RARITY AND PERFORMANCE: The eclectic Paul Walker Collection comes to Scottsdale
November 22, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Eric Becker
Three of the 21 vehicles once owned by Paul Walker that are headed to the 2020 Scottsdale Auction with No Reserve.
“I’ll have the tuna, no crust.” With that simple line, the world was introduced to the Brian O’Conner character at the beginning of the first film in “The Fast and The Furious” franchise. Perhaps more importantly, we were introduced to the exceptional Paul Walker. The films would span over a decade, travel the world, embrace other cultures and net over $5 billion at the box office. Paul Walker was the face of that franchise, forever changing lives ‒ and the automotive scene ‒ for the better. Walker’s on-screen presence played against type as a daring, family-oriented, rogue officer, helping define a unique element of car culture.
Paul Walker (Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage)
From the beginning of his career, Walker stood apart from the Hollywood norm. As the Dallas Morning News commented in March 2000, “Paul is one of the rarest birds in Hollywood – a pretension-free movie star.”
Likely lesser known to many was Walker’s life and work off screen. Equal to his passion for cars, Walker had a great love for the sea. He studied marine biology and spent most of his free time in the ocean. He fulfilled a lifelong dream as part of the crew in the National Geographic series “Expedition, Great White,” where he helped tag great white sharks for scientific study.
He also had an admirable commitment to humanity. “When you put good out there, it’s amazing what can be accomplished,” Walker said and believed. In January 2010, after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti, he spontaneously organized a relief team that responded to the disaster. On the trip, Walker saw a gap between the availability of skilled resources and the requirement for such personnel in post-disaster situations, and founded the organization Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW) to fulfill this unmet need.
“Paul was the kind of person who valued and respected others,” said his longtime friend Brandon Birtell. “He would go out of his way to do the simplest things, from stopping to open the door for others, making sure he looked someone in the eye when they were speaking, or help someone that clearly needed to be helped.”
After Walker passed, his daughter Meadow founded The Paul Walker Foundation to honor his commitment to “do good.” Walker’s passion for the ocean, a curious mind and a spontaneous heart lives on in the foundation, which was established to empower future generations by providing grants, scholarship opportunities and spontaneous acts of goodwill.
Walker was clearly a different kind of “car guy.” Always keen to share his passion for speed and the automobile, Walker was known to be generous and kind. “Paul Walker will always be remembered for ‘Fast and Furious’ to us fans, but to those who knew him, he was a kind, generous and thoughtful human being who touched people’s lives,” wrote Nico DeMattia in a BMW blog back in 2015. “He was also one of the coolest gearheads on the planet. Walker was a fan of all cars from all companies. His favorites, however, seemed to be Mustangs and BMWs. … His passion for BMWs seemed to be his biggest, as his collection of them was not only incredibly cool, but rare and unmodified.”
Barrett-Jackson is honored to bring 21 vehicles once owned by Paul Walker to the 2020 Scottsdale Auction, all offered with No Reserve. As Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson noted, “It is our hope that these cars bring the same joy to their new homes that they brought Paul.”
Lot #1371 – 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight with just over 4,600 miles.
1995 BMW M3 LIGHTWEIGHTS (LOT #1371, 1372, 1372.1, 1373, 1373.1)
The 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW S50B30 engine under the hood of Lot #1372 – 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight.
The ultimate analog driving machine, this collection brings five examples of BMW’s special track-oriented E36 to the auction block for the discerning driver. BMW was actively competing in motorsport with the E36 at the time and greenlit a homologation special for the U.K. market, the M3 GT. Unsatisfied with their sterilized variant of the E36 M3 (when compared to its European counterpart), BMW North America pressured the Munich-based manufacturer into building a racing thoroughbred of their own. The M3 Lightweight was born, shedding 220 pounds over the standard M3 and receiving a host of upgrades from BMW North America’s racing partner, Prototype Technology Group. Power is sourced from a 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW S50B30 engine and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission with a final drive ratio of 3:23:1. Each engine was hand-selected after undergoing arduous testing and produced a factory-rated 240hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque. Exact production numbers were never confirmed by BMW, but it’s widely accepted that between 120 and 126 of the Lightweight M3s were produced, with 10 being pre-production models.
