24 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 1912 PACKARD SIGHTSEEING BUS

24 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 1912 PACKARD SIGHTSEEING BUS

This 1912 Packard Sightseeing Bus is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

More utilitarian, but no less impressive, is the 1912 Packard Sightseeing Bus (Lot #2505). This bus is not just a piece of Packard history, but a slice of California history as well. It served as a sightseeing bus at Yosemite National Park for several years and was once part of the Otis Chandler Collection. It has been featured in the Rose Bowl parade and has transported VIPs at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Capable of carrying up to 42 people across its seven rows of seats, this Packard is thought to have been originally purchased by the U.S. Army to serve as a sightseeing bus at Yosemite. When control of Yosemite passed from the Army to the National Park Service in 1919, a gold prospector purchased the bus to show would-be investors around prospective mine sights.

Restored in 2001, the period details include a brass gong used for calling passengers, a dash-mounted Sterling clock and an acetylene-powered “Solar-Clipse” brass lamp. The Packard bus is powered by a 432cid, four cylinder T-head gasoline engine, teamed with a 3-speed manual transmission. Dual chains deliver power to the rear wheels, which are shod with solid rubber tires.

This 1912 Packard Sightseeing Bus (Lot #2505) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

25 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE VIN #0001

25 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE VIN #0001

This 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible VIN #0001 is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

Sporting VIN #0001, this 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot #2528) was the first built for Chevrolet’s special 2013 Corvette 427 Collector Edition. This unique convertible features the legendary 427cid V8 engine and is the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history. This 427 model also shows off the stunning 60th Anniversary Appearance Package.

Various technologies from the Corvette Z06 and Corvette ZR1 have been incorporated into the 427 convertible, making it the highest performance Corvette convertible yet. The handcrafted 7.0 liter LS7 engine was developed with the Corvette LeMans-winning GT1 engine and has a dry sump oil system and titanium connecting rods and valves. The car sits on Michelin PS2 tires with 19” front wheels and 20” rear wheels. A carbon fiber raised hood, dual mode exhaust system, as well as the magnetic selective ride control and launch control are also featured with this car.

This 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible VIN #0001 (Lot # 2528) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Mecum Packs Austin Convention Center For Final Auction Of The Year

Mecum’s first-ever Austin, Texas, collector car auction held this past weekend was well-received by enthusiasts from the live-music capital of the world evidenced by excellent sales results with a near-70 percent sell-through rate and $14,668,347 in total sales. The anticipated offering of 600 vehicles was far exceeded as 660 vehicles crossed the auction block in just two short days, further demonstrating the enthusiasm collectors had for Mecum’s presence in Austin. Putting a cap on the 2014 auction schedule, sales from Austin brought totals for the year to a record $330 million with 76 percent of offered lots sold.

“The volume of consigned cars greatly exceeded our expectations for the inaugural Mecum Austin Auction, which resulted in a fantastic finish to a record year for Mecum Auctions,” said President and Founder Dana Mecum. “With more than 2,100 registered bidders and 10,000 energetic spectators, these stats are a testament to the strength of the collector car market in Austin and the state of Texas as a whole. The year 2014 was a banner year for growth and achievement for our company, and with big plans for 2015, we’re excited to continue raising the bar.”

Individual sales in Austin were topped by a one-owner 2006 Ford GT (Lot S99.1) with 267 miles that brought a $310,000 high bid. Other notable sales included a four-speed 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda (Lot S125) that gaveled at $275,000, a 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro (Lot S95.1) that brought $170,000 and an unrestored 1967 Mercury R-Code Comet (Lot S98) with just 2,004 miles that hammered at $169,000. A 2005 Ford GT (Lot S166.1) sold for $269,000 and a truly stunning and excellently executed 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Resto Mod pickup (Lot S106) brought $142,500.

