Original Owner Of 1957 Chevy Convertible Bids Farewell To His Car At Barrett-Jackson
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 19, 2008 – A retired classic car owner said goodbye to one of his “family” members yesterday when he sold his 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible that he purchased new 51 years ago. The car (Lot #977) sold for $90,000 during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Mr. Gerald Iwan purchased the car new and has been the only owner of the onyx black “drop top” ever since. SPEED captured the moment and broadcast it, along with all of the exciting block action live throughout the day.
“This car represents a wonderful piece of Americana and more importantly, the passion for automobiles that draws people to Barrett-Jackson lifestyle events,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “When the Iwans decided to part with their Bel Air, they chose to do it at Barrett-Jackson where they could enjoy a great ‘going away’ party for the car. We’re proud to have shared this moment with them.”
“This car represents a wonderful piece of Americana and more importantly, the passion for automobiles that draws people to Barrett-Jackson lifestyle events,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “When the Iwans decided to part with their Bel Air, they chose to do it at Barrett-Jackson where they could enjoy a great ‘going away’ party for the car. We’re proud to have shared this moment with them.”
“On July 25, 1957, I purchased my very first new car, a 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet black convertible,” said Iwan. “My mother had to sign the car title to enable me to have a loan, since I was under age at that time. I started to make the car to my liking and didn’t realize I had a gem of a car until 50 years later.”
Mr. Iwan got married in 1959 and took his bride on their honeymoon in the car. Through the decades and six kids, the Bel Air became a key part of the family.
“I will be 70 years old next year, coming to the end of a special era in my life,” added Iwan. “The car needed a new home. I want someone else to enjoy the 1957 Chevy convertible as I did for 50 years.”
Some other auction highlights yesterday included the sale of Tony Stewart’s 2007 NASCAR for $300,000, a 1958 Corvette convertible for $220,000, a Plymouth Superbird for $200,000, a 1969 Mercury Cyclone GT for $135,000 and a 1966 Pontiac GTO for $135,000.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
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