After a week of parties and social gatherings, the first day of 2024 called for a relaxing solo road trip. My destination of choice was an old mining town about 60 miles east of Phoenix called Superior. Its history dates back to 1875, and for a lot of reasons, the town has remained frozen in time for at least the last several decades. One of the reasons for that is the fact that a primary source of copper, the Magma Mine, closed in 1984. Today, Main Street has been bypassed by U.S. Highway 60, and perhaps that is one of the reasons why it remains so well preserved. Driving it is taking a step back in time.
Along the way, I stopped at a 100-year-old botanical garden sitting on over 300 acres of the North Sonoran Desert. It is called the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and it gave me a glimpse of some of the surprisingly diverse plant and animal life that can survive in the harsh climate of the southwest region. One of the century-old Eucalyptus trees, called “Mr. Big,” living there has a 22-foot circumference.
The highlight of the trip, however, came not during my visit to Superior and the surrounding area, but when I got home and started doing some research. One of the black and white photos that I found of Superior was taken precisely in the direction and location of a shot I had taken just a couple of hours earlier. While the photo was not dated, it appears to be from the 1920s based on the vehicles featured within it. Perhaps some of our eagle-eyed readers can identify some of the cars.
Superior is not technically a ghost town, as there are about 2,500 people who call it home, but on New Year’s Day 2024, it sure felt like one. I had Main Street and the surrounding areas to myself as I perused some of the old architecture like the Superior High School (built in 1925 and closed in 2000). The school was recently purchased by the town – it was being used as a private residence – and there are plans to renovate it as a multi-generational community center. For now, though, it sits behind a chain link fence.
There is something magical about urban exploration in towns that were once bustling centers of commerce and social activity but have since quieted down. In fitting anniversary fashion, my 1992 NSX rolled 120,000 miles on the drive home. My short day-trip was just what the doctor ordered to kick off the new year in style, and I look forward to more similar adventures in the near future.
Did you also manage to get your classic car out for the holiday? Let me know how it went!
Kia America announced last week that it is unveiling an additional security measure to support its customers in response to criminals using methods of theft popularized on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models. This new hardware modification—an ignition cylinder protector—is designed for the vehicles that are not eligible for the security software upgrade that Kia introduced earlier in 2023 and works to combat theft by reinforcing the ignition cylinder body and preventing its removal through the method of theft promoted in videos that have spread across social media encouraging criminal activity.
This additional modification was available beginning December 20 through a free Customer Satisfaction Initiative for the models that are not eligible for the software upgrade. Following the completion of the installation, each vehicle will be affixed with window decals to inform would-be car thieves that the vehicle is equipped with enhanced theft protection.
In addition to this ignition cylinder protector, Kia has also designed a software upgrade that further enhances a vehicle’s security by restricting the operation of a vehicle’s ignition system should a potential criminal attempt to steal a locked vehicle without the key, and the company continues to strongly encourage eligible customers to have this software upgrade installed. Since January 2023, dealers have installed the anti-theft software upgrade on close to 940,000 vehicles, and Kia has hosted multiple temporary software upgrade clinics to assist local dealers with installation in key cities with many more planned in early 2024.
Kia also continues to provide free steering wheel locks directly to affected owners of vehicles that are not eligible for the software upgrade, and the company is also working with local law enforcement agencies and public officials to distribute them as well. These free steering wheel locks further enhance the vehicle’s security and can serve as a visual deterrent for potential car thieves. To date, Kia has distributed more than 325,000 locks and will continue to provide them as they are needed. Earlier this year, the company also announced an agreement that will allow customers who have been impacted by vehicle thefts to receive additional benefits.
Kia is notifying impacted owners about this new anti-theft Customer Satisfaction Initiative through multiple points of contact with instructions to bring their vehicle to the nearest Kia dealership to have the free ignition protector installed. More information is available at https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs/SWLD, where customers can input their vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm eligibility for the software or protector installation.
Subset of Eligible Vehicles with Key Operated Ignition System:
“I’ve always believed that if you take care of your vehicle, it will take care of you.” These words were pulled from one of the listings on ClassicCars.com, and they spoke to me because I love vehicles that have been driven and enjoyed, yet still look brand new.
Following a similarly clean 1996 Suburban I wrote about last month, I was inspired to select this one as a follow-up. As of 2024, the Suburban name has been around for 90 years. Originally referred to as the “Carryall Suburban” in 1934, it has now endured an impressive 12 generations. Chances are, a Suburban has found its way into the driveway or garage of someone you know.
