THE BRYAN FRANK COLLECTION: A diverse group of over four dozen cars at the Scottsdale Auction

December 18, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen

This ’55 Chevy Resto-Mod known as “X-Box” (Lot #1305) is one of the stars of the Bryan Frank Collection that will be rolling across the block at the 2019 Scottsdale Auction.

The upcoming Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 12-20 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, will feature a diverse and remarkable collection of vehicles of every description for sale, the vast majority of which will roll across the auction block at No Reserve.

A big reason why Barrett-Jackson is able to assemble such a huge docket of cars and trucks is because of the company’s consignors and the long-term relationships that have developed with them. Veteran Barrett-Jackson consignor Bryan Frank of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, will be bringing more than four dozen vehicles to the Scottsdale Auction, an event he first attended in 2006 with his father, Roger, who passed away in 2013.

The family has a long history with all things mechanical. In 1957, Bryan’s grandfather opened a used tractor business in Nebraska, which is still going strong. His interest in fixing up and restoring vehicles was passed on first to Roger Frank and then to Bryan.

Here are seven of the dozens of Frank’s cars that will cross the auction block, all at No Reserve.

1955 Chevrolet Resto-Mod “X-Box” (Lot #1305)

Resto-Mods have been one of the hottest segments of the collector car market in recent years, and this 1955 Chevrolet, known as “X-Box,” is a real head-turner, thanks to more than 100 modifications and 6,000 hours of craftsmanship in creating the build. Under the hood is a powerful 427ci LSX ProCharger engine, which connects to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

To make sure the handling matches the horsepower, X-Box is equipped with a Max-G Art Morrison chassis that delivers booth agile handling and comfortable highway driving. The front suspension is from a C6 Corvette, while out back is a custom four-link rear setup. Huge Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners deliver stellar braking performance. Built by Pro Rides, this jaw-dropping ’55 Chevy was described on a Hot Rod magazine cover as “World’s Baddest 55,” and we don’t disagree one bit.

1970 Chevelle SS LS6 (Lot #1305.1)

This stellar 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 is a matching-numbers car, which means it comes with its original power plant, in this case the all-conquering 454ci, 450-horsepower engine. At the time this car was manufactured in early 1970, it was the highest-horsepower Chevrolet ever made. Jerry MacNeish, one of the foremost experts on high-performance Chevrolets, has certified this Chevelle SS as authentic, matching-numbers LS6 car.

Documentation includes the original Build Sheet, which lists the LS6 engine and Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission, power brakes, power steering, clock, AM radio, tachometer and rear-window defogger. In addition, there’s a detailed owner history and judging paperwork from the numerous shows in which it’s appeared. Show honors include First Prize Senior Winner in VCCA National judging and a score of 987 out of 1,000 in a regional event. This car was highlighted in Chevelle Report magazine and featured in Super Chevy magazine.

1961 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertible (Lot #1018.1)

Late in the 1961 model year, Oldsmobile revived the Starfire name for its top-of-the-line convertible. Fast, elegant and luxurious, the Starfire came equipped with a 394ci, 330-horsepower Rocket V8 engine, the most powerful of any Oldsmobile in ’61, plus power front bucket seats, a console-mounted tachometer and dual exhausts. This was the best Oldsmobile offered in 1961, and it certainly captured the space-age theme GM was going for.

This Starfire has been tastefully upgraded on a variety of fronts to make it the perfect weekend cruiser. A Northern California car, this one has had its windshield cut down by four inches and has been fitted with a custom top. All bodywork was done in lead, and the leading edges of the hood and trunk were reworked for just the right custom look. The front grille is from a 1959 Imperial, while a 1959 Cadillac donated its taillights to round out the look. The white leather interior is done in diamond pleat, button-back and tuck-and-roll finishing and this car has air conditioning, wire wheels and adjustable air suspension.

1963 Chevrolet Impala SS (Lot #1018)

If you ever listened to the Beach Boys, you already know exactly what this drop-dead gorgeous Palomar Red over black 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS is all about: “My 4-speed, dual-quad, posi-traction 409.” Yes, this undocumented Impala SS comes with the 409ci, 425-horsepower Chevrolet V8 that features an “X” casting block and correct intake, solid lifters, a pair of four-barrel carburetors, deep-groove pulleys, a 4-speed manual transmission and posi-traction rear end.

This car was treated to an extensive restoration and looks as good underneath and inside has it does when examining the gleaming red paint. Best of all, it is a heavily optioned car. In addition to the 409 engine, it features Stratobucket seats with console and factory dash, power top, power steering, padded dash, tinted glass, front and rear bumper guards, dual rear antennas and door handle shields.

1960 Porsche 356B (Lot #1018.2)

Porsche began production of its rear-engined 356 sports car in 1948 in Gmünd, Austria, shifting production to Zuffenhausen, Germany, just two years later. So popular was the 356 that Porsche continued to produce it until 1965, after it already introduced the 911. It’s easy to see why the 356 was so well-received with enthusiasts. Light and nimble, it handled like nothing else of the era, delivering an exciting driving experience. Its rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-4 engine was relatively simple and economical, and the 356 lots of style.

