by Mike –
We are in a period of pause for the collector car world, I believe, which is not bad.
Here are some of my thoughts on what I think are interesting results from the recent classic car auctions in Arizona.
RM Sotheby’s
1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia
Sold for $1,430,000
This may be the highest price ever paid for a Cadillac Ghia. This one must be very special and is only one of two Cadillac Series 62 Coupes by Ghia. But still $1.4 million is a lot!
RM Sotheby’s writes,
210 bhp, 331 cu. in. OHV V-8, four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, coil-spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126 in.
One of two such examples built by the famed Italian coachbuilder Ghia
Part of its current owner’s collection for two decades
Restored by the well-known Mike Fennel
Italian style and American engineering at their peak
1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 by Pininfarina
Not sold – estimate – $350,000 – $400,000
It is surprising that this beautiful Ferrari did not sell. Maybe the reserve was too high but it looks to be a very nice example and it should have sold.
RM Sotheby’s writes,
320 bhp, 4,390 cc DOHC V-12 engine with six Weber 38 DCOE59/60A side-draft carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel upper and lower wishbone, coil-spring independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.4 in.
Believed to have been retained by Bill Harrah and tested by Road & Track magazine
Restored by marque experts in Germany in 2012
Recent major service; ready to drive and enjoy
Fitted with its original engine
Gooding
1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S
Sold $484,000
Wow, what a price for a modern collectable. This 1997 Porsche Turbo S brought several times its original price when new. These are terrific cars but are they really worth this premium just because they have a few more horsepower and yellow brake calipers? I know there are other differences but are those differences really worth thousands of dollars more than a regular 993 Turbo??
Gooding writes,
One of the Finest of the 176 US-Market 993 Turbo S Examples
One Registered Owner from New to 2015
Approximately 22,000 Miles from New
Stunning Performer with Highly Desirable Original Colors
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Service Records and Accessories
1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport
Sold $121,000
Another wow! This Riviera sold for well over the estimate range and it must be a world record for a Buick Riviera. This is certainly the most desirable year and model for the Buick Riviera (the Gran Sport) but they are not rare and this car could be duplicated for less I suspect. Still, I would love to have this one in my garage.
Gooding writes,
Landmark Bill Mitchell Design
One of just 3,354 Gran Sports Built for 1965
Professional Restoration in Original Colors
Flagship of Mid-1960s GM Styling and Engineering
An Outstanding and Rare Riviera425 CID Nailhead V-8 Engine
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetors
360 BHP at 4,400 RPM
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Drum brakes
Bonhams
1975 DATSUN 280Z 2+2 SPORTS COUPE
Sold for US$ 49,500 inc. premium
This model was unattractive when new and still is today. Nissan started with the terrific 240Z and migrated to this 2+2 in a short time and they wonder why no one liked them. I know Japanese cars are becoming popular in the collector world but just because a car is rare doesn’t mean it is desirable.
Bonhams writes,
2,753cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
170bhp at 5,800rpm
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc – Rear Drum Brakes*Incredible original survivor with just over 2000 miles
*Legendary Japanese sports car
*One of the best performing sports cars of its day
*Improved model with reliable fuel injection
*Original wheels and tires
1983 PININFARINA SPIDER AZZURA
Sold for US$ 26,400 inc. premium
This looks like a Fiat 124 Spider – but the price is much higher than the Fiat 124. This one is the rare version marked by Pininfarina after Fiat left the US market and it has fuel injection and low miles. I like it!
Bonhams writes,
1,995cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
102bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes*Highly-original example of Pininfarina’s own Spider
*Presented in stunning Rosso Vivo
*Low-mileage example with just few owners from new
*Stylish Italian Spider produced by the legendary Coachbuilder
*Offered with much paraphernalia, owners manuals and tools
There are more but this is all I had time to write about today.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
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