GOING FASTER: Four Of America’s Greatest Automotive Icons Selling With No Reserve In Palm Beach
March 16, 2022
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by David Neyens
Lot #744.1 – 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – Selling with No Reserve at our 2022 Palm Beach Auction.
Rooted in prewar motorsports and the grand coachbuilding traditions of the pre-World War II era, customizers gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s by elevating normal production-line automobiles into unique creations equally capable of winning races and shows. America’s “Big Three” automakers watched these early backyard designers and fabricators closely and, by the 1950s, incorporated many of the forward-looking ideas advanced by the rodding and restyling crowd into their own dream cars and production models. Entirely new industries quickly emerged, supplying racers and customizers with a huge array of parts and services, and allowing virtually anybody to turn even the most humble and unlikely cars into unique and outrageous expressions of their owners’ creative visions.
Each selling with No Reserve at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, April 7-9, the fabulous vehicles in this selection, based on four of America’s greatest automotive icons, celebrate originality and exemplify the artistry of the custom car.
LOT #743.1 – 1941 WILLYS AMERICAR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743.1 – 1941 WILLYS AMERICAR CUSTOM COUPE
In the early days of hot-rodding, the drag strips of America were filled with fat-fender Willys “gassers” winning races and setting records everywhere. This highly modified 1941 Willys Americar coupe is a fabulous example, combining brute-force power with surprisingly luxurious touches. Power is delivered by a supercharged and fuel-injected 454ci Chevy big block engine detailed to show quality and featuring a full array of modern high-performance goodies, culminating in a custom side-exit exhaust system. A TH400 Stage 3 automatic transmission delivers the power with a B&M QuickSilver floor shifter to a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear axle. Additional features include rack & pinion steering, a custom powder-coated frame with 4-link rear suspension, chrome-plated control arms and spindles, and Baer cross-drilled and zinc-coated disc brakes. Boldly finished with custom-painted flames over a black-and-white two-tone paint scheme, this wild Willys features a leather-upholstered interior equipped with bucket seats, a custom console, chrome tilt steering column, billet steering wheel and Dolphin instruments. Power windows, high-tech CCD cameras in place of mirrors and a Vintage Air climate-control system provide an unexpectedly comfortable experience. The quality and workmanship of this stunning Willys extend to the custom trunk. Custom Budnik aluminum wheels wrapped in large Hoosier rear tires finish off the look.
LOT #744 – 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744 – 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435 CONVERTIBLE
With its refined styling cues and wide range of factory-available power teams, the 1967 Corvette Stingray remains a hands-down collector favorite today. Interestingly, it was not intended for production as a 1967 model, but since the third-generation “Shark” body style was deemed not ready for its intended release date, the proven C2 was sold for one additional model year. This example benefits handsomely from a comprehensive frame-off restoration that included many correctly dated original and New Old Stock (NOS) parts. Sporting exceedingly demanding Tuxedo Black paint, the Corvette is complemented by a premium Teal blue leather interior. Power is delivered by Chevrolet’s legendary 427/435hp Tri-Power V8 engine, backed by a Muncie M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission with a 4.11 posi-traction rear axle. Other highlights include extremely rare RPO L89 aluminum cylinder heads, the side-mount exhaust system, power 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering and optional F41 suspension system. Additional features include power windows, an AM/FM push-button radio and factory clock. Handsome cast-aluminum wheels mounting Firestone red line radial tires provide road contact.
LOT #744.1 – 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744.1 – 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
The 1967-69 first-generation Camaro line stands as an unqualified legend today with uncanny good looks and the ability to accommodate virtually any powertrain combination imaginable. This professionally built 1969 Chevrolet Camaro convertible features the full Resto-Mod treatment, with amazing power delivered by a Holley-carbureted 572ci GM Performance V8 engine equipped with a polished GM Performance intake manifold, Chevrolet-scripted aluminum rocker covers and polished billet serpentine accessory-belt drive system. A Be Cool aluminum radiator with twin fans ensures cool running, and a 5-speed manual transmission and SSB high-performance disc-brake system handle the Camaro’s massive power output. The custom white leather interior delivers outstanding comfort with bucket seats, power windows, Autometer Phantom gauges, a Pioneer stereo system and a Vintage Air climate-control system. Totally modern underpinnings are courtesy of Detroit Speed and Engineering, with American Racing Torque Thrust wheels and BFGoodrich G-Force KDW tires providing rolling stock.
LOT #743 – 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743 – 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
Quite likely the most popular postwar American automobile ever produced, the 1957 Chevrolet defies time with its amazing ability to adapt to virtually any use imaginable, ranging from economical basic transportation to all-out competition and everything in between those two extremes. Finished in deep gloss black, this custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible was professionally restored and updated by world-renowned Patrick’s Classy Cars of Phoenix, AZ. Ample power is provided by a GM Performance Hot Cam LS3 V8 engine, breathing through a Jet Hot-coated dual exhaust system and backed by a GM 4L80 automatic transmission. The Art Morrison GT Sport chassis provides an awesome foundation for the Bel Air and includes a chrome 4-link rear suspension, Strange 9-inch posi-traction rear end, and 4-wheel disc brakes with polished calipers and drilled and slotted rotors. Power and handling are delivered by a set of 18-inch polished Budnik wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich G-Force tires, with directional control via power rack & pinion steering gear, a tilt column and one-off custom steering wheel. The luxurious black Italian leather interior features black suede appointments and choice passenger amenities, including power windows, climate control using the original Chevrolet dash vents, smoked glass, a leather-covered center console with cup holders, and AutoMeter American Muscle Series gauges. Consistent with this top-quality restoration and custom build, the power top is fitted with quality European canvas and a glass rear window.
Tastefully customized or restored to original, these four American classics stay true to their heritage. Register to bid today for your chance to take one home from the Palm Beach Auction this April.
LOT #743.1 – 1941 WILLYS AMERICAR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743.1 – 1941 WILLYS AMERICAR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743.1 – 1941 WILLYS AMERICAR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743.1 – 1941 WILLYS AMERICAR CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744 – 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744 – 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744 – 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744 – 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744.1 – 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744.1 – 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744.1 – 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #744.1 – 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743 – 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743 – 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743 – 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
LOT #743 – 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE