Mecum Auctions, Del Monte Hyatt, Monterey, California, August 15-17, 2013
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
‘The Daytime Auction’ has now firmly established itself as an important part of the Monterey car week.
Mecum Auctions’ presence has been bolstered by a welcome consignment of old, classic, competition and high value cars but remains balanced, and in fact heavily weighted toward, reasonably priced cars accessible to great numbers of the spectators and day-trippers who flock to the Monterey peninsula for the week’s activities.
It’s free to get in (although that may not survive its popularity) and the Del Monte golf course is flooded with spectator cars. There is something inherently pleasing about Mecum’s presentation and openness that attracts spectators, positions them to see accessible collector cars and encourages them that the hobby is much more than the headline seven- and eight-figure cars that grab headlines.
That’s not to forget that it is a commercial success, with boxcar numbers changing hands. It also offers collectors whose access to the other Monterey auctions, particularly the high-roller sales at Bonhams, RM and Gooding, is limited or is discouraged by their insistence that modestly-valued cars be offered without reserve. To the vast majority of car collectors their $40 or $50 thousand Chevy, Dodge or Mustang is a major investment. Risking it at no reserve is something to be undertaken very carefully.
Mecum – and Russo and Steele – has filled that void, and done it successfully.
This year’s Mecum Monterey auction was marked by a number of high value offerings. They had a much lower closing rate than the more modestly-valued cars. It also featured a huge collection of midget, sprint and other oval track racers, the McMurrey Family collection of Mustangs and the Paul and Cheryl Dunkel collection. There was a lot to see.
Since posting the original results Mecum Auctions advised that the Ferrari 750 Monza s/n 0462MD was sold in the week following Monterey for $3,959,000 including commission ($3.7 million hammer.)
The report for that car has been revised to reflect the post-block sale. The overall sale results are re-stated below.
The question – entirely appropriate in my opinion – of revising results from those reported both on the block and in the auction companies’ subsequent results is worth exploring.
It costs a fortune to put on a quality collector car auction; every sale is important to covering the overhead.
The auction company retains the right to sell a consigned car for some period, usually 30 days, after the auction.
All the auction companies put immense effort into concluding as many sales as possible both during and after the sale, it’s their bread-and-butter and they should get credit for their successful efforts.
A $4 million transaction, even in the hyper-money Monterey environment, is significant, in this case adding 12.5% to Mecum’s three-day auction total.
The uncertainty is troubling, but is compensated by describing both the hammer bid at the sale and the ultimately reported transaction value. Had the Monza sale been in Mecum’s final results list (and they are among the best at reporting thoroughly, completely and quickly in contrast with some others who wait days to lard in as many post-sale results as possible) it would have been reported at face value without quibbling.
Revised Mecum Auctions Monterey results:
[table id=79 /]
$35.5 million is more than RM Auctions did as recently as 2005, and Gooding & Company achieved in 2006. That is no mean accomplishment with median transaction values around $40,000.
A cross-section look at Mecum Auctions’ Monterey cars follows.
Mecum Monterey 2013 – Auction Report
Lot # F061 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 138176K169266; White/Red; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000 – 396/360hp, 4-speed, red line tires, 12-bolt rear end, power steering, power brakes, knee-knocker tach, from Richard Hubbard collection. — Recently updated, paint has no noticeable blemishes, front bumper chrome has a few minor cracks, headliner is sagging around rear window. A few tweaks away from perfect. — A desirable Chevelle, but its condition is no better than the amount reported as its high bid. Lot # F061.1 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera Millennium Edition Coupe; S/N WP0AA2996YS620494; Violet Chromaflair Metallic/Natural Brown; 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $39,590 – Turbo Lock wheels, power sunroof, heated power seats, seats, remote CD changer, headlight washers, navigation system. — Original, well maintained, clean exterior with no visual imperfections, interior is as new, wheels scuff-free. Little-used collectible. — Number 80 of 911 built. Lot # F071.1 1962 Chevrolet Impala Coupe; S/N 21847L172375; Nassau Blue/Blue; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $56,175 – 409/409hp, dual quads, 4-speed, Strato bucket seats, 4.56 Positraction — Represented as ‘matching numbers’. Mostly original with some recent work done, bright paint shows no flaws, brightwork is aged and pitted, headliner is discolored but the rest of the interior is clean with mild wear. Dressed-up for auction, the inconsistent presentation is not reassuring. — Sold at Mecum’s Monterey auction in 2010 for $53,000, offered at Mecum Dallas last September, the result here is consistent with the combination of equipment and presentation. Lot # F075 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N J58S106599; Red, White coves/Black; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $65,000 – 283/245hp dual quads, 4-speed, radio, whitewall tires — Recent restoration, minor paint chips on rocker panels, small blemishes to brightwork, decent interior with a few quality issues around center speaker. Only fell short on some of the final touches but they are an important aspect of the attention paid to the restoration. — This is a good looked but not exceptional car that could have been sold for the reported high bid. Lot # F091.1 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RM23V0A175683; Blue, Black vinyl roof/Black; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $128,400 – 440/390hp Six Pack, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, P/S, P/B, Rally wheels, trim rings, F60-15 Polyglas GT tires, pushbutton radio — Represented