eBay Find of the Day: 1993 Chevy Highlander is a Body Glove-era concept

Oh, the early '90s. Gas was cheap; Seinfeld was at its peak, and apparently neon green and purple paint were appropriate for a concept car. The retina-burning Chevrolet Highlander concept is currently for sale on eBay, and it personifies the look of its era perfectly.

With a combination of bright green, gray plastic and purple trim, the Highlander certainly draws the eye. According to the Chicago Auto Show's history page, the concept was on display there in 1993 as a preview for the 1994 S-10 extended cab pickup. It was meant to show off an off-road ready truck and featured a tool compartment and adjustable roll bar. According to the current seller, the Chevy also has a fabric top that rolls down when the bar is up and a power rear window that can fold flat to access the bed. Power comes from a 4.3-liter V6 with an automatic shuffling those ponies to all four wheels. It carries a Buy It Now price of $17,000.

If you need this in your garage, keep in mind driving it could be tough. The seller does say that it runs and drives, but like most automotive concepts, there is no VIN or title, just a bill of sale. That makes getting it registered very difficult. The next owner is basically buying the Highlander based on its '90s looks, which means they had better feel awfully nostalgic for that particular era.
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Steve McQueen's Ferrari 275 GTB/4 to be auctioned in Monterey

We know from many, many years of watching classic car auctions, that there are certain qualities that ensure big money. For example, putting tiny silver horses and/or yellow badges on a red car will probably bring in a lot of cash. This is doubly true if said car hails from the 1950s or 1960s, and it's triply true if some dude drove it around in circles or if a celebrity owned it. That, friends, is how you make the serious dosh at auction.

Considering that, we should expect big, big things when this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 crosses the block at the big RM Auctions event during the festivities surrounding the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Terrence Steven McQueen, better known as Steve McQueen and even better known as the coolest actor of the 1960s and 1970s, originally purchased this car while filming Bullitt in San Francisco, which should provide a big boost to its sale price.

As previously reported, this car has undergone a full restoration and has received its certification from the team at Ferrari Classiche. Beyond that, though, we're kind of in the dark about this beauty. We don't even have a rough guess of how much it'll go for.

That's where you come in. Considering that the price of classic Ferraris is increasing with all the regularity of Old Faithful, how much do you think McQueen's 275 will call for when it hits the stage in August? Head into Comments and let us know.
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Ford builds one-off 50th anniversary Mustang Convertible for charity

At the New York Auto Show this year, Ford revealed a special-edition Mustang to honor the iconic pony car's 50th anniversary. Only 1,964 highly symbolic examples will be made, all of them fixed-roof coupes. But the Blue Oval automaker has just announced that it's also building a single 50 Years edition convertible that it will raffled off for charity.

The first production example of the new Mustang Convertible to roll off the line this fall, this one-off will pack many of the features on the 50 Years coupe, including its white paintjob, chrome trim, aluminum dashboard, two-tone upholstery, contrast stitching, special 19-inch wheels and special-edition badging throughout.

This unique cabrio will also be fitted with a special performance pack including Pirelli PZero rubber, Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential to help get the 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque from the 5.0-liter V8 through the six-speed manual transmission and down to the road. It'll also feature a serial plaque with the number 0001 of 0001 and chairman Bill Ford's signature.

The convertible will be raffled off on Mustang Alley in Ferndale, Michigan, during the Woodward Dream Cruise on August 16. A limited number of raffle tickets are on sale now at $20 a pop, with proceeds benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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Auctions: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT sells for over $8 million in record-setting RM auction weekend

Although the vast majority of eyeballs were tuned to the madness at Barrett-Jackson this past weekend, that televised car auction wasn't the only high-dollar game in Arizona. RM Auctions brought its usual gaggle of exotic wares to the desert, and the car that came out on top sold for much more than Barrett-Jackson's highest sale, the Batmobile.

Coming out on top at RM last weekend was Lot 164, a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione' that sold for a massive $8,140,000 – the buyer could've nearly bought two Barris Batmobiles for that chunk of change. Lot 122, a 1967 Shelby 427 'Semi-Competition' Cobra, stood at $2,007,500 in second place, just in front of Lot 145, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, which sold for $1,842,500.

After all said and done, RM reported $36.4 million in sales. That's a record for RM in Arizona, even though the total number of lots for 2013 was reduced significantly.

RM AUCTIONS REALIZES SPECTACULAR $36.4 MILLION AT SINGLE-DAY ARIZONA BILTMORE SALE

- RM generates more than $36.4 million in sales with 89 percent of all lots sold at its 14th annual Arizona sale

- Single-day sale features selective, handpicked offering of blue-chip automobiles, eclipses 2012 Arizona sale tally by more than 42 percent

- Eight automobiles achieve million-dollar plus results with multiple new auction records set

- Top-seller: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione' sells for record $8,140,000

- RM continues its 2013 auction calendar with the presentation of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum and a return to Amelia Island, Florida

PHOENIX, Arizona (January 19, 2013) – RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, kicked off its 2013 auction season on a strong note yesterday, realizing an impressive $36.4 million in sales* with a strong 89 percent of all lots sold at its single-day Phoenix, Arizona sale.

Held at the prestigious Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, the impressive results represent an all-time high for the international auction house in Arizona, and more significantly, a more than 42 percent increase over the Company's 2012 sale, generated no less by a smaller, more elite offering as RM continued to focus on the top tier of the market.

Headlined by the record-setting sale of the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione', as many as eight automobiles achieved million-dollar-plus results, with numerous new auction records set. Reflecting RM's international clientele, bidders hailed from 17 countries around the world, with a strong showing of European enthusiasts as well as collectors from as far afield as Brazil, Argentina and Australia.

"Our fourteenth foray into Arizona this year was as exciting as ever – our clients from around the world were joined by our equally international team of specialists, from California to the UK and it made for a spectacular, history-making event," says Shelby Myers, Managing Director, RM Auctions – California.

"We are very pleased with the results. We strategically limited our sale this year to a smaller, more exclusive offering than previous years, yet the sales tally for our single-day event was up on our 2012 total by more than 42 percent, a significant increase that reflects not only the exceptional quality of the automobiles presented, but also illustrates the continued strength of the market for 'best of category' examples. The Arizona auction week is widely regarded as a barometer for the new collector car season; the results from our Biltmore sale paint a very positive forecast for 2013 and we look forward to continuing the momentum at our upcoming sales in Georgia and Florida," adds Myers.

Top sales honors at the January 18 auction went to the sale's catalogue cover car - the alloy-bodied 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione', chassis 1905 GT. Widely revered by collectors as one of Ferrari's most prized berlinettas, 1905 GT spurred a fierce bidding war between multiple collectors in the room and on the phones, eventually selling to its fifth owner for a remarkable $8,140,000. The outstanding sales price represents a new world record for a Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta sold at auction. Continuing RM's strong track record for Ferraris in Arizona, the single-day auction presented no less than 11 examples from the famed Italian marque. Among a long list of additional highlights were a truly stunning, Ferrari Classiche certified 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 for $1,842,500 and a magnificently restored, concours-quality 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe for $1,017,500.

American-built automobiles also attracted strong attention at RM's Arizona sale. Headlining this group was a genuine and fully documented 1967 Shelby 427 'Semi-Competition' Cobra, one of just 29 S/C Cobras built, which well-exceeded its pre-sale estimate to garner a final sales price of $2,007,500. A 1931 Duesenberg Model J Derham Tourster, offered for the first time in more than 40 years, was also hotly contested, realizing a strong $1,320,000.

RM Arizona: Million-Dollar-Plus Sales:
1. Lot 164: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione' - $8,140,000
2. Lot 122: 1967 Shelby 427 'Semi-Competition' Cobra - $2,007,500
3. Lot 145: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 - $1,842,500
4. Lot 125: 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe - $1,540,000
5. Lot 152: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB - $1,320,000
6. Lot 167: 2003 Ferrari Enzo - $1,320,000
7. Lot 141: 1931 Duesenberg Model J Derham Tourster - $1,320,000
8. Lot 133: 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe - $1,017,500

Beyond the group of million-dollar-plus sales, other highlights included a rare 1953 Allard JR 'Le Mans' Roadster, one of just seven built, for $605,000 - a world record for an Allard sold at auction, and a stunning 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S America Spider, arguably the most desirable post-war Lancia, for $825,000 - a world record for a Lancia Aurelia B24S sold at auction. Full results from the Arizona sale will be posted online at rmauctions.com.

RM Auctions continues its 2013 calendar of events, February 15-16 with the highly anticipated presentation of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, the world's largest collection of the world's smallest cars, in Madison, Georgia (www.handlewithfun.com), closely followed by its annual Amelia Island, Florida sale, March 9, held in conjunction with the renowned Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

News Source: RM Auctions

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First 2014 Corvette Stingray Sold for $1.1 Million at Barrett-Jackson

The 2014 Corvette, a brand new generation of the legendary sportscar that has taken the world by storm, was finally unveiled last Sunday (January 13th), after a long teasing process.

It’s only due to enter production in autumn, but the C7 Corvette Stingray is bound to achieve cult status.

The very first production model that will be wearing a vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ending in 0001 was pre-sold at the at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale in Arizona.

The new Corvette is only supposed to cost a few hundred dollars more than the old one. So, do you guys want to know how much the very first one cost? $1,100,000. That’s $1.1 million George Washingtons.

