$25 Million Worth of Townley Collection American Muscle Cars Sold!

It was a whirlwind 48 hours in Bogart, Georgia, as Richmond Auctions went to work selling the Tony Townley collection of muscle cars, signs and automobilia. In just two days, the team at Richmond delivered with sales topping $25 million dollars.

Now mind you, these weren’t run-of-the-mill machines; quite the contrary, as the collection was made up of original and/or finely restored low-mileage favorites, plus incredible neon signs and unique and rare items.

After running our preview story (which you can read here), we couldn’t wait for the hammer to drop on these classics. It’s always interesting to see what the market will bear when it comes to muscle cars and memorabilia. And with the two-day auction complete, virtually every item sold.

“[This was] our first car auction and it reached a total sales number of $25 million,” said Mike McCandless, co-owner of Richmond Auctions. “I have never put as much into something as this auction. It was a huge effort from countless people over the past six months. Now we’ll get the cars loaded, the signs down, crated and delivered. Our team is forever thankful to Mr. Townley, who trusted us with his incredible car/sign/tractor collection. We experienced a 99.8 percent sell-through rate on our first car auction, and that’s something I never imagined.”

The auction docket was filled with many original, unrestored and finely restored muscle cars. A good portion were of the highly desirable type, such as unrestored Mopar wing cars, Shelby Mustangs, and Hemi cars.

Along with the originals were vehicles that have received six-figure restorations that have been cared for and stored in climate-controlled garages. There’s a huge investment in owning and maintaining cars of this caliber and chances to buy many of them are rare.

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff and look at the Top 10 muscle cars based on selling price from the Tony Townley Collection, along with a few honorable mentions and a few signs that blew our mind. Who knew there was such value in these classic neon pieces? But sure enough, many of the signs are worth more than the cars.

Top 10

10. 1969 Pontiac Ram Air Firebird Convertible: $260,000

A rare bird, this ragtop sports the 345 horsepower 400 cubic inch Ram Air IV that was commonly found in the GTO. It’s one of 17 originally built by the factory, of which, only half have ever been accounted for. This Bird is not a Trans Am; instead it has a bit of a sleeper look. It’s painted in Dark Blue with a Parchment vinyl interior and white vinyl top. Along with this new styling came a brand-new Ram Air hood. Pontiac incorporated a manual flapper valve inside the car so the driver could cut off cold air to the Polyfoam-sealed air cleaner assembly. This hood with cold air induction was standard on the RA-IV Firebirds but optional on the L-74 Ram Air 400. Other firsts for 1969 included a standard three-spoke, padded, shallow-dish steering wheel incorporating the ignition key to lock the column. The wheel will not turn without the key, helping with theft prevention.

9. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car: $260,000

Indy Pace Cars are always popular, but few are more desirable than the ’69 Camaro convertibles. This one is a number matching, with a full validation report available from Concours Concepts upon request. It is documented that the engine, transmission, and rear axle are all original to the vehicle. The Holley carburetor is the correct part number and date code for the application as is the correct part number and date code for the application as is the alternator and distributor. The A.I.R. smog system has many correct original components for the L78 option, with the exception of the pulley, which is a correct part number reproduction. The undercarriage of this vehicle was very correctly restored and given the low mileage that is believed to be actual. The interior is unrestored and presents at a very high level which also reinforces the claim of 20,000 original miles. This Camaro is also one of very few produced with the 396/375HP V8 engine, M21 4-speed transmission and 3.73 Posi rear axle.

8. 1969 Yenko Camaro: $310,000

The name “Yenko” is a true attention getter in the automotive hobby, as it typically means a 427 lurks under the hood. That’s the case with this ’69 Camaro. As the first-gen Camaro entered its third model year, some performance-minded dealers, including Don Yenko, figured a way past Chevrolet’s corporate mandate of limiting 400-plus cubic inch engines from factory getting installed in factory-built Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas. Known as COPO (Central Office Production Orders), Chevy was able to assemble a limited run of factory 427 Camaros for 1969, and the Yenko Chevy franchise was on the cutting edge of making that happen. This great example has the 450 horsepower L-72 427 cubic-inch V8 engine and Muncie M-21 four-speed manual transmission with Posi-traction rear axle, J52 power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes, heavy-duty front and rear suspension with leaf springs, and live rear axle. It’s an incredible all-original survivor with just 26,000 miles that has the legendary Yenko DNA and performance exclusivity. It’s just one of 201 Yenko Camaros produced for 1969, and one-of-57 painted Fathom Green. This COPO 9561 Camaro (L-72 427 iron engine) was delivered with a standard 4.10 Code BE 12-bolt live rear axle, heavy-duty suspension, and 14×7-inch stamped steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps. Also included was the ZL2 cowl induction hood, dual rear exhausts, Code 711 black vinyl bucket seat interior, and a 140-mph speedometer.

7. 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440: $340,000

This is a very original, authentic, unrestored semi-survivor 1970 Plymouth Superbird with a 440 Six-Barrel V8 engine, A833 four-speed transmission with Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, and Dana 60 rear with 3.54:1 gears. If there was one car that stood out during the muscle car era, the Plymouth Superbird ranks right up there with its aero nose and up-in-the-stratosphere rear spoiler. Superbirds and their cousin, the Dodge Charger Daytonas, were built to satisfy NASCAR’s rules for racing. The 1970 Superbird began life as Road Runner at Chrysler’s Lynch Road Assembly Plant before being modified at the corporation’s “Pilot Plant” (known as Clairpoint Assembly) in Detroit. Here, the rear wing, nose cone assembly with headlights, decals, and many other unique Superbird components were installed. This low-mileage example with only 7,965 miles is considered an unrestored semi-survivor with great history. It has a number’s matching engine, transmission, with corresponding VIN, data tag, and door jamb decal, that includes the build sheet to further authenticate this rare Bird. All the factory stampings remain in place. It’s painted in Lime Light with black vinyl top, oversized “Plymouth” quarter-panel decals, and black interior. This Superbird still looks great in its 56-year-old paint and graphics and it brought the dollars!

6. 1971 Hemicuda: $430,000

There’s hardly a vehicle on the planet that screams “muscle car” more than a Hemicuda. This is one-of-48 built in ’71 and shows only 21,500 miles. It’s painted in B5 “True Blue Metallic” and adorned with matching blue vinyl high-back bucket seats, dash, door panels, console, and steering column, which is ultra cool. This color combination looks stunning (note the lack of optional Billboard stripes) and is an unusual sight to see. Under that sinister black painted Shaker resides King Kong himself, the mighty 426 Hemi, sporting a pair of Carter AFB carburetors. This E-body was ordered with 727 TorqueFlite and has Chrysler’s Slap Stik automatic shifter. The Super Track Pak option was ordered, and that included the Dana 60 axle with 4.10:1 gear and Sure Grip diff, a 26-inch Max Cooling radiator, power brakes, and other items. It was completely restored and comes with a thorough vehicle inspection report from Mopar muscle car expert Dave Wise.

5. 1970 Shelby GT500 Mustang Convertible: $450,000

The biggest surprise of this auction may have been the huge price paid for this GT500, typically one of the least valuable and most looked down upon Shelby vehicles. On the flip side, it is unique. Built in March of 1969, this 1970 Shelby GT500 is quite the head turner. It was ordered with an incredible list of options including  white power top, four-speed manual transmission, 428SCJ engine/Drag Pack, visibility group, power front disc brakes, power steering, interior decor group deluxe, power ventilation, am radio, tinted glass, deluxe belts/warning light, color keyed racing mirrors and competition suspension, making it a unique GT500. It was in the same ownership for 40 years. A painstaking restoration was completed in 2010 and has since won multiple AACA events. According to the Elite Marti Report, there were 90 convertibles, 36 had a four-speed, six were painted Candy Apple Red, and of those, one came with white bucket seats. It also included a Jason Billups Validation report. According to Billips, “This is one of only 22 1970 SCJ convertibles built. There were 11 automatics and 11 4-speeds. This car being red with white interior and a four-speed puts it in the top five of most desirable ’70 Shelby convertibles in my opinion.”

4. 1971 Hemi Cuda: $455,000

Acknowledged by many as the ‘King of all Muscle Cars,” the 1971 Hemicuda will probably never be dethroned. This was the final year of Street Hemi production, and in addition to the 426, this ’Cuda makes noise with the Curious Yellow/Billboard paint/stripe package. It features black high-back bucket seats that flank the awesome Hurst Pistol Grip shifter attached to the bulletproof 18-spline A833 four-speed transmission. All that Hemi goodness ends up at the Dana 60 rear spinning 4.10:1 cogs and rolling on 15×17 Rallye wheels and Goodyear Polyglas tires. It has a numbers-matching engine, along with a Shaker scoop popping through the hood. This Plymouth was sold new in British Columbia, Canada and built to Canadian specs. Furthermore, it was featured on the cover of Hot Rod magazine, along with coverage in other publications. 

3. 1970 Mustang Boss 429: $600,000

This Boss was offered at no reserve, and it brought sizeable dollar amount. It’s a numbers-matching machine ordered in October of 1969. In addition to the mighty engine, it has Grabber blue paint, black clarion knit/Corinthian vinyl bucket seats, 3.91 Traction-Lok, Top Loader 4-speed, Drag Pack, convenience group, electric clock, F60 tires, collapsible spare tire, rim blow deluxe steering wheel, console, power front disc brakes, power steering, AM radio, decor group, deluxe belts, competition suspension, tachometer, front air dam and trunk-mounted battery. It was sold with the original Kar Kraft order form, window sticker and Marti Report. In total, there were 859 original 1969 Boss 429s, and 499 Boss 429s for 1970.

