Video: 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Sees the Light of Day After 40 Years in Storage
The muscle car’s new owner plans to use the recovered Mustang for parts
10/02/2023
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1972 Lamborghini Jarama S
Designed by the master of car design, Marcello Gandini, who also designed the legendary Lamborghini Miura, this 1972 Lamborghini Jarama S is just one of 150 examples built. The seller states that this sports car has been in one owner’s car for the last 20 years. It still retains its original factory Antille Verde paint and numbers-matching 365 horsepower 3.9-liter engine. Get more details and see more photos on the Hemmings Marketplace listing.
1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe
This slant nose 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo coupe was just one of 39 built for the United States’ market in 1989. Not only that, it was built during the final year of production, which was also the only model year that received the five-speed G50 gearbox. The seller describes the rare sports car as a mostly original, one-owner vehicle that has spent its life in Southern California since new. Get a closer look here.
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup Car
Here we have a single-owner 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup car, one of just 39 produced by the Weissach factory specifically for the Rothmans Turbo Cup Series. These race cars weighed 600 pounds less than a regular 944 Turbo and came equipped with numerous performance enhancements, which are listed in the classified ad. The seller mentions that this particular example is a pedigreed racer that was driven by famed driver Ron Fellows in the 1990 Series to an 8th Place Overall finish. It still proudly wears that same livery.
1957 BMW 507 Series I
This beautiful 1957 BMW 507 is one of only 34 examples built of the early Series I. BMW produced a total of only 252 507 models from 1956-1960. This example rolled out of the Germany-based factory on July 3rd, near the end of the model year’s production run. The year of 1957 makes it eligible for the Mille Miglia. It reportedly underwent an extensive frame-off restoration by a 507 specialist and it still retains its numbers-matching V8 engine. The seller states that the rare sports car’s complete history is known.
1985 Audi Quattro
The Audi Quattro, a unique sports car and the first of its kind for the brand, was built as a 1980s homologation special to support Audi's triumphs in the World Rally Group B Championship. The Quattro dominated the sport, which led it to being one of the most legendary rally cars in the sport. The seller states that this example is believed to be 1 of just 73 US production Audi Quattros built in 1985. It remains stock outside of a handful of tasteful modifications that enhance the car's aesthetic and drivability, such as Factory European headlights, an upgraded K24 Turbocharger, updated water cooling kit, and a 2Bennett performance chip which raises the car's power output from its factory 200 horsepower to 220 horsepower. The original engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission that transfers power to all four wheels.
1977 Aston Martin Series 3 Coupe
Depending on who you talk to, this 1977 Aston Martin AM V8 Series 3 Coupe also falls into the classic muscle car category. Aston Martin produced its Series 3 cars from 1973 through 1978, but it skipped a year in 1975. 967 examples were produced in this timeframe. According to the seller, this car is equipped with its numbers-matching 5.3-liter DOHC V8 engine paired with the desirable five-speed ZF transmission. The engine is topped with four Weber carbs, and the hood bulge offers extra room and airflow while enhancing the car’s looks. Get a closer look here.
2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina
This Italian masterpiece, the 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, was built to celebrate the 70th birthday of the famous designer, whose name was added to the model designation. The limited-production sports car is the roadster version of the 550 and was limited to just 448 examples built. Its numbers-matching non-turbo 5.5-liter Ferrari V12 is the same engine used in the closed 550 Maranello, but the sound of the screaming 12-cylinder is guaranteed to be heard much more clearly in this roofless version.
2007 Wiesmann MF5
Wiesmann, the German car brand known for its artisanal approach to sports cars, blended elegance and performance into this seldomly seen masterpiece, which reportedly attracts a lot of attention in the seller’s showroom. The 2007 Wiesmann MF5 Prototype is one of the earliest of the mere 43 examples built and is equipped with the coveted BMW M5 V10 engine. The seller describes it as being in very good condition, “an excellent example of craftsmanship and performance.”
1968 Triumph TR250
This 1968 Triumph TR250, a rare British classic sports car with just over 8,000 total units produced, was owned by the same family for nearly 40 years. It’s one of the lucky survivors as less than 600 examples are known to exist today. Acquired for a family project between a father a son, the classic car underwent a 20-year restoration. Check out the listing on Hemmings Marketplace to see the result.
