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Scottsdale Auction Week – Final Results through January 20, 2013

January 23, 2013

Courtesy of Hagerty Insurance

Listed below are the raw results witnessed by Hagerty during the live auctions and may not factor in any post-sale deals that have occurred.  These numbers include the appropriate buyer’s premiums.

Overall from all auction companies

Total: $223.8M
2,234/2,699 lots sold: 83% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $100,176

Overall 2012 Results

Cumulative Total: $183.9M
2,159/2,539 lots sold: 85%
Average Sale Price: $85,169

Overall Top 10 Sales:

1. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT California LWB Spider sold for $8,250,000 (Gooding)
2. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Competizione Berlinetta sold for $8,140,000 (RM)
3. Batmobile sold for $4,620,000 (Barrett)
4. 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Roadster sold for $3,135,000 (Gooding)
5. 1957 Maserati 150 GT Spider sold for $3,080,000 (Gooding)
6. 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet A sold for $2,750,000 (Gooding)
7. 1933 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe sold for $2,695,000 (Gooding)
8. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Speciale Coupe sold for $2,365,000 (Gooding)
9. 1947 Talbot-Lago Record T26 Grand Sport Coupe sold for $2,035,000 (Barrett)
10. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe sold for $2,035,000 (Barrett)

Results broken down by auction company

BARRETT-JACKSON

Overall Total: $102.5M
1,336/1,340 lots sold: 99.7% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $76,754

Overall Top 10 Sales:

1. Batmobile sold for $4,620,000
2. 1947 Talbot-Lago Record T26 Grand Sport Coupe sold for $2,035,000
3. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe sold for $2,035,000
4. 1934 Duesenberg J Murphy LWB Custom Beverly Sedan sold for $1,430,000
5. 1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept Convertible sold for $1,375,000
6. 1971 Plymouth Cuda Hemi Convertible sold for $1,320,000
7. 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS sold for $1,320,000
8. 1949 Delahaye Type 175 Saoutchik Coupe De Ville sold for $1,210,000
9. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Owens/Corning Race Car sold for $1,100,000
10. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe sold for $1,100,000

Sunday total: $6.6M
149/149 lots sold: 100% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $44,183

Top 5 Sunday Sales:

1. 1969 Ford Bronco Custom SUV sold for $500,000
2. 2013 Cessna T182 Turbo Skyline Airplane sold for $489,500
3. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible sold for $150,000
4. 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Fastback sold for $132,000
5. 1993 Chevrolet Lumina #3 NASCAR sold for $110,000

Overall 2012 Results

Cumulative Total: $90.5M
1,291/1,294 sold: 99.8%
Average Sale Price: $70,064

RM

Overall Total: $36.4M
75/84 lots sold: 89%
Average Sale Price: $485,544

Overall Top 10 Sales:

1. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Competizione Berlinetta sold for $8,140,000
2. 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Roadster sold for $2,007,500
3. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta sold for $1,842,500
4. 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe sold for $1,540,000
5t. 2003 Ferrari Enzo Coupe sold for $1,320,000
5t. 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Berlinetta sold for $1,320,000
5t. 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster sold for $1,320,000
8. 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe sold for $1,017,500
9. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Cabriolet sold for $990,000
10. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe sold for $847,000

Overall 2012 Results

Total: $25.7M
126/140 lots sold:90% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $203,654

GOODING

Overall Total: $52.6M
101/104 lots sold: 97%
Average Sale Price: $520,371

Overall Top 10 Sales:

1. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT California LWB Spider sold for $8,250,000
2. 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Roadster sold for $3,135,000
3. 1957 Maserati 150 GT Spider sold for $3,080,000
4. 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet A sold for $2,750,000
5. 1933 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe sold for $2,695,000
6. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Speciale Coupe sold for $2,365,000
7. 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante sold for $2,035,000
8. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster sold for $1,540,000
9. 2003 Ferrari Enzo Coupe sold for $1,485,000
10. 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Series V Gran Sport Spider sold for $1,375,000

Overall 2012 Results

Total: $39.8M
116/118 lots sold: 98% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $343,396

BONHAMS

Overall Total: $13.4M
91/112 lots sold: 81%
Average Sale Price: $147,296

Overall Top 10 Sales:

1. 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A sold for $1,312,500
2. 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Coupe sold for $1,215,000
3. 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Faux Cabriolet sold for $951,000
4. 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider sold for $912,500
5. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe sold for $896,000
6. 1967 Ferrari 365 GTC Speciale Coupe sold for $885,000
7. 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Cut Spyder sold for $423,000
8. 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta sold for $384,500
9. 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Coupe sold for $285,500
10. 1931 Cord L-29 sold for $280,000

