All posts by Route 66 Pub Co

Alumatub by Boyd Coddington Sells at Barrett-Jackson

January 18, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Alumatub, Boyd Coddington’s third all aluminum build sells at the Barrett-Jackson auction this week. This was the third in a series of aluminum bodied customs that Coddington produced. The top can come off to allow for a roadster feel.

Alumatub Specs

This one is powered by a Chevy small block 350 and sends power to the back through a Chevrolet TH350 transmission with a quick change rear end. The body work was done by famed master Marcel‘s Custom Metal and is hard to believe this was hand formed and not stamped out on a press. Our friends at Hot Rod sure loved it.

Alumatub Build

This hand crafted Boyd Coddington build was showcased on his TV show, “American Hot Rod” TV series which can still be seen on the Discovery Channel. After Coddington’s untimely death, it was thought that his builds would increase in value as his output was now finalized.

Alumatub Prices

Alumatub first sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2005 to Ron Pratte with a listed price, including commissions, of $170,500. He sold it ten years later for $187,000 in 2015. The current owner is selling this year and it’ll be interesting to see what it sells for.

Any guesses?

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Auctions

Hennessey Venom GT Selling at Barrett-Jackson

January 11, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Steven Tyler’s 2012 Hennessey Venom GT convertible is selling next week at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Tyler, from American Idol and Aerosmith fame, bought the first convertible that Hennessey built and is donating the proceeds to a child abuse group- Janie’s Fund which he created.

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder

The Hennessey VENOM GT convertible holds the top speed record for convertibles at 270.49 mph, set in 2014 at the Houston Space Center. 0-60 times is a scorching 2.7 seconds while the 0-200 mph time is a “sedate” 14.5 seconds. Hennessey Venom GT Front View

Hennessey Specs

How did Hennessey created such a speed demon? Take a 7 liter V-8 (Gm’s 427 ci LSX engine) and add twin turbos to created 1244 horsepower. Craft the mid-engine convertible out of carbon fiber, sitting on a composite/aluminum monocoque frame so it weighs in at 2,743 pounds. It is actually based on the Lotus Exige.

The car has a Ricardo 6 speed manual transmission, Brembo six piston brakes, electric assisted rack and pinion steering and adjustable coil overs. The car even has a JL Audio system. Hennessey Venom GT Rear view

It’ll be interesting to see what this supercar sells for at Friday’s auction spot. What’s your guess for the hammer price on this Hennessey Venom GT?

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Car show, Uncategorized

Wes Rydell’s 1940 Oldsmobile “Agnes”

October 29, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Wes and Vivian Rydell have commissioned some great classic cars over the years. Earlier this year at the Del Mar Goodguy’s show, their 1940 Oldsmobile “Agnes” was selected for the 2016 Street Rod d’Elegance Award.

1940 Oldsmobile

This rod had languished for a spell before finally being completed by Rad Rides by Troy. We took these shots when they displayed it in Scottsdale, AZ at the Spring National Goodguy’s Show. They have won this award twice before, including in 2014 with their controversial 1935 Chevy Phaeton.

Madame X

Now we can’t wait for the 2016 SEMA Show, where they will be unveiling “Madame X”, a 1939 Cadillac coupe. It is a takeoff on a concept design based on a 1935 Cadillac 60 Special Sedan originally designed by GM stylist Art Ross. So this car was never built until Chip Foose opted to take on the build.

SEMA 2016

Of all the unveilings scheduled during the SEMA Show, this is the most anticipated with some sneak peeks offered recently. Can’t wait to see it in person on Tuesday!

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Car show

Engraved 64 Chevrolet Impala SS

September 15, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Let’s take a look at this 1964 Chevrolet Impala recently seen at a San Diego, CA car show and check off some boxes.

1964 Impala SS Check

Low Rider with a wicked stance Check

Fantastic plaint job Check

Chrome work Check and Double CHECK it out!

Yep, that chrome has been engraved upon! Anything that was dipped in chrome is engraved including the hood latch which is normally closed as you cruise the boulevard.

Engraving a car’s chrome is a tedious and time consuming work and if you thought a cowboy belt buckle was intricate, take a look at this workmanship. That takes detailing to a whole new level.

1964 Chevrolet Impala

The car is a wicked looking 1964 Chevy Impala SS, which by itself would be a keeper. Add on a trick paint job and throw in that “in the weeds,” low rider stance and you have a winner. But the engraving took it over the top. What do you think?