The complete top 10 sales at Mecum’s Austin auction includes (all individual sales reflect hammer prices):

1. 2006 Ford GT (Lot S99.1) at $310,000
2. 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda (Lot S125) at $275,000
3. 2005 Ford GT (Lot S166.1) at $269,000
4. 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro (Lot S95.1) at $170,000
5. 1967 Mercury Comet 202 Sedan (Lot S98) at $169,000
6. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe (Lot F156.1) at $165,000
7. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 (Lot S111) at $145,000
8. 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Resto Mod (Lot S106) at $142,500
9. 1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR Fastback (Lot F252) at $127,500
10. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster (Lot S116.1) at $125,000

Mecum will kick off 2015 with 750 vintage and antique motorcycles to be offered at the 24th annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction Jan. 8-10, followed by the world’s largest collector car auction in Kissimmee, Fla., Jan. 16-25 with 3,000 vehicles expected to cross the auction block at Osceola Heritage Park. For more details on an upcoming auction, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. For access to complete auction results and other member benefits, signup for the free InfoNet service offered at Mecum.com.

About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 27 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

MOPAR, FORD AND OTHER PREMIER AMERICAN MUSCLE TO HEADLINE BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE

MOPAR, FORD AND OTHER PREMIER AMERICAN MUSCLE TO HEADLINE BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE

One of only 58 HEMI-powered 4-speed Superbirds, this 1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird is one of many great muscle cars set to roll across the Barrett-Jackson auction block this January.

 

  • A ’68 Plymouth HEMI Road Runner (Lot #5012), one of the best unrestored and lowest-mileage examples known to exist, expected to be a bidder favorite
  • A completely restored ’69 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am Prototype (Lot #5059) set to cross the block in Scottsdale
  • (Lot #2046), a ’69 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback, is a ground-up rotisserie restoration and Grand National champion

 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dec. 15, 2014Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car AuctionsTM will feature an exciting docket of American muscle cars highlighted by an unrestored ’68 Plymouth HEMI-Road Runner (Lot #5012) during its Scottsdale auction Jan. 10-18, 2015, at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Ariz. Also featured will be a completely restored ’69 Pontiac Firebird Trans-AM (Lot #5059), as well as a ’69 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback (Lot #2046). 

“The muscle cars that Mopar, Ford and GM-built during the mid-’60s to 1970 are always a crowd favorite during our auctions,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This particular era is one that really stirs enthusiasts. Almost 50 years later, Barrett-Jackson is still fanning the flames for these iconic cars.”

Among the most anticipated consignments is a ’68 Plymouth HEMI Road Runner (Lot #5012). An original survivor boasting less than 1,500 miles, this HEMI is one of the best unrestored and lowest-mileage examples known to exist.  It features a date-code-correct 426 HEMI engine and numbers matching 4-speed transmission.

Building on the American muscle headliners, Barrett-Jackson will auction a genuine 4-speed ’70 Plymouth HEMI Superbird (Lot #5065). One of only 58 HEMI-powered 4-speed Superbirds, this provides an exceptional opportunity to acquire a historic and rare example of Plymouth’s NASCAR “Aero Warriors.” Finished in its original color of Alpine White, this car underwent a meticulous, no-expense-spared, rotisserie nut and bolt restoration and is documented with a full 26-page Galen Govier visual inspection.

Pontiac will be well represented in Scottsdale with a ’69 Firebird Trans Am Prototype (Lot #5059) set to cross the block. This car began as a Palladium Silver Firebird 400 and was transformed into a preproduction Trans Am by the Pontiac Engineering https://pharmacy-no-rx.net team. This piece of Pontiac history was featured in several magazines, including “Hot Rod,” “Motor Trend” and “Car Life Magazine,” and was previously owned by racing legend Jerry Titus.

“A big part of our docket is made up of these amazing American muscle cars,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “They’ve powered their way into the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide and have become an important icon of our culture.”

Ford power also will be well represented when a ’69 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback (Lot #2046) crosses the Scottsdale stage. This Mach 1 has undergone a ground-up restoration completed by Mustang guru and MCA judge Bob Perkins. This vehicle’s decorated resume includes First Place Grand National MCA, First Place AACA Grand National, First Place Autorama, First Place Street Cars of Desire and was also voted into the Top 10 restored muscle cars by Muscle Car Review.

Adding to the docket of American muscle, Barrett-Jackson will auction a’70 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 convertible (Lot #5011). This bright red LS6 Chevelle features its original LS6 engine backed by an M22 Rock Crusher Muncie and 12-bolt posi-traction rear end. Only a few test miles appear on the odometer since restoration in 2013.