Overall 2012 Results

Total: $6.0M
44/67 lots sold: 66% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $135,920

RUSSO AND STEELE

Overall Total: $16.0M
422/710 lots sold: 59% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $37,975

Overall Top 10 Sales:

1. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster sold for $726,000
2. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe sold for $605,000
3. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Douglass Yenko Coupe sold for $253,000
4. 1940 Packard Darrin Custom Convertible sold for $242,000
5. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 SportsRoof sold for $233,750
6. 2006 Ford GT sold for $206,250
7. 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Show Car Coupe sold for $176,000
8. 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Convertible sold for $170,500
9. 2007 Ferrari F430 Spyder sold for $150,700
10. 1940 Willys Deluxe Coupe sold for $148,500

Sunday total: $1.7M
106/167 lots sold: 63%
Average Sale Price: $15,960

Top 5 Sunday Sales:

1. 1930 Packard Model 733 Standard 8 Phaeton sold for $53,350
2. 1942 Packard 110 Convertible sold for $50,600
3. 1948 Packard Convertible sold for $47,300
4. 1968 Ford Bronco SUV sold for $39,600
5. 1964 Plymouth Belvedere Coupe sold for $39,050

Overall 2012 Results

Cumulative Total: $19.0M
410/651 sold: 64%
Average Sale Price: $46,356

SILVER

Overall Total: $2.8M
209/349 lots sold: 60%
Average Sale Price: $13,628

Overall Top 10 Sales:

1. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible sold for $62,640
2. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Coupe sold for $46,980
3. 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle sold for $39,420
4. 1955 Chevrolet 210 Coupe sold for $38,880
5. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro sold for $38,610
6. 1936 Ford Cunningham Town Car sold for $38,232
7. 1967 Mercury Convertible sold for $37,800
8. 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 SportsRoof sold for $36,720
9. 1961 Chevrolet Impala sold for $36,450
10. 1955 Ford Sunliner sold for $36,180

Overall 2012 Results

Total: $2.9M
175/267 lots sold: 66% sell-through rate
Average Sale Price: $16,840

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Road-Ready Certified program for classic vehicles adds buyer option with road test, vehicle history report, and more

August 14, 2012

Program gains endorsement from McPherson College’s automotive restoration department 

Plus: Peace of mind now comes at a reduced price

Phoenix, August 14, 2011 – Road-Ready CertifiedTM, a nationally recognized, independent quality assurance inspection program that verifies the overall condition and roadworthiness of classic vehicles, announced today the introduction of the Road-Ready Evaluation Package and the launch of a robust new website. By creating a more transparent transaction for both buyers and sellers, the program will support the interests and growth of the hobby, which includes more than 2.75 million classic vehicle owners in the United States and Canada who contribute nearly $35 billion to the economy annually1.

The new Road-Ready Evaluation Package gives classic vehicle buyers the opportunity to have a vehicle evaluated prior to purchase by an independent mobile technician following the standardized criteria of the Road-Ready Evaluation Process, which includes the Road-Ready Test. The results of the evaluation are delivered to the prospective buyer in a comprehensive and easy to understand online report. Additionally, the report provides the results of a thorough Mechanical and Visual Inspection with 20+ full color vehicle photos to help the buyer make the most informed decision possible. While all vehicles that go through the evaluation process are deemed Road-Ready Evaluated, only those vehicles that meet all the criteria of the Road-Ready Test Drive will be designated as Road-Ready Certified Classic Vehicles.

“I cannot express how pleased I am with the availability of the new Evaluation Package,” said Roger Falcione, President and CEO of The Collector Car Network. “By addressing the buyer’s need for comprehensive, objective vehicle information delivered by an independent body, this package takes the Road-Ready Certified program to a whole new level. With both buyer and seller options now available, the program is truly creating a more transparent marketplace. ClassicCars.com is proud to endorse the Road-Ready Certified program.”

Enhancements to the inspection portion of the program come after consultation with the faculty of McPherson College, and bring endorsement of the Road-Ready Certified program by the school’s acclaimed automotive restoration department.

“The Road-Ready Certified initiative assures that classic car buyers are making informed buying decisions based on thorough evaluation information made available through the program,” said Michael Schneider, President of McPherson College. “That’s right in step with what we do at McPherson College, where we train the next generation to maintain and restore classic cars. We’re glad to endorse this program to support the long-term use and enjoyment of these great vehicles.”

