OCW reader Jim Schild dropped me a sad note to report that "Duesenberg: The Pursuit of Perfection" author Fred Roe passed away Nov. 12. I learned from Kit Foster, Old Cars Weekly's Q&A guru, that Fred had suffered a massive stroke earlier this year that left him unable to communicate.

I collect a lot of books, but "Duesenberg: The Pursuit of Perfection" is among my most read. The book has rather a simple format: lots of photos and deep, informative captions. In writing "Cadillac: 100 Years of Innovation," I used this format for each photo I selected, thinking that, as a reader, I enjoyed information shared this way.

Roe also set a template for how I believe all books on rare cars should be presented: car-by-car with photos and captions for all known examples. Other books on cars of a similar nature that do not follow this format, regardless of lay out, all fall short, in my opinion.

As someone who really enjoys Duesenbergs, I was always a big fan of Roe and finally met him one year at Hershey. I was even able to give him some rare factory photos I had collected that he had not seen. I very much enjoyed corresponding with him on the occasion.

PETTY'S GARAGE NOW TURNING OUT CUSTOM MACHINES
NASCAR Facility Sending First Car to Barrett-Jackson Auction for Charity


Level Cross, N.C. (November 10, 2009) - The change at 311 Branson Mill Road in Level Cross, N.C., a facility that has produced more race winners than any other shop in the history of NASCAR, is amazing.  The employees of a newly-formed Petty's Garage are transplanting that legacy of success into a new endeavor producing performance automobiles there.  The first car from the historic garage will be a custom 2009 Dodge Challenger to be sold for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in January 2010.     

"For 61 years, Petty Enterprises built, engineered and raced some of the most-historic cars in all of NASCAR right from this shop," said 'The King' Richard Petty.  "You're talking about Plymouth Belvederes, Superbirds, Road Runners, Torino's and Dodge Chargers.  When racecars went from being a purely production car to a car built from the ground up, or modified, solely for racing, many of them came out of Level Cross.  We are proud of what we were able to accomplish here and it was important for us to keep this place going." 

Over the years, Petty Enterprises garnered268 wins in what is now the Sprint Cup Series, ten championships and nine Daytona 500 wins from this facility.  Now, Petty's Garage will focus on the manufacturing of performance vehicles, including the "museum-quality" restoration of vintage race vehicles, custom cars and high performance street vehicles.  The first complete car project is the build of a Dodge Challenger to be sold at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in January of 2010 by the Petty Family Foundation (PFF).  The proceeds of the sale will benefit the PFF and the charities it supports.

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world.  The company produces "The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif.  Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings.  

"Richard Petty made a huge impact at our Scottsdale event earlier this year when he helped sell another MOPAR for charity," stated Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson.  "We're pleased that he chose one of our world class automotive lifestyle events to showcase the shop's talents and raise money for such a fantastic charity.  It will be truly a historic event where someone will get to own a well-documented car built by the one and only, Richard Petty." 

The 2009 Dodge Challenger was completely disassembled and placed on a rotisserie so it could be painted the trademark Petty Blue by BASF R ̶ M.  Reassembly included a Late Model 426 Hemi by Arrington Engines with 585 hp, Pedders suspension upgrades, Brembo Gran Turismo brakes, a new Corsa Exhaust system with a Petty's Garage custom center exhaust exit and refinished all of the suspension to Petty Parts Blue by BASF R ̶ M.  Body Modifications consisted of a Petty's Garage custom front fascia and rear bumper cover, Petty's Garage custom rocker panels, rear spoiler and Petty's Garage branded interior seats and door panels.

"This Challenger is special to me because I wanted to build something that I would drive on a daily basis," stated Petty.  "I wanted the car to have a race car look, but be functional on the street and I think the guys really captured that. But most importantly it provides our foundation with the platform to help our Veterans, children with life threatening illness and our neighbors in need.   Everyone at Petty's Garage is excited about getting this Challenger to Barrett-Jackson in January.  I think it will do well when we get there.  It definitely shows our capabilities and the auction will put us in front of the right people to show what we can do."  

The Petty's Garage Challenger was displayed at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Las Vegas from October 7-10 and will be at SEMA from November 3-6.

