WOKING, UK (January 10, 2023) – Luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive and APL, the high-performance athletic footwear brand, have released a new drop of the APL McLaren HySpeed™ in three new striking colorways. Continue reading
Category: Uncategorized (Page 27 of 32)
Another excellent in-depth analysis from Fourwheel Trader. Is it time to buy?
WALWORTH, Wis (January 6 2023) – The legendary 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE, known as the “Black Ghost” in the Detroit street racing scene of the 1970s, was unveiled today at Mecum Kissimmee 2023, the World’s Largest Collector Car Auction®, as the headlining consignment for Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic, which will be held this May 12-20 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
Godfrey Qualls, a Detroit police officer by day and mysterious street drag racer by night, dominated the Motor City power scene with his black 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE adorned with the “Gator Grain” roof treatment and white tail stripe, and powered by the 426 Hemi engine. After serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Godfrey ordered the car new at Raynal Brothers Dodge in Detroit, with it arriving on December 5, 1969. He put it to good use, rumbling to local hangouts, including the famed Woodward Avenue and Telegraph Road, ready to trounce any contender. With a win secured, the pair would then disappear into the darkness for weeks and months at a time. The vanishing of Qualls’ triumphant Dodge Challenger earned it the nickname “Black Ghost.”
In 1975, with numerous victories achieved and a mythical legend bestowed, the “Black Ghost” again went off the grid; however, this time it was gone from the Michigan streets for decades. Godfrey went silent, too, neither sharing stories nor boasting of his victories in the “Black Ghost.” That left his son, Gregory, to learn of his dad’s midnight Mopar escapades from family and friends.
That changed in 2014, when Godfrey invited Gregory to his house; the pair went to the garage, uncovered the black Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T and spent the afternoon cleaning the classic gem. However, that new bonding time would soon be cut short, when Godfrey’s prostate cancer returned in 2015 and made its way into his bones. By December of that year, he was hospitalized and fighting for his life. With days to live, Godfrey requested his son retrieve a special envelope from his home and bring it to the hospital. Inside was the car’s paperwork, and after 46 year of ownership, Godfrey signed ownership of his beloved “Black Ghost” over to Gregory.
“We all love a good car story, but this is nothing short of an all-American muscle tale forged in the heart of the Motor City,” Mecum Vice President of Consignments Frank Mecum said.
“When you have the combination of a Purple Heart-awarded military veteran and a unique ’70 Challenger with the mythical street racing of a clandestine Detroit cop, the muscle car, drag racing and Mopar enthusiasts take notice.”
The car earned such a revered place in history and hearts that it became the driving inspiration behind one of Dodge’s most recent special edition Challengers: the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. Just 300 of the Redeye Widebody car will be built in total, and one of them is on display at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction right now.
Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic, the flagship auction for the family-owned enterprise, will feature an estimated 3,000 vehicles, daily Road Art selections, the Mecum Midway of food, exhibitors and various live entertainment acts, the Dodge Thrill Ride, and, of course, the ceaseless high-energy Mecum auction action.
Those interested in consigning a vehicle for auction at this year’s Spring Classic may find complete details about the consignment process and pricing at Mecum.com and are encouraged to submit a Request for Position form now to take advantage of pre-auction marketing opportunities.
Mecum has reinvented its bidder registration process, making it easier than ever for collector car enthusiasts to bid on their dream car, both from home and at the auction. Options for in-person, telephone and internet bidding start at $100, offering bidders the opportunity to get in on the Kissimmee auction action in whichever way suits them best.
For more information on Mecum Kissimmee 2023, Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis and all other Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com. Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles to be offered. For schedule information, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.
Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring ClassicIndiana State Fairgrounds
1202 East 38th StreetIndianapolis, IN 46205
May 12-20, 2023
Admission: $20 in advance online, and $30 at the door and online after May 12—per person, per day; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission
Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.Auction: The vehicle auction will begin on Friday, May 12 through Thursday, May 18 at 10 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20 at 9 a.m., with Road Art to be offered 30 minutes prior to the vehicles
TV Schedule on MotorTrend: To be announced
(All Times Eastern)
Copyright © 2000-2023 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved.
Road Art®, MyMecum® & The Bid Goes On® are registered trademarks of Mecum Auction, Inc.