In addition to the Road-Ready Evaluation Report, the program offers a number of buyer assistance tools to facilitate the entire vehicle buying process. Buyers receive an instaVIN®Vehicle History and Title  Report (where available), which includes information on whether the vehicle has suffered reported flood, fire or hail damage, was salvaged, stolen or involved in a collision, was involved in a manufacturer’s buy-back program or had its VIN replaced with a new state-assigned vehicle identification number. They also have access to an online Bill of Sale form to clearly record the transaction and links to state-specific title and transfer documents to transfer ownership of the vehicle.

“The new Road-Ready Certified program has taken great strides to stay true to its core tenet of bringing peace of mind to the classic car marketplace,” said Jim Menneto, Hemmings Motor News President and Publisher. “We are proud to be an endorser of the program and are excited to see the program take the initiative to meet the needs of the classic vehicle buyer.”

“The addition of the new buyer program and the launch of a completely redesigned website are very exciting,” said Andreas Schloissnik, Road-Ready Certified Product Manager. “We are thrilled with the new Road-Ready Certified website and we think users will appreciate the streamlined ordering process and the innovative responsive-design technology that allows them to view the site on multiple platforms, such as mobile phones and tablets, without sacrificing content or design.”

The Road-Ready Evaluation Package, regularly $347, is being offered at an introductory rate of $297.

To learn more about the Road-Ready Certified program for classic vehicles, visit www.RoadReadyCertified.com or e-mail info@roadreadycertified.com.

1. Based on information from the Historic Vehicle Association.

About Road-Ready Certified
Endorsed by ClassicCars.com, Hemmings Motor News and other industry leaders, Road-Ready Certified is a nationally recognized, independent quality assurance inspection program that verifies the overall condition and roadworthiness of classic vehicles. Developed in response to the growing need to help bring transparency and peace of mind to the classic car marketplace, the program is raising the bar for reputable sellers and setting the standard for buyer confidence. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Road-Ready Certified offers packages for classic vehicle buyers, sellers and dealers.

About ClassicCars.com
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, ClassicCars.com is devoted to helping owners sell classic vehicles online.  Featuring more than 25,000 vehicles for sale by private sellers, auction houses, and specialty dealerships around the world, ClassicCars.com is home to the world’s largest online selection of classic and collector vehicles for sale.

About Hemmings Motor News
Hemmings Motor News, headquartered in Bennington, VT is known as “the bible” of the car-collecting hobby among both collectors and restorers. Hemmings’ monthly publications are a vital resource for buying and selling cars and parts and keeping up with the hobby. Hemmings, founded in 1954, has 4 rapidly growing print magazines with hundreds of thousands of enthusiast subscribers. Hemmings’ digital property, Hemmings.com, sees more than 1.2 million monthly visits to their vibrant online collector car marketplace, in-depth articles and blog.

About McPherson College
McPherson College, located in central Kansas, is a four-year private liberal arts college and home to the only accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in Automotive Restoration. The program exposes students to all facets of restoration including metalwork, trim, chassis, electrical and drive train. Throughout the curriculum, students are given the “Freedom to Jump” – to explore their ideas, to learn through doing and to make a difference in the world.  McPherson College is committed to the ideals of scholarship, participation, and service – developing whole persons, prepared for fulfilling life vocations. Visit www.mcpherson.edu for more information about McPherson College.

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Mecum Auctions Offers The Salmon Brothers Collection, June 16, 2012

June 15, 2012

One Hundred Years of American Automotive History Hits the Auction Block at No Reserve

Walworth, WI – June 7, 2012 — Mecum will offer a collection of nearly 140 American collector cars spanning a full century of automotive history ranging from a 1908 Maxwell (Lot S71) to a 2008 Roush-powered Ford Mustang (Lot S140). All vehicles will be sold at No Reserve, June 16, 2012 at the Salmon Brothers “Car Barn” in North Little Rock, Ark.

1934 Cadillac Fleetwood V12 All-Weather Phaeton; 1957 Pontiac Bonneville

Above: 1934 Cadillac Fleetwood V12 All-Weather Phaeton, Lot S81 Below: 1957 Pontiac Bonneville, Lot S73

Twin brothers and Arkansas natives, Tom and Don Salmon, have spent well over half a century amassing an incredible collection of classic and collector automobiles with one common theme; American made. With an example of nearly every major domestic manufacturer represented in the collection, this special Mecum Auction event will be a true celebration of the American automobile.

