Vintage Cars

All posts in “Vintage Cars”

1951 Jaguar XK120 By Heritage Motors Cars

Another big opportunity to own a stunning classic car is coming our way. What we have here is a 1951 Jaguar XK120 on offer from Heritage Motors Cars that’s currently on offer for $187,000. The thing is, a lot of vintage automobiles usually on the auction block are showpieces that are purely for visual pleasure. Although some are in running condition, not a lot comes equipped to meet the regular safety standards. However, this is not the case with this classic machine.

For some collectors, just ogling at their exclusive prizes are enough to justify their purchases. On the other hand, there are enthusiasts who want to drive and show off their purchase. Thankfully, this Jaguar XK120 is brimming with upgrades making it a roadworthy ride.

This might disappoint some purists who absolutely want to keep everything as original as possible. Nevertheless, these are necessary modifications that allow it to perform in a modern environment.

To shave off some weight, the original stainless steel body is no more. In its place are lightweight alloys that should greatly improve the handling and performance of the car. Worry not because the iconic curves of the original aesthetics remain intact. What follows is the tuning of its 3.8-liter inline-six engine to produce about 280 horsepower.

For added safety, all four wheels are fitted with new disc brakes and fit snugly within the Dunlop wheels with Avon ZZ rubber. We can’t help but admire the exquisite brown leatherwork of its interior that contrasts beautifully with the matte gunmetal exterior. This 1951 Jaguar XK120 will not stay available for long.

Buy it here

Images courtesy of Heritage Motors Cars

July 19, 2019 / Comments Off

947

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

July 9, 2019 / Comments Off

878

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

June 30, 2019 / Comments Off

1222

1990 BMW M3 Convertible

On auction now is this 1990 BMW M3 Convertible. It’s not dramatically vintage, to be sure, though time moves so fast that 1990 is basically a bygone era now. An era brimmed in punk-rock and Happy Meal toys that are actually cool.

But we digress. This car is one of only 786 convertibles examples built between 1986 and 1992. Needless to say it’s not that rare, but still quite unique, as it’s also one of the only 12 Spanish-market models with no catalytic converters.

Though it was finished in May 1990, the car benefits from recently renewed brakes. It also comes equipped with a revamped exhaust system and a new soft top. In the correct factory material, too, which will definitely sit well with purists.

The first-generation BMW M3 is a cool-enough car. It looks pretty good, though it lacks the sleek lines and cramped profile of the usual sports car. Still, it’s still perceived today as one of the best drvier’s cars of that era.

The car is extremely well preserved, and the parts are nearly all original save for a handful of bits and bobs. It’s also just on its third owner since new, which means it’s more than ready for a new set of hands. Sure, it’s no Ferrari. And it’s not the best on-auction BMW ride we’ve featured here. Still, there’s something to be said about simplicity, and in that department, this one nails it. More info from RM Sotheby’s when you hit the link below. Car offered without reserve.

ON AUCTION

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

June 20, 2019 / Comments Off

1157

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

June 17, 2019 / Comments Off

742

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

June 5, 2019 / Comments Off

1682

Porsche 356 RSR By Emory Design

If you’re a self-proclaimed Porsche head, chances are you already know that the Porsche 356 is considered as one of the most beautiful cars the German manufacturer has ever created.

Collectors are all dying to get their hands on one. Even more so rare models buried beneath archival cruft that manage to surface on lots all of a sudden. This classic ride is unbeatable, even by today’s standards, to an extent.

Emory Design, a Los Angeles-based restoration outfit care of Porsche specialist Rod Emory dipped their toes into a 1960 Porsche 356 RSR and did the unthinkable: merge past and present. You read that right — this complex restoration sees the vintage icon swaddled with modern tech.

For the job, Emory preserved the car’s original DNA, imposing strict guidelines on maintaining the car’s design language. But they also played around a bit, combining the 911 and the 356 to develop something truly unique. The richly striking result is truly one of the best automotive moments of 2019. You get a 2.4-liter “Outlaw-4” twin-turbocharged engine, which is a first for the car. And also a Rothsport fuel injection plus Motec-managed ignition, bringing the Porsche 356 RSR to a substantial 400-horsepower.

