‘Comments From The Canyon’ - The Inaugural ‘Classic Auto Show’ Los Angeles January 27-29, 2017

1962 First Production Shelby Cobra “Best of Show Grand Boulevard’ owned by Bruce Meyer. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

‘Comments From The Canyon’
The Inaugural ‘Classic Auto Show’ Los Angeles January 27-29, 2017
By: James Groth for The English Car Company

Internationally known classic car owner and Founding Chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum, Bruce Meyer opened the media event for the inaugural ‘Classic Auto Show’ at the Los Angles Convention Center. Bruce’s narration covered the history of each of the stunning black automobiles on display in the ‘Winners Circle’ many from the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Automotive Museum.

1925 Rolls Royce Phantom Aero Coupe by Jonckheere of Belgium from the Petersen Museum. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

1932 Ford “Roller Coupe” owned by Bruce Meyer. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Bruce shared personal stories as well. The most memorable story was about the three thousand trip he and his wife of forty-eight years took in his 1932 Ford “Roller Coupe” from Beverly Hills to Victoria, Canada.This hot rod is truly a period build of the early 1950’s and is without the amenities of a modern hot rod.

Interior of Bruce Meyer’s 1932 “Roller Coupe” hot rod. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Light weight materials and design were garnered from World War ll aircraft for this custom built 1932 Ford, even the seats are out of a military plane.  The interior is comfortable per the Meyer’s, but in the sense of early off road vehicles, great for any true enthusiast. The hot rod also has a large enough trunk to carry everything for their adventurous trip.

Gurney Toyota GTP at the Petersen Museum, a similar one was on display at the Classic Car Show. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

An All Star Team from Velocity TV was in full force at the Classic Car Show LA to hold a number of seminars with Q&A on collecting, restoring, detailing and valuation of collector cars. A number of the Velocity Team also attended the Petersen Automotive Museum event to honor race car driver, designer and team owner Dan Gurney.

Foose Design 1956 Ford F-100 Pickup. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Among the Velocity Team I had a word with were ‘Overhaulin’ design legend Chip Foose of Huntington Beach, CA, Car restorer and host of ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ Wayne Carini was in from New England as well as Englishman, Mike Brewer co-host of ‘Wheeler Dealers, all were there to honor the legendary career of Dan Gurney and enjoy the remodeled Petersen, their exceptional collection of Gurney race cars.

1929 DuPont Model G Speedster by Merrimack. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

1929 DuPont BoatTail Rear End. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

1941 Chrysler Barrowback Woodie with Chris Craft Canoe ‘Best of Show Grand Boulevard’ owned by Mike Malamut. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Custom Built Cross Continental Racer. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

This is one of two cars built on a fire truck chassis designed for and having competed in cross continental endurance racing. The vehicle weighs 8,000 pounds and has a 14 liter motor. Given the lack of gas stations on these endurance runs the team had to carry five extra fuel cans on the vehicle.

People Choice Award 1956 Austin Healey owned by Bill Hoyt. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Number 1 Shelby Cobra owned by Bruce Meyer. Image Credit: James Groth(2017)

The number 1 Shelby Cobra was on display looking better than new. This car did not have a race history but is truly significant by the fact that this 1962 is the first ever production built Shelby Cobra. It’s now is powered by a Ford 289 cid rather than the Ford 260 cid motors installed in the early Cobras. The 1962 Shelby Cobra won ‘Best of Show Grand Boulevard’ for collector Bruce Meyer.

1932 Ford Ray Brown Dry Lakes Racer in Sherwood Green owned by Petersen Museum. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

A 1950’s Mercury ‘Lead Sled’, one of the many spectacular custom cars from the LA Car Clubs on display. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

From an attendee experience this first time show put on by Sr. VP Mike Carlucci and his team was a success in terms of the high quality of the show cars and the impressive list of guest speakers from Velocity’s cable shows. The Los Angeles car clubs turned out in full force enabling for an exceptionally diverse collection of European, Asian and American customs and hot rods. The planned date for the 2018 show per Mr. Carlucci is expected to be in March. I wish them continued success and appreciated all who presented their cars or organized this quality event.



TAGS: Comments From The Canyon, James Groth, Los Angeles, Inaugural, Classic Car Show, Velocity, Overhaulin, Chip Foose, Bruce Meyer, Petersen Automotive Museum, Chasing Classic Cars, Wayne Carini, Wheeler Dealers, Mike Brewer, Mike Carlucci, Dan Gurney

An Automotive Lifestyle POV: Russo & Steele Collector Automobile Auction

Super clean two-tone dark blue over baby blue 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

An Automotive Lifestyle POV: Russo & Steele Collector Automobile Auction
By:  James Groth > Miles Ahead Communications 
For: The Motorsports-Report

EVENT: Russo & Steele Collector Automobile Auction
DATE: Newport Beach, CA June 5-7, 2015

Russo & Steele lived up to its billing as an auction house that includes European Sports, American Muscle, Hot Rods and Customs with a stable of 475 cars that included outstanding examples in every category.

While other auctions houses often focuses one segment of the collector car market Russo & Steele featured the top current trends. This business model works well in Southern California where given the weather you can drive anything with wheels all year long.

Black '05 Porsche Carrera GT. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

One such top performer was the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT producing 605 hp from its V-10 and capable of 0-60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, considered the pinnacle Porsche at the time. Adding to the performance appeal is its rarity with only 1,270 produced over a four year period and a sticker price of half a million. Collector cars like this modern one also make the case for return on investment since this ten-year-old car sold for $840,000.

