Grey, Russian Brown, Black fenders/Olive leather; Black leatherette lop; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $16,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $18,150 -- Single rear-mounted spare, varnished wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, full weather equipment. Very good paint, chrome, upholstery and top (except for a broken bow.) Restored to showroom condition in correct lacquer materials. John M. O'Quinn estate. Handsomely restored some time ago and well preserved since, this is a prime example of a rare and desirable automobile. It brought little enough money and is a good value. Lot # 113 1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 38 C-4 Open-Front French Brougham; S/N 38450; Black/Black leather, Grey cloth; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- RHD. Jump seats, rollup division, smoker's kit, vanity, electric communicator, rollup shades all around, footrest. Solid, sound and mostly original except for a crummy old repaint and new front upholstery. Nickel plating mostly worn off. Radiator looks redone. Major moth damage to rear headliner but not to seats. Provenance includes Sully Garganino, D.Cameron Peck, Mark Ralston, Pat Craig and Harry Clark with a continuous ownership chain from new. Too good to restore. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold by RM in Arizona in 2004 for $93,500, then by Gooding at Pebble Beach in 2005 for the same price. This is a charming and remarkably well preserved example of one of America's great marques, lovingly preserved for generations. It deserves to be preserved some more, and at this price it can be. Lot # 114 1945 Ford Pickup; S/N 99C635498; Red/Black, Grey vinyl, Red piping; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Truck restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $24,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $26,400 -- 59AB flathead, oil filter, hubcaps, trim rings, blackwalls, 7.50-16 tires, chrome front bumper and stainless grille bars, black painted rear bumper. Converted to 12 volt electric system. A wonderful truck restoration, done everywhere with excellent paint, chrome and nonstandard but very usable interior. A rare World War II-era Ford pickup built for a defense contractor in Pennsylvania. No Reserve. Even without its 1945 rarity this is a superb truck restoration that could have brought more money. Factor in the rarity factor and mid $30's would not have been an unreasonable price to pay for it. Lot # 115 1923 Ford Model T Whites Garage Snowmobile; S/N 8953757; Black/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- All original and amazing. Comes with skis, front wheels and rear wheel tracks, the complete White's Garage Snowmobile conversion package. Tired, aged and dull paint, tattered seat cushion, but charmingly original and impressively complete. This is nothing less than a bargain. A unique design, it is intended to traverse roads that were rolled to flatten and smooth the snow, the practice in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, something that might be hard to find in the effete 21st century of plowed, sanded and salted roads. Driving, it looks like an insect. Way cool. Lot # 116 1903 Oldsmobile Model R Curved-Dash Runabout; S/N 17083; Black, Red accent/Black leather; Black leather top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $60,500 -- Red wood spoke wheels, black balloon tires, wicker rear seat. A tired and used but still presentable old restoration. Worn, creased upholstery, chipped paint, wavy fenders. Sold at the Hershey Auction in 2001 for $24,200, this result is consistent with recent Curved Dash Olds' values and is indicative of the value present collectors place on London to Brighton eligibility. Lot # 117 1932 Hupmobile Series-I 226 Coupe; S/N 5404; Two tone Red/Dark Red leather; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 -- Chrome spoke body color wire wheels, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, rumble seat, rollup rear window, wide whitewalls, Gold coachlines. An ex-Harrah's car with a very good old restoration to like new condition with some use and more age. Runs well and makes a great first impression that isn't disappointed on a closer look. No Reserve. This is the only known example of this body style on this chassis and has great presence and eye appeal. It is not, however, a CCCA Full Classic (tm) and thus ineligible for CCCA events. That aside, though, it is a beautiful, sleek, stylish coupe that its new owner will be proud to own and drive and is a realistic value at this price. Lot # 118 1956 Ford Fairlane 2-Dr. Hardtop Victoria; S/N M6DV102660; Coral, White/White, Coral vinyl, cloth; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $33,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $33,000 -- '57 E-Code dual quad engine, chrome wire wheels, overdrive 3-speed, P/S, skirts, continental kit, whitewalls, pushbutton radio, fog lights, P/B, sill moldings. Good older paint, interior and major chrome, scratched trim, a little grungy underhood but will respond to detailing and touchup. A very nice driver. Exactly why, pray tell, is a '56 Ford with a '57 E-code dual quad V-8 a big deal? It brought a high bid of $21,500 at Auburn Fall in '04, sold for $43,500 at Dave Rupp's Ft. Lauderdale auction in '07 and tried to find a home at Spring Carlisle where the bidding stopped at $30,000 and then here. It's a usable driver that will spin its tires, but a modified car that has no relation to any other '56 or '57 Ford. The reported high bid should have bought it.
