Latest news with #ModernCarCollector
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lucky Car Collector Auctions Offers Orphan Car Icons from Nash, Frazer, and Studebaker
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Lucky Car Collector Auctions is putting the spotlight on three of America's most compelling orphan cars in its upcoming sale, offering bidders a rare chance to take home vehicles that defined innovation and individuality from automakers that no longer off the trio is a first-year 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, known for its ingenious retractable roof design — a feature so unique it was advertised as being able to carry a refrigerator upright. Finished with the Regal trim and powered by a 289-cubic-inch V8 paired with a column-shifted manual transmission, this Wagonaire remains in good driving condition and retains its distinct mid-century charm. As Studebaker's response to the utility needs of families and adventurers alike, this early crossover concept remains a standout among vintage of only 62 Manhattan convertible sedans built in 1949, this Frazer represents postwar luxury at its rarest. Restored in the early 2000s to a high standard and finished in its original Caribbean Coral hue, this award-winning example was honored with the Kaiser-Frazer National Gold Award. With its elegant design, 226-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, and open-top configuration, it's both a showpiece and a tourer, ideal for collectors seeking exclusivity and impressive is this 1955 Nash Ambassador Country Club, one of fewer than 1,800 produced. Designed with input from Italian styling house Pinin Farina and powered by a Packard Jetfire V8 engine, this top-of-the-line Nash blends style, comfort, and engineering vision. Recently restored and loaded with factory air conditioning and the rebuilt Ultramatic transmission, it showcases the last gasps of Nash's independent innovation before merging into American Motors Corporation. With just over 41,000 believed-original miles and extensive documentation, it's a show-ready classic with unmatched authenticity. These three orphans—each with rich backstories and preserved originality—demonstrate the uniqueness and legacy of defunct American marques. Lucky's upcoming auction is a chance to celebrate, preserve, and drive home a piece of automotive history that stands apart from the crowd. These adorable orphaned babies are being sold at the Spring Classic 2025 Auto Auction taking place Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, Jun 1 at the LeMay Marymount Event Center. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
European Elegance Meets American Muscle at Lucky Collector Car Auction Spring Classic 2025
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A trio of rare, transcontinental classics will cross the block at the Lucky Collector Car Auction's Spring Classic 2025, showcasing the golden era of European design married to American muscle. These historically significant vehicles—a , a , and a —are each offered without reserve, promising an exciting opportunity for collectors. A quintessential example of 1970s grand touring opulence, this combines Italian bodywork, British chassis engineering, and American power. It's powered by a Chrysler 440cid V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The 90,000-mile example was held in a museum collection since 1993 and features metallic brown paint with a matching convertible top. Modernized Recaro seats and a light leather interior add comfort, while a wood-rimmed steering wheel nods to classic style. Among all Interceptor variants, the convertible remains the most sought-after. One of only approximately in 1953, this numbers-matching Nash-Healey represents a pioneering transatlantic collaboration. Fitted with the original 252cid 'Dual Jetfire' inline-six engine and 3-speed manual with overdrive, it's a blend of British engineering, Italian craftsmanship, and American drivetrain components. Finished in white over red with a beige soft top, this particular Roadster sits on chassis #2363 and retains engine block NHA1378, which is scheduled for a rebuild. With just 506 Nash-Healeys produced in total, this early Le Mans contender and Hollywood favorite is an extremely rare and valuable collectible. A limited-production luxury coupe—one of just 90 FV3Bs built—this 1958 Facel Vega FV3B was originally ordered in France and retains its factory color combination of Grey over Red leather. While it originally came with a Chrysler Hemi and a rare Pont-à-Mousson manual gearbox, it now runs a 1970 340ci Chrysler V8 mated to a 3-speed automatic. With only six miles traveled in the past 14 years, this coupe exudes European elegance with American muscle under the hood, and represents a perfect candidate for continued preservation or return to period-correct configuration. These three offerings headline a diverse lineup at the Lucky Collector Car Auction's Spring Classic, celebrating unique transcontinental partnerships that helped shape the post-war automotive landscape. These interesting classics and many others are being sold at the Spring Classic 2025 Auto Auction taking place Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, Jun 1 at the LeMay Marymount Event Center. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Historic First V-8 Corvette Prototype Hits the Auction Block
