If you follow classic and vintage car auctions, as I do, then you know that Ferraris from the 1960s have proven to be a pretty sound investment. The “Prancing Horse” brand has done so well that many global and class records have been broken this year. Mecum’s annual Anaheim auction, held from November 13 through 15, 2014, saw this trend continue as a 1965 Ferrari 275 stole the show and garnered a top closing bid of $2,150,000. Three Ford GTs took the next three places and a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible seized the number five spot. Let’s take a closer look at these five outstanding automobiles, and the next five as well.
1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR Convertible
This pristine example is red with a white stripe and white convertible soft top, autographed by the great Carroll Shelby. Features include an automatic transmission, factory air conditioning a power top, power steering with a tilting column, power disc brakes, AM/FM radio, Magnum wheels, and a rebuilt 428 c.i.d. Cobra Jet V8 engine that is set-up to produce 335-horsepower. $122,500
1963 Volkswagen 23 Window Micro Bus
Surprise! I know that it was for me; this is a comprehensive ground-up rotisserie restoration that is certified by the VW museum. The two-tone paint scheme is skillfully accomplished by going all of the way to the bare metal, using turquoise and white, by DNR Restorations and Octavio’s Upholstery is responsible for the interior. Have you got an old VW van parked in the barn? This one sold for $125,000.
1970 Plymouth Superbird
Order is restored in the auto universe. If there is a Superbird in the auction, and it is in decent shape, expect it to draw top bids of over $100k. If you like to win car shows, then a Superbird is the car for you. This one has already won its fair share (First Place at the 2003 NASCAR Spring Fling, included) and some trophies were included with the car. It is 1 of only 308 440 c.i.d. “three-deuce” Superbirds built with a four-speed manual transmission. $127,500
1954 Buick Skylark Convertible
This Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) award winner is one of only 836 skylarks manufactured in ’54. It features wide whitewall tires wrapped around wire wheels, a Fireball V8 engine with an automatic transmission, power steering, and power windows. This Buick looks the way it did when it rolled off the assembly line and sold for much more. $132,500
1994 Porsche 911 Speedster
Some lucky collector got in on the ground floor of this Porsche Speedster that will probably sell for a bazillion bucks in a decade. 1994 marks the last year of the air-cooled Speedsters and this one is done in triple black with yellow accents. It has a 3.6-liter engine, with only 8,500 actual miles, a five-speed manual transmission and factory air conditioning. $175,000
1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
This is a numbers matching, rust-free car that represents one of only 532 built for 1953. In Cadillac style, it is red on red with a 331 c.i.d. V8 and a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. There are less than 100-miles on the car since its full restoration. What was the final bid? $210,000
2005 Ford GT
This is the first of three GTs in the top ten lineup. It features a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, factory intercooler, six-speed manual transmission with overdrive, McIntosh audio, and BBS wheels. Honestly, despite these cars were auctioned off amidst great fan fare, the final bid was commensurate with their typical selling price; in some cases less. This one sold for $250,000.
2005 Ford GT
Yes, another one; this time in Centennial White with blue stripes. This car sold for nearly $100k more than the previous entry. Why? Seven actual miles on the odometer. It also has lightweight wheels, a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine mated to a Ricardo six-speed manual transmission, copies of the original MSO and FMC dealer sheet. $340,000
2006 Ford GT
This car is one of 343 Heritage Edition GTs produced in ’06. It only has 5,718 miles on the clock, and rides on BBS forged aluminum lightweight wheels. It features a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine and honorary paint scheme in Heritage Blue with Le Mans Orange stripe and the number 6. He number is inspired by the Ferrari beater (at Le Mans) of the 1960s. $375,000
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Short Nose
This is one of the most beautiful little red sports cars that you will ever see; having said that, I cannot see the recent appeal for the vintage Ferrari label. Still, if I were buying strictly from an investors point of view, I could only choose some sort of a 1990s or later Italian Stallion, preferably with a Pininfarina body
