Archive for the ‘Auction’ Category

Many investors and auto hobbyists alike are understandably still pretty shaky about putting money down on the stock market. But that hesitation hasn't shown any lasting sign of translating to the top of the market for collector cars.

That's the verdict after last weekend's big Monterey auctions, long considered some of the top sales of the year, and strong indicators of what's moving and shaking.

According to the LA Times, this year's Monterey auctions together made more than $116 million; that's down from last year's pre-stock-market-plunge $130 million total, but very respectable all considering.

While those without a personal fleet...

If you're a fan of the 2007 Transformers movie, you might be interested to know that the 2005 Saleen Mustang "Barricade" featured in the film was recently put up for auction. (You might have been even more interested if you'd known about this before the auction took place, but sometimes we're slow on the draw.) The 4.6-liter V8 went for a very reasonable $30,000 and is one of only three in existence. If we weren't so bummed out over Transformers ROTF, we might've even put in our own bid. [iCollector]

If you're heading to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, we suggest a quick side-trip to the Mecum auction taking place in Monterrey, California this Saturday. Among the many lots perched on the auction block, you'll find this baby: a fully restored, supercharged 1970 Dodge Charger. And as a bonus for movie buffs, the Hemi-powered coupe was featured in the original Fast & Furious movie, where it was driven by Vin Diesel. No word on the price it might fetch, but it's probably less than Diesel made on the film and more than our annual take-home. [Mecum via AutoMotto]