Lot # 119 1936 DeSoto S2 Airflow Coupe; S/N 5091863; Grey-Green/Beige cloth; Estimate $55,000 - $65,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- Clock, tachometer, no radio or heater, skits, trim rings, wide whitewalls, crank out windshield. A very attractive cosmetic restoration with good paint, chrome and upholstery. Chassis has been repainted assembled. Engine is orderly but not up to showroom standards. No Reserve. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2007 for $55,000 in aged but sound partially restored condition, then got a strip and repaint and a thorough engine service. It was money down the drain for the consignor, but not for the buyer who got an attractively presented DeSoto Airflow, one of eight known survivors in this body style, for an advantageous price. Lot # 120 1933 Pierce-Arrow 836 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 1070470; Grey, Dark Blue Metallic fenders/Beige broadcloth; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts, body color wire wheels, wide whitewalls, amber headlights, trunk rack. Very superficially cosmetically restored with mediocre paint, poor chrome, awful curdled interior woodgraining, pitted side window glass, missing fender mounting bolts. Estate of Don Riddle, Jr. No Reserve. The wrinkled interior woodgrain painted trim is close to amazing and probably overcoated with something that didn't agree with the substrate. The rest of the car's presentation, however, bears the same imprint of "oops" and shortcuts. A quality automobile, it brought $44,280 at Barrett-Jackson in 2004 in somewhat better condition than it displayed today. This is an appropriate price for its current condition. Lot # 121 1904 Oldsmobile French Front Touring Runabout; S/N 31285; Green/Black leather; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- RHD. Wheel steering, whitewall tires. Fresh, sharp concours restoration with excellent paint and bright brass. This Olds needs VCC age documentation to be eligible for London-Brighton but if it secures it the new owner has bought a highly desirable entry ticket at a reasonable price, especially considering its concours-quality presentation. Lot # 122 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 Sport Phaeton; S/N 2525250; Forest Green, Green accent/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $130,000 - $170,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $105,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $105,000 -- Light Yellow wire wheels, wide whitewalls, windwings, folding windshield, Trippe lights, radiator stoneguard, full weather equipment. Awful old repaint, chipped and cracked. Sound but badly worn upholstery. Grungy chassis. Possibly first owned by New York Mayor Jimmy Walker, possibly used to carry FDR and Al Smith to the opening of the George Washington Bridge. Acquired from Walker's estate in the 60's. Never restored, probably original upholstery. Trying to glitz up this Piece with "possible" history did nothing to enhance its value which should be based on its unique features and originality. The bid reflected these attributes and should have been enough to buy it. Lot # 123 1924 Cadillac Model V-63 Touring Phaeton; S/N 63E2873; Brewster Green, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $50,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $42,500 plus commission of ; Final Price $42,500 -- Dual rear spares behind small trunk, Black painted wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, Westinghouse air spring shackles, Elgin clock, Bi-Flex front bumper. Cosmetically redone many years ago. Paint worn through, stiff upholstery, pulling seams, grimy chassis, but still usable as is. This Cadillac V-8 is eminently usable as-is and needs only some careful attention to mechanical details and cosmetic preservation. It would have been a good value at the reported high bid, or even at RM's low estimate, a powerful, well-equipped, quality automobile that would be a superb mount for tours. Lot # 131 1940 Buick Limited Phaeton; S/N 13597850; Light Yellow/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls. Mediocre old paint, fair chrome and upholstery. Grimy, oily engine and chassis. Later 1950's era Buick straight eight engine. A superficially and quickly done driver with an intriguing history that implicated Shirley Temple in its early history and Bohman & Schwartz in its conversion from a convertible sedan to a windowless Phaeton. A 2001 Most Distinguished Open Car winner at the Greenwich Concours. No Reserve. Say what you might about its apocryphal Hollywood history this is a distinctive and attractive big Buick. There's value in this Buick, even at this price. Lot # 132 1916 Ford Model T Frontenac Speedster, Body by Bub; S/N 1169130; Grey, cream/Black; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 -- Frontenac overhead valve head, Atwater Kent distributor, Model A crank and pistons, pressure lubrication, single SU carb, single sidemount, cycle fenders, pumped cooling, dual aeroscreens, disc wheels, electric starter, split wishbone front suspension. Teardrop Bub body with belly pans and described as a one-time ice racer in Wisconsin. Good older restoration done to attractive, not concours, standards. Erratic hand striping. Tidy, clean and usable and showing use and age. No Reserve. Layered with charisma and sleek appearance, from its Miller-style radiator shroud to its pointed tail, this Model T has abundant character and fully deserves the price it brought, even if its history is sketchy. Lot # 133 1949 Dodge Wayfarer Roadster; S/N 48501209; Light Green/Light Green vinyl; Black vinyl Carson top; Estimate $22,000 - $28,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $19,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $20,900 -- Sombrero wheel covers, wide whitewalls, skirts, side curtains, no radio or heater. A superficial cosmetic redo of a neat old car with 40,901 miles from new. Fair paint, chrome, upholstery and Carson top covering. Chassis is original, as are many of the details. No Reserve. Less than impressively presented, but appropriately priced considering its probably-unique Carson top. Lot # 134 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible; S/N 5430545; Pacific Blue/Putty vinyl; Grey vinyl top; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $25,300 -- CD stereo under the dash, wheel covers, whitewalls. Cracked steering wheel spoke. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Engine and chassis done like new with subsequent age and use. No Reserve. This Beetle is thoroughly and completely done to high standards (aside from the steering wheel crack.) It brought a premium but deserved price. Lot # 135 1928 Cadillac 341 V-8 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton, Body by Fisher; S/N 319810; Crimson, Black fenders, cane accent/Tan leather; Heather cloth top; Estimate $95,000 - $125,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 -- Orange wheels with chrome spokes and whitewalls, Trippe lights, radiator stoneguard, dual sidemounts, two blue bulb Cadillac pedestal spotlights, dual windshields, black leather covered trunk. A very nice car done to high standards and remarkably free of chips or nicks. Great cosmetics. Well-restored, well-maintained and well-equipped, the colors of this old restoration are dated but not unattractive. A CCCA Full Classic (tm) that will occupy an honored place on tours or local shows and cruise down the highway with dignity and pace, it brought a realistic price for the age of the restoration. Lot # 136 1939 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Sedan; S/N 3568666; Primrose Yellow/Red leather; Black cloth top and tonneau cove; Estimate $75,000 - $95,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Post-block sale at $56,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $62,500 -- Spotlight, dual enclosed sidemounts, Red steel wheels, trim rings, blackwall tires, radio, heater, turn signals. One of three in this fastback body style. Restored like new in the early 90's with very good paint, chrome, interior and glass and lettered as an Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. Excellent body fits. Done just right without going too far and well maintained and preserved since restoration with little use. Bid to $65,000 on the block but sold post-block at this price. The quality of the restoration is apparent in its continuing excellent condition and it is an unusual, distinctive and rare body style. It is a good value at this price. Lot # 137 1949 Packard Custom Eight Convertible Coupe; S/N ; Astral Blue, White thin accent/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Electromatic clutch, P/W, power seat, power top, rear windshield, skirts, whitewalls, hubcaps, trim rings, Cormorant, grille guard. Beautifully restored to concours quality in handsome colors. Great paint, brilliant chrome, excellent upholstery and glass. AACA Senior National First Prize, 2010 Packard Club Postwar Best of Show, 2011 Amelia Island David E. Davis Award. This price doesn't come close to recouping the cost of this superb restoration and is a wonderful value but in a usually overlooked and undervalued series. While this is what the collector car world is willing to pay for this model, it is more car than money when set beside most of its contemporaries. Lot # 139 1947 Lincoln Continental Convertible; S/N 7H155935; Light Green/Maroon; Beige cloth top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $35,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $35,000 -- Radio, heater, P/W, overdrive, fog lights, skirts, large hubcaps and trim rings, wide whitewalls. Good paint, chrome, top, glass and interior. A sharp older restoration to showroom condition that shows some age and limited use but is still highly presentable. This Continental was worth RM's low estimate and it is surprising it didn't find someone willing to pay that much for it. Lot # 140 1941 Buick Roadmaster Coupe; S/N 34006310; Metallic Grey/Burgundy leather; Estimate $55,000 - $75,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750 -- Compound carburetion, guide oval fog lights, pushbutton radio, dual outside mirrors, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Engine shows some age and use. 2006 AACA National First Prize. Restored like new and delightful. This Buick caught everyone's attention in the preview and lineup. Fastidiously and correctly restored, it radiated quality and stood up to the close inspection of experts. The reserve came off at $45K but the bidding kept going and could have gone higher without being excessive. Lot # 141 1928 Ford Model AA Cretors Popcorn Truck with Custom Trailer; S/N A1164718; Red, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $60,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Yellow wire wheels, gold hand painted decoration, 110 volt operation. Fair Paint and chrome. Good wood and varnish. An attraction, not a showpiece. Someone is going to make many friends at fairs, shows and parties churning out bags full of popcorn. It would be a marvelous summer enterprise for a kid, or for a grandpa, and this price is a modest investment for it. Lot # 142 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible; S/N 506216707; Metallic Brown/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $120,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $100,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $100,000 -- Automatic, Selector radio, P/W, sombrero wheel covers, whitewalls. 2002 AACA National First Prize and Senior. Very good paint, chrome, top and glass. 2002 AACA Senior National First Prize and Cadillac LaSalle Club Senior with 5,000 careful miles since it was completed. It should have been loose and selling at this bid, if not before. Lot # 201 1953 Jaguar XK 120SE Fixed Head Coupe; S/N S679199; Silver/Burgundy leather; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,250 -- Silver painted wire wheels, blackwall tires. Fresh paint with bodyshop overspray under the hood. Dirty engine, chassis and underbody. Complete and largely sound but negligently prepared and presented, this is an auction car. No Reserve. Sold by RM at Ft. Lauderdale in March for $53,900. The seller should be very happy to make this much on such a neglected and superficially presented XK 120. In fact, the seller should be happy to get out from under it without a loss.
