GM GOODNESS AT PALM BEACH: High-Performance Selections from the Steve Todhunter Collection
April 5, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist David C. Neyens
LOT #727.1 – 1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #681.1 – 2022 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
Of all the greatest marques in automotive history, Chevrolet possesses a victorious high-performance legacy earned from the street to the pinnacle of international motorsports – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Racing was in the company’s DNA, with Chevrolet established in 1911 by Swiss-American racing driver and engineer Louis Chevrolet and his brother Arthur, who joined forces with General Motors founder “Billy” Durant and key investors. While the Chevrolets would soon leave the company bearing their surname, Louis went on to help form the McLaughlin Motor Company in Ontario, Canada, which also built Chevrolets and later became the foundation of GM Canada. Louis and his brothers also formed Model T racing-parts supplier Frontenac Motor Corporation, and Louis would also compete and finish credibly at the Indianapolis 500. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet marque benefited handsomely from Louis’ advanced engineering work, including the overhead-valve 6-cylinder engine that would gain fame as the “Cast Iron Wonder” and define the GM division’s reputation for durability and value for decades to follow.
While Chevrolets sold strongly from inception, performance was definitely not a primary consideration through the early 1950s. The historic introduction of Chevrolet’s all-new, overhead-valve V8 engine changed all that in one stroke in 1955. Answering the call among car buyers for greater power and performance, Chevrolet’s new “small block” V8 engine was developed under industry legend Ed Cole, marking a revolution in the automotive world and setting its maker on a new “hot car” trajectory. Matching the new Chevy powerplant’s substance, a succession of fresh new body designs from GM’s styling studios electrified attendees to the company’s thrilling Motorama traveling roadshows nationwide. Most importantly, the new Chevrolets drew hordes of buyers to Chevrolet dealer showrooms.
LOT #376.1 – 1957 CHEVROLET NOMAD CUSTOM WAGON – NO RESERVE
Offered from the Steve Todhunter Collection, this highly focused five-car grouping selling with No Reserve during Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Palm Beach Auction celebrates Chevrolet’s rich performance legacy. Featuring sporty “long-hood, short-deck” styling in a midsize package, a Cranberry Red 1970 Chevelle SS 396 convertible exemplifies the breed with its aggressive yet sophisticated looks maximized by the top-echelon Malibu trim level plus black upholstery, white Rally stripes, and all the details and extras offered by the Super Sport option package. Ordered new by a GM executive, this SS 396 Convertible retains the matching-numbers RPO L78 396ci V8 engine rated at 375 horsepower, paired with a rebuilt M21 4-speed manual transmission and G80 posi-traction rear axle. Other highlights include cowl induction, power windows, power front disc brakes, power steering and F41 Special Performance suspension, plus a wide array of comfort and convenience features and amenities. Benefiting from a frame-off rotisserie restoration, it comes with two Build Sheets listing the original owner’s name and ownership history.
From the first mid-engine Corvette generation, a Hypersonic Gray Metallic 2022 Corvette Stingray convertible celebrates Team Corvette’s winning ways on the track with the big-ticket IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Edition package, including a long list of factory- and dealer-installed equipment, plus the upscale 3LT trim and Z51 Performance Package options. The potent 6.2-liter direct-injection V8 engine delivers 495 factory-rated horsepower, and the Corvette’s performance envelope is simply massive in all disciplines. Exceptionally low mileage and CARFAX-documented history define this highly equipped 2022 Corvette IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Edition, which marks the fulfillment of seven full decades of continuous Corvette development and racing success.
LOT #101.1 – 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM COLLECTOR’S EDITION CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
Inspired by several dramatic GM show cars that created a sensation at the 1954 GM Motorama shows, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad two-door hardtop station wagon proved to buyers that style and utility are not necessarily mutually exclusive goals from a design standpoint. Understood to have been a nice rust-free example prior to a full restoration and build retaining the Nomad’s great original looks with modern performance and drivability, this GM Ram Jet 350 V8-powered example features a Keisler 5-speed manual transmission and all the supporting features and amenities to deliver a fabulous all-around experience.
Honoring the last GM “F-Body” Camaro/Firebird production year, a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Collector’s Edition convertible in this collection features power delivered by GM’s revised, all-aluminum 346ci LS1 V8 engine with functional Ram Air induction, delivering 320-factory-rated horsepower, greater than Pontiac’s famed 455 Super Duty mill of the 1970s. Interestingly, the 346ci powerplant of this special Trans Am marks the first major update to Chevrolet’s landmark original “small-block” engine design and represents the fulfillment of General Motors’ “corporate” approach to powertrain manufacture and cross-divisional usage. Single ownership from new under Mr. Todhunter and negligible mileage ensure this commemorative model’s present and future collectibility.
The last GM/Chevrolet icon from the Steve Todhunter Collection is an eye-catching 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible, which marks the triumphant return of the Camaro nameplate to production starting in 2010 after the prior series’ 2002 demise. While paying clear homage to the stylish and fast Camaros of years past, the new-generation car featured a thoroughly modern chassis and body design with numerous technological innovations for a fabulous driving experience. A one-owner vehicle under Todhunter’s care from new, this Camaro’s stellar condition is matched by the explosive performance delivered by its SS-specification GM 6.2-liter V8 engine factory-rated at 426 horsepower.
LOT #101 – 2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
These Chevrolet-powered legends are but a few of the many featured consignments for the upcoming Palm Beach Auction, April 13-15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Be sure to register to bid today for the opportunity to take one – or more – of these legendary performers home.