I’ve given up trying to chronicle every eighties vehicle sold at any particular auction—there’s often an endless sameness to them. So, we’re going to only write about the cars and trucks that are less seen at auction—and those that sold (a Venetian Blue Porsche 911 Cabriolet with a blue top and coupe with blue leather bucket seats was a no sale at $45,000). Here are ten at the 2021 Mecum Orlando that attracted my eye, described in more detail than usual.

[Lot W67] 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. Medium Canyon Red with scarlet cloth front bucket seats. Lima 190 bhp 2.3 liter/140 ci inline four with fuel injection and a turbocharger mated to a five-speed manual. $9,000 hammer price for this somewhat faded example of the expensively facelifted ninth-generation ‘bird.

[W149] 1985 Ford Bronco II SUV. Light Regatta Blue/Wimbledon White two-tone with regatta blue cloth front bucket seats. Cologne 115 bhp 2.8 liter/170 ci V6 with a two-barrel carburetor paired with a five-speed manual. $15,000 is a lot for a Bronco II, but the rising Bronco tide seems to be lifting all boats.

[T81] 1988 Mazda RX7 convertible. Sunrise Red with a black top and gray cloth front bucket seats. 13B 146 bhp 1.3 liter/80 ci twin-rotor with fuel injection paired with a five-speed manual. Second-generation RX7’s are rare at auction—at least in the US. At $10,000, what would you do with this non-Turbo car with unstated mileage?

[T134] 1986 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition sedan. Crystal Clearcoat Metallic with a Dove Gray vinyl top and oxford gray leather seats with cloth inserts. Windsor 150 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a four-speed automatic, and 22,000 miles. $16,500. I now like these cars—especially the special editions—much more than I did when they were new. In 1986, the Cartier Edition cost about 22% more than the base Town Car.

[F209] 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 coupe. Burgundy Metallic/Silver Metallic two-tone with maroon cloth front bucket seats. LG8 170 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor paired with a four-speed automatic. $12,500. The rear-wheel-drive Cutlass was fading away by 1987, with the Calais name already moved to the newer front-wheel-drive car. 1987 was the final year for the rear-wheel-drive 442, whose lineage stretched back to 1964.

[F228.1] 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS coupe. Rosso Corsa with tan leather bucket seats. F105B 260 bhp 3.2 liter/195 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, 51,000 miles, and a recent major service. $80,000 is slightly over #2/Excellent money for a 328 GTS, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.

[F261] 1983 Jeep J10 Laredo pickup truck. Olympic White with tan/brown cloth/vinyl front bucket seats. AMC 175 bhp 5.9 liter/360 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor and an automatic. $29,500 doesn’t come close to matching the J10 Honcho that sold at this year’s Mecum Indy—but it’s still good money.

[S86] 1983 DeLorean DMC-12 hatchback coupe. Stainless Steel (of course) with gray leather bucket seats. PRV 130 bhp 2.8 liter/174 ci V6 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 22,000 miles. $50,000 is solid money for a DMC-12.

[S93] 1987 Porsche 930 Turbo coupe. Guards Red with champagne leather front bucket seats. 282 bhp 3.3 liter/201 ci flat six with fuel injection and a turbocharger, a four-speed manual, and 46,000 miles. $260,000 for this “factory custom” with many unusual touches created by the first iteration of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (Special Wishes) program.

[S131] 1984 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 sedan. Gold with creme leather front bucket seats. 200 bhp 5.3 liter/327 ci V8 with four two-barrel carburetors and a three-speed automatic. $100,000 for this car once owned by Mike Tyson. When I was a teenager, I loved the Lagonda’s exterior design. Now, it seems a little overwrought—and those at-the-time bleeding-edge interior electronics are not easy to keep functioning. Still, you won’t see yourself coming and going.

January’s Mecum auction at Kissimmee always provides some interesting fodder for commentary, if only because it is so large. I’ll concentrate on the at least reasonably stock 1980s vehicles that sold (remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a white 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Turbo Z coupe with black bucket seats and 39,000 miles was a no sale bid up to $70,000) and add some of my opinions. I’m going to separate this auction into two posts—this first covers the eighties 14% of the approximately 680 vehicles sold from Thursday through Sunday.

Thursday, January 7th:

• 1983 yellow Cadillac Seville sedan with a black carriage roof, ivory leather seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 92,000 miles—$4,500 hammer price.
• 1986 Light Green Metallic Chevrolet El Camino pickup truck with a light green cloth bench seat, an LG4 150 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—at $10,500, the first eighties vehicle in this auction meets my criteria for serious collectability of fairly original cars or trucks: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these vehicles in bold green.
• 1988 Summit White Chevrolet 1500 Silverado pickup truck with garnet Custom cloth bucket seats, an L05 210 bhp 5.7 liter/305 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 63,000 miles—at $17,000, the highest eighties vehicle sale on Thursday
• 1987 Bright Red Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a white convertible top, red leather bucket seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and the Doug Nash 4+3—$16,500
• 1988 black BMW 635Csi coupe with black leather bucket seats, an M30B35 208 bhp 3.4 liter/209 ci inline six with fuel injection, and an automatic—$9,000
• 1986 Black Chevrolet Camaro Z28 hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, an LB9 190 bhp engine with fuel injection, an automatic, and 62,000 miles—$5,000
• 1983 blue Dodge W150 Power Ram pickup truck with a blue cloth bench seat, a 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 52,000 miles—$8,500
• 1984 white Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 15th Anniversary Edition hatchback coupe with gray leather/cloth bucket seats, an LG9 HO 190 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 83,000 miles—$9,000
• 1984 Silver/Medium Gray two-tone Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with red leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 205 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, and an automatic—$4,500
• 1980 Olympic White with woodgrain AMC Eagle Limited station wagon with beige leather seats, a 110 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a two-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 82,000 miles–$12,000. Is this the nicest one left?

• 1984 Silver/Medium Gray two-tone Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with graphite leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 205 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, and an automatic—$6,000
• 1988 White Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA coupe with camel leather bucket seats, a B2L 225 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 83,000 miles—$11,000 for a rare notchback
• 1987 Midnight Black/Steel Gray two-tone Chevrolet Blazer Silverado SUV with slate gray Custom cloth bucket seats, an L05 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$11,500
• 1984 white Pontiac Fiero Pace Car Edition coupe with red/gray bucket seats, an Iron Duke 92 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$16,000
• 1987 Garnet Red Dodge Ramcharger SUV with red cloth bucket seats, a 143 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,500
• 1982 silver Chevrolet El Camino custom (engine) pickup truck with blue cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$8,000
• 1988 red Mazda 323 GTX hatchback coupe with a 132 bhp 1.6 liter/97 ci inline four with fuel injection and a turbocharger, a five-speed manual, and 82,000 miles—$6,500 for the most interesting car on day one.
• 1980 green GMC Caballero custom (powertrain, exterior, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a cloth split seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$11,500
• 1988 tan Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck with an automatic—$3,000
• 1982 blue Fiat 124 Spider 2000 convertible with gray vinyl bucket seats, a 102 bhp 2.0 liter/122 ci inline four with fuel injection, an automatic, and 57,000 miles—$9,500

Friday, January 8th:

• 1987 red Chevrolet C10 custom (engine, exterior, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a gray interior, a Vortec 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$16,000
• 1989 Cabernet Red Ford Mustang LX 5.0 convertible with a black top, scarlet red cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a five-speed—$8,500
• 1986 burgundy Chevrolet Corvette custom (exterior, engine, interior) hatchback coupe with tan leather seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$7,500
• 1989 White Jeep Wrangler SUV with black bucket seats and an automatic—$5,000
• 1984 black Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood limousine with a black interior, a 140 bhp 6.0 liter/368 ci V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, and an automatic—$12,500
• 1985 Sunrise Red Mazda RX-7 hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 12A 101 bhp 1.1 liter/70 ci two-rotor with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 80,000 miles—$11,000
• 1985 silver/gray two-tone Chevrolet C10 custom (powertrain, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a burgundy cloth bench seat, a 6.3 liter/383 ci V8, and an automatic—$22,500
• 1981 Red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with red leather seats, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 53,000 miles—$21,000
• 1980 beige Toyota Land Cruiser HJ-45 SUV with black bucket seats, an H 3.6 liter/218 ci diesel inline six, and a four-speed manual—$39,000 made this the highest eighties vehicle sale on Friday