There is more than meets the eye, as always with Emory. Look further and you’ll find the 964 C2 chassis. That comes with all-original suspension pick-up points and a hand-formed nose, tail, deck, and bonnet. Inside, you’ll find interior aesthetics to match, with 911-inspired seating, fiberglass footboards/dash caps, and MOMO peripherals.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of Emory Design

May 22, 2019 / Comments Off

747

1972 Jeep Commando

Jeep released in 1966 the Jeepster Commando, perceived as its response to the then-growing affinity for 4x4s. At the time, the International Scout, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Ford Bronco were high up on people’s wish lists. Jeep wanted not just to join the bandwagon, but rule it.

The Commando, much to its delight, became popular, too. However, when American Motors Corporation bought Jeep in 1970, they redesigned it. In fact, that’s one of the first things they did. In 1972, American Motors launched the new model, equipped with a 304-cubic inch V8 engine.

Unfortunately, this new model didn’t prove popular with the crowd, unlike the original Jeep Commando. American Motors promptly killed the line in 1973 following waning sales. The Cherokee then replaced it in 1974, though. This particular 1972 Commando above, now up for auction, comes from the Route 66 Packard Museum collection. It’s in great original condition, to boot.

The ride comes with Warn Lock-o-Matic front hubs plus an automatic transmission. There’s also the original 304-cubic inch V8 engine here. It’s a cool, slick-looking ride for those not really up for much flair. Not to say this doesn’t have flair, though. It’s got some, just not oozing with it to the point of being too treacly to take on the road. Comes in a gorgeous and vivid blue colorway reminiscent of offbeat 70s movies. Hit the link below to find out how you can bid for this modest, but notable ride. Estimated auction price is between $20,000 to $25,000. Easy on the pockets.

BID HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

May 17, 2019 / Comments Off

915

1964 Shelby Cobra 289

Two worlds collided and turned into the Shelby 289 Cobra, which represents the very best of American and British automotive innovation. Legendary designer Carroll Shelby took an AC chassis and body and paired it with a Ford V-8 engine, the result a sophisticated teeter between sleekness and performance.

While not as powerful as the fan favorite Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, the Cobra 289 remains revered as the one to get. The above, more specifically, is a second-generation Mark II model. It’s got quite a high-octane history, having burned rubber at the SCCA United States Road Racing Championship. It lost only once in three years.

The car has spent much of its time over the years sitting pretty in collections. And along the way, it’s had a pretty intensive restoration. So, no signs of wear, at all. It’s still pumping to this day after snagging the top title at the 1967 SCCA Nationals. And people have used it in numerous vintage events up until now. Talk about endurance.

After many lonely hours at the showroom, the car is now ready for a garage to call it its new home. You can hit up Auxietre & Schmidt to get a price quote if you’re interested in snatching this bad boy up. Do note that it won’t be cheap, but you probably already knew that. It comes with a LeMans Hardtop, too. Will definitely look great alongside your other Shelbys in storage. Just make sure to leave something for the rest of us!

LEARN MORE

Photos courtesy of Auxietre & Schmidt

March 11, 2019 / Comments Off

879

1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra On Auction

RM Sotheby’s is at it again with this vintage stunner. Now up for auction, this 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra is one of the most beautiful cars we’ve seen.

Not only that, it’s also one of the finest proofs that no other car manufacturer comes close to Shelby when it comes to jaw-dropping race cars. Shelby has come out with some of the most gorgeous rides in history. This 427 Competition Cobra is certainly one of its peak releases.

The car was originally came out as a competition-ready side-oiler aluminum-head. It burned rubber in a number of races during the 1960s, seating F1 drivers the likes of David Piper, Chris Irwin, and Bob Bondurant. Bondurant, in particular, drove the car to victory at the 1966 Brands Hatch.

