Concorso D'Italia 2004

[McReis]

A Jaguar

and

?

And Alfa Romeo!

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You suck at this...

perhaps I should just delete all my pics then...

[Matt]

perhaps I should just delete all my pics then...

Nah, just do a little googlin'...

[nopassn]

1936 Auburn 852 Cabriolet - sold for $58,300 USD at auction.

115bhp 280 cu. in. inline side valve eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual gearbox, leaf spring solid axle front suspension and leaf spring live axle rear and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

With a history that dated back to the opening days of the twentieth century, the Auburn Motor Car Company had seen both good times and bad. In the late 1920s the company was riding on the crest with impressive sales, thanks in large part to the leadership and business savvy of Erret Lobban Cord. Errett Lobban Cord knew humdrum cars would not survive without appeal. When he stepped in to save the Auburn Motor Car Company in 1924, production and sales had fallen to a critical level and the company teetered on the verge of bankruptcy. Cord took a number of unsold Auburns being stored at the manufacturing facility, gave them stylish paint schemes and extra nickel-plating, and with that simple dash of marketing, sales took off.

Even as the American economy slipped into a depression in the early 1930s, Auburn sales remained strong, thanks in large part to an offering of smartly styled, well-engineered and well-built products. Unfortunately, Auburn proved fallible when the company finally succumbed to the effects of the depression and began losing sales in 1933. Far from giving up, Cord saw the answer in a revitalized product, and of course, a new marketing push.

The example offered here, the 1936 version of that new chassis, the 852, has benefited from a comprehensive restoration. This motor car is finished in silver with attractive red striping and red leather interior all of which are in very nice condition. The black convertible top compliments this example whether it is up or down, and when down is covered by a correct fitting boot. This example is complete with two Auburn mainstays: a radio and a great rumble seat. It has been professionally maintained and detailed in every respect. We urge inspection and do not predict disappointment.

Addendum & Errata:
Please note that the serial number for this car is L856412814F.

1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Custom Convertible - sold for $23,000 USD at auction.

(est.) 230hp Mike Fischer built 2165cc engine with Bugpack crank, 5.6 in. Scat rods, Cima pistons and two modified dual 40mm DRLA Dellorto carbs with a Schwitzer turbocharger and CE turbo system, Porsche 914 four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel high performance disc brakes.

A joint venture between the renowned German Karmann body works and the highly regarded design talents of Ghia, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was introduced in 1956. Built on the ubiquitous Beetle floorplan and drivetrain, the new coupe was a stylish addition to the VW product line. Although initially available in only coupe form, the convertible debuted two years later, little did they anticipate that this cute little Volkswagen could be propelled to do the quarter mile in 13 seconds flat.

The custom-built 1969 Karmann Ghia Convertible offered here is an example of the Ghia's beautiful and timeless design – made better and faster – yet largely retaining the Ghia’s overall original shape and form. Originally purchased in stock condition, the Arizona car began its first major rebuild and restoration in 1990. The interior was redone and an ultra-smooth high gloss black paint was applied – the same paint that remains in beautiful and near flawless overall condition today.

Acquired by the current owner at an Arizona auction the best improvements were yet to come. Staff at Completion Engineering (CE) of Tempe, Arizona took on the task of completing the desired modifications – which are numerous and impressive. To begin, a completely new engine was built, air conditioning was added and then the marque specialists moved on to the engine and all the laborious details of its detailed construction.

CE installed a 78mm Bugpack forged crank, added a set of Scat 5.600 inch rods, and a set of Cima 94mm pistons and cylinders, for a total displacement of 2165cc. Reworking a set of CB Performance 044 cylinder heads, giving them a Stage 2 port job, along with hemi-cutting the combustion chambers gave a static compression of 7.9:1. Valvetrain action was handled by a custom CE turbo grind cam, Manley 40mm and 35.5mm valves, Auto- Craft 1.25:1 rocker arms and Bugpack 5/16 inch chromoly pushrods. The results of this mechanical undertaking were staggering as once all the work was completed this Karmann Ghia managed to complete the quarter mile in 13 seconds flat – an amazing feat given its humble beginnings.

The 230hp turbocharged dynode engine can have its power tuned for either smooth, long trips at 7 lbs. of boost, or for short, windswept rides at 15 lbs. of mega-boost. The stock VW IRS transaxle was removed and replaced with a Porsche 914 fivespeed, using the 912 shift housing and nose cone. The suspension package now sports a pair of CB drop spindles along with Chirco adjusters on the front beam and the rear suspension was lowered and Koni shocks were fitted at all corners. The car is definitely capable of stopping on a dime, thanks to CB Performance disc brakes in the rear and CE 12 inch brakes in the front.

However, one of the most impressive aspects of the Volkswagen is the interior, which was in essence redone for a second time since 1990. This time though by the skilled firm of VIP European Auto Interiors of Arizona at a total cost in excess of $16,000. They truly spared no expense while completely outfitting the Ghia with fine imported leather. Using Mercedes Middle Red hides VIP created custom arm rests, map pockets, scallops on the panels and upholstered the dash and air conditioning console leaving nothing to chance.

Unique interior details include a custom gauge panel, custom air conditioning, custom Grant steering wheel adapter, billet window cranks and a complete stereo system that includes a Pioneer CD player, Pioneer tweeter and mid range speakers, a Rockford/Punch 400 watt amp and two eight inch woofers – all perfectly balanced to the beautiful custom interior.

In all, this Volkswagen has been the recipient of over $60,000 inwork. This staggering number is immediately justified when the car is viewed in person as it is truly a one-off modern coachbuilt example that will never be duplicated, imitated or surpassed. Imagine what it will feel like knowing that the next time a Ferrari pulls up beside you it won’t stand a chance!

The Karmann Ghia we have the pleasure of offering here represents a remarkable opportunity to own a menacing wolf in sheep’s clothing and the enjoyment of this will undoubtedly never tire for the next owner, especially given the affordable price.

EDIT: McReis is the man

EDIT to the EDIT: Apparently, Matt is also the man...

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Ferrari 348

Ferrari 365 GTB/4 "Daytona"

Ferrari 250 GT SWB

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Ferrari 612

Ferrari 250 GT SWB

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Ferrari 250 GT SWB

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

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Ferrari 360 CS

Ferrari 250 GT SWB

Ferrari 612 & Enzo

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Ferrari 612 & Enzo

Ferrari 612

Lamborghini Diablo

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Lamborghini Diablo

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Diablo

AMC AMX/3 by Bizzarrini

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Bizzarrini AMX/3 Concept/prototype thing

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Bizzarrini AMX/3 Concept/prototype thing...

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Ferrari 333 SP......

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Ferrari 333 SP

and some Rolls...