With the change in daylight savings time, at least in the northern hemisphere, Spring is officially here. The shift in the seasons has meant more time at the end of the day, which makes it easier to catch the sunset and plan weekend journeys. Now that the winter chill has started to fade, and summertime is but a few short months away, it’s time to start considering what adventures are possible over the rest of the year. Perfect timing for a new automobile to get you there.
RM Sotheby’s appreciates this chance to revise your automotive outlook, and our nineteenth auction at Fort Lauderdale is a prime place to select a new summertime ride. Whether your tastes favor modified trucks, classic post-war American examples, or European sports cars, there are over 150 automobiles available today. With online and in-person bidding available starting at 11:00 a.m. EDT, there is still plenty of time for you to decide on a car to transport your summer:
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Estimate: $55,000 - $65,000 USD
With the passage of time, the first-generation Camaro has only grown more appealing to those who appreciate a more subtle American muscle car. The first iteration of Chevrolet’s signature muscle car is the favorite of former GM chief designer Ed Welburn, who said its timeless good looks come from its perfect proportions and lack of brash ornamentation. That is not to say that the Camaro did not come in a top-tier model, with special editions like this Z/28 model representing peak performance for Chevy’s pony car. This example perfectly balances taste and power, with its high-performance, 302-ci, V-8 engine, Frost Green paint, and contrasting dual rally stripes on the hood and trunk.
1957 MG MGA Coupe
Estimate: $60,000 - $70,000 USD
While the muscle car wars raged in America, across the Atlantic, sporting examples were fashioned with nimble handling and driver engagement in mind. This recently restored example was given a new lease on life courtesy of the marque experts at Eurocars USA in Miami, FL, who gave it a fresh coat of blue exterior paint over a cream interior to complement its white hardtop. With a sprightly four-cylinder engine breathing through twin SU carburetors, this MGA proves that driver engagement and elegant design can be equally appealing to all-out muscle.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000 USD | Offered Without Reserve
In the same year that the iconic MGA discussed above rolled out of the factory, the American manufacturers were also attempting to capitalize on the European sports car fad. Like many of their international counterparts, early American sports cars featured elegant bodies. Unlike the European sports cars, some American examples like the first-generation Corvette were powered by mighty V-8 engines and packed with optional extras, like a pushbutton Wonderbar radio and roll-up windows. Also featuring a matching hardtop, this C1 Corvette had one other option which widened its appeal to all drivers. The enduring legacy of America’s favorite sports car started here.
1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Estimate: $64,000 - $75,000 USD
Continuing on with our theme of iconic American sports and muscle cars, the Pontiac GTO was born with a surprising Italian flair. With a name that referenced some of the finest Ferrari models, the GTO arguably kicked the horsepower wars into high-gear, packing General Motors’ legendary 400-ci V-8 engine into a mid-sized model. The idea was the brainchild of John Z. DeLorean, who rose to the top of the corporate ladder at GM before starting his own eponymous firm. This already rare open-top example was customized even further to echo the top-of-the-line variant called “The Judge.” An exciting combination of sixties style with still-impressive performance.
1971 Ford Torino
Estimate: $70,000 - $90,000 USD
Though the Mustang occupies an outsized percentage of Ford’s muscle car legacy, the venerable pony car was not the only option for Ford fanatics. The Torino was made in relatively scarce quantities; for the 1971 model year, a mere 3,054 examples were built in this top-of-the-range Cobra variant. Befitting its name, this example is powered by the mighty 351-ci, Cobra Jet V-8 engine modified with a Shelby, high-performance intake manifold. Rebuilt in 2019 by muscle car guru Jeff Thornton at Thornton Autoworks, in Telford, PA, this uncommon example is reportedly only on its second owner from new and is sure to appeal to any aficionado of period performance.
1979 Ferrari 308 GTS
Estimate: $75,000 - $100,000 USD
In the same period that the American automakers were offering high displacement engines in mid-sized cars, Ferrari had already laid the foundation for the format that their supercars still fundamentally utilize today. This 308 GTS is powered by a naturally aspirated, carbureted V-8 engine, and operated by a five-speed manual transaxle connected to an open-gated shift box. This combination creates the highly engaging driver experience that made Ferrari famous, so there is no wonder that these 308 models have been gaining value recently. A modern classic.
1980 Toyota BJ40 Land Cruiser
Estimate: $50,000 - $75,000 USD | Offered Without Reserve
Another beloved model which has been gaining in appreciation among modern enthusiasts is the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser. Prized for its off-road prowess, this example has been even further strengthened with the use of both OEM parts where applicable and aftermarket upgrades in a tasteful manner, utilizing Old Man Emu suspension components paired with Ranch shocks. Sturdy BF Goodrich K02 tires complete the look, and upgraded Saginaw power steering makes driving this Toyota icon an easier feat for all drivers. With a three-year, frame-off restoration completed in January 2022, this Rustic Green example is equal parts handsome and handy. Among a selection of such a wide range of sporting examples at RM Sotheby’s Fort Lauderdale 2022 sale, which one would you want to take on a weekend drive?