Hagerty's 'Cocktail Cruiser' list inspired by 'Mad Men'

I call them cocktail cruisers -- the sporty yet elegant cars that epitomized American optimism before Kennedy was shot. These cars marketed with images of women in gowns and gloves and men in suit coats preparing for a night out on the town in a new Sport Coupe or convertible (usually a Thunderbird, Coupe deVille, Grand Prix, Chrysler 300 or Ford Galaxie).

Other cars have been marketed similarly, but what separates cars from the cocktail cruiser era from the others, is that these early-1960s cars were actually BUILT for a night on the town with interior mood lighting, a lounge-like interior atmosphere and names for all the cars' gadgets, which were only rivaled by the mixed beverages poured by the bartender.

That wonderful era is gone, but at least the cars live on. We also get glimpses through movies and TV shows, such as "Mad Men." Hagerty assembled this list, which has some similarities to the cocktail cruiser lists you've seen on the blog and in my editorials. Check it out for yourself.

How to Drive Like the MAD MEN: Top 10 Cars of the MAD MEN Era

Hagerty Picks Stylish, Sophisticated Collector Cars that Epitomize the Don Draper Lifestyle

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its premiere in 2007, the popular AMC show "MAD MEN" has renewed an interest in the sophisticated lifestyle of the early 1960s. For professionals of this era, the ultimate sign of success was a new car.

Hagerty, the country's leading provider of collector car insurance, has put together its picks of the collector cars that the most powerful and influential professionals of the MAD MEN era would have driven.

"Collector cars are a unique way to show off your sense of style and express your personality," said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. "The early '60s especially were an era when quality products and cutting-edge design still ruled in America. The ten cars on our list are great examples of the understated and sophisticated design style of this period, and their solid value today makes them a smart way to capture the essence of MAD MEN era."

Below are Hagerty's picks of "How to Drive like the MAD MEN: Top 10 Cars of the MAD MEN Era."

  1. 1963 Buick Riviera:  When Cadillac decided against

producing the Riviera, Buick enlisted McCann Erickson ad agency to

convince GM brass that the car should be a Buick. GM styling chief Bill

Mitchell drew inspiration from Rolls-Royce and Ferrari. Owners knew the

value of a powerful, yet beautifully understated car with plenty of

room for the mistress and weekend's luggage. And the iconic 1963

Riviera certainly filled the bill.

2. 1963 Corvette Sting Ray: The 1963 Corvette was

perhaps the last truly elegant Corvette before the muscle car era

arrived with all its ducts and scoops. A man could "expect a subtle,

extra measure of attention and respect" by arriving in such a potent

machine.

3. 1961-63 Ford Thunderbird: With the 1955 Thunderbird,

Ford introduced Americans to the concept of a personal luxury car. By

the early sixties, the boys from Dearborn had perfected the notion. Big

power, big comfort, "suddenly, you're in Thunderbird Country."

4. 1961-63 Lincoln Continental Sedan: Conceived just

before the beginning of the design-by-committee era, Elwood Engel's

magnum opus was the last mass-produced automobile to be designed by a

single man. A 1963 print ad showed the Continental, with doors open in

welcome. Below, the tagline stated: "For 1963, we have enlarged your

private world and provided you with added power."

5. 1961 Chrysler 300G: The G's styling was unabashedly

50's. But with up to 400 horsepower available and one of the best

suspension and brake packages available, the big Chrysler was more than

met the eye. Though outwardly traditional, its looks concealed inner

fury.

6. 1963 Studebaker Avanti: Studebaker was among the last

of America's independent automakers. Styled by a team led by famed

industrial designer Raymond Loewy, the Avanti was Studebaker's last

gasp. A Hail Mary Pass of a European-style GT, the Avanti was a lasting

icon of an era when the fiercely independent were heroes. While

Studebaker succumbed to a creeping death, Avanti production continued

into the 1980s.

7. 1962-63 Cadillac Coupe De Ville (perhaps they meant 1961-64 or 1963-64): No list
of great

1960s cars is complete without a Cadillac. The Coupe De Ville was a

neon sign announcing the "arrival" of a top executive. Young

businessmen did not want or even yearn for a new Cadillac, they aspired

to one.

