All posts in “Cars On Auction”

2019 Ford X ROUSH Performance Mustang GT Old Crow On Auction

Another spectacular collaboration is zooming your way as Ford and ROUSH Performance presents a wild new ride. It is drawing inspiration from the P-51 Mustang fighter planes of the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. To be specific, the one flown by Colonel Bud Anderson who was a badass ace pilot of his time. Paying homage to his nickname is the 2019 Ford X ROUSH Performance Mustang GT Old Crow.

This special one-off model just looks insane with the special graphics that adorn its sleek sporty body. Details such as the red, yellow, and olive paint cover the front end and extend up toward the windshield. Moreover, the “Old Crow” text can be found on each side of the hood.

Meanwhile, looks closely to spot the P-51 badge sitting on the right portion of the black grille. Layers of red can likewise be seen coating the side mirrors and the tail end portion of this pony car. A quick tour inside the cabin reveals that the fighter plane theme extends to the brown leather seats, olive dash, and red accents all around.

The stock 5.0-liter V8 engine gets an insane boost from a ROUSH Performance TVS R2650 supercharger. This combination allows it to pump out 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. To keep the temperature of this monster setup in check, the tuning shop is slapping on a new cold air induction system. The 2019 Ford X ROUSH Performance Mustang GT Old Crow will make its public appearance at the 2019 EEA AirVenture event. Shortly after it will go up for auction with the proceeds going to the host’s aviation programs.

More details about it here

Images courtesy of Ford

1955 Ferrari 375 MM Coupe Speciale By Ghia On Auction

There is a bunch of auction heading our way next month and these are packing a lot of goodies for collector’s and gearheads alike. These events are the perfect place to find some of the rarest rides in history. Likewise, unique items can pop up and catch bidders by surprise. Just like the collection of children’s cars that will be on offer at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale.

RM Sotheby’s never disappoints when it comes to the contents of their catalog. Thus, we are looking forward to seeing what else goes up the auction block that can trump the 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Coupe Speciale by Ghia. This stunning model is a rare specimen that pays homage to the world-renowned Mille Miglia endurance race. Still, in pristine condition, the 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Coup Speciale sports a two-tone colorway.

Donning a Salmon and Gunmetal Gray coat, it’s a color that you don’t often see on a Ferrari, let alone on a classic automobile. Powering this vintage machine is a 4.5-liter V12 engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. It’s capable of pumping out 335 horsepower, which is impressive coming from a sports car of its age.

To those not familiar with Ferrari’s older offerings, its form factor is a step beyond what people expect. Nevertheless, it is absolutely stunning and upon closer inspection. Peeking inside, we’re seeing two-tone trimmings all around. Despite some noticeable cracks, the condition of the leather seats and upholstery is still impressive. The 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Coupe Speciale by Ghia will be one of the most coveted items during the auction.

Only from RM Sotheby’s

Images courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1969 Ferrari 365 GTS Spider

No internet bidding for this listing, unfortunately, so you’d have to pay a visit to RM Sotheby’s lots if you want a chance to store this inside your garage. Even still, that won’t stop us from talking about this utterly gorgeous ride. Meet the 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS Spider.

By the late ‘60s, Ferrari’s road cars had expanded. However, they needed something to close the gap between their sports units and lavish GTs. So, in 1966, the automaker introduced the 330 GC and convertible GTS. To absolutely no one’s surprise, they were instant hits.

In 1968, Ferrari made some modifications. They put in a 4.4-liter engine, which promptly increased the ride’s power to 320 ponies — pretty plenty in those days. They bumped the torque to 267 pound-feet, too. The 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS Spider, pictured above in its iconic paint job, is maybe the best example available. After all, it’s one of the only 20 units in its color combination. And the only one, too, with script Pininfarina logo work.

A recent restoration that cost $500,000 brought the ride in its current tiptop shape, so you don’t have to worry about parts coughing up ancient imprints of clunkiness. There’s also exhaustive documentation available, as is typical of RM Sotheby’s offerings. You also get original tool rolls and a period-correct Ferrari keychain.

This is, needless to say, a must-buy not just for Ferrari nuts, but also for vintage car collectors. Act fast, though, we’re sure this won’t stay on the market for too long. Hit the link below to view the full listing.

BID HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

2004 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U500 On Auction

Depending on the auction scene you are following, supercars, one-offs, and other high-performance rides will be on display. On the flipside, if you’re after items that are quirky and maybe odd, there are times when it can pop up. One such instance is the recent posting about a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U500.

For those seeing it for the first time, it looks like a strange hybrid between a pickup truck and a tractor. This is a multi-purpose machine that can handle the most demanding workloads and won’t even break a sweat.

Powering this beast is a 6.4-liter Mercedes-Benz OM906LA turbo-diesel inline-six. This reliable powerplant produces 260 horsepower at 2,200 rpm along with an impressive 700 lb-ft of torque. Using an 8-speed manual transmission it delivers all that power to all four of its wheels. Furthermore, portal axles give the Unimog U500 a towering ground clearance. The 20-inch wheel comes with a central tire inflation system and sits on Michelin X tires.

The original configuration features a single cab enough for two people, but this one flaunts a crew cab from Plastisol. Meanwhile, it’s also sporting a three-way dump bed sourced from a Unimog model with a shorter wheelbase. Likewise, a custom rollover bar with LED lighting and a spare tire mount are welcome upgrades to the package.

Inside the cabin is a utilitarian setup with gray vinyl upholstery and splashes of blue plastic all around. Next, is the floating center console where all of the various controls are accessible. This 2004 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U500 may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly has a badass appeal that will call out to a buyer out there.

Bid for it here

Images courtesy of Bring A Trailer

1975 Ferrari 312T On Auction

When you’re religiously following vehicle auction blocks, once in a while a gem goes up for sale. By some stroke of luck, you can sometimes stumble upon ultra rare items that immediately causes a frenzy among collectors everywhere. It looks like this moment is upon us as a 1975 Ferrari 312T will be up for bidding soon. It is one of the more impressive items that will be in the lineup at the 2019 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach event in mid-August.

What makes this race car so desirable is the fact that it was driven by the legendary Niki Lauda. Sadly, the three-time world champion passed away on May 20 of this year. Formula One fanatics will recognize it as the machine that helped rack up his victories on the race track. Moreover, it is reportedly one of the five built by Ferrari to compete in the 1975 season labeled chassis 022. The 312T owes its design to Mauro Forghieri, the brand’s mechanical engineer

For those wondering what the “T” in the 312T means, it refers to the transverse engine-mounting setup. This configuration enhances the race car’s cornering capabilities, which alongside the exceptional driving skills of Lauda, produced consistent podium appearances.

Powering the 1975 Ferrari 312T is a Flat-12 engine that can produce up to 500 horsepower. We can already imagine the bidding to skyrocket up to insane amounts. Nonetheless, this is hardly out of the ordinary given the pedigree and history of this superb specimen. We can’t say for certain until the hammer falls during the auction and one lucky buyer walks away with the prize.

Learn more here

Images courtesy of Gooding & Company

1967 Jaguar Pirana

Think of countries that excel in the field of sports cars and no doubt you’ll come up with Italy and Britain. Between these two troublemakers, so much iconic cars has flown off the road. Most notably, you have the collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato. But today we’re taking a look at something far more overlooked.

Suffice it to say that this isn’t a really well-known design, though it would go on to heavily influence none other than Lamborghini’s Espada grand tourer. We’re talking, of course, about the 1967 Jaguar Pirana, which took the E-Type and paired it with Bertone’s long, low bodywork for a truly one-of-a-kind profile.

Responsible for the aesthetic, too, is no other than legend Marcello Gandini. As such, the car sports a semi-monocoque design that prioritizes luxury over the lightweight, racing-centric profile typical of E-Type units. For a beastly ride such as this, you might think it odd that the Daily Telegraph, a publication, commissioned this one. It debuted at the 1967 London Motor Show, polarizing purists of the E-Type. But, of course, it wowed those with an eye for innovation.

A lot of folks would go on to pursue their own commissions. As such, the Priana underwent several modifications. There’s a manual transmission variant. And an automatic. There’s a two-seater, too. Plus a 2+2 GT version. But here, now, it’s in its original specification, nostalgic glory all intact.

Unfortunately, the 1967 Jaguar Pirana didn’t proceed and stayed, sadly, a one-off. However, Gandini would use many of the concepts here on the production of Espada in 1968.

LEARN MORE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1988 Porsche 959 Komfort

RM Sotheby’s once again fails to disappoint. Up for auction on its lost is this svelte 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort. It’s believed to be one of just 20 to 25 bespoke units that came out of Porsche’s “Special Wishes.”

That department specifically caters to the automaker’s top clientele who want to go above and beyond just the available specs and modifications. In a way, it’s the special “menu” accessed only by Porsche’s very important clients.

The car above, as mentioned, is one of them. Dr. Friedrich Christian Flick owned this bespoke masterpiece. Born into an lineage of a prominent German family, Flick amassed one of the world’s most significant art collections, comprised of around 2,500 prized works by artists. It’s no wonder, then, how he acquired a taste for the delicate, the sublime. He ordered Porsche to coat the car in black, among other things. It’s one of the only three in that color.

