Old Cars Weekly

Chichester, Goodwood, UK – The Bonhams|Cars annual Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale (July 12th) presented a carefully curated selection of automotive greats spanning all eras of motoring, generating strong interest and a lively auction room. Held during one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events, Bonhams|Cars has conducted its Festival of Speed sale in partnership with Goodwood for over 30 years and this year eclipsed all competition, achieving the highest total for a UK sale to date in 2024 at £11,035,691.

In addition, honors for the top lot in the UK this year went to the 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S-Type Four-Seated Sports Tourer from the Tom Scott Collection. The S-Type achieved plenty of attention in the run up to the sale and eventually sold above estimate for £2,871,000. This car also formed part of the legendary C. W. P. ‘Peter’ Hampton Collection for many years. Very much the definitive supercar of its day, the low-slung 6.8-litre straight-six S-Type, with its screaming ‘Kompressor’ (supercharger) engaged, is of the type that would propel the likes of factory team driver Rudolf Caracciola to many victories for Mercedes-Benz against the might of Alfa Romeo, Bentley, and Bugatti. This example, chassis no. 35985, was delivered new to a Cecil Harcourt-Smith, via British Mercedes-Benz Ltd., in December 1928. It was subsequently raced by the Duke of Grafton and ultimately acquired in 1960 by noted collector Peter Hampton.

Additional highlights of the sale include:

• 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupé of the Tom Scott Collection, sold for £1,135,000.
• 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster of the Tom Scott Collection, sold for £1,045,400.
• 1932 Alfa Romeo 2300 Spider Corto, sold for £608,600.
• 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ‘Crown Edition’ Coupé, sold for £563,500.
• 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Volante Convertible, sold for £448,500.
• 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Piloti Coupé, sold for £408,250.

Bonhams|Cars uniquely offers a choice of live, online and private platforms for buying and selling collector cars—platforms characterized by levels of trust, reliability, and transparency born of over three decades of experience as the premier automotive auction house. Through prestigious live auctions around the world, 24/7 online auctions, and our recently introduced Private Sales service, Bonhams|Cars makes it simple for buyers and sellers to find the platform that best meets their needs.

Bonhams|Cars host 17 live auctions annually, participates in all the significant concours around the world, and presents unique selling opportunities at international events such as the 2023 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the official auction partner of the Formula 1 Paddock Club™, Goodwood Motorsport Events in the UK, The Quail on the Monterey Peninsula in California, The Audrain Concours in Newport, Rhode Island and The Zoute Grand Prix in Belgium. At Bonhams|Cars Online, formerly The Market by Bonhams, we provide our clients with fast, expert, accurate and agile single-car auctions, 24/7. With dedicated motoring departments in London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Brussels and beyond, Bonhams|Cars has a world-class team with expertise in all divisions, from vintage cars to racing motorsport and automobilia to motorcycles.
For more information, please visit BonhamsCars.com

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Carmel, CA – Two examples of some of Porsche’s finest purpose-built creations will be offered at the annual Bonhams|Cars Quail Auction on August 16. One of approximately 62 produced, a 1971 Porsche 911 S/T will be offered. Also joining the lineup is an exceptionally rare ‘Series II’ 1993 Porsche 959 Komfort, one of only six built.

Setting the stage for the iconic ‘73 RS 2.7, the 1970-1972 911 S/T, was a loosely applied moniker suggesting the 911 S drivetrain mated with the lighter, base-model 911 T body. While exact production figures are not entirely known, some experts believe the number is around 62 cars built for works and privateer teams to varying specifications, far fewer than the RS that succeeded it.