as numbers-matching original engine. Recent show-quality restoration, great panel fit, superb paint, excellent vinyl top, window trim and rear bumper pitting, interior nearly good as new with only some minor paint chips. Just a few details away from being ready to show. — Offered at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction in January, then at Houston in April, the market caught up with the consignor here in Monterey and results in a reasonable price for an attractive Superbird. Lot # F093 1971 McLaren M8E Can Am; S/N Not specified; Orange, Blue stripes/Black; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $160,000 – Keith Black aluminum big block, Lucas mechanical fuel injection, — Raced by Roy Woods Racing driven by Vic Elford in 1971, crashed at Laguna Seca. Eventually rebuilt around a new tub and vintage raced by Benton Bryan and Elford. A little scratched up, with good historic racing patina and appears to be race-ready. — A desirable customer McLaren from the final years of the Can-Am’s glory years. It would be a sound value at anything close to the reported high bid. Lot # F097 1949 Mercury Sportsman Coupe; S/N 0072H497306; Red/Red; Customized restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $44,940 – Mercury flathead V-8, three Strombergs on an Offenhauser intake, lakes pipes, 3-speed, overdrive, dual spotlights, original radio — Stock body with custom details. Recent show-quality restoration, paint showing a few touch-ups, body panel fit is spot on, cracked driver’s window, rear bumper slightly chipped, interior in great condition aside from cracked radio glass and marks on seats. Gorgeous car with a few easy-to-fix cosmetic issues. Fixed it will be a show car. — Originally docketed as T095.1, sold on Friday with this lot number. Offered at Mecum Kissimmee a year ago, sold there last January for $58,300, then offered at Mecum Houston in April, at Indy in May and now finally found a new home here at this reasonable price for the buyer, but a notable loss for the seller. So much of a custom car’s value depends upon finding just the right bidder who is turned on by the builder’s concept of what is attractive. This car tried a long time to find that bidder, then appropriately took the money offered and moved on. Lot # F100 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback; S/N 9R02M171090; Lime Gold metallic, Black/Black; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $44,940 – 351/290hp, automatic, A/C, P/B, P/S, AM/FM radio, rear window louvers, hood pins — Relatively recent restoration, paint in fairly good shape but was sloppily finished above rain guards, engine is highly detailed, bumpers look great, interior is just about spotless. A gorgeous car in show-quality condition. — It’s unfortunate that the people who do the wet sanding so often don’t take the time to sand out the orange peel close to the gutters and around other body surface intersections. It’s just laziness, being unwilling to let go of the sander and pick up a block for a few minutes, but it frequently lets down an otherwise high quality car like this. The result here is appropriate for this car’s presentation and equipment. (photo: Mecum)
Mecum Monterey 2013 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # F103 1969 Ford Mustang GT Convertible; S/N 9R03S112251; Red/Cream; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $53,500 – 390/320hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, GT wheels, cooling package, hood pins. — Older restoration that is starting to show its age, paint starting to chip, bumpers and trim look great, soft top stained, interior in great shape but trim is slightly pitted. An above-average driver, but not by much. — Sold by Auctions America at Carlisle in April 2012 for $42,350 so it’s no surprise the seller took the year’s enjoyment and went on to something new at a modest profit. It’s a good example why a sound Mustang, particularly one equipped with a desirable engine and accessory package like this, is one of the best ways to get started in car collecting. Lot # F114 1978 Lincoln Continental Mk V 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 8Y89A959242; Beige/Beige leather; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $37,450 – 460/208hp, automatic, owners manual, power seats, power windows, power brakes — Completely original, one family from new Continental Mk V in time-capsule condition showing 922 believable miles on its odometer. Flawless paint, bumpers look great, trim is lightly scratched, some marks to otherwise excellent interior. Original tires. Nearly show-ready. — A pretty amazing car that brought a superior price reflecting its originality, low miles, history and condition. Lot # F117 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC56N076341; Black/Black; Black top; Estimate $100,000 – $115,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $85,600 – 265/225hp dual quads, 3-speed, batwing air cleaner, power top, wire wheels, radio, spotlight, tissue dispenser, whitewall tires, two-tone interior, stoplight viewer — Fully restored to like-new condition, mirror-like paint and brightwork, superb top and interior, some very minor discoloration on the left fender but otherwise absolutely gorgeous and show ready. — A highly unusual ’56 Bel Air with dual quads and a 3-speed among many other options and accessories, this car sold at Mecum’s Indy sale a year ago for $72,610 and represents good value for money in this transaction. The estimate is a bit optimistic, but the result didn’t seem to be affected by it. Lot # F141 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N 6Y85Q153417; Black/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $80,000 – $125,000; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $77,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $82,925. No Reserve – 428/345hp, automatic, numbers matching, factory air conditioning, power brakes, power windows, power seats, buckets and console, narrow whitewalls with red lines, radio with 8-track, roadster tonneau cover — Represented as 300 miles from new and completely original in time-capsule condition, paint without fault, bumpers perfect, trim unmarred, soft top showing two minor stains, grille emblem is scratched, otherwise beyond reproach. VTCI and AACA award winner. — Sold at RM’s auction of the Jerry Capizzi collection