What do you think of these auction results?

Mecum’s late October auction in Chicago provided some fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least reasonably stock 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold (remember that Mecum auctions are not no reserve auctions—a cream 1985 Excalibur convertible with tan seats was a no sale bid up to $40,000) and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 8% of the approximately 660 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Thursday, October 24th

Saturday, October 26th

• 1987 Linen Gray Metallic Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a 150 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with fuel injection, and an automatic—$3,000
• 1987 black Buick Grand National custom (engine) coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection and turbocharger, an automatic, and 55,000 miles—$21,000
• 1984 white Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe with blue cloth bucket seats, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$14,000
• 1982 black Chevrolet Camaro Z28 hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a Cross-Fire LU5 165 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 45 miles—$19,000
• 1982 black Chevrolet Camaro Z28 hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a Cross-Fire LU5 165 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 4,500 miles—$15,000
• 1983 green Toyota FJ-45 Land Cruiser SUV with brown leather seats, a 130 ci inline six, and a four-speed manual—$40,000
• 1983 tan Toyota FJ-45 Land Cruiser SUV with brown leather seats, a 130 ci inline six, and a four-speed manual—$37,000
• 1982 blue Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser SUV with tan leather seats, a 4.2 liter inline six, and a four-speed manual—$15,000
• 1987 Ivy Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a black soft top, palomino leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 67,000 miles—$13,500
• 1982 red Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler pickup truck with gray bucket seats, a 110 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and a manual transmission—$16,000
• 1987 black Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe with burgundy cloth bucket seats, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$20,500
• 1981 gold Mazda RX7 hatchback coupe with brown leather bucket seats, a 12A 100 bhp 1.1 liter/70 ci rotary engine with a four-barrel carburetor, a five-speed manual, and 53,000 miles—$5,500
• 1988 blue with woodgrain Jeep Wagoneer Limited SUV with tan leather seats, a 177 bhp 4.0 liter/241 ci inline six with fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,500. You rarely see Wagoneers up for auction versus Grand Wagoneers, but here was one.

• 1982 Charcoal Chevrolet Corvette coupe with silver gray leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 36,000 miles—$9,000
• 1981 stainless steel DeLorean DMC-12 coupe with gray leather bucket seats, a ZMJ-159 130 bhp 2.8 liter/174 ci V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$33,500
• 1989 green AM General Humvee M998 SUV with a green interior, a 6.2 liter diesel V8, an automatic, and 17,000 miles—$10,500
• 1989 red Mazda RX7 convertible with a black top, a black interior, a 13B 146 bhp 1.3 liter/80 ci rotary engine with fuel injection, an automatic, and 54,000 miles—$4,000
• 1983 black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am custom (KITT replica) convertible with tan cloth bucket seats, a Cross-Fire 175 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 70,000 miles—$15,000

Mecum Chicago had the usual profusion of Chevrolets, along a plethora of Pontiacs and Toyotas. What do you think of these results?

As usual Mecum’s huge May auction in Indianapolis provided much interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least fairly stock 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold (remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a Grand Prix White 1987 Porsche930 coupe with black leather bucket seats and 40,000 miles was a no sale bid up to $85,000) and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 9% of the approximately 1,100 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Tuesday, May 14th:

• 1986 gray/red two-tone GMC custom (engine) pickup truck with a tan cloth/vinyl bench seat, a 6.3 liter/383 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 54,000 miles—$10,000 hammer price
• 1989 Quicksilver/Midnight Blue two-tone Chevrolet Suburban R1500 Silverado SUV with blue custom cloth bucket seats, a 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$16,500
• 1985 silver/black two-tone Chevrolet C10 Silverado pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, an unknown V8, and an automatic—$13,000
• 1988 yellow Pontiac Fiero GT very custom (engine, body, brakes) coupe with gray bucket seats, a 4.9 liter Cadillac V8 (!), and an automatic—$8,500
• 1981 white Chevrolet Corvette custom (body) coupe with blue leather bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with an Edelbrock carburetor, an automatic, and 37,000 miles—$7,500
• 1985 Bright Red Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with gray leather bucket seats, an L98 230 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$3,500
• 1987 silver/black two-tone Chevrolet C10 Silverado pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, an automatic, and 47,000 miles—$12,000
• 1987 Flame Red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA with tan leather bucket seats, an L98 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 141,000 miles—$3,500
• 1989 red Cadillac Allanté convertible with tan leather bucket seats, an HT-4500 200 bhp 4.5 liter/273 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—an ouch! at $2,000
• 1986 Zermatt Silver Metallic Porsche 944 Turbo hatchback coupe with black bucket seats, a 220 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with turbocharger, intercooler, and fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 89,000 miles—$11,500. You see more and more 9×4 Porsches at auction these days.