• 1986 white Porsche 944 Turbo hatchback coupe with brown leather bucket seats, a 220 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with fuel injection and a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual, and 34,000 miles—$24,500
• 1987 Red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with tan leather seats, an M117 238 bhp 5.5 liter/339 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 84,000 miles—$13,500
• 1987 Midnight Black/Apple Red two-tone Chevrolet Blazer custom (engine) SUV with red cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$11,500
• 1988 Arctic White Lincoln Town Car with a white vinyl carriage roof, oxford white leather seats, a Windsor 150 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 8,800 miles—$19,000
• 1989 Silver Frost Lincoln Town Car with a silver frost vinyl carriage roof, titanium cloth seats, a Windsor 150 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 19,000 miles—$16,000
• 1989 red Classic International Brillanté Vendetta convertible with an L98 340 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection and an automatic—$18,000 for this Corvette-based Ferrari Testarossa imitator.
• 1986 medium blue/dark blue two-tone GMC Sierra Classic pickup truck with a blue vinyl bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$19,000
• 1986 blue/white two-tone Chevrolet C10 custom (exterior, interior, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a blue bench seat, an unknown V8, and an automatic—$14,500
• 1986 blue/white two-tone Chevrolet C10 custom (exterior, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a blue vinyl bench seat, an unknown V8, and an automatic—$21,000
• 1984 White Chevrolet Camaro Z28 hatchback coupe with tan vinyl bucket seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$5,500
• 1986 blue/white two-tone Chevrolet Blazer SUV with blue vinyl bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$21,000
• 1988 White Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition hatchback coupe with white leather seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 46,000 miles—$22,000
• 1986 Dark Red Metallic Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a white top, red leather seats, an L98 235 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 8,200 miles—$20,000
• 1985 White Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with saddle leather seats, an L98 230 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 8,100 miles—$16,000
• 1985 White Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe with maroon cloth bucket seats, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 24,000 miles—$16,500
• 1987 silver Toyota Supra Turbo hatchback coupe with blue cloth bucket seats, a 7M-GE 230 bhp 3.0 liter inline with fuel injection and a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$13,000
• 1984 white Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham coupe with burgundy cloth seats, an LV2 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,500

Saturday, January 9th:

• 1982 White Chevrolet Corvette coupe with dark red cloth bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 13,000 miles—$30,000
• 1987 red/white two-tone Chevrolet Silverado custom (suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a black custom cloth bench seat, an 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$34,000
• 1987 white Pontiac Fiero GT coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 135 bhp 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$9,000
• 1986 white Spartan II coupe with a gray interior, a 3.0 liter V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 39,000 miles—$20,000 for this Nissan 300ZX-based neo-classic
• 1988 Charcoal/Radiant Silver two-tone Dodge Ramcharger LE SUV with red cloth bucket seats, a 145 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$18,500
• 1988 brown/tan two-tone Chevrolet Suburban SUV with tan cloth bucket seats, an L19 230 bhp 7.4 liter/454 ci v8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 73,000 miles—$17,500
• 1983 yellow Toyota DLX mild custom pickup truck with gray cloth bucket seats, a 22R 2.4 liter inline four, a five-speed manual, and 101,000 miles—$16,500
• 1981 maroon Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler custom pickup truck with gray bucket seats, an unknown V8, and an automatic—$20,000
• 1988 red Sebring convertible with tan bucket seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$19,000 for this Austin Healey 3000 replica
• 1988 White Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition hatchback coupe with white leather seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, the Doug Nash 4+3, and 6,300 miles—$26,000
• 1988 White Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition hatchback coupe with white leather seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$15,500. A bidder had their choice of these distinctive coupes at this auction.
• 1980 red/black two-tone Chevrolet El Camino very custom (just about everything) pickup truck with red cloth bucket seats, a 406 ci V8, and an automatic—$13,000
• 1987 Candy Apple Red GMC Sierra Classic custom (engine, exterior, interior, wheels/tires) pickup truck with silver bucket seats, an LS2 6.2 liter V8, and an automatic—$28,000
• 1987 white Chevrolet C10 custom (powertrain) pickup truck with a red vinyl bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$27,000
• 1987 black Buick Regal T-Type custom (powertrain) coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with a turbocharger, and an automatic—$35,000
• 1985 Burgundy Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 10,000 miles—$21,750
• 1989 Black Ford Mustang ASC/McLaren convertible with a black top, a gray interior, a 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 44,000 miles—$15,500
• 1986 Shelby GLHS custom hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 2.2 liter/135 ci inline four with a turbocharger, an intercooler, and fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$18,000
• 1986 black Nissan 300ZX hatchback coupe with black leather bucket seats, a VG30ET 200 bhp 3.0 liter/181 ci V6 with fuel injection and a turbocharger, a five-speed manual, and 43,000 miles—$31,500 is around $7,000 over #1/Concours money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.
• 1986 red GMC Sierra Classic pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, an automatic, and 100,000 miles—$23,500
• 1985 black Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole coupe with black leather seats, a Quattrovalvole 230 bhp 2.9 liter/179 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 69,000 miles—$50,000
• 1986 Guards Red Porsche 911 Turbo coupe with black leather seats, a 282 bhp 3.3 liter/201 ci flat six with turbocharging and fuel injection, a four-speed manual, and 57,000 miles—$100,000 made this by far the highest eighties vehicle sale on this Saturday.

• 1980 red/white two-tone Plymouth Trail Duster custom (suspension, wheels/tires) SUV with red bucket seats and an automatic—$15,000
• 1985 silver Chevrolet K10 Silverado very custom (just about everything) pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a Vortec 6.0 liter V8, and an automatic—$38,000
• 1986 hazel/brown two-tone Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan with a cream vinyl top, cream leather bucket seats, a 6.75 liter/412 ci V8, an automatic, and 17,000 miles—$35,000
• 1987 Black Buick Grand National coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a 245 bhp LC2 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with turbocharging and fuel injection, an automatic, and 15,000 miles—$34,000
• 1985 White Buick Riviera coupe with a white Landau top, blue cloth notchback 55/45 seats, a 5.0 liter/307 ci V8, an automatic, and 12,000 miles—$12,500
• 1985 Cotillion White Cadillac Eldorado coupe with a white vinyl top, blue leather seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 4,100 miles—$23,000
• 1984 black Oldsmobile 98 Regency coupe with a maroon vinyl top, red cloth seats, an LV2 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 4,500 miles—$27,000. Who saves these cars?
• 1989 green Land Rover Defender 90 SUV with brown bucket seats, a 2.5 liter/152 ci diesel inline four, a manual, and 69,000 miles—$60,000
• 1988 Black BMW M6 coupe with tan leather seats, a S38B35 256 bhp 3.5 liter/211 ci inline six with fuel injection, a five-speed, and 120,000 miles—$27,000
• 1980 Pollux Orange Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck with gray seats, a 3.6 liter engine, and a four-speed manual—$40,000
• 1982 Black Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with a brown top, brown bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$11,000
• 1986 silver Mercedes-Benz 560SEC coupe with gray leather bucket seats, an M117 238 bhp 5.5 liter/339 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 75,000 miles—$19,000

Sunday, January 10th:

