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BLENHEIM, Ontario (December 2, 2022) – After an unprecedented and record-breaking year, RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to begin the 2023 calendar by returning to the Arizona Biltmore & Spa in Phoenix on 26 January for its 24th annual Arizona sale. Continue reading
The Saab 900, particularly the Turbo models from 1991 until the end of “classic” production in 1993, have always had a fervent following among Saab Trolls. It’s not hard to see why. They’re quirky yet common sense, lively yet practical, sporting yet comfortable. It’s fair to say they have personality, whether in three-door wagonback or convertible form.
This 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition (or CE in Trollspeak) is an excellent example of that. The CE marked the swan song of classic 900s in 1993. The three-door was released that year, while the Convertibles capped off the line as a 1994 model. It’s done just shy of 100,000 miles but shows very well. Seats don’t show the wear we typically see on Saab seats of similar age and use. Likewise there doesn’t appear to be any of the dash cracks that usually come up on that big plastic surface. The originality (stereo, equalizer, manuals) indicates an appreciation for preservation and that bodes well for the general care given. Nothing in its tidy presentation suggests otherwise.
It’s a Saab so expect to replace things like the water pump, head gaskets, etc. over the next 50,000 miles, but the service records will give you a good idea of what you’re dealing with. Find it here at Romb Cars for a decent $21,000.
As the challenging economic situation looks likely to continue into next year, so the effect it may have on the Classic Car Market for 2023 is still an unknown, but Silverstone Auctions consigners highlight what they think the cars to watch will be this year. Continue reading
$20,500 – 22,800
Making a return to the list, albeit at a value increase of nearly 300%, is the first-generation (FB) Mazda RX-7 Series 3 in the top-of-the-line GSL-SE trim. The SE was significantly different from the other trim levels, not only in its more refined appointments like leather upholstery, but in its underpinnings. Its 13B rotary engine put out 34% more horsepower than the GSL, GS, and S models while gaining only 14% in displacement. This resulted in a Porsche 944-like zero-to-sixty time of under eight seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. It elevated the RX-7 from its retro-inspired funabout to a world-class sports car. Enthusiasts and collectors seem to agree, with values climbing at an inspired pace.
WALWORTH, Wis – Mecum Auctions’ 32nd annual Vintage & Antique Motorcycle Auction will return to South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas this Jan. 24-28, with headlining consignments for the world’s largest vintage motorcycle auction. In total, the Las Vegas auction will feature an estimated 1,750 motorcycles from 18 collections—including the Southwest Collection, Jim’s Forever Collection, and Mike Wolfe’s As Found Collection—crossing the block throughout the four live auction days as well as additional Road Art selections. Continue reading
Vive la différence! With reportedly only 30 Citroën CXs brought into the US by the importer CXA in 1987 (three of which were Flortine Red in the longer wheelbase Prestige trim), it is unlikely you’ll pass another one on the way to market. Its sleek, low-drag design (a Cx of .36, lending to its nameplate) was something of a revolution for a saloon car, as was its Hydropneumatic suspension. The futuristic elements carried through to the interior where you’ll otherwise find Belle Époque comfort. If you have a taste for the out-of-the ordinary, this is certainly worth a look but best owned by someone with reasonable access to parts and service. Find it here for a fair $21,000 and while you’re there be sure to check out the 40,000-mile, one-owner Bertone (Fiat) X1/9.
$20,250 – 22,500
Another transaxle Porsche, also a 924, that deserves a collector’s eye is the one-year only (in the U.S.) 924 S. Instead of the 2.0-liter VW-based motor of the earlier cars it featured a defined version of the M44/40 from its stablemate, the 944. This meant performance not only on par with the Turbo cars (along with the reliability that benefits normally aspirated cars), but because of lighter weight and a sleeker body, it kept pace with the 944 at an entry-level cost. With nearly 9,000 produced in MY 1987, they’re not particularly rare, but they don’t often come to market. This has made for a steady increase in value in the last several years and there’s no reason the think that won’t continue.
The E39 BMW M5 (2000 – 2003) is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the M5, upping the performance considerably over the prior E34 by harnessing a 400-hp 4.9-liter V8, while retaining the sporting character that had been luxed out by the following generations. They were—and remain—so good that most owners can’t help but chalk up the miles. So we’ll begin with kudos to the previous Southwestern owners for their restraint in keeping this one to around 51,000 miles.
Then there’s the 6-speed manual, the Carbon Black (which is actually a very dark blue) over Black (single-tone!) Nappa leather, along with other desirable options, and it’s hard to dream of anything better. It has also been primed for its next owner with $10,000 spent in recent service (though no specific mention is made of any Achilles-heel Vanos repair).
A 2022 BMW M5 CS just sold for $137,500. It’s undoubtedly a superb and sophisticated machine. But if it’s the sport you want out of your M-Sport, it would be hard to top this well-appointed, low-mileage E39. Spirited bidding suggests others agree. Find it on Cars and Bids at $38,888 with five days left.
$20,250 – 22,500
Though much maligned by Porsche purists when it debuted here in the states in 1977 (not without good reason), the Porsche 924 has been going through a period of redemption fortysix years on. The early Audi-based models still don’t get much love but even they can be given some grace as the first “transaxle” cars that Porsche offered to the masses, a legacy that is now their bread and butter with models like the Cayenne, Panamera, Macan, etc.
The car that earned genuine respect, even at the time (perhaps grudgingly by the air-cooled, engine-in-the-back traditionalists), was the 924 Turbo (931 in Porschespeak). By its last years, in 1981 and 1982, its performance was not far off from the 911SC while offering far more precise and balanced handling. It was especially Porsche-like with the M471 option, which included four-wheel internally ventilated disc brakes on five-bolt hubs, mounting forged 16 x 6-inch 928-style alloys, upgraded springs and shocks, front and rear anti-roll bars along with a different steering ratio.
Not that long ago, a 931 would’ve been a bargain relative to their air-cooled siblings, hovering around $10K for a well-sorted drive-and-show, $15K – 20K for an exceptional example. But now, as the luftgekülts climb toward or surpass the six-figure mark, the 924 Turbo—particularly those from the latter 154-hp years with the M471 pack—has become a get-one-before-it’s-too-late collectible.
Santa Monica, Calif. (December 27, 2022) – International market leader and renowned auction house Gooding & Company concludes its second most successful business year to date since its inception in 2003, posting an overall sales total surpassing $212 million realized from all 2022 auctions. With its most profitable Amelia Island Auction to date, its largest ever Pebble Beach Auctions offering, and its second live auction event in the UK, coupled with two Geared Online auctions, Gooding & Company sold a total of 597 lots, attaining an 87% sell-through rate for all vehicles auctioned, and an 89% sales rate for automobilia. The firm sold 55 cars valued over $1 million, signifying a staggering increase from the year prior. Additionally, the average price per car sold in 2022 was $695,375, a figure which also increased from the previous year.
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