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Uncategorized

Classic Car- Drive it or Store it?

June 30, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

It is a continuing dilemma for the classic car market. You run across a collectible car with ridiculously low mileage. The car owner may even be asking for a premium for such a low mileage beauty. The car probably comes with every artifact that came from the factory. But here is the dilemma. Do you buy the car and continue to keep it in storage and keep the odometer from rolling up? Or do you say the car was meant to be driven and keep the pedal to the metal, as the numbers on the odometer tick up?

There is an adage in collector car circles, that a car can only be original once. Similarly the car can only have that low odometer reading once too. Some fans will argue that to appreciate the car it needs to be driven and enjoyed. But they acknowledge that by doing so, the value will tank. Others will argue it can be enjoyed while staying intact in the garage. What to do?

This 2003 Corvette is a perfect example of this conundrum. The first owner appears to have taken exceptional care of this stored classic. He says he started the car every couple of months to circulate the fluids and moved the car every 4-6 months, to avoid flat spotting the tires. He has all the marketing materials and even kept the interior lined in the factory plastic protective wrap. His “Buy It Now” price of $44,900 certainly is a premium to other models that sell with loads more miles showing.

The 2003 Corvette marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic nameplate and was highly sought after. There is even a registry just for these cars. List price was probably over $56,000 and some dealers were aggressive in marking up these 50th Anniversary Editions. 11,632 of these Anniversary Red metallic C-5’s were made and occasionally you can find one with less than 20,000 miles; but this convertible has only 57 original miles!

So do you buy it and start driving it? After all the posting does say – “Drive it home if you want. It’s ready to go.” Or maintain it as is, and keep the low miles?

Let us know what you would do if you were the new owner.

Please note images in this post is NOT the car for sale

Uncategorized

Silver leaf-a new use

May 16, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

You probably have seen a car, typically a classic, with some gold leafing. You know the look! It is a muddled gold look that still radiates and sparkles. Sometimes painters will use silver leaf for the same look.

Well New York artist Dove Bradshaw has come up with a new way to use silver leaf as an art medium. She put silver leaf on a museum wall and has let it stay exposed to the elements. So over time and exposure to the elements, it should change it’s appearance.

Now we’ll leave it to our readers to say whether it is art or not. But if you can put it on a car, why not a museum wall? You can check out the artwork information from the Phillips Collection here.

Car show, Uncategorized

Arizona Concours d’Elegance – More Classic Winners

February 16, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

As promised here are some more award winners, focused on Detroit born, from the Arizona Concours d’Elegance. This event was held last month on the grounds of the Biltmore Hotel and helped kick off an eventful week of car auctions in the Phoenix, Arizona region. Glad to see this event helps raise money for a great cause as well.

At this show was an entry from Gordon Apker, a noted classic car collector, who unfortunately died recently and was mentioned here. We’ll miss this class act and a knowledgeable classic car enthusiast.

1933 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

I just love this marquee and the boat tail is instantly recognizable among classic car fans. The paint scheme on this is just eye catching. This Auburn won a Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture Award. The car is a 12-165 Salon Model. Even back then, cars came with over drive like this beauty!

1957 Chevy Bel Air – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

I wasn’t expecting to see this classic at the Concours, let alone win second for the Post -War American class. It is a traditional convertible and it was freshly restored. Popular paint choice and neat power plant motored this baby along.

1963 Chrysler 300

I was surprised that this didn’t win an award, especially with the focus on the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. But nevertheless it was brought out from the Martin Museum and was originally offered by Chrysler to commemorate the 62 Indy Pace Car honors. Our friends at Old Cars Weekly recently featured a similar car as their car of the week.

1937 Cord – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

Speaking of Auburns, it makes it hard to ignore this Cord. This Westchester is a rare, low production model and was one of the last made before the Auburn Automobile Company closed down in late 1937.

Hope you enjoyed this review. Which was your favorite?

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Auctions, Uncategorized

Gordon Apker – RIP to a classy car collector

February 4, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Gordon Apker

It was announced by Sports Car Market that Gordon Apker died yesterday, February 3, 2016 in Scottsdale, AZ. Apker was a classic car collector and had developed quite a collection. Ironically this past month, the Barrett-Jackson Auction had helped sell some of his automobilia. Gordon Apker, in Barrett-Jackson’s press release was quoted that he wasn’t getting out of the collections and only selling a portion of his collection.