Then he asked that every interior surface covered in leather — even the air vents and electronic window switches — and his wishes were Porsche’s command. He also opted for sports seats with an electric height adjustment, a caramel brown interior motif, heated front seats, and an alarm system. The car comes with a special CDR-210 radio, exclusive at the time, and a special steering wheel featuring the Crest. You’ll also find black carpeting and matching black stitching on the steering wheel and seats.

The car passed three pairs of hands since, but has been regularly maintained and serviced, according to RM Sotheby’s.

ON AUCTION

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1973 Ford Mustang Trans-Am Coupe

This beaut is now up for auction, a 1973 Ford Mustang Trans-Am Coupe that’s reminiscent of Ford’s Pony era in 1965.

Now more commonly known as Trans-Am, Trans-American Sedan Championship cars was a racing series that served as the Sports Car club of America’s first attempt at a manufacturers’ championship formula for modified sedans and coupes. This series has ran on a bevy of different courses, including streets, airport circuits, modern road courses, and race tracks.

According to RM Sotheby’s, this particular unit up for auction is one of two body-in-white cars sent to Ford after Kar Kraft shut down, which ended Ford support for factory racing. Warren Tope, of Tope Racing, assembled the other unit’s chassis and swiftly pushed it to the track. Ed Hinchliff, of Hinchliff Racing, assembled the car you see above, using factory parts and Kar Kraft blueprints. He even sought the help of Lee Dykstra and Mitch Marci, two former Kar Kraft engineers.

It features a heavily modified 351 cubic-inch V8 engine from Rousch. And it includes proper documentation, too. Gawk at its storied racing history to get a sense of the places it’s been. Unfortunately, the ride needs a proper restoration, still. A little TLC might go a long way toward reviving this golden age racer back to its classic, sophisticated roots. You likely won’t bring back its original, fresh verve. But don’t fret. With a little tuning up, this might still be eligible for vintage racing events across the country. Hit the link below to find out more.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1989 Nissan Skyline R32

No need to buy a fancy expensive-as-hell vintage unit — maybe this 1989 Nissan Skyline R32 will scratch your itch.

On sale at Japanese Classics right now for $16,495, this is the GTS-t Type M, not the 2Gt-R “Godzilla” Skyline 32 that’s more expensive. It’s still a special version, nontheless. We’re talking a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline six engine that draws 212 ponies and 195 pound-feet of torque out of the box. It’s also a rear-wheel drive and weighs just 2,844 pounds. That about puts it near the power-to-weight ratio of another fantastic ride, the Honda S2000, which bid farewell in 2009, unfortunately.

This Skyline R32 comes with a five-speed manual and since it’s japan, don’t be surprised by the right-hand drive. When new, it zooms from zero to 60mph in just 5.9 seconds, which is rather quick for a car out of 1989.

While the Skyline R32 is certainly known for having the most interesting customs, this one is entirely stock underneath the skin, down to the clutch and exhaust. Yup, straight from 1989. The body is still in excellent shape even though it hasn’t been behind glass in ages. Amazingly, it’s still has a factory-spec retractable front splitter.

The downside is that this ride already has 131,000 on the pedometer, but don’t mistake that for weakness. That just means it’s been maintained well after all these years, driven regularly without much issue. And should it err, which it likely won’t, few tears will be shed because of that low price point. Check out the listing on Japanese Classics by hitting the link below.

BUY IT HERE

Photos courtesy of Japanese Classics

First Ever 2020 Toyota Supra Sells For $2.1 Million During Auction

The 2019 Detroit Auto Show was the perfect venue for carmakers to showcase their latest catalog. The annual expo even witnessed several surprise announcements. Awesome rides such as the 202 Ford Mustang Shelby Shelby GT500 Coupe and the limited edition Subaru STI S209 made a splash. However, we think that after a lengthy absence from the scene, the debut of the 2020 Toyota Supra was outstanding.

Its been a long time since the Japanese automaker’s fourth-generation Supra, which makes it a perfect time for a new one. Therefore, its return is a welcome sight for enthusiasts who are ready to mess around with the new machine. What made its official unveiling even more remarkable was the auction of its first-ever production model. The base configuration reportedly starts at around $50,000. Nevertheless, this one was sold for a jaw-dropping $2.1 million courtesy of the Barrett-Jackson auction house.