in 2006 for $88,000, then at Mecum’s Dallas auction in September 2012 for $73,140, this is a highly attractive, completely original high performance T-bird that has maintained consistent value in its auction appearances. The question is, what to do with it when more miles will adversely affect its value. Lot # F145 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Station Wagon; S/N VC560006486; Matador Red, India Ivory/Red, Beige vinyl; Estimate $55,000 – $70,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $48,150 – 265/205hp, Powerglide, P/S, numbers-matching engine, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, grille guard — An older restoration in moderate shape, great paint with only a few small blemishes, pitted and scratched trim in very rough condition, grille showing rust and age, interior is surprisingly like new. A great looking driver. — Sold at Bonhams Scottsdale in January for $36,800. This is a sound and enjoyable Nomad for a decidedly reasonable price. Lot # F146 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Station Wagon; S/N VC55J135250; Gypsy Red, White roof/Red, Grey; Estimate $90,000 – $135,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $64,200 – 265/162hp, Powerglide, oil filter, numbers-matching engine, original radio, grille guard, wheel covers, whitewalls — Older partial restoration, more recent respray now showing multiple chips, weatherstripping falling apart, trim and handles are pitted. Chrome bumpers look great but steering wheel is badly pitted, seats showing minor cracks, carpet is stained. Ready to drive without fear of getting some road rash. — Sold at Branson Spring in 2009 for $47,520, then at Mecum’s Kansas City auction in April of this year for $58,300 and offered at Mecum Indy in May and Leake Tulsa in June, this is what the consignor was looking for. It just took a while to find it. Lot # F148 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible; S/N 9F03R480328; Jade Black/White; Black top; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $101,650 – 428/335hp, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, 3.50 Traction Lok, power disc brakes, leather seats, underbumper driving lights, 5-spoke alloy center wheels, Polyglas GT tires, owner history, warranty card, production order and Marti Report — Represented as matching-numbers engine. Recently restored, paint in good shape with only a few blemishes, hood vents are chipped, hood fit is off, bumpers are spotless, excellent soft top, windows are scratched, seats are dirty and worn. A great-looking car that is nearly show ready but needs a full detailing. — Offered at Mecum Houston in April and sold here at a very attractive price for the new owner, especially for a 4-speed convertible. Lot # F155 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback; S/N SFM6S1759; Sapphire Blue, White stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $130,000 – $170,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $147,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $157,825 – 289/306hp, 4-speed, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Radial T/A tires, fold-down rear seat, dashtop Shelby 270 degree tach, owners manual, sport deck rear seat, owner’s manual, service book — Ground-up restoration completed over 5 years, paint in good shape with a few minor chips, consistently good panel fit, spotless bumpers, window trim has some minor scratches, door handles are pitted quite badly, steering wheel is cracked, seats show minor wear. Better than a driver, but in need of some serious cosmetic attention. — 832 miles have been added to the odometer since this GT350 was offered at B-J’s Palm Beach auction in 2012, but its condition suggests more miles than that. It crossed the block at Russo and Steele in Monterey in 2012, then Mecum Kissimmee in January of this year before finding a new owner here at a magnanimous, full retail, price.
Mecum Monterey 2013 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # F159 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback; S/N 8T02S169183-00535; Highland Green, White stripes/Black; Estimate $80,000 – $110,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $88,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $94,160 – 428/335hp with dual quads added, 4-speed, A/C with updated compressor, sport deck rear seats, P/S, tilt steering column, AM radio, factory tinted glass, 10-spoke alloy wheels — Older restoration with fair paint with several cracks on the front end, cracked taillight, pitted trim on back-up lights, cracked rear window glass, chipped paint on dashboard, seat stitching falling apart. To drive or re-restore? That is the question. — This GT500 is generously priced for its aged and used condition. It is a usable driver, particularly if some of the more egregious flaws like the cracked rear window are addressed, and this is full retail money. Lot # S012 1939 Smith Jiggler Midget; S/N None specified; Red, Black/Black vinyl; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $16,050 – Chromed transverse leaf spring suspension, rear wheel hydraulic drum brakes, I/O gearbox, V8-60 with Smith ‘Jiggler’ overhead exhaust valve heads, Eddie Meyer intake with two Stromberg 81 carbs, Fairbanks Morse Type FM magneto, nifty finned water manifolds — Bright chrome, good paint and upholstery. An orderly used racecar built and maintained to be driven, not shown. — This is a very cool little car that’s seen some use but is ready to be driven more. The Smith ‘Jiggler’ heads are rare and entertaining to watch. It would cost more than the price it achieved here (post-block) to acquire the period speed equipment and other bits on the car. Lets hope it gets fired up for some Vintage Oval Racing. Lot # S013 1940 Offenhauser 220 Big Car; S/N SOLD ON BILL OF SALE; Engine # 5422; Red ‘Barlow’, White/Red leather; Competition car, original as-raced, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $35,000 – 220 Offy, Hilborn injection, I/O gearbox, transverse leaf spring suspension, lever shocks, hydraulic rear wheel brake, grey painted centerlock wire wheels — Believed to have been built in Hartford, Connecticut and driven at one time by Wild Bill Cox (are all sprint car drivers named William called ‘Wild Bill’?) Aged and used but not neglected. New tires. Delightful old 4-spoke steering wheel wrapped with red electric tape. Worn old upholstery. Engine is clean and orderly but doesn’t look like it’s run in years. — Looks like it should be fired up to go collect some dirt in the knobby rear tires. It’s an attractive and neatly constructed car that would have appealed to a journeyman racer looking to collect some starting and prize money. The Offy should pull like a train once it’s gone through although it is doubtful it will bring much if any more than the reported high bid. Lot # S015 1946 Kurtis Kraft Offy Midget; S/N 0-281-48; Engine # 187; Red, White/Black vinyl; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $27,500 – 110 Offy, Hilborn injection, I/O box, 4-wheel disc brakes, lever shocks, torsion bar rear suspension, transverse leaf spring front suspension, chromed suspension and nerf bars, no roll bar — Restored by Joe Fiore for Gene Angelillo. Missing the upper radiator hose. Good older paint, chrome and suspension. Orderly and in good, and attractive, vintage racing condition. — It will take some work to bring this Offy-powered Midget back to life, but most of it will be mechanical and safety-related. The cosmetics are fine as they are. It would be something to see, and even more to drive, especially if it could be bought for anything close to the reported high bid. Lot # S020 1956 Hillegass Chevy Sprint Car; S/N 53B15; Blue/Black vinyl; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $27,820 – 350 Chevy, Offenhauser intake with three Stromberg carbs, I/O gearbox, rear wheel disc brakes, chrome suspension, transverse leaf spring front suspension, torsion bar rear — Mismatched centerlock mag wheels with kidney beans on the left and solid discs on the right. Good paint, chrome and interior. Restored to attractive historic racing standards. — This is plenty of car for the money. Lot # S025 1964 Trevis Offy Midget Roadster; S/N SOLD ON BILL OF SALE; Maroon/Black vinyl; Competition car, original as-raced, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $22,500 – 120 Offy, fuel injection, I/O gearbox, chrome rollbar and suspension, coilover suspension with torsion bars, 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-point belts — Tidy, orderly, recently built and equipped. Clean and sanitary. ‘Believed to be 1 of 4 Midget Roadsters built by Ohio’s famed race car constructor Floyd Trevis.’ — With 4-wheel disc brakes and fully adjustable suspension this Midget might do double duty on ovals and occasionally on road courses. It could have brought another couple thousand dollars and not been expensive. Lot # S049 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N WM23H9E168925; Yellow/Black; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $53,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $56,710 – 383/335hp, 4-speed, represented as matching numbers, Hurst shifter, radio delete, sport gauge package, buckets and console, Tic-Toc-Tach, P/S, P/B, 3-speed wipers, Magnum wheels, red line tires, Super Bee Registry — An older restoration. Bright paint is starting to show its age, brightwork is clean with only slight pitting on driver’s door handle. Clean interior with little wear. — This is a strong Super Bee, and a strong price for it and the age of its restoration. Lot # S062 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI Nomad Station Wagon; S/N VC57A153005; Black/Red; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $92,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $98,440 – 283/250hp fuel injection, Powerglide, factory A/C, P/S, P/B, P/W, power seats, lockable gas cap, vacuum ashtray, tinted glass — Represented as a factory FI and A/C car. Recently finished nut-and-bolt restoration took 3 years to complete. Paint is nearly flawless with just a minor touch-up on the driver’s door. Interior is like new without any noticeable blemishes. A true show-condition car. — A really great car, surprisingly offered without documentation of any show trophies. This is as about as good as it gets in a Nomad — which is pretty darn good — and not a lot to pay for it.
Mecum Monterey 2013 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # S068.1 1978 Pembleton Brooklands Roadster; S/N 44KA9799; Polished Aluminum/Maroon; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $14,980 – RHD. Citroen 2CV based. Cycle fenders, dual Brooklands aero screens, rear spare — A driver quality restoration of a car that owes more to the Morgan tradition than to its 2 Chevaux drivetrain. — Sold for $15,950 at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2012, then turned up a week ago at B-J’s Reno auction during Hot August Nights where it sold for $7,975. Quickly recycled here at a nice profit. Lot # S072 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Convertible; S/N 8T03J193371-02215; Red/Black; White top; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $107,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $115,025 – 302/250hp, 4-speed, factory air conditioning, P/S, P/B, power top, Shelby 10-spoke wheels, aftermarket radio — AACA National First Prize in 1994. Paint still has a nice luster, brightwork has minor pitting in a few areas, top is in good condition and shows appropriate aging, interior is clean and only lightly worn. An impressively preserved example of a high-quality older restoration. — Not as impressive rumbling down the boulevard as a big block GT500, but even more fun to drive on twisty bits, the well preserved restoration of this GT350 4-speed convertible lends reassuring confidence in the quality of the workmanship and the subsequent care it has received, factors that fully support the price it brought. In 1993 it brought $42,000 at the World Classic auction at Blackhawk in Danville, California and it was in essentially the same condition as it is today. Lot # S081 1964 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Samba 21-Window; S/N 245025303; Sealing Wax Red, Beige Gray/Gray; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $110,000 – Safari windows, double doors. — Fresh 2013 show-quality restoration. Excellent paint with no flaws found, windows show no scratches. Beautiful interior. Extremely clean. — An auction favorite, but apparently not favorite enough for the Mecum bidders to meet the seller’s expectations. Six figures for a multi-window Microbus are commonplace, but not so commonplace that this bid couldn’t