Attendees of Bonhams’ auction next month in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, will see a pristine example of the Ferrari 250 GT TDF go under the hammer.
The car is a 1959 example bearing chassis number 1401. According to its listing it is the last long-wheelbase TDF with a body by Scaglietti.
The current estimate is between five million and seven million euros (approximately $5.3 million and $7.5 million based on current exchange rates).
Although Ferrari used the TDF designation in recent years on a version of the F12, the three letters weren’t part of the name of the earlier TDF cars, like this 250 GT whose official name is 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione. It was only later added following some successes of the 250 GTs in the former Tour de France race for cars. Chassis no. 1401 was entered in the 1960 running of the Tour de France, though it is unclear how well this car did in the race.
The car originally left the factory with a red exterior and beige interior. Its first owner was Luigi Taramazzo, a resident of Bordighera, Italy. He entered the car in a number of races around Italy, including the 1959 Garessio-Colle San Bernado hill climb, which he won. He soon sold the car to Gérard Spinedi of Geneva, Switzerland, who painted it gold metallic and also raced the car.
It then traded hands a few more times before eventually ending up with Plinio Haas in 1976. The resident of Arbon, Switzerland, held onto the car for the next 37 years, often driving it in races for classic cars. After Haas passed away in 2013, the car was transferred to his son Felix, who sold it to current owner Marc Devis in 2014.
Devis commissioned a full restoration in 2016, which saw the car reunited with its original engine. The engine is a 3.0-liter V-12 estimated to deliver around 280 hp.
The auction is scheduled for Oct. 8. Other impressive cars set to grace the block include a 1929 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix, a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, and a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT.
Nothing says 1990s like removable T-tops, and this red-hot Trans Am has all the right ingredients to make it a cherry example of one of Pontiac’s most popular muscle cars.
This sports coupe hails from the third-generation of the Firebird which lived from model year 1982 to 1992 and shared the F-body platform with the Chevrolet Camaro. Body styles for this car were available in either convertible or liftback (as seen here) variations. Incremental changes were applied to engineering and design over the car’s decade-long lifespan, and in 1991, Firebirds received a restyled and more rounded nose that was modeled after General Motors’ “Banshee IV” show vehicle.
Many incredibly low-mileage cars come with a lot of unknowns: When a car sits for an extended length of time, it can create issues with tires, gaskets, hoses, fluids, and any component of the car that has a shelf life. The good news is that this time capsule hasn’t just been placed up for sale after pulling it straight out of the garage: It has been mechanically brought up to date with a list of service items. Recent work according to the seller has included replacement of the tires, air conditioning refrigerant, alternator, starter, battery, wheel cylinders, and brake shoes as of July 2023. Window tint has also been added, which provides privacy in addition to keeping the upholstery from getting faded prematurely.
Power for this muscle car comes from a fuel-injected 305cid V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller says regarding the mechanical condition: “Runs and drives perfect. Ice cold air conditioning. Everything works including the pop-up headlights. You won’t find a better 1991 Firebird Trans Am.”
The listing includes a three-minute walkaround video showing the exterior, interior, and a start-up. The gauges appear to be in working order, and even the power activated soft-close rear liftgate is operational.
If a third-generation Firebird has been on your watch list (or “want” list) for a while now, you will want to take a close look at this one! The asking price is $20,000 or best offer.
There’s something special about black cars to some collectors. Long a color that signified luxury and formality, it never was associated as hue for performance cars until perhaps the late 1970s. Two very interesting black cars will be crossing the block at the inaugural Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 New Orleans Auction on September 28-30th.
Even if you’re one of those people who hates black cars because they’re difficult to keep clean, there’s bound to be a more palatable vehicle for you if you glance through the docket. You can also consign your own vehicle for sale so that Barrett-Jackson visitors can be distracted from the auction by your own personal transportation device. With the resources, experience, and reputation to market and sell your collector car, Barrett-Jackson has your best interest in mind.