• 1984 crimson Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan with camel leather bucket seats, a 6.75 liter/412 ci V8, and an automatic—$9,000
• 1988 white Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan with a white vinyl top, tan leather bucket seats, a 6.75 liter/412 ci V8, an automatic, and 97,000 miles—$9,500
• 1980 blue Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II with a blue vinyl top, blue leather bucket seats, a 6.75 liter/412 ci V8, and an automatic—$9,000
• 1983 silver Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit sedan with tan leather bucket seats, a 6.75 liter/412 ci V8, and an automatic—$9,000
• 1988 dark blue Lincoln Town Car limousine with a dark green interior, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$11,000
• 1988 Red Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z convertible with a black top, gray leather bucket seats, an unknown 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 (could be the L03 170 bhp engine with throttle-body fuel injection or the LB9 195 bhp engine with fuel injection), an automatic, and 29,000 miles—$22,000
• 1988 Delphin Gray BMW 635Csi coupe with pearl beige leather bucket seats, an M30B35 215 bhp 3.4 liter/209 ci inline six with fuel injection, an automatic, and 54,000 miles—$44,000 for this gray market car.
• 1989 blue Toyota FJ-70 Land Cruiser SUV with gray bucket seats, a 3F 155 bhp 4.0 liter/241 ci inline six with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$22,000
• 1988 White Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a white convertible top, red leather bucket seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 40,000 miles—$17,000
• 1980 White/Light Blue Metallic two-tone Chevrolet El Camino pickup truck with a blue vinyl bench seat, an unknown V8 (could be the L39 120 bhp 4.4 liter/267 ci with a two-barrel carburetor or the LG9 135 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci with a four-barrel carburetor), an automatic, and 14,000 miles—$18,000
• 1983 blue Ford F100 custom (exterior, wheels/tires) pickup truck with blue seats, a 5.8 liter/351 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$16,000
• 1989 Twilight Blue Lincoln Town Car sedan with an arctic white carriage top, shadow blue cloth seats, a 150 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,000
• 1984 silver/black two-tone Tiffany coupe with red leather seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$15,000 for this Mercury Cougar-based “neo-classic.”
• 1989 black AM General Humvee SUV with a black interior, an automatic, and 18,000 miles—$20,000
• 1983 Sable Black Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz coupe with a bushed stainless steel roof cap, a black vinyl top, red leather “tufted multi-button” seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 19,000 miles—$27,000 for this striking Eldorado whose aftermarket continental kit actually doesn’t bother me that much.

• 1988 blue Ford Crown Victoria sedan with a dark blue vinyl top, blue cloth seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$3,000
• 1986 blue Pontiac Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$7,000

Mecum’s Dallas auction in December 2020 provided some interesting fodder for commentary. It’s important to remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a black 1983 Mercedes-Benz G300 SUV with white bucket seats was a no-sale bid up to $52,000. I’ll concentrate on the at least reasonably stock 1980s vehicles that sold and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 11% of the 364 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Thursday, December 3rd:

• 1984 blue BMW 318i coupe with tan bucket seats, a 101 bhp 1.8 liter/108 ci inline four with fuel injection, an automatic, and 47,000 miles—$4,000 hammer price.
• 1985 Cotillion White Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible with a white top, red leather “tufted multi-button” seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 57,000 miles—$15,000 is #2/Excellent money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.

• 1982 blue/white two-tone Ford F100 pickup truck with a blue bench seat, a 133 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$6,500
• 1983 brown Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a brown interior, an unknown V8, and an automatic—$9,500
• 1982 blue Datsun 280ZX Turbo 2+2 hatchback coupe with gray bucket seats, an L28ET 145 bhp 2.8 liter/168 ci inline six with a turbocharger and fuel injection, and an automatic—$10,500
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette coupe with silver beige 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—$14,500
• 1982 white Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce convertible with a brown top, brown bucket seats, a 111 bhp 2.0 liter/120 ci inline four with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 97,000 miles—$7,500
• 1985 Shelby GLHS custom (engine, interior) hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 2.2 liter/135 ci inline four with a turbocharger, an intercooler, and fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 32,000 miles—at $19,500, the highest eighties vehicle sale on Thursday
• 1989 pearl white Chevrolet 1500 custom (exterior) pickup truck with an unknown V8—$7,000
• 1984 beige/black two-tone Chevrolet Suburban custom (suspension, wheels/tires) SUV—$5,000
• 1984 red Toyota Celica hatchback coupe with red cloth bucket seats, a 22R-E 105 bhp 2.4 liter inline four with fuel injection, and an automatic—$14,000
• 1982 blue Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser mild custom SUV with tan seats, a 2F 4.2 liter inline six, and a four-speed manual—$15,000
• 1986 white Nissan Spartan II coupe with a gray interior, a 3.0 liter V6 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$11,500 for this 300ZX-based neo-classic
• 1983 sky blue Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with blue bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 92,000 miles—$3,000 for this SL stated to not be in running condition
• 1985 chocolate Chevrolet C10 custom (just about everything) pickup truck with tan leather bucket seats, a 6.3 liter/383 ci V8, and an automatic—$16,000

Friday, December 4th:

• 1985 black/silver two-tone Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with 65,000 miles and little other description—$7,000
• 1982 Red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 67,000 miles—$7,500
• 1987 red/white two-tone Chevrolet C10 custom (suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a black cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 65,000 miles—$23,000
• 1982 Dark Brown Metallic Datsun 280ZX Turbo hatchback coupe with tan cloth bucket seats, an L28ET 145 bhp 2.8 liter/168 ci inline six with a turbocharger and fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—at $28,000 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.

• 1984 white Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with red leather bucket seats, a Windsor 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$21,000
• 1989 maroon/white two-tone Dodge Ramcharger SUV with red cloth seats, an unknown V8 (could be a 5.2 liter or a 5.9 liter), an automatic, and 57,000 miles—$9,500
• 1987 blue metallic Chevrolet K10 custom (exterior, engine, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a blue cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a carburetor, and an automatic—$18,000
• 1984 Apple Red Chevrolet C10 pickup truck with a charcoal vinyl bench seat, an LE9 150 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$15,000
• 1983 Rally Red Jeep CJ-7 custom (just about everything) SUV with red bucket seats and a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a supercharger—at $37,000, the highest eighties vehicle sale on Friday
• 1980 beige Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible with a black soft top, brown bucket seats, a 160 bhp 4.5 liter/276 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$19,000
• 1984 black GMC 1500 custom (engine, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$19,500
• 1981 Chevrolet C10 custom (just about everything) pickup truck with blue cloth bucket seats, a 6.0 liter V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$22,000
• 1988 Salmon Silver Metallic BMW 325i convertible with a black top, black leather bucket seats, an M20B25 168 bhp 2.5 liter/152 ci inline four with fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,000.
• 1983 beige Jeep CJ-7 SUV with tan bucket seats, a manual, and 132,000 miles—$13,000
• 1985 Apple Red/Frost White two-tone Chevrolet K5 Blazer Silverado SUV with red cloth bucket seats and an automatic—$25,500
• 1987 Medium Gray Metallic Chevrolet El Camino pickup truck with a gray cloth seat, an LG4 150 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 29,000 miles—$9,000
• 1983 tan Jeep Scrambler custom (just about everything) pickup truck with gray bucket seats, a 5.9 liter V8, and an automatic—$15,500
• 1986 white Volkswagen custom (exterior, wheels/tires) cabriolet with gray/white bucket seats, a 90 bhp 1.8 liter inline four, a five-speed manual, and 122,000 miles—$4,000

Saturday, December 5th:

• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette coupe with silver beige leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 11,000 miles—$24,000 is solid money for a 1982 CE.
• 1984 Chevrolet C10 custom (engine, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a 7.4 liter/454 ci V8 and an automatic—$22,000
• 1986 blue/tan two-tone Chevrolet C10 custom (powertrain, interior, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a gray bench seat, a 6.0 liter V8, and an automatic—$31,000
• 1987 black Porsche 930 Turbo coupe with brown bucket seats, a 282 bhp 3.3 liter/201 ci flat six with a turbocharger and fuel injection, a four-speed manual, and 28,000 miles—$120,000 for this factory slant nose made it the highest eighties vehicle of this auction

• 1983 Chevrolet C10 custom (engine, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a cloth bench seat, a 6.3 liter/383 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$30,000
• 1987 red orange Land Rover Defender 90 custom (just about everything) SUV with orange/black leather bucket seats, a 2.5 liter diesel inline four, and a five-speed manual—$41,000

Houston was another Mecum auction in Texas that featured many Chevrolet trucks. This profusion of bowtie trucks meant that Chevrolets were 44% of the eighties vehicles sold. Other prevalent marques were Jeep and Nissan/Datsun. What do you think?