Before ending up in a number of successive owners, the car earned a spot in the 1966 FIA World Sportscar Championship race. Then, in 2003, Ontario-based Legendary Motorcar performed a complete restoration of the historic ride. The Shelby 427 Competition Cobra became a show model thereafter and promptly exited the race circuit.

This car is one of only 19 Competition Cobra units ever produced in history. The model pictured above, in particular, is one of the only surviving original aluminum bodied variants. The Shelby 427 is, suffice it to say, a racetrack beast. And although its rubber-burning days are over, current race cars still look up to it to this day for its sterling career and incredible lineage.

Needless to say owning a car with this much history isn’t going to be cheap. Hit up RM Sotheby’s for more information on bidding.

BUY HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

February 15, 2019 / Comments Off

596

1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante

Few road cars can rival the Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante, one of the rarest Bugatti models in history and one of the first to come with the automaker’s “low-headlight” design in 1937.

Ettore Bugatti didn’t design this ride himself, though. It’s actually courtesy of his son, Jean. Clearly, genius is genetic, because this car is packing serious aesthetic aplomb. Ettore’s craft certainly rubbed off on Jean, and look no further the the above image if you need proof.

Bugatti only ever built 48 Type 57SC Atalante units. And only 17 of them came with the Atalante coachwork as seen on this particular model now up for auction at RM Sotheby’s. It’s got a twin-cam straight-eight motor, which it borrows from the Type 49. However, it comes modified with a period-correct supercharger.

But beyond the specs sheet, you’ll appreciate this ride’s storied journey. From its completion in 1937 to its complete restoration care of RM Auto Restoration in 2013, everything is well-documented. You’ll learn that Jean Lévy first owned the ride, deputy Administrator of a grain milling company. He later later handed it off to Maurice Weber, a livestock feed manager, in 1941.

But lo and behold, it’s here. In all its vintage glory. Chassis no. 57551, seen above, is one of the most beautiful, desirable, best-performing, and advanced of all Bugatti cars. Pricing is available upon request, but we imagine it will cost a fortune to have this thing in your private collection. You can contact RM Sotheby’s if you’re interested. Click the link below to learn more.

BID AT RM SOTHEBY’S

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

February 4, 2019 / Comments Off

973

1982 BMW Alpina B7 S Turbo

This BMW beaut, now up for auction at RM Sotheby’s, is an Alpina B7 S. That’s a huge deal, and if you don’t know why, shame on you.

Just kidding. Of course, all vintage car fans know that Alpina makes high-performance versions of BMW cars. It’s been doing that for more than 50 years now, bringing spoked wheels and turbocharged motors to BMW’s otherwise vanilla models.

Suffice it to say that Alpina makes better BMW cars than BMW itself. You want proof? Look no further than the ride you see above, a 1982 Alpina B7 S. With its boxxy yet sleek corners and understated decals, this ride screams vintage.

But the car isn’t just about looks. Alpina didn’t skimp on the specs, that much its clear. We’re talking a twin-turbo 3.5-liter inline six that makes 330 horsepower. That’s not terribly impressive these days, of course. But those are insane numbers at the time and brought the car parallel to dedicated sports coupes of the era.

If you knew enough about Alpina, you wouldn’t be surprised at all. The automaker’s philosophy was that owning a sedan shouldn’t mean forgetting that you still deserve utmost speed and performance. As such, apart from the engine, Alpina threw in a lot of other upgrades for the Alpina B7 S. Like improvements to the suspension, new shocks, springs, and additional bracing, to boot.

This particular 1982 Alpina B7 S model is the 22nd made out of just a total of 60. We expect for hardcore vintage car collectors to eat this one up in no time. The car has been driven merely 36,000 miles, by the way. Owning it means also owning a thrilling chunk of the history of high-performance sedans.

SEE MORE HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

January 30, 2019 / Comments Off

741

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 By RK Motors

The 2019 Detroit Auto Show was a blast for automotive fans as several big announcements and unveilings graced the venue. We’ve seen the first production model of the 2020 Toyota Supra sell for $2.1 million at the auction block. Another big surprise was the announcement from Subaru regarding the STI S209’s release in the USA, albeit in very limited numbers. Meanwhile, muscle car enthusiasts were in awe when the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Coupe took center stage. Now, another pony car project is ready to knock their socks off with the 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 from RK Motors.