8. 1962-64 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk: Although

Studebaker went out of business in 1966, it wasn't because their

products lacked style. The GT Hawk was fast, elegant, and understated. 


Though larger and more staid than its Avanti stable mate, the Hawk was

still a bold statement of independence.

9. 1963 Buick Electra 225: Though it was built by GM's

"near luxury" division, the Electra 225 carried plenty of prestige. 


Four vents on each front fender indicated Buick's largest available

engine and the big 401 cubic-inch V8 provided enough power to make even

Cadillac owners think twice. Though not as flashy as the Cadillac, the

Buick was grace and style made manifest.


10. 1963 Ford Galaxie XL Convertible: If the world or

even the solar system simply wasn't big enough, there was the Galaxie.

With a whopping 119" wheelbase the Galaxie convertible wasn't a car

you wanted to parallel park in Manhattan. Which is why the French

invented valet parking. True story, sweetheart.

Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. is the leading insurance agency for collector vehicles in the world and host to the largest network of collector car owners. Hagerty offers insurance for collector cars, motorcycles and motorcycle safety equipment, tractors, automotive tools and spare parts, and even "automobilia" (any historic or collectible item linked with motor vehicles). Hagerty also offers overseas shipping/touring insurance coverage, commercial coverage and club liability coverage. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com.

Sometimes, we get information on cool things to do, but it comes too late to get in the mag. This event at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is an opportunity to see drag racing pros in a Q&A format, and for free! Check it out:


Night of Champions at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by Automobile Club of Southern California
Free Admission and Open to the Public
Auto Club Q&A with NHRA Drag Racers and Museum Open House
Racing fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with drag racing professionals featuring Team Force hosted by Bob Frey on Friday, Nov. 13.

WHAT: The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California <http://www.aaa-calif.com/motorsports/index.asp>, is the place to meet and mingle with drag racing legends of past and present during the Auto Club NHRA Finals, Nov. 12-15. On Friday, Nov. 13th, the night kicks off with a Drag Racing Celebrity Book Signing at 5 p.m. featuring drag racing legend Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen and authors Tom Madigan, Lou Hart and Randy Fish. Then at 6 p.m., NHRA Announcer Bob Frey opens up conversations with Team Force – Robert Hight, Mike Neff, and others – for the annual Night of Champions, a question and answer format discussion between audience and racers.

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 13
Drag Racing Legends Book Signing with Tom McEwen            5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Auto Club Q&A with NHRA racers          6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Free Museum admission and extended weekend hours during Auto Club NHRA Finals, Nov. 12-15. Free Tram Service from Pomona Raceway (Gate J) to Museum.

WHERE: The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Building 3A (Fairplex), Pomona, CA 91768

Photo Opps/Interviews:      Drag Racing Book Authors Tom Madigan, Lou Hart and Randy Fish
Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen
Team Force
Museum Hours during the NHRA Finals:
November 12: Museum open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
November 13: Museum open from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
November 14: Museum open from 8:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
November 15: Museum open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Museum at 909-622-2133 or visit us online at www.museum.nhra.com .

I've never been to the Simeone Collection, but it was featured on the cover of Old Cars Weekly upon its opening. Pictures prove the collection is absolutely incredible, but one of the coolest things about the museum is it takes the cars out, fires up the engines and makes the rubber sing every once in a while. Now, you can vote on which cars you want to see dusted out during the next demo day.

Here's how to vote:

Make your voice heard this election Day! Vote for the two cars from the Simeone Collection would you like to see in the next Driving Demonstration Day, November 28th. Go to the "collection" page of our Web site (www.SimeoneMuseum.org) for a list of all the cars. Make your vote count!

OCW's Texas correspondent Greg Riley attended the visitation of recently deceased collector John O'Quinn and found a small cluster of cars at the visitation almost as impressive as the man.

As a Duesenberg fan, I can't help but point out J-572, a supercharged Bohman & Schwartz convertible coupe originally built for Prince M'Divia.

I figured I'd go with a new Challenger in a couple years, but adding Yenko goodies to a new Camaro isn't all bad either!