Mecum’s Dallas auction in October 2020 provided some interesting fodder for commentary. It’s important to remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a yellow 1982 Toyota FJ-45 Land Cruiser SUV with a black bench seat was a no-sale bid up to $42,500. I’ll concentrate on the at least reasonably stock 1980s vehicles that sold and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 7% of the 529 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Thursday, October 15th:

• 1982 Silver Metallic 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—$12,000 hammer price
• 1985 silver Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a blue interior, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$7,500
• 1980 red Jeep CJ-7 SUV with tan bucket seats, a 119 bhp 5.0 liter/304 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—at $18,000 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 yellow Cadillac Eldorado coupe with a yellow vinyl top, tan leather seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$6,000
• 1981 red/white two-tone Ford F150 Explorer pickup truck with a plaid cloth bench seat, a 120 bhp 4.9 liter/300 ci inline six with a carburetor, an automatic, and 51,000 miles—$20,000 for this truck with it’s original “big six.”

• 1986 red/white two-tone Dodge Ramcharger Royale SE SUV with red cloth seats, a 150 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,500
• 1985 red Chevrolet K10 mild custom pickup truck with a red cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$38,000
• 1987 Black Buick Regal Grand National coupe with black/silver cloth bucket seats, an LC2 235 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection, turbocharger, and intercooler, and an automatic—$27,500
• 1989 black Ford F150 custom (engine, wheels/tires) pickup truck with gray cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 87,000 miles—$10,000
• 1986 Dark Cordovan Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a tan top, cordovan vinyl bucket seats, an unknown inline four (could be a 2.2 liter or a 2.5 liter), an automatic, and 26,000 miles—$7,000
• 1989 dark green/beige two-tone Chevrolet Blazer mild custom SUV with beige cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$11,500
• 1989 white with woodgrain Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser station wagon with a dark sapphire blue 55/45 cloth seat, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 42,000 miles—$9,000

Friday, October 16th:

• 1980 Carousel Red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with dark camel cloth bucket seats, a W72 150 bhp 4.9 liter/301 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$23,000
• 1986 Light Regatta Blue/Colonial White two-tone Ford F250 XLT mild custom pickup truck with a blue cloth bench seat, a Lima 7.5 liter/460 ci V8, and an automatic—$17,000
• 1988 Black Ford Mustang convertible with a black top, medium gray cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 38,000 miles—$14,000
• 1989 Medium Red Toyota SR5 custom (engine) pickup truck with gray cloth bucket seats, a 3.4 liter V6, and a five-speed manual—$14,500
• 1987 black Chevrolet Silverado custom (exterior, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a red interior, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, an automatic, and 87,000 miles—$30,000
• 1982 yellow Chevrolet Corvette coupe with camel leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, and an automatic—$13,000
• 1981 Red Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with red vinyl bucket seats, an LM1 175 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 36,000 miles—$22,000

• 1988 gray Dodge Ramcharger mild custom SUV with red cloth bucket seats, an LA 170 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 38,000 miles—$8,500
• 1986 red Chevrolet K10 custom (engine, suspension, exterior, interior) pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a 427 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$40,000
• 1984 Le Mans Blue Chevrolet K10 custom (engine, suspension, exterior, interior) pickup truck with blue cloth seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$25,000
• 1981 orange Jeep CJ-5 custom (just about everything) SUV with black seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$15,000
• 1981 black Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler pickup truck with black bucket seats, a 110 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a two-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 47,000 miles—$24,000
• 1984 Light Blue Metallic/Silver two-tone Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with blue cloth bench seat, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$24,000
• 1986 Bright Red Chevrolet Corvette convertible with medium gray leather seats, an L98 235 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$18,000 is substantial money for a C4 Corvette convertible without a lot of provenance.
• 1981 white/black two-tone Chevrolet Blazer SUV with blue cloth bucket seats, a V8, and an automatic—$22,000
• 1986 red Dodge SLE pickup truck with a red cloth bench seat, a 5.8 liter/360 ci V8, and an automatic—$20,000
• 1988 Medium Blue Metallic Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a black top, blue leather seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,500

Saturday, October 17th:

• 1980 Black Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with red cloth bucket seats, an LM1 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 37,000 miles—$22,000
• 1985 black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a burgundy cloth bench seat, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$13,500
• 1984 red Chevrolet Silverado custom (body, engine) pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$28,000
• 1987 amber/cream two-tone Chevrolet Silverado custom (paint, engine) pickup truck with a tan vinyl bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$29,000
• 1985 orange/white two-tone Chevrolet Silverado custom (paint, engine) pickup truck with a chocolate vinyl bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$30,000
• 1985 red with flames Chevrolet Silverado custom (just about everything) pickup truck with bucket seats, an LS V8, and an automatic—$40,000
• 1984 gray/white two-tone Chevrolet Silverado custom (paint, engine, suspension) pickup truck with an olive green bench seat, an LS V8, and an automatic—$40,000

• 1984 green/cream two-tone Chevrolet Silverado custom (paint, engine, suspension, interior) pickup truck with a tan bench seat, an LS V8, and an automatic—$43,000
• 1988 red Chevrolet 2500 custom (paint, engine, suspension, interior) pickup truck with a red bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$24,000
• 1980 black Land Rover Defender 110 custom (paint, engine, interior) SUV with black leather bucket seats, a V8, and an automatic—$85,000

This particular auction contained many Chevrolet trucks—most from the Hill’s Hot Rods Square Body Collection. This profusion of bowtie trucks meant that Chevrolets were 55% of the eighties vehicles sold. Other prevalent marques were Ford, Dodge, and Jeep. What do you think?

Mecum’s “Summer Special” auction in Kissimmee provided some interesting fodder for commentary. It’s important to remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a red 1986 DeTomaso Pantara GT5-S coupe with black bucket seats and 7,300 miles was a no-sale bid up to $120,000. I’ll concentrate on the at least reasonably stock 1980s vehicles that sold and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 9% of the 461 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Thursday, August 27th:

• 1989 Black Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z hatchback coupe with red leather bucket seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 58,000 miles—$14,000 hammer price
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition hatchback coupe with silver beige leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 44,000 miles—$9,000
• 1984 Black Chevrolet El Camino custom (engine) pickup with the SS Choo Choo Customs package, a red cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$10,000
• 1981 Beige Jeep Wrangler custom (engine) SUV with tan bucket seats, a 5.9 liter/360 ci V8, an automatic, and 86,000 miles—$11,500
• 1987 Black Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 442 coupe with tan seats, a 170 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 77,000 miles—$9,000
• 1987 red/white two-tone GMC 1500 custom (engine, suspension) pickup truck with a tan interior, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$18,000
• 1988 white Chevrolet custom (body) pickup truck with a gray bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$7,000
• 1982 Light Gray Buick Electra Limited sedan with a dark blue vinyl top, blue velour seats, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 8,000 miles—$9,500. Who saves these cars?
• 1986 bronze/tan two-tone Dodge Ramcharger Royale SE SUV with tan bucket seats, a 150 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 71,000 miles—at $15,500, 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.
• 1986 silver/gray two-tone Mercury Grand Marquis sedan with silver seats, a Windsor 150 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 19,000 miles—$9,750
• 1981 Cotillion White Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham sedan with red Heather knit seats, the L62 6.0 liter/368 ci V8-6-4 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 44,000 miles—$4,500
• 1987 white/blue two-tone Dodge Ramcharger SUV with blue bucket seats, a 145 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,500. Two Ramchargers on the same day?
• 1987 Scarlet Red Ford Mustang convertible with a black top, medium gray bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 26,000 miles—$10,500
• 1986 black with woodgrain AMC Eagle Limited station wagon with a tan interior, a 110 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six, an automatic, and 69,000 miles—$17,000

