VINTAGE: More Affordable Classics At B-J

Automotive Lifestyle

VINTAGE: More Affordable Classics At B-J

Three desirable collector cars go home with some lucky buyers for modest prices at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction.

David Harris | Posted January 20, 2012 Scottsdale, AZ

A 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner that sold Thursday for $30,800, including premium, is powered by the 'lesser' 383cid V8. (Photo: David Harris)

Every passing day of a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction means one thing – the prices are going up! Yesterday’s results saw some cars crest the $200,000 plateau (on a Thursday, yet) with the REALLY big numbers on the horizon.

Having stated that, there’s still a plethora of fantastic vehicles that more budget-minded enthusiasts are snapping up at the right price. Here are three of the best from yesterday’s action:

Despite its impressive restoration and engine upgrade, this 1967 Chevrolet El Camino went for the bargain price of $20,900, including buyer fee. (Photo: David Harris)

If you want to draw a little attention to yourself at the next show and shine, you could hardly do much better than this beautiful 1967 Chevrolet El Camino (Lot #627) in near mint condition, which gaveled home at $20,900, including buyer’s premium.

After a brief and somewhat modest 1959 introduction, the El Camino returned to Chevrolet’s lineup in 1964 following a four-production-year hiatus. The Bowtie team was still seeking an answer to Ford’s successful Ford Ranchero. The original power options were a little uninspiring for many, however, with just two straight-6 offerings and two versions of a 283 cubic-inch V8, which even with an aggressive camshaft topped out at only 155 horsepower. It’s probably why this El Camino held a new 350-cubic-inch V8.

While not original, this tastefully tweaked teal-on-teal machine is an ideal driver. Always garaged, driven in inclement weather only a handful of times, there’s little wear or signs of trouble, and with its new interior and exhaust system, it’s the ultimate expression of turnkey fun.

MG’s have long been a favorite of the vintage sports-car set, and there are only a few as nice as this presentation. It was Lot #689, a pristine triple-black 1958 MGA 1500 roadster, and it stood out even among the omnipresent muscle.

An attractive 1958 MGA 1500 roadster was a real standout, but someone got a good deal on it for $33,000, with premium. (Photo: David Harris)

Consigner Bobby Adams of Scottsdale, Ariz., explained why this car captured his fancy, saying simply, “It’s a lot less than a Jaguar. It’s a great driver with similar looks, for a whole lot less money.” That says it all.

These cars were first introduced to the world in 1955 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and after more than 101,000 rolled off the line, production shuttered in 1962 as the automaker transitioned to the MGB. This one is fully restored with a four-speed transmission and chrome wire wheels. And it wouldn’t be a proper MG without the obligatory chrome luggage rack. It sold for $33,000 with premium, quite a deal for this amazing piece.

Mopar lovers are fanatics about their favorites, and oftentimes, the prices reflect that quite excessively. But great buys on solid muscle-car-era Plymouths are very much alive and well, considering that #Lot 690, a ’69 Roadrunner, sold yesterday for $30,800, including premium.

An original Frost Green Iridescent paint oversees the car’s white-vinyl factory bucket seats. A 383-cubic-inch V8, optional and hard-to-find D21 four-speed, Magnum 500 wheels and new Goodyear wire ovals propel this coupe. The 383 was the entry-level offering for this model year, when four powerplants were available, including the coveted 426 Hemi V8 at the top end.

This one has a lot of performance cues, too. An Air Grabber hood, high-speed hood pins and a rear wing adorns the exterior. It’s a sharp presentation and an affordable option if owning a 300-plus horsepower muscle car is your cup of tea.

SPEED’s coverage of the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction continues today with 10 hours of coverage through midnight ET, with live broadcasts Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight ET and Sunday 2 to 6 p.m. ET.