Live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale will be broadcast on Velocity and Discovery during more than 36 hours of live, high-definition TV coverage from Thursday, through Saturday, Jan. 15 – 18.

For more information on becoming a bidder, follow the link to .

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Reno-Tahoe, Nevada. With broadcast partners Velocity and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson will feature 100 hours of live television coverage in 2015, including live international coverage in both Canada and Latin America. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit , or call 480-421-6694.

For high resolution photos please contact Aaron Cook at ACook@TPRM.com 

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications
Rodney Scearce
Barrett-Jackson Media Relations Supervisor
480-427-1950
rscearce@barrett-jackson.com

Automotive Media:

Aaron Cook
TimePiece PR & Marketing on behalf of Barrett-Jackson
214-520-3430
ACook@TPRM.com

26 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: CODDINGTON CUSTOMS

26 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: CODDINGTON CUSTOMS

This 1956 Chevrolet 210 “Junk Yard Dog” is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

Some collectors insist the middle child of Chevrolet’s famous Tri-Five family is the most desirable. It’s not as boxy as the 1955 and doesn’t use the extravagant fins of the ’57. Call it style at its most tasteful.

Built by Boyd’s Garage in 2003, the Junk Yard Dog 1956 Chevy 210 Resto-Mod (Lot #2012) rides with a low and menacing stance.  Supported on an Art Morrison chassis, chromed and fully independent suspension components by Kugel utilize front and rear coilovers. Wilwood sourced four-wheel disc brakes generate all the negative G-Force required for a car with this level of performance. The rear units are mounted inboard like an E-type Jaguar, but this particular system delivers the incredible strength of a 9-inch Ford center section in addition to Jag-like sophistication.

Power comes from a GM Ram Jet 502 electronic fuel injection engine. Such classic horsepower levels with state-of-the-science fuel delivery makes for the ultimate muscle car heartbeat. The visual impact of this Ram Jet induction system is stunning thanks to its relatively long-tube high-rise intake runners. Transmitting this kind of energy to the rear wheels is a job given to its Richmond 5-speed with a classic one-to-one fifth gear ratio. A complete McLeod clutch assembly is orchestrated by a Long Industries shifter.

The interior pays respect to the heritage of the car’s Tri-Five family tradition with the expected bench seat and basically stock mirror-reflection dashboard layout. A custom Boyd steering wheel and a modern gauge cluster finish off the dashboard package. Its classic Hot Rod shifter bends perfectly up and around the factory-style bench seat for ease of operation, and that traditional look.

The ’56 Chevrolet 210 “Junk Yard Dog” (Lot # 2012) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

 

1965 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback

Named “Crazy Horse,” this 1965 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback (Lot #2013) by Boyd Coddington was created on the popular “American Hot Rod” Series on Discovery Channel.  Only the aftermarket could keep up with Coddington’s imagination as this car showcases many of the most advanced technologies it has to offer.

At the beginning of the design process, the decision was made to use 19th- century Native American war leader, Chief Crazy Horse, as inspiration. Even the special Boyd Yellow paint with silver accent was a favorite war paint combination for this historic Native American. The Ford Mustang’s actual namesake, the P51 Mustang, also had a model named after this influential chief.

A high-horsepower, small block Ford is always a perfect engine for a Mustang that plans to make a statement. This one is 342cid crate engine, meaning it is brand new and built to factory specs. The cast iron block and aluminum GT40 heads are in cahoots with a single plane Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake manifold. This 10:1 compression engine brings 400 horsepower and 390 ft/lbs of torque to the party. Since the Mustang weighs just a little over 2,500 pounds, that party is wild and crazy.

This Mustang’s immaculate black interior looks stock but isn’t. Carbon fiber Ultralite gauges fit in a custom aluminum bezel as so many Coddington cars are apt to have. A similar bezel sits in the middle of the opposite dash pod. The rest of the interior is subtle but special, right down to the feel of the seat covers.

This ’65 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback (Lot # 2013) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special


1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special

Price: Call for Price
Stock: 3930
Mileage: 21487
VIN: JM1NA3510M0232528
Exterior Color: British Racing Green
Interior Color: Tan
1 Owner Since New!!