• 1987 yellow Jeep Wrangler custom (engine) SUV with black bucket seats, an unknown V8, an automatic, and a salvage title—$8,000
• 1986 white Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with burgundy leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$12,000 for this unusual (for a Mercedes) color combination.
• 1983 blue Jeep CJ-7 custom (paint, suspension, transmission) SUV with black bucket seats, an unknown engine, and an automatic—$12,000
• 1989 Midnight Black Lincoln Town Car sedan with a midnight black carriage top, currant red 50/50 seats, a Windsor 150 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 4,000 miles—$24,000 is almost (but not quite) what a 1989 Town Car originally went for.
• 1986 burgundy Chevrolet Corvette custom (just about everything) hatchback coupe with a saddle bucket seats, an unknown V8, a four-speed manual, and 4,000 miles—$14,000
• 1989 Dark Blue Metallic Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a saddle top, saddle leather bucket seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$4,500
• 1989 blue Cadillac Brougham limousine with blue cloth seats, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—an ouch! at $1,750

Friday, August 28th:

• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition hatchback coupe with silver beige leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 68,000 miles—$11,500
• 1981 merlot Chevrolet custom (interior, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a gray bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$18,000
• 1987 burgundy/white two-tone Dodge Ramcharger SUV with burgundy cloth bucket seats, a 145 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,000
• 1985 brown/tan two-tone Chevrolet C10 Silverado pickup truck with a tan cloth bench seat, a 160 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 79,000 miles—$9,000
• 1984 Silver/Black two-tone Nissan/Datsun 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition hatchback coupe with black bucket seats, a VG30ET 200 bhp 3.0 liter/181 ci V6 with fuel injection and a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual, and 80,000 miles—$11,000
• 1986 yellow Toyota pickup truck with tan cloth seats, a 22R-E 105 bhp 2.4 liter/144 ci inline four with fuel injection, an automatic, and 84,000 miles—$14,000

• 1987 Black/Silver two-tone Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 442 coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 170 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 11,000 miles—$29,000
• 1989 Scarlet Red Ford Mustang GT convertible with a white top, white leather bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 7,000 miles—$29,000
• 1987 red Chevrolet Corvette custom (exterior, wheels/tires) convertible with a white top, black leather bucket seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 63,000 miles—$15,000
• 1981 maroon Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with tan cloth bucket seats, a 150 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 28,000 miles—$25,000
• 1987 Scarlet Red Ford Mustang ASC/McLaren convertible with gray bucket seats, a 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$13,000
• 1980 Blue Green Metallic Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible with a black soft top, tan leather seats, a 160 bhp 4.5 liter/276 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$27,000
• 1984 black/silver two-tone Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$28,000 for this truck, restored in reasonably stock fashion.
• 1981 black Toyota SR5 Hilux pickup truck with tan cloth seats, a 22R 97 bhp 2.4 liter/144 ci inline four with a carburetor, and a five-speed manual—$20,000
• 1984 white Johnson Phantom coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a 190 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$11,000 for this Camaro-based “neo-classic.”
• 1980 blue Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser SUV with gray seats, a 2F 4.2 liter inline six, and a five-speed manual—$34,000
• 1989 blue Cadillac Brougham limousine with blue cloth seats, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—a Thursday sale gets resold on Friday for $2,000, $250 more than a day before.

Saturday, August 29th:

• 1984 Black Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with graphite leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 205 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, the Doug Nash 4+3, and 1,400 miles—$17,000. This amount is almost #1/Concours condition money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.
• 1985 orange Cadillac Fleetwood very custom (just about anything) coupe with orange vinyl seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$23,000
• 1986 Guards Red Porsche 944 Turbo hatchback coupe with black leather bucket seats, a 220 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with fuel injection and a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$27,000
• 1989 Bright Red Jeep Grand Wagoneer custom (engine) SUV with light tan bucket seats, a Hemi 707 bhp 6.2 liter V8 with fuel injection and a supercharger, an automatic, and 52,000 miles—$115,000
• 1987 red BMW M6 coupe with white leather bucket seats, an S38 256 bhp 3.5 liter/211 ci inline six with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 53,000 miles—$59,000 made this handsome car the highest sale of a stock eighties vehicle at this auction.

• 1980 Bright Red Toyota FJ-45 Land Cruiser custom (just about everything) SUV with gray/tan bucket seats, a 2F 4.2 liter inline six, and a five-speed manual—$71,000

This particular auction contained the usual suspects (Chevy trucks, Corvettes, Mercedes SLs, Mustangs, Toyota FJs) but also some rarely seen cars—the AMC Eagle, Buick Electra, and Mercury Grand Marquis stood out to me. Of course, there were also those three Ramchargers. What do you think?

As usual, Mecum’s huge auction in Indianapolis provided much interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least fairly stock 1980s vehicles that sold (remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a Rossa Corsa 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi coupe with tan leather bucket seats and 8,400 miles was a no-sale bid up to $250,000) and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 8% of the 1,191 vehicle lots sold in this auction—this post covers the final four days of automotive sales.

Wednesday, July 15th:

• 1981 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with an unknown interior, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$16,000 hammer price.
• 1988 White Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition hatchback coupe with white leather bucket seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 43,000 miles—$10,500
• 1987 silver Pontiac Firebird Formula hatchback coupe with a gray/black interior, an unknown 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$4,500
• 1984 White Chevrolet Corvette custom (exterior, wheels/tires) hatchback coupe with a red interior, an L83 Cross-Fire 205 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 75,000 miles—$5,500
• 1988 white Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with gray leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 79,000 miles—$10,000
• 1988 black Ford Mustang Saleen hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$18,000
• 1985 light brown Cadillac Eldorado coupe with a dark brown vinyl top, tan leather seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 44,000 miles—$6,000
• 1980 Dark Claret Metallic Chevrolet Corvette coupe with claret leather bucket seats, an L48 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$13,500 for this good-looking ‘Vette.

• 1985 black Ford Bronco XLT custom (period-correct modifications) SUV with tan cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$21,000
• 1983 black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am custom (KITT replica, convertible) 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—$27,000
• 1982 blue GMC custom (lift kit) pickup truck with a 5.7 liter/350 ci engine and an automatic—$11,000
• 1986 blue Chevrolet C10 custom (body, paint, engine, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a 425 bhp 7.4 liter/454 ci V8 and an automatic—$18,000
• 1984 blue/silver two-tone Chevrolet K20 custom (engine, suspension) with a blue cloth bench seat, a Vortec 6.0 liter V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$16,000
• 1987 red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with black leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$16,000
• 1984 brown Jeep Wrangler Renegade SUV with tan bucket seats, a 112 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a two-barrel carburetor, and a five-speed manual—$20,000
• 1989 White Pontiac 20th Anniversary Turbo Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with saddle leather bucket seats, a 250 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection, a turbocharger, and an intercooler, an automatic, and 9,400 miles—$27,500
• 1980 Cameo White Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with oyster gray cloth bucket seats, an LU8 205 bhp 4.9 liter/301 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and a turbocharger, an automatic, and 18,000 miles—$30,000
• 1980 blue Chevrolet C10 pickup truck with a blue cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, an automatic, and 20,000 miles—$14,000
• 1987 black Buick Regal Grand National coupe with black/silver cloth bucket seats, an LC2 235 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection, turbocharger, and intercooler, an automatic, and 23,000 miles—$37,000 made this the highest eighties vehicles sale of July 15th.
• 1988 white Ford Mustang Saleen convertible with a white top, gray cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 cubic inch V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 14,000 miles—$20,000
• 1985 red Chevrolet Camaro Z28 hatchback coupe with red cloth bucket seats, an unknown 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, an automatic, and 29,000 miles—$10,000
• 1989 black Chevrolet custom (engine, suspension) pickup truck with a 468 ci V8 and an automatic—$14,000
• 1981 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with a red interior, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,000
• 1981 green Chevrolet custom (exterior, engine, suspension) pickup truck with black interior, a 402 ci V8, and an automatic—$16,000

Thursday, July 16th:

