Driving a classic car is a thrilling and unique experience. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or winding your way through a scenic route, your classic’s character and charm make every journey an enjoyable one. Plus, collecting classic cars may come with financial benefits, as many makes and models appreciate value over time.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, it’s important to know the classic car market and you can gain a wealth of knowledge by studying what cars have recently sold and for how much.
Fortunately, Classic Auto Insurance is here to keep you up-to-date with auction news, and we’re happy to report that five incredibly stunning vehicles recently sold at Broad Arrow Auctions. These remarkable vehicles were a 1957 Ford Thunderbird “E-Code,” a 1955 Buick Roadmaster Convertible, a 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible, a 1939 Pontiac Silver Streak, and a 1955 Austin-Healey 100 “BN1.” Here’s what you need to know about these breathtaking classics.
1957 Ford Thunderbird “E-Code”
Ford initially released their Thunderbird, or “T-Bird” for short, in 1954 at the Detroit Auto Show. Although the company supposedly didn’t intend for the car to directly compete with the Corvette, it did offer a slightly less expensive 2-seat luxury sports car alternative. A few years later, Ford changed the T-Bird from two seats to four, marking an important shift in weight and performance. 1957 was the final year in which Ford produced the 2-seat Thunderbird.
The 1957 Ford Thunderbird “E-Code” resembled the Corvette even more than the standard T-Birds, with its thrilling 4.8 L Y-block V8. The car boasted a 9.1:1 compression ratio and two double-barrel Holley carburetors, producing 272 horsepower at 4,800 revolutions per minute and 336 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. Those looking for extra punch could spring for the Super V8 Racing version of the Thunderbird “E-Code,” which boasted a 10.0:1 compression ratio, upping its performance to 286 hp at 5,200 rpm and 343 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. Finally, motorheads could get the Thunder Special Supercharged V8. The car’s supercharged engine ruthlessly flaunted 312 hp, outpacing the most powerful Corvettes at the time.
Ford created only 1,499 units of the impressive Thunderbird, and the unit that was recently sold was incredibly well maintained and went through an extensive restoration. It came with a breathtaking Coral Sand finish over a white interior, and with its pristine quality, it’s no surprise that the seller walked away with $75,600.
1955 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
The Buick Roadmaster is a true American classic, with its timeless style and comfortable ride. Buick released the first generation of the Roadmaster in 1935 and made notable improvements with each succeeding iteration.
One such improvement for the Buick Roadmasters of the 1950s was the 322 cu in V8, also known as the Fireball V8. Buick first introduced this engine in 1953 to replace the 320.2 cu in straight-eight. The 322 V8 featured a four-barrel carburetor and a 9.0:1 compression ratio, producing 236 hp and 330 foot-pounds of torque. Buick paired the engine with a smooth-shifting Dynaflow automatic transmission, making for effortless acceleration and a smooth ride.
The car that recently sold featured a Condor Yellow and black exterior that matched its interior leather. Plus, it featured plush leather seats, power windows, and a metal dashboard with top-of-the-line instrumentation, including a speedometer, gas, oil pressure, temperature, and amp meter gauges.
The collector who sold the vehicle owned this well-preserved car for many years and kept it in a climate-controlled storage space. They also offered it along with a spare tire, jack, boot cover, and lug wrench. The car ultimately sold for $92,400.
1947 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible
Chrysler released their first Town & Country automobiles in 1941 and the model quickly became known for its luxurious features and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families.
The Town & Country also offered an incredibly distinct style. Although Chrysler didn’t invent the idea of using woodwork to add flare to a car’s exterior, they certainly popularized it and made it synonymous with luxury.
The 1947 Town & Country features a 323.5 cubic-inch L-head inline-eight engine mated to a 3-speed manual synchromesh manual transmission with Fluid Drive, making for an even smoother driver. The car’s engine produces 135 hp and can hold its own both when driving around town and on the highway.
The unit that was recently sold was excellently restored and boasted its original woodwork, an impressive find considering that it’s one of only one hundred 1947 Town & Country Convertibles still in commission today. Plus, the car’s breathtaking woodwork looks all the more stunning with the car’s breathtaking black finish.
The car also enjoys the status of being an official Classic Car Club of America Full Classic. With its breathtaking style and top-of-line preservation, the car sold for a fitting $142,800.
1939 Pontiac Silver Streak
Pontiac initially unveiled the Silver Streak body style for its Streamliners in 1935, and the models sold exceedingly well. Designer Franklin Q. Hershey developed the Art Deco-styled Silver Streak, and the first Pontiac to feature the addition was a 1935 Series 605.
The 1939 Pontiac Silver Streak that recently sold at auction featured a straight-six engine paired to a 3-speed synchromesh transmission. Like the 1935 Series 605, the Silver Streak features coachwork completed by the GM subsidiary Fisher Body.
In addition to this gorgeous convertible coupe style, Pontiac also offered the 1939 in a four-door touring sedan, two-door coupe, two-door touring sedan, and a sports coupe.
This well-preserved vehicle features a breathtaking burgundy finish along with a tan convertible top. These colors look all the more stunning with the car’s contrasting red interior. Additionally, the Silver Streak features a stunning grille with chromed bars.
In addition to its distinct hue, the cabin features a dual rear seat configuration, a banjo steering wheel, and a push-button radio.
Years back, the car underwent a frame-off restoration, and since the time of its restoration, the stunning car has only accumulated 18,879 miles. The lucky buyer obtained this stunning piece of automotive history for $19,040.
1955 Austin-Healey 100 “BN1”
Finally, we have a top-of-the-line 1955 Austin-Healey 100 “BN1,” a two-seater convertible known for its sleek design and impressive performance.
Austin-Healey named the first series of 100s “BN1s” and equipped them with 2660 cc I4 engines. The manufacturer mated the I4 to a 3-speed manual transmission, and the car’s robust powertrain boasted an impressive performance. The Motor magazine speed tested the BN1 and found that it could go from 0 to 60 in only 11.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 106 miles per hour.
The 100 BN1 was also fast due to its small size and weight. It had a 90-inch wheelbase, 151-inch length, 60-inch width, and a curbside weight of 2,101 pounds. Other notable specifications include its worm and peg steering system, Girling drum brakes, and independent front suspension system.
The unit that recently sold features its original factory engine as well as period-correct Dunlop Road Speed RS5 tires. Its engine recently had its aluminum components serviced, and it also underwent a full brake rebuild and had its battery replaced.
What makes this remarkable car all the more special is its eye-catching Green Tonneau cover, and it features its original side screens and a tool roll. The car sold for $73,920, a reasonable price considering how it was excellently preserved and only had just over 48,000 original miles.
Get Classic Auto Insurance For Your 1957 Ford Thunderbird
The cars that recently sold at auction are truly remarkable slices of motor history, but every classic is special in its own way. Regardless of what beauties you may have in your collection, it’s crucial to protect them with premium classic car insurance.
Here at Classic Auto Insurance, we craft our insurance policies to suit the needs of our clients and their unique and stunning vehicles, and our flexible plans include great benefits, including nationwide roadside assistance with flatbed towing, rollover miles, and more!
Start protecting your prized vehicle today by calling 888-901-1338, or you can get an instant quote online here.
***Photos in this blog courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions***