Lot # 207 1934 Ford Model 40 Deluxe Cabriolet; S/N 18915523; Engine # Sand; Sand/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $65,000 - $85,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Yellow wire wheels, hubcaps, whitewalls, rumble seat, radio, no heater, greyhound, enclosed rear spare. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Particularly fine burl pattern woodgrain interior trim. Restored like new and still sharp and fresh. No Reserve. This is a Ford anyone will be proud to own, drive and show and it brought a price that demonstrates the Hershey bidders recognized it for what it is. It is all the car, for all the money. Lot # 209 1928 Velie Model 60 Convertible Coupe; S/N 157646; Engine # VS47322; Metallic Brown, Black fenders/Dark Red; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $22,000 -- Varnished wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, rear. mounted span, Depress Beam headlights, Motometer, cowl lights. A tired old cosmetically maintained car but sound and complete. Ex-Harrah's. Nethercutt Collection. No Reserve. It's not hard to see the value in this Velie with its overhead valve inline six engine and secure cabriolet coachwork. With some work and attention it'll be a good driver come next summer, or the basis for a productive and unusual restoration project, a great way to spend the upcoming winter. Lot # 210 1928 Packard Six Phaeton; S/N 125046; Engine # U125426; Dark Green, Black fenders/Brown; Tan cloth top; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $55,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $55,000 -- Dual windshields with wind wings, dual sidemounts, Light Yellow wire wheels, chrome lock rings, radiator stoneguard, dual spotlights, drum headlights, Trippe light, trunk rack, Packard Motometer with donut chaser mascot. Yellow and Maroon accent. A well used old restoration with a lot of hand touchup. Sound paint and chrome, good upholstery and top, grimy chassis. Orderly but used engine. A usable but not particularly attractive or well maintained tour car. Nethercutt Collection. While this Packard has lots of potential it also has lots of needs and the reported high bid should have had the Nethercutts thinking seriously about letting it go. Lot # 211 1931 Studebaker President Eight Four-Seasons Roadster; S/N 7032247; Absinthe Green, Green fenders and accent/Green leather; Green cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- Light Yellow wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, rumble seat, trunk rack, oval Tilt Ray headlights, folding windshield. Ex-Harrah's. Restored many years ago and used and enjoyed since. Aged, chipped paint, peeling chrome. Good upholstery and top look done recently. Nethercutt Collection. No Reserve. A stylish and elegant CCCA Full Classic (tm) with some individual design features like the oval headlights and Art Deco parking lights that set it apart from many contemporaries. This is a reasonable price for its older restored condition. Lot # 222 1913 Stevens-Duryea Model C 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 564; Blue, Black accent/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $200,000 - $300,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $155,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $155,000 -- RHD. Dual right side spares, body color wood spoke wheels, bill headlights, friction shocks, black leather covered trunk, Warner speedometer, nickel brightwork. Excellent paint, chrome, top and interior. A quality restoration showing little age or use and a large, imposing automobile. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2008 fresh from restoration, then again there two years later for $220,000. The inherent value of this Stevens-Duryea isn't falling as fast as its disappointing result here would suggest. Lot # 223 1905 Columbus Highwheel Runabout; S/N K148; Maroon, Yellow chassis, Black fenders/Maroon leather; Black leather top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750 -- 10 ALAM hp two-cylinder engine, lefthand tiller steering, solid rubber tires, double chain drive. Show quality restoration. Brass needs attention. No Reserve. Highwheelers are a peculiar American branch of the automobile's history tree. Designed with high clearance to negotiate the deeply rutted lanes of the rural Midwest and West, they flourished among farmers for a few years but were quickly pushed into obscurity by the Ford. They seem to be enjoying a resurgence of interest from collectors and the buyer of this well-restored Columbus Buggymobile got a rare example for a reasonable price. Lot # 226 1954 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Station Wagon; S/N 76609535; Yellow, Green roof/Maroon vinyl; Estimate $45,000 - $55,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $40,700 -- 331/195hp V-8, automatic, P/S, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, varnished wood cargo floor. Good older paint and original upholstery. Erratic chrome including pitted headlight rims and door handles. Dirty engine, road grime on chassis. A superficially cosmetically restored driver with eyeball appeal. Sold at The Auction in Las Vegas in 1992 in largely unrestored condition, it remains in just about the same shape today aside from some detail cosmetic attention. The price it brought here is indicative of its rarity, but also its mediocre condition. Lot # 227 1912 Mercedes 28/50PS Town Car, Body by Brewster; S/N 16081; Burgundy, Maroon accent/Black leather, Beige cloth; Estimate $225,000 - $275,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $230,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $253,000 -- RHD. Dual right side spares, drop down division, Solar acetylene headlights, Castle kerosene sidelights, Black leather mudguards, jump seats, pulldown shades, hat net, speaking tube, real cane accent, Vibra spring shackles. Bought by Alec Ulmann in 1937, later owned by Charlie Stich in New York. Aged, cracked old repaint, sound original rear upholstery and trim, dull brass. Impressively sound and highly original. Appears never to have been apart. Bonhams offered this car at Quail in 2005 where it was a $215,000 no sale, then by RM at Amelia and London, both in 2009 where it was unsold at bids of $221,000 and $223,104 respectively. It attracted deserved attention here at Hershey and finally found a new home where it will hopefully continue to be preserved and occasionally exercised. It is the definition of the concept of stately. A little hand-painted canework on the cream bodyside accent would spiff it up, but it doesn't need or warrant any more up-spiffing than that. Lot # 229 1933 Auburn Eight Salon Convertible Sedan; S/N 2230H; Light Yellow, Gold accent, Black fenders/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- Chrome steel spoke wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, Beige cloth covered trunk, Trippe lights. A tired old restoration never done to particularly high standards. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold by Worldwide in Houston in 2005 for $90,200 and none the better for six years in John O'Quinn's vast warehouses of cars, it did well to bring this much. Lot # 233 1910 Otto Type B Series 12-1 Speedster; S/N 210; Ivory/Saddle leather; Natural cloth top; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $60,500 -- RHD. Gray & Davis acetylene headlights and kerosene sidelights, varnished wood spoke wheels, single right sidemount, blackwall tires, Rubes bulb horn, double rear bucket seats. One of only two known surviving Ottos. History passed down from the third owner's memory represents this as the original, non-catalog, body. Extremely low slung and sporty. 30/35hp 4-cylinder engine, rear wheel brakes. Cracked, torn upholstery. Dull brass. Fair paint. Frame brush paint touched up. Tired, and not very well used older restoration that wasn't very good to begin with. John M. O'Quinn estate. This car has real potential not only as a showpiece of a long-forgotten marque but also on the road where its low chassis, drivetrain and body should give it excellent handling. Some attention to its long-neglected cosmetics and mechanics should bring it back to respectable, drivable condition. It was sold by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2004 for $51,750 and is a sound value today at little more than that. Lot # 234 1912 Simplex 38hp Double Roadster; S/N 1150; Red, Black frame and fenders/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Rebodied or re-created, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500 -- RHD. Dual right side spares, Red wood spoke wheels, Rushmore acetylene headlights, Solar kerosene sidelights, Rubes bulb horn, acetylene generator not plumbed, Jones speedometer. Rebodied by Arthur Bergstrom with this double roadster body in the 80's, replacing a 1924 touring car body then on the chassis. The coachwork is a show-stopper, as is the potential of the 476 cubic inch T-head four under the hood. Good old paint, brass and upholstery, 1991 AACA Senior National First Prize. Well restored and subsequently used but well maintained. A wonderful driver-quality Brass Era relic. Entry to a wide array of events and tours plus the explosive performance of the big Simplex T-head four and a sporting, distinctive body makes this a real find, and not a lot of money for it. Lot # 235 1902 Packard Model F Rear-Entry Tonneau; S/N F223; Red/Black leather; Estimate $140,000 - $180,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500 -- RHD. Wheel steering, Phare Solar self-generating single headlight, Dietz kerosene side lights. Built around original engine #223, which has Harrah's, General William Lyon, Art Twohy provenance, and other early Packard parts in 2006 by Robert McKeown. 2006 London to Brighton Run participant. One of 20 known surviving Warren, Ohio built Packards. Excellent older restoration with quality paint, interior and brass. Shows some age but little use. A wonderful Packard. John M. O'Quinn estate. It may be a bitsa, but it's a bitsa that has demonstrated its London to Brighton eligibility and it's in great condition as well as one of the earliest Packards known. The new owner should find it a satisfying acquisition both in using and displaying it and for the price paid. Lot # 239 1934 Lagonda 16/80 Touring; S/N S11041; Black/Black leather; Faded cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- RHD. ENV pre-selector gearbox with floor-mounted selector, Lucas headlights and single driving light, fender mirrors, rear-mounted spare, silver painted wire wheels. Cracked, chipped old repaint that was never very good to begin with but has been given some recent attention and still protects the metal. Cracked old interior. Recently serviced and in running, driving condition. Owned for many years by Augie Pabst of the brewing company and Meister Brau Scarab racer. Aged but sound and said to drive well. Mecum offered this car for the first time at Monterey in 2010, sitting forlornly in the field without much attention. It next appeared at Bonhams Greenwich auction this June where it was a $115,000 no sale bid. It has gotten a little better each time and finally the consignor got