Among the impressive line-up of vehicles crossing the block on this action packed day include an original 1957 Pontiac Bonneville (Lot S73), a rare 1957 fuel-injected Chevy Nomad (Lot S76), and a stunning 1934 Cadillac Fleetwood V12 All-Weather Phaeton (S81) that is one of only 3 ever produced. A handful of engines and road art will also be offered throughout the day. The complete online catalog is available at Mecum.com.

Bidder credentials are required for admittance into this Special Event. The public is welcome and bidder registration can be completed at the door. All registered bidders receive a commemorative copy of the Salmon Brothers Collection Catalog.

Those unable to attend in person can take in all the action during the live web broadcast at Mecum.com with multiple camera angles and play-by-play commentary by automotive experts John Kraman and David Newhardt. For additional information visit Mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.

Schedule:
The Salmon Brothers Collection
4343 Roundtop Road
North Little Rock, Ark. 72117
Preview: Friday, June 15th 10-6 p.m. and Saturday June 16th, 8-11 a.m.
Auction: Saturday, June 16th at 11 a.m.
(All Times Central)

Photo Credit: David Newhardt and John Hollansworth Jr. Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

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Mecum Auctions Celebrates 25th Year

March 22, 2012

1967 Yenko

Offering Over 2,100 Cars at Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction, May 15-20, 2012

Mecum Auctions will celebrate its Silver anniversary at Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Auction.  More than 2,100 vehicles will cross the auction block May 15-20, 2012, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind.

Over six massive action packed days; collector cars, motorcycles, and road art from all genres will be displayed in nearly 1 million square feet of buildings and tents during the world’s largest collector car auction. Since the very beginning, Mecum’s Original Spring Classic has always been the industry’s epicenter for the world’s finest muscle car offerings and 2012 is absolutely no exception.  Some of this year’s main attractions include a 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro (Lot S134), one of less than 10 known to exist and the only Butternut Yellow example to have survived the test of time.  The 1963 Corvette ZO6 (Lot S165) piloted by the legendary Mickey Thompson at Bonneville, a fully restored 1968 L88 Convertible (Lot S188), and the very last L88 Corvette (Lot S233) to roll down the assembly line highlight the incredible line up of Corvettes to be offered.

On Saturday May 19th, NHRA drag racing legends Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and “TV” Tommy Ivo will watch their history making dragsters take center stage.  Prudhomme will offer the record breaking 1982 Pontiac Trans Am “Pepsi Challenger” (Lot S182) from his private collection, and the 1974 Streamlined Top Fuel Dragster (Lot S200) piloted and more famously crashed by Tommy Ivo will go up for sale just moments later.

Prudhomme

While the success and exponential growth of Mecum’s Original Spring Classic is most certainly the result of dedicated hard work and customer service, Dana Mecum candidly comments, “This is what I envisioned my auction to be in the beginning, it took 25 years for everyone else to catch up!”

Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Auction is open to the general public with tickets available at the gate for only $15.  Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Eastern Time.  Discovery’s Velocity Network will broadcast 32 hours of live coverage from the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  For more information, and to learn how to become a registered bidder go to www.mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.

1968 L88

Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 25th Annual Original Spring Classic Auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E 38th Street
Indianapolis, Ind. 46205
May 15-20, 2012
General Admission: $15
Preview: Gates open daily Tuesday thru Sunday at 8:00 a.m.
Auction: Starts at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday thru Sunday
(All Times Eastern)

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Metro Moulded Parts Releases Two New Products

March 9, 2012

Metro Moulded Parts recently announced the availability of two great new products: 1970-81 GM Front Door Window Stop Bumpers and 1997-04 Corvette Targa Top Rear Seals!

1970-81 GM Front Door Window Stop Bumpers:  Sometimes it’s the little things that count for so much…especially with automotive rubber detail items!  For years restorers and collectors have been forced to rely on “universal” rubber stops, which seem to fit everything, but are not always quite correct for anything.  Metro’s new rubber window stops have been precision molded from durable rubber of the right hardness (durometer rating), and are shaped correctly too.  These new stops fit the following models:

  • 70-71 GM ‘F’ body 2 door hardtops
  • 70-72 GM ‘A’ body 2 door hardtops and convertibles
  • 70 GM ‘B’/’C’ body 2 door hardtops and convertibles
  • 70 Chevrolet ‘B’ body 2 door models
  • 71-76 GM ‘B’/’C’/’D’/’E’ body 2 & 4 models except 71-72 Chevrolet ‘B’ body 2 door models
1970 - 1981 GM Front Door Window Stop Bumper

1970 - 1981 GM Front Door Window Stop Bumper

 

1997-04 Corvette Targa Top Rear Seals:  This latest rear seal will work along with Metro’s existing side seals to help eliminate excessive wind noise, vibration, and poor-fitting targa-style tops.  With just the right amount of “softness” and the correct molded shapes in all corners and edges, it will help your factory targa-top fit snugly and look terrific.  Replace that ill-fitting, cracked, or hardened original seal in your 1997-2004 Corvette, with this top quality US-made targa-top real seal.