2. 1969 Dodge Daytona: $605,000

Amazingly, $605,000 was what it took to win this once-in-a-lifetime 1969 Dodge Daytona. Key selling points were originality and mileage. This is a mostly original, unrestored survivor showing just 3,700 miles. It was previously owned by the legendary Malcom family, who would routinely show their cars at events such as Chryslers at Carlisle. The numbers-matching 440 is backed by a numbers-matching 727 and Dana 60. It sold with the factory build sheet, window sticker and keys. Imagine the price if it had a Hemi?

1. 1965 Shelby GT350: $650,000

Just one of 562 examples, the star of the show was this 1965 Shelby GT350 that sold new at Galpin Ford in San Fernando, California. A lifetime California car until Townley got it, it’s powered by the legendary Shelby-ized, 306-horse 289, and like all ’65 350s, it has a four-speed transmission. What makes this Shelby GT350 rarer than others is a bevy of unique features, such as steel wheels, no racing stripes, and trunk-mounted battery location. All Shelby-specific parts are original and or assembly line restored to this car. The High-Performance 289ci V8 engine is complete with factory-installed Shelby parts, including Cobra aluminum intake manifold, Tri-Y headers, override traction bars, Koni shocks, and aluminum valve covers. In 2019, the Concours restoration of number 257 began, with assistance from Shelby experts John Brown and Jeff Speegle, both of whom provided historical authenticity data for proper detailing methods as performed at the San Jose Ford plant and Shelby American in 1965. The restoration was performed with the goal to build the highest quality and most accurately restored 1965 Shelby GT350 to date, regardless of cost. The quality of this Shelby restoration was recognized in 2021 when it was judged for the first time at the 46th annual Shelby American Automobile Club. It earned the premier level award in the Division 1 competition.

Honorable Mention

Pure Gasoline 7-Foot Flexlume Double-Sided Tin, factory Neon Sign: $320,000

In addition to the well-known American muscle cars was an incredible collection of over 400 pieces of art, memorabilia and signs. Topping the chart for price was this Flexlume double sided tin factory neon Pure Gasoline sign on the original can. It has an amazing original look and displays three colors of neon. The sign exhibited all original paint with minor wear in the field. The original rippled tin is in excellent condition.

1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Lightweight: $220,000

Sold at no reserve was this awesome example of Chevy’s factory muscle/racing efforts of the early 1960s. This 409 cubic-inch, 425-horsepower Impala SS was part of a massive, correct three-year concours restoration and the result is stunning. It’s one of 18 special Z-11 aluminum cars built in GM’s Flint Plant in late 1962, and this Chevy competed around the country for many years before being retired from racing. Painted in Adobe Beige with Gold vinyl interior, this rare Impala has also had its 409 rebuilt with the correct O-designated heads, two-piece intake, and other unique factory equipment that made the 409 legendary on America’s drag strips. It was sold to new Dick Burgois and Earl Wade (future crew chief for Dyno Don Nicholson) in Southern California. It’s believed to be one of the two surviving of the 18 originally made. The interior is also original in this car, as are the aluminum fenders, hood, etc. Equipped with a four-speed transmission, it also had a Sun 90-degree tach on column, =and Wide Steel Wheels with 8.00×14 Blackwall tires. This was a heater car, and naturally, came without an optional radio. The odometer shows 6,368 miles.

Unrestored 1970 1/2 Ford Falcon 429 Super Cobra Jet: $130,000

No Reserve. Numbers matching. This model would mark the end of the Falcon name in America and its only use on a midsize car. Ford wanted to create the ultimate Falcon, a car that had performed so successfully as a Ford compact for a decade. Production of the compact Ford Falcon came to an end in January 1970, but for the next six months, the Ford Falcon 1970 1/2 was still available. Within Ford’s new line-up sat plenty of cars, but the Falcon 1970 1/2 was the only car available in only a two-door sedan design, with no offerings of a coupe or soft top. The simple design made it very popular with drag racers. This Falcon came ordered from the factory with the Detroit Locker differential, four speed close ratio transmission, 429SCJ Drag Pack, F70x14 belted tires, AM radio and tinted glass. The original window sticker is still with the car, which shows 2,800 miles on the odometer. This unrestored Falcon gives us a glimpse back into a time that will never exist again. Included with the sale was a Jason Billups validation report. His summary: “This 1970 Falcon is a very desirable color combo of Calypso Coral and black interior with the iconic 429 SCJ engine backed by a Top Loader four-speed with 4.30 rearend. The car is a mixture of survivor and mechanically restored. Retaining most of its original paint puts the car in a very desirable category for serious collectors. The car has spent its life in a dry climate and shows no signs of any rust. The car comes with a Marti Report.” VIN: 0A26J202842.