real and took the money. The coachwork is a very attractive example of Thirties British style and the car has potential, particularly at this price. Lot # 240 1931 Hudson Greater Eight Boat-Tailed Sport Roadster, Body by Murray; S/N 925232; Light Yellow, Black fenders and accent/Parchment; (faded) Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $72,500 plus commission of ; Final Price $72,500 -- Orange wire wheels, chrome lock rings, whitewall tires, rumble seat, dual sidemounts with mirrors, oval Depress Beam headlights, chrome hood side vent doors. Aged and used old restoration. Dull, chipped paint, patinated upholstery, dirty engine with a gas leak. A neat old car but less than proudly presented. The consignor should spend a little more time (and money) preparing this otherwise very attractive and unusual Hudson to get much if any more for it than the amount it was bid to here in Hershey. Lot # 241 1907 Baker Model M Electric Roadster; S/N 36; Dark Green, Black fenders/Red leather; Black leather top; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $112,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $123,750 -- Jones clock and speedometer, Red chassis, wicker trunk, full windshield, Rushmore acetylene headlights and generator. Show quality 1999 over-restoration with excellent paint, upholstery, brass and top. Intriguing history of storage from nearly new in 1907 until the 1940's. Not fresh, but very, very good. John M. O'Quinn estate. With its front hood this 1907 Baker was beginning to recognize that even electrics had to look like the gasoline powered competition. The look apparently appealed to the bidders here in Hershey, who had several other fine electrics to choose from but accorded this Baker their highest value, well over RM's high estimate. Lot # 243 1936 Packard Super Eight 7-Passenger Phaeton, Body by Dietrich; S/N 950201; Black/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- Large hubcaps, whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, spotlight. Reportedly bought new for the White House fleet, one of only three known survivors of this body style on this chassis. Decent older cosmetic restoration of a sound, clean car. Paint is nicked, scratched and stone chipped but still presentable from twenty feet. Chassis is clean but not restored. $100,000 of the proceeds donated to the Packard Motor Car Foundation to benefit acquisition and restoration of the Packard Proving Grounds. With its colorful history, rare (and elegant) body, impressive originality and the use of proceeds this car represents an unusual opportunity and good value. Lot # 244 1954 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible; S/N 549C4689; Two tone Blue/Two tone Blue leather; Dark Blue vinyl top; Estimate $70,000 - $80,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, WonderBar radio, P/S, P/B, automatic. ex-Charlie Cawley. Good looking paint, chrome, interior and top but superficially repainted without getting inside door, hood or trunk edges. Grungy, grimy chassis and engine. Good major chrome. A superficially cosmetically restored driver. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2009 for $45,650 and by Worldwide in Atlantic City earlier this year for $59,400, this Olds is initially attractive but fails to hold its edge in closer inspection. As the history indicates, this is what it's worth.
Lot # 245 1920 Detroit Model 82 Electric Brougham; S/N 12578; Engine # 31220; Beige, Brown/Beige cloth; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 -- Lefthand tiller steering, Vis-avis seating, drop down quarter windows, pull down shades on quarter and rear windows, rollup door windows. First owned by Margaret Gray of Chatham, Ontario whose husband Robert ran Gray-Dort Motors, builders of the Dort automobile after 1915. Window winder handles stripped but not re-nickeled but otherwise concours restored and show ready. John M. O'Quinn estate. A peculiar looking electric with a fake radiator grille but handsomely done and practical. It's a sound value at this price, but not at RM's estimate. Lot # 246 1920 Biddle Model B-1 Ormond Speedway Special; S/N 37967-1031; Yellow, Black fenders/Black leather; Estimate $150,000 - $175,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $80,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $80,000 -- 226/48hp Buda L-head four, overdrive 4-speed, rear wheel brakes, black wire wheels, blackwall tires, helmet fenders, dual sidemounts. Poor older repaint over old paint, fair interior. A mostly original cosmetically restored car done in the 50's to the standards of the time. Believed to be the original body, a low beetle-backed two-seater, but with no history before 1962. Offered by Bonhams at Greenwich earlier this year (with a different VIN) where the high bid was reported as $130,000. While both catalogs emphasized the light weight and sporting performance potential of this car, its side valve Buda engine (better known for powering hoists and irrigation pumps) hasn't much sporting about it. The consignor should adjust his expectations. Lot # 247 1931 Lincoln Model K 7-Passenger Limousine; S/N 69345; Forest Green, Black fenders and accent/Black leather, Beige cloth; Estimate $60,000 - $75,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Black wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with leatherette covers and mirrors, jump seats, footrest, metal robe rail, sliding division, smoker's kit, vanity, original silk pulldown shades on division and all rear compartment windows. Described as 50,980 miles from new with one decent older repaint, good exterior