Now, onto the black cars:
1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible The car with the 400cid engine plus four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts was in fine form for 1969, supported by novel “Youngmobile” advertising from Dr. Oldsmobile. Standard was a 350-horsepower engine (325 with automatic), with options that included force-air W32 and W30 engines, both with those nifty air scoops underneath the front bumper. And if General Motors’ edict limiting cubic inches was a problem, then Hurst came to the rescue with the 455-powered Hurst/Olds.
This 1969 4-4-2 convertible features the standard 400 backed by an automatic transmission. The glistening Ebony Black paint is complemented by optional W42 stripes on the hood plus pinstriping on the trunklid. The red interior consists of the standard buckets bisected by the optional console, N34 Custom-Sport steering wheel, AM/FM radio, power windows, and more. Best of all, the pedigree of this hairy Olds is documented thanks to GM of Canada Vintage Vehicle Services.
1960 Kaiser “IKA” Carabela Hearse When Kaiser ceased automobile production in 1955 (along with its Willys partner), it formed a partnership with the Argentinean government. The new entity, Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA), produced the Jeep CJ and other Willys Jeep products like the Station Wagon, but it also built the Kaiser Manhattan for several years after importing about a thousand to the South American country. Called the Carabela, IKA produced the this captive import through 1962, the same time IKA began producing Ramblers under license.
Among the IKA Carabelas built, few are as unique as this 1960 hearse. Featuring a 190-inch wheelbase and powered by 226cid straight-six paired to a three-speed manual on the column, the Kaiser-inspired funeral car features wrap-around back glass, rear fold-down gate and 89-inch sliding casket holder with rollers. The ornate casket cover with columns and working flame-illuminated casket lights add a special touch for the final ride.
Front bench seats are largely a thing of the past, which means that being able to comfortably accommodate six people inside a traditional car or truck interior is not an easy task. That’s where this vintage square body C/K-Series truck presents a compelling case. Finished in metallic blue and optioned with a four-inch suspension lift, power steering, and newer wheels and tires, this six-passenger, one-ton, crew-cab truck is being sold by a dealer in Oregon with a clear title.
For being over 40 years old, this truck doesn’t look it. The metallic blue exterior was resprayed within the last few months and the overall body appears to be straight. One of the unique features of trucks from this era – from other pickup brands, too – was a dual-fuel-tank setup. Each tank holds 16 gallons, so with a total capacity of 32 gallons, this truck has respectable driving range even with a V8 powerplant. Completing the exterior look is a four-inch suspension lift, a set of polished aluminum wheels, and newer all-terrain tires.
This truck comes from the third generation of General Motors’ C/K Series, which first launched 50 years ago in 1973. Versatility was the name of the game, and pickups could be optioned in two-door and four-door variants with shortbed, longbed, two-wheel-drive, and four-wheel drive configurations. This crew-cab is among the longest of trucks built during the time, combining both a four-door body style and an eight-foot-long cargo bed.
The interior of the cab is spacious and well-appointed, boasting newly-reupholstered blue vinyl and plaid cloth bench seats for three passengers up front and three in the rear. Options include power steering, an AM/FM/cassette radio, and a heater. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows about 21,000 miles, but true mileage is unknown. Worth noting: this truck came from one model year before 17-digit VIN standardization across all automakers, so CARFAX reports do not deliver data from cars and trucks that were built for the 1980 model year or prior.
Power for this big rig comes from Chevrolet’s robust 350cid small-block V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case.
The auction for this 1980 Chevrolet K30 ends September 6, 2023, at 12:50 p.m. (PDT)
Front bench seats are largely a thing of the past, which means that being able to comfortably accommodate six people inside a traditional car or truck interior is not an easy task. That’s where this vintage square body C/K-Series truck presents a compelling case. Finished in metallic blue and optioned with a four-inch suspension lift, power steering, and newer wheels and tires, this six-passenger, one-ton, crew-cab truck is being sold by a dealer in Oregon with a clear title.
For being over 40 years old, this truck doesn’t look it. The metallic blue exterior was resprayed within the last few months and the overall body appears to be straight. One of the unique features of trucks from this era – from other pickup brands, too – was a dual-fuel-tank setup. Each tank holds 16 gallons, so with a total capacity of 32 gallons, this truck has respectable driving range even with a V8 powerplant. Completing the exterior look is a four-inch suspension lift, a set of polished aluminum wheels, and newer all-terrain tires.
