Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2014 – Top Ten

If I was bidding, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be bidding, these are the top ten pieces up for NO RESERVE bidding at the Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson auction I’d want for my garage.

Anything too valuable to drive won’t make this list, only iron you can drive makes the cut.

1955 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport GSL Coupe

This is likely a $200,000 car, way over my head. The professional photograph also means it’s a serious guy selling it. It’s on the list because of the way it looks, it’s the right color and everything. If you complain it’s not a driver, you’d be wrong because it’s run five Colorado Grand and two Copperstate 1000 rallies.

A 1955 car with 210HP is nothing to sneeze at. This one has a “competition” package on it which includes hot rod modifications to the engine, some lightening and, most important to those wanting to turn the heads that might have missed you cruise by in this thing, side exit exhaust with cutouts (aka straight pipes).

1963 Pontiac Star Chief 4 Door Sedan

This 1963 Pontiac Star Chief makes the list because it looks absolutely cherry, it’s unrestored and only has 30,000 miles on the clock.  and the Pontiac styling is so choice. The bummer for Arizona people like myself? Looks like there’s no factory or aftermarket air. Getting in a midnight blue car with no A/C after it sits for an hour or so in a parking lot would be a real growth experience.

Because it’s a four door, it might even be affordable for normal people to snag.

1961 Willys Custom Woody Wagon

This 1961 Willys wagon rat rod custom makes the cut because the first car I owned was a 1956 wagon that ended up with a bullet hole in the side before it was retired. Lots of Jeeps have bullet holes in them, but mine was from the inside out, not vice-versa.

Plus, this thing is so ridiculous that it’s cool.

1938 Lincoln Limousine

This 1938 Lincoln is here for a few reasons.

First, it’s an ALL ALUMINUM TWELVE CYLINDER, so it’s immediately cooler than anything you’re driving unless it has as many cylinders.

Second, it could supplement your income squiring prom kids and newlyweds around.

Third, it’s listed as unrestored so you wouldn’t be afraid to drive it. Check out the teardrop shape of the headlights, that was a Lincoln thing for a few years and I think it looks great. The hood ornament looks like a Jag, but I’m pretty sure it’s a correct Greyhound. The “blue dot” in the grille is also way cool, it’s a 12 cylinder thing with Deco graphics. Tons of neat details on this car.

Fourth, it’s a Lincoln and I remember one of them going across the block at Barrett-Jackson for WAY not enough money a few years ago. So, while the crowd is distracted by fake hemi Cudas, sneak this cool hot rod Lincoln into your driveway.

1963 Plymouth Max Wedge

“Brand new shiny red Super Stock Dodge”

If a little old lady from Pasadena can handle it, I guess even my rusty skills can keep it between the ditches. Yes I’m aware a Plymouth is not technically a Dodge. Since it isn’t technically street legal, I might be breaking my “has to be drivable” rule but I don’t care, it was just a guideline anyway.

Chrysler was in the factory race car frenzy with a vengeance, they didn’t even bother to make this car street legal.

This thing is liable to go for ridiculous money, and it probably should if it meets the description. One of these was tested by Hot Rod magazine in 1963, it ran 12.69 seconds at 112 miles per hour in the quarter mile. That’s rapid, especially in 1963 dollars with no traction or launch control gizmos attached.

All they did was follow standard go fast protocol that still works today. Add horsepower and lightness. Today, a car like this might even be able to turn and stop. In 1963, stopping was optional and if you ever had the pleasure of reining in a ridiculous car of that period before you hit it, your eyes are likely still enlarged.

I’ll add the rest of the top ten soon.