It’s Auction Week in Scottsdale but, let’s be honest, it’s really Barrett-Jackson Week. However, allow us to interject with “AutoHunter Week” since AutoHunter is under the BJAC umbrella. So, what’s on the agenda for AutoHunter Week? Read below!
1937 Dodge Series D5 Coupe
Admittedly, I am not familiar with 1930s Dodges, but these 115-inch wheelbase cars are smartly styled for their time. Looking at old literature, it seems this one is a Deluxe Business Coupe based on the brochures I examined, so that means it has the wood-grained instrument panel and other niceties.
This 1937 Dodge Series D5 Coupe reportedly retains its original coat of paint, which is always cool for such an old car. The six powering it measures 218cid and is hooked up to a rebuilt, floor-mounted three-speed, the combo a reflection of its middle-class roots at the time. Though looking like a rumble seat coupe, business coupes didn’t have them available because, naturally, they’re all about business.
1966 Chevelle SS 396 Hardtop
Never have been a Chevy guy, but I’ve grown to like the 1966 due to its louvered hood, something cooler than what the SS 396 used for ’67. I do prefer the ‘67’s rear, though I think they’re both trumped by a 1966 Beaumont. Three tunes for the 396 were available in 1966, including the first year for the L78 in the Chevelle.
This 1966 Chevelle SS 396 is missing its original engine, so it currently is powered by a stout 454 backed by a four-speed manual. But what truly makes this one cool is that it’s originally a two-tone car built in Sandalwood Tan with a Cameo Beige roof. Note the bench seat too, as most were built with buckets. Tons of potential fun with this one.
1956 Mercury Montclair Hardtop
Here we have another old-timer with an engine transplant, something that annoys me a bit but the hot rodders out there must appreciate: from 312 Y-block to 351 Windsor V8. It seems quaint to have a car model named after an upscale town in New Jersey, but I guess that was before the Short Hills Mall was built.
This 1956 Montclair hardtop is the top-of-the-line model with that sweet zig-zag two-toning. Interestingly, it was originally painted in a monotone black, which I bet is more unusual than its paint scheme now even though I prefer this. There are some mild custom touches like electric door poppers, but this era Merc has always been popular with the hot rod set so everything stands to reason.
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car
I was telling one of our younger staff members about these cars and how so many people holed them up when new, which created a saturation in the marketplace for quite a while. It’s a shame because, despite the Malaise-era engineering, these Corvettes look quite good for being a 10-year-old car. Dare I say they look better than the original ’68? I’ll bite my tongue while I ruminate if it’s true or not.
This 29,538-mile 1978 Corvette Pace Car is one of 6,502 built. Equipped with the standard 350 paired with an automatic, this Vette is also equipped with that nifty silver interior. Like the pace car decals? This car comes with it if you wish to install ‘em. Aside of Bandit Trans Ams, this may be the coolest Malaise-era car of 1978, though I’ll bite my tongue once again and see if you readers beat me up over it.
Nice selection, like them all, too!
Thank you!