Finished in Alpine White III, all but one of the M3 Lightweights bears the tri-color checkered M motif graphics package on the left-front and right-rear corners. The M3s left the factory sans radio, air conditioning and tool kit in effort to follow the Collin Chapman mantra to “simplify and add lightness.” This was taken to heart, as BMW added aluminum doors and forged magnesium wheels emblazoned with the word “MOTORSPORT.” Inside, the spartan interior featured carbon-fiber trim; the traditional luxury amenities were absent. BMW ditched the radio, air conditioning and most of the sound-deadening material, all in the name of weight reduction. Bred for racing, the Lightweight M3s were BMW North America’s homologation specials for the IMSA Firehawk series and are once again ready to take to the track.
Lot #1374 – 1988 BMW M3
1988 BMW M3 (LOT #1374) and 1991 BMW M3 (LOT #1371.1)
Lot #1371.1 – 1991 BMW M3
The M3 on which the dynasty was built, the E30 M3, was bred for racing and is considered the most successful touring car of all time with 1,500 victories. At the time, Group A regulations mandated that 5,000 road-going variants be produced and sold within a 12-month period for a vehicle to be homologated for racing. The highly sophisticated S14, so-called because it only took 14 days to get the prototype engine running, is a 2.3-liter inline-4 engine producing 195hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque. With displacement increased to 2.5 liters, this naturally aspirated four-cylinder could produce 360hp when outfitted in full racing guise. It is backed by a 5-speed manual Getrag transmission sending power to the rear wheels with the aid of limited-slip differential. The standard E30’s MacPherson Strut/semi-trailing arm suspension had substantial changes in its evolution to the motorsport-bred M3. Including a larger rear antiroll bar, wider track and revalved shocks. At only 2,867 pounds, the nimble M3 could eclipse most of its contemporaries around any road course or rally stage. All the bodywork, sans the hood, is unique to the M3. The M3 features flared fenders and quarter-panels, as well as bespoke front and rear bumpers. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts can discern that the C-pillar is flatter and wider than the M3’s standard two-door E30 sibling. The flared fenders and quarter-panels angle themselves as pure motorsports derivatives, and the iconic rear wing symbolizes a golden era in touring car racing. Offered are two BMW M3s, from 1988 and 1991. Both cars are finished in Alpine White II and are two of just over 5,000 examples sold in the United States from 1988-91.
Lot #730 – 2009 Nissan 370Z
2009 NISSAN 370Z “FAST & FURIOUS” (LOT #730)
A movie star in its own right, this 2009 Nissan 370Z made an appearance in the fifth installment of the “Fast & Furious” movie franchise. The 370Z is powered by Nissan’s VQ37 engine. Sitting on a set of teal Volk TE37 wheels clad in Hankook rubber, this Z was built for track use. Inside, the passenger seat has been removed and the driver now sits in a RECARO HANS Pro Racer seat with a Takata harness and detachable NRG steering wheel for easy ingress and egress. Finished in Brilliant Metallic Silver, this 370Z features graphics from Paul Walker’s charity, Reach Out Worldwide.
Lot #1374.1 – 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302S Race Car
2013 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302S RACE CAR (LOT #1374.1)
Nearly new, this Boss 302S race car has yet to see any racing circuit or track duty; the car was placed on a lift after Paul Walker received it as a gift. A 5.0-liter Ford Racing Motorsport engine is ready for the gauntlet of competitive motorsports. Power is sent through a TREMEC T6060 6-speed manual transmission with an Exedy clutch through a Torsen T2R differential with 3.73 gears. The Mustang’s suspension features a host of updates when compared to its roadgoing sibling, including coilover dampers, lower control arms with a Delrin bushing kit, caster/camber plates up front, Ford Racing antiroll bar and a Ford Racing adjustable Panhard bar out back. Brembo four-piston front racing brakes with 15-inch two-piece rotors and PFC racing pads provide plenty of stopping power for all your late-braking needs. A RECARO HANS Pro Racer keeps the driver in place during high “G” cornering. Outside, this Boss 302S features a Ford-Racing front splitter, adjustable carbon-fiber wing and Boss 302S graphics package.
Lot #730.1 – 1989 Nissan Skyline R32
1989 NISSAN SKYLINE R32 (LOT #730.1)
This racing-built R32 Nissan Skyline is host to the legendary RB26DETT engine nicknamed Godzilla due to its historic motorsport prowess. The 2.6-liter inline-6 breathes through twin turbos and puts power down via the famous ATTESSA all-wheel-drive system. The Skyline features upgrades from HKS and A’PEXi, as well as a fully stripped interior and full roll cage. The Gun Gray Metallic R32 sits on a pair of black Enkei RPF1 wheels that mask a set of Endless brake calipers. This beast was built for track duty.
