Tag Archives: auction

Baseball Signatures Collection on a BMW

January 19, 2025 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Many people have an autograph from their favorite personality or sports star. It gives a personal connection between the fan and the player. Imagine if you could combine a love of major league baseball and automobiles. What would the ultimate outcome be? Perhaps a 2000 BMW Z3 roadster with 647 signatures from major league baseball players.

Baseball Players’ Signatures

In 2000, the Houston Astros purchased a new BMW roadster and asked the visiting players to sign a portion of the car. Owners, managers, and other team officials also signed. The result was a car covered with 647 signatures, including the legendary Hank Aaron.

After the season, the signatures were covered with a clear coat to maintain the autographs. Then, it was auctioned off for the Hank Aaron Foundation charity. The car was housed in California until it was sold to a Canadian collector and is now offered for sale at the January 2025 Barrett-Jackson auction.

BMW Z3

The car hits a home run for car enthusiasts. The Z3 has a five-speed manual transmission mated to a string 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine. The car is ready for more fun miles, having only rolled 6,670 digits since new. The Z3 was only produced by BMW from 1995-2002 and offered as a coup and a roadster. Despite the BMW marquee, it was produced in South Carolina.

While looking over the car, seeing and deciphering the MLB signatures is neat. The current owner has details on all the signatures. The Yankees won the 2000 World Series, so their signatures hold extra meaning for some fans.

Barrett-Jackson Auction

Imagine having a collection of 600+ signatures from major league baseball players and a car to display them on.

Follow along on this blog, and we will update the results when it is sold.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Vicari Auction Classic Car Favorites

October 1, 2023 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The Vicari Auction is held in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 4-7, 2023, as part of Crusin’ the Coast activities. It will be a popular mainstay of activities along “America’s Longest Block Party.” Last year, over 9,600 classic cars registered for the week-long activities along State Highway 90. Besides the cruise-ins at various designated sites, the Vicari Auction is a big highlight of the week, with memorabilia selling on Wednesday and cars selling Thursday -Saturday.

Vicari Auction Favorites

With so many cars on the auction block, many without reserve, it took a lot of work to narrow my choices down. But here are my three favorite cars that should draw some interest at the Vicari Auctions.

1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 at Vicari Auction

Auctioning on Saturday is this beautiful 1969 Jaguar. It is an E-Type Series 2 with a listed odometer reading just north of 100,000 miles. I love the Aztec Bronze color matched with a tan interior. It is outfitted with a three-speed automatic transmission mated to a 4.1-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. It has air conditioning and power brakes. It was previously offered for sale from a dealer, so perhaps Vicari can clinch a deal?

1956 Chevrolet Corvette

This classic 56 Chevrolet Corvette is a sweet stunner with Tuxedo Black paint, silver coves, and a red vinyl interior. A 350 engine is now under the hood, along with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. This black-topped convertible has a four-barrel carburetor, upgraded rack and pinion power steering, and power brakes.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz at Vicari Auction

So when I saw this 1967 Cadillac Eldorado, my heart skipped a beat. It’s listed as a numbers-matching power top convertible with a 365 CID engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Dual four-barrel carbs are under the hood, and this luxurious car comes with air conditioning and power everything (brakes, steering, and windows). The Eldorado is a classic Cadillac, and a numbers-matching offering is unique. It was offered for sale earlier at the Auburn Auction by Worldwide Auctioneers, but they couldn’t make a deal. Will Vicari hammer it sold?

Let me know which car gets your motor running.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Photos Courtesy of Vicari Auctions

[Show picture list]

Auctions, Uncategorized

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville Selling at Vicari Auctions

August 4, 2023 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

I had to look twice while glancing through the Vicari Auction catalog for their upcoming auction in Biloxi , Misssissippi on October 4-7, 2023. They have a listing for a 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville. This unit is often described as a test model for the upcoming 1957 Cadillac Brougham that previewed the quad headlights for GM.

Previewing the 1957 Cadillac Brougham

The 1957 Cadillac Brougham was the height of style and luxury for the 50s. I don’t know what made the bean counters at Cadillac approve these builds because they certainly couldn’t make up the losses in volume. The Broughams were hand built and were the most expensive car produced in their time. They were even more expensive than a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. Let that sink in. These American titans were the MOST expensive car made in their day!