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A foundational piece of American automotive history is now up for grabs. Chassis EX87, the first Chevrolet Corvette ever fitted with a V-8 engine, has been listed on Bring a Trailer in a rare public offering that traces back to the model's turning point in the mid-1950s. When the Corvette debuted in 1953, it may have looked the part of a sleek sports car, but its performance was underwhelming. Powered by a modest inline-six engine, early models struggled to live up to their visual promise. That changed when Corvette visionary Zora Arkus-Duntov and fellow GM engineer—and three-time Indy 500 winner—Mauri Rose began experimenting with V-8 conversions. Their testbed? A 1954 Corvette that became known internally as chassis EX87. Equipped with a 307-cubic-inch V-8, the car was pushed to a staggering 163 mph at GM's Arizona Desert Proving Grounds, proving once and for all that the Corvette could deliver serious speed. The results convinced GM leadership to begin factory V-8 production by late 1955—a move that transformed the Corvette's destiny. Although its original engine and bodywork have long since been replaced, EX87 still retains immense historical significance. Over the years, it was updated to 1955 specifications, fitted with a body from another test car, and later received a 265-cubic-inch V-8 and a two-speed automatic transmission. The car served as a demonstrator vehicle before eventually being sold to a GM engineer and, in 1968, to its current long-term family owner. Today, EX87 features a 327-cubic-inch V-8 and wears a red paint finish. While not in factory-original condition, its legacy as the Corvette's V-8 pioneer remains firmly intact. With bidding currently exceeding $50,000 ahead of its May 19 closing, EX87 offers enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a genuine piece of Corvette—and American performance—history. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Historic First V-8 Corvette Prototype Hits the Auction Block
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A foundational piece of American automotive history is now up for grabs. Chassis EX87, the first Chevrolet Corvette ever fitted with a V-8 engine, has been listed on Bring a Trailer in a rare public offering that traces back to the model's turning point in the mid-1950s. When the Corvette debuted in 1953, it may have looked the part of a sleek sports car, but its performance was underwhelming. Powered by a modest inline-six engine, early models struggled to live up to their visual promise. That changed when Corvette visionary Zora Arkus-Duntov and fellow GM engineer—and three-time Indy 500 winner—Mauri Rose began experimenting with V-8 conversions. Their testbed? A 1954 Corvette that became known internally as chassis EX87. Equipped with a 307-cubic-inch V-8, the car was pushed to a staggering 163 mph at GM's Arizona Desert Proving Grounds, proving once and for all that the Corvette could deliver serious speed. The results convinced GM leadership to begin factory V-8 production by late 1955—a move that transformed the Corvette's destiny. Although its original engine and bodywork have long since been replaced, EX87 still retains immense historical significance. Over the years, it was updated to 1955 specifications, fitted with a body from another test car, and later received a 265-cubic-inch V-8 and a two-speed automatic transmission. The car served as a demonstrator vehicle before eventually being sold to a GM engineer and, in 1968, to its current long-term family owner. Today, EX87 features a 327-cubic-inch V-8 and wears a red paint finish. While not in factory-original condition, its legacy as the Corvette's V-8 pioneer remains firmly intact. With bidding currently exceeding $50,000 ahead of its May 19 closing, EX87 offers enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a genuine piece of Corvette—and American performance—history. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Classic 1966 Chevy Impala to Cross the Block at Vicari's Biloxi Spring Auction
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A standout from America's golden era of cruising culture is set to make waves at Vicari Auctions' Spring 2025 event in Biloxi: a beautifully preserved 1966 Chevrolet Impala, Lot F373, that combines vintage styling with decades of meticulous care. Presented in a striking white exterior over a rich burgundy vinyl interior, this two-door Impala coupe is more than just a classic—it's a seasoned show car with years of exhibition pedigree. Though the exact mileage and powertrain specifications are not disclosed, the vehicle has been described as 'very well maintained,' with attention paid to both mechanical preservation and cosmetic detail. Inside, the burgundy interior offers a vibrant contrast to the clean, crisp exterior. The vinyl upholstery remains in excellent condition, a testament to its ownership history and likely garage-kept life. This example is also equipped with power steering, enhancing its drivability and making it a practical choice for collectors who enjoy taking their classics out on the road. The Impala rides on a set of eye-catching wheels that complete its timeless profile, nodding to both its muscle car heritage and street presence. As one of Chevrolet's most popular and iconic models of the mid-1960s, the 1966 Impala captures an era when big-bodied American coupes ruled the highways and drive-ins. For collectors, investors, and enthusiasts, the offering of this Impala at Vicari's Spring auction is more than a sale—it's an opportunity to acquire a piece of American motoring history that has not only survived the decades but thrived in the spotlight of the car show circuit. The car will be offered as Lot F373. Bidding is expected to be competitive when it crosses the block in Biloxi. See it here. This Spring's auction will have around 400 vehicles and over one hundred automobilia available to bid on live and online on May 30 & 31. Register your vehicle or to bid on our website. The location is the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. Book your rooms now through MS Gulf Coast Hotel Reservations at 1-888-388-1006 or see list of places to stay by selecting link to the upper left. MS Auction Lic. #1099 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
