Pebble Beach's annual Gooding Auction is an indicator of the health of the American classic car market. On August 16/17, 2014, it will be that time again. Some of the offerings are already known and the estimated prices already suggest new record results.
Barn find Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America
They are still turning up, undiscovered examples of the Lancia B24 S Spider Americas, of which only 240 were built.
The unrestored version offered by Gooding was one of the last vehicles built in 1956 and then shipped to America. The car later made its way to England, only to return to America in 1986, where it lay dormant for over 20 years and is now to go under the hammer as a garage find for USD 900,000 to 1,100,000. According to Gooding, this car is an ideal candidate for a concours restoration.
One of 453 Shelby Cobras
453 road-going Shelby 289 Cobras were built between 1962 and 1965. This means that each of the surviving vehicles is automatically a rarity. Offered for sale for the first time in 30 years, this 1965 Cobra is one of the last examples produced and thus has benefited from all the improvements that have been incorporated over time, including rack-and-pinion steering, Ford electrics and Stewart Warner instruments.
The Cobra is now expected to find a new owner for USD 800,000 to 1,000,000.
American pre-war icon Mercer
The Mercedes Raceabout is one of the American sports car icons of the pre-war years. The 1920 Series 5 model offered by Gooding had been in the same family since 1945 and took part in the Glidden Tour in 1949. The car was also featured in an advertisement for the oil company Gulf.
Now USD 300,000 to 400,000 is expected when the hammer falls in Pebble Beach on August 16/17.
In addition to the three cars briefly presented here, Gooding will also be offering a Toyota 2000 GT (1967), a Mazda Cosmo Wankel sports car (1967), a Lamborghini 400 GT (1966) and an Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ1 (1965).
More information about the Gooding auction at Pebble Beach can be found on the Gooding website.