• 1980 blue Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with blue seats, an LM1 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 97,000 miles—at $12,500 the first vehicle in this auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of original cars or trucks: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these vehicles in bold green.
• 1988 black Mitsubishi Pajero SUV with gray cloth bucket seats, a 2.5 liter inline four, a five-speed manual, and 121,000 miles—$3,000
• 1983 white Buick Riviera convertible with a white top, red leather seats, a 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 77,000 miles—$9,000
• 1985 blue/silver two-tone Ford Bronco II SUV with blue cloth bucket seats, a Cologne 115 bhp 2.8 liter/170 ci V6 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,000
• 1987 red Chevrolet Corvette custom (engine) convertible with tan leather bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a carburetor, and an automatic—$5,000
• 1983 black Datsun 280ZX Turbo hatchback coupe with tan bucket seats, an L28ET 180 bhp 2.8 liter/168 ci inline six with turbocharger and fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,000
• 1981 brown Datsun 280ZX hatchback coupe with tan cloth bucket seats, an L28E 145 bhp 2.8 liter/168 ci inline six with fuel injection, an automatic, and 105,000 miles—$5,000
• 1983 Red Firemist Buick Riviera convertible with a white top, red leather seats, a 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 75,000 miles—$8,500
• 1983 blue/silver two-tone GMC Sierra 1500 custom (engine, suspension) pickup truck with a blue interior and a 5.3 liter V8—$14,500
• 1981 white Chevrolet Corvette coupe with red leather bucket seats, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 71,000 miles—$7,500
• 1980 white Fiat Spider 2000 convertible with a black top, a red interior, a 2.0 liter/122 ci inline four, a four-speed manual, and 28,000 miles—$7,500
• 1988 brown Ford Ranger custom (paint) pickup truck with a tan vinyl bench seat and 49,000 miles—$6,000
• 1986 black Pontiac Fiero SE coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 140 bhp 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 25,000 miles—$8,500
• 1984 black Chevrolet K10 custom (engine, body, suspension) pickup truck with gray cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and a four-speed manual—$13,500
• 1989 red Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with red cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$7,500
• 1983 black Jeep CJ-7 custom (suspension, interior) SUV with tan bucket seats and a 5.0 liter/304 ci V8—$16,000
• 1987 red Dodge Power Ram 150 pickup truck with a red vinyl bench seat, an LA 5.9 liter/360 ci V8, and an automatic—$5,500
• 1987 black Pontiac Firebird Formula hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, an L98 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 106,000 miles—$5,000

Wednesday, May 15th:

• 1984 Oxford White Ford Mustang 20th Anniversary GT.350 hatchback coupe with red cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 175 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 62,000 miles—$7,000
• 1984 black Ford Mustang SVO hatchback coupe with charcoal cloth bucket seats, a Lima 175 bhp 2.3 liter/140 ci inline four with turbocharger, intercooler, and fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 73,000 miles—$7,000
• 1987 black/gray two-tone Ford Mustang GT hatchback coupe with red cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 43,000 miles—$15,000
• 1986 white Mercury Capri ASC/McLaren convertible with a tan top, tan leather bucket seats, a Windsor 200 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$9,000
• 1980 brown Chevrolet Scottsdale pickup truck with a saddle vinyl bench seat, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$13,000
• 1989 burgundy Dodge Ramcharger SUV with tan bucket seats, an LA 5.9 liter/360 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$16,500
• 1987 silver/black two-tone Chevrolet Suburban Silverado SUV with gray cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$10,000
• 1985 beige Pontiac Parisienne Brougham sedan with tan leather seats, an unknown engine, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$11,500. I can’t remember the last time I’ve even seen a Parisienne, much less one at auction.

