The auction world is full of surprises, with big numbers and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1967 Toyota 2000 GT
Sold: $1.225M
RM Sothebys, Lot 137
Toyota couldn’t give these away. If you bought one in 1967 for US$7150, you’re laughing now. A collaboration between Toyota and Yamaha, 337 of these were made between 1967 and 1970. Initially powered by a 2-litre twin-cam six, with a five-speed box, 220km/h top speed and discs all round, it was built to show Japanese auto engineering. This is a series one JDM car that underwent a resto before being exported to Europe in 2013.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Sold: $131,860
Retromobile, Lot 299
The Giugiaro-penned DMC‑12 with its stainless-steel body and gullwing doors was a stand-out as was its starring role in the Back to the Future trilogy. Equally colourful was John Z DeLorean, the creator of this car. This example has journeyed just 1853km in its 42 years, starting life as a company demonstrator, ending up in California for a major refresh before coming back to Europe into a private collection in 2019.
1986 Holden VK HDT ‘Big Banger’ tribute
Sold: $55,300
Grays
1984 was the last year of Group C touring cars, known as the Big Bangers. The most successful of all were the dayglo red Marlboro HDT VK Commodores, which took a Bathurst 1-2 finish. This tribute to the late great Peter Brock is the work of a well-known Queensland race car builder. It features a previously CAMS-approved roll cage, a fresh 308 with Brock big valve heads, ARP rods, forged pistons & internals and a heavy-duty gearbox.
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 First Edition
Sold: $53,000
Mecum, Lot U2
A modern classic and further proof American muscle cars are still in the affordable realm. This SRT-8 Challenger has covered 13,500 miles, so its 6.1lt Hemi V8 and auto trans are barely run in. It also sports a sunroof, Mopar cold air intake factory Alcoa wheels and sold with its original window sticker and dealer vanity plate.
On the block:
1969 Chev Camaro RS/SS
Mecum Glendale Auction
March 28, 2023
Lot 581
Here is a star car once owned by legendary star car creator, Chip Foose. You can’t ask for better than that. No doubt Chip would have had a decent play with it while in his possession and it may have been used as a moving billboard for his car mod business. This Camaro boasts a Turbo 400 auto and a 427ci V8 pumping out a respectable 650hp. Finished in Dover White, it sports houndstooth trim, optional woodgrain garnish, and the Rally Sport pack, along with a hand-written letter from Foose and title docs in his name.
From Unique Cars #476, March 2023