21,487 Original Miles!!

Garage Kept Since New!!

Original Bill of Sale - Manual

Clean Carfax Services Current

British Racing Green w/Tan Interior

Tan Mazda Cockpit/Tonneau Cover

 
Finished in British Racing Green, the well-polished exterior of this Miata reflects its mileage and upkeep. Thanks to meticulous care, the contrasting Tan leather interior is in beautiful shape, and complements its green exterior well. This Miata features power windows, tachometer, Air conditioning, and an AM/FM/CD stereo system.

Under the aluminum hood resides the 1.6 liter, dual overhead cam 4 cylinder that produces 115 horsepower and 100 pounds of torque. Mated to a 5 speed transmission, this Miata is capable of up to 29 miles per gallon! This MX-5 drives better than most sports cars available today. It takes bumps politely, shifts crisply, and stops on a dime. A true testament to our meticulous care, and with only 21,487 miles, this Miata is barely broken in!

A perfect example of a well sorted Miata, this car will make an excellent addition to any collection. A thorough TLD detail has just been performed to make sure that this MX-5 meets our strict standards, so stop by our showroom and see how nice this Mazda Miata really is, down to The Last Detail.

 

View Now

27 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 1941 PACKARD D’AGOSTINO CUSTOM “GABLE”


This 1941 Packard D’Agostino Custom “Gable” is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

Noted California customizer John D’Agostino unveiled this car in 2004, paying tribute to Hollywood film icon Clark Gable, who owned a ’41 Packard One Twenty. Even Gable’s car sported a variety of customized touches as Howard “Dutch” Darrin was his go-to guy for such things.

This Packard 120 (Lot #2504) flaunts a Carson convertible top and rides on Caribbean wire wheels. Swedish leather interior surfaces drive home this car’s uniqueness in a soft and sumptuous manner. Superb chrome trim is along for the ride, adding endless sparkle to the equation. A freshly rebuilt Inline eight-cylinder engine keeps the car true to its roots.

Fully street capable, the Gable won two first-place trophies at the 2004 Grand National Roadster Show and Sacramento Autorama.

This ’41 Packard D’Agostino Custom “Gable” (Lot # 2504) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

28 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 1934 FORD MODEL 40 DELUXE ROADSTER

28 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 1934 FORD MODEL 40 DELUXE ROADSTER

This 1934 Ford Model 40 Deluxe Roadster is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

Completely restored after a 13-year search for the best new old stock parts, this 1934 Ford Model 40 Deluxe Roadster (Lot #2502) is loaded with numerous factory options, including the Greyhound radiator mascot, cowl lamps and twin tail lamps.

Powered by Ford’s revolutionary 221cid Flathead V8 engine with 85hp and backed by a 3-speed manual transmission, this Deluxe Roadster is a can’t-miss auction item. Perfect black paint with correct Deluxe Cream pinstriping and matching 17” wire wheels show off the beautiful exterior.

Popular even in the midst of the depression, the demand for the 1934 Ford Model 40 Deluxe continued with custom car crafters for years to come. As a result of the car’s popularity and many being made into hot rods, period-correct restorations are rare. This particular vehicle is a Dearborn National Champion after scoring a 993 out of a possible 1,000 points.

This ’34 Ford Model 40 Deluxe Roadster (Lot # 2502) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

 

29 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: CODDINGTON CARS

29 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: CODDINGTON CARS

The “Alumatub” is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

Named the “Alumatub,” this handcrafted Boyd Coddington creation was built on the very popular “American Hot Rod” TV Series on the Discovery Channel.

This one-of-a-kind Hot Rod dons a hand-formed all-aluminum body by the famed Marcel DeLay shop and rests on a specially constructed Coddington aluminum frame and chassis. It’s powered by an aluminum 350cid Chevy with Barry Grant demon three deuce carburetion and a Powerglide transmission with Mooneyes electronic shifter.

The ’29 Ford “Alumatub” Hot Rod (Lot #2516) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

 

1954 Chevrolet Corvette Coddington Custom

This 1954 Chevrolet Corvette (Lot #2014) has Boyd Coddington’s handprints all over it. The project began with a hand-built Art Morrison chassis that features a complete C5 Corvette front suspension. Out back is a dynamite-proof Ford nine-inch rear axle suspended by a popular 4-link setup with an adjustable coilover shock arrangement.