Chassis number 911.130.1251 is one of those approximately 62 S/T models and is said to be one of about 7 cars built in 1971. This car comes with highly desirable track focused specifications, including the M471 lightweight body option, factory lightweight glass, 100L fuel tank, and roll bar and presents today in its as-delivered specs with its original numbers-matching engine. Thoroughly enjoyed in period, highlights of its racing exploits include:

• 1971 Flugplatzrennen Kaufbeuren, Allgau – 1st in GT, +2000cc
• 1971 ADAC Bavaria-Rennen, Saltzburgring – 1st in Class, Group 4
• 1971 Sudwest Pokal-Int. ADACV Solitude Rennen – 4th Overall
• 1971 ADAC Hessenpreiss Flugplatz Kassel – 3rd in Class
• 1972 Int. DMV Rhein-pokal Jochen Rindt, Hockenheim – 1st Overall

Another example of Porsche’s purpose-built creations, the Type 959 was the company’s first true supercar. The world’s fastest and quickest road car in its day, it realized a mind-boggling array of advanced features that other automakers were only beginning to dream about.

By all official accounts 959 production ended in 1988, with the final model bearing serial number 288. However, in the early 1990s, a mysterious collector convinced Porsche to complete six (some sources say eight) more 959s. These so-called “Series II” were built at more than double the price of the original run and go up to serial number 294.

1993 Porsche 959 Komfort ‘Series II’ is chassis 291, marking it the fourth from last 959 built. Properly enjoyed, Chassis 291 shows 71,941km on the odometer. A respectable amount of which were added by one of its former caretakers, the Anglo-Swiss collector Anthony Maclean, who regularly drove it between his homes in the UK, Geneva, and the South of France. Mr. Maclean went on to entrust Simon Kidston, then of Bonhams & Brooks, to sell Chassis 291 at the Bonhams Les Grande Marques à Monaco Sale in 2001.

In 2005, and showing 45,000 km at the time, a UK-based collector acquired it. During his tenure, the car was maintained without regard to cost by Porsche GB, and the service book shows stamps from 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, and 2004. Considering the car’s exceptional condition, Porsche GB selected it to represent the model at the 2008 and 2009 Goodwood Revival Earls Court Motor Show displays, as well as part of the official launch of the 997 Turbo.

While over 20 years separate this 911 S/T and 959, both present an opportunity for enthusiastic collectors who are intent on fully experiencing the thrill a classic Porsche has to offer—those of which can only be felt sat squarely behind the wheel as you steadily approach redline.

The Quail Auction
Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Carmel, CA
August 16, 2024

About Bonhams|Cars

Bonhams|Cars uniquely offers a choice of live, online and private platforms for buying and selling collector cars—platforms characterised by levels of trust, reliability, and transparency born of over three decades of experience as the premier automotive auction house. Through prestigious live auctions around the world, 24/7 online auctions, and our recently introduced Private Sales service, Bonhams|Cars makes it simple for buyers and sellers to find the platform that best meets their needs.

Bonhams|Cars host 17 live auctions annually, participates in all the significant concours around the world, and presents unique selling opportunities at international events such as the 2023 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the official auction partner of the Formula 1 Paddock Club™, Goodwood Motorsport Events in the UK, The Quail on the Monterey Peninsula in California, The Audrain Concours in Newport, Rhode Island and The Zoute Grand Prix in Belgium. At Bonhams|Cars Online, formerly The Market by Bonhams, we provide our clients with fast, expert, accurate and agile single-car auctions, 24/7. With dedicated motoring departments in London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Brussels and beyond, Bonhams|Cars has a world-class team with expertise in all divisions, from vintage cars to racing motorsport and automobilia to motorcycles.

For more information, please visit BonhamsCars.com

Ever wonder what your classic ride is worth? Old Cars Price Guide is now online! Check it out and join to get the unbiased and real-world pricing on classic cars. You get pricing anytime, anyplace on your phone, tablet or computer.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

INDIANAPOLIS (July 9, 2024) – MAVTV – the world’s premier media platform for passion-fueled motorsports, powersports and automotive programming – has announced the premiere of two all-new episodes of “On the Rise.” The award-winning original documentary series delves into the personal journeys of promising young racers across the two-wheel and four-wheel motorsports worlds. Each episode follows a different driver chasing the dream of competing at the highest level.