1997-2004 Corvette Targo Top Rear Seals

1997-2004 Corvette Targo Top Rear Seals

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Mecum at Monterey: The MV Agusta Motorcycle Collection

March 6, 2012

Mecum Auctions has consigned the impressive MV Agusta Collection to their 2012 auction in Monterey, California comprised of 71 machines ranging from a 1946 MV 98 “3 Velocita” race model, to a 2007 MV F4 1000/312 Bonneville. This one-of-a-kind gathering of exquisite motorcycles is the result of collector Gary Kohs’ lifelong mission to acquire only the very finest examples of what many consider to be the “Ferrari of the motorcycle world,” and has assembled an amazing collection of Count Giovanni Agusta’s legacy of rolling Italian art.  This unprecedented offering at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Saturday August 18, 2012 will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the finest motorcycle collections in the world as a single lot on the auction block.

Mecum 1946 MV 98 3 Velocita race model

1946 MV 98 3 Velocita Race Model

“A collection of this scale, depth, and quality is a rare accomplishment worthy of international celebration,” says Gavin Trippe, motorcycle division manager at Mecum Auctions. “It is essentially a complete museum exhibit poised for showcasing MV Agusta’s mark of excellence that can be displayed in less than 5,000 square feet of space.  We are pleased that Mr. Kohs has entrusted Mecum to offer his world-class collection at our auction in Monterey. Headlined by the 1953/54 ex-works 125 Grand Prix Racer, winner of the Isle of Man TT, virtually every model of motorcycle, race bike, scooter, and agricultural tricycle from the MV factory is represented.  This could easily be considered the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Mecum 1953/54 ex-works 125 Grand Prix Racer

1953/54 ex-works 125 Grand Prix Racer

Collector and enthusiast Gary Kohs comments, “This is not just a collection of motorcycles, this is a collection of art, and I’m thrilled that Dana Mecum and his staff agree that keeping it together as one is so important.  MV Agusta is the only marque that can truly represent the post-war history of the motorcycle, and I look forward to sharing it all with the international motorcycle community.”

The MV Agusta Collection will be on display for preview during the month of May in Indianapolis, Ind., as well as Monterey, Calif. in July and August during MotoGP at Laguna Seca, and will remain on display in Monterey until the auction Aug. 16-18.  For the most up to date information, schedule of events, preview times, visit www.mecum.com/mvagusta or call 262.275.5050.

Mecum 2007 MV F4 1000/312 Bonneville

2007 MV F4 1000/312 Bonneville

 

Schedule:
Mecum 2012 Monterey Auction
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
1 Old Golf Course Road
Monterey, Calif. 93940
Aug. 16-18, 2012
Admission: Free
Preview: Gates open Thursday-Saturday at 8 a.m.
Auction: Auction begins Thursday- Saturday at 10 a.m.
(All Times Pacific)

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How Hobbyists Changed State Tax Property Laws

March 2, 2012

By Matt Agosta, President of Steele Rubber Products and ARMO Legislative Chair

1953 Studebaker Champion

The beginning of the year got off with a bang for our lawmakers; just look at the notices from the SEMA Washington office for proof of that. Many of our state legislatures are considering pro-automotive legislation, but are some going way out in left field?

Take the state of Virginia which introduced a bill authorizing local municipalities and counties to raise property taxes on un-plated vehicles, not currently exempt, to a tune of $100 to $500 per vehicle per year. Exempted are cars and parts under restoration or repair stored on private property for fewer than 60 days. This would dilute existing state law that limits the ability of local authorities to implement restrictive ordinances preventing collectors from pursuing their hobby. Under current law, at least two inoperable vehicles being actively repaired or restored on private property are exempt from any local ordinance if shielded or screened from public view.