OFFICIAL 2010 YENKO CAMARO Prototype Debuts AT SEMA
 
Legendary Brand Remains Alive and Well
 
Westminster, Calif. – (October 28, 2009) General Marketing Capital Incorporated (GMCI) announced today that it will present its official 2010 Yenko Camaro Prototype to the public in the OER booth (# 23795) at the 46th annual SEMA Trade Show in Las Vegas, November 3-6.
 
The company will present the modern Yenko almost 44 years to the day that Don Yenko’s Corvair Corsa was officially recognized as a Class D Production Competition Car by the SCCA.
 
The official 2010 Yenko Prototype began its life on a 2010 Camaro SS platform. The vehicle then underwent several significant upgrades including modification to a “Phase I” Yenko Camaro Supercar. Preliminary highlights and specifications of this powerful vehicle include a high performance 600hp supercharged and intercooled LS-based engine, Tremec six speed manual high performance transmission, Hurst short throw shifter, 6-piston big brake package and Magnaflow high-flow cat-back exhaust system.
 
Plans call for three Phases to be available to take the fifth Generation Camaro from ordinary to extraordinary. This “Phase I” Prototype from GMCI maintains the unique retro appeal Yenko enthusiasts are so passionate about, while including significant performance upgrades to the stock GM specifications and keeping the car affordable. Phase II and III cars will have higher output engines and even more suspension and handling upgrades.
 
Additional Yenko branded upgrades to this prototype vehicle include: the Yenko stripe package, official emblems and badging, retro-styled 22” Yenko billet aluminum wheels, Yenko leather interior package featuring Yenko Super Car (sYc) embroidered headrests, Yenko/SC sill plates, Yenko/SC embroidered floor mats and more.
 
Nearly 45 years ago, racing legend Don Yenko embarked on a mission to build a race car that could effectively compete in the 1966 SCCA racing season. His inspiration resulted in the development of the Yenko Stinger, an SCCA race car based on the Corvair Corsa platform. It was in the last quarter of 1965 that Yenko’s plans for that vehicle came together changing automotive history forever.
 
Originally, the 60s era Yenko car was a special order vehicle, designed and built by Don Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, PA. Don Yenko used the Central Office Production Order (COPO) program, a program GM used for fleet vehicles like police cars, taxi cabs, etc. to special order the vehicles and then modify them into some of the most powerful vehicles available. Today, an original Yenko is one of the most sought after Camaros in the world.
 
For more information about GMCI or Yenko licensing, please contact GMCI Corporate Headquarters, P.O. box 12049 Westminster, CA. 92683 or info@gmcilicensing.com.
 

The new 2011 Caprice lacks the boxy charm of the 1980s versions and bubbly personality of the 1990s versions, but it has a V-8 and rear-wheel drive. I'm sold.


GM press release:

All-New Chevy Caprice Police Car Reports For Duty in 2011

DENVER – An all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. It’s a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features.

Chevrolet made the announcement at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention, in Denver, Colorado. The Caprice PPV will be available for ordering next year and will hit the streets in early 2011.

“The new Chevrolet Caprice police car is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement,” said Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas.”

Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Brent Dewar added, “Along with Impala and Tahoe, the Caprice PPV gives agencies a greater range of choices for police and special service vehicles that are all available from Chevrolet.”

Unlike other police cars on the market, the Caprice PPV is not based on existing “civilian” passenger-car model sold in North America. It has been developed in key areas specifically for police duty, containing modern equipment and features:

• Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds) and top speed; a V-6 engine will also be offered, beginning in the 2012 model year
• Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety
• Two trunk-mounted batteries, with one of them dedicated to powering various police equipment
• Designed for five-passenger seating, meaning the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without the concern of air bag deployment interference
• Compatibility with in-dash touch-screen computer technology
• Special front seats designed for the long-term comfort of officers whose car is their effective office, including space that accommodates the bulk of a typical equipment belt

The front seats are sculpted to “pocket” the equipment belt, which greatly increases the comfort for a great range of police officer sizes. The foam density of the seatback and cushion insert surfaces are designed to conform to the shape of an equipment belt’s various items, too, allowing the officer’s back to rest properly on the seatback surface.