“We are thrilled to bring the incredible stories of Thomas Annunziata and Jeb Burton to our audience as the latest episodes of our award-winning “On the Rise” docuseries,” said MAVTV President CJ Olivares. “Winning a Telly Award this year for best TV documentary is a testament to the quality and impact of our original shows like ‘On the Rise,’ and we are proud to continue delivering such compelling storytelling to our viewers. This series is a cornerstone of MAVTV’s commitment to revealing the deeper narrative around the people at the heart of the sport, from up-and-coming young racers to veterans standing atop the podium.”

“On the Rise: Thomas Annunziata” – Premieres July 11 at 9 p.m. ET

Thomas Annunziata’s partial season in the Trans-Am TA2 series had its ups and downs, but after showing flashes of brilliance, he put it all together at the season finale to pick up his first series win. This performance capped off a season that saw him finish 9^th in the championship standings. Annunziata looks for more success in 2024 as he continues to develop his racing career.

“On the Rise: Jeb Burton” – Premieres July 18 at 9 p.m. ET

Jeb Burton, son of NASCAR legend Ward Burton, began his professional career in 2008 at South Boston Speedway and quickly progressed through the ranks. In 2012, he debuted in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, securing his first win and multiple top finishes, followed by his first Xfinity win in 2021 at Talladega. Currently competing with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport, Burton is also an avid outdoorsman, sharing his passion for hunting, fishing, and conservation through his series “Crossroads with the Burtons” on the Sportsman Channel.

The first episode featuring Thomas Annunziata will premiere on Thursday, July 11, followed by the episode featuring Jeb Burton on Thursday, July 18. Both episodes air at 9 p.m. ET exclusively on MAVTV.

For more information, visit MAVTV.com and follow MAVTV on social media for the latest updates and exclusive content.

ABOUT MAVTV – MAVTV is the only linear television network and media platform dedicated exclusively to the global culture of motorsports and powered by a passion for speed. Offering an unparalleled line-up of exclusive and live racing, and narrative programming, MAVTV explores the people, vehicles, races and places within global motorsports: on pavement, dirt and water, and from Stock Cars to Rally, Drag Racing to Late Model Dirt, Trans Am to Sprint, Superbike to Enduro, and everything in between.

MAVTV goes beyond racing with a curated collection of documentary and “build” series and specials that inspire, inform and grow our community of race fans and auto enthusiasts with compelling storytelling. With a presence in more than 22 million households in North America (DIRECTV, Spectrum, YouTube TV, FuboTV and more), FAST channels across 24 countries and more than 300 million connected devices, the network is on a rapid growth trajectory.

For more information, visit www.MAVTV.com – and follow MAVTV on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

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Carlisle, PA – Beginning July 26, athletes from around the world converge on Paris, France for the Summer Olympics games. While this weeks-long event showcases the best of the best in a variety of disciplines, some 3,780 miles away about one week later at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the complete opposite takes center stage for the Red 102.3 Redneck Games at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Carlisle Truck Nationals weekend is August 2-4 and from 7 AM on Friday through load out Sunday, highlights a variety of family-friendly activities. In addition to the trucks on display and in motion, Carlisle Events, a long-standing local business within the Carlisle community, is pleased to partner with another local entity; Radio Carlisle’s Red 102.3 for their popular Redneck Games event.

Maybe it’s a bit ironic that the actual Olympics in Paris start a week earlier because whatever will happen at this year’s Redneck Games will be the opposite of anything showcased in France. The games start at 10 AM on Saturday, August 3 with a very entertaining opening ceremony. Led by the station’s local on-air personalities, the 16 athletes, and we use this term loosely, will position themselves in front of the stage for a handful of physically and mentally challenging contests.

