Automotive icons come in all shapes and sizes. What they have in common are memorable design and landmark status.
Five of the auction offerings on this week’s AutoHunter docket fit the definition of icon, in my humble opinion, each coming at the concept from a different direction. All of them are quite special in their own ways.
Everybody loves the sporty design and cool details of these two-door wagons, which make up in high style what they might lack in practicality. Originally presented as a Corvette-based show car, the Nomad came to market as an upscale version of the newly minted ’55 Chevy Bel Air.
This Nomad benefits from a fresh resto-mod treatment that includes such modern upgrades as a 350cid V8 with a Holley Sniper EFI kit, an Edelbrock intake and performance headers, paired with a 700R4 automatic transmission.
The body has been refinished with a two-tone PPG paint job and lowered over a set of Danchuck custom wheels, with power steering and power brakes, with discs up front.
The TD was an update of the original MG TC, also known as “the sports car America loved first.” Drivability was much improved over the TC, though the appearance was changed only slightly from the traditional British style. Still, a classic form that continues to resonate.
This TD was restored a while back, and while the repaint still looks fresh, the interior appears to be entirely original. The little sports car retains its 1,250cc inline-4 engine and 4-speed manual transmission.
MG fans will be quick to note that TDs all came with solid steel wheels, while this one has been fitted with a set of Dunlop-style wire wheels, including the rear-mounted spare; the original wheels come with the car, the seller says.
The third-generation Corvette was an exciting development for the fiberglass sports car, with its “Mako Shark” update of the acclaimed C2 models.
This C3 Vette is in highly original condition in its factory color of green metallic with correct Rallye wheels, original AC with recently replaced compressor, and numbers-matching 350cid V8 linked with a 3-speed automatic transmission. Just over 100,000 miles show on the odometer, which the seller says is accurate.
The coupe looks like it’s been well-maintained and in very good condition.
1969 Plymouth Road Runner coupe
One of the most memorable cars of the muscle era was the Road Runner, which managed to meld high performance with a Warner Brothers cartoon character. “Meep-meep!”
The first-generation Road Runner has been professionally restored, the seller says, “with special attention to maintaining factory fit and finish.”
The 383cid V8 with 4-barrel carburetion was factory rated at 335 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque, and in this car, hooked up to a 3-speed automatic transmission. A true muscle-car classic.
Probably the most iconic of all these cars, this Beetle “is the recipient of a recently finished cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment, which included a professional respray, replacement running boards, refurbished interior, and a replacement 1.5-liter flat-4 paired with a 4-speed manual transaxle,” according to the seller.
A life-long resident of the Pacific Northwest, the VW’s body is painted in Savannah Beige over a brown vinyl interior and comes with an owner’s manual, car cover and spare radio, the seller says.
These simple air-cooled cars are renowned for their durability, and this one looks ready for many years of fun driving.