have been accepted by the seller. Lot # S089 1963 Studebaker Avanti Coupe; S/N R36938; Gold/Tan; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $45,000 – 305/335hp, dealer-installed supercharger, automatic, P/W, AM/FM radio, dual exhaust. — Recent partial restoration, original paint has been buffed and polished, door moldings scratched, weatherstripping around rear vent was not properly adhered, new tires. Would make for a great driver. — Sold at Mecum’s Verde Classics auction early this year for $30,740, it is difficult to understand why it didn’t sell here at the reported high bid. Lot # S096 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N 194676S123677; Red/Black; Black top; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $155,150 – 427/390hp, 4-speed, side pipes, air conditioning, knock-off wheels, gold line tires — Recent body-off restoration of a reportedly matching numbers engine big block Corvette. Impressively clean exterior, interior and brightwork. Small minor scratches on chrome around windshield. Good options and condition make for a highly desirable package. 2008 Bloomington Gold, Triple Crown, NCRS Top Flight, Gold Spinner confirm its quality and correctness. — Sold at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2009 for $139,700, later crossed the block at Mecum Indy in 2012 and earlier this year without finding a new home. It sure did here, though, and at a strong price for having ‘just’ 390hp under the hood. Lot # S097 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe; S/N WP0AC2998VS375705; Black/Black; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $176,550 – Side scoops, rear spoiler, premium audio system, Turbo twist wheels, yellow brake calipers, all-wheel drive, sunroof, carbon fiber trim — Completely original, road marks on wheels, cracking on driver’s seat bolster, clean paint with no obvious imperfections. A well-kept example of an up-and-coming Porsche. — 1 of 182 produced. Dressed up with a bunch of nifty (and very expensive) accessories but even at that it is difficult to see why it brought this much. It’s a used car and it shows its use. Lot # S098 1953 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster; S/N 672755; Engine # W5764-8; Black/Tan; Tan top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $130,000 – Fender skirts, dual side mirrors — Older restoration, recently rebuilt engine, some small scratches and chips all over exterior, slight discoloration to top along folding hardware. A repaint away from being perfect. Titled by its engine number. — The reported high bid is fully-, freshly-restored XK 120 Roadster money, and this isn’t that. It should have been loose and selling at any bid over $100K. Lot # S120.1 1913 Packard Model 1-38 Runabout; S/N 38878; Red/Red leather; Black cloth top; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $625,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $668,750 – Auto-Meter speedometer and clock, whitewalls, two pane opening windshield, mirrors, single tonneau seat — A quality older restoration by Brian Joseph that is still nearly concours ready. Excellent paint, brass and interior wood. Class winner at Meadow Brook and Greenfield Village, Best of show at Bay Harbor. — RM offered this very good old Packard twice, first at Arizona in 2010 with a high bid of $335,000, then again at Hershey last year with a reported bid of $370,000. It scored a home run here at Mecum Monterey with this result.
Mecum Monterey 2013 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # S124 1985 March Buick GTP Race Car; S/N 85G1; White ‘RC’, Blue/Black cloth; Estimate $250,000 – $350,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $180,000 – McLaren-Buick turbo V-6, 5-speed, modern fire system and instrumentation — 1985 Daytona 24 Hours pole car, but no notable race results. Edge chipped repaint over old paint, used interior but clean and orderly mechanicals with only last year’s Monterey Reunion on a fresh engine in 2012. Freshly inspected and serviced. — It is unusual to see a complex endurance racing car like this March-Buick so thoroughly and freshly prepared and service on the auction block, which may explain why the bidders were non-plussed about what to make of it. Blisteringly fast, but also highly stressed and less well known than some of its counterparts from the GTP era. Lot # S129 1982 Jaguar XJR-5 GTP Race Car; S/N 001; White, Green accents/Black leatherette; Estimate $550,000 – $650,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $475,000 – — The first XJR-5 built by Group 44, finished 3rd at Elkhart Lake driven by Bob Tullius and Bill Adam in its first race. Restored to as-built condition with Ed Pink built 625hp engine. Good cosmetics, mechanically clean and fresh. — GTP cars were not the flavor of the weekend at Mecum’s Monterey auction but they sure attracted attention, just not on the block where it counted. Lot # S132 1954 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 0462MD; Red,/Blue cloth; Competition car, original as-raced, 3+ condition; Post-block sale at $3,700,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $3,959,000. – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, Dunlop Racing tires, driver’s curved Plexiglas windscreen, head fairing, Marchal covered headlights, passenger’s metal tonneau cover, driver’s roll bar added. — Raced by Joe Kelly in the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod in 1954, later sold to Jaguar for performance evaluation, then to Peter Whitehead. Jack Brabham brought it to Australia. Driven in the Mille Miglia storica at least 7 times. Known history from new with no record of major damage. Old upholstery worn through. Edge cracked paint. Never really restored, erratic paint, good chassis and engine. A plain old race car with a replacement engine (the original engine and gearbox, in non-running condition, are included.) — Offered here a year ago by the same consignor, it brought a high bid of $2.8 million then and a much improved $3,250,000 on the hammer today. A little better now, but still not enough. — On September 19 Mecum Auctions reported this lot sold off the block in the week after Monterey for $3,700,000 and the sale results have been amended accordingly. Lot # S134 1955 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder, Body by Wendler; S/N 5500077; Engine # 90089; Silver, Blue/Blue