by Mike –
As I wrote a few days ago,
We are in a period of pause for the collector car world, I believe, which is not bad.
The classic cars below coming up for auction in Amelia Island help support my point.
My point is that many of the best cars are staying home and are not for sale now. To compensate the auction companies have to dig deep to fill out their dance cards. You be the judge.
RM Sotheby’s
1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
Without Reserve
There are many old American cars at this auction which will sell for much less than the European cars they wish they had.
2004 London TXII Taxi
Without Reserve
Yep, a taxi cab – it is a London taxi but a modern 2004 model.
1964 Peel P50
Without Reserve
RM Southeby’s write this is the world’s smallest production automobile – but how important is that?
Gooding
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
Estimate: $360,000 – $425,000
Yes, the estimate is a big number but this is a regular modern supercar. What’s next for Gooding, Lamborghini Gallardos?
1976 Triumph TR6
Estimate: $40,000 – $50,000 – Without Reserve
This must be a terrific TR6 to have such a high estimate – but still it is a TR6 – a fun car but not rare.
Gooding had help this year from Jerry Seinfeld who is thinning out his Porsche (and VW) collection with 18 or so up for auction at Amelia Island. Without this one consignor collection Gooding would be even more limited in their offering.
I understand your position and comments on the content (or lack thereof) of the vehicles being offered at Amelia island, and for that mater other events. However my wife and I are relatively new at attending and participating in these events, and have a different perspective.
Our interests for the past 25 years or so was strictly in competitive motor sports. Only in the last three or so years have we diversified our interest to concourse and auction events. Prior to that I could of cared less about a an Iso Grifo, Isetta, Peel, Jaguar, Cord etc etc. However as we have gotten older (50’s), we are just starting to appreciate the history and heritage of these magnificent creations. I’m just starting to understand the significance of these individuals, and how their passion influenced in the automotive industry, regardless of there geography or who they were associated with.
So I embrace the eclectic mix of multi million dollar cars as well as the multi thousand dollar cars that are on display and being offered at auction. We find it very interesting and educational.
We have tickets in hand for Amelia Island and are planning on attending the Gooding’s, and Hollywood wheels events as well as the RM event. After that I’m off to the races at turn thirteen in Sebring. This will mark our second major event so far this year and are looking forward to several more. Personally I’m on the hunt for a Ferrari 599 but I also fell in love with a 37 Cord 812. I would never would have known how sweet a ride that car is in person had it not been at a Concourse event. Like this website here, I dig it and the information is excellent.
Anthony,
Thank you for your well thought out comment. I do hope you and your wife have a great time in Amelia Island. It is a wonderful event.
My point here is that these high end auctions have changed over the last 1 year or so as the market is taking a pause. These 2 auctions I wrote about are now selling cars that would have been at other auctions in the past. It is a sign of the times and I know these auction companies have to do what they can to keep their revenue stream flowing.