1971 Intermeccanica Italia Convertible
This 1971 Intermeccanica Italia’s Italian design combined with its American V8 performance and its scarcity makes it a gorgeous and valued prize. It features a long, low hood line and a chopped rear deck reminiscent of contemporary Ferrari and Maserati models. Only 220 convertibles were built between 1967 and 1972. The seller confirms that this rare sports car is powered by its numbers-matching Ford 351W four-barrel engine with just over 80,000 original miles. It is reportedly in show condition and ready for its next owner to enjoy.
Photo: Carlisle Auctions
With the sales results officially released by Carlisle Auctions, let’s take a look at how well some vehicles of the 1970s did and what it might mean for the 2024 collector car market. We’ve also included an alternative lot for each that was clearly an option for the bidders on the examples we’ve chosen to highlight, whether they sold or not. Please note that all listed sales prices do not include a buyer's premium.
1973 Pontiac Bonneville - Sold For $12,000
Photo: Matt Litwin
When the fifth generation of Pontiac’s full-size cars were announced for 1971, the Bonneville was simultaneously demoted from flagship status, and that title was bestowed upon the new and upscale-sounding Grand Ville line. That didn’t mean the Bonneville slid into model obscurity (we’re looking at you, Executive). Bonneville’s longevity remained secure, in part by the refined restyling administered to the 1973 models, including this two-door hardtop. Think park bench bumpers killed sales? Stylists did well with the federal mandate: the body style outsold the ’72 edition by 3,298 units.
This one-of-13,866-made examples boasted single family ownership until the sale, as well as paperwork that seemed to confirm the optional 455-cu.in. V-8 below the hood massaged 13,000 miles onto the odometer. The big Poncho had also been repainted once. Demerits here were a tiny hole on the driver’s side of the bench seat and a discolored steering wheel (the rest of the interior looked stunning); the plastic rear filler panel (between the bumper and main body) was essentially destroyed; and a small blister was spotted on top of the left-front fender. Give-or-take, easy swap, aftermarket wheels aside, this had all the hallmarks of an above-average turnkey driver.
Just five years ago, you could have obtained a nicely presented fifth-gen (1971-’76) for fewer than $10,000. The $30,800 sale of a ’76 Bonneville Brougham by Mecum (at its 2021 Orlando, Florida, sale) did well to bump the market average to $21,500. That average has since slipped to $16,500, which made the sale price here seem like a bargain. But wait – at the time of this writing, the same car can be found for sale online elsewhere with an asking price of $26,500.
Alternative: 1974 Imperial LeBaron - Not Sold, High Bid Of $16,000
Photo: Carlisle Auctions
Day two of Carlisle’s auction witnessed this 1974 Imperial LeBaron (incorrectly listed as a Chrysler Imperial in the catalog) cross the block. Like the Pontiac, this was a fifth-gen model (1974-’75), though Imperial borrowed heavily from Chrysler’s Newport series – with decidedly Imperial styling and trappings – due to corporate restructuring. The description touted the two-door hardtop as an all-original, 22,000-mile survivor equipped with a 440-cu.in. engine, all wrapped by a very 1970s shade of Burnished Red metallic paint. Although the series was aimed at Lincon’s market share when new, this one-of-3,850-built beauty was a fittingly rare alternative to the big Bonneville. The average market price of this generation Imperial has slid from its 2022 high of $21,000 to $11,300, which makes the high bid here (and not sold result) seem rather generous. Especially so thanks to a pair of recent sub-$10,000 sales.
1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible - Not Sold, High Bid Of $22,500
Photo: Matt Litwin
It’s hard to argue against production numbers. When Mercury’s sporty XR-7 sub-series debuted for 1967, it sold 27,221 examples, which jumped to 32,712 units a year later. It only stood to reason that trend would continue, but it didn’t. XR-7 output slid to 20,542 units by the conclusion of ’70 sales. Cougar’s first major (and arguably bulky) update came with the ’71 models, and just like that the seemingly tired upscale pony welcomed 27,133 new owners. XR-7 production continued upward: 28,731 combined examples for ’72 and 38,275 for ’73, the latter of which included 3,165 convertibles like this Medium Blue Aqua example, reportedly special ordered by a Ford Marketing employee.
If you like low numbers, then you would have enjoyed the fact that, coupled with a white top and white leather interior, this convertible was one of just 87 built in this paint/trim combination. It get’s better, as it was also one of 372 built with the Q-Code 351 four-barrel Cleveland V-8 and C6 automatic combination. Traction-Lok, air conditioning, and power everything (including front disc brakes) was also part of the package.
