I’ve frequently discussed the contents of my hypothetical ‘dream garage’ with fellow vintage vehicle enthusiasts, but by which means that garage is filled isn’t mentioned. Of course, it could be as easy as turning to the pages of our parent publication Hemmings Motor News or visiting Hemmings Auctions and Hemmings Marketplace online. But what if you found yourself with an opportunity to travel to a collector car destination, such as Scottsdale Auction Week?
The 2024 edition of the annual desert southwest extravaganza is offering ample fantasy purchasing opportunity, courtesy of five public auctions packed into a scant seven-day schedule. And then there’s must-attend prelude, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance that was held on January 20-21, which could easily spark classic car ownership dreams not previously considered. The number of “what if” opportunities are practically limitless. Think “kid in a candy store” with a bottomless pocket of virtual cash.
So, you start to fanaticize…without reading the fine print attached to this idyllic shopping dream. Rather than shop with a “money’s no object” approach to collector car acquisitions, you must seek deals, courtesy of a modest budget.
With the latter, monetarily undefined restriction at the forefront of my mind, I ventured to the first fantasy bidding opportunity at Barrett-Jackson. Gates opened on January 20 as well; however, collector car gavel action didn’t commence until Monday when 120 of more than 1,700 lots (in total) were offered. The following are three cars from different decades that caught my eye. But had I been holding a bidder’s paddle, would my purchase have been kind to the budget, or not?
1960 Rambler Cross Country
In theory, one of the easiest ways to enter the realm of collector car ownership is to look at orphan makes, which often play second fiddle in popularity contests. It’s unfortunate, for many orphan make designs of the Fifties or Sixties are compelling. Companies like AMC didn’t have deep fiscal resources like that of Chrysler Corporation, which meant its stylists had to be creative. A case study is this 1960 Rambler Custom Cross Country. Look at its profile, and it’s easy to spot the transition between the basic sedan’s body shell and an extension that effectively created the wagon’s rear roofline. It negated costly retooling for an entirely new body shell.
This example was billed as a two-owner, six-passenger station wagon that was factory-equipped with the optional 127-hp, 195.6-cu.in. straight-six engine, paired with a Flash-O-Matic push-button automatic transmission. Reportedly, the only major work performed on the Rambler was a new coat of two-tone paint matched to the factory Echo Green Metallic and Frost White colors, and the front bumper had been rechromed. In addition, new shocks, brakes, exhaust system, and tires were installed (normal wear items). The rest of the wagon was said to be all original, including the headliner, seat upholstery, and floor carpet.
Being afflicted with the wagon bug, the odometer’s 53,218 miles and period luggage, both in the back and strapped to the roof rack, pushed me over the proverbial edge…had I possessed a bidder’s paddle. During the last five years, only one other 1960 Rambler station wagon sold at public auction: an American edition that brought $11,000 at Mecum’s 2022 Glendale sale. At Barrett-Jackson, this example, which showed minimal wear, sold for an impressive $31,900.
1973 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon
Cars from the Seventies are generally polarizing among vintage vehicle enthusiasts. Some feel several makes and models lack character, suffering from a variety of mechanical and design ails, while others covet those same vehicles, spurred by nostalgia. This combination of want and not means many cars fall into the realm of relative affordability.
Aside from the now-hot vintage SUV market, Seventies station wagons typically counter the notion that vehicles from the decade are, well, worthless. Malazingly, many forget that station wagons have been desired all along, first as family commuters, then as demolition derby combatants, and today as collectible vehicles. Like this 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon.
According to the placard, until it’s consignment to the Barrett-Jackson sale, this Chevy had remained with its original owner from new. Powered by a two-barrel, 400-cu.in. V-8 (the placard erroneously stated the engine was a 350) and paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, this nine-passenger vacation cruiser looked to be wearing its original white paint and Di-Noc woodgrain siding, as well as its brown interior. Few details were mentioned beyond that: the clamshell tailgate motor had been replaced and newer tires were mounted to the Chevy’s wheels. Admittedly, some wear was present, which had us rate the car as a fully functional condition 3+ driver.
Over the course of the last five years, 24 second-generation (1971-’76) Caprice-badged cars have sold at public auction for an average cost of $31,222. That seemingly high number was driven by the sale of 16 convertibles, 11 of which exceeded $30,000. Yet interestingly, only one of those 24 recent sales was a station wagon – this one – which brought $11,000.
1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham LS
Let’s skip to the Eighties, another era that some will argue was nothing more than a vast wasteland of nondescript metal, plastic, and problematic computer controlled operating systems. Part of that could be attributed to the evolving attitudes of car ownership. Going somewhere used to be an adventure, but now it was a necessity. Getting there, economically and/or in comfort, was a means in which to complete a day’s toil. Many steeds were simply used up, and coupled with manufacturing and engineering changes, fewer cars survived than those from the Fifties and Sixties. Which makes clean survivors relative rarities today.
Take this 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham LS, for example. Less than 10 years removed from its record-setting production dominance, the GM division from Lansing was still a highly respected name in both design and quality among consumers. Such plush models were a poster child for affordable luxury to boot. Which may help explain why this example was in stunning condition. Nary a speck of rust could be found in any crevice; body panels were solid; the cabin smelled factory fresh rather than of mothballs or stake cigarette smoke; and the 307-cu.in. engine idled smoothly. The only noteworthy repair was a new vinyl top that had recently been installed. Everything else was factory original.
A review of the last five years revealed that 24 eighth generation (1977-’85) Eighty-Eight-badged cars have sold at public auction for an average cost of $9,133. Of those 24, four were gasoline-powered four-door sedans – like our example – that sold for an average of $5,756. Which makes the $4,950 sale of our featured Brougham LS a fine auction bargain indeed.