chrome and upholstery. Much original interior trim. Chassis and underbody are covered in oily road grime, Paint is sound, chrome is fair. Engine is orderly but far from restored. This is a high quality Lincoln K with practical and stylish closed coachwork in remarkably original condition. It has plenty of potential, especially at this modest but appropriate price. Lot # 248 1932 Ford Model B-150 Station Wagon; S/N B5041968; Emperor Brown, Black fenders/Brown leatherette; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- Chrome bumpers, three-row seating, tailgate, single sidemount, black wire wheels, blackwall tires, sliding side curtains. One of the very rare '32 Model B 4-cylinders, one of twenty Model B woodie wagons known. Restored like new in Nick Alexander's shop with very good paint, chrome, interior and freshly varnished wood. Very nice. No Reserve. This Ford had plenty of admirers looking it carefully over in the preview and checking for details. They seem to have been satisfied based on the price they paid. Lot # 249 1938 Lincoln Model K Convertible Victoria, Body by Brunn; S/N K9139; Dark Blue/Brown leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $160,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $185,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $203,500 -- Radio, turn signals, wide whitewalls, Trippe lights, Black leatherette covered trunk, no sidemounts. Excellent older paint, chrome, interior and top but also plenty of miles and some hard use. Upholstery is lightly creased and worn. Paint has a few miles and chips. Chassis has been cleaned up but that hasn't removed all the road grime. Trunk corners are frayed. John M. O'Quinn estate. One of only eight built with this handsome modified convertible victoria body style with small rear quarter windows. Its restoration is not ageing well, and it begs for a thorough detailing but the design is something special and the Hershey bidders recognized it with a premium but not unreasonable price. Lot # 250 1935 Packard 1207 Twelve Coupe Roadster; S/N 903-111; Light Green, Green fenders/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $190,000 - $220,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with minors, rumble seat, trunk rack, Trippe lights, small Packard fog lights, 12 volt starting. Very good older CCCA National First Prize (#1256) winning restoration with no small amount of age and use. Sound but visibly aged paint, well worn interior, good chrome. A great driver but its show days are far behind it. That's OK, though, because this will be a superbly satisfying car on the road. This is a moderate price for a Packard Twelve, appropriate to its older restoration and use, but a cost-effective way to get the Packard Twelve experience in a car that is still presentable. Lot # 251 1913 Argo Model C Electric Fore-Drive Limousine; S/N 513; Green/Light Green cloth; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- Lefthand drive wheel steering, drop down windows, pull down shades, hat net, smoker's kit for driver, vanity for passenger, nickel brightwork. Concours restored with excellent paint and extremely nice and elaborate interior. A few small joint cracks but otherwise as-restored and beautiful. Prior owners include James Cousens and John McMullen. One of several early electric cars with high quality older restorations offered by RM in Hershey this week, this is a rare example of the marque believed to be the only example of its type. Its elegant and elaborately trimmed interior also works to its advantage. In the current positive environment for electric cars this is a realistic price. Lot # 252 1913 Pope-Hartford Model 33 50hp Phaeton; S/N 00662; Engine # 1792; Red, Gold coachlines/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $550,000 - $650,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $375,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $375,000 -- RHD. Gray & Davis electric lights, dual right side spares, wicker trunk, Sparton electric horn, Red wood spoke wheels with blackwall tires, splash pans. Wonderful 389 cubic inch inline four with overhead valves, exposed valve gear and crossflow porting. Ex-Harrah's with its restoration completed by Temple Baldwin in the mid 90's, this is a very high quality restoration to like new condition but it's also visibly aging and no longer show quality. A piece of marvelous big horsepower brass that met neither its reserve nor a reasonable approach to its considerable value. Lot # 256 1914 Cadillac 40/50hp Phaeton; S/N Not Specified; Blade/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $120,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $60,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $60,000 -- RHD. Hinged steering wheel. varnished wood spoke wheels, blackwall 36 inch wheels, wind wings, Gray & Davis brass headlights and cowl lights, footrest. Freshly restored with good paint and interior and fair brass to very good touring condition. Upholstery shows some use on driver's seat cushion but otherwise little used or aged. An unusual condition car: freshly done but not in show quality presentation. The bidders were apparently confused by its presentation, too, judging it questionable and bidding conservatively. Lot # 257 1936 Pierce-Arrow 1602 Twelve 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 3130050; Maroon/Beige cloth; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,250 -- Free wheeling, smoker's kits, quarter window pulldown shades, dual enclosed sidemounts, body color wire wheels, blackwall tires. Superficially redone with a good repaint, chrome redone over pits, original interior trim but new upholstery. Engine oil contaminated with coolant and noted in the Saleroom Notices having a cracked cylinder head and broken water pump impeller. Radio missing. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold at RM's Arizona auction in 2006 for $52,800 and suitably discounted for its mechanical problems at this price. This is a distinctive, high quality automobile that deserves to get better attention. Lot # 258 1936 LaSalle Convertible Coupe; S/N 365067553; Burgundy, Maroon fenders/Burgundy leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $90,000 - $110,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $87,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $96,250 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts, steel wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, rumble seat, whitewalls. Good paint, chrome and interior. Chassis repainted over rust pits. A very attractive car that could have been done better. Christie's sold this LaSalle at Pebble Beach in 2002 for $58,750 and it scored a home run today, aided by its attractive coachwork and sound older restored condition. Lot # 259 1884 DeDion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-A-Dos Steam Runabout; S/N 6; Locomotive Black/Black leather; Estimate $2,000,000 - $2,500,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $4,200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $4,620,000 -- Central luggage handle steering, front-mounted boiler, closely spaced rear wheels driven directly by connecting rods from the engine crankshaft. The "oldest running motor car in the world," prototype for later steam vehicles backed by Comte DeDion. A marvelous old conveyance capable of transporting four people down the road at a surprising rate of speed. Wood or coke fueled, dingy and grimy, but runs and drives, as demonstrated when RM got up steam and drove it onto the auction block. John M. O'Quinn estate. Sold just four years ago at Gooding's Pebble Beach auction for $3,200,000 hammer, $3,520,000 with commission, this piece of automotive history made history again when RM sold it to the cheers of the onlookers for a million dollars more. The mesquite helped, giving the environment an aura of Texas barbecue, maybe in honor of John O'Quinn. There's not much more to say about it. Lot # 265 1935 Ford V-8 Pickup; S/N 181443100; Dark Green, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 -- 85hp flathead, red wire wheels, trim rings, whitewalls, varnished bed floor with matching wood storage box, turn signals, banjo spoke steering wheel, single right side spare, Unity fog lights, alternator, chrome bumpers, grille guard. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new six years ago with better cosmetics and maintained in top notch condition. No Reserve. This is a sharp, sharp pickup and a desirable year for Ford with good styling. The buyer paid a strong but still reasonable price for an excellent truck Lot # 267 1919 Chevrolet Series 490 Touring; S/N 164130; Black/Black; Beige cloth top; Estimate $15,000 - $20,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $7,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $8,250 -- Other than a quick old repaint and upholstery this is a sound, old car that is usable as is. No Reserve. A good value in a rarely seen Chevy with overhead valve 4-cylinder power. Lot # 270 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe; S/N 8421976; Black/Red leather; Burgundy cloth top; Estimate $65,000 - $75,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $52,500 plus commission of ; Final Price $52,500 -- Dynaflow, remote spotlight, skirts, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewalls Good paint with a few blemishes, excellent interior, tight top, good chrome. Old undercoat on underbody. chipped paint on wheels. The bright red interior makes this car pop. Not enough, apparently, to get the bidders excited, although the seller really could have let it go at the reported high bid. Lot # 271 1952 Willys M38 Jeep Utility; S/N 65476; Olive Drab/Olive cloth; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- Impressively restored with excellent paint and interior but excessively detailed with stick-on lettering and a gaylord-load of Army stuff. No Reserve. The stuff, however, is a contributor to the premium price this Jeep brought and will make quite a display in some garage. To show it with all its equipment it will need to add a trailer to its equipment list to haul the baggage. It would look better if the vinyl lettering were replaced with authentic-looking stencils.
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[Source: Rick Carey]
Very good descriptions and comments re the cars for auction. Good information for future comparisons. Very complete. Especially liked the inclusion of your reasons as to the quality of the restoration or lack of in the offered vehicle. Past info on previous sales at different auctions helped to complete the package. Well done review. I felt as if I had been to the event. Nice job, Thanks.
Excellent as usual, but note that while the Fairfield Franklin was a Full Classic, lot #106 here was not; it’s too old for the designation.
Indeed you are correct and a good catch, too. I just looked at the Franklin listing (“All”) and forgot the overall 1925-on qualification.
Came to here looking for a good price to put on a 1949 Dodge Roadster Wayfarer Convertible fully restored with 6105 actuall miles on it would be…. If anyone knows let me know send me a email @ michaelwwright55@yahoo.com….. thanks…..