The funny thing about Cougars is that – sporty or loaded with luxury – it has long been known to take a back seat in terms of FoMoCo pony values. Over the last two years, the average for both body styles (hardtop and convertible) have been a steady $25,500. Stretched out over the last five years, the average comes out to $23,744. Which means savvy bidders knew exactly where to stop when this driver-needing-detailing crossed the block.
Alternative: 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 - Asking $34,000 (Spring Carlisle Car Corral)
Photo: Matt Litwin
While one deal slipped by, another was up for grabs in Carlisle’s car corral in the guise of this same-year Mustang Mach 1. Details pertaining to this one-of-35,440-built example was limited to “351 Cleveland, automatic, matching numbers,” and “83,000 original miles". It carried a nice restoration vibe, though the seller made no mention of any such work. And the asking price at the time of our short visit sat below the flatline five-year average of $40,633.
1977 Cadillac Eldorado - Not Sold, High Bid Of $17,000
Photo: Matt Litwin
Reinventing a respected automotive nameplate is not always a wise idea, but Cadillac did just that by transforming its already luxurious Eldorado into a front-wheel-drive, personal luxury car sensation for the 1967 model year. Sales skyrocketed from 2,250 units (in 1966) to 17,930 and never really looked back. Especially so when the ninth-generation redesign was unveiled for 1971, which added a convertible body style to the series. Although the convertible was famously nixed after the ’76 season, the Eldorado still captured 47,334 buyers a year later (just shy of the combined convertible/coupe production total of 49,184 units a year prior).
As with many of the big luxury cars of the 1970s offered at Carlisle, this white-over-white unit was said to have been driven a scant number of miles – in this case, 28,000, or 595.7 miles annually from new. According to the consignor, the one-family-owned Cadillac had only been driven on special occasions, and both the interior and exterior remained in like-new condition. Our list of nits was virtually zilch.
Vintage Cadillacs have long been held in high regard by collectors and driving enthusiasts alike, event those who favor ninth-gen examples. Which means collectively there should be no surprise when it comes to the five-year value average of $25,218. Strip away the convertibles and look at the stats for ’77 models though, and that five-year average drops to $13,600. Does that average take into account all-original, one family owned examples? The better question is what kind of a price tag do such line items command?
Alternative: 1975 Buick Riviera - Asking $5000 OBO (Spring Carlisle Car Corral)
Photo: Matt Litwin
If you really wanted a mid-Seventies personal luxury car bargain on par with the Cadillac, one didn’t need to wander around the car corral long to find this $5,000 1975 Buick Riviera, a nameplate that had virtually singlehandedly defined just what a personal luxury car was when unveiled in 1963. The trouble was, by 1975 the name had stuck with its single body style tradition – as had its GM brethren (Chevy Monte Carlo, Oldsmobile Toronado, and Pontiac Grand Prix) – though without any trim variation. Which, in all likelihood, constrained Riviera’s output to just 17,306 units. The only demerit of note here was the complete absence of the plastic body fillers GM loved stuffing between the 5 mph bumpers and fenders/quarters.
1976 Ford Thunderbird - Not Sold, High Bid Of $9,000
Photo: Matt Litwin
Ford arrived on the mid-Seventies personal luxury car sales battlefield with two stylish weapons: the Gran Torino-based (and short-lived) Elite, and the tried-and-true Thunderbird. The latter welcomed its sixth-generation design in time for the 1972 season, and it ran through this ’76 model that, frankly, had seen some better days. Consignor details were few, the most noteworthy being “hard to find color combination,” which did little to explain away the weathered look of the exterior, or the heavier-than-usual patina the cabin displayed. As a vintage daily driver, this T-Bird would have been a care-free cruiser, and a car you could tinker with and improve (visually) between jaunts.
The five-year value average for all sixth-gen T-Birds has been a slow but bumpy climb from $9,350 to $13,214, or a little over two grand more than ’76 models alone.
Alternative: 1973 Ford Thunderbird - Asking Price Of $12,500 (Spring Carlisle Car Corral)
Photo: Matt Litwin
A nicer alternative, in terms of condition alone, was this 1973 Thunderbird we spotted with ease in the car corral. The seller of this Green Fire example (offered as part of the glamour paint option group) provided far more information, including a list of its power accessories, and notation of its 22,000-mile odometer reading. It even wore color-keyed wheel covers, and the asking price was in tune with the current market range.
