Latest news with #PininFarina
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Classics and Rare Innovation Shine at Lucky Car Collector Auctions
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious Lucky Car Collector Auctions' upcoming event will showcase a rich array of postwar American innovation and design, with a spotlight on six exceptionally rare and distinctive classics from the 1940s through the 1960s. Each vehicle represents a unique story of mid-century engineering, luxury, or creative ambition—traits that continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts today. Lot #152 – 1955 Nash Ambassador Country Club A rare 2-door hardtop from Nash's golden era, this Ambassador Country Club is one of fewer than 1,800 produced and is believed to be one of the finest surviving examples. Powered by a Packard Jetfire 320 V8 and mated to a Packard Ultramatic transmission, this air-conditioned Nash features Pininfarina styling and a completely restored interior with authentic fabrics. With just over 41,000 believed-original miles and extensive mechanical upkeep, it's a stunning testament to George Mason's vision and the early days of American Motors. Lot #198 – 1956 Nash Statesman While details are pending, this Nash Statesman is expected to present another appealing slice of mid-century Americana. Known for value and comfort, Statesmans offered quality engineering and were key players in Nash's transition into AMC. Lot #145 – 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster by Pinin Farina An early example of transatlantic collaboration, this Nash-Healey Roadster is one of only 160 bodied by Pinin Farina in 1953. Retaining its numbers-matching engine and chassis, it represents a fascinating blend of British engineering, Italian design, and American power. With racing pedigree and Hollywood cachet, this project-ready classic is a potential showstopper in the right hands. Lot #196 – 1949 Frazer Manhattan Convertible Sedan A true rarity, this Frazer Manhattan Convertible is one of only 62 ever produced and among the very few survivors. Winner of a Kaiser-Frazer National Gold Award and restored to factory specs in Caribbean Coral, this six-cylinder luxury sedan exemplifies early postwar elegance and remains ready for concours or comfortable cruising. Lot #171 – 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire Regal Dubbed one of the earliest crossovers, the Studebaker Wagonaire wowed buyers with its retractable roof design—big enough for a refrigerator, according to period ads. This Regal-trim example sports a 289ci V8 and a column-shifted manual transmission. With unique design flair and mechanical dependability, it remains an eye-catching oddity ready to drive. Lot #131 – 1954 Kaiser Manhattan Powered by a supercharged 226ci six and one of only 1,200 built for 1954, this Kaiser Manhattan embodies the automaker's fight for relevance in a tough market. Featuring a McCulloch VS-57 supercharger and GM Hydramatic transmission, this well-maintained survivor has been both show and road worthy in recent years. Recently serviced brakes and working electrics (minus the clock) make it an excellent candidate for continued enjoyment or full restoration. #147 1948 Kaiser Custom Sedan This 1948 Kaiser Custom Sedan is a true one-off, originally built for Edgar Kaiser—son of industrialist Henry Kaiser—while he served as general manager of the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation. Assembled at the Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, this special-order vehicle featured every luxury option available at the time, plus several bespoke elements unique to the boss's car. Each of these cars not only offers rarity but also a tangible connection to the ambition and inventiveness of America's independent automakers. Lucky's auction is shaping up to be a celebration of vehicles that dared to do things differently—and are all the more collectible for it.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rare European-American Classics Draw Interest at Lucky Collector Car Auction's Spring Classic
