by Mike Gulett –
In reviewing the Gooding auction results from the recent Scottsdale auction I noticed a few interesting facts and some interesting cars. My interesting cars are not the ones that were the most expensive but ones that caught my attention for some reason.
There were $1 million plus Ferraris, an Hispano-Suiza and several Porsches but I did not see one Mercedes 300SL.
As far as I can tell Gooding sold 89% of the lots with 52.8% being sold below the estimate range, 23.2% sold within the estimate range and 13% sold above the estimate range. The total sold value was $35,867,560.
The large number that sold below the estimate indicates to me that the auction company, and the sellers, were optimistic about the selling prices yet they kept the reserve prices (if there was one) at a level that would result in a sale. This may be a symptom of the continuing decline in the prices of certain collector cars and the failure of auction companies to recognize the reality of the current market.
Interesting collector cars from the Gooding Auction
Two orange cars caught my attention in the Gooding on-line catalog. Orange is one of my favorite car colors although I have never owned an orange car.
What caught my eye was the relative selling price of these two cars. The 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal sold for $51,520 and the 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe sold for $86,800! I could have imagined the numbers being reversed and even then the Karmann Ghia would have been high at $51k.
After reading the descriptions it became clear as to why this Karmann Ghia sold for such a strong price.
1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe
Photo compliments of Gooding.
Gooding writes,
Estimate: $70,000 – $90,000 | Without Reserve
SOLD $86,800*Please note that this vehicle’s current mileage is 411 miles.
– Astonishingly Original with Only 23 Miles when Catalogued
– Includes Window Sticker Still Affixed
– Final-Year Example, Delivered New to California
– Striking Color Combination and Presentation
– Accompanied by Documents and Original KeysDocumentation includes the still-affixed window sticker, Bill of Sale, delivery and preparation schedule, dealer stock number tag, and complete original key set, plus owner’s manual and photocopies of the dealer invoice. As offered, this final-year 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a time capsule, as-delivered, 45-year-old example of a European coachbuilt delight.
This is essentially a brand new 1974 Karmann Ghia with 411 miles! Now the question is if the new owner will drive it or keep it as a trailer queen?
1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Photo compliments of Gooding.
Gooding writes,
Coachwork by Bertone
Estimate: $70,000 – $90,000 | Without Reserve
SOLD $51,520– An Important Bertone Design by Marcello Gandini
– Features Race-Bred, Tipo 33-Derived DOHC V-8 Engine
– Finished in Striking Orange Livery
– Recipient of Cosmetic and Mechanical Refresh in 2017–2018
– One of Fewer than 4,000 BuiltRecent service records are included in the sale along with factory literature, a spare tire, and historical registration documents.
Striking in its orange livery, this Montreal continues to impress and offers an inspired blend of Marcello Gandini’s design and Alfa Romeo’s engineering.
So, nothing really special about this Montreal except the color and the fact it is a rare Montreal. Still, I have always liked the Montreal and this one would likely be a fun driver and there may be some room for price appreciation over time.
1956 Jaguar XK140 “Aerodyne”
Photo by Mike Gulett.
Gooding writes,
Coachwork by John Toom
Estimate: $125,000 – $150,000 | Without Reserve
SOLD $280,000– Custom Designed and Constructed by Nissan Designer John Toom
– Handcrafted Steel Body Inspired by French Custom Coachwork
– Constructed on Jaguar XK140 Chassis
– Powered by Jaguar E-Type 3.8-Litre Engine
– Beautifully Appointed and Proportioned3,781 CC DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetor
The craftsmanship in this one-off design needs to be seen to be appreciated. It could not be duplicated for this sales price.
A few years ago I had the pleasure to take a ride in the Jaguar Aerodyne. Watch my video below on full screen – it is 1.5 minutes long. Ron Kellogg, the owner, is driving and I am operating the camera.
Photo by Mike Gulett.
1954 Offenhauser 180 Racing Engine
The Offenhauser engine I wrote about before sold for $60,480 which seems like a reasonable price to me considering the unique history.
Photo by Mike Gulett.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
SummaryArticle NameScottsdale Auction Results From GoodingDescriptionThe large number of collector cars from the Gooding auction results that sold below the estimate indicates to me that the auction company and the sellers were optimistic about the selling prices yet they kept the reserve prices at a level that would result in a sale.Author
Mike Gulett
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