“The Chevrolet Caprice PPV’s seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who spend long hours in their car,” said Bob Demick, lead seat design manager. “The shape also enhances entry and egress, making it easier for officers to exit the vehicle quickly. The seatback bolsters, for example, have been purposefully contoured to help pocket the equipment on the belt, which includes the gun, Taser and handcuffs, which rest comfortably in the sculpted lower bolsters. That also increases the longevity of the trim cover surface.”

Along with comfort, the materials used in the seats were also carefully selected. High-wear materials were chosen to stand up to long hours of everyday use, while breathability, long-term durability and ease of cleaning were also important criteria.

Engineers worked on several iterations of the seat, testing a couple of versions in the field to get real-world feedback from police officers, who used prototype seats in their cruisers for a month. Their input helped determine the final design.

Class-leading space

The Caprice PPV is based on GM’s global rear-drive family of vehicles that also underpins the Chevy Camaro. It uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture – 118.5 inches (3,010 mm) – along with a four-wheel independent suspension that delivers responsive high-performance driving characteristics that are crucial in some police scenarios.

Caprice PPV’s long wheelbase also contributes to exceptional spaciousness. Compared to the primary competition, its advantages include:

• A larger interior volume – 112 cubic feet / 3,172 liters – than the Ford Crown Victoria, including nearly 4 inches (101 mm) more rear legroom
• The barrier between the front seat and rear seat is positioned farther rearward, allowing for full front-seat travel and greater recline for officer comfort
• At 18 cubic feet (535 liters) free space (beyond battery located in trunk), the Caprice’s trunk volume is large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area.

The Caprice’s 6.0-liter V-8 is rated at an estimated 355 horsepower (265 kW) with an estimated 384 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission that is performance-calibrated for police duty. Additional, police car-specific powertrain and vehicle system features include:

• High-output alternator
• Engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers
• Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on center caps
• Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads
• Heavy-duty suspension components
• Police-calibrated stability control system
• Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature.

A host of complementary features are also offered, including special equipment packages such as spotlights; lockouts for the power windows and locks; and an “undercover” street-appearance package (9C3).

To enable more room for interior equipment, the standard radio can be relocated to the trunk, allowing for an in-dash, touch-screen computer to be used.

Caprice on patrol: A brief history

Chevrolet’s history with law enforcement is almost as old as the brand itself. Police departments have used Chevy sedans as police cars for decades, ordering them with basic equipment and powerful V-8 engines – including some special engines that weren’t available in regular-production models, such as the 1959 Biscayne that was offered with up to 315 horsepower.

The full-size Chevrolets joined the force in 1976. All Caprice police cars – including the new, 2011 model – have carried the 9C1 order code. Here’s a quick look back at Chevys on patrol:

1959 – Chevy Biscayne police model capable of 135 mph with specially tuned, police-only version of the 348-cubic-inch V-8 engine

1965 – The new “big-block” 396 engine is offered in Biscayne and Bel Air police cars, making them among the most powerful on patrol; a 427 V-8 was added in 1966

1976 – The 9C1 order code is given for the first time to a full-size Chevy police car package. It carries the Impala name.

1977 – The full-size Chevy is downsized. The 9C1 police package is retained, as is the Impala name.

1986 – The Caprice name replaces Impala, as the car is updated for the mid- and late-1980s – including the option of a powerful, 5.7-liter small-block V-8.

1991 – A new-generation Caprice is launched, with the 9C1 police car still on the beat.

1994 – The 260-horsepower (194 Nm) LT1 V-8 engine is offered in the Caprice 9C1, making it one of the fastest full-size police cars ever offered.

1996 – Caprice police car production ends, as GM’s full-size, body-on-frame car architecture is discontinued.

2011 – The Caprice PPV returns to active duty.

Well, I finally purchased a garage to story my cars (oh yeah, there's also a house on the lot), and I was reminded of why I put off buying a place for so long: leaves. I've rented a house for several years, but the stress to keep the lawn looking nice wasn't too relevant. Being a renter, and what the neighbors probably considered "rental trash," I was not too concerned with when the leaves were raked as long as it was done by spring. But now that I own a house, the stress is on to keep the leaves out of the yard and the dirty looks away from the neighbors. So when I got my '55 Cadillac back from being tweaked by the shop following an engine rebuild last week, I was torn.

