Automotive icons come in many forms, and that’s the theme for this week’s selections on AutoHunter, the online auction marketplace driven by ClassicCars.com. These five cars each represent some special niche that appeals to collectors, and each with its own story.
In recent years, the original-style Ford Broncos have become not only wildly valuable but essentially iconic as vintage off-road SUVs. This first-year Bronco 4×4 is described by the seller as being “largely original” and rust-free, and with an odometer showing just 23,000 miles.
The Bronco has both tops and a numbers-matching 289cid V8 fitted with stainless-steel headers and an aluminum radiator, and fed through a replacement 5-speed Tremec manual transmission with a new clutch, driveshaft and locking hubs.
Yellow with a white hardtop and black vinyl interior, the Bronco comes with documentation, service records and manuals. This would be a fun collector car that’s only growing in value, as shown by the robust bidding on its AutoHunter listing.
1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
The Rolls is an entirely different sort of icon as coming from the best-known and most-revered luxury marque. The Silver Shadow II offered here is described as “mechanically sorted,” its 6.75-liter V8 in “optimal running condition.”
With an interior redolent of fine leather and wood trim, this is a terrific saloon (as the British call their sedans) that has received $12,000 in recent mechanical work that includes a rebuilt transmission, replacement suspension pump and overhauled brake system, the seller says.
“Having resided in Arizona long-term, this Silver Shadow wears a glossy and rust-free Silver Mink finish over a blue-leather interior and is now offered with a toolkit, service records, (and) a set of lambs’ wool floor mats,” the seller notes.
Here’s the other extreme of British icons, one of the classic Minis that defined motoring in the UK during the 1960s. This is a Mini with a difference, though, having been produced in Italy. A British car built by Italians – what could go wrong?
“To avoid the tariffs levied on foreign automobiles imported into Italy, the British Motor Corporation reached an agreement with the Italian company Innocenti, manufacturer of the Lambretta motor scooter, to assemble BMC cars in Italy,” according to the seller. “The first cars were delivered to the country in completely knocked-down form and were then put together.”
The Mini, in Ivory with a red interior, was previously restored, the seller says, and features newer paint, chrome bumpers and trim. The front-wheel-drive minicar is powered by its original 848cc inline-4 linked to a 4-speed manual transaxle.
Another innovative small car from Europe, the VW Beetle is very much an icon not just for American drivers but worldwide. New generations of VW enthusiasts continue to maintain its credentials as an everyman collector car.
This is a great-looking Beetle that has been modified with a lowered stance and upgraded with a recently built 1,835cc flat-4 by Car Craft and a custom, oversized carburetor, which should beef up its power considerably. Under-hood photos show the rear engine gorgeously polished.
In Navy Blue with a blue-and-white interior, the Beetle rides on powder-coated white wheels and stock hubcaps, giving it a cool stock look along with the added style and performance.
1955 Studebaker President Speedster
An icon of mid-century styling, the Studebaker Speedster was an elaborately enhanced version of the original Euro-style design that emerged from the Raymond Loewy studio with the 1953 model produced by the South Bend, Indiana, automaker.
Lavishly chromed, the Speedster is a trim 2-door coupe that defies the large, boxy designs from most other US automakers during this era, although the gleaming chrome accents, including its massive grille and front bumper, fit right in with the trends of the day.
This Speedster looks great in Velvet Black, which serves to accentuate all that chrome. The coupe is “highly original,” the seller says, with just 59,000 miles on its odometer and powered by its original 259cid V8 and automatic transmission with overdrive. The Speedster is ready to drive and enjoy, the seller says, although it could also be a star at any Studebaker gathering.
These are just a few of the collector vehicles available on AutoHunter, which can be viewed on the auction website.
