Lot J50 – 1970 Honda 600
moto+match estimate: $15,000
UPDATE: Sold for $8,500
Two current trends—Japanese nostalgia and “cute”—converge in this 1970 Honda 600 2-door Coupe. While aftermarket parts such as the roof rack and modern stereo head unit have been added to make it a more enjoyable cars-n-coffee driver, it also appears that a great deal of attention has been paid to preserving the car’s original character. A comparable Beetle, Mini or Fiat 500 would easily approach or eclipse the $25K mark, while the early Honda remains somewhat of a sleeper.
Lot J54 – 1928 Ford Model A Woody Wagon
moto+match estimate: $28,000
UPDATE: High bid of $20,000
This Woody is hovering somewhere between partial restoration and original or older restoration. Nevertheless its rarity warrants completing the job and resisting any modifications. An early run number on the auction’s first day might also make bidding less competitive and could present an opportunity for a relative bargain.
Lot J56 – 1972 MG MGB MK III Roadster
moto+match estimate: $18,000
UPDATE: Sold for $9,500
This is a case of an owner choosing to restore a car to a very high standard, but also to fit their tastes. It features an earlier MK II grille (yet curiously retains the Sabrina bumpers) as well as modified—i.e., better—electrical, carburetion, suspension, and brakes. These are relatively easy things to correct, should instant owner desire a black-letter restoration. It also has the optional aluminum hood, but does not appear to have overdrive. Although British roadsters have been on a slight decline since peaking a year ago, this is a quality B that could still prove to be an excellent long-term investment whilst enjoying sensible everyday improvements.
Lot J116 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
moto+match estimate: $36,000
UPDATE: Sold for $38,000
One wouldn‘t expect to come across a ‘69 Camaro SS—especially one that appears to be done to a higher standard—on the first day of a 10-day auction, yet here it is. True, it doesn‘t have the cachet of its L89 or L78 siblings, but the L48 350 is a perfectly capable powerplant. Mated to what looks to be a Muncie M-21 4-speed, this has everything anyone wishing to get into American Muscle or HiPony cars could ask for. It‘s modestly optioned with a houndstooth interior, power steering, SS wheels, etc. and presents itself in a very appealing Daytona Yellow/Black color combination, along with its hockey stripe and vinyl roof. Relative to what may come later in the week—not to mention at the Arizona auctions—this could turn out to be a gem.
Lot J138 – 1985 BMW M6
moto+match estimate: $28,000
UPDATE: High bid of $22,500
At first glance it might be easy to pass this one over as a nice-but-nothing-special E24 M6, as it‘s labeled in the catalog. Astute observers, however, will take note that US sales of the M6 didn‘t start until two years later, as a 1987 model. A closer look reveals that this is in fact a European M635CSi. This is significant in that the Euro version is powered by the quasi-exotic M1’s M88, which has an output of nearly 300 hp. The M635CSi also had optional buffalo leather seating (as this car does) whereas we got Nappa leather on US cars. As it was only built for two years, with some trickling into 1989, the M6 has much lower production numbers (1,767 vs. 4,088 of the M635CSi). However, the direct legacy to the M1 and its rarity in the US make the M635CSi a special find. The color-matched Speedline wheels aren’t to everyone’s taste, nor are they correct (unique 390mm BBS shod with Michelin TRX), but they are more practical for everyday use. Mecum does not publish odometer readings (except in outstanding cases), but its appearance is that of a well-cared for example. Its catalog misprint, early showing and that it’s not the typical Mecum fare (although they have been very good lately about adding more to the “Muscle Cars and More” maxim) could present an extraordinary opportunity.