Lot #373.1 – 2000 Audi S4
2000 AUDI S4 ( LOT #373.1)
A 90-degree 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 261hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque powers this Audi S4 2.7 Quattro sport saloon. The engine features five valves per cylinder and two parallel BorgWarner turbos. A Torsen T-2 quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.
Lot #376 – 1963 Chevrolet Nova Wagon
1963 CHEVROLET NOVA WAGON (LOT #375)
An ongoing project, this 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Wagon is ready to prove that family haulers can own the road just as well as any car.
Lot #376 – 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Wagon
1964 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE 300 WAGON (LOT #376)
One of just 2,710 produced in 1964, this Chevelle 300 wagon was slated to be Paul Walker’s next project. To finish his vision for the project would be a true honor.
Lot #731.1 – 1967 Chevrolet Nova Custom Coupe
1967 CHEVROLET NOVA CUSTOM COUPE (L OT #731.1)
Year One was heavily involved during the production of “2Fast 2Furious,” supplying parts used for the film’s star cars. While on set, Walker and Year One president Kevin King struck up a bond and eventually settled on building a day-to-day cruiser. The Nova sits on a set of 17×7 and 18×9.5 Wheel Vintiques billet rallye wheels clad in a set of BFGoodrich g-Force 245/45-17 fronts and 295/35-18 rears.
Lot #731 – 1995 Ford Bronco
1995 FORD BRONCO (LOT #731)
As in-demand now as it was 20 years ago, the fifth-generation Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition was the final iteration of the off-road icon before discontinuation. Featuring the 5.8-liter (351ci) Windsor V8 engine and finished in black clear coat over a tan leather interior, this four-wheel-drive Bronco has only 30,252 actual miles.
Lot #374.1 – 2003 Ford F-250 Pickup
2003 FORD F-250 PICKUP (LOT #374.1)
2003 was the final year for the 275hp and 525 ft/lbs of torque Powerstroke 7.3-liter turbo diesel V8 engine. This F-250 Super Duty has an extended cab and 6-3/4-foot short bed. The paint is accented by black wheels and a custom black ARB front bumper.
Lot #375.1 – 2004 GMC Sierra
2004 GMC SIERRA (LOT #375.1)
A 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine leads the charge in this Sierra K2500HD, producing 300hp and 520 ft/lbs of torque. The powerful diesel engine is backed by an Allison 1000 5-speed automatic transmission and features a selectable four-wheel drive.
Lot #374 – 2006 Toyota Tundra Pickup
2006 TOYOTA TUNDRA PICKUP (LOT #374)
Featuring a 4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve 2-UZ-FE V8 engine along with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds, Paul Walker’s Tundra is finished in Phantom Gray over a beige interior. The Tundra Access Cab SR5 is accented by black wheels and a Softopper canopy.
Paul Walker’s love of speed did not solely conform to four-wheeled vehicles, as he also shared an affinity for two-wheeled transportation, as evidenced by these three fine examples being offered in Scottsdale.
Lot #377 – 2005 Harley-Davidson Custom Motorcycle
2005 HARLEY-DAVIDSON CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE ( LOT #377)
This 2005 Harley-Davidson FLTSCI custom motorcycle was built by Road Dog Customs in California and was inspired by the design of classic Harley-Davidsons from the 1940s.
Lot #376.1 – 2011 BMW F800GSW Motorcycle
2011 BMW F800GS MOTORCYCLE (LOT #376.1)
Finished in Alpine White and designed to be ridden anywhere, this 2011 BMW F800GS has an 800cc parallel twin engine. The motorcycle has a total dry weight of 392 pounds, with 9 inches of suspension travel up front and 8.5 inches in the rear.
Lot #373 – 2008 Suzuki DR-Z400SM Motorcycle
2008 SUZUKI DR-Z400SM MOTORCYCLE (LOT #373)
The Supermotard features a 398CC DOHC liquid-cooled engine coupled to a 5-speed gearbox. The 2008 Suzuki DR-400SM is the road legal equivalent of the DR-400S.
“I’m an actor – that’s my job, but it’s not my life,” Walker once said. “I have a lot of other interests, too.” Clearly one of those interests was the automobile. This collection is offered as a testament to the eclectic nature of Paul Walker’s taste in all manner of vehicles. Barrett-Jackson is honored to bring them to the auction block. For Paul.
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles headed to the 2020 Scottsdale Auction, click HERE.