The weather was finally nice last Sunday, and with a yard full of leaves and a dirty Cadillac (and some dirty Chevys), I decided to try working on the yard and cleaning the cars.  I started out raking, and after about three hours, I moved on the cars. I can say that I finished washing the '55 Cadillac and the '85 Caprice, but only half of the leaves were cleaned up. When it comes down to it, I'd rather see a dirty stare from the neighbors than a dirty car. Chalk a win up for the cars.

Maybe next spring I'll cut the trees down and pave the yard. More parking, less hassle.

I hate to see a fine collection of cars spread to the wind, but this isn't a perfect world. Oldsmobiles and Duesenbergs aren't in production, my favorite drive-in is closing for the season and '57 Heaven Museum in Branson, Mo., has closed its doors. Even when bad things happen, there can be a bright side, even if it doesn't shine as brilliant. I'll appreciate that pizza burger in spring a lot more when the Dari-Ette drive-in opens next spring, people value Duesenbergs for their place in history and the cars of the '57 Heaven Museum are in appreciative new hands that may expose the cars to car events the vehicles have never appeared.

The Oct. 24 sale of the contents of the '57 Heaven Museum was conducted by Mecum auctioneers with mighty results. What shocks me is that a 1957 Cadillac convertible outsold a '57 Chevrolet convertible at this sale, and the Chevy was an ultra-rare Morocco. It's always amazed me how a Chevrolet, which was far less expensive than a Cadillac, could regularly outsell its spendier GM sibling. But not at this sale. (Fellow Cadillac nuts will also notice the high-selling Cadillac was a Series 62 convertible, which also outsold a generally more-valuable Eldorado Biarritz. Perhaps condition was a factor here.)

It also surprises me that neither of the collection's 1957 Oldsmobile convertibles made it to this list, and 1957 Ninety-Eight and Super 88 and Rocket 88 convertible sales have been very strong in recent years. We'll get the details from John Lee's report of the sale in Old Cars Weekly.

If you want to do your own comparison of auction results for cars, go to Old Cars Report.

For those curious, here's the official press release from Mecum:


MECUM '57 HEAVEN MUSEUM AUCTION TOTALS $7 MILLION IN SALES
Classic Cars, Vintage Signs, Memorabilia from the Era
Crossed the Block during One-Day Event

MARENGO, Ill. - It was a standing-room only event as thousands of collectors packed into the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Mo., for the Mecum '57 Heaven Museum Auction on Oct. 24, 2009.  
      
Mecum Auction sold hundreds of items from the museum's unique collection of 1957 vehicles, authentic storefronts and automotive memorabilia, with total gross sales over $7 million (excluding buyer's premium).
      
"The Mecum team gathered a record number of pre-registered and registered bidders to buy pieces from the museum's incredible collection of cars, collectibles and re-created '50s-era storefronts like a drive-in movie and service station," said President Dana Mecum.  "The '57 Heaven Museum drew an international crowd as well, with interested buyers from around the world - including Australia, Japan, South Africa and England - making purchases."  
 
Attendees at the '57 Heaven Museum Auction bid on more than 75 classic cars and motorcycles of all makes and models.  Also up for bid were neon and metal signs; vintage men's and women's clothing; furniture; books; magazines; vintage movie posters; and children's toys.  
      
The '57 Heaven Museum Top 10 Sales (all sales reflect hammer prices) were:
1. 1957 Chrysler Dual Ghia Convertible (Lot S7) at $300,000
2. 1957 DeSoto Adventurer Convertible (Lot S61) at $250,000
3. 1957 Cadillac DeVille Convertible (Lot S56) at $245,000
4. 1957 Chevrolet El Morocco Convertible (Lot S26) at $230,000
5. 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible (Lot S55) at $210,000
6a. (Tie) 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible (Lot S28) at $195,000
6b. (Tie) 1957 Buick Super Convertible (Lot S29) at $195,000
8.  1957 Pontiac Chieftain John Zink Co. Record Setter (Lot S60) at $192,500
9.  1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Convertible (Lot S4) at $190,000
10.  1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible (Lot S31) at $172,500