THE BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERTS SPEAK: “Pontiac fever” in Scottsdale and Symposiums in Palm Beach
March 16, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson Pontiac Expert Jim Mattison
A member of the Barrett-Jackson team of automotive experts for a number of years, Jim Mattison of Shelby Township, Michigan, is the guru of everything from the GM “excitement” division, as well as a devoted Pontiac collector. He is the founder of Pontiac Historical Services (PHS), which he created in 1989 after receiving a call from a Pontiac employee, who told him they were getting ready to dispose of the company records from 1961 through 1986. He jumped at the chance to obtain the priceless information that details how each Pontiac was built during those years.
To say it was a great week for Pontiacs at Barrett-Jackson’s 45th Anniversary Scottsdale Auction is somewhat of an understatement.
I felt some electricity in the air over Pontiacs in the days leading up to the auction, largely because there were a number of really good and rare cars on the docket. The planets started to align early on, with two Special Edition Trans Ams going for commendable amounts on Wednesday: a 1977 model (Lot #480) for $82,500 and a low-mile 1980 version (Lot #480.1) selling for a whopping $110,000.
Lot #480.1 – 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Bandit Edition – SOLD $110,000
The next day, the buzz continued when a 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am (Lot #763.1) with only eight miles on the clock sold for an incredible $187,000 – a new record at auction for any 1979 Pontiac. Now, if you think back to Barrett-Jackson’s 2015 Las Vegas Auction, another seemingly similar 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am (Lot #369.1) sold for $41,800. For a 1979 car, it, too, had relatively low mileage, with 17,100 actual documented miles. The differences in the value for what on the surface seem to be almost identical vehicles can be attributed to a number of things. All cars look great under the bright lights of the auction block, but that is where the similarity ends. Condition, originality, correctness, mileage, paint, interior, engine/transmission, options, restoration quality and history all play an important role in what a given vehicle will bring at auction. In this particular case, mileage alone made the difference – the car sold in Scottsdale was virtually as-new.
Lot #763.1 – 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition – SOLD $187,000, a new record at auction.
Also, Thomas Stutzman, a well-known Pontiac collector, brought seven noteworthy GTOs and one Trans Am (Lots 1343 through 1350) to the Scottsdale auction. Arriving on the stage one after another, they were some of the best and rarest GTOs in the country. After the last of his eight cars crossed the block, they tallied up an amazing $1.396 million – including a ’67 GTO Ram Air and a ’69 Trans Am Ram Air III each going for $176,000.
Of course, the Pontiac that brought the house down during the Scottsdale auction was the 1977 Trans Am (Lot #7004) that was the official car used to promote the hit movie “Smokey and the Bandit.” Delivered to the stage by none other than the film’s star, Burt Reynolds, this well-restored car sold for a jaw-dropping final price of $550,000. This is an all-time record for the public sale of a second-generation Trans Am.
The interest in Pontiacs has been steadily gaining over the last few years, in no small part because General Motors ceased production of Pontiacs in 2009. I also think the fact we have access to Pontiac factory records also has played into that rise in popularity. With each succeeding auction, the quality of the cars consigned increases, so I think this is a trend that could continue. It was inevitable that sooner or later this market would explode.
GO BEHIND THE HOBBY: Free symposiums provide an exceptional opportunity to learn more about collector cars
A key Barrett-Jackson goal over the years has been to continue to elevate and grow the car collecting hobby. The new generations entering the hobby ensure that the spectacular vehicles crossing the block will be appreciated and protected for years to come.
One way to elevate is to share knowledge. At the 45th Anniversary Scottsdale Auction, new “Behind the Hobby” Collector Car Symposiums were introduced to provide insight and appreciation about many aspects of the collector car hobby to auction attendees.
Some members of the Barrett-Jackson team of Automotive Experts (from left): Jim and JB Mattison (Pontiac), Dave Wise (Mopars), Kevin Marti (Ford), Steve Magnante (Mopars, drag racers and hot rods), Anthony and Roy Sinor (Corvettes), and Norm Meads and Jerry MacNeish (Chevrolet Super Sport and Z/28s).
The unique symposiums – which are free of charge to event ticket holders – will continue at the upcoming Palm Beach Auction. Barrett-Jackson has gathered together a number of industry experts to discuss a wide range of topics relating to car collecting. On Saturday, April 9, two symposiums will be held on the BB&T Terrace near the Auction Office at the South Florida Fairgrounds auction site.
The day’s first symposium (9 to 10 a.m.) is “Tips for Success in Buying and Selling Collector Cars.” The discussion will include the top five things to look for when purchasing a collector car, what to consider when viewing or inspecting a car, restoration tips for getting the most value at re-sale, documentation and auction prep. The panel consists of modern performance tuner and well-known car collector Ken Lingenfelter, Barrett-Jackson Automotive Experts David Wise (Mopar) and Roy Sinor (Corvettes), Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom Service Manager Jeff Catlin, and Barrett-Jackson Specialist Programs Manager Steve Chyrssos.
Saturday’s second symposium (10 to 11 a.m.) will be moderated by Barrett-Jackson Automotive Expert and TV personality Steve Magnante, a specialist in Mopars, drag racers and hot rods. Joining his panel for “An Advanced Look Into Collector Cars” will be five other members of the Barrett-Jackson Automotive Expert team: David Wise, Roy Sinor, Jim Mattison (Pontiacs), Jerry MacNeish (Chevrolet Super Sport and Z/28s) and Kevin Marti (Ford). Topics will include what makes a vehicle a collector car, a primer on engine sizes and output during the muscle car era, what attributes increase or limit collector car value, collector car fraud and the difference between seemingly identical cars.
Join us at the Palm Beach auction – and while you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of these informative symposiums. With the shared knowledge provided by these exceptional professionals, you’re sure to take away some valuable insider information.