Model year 2000 marked the launch of the ninth generation which rode on General Motors’ GMT830 platform. Suburbans of this era were classified under half-ton (1500) and three-quarter-ton (2500) designations. The new millennium brought some important design and engineering changes. Among them, the spare tire was moved to the underbody to free up cargo room, the instruments were modernized, four-wheel disc brakes became standard, and higher trim levels got features like load-leveling suspensions and a digital climate control system.
Even though today’s featured Suburban shows 262,000 miles on the odometer, it has been completely revamped both inside and out. Even its 5.7-liter Vortec V8 has been remanufactured, and it carries a 100,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind. Additional maintenance includes a rebuilt air conditioning system, newer Michelin Defender tires, new shock absorbers, a new alternator, and much more.
The seller clarifies the breakout of expenditures over the life of the vehicle over the last two decades: “Since 2003, I’ve spent $33,920.44 in continuing repairs including $14,591.51 to replace the engine and transmission and $5,000 to touch up and paint it last year. This was the actual cost I’ve paid to mechanics and body shop and doesn’t include the purchase price. I will give all receipts for these repairs, maintenance, and restoration items to the buyer.”
“She has been well cared for and is ready for years of fun for the new owners,” the seller says.
The asking price is $14,999, which is less than the seller spent in the past year on the work to the engine, transmission, and body.
There aren’t many 20-year-old vehicles that come with warranties these days, so act now on this one!
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan formerly owned by Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia
Bonhams|Cars
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.
1930 Cadillac V-16 Roadster,
Bonhams|Cars
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.
1936 Packard Model 1407 Twelve Coupe Roadster,
Bonhams|Cars
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.
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Cabriolet, without reserve
Bonhams|Cars
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 asthepremier 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.
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
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.”
Ed Hugus / Ray “Ernie” Erickson, #37, 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours 20 June 1959
Courtesy of Motorsport Images
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.
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.
Nathan Deremer c/o Broad Arrow Auctions
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
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
Rare 1978 Dodge Power Wagon has both Macho and True Spirit packages.
Michael Petti
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.
Owners Frank and Alex Fanelli look under the hood of their project truck that they’ve whole-heartedly begun tearing into for a complete rebuild.
Michael Petti
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.
Interior with a seat cover in orange, black, and white. Note the painted metal ceiling so there’s no headliner to sag.
Michael Petti
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.
The truck now has a 383-cid V-8 from a 1970 Challenger pumping out 335 hp.
Michael Petti
The truck wears its original paint and has the white pinstriping found on a Power Wagon with the rare True Spirit package, and the rollbar, sidesteps and front bumper bars of the Macho package.
Michael Petti
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.
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
The new year brings with it resolutions, goals, and aspirations for many people. Maybe this is finally the year that you will reward yourself with a collector car that you’ve always dreamed of. Over the years, AutoHunter has auctioned thousands of vehicles to people like you. Perhaps one of my three selections today will catch your eye enough that you decide to add it to your garage. Here’s to hoping!
The 4Runner is indeed “for running,” whether on-road or off. The modern-day 4Runner remains one of the few body-on-frame sport-utility vehicles and carries its weight as a rugged, capable machine. That same formula started four decades ago in 1984 when the first generation was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf in Japan.
Today’s feature 4Runner is a low-mileage second-generation unit offered by a dealership in Ross, Ohio that remained long-term with just one owner. Even at nearly 30 years old, its odometer reads just 98,920 miles. Why buy a new one when this classic version’s 3.0-liter V6 is barely broken in? These were the days of simple technology combined with robust engineering. Other than an upgraded Pioneer Bluetooth radio, the equipment on this 4Runner remains original and unmodified.
The grippy 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires are ready to eat up the terrain of any type. The auction for this 4Runner ends on Thursday, January 4, at 1:15 p.m. MST.
Coming from a dealership in New Braunfels, Texas, this F-body sports coupe is another low-miler, showing just 30,000 miles on the odometer. The Monterey Maroon Metallic 2000 Camaro Z28 sport coupe comes from the fourth generation of one of America’s favorite muscle cars. It also has a clean CARFAX report as well as a recently-passed safety inspection. Jump in and drive!
Muscle comes from an LS1 5.7-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, but the performance equipment list doesn’t stop there. This car has been upgraded with a Precision Industries torque converter, a Thunder Racing camshaft, fifth-generation Corvette heads, Manley performance valves, a performance intake manifold, and SLP (“Street Legal Performance”) long tube headers. Included in the listing is a video showing a start-up sequence and a couple of quick revs. The car sounds wicked, especially from behind, thanks to a custom quad-outlet exhaust system.
