BREAKING OPEN THE VAULT: Paulo Docouto brings another 20 cars to Las Vegas

September 23, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen

After a highly successful sale of a number of its vehicles at the Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction earlier this year, the Vault Portfolio is coming back to Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas with 20 additional vehicles, all selling with No Reserve.

Top consignors keep bringing their prized cars and trucks back to Barrett-Jackson over and over again for one reason: Selling their vehicles at the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions works for them.

Barrett-Jackson brings buyers and sellers together, delivering a superior auction experience for all involved and generating long-term repeat customers on both sides of the sale experience. That’s how the company does business and why it’s so successful, year after year.

For example, this year’s Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, Oct. 3-5 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, will see additional cars from the Vault Portfolio, a first-rate collection that will all sell at No Reserve.

The Vault Portfolio was organized by Paulo Docouto, the owner of an exclusive, high-end automotive storage boutique near Washington, D.C., known as The Drivers Vault. Catering to exotic and classic vehicles, The Drivers Vault provides services above and beyond automotive storage, making sure their valuable and treasured vehicles receive the utmost in care.

After a highly successful sale of a number of its vehicles at the Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction earlier this year, the Vault Portfolio is coming back to Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas with 20 additional vehicles. Here’s the lineup that will cross the auction block at Mandalay Bay.

1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 Convertible ([Lot #682.1](http://Lot 682.1 - 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283-270 Convertible))

[](Lot 682.1 - 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283-270 Convertible)After a model launch of just 300 units in the Corvette’s debut year of 1953, by 1957 production had taken off to a robust 6,339 units, with this gleaming black example a late-production model carrying serial number 5,699.

All Corvettes built in 1957 were convertibles, with seven available engine options and seven different colors. Under the hood of this Corvette is a 283ci, 270-horsepower powerplant, the second-most-powerful engine offered for the ’57 model year, thanks to a pair of 4-barrel carburetors. This was a comparatively rare engine option, as only 1,621 Corvette owners opted for this powerplant.

Of the seven Corvette colors offered in 1957, Onyx Black chosen by 2,189 buyers, who also could pick from beige or red interiors, with this car carrying the attractive red cockpit that contrasts nicely with the gleaming black paint.

This ’Vette has received a fresh frame-off restoration covering every nut and bolt on the vehicle. Like all the vehicles in the Vault Portfolio, it is in top condition and will sell at No Reserve.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe (Lot #683)

The 2014 model year marked a huge leap forward for the Corvette, as it was the first year for the seventh-generation ’Vette, commonly known among enthusiasts as the C7 Corvette. Virtually everything about the C7s were different than the models that came before, starting with the 6.2-liter, 455-horsepower LT1 V8, the most powerful base engine ever offered in the model.

Boldly styled on the exterior, the C7 received a hugely upgraded interior, with much higher-quality materials to give it a look and feel worthy of a true world-class sports car.

This widebody 2014 Chevrolet Corvette custom coupe, which has only 3,330 actual miles, was modified by the Forgiato Tuning Group for display at various car shows. In addition to the LT1 powerplant, it is equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The custom orange paint used on the exterior is also found on the custom engine cover, and throughout the interior trim. The custom paint and widened body add to the Corvette’s naturally aggressive styling.

1932 Ford Custom Convertible (Lot #681.1)

When you want the best build, you go to the best builders ‒ and that’s exactly what was done here, as this truly jaw-dropping 1932 Ford custom convertible was built by two legends of the street-rod industry, Frank Tetro of Harbor Auto Restoration and Bobby Alloway of Alloway’s Rod Shop.

Designed by Eric Brockmeyer, this outstanding custom rod is powered by a 502ci Chevrolet big-block V8 engine built by Keasler Racing. The block has been ground, smoothed and painted with a one-off polished Crower fuel-injection system, polished aluminum heads and manifold, and Sanderson ceramic headers.

