Congratulations go to Phil and Jason Heard for being brave enough to stage the first major collector car auction since the days of the Auto Classic auctions that were held at the Seaforth Armoury building in Vancouver some 16 years ago.
Sure, there have been other auctions held in the intervening years at Tradex in Abbotsford but not of the same size, variety and quality that was seen at the Heard’s inaugural auction at the PNE Agrodome.
It was great to see Greg Rollo back on the auction block—surely one of the industry’s best auctioneers. And to add some celebrity status, Steve Magnante of Barrett Jackson fame was in attendance to assist with informative colour commentary as the cars crossed the block.
Some 140 vehicles and one motorcycle were assembled for pre-auction viewing in three massive tents set up alongside the PNE’s Agrodome. The auction vehicles were then driven into the building and over a large ramp-style auction block, complete with TV monitor displaying a photo gallery of each vehicle. Bidders and the public had great viewing positions but, unlike the big US auctions, were not permitted on stage for closer final inspection.
With a 60 per cent sale rate, this inaugural auction should be considered a success especially considering Vancouver’s past reputation for sellers’ expectations of high prices versus low bidder offers. This auction result will hopefully change that position and bring more interested and qualified buyers to the Vancouver market in future.
The following selected auction highlights include the buyers six per cent premium.
For full listings go to www.vancouvercollectorcars.com
1973 Datsun 240Z. High bid $8,250.
On the auction block a 1973 Datsun 240Z, one owner, 1999 restoration car with 115,00 kms. Was bid to $8,250—well below its market value at $15,000.
1989 Jaguar XK Convertible V12, with a claimed amount of more than $35,000 in receipts (it’s a Jag after all). Sold at $12,190. Hopefully the new owner will have a trouble-free driver for at least the first year, otherwise he paid too much.
1989 Jaguar XK Convertible V12. Sold at $12,190.
1965 Buick Skylark Convertible. Sold at $7,540.
1965 Buick Skylark Convertible, V8 automatic, three-owner driver. Sold at $7,540.
1965 Rambler 770 Convertible. Sold at $8,215.
1965 Rambler 770 Convertible, 6 cylinder automatic. Sold at $8,215.
1972 Corvette Stingray Coupe. Sold at $17,490.
1972 Corvette Stingray Coupe, 350 V8, automatic with T-Top, matching numbers. Sold at $17,490
1967 Camaro SS Convertible. Sold post-auction at $28,620.
1967 Camaro SS Convertible, 350 V8 automatic. Claimed frame -up restoration at 69,000 miles, now 70,000 miles. Lots of money spent on a long list of items including new 350 motor. Was bid up to $25,500 and settled post-auction at $28,620. Well below asking price of $33,000.
1965 Chevrolet Corvair. Sold at $8,215.
1965 Chevrolet Corvair 110 2-speed automatic. Recent paint and mechanical work. A well-cared-for example. Sold at $8,215.
1964 Corvette Coupe. Sold at $45,050.
1964 Corvette Coupe 327 V8, 4-speed ex-California car, 12-year-old restoration example. Sold at $45,050, making this the third-highest sale of the auction.
(No picture) 1969 Dodge Hemi 500 Charger 1 of only 27 J code built Hemi Chargers. Claimed as a nut and bolt restoration with body work by Killer Customs, Pitt Meadows and assembled by Kori Alexander’s Show and Go Restoration Red Deer, Alberta, with more than $400,000 claimed invested. A rare, 97.25 point example with many options. The Hemi 2-4 barrel engine was dynode at 480-hp and the Hemi 4 speed sports the Dana 60 rear with suregrip 410 gears. Highest sale of the auction at $106,600.
1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Sold at $17,490.
1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Big Block 402 V8 automatic. Lots of options, ex-Colorado car, numbers matching, no-rust example. Sold at $17,490.
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. Sold at $28,885.
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible, 289 V8 . Imported from California in 2008. Has GT options with 68,000 original miles, “C” code 289 2 bbi and C-4 automatic transmission. Described as a true survivor classic. Sold at $28,885.
1957 Studebaker Custom Short Box Pickup. Sold at $16,960.
1957 Studebaker Custom Short Box Pickup 350 Chevy V8 ,automatic, 2012 frame-up restoration using a 1981 Chevy half-ton pickup as a platform with Chevy truck 3.00 rear differential and turbo transmission. Claimed $28,000 invested. Sold at $16,960.
1957 Chevrolet Belair. Sold at $10,600.
1957 Chevrolet Belair 4 Door, described as very nice reconditioned Belair with correct Belair colours. No reserve. Sold at $10,600.
1957 Lincoln Continental Mk11 368. High bid of $20,000.
1957 Lincoln Continental 2 door MK11 368 ,V8 automatic. Produced by Ford special projects division as 1 of 444 built in 1957. Very rare car with only 44,000 original miles. No buyers. High bid $20,000.
1940 Packard 120 Convertibhle. High bid of $25,000.
1940 Packard 120 Convertible 288 straight 8-cyclinder, one of 12 remaining. Complete restoration in 1995 . High bid of $25,000 was well short of estimated value of $70,000, begging the question: Is there a market for these vintage sedans here in Vancouver?
(No picture) 1981 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa 2.9L, V8, 5 speed manual claimed to be in excellent condition throughout with less that 10,000 original miles. Well bought at $29,150.
(No picture) 1971 Detomaso Pantera 351 Ford Cleveland 4V, V8, 5 speed ZF gearbox. Original, unmolested, 3- owner example with all receipts. Sold at $43,460.
Photos: Michael Stewart