- Auctions America returns to Southern California, July 17-18, for its highly anticipated sale at Santa Monica’s historic Barker Hangar
- Multi-day event features diverse roster of nearly 300 quality collector cars and select memorabilia
- Sale presents eclectic mix of automobiles representative of diverse SoCal tastes: from European and American sports cars to prewar classics, hot rods and customs
- Headline attractions include a stunning pair of Ferraris, including a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS and a 2004 Ferrari Enzo
- Auction cars with celebrity ties include the Ex-Mamie Eisenhower 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Parade Limousine and the 1955 Ford “Beatnik Bubbletop” Custom owned by Barry Weiss, star of A&E’s “Storage Wars”
- Auctions America partners with Petrolicious in lead up to event to host single-day vintage rally in Southern California, June 27
- Full event details and digital brochure available online at auctionsamerica.com
CULVER CITY, California (June, 2015) – The collector car community will descend on Southern California, July 17 – 18 for Auctions America’s highly anticipated California sale at the historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. After enjoying a successful entrance into the notoriously difficult Southern California collector car auction market in 2013, followed by a strong repeat performance last summer, Auctions America will continue the momentum next month, lifting the gavel on a carefully curated roster of 300 quality vehicles. As in past years, the sale promises an eclectic mix of automobiles representative of diverse Southern California tastes: from European and American sports cars to prewar classics, hot rods and customs.
“Anticipation is building for this year’s California auction; in addition to a diverse mix of makes and models, attendees can expect to see a number of vehicles with interesting histories, such as the 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Parade Limousine, owned by First Lady Mamie Eisenhower,” says Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist, Auctions America. “As we expand this year’s event to be a true celebration of the hobby, we’re delighted to also be working with Petrolicious on the ‘Drive Tastefully’ rally later this month, presenting not only a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts to explore some of the area’s best canyons, but also to see featured auction cars on the open road.”
The July sale is headlined by a superlative roster of European entries, with vehicles ranging from prewar classics to some of the most iconic and recognizable European sports cars; including a stunning pair of Ferraris. The 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS is the epitome of mid-sixties Italian supercar styling, and the example on offer, beautifully finished in Rosso Corsa over black, is an ideal candidate for use either on the show field or on a rally route (Est. $2,000,000 - $2,600,000). It is joined by one of the most desirable contemporary Ferraris on the road today, a 2004 Ferrari Enzo, showing just 13,500 kilometers on its clock and finished in the iconic Enzo combination of Rosso Corsa red over red leather (Est. $1,700,000 - $2,100,000). For those with a penchant for pre-war coachbuilt design, the sale features an exquisite 1938 Mercedes 540 K Special Roadster, a model that represented the height of luxury and sporting elegance in period. Set to make its auction debut in Santa Monica, the example on offer is beautifully presented in Maroon Metallic with a Tan interior, and recently underwent a five-year, frame-off restoration by marque specialists. In its first showing since restoration, the car’s stunning color and sweeping lines earned it the ‘Most Glamourous Car’ award at the Niello Concours at Serrano (Estimate Available upon Request).
For those with an interest in vehicles with celebrity provenance, the California catalog features a 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Parade Limousine, specially ordered for Mamie Doud Eisenhower, the wife of the 34th President of the United States. Customized for the First Lady by Hess & Eisenhardt, the pillarless “hardtop” limousine was fitted with a sliding sunroof, along with a grab rail for balance while standing. Completed on May 27, 1955, the car was used by Mrs. Eisenhower and also served as a formal and parade vehicle when needed, remaining in the White House garage for the remainder of Eisenhower’s term. An important piece of American history, it comes to auction in original, unrestored condition and wonderfully redolent of its age (Est. $100,000 – $150,000).
Collectors seeking a more ‘unique’ ride will be impressed by the series of customs slated for the sale, including the 1955 Ford “Beatnik Bubbletop” Custom, a hot rod that started out as a 1954 Ford, and with great planning and execution was transformed into the world’s largest bubbletop custom car by Gary “Chopit” Fioto. Offered from the private collection of eclectic collector and star of A&E’s “Storage Wars”, Barry Weiss, this car is inspired by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s original “Beatnik Bandit” – a hot rod icon, and features a Cadillac front end and a very futuristic four-seat interior along with carburetor stacks. With distinctive front and rear grille work, canted rear fins and the massive, clear and sheltering orb; it is understandable to realize the “Beatnik Bubbletop” took three years of build time to complete ($150,000 - $250,000).
Beyond the automobiles, Auctions America’s Santa Monica sale will also offer nearly 40 lots of memorabilia, including a collection of vintage movie posters, billboards and advertisements, automobilia and even a 1951 Coca-Cola vending machine.
In the lead up to the event, Auctions America is teaming up with Petrolicious - the premier online destination for vintage automotive enthusiasts - to host a one-day spirited vintage rally in Southern California. Dubbed ‘Drive Tastefully: Barker Hangar’, the June 27 rally will see participants cross some of the area’s best terrain, in addition to presenting collectors with a special preview of select auction vehicles in action.
Further information on the “Drive Tastefully: Barker Hangar” rally, presented by Auctions America and Petrolicious, is available at www.petrolicious.com.
Auctions America’s California sale will be held Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18, with a full day auction preview on Thursday, July 16. For further information, call toll free 888.990.3910 (or +1 310 842 3910 outside North America) or visit auctionsamerica.com. A digital brochure showcasing early highlights is available here: http://www.auctionsamerica.com/catalog/2015/CA15/
About Auctions America
Formed in July 2010, Auctions America specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs. Headquartered at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, Auctions America boasts an expert team of full-time vehicle specialists, who offer over 180 years of combined experience buying, selling, racing and restoring collector vehicles, making them uniquely qualified to advise on all aspects of the hobby. The company’s established roster of annual events are held in some of the country’s leading automotive destinations including Auburn, Indiana; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Santa Monica, California. To learn more about Auctions America, visit auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.
Media Information
If you are interested in attending this sale as a member of the media, please visit www.auctionsamerica.com/media to register for media credentials.
For further information on this event, hi-res images and interview opportunities, please contact:
Amy Christie achristie@auctionsamerica.com +1 519 437 3047
Sadie Chapple schapple@auctionsamerica.com +1 519 437 3053