• 1981 black and gold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with black bucket seats, an unknown V8, a four-speed manual, and 63,000 miles—$24,000
• 1983 maroon Lotus Esprit Turbo Investor’s Edition (really!) coupe with black leather bucket seats, a 205 bhp 2.2 liter/133 ci inline four with a Garrett T3 turbocharger, intercooler, and two carburetors, and a five-speed manual—$21,000
• 1989 Pearl White Jeep Wrangler custom (engine, suspension, wheels/tires) SUV with a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 and an automatic—$12,000
• 1983 black/silver two-tone Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Hurst/Olds 15th Anniversary coupe with gray cloth seats, a 180 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic attached to that famous lightning rod shifter, and 41,000 miles—$21,000
• 1985 red/silver two-tone Oldsmobile Calais roadster (no top) with red/silver bucket seats, a Tech 4 215 bhp 2.7 liter/165 ci inline four, and an automatic—an astounding $45,000 for this real Indianapolis 500 pace car.
• 1985 blue Jeep CJ-7 Renegade SUV with a black interior, a 112 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a Carter BBD two-barrel carburetor, a five-speed manual, and 98,000 miles—$21,000
• 1988 Pearl White Cadillac Allanté convertible with tan leather bucket seats, an HT-4100 170 bhp 4.1 liter/250 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 72,000 miles—$4,000
• 1986 black/silver two-tone Chevrolet Blazer SUV with gray cloth bucket seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$17,000
• 1984 black/silver two-tone Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Hurst/Olds coupe with maroon cloth seats, a 180 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 60,000 miles—$16,000
• 1986 red/white two-tone Chevrolet C10 pickup truck with a red cloth bench seat, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, an automatic, and 64,000 miles—$8,500
• 1983 stainless steel DeLorean DMC-12 coupe with gray leather seats, a 130 bhp 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, an unknown transmission, and 2,100 miles—$29,000
• 1987 white Chevrolet S10 custom (engine) with a blue vinyl bench seat, a 7.4 liter/454 ci V8, and an automatic—$12,500
• 1986 medium blue/dark blue two-tone Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a light blue cloth bench seat, an unknown V8, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$21,000
• 1987 black Buick Regal Grand National custom (engine) coupe with black/silver cloth bucket seats, a 4.1 liter V6 with fuel injection, turbocharger, and intercooler, an automatic, and 35,000 miles—$19,500
• 1981 aqua GMC custom (exterior, paint, interior) pickup truck with gray leather bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$13,000
• 1987 black Buick Regal Grand National coupe with black/silver cloth seats, an LC2 235 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection, turbocharger, and intercooler, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$27,000
• 1987 black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a charcoal cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$11,500
• 1986 silver Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 Aerocoupe with gray seats, an LG4 165 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 32,000 miles—$9,500
• 1984 Cameo Ivory Cadillac Coupe de Ville with blue leather seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/250 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 29,000 miles—$5,000
• 1980 Frost Beige Chevrolet Corvette coupe with doeskin leather seats, an L82 230 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 75 miles—$27,000
• 1985 silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe with blue cloth bucket seats, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci “H.O.” V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 9,900 miles—$18,500
• 1983 Pearl White Chrysler Imperial custom (engine, body, paint, wheels/tires) coupe with red leather seats, a 6.6 liter/401 ci V8, an automatic, and 15,000 miles—$10,500
• 1989 White Pontiac 20th Anniversary Turbo Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with saddle leather seats, a 250 bhp (at least) 3.8 liter/231 ci turbocharged V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$24,000
• 1984 Black Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL sedan with Palomino leather seats, a 5.0 liter/304 ci V8 with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 38,000 miles—$12,500
• 1983 black Chevrolet custom (engine, suspension) with a cloth bench seat, a 7.0 liter/427 ci V8, a four-speed manual, and 81,000 miles—$30,000

Mecum’s three-day October auction in Chicago provided some fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least reasonably stock 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold (remember that Mecum auctions are not no reserve auctions—a black 1989 Land Rover Defender 90 custom SUV with black leather seats was a no sale bid up to $30,000) and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 9% of the 570 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Thursday, October 25th:

• 1989 red Ford Mustang LX convertible with a black top, red cloth seats, a 220 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$12,000 hammer price.
• 1987 red Pontiac Fiero GT coupe with gray cloth seats, an L44 130 bhp 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$4,500
• 1984 burgundy AMC Eagle sedan with burgundy/beige patterned cloth seats, and unknown engine (could be an inline four or an inline six, but is likely the six), and an automatic—$3,500
• 1980 white Toyota Celica hatchback coupe with a beige interior, a 20R 90 bhp 2.2 liter/134 ci inline four with two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$2,500
• 1987 blue Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA custom (powertrain, body, wheels/tires) hatchback coupe with tan cloth seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,500
• 1981 tan Toyota Land Cruiser SUV with gray seats, an unknown engine, and a four-speed manual—$14,000
• 1980 black Chevrolet Corvette custom (engine) coupe with black leather seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,500
• 1989 green Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition SUV with ivory cloth seats, a Windsor 210 bhp 5.8 liter/351 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$9,500
• 1987 gold Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with black leather seats, a 150 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with Bosch fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$14,000
• 1984 black Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with gray leather seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 205 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, and an automatic—$4,000
• 1986 blue Ford F250 XLT extended cab pickup truck with blue cloth seats, a Windsor 210 bhp 5.8 liter/351 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 82,000 miles—$14,000
• 1983 tan/brown two-tone Chevrolet K20 Scottsdale custom (suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a beige cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and a four-speed manual—$20,000
• 1983 copper Cadillac Eldorado coupe with light brown tufted cloth seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 79,000 miles—$6,000 for this unusual-colored Eldo also with no vinyl top.

• 1989 white Cadillac Coupe DeVille with white leather seats, an HT 155 bhp 4.5 liter/273 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—an ouch! at $2,750
• 1986 silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe with blue cloth seats, a 150 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$4,750
• 1988 bright silver metallic Pontiac Fiero GT coupe with gray seats, a Tech IV 98 bhp 2.5 liter inline four with fuel injection, and an automatic—$4,250
• 1987 metallic gray Jaguar XJ-SC cabriolet with gray leather seats, an HE 262 bhp 5.3 liter/326 ci V12 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 51,000 miles—$10,500
• 1987 red Pontiac Firebird Formula hatchback coupe with gray cloth seats, a 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 34,000 miles—$6,500
• 1980 charcoal firemist Oldsmobile Toronado XSC custom (engine) coupe with tan cloth seats, a 6.6 liter/403 ci V8, an automatic, and 47,000 miles—$5,000. The XSC’s were rare—methinks a hotted up version (the 160 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci was the best available engine for 1980) is far rarer.
• 1986 black Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 sedan with black leather seats, a 167 bhp 2.3 liter/140 ci inline four with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$9,500
• 1989 red Jaguar XJ-S convertible with saddle leather seats, an HE 262 bhp 5.3 liter/326 ci V12 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 62,000 miles—$7,000
• 1981 black F100 very custom (powertrain, suspension, body, wheels/tires) pickup truck with black seats, a 460 ci V8 with an Eldobrock four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,500
• 1986 gray BMW L7 sedan with light gray leather seats, a 182 bhp 3.4 liter/209 ci inline six with Bosch Motronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,500 for the most luxurious BMW you could buy in the eighties, at least until the 750iL came out two years later.
• 1983 butterscotch Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with both tops, tan leather seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 40,000 miles—$8,000
• 1987 silver Honda CRX Si hatchback coupe with gray cloth seats, an EW3/4 91 bhp 1.5 liter/91 ci inline four with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 148,000 miles—$4,000. What is the purchaser’s intent for this car?
• 1985 red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with red/gray cloth seats, an LB9 205 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$10,000
• 1986 silver Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with black seats, a 150 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with Bosch fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 31,000 miles—$10,000

Friday, October 26th:

• 1980 red Austin Mini Cooper custom hatchback coupe with black leather seats, a 1.3 liter inline four, and a four-speed manual—$7,000
• 1981 white/maroon metallic two-tone Chevrolet El Camino custom (engine) pickup truck with a maroon textured vinyl split bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$6,000
• 1980 black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am custom (engine) coupe with black cloth seats, a 400 ci V8 with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$29,000
• 1984 red Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole coupe with black leather seats, a 205 bhp 2.9 liter/179 cubic inch V8 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$45,000 is between #4/Fair and #3/Good money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.