Supercars like this 2006 Ford GT get some sellers queasy. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

Another ROI example was the 2006 Ford GT, when new this car sold for about $160,000.  I had a client that wanted one when it was introduced and few were available. Friend Beau Boeckmann of Galpin Ford was willing to sell one at just below sticker price when others chose to take ten thousands over list. At the last moment the client backed out thinking that the GT would not hold its value.

This owner “brought to hold’ and sold his Ford GT, with198 miles, at sold a top of market price of $337,700.

Ask yourself does your stock market portfolio return similar ROI? Did you have any fun with those stock certificates?  Did you and your lady take the stock certificates up PCH for a weekend in the wine country?  Yes, car prices do go up and down at times with the economy but collector cars do not merge, get overly regulated or go out of business.

Chevy Corvettes are always in demand. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

Sure few people have that kind of money for a car but lets look at what I found to be the best performance value on Saturday.

Remember the early 1990’s Corvette ZR-1 with a motor developed by Yamaha putting out 400 hp? When new it cost over $60,000. How about a red one for $15,000 as your weekend get away car? A 1991 ZR-1 coupe sold at no reserve for that plus buyer fees. These cars have bottomed out and will only go up during the time your enjoying it.

Certainly, Russo & Steele are salesmen too. However their business is done in a low-key friendly manner, appreciated by the novice as well as the serious collector. This is one the their trademark distinctions. The Newport Beach auction in particular makes a great venue for those just getting interested in collecting cars given the variety and attitude of the staff.

It's a family affair with a '55 Buick. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

In the parking area I ran into a family of five all involved in detailing a 1955 Buick hardtop.  They were there to sell their car to provide a college fund and hoped to get $25,000 for the car.

1958 Packard Hawk. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

For the serious collector there were some rare and unusual cars to bid on including a 1958 Packard Hawk with a McCulloch Supercharger putting out 275 hp. This is the period when Studebaker and Packard merged to survive.  They only produced 588 so it’s unlikely you will see another this good. It sold for $95,000.

Nice fender-less '46 Chevy hot rod pick-up truck. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

The most unique custom had to be the 1946 Chevy 3100 pickup with an acrylic engine cover to show off its specular motor featuring a triple carb setup.

Chip Foose restored and reworked '60 Ford Starliner. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

'60 Foose Ford Starliner rear view with laid over fin elements. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

For star power car designer Chip Foose was in attendance. He brought his subtle and tastefully customized 1960 Starliner Coupe; the only missing element was the delightful AJ. Barry McGuire was in house and drawing a crowd wherever he went too. The auction also featured Burt Reynolds 1957 Thunderbird.

1957 Thunderbird once owned by actor Burt Reynolds - License "T BURTS" . Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

1961 Chrysler 300. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

Interior dashboard featured a push-button select automatic transmission (on left). Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

From the era of tailfins was a show winning 1961 Chrysler 300, with its space age dash and interior.

Ford Mustang fastback as seen in the '65 Shelby GT350H. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

1954 Corvette Custom sold for 159,500. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

A Shelby GT 350H fastback, one of the Hertz rent-a-racers sold for $137,500, while the 1962 Corvette Restomod brought $102,500 compared to the stock, 1962 Corvette Fuelie convertible registering $130,000.

1971 Maserati Ghibli. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

The 1971 Maserati 335 h.p. 4.9 liter V8 featured engine cowlings common on most cars produced today. Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

The European Luxury/Sport segment was well represented with a Mercedes Benz 280SE convertible bringing $380,000 and a 1957 Porsche 356T Cabriolet at $181,600.  Dino Ferrari 246’s continued to be hot with a 1972 246 GT coupe at $290,000 and 1973 246 GTS at $325,000.

Most unique in this field was a 1971 Maserati Ghibli, automatic reaching $226,660.

Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

In the European Sport/Racing class was a Jaguar XK-SS recreation in outstanding condition. The XK-SS is the street version of the 24Hours of Le Mans; three time winning Jaguar D-Types of the mid 1950’s. Regrettably only 16 were ever built, the factory burned in 1958 destroying the remainder.  About the only place you will ever see a real one is at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

This is the same car that Steve McQueen terrorized around Hollywood in. This British Racing Green XK-SS sold at $150,000, real ones sell in the millions.

Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

The auction was a outstanding success with sales over $7 million dollars. This represented a 71% increase over 2014 giving every indication of a strong collector car market and proper business model.

Russo & Steele promotional banner - Image Credit: James Groth (2015)

If this story raised your interest in collector cars then you will only have to wait until the third weekend in August for the Monterey, CA auction. To consign or register to bid check out their web site at RussoandSteele.com and drive your portfolio…



TAGS: Russo & Steele, June 2015, Collector Car Auction Newport Beach, 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88, Porsche carrera GT 2005, Ford GT 2006, ZR-1 Corvette 1991, 1955 Buick, 1958 Packard Hawk, 1946 Custom Chevy Pickup, Chip Foose, 1960 Ford Starliner Coupe, Burt Reynolds, 1957 Thunderbird, 1961 Chrysler 300, Shelby GT 350 Hertz edition, 1954 Custom Corvette, 1971 Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Ghibli 4.9 liter motor Jaguar XK-SS, recreation