A trans-Atlantic trio of rare mid-century Chrysler Ghia show cars, offered from the prestigious Ramshead Collection, will bring a touch of La Dolce Vita to Bonhams in the New Year as highlights of the Scottsdale Auction on January 26, 2023.Leading the glamorous group is the unique 1957 Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400 concept car which was displayed at that year’s Torino and New York Motor Shows and most recently won a class award at the esteemed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This striking, futuristic one-off showcased what was to come in automotive design and was equipped with Chrysler’s powerful 400hp Hemi V8 powerplant.This highly original and preserved example has covered just 49,000 miles with three owners from new and is offered with an estimate of $750,000 – 950,000. Continue reading
It’s a quintessential example of what many consider to be the quintessential Jaguar saloon, the Series III XJ6. This one has been preserved in its 1983 showroom state by a single owner over its 77,500-mile life. It can be forgiven an aftermarket CD head unit as it appears great car has been given to maintain its purity otherwise. This one’s a bargain at an advertised $7,995. Find it at AG Auto Group in Columbus, Ohio.
$20,025 – 22,750
Collector status: buy and hold
Another one returning to the list and while exceptional examples of the 1984 to 1986 Ford Mustang SVO exceed our $23,000 cap, low-mileage, well-sorted No 2-conditon cars can be found well within our criteria. Preservation seems to be key in that the quality examples have seen a steady climb in value while even decent No 3-condition cases have decreased. It follows the logic that the fittest of an already low-production car will reap the greatest benefit. But driven sparingly, its nimble handling and peppy turbo motor will no doubt benefit its owner in turn.
SEALY, Texas (January 4, 2023) – Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, and high-performance vehicle creator, delivered a milestone 10th Venom F5 to its owner over the holidays. The striking metallic blue F5 Coupe, with brilliant white stripes, was delivered at Hennessey Special Vehicles in Sealy, where a specialized team manufactures the hypercar in a dedicated facility.
Signed off for full production in March 2022 by company Founder and CEO John Hennessey, plus Chief Engineer John Heinricy, the Hennessey Special Vehicles team has now assembled more than a dozen F5 Coupes and Roadsters. As of last week, 10 production units had been hand-delivered to customers – a collective output of more than 18,000 bhp!
The rate of manufacturing is increasing monthly, despite ongoing supply chain challenges, and Hennessey expects to deliver more than 20 Venom F5 hypercars in 2023. The company, which has grown to more than 90 full-time team members, when Hennessey Performance and Tuner School is included, plans to expand its manufacturing capacity further this year.
“Manufacturing a hypercar requires a team effort on a global scale, and I could not be prouder of our accomplishments. Each bespoke commission is visually stunning, an imaginative collection of colors and materials befitting a vehicle of this caliber. Our clientele is thrilled by the Venom F5 and simply astonished by its performance.”
John Hennessey, company Founder and CEO
While all 24 Venom F5 Coupe commissions sold out in 2021, Hennessey is still offering the Venom F5 Roadster – an open-roof variant of the 300+ mph hypercar. Build slots may be reserved by calling the Hennessey Special Vehicles sales team at +1 979.885.1300 or visiting HennesseySpecialVehicles.com.
GRAYDON, UK (January 4, 2023) – The ultimate finale to a bloodline. DBS 770 Ultimate is a final edition flagship to surpass them all. Ferocious performance 770PS. Re-engineered, sharper dynamic focus coupled with exquisite design. Only 499 examples. Uncaged early 2023. Hold on tight.
BLENHEIM, Ontario (December 2, 2022) – After an unprecedented and record-breaking year, RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to begin the 2023 calendar by returning to the Arizona Biltmore & Spa in Phoenix on 26 January for its 24th annual Arizona sale. Continue reading
The Saab 900, particularly the Turbo models from 1991 until the end of “classic” production in 1993, have always had a fervent following among Saab Trolls. It’s not hard to see why. They’re quirky yet common sense, lively yet practical, sporting yet comfortable. It’s fair to say they have personality, whether in three-door wagonback or convertible form.
This 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition (or CE in Trollspeak) is an excellent example of that. The CE marked the swan song of classic 900s in 1993. The three-door was released that year, while the Convertibles capped off the line as a 1994 model. It’s done just shy of 100,000 miles but shows very well. Seats don’t show the wear we typically see on Saab seats of similar age and use. Likewise there doesn’t appear to be any of the dash cracks that usually come up on that big plastic surface. The originality (stereo, equalizer, manuals) indicates an appreciation for preservation and that bodes well for the general care given. Nothing in its tidy presentation suggests otherwise.
It’s a Saab so expect to replace things like the water pump, head gaskets, etc. over the next 50,000 miles, but the service records will give you a good idea of what you’re dealing with. Find it here at Romb Cars for a decent $21,000.