RM Auctions and Gooding and Co to Offer 6 Early Corvettes at Amelia Island Sale

Article contributed by Steve Burns

Both RM Auctions and Gooding and Co. will be hosting collector car auctions this weekend in northeastern Florida in conjunction with the prestigious Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance. Gooding’s sale will take place on Friday, March 11 while RM’s event is Saturday, March 12. Between the 2 auction houses, 6 early Corvettes will cross the block in search of new homes. We’ll preview each of the cars for sale after the jump.

First up at Gooding and Company is Lot #42, a white 1958 with silver coves being offered without reserve. 1958 marked the introduction of quad front headlights, hood lovers, and chrome trunk trim. The example shown here is powered by the 283/230hp engine which is mated to a 3speed manual transmission. The seller claims a show quality restoration which shows in the photos, but we’re still not quite sure it will sell for much more than the $75k pre-sale estimate.

Lot #07 is a desirable 1965 roadster with the optional 365hp motor. That matching number 327CI mill is backed by a 4 speed manual transmission. The car has been the recipient of a photo-documented restoration including the dramatic black on red color combination. Documentation is courtesy of the Protect-O-Plate. Gooding’s value estimate is $80k-$100. If this car had some NCRS or Bloomington credentials it could sell for more, but we expect the final bid to be closer to the $80k than the $100k.

The final Friday offering is Lot #54, an original 450hp 1966 roadster. The yellow on black convertible contains other attractive features such as side pipes and a 4 speed. It is believed to be a two-owner car. The 427CI L72 engine was only given the 450hp rating very early in the production run before being downgraded to 425hp. Documented examples can be very hard to find today and the $100,000 – $130,000 estimate reflects that rarity. Our guess is that the final bid will be right within that range.

Gooding and Company’s event will be held at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation starting at 3pm on Friday, March 11. Two event previews will take place Thursday, March 10 – 9:00am – 6:00pm and Friday, March 11 – 9:00am – 3:00pm. Admission is $30.

Over at the Amelia Island Ritz Carlton, RM will be offering 1955, 1957, and 1967 Corvettes at their event.

C1 fans should check out Lot #117 which is a stunning Pennant Blue on beige 1955 model. Being offered from Concours founder Bill Warner’s collection, it’s one of just 700 cars built that year and is powered by the new-for-1955 265CI V8. This Corvette was sold new at Burwell Chevrolet in nearby Jacksonville and has undergone no less than 3 restorations. It recently attained an AACA National First Junior award. RM’s valuation is $100,000-$125,000 and we have no reason to disagree with those numbers.

Lot #176 is a nice, restored 1957 Corvette. Some of the features on the car include: heater and radio delete, e-brake warning light, courtesy lights, seat belts, and off-road exhaust. This red car with white coves has the 245hp 283 motor and has been upgraded to a manual 4 speed transmission. The original 3 speed transmission is included in the sale. Although we really like this one, we think RM’s $95,000-$125,000 is pretty aggressive for this car. That’s getting close to fuelie territory. We expect the hammer to fall under the $90k mark.

Lot #177 rounds out RM’s selection of early Corvettes this weekend. You can’t have a collector car auction and not have at least one 435hp 1967 roadster show up. This Marina Blue on blue L71 is documented with the original tank sticker and has such popular options at side pipes, headrests, and the M21 speed. The redline tires complement the blue/blue color combo and we expect this one to bid right up to the $125,000 presale estimate.

RM’s event will take place Saturday, March 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Two previews will take place Thursday, March 10 9am – 6pm and Friday, March 11 9am – 6pm. You can also watch the auction festivities online at RM’s website, rmauctions.com.

Click here for more info on the Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance.

Source:
RM Auctions and Gooding and Co.

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