Two groups of four teams (16 participants) square off as part of six games of skill and chance. Games range from pretty simple, to more than a little difficult. Games are as follows: Road Kill Toss (no actual road kill will be tossed), Cigarette Flip (assuming no actual cigarettes either), Beer Bottle Ring Toss, Cornhole, Toilet Paper Toss, and the grand finale; Bobbing for Pigs Feet. The winning team earns a variety of prizes from the Red 102.3 prize closet, while everyone else gets a parting gift of some sort. In addition, everyone will have their shenanigans showcased on social media for the world to see!

Promotion of the 2024 Redneck Games is currently underway by way of the Carlisle Events web page, Carlisle Truck Nationals social media channels, and on-air with Red 102.3. On-air and social media promotion starts July 10, with registration through Red 102.3 running July 16- 19. Advanced contesting will see six teams win their way into the competition, while two more teams will be selected as wild card entrants in person at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Aside from this activity, the Carlisle Truck Nationals continue to welcome in trucks, displays, and activities that are fun for all ages. There are monster truck shows and rides, freestyle motorcycle stunt shows, trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles, and eras, and best of all, kids 12 and under are admitted FREE!

Spectator admission tickets are discounted online in advance and Showfield registration is available online through Monday, July 29 (in person thereafter). To learn more and make plans to attend, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 today.

Carlisle Events, celebrating 50 years in 2024, is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes automotive flea markets of varying sizes, multiple auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports, tuners, and performance sport compacts. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle

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CARTERSVILLE, GA – Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, GA announced the opening of their newest temporary exhibit, Moonshine Runners. During the prohibition era, bootleggers would modify cars and trucks for power, speed, and stability to transport illegal liquors in hopes of outrunning the law. This exhibition will feature examples of these early-era hotrods. The exhibit is open through November 3, 2024. Vehicles comprising this exhibit include:

• 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe (On loan from Charles & Mary Brock, Rome, GA)
• 1940 Ford Standard Coupe (On loan from Wayne & Janet Pugh, Loganville, GA)
• 1948 Ford Deluxe Sedan (On loan from Jacky Jones)
• 1950 Ford Business Coupe (On loan from Ricky & Joyce Lyle, Roanoke, VA)
• 1951 3100 Chevy Panel Truck (On loan from Bethany Worley, Ferrum, VA)
• 1954 Ford Mainline Business Coupe (On loan from Ricky & Joyce Lyle, Roanoke, VA)
• 1957 Ford Custom Business Coupe (On loan from Ralph Watts, Buchanan, VA)

In conjunction with the exhibit, join them on Saturday, July 13, 2024, for an interesting journey through the history of moonshine, moonshine runners, and their cars with Roddy Moore and Ken Gross. The program, Racing the Law – Moonshine Runners, will delve into the connection between moonshine, moonshine runners, the speed equipment utilized on their cars, and the birth of stock car racing. This evening promises to illuminate the unique role these elements played in shaping our cultural landscape.

The program will begin at 7:00 in the Presentation Theatre. Seating is limited for this event.

Racing the Law – Moonshine Runners is a part of their TIRESIDE CHAT speaker series presented by Styles Auto Care.

Program Tickets:

Members – Complimentary
General Public – Program – $17

GET TICKETS HERE

Savoy Automobile Museum is located at 3 Savoy Lane, Cartersville, GA 30120. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. For more information visit savoymuseum.org.

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Select Saturdays throughout 2024

The Simeone Museum announced the Simeone Museum’s 2024 Demo Day calendar! This year, they’ve revved up their schedule to bring an even more exciting lineup of events that celebrate the art, history, and engineering of classic automobiles. Each Demo Day will offer an immersive experience with expert talks, live demonstrations, and opportunities to get up close and personal with these automotive treasures.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ONLINE

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
6825 Norwitch Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19153
215-365-7233
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10AM -6PM Saturday – Sunday 10AM-4PM
Closed Mondays and Major Holidays
https://simeonemuseum.org/

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Bonhams|Cars – Bonhams|Cars will kick off its auction calendar with The Scottsdale Auction in Arizona on January 25, 2024. This event coincides with the world-renowned Arizona Concours d’Elegance, a celebration of automotive design and is part of the auction season which has been established in the desert for more than 50 years. Complementing the Concours, the annual Bonhams|Cars auction will feature an array of classic cars, headlined by a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan, formerly owned by Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia .

