August 20, 2015
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson

INNOVATION, TIMELESS STYLE AND BRUTE FORCE: Three impressive vehicles set to cross the block in Las Vegas

INNOVATION, TIMELESS STYLE AND BRUTE FORCE: Three impressive vehicles set to cross the block in Las Vegas

August 20, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

and independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

There is no denying the impact German and English car manufacturers have had on the industry. But there are no bread-and-butter cars here. These are the products of the hardcore designers and stylists who cater to those with big appetites for innovation, timeless style and brute force. The three cars listed here represent each of those traits – and more. If your taste is for refined European machinery, dinner is served.

Porsche

1979 Porsche 930 Turbo

This is the car that gave all of us the ability to peer into the future of high-performance technology. For most car manufacturers in 1979, the goal was to meet basic emissions requirements – not to excel in performance. Yet, Porsche knew how to do both. Their turbocharged 911 series coupe, called the 930, was the weapon of choice.

The Porsche 930's black leather interior perfectly complements its Metallic Silver exterior.

The Porsche 930’s black leather interior perfectly complements its Metallic Silver exterior.

Metallic Silver with black leather interior is the ideal combination for this classic machine. Only 806 of these cars were shipped to the U.S. market. This one has only been driven 38,465 miles in its lifetime, making it even more desirable.

We often hear the phrase “planned obsolescence.” It’s an approach where engineers design cars that will be outmoded sooner, rather than later. On the other hand, Porsche’s 911/930 body style has lasted for over 50 years, and has only gotten better with age.

This particular Porsche 930 Turbo is a no-rust-ever example of just how good these machines are. The engine has recently been serviced to include fresh factory spec seals and head studs. A glass-out repaint of the original factory Silver Metallic (coded 936) is virtually brand-new.

When these Turbo Porsches first hit the scene, there were precious few choices for traditional muscle cars during the doldrums of the mid- to late ’70s. So how was it that Porsche found a way to build a street-legal coupe that could run the quarter-mile as fast as any American muscle car did from the glory days of the late ’60s? They just did, that’s how.

The 930 Turbo is exciting to drive because of its performance potential, and because of the skill it takes to handle it well. It also brought a phenomenon to the masses known as turbo-lag. That’s when you step on the gas and it takes an instant or two for the turbo to spin up to meet the demand of your right foot. But when it does, make sure you’re ready, because the rush will be spectacular.

Even in a sea of classic performance cars, this silver 930 Turbo Porsche will stand out like a famous movie star that just never looks a day older and remains as impressive as ever.

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1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Conversion

This magnificent Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Convertible Conversion looks like it could rewrite the history of luxury cars. The name Rolls-Royce is already one of the most prestigious brands in the books. It’s where the expression “Old World craftsmanship” no doubt originated. It is easy to imagine the likes of Michael Caine or Ringo Starr driving this very car out to a favorite pub when they were young and the Rolls was new.

Every Rolls-Royce is elegant and timeless because they are built with an eye to the future yet radiate an appreciation of the past. Consider the simple black RR steering wheel. No gimmicks, buttons or unnecessary adornment here – just more elegant and graceful function.

[New leather and carpeting, as well as a new sheen on the famous interior woodwork, has made this Rolls-Royce even more luxurious.](http://a href=)

New leather and carpeting, as well as a new sheen on the famous interior woodwork, has made this Rolls-Royce even more luxurious.

This one has been restored to like-new condition and upgraded to drophead coupe configuration thanks to the specialized touch of Heritage Classic Coach Builders. The result is a machine that can wipe 50 years off the calendar with a simple turn of a key and provides the full experience of owning an original drophead coupe. Although a great deal of effort goes into the sedan-to-drophead coupe process, the endeavor is worthwhile: the exposed back seat exudes comfort and luxury, with the open-sky view included at no extra charge.

A bare-metal repaint of the original color scheme of black over Silver Sand set the stage for this car’s encore performance. New tires, brakes, engine belts, radiator, hoses and air conditioning keep the basics on the straight and narrow.

The interior was freshened with new leather and carpeting. Even the power window motors were rebuilt for uninterrupted service. The world famous Rolls-Royce interior woodwork was given a new sheen on life by modern day craftsmen with talents that equal or surpass those of yesteryear.

This impressive member of automotive society has only been driven and enjoyed for 200 miles since its refurbishing. That means it is ready and waiting to take you and yours to the stratosphere of the luxury car experience.

Bentley

2005 Bentley Continental GT

When the Bentley Continental GT hit the scene in 2003, even James Bond did a double take. The car was elegant, dashing and imposing on the outside. But underneath that handsome skin lays an astonishingly capable creation with the ability to push around evil forces like momentum, gravity and wind resistance as though they were simply two-bit hooligans.

Bentley was purchased by Volkswagen AG in 1998 and the idea was to build a somewhat more affordable car in order to sell to larger market, yet still maintain the exclusivity of the brand. VW would even rely on some actual mass-production methods in order to make it all happen.

The GT is armed with a 6-liter W12 engine, which is essentially two 3-liter V6s joined by a common crankshaft. As if that wasn’t enough, twin turbochargers were utilized to generate 552 horsepower that would be sufficient for any imaginable motoring challenge.

A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters dishes out the power to all four wheels, which in turn gives the driver more precise control, even during those extreme maneuvers required by anyone with a license to thrill.

A beautiful Burr Oak veneer interior sets off this Bentley's state-of-the-science equipment just perfectly.

A beautiful Burr Oak veneer interior sets off this Bentley’s state-of-the-science equipment just perfectly.

This car’s 200 mph capability gave it instant entry to the rarified status of supercar stardom. But unlike Ferraris and Lamborghinis, this Bentley GT could do it all – and allow you to bring three friends along for the ride in comfort and luxury.

This 2005 example is wearing the rare Cypress Metallic paint and upgraded Burr Oak veneer interior trim. Naturally, this machine came with state-of-the-science equipment such as a navigational display, parking sensors, Xenon lights and a sound system befitting an automobile of such caliber. This Bentley’s wheels have even been upgraded by the original dealer to add four more touches of exclusivity to this fantastic vehicle.

Expect excellence inside and out from the most exciting Bentley produced in the 21st century. This 2005 Bentley Continental GT is prepared to drive you through this century in as much luxury as you want – and as quickly as you dare.

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See these cars in person at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction, September 24-26, 2015. There will be hundreds of high-quality cars representing the very best of their kind.

For up-to-date information on these vehicles, click HERE.

Heritage Partners