Of course, the luxury car had interior options to match. Air conditioning was standard, along with separate front and rear heaters. The power front seat had a six-way “memory” setting, transistor radio, electric automatic door locks, plus the ever-popular Autotronic headlight dimming control (it seems that even today’s economy cars have that offering now). How about power windows, power trunk latch, and polarized sun visors? All of this technology and wizardry was available over 60 years ago.

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville

So this 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville model has the rare (and illegal at that time) quad headlights and unique window trim, and rubber-tipped bullets. The “tuxedo” black and white is always a head-turner, and the leather interior is well done. Who doesn’t love that bat-wing air cleaner atop the original 365 CID engine? The car also rides on power everything (brakes, door locks, front seat, steering, and windows).

So seeing the 1956 test vehicle was a great surprise. It first came to my attention at the RM Auction in 2014, where it sold for $49,500. The following year Worldwide Auctioneers sold it for $52,250. Here’s hoping the price jumps because the proceeds go to an orphanage in the Philippines.

Photos courtesy of Vicari Auction Company

[Show picture list]

Car show, Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 Revealed

May 19, 2022 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Overland Expo revealed the Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 at Overland Expo West held in Flagstaff, Arizona this weekend. This vehicle displays Overland Expo’s unique vision of the ultimate overland vehicle.

Built on the all-new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, the Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 utilized parts and components from more than twenty Overland Expo exhibitors and was assembled by MULE Expedition Outfitters.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X comes with a 6.2.-liter V8 engine and a four-wheel drive system with front and rear electronically locking differentials. The AT4X’s Multimatic DSSV spool-valve suspension dampers should make for a smooth ride even when off-road.

Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 Conversion

The pickup bed was replaced with a 6.4-foot tray and three-foot canopy from MITS Alloy North America. The MITS tray and canopy conversion reinforces the utility of the truck as an overlanding machine.

The canopy roof includes a solar panel to store energy in two lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are used to maintain the Dometic 110 refrigerator.

Inside the canopy is a kitchen and shower. The vehicle comes with an onboard air system to inflate the tires and air springs as needed. There are plenty of auxiliary lights to see this vehicle from miles away.

2022 Use of the Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022

The Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 will make hit all the Overland Expo shows this year along with some scenic trails, before being auctioned off on Bring a Trailer with 100% of the proceeds going to the Overland Expo Foundation. Nice to see the proceeds go to a great outdoors need.

We love 4X4’s but this beast from Overland Expo raises the bar.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Auctions, Uncategorized

Wayne’s World 1976 AMC Pacer at Barrett-Jackson

January 22, 2022 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Wayne’s World’s AMC Pacer proves you can buy anything at the Arizona Auctions this week. Barrett Jackson is offering up TWO AMC Pacer’s but the clear crowd favorite is the movie car from Wayne’s World.

Wayne’s World 1976 Pacer

In Wayne’s World, Garth owned the Mirthmobile -a light blue 1976 Pacer. He drove the gang, including Wayne, around in the car for their adventures. Now a new owner can start his own adventures in the very same Pacer.

The Wayne’s World Pacer was sold six years ago by Barrett-Jackson, selling for $37,400. It was previously restored to the movie car’s original condition with camera supports and mismatched wheel covers. Who could forget (if they wanted to) the flame decals poking out from the front wheels? The car was re-painted and the shiny stuff re-chromed. The Pacer is powered by the original 258 CID 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. In the movie car, the speakers were not functional, with no amp in the Pacer. Now the sound system is functional, dude.

Wayne’s World

Wayne’s World debuted in 1992 and starred Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, along with the late Meat Loaf. It also featured Alice Cooper and Rob Lowe. It grossed over $180 million in worldwide box office sales.

AMC Pacer

As a comparison, the folks at Barrett-Jackson are also selling another 1976 AMC Pacer from the same seller, but red. For 1976 the Pacer was AMC’s best seller. Go figure. The PACER was also produced in Mexico where it was marketed as a luxury car. It was produced for only six years, although popular at first during the gas crisis, other automakers caught up for the need for smaller cars and the Pacer never regained its lead. Often called a “fishbowl” due to all its glass, it had relatively little cargo space if four passengers were in the car.

Should be interesting to see what the difference in selling price will be for these two Pacers.

