In less than a week, the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Palm Beach Auction will be pulling folks from all corners of Florida and beyond for the spring’s most anticipated automotive event. As always, there is a diverse selection of cars from around the world, including several owned by some very famous celebrities.
If you glance at the docket, you can’t help but notice that postwar classics make the bulk of vehicles that you can buy. Here’s a sampling to whet your appetite.
1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible
The Starfire wasn’t a model per se but, rather, a name Oldsmobile attached to the 98 convertible because, after all, the brand was the “Rocket Division of General Motors.” Nineteen fifty-six was a nice facelift of the 1954 body with a twin mouth grille, projectile-shaped taillights, optional and distinctive stainless steel De Luxe wheel discs, and available two-toning unique to the 98.
Like all 98s for 1956, this Olds is powered by a 240-horsepower 324cid Rocket T-350 V8 backed by a Jetaway Hydra-Matic Drive automatic transmission. Other features include power steering and brakes, power windows, power seat, power top, and rear fender skirts. Quite glamorous in its white and black paint job with matching interior and white top, this Olds nicely demonstrates that cars too could swivel their hips and make the public hot ‘n bothered.
1971 Ford Mustang Mach I
Out of all the pony cars introduced in the new decade, nothing looked longer/lower/wider than the 1971 Mustang. Especially in SportsRoof form, the Mustang cut a swoopy figure that featured a backlite that was designed for style more than visibility. Two new powerplants arguably made this the fastest Mustang ever: the Boss 351 and the 429 Cobra Jet. The latter was rated at 370 horsepower, with Ford adding five more if the Drag Pack was specified.
This 1971 Mustang Mach I features its numbers-matching J-code 429 CJ with ram air, one of 1,371 with this engine and, of those, 556 featured the four-speed manual. Other features include white knitted vinyl bucket seats, air conditioning, 3.25 rear axle, Magnum 500 chrome wheels, and optional stripes in silver, among others. This Mustang also will come with a framed Elite Marti Report and a binder full of restoration pictures and receipts.
For more of what’s in store at the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Palm Beach Auction, check out the docket. Plus, you can participate in the April 18-20th automotive festivities by consigning a car or truck you own.
