Auction Preview: RM Sam Pack Collection
Classic car enthusiasts don’t have to wait until Black Friday to take their holiday shopping up a notch. RM Auctions will showcase 130 cars and trucks from the impressive Sam Pack Collection in a no-reserve auction Nov. 14-15 in Dallas.
With numerous high-quality vehicles being offered – like the Boyd Coddington custom Ford pickup that was featured on TV shows “American Hot Rod” and “Chasing Classic Cars” – it is difficult to choose only a handful of cars to showcase. Nonetheless, here are four of particular interest:
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible 312/300
Lot 200
Estimate: $175,000-$225,000
Hagerty Price Guide: $49,300-$186,000
For 1957 Ford introduced its most powerful Thunderbirds yet – the most powerful being the Supercharged “F-Code” engine that produced 300 horsepower. With just over 200 built, these are quite rare and sought-after cars. “F-Bird” prices have been on the rise recently, gaining about 60 percent in just over two years. The example offered is advertised as documented with only three owners since new. Will this help boost prices up to the ambitiously high estimate? We will find out.
1967 Shelby Cobra 428 Roadster
Lot 188
Estimate: $1,100,000-$1,400,000
Hagerty Price Guide: $838,000-$1,150,000
It doesn’t get much better than a big-block Cobra. After a very successful run in the racing world, the Cobra has reached legendary status. And since it is one of the most replicated cars on the road, it is truly significant when one of these original cars comes up for public sale. It is reported that the original 428 engine was replaced in the mid-1970s for a more powerful 427. One thing remains to be seen: will the non-original engine hurt its value? That’s why we will be keeping an eye on this sale.
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster 235/155
Lot 123
Estimate: $80,000-$100,000
Hagerty Price Guide: $42,600-$115,000
After a small run of Corvettes in 1953, Chevrolet ramped up production for 1954 from 300 to more than 3,000. All were equipped with the 235-ci “Blue Flame” inline-six engine and two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. It wasn’t until 1955 that a V-8 and manual transmission were offered, making the ’54 more popular with collectors than drivers. Perhaps this is why 1954-55 Corvettes equipped with the 6-cylinder engine are significantly more affordable than other early C1 Corvettes. Over the years, pricing for ’54 Corvettes has remained steady, making the final sale price for this car fairly predictable.
1962 Chrysler 300H Convertible 413/380
Lot 114
Estimate: $60,000-$80,000
Hagerty Price Guide: $42,000-$105,000
In 1962, if you wanted a fast Chrysler, the 300H was the car for you. Outfitted with a 413-ci V-8 creating either 380 or 405 horsepower, these were truly luxury hot rods. The popularity of these cars has remained strong for years, and pricing has changed very little even through the crash of the muscle car market. This example is advertised as being restored over 10 years ago; the high estimate seems fair given the advertised condition.
