$80,000 1954 Corvette Sold At Barrett Jackson

Chuck Gongloff · 01-18-2003, 05:54 AM

The highest priced car sold at BJ last night was, of all things, a 54 Corvette. :) It wasn't actually shown going across the block. When they came back from commercial break, it was being driven off. The announcers stated that it had just sold for 80K. It was the highest priced car, exceeding a 67 427/435 HP roadster, which sold for 77K. What gives with that? I'll take $79.500 for mine :)

Also, when are they going to "can" Alain De Cadenet? NOT very knowledgable about ANY American cars. Among his many "bozo-isms" last night was his statement regarding a Venetian Red 57 Corvette: "Look, the engine block is painted to match the car". Chuck

John McGraw · 01-18-2003, 10:28 AM

Chuck,
I agree about the 54, I was astounded for what it sold for! The stupid comments that come from all the announcers leave me shaking my head!
:seeya

67HEAVEN · 01-18-2003, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Also, when are they going to "can" Alain De Cadenet? NOT very knowledgable about ANY American cars.

Alain is a fixture around SPEED channel. I guess to lend some contra-appeal to all the NASCAR stuff. But, I agree on his woeful lack of knowledge about 90% of the cars on auction.

They keep him for his "cache" and "foreign" accent. :D Wouldn't it be great to have guest commentators relevant to the cars on offer. Have Carroll Shelby in the booth when a Cobra or Shelby goes through......have Noland Adams in the booth when a Corvette goes through. As a staff announcer with SPEED, I guess Alain is the cheaper alternative.
:rolleyes:

JohnZ · 01-18-2003, 01:15 PM

They also commented (from the spec sheet on the '66 427/390 coupe) that it even had the "original factory locking gas cap" - NOT :nonod: The black '55 didn't sell - they were talking about how good the 47-year-old original (per the spec sheet) black paint looked; I shot them a quick note pointing out that black wasn't available on 55's, but the car was gone a few minutes later.

I thought it was interesting that a base-engine (327/300) '66 convertible went during the first hour for $50K, the red '55 got $60K, and the white '54 got $80K (high sale for Friday, and "off the charts" for a '54). The white Bondurant '63 SWC (which was allegedly a Z06, but either wasn't or had the wrong master cylinder) only brought $51K.

The high-dollar exotic stuff (and many more Corvettes) roll across the block this afternoon
:cool:

Tom McCabe · 01-18-2003, 01:15 PM

Hey, I would to it commentate, I don't know much, bout I know more thsn them, I am surprised that B Yates didn't know more though.

Tom

JohnZ · 01-18-2003, 01:31 PM

Yup, I was surprised also when they were having their debate over the body-off restoration of the '67 GTO and couldn't decide whether the GTO was a body/frame car or a unibody car, and couldn't agree on what was meant by a "body-off" vs. a "rotisserie" restoration. They're a pretty knowledgeable group (Yates/Martin/deCadenet), but each in their own specific areas - no one person can know it all - maybe they need a panel of on-site "consultants" to advise them (lessee, VIP Bidder pass, free food and drinks, 4-Star hotel suite, fancy car, letter of credit, round-trip First Class plane tickets, limo service, valet, concierge - I could go for that :yesnod: ) :D

paintdaddy · 01-18-2003, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Also, when are they going to "can" Alain De Cadenet? NOT very knowledgable about ANY American cars. Among his many "bozo-isms" last night was his statement regarding a Venetian Red 57 Corvette: "Look, the engine block is painted to match the car". Chuck

:iagree: Did you here the idiots talkin about the 66 with the "aftermarket" teak steering wheel and they were amazed that someone would put gold stripes on their tires,He said "must be a new trend" :lolg: :lol:

67HEAVEN · 01-18-2003, 05:14 PM

$59,000 for a resale red "hotrod" '54 Corvette on Saturday. :smash:

:steering: Just drive 'em. :D

67HEAVEN · 01-18-2003, 05:22 PM

A new high.......$98,000 for a Woody Wagon street rod. Kinda reminds us that Corvettes aren't the only car doesn't it.

I love old wagons. Hmmmmm......maybe a could build one of those COPO Woody Nomads. Should be worth a cool $200,000 don'tcha think? :jester

67HEAVEN · 01-18-2003, 05:25 PM

$100,000 1970 Z-28 "TransAm spec" cut-up car! Not even a celebrity car.

Gee, imagine if it was a factory correct 1970 Camaro Z-28. :lolg:

Mac · 01-18-2003, 05:35 PM

One must always remember that these auctions do not cater to knowledgeable auto enthusiasts; they cater to those fortunate few whose wallets and bank accounts are full. Those persons with auto knowledge are welcome but the collectors are the target market.

Guys like Alain lend that 'old world, old money' charm for those who desire recognition. "Pardon me; do you have any Grey Poupon?" :leaving:

Oops! Was that my outside voice??

67HEAVEN · 01-18-2003, 05:35 PM

The above cut up Z-28 pulled "more than" the body-off restored "correct" '67 black 435 'vert. :crazy:

That's it, I'm buying up all the old Camaro race cars I can find. :smash:

[Modified by 67HEAVEN, 4:56 PM 1/18/2003]

67HEAVEN · 01-18-2003, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Cheech and I got laid a lot of times in that yellow 'cuda.

:lol:

paintdaddy · 01-18-2003, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Cheech and I got laid a lot of times in that yellow 'cuda.

:lol:

I hope that wasnt with each other :U
My Eleanor is going up for auction today,Im in love with that car.Ill own one some day.This auction is MY superbowl,I told the wife to leave the room! :cuss

[Modified by paintdaddy, 5:42 PM 1/18/2003]

01-18-2003, 08:17 PM

That reminds me of an ad I saw in the "Ferrari's For Sale" section in Hemmings Motor News a few years ago......1984 Ferrari 288 GTO, 375 HP with ITI twin turbos, a fully documented two owner car, originally purchased by Mario Andretti. The price? All it said was "very expensive"! :lol:

I'm assuming this ad was for the real thing; as far as celebrity owned autos go, this one would be tough to beat. :yesnod:

[Modified by FXT, 8:25 PM 1/18/2003]

John McGraw · 01-18-2003, 11:22 PM

Man, did you see Reggie Jackson's 69 ZL1 Camaro! Was bid up over $200,000
But did not meet his reserve of $350,000!!!
I just cannot believe the overall price of cars this year!

:seeya

Grey Ghost · 01-18-2003, 11:44 PM

I was surprised at Don Johnson's, pickup, going for only 12-14k. It was a frame-off resto and no way could you restore one for that. I also think, pickups are growing in popularity. I think someone could have/will make a few dollars reselling that one.

I like Alan De Cadenet, for some commentary. But, he should keep his mouth shut about american cars. He makes himself look like an idiot :jester

R1234 · 01-19-2003, 10:04 AM

How about that low mile, untouched 68 L-88 going for $125,000. Alain, I believe used the word "natty looking" when describing the 34 year old patina.
At least one of the other announcers pointed out "that's what makes it valuable."

PRNDL · 01-19-2003, 02:36 PM

Chuck, I thought of you when that 54 sold! I was wondering if you would take $80k for yours! :lol: I also got a kick out of Alain's observation that the engine block was painted to match the car (I'm thinking, "Gawd I sure hope not!") So who bought the 68 original owner L88????? :)

This year I really cringed every time they mentioned how Barrett Jackson somehow verifies, validates, screens, or otherwise assures buyers that the cars are genuine, or as represented. It reminds me about that 65 425 hp car that went for.... $125k? last year but based on the vin could not have been real.... :confused: MJ

John McGraw · 01-19-2003, 03:09 PM

Jerry,
Don Johnson may not have done very good on the pickup, but he more than made up for it on the plain-jane Cuda which brought $130,000! That car could not have been worth more than 30-40K. The car was bought for it's connection to the show, but one has to wonder whether anyone will remember the show in another 10 years!
:seeya