January 26, 2021
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : Eric Becker

TOP OF THE CLASS: Barrett-Jackson Presents the Raser Collection

TOP OF THE CLASS: Barrett-Jackson Presents the Raser Collection

January 26, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by Eric Becker

The Raser Collection of beautifully restored Chevrolets will be on offer at the 2021 Scottsdale Auction, all with No Reserve.

The Raser Collection of beautifully restored Chevrolets will be on offer at the 2021 Scottsdale Auction, all with No Reserve.

If you have ever dreamed of wandering through a garage known for having only the best, look no further. The Raser Collection is here to turn dreams into reality, offering 23 of the finest classic and performance-oriented Chevrolets around. The collection grew out of Gary Raser’s love and enthusiasm for the bowtie brand, particularly Raser’s strong affinity for the “Tri-Five” (1955-57 full-size Chevys).

“Growing up dirt poor in Southern California and Nevada, I can remember as a kid seeing those beautiful multi-colored Tri-Five works of art going down the road and thinking … one day we might get one,” said Raser. Raised during the peak of the muscle-car era, Raser would become smitten with muscle cars, especially Chevrolets, after seeing the muscular lines of the 1966 396 SS Chevelle. When the time was right, he set forth curating a collection of the best Chevelles and Tri-Fives around.

“It became my dream to one day own both the beauty of a Tri-Five and the pinnacle of Chevy power, the LS6 and L78,” Raser said. “And thankfully, through a lot of hard work, I was able to put many of those dreams in my garage. And now it’s my honor to pass them on to the next dreamer.”

The incredible collection includes some of the most coveted, original and restored classic Chevys spanning nearly two decades and celebrating Chevrolet’s advancements in design and engineering. This is a collection that truly needs to be seen to be believed, one that transports you to a near period-correct “showroom” experience.

Here’s a quick video overview of what you’ll find in the Raser Collection:

“It’s rare to have a collection of this quality and scale that focuses on a single automaker,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “The Chevrolets represented in this collection range from survivors to vehicles that were meticulously restored to concours-level. We are looking forward to presenting the Raser Collection to our bidders in March, so they have a chance to become part of each vehicle’s history.”

These beautiful Chevys have stood the test of time and all are offered with No Reserve. And it all kicks off with the undisputed champion of the “Stoplight Grand Prix,” the 1970 Chevelle LS6 SS 454.


Among the definitive muscle cars, the 1970 Chevelle has never shied away from competition – and for good reason. It was big, it was burly, it sported a rakish beltline and it commanded an exhaust note that could make thunder sound like a mewing kitten. The 1970 Chevelle LS6 SS 454 was an icon from the golden age of American muscle; a car that earned respect and was all too eager to show challengers a cloud of dust and vaporized rubber.

The “King of the Street” boasted 450 horsepower, 500 ft/lbs of torque, super high-performance and unmistakable attitude, equipped with the most notorious and frightening big-block engine ever dropped into the engine bay of a Chevrolet. And the Raser Collection has three of these prized examples, all selling with No Reserve and all with matching-numbers powertrains.

The LS6 is a revered engine; it launched the full-size Chevelle from 0 to 60 mph in just a hair over 5 seconds and tore through the quarter-mile in the 13-second range. These were startling numbers in their time. The 454ci V8 featured four-bolt main-bearing caps, a solid-lifter camshaft, larger-diameter exhaust valves and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor.

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1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE LS6

70195_interiorUp first is a stunning Tuxedo Black Chevelle, with signature white-striped cowl-induction hood, and – where form and function collide – all-business chrome hood tie-down pins. The massive LS6 engine is mated to a to a four-speed Muncie M21 manual transmission and tears up the tarmac through a posi-traction rear end. This Chevelle features the Z15 option, providing an oh-so-very-sinister black-painted grille with center SS badging, as well as a black SS rear bumper insert. Keeping the king’s power in check is the famed F41 suspension package that features heavy-duty coil springs, front and rear anti-sway bars, box-welded rear lower control arms, power front disc brakes and power steering. This is muscle car royalty, and it’s only the first of the three street kings.

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1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE LS6

71096_engineNext in line and ready to challenge the throne is a stunningly beautiful Fathom Blue example that was the recipient of a comprehensive two-year frame-off restoration. The white Rally stripes indicate what lurks beneath the cowl-induction hood: The original CRV-coded LS6 engine, which is mated to a Muncie M22 4-speed manual transmission, and the original 4.10-gear-ratio 12-bolt posi-traction rear end. The Chevelle features power front disc brakes, F41 heavy-duty suspension, black vinyl interior with Stratobucket seats, the take-no-prisoners Hurst floor shifter and an AM/8-track stereo. In addition, this Super Sport was certified by renowned Chevelle expert Jerry MacNeish.