• 1988 black Ford Bronco II SUV with red cloth seats, a Cologne 140 bhp 2.9 liter/179 ci V6 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$11,000
• 1980 green Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible with both tops, tan leather seats, a 160 bhp 4.5 liter/276 ci V8 with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$3,500
• 1981 black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with tan cloth seats, a 150 bhp 4.9 liter/301 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 18,.000 miles—at $35,000, the first vehicle in this auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of mostly or entirely original cars or trucks: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these vehicles in bold green.
• 1987 black Buick Grand National custom (brakes, body) coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a 245 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection and turbocharger, an automatic, and 7,400 miles—$26,000 for this Grand National modified to resemble a GNX.
• 1989 white Pontiac 20th Anniversary Turbo Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with saddle leather seats, a 250 bhp (at least) 3.8 liter/231 ci turbocharged V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 19,000 miles—$27,500
• 1984 black Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole convertible with a black top, black leather seats, a 235 bhp 2.9 liter/179 ci V8 with Bosch fuel injection, and a five-speed—$32,500
• 1989 black Land Rover Defender 90 custom (body, interior, wheels/tires) SUV with black seats, a 2.5 liter/152 ci diesel inline four with a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$22,000
• 1985 blue Lincoln Town Car limousine with blue cloth seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, an automatic, and 45,000 miles—$5,250
• 1985 silver/blue two-tone Chevrolet Suburban SUV with blue cloth seats, an LS9 165 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 58,000 miles—$8,500
• 1983 red Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with a tan interior, a 150 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with Bosch fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$5,000 for this first-year 944.
• 1987 blue Toyota Crown sedan with blue cloth seats, a 5V-EU 190 bhp 4.0 liter/244 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic transmission, and 34,000 miles—$7,000 for this top-of-the-line and very conservative Toyota
• 1983 black Jeep CJ-7 custom (exterior, interior, suspension, wheels/tires) SUV with tan seats, a 5.0 liter/304 ci V8, and an automatic—$22,500
• 1988 red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with gray cloth seats, an LB9 190 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 38,000 miles—$8,500

Saturday, October 27th:

• 1983 black Datsun 280ZX hatchback coupe with tan leather seats, an L28 145 bhp 2.8 liter/168 ci inline six with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 79,000 miles—$10,000
• 1989 black Land Rover Defender 90 custom (interior, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with black seats, a 2.5 liter/152 ci diesel inline four with a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$22,000
• 1985 silver/black two-tone Chevrolet C10 custom (body, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$9,500
• 1981 silver/charcoal two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe with charcoal leather seats, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,500

• 1986 blue Toyota FJ45 mild custom (suspension, interior) pickup truck with brown leather seats, an inline six, and a five-speed manual—$40,000

This auction had a lot of interesting and unusual cars, including an AMC Eagle, a BMW L7, an Oldsmobile Toronado XSC, and a Toyota Crown. Among eighties vehicles, Pontiac, Chevrolets, Fords, and Toyotas were heavily represented in this auction—combining for a little more than half of the sold lots from that decade. What do you think of these results?

This year’s Barrett-Jackson Reno Tahoe auction included a few interesting vehicles. As usual, I’ll concentrate on the 1980s cars (and some trucks) that sold and add some of my opinions. Where I have covered the specific year and model of a car in this blog, I link to it.

Thursday:

• 1983 white GMC Jimmy SUV—$5,700 hammer price.
• 1980 blue MGB convertible—$5,800 for one of the last of the MGBs.
• 1981 red Chevrolet C-10 custom pickup truck—$8,500
• 1983 white Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with 97,000 miles—an ouch! at $5,300.
• 1987 brandywine Chevrolet C-10 custom pickup truck—$8,700
• 1984 black Chevrolet K-10 custom pickup truck—$12,200
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition coupe—$14,000 is between #3 and $4 money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.
• 1989 champagne Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible—$6,750

Friday:

• 1987 red Avanti coupe—$8,700 for the eighties version of Raymond Loewy’s elegant sixties coupe.
• 1989 black Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan with 88,000 miles—$17,000
• 1986 white Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with 37,000 miles—$20,000 for this “neo-classic”; is it really nicer or a better investment than the Rolls?
• 1985 white Chevrolet C-10 custom pickup truck—$13,000

Saturday

• 1987 black Buick Regal Grand National GNX coupe with 37,000 miles—at $43,000, this was the highest eighties car sale of the auction, but only a #4 by Hagerty’s valuation tools. It was, however the only vehicle in this auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of original cars or trucks: selling for equal to or above its original base list price.

What do you think of this year’s results?