1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V - Not Sold, High Bid Of $20,000
Photo: Matt Litwin
Not to be left out of the then-thinning domestic luxury car sales race was Lincoln, which was armed with a trio of models by 1978: the little-remembered Versailles, the Continental, and Continental Mark V, as depicted by this well-optioned Diamond Jubilee edition. Just look at this thing: color-keyed wheels, dual-stripe tires, moonroof, and a timeless formal front fascia that hid a still-capable 460-cu.in. V-8 engine. That long hood, short deck profile was also stuffed with a CB radio and a few other bits that sent to factory price tag north of $20,000 when new. That’s equivalent to $95,807 in today’s currency. The Diamond Jubilee package, incidentally, accounted for $8,000 of the sticker price.
Mark Vs, regardless of the paint or designer option packages, were the most popular Lincolns in 1978, having attracted 72,602 buyers. Despite being treated as a special car by original and subsequent owners, these things used to be a cheap buy – if you paid $6,000 you paid too much. Over the last five years, the average for 1978 models has jumped to $17,642, and a few Diamond Jubilee outliers have sold at auction in the $38,000 - $43,500 range.
Alternative: 1974 Cadillac Coupe de Ville - Sold For $10,500
Photo: Matt Litwin
By contrast, 1974 Cadillac Coupe de Villes boast a five-year average sale price more accommodating to budget-conscious and first-time buyers alike: $14,431. One could argue that’s because the two-door was produced in a larger quantity – 112,201 units – which made the Coupe de Ville the most popular Cadillac that year. That lower average value also means some better deals can be had for well-maintained examples, such as this one. If you were holding out for a bargain on the Continental, you missed this deal – it sold four grand below average a day prior to the Mark Vs no sale result.
1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition - Sold For $20,000
Photo: Matt Litwin
If you’re looking at the second-generation Pontiac Trans Am market for the first time in 20 years, be prepared for sticker shock. The five-year average has steadily climbed from $26,880 to $49,200, and during that span nearly 50 examples have sold in six-digit territory. The big winner was a 1977 SE (think “Bandit”) that showed a mere 14 miles on the odometer – it brought a staggering $400,000 at Mecum’s 2022 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sale. If we narrow the broad field of 1970-’81 Trans Ams down the ’79 models, the current market average is a slightly lower $43,913.
We know what you’re thinking: The hammer price of this 10th Anniversary edition was a comparative steal. The fact of the matter is that condition has everything to do with the outcome. In the month of April alone, 6 examples of the special silver F-Body (excluding this one) have sold between $29,950 and $62,700. This one had some detail needs that could have brought it up a notch, but it was going to be difficult to repair the slowly disintegrating decorative plastic seat upholstery framing.
Alternative: 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Daytona 500 Pace Car - Asking Price Of $44,900 (Spring Carlisle Car Corral)
Photo: Matt Litwin
Here’s a bit of trivia for you to spring on your car buddies: a pair of 10th Anniversary edition Trans Ams were selected to pace the 1979 Daytona 500. To celebrate, Pontiac built and sold 1,817 factory replicas to the public, including this example – presented in above average condition and displaying factory paperwork verifying the build – spotted in the car corral with a market appropriate $44,900 asking price.
1975 Triumph TR6 - Not Sold, High Bid Of $19,000
Photo: Matt Litwin
Among the bevvy of British two-seat sports cars that reminded us that the 1970s still offered small and nimble machines was Triumph’s TR6. The example offered at Carlisle Auctions originated from the model’s penultimate year, though even at this stage U.S. regulations were forcing fuel delivery changes, among other things, into the product customers purchased. Recall that the TR7 made its debut with a then-radical wedge profile, which set the tone for many an import sports car in the years ahead.
It remains a bit of a polarizing design, though interestingly the wedge-shaped TR7 has not created a spike in demand or value for the TR6 as one might think. The five-year market average for the entire TR6 production run has been but a quiver of the needle: from $21,455 to $22,143. It’s a slow trend that the 1975 models alone have essentially duplicated to the penny, which suggests that the high bid for this condition three driver should have been considered by the consignor.
Alternative: 1976 MG B - Sold For $8,500
Photo: Carlisle Auctions
Earlier the same day, another two-seat Brit had a brush with bidders, though the outcome was considerably different. Spend any time reading about the rubber-bumper MG Bs and it’s easy to see how U.S. regulations affected the much-loved droptop. The five-year market value didn’t even quiver – it’s been holding steady at roughly $14,000 (give or take a grand from one year to the next) for the model’s entire production run. But the rubber bumper B of ’76 touts something the TR6 doesn’t: greater affordability, with a five-year market average of $7,600 to $9,000 – right where this one hammered to a new owner.
For a full list of results from Carlisle Auctions spring sale, visit carlisleauctions.com
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