This example is a 1960 356B coupe, powered by Porsche’s 1600cc engine hooked up to a 4-speed manual transmission. This 356B just completed a 300-mile trip with no issues, and was recently wet-sanded and polished to a high luster. And it’s a one-family-owned, mechanically sound, dry-climate car.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible (Lot #1018.5)

If it’s not the single most iconic American car of the 1950s, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air certainly is very high on the list. The 1955-57 Chevrolets – collectively known as “Tri-Five” Chevys – have long been among the most desirable cars of the fabulous ʼ50s for discerning collectors. All Tri-Five Chevys are interesting to collectors, and well-equipped convertibles from 1957 top the list.

And that’s exactly what this one is. Finished in the classic and iconic 1950s colors of Colonial Cream over a yellow vinyl interior, this 1957 Bel Air has been treated to a frame-off restoration to the highest standards. This one has the highly desirable 283ci, 245-horsepower Chevrolet small-block V8, with a pair of four-barrel carburetors. A Powerglide automatic transmission contributes to its driving pleasure, as do power steering and brakes.

1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon (Lot #1018.6)

The 1953 model year was a significant one for Buick, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary that year. For 1953, Buick introduced its new 322ci, 170-horsepower V8 engine, along with its first 12-volt electrical system. On the station wagon front, 1953 was also the last year of Buick station wagons using real wood trim on the bodies, which makes this Super Estate Wagon an important piece of Buick history.

This gorgeous black-over-red example, one of just 1,830 built in 1953, has received a frame-off restoration. More recently, it’s been fully serviced with its brake system checked, a new fuel tank, a rebuilt carburetor and new filters. Firestone wide whitewall tires set off the Woody look perfectly, making this a very desirable piece for Buick lovers and Woody devotees alike. And, like the rest of the cars in this collection, this Buick Super Estate Wagon will sell at No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale.

Additional cars included in the Bryan Frank Collection at the January 12-20, 2019, Scottsdale Auction:

• LOT #184 ‒ 2012 CHEVROLET CAMARO 2SS
• LOT #185 ‒ 1989 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM INDY PACE CAR
• LOT #186 ‒ 1966 CHEVROLET CORVAIR MONZA CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #187 ‒ 1960 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CUSTOM
• LOT #188 ‒ 1968 OPEL KADETT CARAVAN
• LOT #189 ‒ 1937 FORD HOUSECAR CAMPER
• LOT #190 ‒ 2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM WS6 CUSTOM COUPE

Lot #828 – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 RS

• LOT #191 ‒ 2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO 2SS CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #191.1 ‒ 2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO 2LT RS CUSTOM COUPE
• LOT #192 ‒ 2008 PONTIAC G8 VIN 001
• LOT #193 ‒ 1963 BUICK RIVIERA
• LOT #446 ‒ 2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS CUSTOM COUPE
• LOT #447 ‒ 2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #447.1 ‒ 1936 CHEVROLET MASTER DELUXE COUPE
• LOT #448 ‒ 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO CUSTOM PICKUP
• LOT #448.1 ‒ 1939 FORD STANDARD COUPE
• LOT #449 ‒ 1972 GMC SIERRA GRANDE C1500 PICKUP
• LOT #449.1 ‒ 1939 FORD PICKUP
• LOT #450 ‒ 1951 FORD F-1 CUSTOM PICKUP
• LOT #450.1 ‒ 1961 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CUSTOM COUPE
• LOT #460 ‒ 1970 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS W-31 HOLIDAY COUPE
• LOT #461 ‒ 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR
• LOT #462 ‒ 1972 CHEVROLET C10 PICKUP
• LOT #462.1 ‒ 1968 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE MALIBU CUSTOM COUPE

Lot #832 – 1932 Ford Ardun Highboy Custom Roadster

• LOT #462.2 ‒ 1968 PONTIAC LEMANS CUSTOM COUPE
• LOT #462.3 ‒ 1939 MERCURY 99A CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #731 ‒ 1957 CHEVROLET 210
• LOT #732 ‒ 1941 PLYMOUTH SPECIAL DELUXE CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #733 ‒ 1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR
• LOT #757 ‒ 2001 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING ROD CONCEPT TRUCK
• LOT #757.1 ‒ 1956 FORD F-100 BIG-WINDOW CUSTOM PICKUP
• LOT #757.2 ‒ 1959 CHEVROLET 3100 APACHE PICKUP
• LOT #757.3 ‒ 1963 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 409
• LOT #757.4 ‒ 1950 BUICK SUPER CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #757.5 ‒ 1970 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM
• LOT #827 ‒ 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR
• LOT #828 ‒ 1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 RS
• LOT #829 ‒ 1959 BUICK LE SABRE CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #830 ‒ 1957 BUICK DELUXE CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #831 ‒ 1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE
• LOT #832 ‒ 1932 FORD ARDUN HIGHBOY CUSTOM ROADSTER
• LOT #1018.3 ‒ 1986 PORSCHE 930 TURBO CUSTOM COUPE
• LOT #1018.4 ‒ 1957 BUICK ROADMASTER 76R

For up-to-date information on The Bryan Frank Collection vehicles, click HERE.