SOLD ON HEMMINGS.COM: PACKARD CARIBBEAN, ELDORADO BIARRITZ, CHALLENGER
Low-volume, high-luxury convertibles from the Fifties and Sixties remain in demand with car collectors. Two particularly nice examples found new homes via Hemmings Make Offer, both of them previously restored, well kept and recently refurbished for sale. A 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz found its way from our shores to Sweden and back to Texas before its listing and a 1955 Packard Caribbean was refreshed by its selling dealer prior to sale. Muscle cars with engine swaps can go many ways, but the 1971 Dodge Challenger detailed below was the recipient of a 440 Six Pack swap that appealed to those seeking the authentic experience. Two additional convertibles are singled out this week, including a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE and a 1964 Ford Thunderbird. Finally, a gray market 1981 Toyota FJ45 pickup shows how utilitarian vehicles can be highly valued by enthusiasts.
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1971 Dodge Challenger R/T
Reserve: $70,000
Selling Price: $77,175
Recent Market Range: $65,000-$90,000
Dodge offered the 1971 Challenger with a variety of six-cylinder and V8 engines, but just 127 were V-code R/Ts equipped with the mighty 440 Six Pack engine. This 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T, listed as having been restored in 2015 and driven just 156 miles since completion, featured what was described as a “440-cu.in. Six-Pack V8…built to correct V-code specs.” Ancillary equipment like a larger-capacity radiator, Dana 60 with SureGrip rear end and a pistol-grip shifter for the four-speed manual were also included in the build. This Challenger sold four days after the auction ended as a Maker Offer listing at a market-correct price.
1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Reserve: $28,000
Selling Price: $34,125
Recent Market Range: $31,000-$45,000
The 1964 model year was the first for the so-called “flair bird” style Thunderbird, a modest if understated departure from the prior “bullet bird.” With a powertrain consisting of a 390 V8 and a Cruise-O-Matic transmission, this 1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible appeared to have been restored to a high standard, with the Wimbledon White finish, the matching white top, red interior and particularly the engine bay looking to remain in excellent condition. Other than some surface corrosion on the exhaust and leaf spring hangers, the underside also presented well. Sold via auction, this drop-top Thunderbird achieved a respectable price in the market range for such cars restored to this standard.
1966 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Convertible
Reserve: $65,000
Selling Price: $69,300
Recent Market Range: $50,000-$73,000
While it’s not uncommon to see a crate engine swap in a muscle car, we don’t often see vintage Mercedes-Benz models listed with “a brand-new NOS engine” under the hood. But that’s apparently the case with this 1966 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Convertible. According to the seller, about 500 miles before the car was listed, an NOS M127 2.2-liter SOHC inline-six was fitted to this example. The silver paint and red leather upholstery both presented well in the photos provided by the seller and the engine bay, naturally, remained rather tidy, with no leaks or drivetrain needs reported. It had the correct wheels and included a tonneau cover for the folded roof. The car sold toward the higher end of the expected market range.
1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Asking Price: $175,000
Selling Price: $162,750
Recent Market Range: $140,000-$205,000
Among the most collectible postwar Cadillacs are the Eldorado Biarritz convertibles. This 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz included history in California and Texas before a prior owner in Sweden had it restored. The seller acquired the car in 2022 and performed by a long list of mechanical updates and refurbishment, including a fresh rebuild of the 390 V8. It has since won various awards and the seller noted that he has judged national Cadillac shows as well as edited a recently published manual on 1959-60 Cadillac authenticity. With that provenance and images showing the excellent condition of the car, it’s no wonder it sold at a strong, market-correct price as a direct Make Offer listing.
1981 Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser
Asking Price: $45,000
Selling Price: $40,425
Recent Market Range: $28,000-$45,000
Rarely seen in the U.S., but a more common sight in many countries in Latin America, this 1981 Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser pickup was listed as having been delivered originally in Venezuela and refurbished in 2022. Indeed, the vehicle’s finish and chassis looked to have been recently redone. Rather than overdone, it looked to be largely authentic, with factory-type steel wheels mounted with 15-inch mud tires. There were some liberties taken, including the fitment of power steering and air conditioning. The truck presented well, including the painted surfaces that extend inside. The net sale price achieved as a direct Make Offer sale was at the higher end of the recent market range for an FJ45.
1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible
Asking Price: $125,000
Selling Price: $110,250
Recent Market Range: $75,000-$125,000
Among the last Packards manufactured, the top-of-the-line Caribbean presented as a luxury model competitive with the best from Cadillac, Imperial and Lincoln. This 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible sold very strongly and quickly as a direct Make Offer listing. With just 500 of these premium cars made, collectability remains high. This selling dealer noted that this example—powered by a dual-quad 352 V8—came from a family who donated it upon the passing of its previous owner. The seller highlighted not only the quality of what appeared to be an excellent restoration, but recent maintenance to ensure its roadworthiness for the sale. A strong showing for a very collectible Fifties Packard.
The post Sold on Hemmings.com: Packard Caribbean, Eldorado Biarritz, Challenger appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.
2024-09-04T20:48:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd