One of the drawbacks of classic auctions is that they often leave potential buyers spoiled for choice. That is undoubtedly the case with this August Summer Classic Auction. There is something there for all tastes, with some of the lots showing promise as projects, some are turnkey vehicles, and some are purely parts cars. It is worth a close look because you might secure the car of your dreams.
The first cab off the rank is this 1966 Ford Mustang. Time has not been kind to this classic, with barely a glimpse of its original Silver Frost paint or Black vinyl top in the supplied photos. The cosmetic shortcomings are the least of its problems because it has a severe case of the typical rust associated with First Generation Mustangs that have spent years exposed to the elements. The seller states that they believe it is only suitable for parts, because most of the glass is good, and the engine bay houses what is believed to be its original 289ci V8. One interior feature that might generate interest is the first owner’s decision to order it with a bench seat. That isn’t an exceedingly rare choice, but it is undeniably something that sets this Hardtop apart from the crowd. The other feature that might draw attention is the auction estimate of $300 – $600. If it is close to either of those figures when the hammer falls, I can’t see how the winning bidder could lose on the deal.
A better prospect for those seeking a pony car could be this 1967 Mustang Convertible. Once again, there are rust issues requiring attention, but they aren’t on par with those present in the ’66. What makes this car stand out is the paint shade. It looks too bright to be Candy Apple Red, making me believe it might be Aspen Red as applied to that year’s Ski Country Specials. Only the Trim Tag would reveal the truth, making this classic worth a closer look. The Black soft-top is tight and most of the glass is good, although the back window is extremely cloudy.
The first owner selected some desirable options with this Mustang, equipping it with a 289ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The engine’s specifications are unknown, and the seller hasn’t fitted a battery to determine whether it runs. Buying this car involves a leap of faith on that front, but like the ’66 Hardtop, this is another First Generation Mustang featuring a bench seat. The auction estimate for this drop-top is $5,000 – $8,000.
If your taste is more European, the auction estimate of $1,000 – $2,500 might draw you to this 1970 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The seller confirms it received an amateur restoration in dazzling Lemon Yellow years ago, but it still presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic. The seller acknowledges that part of the process included some rust repairs in the floors, which probably deserve a close look to determine the work quality. The Black soft-top fits well, and apart from some chips and a couple of small dents on the trunk lid, the exterior looks pretty nice.
Potential buyers are flying blind with the Beetle when the subject turns to its specifications and health. It is unclear whether the air-cooled flat-four is original, and with no battery, it hasn’t been tested. The simple engineering of these classics might make revival possible, and any parts that might be required to return the car to a roadworthy state are typically cheap and easy to find. Its highlight could be the interior, with the Black vinyl and plastic in excellent condition. There is even an aftermarket radio/cassette player to provide background music as the winning bidder cruises the street with the top down.
If you subscribe to the “big is beautiful” school of thought, this 1960 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday SportSedan could be your cup of tea. It presents impressively following an older professional restoration and is ideal for someone unable to tackle a project build. Its Provincial White and Dresden Blue paint combination is classy, an impression accentuated by the rear fender skirts and enormous expanses of glass. I spotted some chips and surface corrosion on the roof, but with the restorer undercoating the vehicle’s underside, it is rock-solid. The interior presentation is as impressive as the exterior, with only a few dashpad cracks and headliner flaws for the buyer to address. It scores air conditioning and power operation for the windows and front seat. Under the hood is the company’s 394ci V8 that sends 314hp and 435 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. The listing states that this Olds is “ready to take family or friends to cruise nights or car shows.” The auction estimate for this car is pretty broad, with the seller quoting figures of $8,000 – $16,000.
The doors for this auction open in Union, Illinois, at 8:00 am on Monday, August 19th. Bidding commences at 10:00 am, leaving a few days for potential buyers to examine the lots to see if anything catches their eye. I have provided a brief selection, but you will find the complete catalog listed here at Donley Auctions. I wish you luck if you do join the bidding action, and I am sure I am not alone in waiting with bated breath to learn the results if you do.
Scrap the skirts, paint the top white and you have my dad’s Oldsmobile. As big as it was it really got after it when you mashed the gas pedal. It was so big it wouldn’t fit in the garage so my ’32 took it’s place.
I bet that rear glass would be a difficult item to find if you needed another one. Very unique design.
That rear window was used across all GM brands in 1959 and 1960, in the 4-door hardtop configuration, so the glass may be easier to find than you think.
If you do find one be very careful transporting home.
my dad had one, nutmeg brown body with a light gold roof, it was fast, had the color bar speedometer, it also had a speed warning system the consisted of an audio sound that let you know when you exceeded the speed you preset, my brother backed into a 1973 impala with the Olds and just about totaled the Chevrolet, very little damage on the big 98.