[Show picture list]

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Auctions, Uncategorized

Arizona Auction Week 2022

January 15, 2022 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Arizona Auction Week is coming at ya. From January 22-30 the auction sites will be on fire as thousands of cars cross the auction blocks. Six auction houses will be hosting auctions here in Arizona with a variety of formats. Arizona Auction Week is coming out strong after COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, but there will be fewer cars offered for sale and the total will probably still be low, but the excitement will be high

Arizona Auction Week

Arizona Auction Week has always been known for setting the bar for what auctions during the balance of the year might look like. This year will be no exception. From the auction scene, we see a few houses that aren’t going to host any event, most notably Russo-Steele. They opted to bow out this year.

Arizona Auction Week Houses

Of course, Barrett-Jackson will be holding court in Scottsdale with preview days and then full bore auctions with mostly no-reserve vehicles crossing the block. Saturday the 29th will of course be reserved for their high dollar offerings but there will be plenty of cars to check out all week for Barrett-Jackson. They are also holding their Builders Cup competition that week as well.

Gooding and Company is offering an on-site viewing of the cars but will be only having an online auction. They will be displaying their offerings at an airport hanger not far from Barrett-Jackson’s site at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. That gives buyers to see things in person or with a representative and then bid away from the crowds.

Bonhams will be at the Westin Kierland lawn for their sale while in central Phoenix the RM-Sothebys will host their auction at the Biltmore Hotel. Both have select offerings for a shorter auction duration. Probably the highest offering will be a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing at RM-Sothebys. Sure Gullwings are already expensive but this is an aluminum alloy body made for racing. So we have even more exclusive and rarity rolling on this Mercedes. We figure it won’t sell unless it reaches an eight million bid and even that might not be enough to hammer the deal done.

MAG auctions will continue a lower-priced auction on the far east side of the Phoenix valley. They originally were the Silver Auction until Mitch Silver sold off the opportunity to MAG.

Worldwide Auctioneers is having a one-day sale that is always an interesting event. It has an eclectic mix of vehicles and ranges from exotics to Packard’s.

All in, the Arizona Auction Week will be a huge extravaganza for classic car fans. Plenty of cars to marvel at and prices to ponder. See you there?

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Photos courtesy of RM Sothebys

Auctions, Uncategorized

Hirohata Mercury SOLD at Mecum Auctions

November 22, 2021 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

UPDATE The Hirohata mercury sold for $2,145,000 at the Mecum Auction in Florida In January 2022.

The world’s most famous custom car – the Bob Hirohata 1951 Mercury – is selling at the January 2022 Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Florida.

This iconic car was created by Sam and George Barris when Bob Hirohata after returning from military service brought a new Mercury to the Barris; to do their magic. The original build occurred in under 100 days to be ready for display at the 1952 Motorama car show.

Sam Barris removed the B pillars to make the Mercury into a hardtop. Chopping the roof four inches and lowering the rear roofline an additional three inches made for a sleek look.

Hirohata Alterations

Additional alterations include:

Top chopped 4 inches in the front and 7 inches in the rear
V-butted windshield
Front fenders extended 4 inches, incorporating frenched 1952 Ford headlights
Rear fenders extended and fitted with frenched 1952 Lincoln Capri tail lights
Trunk corners were rounded
Hood was filled, peaked and extended into the grille
Custom grille made from three 1952 Ford grilles
Factory dips on the doors were filled and the surrounding sheet metal was reshaped to flow with 1952 Buick Riviera trim spears
Functional brake cooling scoops on rear panels
Flush fit, flared fender skirts
Chopped front coils in front and the frame was kicked up in the rear
Springs were de-arched using two sets of 1.5-inch lowering blocks

Hirohata Restoration

The car was restored by the owner to Seafoam Green and Organic Green. These hues were trend-breaking as most customs back in the ’50s were somber, dark colors.

The car was previously enrolled into the National Historic Vehicle Registry and rightfully so.

Mecum always snag some high profile cars, like Big Oly. It will be interesting to see what this iconic, classic custom sells for at the Mecum auction. Care to make a guess? Comment below!

Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Auctions, Uncategorized

Hula Girl Waltzes to a New Owner

May 9, 2021 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

This 1933 custom Ford roadster debuted at the 1952 Oakland Roadster Show. Named the “Hula Girl” it was built by Bill Montero Sr. and his son, Bill Jr., of San Jose, California, in the early 1950s. It shows what a customizer could do back in the ’50s when customization was all the rage. Who wouldn’t love this orange pearl paint job with the wind in your face?

