Five remarkable classic vehicles recently sold at auction, and these units exemplify the exquisite craftsmanship and unique specifications that we’ve come to expect and adore from high-quality classics.
Four of the cars sold between $90,000 and $185,000, but one truly stunning classic sold for over $1,000,000! Although these units sold at different price points, every one of them deserves special attention, and that’s why we’re taking a tour of these impressive beauties, which include a 1954 Buick Skylark, a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupe, a 1956 Austin-Healey “Le Mans,” a 1934 Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadster, and a 1950 Maserati A6GCS 2000 “Monofaro” by Fantuzzi.
1954 Buick Skylark
General Motors’ Buick division debuted the limited Skylark in 1953, and they created a new version for the 1954 model year. The 1954 version bore similarities to its predecessor because it was also based on the Buick factory convertible, but it sported a new flush-sided styling, cut-out fenders, and distinctly-finished inner wells that juxtaposed the body’s color.
This particular unit features a Matador Red finish that complements its red leather interior. It’s one of only 836 units that Buick produced in 1954, and it underwent a detailed concur-quality restoration in the 1990s. Plus, the previous owner did a great job preserving the car and had its interior and exterior detailed before the sale and had its mechanical systems inspected and fuel system serviced. Those working on the car also rebuilt its carburetor and equipped it with a new period-appearance battery.
The 1954 Buick Skylark also sports great equipment features, including power steering, four-way power seats, power brakes, and a power-operated top. It also boasts Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, a unique hood ornament, chrome tailfins, and heat-pressed “waffled” upholstery.
This eye-catching and rare car is truly a sight to behold, with its remarkable restoration, striking colors, and unforgettable style. The seller sold the car to its lucky new owner for $106,400.
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupe
This magnificent two-door Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupe features a svelte two-tone silver metallic and black finish that looks all the more striking over its black interior.
These German-built luxury vehicles were practically hand-crafted, and they boasted wood trim and solid hardwood interiors. The interior also features brightwork as well as comfortable leather upholstery. Plus, this particular unit comes with a Blaupunkt stereo and an air conditioning system.
These cars sold incredibly well when they first came on the scene, with many members of high society showcasing the stunning Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship. Although now over half a century old, these cars remain impressive status symbols with their distinct, luxurious designs.
This unit is incredibly special because it remained with its original owner for around forty years. The car’s second owner restored and refinished the car in 2009 to its current condition.
While under the care of the Ianelli collection, the vehicle underwent regular maintenance to ensure that it remained functional. The Mercedes-Benz Classic based in Irvine, California, supplied many of the parts that kept this marvelous classic vehicle up and running.
The car recently sold for $95,200 and came with an owner’s manual, warranty card, data card copy, ID tag, and copies of its maintenance invoices.
1956 Austin-Healey 100 M “Le Mans”
The British manufacturer Austin-Healey only produced 640 units of their remarkable 100 M “Le Mans,” and Austin-Healey only produced them in 1955 and 1956. The 100 M debuted as a more powerful version of the BN2 and featured larger S.U. carburetors with a cold-air intake, a high-lift camshaft, high-compression pistons, and other upgrades. These upgrades enabled the 100 M’s engine to have a 90 to 100 horsepower output.
This unit features additional impressive upgrades including an anti-roll bar and a louvered bonnet secured by leather straps. Austin-Healey completed it on April 12, 1956 and shipped it to the United States. The original owners purchased the car in the late 1960s, and it remained with the same family for the following 50 years.
In the 1990s, the family had the car undergo a rotisserie restoration. The restorers rebuilt its numbers-matching 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine. They also refinished the car in Florida Green and Ivory White, and it now also sports impressive Lucas driving lights. The family showcased this stunning restoration in different concours d’elegance competitions, and it won Best in Class at Amelia Island.
The car’s breathtaking exterior isn’t the only thing to write home about — its marvelous interior features a black trim with white piping and boasts a Victor Derrington-type wood-rimmed steering wheel.
This 1956 Austin-Healey 100 M “Le Mans” sold for $184,800 and came with a 100 M “Le Mans” Registry Certificate of Membership and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate.
1934 Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadster
This stunning and sleek classic is one of only 20 remaining 1934 Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadsters, which is considered a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America. It features an inline-eight engine that produces 145 horsepower and a 142-inch-wheelbase chassis with Bijur automatic lubrication and Ride Control suspension, offering an incredibly smooth drive.
In addition to being a fabulous ride, the car boasts an unforgettable style, with lines inspired by a design provided by LeBaron in 1931. It also features a convertible top that folds perfectly flush with its body. Plus, it features wind wings, Trippe driving lights, covered dual-side mount spares, and a rear luggage rack.
This particular Packard unit is especially historic because one of its previous owners was famous classic collector Dr. Barbara Atwood. Before adding the car to her collection, it was restored by John Sanders and won the Junior and Senior AACA National Firsts in 1981.
Dr. Barbara Atwood had her Atwood Racing Team use the vehicle for the 1985 Great American Race, which is a transcontinental time-speed-distance race. Her team finished first, but after the judges considered certain handicaps, they officially placed second.
Today, the remarkable car features a beautiful blue exterior that’s complemented by its natural patina, and it also features a new black fabric convertible top. Considering its rarity and historicity, it’s not surprising that it sold for $168,000.
1950 Maserati A6GCS 2000 “Monofaro” by Fantuzzi
Last on our tour is an ultra-rare classic sports car that many believe to be the first Maserati with a dual-overhead-cam inline-six engine.
Fascinatingly, Ernesto Maserati developed the idea for the A6GSC during World War II, and it was his final contribution to Maserati because he and the remaining Maserati brothers sold their shares to the Adolfo Orsi family in 1937. The “A” in the car’s name stood for Alfieri Maserati — the Maserati brother who passed away in 1932 — the “G” represented the Italian word for cast iron “ghisa,” the “C” was the Italian word for race, “corsa,” and the “S” stood for sport.
The remarkable race car features a tubular steel ladder-type frame with a coil-sprung front independent suspension with finned aluminum drum brakes, Houdaille shock absorbers, and unequal-length A-arms.
This truly remarkable car recently sold at Amelia Island for a whopping $1,088,500, and it’s no mystery why — it’s one of only 14 or 15 first-series Maserati A6GCS built from 1947 to 1950, and back when Maserati constructed these rare racing vehicles, the company only sold them to privateer drivers.
The car boasts a mesmerizing triple-carbureted dry-sump single-overhead-camshaft A6GCS engine with a 1978 cc displacement, and it features Merardo Fatntuzzi’s grand prix-style cycle-wing coachwork.
In addition to being incredibly rare, the car boasts an eye-catching red finish, and this particular car won 1st-in-class at the 1951 Gran Premio de Interlagos in Brazil.
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