Alloway’s Rod Shop built the frame, which was stretched 4 inches and now has a 108-inch wheelbase. The roadster rides on a 4-bar rear suspension with Alden coilovers, a Winter’s quick-change rear end with Dutchman axles and Buick Failes chromed rear drum brakes. Up front, Buick Failes finned and chromed drums hide modern disc brakes for better stopping power.

This build features a Rat’s Glass body with a steel hood, fenders, running boards and rear splash apron by Hercules Motor Car. All bodywork was completed by Harbor Auto Restoration and painted by Chanbon Auto Restoration in PPG black single-stage paint. The red leather interior features a Rat’s Glass dash with a modified Billet Specialties gauge insert wearing Classic Instruments gauges.

1932 Ford Custom Coupe (Lot #681)

Here’s another remarkable custom hot-rod build from the talented craftsman at Harbor Auto Restorations, who have taken a 1932 Ford Model A and transformed it into an award-winning show car that would be the centerpiece of any fine collection.

The good stuff starts under the hood, where a powerful 502ci Chevrolet big-block engine connects to a smooth-shifting Turbo 350 automatic transmission. Other features of this custom hot road include a steel frame, hood and fenders, as well as a fiberglass cabin. The frame features a chromed coilover suspension system and red wire rims with true center-hub knock-off wheels for that authentic hot-rod look.

Amenities include power windows and a power trunk. Inside you’ll find a gorgeous custom red leather interior with a fully custom backlit instrument cluster, cherry wood dash and matching cherry wood door panels.

This car was named an NSRA Pro Pick in Tampa, Florida, in 2009 and was presented with a Winner’s Circle Award at the 2010 Goodguys Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. The original concept renderings were hand-drawn by Eric Brockmeyer and are included in the sale.

1950 Chevrolet Woody Wagon (Lot #682)

Woody wagons have long been favorites of collectors both for their style and for the nostalgia of a bygone era of American history that they evoke. And this 1950 Chevrolet Woody Wagon is an exceptionally nice example of the genre, a beautifully restored wagon that would make any collector proud. It’s that clean and that nicely detailed.

Originally enjoyed by its owner in Florida, this sparkling-clean Chevrolet has been restored not once, but twice in the last 10 years, each time receiving a frame-off restoration with absolutely no expense spared and no corners cut. This is arguably one of the best 1950 Chevrolet Woody Wagons to be found anywhere, and it has been driven less than 50 miles since the most recent restoration was completed.

Under the hood is Chevrolet’s venerable Thriftmaster inline 6-cylinder engine, a rugged and dependable powerplant. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting 3-speed manual transmission for effortless cruising. The Woody retains its original 6-volt electrical system.

Other features include a full-size spare tire in a rear compartment and a central taillight that rotates as the tailgate lowers so the Woody can be driven with the tailgate down. The consignor says the fit and finish are excellent on this freshly restored classic.

1932 Ford Hi-Boy Custom Convertible (Lot #680)

Beautiful Ford hot rods from the 1930s are a huge part of the Vault Portfolio’s offerings, and this terrific 1932 Ford Hi-Boy is yet another example of the high-quality street rods found in this collection. Built by renowned hot-rod specialist Bill “Spike” Sipko of Deuce’s Wild Rod Shop in Pennsylvania, this all-steel Dearborn Deuce-bodied Ford won Best in Show honors at Vintage Tin 2008.

It is powered by a fresh GM ZZ4 350ci V8 crate engine topped by a pair of Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetors. The block, which connects to a Turbo 400 automatic transmission, is painted orange and shows off well against the orange body.

Other premium features include an aluminum radiator, 4-wheel disc brakes with polished aluminum calipers, coil-over suspension and custom Boyd Coddington wheels. The orange-and-black interior is trimmed in leather and suede, with a chromed tilt steering wheel and Classic Instruments gauges. The custom fabric top is removable from the chromed Duvall framed windshield.

1937 Ford Custom Coupe (Lot #445)

The creation of Jerry Beard and Al Summers, this fantastic Ford is a multiple award-winner. It has claimed numerous Best of Show honors, plus the Goodguys New York Eagle One Excellence Choice Award; Top 25 at Grand Run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and Boyd’s Pro Pick at Pleasanton, California. It was also shown at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, where it wowed attendees.

The good stuff starts under the hood with a General Motors fuel-injected 5.0-liter LT1 V8 engine with a Pete’s Fab engine cover. The powerful engine connects to a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission that transmits power to a Ford 3.55:1 rear end. Underneath is an The OZE chassis finished in Daytona Blue, with A-arms coated in CermaKrome. An Air Ride Technologies 4-link suspension system connects to Wilwood polished 4-wheel disc brakes, and the car rides on custom Boyd Coddington wheels.

The OZE body is finished in PPG Daytona Blue over Prowler Silver. The custom leather and suede interior features wool carpets by Twin City upholstery, as well as an Alcantara headliner, VDO gauges, a chrome steering column, Vintage Air, hidden switches, power steering and a stereo system.

1970 Ford Thunderbird Custom Coupe (Lot #680.1)

Built by Colorado-based Eddie’s Rods and Customs for the 2015 SEMA show, “Thunderstruck” is an amazing custom build that has been featured in several automotive blogs.

1933 Ford Custom Speedster (Lot #678.1)

Having been driven a mere 57 test miles since completion, this radical hot rod is powered by a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 engine and can sprint from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds.

1937 Ford Custom Convertible (Lot #444)

Yet another eye-popping custom build, this gorgeous 1937 Ford carries a body from the Wild Rod Factory. State-of-the-at amenities include Vintage Air and a spectacular custom leather interior.

1932 Ford Hi-Boy Custom Roadster (Lot #678)

Combining big-block Chevrolet power, impeccable craftsmanship, a great stance and sensational silver-over-red colors, this Hi-Boy is ready to turn heads everywhere it goes.

1933 Ford Custom Roadster (Lot #441)

Getting the look exactly right was the key in making this Ford hot rod stand out, and that it does, thanks to its yellow custom fiberglass body, windshield chop and aggressive profile.

1937 Ford Custom Coupe (Lot #442)

The body might be Ford, but under the hood is a powerful Cadillac small-block engine from Street & Performance. Features the best of the best build quality and technology.

1939 Ford Custom Coupe (Lot #445.1)

Prewar Fords make great street rods, and this black beauty is a fantastic example, with its contrasting leather interior and a television screen, DVD player and high-end audio system.

1939 Ford Custom Convertible (Lot #679)

Built by Ed’s Rod Shop, this Violet Pearl Metallic hot rod has only about 800 miles on it since its completion. Pearl ghost flames cover the hood, while a small-block Chevrolet provides power.

1937 Ford Custom Speedster (Lot #440)

Finished in stunning Tangelo Orange, this one was built by Steve’s Engines and Street Rods of Albemarle, North Carolina, with a gorgeous tan interior from Hobgood Custom Upholstery.

1932 Ford Hi-Boy Custom Coupe (Lot #443)

With a look that pays homage to the great hot rods built in the 1950s, this Victory Red Ford has a small-block Chevrolet under the hood and a rake that says it’s ready for action.

1937 Ford Custom Convertible (Lot #679.1)

Nicknamed “Wild Ride,” this exotic build is powered by a Corvette LT4 engine from Street & Performance. Vintage Air, power windows and a full leather interior complete the package.

2002 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Pickup (Lot #371)

From the fiberglass body with wide fenders and the leather interior to the air-ride suspension and hand airbrushing, everything about this high-end build is custom.

1956 Ford F-100 Custom Pickup (Lot #439)

Finished in lustrous Pearl Blue paint, this trick truck has a big-block Ford engine under the hood. Other features include a custom oak bed, extended-range fuel tank and air conditioning.

For up-to-date information on all the vehicles in the Vault Portfolio, click HERE.