Five Race-Inspired Picks From Auctions America’s Upcoming California Sale
The vehicles found on auction lineups usually run the gamut from mild to wild, and Auctions America’s upcoming California sale is no different. We’ve often scrolled through auction catalogues with disbelief that the cars of our dreams are right there, for sale.
And this intriguing 1991 Lola Chevrolet T91/00 IndyCar is one such machine.
The car: 1991 Lola Chevrolet T91/00 Indianapolis Racecar
Price: $100,000-125,000, offered without reserve
From what many consider to be the “golden era” of modern IndyCar racing, it was a period in which talented drivers, constructors, and deep-pocketed sponsors helped to deliver some of the most memorable on-track action fans had seen.
The example on offer is one of Arie Luyendyk’s cars and it ran in six races during the 1991 season. Winning with it at Phoenix, he finished third in Detroit, and a remarkable second in the Michigan 500—imagine showing up to your next track day in this…
The car: 1955 Porsche 356 “Pre-A” 1500 Speedster by Reutter
Price: $340,000-380,000
We adore the Porsche Speedster, and the early examples are often some of the prettiest and best-performing classics of that era. Drivable just about anywhere, they’re at home in modern traffic and easier than most classics to maintain yourself, if you so choose.
This example wears a complete frame-off restoration, and was finished in ivory with a black soft-top and interior. While its spec sheet may suggest sluggish performance, its iconic air-cooled 1,488-cc 4-cylinder engine with 55 horsepower and light weight make quick work of the twisties.
The car: 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS
Price: $2,000,000-2,600,000
Often cited as one of the most driveable and enjoyable road-going Ferraris, this 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS is one of just 99 built and is motivated by the company’s sonorous race-derived V12 engine. 300 horsepower for the road is plenty—just enough to pass slower vehicles but not enough to make it unruly on unfamiliar roads.
This example was purchased from William Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors in 1967, and owned by a Los Angeles collector until entering the Pond Collection in 1993. From there, it was sold to the current owner, who refinished the car in Rosso Corsa.
The car: 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I GT Roadster
Price: $120,000-150,000
Often overlooked in the face of more exotic—or pedestrian—machinery, the Sunbeam Tiger is actually the best of both worlds: it wears subdued British roadster bodywork but is motivated by a powerful V8 engine, just like the Shelby Cobra.
This example comes with a matching hardtop, roll bar, “highly modified” 260 cu. in. V8 engine, and four-speed manual transmission. It steering and brakes have been upgraded as well to ensure enjoyable fast-road driving. Inside, the comforts of the day are all present—radio, wood steering wheel, and woodgrain dash.
The car: 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Price: $1,100,000-1,400,000
This 300 SL Roadster has benefitted from a charmed life among well-caring enthusiasts. One of its caretakers was Ned Stone Tanen, a Hollywood studio executive famous for his work with artists like Elton John and Neil Diamond and movies like American Graffiti, The Blues Brothers, The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. As Auctions America notes, he purchased this car at the apex of his career and quickly ensured it was mechanically and cosmetically up to snuff.
After his death in 2009, his collection was auctioned and this car was sold to its current owner, who continued its maintenance regimen and as a result is a fine car for just about any classic car event you can think of—the Mille Miglia, Targa California, the Colorado Grand, Tour de France Automobile…
To be held at the historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Auctions America will be presenting its revitalized California auction on July 17-18. Details and a frequently updated list of entriescan be found on its website: auctionsamerica.com