The storied legacy of Duesenberg in American automotive history is illustrious, particularly highlighted when the Duesenberg Model J made its grand debut at the 1931 Paris Salon, captivating its European audience precisely as intended. The allure of this model reached Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia, who acquired this particular car off the show stand and expressed satisfaction with her new purchase, calling it “supreme elegance.” Over the years, this vehicle spent time in the US before reaching its current custodian who took ownership in 2002 and entered the car in Italy’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where it took second in class in 2005. Stunningly presented in black over red interior, it features chrome wire wheels, and is minimally adorned, allowing the elegant Franay design to shine. Offered in superb order after more than twenty years of single ownership and retaining its original body, engine, and chassis, this Model J represents a one-off opportunity to acquire a spectacular motorcar fit for a queen.

Embodying the pinnacle of American classic-era automobiles, an important 1930 Cadillac V-16 Roadster, will also be offered in the sale. This vehicle, boasting a well-documented history from its initial delivery, was first acquired by Tag Whittall, then became a cherished part of John Moir’s family collection for an impressive 90 years. It has been restored in its original colors.

Another icon of history offered from the same collection, is a 1936 Packard Model 1407 Twelve Coupe Roadster. A premier luxury automobile of the US from the early 20th century, this Packard is a limited edition Twelve series that is highly sought after, especially as a Coupe Roadster. The flowing and elegant Coupe Roadster is not short on style, with one of the most desirable body styles offered in 1936 and finished in a stunning livery of black over a red leather cabin. 

A special section of the sale comes from the Maine Classic Car Collection, which is known for their finest collection of rare and vintage motorcars. Among the 27-car collection, all of which are being offered without reserve, is a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Cabriolet. 

The Scottsdale Sale will see a variety of offerings beyond the classics. Last year’s sale saw success with modern supercars as well as vehicles over 100 years old. From the 2006 Maserati MC12 selling for $3.8 million to the 1912 Simplex 50hp which sold for $4.8 million, making it the most expensive pre-war American car ever sold.

The Scottsdale Auction
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Date: January 25

About Bonhams|Cars – Bonhams|Cars uniquely offers a choice of live, online and private platforms for buying and selling collector cars—platforms characterized by levels of trust, reliability, and transparency born of over three decades of experience as the premier automotive auction house. Through prestigious live auctions around the world, 24/7 online auctions, and our recently introduced Private Sales service, Bonhams|Cars makes it simple for buyers and sellers to find the platform that best meets their needs.

For more information, please visit https://cars.bonhams.com/

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GROSSE POINTE, Michigan  –Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, announced the consignment of the historic 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder “Lucybelle III”, chassis 718-024 to its Amelia Island Auction, being held this March 1-2 at the stunning Amelia Island Ritz Carlton. The Porsche 718 RSK Spyder has an impressive period history having been sold new to American race car driver and former Le Mans winner Ed Hugus. Hugus raced 718-024 in the instantly recognizable “Lucybelle III” livery at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in the subsequent years, the Porsche was raced in both USAC and SCCA events as well as at the grueling Pikes Peak Hillclimb in 1962 where it finished Fourth in Class.

Jakob Greisen, Senior Car Specialist, Broad Arrow Auctions, states, “The 1959 Porsche 718 RSK is a hugely significant example of a purebred Porsche Le Mans race car, and we are truly honored to be offering it at the official auction of The Amelia on behalf of its gentleman owner. Chassis 024 is an impressively restored example with outstanding provenance and certainly one of the most genuine and best-documented examples of the few 718 RSK examples remaining worldwide.”