cloth; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $3,750,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $4,012,500 – Driver’s roll bar, wraparound driver’s windscreen, hard passenger’s tonneau cover — Believed to be the first space-frame 550 built, factory fitted engine. Brussels Salon show car in 1956, raced by Christian Goethals in Europe, then to Charles and Suzy Dietrich in Ohio. Freshly, meticulously and fastidiously restored, far better than new. A concours Porsche from the collection of Peter and Cheryl Dunkel. — This is a beautiful Porsche, thoroughly restored and researched, no ‘bad’ stories. Gooding & Company popped the 550 Spyder market wide open last year when 550062 brought $3,685,000 at Amelia Island. This is now the new-normal in 550 Spyder values; imagine what one with famed drivers and success at a major international race would bring. Lot # S136 1910 Locomobile Model 40 Type I Demi Tonneau; S/N 2376; Engine # 2376; Blue, Black accent, Red coachline/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $500,000 – $750,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $400,000 – RHD. T-head four cylinder, 36 inch cream artillery wheels, Rushmore acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, dual spare tires on right fender — First in Class at 2010 Meadow Brook, Second in Class at 2004 Pebble Beach. Still show quality paint, brass and upholstery. Shows a little age but is still spectacular. — A huge car with immense performance, this is what prestige motoring was in the first decade of the last century. The restoration is still gorgeous and the car deserved to bring more, much more. Lot # S137 1963 Porsche 356B Carrera 2 Coupe, Body by Reutter; S/N 124875; Engine # P97211; Silver, Red stripes/Red leather; Estimate $375,000 – $425,000; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $385,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $411,950 – Headrest seats, woodrim Porsche steering wheel, Blaupunkt multiband radio, clock, sliding sunroof, chrome wheels, headlight stoneguards, Perma Tune ignition, Solex carbs, gasoline heater, Yokohama 205/50R15 tires — Represented as matching numbers original engine. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Seats are lightly creased, underbody is neat. A gorgeous Carrera driver with a sunroof for touring on fine days and a heater for chilly ones. Peter and Cheryl Dunkel collection. — A high quality restoration from a collection of high quality cars. It’s particularly unusual to have its original 4-cam Carrera 2 engine survive and brought a price that is fair to both the buyer and the seller. Lot # S138 1984 Lotus Type 95T Formula 1; S/N BoS; Black ‘John Player Special’/Black; Estimate $500,000 – $600,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $450,000 – Twin turbo 1,492cc Renault V-6, up to 1000hp — Team Lotus factory car driven by Nigel Mansell, one of four 95Ts campaigned by Team Lotus. Set up for vintage parade laps with modern electronic engine management. — Menacing and imposing, one of these hasn’t crossed the auction block in a decade and the last one reported sold was at Christie’s auction in Basel in 1992 from the Monteverdi collection and it brought $116,000. Twenty years later, and thoughtfully set up for demo laps, a half million dollars doesn’t seem like too much. It’s one of those ‘where are you going to find another one?’ cars and this seems like a missed opportunity. Lot # S139 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback; S/N 67400F8U01274; Brittany Blue, White stripes/Parchment; Estimate $160,000 – $180,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $139,100 – 427/355hp, dual quads, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, extra cooling package, Sport Deck rear seat, shoulder belts, grille-mounted high beams, Detroit Locker axle, pushbutton radio, Deluxe Marti Report — Engine changed in the 70’s to the present 427 side-oiler. Very nice older restoration, paint has kept its luster but shows a few minor chips, brightwork showing some aging and haze, interior has some minor wear, rebuilt engine is clean and detailed. Well presented and cared for, thoroughly documented. Omar Vizquel collection. — The dual quad 427 under the hood poses something of a challenge for bidders. It’s not original, but it’s also a big improvement over the original 428. The bidders here came down on the side of penalizing the value for the engine swap, which is their prerogative. It could have as easily gone the other way and brought more money on the strength of more performance and the celebrity of its seller, baseball player Omar Vizquel.
Mecum Monterey 2013 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # S143 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 153669; Aetna Blue/Light Gray; Black top; Estimate $145,000 – $160,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $110,000 – Represented as matching numbers, Blaupunkt multiband radio, VDM steering wheel, silver painted wheels, blackwall tires, tool kit, Porsche COA — Documented recent restoration, well presented, rebuilt suspension, rebuilt transmission, bright paint has some touch-up problems, rebuilt engine is tidy and detailed, clean interior shows some wear. Ready for regional shows. — Freshly restored to very good overall condition showing some age consistent with the 2,653 miles showing on the odometer and could have been let go for a little more than the reported high bid. Lot # S144 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 9F02Z172957; Royal Maroon/Black; Estimate $225,000 – $250,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $235,400 – 429/375hp, 4-speed, KK #1687, P/S, P/B, 3.91 Traction Lok, Magnum wheels, Polyglas GT tires, console, trunk-mounted battery, Deluxe Marti Report, original owner’s manual. — Recently restored, paint deep and smooth, brightwork terrific other than some slight scratches on door handles, interior shows no signs of use. A show-stopper. — The Boss 429 occupies a special place among Mustangs. Not even similarly engined Torinos get the same kind of respect and valuation reflected in this representative price for a quality Boss Nine. Lot # S145 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Independent Competition Roadster; S/N CSX 2487; Metallic Blue, White stripes/Black