There’s no other way to put it: I was impressed with the docket at Worldwide Auctioneers’ second-annual Scottsdale auction. The auction, which begins today, takes place alongside other auction houses’ like Barrett-Jackson, Russo and Steele, RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Gooding and Company, as well as Silver Auctions. The line up of cars includes a diverse selection of exotic cars, pre-war classics, and an array of musclecars that I couldn’t help but drool over.
“We enjoyed a fantastic debut in Scottsdale” said Rod Egan, Principal and Auctioneer at Worldwide Auctioneers. “We are committed to building on that success in 2018 and continuing to offer our customers a world-class selection of cars, first-rate personal service and a dynamic and wholly expert alternative in the market.”
In addition to the Scottsdale auction, the company’s annual schedule includes sales in Texas, Monterey during Monterey Car Week, and Auburn, Indiana.
One of my favorite things to do each year at all the auction previews is pick out a number of cars I would like to take home… You know, if I had endless amounts of money and bidder credentials. Here are my choices from Worldwide:
1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
One of the cars that caught my eye is advertised as a “basement find,” a 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda. According to the listing, the car was purchased by a prior owner out of South Dakota in 1978 and then stored in a Kansas City basement until 2014. The car is known to have just 21,433 miles from new and was the subject of a four-year restoration. Additionally, the car has been verified to contain its original, numbers-matching drivetrain and all its original sheet metal.
1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop
According to the listing, this GTO has had just three owners from new and has recently undergone a high-quality repaint that’s complimented by its chrome trim. It comes powered by a Tri-Power 389 V8 and the interior is well maintained with the proper carpets, seats, and headrests complemented by a floor console housing an iconic Hurst shifter. The listing also says its been serviced and received new spark plugs and upgraded ethanol-resistant gaskets for all three carburetors. Other upgrades include installation of wheel well liners, period-correct redline tires, and a high-quality dual exhaust system including tubular headers.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396/L-89 Coupe
According to a copy of the original window sticker, the Camaro offered was highly and unusually equipped, with many rare and desirable factory-fitted performance and appearance options, including the iconic Z27 Camaro SS equipment package and visually striking Le Mans Blue paint finish with Parchment vinyl roof covering. Other excellent original features include the Z87 Custom Interior with Black Vinyl/Houndstooth upholstery plus a D55 Center Console, N34 Sport-Styled Steering Wheel, U17 Special Instrumentation, ZJ9 Auxiliary Lighting, and U79 AM/FM Stereo Pushbutton Radio, a high-end and high-dollar option when new at $239 alone.
Serious performance potential backed the stunning looks with the factory-specified RPO L-78 396 cid engine rated at 375 horsepower, topped with RPO L-89 Aluminum Cylinder Heads priced at $832 – a no-holds-barred option applied to just 311 Camaros in 1969, according to the published data from GM Heritage. Other great options include a Muncie M-21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, N40 Power Steering, a G80 Posi-traction Rear Axle with 3.73:1 ring and pinion, and even a full set of floor mats from the factory.
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible
Also slated to go under the hammer is the rarest of the rare – a “one of one” 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible in factory Plum Crazy Purple, one of only five Hemi/four-speed Challenger R/T convertibles built and the only Hemi/four-speed car built with the 4.10:1 Super Track Pak. The car was restored for noted and selective prior owner Milton Robson and accompanied at auction with an expert report by David Wise.
1953 Packard Caribbean Custom Convertible
While its not a musclecar, this 1953 Packard Caribbean was too beautiful not to include. What stood out to me was the interesting color combination and that it’s one of just six cars built with the featured components, such as its convertible roof mechanism. The listing says this car was part of a private collection and is offered as an original car that’s had a complete, body-off-frame restoration. Since the restoration, the car has racked up just 578 miles and all systems and components are said to be in proper working order.
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Hemi
If I could, I’d gladly take home this 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Hemi, one of just some 70 Hemi Daytona’s built and an outstanding example of Chrysler’s outrageous NASCAR “Aero Warrior.” The car is accompanied by it’s Chrysler Broadcast Sheet and retains its original fender tags. This car has been restored and authenticated by Mopar Expert, Dave Wise.
1965 Shelby GT350
According to the listing, the body of this Mustang is very solid with no evidence of prior damage and the engine was determined to retain the correct, numbers-matching block. The hidden Ford VIN numbers have been verified with SAAC as corresponding to the Shelby number they have on file. Upon completion of the restoration, the car was sold to a private collector who stored the Shelby on blocks inside his building for the next 15 years. The current owner acquired the GT350 about two years ago and has driven it sparingly during his ownership. Although an older restoration, the car still presents very well today, no doubt due to its limited usage and careful storage. The interior is very clean and in good shape, and the competition-style seat belts and correct gauge pod with tachometer on the dash are present in the car. It is fitted with the correct type Cragar wheels and Le Mans racing stripes. The consignor states that the Shelby runs and drives well with no issues at the time of cataloguing, and it is a car that can be driven, and enjoyed or shown at local and regional shows.
