The attention of the classic car world turns toward Arizona in the coming weeks as both the Arizona Concours d’Elegance and the annual auction rush in Scottsdale capture our attention. We’ve been keeping you updated on the Concours, and while it’s simply not possible to mention every fascinating car that will be coming up for auction in Scottsdale, following is a brief sampling of what can be expected from the various auction houses. Follow the links for complete information.
- Barrett-Jackson: Corvettes, Mustangs and More
The 46th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, scheduled for January 14-22, at WestWorld of Scottsdale will feature some of the most collectible Chevrolet Corvettes ever offered at auction. Among them is a 1963 Z06 “Big Tank” Coupe (above, photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson) with the RPO Z06 racing option that was owned and piloted by legendary racer Mickey Thompson. It is one of 63 N03 Big Tanks built that model year, and one of five that GM assigned to Thompson during 1962 that is equipped with the Z06 option. It has been researched, confirmed and documented by Corvette expert David Burroughs.
Another racing Corvette crossing the Scottsdale block is a matching-numbers 1966 coupe originally raced in Europe by Anatoly Arutunoff. This car has received a frame-off restoration and features headrest seats, suspension, power brakes and transistor ignition. It is powered by a 427/425 horsepower engine driving through an M22 four-speed manual transmission. This unit also includes NCRS and handwritten testimony documentation.
Joining the various Corvettes on their journey across the Scottsdale block will be a selection of vintage Shelby and Boss 302 Ford Mustangs, including a 1966 Shelby GT350 that won both the 1972 and 1973 runnings of Peru’s 3,000-kilometer Caminos del Inca Rally. The beautifully restored GT350 was shipped to Lima, Peru, when new, and Teodoro Yagali drove it to the victories noted above. The car returned to the U.S. in 2002 to undergo a complete restoration that maintained its racing colors and patina. In 2015 it was restored to its original color and factory specs, and comes to auction in that condition. For complete information about the entire Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale selection, please visit www.barrett-jackson.com
- Russo and Steele: Prototype Ford GT, and L88 Corvette Feature
Russo and Steele’s 17th annual Scottsdale auction will run from January 18-22, live from Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. While the auction will feature many other offerings, figuring to be among the most desirable is the Confirmation Prototype for the Ford Motor Company’s 2005-2006 Ford GT. First shown in 2002 to celebrate FoMoCo’s upcoming centennial, Ford GT prototype CP-1, short for Confirmation Prototype 1, was designed by Camilo Pardo, the head of Ford’s “Living Legends” studio under the direction of Ford design chief J. Mays. CP-1 was the first fully functional prototype built in 2003 as part of the all-new GT’s development phase, and was assigned VIN 004. In 2008, CP-1 was purchased from Ford by Joe Limongelli, the respected GT collector and author of Ford GT 2005-2006: The Complete Owners Experience, considered the definitive book on the reborn Ford GT.
The originality of CP-1 makes it attractive for hard-core Ford enthusiasts, as it features an array of non-standard components and many design features exclusive to this prototype. As offered, CP-1 is accompanied by factory Build Sheet documentation, and retains the test connections and monitoring equipment used during the Ford GT’s road and emissions certification testing. It is also adorned with the autographs of 13 members of the original Ford GT design and development team.
Also set for Russo and Steele Scottsdale is a rare, matching-numbers 1968 Corvette L88 Coupe, one of just 80 built, that earned Bloomington Gold and NCRS Top Flight certifications following a 1987 restoration by Tim Thorpe. Its comprehensive documentation includes NCRS and Bloomington Gold judging sheets, copies of correspondence between the GM Central Office and the original owner, as well as the original tank sticker, Protect-O-Plate and owner’s manual. For more information on Russo and Steele’s complete Scottsdale offerings, please visit www.russoandsteele.com
- RM Sotheby’s at the Arizona Concours
While technically not in Scottsdale, RM Sotheby’s will kick off its collector car auction season by returning to the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, January 19–20, for its 18th annual Arizona sale. There it will present more than 100 blue-chip automobiles from the world’s most desirable marques. Leading up to the sale, the grounds of the Biltmore will play host to the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, creating the ideal destination for enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of classic car camaraderie. Among the selected lots for the sale are a 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and a 1948 Tucker 48. For complete information, please visit www.rmsothebys.com
- Gooding & Co. – Italian mission, German classic, American experiment
The Lancia Stratos was created with a single mission: to win the World Rally Championship, and it did just that for three straight seasons. With a chassis and engine from the Ferrari Dino, the Bertone-designed Stratos looked like nothing else ever seen before. The roadcar version of the famed rally machine, chassis 001948, is painted rare Azzuro (Blue) and has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration.
Also crossing the block will be a rare “Disc-Brake, Iron-Block” Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, whose chassis, engine and body numbers match Mercedes-Benz records. It has recently been maintained by Precision Autoworks and Paul Russell & Company. It comes with with a removable hardtop, radio and fitted luggage, making it perfect for shows, tours and Gull Wing Group vents
In 1968, as American Motors sought to focus on more performance-based products that could better compete with foreign competitors and infuse excitement in the brand, design chief Richard “Dick” Teague was tasked with designing a mid-engined sports car. Collaboration with firms such as BMW, ItalDesign and Bizzarrini resulted in the AMX/3. After an extensive restoration, this AMX/3 won its class at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and now represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of American automotive history. For complete information about these and all the other cars coming up for bid, please visit www.goodingco.com
- Bonhams – A Ferrari Classic Leads the Way
Topping Bonhams’ list of Scottsdale offerings at its Westin Kierland Resort & Spa auction site is a rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheelbase California Spider, chassis number 2277GT, that ranks near the top of any Ferrari dreamer’s wish list. The 11th of just 54 built, it features coachwork by Scaglietti and design by Pinin Farina, and is powered by Ferrari’s famed three-liter Tipo 168 V12 with triple Weber carburetors. This authentic matching-numbers car retains its original body, driveline and factory build sheets, and was the 1961 Brussels Motor Show car.
The SWB California Spider will be joined by two other Ferraris of note, a 1952 340 America Vignale Spider and a 1966 275 GTB, as well as a host of other exciting European sports cars from Italy, Germany and England. For complete information, please visit www.bonhams.com/scottsdale