The 718 RSK has recently benefitted from a meticulous and award-winning restoration by renowned restorer Mark Allin and his team at Rare Drive, Inc. That restoration painstakingly returned the Porsche back to the exact and original specification and presented in the period correct “Lucybelle III” livery as raced in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, while preserving major components of the car. The attention to detail and factory correct accuracy throughout the restoration is breathtaking, down to the white exterior paint, finished on top of German Racing Silver, as correct when the car first raced at “la Sarthe”. Since then, the RSK has been shown extensively having starred at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it won a class award and the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance where it won a First in Class and was exercised on the Colorado Grand.

Now in its second year of being the official auction company of The Amelia, Broad Arrow Auctions continues to assemble a stellar lineup of consignments for the auction across all decades of motoring, with the Porsche joining other highlights such as the 2020 McLaren Speedtail and 1947 Delahaye 135 M Abbott Roadster.

Broad Arrow will kickstart its 2024 calendar with the company’s inaugural Amelia Auction and debut as the official auction of The Amelia. Set for March 1-2 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, the Amelia Auction will feature exceptional collector cars ranging from pre-war classics to modern supercars. Collectors interested in consigning their car(s) to this world-class event are invited to contact a Broad Arrow specialist via broadarrowauctions.com.

About Broad Arrow, a Hagerty Company – Broad Arrow, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is an advisor, market maker, and financier for car collectors with a commitment to integrity, trust, and innovation. Broad Arrow operates Broad Arrow Auctions, Broad Arrow Capital, and Broad Arrow Private Sales (formerly Collectors Garage) and is headquartered in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. For more information, please visit connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.  www.broadarrowauctions.com

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Back when I was a radio disc jockey on a progressive rock format station, I was required to play everything from folk to fusion jazz and everything between, including heavy metal, glitter and electronic music. Perhaps as a carryover from my DJ days, I try to write about all variations of light-duty trucks, from primitives to work horses to muscle pickups.

While I have featured in this column the 1940s Dodge Power Wagon that was discontinued in 1968, I was asleep at the wheel regarding the Dodge W150 Power Wagon that brought back the hallowed “Power Wagon” name. Fortunately for readers, I woke up and found a rare example of the latter owned by Power Wagon lover Alex Fanelli, who located and landed a 1978 version near her home.

Alex and her husband, Frank, regularly scan KSL.com, a Utah website similar to CraigsList.com, so they don’t miss out on a worthy project vehicle. It was on this website that Alex found this rare 1978 Power Wagon W-150 with both the Macho and True Spirit packages.

Frank, who’s known for his work at Kindig-it Design and as a TV personality on “Bitchin’ Rides,” mentioned that Alex loves Power Wagons, and is particularly obsessed with shortbed versions of Dodge’s rugged four-wheel-drive truck.

“Alex knew it was a rare truck just by the appearance and package,” Frank said. “The photos also proved it was really clean and rust free. She spoke to the seller and found out it was a big-block four-wheel drive and told me about it. We went to look at it and fell in love with it.”

Dodge’s bold and beautiful trucks

For 1972, Dodge’s pickup received a styling overhaul with an extensive appearance change. The new look was inspired by MoPar’s fuselage styling that came and went on all of the Chrysler Corp.’s brands — Plymouth, Dodge, Chrysler and Imperial — starting as early as 1969 and ending as late as 1974, depending on the model. With the fuselage style, the vehicle’s body sides were curved, as on a plane. The side glass curved in at the top of the greenhouse, while the lower body sides bowed inward at the rocker panels. The fuselage car’s beltline was very high so that the side windows were diminutive. Fortunately, this gun-sight vision did not occur on the Dodge pickup. In fact, windshield and back window areas significantly increased with the 1972 redesign. Like the cars, the Dodge pickup had a starched, slab-sided look with the A and B pillars smoothly melded with the lower body. This envelope, rectangular style stayed around for 20 years until the “big rig”-designed Dodge Ram came along in 1994.