leather; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $925,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $989,750 – 289 V-8, four Weber carbs, white centerlock 6-spoke alloy wheels, Blue streak tires, headlight stoneguard, quick jack pickups, braced rollbar, quick release fuel cap, dual curved fixed Plexiglas windscreens, fire system, white painted side exhausts — Autocrossed and raced when new by Dick Pichinino with some success. Eventually restored with its original body by Robert Bodin. Restored better than new, excellent paint, seats lightly creased, underbody is dusty, chassis shows use in various historic events. Includes a set of American Racing alloy wheels made for Ken Miles. Pretty car, hard to beat on the track or in the paddock. — With some in-period racing history and several modifications and upgrades appropriate to its use back then this Cobra brought a superior price. It’s the next best thing to a factory team car, with a price that reflects that relationship. Lot # S146.1 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster Race Car, Body by Reutter; S/N 84333; Engine # 755643; Cream, Black, Red, Yellow accent/Black cloth; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $130,000 – Solex carbs, polished alloy wheels, braced rollbar, tonneau cover, cutdown full width Plexiglas windshield, fire system, Momo seat, disc brakes — A serious racer’s Speedster, a bit used and chipped but thoroughly prepared. Peter and Cheryl Dunkel collection. — Overlooked by the bidders at Mecum’s Monterey auction, who missed the chance to acquire a highly developed, thoroughly prepared (but hardly stock) Porsche Speedster race car. Lot # S150 1938 Delage D8-120 Aerosport Coupe, Body by LeTourneur & Marchand; S/N 51617; Emerald Green/Brown leather; Estimate $2,950,000 – $3,500,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $2,400,000 – RHD. Body color steel spoke wheels, whitewalls, rear wheel spats, Marchal headlights, fog light and driving light — Owned and twice restored by Hans Jorgen Beier in Denmark for 57 years. Most recently restored in 1999 and still exhibits very good paint, chrome and interior. A sound and eye catching older restoration to very good and attractive touring condition. — This is splendid, eye-catching coachwork with a rear deck fin and long body side chrome molding complementing the extreme fastback roofline and pillarless side windows. Its condition is surprisingly good for a car that has a nearly 15 year old restoration. RM sold 51012 at Monterey in 2007 for $1,705,000, a better, more freshly restored car, a transaction that suggests the consignor here should have been seriously tempted by a money bid in the vicinity of the reported high bid. Lot # S154 1930 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton; S/N 2276; Engine # J-255; Black/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $850,000 – $1,000,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $950,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $1,016,500 – Chrome wire wheels, dual sidemounts, wide whitewalls, dual remote ‘Sportlite’ spotlights, dual windshields, low profile cloth-covered luggage trunk, single Pilot-ray, outside exhaust headpipes, chrome mesh hood sides, rear clock and speedometer — Matching chassis, firewall and engine. Originally a Judkins Limousine used by Mrs. E.L. Cord, later sold to Pacific Auto Rentals and used in numerous motion pictures through 1984, then rebodied by Fran Roxas in this Torpedo Phaeton style. An older show quality restoration with very good paint, bright chrome, upholstery and top. — A well known car sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2004 for $500,500 and offered by Bonhams at Greenwich in 2010 and Quail Lodge in 2011 without selling before finding a new owner at Bonhams Boca Raton auction earlier this year for $698,500. To say that the turn was advantageous for the seller here is an understatement. Lot # S158 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible; S/N 194678S419379; Tuxedo Black, Black hardtop/Black; White top; Estimate $750,000 – $850,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $800,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $856,000 – 427/430hp L88, 4-speed, transistor ignition, 3.70 Positraction, tinted glass, two tops, P/B, off-road exhaust, Rally wheels, blackwall tires, Bloomington Gold certified, Protect-O-Plate, original order sheet, original dealer invoice, original title application — 16,725 miles from new, represented as original engine. Recent professional restoration by the Nabers brothers. Paint is properly prepared and applied, brightwork shines, (original) interior is clean and shows only moderate wear appropriate to the claimed mileage. Immaculate. — One of 80 ’68 L88 Corvettes and one that doesn’t appear to have been raced (well, maybe on the street) or hit from new. Now with a nut and bolt restoration that thoughtfully preserved sound original items (like the engine and the upholstery) this is one of the most desirable Corvettes ever built, and brought a price appropriate to its desirability after falling short of expectations at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction in May. It was worth the wait. Lot # S162 1913 Peerless Model 48-Six Roadster; S/N 13269; Blue/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $325,000 – $400,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $240,000 – RHD. 578 cubic inch T-head six, 4-speed, Warner speedometer and clock, Gray & Davis headlights, cowl lights, dual rear spares, 37 inch wheels with whitewall tires — A famed Peerless, helicoptered off a mountaintop mine in 1966 as an engine and chassis after years of neglect following even more years of use as a stationary power plant. Concours restoration now with reproduction coachwork and showing some age but still exceptional paint, upholstery and nickel trim. It needs a better detailing. — This old girl has been around, selling at RM’s Monterey auction in 2008 for $330,000, then at RM Hershey in 2010 for $200,750. The story of its discovery and salvage by helicopter is by itself worth what was offered for it here and its restoration with new coachwork is impressively preserved. It’s no surprise it didn’t find a new home at the reported high bid, but with only 16 miles added to its odometer’s total since 2008 no one has taken advantage of its performance, more’s the pity.