This first-generation Corvette will host the dimensions of a modern V8. The 400 horse LS2 small block Chevy sports a custom and finned aluminum early-style fuel injection plenum to disguise the LS2 front feed induction. A battle-proven yet streetable Richmond 5-speed is used to create a power-delivery system that can take this car to another world of performance.

The interior has been upgraded to match the rest of the car with two-tone brown leather seats and a woven wool carpet. The changes are in typical Boyd style, honoring originality even though they are always significant in nature. Custom gauges in the original location are now housed in a one-of-a-kind machined aluminum bezel.

The ’54 Chevrolet Corvette Coddington Custom (Lot #2014) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

 

1932 Ford Custom Roadster

This 1932 Ford Custom Roadster (Lot #2011) is one of the most famous Deuce roadsters in today’s Hot Rodding as it was built by Boyd Coddington on Discovery Channel’s “American Hot Rod.”

This classic custom is powered by a 350cid Chevy with a Turbo 350 transmission and a Winters quick-change rear end. It is equipped with Mooneyes valve covers, Offenhauser intake, ceramic-coated ramhorn exaust manifolds, Moon tank, chrome and billet front suspension parts, SoCal Buick type front brake drums and engine-turned finish on the firewall.

The interior was done by Gabe Lopez and pinstriping by Dennis Rickleffs. It has Boyd Coddington wheels with vintage Firestone dirt track tires and Stewart Warner “wings” gauges with column-mount tachometer. This is truly a piece of Hot Rod history, and most importantly, it is a Rod Bods steel body.

The ’32 Ford Custom Roadster (Lot #2011) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

 

1927 Ford Model T Rat Rod

This Boyd Coddington-built ’27 Ford Model T (Lot #2059) is as sanitary as any of the late Hot Rod hero’s other creations. Rolling on a custom boxed frame with dropped transverse leaf springs on both ends, Boyd eschewed high zoot billet goodies on this one and chose a dropped and drilled front beam axle and smooth-housing Ford 9” live axle out back.

Old-school hydraulic drum brakes locate stock Ford 15” and 16” steel rims sporting Firestone radials and 40” Ford Deluxe hub caps and trim rings. A small block Chevy engine resides under the side-hinged steel hood. The basic, but comfortable, black interior accommodates a floor-mounted automatic shift level and ’40 Ford Deluxe wheel. Best of all, with the mechanical odometer showing a mere 2,386 miles, this Rat Rod is virtually new.

The ’27 Ford Model T Coupe Rat Rod (Lot #2059) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

30 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: HOWARD HUGHES’ 1953 BUICK ROADMASTER

30 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: HOWARD HUGHES’ 1953 BUICK ROADMASTER

This 1953 Buick Roadmaster is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

This historic 1953 Buick Roadmaster (Lot #2503) was personally customized for 20th century Renaissance man, Howard Hughes. One of his prized possessions, Hughes drove the car while he stayed at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Hollywood, Calif., utilizing it as his own mobile office.

Always concerned that he was being watched, Hughes preferred the Roadmaster as its exterior blended in with other vehicles on the street. An aviation enthusiast and aerospace engineer, Hughes directed the Roadmaster’s mechanical modifications to conform to his eccentric demands and idiosyncrasies. Amidst his modifications is a full 24-volt aircraft electrical system in conjunction with the factory 12-volt system that allowed him the ability to personally jumpstart his airplane while traveling undetected. The electrical system also features a trunk-mounted air conditioning unit that is fully operable separate from the engine. In line with Hughes’ germ obsession, it was designed to first flow through a dust trap and bacterial filter.

The Buick Roadmaster was also the last car that Hughes drove. Purchased off the blocks at 7000 Romain in Hollywood, Calif., where it was stored for 20 years, this piece of history has only 5,339 miles on the clock. The exterior is 100% original with factory Pastel Blue paint and a Seafoam Green top. All interior appointments are in perfect condition, complete with blue wool, broadcloth and nylon.

The ’53 Buick Roadmaster (Lot #2503) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.