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1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE LS6

71099_detailRounding out the trio of LS6 Chevelles is a second Z15-optioned Tuxedo Black example. Powered by the LS6, this beast features a Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission with posi-traction rear axle and 4.10:1 gears. The white-striped cowl-induction hood speaks to this car’s intention, as does the dual exhaust and fearsome big-block sound. Riding on an F41 suspension and 5-spoke SS wheels wrapped in Firestone wide oval tires, this Chevelle is ready to dual any challenger, be they on road or track.

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1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 L78 CONVERTIBLE

71094_EngineIf the LS6 is king, meet the heir apparent. The power plant of this 1970 Chevelle convertible is the L78 396ci V8 big-block. This matching-numbers drivetrain produces 375 horsepower and is mated to the original Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission and factory 3.55 posi-traction rear axle. This drop-top was treated to a comprehensive frame-off restoration. The gorgeous Chevelle is finished in Fathom Blue over a blue vinyl interior, with a white convertible top. Additionally, the car features two original Build Sheets, the original Protect-O-Plate warranty booklet and the Chevelle’s certificate from the L78 Registry.

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1969 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 & 1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396

71090_sideNext up we have two SS 396 Chevelles; one from 1969 and the other from 1970. The ’69 Chevelle was meticulously restored and looks its finest in Tuxedo Black paint with a matching interior. Well-optioned with the Super Sport package, this Chevelle boasts an L34 Turbo Jet 396ci big-block V8 engine mated to a Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission. The 1970 SS is finished in the correct Cranberry Red paint, accented by black sport stripes over a black interior. Engine-wise, the 1970 model year kept the 396-name designation (for marketing purposes), but the L34 big-block was bored out to 402ci and produced 350 horsepower. This example features its original powertrain, and rides on the special F41 heavy-duty suspension.


In the 1950s Chevrolet was locked in a sales battle with Ford, resulting in aggressive and ongoing refinements in both performance and styling. The result was the 1955 Chevrolet, a car that shifted Chevrolet’s image virtually overnight. The all-new model incorporated a “shoebox” design and timeless “Motoramic” styling, and was available in three models: the 150, 210 and the highly esteemed Bel Air. The Detroit efforts were a massive hit, so much so that GM’s “ad men” drafted an entire campaign referring to the all-new Chevy simply as the “Hot One.”

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1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

71102_engineThis Onyx Black Bel Air is a true time capsule and features all its original factory drivetrain components. Power comes from a rebuilt 265ci Power Pack small-block V8 engine mated to a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. The decadent exterior features the deluxe chrome package and deluxe Continental kit on the rear bumper. Lowering the power convertible top reveals a two-tone red and beige upholstered interior loaded with factory options. This example of the all-new-for-1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible has had only two previous owners and is sure to delight.


As the advertisements said in ’56, “The hot one’s even hotter” – and that’s a tough point to argue with this quartet of stunning 1956 models. Chevy had invested an incredible $40 million into updating the styling and engineering of the ’56 model line. The 1955 model’s squarish, conservative features gave way to flowing lines, emphasized by arching body-side moldings and recontoured wheel well openings. A full-width front grille and generous chrome made for a glamourous and flash look, especially when combined with the available two-tone paint schemes, much in demand by the motoring public.

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1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

71078_interiorRestored to concours-level by Steinmetz Chevy Restorations in 2015, this 1956 Bel Air convertible is powered by a dual-quad 265ci 225-horsepower V8 engine topped with the correct Carter 4-barrel carburetors, distributor and batwing air cleaner. The V8 is mated to a column-shifted Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, and the body is finished in two-tone Nassau Blue and Harbor Blue. The exterior paint scheme is complemented by a light blue soft-top and a sharp two-tone blue interior. This 1956 Bel Air convertible has been driven just under 50 miles since completion.

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1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

71079_engineRebuilt and ready to roll, this 1956 Bel Air convertible displays clean bodywork highlighted by the correct Crocus Yellow and Onyx Black two-tone paint. The car’s ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration was completed by Steinmetz Chevy Restorations and began with a full strip of a solid and rust-free body. Under the hood this Bel Air is equipped with a 265ci dual-quad V8 engine putting out 225 horsepower routed through a Powerglide automatic transmission. This restored Chevy rolls down the road on Firestone gum-dipped whitewall tires, complemented by elegant wire wheel covers.