• 1989 Bright Red Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a black convertible top, black leather bucket seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$6,500
• 1985 blue Chevrolet Corvette custom (paint, wheels/tires) hatchback coupe with gray leather bucket seats, an L98 230 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, the Doug Nash 4+3, and 83,000 miles—$6,000
• 1985 Doeskin Tan Chevrolet C10 Silverado pickup truck with a saddle tan Custom cloth bench seat, an LE9 160 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, an automatic, and 11,000 miles—$26,000
• 1983 white Jeep Scrambler very custom (just about everything) pickup truck with a Vortec 345 bhp 5.3 liter V8 and an automatic—$42,000
• 1989 gray Nissan Skyline GT-R custom (engine, suspension) coupe with gray leather bucket seats, a 2.6 liter inline six with twin turbochargers, and a five-speed manual—$48,000
• 1985 Midnight Black Chevrolet K5 Blazer Silverado SUV with slate gray cloth bucket seats, an LE9 160 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, an automatic, and 11,000 miles—$26,000
• 1989 red Dodge Shelby Dakota pickup truck with red/silver cloth seats, a 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 5,900 miles—$27,500
• 1980 Black/Gold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with black cloth bucket seats, an LU8 205 bhp 4.9 liter/301 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and a turbocharger, an automatic, and 10,000 miles—$60,000 made this the highest eighties vehicles sale of July 16th. Remember when even the nicest late second-generation F-cars were inexpensive?

• 1987 White Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a black convertible top, black leather bucket seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 56,000 miles—$7,500
• 1986 silver Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 Aerocoupe Richard Petty Edition with charcoal cloth bucket seats, an LG4 165 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,750
• 1985 Midnight Black/Frost White two-tone Chevrolet K5 Blazer Silverado SUV with slate grey cloth bucket seats, an L05 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$30,000 for this loaded SUV.

Friday, July 17th:

• 1981 white Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler pickup truck with tan bucket seats, a 110 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and a manual transmission—$17,500
• 1986 cream Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a Windsor 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$22,000
• 1986 red Zimmer QuickSilver coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a 140 bhp 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$12,500. Out of four (!) Zimmers at this year’s Mecum Indy, this was the only Fiero-based one.
• 1981 red Dodge Colt/Plymouth Champ custom (wow!) sedan with red/black bucket seats, two 1.6 liter inline fours, and at least one functioning four-speed manual—$18,000

• 1981 Bright Red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with medium red bucket seats, an LG4 145 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 3,700 miles—$28,000
• 1989 silver Toyota Supra Turbo hatchback coupe with gray leather bucket seats, a 7M-GTE 232 bhp 3.0 liter/180 ci inline six with fuel injection and a turbocharger, an automatic, and 39,000 miles—$16,000
• 1987 burgundy Chevrolet C10 custom (just about everything) pickup truck with a black bench seat, a 6.2 liter V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$17,500
• 1986 red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with cream leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$11,000
• 1989 blue and white Ford Mustang SSP police car with blue bucket seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and a five-speed manual—$22,000
• 1982 stainless steel DeLorean DMC-12 coupe with gray leather seats, a 130 bhp 2.8 liter/173 cubic inch V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 165 miles—$62,000 made this the highest eighties vehicles sale of July 17th.
• 1984 Red Pearl Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan with a saddle top, tan leather bucket seats, a 6.75 liter/412 ci V8, an automatic, and 36,000 miles—$8,500

Saturday, July 18th:

• 1986 black Chevrolet C10 custom (body, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a black vinyl bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$15,000
• 1986 white Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham sedan with red leather seats, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 79,000 miles—$9,000
• 1986 Light Blue Metallic/Midnight Blue two-tone Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a blue Custom cloth bench seat, an unknown V8 engine, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$18,000
• 1985 dark red Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with tan bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$14,000
• 1982 white/red/yellow March 82C racing car with a 3.3 liter V6 with fuel injection —$72,000
• 1989 Rosso Corsa Ferrari Testarossa coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a 380 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V12 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 105 miles—$210,000
• 1984 Rosso Corso Ferrari 512 BBi coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a 335 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci flat 12 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 8,000 miles—at $340,000, the highest eighties vehicle sale of July 18th and of this auction.

• 1988 Imperial Red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with tan leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 36,000 miles—$27,500

In this strangest of all Mecum Indy auctions, some things stayed the same. Cars from Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, and Mercedes-Benz dominated the eighties vehicle counts, with those four marques accounting for almost two-thirds of the total.

As usual, Mecum’s huge auction in Indianapolis provided much interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least fairly stock 1980s vehicles that sold (remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a Rossa Corsa 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi coupe with tan leather bucket seats and 8,400 miles was a no-sale bid up to $250,000) and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 8% of the 1,191 vehicle lots sold in this auction—this post covers the first four days of automotive sales, and another will follow with the rest.

Friday, July 10th:

• 1987 Silver Metallic Chevrolet Corvette convertible with graphite bucket seats, a black convertible top, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,000 hammer price
• 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, and a five-speed manual—$8,500
• 1989 blue Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce convertible with a black top, tan leather bucket seats, a 115 bhp 2.0 liter/120 ci inline four with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 31,000 miles—$1,500 for this beat-up looking Alfa.
• 1985 Medium Sand Beige Metallic Mercury Cougar coupe with a sand beige vinyl top, a sand beige interior, an Essex 120 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 40,000 miles—$5,000 for this base (non-XR7) sixth-generation Cougar. How many are left?
• 1980 Platinum Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with black vinyl bucket seats, a W72 150 bhp 4.9 liter/301 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$14,500
• 1983 cream Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a Windsor 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, an automatic, and 14,000 miles—$15,500 for this Mustang-based “neo-classic.”
• 1981 Astral Silver Metallic Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 69,000 miles—$8,000
• 1985 Anthracite Gray Metallic Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with gray bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$27,000 made this the highest eighties vehicles sale of July 10th.
• 1983 brown Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a Windsor 4.2 liter/255 ci V8, an automatic, and 8,000 miles—$17,000
• 1984 blue Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with brown bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 70,000 miles—$18,000
• 1985 red Toyota Celica convertible with a black convertible top, a gray interior, a 22R-E 112 bhp 2.4 liter/144 ci inline four with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 69,000 miles—$10,500

• 1987 Doeskin Tan/Apple Red two-tone Chevrolet K5 Blazer Silverado SUV with tan cloth bucket seats, an L05 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and 64,000 miles—at $15,000 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.
• 1983 maroon Pontiac Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with tan cloth bucket seats, an unknown 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, an automatic, and 99,000 miles—$5,000
• 1980 white Chevrolet El Camino custom (paint) pickup truck with maroon vinyl bucket seats, an LG4 155 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,000
• 1984 Black Ford Mustang GT convertible with a black convertible top, canyon red bucket seats, an unknown Windsor 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, a five-speed manual transmission, and 87,000 miles—$7,000

Saturday, July 11th:

• 1985 Apple Red Chevrolet K5 Blazer custom (engine) SUV with gray cloth bucket seats, a 7.4 liter/454 ci V8, and an automatic—$18,000
• 1987 black/gold two-tone Dodge Ramcharger SUV with tan cloth bucket seats, an LA 143 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$15,000
• 1985 charcoal Ford Bronco II SUV with red cloth bucket seats, a Cologne 115 bhp 2.8 liter/170 ci V6 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$8,500

• 1989 blue Ford Ranger custom (exterior, engine, wheels/tires) pickup truck with tan cloth bucket seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and a five-speed manual—$8,000
• 1984 silver Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with gray bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,250. Bidders evidently saw a wide variety in the quality of SLs available at Mecum Indy.
• 1988 red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, an automatic, and 38,000 miles—$9,500
• 1985 Walnut Metallic/Polar White two-tone Ford Bronco SUV with tan cloth/vinyl bucket seats, a Windsor 210 bhp 5.8 liter/352 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$18,000
• 1985 Apple Red/Frost White Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a burgundy cloth bench seat, an L05 210 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci v8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$44,000 made this the highest eighties vehicles sale of July 11th.
• 1989 Black Ford Mustang LX convertible with a tan convertible top, beige bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 32,000 miles—$14,000
• 1989 Black Ford Mustang ASC/McLaren convertible with gray bucket seats, a 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$11,500
• 1980 Red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with oyster leather bucket seats, an L82 230 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,000
• 1989 gray/white two-tone Dodge Ram W250 very custom (just about everything) pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat and a 5.9 liter Cummins diesel V8 with a turbocharger and an intercooler—$25,000
• 1985 gunmetal Land Rover Defender custom (exterior, interior, wheels/tires) SUV with a 2.5 liter/152 ci diesel inline four and a five-speed manual—$23,000