Mecum Monterey 2013 – Auction Report Page Seven
Lot # S167 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 0F02Z112807; Grabber Blue, Matte Black hood scoop/White; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $215,000 – 429/375hp, 4-speed, KK #2192, P/S, P/B, 3.91 Traction Lok, pushbutton radio, Hurst T-handle shifter, full smog equipment, competition suspension — Rotisserie restored in 2001 and refreshed in 2009. Other than a chip on the driver’s side door the paint is excellent. Engine is clean and shows proper chalk marks. Interior is worn and aged more than the exterior, brightwork is still without flaws. Only a few small nits to pick here. — Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2010 for $176,000 and it is hard to understand why the seller declined the reported high bid not only in light of that result but also with other Boss 429 prices here. This is an attractive color, but not so much that the $215K bid wasn’t entirely reasonable. Lot # S169 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible; S/N 223679L106536; Black/Black; Black top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000 – 400/330hp, automatic, PHS documentation, ordered with more than 30 options including factory air conditioning, cruise control, power steering, power brakes, power windows, mag wheels, red line tires — Recent restoration, fresh quality repaint presents as such, new top fits well, brightwork is even and shows no pitting or aging, engine bay very clean. Well restored without being over-restored. — A rare car on account of its multiplicity of options and very well restored, but this Firebird doesn’t have much under the hood (except for all those power-sapping accessories) and that’s the one characteristic Firebird buyers want. The owner is going to find it difficult to locate the pair of bidders who want all the sybaritic features of this Firebird, put them both at the same place and time, and ignite a bidding war that will get anywhere close to the low estimate. Lot # S170 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible; S/N 136670B188926; Black Cherry, White stripes/Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Modified restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $123,050 – 454/450hp LS6, 4-speed, cowl induction hood, P/S, P/B, power top, buckets and console, tilt steering column, 3.31 Positraction, Protect-O-Plate. — Recent no-expense-spared restoration, paint is bright and flawless, brightwork is shiny and scratch-free, interior is clean and exhibits no wear, highly detailed engine, featured in August issue of Muscle Car Review. Definitely a show contender. — Here’s what the catalog says about the LS6 under the hood, ‘Much emphasis was placed in the two-year restoration on date code correctness.’ Read what it doesn’t say, and this is a facsimile of an LS6 Convertible. A beautiful and carefully assembled one, but not a real one and that makes this a reasonable price for it although it represents great weekend cruise night value. Lot # S172 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Huntington Limousine, Body by Brewster; S/N 251AJS; Engine # E55B; Black, Aluminum hood sides, Black composition roof/Black leather, Beige cord; Estimate $165,000 – $195,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $150,000 – Polished wheel discs, blackwall tires, Depress Beam headlights, dual sidemounts, sliding division, jump seats, pulldown shades on rear and rear quarter windows, metal luggage trunk — Sound, presentable and unable old restoration with good paint, chrome, interior and interior wood. Chassis was done like new and now is a little dirty from use. A great car for the whole family to take touring. — This is a stately, well-preserved largely original car burdened by big, heavy closed coachwork that is no longer fashionable. On the other hand, it would make a great tour car and at the reported high bid, or even the low estimate, would be full value for money. Lot # S192 1924 Ford ‘The Eliminator’ Roadster; S/N BOS; White, Red frame/Red vinyl; Estimate $175,000 – $200,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $140,000 – T-bucket body, track style nose, 265 Chevrolet, three 2-barrels, 4-speed, slicks, disc-style mag wheels, quick change center section, transverse leaf springs, drum brakes — Raced in early west coast road races by Duffy Livingstone. Sympathetically restored in the late 90’s for Brock Yates retaining its well-used character, prepared for and competed in historic road races, winner of the Road Racing Hot Rod class at Pebble Beach in 2003. Dash covered in plaques from races and shows. Aged and used but essentially track-ready. Brock and Pamela Yates collection. — Hot rod, road racer, show winner all in one, with an early history that may qualify it for consideration to run the Mille Miglia and similar period-related events. It’s hard to argue with the bidders’ determination of its value, or with the Yates’ determination to wait for more money, either. This is a unique, historic car with a wonderful history. Lot # S199 1969 Lola T163 Can-Am; S/N SL163/20; Red/Black; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $85,000 – Mechanical fuel injected 358 cubic inch Chevy, Hewland LG600 transaxle, dry sump, magneto, full width roll bar, road roller rear tires — Orderly and race ready with very good cosmetics with only SCCA National road racing history but one Can-Am appearance (a dnf at Laguna Seca in 1973 driven by Tony Settember) makes it part of the Can-Am scene. Historic race prepared in 2009 and still appears to be race ready. — No illustrious history here, but a thoughtfully and fully prepared vintage racer that should have brought much more than the amount reportedly bid for it even if not as much as the low estimate. Lot # T144 1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N 0Y73Y115828; Aqua/Aqua; White top; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $39,590 – 352/300hp, automatic, P/S, power seats, P/W, air conditioning — Well maintained older restoration from 1997, bright paint only showing minor rock chips and some touch-up along the rear of the trunk lid, interior is clean with minimal wear, brightwork flawless. Ready to show or drive with pride. — Bought right, with little or no premium for the A/C. Lot # T218 1990 BMW 325ia Convertible; S/N WBABB2316LEC20706; Copper/Tan; Brown top; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $10,500 plus commission of 7.00%; Final Price $11,235 – Heated sport seats, air conditioning, cruise control, power steering, power windows, premium wheels — Mostly original, top appears to be new and in good condition, paint has numerous chips and scratches with variable touch-up quality, interior is clean with mild wear. An honest driver. — An acceptable driver quality BMW showing 28,291 believable miles. Treated as a used car, it has at least $11K worth of utility left in it although in the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ the automatic is a disappointment.
[Source: Rick Carey]
No surprise that lot F093, an alleged McLaren, had “serial number not specified”. That is because all the experts that I have consulted say that the car is a replica, built up many years after the fact. I understand that it most certainly was not the “Roy Woods/Vic Elford” car. The real Roy Woods Racing McLaren M8E driven in 1971 by Vic Elford is owned by Duncan McKellar, and is in Australia. Mecum Auctions does its credibility no good by offering cars that are not as described.