All proceeds from the sale will apparently go to charity, namely the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the American Heart Association. This means that the first-ever 2020 Toyota Supra with VIN 20201 is now making its way to its anonymous buyer. Equally important, this version sports a unique look, which includes red side mirrors, matte black wheels, and a matte gray exterior coat. Meanwhile, the interior will a black and red color scheme, while the signature of Akio Toyoda, the company CEO, is visible on the engine cover.

The 2020 Toyota Supra produces 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque through a 3.0-liter straight-six engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission directs all of that power to its rear wheels. Dealerships should have it in their showrooms later this summer.

2020 Toyota Supra

A Bespoke 2011 Ferrari SP30 Goes Up For Auction

For avid car collectors, there is a deep desire to own every imaginable model that rolls off the production line. Unfortunately, it might be difficult for brand loyalists who want to get their hands on all variants. On some occasions, items such as concept versions, and bespoke works almost immediately run out of circulation. One such item is the 2011 Ferrari SP30, which is reportedly heading to auction courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. We can probably guess that collector’s all over the globe are lining up for a chance to purchase this exclusive machine.

The SP30 is a one-of-a-kind ride inspired by the 599 GTO but features a healthy combination of unique customization work. For example, you can spot that the tail lights, rear speedster humps, and rear winglets are all form the latter. On the other hand, the headlights are clearly from the 458 Italia. Moving inside, we spy a mix of 612 GTO and 599 GTO components. Meanwhile, a generous amount of grey Alcantara is distributed around the cabin. So basically, its sort of an automotive chimera, albeit a beautiful and exotic one.

Interested parties should know that this is only one of the forty custom-made machines available in the world. These were all built in-house by the manufacturer’s expert craftsmen and engineers to meet the tastes of its important clients. What makes the 2011 Ferrari SP30 so special is that it is the first one to go on public auction. It’s exhilarating to imagine what the other 39 remaining models look like. However, some the owners choose to avoid any publicity.

2011 Ferrari SP30

Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird was once driven by Marilyn Monroe herself, and just like her, this car was a sterling icon of the 50s. A star so bright it shines to this day. This was the car Monroe received from Milton Greene shortly before marrying playwright Arthur Miller. Moreover, according to accounts, this is the car she used to drive to their civil wedding ceremony in 1956.

The Ford Thunderbird boasts a black canvas convertible top and a “porthole” windowed hardtop, rear fender shields (skirts), American Classic 670R15 radial tires, and a Raven Black exterior with an elegant black and white interior. In terms of power, it’s sporting a 312 cubic-inch V-8 engine with Holley 4 bbl, with a carburetor generating 225 horsepower. On top of that, we’re also talking Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, and power seats.

Apparently, Monroe loved driving this thing. Here’s Greene’s wife, Amy, on Monroe:

“Marilyn liked to drive. We’d take the convertible, and with the top down, we’d go sailing along the highway. We both liked to feel the wind in our faces and the warmth of the heater on our legs.”

If you happen to be filthy rich and also obsessed with the film star, you’ll be pleased to know that this Ford Thunderbird comes with documentation that proves Monroe did once own this car, including a a Declaration of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle issued by the State of Connecticut; a letter from the insurance company Kalvin, Miller, Meyer and Sachs; and a letter from the City of New York Department of Finance Bureau of Collections.

CHECK THE AUCTION HERE

Photos courtesy of Julien’s Auctions

2004 Ford GT Confirmation Prototype CP4 On Auction

As an automotive geek, you probably recognize Ford for its iconic pony cars. Vintage models often become prized collector items—especially those few that received the Carol; Shelby treatment. Nevertheless, we often neglect to appreciate other models that are part of the lineup. Therefore, to hopefully correct that mistake, let’s take a closer look at the company’s supercar range. To make it even more special, let’s direct our attention at this sexy 2004 Ford GT Confirmation Prototype CP4 that’s being offered by Worldwide Auctioneers.

As the name indicates, the mid-engine two-seater is one of four that exists from the carmaker. This rare ebony-clad beauty is reportedly the fourth one to roll out of the factory. We personally prefer to see this supercar coated in Ford’s memorable powder blue and orange racing livery, yet, it does look elegant dressed in glossy black.

According to the auction house, this particular unit is the only prototype that’s not electronically-limited to 15 mph and is road legal. The engineers were only using it to test handling, steering, as well as the climate control. Therefore, you can be sure that it will be highly-coveted by collectors worldwide. For comparison, one of the speed-limited prototypes even sold for $750,000 at an auction.

The 2004 Ford GT Confirmation Prototype CP4 runs on a 5.4-liter 32V DOHC V8 engine with 550 horsepower output. The power plant then relies on a Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission.

Worldwide Auctioneers