A wide selection of “exceptional” big-block muscle cars will be offered at no reserve during Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction, led by a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird survivor driven just 6,000 miles and a well-documented 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro 427/450.
Barrett-Jackson’s 50th anniversary is being celebrated during the event, which takes place January 22-30 at the WestWorld event center, after being postponed one year due to the pandemic – the auction company founded by Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett held its first Scottsdale collector car sale in 1971, and every year since.
The Superbird is a terrific example of a well-preserved muscle car of the highest order, fitted with dramatic aerodynamic pieces to add speed in NASCAR racing and powered by Mopar’s legendary 426/425-horsepower Hemi V8. Barrett-Jackson calls it “one of the finest remaining original examples in existence.”
“The classic big block American muscle cars are the embodiment of bold ideas and big leaps in engineering and performance,” Craig Jackson, chairman and chief executive of Barrett-Jackson, said in a news release. “When it was first introduced, the Superbird was largely overlooked by buyers because it was developed more as an experiment in cutting-edge aerodynamics for American racing.
“This original Superbird will be among some of the crown jewels selling at during our Scottsdale Auction.”
The release notes that the Superbird, with its pointed nosepiece and towering rear wing, has all the right ingredients for performance and collectability.
“With a professional repaint to exact factory standards, this Tor Red Superbird is equipped with its 426/425hp Hemi V8 engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission, performance axles package, power disc brakes, power steering, hood pins and a black vinyl top,” the auction description says. “This piece of American automotive history is accompanied with documentation that includes the original fender tags, window sticker, broadcast sheet and owner’s manual.”
The Yenko Camaro “began life as one of 1,138 L78 Camaros built in 1967 and was upgraded to a Super Camaro in July 1967 following shipment to Yenko Chevrolet,” the release says.
“Upgrades included converting the L78 engine to a L72 427ci engine, metallic brakes, heavy-duty clutch and pressure plate, high-capacity cooling system and suspension upgrades,” the release adds. “Other items included a Stewart-Warner tachometer and instrument package, a fiberglass hood, hood pins and added “427” emblems.
“This muscle car retains the original VIN plate and hidden VIN cowl stamping along with certificates of authenticity, copies of the Yenko conversion, dealer invoices and a copy of the original shipping record.”
Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, pointed out that the horsepower wars among US manufacturers resulted in some spectacular muscle cars.
“Big block American muscle cars sparked a performance war among American manufacturers that became the genesis for some of the most competitive racing of our time,” Davis said. “The Mustang Boss 429, for example, was Ford’s effort to homologate its new engine into passenger cars to qualify for NASCAR’s Grand National Division so that it may better compete against other manufacturers.
“The big blocks were so much more than just a Saturday cruise-night entry; they were built to test the limits of racing and some of the finest examples will be at our Scottsdale Auction.”
Among the big-block Corvettes is a 1968 L88 driven fewer than 25,000 miles. The T-top coupe is one of just 80 L88s built in 1968, powered by 427/430-horsepower V8 engines. This Corvette’s 427 has been rebuilt, the auction release says, and is linked with a M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission.
A trio of 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback coupes will be crossing the block, a Candy Apple Red example that’s been restored to concours condition and fitted with a close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission; an unrestored fastback with original paint, drivetrain and other special Boss 429 features; and a Wimbledon White car with a close-ratio 4-speed and Traction Lok differential.
Also thundering across the block will by four 1970 Chevelle LS6 Super Sport models powered by GM’s mighty 454cid V8. A fully restored convertible with its numbers-matching LS6 engine and Turbo 400 automatic transmission; an award winning Chevelle with its 454 mated to a Muncie M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission with 4.10 gears and posi-traction rear axle; a Daytona Yellow-finished SS, recently restored and with an automatic transmission; and an all-original unrestored LS6 with just 11,679 miles on its odometer.
For more information about Barrett-Jackson’s 50th anniversary Scottsdale sale, visit the auction website.