From 1977 to 1980, Dodge rewrote the truck rule book for the in-crowd by building far-out trucks with bright and bold graphic packages and mag wheels that were holdovers from its Super Bee- and Challenger R/T-building muscle car days. Dodge’s “adult toy” trucks of the late 1970s began with the Street Van that was often further tricked out by “van hippies;” the Warlock stepside pickup with wood bed trim and gold spike wheels and accent striping; and Macho versions of the Ramcharger sport-utility and Power Wagon. In 1978, the Dodge Li’l Red Express pickup with bed-side exhaust stacks, gold graphics and wood trim was introduced. By 1981, all were history.

A Macho with True Spirit

Alex and Frank’s Power Wagon comes from the peak of Dodge’s graphic-happy truck period. These colorful and striped trucks are getting hotter by the day, but the couple thinks their truck remained available upon their discovery because it needed work.

“The truck likely appeared to be a headache to other buyers, as the seller was halfway between finishing the axle swap he started, and the brake and fuel system were not present,” Frank said. “We saw a diamond in the rough. Alex and I restore classic muscle cars and trucks at Fanelli Restorations in Murray, Utah, so we were ready for the challenge. I once worked on custom cars at Kindig-it Design and formerly did metal fabrication bodywork on the show ‘Bitchin’ Rides.’ I left both venues to go on an active Army tour. Alex has a background in upholstery and general mechanics.”

The Fanellis are saving this rare Power Wagon from going to the great interstate in the sky. So far, they have rebuilt the Dana 60 rear axle and are completing a rebuild of the front Dana 44 axle. The driveshaft has been refurbished and the chassis has been painted. When Alex and Frank purchased the pickup, it came with a burly 335-hp 383-cid V-8 engine transplanted from a 1970 Dodge Challenger. A MoPar A-727 automatic currently transfers those horses to the pavement. However, the seller gave Frank and Alex the truck’s original 440-cid V-8 engine block as well as a four-speed transmission.

After buying the pickup, Alex and Frank fitted it with new wheels and meaty tires. When we last checked in with them, they were preparing to plumb the fuel system and rebuild the brake system.

“The exterior is the original Sunburst Orange paint while the interior is black and tan,” Frank said. The instrument cluster and steering wheel are black, while the door panels are tan. At some point, the original bench seat was replaced with a seat from an ’80s Dodge truck. Alex installed an orange, black and white cover over it.”

“We refreshed the interior, gathered parts to complete the dash and gauges to proper factory appearance,” Alex said. The interior typifies the simplicity of an earlier time; this is typified by the painted metal panel on the inside of the cab roof. As a plus, there’s no fabric headliner that might sag.”

“The truck presents a bit of a conundrum, as it has a white stripe kit on the sides of the exterior similar to the California dealer-only True Spirit package, yet bears front bumper bars, side steps and stainless rollbar in the bed like a Macho Power Wagon, another rare dealer option of the era,” Frank said. “This truck came from Arizona, and we believe the dealer or original owner chose to dress it up as so. It’s a hybrid of the True Spirit and Macho packages, so I have joked it is the ‘True Macho’ Power Wagon.”

“The truck has an interesting history,” Frank added. “It came from Burge Motor Company in Kingman, Arizona. The original dealer sticker is still on the driver side of the tailgate showing this. It was owned by a woman who got into trouble with her life choices and had to relinquish the truck as collateral for the debts to her drug dealer. Then the dealer sold the truck to the man we purchased the truck from. Amazingly, the truck only bears a dent along the driver’s rocker panel for being owned by such a tumultuous original owner.”

The Fanellis recently welcomed their first child, so the Power Wagon project has been slightly delayed. We’re sure they’ll have it back on the road soon enough to drive their child to preschool in true macho style. 