Back in the day, you can soup up your 1970 Mustang to get up to 335 horsepower through a 7.0-liter V8 upgrade. What makes this special modification so special is the insane number of horses the shop fits into the ride. We’re talking about a vintage machine that can output up to 912 horsepower as tested on a dyno.

This is possible through a Jon Kasse 9.8-liter racing engine and 4-speed Hughes Performance automatic transmission. To keep all that power in check, Wilwood disc brakes sit on the wheels. Upgraded suspension systems likewise offer superior handling. Moreover, unlike other mods, the air conditioning unit does not get the chopping block treatment.

Just recently, another vehicle from the blue oval also got a similar treatment. It’s a 2005 Ford GT that got a 2,000-horsepower upgrade from Heffner Performance. These are certainly impressive upgrades that sure to make even the most powerful hypercars shake in their boots. This 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 by RK Motors is the second ride we’ve seen that received a big boost. If you have a spare $139,900 just lying around, you can make it your own now.

Images courtesy of RK Motors

Only From RK Motors

January 21, 2019 / Comments Off

1539

1951 Porsche 356

You’ve already heard of RM Sotheby’s. It’s the auction house that never fails to surprise us with slick oldies in its lots. Well, it finally revealed the official catalogue for The Porsche 70th Anniversary Auction.

The collection is comprised of over 60 Porsche models up for auction, representing the finest and most sophisticated rides the German automaker has ever produced in its entire history. Among them is the 1951 Porsche 356 you see above, which is the company’s first-ever production automobile. Lightweight and petite, this car was an anomaly during its day given its curvier design. Other cars’ with more boxy looks dominated the streets at the time.

The Porsche 356 sports a rear engine and rear-wheel drive with two doors, and it’s available either as a hardtop coupé or an open configuration. The example above is a 1300 split-window cabriolet from 1951. The car went through a full restoration and a full mechanical overhaul. That’s not its original paint, however — it’s the same color combination, but it’s actually a repaint job, but it looks just as great, if not better. The interior has been retrimmed, it should be noted.

Depending on when you’re reading this, chances are someone has probably scored this Porsche 356 already. At the time of writing, RM Sotheby’s auction block hasn’t started yet, but we imagine there’d be a pandemonium over this ride as vintage car collectors and enthusiasts elbow each other to snag it for their garage. We can only hope RM Sotheby’s has a few more models just like this in the offing.

MORE INFO HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

December 21, 2018 / Comments Off

792

Jaguar XK120

This one’s ripe and ready for restoration. Kept in dry storage since the 1970s, this beaten-down Jaguar XK120 from Woodham-Mortimer is practically begging for some thorough cleanup. And if you’re even just a tiny bit interested in restoration jobs, you already know just by looking that this is going to be a fixer upper of a car.

Make no mistake. Despite its current squalor, the Jaguar‘s XK120 was the ultimate sports car of its day, matched only by none. With its advanced dual-overhead-cam and 3.4 liter straight six engine with 160 horsepower, this ride could blast up to 120mph. That’s certainly nothing to be impressed about in today’s standards. However, these numbers made it quite the Quicksilver of its heyday.

It was a sales hit, too. Such a hit, in fact, that Jaguar had to switch to steel bodies instead of aluminum just to keep up with the demand for the car — the example you see above is one of the first steel models. This particular one was sold in California back in 1951, then was acquired by a new owner the following year, who owned it until 2002.

It comes with numbers-matching certification from Jaguar themselves, topped with a bunch of intriguing modifications plus an excellent patina. Vintage car restorers, heads up — this is the next perfect job for you. Or even for beginning restorers, this is probably the best way to cut your teeth. Just note that it’s going to cost you a lot — $60,000, to be specific.

BUY IT HERE

Photos courtesy of Woodham-Mortimer

December 11, 2018 / Comments Off

829