Fortunately, many hobbyists responded to the SEMA Action Network (SAN)call to action. Working with Virginia’s hobbyist groups, the SAN was successful in making changes to the proposed bill; totally exempting all vehicles 25 years or older and exempting all other vehicles undergoing restoration or repair that are stored on private property for less than 60 days. All vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempt. This bill has been approved by the House of Delegates and must now move to the Senate. Who knows what the final outcome will be.

Why is the car hobby singled out? Are we an easy mark? We have got to be vigilant in protecting our right to pursue our hobby. When I see laws like this introduced, it makes me wonder to what extent lawmakers will go to fill their coffers or what rights I will be forced to give up. What’s next, a tax on unused furniture sitting in storage? Will they impose a tax on our aging parents if they are no longer making a contribution to humanity? I know that sounds silly, but laws like this can be a slippery slope. We see it being played out today at the Federal level with more government intrusion in our lives.

I’ve said it before; lawmakers don’t intentionally make laws to hurt good people. As was the case in Virginia, they just don’t know or are unaware of the unintended consequences of their bills. It’s up to us to help them see how we are affected. The point here is that there is a better chance to influence the outcome of a bad bill if you get involved early in the process. Once the bill becomes law, it’s nearly impossible to make changes. Lawmakers just don’t want to re-visit issues that have already been decided, even if it was a bad decision.

So, the next time we get a SAN Action Alert, we can’t wait for the other guy to take action. He might not be there to help us. Or if you become aware of an issue that could affect you and/or the hobby, let us know by alerting the SEMA Washington office. They have helped me with a local zoning ordinance in the past and I know they can also help you.

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Lyonheart K: An Homage to the Jaguar E-Type

March 1, 2012

Today, my heart belongs to Classic Factory’s modern interpretation of the Jaguar E-Type, the Lyonheart K. Sorry Ferrari.

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Lyonheart K

Photos from AutoBlog

The LYONHEART K, an all-new, truly British luxury sports car was launched on February 21, 2012.

Classic Factory, the Swiss design company, recently enjoyed a huge worldwide success with its modern interpretation of the legendary Jaguar E-Type, designed by Robert Palm in collaboration with Bo Zolland. In order to meet customer demand, decision was taken to build a limited series.

Robert Palm, CEO of Classic Factory, said: “We want to make the ‘Made In England’ label into a truthful concept, not just a statement. Every part of the Lyonheart K is developed, engineered and hand-built in England. The design clues of the Lyonheart K reflect Britishness at its best: cool, elegant, refined, understated yet powerful and dynamic.”

The 5.0 Litre Supercharged V8 delivers 550PS and 680Nm of torque. Carbon fibre panels cover a state-of-the-art aluminium chassis, keeping the weight below 1600kg. The Lyonheart K reaches 100kph in under 4 seconds and tops 300kph (electronically limited).

Lyonheart’s design philosophy is simple, use only genuine materials: carbon fibre, leather, veneer, polished stainless steel, brushed aluminium and chromed metal, nothing else. Extreme attention has been given to every exterior and interior detail. The aluminium engine is revealed by opening the traditional, front-hinged clamshell bonnet.

The Lyonheart K is entirely hand-built in Coventry by skilled craftsmen and a new company has been founded: Lyonheart Cars Ltd. The order books for the 50 first Lyonheart K cars are now open at a basic price of EUR 495,000 (without taxes). The estimated delivery time is 18 months.

For more information: www.lyonheart.com

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Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Released

February 29, 2012

The Ferrari F12 is here!


Video from Jalopnik

I’m sure you’ve already read all about its 6.3-liter V-12 engine and its 0-124 mph time of 8.5 seconds… So here are some pictures (courtesy of MotorAuthority) to tide you over.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

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Auto Metal Direct Releases Full Quarter Panels for 1967-1969 Barracudas

February 21, 2012

1968 Barracuda

The sheet metal professionals at Auto Metal Direct have just released factory-style full quarter panels for 1967, 1968, and 1969 Barracudas. Unlike “skins” which must be welded onto old rusty panels, these new OEM-style, full quarter panels feature all correct lips and turned edges, including the lower portion of the roof sail panels. These brand new OEM-style quarter panels can be used for Barracuda hardtop and convertible models with slight modification.

Barracuda Front Panel

AMD offers three different panels, reflecting the slight differences for the 1967, 1968 and 1969 model years. All are made on AMD’s steel tools, and fully coated with EDP.

Now you can replace rusty or damaged original quarter panels on your 1967, 1968, or 1969 Barracuda with beautiful, brand new top quality reproduction panels.

For pricing and full details, visit AutoMetalDirect.com.

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