Recent auction highlights from around the world...
1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Sold: $43,000
Barrett Jackson
While another DeLorean was finding fame in Back to the Future, this one existed anonymously in the suburbs, for the last 15 years stored in the garage of its second owner, with only 18,928 miles on the clock.Its appearance is great, it’s in top mechanical health and it comes with a stunningly complete parcel of original sales, warranty and service documentation. And how good’s this? There’s even a signed letter congratulating the original owner from the man himself, John DeLorean.
1948 Ford F1 Pickup
Sold: $29,900
Mecum
Old Yankee pickups like this beauty are growing in popularity, developing a real cult following. Some slam ‘em, some give ‘em a distressed look while others, like the owner of this one restore ‘em to original. The humpy bonnet conceals a six-cylinder engine/three-speed manual combo.Resplendent in green and black with white wall tyres, it is a great reminder of less complicated days.
1971 Datsun 240Z
Sold: $17,295
Mecum
A good clean Datsun 240Z is very hard to find and no matter this one has a 280Z engine in its belly; it can be swapped for an original 2.4 litre powerplant.
The flared guards and neat rear spoiler aren’t original but don’t denigrate the overall looks of the Datto and like the engine can easily be rectified. But the body and interior seem to be in good nick and that makes a great starting point for a project. Or leave it as is and just enjoy.
1968 Alfa Romeo GTV
No sale: $72,300
Bring A Trailer
This gorgeous Alfa Romeo GTV was offered with only 300 miles since an extensive cosmetic and mechanical overhaul and a rewiring job. Guards are flared to resemble a GTAm race version and the 15-inch Alfaholics wheels are GTAm racecar-wheel lookalikes. Retrimmed in black skai, it features a period correct Nardi steering wheel and original Veglia gauges. Hopefully a proud new owner will grab it soon.
What’s moving & shaking:
SAAB 9-3 Convertible
Global car brands don’t disappear, but Saab did. GM shut it down in 2010. A standout model was the 9-3 convertible built between 1998 and 2003. The spacious interior is offset by ordinary performance and some chassis flex. The $50k when new convertible is now a bargain from as little as $1500. They were pretty robust jiggers but worth having a Saab specialist, or club member guide you through a purchase. Like Rembrandts they aren’t made any more so prices in the long term may well appreciate. Right now they won’t break the bank and are worth a flutter even for one summer as a top-down cruiser.
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