FLASHING SOME MUSCLE: These cars from the Charlie Thomas Collection show what American muscle cars were all about
October 25, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham
This 1970 Plymouth Superbird is just one impressive example of American muscle that will be crossing the auction block at the 2017 Scottsdale Auction as part of the 140-car Charlie Thomas Collection.
Charlie Thomas is a true car guy’s car collector. As a young man he started in the automotive business as a delivery driver at an Oldsmobile dealership, and over the years worked his way up to owning or holding an interest in nearly 50 dealerships.
He’s stepped back from the workaday world of showrooms and service departments, but never lost his love for cars. He has amassed an incredible collection of 250 cars, 140-plus of which he’s putting up for sale at the 2017 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January. “They’ve got more buyers, and a wider variety of buyers,” he says of his choice to go with Barrett-Jackson. “They’ve got a buyer for everything, and with the spread of cars I’ve got, I’m going with them.”
A testament to its excellent restoration, this 1970 Plymouth Superbird was the recipient of a Mopar Gold national show award.
In addition to the six Charlie Thomas cars that were sold at the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, a mouthwatering sampling of cars scheduled to cross the block in Scottsdale was on display at the Las Vegas auction site. Thomas’ collection is wide-ranging and deep, but this display was focused on the best of American muscle.
Charlie has always sought out and bought the best cars he could find, and that keen eye is evident with this group. Look closely and you’ll find the largest available engines, multiple carburetors, posi-traction rear ends and many other desirable features.
Charlie Thomas’ 1966 Pontiac GTO
It’s harder to find a more outrageous example of American muscle than a 1970 Plymouth Superbird. The one featured here has its original V-code 440/390hp Six Pack V8, backed by a 4-speed transmission with pistol-grip shifter. It’s ready for spirited driving, with the optional A33 Track Pack and Dana 60 rear end. It has full instrumentation, including Tic-Toc-Tach, radio, power steering, power front disc brakes and tinted glass. This Superbird has been professionally restored to a level where it was able to win a Mopar Gold national show award.
This 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback is one of only 66 from that year painted with the original color code N, Pastel Blue.
Triple carburetion reached peak popularity in the 1960s, and Pontiac was one of the leaders. The GTO was the best-selling muscle car in 1966, and this Platinum 1966 Pontiac GTO reminds us why. With a period-code-correct 389/360hp V8 topped by three 2-barrel carburetors, 4-speed transmission, 3.55 posi-traction rear end and strictly business poverty hubcaps with red line tires, this is the type of car that would have been the envy of cruise night in the 1960s. This “goat” has been given a complete frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration and has Pontiac Historic Services paperwork.
A beauty in black, this 1962 Chevrolet Impala convertible is one fine member of the Charlie Thomas Collection.
Not all muscle cars were built with drag strips and stoplight challenges in mind. Ford created the Boss 302 Mustang to attack curvy roads and dominate Trans Am Series racing. The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback from Thomas’ collection has its correct 290hp Boss 302 V8, close-ratio 4-speed, Traction-Lok differential with 3.50 gears and Shaker hood scoop. It is one of only 66 1970 Boss 302 Mustangs painted with the original color code N, Pastel Blue.
At the dawn of the muscle car era, manufacturers pushed big cars and big cubes. Thomas’ 1962 Chevrolet Impala convertible shows that philosophy taken to its logical extreme. With a 409ci V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors and 4-speed transmission, this is one full-sized car that runs like an athlete. It is finished in its original colors of black over black, and the interior features bucket seats. It has a center console, dual exhaust, power steering, dual antenna and black convertible top boot.
This 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda combines classic styling with modern technology.
As fun as muscle cars were to drive, there have been countless automotive advances in the last half-century. Cars that combine classic styling and modern technology are irresistible. The 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda in this group features 440 Six Pack V8 power upgraded with Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads and headers, and backed by a Tremec 5-speed transmission. Handling and stopping ability have been improved with Wilwood front disc brakes and modern radials. The car was treated to a thorough 6-year restoration, and complete photo documentation is available.
Although not a traditional muscle car, this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327/350 convertible offers plenty of driving pleasure.
Offering a different driving experience than traditional muscle cars is the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327/350 convertible that will cross the block in Scottsdale. This Corvette comes from a time when drivers expected dramatic styling, lots of power and sophisticated features from a sports car, and this Milano Maroon Stingray has all that in abundance.
The engine is a matching-numbers L79 327ci V8. It was the top small-block option that year, rated at 350hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. The side-mount exhaust system ensures you’ll get to hear every note of the engine’s song. The car is very well-equipped, with 4-speed transmission, leather seats, telescopic steering column and AM/FM radio with power antenna.
The previous owner had the Corvette for 35 years, and documentation includes copies of the previous title from the 1970s and the NCRS shipping data report.
But that’s typical for a Charlie Thomas car – he only buys what he considers to be the best.
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles set for the 2017 Scottsdale Auction, click HERE for the Preview Docket.