Under the Hood with Angelo Van Bogart - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

What? A Cadillac outsells a '57 Chevy convert?!
Posted by Angelo

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 10:31:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

Comments [1]

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Saturday salvaging
Posted by Angelo

It's been nine years since I moved to central Wisconsin to work for Old Cars Weekly, and I'm still surprised what treasures lurk around the the area. Last weekend, I found a new 'field of dreams,' and it was right under my nose.

Since winter is coming early to central Wisconsin this year, I took advantage of the reprieve from the rain and the slightly warmer temperatures last weekend to scout out a salvage yard I had never been to.

I learned about the yard at the 2009 Iola Old Car Show. A vendor there had several fenders in his booth, plus photos of cars in what appeared to be a salvage yard. I always stop to check out these photos in hopes I’ll spot a car like one of my own, and sure enough, there was a mid-1950s Cadillac coupe in the photos. Then I noticed the yard was within a half hour of my home! I inquired and grabbed a business card with the plan to stop at the salvage yard this summer. Well, I missed summer, so I wasn’t going to let the fall pass without a visit.

It turns out, I had actually driven past the yard this summer without my internal salvage yard diving rod going off. Thanks to the thickly wooded landscape, the yard wasn’t obvious until you drive well behind the owner’s home. My visit last weekend showed the fun begins about 100 yards beyond the house and past the tree line in an obscured but open field.

There aren’t a lot of prewar cars at Tom's Classic Cars & Parts, but there are plenty of mid-1950s to early-1980s cars. And while the yard isn’t huge, it’s certainly worth a visit since the cars are desirable and many are complete. A more in-depth story will appear in Old Cars Weekly, but in the meantime, enjoy these pix from Tom’s Classic Cars & Parts, located at 10281 Buelow Road, Amherst, WI 54406 (715-258-0362).

A cute little 1941 Buick fastback that could be resurrected.

A thought occurred to me upon seeing this 1946 to early-1949 Plymouth two-door sedan: Why do you never see these cars street rodded? If it weren't for the dented roof, this one would definitely be worth saving. Perhaps a fan with good skills will still drag it home and restore it.

Given its rusty front fenders and sedan status, this '49 Buick Roadmaster will probably remain a parts car. Perhaps if Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise had driven a '49 Buick sedan instead of a convertible, it would be a different story. As it is, this Buick's story won't have the happiest of endings.

Here's why I came to Tom's Classic Cars & Parts: a trio of mid-1950s Cadillacs. The siren that called to me from a photograph isn't pictured, but I was told there were three to four 1954-1956 Cadillacs. I spotted three, including the pictured 1956 Coupe deVille and 1954 Series 62 coupe. The '56 had some engine parts yet, including the desirable air cleaner with an asking price of $150, exactly what they sell for in online auctions.

A trio of new arrivals: A 1966 Chevrolet four-door sedan, 1946 Nash coupe and a 1957 Cadillac Series 75 limousine. Iola Old Car Show attendees who have been behind the downtown district may recognize the limo -- it has been rotting behind a local business for many years, and now it's found safe haven at Tom's no-crush yard.

Yup, a '57 Chevy two-door sedan, and it has relatives at Tom's Classic Cars & Parts, including an equally stripped hardtop, plus more complete sedans and station wagons.

Tom's Classic Cars & Parts is surrounded by a county-imposed metal fence, but you get a taste for the treasures inside by the early1960s Comet coupe and 1960 Chevrolet sedan outside.

You don't see too many 1960 Ford Starliners in salvage yards. This one is getting stripped and its getting rusty, but I'm sure there's a rare part waiting to be found on the car yet.

Like bubble tops? There are at least four of them in this yard, two Buicks and two Chevrolets. I regret I didn't determine whether this 1961 Buick was an Invicta or LeSabre.

