’57 Buick, ’58 Bonneville set pace at American classic car auction in Germany

German online auction house Auctionata wanted to do something unique, so it staged a sale including only 1950s and ’60s American cars.

“This era of American automobile history stands for roaring engines, tailfins, and chrome on each trim,” the company said in announcing the sale held earlier this week. “With the auction ‘Classic Cars — U.S. Cars Collection,’ Auctionata revives the spirit of the fifties and sixties.”

Of the 40 lots offered — 33 cars and seven “collectibles,” including vintage U.S. gas-station fuel pumps and sofas made from car parts, 25 were sold with 14 additional sales pending. The 25 lots sold for a combined $573,000.

Leading the pack were a 1957 Buick Century convertible and a 1958 Pontiac Bonneville custom sport coupe, each selling for more $52,100 including the buyer’s premium.

Other high sales were $59,465 for a 1955 Buick Special convertible and $41,650 for a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette convertible.

Perhaps the most publicized car in the sale, a genuine 1962 Los Angeles Police Department cruiser with its siren still operational, sold for $9,765.