Barrett Jackson 56 ford $103K

[jhl1963]

WOW - the American iron is sure cleaning up -

$90+k 57 Chevy
$100+K 58 fuelly Impala
$100+ K 56 Chevy ragtop (dual 4s)

On the relative bargain front, there was a yellow Hemi documented Coronet that went for $54K...looked like a real nice car.

unbelievable!

Jordan

[doctor al]

heard that streets. more money than brains out there.

[Diamond]

............................or the 69 Z-28 Camero for $110K (and the copo camero went for $90k), the non numbers matching shelby GT500 at $230k which the owner was hoping for $125k, the Hemi 56 ford F-100 that Tim Allen bought at $75k, the 41 willys at $140k, or the (i just caught the tail end so i may be wrong) 56 chevy that went for $200k!!!!!!!!.........etc.etc. ARE THESE PEOPLE ON GLUE!!!!

[doctor al]

I think what we are seeing is the end result of alot of "found money". I'm guessing that most of these bidders inherited these dollars from their folks. Makes me jealous that my folks did not leave me anything.(just kidding dad). still, I'm starting to regret all the cars I cut up for racers... boss 302 stang....Z28 camaro...29 hudson 3 window coupe... the 55 gasser...etc

[Bob Parmenter]

First off, I find these kinds of auctions fascinating and entertaining. That said, I also don't see them as representative of the larger fun car market. Many of the cars auctioned at B-J are very special, well documented, and extremely high level cars. They command a higher price because of that uniqueness. People don't normally pay a premium for ordinary. Sure, there are a few of these folks that get "bid fever" and become bound and determined to prove they have bigger cojones by bludgeoning the other guy with the next higher bid, but that's what auctions are about.

I've got to take issue with your assessment al. I look around at the people I know in the car hobby and almost none of them inherited their money, or won it in a lottery. Most of them "found" their money by taking risks when they were younger and started a business or scrimped and saved to invest in something like real estate or the stock market. They put in 12-16 hour days for months, sometimes years, on end. They made some bad decisions that set them back, learned from them, and took some more risks that finally paid off. They got the bigger reward because they showed an uncommon willingness and desire to succeed. They didn't play it safe. They didn't let negative thinking dominate their life. Instead of saying "I can't afford.............", they'd believe in "How can I afford..............? I don't think that makes them better as human beings than anyone else, but I also don't think they should be derided for their efforts. Almost always, reward is commensurate with effort and risk, give them their due. And if that success allows them to buy a nicer house, car, or whatever, so be it. If their success leads them to be jerks, then don't pay attention to them. Those that are envious need to deal with their own issues instead of tearing others down. There's more than enough of that kind of stuff around here as it is.

The big hitter at this auction was the Zephyr coupe out of Spokane. I've been around this car a few times. It is absolutely spectacular. Not only different, but special. The workmanship is of the highest order. Still, I would have never guessed in a million years that it would pull down $400k at auction, even though it probably cost that much, or more, to build. One of our long time, though infrequent, contributors here had a sizeable hand in building that car, congrats to you Tim.

[kennyd]

the 55 hard top for 210.000.00 that was a awesome car , i personally know the builder , that was big money for a 55 , but if you saw the 55 you would know why!
the f100 56 , silver was another car worth 2 times what it brought .
the zephry all i can say is wow! wow!

[Diamond]

I agree with you bob, it seems that over the years the baby boomers are now in a position that the can buy the dreams cars of their youth thus the jump in american muscle. I find myself in this position and i have always admired the high quality work, but being Ukrainian the miser in me always has to justify the price. I don't mind paying top dollor as long as the work is there. That Zephyr must have been something and yes it probably did cost that to make. Sure would love to see it in person. Your right to that these B-J cars are of the highest examples of their models, and proabally cost more then they sold for. Personally im not into trailer queens but do like to see the best, i still like to drive my cars.

[Diamond]

[i]Originally posted by Bob Parmenter
The big hitter at this auction was the Zephyr coupe out of Spokane. I've been around this car a few times. It is absolutely spectacular. Not only different, but special. The workmanship is of the highest order. Still, I would have never guessed in a million years that it would pull down $400k at auction, even though it probably cost that much, or more, to build. One of our long time, though infrequent, contributors here had a sizeable hand in building that car, congrats to you Tim. [/B]

Hey bob, i have a thread goin called "who built this" looking for info on the builder, i would appreciate any help on it. Some pics there on the Zephyr

[jhl1963]

Hi guys -

I find it amusing that noone questions a Ferrari 575 purchase for north of $275K with taxes, but a handmade piece of art for similar money is considered "outlandish".

Next year we have to start a thread on how many mistakes the Presenters make!

During the first day when the Minotti coupes went for $50-60, I thought the rods were going to be weak for the year, hah!

Eddy, I agree that 55 F100 that Tim Allen bought was gorgeous! Surprised it didn't pull in more.

Jordan

[Diamond]

I don't comment on the exotics becouse im uninformed of that market. It's also not one that im particularly interested in.