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Auburn, Indiana. – After a focused run of expanded sales at its dedicated auction headquarters in Auburn, Indiana, Worldwide Auctioneers is gearing up for a return to Arizona in January with another curated offering of world-class cars and a new date to kick off the weekend. The catalogue for the company’s boutique sale, the Scottsdale Auction, is now online. The live auction is scheduled for 11am on Friday, January 26, with an iconic, fastidiously restored 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster headlining the catalogue cover. Selling at no reserve and presented in stunning factory black over factory red interior, the car is extensively documented and offered for sale from enthusiast ownership.

 “Timeless in design and capable of exceptional performance, the 300SL Roadster ranks among the most influential sports cars ever produced, and this is a spectacular, brilliantly presented example”, said Rod Egan, Principal and Chief Auctioneer. “We’re excited to be back in Arizona in January, launching the auction year with a very diverse collection of great cars, over half of which are offered at no reserve.”

The Scottsdale Auction will once again be staged on the beautiful, expansive grounds of Singh Meadows, just outside Scottsdale in Tempe, Arizona.

Other significant European sports cars slated for the sale include a Ferrari Classiche Certified

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta, number 13 of just 448 special edition open-top cars produced after its original unveiling at the Paris Show in 2000, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Pininfarina. Notable pre-war consignments include an impeccably documented Pebble Beach award-winning

1940 Packard Darrin 1807 Convertible Sedan with a fascinating history. One of only eleven built, it was delivered new to Earl C. Anthony Packard in Los Angeles, immediately used as a show car, and is today restored to its as-new, factory documented specifications. Also crossing the block is a well-documented 1949 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet, one of just a handful of examples bodied in Chapron’s “long-nose” style, authenticated by President of Club Delahaye, Jean-Paul Tissot.

Supercars are well-represented at the Scottsdale Auction, among them an exceptional 2005 Ford GT with just 2,517 miles from new, desirably equipped with all four factory options and 1 of just 756 manufactured in Mark IV Red Clearcoat for 2005. Lamborghini enthusiasts can look forward to a menacing triple-black 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, offered at no reserve with just two owners and 4,300 miles from new, and a very desirable 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago ‘Six-Speed’ Coupe with factory sport exhaust and factory two-tone yellow interior. Other important consignments include a well-documented 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster with just three owners from new and 55 years of single ownership, and an expertly restored, numbers-matching 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440-6 Coupe in factory Plum Crazy over black interior. Also slated for the sale is an outstanding 1968 Shelby GT350 Convertible Coupe, with factory Shelby Paxton Supercharger, signed by Carroll Shelby himself, and an impeccably documented 1964 Sunbeam Tiger MKI Roadster, Serial # 1, offered with an extensive four-year photo documented body-off-the-frame-restoration. Extensively restored and upgraded, a stately 1989 Daimler DS420 Limousine used to chauffeur Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II while on tour in New Zealand in 2002 is also set to go under the hammer. Consignments can be browsed in detail online and discussed with a Worldwide specialist at 1.260.925.6789 or sales@worldwideauctioneers.com.

SCOTTSDALE AUCTION DETAILS

The Scottsdale Auction is scheduled for 11am on Friday, January 26, 2024, with preview days on Wednesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 25 from 9am to 6pm. For details on bidder registration, general admission, and the full schedule, visit worldwideauctioneers.com or call 1.260.925.6789.

About Worldwide Auctioneers – Worldwide Auctioneers is a U.S.-based, boutique catalogue auction company that is unique in having principals who are owner auctioneers, wholly invested in seamlessly delivering the optimal result for every client. In addition to the acquisition and sale of classic automobiles at auction, it offers an extensive range of personalized services to the serious collector, including appraisal, collection direction and consultancy, estate planning and asset management. For those seeking to sell a car or collection privately, the company’s private sales division incorporates The Gallery showroom, housed within a 200,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility at its Auburn headquarters, along with a dedicated memorabilia division. Worldwide’s annual schedule includes the Scottsdale Auction in January, the Enthusiast Auction in April in Auburn, Indiana, the Auburn Auction, held over Labor Day Weekend in Indiana, and stand-alone auctions of significant private collections.

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