The guy who wanted the first Stingray that badly is Corvette collector Richard Hendrick, who also owns a NASCAR team. The proceeds from the sale will go towards the Detroit College for Creative Studies.

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Auctions: Original 1966 TV Series Batmobile Sells for $4.62 Million

The very first real life Batmobile was up for grabs this weekend at the annual Berrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Known as the 1966 Batmobile, it was built by legendary car customizer George Barris for a production that aired between 1966 and 1968.

Although this has never been fully proven, mister Barris famously told people that the car was put together in record time.He says that he was given 15 days and $15,000 to build the car after another company failed to deliver the goods in time for the show. He had owned the Lincoln Futura Concept for a number of years and was only too glad to give give it a new lick of paint, as well as some interesting crime-fighting features.

Now aged 88, Barris decided the hype around the latest Batman movies was the perfect opportunity to sell the car. And it seems he was right. The Batmobile was sought after by fans of the caped hero and a veritable bidding war started, which only stopped when the price reached an astounding $4.62 million (). It's not that bad when you consider the history!

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Auctions: George W. Bush's 2009 Ford F-150 fizzles with $300,000 bid at Barrett-Jackson

Despite some truly impassioned pleading from Jay Leno himself – including calling on Arizona's notoriously Republican-rich voters to beat the $600,000 level set the last time Leno sold a vehicle for this particular charity... in California – bidding for George Bush's 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck stalled at $300,000.

Barrett-Jackson Lot: 3017 - 2009 FORD F-150 KING RANCH SUPER CREW PICKUP

President Bush has used this stunning white F-150 at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, TX since shortly after he left the White House in 2009. With a 5.4 Liter V8 engine commanding 310 horsepower, this impressive truck has a luxurious adobe King Ranch premium leather interior. President Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush have since used the truck to work around their ranch; entertain friends, family, and dignitaries and to give tours of their Crawford property. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of presidential automotive history. Owned continuously by President bush since he ordered it new. The title is in the former President's name and will be transferred directly to the buyer. Additionally, the right airbag panel features President Bush's signature and a copy of a video showing him autographing the truck and driving it around his ranch in Crawford, TX will be included with the purchase. "I haven't driven on a street in many, many years, but I have been able to drive this truck on my ranch," said President Bush. "I want to thank all those who are supporting the Fisher House. In supporting the Fisher house, you're supporting our veterans. And in supporting our veterans, you're helping America." **ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION** **WILL BE SOLD DIRECTLY FOLLOWING LOT 5052 ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2013**

News Source: autoblog

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Auctions: 1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport passes $2 million mark at Barrett-Jackson

If you're not familiar with the Talbot-Lago brand, well... you're not alone. Born out of the collapsed Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq by an engineer named Antonio Lago, who turned the automaker into a strong competitor in racing. The machine you see above, hailing from 1947, is based on the short-wheelbase chassis used for racing with bodywork designed by Franay.

Suffice it to say, this is a very rare machine, powered by a high-performance 4.5-liter six-cylinder engine with three carburetors mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Apparently the car was found languishing in Tennessee in 1988, and a thorough restoration was completed in 2004. After all was said and done at Barrett-Jackson, the car's new owner found himself $2,035,000 lighter in the wallet.

Barrett-Jackson Lot: 5019 - 1947 TALBOT-LAGO T-26 GRAND SPORT

This Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport has a 2-seat coupe coachwork by Franay on a short chassis. It is believed that only three Grand Sports had Franay coachwork. There were approximately 30 Grand Sports built but only eight with the short chassis, the same as used on the Grand Prix cars. The engine in this car is a 4.5 Liter with three carburetors. The car was originally sold in Geneva, Switzerland, likely the only place that could afford such a car as World War II had just concluded. Chassis 110113 was found in Tennessee in 1988 and was in very original condition. A complete restoration was performed in 2004. Finished in its original black paint, red leather interior with black piping and is completely original with all its original body panels, engine and chassis.

News Source: Barrett-Jackson

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Auctions: Barrett-Jackson 2013 - Odds and Ends from Friday's Festivities

While the big-ticket items sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale usually hit the block on Saturday, Friday often brings with it a few interesting finds. This year was no different. With an assortment of vehicles ranging from an original 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO with a 427-cubic-inch V8 and four-speed manual transmission to a 1929 Ford AA Custom Popcorn truck, you never can tell what's going to show up at Barrett-Jackson.

It's impossible to miss a bright tangerine Willy's Roadster, and we could hardly pass up the opportunity to watch one of the infamous Unique Performance Eleanor replica cars cross the auction block. Really, we just pointed our lenses at whatever happened to catch our eye.

Check out the fruits of our labors in the high-res image gallery of live photos above. Each of the cars you'll see is captioned with the its appropriate make and model, plus the amount it finally sold for. Enjoy!

News Source: autoblog

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