Hula Girl Changes

After the 1952 show, the roadster was channeled, allowing the body to sit even lower as it appears today. To add to the chops of this roadster it was then converted to an alcohol-burning drag car and campaigned across Northern California and then parked. As presented it easily broke 100 MPH in the quarter-mile strips.

Hula Girl Build

It was restored in the late 1990s and eventually bought in 2006 by Craig Jackson of Barrett-Jackson Auctions. It is powered by a 1953 Ford flathead V8 with Ardun heads. A supercharger with three Stromberg carburetors complete the look. A manual transmission was utilized and the rear end is from a 1948 Ford. The stunning wire wheels came from a 1953 Buick Skylark.

Craig Jackson, the Chairman do the Barrett-Jackson Auction, stated he was selling it as he rarely got the chance to drive it and felt it should be driven. Jackson promulgates that people are only the “caretakers” of these cars and he always admired the “piece of eye candy”.

Hula Girl Sells

The paint is an orange pearl and sizzled under the lights of the March 2021 Barrett-Jackson Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It sold for $126,500 (including buyer’s premium) and Hula Girl is now off to new adventures.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

[Show picture list]

Auctions, Uncategorized

Big Oly – Parnelli Jones and a Baja Bronco

March 20, 2021 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

There are Broncos, and then there are BRONCOS and then there is Big Oly. With Ford resurrecting the nameplate the first-generation Broncos have soared in collector interest. You can get a resto-mod Bronco 4X4 or buy a survivor. Now Mecum Auctions will offer you up a different version – Parnelli Jones’ Baja 500 racer – Big Oly

At this week’s Mecum Auction held in Glendale, AZ Dana Mecum unveiled Parnelli Jones’ Big Oly and announced it along with other items from Jones will be sold at his Spring Classic in Indiana. It was covered up before the “unveiling” and then enclosed in Mecum’s glass cage but we were able to get a close look before it was glassed up.

Big Oly Build

This might not be the normal Bronco and is essentially a Bronco in name only. A custom chrome-moly tube-frame chassis, aluminum inner panels, fiberglass body, a Ford 351 Windsor engine, four-wheel disc brakes, a Trans-Am-spec full-floating rear axle, plus a modified Twin I-Beam front suspension were used in this Baja cruiser.

The dirt racer was sponsored by the Olympia Brewing Company; hence the name Big Oly.

Big Oly Race Outcomes

The first year out in the Mexican 1000 it failed to finish but won the 1972 Mexican 1000 and both the Baja 500 and Mint 400 in 1973, before being leaving the circuit in 1975.

Jones kept the desert driver and never parted with it. But now it will be auctioned at the upcoming Mecum Auction. But since it is a Bronco in name only, will it draw the interest of the bidders? Let us know your thought and we will see what the outcome is in May

Subscribe to Blog via Email

[Show picture list]

Auctions, Uncategorized

Super Snake Shelby Cobra at Barrett-Jackson

March 14, 2021 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

This car has all the fundamentals for a legendary ride. It is a Shelby. It is a Cobra. Plus, it has a wicked name – Super Snake. And this month it rolls across the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Super Snake

An original 1966 Cobra is desirable enough but Carroll Shelby crafted two high powered Cobras to beat all contenders. Unfortunately one crashed and killed its owner so this is the only remaining high octane Cobra; CSX 3015, powered by a side-oiler 427, to which Shelby added two Paxton superchargers.

It started as a 427 Competition Cobra, a barely street-legal race car that Shelby built to qualify Cobras for FIA competition. By adding the superchargers, each feeding 6 psi of air into one of the 427’s two Holley 4V carburetors, Shelby claimed 800 horsepower. A C-6 three-speed automatic sent power through a limited-slip diff to a 3.31:1 rear end. Underneath the car sat two electric fuel pumps to supplement the standard mechanical unit.

Super Snake Sales History

The sole remaining Super Snake was bought by musician Jimmy Webb. The car then passed to a distinguished collector before appearing at Barrett-Jackson’s auction in 2007 where it sold for $5.5 million and in 2015 where it sold for a lower price of $5.1 million. Given recent interest in Cobras and Carroll Shelby prompted by the Ford V Ferrari movie, it will be interesting to see what it fetches this time.

The car is clearly one of a kind and the price it brings will be a good indicator of the strength of the collector car market. The seller wisely put a reserve on it. What would you expect it to sell for?