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Edition 1, Volume VI September, 2003 |
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CLASSIC SHOWCASE Quarterly Where great cars achieve perfection. |
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A 1956 Ferrari 860 Monza hammers at over 2,000,000.00 at the RM's annual Monterey Classic and Sports Car Auction. |
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Monterey, CA - August 15-16, 2003- The RM Monterey Classic Car Auction proved once again that as far as classics go, more is more. Packed with car collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world, this year’s auction boasted great attendance, loads of enthusiasm, and an astonishing selection of cars. Hosted by the Doubletree Hotel on Friday and Saturday evening, the auction block boasted some of the most rare and desirable cars in the world today. According to Rob Myers, founder of RM Auctions, “This is one of the best Monterey auctions we’ve ever hosted. Our total sales numbers and impressive sales percentage of 77% was indicative of the fine quality of vehicles we’ve been able to offer exclusively to our clients. There was spirited bidding on many of the lots, with serious buyers determined not to let their favorites get away.” Our blue E-type roadster commanded the highest dollar amount of any XKE at the auction, an Austin Healey BJ8 set a world record and commanded a phenomenal amount of money, but the highlight of the evening was none other than a Landmark Ferrari, which closed at over $2,000,000.00. The gem of the evening was lot# 453, a 1956 Ferrari 860 Monza that brought down the house at $2,057,000.00. The Monza is considered to be one of the greatest Ferraris ever built, of which only three were made. Driven by five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio and factory driver Eugenio Castellotti to victory at Sebring in 1956, the car was also raced by Phil Hill and American F1 star Richie Ginther. It was later restored by Jean Sage, former manager of the Renault F1 team. Rarity, history, beauty, speed, and utter hysteria propelled the Ferrari to epic proportions on the block, claiming a stoic victory in the name of all things red, fast, and Ferrari. The
desirable Maserati collection of businessman Alfred Brener did
exceptionally well, with sales combining to total over $1.5 million. His
rare touring coupes collected top bids, including a 1957
Maserati A6G/54 2000 Frua Spyder, selling for $324,500 and the 1962 5000
GT coupe selling for $319,000. For more information and auction results visit RM online at www.rmauctions.com
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Kicking of with its chic Italia on Friday, the newly dubbed Concorso d’Italia was a great success at a spectacular new location, boasting outstanding attendance, and an incredible amount of cars. Some 80+ vehicles graced the lawn of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford house, alike only in rarity and beauty, including a 1967 Ghia 450 SS Spyder, 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20, and a 1937 Maserati 8CTF. Sunday 17th- The Pebble Beach Concours proved to be spectacular; a picturesque setting, miles of green, an ocean breeze, and some of the most magnificent vehicles on earth. The weather, though mildly hazy, did nothing to detract from the beauty of the autos, on the contrary rather, the partly cloudy skies made for ideal viewing of the cars. Buggati, the feature car at the concours, made a stunning display. Some 50 of the autos were assembled, the most ever amassed in one location. The idea was to show the most historically significant Bugattis in history, including several Grand Prix editions. Going
once, going twice…success seamed immanent for Christie's,
and it was. The prestigious auction company paraded a plethora of rare and
valuable vehicles Sunday evening, and the gavel tolled the rewards. The auction went very
well; a reported $5,000,716.00 was collected in sales. As for us, Classic
Showcase proudly sold 100% of the vehicles we brought to Pebble Beach,
including a beautiful 1964 XKE Roadster gray/red, and 1967 XKE black/red,
both of which fetched a comfortable sum. |
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Saturday
16th-17th-The
historic car races at Laguna Seca were great fun, highlighted by
the Ford Anniversary event, where Christies auctioned the very first brand
new Ford GT ever to be sold to the public, hammering for an astounding
$500,000.00. Dubbed the fabulous Ford of the future, none other than Jay
Leno drove the car out on block to the delight of onlookers. After his
spectacular entrance, a hush runs over the crowd. Seizing the opportunity,
Leno grabs the mike and solemnly cracks what was to be the one-liner of
the entire event: “The winning bidder of this car will be eligible to run for the governor of California.”
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The first 2005 Ford Mustang GT netted $557,500.00. |
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For more info on the concourse and auction event visit Christie's online at the link below.
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Announced
in July of 1963, the Porsche 356C was wildly successful, earning Porsche
both accreditations and a sizable fortune. Efficient, voluptuous and
sporty, the 356 Cabriolet stood alone in the world of sharp angled, over
indulgent sedans of its time. The already aerodynamic body left little
room for improvement, and little was altered. Among its changes, the rear
window was enlarged for better vision, and of course the distinctive
‘C’ and ‘SC’ badges were added. This too applied to the interior
of the car, which remained as beautifully bare as its predecessor, with
the exception of minor improvements, such as the seat cushions being
modified for comfort. |
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The wheels of the car were modified to accommodate the newly introduced disk brakes, where the road wheels had to be modified to fit the hubs. As for the engine, the new 356 came in two models, the 75bhp ‘C’, and the 95 bhp ‘SC’. These new engines could be appreciated when accelerating from 60mph to 90 in top gear, as both retained the newly acquired ability to accelerate smoothly and quickly when overtaking traffic. The clutch was improved, as was the suspension, allowing for a smoother ride. |
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The 356 C
was finally discontinued in 1965 to make way for the all-new 911, but left
an impact on the sports car world that remains today. Considered one of
the lowest wear and most efficient sports cars of its time, the merit of
the 356C is praised the world over. Remarkable finish, integrity, and
handling all attribute to the staying power and value of this car, one of
which will continue to be around for many years to come. -Courtesy of Lawrence Meredith's Original Porsche 356, Bay View Books: 1995. |
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School's back in session, the leaves will soon be turning, and the classics abound in the fall. This is the best time of year to cruise around in your car; less traffic, cooler weather, and the holidays right around the corner. Plan your favorite outings, cruise, simply enjoy your car. Here's how we keep our beauties in top condition for the fall months.