One of the two 1961 Chevrolet Impala two-door hardtops at Tom's Classic Cars & Parts (the hood and rearview-mirror for the second is visible in the foreground of this image). At least one more resides in Tom's personal collection. Watch for pix of this car's twin in OCW.

If you like mid-1960s Chevelles, pay Tom's a visit. This is one of at least two 1967 Chevelle two-door hardtops; the second is even more complete. Watch for pix of this car's twin in OCW.

My great grandma drove a 1967 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan, so I have a long-standing affinity for '67 Chevys. This rust-colored Impala sport coupe tripped my trigger.

The owner of Tom's Classic Cars & Parts is a true enthusiast out to save cars. While many would have crushed this 1969 Buick GS 400, Tom saved it. Even though the engine, bumper and front clip are gone, he notes there are many rare options remaining inside the car, not to mention all of the GS emblems.

The hobby puts 1969 Chevelle SS convertibles on a pedestal,
and at Tom's Classic Cars & Parts, that's literally the case.
It's rare but it's too far gone to even consider for restoration.
Now, this 1969 Chevelle SS convert is simply salvage yard art,
a position it accomplishes beautifully. During my visit to Tom's,
a previous owner of this car was looking for partd for another car
and hinted at some of the wild adventures he had with the Chevelle.

Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:31:57 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [1]

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Converted to a 'pickup man'
Posted by Angelo

I have some pretty evil friends who enjoy a good taunt. When we were in high school, and I was driving my ’62 Cadillac Coupe deVille and they were driving trucks (1980s Dodge Rams and Chevy 1500s), the song “Pickup Man” by Joe Diffie came out.

If you know the song, you know the lyrics include the line, “You can set my truck on fire, and roll it down a hill, but I still wouldn't trade it for a Coupe deVille.”

Well, they played that song over and over and over again, just because they knew it drove me nuts. But now, after all the taunting has died down, I can admit there’s a little bit of “pickup man” in me, too.

I haven’t sold any of the Coupe deVilles, but I bought a truck to use as an everyday driver, particularly in the winter. And I love it.

Other than being pretty good-looking vehicles that remain as easy to work on as rear-wheel-drive cars, there’s also a huge aftermarket parts network to personalize trucks. Headlamp covers. Brake lamp covers. Custom grilles. Lift kits. A huge custom wheel selection. The combinations are absolutely endless to make a truck your own.

I haven’t tacked on any accessories to my two-wheel-drive 2000 Silverado 1500 yet, but I have been eyeing a few covers and grilles. I’ve already snapped up a used flat lid to cover the truck bed and bought a set of factory wheels that are in better condition than what was on the truck.

My friends have since stopped playing that song to taunt me, but I’ll have the last laugh yet. I plan on using that truck to save my Coupe deVilles from the ravages of winter, and to carry around parts for the finned machines. And while I love the way the truck rides and drives, you could set that truck on fire and roll it down a hill, and I’d be happy to trade it for a Coupe deVille. Preferably a white 1960.

I guess you can put the man in the pickup, but you can’t take the Cadillac out of the man.

Here's a recent picture, with the bed cover removed to haul and after a wheel switch. These steel wheels have what I believe is a stainless face so they won't corrode like the aluminum wheels originally on the truck. Plus they are shiney, and shiney is always good.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 4:32:37 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [1]

Friday, October 09, 2009

Cashed out Clunkers
Posted by Angelo

While on vacation, I swung through a couple dealerships to scout out the "gross-polluting clunkers" that were traded in for $3,500-4,500 during the cash for clunkers program. I didn't spot the 1997 Aston Martin DB7 Volante, 1998 BMW Z3, 1984 Buick Riviera convertible or the ultra-desirable 1987 Buick GNX that appeared on the government's list of "clunkers" that were traded in. Such cars were exactly what my were fears were: some pretty desirable cars such as these went to the scrap heap in the sky: 19 1985 Buick Riviera convertibles, 240 rear-wheel-drive Monte Carlos from the 1980s and countless Cutlasses built on the same platform and other cars that will make you scratch your head (including the three 1987 Excalibur phaetons). Also, it's worth noting that the intercooled turbo Buick GNX was clumped among 10 other ASC products from 1987 states as "unlisted" models; what were those other ASC cars? Were there more GNXes among those "clunked," but the sales people was just too lazy to complete all of the blanks, or just didn't know what they were receiving?

I did, however, see one of the 1,021 1992-'96 Buick Roadmaster station wagons (a car appearing in good condition and loaded, so you know there was an LT1 under the hood) and one of the 978 1992-'96 Roadmaster sedans traded in under the program.

What I also saw were some very good-looking trucks that looked like they could carry many more loads of lumber, yard supplies and furniture. But not anymore. There was also a sharp-looking late-1990s Cadillac Seville with the desirable red pearl metallic paint (an additional $500 when new) just as my dad was shopping for such a car.

My brother, who recently graduated from high school, just started a job at White Bear Dodge in the Twin Cities and has seen the process for destroying the engines of clunkers. As he explained it, the oil is drained from the vehicles in the parking lot. They are then driven without oil into the area for clunkers where the engine-destroying formula is poured into the crankcase. Within a few seconds of running, the engines quickly seize in an anti-climatic moment.

The good news is, these cars will soon be available for parts, as long as you don't need an engine!

View the list of clunkers traded in here.

Friday, October 09, 2009 8:27:44 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [1]

Monday, September 21, 2009

49 in 9 days? Nah - try 49 in 8, and in a '32 Ford roadster!
Posted by Angelo

Remember that story about the crazy guy who was going to drive his 1932 Ford roadster to 49 states in 9 days? Turns out he's not so crazy after all. According to Ken Gross, who featured Dave Straub in his "Speaking of Hot Rods" column earlier than this year, "Dave Schaub made it to Hyder, Alaska, driving his Roy Brizio-built, Edelbrock Chevy V-8-powered '32 Ford in 8 days, 16 hours and 48 minutes...his goal was '49 in 9!' and he actually did even better, finishing in under nine days.

"As this is written, he's very close to his goal of raising $100,000. He's still accepting contributions for the Ronald McDonald House in Stanford, Calif.," said Ken.

"It's a remarkable example of what one determined guy can do, when he sets his mind to it. And it's a great tribute to hot rod ingenuity, endurance, good will and generosity."

Well said, Ken.

Ken also included photos of Dave visiting him in Virginia, showing the contrast between his traditional '32 roadster and his more modern highboy, as well as Straub in Hyder, Alaska.

Read the original story here.

To learn how to donate to Straub's cause, click here.

Monday, September 21, 2009 9:55:41 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [1]

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Early cars and Americana in Cross Plains, Wis.
Posted by Angelo

Here's an event that my friend, Don Chandler, helps organize in southern Wisconsin. Not only does the show feature many early automobiles, it's a celebration of Americana of an earlier time. For early car lovers, this year's event will feature such brass-era beauties as a 1909 International and a 1911 Ford Model T.

An Invitation to the 26th annual

Hill and Valley Antique Auto and Americana Show at

Baer Park in Cross Plains, WI

Sept. 19, 2009

We now embark upon the second quarter century of this truly different family-oriented event. Our guests describe the event as peaceful, safe, homey and just extraordinary. We believe that you, too, will experience a great day. We believe this show to be unique above all other car-related shows in that it is actually a celebration of America’s heritage and history represented through our historic displays and demonstrations of crafts and skills that include blacksmithing, wheel making, quilt making, spinning, lace making, sauerkraut making and woodcarving.

An important part of the show is our Hill and Valley Tour. The tour is about 22 miles (or 1 hour) in length through the many hills and valleys in Cross Plains, Wis. Tour participants leave the park in two segments, each going different directions. Midway through the tour, they meet and pass, which is reminiscent of days long gone by. At 1 p.m. there will be car games for Model T and A Ford owners.