Mecum’s April auction at Houston provided some interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the 1980s cars and trucks that actually sold (remember that this is not a no reserve auction) and add some of my opinions.

Thursday:

• 1987 beige/brown two-tone Dodge Ramcharger SUV—$7,500 hammer price. There were a lot of trucks at Houston, so kicking off with one for the 1980s vehicles fits.
• 1983 black Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible—$6,500 means that 380SLs don’t seem to do nearly as well as the later 560SLs.
• 1983 John Deere Green Toyota FJ-40 SUV—FJ-40s are really strong right now and at $20,000 this one was the first vehicle in this auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of original cars or trucks: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these vehicles in bold green.
• 1985 Silver/Gray two-tone Chevrolet Corvette mild custom coupe—$8,500
• 1981 Dark Blue Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with 55,000 miles—$20,000. These late second-generation Camaros continue to sell for good numbers. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, all the money for an 1981 Z28 in #1 condition is $25,400.
• 1988 Apple Red Chevrolet K5 Blazer SUV—$13,000
• 1986 Nero (black) Ferrari Mondial convertible—at $17,000 (about a quarter of the original base price), the Mondial remains the eighties Ferrari stepchild (along with the 400, of course).
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition coupe—$13,500
• 1985 white Chevrolet K5 Blazer SUV with 25,000 miles—$19,000
• 1988 gray/blue two-tone Chevrolet K5 Blazer SUV with 92,000 miles—$13,000

Friday:

• 1981 silver (Of course! All but two …) DeLorean DMC-12 coupe with less than 5,000 miles—$26,000
• 1980 White Chevrolet Corvette coupe with four speed manual transmission—$9,500
• 1982 red Jaguar XJ-S Koenig Special coupe—at $7,000, ouch! The bodywork of this “factory special” is definitely an acquired taste, but the parts alone have got to be worth more than $7,000.
• 1985 white Chevrolet K10 pickup truck—$16,000
• 1981 Charcoal Gray Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with 15,000 miles—$16,000
• 1985 Black Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z coupe with 7 miles—$34,000 is evidently the price for a brand new 1985 IROC-Z, plastic still covering the interior, front spoiler never installed.
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition coupe with 2,000 miles—$21,500
• 1981 Autumn Red/Dark Claret two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$13,500
• 1981 blue Chevrolet Camaro Z28 very custom coupe—$32,500
• 1985 black Porsche 930 Turbo coupe—at $40,500, the highest priced stock eighties car in this auction, but not quite getting back to its original $48,000 base price.
• 1986 yellow Pontiac Fiero GT “resto-mod” coupe with supercharged V6—$8,000

Saturday:

• 1985 white BMW 635 CSi coupe—$18,000

What do you think of this auction’s results?

As always, the January auction at Mecum Kissimmee provided much interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least fairly stock 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold (remember that this is not a no reserve auction) and add some of my opinions. Mecum Kissemmee is a huge event, so I’m going to separate my commentary into two posts—this second covers from Tuesday to Saturday.

Tuesday:

• 1988 red Chevrolet Corvette convertible—$6,000 hammer price
• 1982 Silver/Charcoal two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$10,000
• 1980 red Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe—at $13,000 the first car in this part of the auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of original cars: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these cars in bold green
• 1985 beige Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with 82,000 miles—$11,500
• 1981 black Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe—$15,500 (more strong money for the last of the second generation F cars)
• 1988 white Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary coupe with 34,000 miles—$9,500 (the first of three 35th Anniversary’s sold)
• 1984 beige Jeep CJ-7 Laredo SUC with 99,000 miles—$10,500
• 1981 brown Cadillac Fleetwood sedan—$6,000
• 1980 Silver Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$13,000
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition coupe—$20,000
• 1986 white Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible—$12,000
• 1983 blue Jeep CJ-7 SUV—$10,500
• 1982 orange Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 pickup truck—$24,000

Wednesday:

• 1984 red/white two-tone Ford Bronco SUV—$6,750
• 1987 blue/silver two-tone Chevrolet C10 pickup truck—$8,000
• 1981 black Jeep CJ-7 SUV—$9,000
• 1982 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$15,000
• 1986 red Jeep CJ-7 SUV—$17,500
• 1981 black Lincoln Mark VI sedan with 27,000 miles—$7,500
• 1987 red Ford Mustang convertible with 36,000 miles—$9,500
• 1989 red Buick Riviera coupe with 10,000 miles—$12,000
• 1981 silver (of course!) Delorean DMC-12 coupe with 10,000 miles—$29,000
• 1981 silver Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$9,500
• 1983 green Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler pickup truck—$20,000
• 1987 red BMW 635csi coupe—$7,500
• 1981 red Chevrolet Blazer custom SUV—$21,000
• 1982 white Chevrolet Corvette coupe with 28,000 miles—$14,500
• 1987 red Ferrari Testarossa coupe—$39,000

