Buying a classic car from Barrett-Jackson is easy — as in the Big Easy! Indeed, sellers, buyers, and enthusiasts will converge in Louisiana on September 28-30 for Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural New Orleans Auction. While we investigate whether it’s crawfish season during that time (postscript: aw, shucks!), we’ll show you a preview of some of the most interesting vehicles that will be crossing the block.
1968 “135” Mustang 2+2
On December 27, 1967, Ford Motor Company built 50 white Mustang fastbacks with the 428 Cobra Jet, an engine that was not yet offered to the public. All were Wimbledon White with 428 CJ, four-speed manual, black interior, Traction-Lock with 3.89 gears, and ram air induction. Twenty of the 50 were built without sealer and sound deadener. Several participated and won at the 1968 NHRA Winternationals on February 2-4 in Pomona, California. Come April 1968, the 428 CJ was unleashed to the general public, now available on any Mustang body style, requiring the GT package, and featuring a black stripe on the hood. Over time, those 50 cars have acquired the designation “135 Mustangs” due to the prefix of their sequence numbers. This restored example is one of the 20 “lightweight” cars, originally delivered new at Russ David Ford in Covina, California.
1931 Willys-Knight Model 66B
Willys is often associated with smaller, low-priced vehicles (if not the Jeep) but, before being on the brink of bankruptcy during the Great Depression, Willys was a builder of neat middle-class cars that, through 1933, used the sleeve valve Knight engine design. This 1931 Willys-Knight 66B “Great Six” is powered by its original straight-six and transmission, with the former having been overhauled in place but with several subtle modifications for reliable operation in modern times. The seller states the original paint is cracked in certain areas, offering an authentic patina that gives it character. Unlike the paint, the chrome has been redone. Inside, the front seat has been authentically restored, and the carpet is new. Included in the auction is the original owner’s manual, hood ornament, and crank handle.
1966 Imperial Crown Convertible
It’s no coincidence that the 1964-66 Imperials bear a resemblance to Lincoln Continentals considering they were designed by the same guy. The 1966 edition is interesting because it was the first year of the 440 (replacing the 413) and the final year of body-on-frame construction, the only holdout of the Chrysler Corporation. With 350 horsepower and torsion bar suspension, the Imperial was the most roadable among the three American luxury brands. This 58,715-mile example, one of 514 convertibles built, is painted in Calypso Green metallic over a white leather interior with black components. Options include air conditioning in addition to the expected power windows, steering and brakes.
Custom 1963 Corvette Coupe
Corvettes are never in short supply at Barrett-Jackson and, when it comes to C2s, every one of them — even L88s — wish they were a ’63. It’s a style thing, no different than the split-window Volkswagens from a decade earlier, though a humble Beetle and this are polar opposites. From the outside, this “Split-Window” looks stock in Sebring Silver with red interior and cast-aluminum knock-offs, but take a peek underneath the hood and you’ll find an honest-to-goodness fuel-injected, aluminum 427cid LS7 backed by a 4L65E four-speed automatic. Sacre bleu! Of course, four-wheel disc brakes, leather interior, air conditioning, and power windows are things you’d expect on a custom cruiser, but none of those others will be as clean and majestic as this.
In addition to the above cars and other vehicles you may find in the docket, you can also consign your own vehicle for sale. After all, Barrett-Jackson has the resources, experience, and reputation to market and sell your collector car — it’s really that easy.
