Confession: Try as I might, I couldn’t come up with any sort of theme for my selections this week from the AutoHunter online auction docket. Well, except for this: The fact that there was something about each of the cars that piqued my interest.
But to me that’s the fun part of going to a car auction, be it live or online. Unless there is some specific vehicle on the docket you’re eager to buy, it’s just fun treating the event as a treasure hunt and being open to be surprised and delighted by what you find.
Such as:
1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe
Ever since I watched Dale Earnhardt Sr. racing one of these in NASCAR, I’ve been fascinated by this General Motors body style with its big, slanting rear window. Only a couple hundred of these cars were produced so that Chevy could race them in NASCAR (Pontiac also got a version).
This Aerocoupe is No. 3 of 200 and reportedly has been driven less than 33,000 miles since new. Research conducted by the previous owner and the GM Heritage Center indicates the car likely was one of five PEP (Product Evaluation Program) cars used for media test drives and for display at NASCAR tracks, and the seller notes that such cars could be purchased by GM employees after their corporate service was done.
Power comes from a 305cid V8 linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
1954 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 convertible
This Olds convertible is stunning since being repainted in its factory two-tone Royal Marine and Capri Blue and outfitted with two-tone leather interior, yet reportedly driven less than 50,400 miles since it was brand spanking new.
The car has an updated front suspension, overhauled hydraulics, new radial tires and a replacement black convertible top, as well as the traditional Wonderbar radio.
Power is provided by an Olds “Rocket” engine, a 324cid V8 mated to an automatic transmission.
Another mid-century beauty is this 1955 Mercury Montclair hardtop, turquoise over a white coupe body. Enhancing the look are wheel-hiding skirts beneath the wide and chrome-trimmed rear fenders.
The interior also is done in turquoise and white, with front and rear bench seats.
The engine is a 292cid V8 and is linked to a column-shifted 3-speed automatic.
In 1964, the Dart GT, available as a coupe or convertible, was the model’s top trim level, featuring specially upholstered bucket seats, padded dash, full carpeting and full wheel covers. It was available with a V8 or, like this example, Dodge’s bulletproof slant-6.
This example has been reupholstered and has the larger of the slant-6s, the 225cid, linked to a push-button 3-speed automatic transmission.
I have a soft spot for cars being offered for sale after long-term, single-family ownership. This ’66 Newport is a 2-door hardtop with two-tone bench-seat interior that has been in the same family since it left the showroom floor. It has a 383cid V8 linked to a 3-speed automatic transmission.
The paint and body show bumps and bruises and there’s some rust, and the rear bumper was replaced years ago after the car was rear ended.
So those are the cars that caught my attention this week on AutoHunter, the online auction website driven by ClassicCars.com. Check the site to see what else might rev your engine.