This truck comes from the third generation of General Motors’ C/K Series, which first launched 50 years ago in 1973. Versatility was the name of the game, and pickups could be optioned in two-door and four-door variants with shortbed, longbed, two-wheel-drive, and four-wheel drive configurations. This crew-cab is among the longest of trucks built during the time, combining both a four-door body style and an eight-foot-long cargo bed.
The interior of the cab is spacious and well-appointed, boasting newly-reupholstered blue vinyl and plaid cloth bench seats for three passengers up front and three in the rear. Options include power steering, an AM/FM/cassette radio, and a heater. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows about 21,000 miles, but true mileage is unknown. Worth noting: this truck came from one model year before 17-digit VIN standardization across all automakers, so CARFAX reports do not deliver data from cars and trucks that were built for the 1980 model year or prior.
Power for this big rig comes from Chevrolet’s robust 350cid small-block V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case.
The auction for this 1980 Chevrolet K30 ends September 6, 2023, at 12:50 p.m. (PDT)
Who’s ready to go for a swim? Now here’s something you don’t see every day. I’ve been wanting to write about one of these for so long, and now I finally get the chance.
“Rare to find in this condition,” the listing states. “I have owned this car 20 years. Excellent condition, does great in the lake.”
The Amphicar was produced in West Germany and sold from model years 1961 through 1968. There were a total of 3,878 units manufactured, and this is one of those cars. The claim to fame for this car is of course that it can function as either an automobile or as a boat.
The engineering for the Amphicar is rather fascinating: Power comes from a rear-mounted, Triumph-produced 1,147cc inline-four mated to a four-speed manual transmission spinning the rear wheels. There are also two propellers at the rear capable of either forward or reverse direction. When submerged, the car is capable of going seven knots (or eight miles per hour), and it maxes out at roughly 70 miles per hour on land. Owners say that it cruises comfortably at 65 on the highway.
One thing that becomes a little tricky for first-timers: The “land” brakes of course do not work in the water. The only way to slow down an Amphicar in the water is to put the propellers into reverse. Because the car is capable of simultaneously driving the rear tires as well as the rear propellers, it can effectively drive itself up out of a waterway. Worth noting: According to service instructions, there were reportedly over a dozen areas of the chassis that required lubrication after submersion.
This nicely presented Amphicar has a clever “IFLOAT2” Arizona license plate. There were four colors available: Regatta Red, Lagoon Blue, Beach Sand White, and Fjord Green. The white exterior on this car was recently restored. “I just had it professionally painted which took a year,” the seller says.
Included in the listing is a video of the vehicle in action along with a photo of the car in the water.
Today, even about 60 years after Amphicar production, there is tight-knit community of owners and enthusiasts called the International Amphicar Owners Club (IAOC). It is run entirely by volunteers and contains an informative and entertaining Frequently Asked Questions section.
Who’s ready to go for a swim? Now here’s something you don’t see every day. I’ve been wanting to write about one of these for so long, and now I finally get the chance.
“Rare to find in this condition,” the listing states. “I have owned this car 20 years. Excellent condition, does great in the lake.”
The Amphicar was produced in West Germany and sold from model years 1961 through 1968. There were a total of 3,878 units manufactured, and this is one of those cars. The claim to fame for this car is of course that it can function as either an automobile or as a boat.
The engineering for the Amphicar is rather fascinating: Power comes from a rear-mounted, Triumph-produced 1,147cc inline-four mated to a four-speed manual transmission spinning the rear wheels. There are also two propellers at the rear capable of either forward or reverse direction. When submerged, the car is capable of going seven knots (or eight miles per hour), and it maxes out at roughly 70 miles per hour on land. Owners say that it cruises comfortably at 65 on the highway.
One thing that becomes a little tricky for first-timers: The “land” brakes of course do not work in the water. The only way to slow down an Amphicar in the water is to put the propellers into reverse. Because the car is capable of simultaneously driving the rear tires as well as the rear propellers, it can effectively drive itself up out of a waterway. Worth noting: According to service instructions, there were reportedly over a dozen areas of the chassis that required lubrication after submersion.
This nicely presented Amphicar has a clever “IFLOAT2” Arizona license plate. There were four colors available: Regatta Red, Lagoon Blue, Beach Sand White, and Fjord Green. The white exterior on this car was recently restored. “I just had it professionally painted which took a year,” the seller says.
Included in the listing is a video of the vehicle in action along with a photo of the car in the water.
Today, even about 60 years after Amphicar production, there is tight-knit community of owners and enthusiasts called the International Amphicar Owners Club (IAOC). It is run entirely by volunteers and contains an informative and entertaining Frequently Asked Questions section.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1968 Mustang California Special. This Ford is powered by a 289cid V8 backed by a C4 automatic transmission. Features include special GT/CCS stripes and emblems, fiberglass trunk lid and non-functional rear quarter extensions, Classic Auto Air climate control system, and more. Finished in Presidential Blue with white stripes over two-tone Aqua vinyl interior, this Mustang (which is listed in the California Special Registry) comes with a Marti Report, engine rebuild receipts and pictures, and clear title in the seller’s name.
Only 3,867 California Special Mustangs were produced for the 1968 model year for Ford’s western region (plus there were an additional 251 earmarked as the High Country Special for the Denver district). The Presidential Blue (code X) exterior is accented by white GT/CS stripes. Features include Lucas fog lights, special black grille, chrome hood locks, dual side mirrors, non-functional fiberglass Shelby-style rear quarter extensions, and Shelby sequential taillights, among other items.
A set of 14-inch Styled Steel Wheels with trim rings and GT center caps is wrapped in 215/70R14 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.
The interior has been upgraded from the standard “2B” standard Blue buckets to “2K” two-tone Aqua. Features include Deluxe steering wheel, power steering, floor-mounted transmission shifter, Classic Auto Air climate control system, AM radio, and NOS kick panels.
The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level, alternator, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 143,609 miles, though it’s currently inoperative.
Power is provided by a rebuilt 289cid V8 bored 30 over and topped by a Holley Street Avenger two-barrel. The engine is reportedly original, as is the rebuilt C4 three-speed automatic transmission. The seller states that most of the engine and underhood components feature NOS parts.
This Mustang was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. Less than a decade ago, new steering components, front disc brakes, and suspension parts front and rear were installed. A new dual exhaust system, rear brakes, and brake lines were added in 2020.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1968 Mustang California Special. This Ford is powered by a 289cid V8 backed by a C4 automatic transmission. Features include special GT/CCS stripes and emblems, fiberglass trunk lid and non-functional rear quarter extensions, Classic Auto Air climate control system, and more. Finished in Presidential Blue with white stripes over two-tone Aqua vinyl interior, this Mustang (which is listed in the California Special Registry) comes with a Marti Report, engine rebuild receipts and pictures, and clear title in the seller’s name.
Only 3,867 California Special Mustangs were produced for the 1968 model year for Ford’s western region (plus there were an additional 251 earmarked as the High Country Special for the Denver district). The Presidential Blue (code X) exterior is accented by white GT/CS stripes. Features include Lucas fog lights, special black grille, chrome hood locks, dual side mirrors, non-functional fiberglass Shelby-style rear quarter extensions, and Shelby sequential taillights, among other items.
A set of 14-inch Styled Steel Wheels with trim rings and GT center caps is wrapped in 215/70R14 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.
The interior has been upgraded from the standard “2B” standard Blue buckets to “2K” two-tone Aqua. Features include Deluxe steering wheel, power steering, floor-mounted transmission shifter, Classic Auto Air climate control system, AM radio, and NOS kick panels.
The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level, alternator, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 143,609 miles, though it’s currently inoperative.
Power is provided by a rebuilt 289cid V8 bored 30 over and topped by a Holley Street Avenger two-barrel. The engine is reportedly original, as is the rebuilt C4 three-speed automatic transmission. The seller states that most of the engine and underhood components feature NOS parts.
This Mustang was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. Less than a decade ago, new steering components, front disc brakes, and suspension parts front and rear were installed. A new dual exhaust system, rear brakes, and brake lines were added in 2020.