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A curated group of rare and historically significant grand touring cars crossed the auction block at the Lucky Collector Car Auction's Spring Classic 2025, showcasing a unique blend of European design and American muscle. Among the standout offerings was a 1963 Facel Vega Facel II, widely regarded as one of the most refined GTs of the era. With a Chrysler 383ci 'Typhoon' V8 under the hood and elegant red paintwork, this French-built grand tourer once boasted the title of "fastest four-seat coupe in the world." One of just 180 produced, this example featured a new leather interior and faux wood dash, and was presented in excellent condition with only 13,956 miles showing. Another highlight was a 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster, one of only about 160 examples bodied by Italian design house Pinin Farina that year. A product of a rare transatlantic partnership between Nash-Kelvinator and British engineer Donald Healey, the car retains its original engine block and chassis numbers. The convertible, finished in white with a red interior and beige top, reflects an era of hand-built sports cars that predated even the Chevrolet Corvette. Also featured was a 1974 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible, blending British craftsmanship and Italian style with raw American power. Fitted with a Chrysler 440 V8 and TorqueFlite automatic transmission, this Interceptor had been part of a museum collection since 1993. With Recaro seats and updated leather upholstery, the chocolate-toned convertible remains a stylish and rare find among 1970s GTs. Rounding out the group was a 1958 Facel Vega FV3B, one of just 90 built. Although no longer fitted with its original Chrysler Hemi and manual transmission, the car retained its factory-correct grey-over-red color scheme. Now powered by a 340ci V8, it had traveled just six miles over the last 14 years, underscoring its preservation-focused care. Together, these vehicles highlighted the golden age of international collaboration in the automotive world—where American horsepower met European elegance in unforgettable fashion.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A Golden Age Ferrari Comes to Auction After 55 Years!
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious Ferrari heads know that the years where the Prancing Horse first reigned supreme were the 50s, 60s, and 70s, when the 24 Hours of Le Mans loomed large and Pinin Farina was at the helm of body design. That's why it's so exciting that this Ferrari is gracing the auction block. Meet the 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta, a marvel of engineering and design. Before you know it, Gooding Christie's will offer this timeless example at their Amelia Island Auctions from March 6 – 7. Of course, you can also register to bid on it here, or peek at the rest of the auction catalogue if you want to find more gems. A bit of Ferrari history for the newbies – at Le Mans in 1953, Scuderia Ferrari entered the 375 Berlinetta, bodied by Pinin Farina. It was derived from the 375 F1 Grand Prix, which earned Ferrari their first-ever Formula One championship win. Ferrari only built 22 of the new 375 MM chassis with a front independent suspension with transverse leaf springs and shock absorbers, aka the traditional Ferrari method to match the Lampredi engines – with this one bearing a 4,522 cc tipo 108 SOHC 60° V-12 engine. And of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't bring up the iconic coachwork. This 375 MM boasts the traditional 'Ferrari look' with large egg-crate grilles, trails of exposed rivets, impressive proportions and sporty lines. It's a marvel of Italian design. Of the 22 375 MMs, there were only six Berlinettas, and even fewer that were tailored for road use. So not only is this car so beautiful, but it's also very rare. This car was specially ordered for VIP customer Alfred Ducato, a personal friend of Enzo Ferrari and Luigi Chinetti. Of course, he detailed a list of requests, which are documented on file with this car. In 1956, Mr. Ducato debuted his new car at the 7th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, where it won First in Class for European Sports Cars over $10,000. The third owner of this magnificent car was Fred Leydorf, aka the Ferrari Club of America's 4th President, who chaired its technical committee. With technical prowess in mind, it makes sense that he curated a car which is a complete mix of a roadgoing sports car with F1 underpinnings. Because Mr. Leydorf had such a trusted network of Ferrari friends, he was able to carefully restore this model, chassis 0472 AM. It was then exhibited selectively and with great acclaim, but often secreted away, where he quietly enjoyed it for 55 years. Without a doubt, Leydorf's greatest contribution to this car had to be the careful curation of its history file – but the car also comes equipped with factory build sheets confirming it retains the matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and differentials. Did we mention there are also personal letters between the first owner, Alfred Ducato, and Enzo Ferrari himself? Sounds like music to our Cavallino-atuned ears. This beautiful standalone Ferrari is going on sale soon at Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions. In the meantime, you can learn more through the Gooding Christie's online catalogue or register to bid if you're ready to take home a Berlinetta.