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For more information click on the Bolit link left, or call us to order at (760) 747-79947. | ||
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Dear Tom,
When is a car considered a 'classic', or should I say how old does a car need to be before it starts appreciating in value? I have an old Jeep that I just don't want to get rid of, it was my baby through college. Can I expect it to be worth restoring in say, 15 or 20 years? -Diego Escondido, Ca .................................
Diego,
The worth of a car is based on a number of factors, the least of which being its age. According to the DMV, a 'Classic' is any vehicle older than 15 years while an 'antique' is 25. That's what the book says anyway. Value on the other hand, is determined by much more, such as the production run, quantity produced, quality of car, and scarcity. One can safely assume, though, that cars need generally be about 30+ years before they start appreciating in value again. Collectable cars can really be any year, depending on the rarity, value, and demand for that particular model. Take, say for example, the first model of a car off the production line, or valuable cars like Buggati and Ferrari. Limited production cars, too, that are well made are sought after. It really depends on a number of factors. A car could be made 50 years ago and not be collectable. As for your Jeep, well, remember the golden rule for buying and restoring classics for yourself; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
-Tom
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Sharpen your pencils kids, class is in session! |
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San Marcos, CA - June 28, 2003- The San Diego Jaguar Club paid us a visit recently, and the pleasure was all ours. The SDJC spent their final session of the 3 part Concours judges training here at the Classic Showcase facility. Chief SDJC judge Dick Cavik went over all the rules and regulations of Jaguar judging. The turnout was very good, and the session proved to be interesting, informative, and a lot of fun. This final session is the last meeting before the highly anticipated SDJC Concours de'Elegance held in August, on the bay at Spanish Landing in San Diego.
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September |
October | November | |
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Friday 12th-14th Indy British Motor Days Car & Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet, Indianapolis, IN |
Friday 3rd-4th Twentieth Annual British Sports Car & Cycle Fest, Memphis TN
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Saturday 1st No Reserve Collector Car Auction, Auburn, IN
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Friday 12th-14th Italian Car Fall Fest Rally, Show & Autocross, Cincinnati, OH |
Saturday 4th-5th British Vintage Voyage Car Show, Tour & Auction, Phoenix , AZ
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Saturday 8th-9th Silver Auction (ARIZONA IN THE FALL) FORT MCDOWELL, AZ
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Saturday 13th Italian Car Fest 2003 Car & Motorcycle Show, Grapevine, TX
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Saturday 4th Twenty-Second Annual Fall British Car Festival, Waynesboro, VA
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Thursday 13th-16th Nineteenth Annual Fall Auto Show, Swap Meet, Collector Car Auction & Vintage Auto Racing, Zephyrhills, FL
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Sunday 14th de Elegante, Palos Verdes, CA
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Saturday 4th-5th British Vintage Voyage Car Show, Tour & Auction, Phoenix , AZ
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Sunday 16th British Motor Car Show, Ft Myers, FL
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Saturday 20th Mecum Collector Car Auction, Kansas City, KS
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Sunday 5th
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Saturday 22nd-23rd Keith McCormic Auction, Palm Springs, CA
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Saturday 20th British Car Show & Corral, Titusville, FL
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Saturday 11th-12th British Car Roundup, Auction, Car Show & Tour, Clovis, CA
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Friday 28th-30th Motor Trend International Auto Show, Las Vegas, NV
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Saturday 27th Car Rally & Sunday Car Show, Lake Geneva, WI |
Saturday 11th British Car and Motorcycle Show, Franklin, TN
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Saturday 27th Ninth Annual British Car Day, Montgomery, AL |
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Saturday 11th-12th European Car Day, Sandwich, MA
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Saturday 27th Fourth Annual Autumn in the Mountains British Car Show, Flat Rock, NC |
October 18th, 2003 Silver's Palm Springs Classic Car Auction, PALM SPRINGS, CA
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Sunday 28th-29th Hill Country Classic Collector Car Auction, Fredericksburg, TX |
Friday 31st-2nd Mecum Auction Eighth Annual Fall Premier, St Charles, IL
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Classic Showcase would like to give special thanks to S.N.G. Barratt, for providing us with great automotive upholstery. Email them at sales.uk@sngbarratt.com, or call them at (800) 452-4787. | Questions? Comments? Like to be on our mailing list? Got a question for Tom? Contact the editor at management@classicshowcase.com. | |