I remember when the Acura RSX first came out about 20 years ago, and examples were everywhere. The fan-favorite model enjoyed a five-year lifespan between 2002 and 2006 with a mid-cycle refresh taking place in 2005. Acura sold a total of 114,451 units in the United States during that timeframe. Nowadays, the majority of those have been junked, modified, or destroyed beyond the point of no return. It’s been two decades after all, and this high-revving sports coupe gained popularity in the tuner community as a platform for modification.
RSX Model History
The RSX had large shoes (or tires, rather) to fill when it initially hit the streets in 2002. After all, the Integra which it replaced had grown to be well-loved compact commuter for tuners and daily commuters alike. The RSX launched in base and Type-S variants, and both used a 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-four powerplant with “i-VTEC” variable valve timing. The base was rated at 160 horsepower and the Type-S at an even 200. Other nuances separated the two, including a six-speed manual in the Type-S as compared to a five-speed in the base.
Susan’s RSX
On January 21, 2002, my neighbor Susan paid $26,485.17 for a 2002 RSX Type-S from Scottsdale Acura in Arizona including tax and an extended service contract. She had initially visited the dealership to drive an Anthracite Metallic RSX, but it sold by the time she was ready to make a purchase. So, Satin Silver it was. A rear spoiler and window tint were added prior to delivery, and the car had 12 miles on the odometer when she proudly drove it off the lot.
Dick Colliver, Acura Executive Vice President, stated during the April 2001 model reveal: “The RSX was designed and built to deliver a true, race-bred driving experience because performance is the hallmark of the Acura brand – the common denominator that links all of our products – and which makes this sporty coupe a vital new member of the Acura family.” The car was marketed as a gateway to the brand, and its target customers were 27 years old with a college degree. I didn’t quite fall into that demographic in 2001 – in fact, I was fresh out of high school then.
My ownership opportunity came on December 13, 2022, when over 20 years later, I took delivery of Susan’s RSX after wanting one for so long. It wasn’t much to look at. In fact, it was downright rough cosmetically.
Acquisition at Last
My restoration began in earnest. The first order of business was addressing the car’s mechanical needs. Among them, the power steering system needed an overhaul, the motor mounts were shot, the front suspension had some clunks, and about half the exterior bulbs were burned out. The good news was that the “bones” were good. The car only had about 124,000 miles on the odometer and had been dealer-serviced most of its life.
Susan turned 75 a few months later, and when I sent a text message to wish her a happy birthday, she said, “I know it’s silly, but it warms my heart to know the RSX is in a good home.”
Little did she know that by that time, I was already well into my front-to-back restoration process. In fact, by then I’d already taken the car to Apex Wet Werks in Phoenix to have them work their magic on getting the body back into shape. I worked with Apex on sourcing some needed parts like window moldings, replacement headlights, a new sideview mirror, and accessory fog lamps. I paid a visit to the body shop each Friday to check the progress, and it was exciting to see things take shape.
In late June, the car came out of paint and I spent an entire weekend getting the details fine-tuned: I worked on the engine bay, the interior, the wheels, and the underbody to make it show-ready. And on July 8, I finally had the chance to reveal the restored RSX to Susan. Her reaction was priceless. We laughed when I talked about how I’d replaced the passenger sideview mirror that used to be held on with duct tape. “I was very ghetto,” she said.
I invited Susan to take a seat and fire it up. “No rattles!” she said when she felt how smooth the drivetrain was since the motor mounts had been replaced. “It is beautiful. You did a great job,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many times, besides you, people had asked me if I wanted to sell it.” I presented Susan with a framed photo of the restored car and gave her a hug as she headed back home.
Takeaways
As fun as it is to drive an enjoy a collector car, the true magic of this hobby lies in the people and the relationships. I will eventually be finding Susan’s old RSX a new home now that I’ve had my fun with it, but it’s rewarding to know that I gave a deserving car a second chance at life, and hopefully it will continue to be loved and preserved.
Do you have a classic car restoration story to share with us? Let’s hear it! Thanks for staying tuned to the ClassicCars.com Journal.
