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AUTOS: The Latest Affordable Classics
Barrett-Jackson's Friday auction had some serious bidding, but there were still some bargains to be had.
David Harris  |  Posted January 21, 2012   Scottsdale, AZ
A sweet 1986 Porsche 928 with just 29K on the clock was a steal at $17,600. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
A Porsche, a Mercedes and one spectacular 1957 Chevy headline today’s affordable classics after Friday’s Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction.

No, they didn’t walk into a bar together. Sorry. Let’s get busy.

Porsche 928 boasts a powerful V8 for luxurious cruising. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
Just the name Porsche could send a shiver or two through your wallet. The classically designed 911 with its high-performance handling and more luxury than one could ever ask, also comes at a hefty price tag. A new one, with the right accoutrements, can eclipse the $100,000 threshold.

But Porschephiles know one thing: there are options. Obtainable options.

While the esteemed 911 is the brand’s flagship, Porsche also produced a sporty front-engine tourer starting in 1978 tagged the 928. The German manufacturer had hoped it would ultimately replace the aforementioned 911. With its supreme handling, refinement and versatility, execs felt this V8-powered amalgamation would carry a wider appeal over its more compact flagship.

It was indeed popular, but sales eventually weakened and the model sunset in 1995. As for the 911, well, they introduced the latest one just a few months ago.

Lot #915 is an updated 1986 928s that only clocks 29,000 original miles. A 5-liter, 32-valve V8 sits in front, while a five-speed transmission, an upgraded suspension package and BBS aftermarket wheels connects the 288 horsepower to the pavement. This is a nice, well-presented sports car that sold for $17,600 (with buyer’s premium). The only downside, if it breaks, a somewhat pricey fix could await.

An ultra-low-mileage Mercedes-Benz SL500 was another great buy for $30,800. (Photo: Dave Harris)
The Mercedes SL-Class cars have long been uber-expensive, overtly luxurious two-seater sports convertibles. The SL first took life in 1954, the 300SL Gullwing being the most coveted among the series, but recent offerings have being more about fun that collectability. Starting in 1990, the R129 body style graced showroom floors, selling more than 213,000 versions worldwide until its cycle ended in 2002.

On Friday, a bright-red 1999 Mercedes SL500 graced the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction block. With only 9,199 original miles on the odometer, and nary a speck of visible wear anywhere, Lot #915.1 was purchased for $30,800 with buyer’s premium – and it was well bought.

A 5-liter, three-valve V8 producing 302 horsepower animates this machine. An automatic transmission, full convenience and AMG sports package round out the package. A nice find by any measure.

Last but not least, one of the coolest cars you’ll ever see at a collector-car auction. And it’s American icon: 1957 Chevy.

This awesome high-performance 1957 Chevy custom got away for only $42,900. (Photo: David Harris)
For the uninitiated, the very thought of purchasing a vehicle of this caliber might conjure up hundreds of thousands of dollar bills. Or something like that. While Lot #931 – a 1957 Chevrolet Custom 150 2-Door Coupe – sold for $42,900 (with auction premium), it’s a buyer-friendly price considering the $200,000-plus rides that highlighted most of Friday’s sales.

What’s not to love about this car? Not only is it a great show piece, but if you wanted to head over to your local quarter mile, it would feel right at home there as well. The all-black, understated exterior belies the high-performance, nitrous-inspired 383 Stroker under the hood and the quick-change Muncie transmission that helps get it off the line.

Further bolstering its competition credentials is a set of Simpson safety belts, a red-line tach and a drag-strip-ready, four-link suspension package and Hoosier housing. The bucket seats, however, are leather. Yes, please.

SPEED’s live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction continues today through midnight ET.
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David Harris

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