Thanks to removable roof panels, this Camaro offers a convertible vibe when weather permits. Prepare to feel the wind in your hair in summer 2024! The auction ends tomorrow, January 3, at 1:30 p.m. MST.
This gullwinged sports coupe is bound to draw attention anywhere it goes. Its unmistakable stainless-steel body and wedge shape make it stand out from the crowd, not to mention the fact that a similar car was the starring performer in one of the most successful movie franchises of the 20th century. Showing just 24,109 miles on the odometer, this unmodified DMC-12 is being offered by a dealer in Rogers, Minnesota, and the auction ends this Friday, January 5, at 12:15 p.m. MST.
According to the AutoHunter listing, this car remained with its prior owner over 25 years. Records are limited (even the CARFAX shows just one line item) but based on the photos, this car has led a leisurely garage-kept life over its 42 years. There were only about 9,000 DeLoreans sold over its model lifespan between 1981 and 1983. The rear-mounted 2.85-liter V6 was rated at 130 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque, and today’s featured car has the optional three-speed automatic transmission which added $650 to the original retail price.
The DeLorean’s fame can be attributed in large part to its appearance in Back to the Future. One of the few remaining cars used in the film series sold for $541,200 in 2011. This could be your chance to own one for significantly less! The dealer has provided a narrated video that shows the car in greater detail.
Bid away!
New year, new beginnings, and maybe a new (old) car in the garage? We like the sound of that.
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
Worldwide Auctioneers
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
Worldwide Auctioneers
1940 Packard Darrin 1807 Convertible Sedan with afascinating 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.
1949 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet
Worldwide Auctioneers
2005 Ford GT
Worldwide Auctioneers
2004 Lamborghini Murcielago ‘Six-Speed’ Coupe
Worldwide Auctioneers
1968 Shelby GT350 Convertible Coupe
Worldwide Auctioneers
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 withjust 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.
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
I wanted to kick off my first Pick of the Day for 2024 with a car that is not only an icon but also a car that is truly looks to be a great value in case you did not get the Christmas present you hoped for.
The Giulietta Sprint was the first sporting version of the legendary Giuietta series of Alfa Romeo cars and marked a change from the old coach built pre-war cars to a newer, smaller, and more affordable alternative. The car was introduced in 1954 at the Turin Motorshow and proved to be an almost immediate hit, something very important for a company that was still in the middle of post-war reconstruction. The Sprint was designed by Bertone’s Franco Scaglione who would go on to design many more legendary cars for Alfa, Lancia, Maserati, and even the Apollo GT. The car was such a hit that the first examples were built by hand as fast as possible in order to fulfill customer orders.
The Giulietta Sprint featured here is a later 101 series model in its second restyling, which was completed just before the 1963 introduction of the Giulia Sprint which replaced it. This example is powered by its correct, and reported to be numbers matching, 1300cc DOHC inline 4 cylinder engine. It is a Normale version which featured less aggressive camshaft profile and a single Solex carburetor instead of the twin Webers and aggressive cams of the higher end Veloce model.
Overall this Giulietta Sprint looks to be a great example of a driver level car. This means that while you are not that likely to win any shows with it, it is nonetheless a respectable and good driving example. This is backed up by the owner stating that this Sprint has received a new exhaust system, new water pump, rebuilt carburetor a resealed 4 speed transmission, new brake lines and a cleaned and rebuilt fuel tank.
While the interior is not correct for the model, it is quite presentable and looks to be in good condition with no serious issues except incorrect materials.
This leads me to what I feel this car is best for. This 1961 Alfa Giulietta Sprint is perfect for the owner who is looking to experience what an Alfa Giulietta Sprint is all about as a car to drive. There is no reason that this car could not be entered into a number of vintage rallies and tours. Sure it is not a concours car but instead something much more fun, a car that you can use.
The best part of all is the asking price. Listed at only $39,000 this car represents a great value in a collector sports car market that has been increasingly difficult to find entry level affordable cars in. If you are looking to buy a classic Alfa to actually drive, and want a car more classic and more rare than a GTV, this car might be just the ticket.
Time to start planning your trip to Monterey Car Week 2024. Need some inspiration? If you park yourself on a street corner in Monterey or Carmel, you’ll get enough eye candy that you will hardly miss those hoity-toity shows that are expensive to attend. Join ClassicCars TV as we stumble upon two Pagani Huayras (one of them a BC), a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, Apollo Project EVO, Porsche/Singer Classic, and two cars that seem to pale in comparison: a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and a Lamborghini Murciélago.
2011 – 2016 Sportage