It is believed that there are generally more prewar vehicles at this show than any other in the state that we are aware of, so if you are an owner of a very old vehicle you will be right at home. Although Model T Fords are showcased, we wish to emphasize that all collectable vehicles 20 years old and older are most welcome.

This is not just about vehicles. There will be food, live and recorded music, and an arts and crafts show. Our musical entertainment, namely “The Good Times” have been invited back and have agreed to return again.

The traditional pancake breakfast will be served from 6:45 to 10:30 am. Later in the day, “corn-on–the-cob” will be served near the “antique steam engine display”.

This event is free to the public. Registration for those bringing a car for display is $8. We encourage you to come out and spend what we hope will be a most pleasant day with us.

Thursday, September 17, 2009 3:14:22 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [0]

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Jim Wangers lands in Green Bay
Posted by Angelo

The legendary Jim Wangers, best known for his connection with the GTO Tiger and making the car a legend in its own right, swung up to Green Bay for the Big 3 Performance open house and the company’s sneak preview of its Jim Wangers signature edition 1969 Judge GTO, which will be completed and unveiled at the SEMA Show (watch for a cover story in OCW in late October).

It was the first time I met Jim, and what a great guy and a treasure to the hobby. Jim vividly recalls the automobile industry’s “glory days” as he calls them, and has GREAT stories about what went on behind closed doors. I finally picked up a copy of his book “Glory Days,” and can’t wait to tear into it. I’m very proud to say he’s an OCW subscriber, too.

Here are a few pix of Jim, posed with the Hooters girls (hey, their short shorts matched the GTO!), as well as my pick of the car show that was held in conjunction with the open house.

There are lots of mild mods on this 1969 GTO from Jim's favorite year of production, and per Jim's rightful demands, the Big 3 Performance Jim Wangers signature edition Judge has a 505-cid Pontiac mill. Note those Pontiac Rally II -style wheels.

Jim and the ladies.

Jim revved up the new Goat and the crowd couldn't get enough. Several people requested he repeat his performance before the engine even cooled.

I'm a sucker for silver muscle cars, and this 1973 Barracuda owned by Aaron Staub wore a fresh coat, set against a black interior. The 440-cid-powered Barracuda has only been done for a week, and Staub joked, "The tires onlly have a mile and a half on them." MoPar fans won't question the fit on the hood; they know that the bowed-up center of the hood means the hood is a real AAR 'glass unit. Staub built the car as a driver, since his 8-second, black-on-black 1971 'Cuda is a bit too much for the street.

Sunday, September 13, 2009 6:18:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [0]

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

What a ride!
Posted by Angelo

It's not every day you get to see a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa at speed, nor is it any decade you get to see an Aston-Martin DBR1. But it might be a once-in-a-lifetime event to get to see these two cars race against eachother, unless you were watching sports car racing in Europe in 1958 or '59.
Your chance to see these ultra-rare, ultra-valuable cars doing what they were meant to do -- pound the pavement -- once again has a small window. That window will be at the Simeone Foundation Museum Sept. 26.

England Vs. Italy; Aston-Martin Vs. Ferrari Demonstration Day On September 26

On the fourth Saturday of September, we will be putting on a Demonstration Day that would be very hard to duplicate anywhere in the world. We'll be taking our Aston-Martin DBR1 (ex Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Jim Clark) out to drive against the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa once driven by Ritchie Ginther, among others. This recreation of the 1958/59 Championship season will be an event you won't want to miss.
In preparation for the Demonstration Day, we've had both cars out back doing some trial runs. You can't imagine how wonderful they sound - and smell!

The show starts promptly at 12 Noon, Saturday Sept. 26. Rain date is the next day, Sunday at Noon. Admission is included with the regular Museum admission.

Now that you know the who, the what and the when, here's the where:

Simeone Foundation Museum

6825-31 Norwitch Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19153

(215) 365-SAFE (7233)

There are many other opportunities to see some of the world's most historic and exotic cars, sometimes in motion, at the Simeone Museum. Click here to go to the museum's web site for more dates.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009 8:53:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [0]

90 year old, '73 Catalina go six feet under
Posted by Angelo

When 90-year-old Lonnie Holloway went down for a "dirt nap," he didn't go alone -- he took his 1973 Pontiac Catalina two-door hardtop and his gun collection with him.

Getting buried with a car isn't legal in every place, but apparently there are no rules against it in Saluda, S.C., where the man was buried earlier today before hundreds of onlookers. The car (and the deceased owner) were lowered into the South Carolina earth using a tow truck, but not before the deceased's friends filled the trunk with his arsenal.

There doesn't appear there was a cement tomb for the Pontiac and its owner to be encased -- just good, ol' dirt. Before it went down, the Pontiac's engine, fuel, tires and transmission were reportedly removed.

Unfortunately, it appears the green Catalina had a lot more miles to go, unlike its owner. Hopefully, the Pontiac will hold up better in the South Carolina dirt better than the 1957 Plymouth in Tulsa. At least until grave robbers dig up the car to get at the guns in the Pontiac's trunk.

For a pic, go here.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009 8:42:23 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [2]

Hot Wheels Hunting
Posted by Angelo

Treasure Hunts
’37 Ford, No. 5/12
It’s not an apparition and it’s not a ghoulish figure, it’s a real phantom, and one you can pick up for only a buck.
Ford, of course, made woodies through 1951, and from 1949 until the end, those woodies were two-doors, but it never made a 1937 two-door station wagon.
Following the fad of creating two-door wagons where only four-doors were offered, Hot Wheels has unleashed its own take on the phenomenon with its ’37 Ford in the coveted Treasure Hunt series. This nearly all-metal casting was offered earlier in the $3 range as an upper-level Ultra Hot before joining the “basic” series’ Treasure Hunt line. At $3, this was a pretty good score, but for $1, it’s a down right steal. Unfortunately, that bargain price comes with a challenge: finding a Treasure Hunt is, literally, like finding a needle in a hay stack, plus your timing ought to be impeccable to beat someone to this car.
For Treasure Hunt duty, the ’37 Ford has a metallic blue body (fenders, hood and all) with a wood-colored plastic body. The inner woodgrained panels are a darker brown than the framework, and to take your imagination back to “Surf City,” there’s a black roof panel with a central red stripe down the middle with delicate pinstriping accents of the Von Dutch style, perhaps gleaned from a customized Malibu surfboard. The wheels on this standard Treasure Hunt are the handsome five-spokes, but if you like the fancier (and cooler) whitewall Real Riders found on some Hot Wheels, and you like a challenge, look for the Super Trea$ure Hunt$ version. The wheels for the Real Rider tires have red centers and the body paint is a bit darker on the Super Trea$ure Hunt$, but you’ll be glad you found it.

2009 New Models
Custom V-8 Vega, No. 23/42
If you like your Chevys light and mighty, then you’ll bond with this Vega. Hot Wheels breathed more life (and cylinders) into what, in my opinion, is the best-looking Vega: the early, split-bumper models that look like a chip off big-brother Camaro.
Hot Wheels version adds an early-‘70s-style Camaro chin spoiler and ‘Vette-type hood scoop, but the rest of the subtly (and tastefully) modified car looks all Vega, and just the way Chevy built it.
This 2009 newbie is shown in a metallic teal with the front and rear side lamps appropriately painted with black tampos for the hood scoop accent and side stripes, which incorporate the Hot Wheels banner. The body is all metal, and the chassis is chromed plastic to match the Ferrari-type grille.
If you like your Chevys light and nimble, here’s a chance to catch a Vega the way Chevy should have built it – with V-8 power.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009 3:38:39 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [7]

Google Sponsored Links

Free Updates

Search

Navigation

Archives

Links