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1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

71080_interiorStunning in its execution, this 1956 Bel Air underwent a full frame-off restoration in 2014 and features just test miles since completion. Finished in two-tone Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige, the Bel Air sports a matching interior and retains its entire original drivetrain: a Power Pack 265ci 205-horsepower small-block V8 engine paired to a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. This ’56 Bel Air is generously equipped with power steering and brakes, a power convertible top and top boot cover, dealer-installed factory air conditioning, wide whitewall tires, full-size wheel covers and the original AM radio.

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1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM SEDAN DELIVERY

One of only 300 produced in 1956, this custom Bel Air Sedan Delivery was the recipient of a comprehensive frame-off restoration and modernized with a late-model Chevrolet 350ci LT1 small-block and 5-speed manual gearbox.


For 1957, Chevrolet once again redesigned their flag-bearing model and created what has become one of the most iconic and well-known American cars ever: the venerable ’57 Chevy. The car was a knockout success, captivating buyers and creating a devoted following that stands strong some 60 years strong. The ’57 model line owed nothing to the previous year; the design was pure 1950s – straight out of GM design director Harley Earl’s styling department. From its remodeled front fenders to sculpted and extended rear fins, extensive chrome and, of course, those fins. These cars were the cruisers of choice – stylish, fast and affordable.

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1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

71082_engineThis Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is a fine example of 1950s American motoring at its best. Sporting the iconic Tropical Turquoise finish, this Bel Air was the recipient of a concours-grade rotisserie restoration by the well-known Snodgrass Chevy Restorations. Under the hood sits a 265ci V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor, its power transferred to the pavement via a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission with column shifter. The Bel Air rides on BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires with full disc hubcaps and 3-bar spinners. Drop back the white power top to enjoy the thrills a convertible brings and allow the warmth of the sun to shine on a blue and white two-tone interior. An Antique Automobile Club of America Car of the Year Nominee and National First Prize Winner in 2016, this 1957 Bel Air convertible has been driven a mere 26 miles since completion.

71083_front1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

71083_interiorThis Sierra Gold Bel Air convertible is the recipient of a full body-off renovation, also by Snodgrass Chevy Restoration. Their craftsmanship is apparent and has resulted in a show-quality Bel Air. Every inch of the full-size Chevrolet has been lovingly refinished to a high level of accuracy. The laser-straight bodywork accentuates the chrome molding and trim, which is all complete. Power comes from the 283ci V8 engine with 4-barrel carburetion and dual exhaust producing a healthy dose of usable horsepower. The small-block V8 is paired to a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The interior features bench seating with Adobe Beige and white two-tone upholstery. Other options and features include deluxe heater, electric clock, AM radio, chrome fender-mounted antenna, dual chrome exterior mirrors and a convertible top parade boot cover.

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1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

Presented in a Larkspur Blue finish with a complementary blue cloth power soft-top, this ’57 Bel Air convertible is powered by a Chevrolet 283ci small-block V8 engine, paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. The beautiful classic was also restored by Snodgrass Chevy Restoration.

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1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR FI HARDTOP

Finished in Onyx Black, this hardtop is in great condition and was restored to exacting standards. The recipient of a comprehensive frame-off restoration, every inch of this full-size Chevrolet has been lovingly refinished. Drive is provided by the date-code-correct Chevrolet 283ci fuel-injected V8 engine producing a stout 283 horsepower and routed it through a 3-speed manual transmission.

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1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

Driven just a mere 37 miles since restoration, this achingly beautiful 1957 Bel Air convertible is powered by a 365ci small-block V8 topped with dual-quad carburetion. The V8 is paired with a column-shifted Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. The concours-grade rotisserie restoration was completed by Steinmetz Restorations in Lancaster, Ohio. The body was stripped to bare metal and repainted in deep gloss Matador Red. The car’s sporty red paint scheme is complemented by a white convertible power top and sharp two-tone red and gray interior.

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1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR

This ’57 was also the recipient of a full body-off renovation by famed Tri-Five preservers Snodgrass Chevy Restoration. Presented in Inca Silver over a red-black combination interior, this Bel Air retains its original drivetrain. Motivation comes from a 283ci Power Pack 4-barrel engine with a dual exhaust mated to the fabled Powerglide automatic transmission.

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1957 CHEVROLET SEDAN DELIVERY WAGON

71076_engineOne of just 92 produced by General Motors in 1957, this Chevrolet Sedan Delivery was the recipient of a comprehensive frame-off restoration. Built at the Oakland, California, plant and sold new in the Pacific Northwest, it is presented in an Onyx Black finish over a Silver Cobblestone cloth and vinyl two-tone interior. Adding to its exclusivity, the Sedan Delivery was custom-ordered as a stripped-down version and is a radio- and heater-delete model. Under the hood the 283ci V8 engine is factory upgraded and incorporates a Duntov camshaft topped with a set of dual 4-barrel carburetors, batwing air cleaner and Fenton exhaust manifolds. All 270 horsepower is routed through the column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission and placed to the pavement via the standard steel wheels that feature “poverty” hubcaps. This ’57 is truly a rare and special find.

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1957 CHEVROLET NOMAD WAGON

Built with performance in mind, this 1957 Coronado Yellow Chevrolet Nomad Wagon is powered by a with 283ci Power Pack V8 engine, topped with a 4-barrel carburetor. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the storied Powerglide automatic transmission, and this Nomad exhales through a dual exhaust system. The wagon was the recipient of a no-expense-spared, frame-up restoration and has received several awards, including an Antique Automobile Club of America National First Prize Winner. The Nomad also accumulated a perfect 1,000-point score at the 39th Eklers Chevy Classic Club International Convention, garnering the coveted Platinum Certificate.

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1957 CHEVROLET 150 UTILITY BUSINESS SEDAN

In 1957 a customer could walk into their local Chevrolet dealership and, with careful order-form selections, initiate the build of one the most desirable performance cars of the era. That is this car, the original factory sleeper. Powered by the famed 283ci V8 small-block Chevrolet engine that was prepared with a special hi-lift camshaft, then topped with dual 4-barrel carburetors for maximum performance. Horsepower was 270 – an eyepopping figure at the time. Mated to a 3-speed manual transmission and equipped with the batwing air cleaner, the 150 “Salesman” quickly became the favorite for racers on and off the strip. This 1957 Chevy 150 Salesman has been restored to the highest level and features all correct General Motor parts numbers and date codes.

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1957 CHEVROLET 210 FI 2-DOOR POST

71086_engineTo best the competition, Chevrolet had a few aces up its sleeve for 1957, when the automaker released the Rochester-produced mechanical fuel-injection system its engineers had been working on under wraps. Beneath the hood of this Chevrolet 210 is that legendary 283ci fuel-injected V8 engine producing a solid 250 horsepower. A recipient of a comprehensive full frame-off restoration in 1999, this Onyx Black 210 2-door Post was painstakingly rebuilt and is believed to be one of the less than 1,000 passenger car “Fuelies” produced in 1957. Power is put to the pavement via the close-ratio column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission, and BFGoodrich Silvertown blackwall tires adorned with factory steel wheels. Inside the cabin is a bare-bones interior featuring two-tone silver and black upholstery and spacious bench seating. The factory black vinyl floor covering continues the no-nonsense theme, as well the fact that the car was ordered as a radio-delete model. This is a racer in the truest sense.


Of course, no collection of Chevrolets could be complete with a time-honored Camaro and a classic pickup. Rounding out the Raser Collection are a monstrously powerful Pro-Touring-inspired 1969 Camaro and a charming 1952 3100 pickup ready for the long haul. These vehicles serve as perfect bookends to the Raser Collection and justly highlight the diversity of Chevrolet’s mid-century offerings.

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1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE

This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro has undergone a transformation that has taken it from muscle car to fully customized Pro-Touring supercar. The Camaro is powered by a carbureted GM Performance 502ci V8 crate engine that puts out 508 horsepower and 580 ft/lbs of torque. All this power is put to the pavement compliments of the built Turbo 350 automatic transmission, which transfers the energy to the heavy-duty Ford 9-inch rear axle. A mean machine? You got that right.

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1952 CHEVROLET 3100 PICKUP

And now for something completely different. For those in pursuit of a more utilitarian option, or those less phased by factory racers, stunning boulevard cruisers and ferocious muscle cars, we have an answer: This 1952 Chevrolet 3100. The half-ton pickup’s all-steel body is covered in brilliant blue paint and accented by the chrome bumpers and brightwork. Power comes from the stout 235ci Stovebolt inline-6 and is mated to an upgraded 4-speed manual transmission.

With the curated variety of classic cruisers, muscle cars, wagons and more, the Raser Collection of mid-century Chevy offerings stands alone. The 2021 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction is the venue and March 20-27 is the date – don’t let this one pass you by.

For up-to-date information about these and other vehicles headed to the 2021 Scottsdale Auction, check out the Select Preview here (more vehicles being added daily).

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