Gordon Apker and Shakey’s

You might not have known Gordon Apker by name but he was the former owner of the Shakey’s Pizza chain. In fact he was so proud of his business that some of his classic cars bore the secondary license plate with Shakey’s logo.

Gordon Apker’s Classic Cars

Apker’s cars focused on mid 50’s Detroit steel and he exhibited cars at the Arizona Concours d’Elegance

It would seem fitting to recognize Gordon by highlighting the cars he brought out there for the last two years.

Just last month, he brought out his 1957 Oldsmobile, Ninety Eight convertible. This black beauty had the famed Rocket V-8 engine, a 371 cubic inch with three carburetors. I loved the red accent line on this convertible.

Last year Gordon Apker showed this green 1952 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight two door hardtop. Not surprisingly both cars took home awards each year from the show.

Safe journeys, Gordon Apker.

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Auctions, Car show, Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Shart Cat 67 Dart by Gas Monkey Garage

February 1, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Shart Cat is the name of Gas Monkey Garage’s 1967 Dodge Dart that was sent out to compete on a modified parking lot in Detroit, Michigan for an eighth mile drag race against Roadkill’s General Mayhem, a Dodge Charger. If you follow the Fast N’ Loud “Reality TV” show on Discovery, you know after some minor technical difficulties, the Dart driven by Aaron Kaufman beat Roadkill by over half a second. That’s time to make a cup of coffee in drag racing time speak.

Shart Cat Tensions

Shart Cat Hellcat Engine — Shart Cat Hellcat engine

In true reality television tension, after rushing to meet the impossible deadline, the Gas Monkey Garage crew made it up for the grudge match against the maker’s of General Mayhem. Naturally there were some technical, last minute problems to create even more drama. But when the lights came on, Kaufman’s foot went down and so did Roadkill’s hope. Roadkill used a 1968 Dodge Charger, also with a Hellcat engine, but without the drag racing standard two-speed Powerglide or trans brake. That lack of engineering and the lighter weight of a Dart probably doomed the Roadkill crew from the starting lights.

Richard Rawlings didn’t waste any time deciding to sell the Shart Cat at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in January, 2016. The TV episodes made it very clear that NOBODY has slapped a new Hellcat engine into anything without transplanting the entire electronic controllers and brains with it. Check out the typed instructions the auction drivers needed to follow to make the Shart Cat play nice.

Logo of Gas Monkey Garage

To be kind the body was rough, but I suspect that the bidders didn’t care about the exterior as much as being able to tout the car as coming from the Gas Monkey Garage stable. Heck Richard didn’t even pop for any expensive vinyl decals or wraps!

Shart Cat Sells

The buyer shelled out a final price with commissions of $74,800 to be able to place this Dodge in their garage. Would you have spent that much?

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Corvette Summer INSPIRED Model by Gas Monkey Garage

January 27, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Fans of Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman from Fast N’ Loud will recall that a recent episode featured a Corvette that was in the style of the 1972 Corvette featured in the Mark Hamill (before Star Wars fame) movie “Corvette Summer”.

Corvette Summer

Let’s set things straight right away. The original Corvette from that movie was a right hand drive. Clearly the car that Gas Monkey Garage bought is a left hand drive car. So in the words of the Barrett-Jackson website for the car listing – “‘Corvette Summer’ inspired this car offered by Gas Monkey Garage.”

So if you didn’t listen closely to the episode or read careful the placards you may think differently. Never the less it is an interesting look.

Corvette Summer Inspired

The “growth” coming out of the hood is not even a grill or opening but has vinyl simulating an opening.

Somebody did take some time to craft a look a-like; but since it isn’t even a right hand drive I wouldn’t even try to call it a clone or re-creation.

If you follow the show on the Discovery Channel you know what they paid. It goes on the auction block on Friday, so we can see how well Richard does on the car right away.

What do you think Flip or Flop?

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Alumatub Specs

Alumatub Build

Alumatub Prices

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder

Hennessey Specs

1940 Oldsmobile

Madame X

SEMA 2016

1964 Impala SS Check

1933 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

1957 Chevy Bel Air – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

1963 Chrysler 300

1937 Cord – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

Gordon Apker

Gordon Apker and Shakey’s

Gordon Apker’s Classic Cars

Shart Cat Tensions

Shart Cat Sells

Corvette Summer

Corvette Summer Inspired

From classics to muscle cars – everything automotive