Sunday, July 12th:

• 1986 Black Ford Mustang SVO hatchback coupe with charcoal/gray leather bucket seats, a Lima 200 bhp 2.3 liter/140 ci inline four with turbocharger, intercooler, and fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 31,000 miles—$12,500

• 1985 Black Mercury Capri ASC/McLaren convertible with a tan convertible top, tan leather bucket seats, a 180 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 33,000 miles—$10,500
• 1987 black Buick Regal Grand National coupe with black/silver cloth bucket seats, an LC2 235 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection, turbocharger, and intercooler, an automatic, and 74,000 miles—$22,000 made this the highest eighties vehicles sale of July 12th.
• 1980 yellow with flames Chevrolet C10 custom (paint, exterior, engine) pickup truck with a tan cloth bench seat, an unknown V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and a four-speed manual—$13,500

Tuesday, July 14th:

• 1982 White Buick Riviera convertible with a white convertible top, maple 45/45 leather seats, an unknown engine, and an automatic—$6,500
• 1984 black GMC mild custom (suspension) pickup truck with maroon cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$15,000
• 1985 white GMC S15 Jimmy mild custom (exterior, wheels/tires) SUV with gray cloth bucket seats, a 2.8 liter V6, and an automatic—$3,000
• 1985 gray Dodge W150 pickup truck with gray bucket seats, an unknown engine, and an unknown manual transmission—$10,000
• 1989 Oxford White Ford Mustang GT hatchback coupe with scarlet red cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 23,000 miles—$11,000
• 1989 light blue/medium blue two-tone Dodge Dakota pickup truck with a blue cloth bench seat, an LA 3.9 liter/239 ci V6 with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 56,000 miles—$5,500
• 1981 blue Cadillac Sedan DeVille with blue cloth seats, an L62 140 bhp 6.0 liter/368 ci V8-6-4, an automatic, and 25,000 miles—$9,500
• 1984 red Chevrolet K10 mild custom (engine, suspension) pickup truck with a black interior, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$14,500
• 1987 Lemon Yellow Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with black bucket seats, a 150 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 43,000 miles—$20,000 for the only eighties Porsche that actually sold at this auction. This is almost exactly #2/Excellent condition money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.

• 1981 red Chevrolet Camaro custom (engine, wheels/tires) coupe with red bucket seats, a 383 ci V8, and a four-speed manual—$18,500
• 1987 Light Brown Metallic Chevrolet Caprice Classic station wagon with beige cloth 50/50 seats, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 75,000 miles—$7,000
• 1987 silver Monte Carlo SS custom (engine, suspension) coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$8,000
• 1983 Rosso Corsa Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a 230 bhp 2.9 liter/173 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 28,000 miles—$50,000 made this the highest eighties vehicles sale of July 14th.
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition hatchback coupe with silver beige leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 23,000 miles—$17,500

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?

Mecum’s late July/early August auction in Harrisburg provided some 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 black 1984 Land Rover Defender 110 custom pickup truck with brown leather bucket seats was a no sale bid up to $65,000) and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 11% of the 776 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Wednesday, July 31st:

• 1989 burgundy Cadillac Sedan deVille with burgundy leather seats, an HT 155 bhp 4.5 liter/273 ci V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 19,000 miles—$6,000 hammer price.
• 1986 Dark Red Metallic Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a black top, medium gray leather bucket seats, an L98 235 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 39,000 miles—$7,000
• 1986 Silver Beige/Medium Bronze two-tone Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with medium gray leather bucket seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,750
• 1984 white with woodgrain Chrysler LeBaron convertible with still lovely Mark Cross brown leather bucket seats, a Mitsubishi 4G54 99 bhp 2.6 liter/156 ci inline four with a two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—an ouch! at $1,000.
• 1987 beige Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a black soft top, brown leather seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,000
• 1986 Yellow Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with medium gray cloth bucket seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,500
• 1986 silver/gray two-tone Dodge D150 pickup truck with a red cloth bench seat, an LA 5.9 liter/360 ci V8, an automatic, and 42,000 miles—$7,000
• 1987 silver Lincoln Continental Mark VII coupe with gray leather bucket seats, a Windsor 150 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$3,000
• 1983 black Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with a brown convertible top, a hard top, gray bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 78,000 miles—$10,500
• 1989 red Ford Mustang LX convertible with a black top, red cloth bucket seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$7,500
• 1987 burgundy Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe with a burgundy interior, a 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$11,000
• 1981 Seaspray Green/Neptune Aqua two-tone Cadillac Seville sedan with an LF9 105 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci diesel and an automatic—$2,000 for this car, striking in this color combination but stunningly slow.

• 1986 red/cream two-tone Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a tan cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, an automatic, and 45,000 miles—$11,000
• 1980 Frost Beige Chevrolet Corvette coupe with oyster leather bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$3,500. This car paid a brutal price for its period color combination.
• 1989 black Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a black soft top, cream beige leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 60,000 miles—$23,500
• 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, 73,000 miles, and a rebuilt/salvage tires—$4,500
• 1981 black Lancia Beta Zagato targa coupe with a black interior, a 108 bhp 2.0 liter/122 ci inline four with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 80,000 miles—$5,500
• 1987 Orange Pearl Chevrolet Blazer custom (just about everything) SUV with gray cloth bucket seats, a 6.3 liter/383 ci V8, and an automatic—$13,500
• 1981 Dark Brown Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with light sandstone cloth bucket seats, an LG4 145 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,000. A strange car, as most sources believe the LG4 was only available with a four-speed manual in the second-generation’s final year.
• 1980 Black Chevrolet Corvette coupe with black leather bucket seats, an L48 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$6,750
• 1983 light brown Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency Brougham sedan with a burgundy vinyl top, a red interior, an LV2 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$2,500
• 1983 red Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with black bucket seats, a 150 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$5,500
• 1986 white Pontiac Fiero custom (paint, engine, wheels/tires) coupe with gray cloth seats, a V6, and a four-speed manual—$2,000
• 1987 red/cream two-tone Chevrolet Suburban SUV with a tan interior, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$5,000

Thursday, August 1st:

• 1986 red TVR 280i convertible with a black top, black bucket seats, a Cologne 160 bhp 2.8 liter/170 cubic inch V6 with Bosch fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 10,000 miles—$8,000
• 1984 White Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with red leather seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 205 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 58,000 miles—$7,000
• 1980 white Toyota HJ-47 Land Cruiser custom (camper unit) pickup truck with gray cloth bucket seats, a turbo diesel, and a five-speed manual—$14,500
• 1987 green/beige two-tone Mitsubishi Delica van with gray cloth bucket seats, a diesel inline four, and a five-speed, and 91,000 miles—$9,500
• 1985 red Nissan Safari fire truck with blue bucket seats, an unknown inline four, a four-speed manual, and 5,700 miles—$7,500
• 1989 Bright Red Chevrolet Camaro RS hatchback coupe with gray custom cloth bucket seats, an L03 170 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 60,000 miles—$10,000. Not an IROC? Not a Z28? Who saves these cars?
• 1983 Guards Red Porsche 911 SC custom (body) coupe with a black top, black leather seats, a 180 bhp 3.0 liter/183 ci flat six with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 65,000 miles—$43,000
• 1989 red Ford F150 pickup truck with a black/red bench seat, a 150 bhp 4.9 liter/300 ci inline six with fuel injection, an automatic, and 54,000 miles—$11,500
• 1989 light blue metallic Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a blue soft top, blue leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 58,000 miles—$34,000. The really nice eighties SLs are starting to separate from the average ones; $34,000 is between #3/Good and #2/Excellent money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.
• 1987 Dark Red Chevrolet Corvette Callaway convertible with a tan soft top, tan leather bucket seats, a 345 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with twin turbochargers and fuel injection, the Doug Nash 4+3 transmission, and 17,000 miles—$16,000
• 1982 beige Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with a blue soft top, a hard top, blue bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 70,000 miles—$9,000
• 1986 red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a dark tan soft top, tan leather bucket seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 56,000 miles—$45,000
• 1986 red/white two-tone Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a red cloth bench seat, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic, and 72,000 miles—$9,000
• 1986 silver Toyota SR5 pickup truck with blue/gray cloth bucket seats, a 22R-TE 135 bhp 2.4 liter/144 ci inline four with a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$17,500 makes thus the first vehicle in this auction to meet my criteria for serious collectability of 1980s cars or trucks in stock condition: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these vehicles in bold green.

