OUR AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS’ PICKS: Cars to watch for at the 2017 Scottsdale Auction
January 2, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Just a few of the Barrett-Jackson experts. From left to right: Jim and JB Mattison (Pontiacs), David Wise (Mopar), Kevin Marti (Ford), Steve Magnante (Mopars, drag racers and hot rods), Anthony and Roy Sinor (Corvettes), Norm Meads and Jerry MacNeish (Camaro/Chevelle/Nova SS).
When you are a collector car enthusiast faced with the incredible 1,500-plus vehicles on the docket for the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, it’s often hard to know where to begin. So, to provide a little “cheat sheet,” we asked our team of automotive experts which cars were beginning to catch their eyes as the docket was beginning to take shape.
When it comes to Corvettes, it’s hard to find someone more knowledgeable than Roy Sinor. He is excited about a number of “real, unique, rare, documented and desirable” examples of the marque that are headed to Scottsdale, led by what he thinks will be the most unusual piece in the auction: the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle known as CERV 1 (Lot #1390). “Some 50 years later, you can still see the transverse-sprung independent rear suspension it fostered,” says Sinor.
Lot #1347 – 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Convertible
A number of other Corvettes are also on Sinor’s radar, including a 1967 triple-black 435 convertible (Lot #1347) and a very special pair indeed: a 1962 Heavy-Duty Brake “Fuelie” (Lot #1327) and a 1963 Z06 (Lot #1393). “Having two of the rarest small-block Corvettes ever built – from sequential years, the last C1 weapons-grade warrior and the first C2 weapons-grade warrior, both fuel-injected, both with heavy-duty brakes and suspension, and both silver on black – at the same auction is just incredible.” And there’s also a stunning blue 1969 L88 (Lot #1369), which Sinor calls one of the “best of the crop.”
Lot #1044.1 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Barrett-Jackson’s Camaro/Chevelle/Nova SS expert, Jerry MacNeish, says that in his world, what separates the average cars from the ones that see the best numbers on the block is the pedigree of the car, factory production numbers on production states and if the car has solid lifters. “Add to that a car that was restored correctly with all NOS parts and is numbers-matching and expertly detailed,” says MacNeish, “and you’ve got great potential.” A great example in his eyes is the 1969 Z/28 Camaro. “The Z/28 has consistently been selling remarkably well at Barrett-Jackson auctions,” he says. “I don’t know of any other high-performance car with over 20,000 produced that commands this kind of sales status. I suspect that the racing record books have helped to put the 1969 Z/28 Camaro on top.” One fine example of a 1969 Z/28 on the docket for the 2017 Scottsdale Auction at No Reserve is Lot #1044.1.
Lot #1338 – 1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible
Ford expert Kevin Marti noticed a few with great potential early on as the docket began taking shape, including a 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 (Lot #1365). “This car continues to be highly sought after by collectors,” says Marti. “Instant name recognition and widespread familiarity, coupled with its race heritage, will always spell sound value for this vehicle.” He also gives a nod to a 1970 Boss 302 Mustang (Lot #1006.1): “Even the 2008 recession did not hurt values of this perennial favorite much. With its race-winning heritage, the Boss 302 is highly respected, even amongst non-Ford owners.” He is also interested to see how a 1999 Shelby Series 1 (Lot #1099) and 1968 Shelby GT500KR (Lot #1338) will do. “Some people like the Series 1 and some don’t,” says Marti. “It produces a strong reaction in conversation. The GT500 KR has much potential – as we come to the 50th anniversary of this car, there may be opportunity to capitalize as publicity brings attention to this classic.”
Lot #1345 – Don Prudhomme’s 1972 Plymouth Barracuda Mattel Hot Wheels “Snake II” Funny Car
Steve Magnante area of expertise particularly leans to drag racers and hot rods. The cars turning his head thus far include Don Prudhomme’s “Snake II” funny car (Lot #1345). “I’m a big believer in restored drag race machines,” says Magnante. “Especially cars with high-profile owners/drivers, cars that won a lot or cars that set records. This is a great example.” He also advises people to be on the lookout for what he calls “green bananas” – cars that are too new to be collectible. “There’s nothing wrong with them; they’re just not ripe yet,” he says. “Scout out models folks wanted as young adults but couldn’t afford to buy. The late ’70s and ’80s offered numerous examples of cars that fit the bill.”
“There will be some really great Pontiacs in attendance at the upcoming auction,” says Jim Mattison of Pontiac Historic Services (PHS), Barrett-Jackson’s expert on this marque. “The interest in and values of ‘good’ Pontiacs has been on the increase over the last few years.”
Lot #1299 – 1969 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air II
One car that caught Mattison’s eye early on was a 1969 Trans Am Ram Air III (Lot #1299). “The 1969 model year is a particularly popular year for GM cars among collectors, especially for Chevrolets and Pontiacs,” says Mattison. “The number of collectors who desire to add a ’69 Trans Am to their collections has definitely been on the increase over the last few years.” This particular car has been carefully restored, comes with a matching-numbers Ram Air III engine and transmission, and has PHS paperwork. “The bidders at Barrett-Jackson auctions recognize quality, no-excuse restorations, especially on cars with good documentation,” observes Mattison.
Lot #1392 – 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda
Mopar expert Dave Wise says there are a number of 1970 HEMI ’Cuda pony cars to watch this year, one of the rarest being a triple-black convertible (Lot #1392), one of 14 produced for the U.S. market. “The HEMI ’Cuda convertible is one of the most desirable, and production cars optioned with the biggest engines have always been rare,” says Wise. “Combine these two factors and it is sufficient to conclude that the big-block drop-tops are the pinnacle of collectibility, as they are both desirable and rare.” Wise is also keeping his eye on a survivor 1970 Plymouth Superbird (Lot #1284) and a 1969 Dodge Charger 500 (Lot #1339). “It is not often that you see two superspeedway-inspired Mopars at one event that have a low number of past owners,” Wise says of these cars. “Each has under 15,000 original miles, is highly documented and is numbers-matching. These are without doubt the key to completing any comprehensive collection of the world’s finest historic muscle cars.”
“Between our in-house car specialists and our team of automotive experts, we do our best to educate and empower people who want to sell or purchase a collector car,” says Craig Jackson. “Our experts are often available at each auction to talk to and ask questions of, particularly at the symposiums we offer during the event.”
At this year’s Scottsdale auction, there is an expanded “Behind the Hobby” Collector Car Symposium schedule, with symposiums running every morning from Monday, January 16, through Friday, January 20. Whether you’re new to the collector car hobby or a seasoned pro, you’re bound to learn something new at these informative events, which are free of charge to auction ticket-holders. (For a complete symposium schedule, click HERE.)