Thursday:

• 1987 white Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with 34,000 miles—$20,000
• 1987 white Porsche 911 Cabriolet convertible with 44,000 miles—$37,000
• 1980 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with 31,000 miles—$13,500
• 1987 blue Ford Mustang custom Saleen hatchback with 25,000 miles—$16,000
• 1983 red Porsche 911 coupe—$31,000
• 1981 Red/Dark Claret two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$15,700
• 1987 black Buick Grand National coupe with 35,000 miles—$18,000
• 1984 red Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with 56,000 miles—$5,750
• 1986 silver/gray two-tone Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 Aerocoupe coupe with 250 miles—$37,000 (real money for a one year only NASCAR homologation model)
• 1988 white Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary coupe with 46,000 miles—$16,000
• 1989 red Chevrolet Corvette convertible with 31,000 miles—$12,000
• 1987 black Buick GNX coupe with 10,000 miles—$67,000

Friday:

• 1988 white Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary coupe with 17,000 miles—$19,000
• 1986 white Chevrolet Corvette convertible—$10,500
• 1986 white Mercury Cougar convertible with 3,000 miles—$8,000
• 1986 white Porsche Slant Nose Cabriolet convertible—$34,000
• 1988 white Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet convertible—$60,000
• 1987 silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe—$13,000
• 1984 white Datsun 300ZX Turbo coupe with 42,000 miles—at $14,000 one of the most interesting 1980s cars in this auction.
• 1988 white Chevrolet Corvette Callaway convertible with 93,000 miles—$25,000
• 1985 red Jeep CJ-7 SUV—$22,500

Saturday:

• 1985 black Porsche 930 Turbo coupe with 36,000 miles—$63,000

What do you think of this year’s results?

As always, the January auction at Mecum Kissimmee provides much interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least fairly stock 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold (remember that this is not a no reserve auction) and add some of my opinions. Mecum Kissemmee is a huge event, so I’m going to separate it into two posts—this first covers from Friday to Sunday.

Friday:

• 1984 brown two-tone Cadillac Seville sedan—$6,000 hammer price.
• 1980 brown two-tone Lincoln Mark VI Givenchy edition coupe—$5,500
• 1987 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$7,500
• 1980 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$11,000
• 1986 yellow Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe—$4,500
• 1984 yellow Alfa Romeo Veloce convertible—$6,000
• 1983 red Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 pickup truck—$11,000
• 1984 Firemist Red Buick Riviera convertible—$7,500
• 1989 blue Jeep Wrangler custom SUV—$15,500
• 1988 red Chevrolet Corvette convertible—$8,750
• 1982 red Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan—$5,000
• 1988 Astral Silver Metallic Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible—$15,000

Saturday:

• 1989 gold Nissan Pulsar NX coupe with 12,000 miles (is it the nicest Pulsar remaining in the world?)—$6,000
• 1986 silver Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with 118 miles—at $84,000 the first car in this auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of original cars: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these cars in bold green.
• 1985 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with 39,000 miles—$7,500
• 1986 black Buick Grand National coupe with 30,000 miles—$19,250
• 1983 yellow Jeep CJ-7 custom SUV—$17,000
• 1982 Silver Blue/Dark Blue two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe with 17,000 miles—$25,500 (interesting to see a non-Collector Edition 1982 hold its money)

Sunday:

• 1982 Dark Blue Metallic Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 coupe with 7,000 miles—$9,500
• 1986 white/blue two-tone Cadillac Eldorado coupe with 15,000 miles—$7,250
• 1985 beige Ford LTD Country Squire wagon—$3,000 (is it worth more than that just for the metal?)
• 1987 red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible—$11,000
• 1985 beige Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia Camper van—$9,750
• 1988 white Jaguar XJS coupe with 52,000 miles and a flood title—$4,250
• 1986 red Porsche 944 coupe—$8,250
• 1988 black  Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan—$11,000
• 1988 beige Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV with wood paneling—$11,500

What do you think of this year’s results?

As always, the January auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale provided much interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll stay away from the “Salon Collection” and concentrate on the 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold and add some of my opinions.

Tuesday:

• 1981 green two-tone Cadillac Seville sedan—$1,000 hammer price.
• 1984 Light Briar Metallic Oldsmobile Toronado coupe with 32,000 miles—$6,200
• 1987 green Toyota custom pickup truck—$2,500
• 1987 Copper Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$5,750
• 1980 black Mercedes-Benz 450SLC coupe—$9,500
• 1989 Signal Red Jaguar XJS convertible (the real convertible, not the earlier targa convertible)—$6,200
• 1986 white Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible—$17,500
• 1986 black Mercedes-Benz 560SEL sedan—$7,500
• 1987 black Buick Grand National coupe with 15,000 miles—at $23,000 the first car in this auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of original cars: selling for equal to or above its original list price. I’ll mark these cars in bold green.
• 1987 black Buick Grand National coupe—$25,000
• 1987 Bright White Buick Regal Turbo coupe with T-tops and 39,000 miles—$18,500
• 1987 black Buick Grand National coupe (was somebody dumping Grand Nationals at Scottsdale?)—$18,500
• 1989 white Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition coupe with 10,000 miles—$28,500
• 1988 red Ferrari Mondial convertible (always the 80s Ferrari stepchild)—$29,000
• 1985 Chevrolet Camaro very custom coupe—$8,000

Wednesday:

• 1986 Dark Chestnut Metallic Oldsmobile Cutlass coupe—$5,200
• 1988 silver Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible—$11,500
• 1984 Bright Red Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$10,000
• 1988 gray Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible —$12,000
• 1981 Beige/Dark Bronze Chevrolet Corvette coupe—$13,000
• 1987 white Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS aero coupe with 11,000 miles—$17,600
• 1988 Dark Red Metallic Chevrolet Corvette coupe with 10,000 miles—$12,500
• 1988 red Ford Mustang Saleen coupe—$24,500
• 1985 white Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Live Aid coupe—$29,000
• 1988 beige Lincoln Continental limousine with 16,000 miles—$16,000
• 1982 Toyota custom pickup truck—$4,200

Thursday:

• 1987 black Alfa Romeo Veloce convertible—$12,000
• 1981 Charcoal Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 coupe (really nice late second generation F-cars are beginning to come on—this one sold for $5,000 more than Hagerty’s “all the money” price)—$30,000
• 1982 gray Ferrari 400i coupe (maybe all 2+2 Ferraris get killed on the market)—$24,000
• 1981 red Porsche 911 custom coupe—$36,000
• 1980 black Mercedes-Benz 380SL very custom (it has an LS2) convertible—$30,000
• 1989 white Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition coupe with 7,000 miles—$27,000
• 1989 white Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition with 677 miles—$25,000
• 1982 Dune Beige Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40 SUV—$29,000
• 1982 red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am custom with a Gale Banks 611 bhp twin turbo V8 (the Car and Driver 200 mph cover car for those that remember). I think this was a huge bargain at $23,000.
• 1982 blue Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40 SUV—$45,000
• 1989 Rosso Corsa Ferrari 328 GTS targa—$59,000
• 1981 black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe—$35,000

Friday:

• 1986 red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with 9,000 miles—$20,000
• 1980 Georgian Silver Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible with 16,000 miles (Dean Martin/Dennis Farina owned; did this add much to the price?)—$57,000

Saturday:

• 1987 black Buick GNX coupe with 11 miles (the top 1980s sale—it doesn’t seem like the GNX is a “Lost Car“—almost exactly at Hagerty’s #1 condition money)—$95,000
• 1986 black Ferrari Testarossa convertible conversion by Straman, driven by Michael Jackson in a Pepsi commercial. This drew just a little over Hagerty’s #1 condition for a “normal” 1986 Ferrari Testarossa coupe.—$67,000

Sunday:

• 1986 red Chevrolet El Camino custom—$17,000
• 1987 Pearl White Porsche Gemballa Cyrrus custom convertible—$43,000
• 1985 red Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible—$10,000

Looks like a lot of Mercedes-Benz SLs, turbo Buicks, and 20th Anniversary Trans Ams. What do you think of this year’s results?