• 1985 black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am hatchback coupe with pewter/graphite cloth bucket seats, an LB9 210 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 6,100 miles—$17,000
• 1987 red Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a black top, black bucket seats, a 2.5 liter/153 ci inline four with a turbocharger, an automatic, and 1,800 miles—$8,500
• 1986 black Dodge Shelby Omni GLHS hatchback sedan with gray cloth bucket seats, a Turbo II 175 bhp 2.2 liter/135 ci inline four with a turbocharger and intercooler, and a five-speed manual—$17,500
• 1986 black Buick Grand National coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a 235 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection and turbocharger, an automatic, and 4,900 miles—$33,000
• 1983 red Aurora convertible with black leather seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 13,000 miles—$25,000 for this Shelby Cobra replica.
• 1984 brown GMC Caballero pickup truck with a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 48,000 miles—$10,000
• 1986 burgundy Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coupe with a burgundy interior, a 5.0 liter/307 ci V8, an automatic, and 42,000 miles—$4,000
• 1985 Blaze Red Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, an LB9 215 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,000
• 1984 white Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser SUV with black bucket seats, a 2F 135 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a carburetor, and a four-speed manual—$19,000
• 1985 black Alpha Romeo Spider Graduate Edition convertible with a black top, red leather bucket seats, a 115 bhp 2.0 liter/120 ci four with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 58,000 miles—$7,000
• 1984 red Chevrolet K10 pickup truck with a burgundy interior, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$19,500
• 1986 Bright Red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am custom (it’s a convertible!) convertible with tan bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 21,000 miles—$12,500
• 1982 cream Excalibur Series IV Phaeton with a tan top, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, an automatic, and 34,000 miles—$21,000 for the most prestigious of the neo-classics, now judged by the AACA.
• 1982 Silver Beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition hatchback coupe with silver beige leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 93,000 miles—$9,000
• 1988 black with woodgrain Chevrolet Caprice Classic Estate station wagon with light brown 50/50 seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 12,000 miles—$12,500
• 1989 gold Jaguar XJ-S convertible with a tan convertible top, beige leather bucket seats, an HE 262 bhp 5.3 liter/326 ci V12 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 40,000 miles—$9,500
• 1987 red Dodge Ram pickup truck with a red vinyl bench seat, an LA 5.9 liter/360 ci V8, and an automatic—$4,750

Friday, August 2nd:

• 1982 Bright Blue Chevrolet Corvette coupe with notably faded dark blue cloth bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 61,000 miles—$13,500
• 1986 black Buick Grand National coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a 245 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection and turbocharger, an automatic, and 47,000 miles—$24,000
• 1981 Beige/Dark Bronze two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe with camel cloth bucket seats, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 30,000 miles—$17,000 is solid money for a 1981 Corvette.
• 1980 Bright Caramel Mercury Bobcat Runabout hatchback coupe with orange cloth bucket seats, a Lima 88 bhp 2.3 liter/140 ci inline four with a Motorcraft 5200 two-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 53,000 miles—$10,500. It’s an auction cliche, but is this the nicest one left?

• 1984 red/silver two-tone Ford F150 pickup truck with a red bench seat, a 122 bhp 4.9 liter/300 ci inline six with a carburetor, an automatic, and 500 miles—$10,000. If you were looking for six-cylinder F150s, Mecum Harrisburg was your auction.
• 1985 yellow Chevrolet custom (body, engine, suspension, wheels/tires) pickup truck with a gray cloth bench seat, a 6.5 liter/ 396 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$12,000
• 1980 Red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with oyster leather bucket seats, an L48 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and a four-speed manual—$9,000
• 1982 silver Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with both tops, blue leather bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and 73,000 miles—$9,000
• 1982 White Chevrolet Corvette coupe with camel leather bucket seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 63,000 miles—$13,500
• 1987 blue/tan two-tone Chevrolet S10 Blazer SUV with tan cloth bucket seats, a 125 bhp 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 64,000 miles—$4,500
• 1984 white Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta hatchback coupe with gray cloth seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a Rochester E4ME four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 77,000 miles—$6,000
• 1987 black Jeep Wrangler SUV with black bucket seats, a 112 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a Carter BBD two-barrel carburetor, a five-speed manual, and 48,000 miles—$11,000
• 1983 Bright Red Ford Mustang GLX convertible with a black top, black bucket seats, an Essex 112 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with a two-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 29,000 miles—$6,000
• 1986 red Ford Mustang custom (body, engine, wheels/tires) hatchback coupe with gray cloth bucket seats, a V8 with a supercharger and a fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$9,000
• 1988 red Land Rover Defender 110 custom (exterior, interior, wheels/tires) SUV with red/ black seats, a 2.5 liter/152 ci diesel inline four with a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$45,000
• 1985 Dark Maroon Metallic Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe with maroon cloth bucket seats, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 41,000 miles—$14,000
• 1980 black cherry Chevrolet Corvette custom (paint, engine, wheels/tires) coupe with black leather bucket seats, an L98 5.7 liter/355 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$30,000
• 1989 blue/gray two-tone GMC Jimmy SUV with blue cloth bucket seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$10,000
• 1983 silver Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible with a hard top, red leather bucket seats, a 155 bhp 3.8 liter/234 ci V8 with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$24,000
• 1984 red Maserati Biturbo coupe with tan leather bucket seats, a 192 bhp 2.5 liter/152 ci V6 with a Weber two-barrel carburetor and twin turbochargers, and a five-speed manual—$4,500
• 1982 beige Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler pickup truck with tan bucket seats, a 110 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$24,000

Saturday, August 3rd:

• 1980 red Chevrolet Corvette custom (body, engine) coupe with oyster leather bucket seats, a 6.3 liter/383 ci V8, and an automatic—$13,000
• 1987 white/red March 87C race car with a black seat and a 2.65 liter/162 ci Cosworth DFX V8 with a turbocharger—$40,000 for this piece of eighties CART history.
• 1981 black/gold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with light sandstone cloth bucket seats, an LU8 200 bhp 4.9 liter/301 ci V8 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and a turbocharger, an automatic, and 9,200 miles—$63,000. Remember when nice late second-generation Trans Ams could be purchased for a song?
• 1980 green Jeep CJ-5 Golden Eagle custom (interior, wheels/tires) SUV with black leather bucket seats, a 119 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with a Motorcraft two-barrel carburetor, and a four-speed manual—$17,500
• 1982 olive Toyota FJ-43 Land Cruiser SUV with tangerine seats, a 2F 135 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a carburetor, and a four-speed manual—$35,000
• 1982 silver/gray two-tone Buick Regal Grand National coupe with silver/black cloth/vinyl bucket seats, a 125 bhp 4.1 liter/252 ci V6 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 20,000 miles—$26,000 for this rare proto-Grand National.

• 1983 blue Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser SUV with brown bucket seats, a 2F 135 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a carburetor, and a four-speed manual—$35,000
• 1983 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, a five-speed manual, and 12,000 miles—$31,000

Mecum Harrisburg had the usual profusion of Chevrolets, along a plethora of Mercedes-Benz SL convertibles and a solid amount of Fords, Pontiacs, and Toyotas. What do you think of these results?