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MARKET MOVER 1957 BMW 507 SERIES II ROADSTER
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A BMW
Balancing Act
Weighing originality and condition in a 507
is a tricky task
by CHAD TAYLOR
1957 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
S/N: 70059
$2,315,000
Lot 133, Bonhams
The Audrain Concours Auction,
Newport, RI
September 30, 2022
Photos by PAWEL LITWINSKI ORIGINALITY PLAYS A massive role for most
Courtesy of BONHAMS collector car buyers. Away from resto-rodded
Americana and Outlaw Porsches, it’s safe to say
that original cars are almost always more desirable
than their restored counterparts. The question is
how much originality do you want and what are you
willing to pay for it?
A worn chassis sitting on rotted wooden-spoke
wheels may be original, but it is also unusable
without a complete overhaul. On the other hand,
a car can be impeccably restored and ready for
the road while losing significant originality in
the process, even if it is still a matching-numbers
machine. The key is to find balance between the two.
Fresh from storage
That balance was on my mind when Bonhams
consigned a 1957 BMW 507 Series II Roadster to
its Audrain Concours Auction in September, 2022.
Recently pulled from a Philadelphia garage where it
had remained for some 43 years, the 507 retained its
original components and was free of any subsequent
alterations from new. The one caveat is the car
had been painted twice over the years. Originally
Silberblau from the factory, the BMW’s first owner
repainted the car in white, while the next caretaker
refinished it in Pontiac Bright Blue Metallic circa
1979 — the same paint it wears today.
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MARKET MOVER 1957 BMW 507 SERIES II ROADSTER
It is worth mentioning that while the 507 is solidly a represents the second highest of them.
blue-chip collectible, just 253 examples were produced The one car to sell for more is an anomaly, sold by
in-period — including both Series I and II variants.
That is far fewer than the BMW’s contemporary Bonhams at its 2020 Zoute Sale in Belgium for just
German garage mate — and fellow member of the over $2.4m in today’s dollars. It was neither freshly
blue-chip club — the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, restored nor completely original, wearing a 30-plus
with 1,858 completed. Interested parties wanting a 507 year-old refresh and powered by a replacement
simply have fewer to choose from. period V8 engine — a common trait in 507s. It was,
however, a proven tour car, rebuilt by 507 experts
Condition considerations Brummer over three years.
Nine examples of the BMW 507 have sold at Minus the sub-$2m sale, the others landed below
auction over the past three years — including our our subject car at between $2m and $2.2m. They
subject example. All but one sold for more than represent a mixture of restored and original cars both
$2m. Despite its current weathered Pontiac blue with matching-numbers engines and replacement
paint, the 507 sold by Bonhams at the Audrain drivetrains. Gooding & Company sold an unrestored,
matching-numbers black-over-red 507 for $2,150,000
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at its 2022 Amelia Island sale, while RM Sotheby’s Finding the right combination
sold an expertly restored white example at its St.
Moritz sale in 2021 for over $100k less at $2.04m. In the end, it is up to the buyer to weigh originality,
condition and other positive attributes against each
Option additions other before deciding how far to chase a car. For the
new owner of this 507, they may have paid a bit extra
Besides the usual history file, manuals, service for the options and originality, but those two aspects
records and other documents that always help sell a outweighed the demerits of the BMW’s current
car, there are a few additional features that can make garage-find condition.
a BMW 507 more desirable. Most notable are a fitted
hardtop and a set of Rudge wheels. What they also paid for was the chance to choose
this car’s future: Restore it to perfection using its
Just this Audrain car and one other sold in the last original components or pretty-it-up and leave
three years featured both options. The second sold as-is with its 40-year-old blue finish. It is ultimately
at Bonhams’ 2022 Zoute Sale for about $2,040,000 a personal choice, but also a reminder that the
shortly after the Audrain car traded hands. The balancing act between originality and condition
difference between the two? The Zoute car’s exterior doesn’t end after purchase.
had been restored in the last decade.
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Second Year Charm
Old-world feel and a good range of cars define this now
annual event
by JIM PICKERING
The Audrain Concours Auction
Bonhams
September 30, 2022
Total: 35/45 cars sold / $6,899,780
THE SECOND EDITION of Bonhams’ annual Audrain
auction had a distinctively European feel — this boutique
sale presented a good range of consignments within the
International Tennis Hall of Fame, and as is typically the case,
the cars were auctioned in place rather than across a block —
much like you’d experience in Oxford or Paris.
Among this year’s most talked about lots were several
garage-found cars, including a BMW 507 that had been stored
away for more than 40 years. The car, wearing aged blue paint
but looking absolutely complete, saw bidding rise from $1.1m
all the way to its final sale price of $2,315,000.
But beyond the BMW, which you can read more about on
p.152, 88% of the lots on offer sold, and a good number of
them did with prices above their estimate ranges.
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1981 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
The Price to trail, and vehicles built to take
Play you off the beaten path don’t
make much sense as garage
Lot 104, #3+ condition queens. And yet, the best OEM
S/N: FJ40L-VKA-UND-40017 restorations and top-dog
customs tend to bring big money
Sold Price: $32,480 in this segment regardless of the
fact that they can’t be used for
THE BASICS: interior is restored and upgraded, gaining in value in the midst of their intended purpose — at
Sky Blue with gray vinyl and with nice center console and a the market’s realignment after least not without some risk to the
basic, dirt-ready rubber floor mat. the housing crash in 2008. dollars spent to get you there.
cloth seating. 4.2-L inline six Fitted with backup camera, LED
said to be the original unit, headlights, Warn winch, hi-lift Collectible 4x4s live in a This FJ is end-user perfect —
along with 4-speed manual jack, stout roof rack and an Old strange section of the market, clean enough to show well, but
transmission. Recent frame-off Man Emu lift kit. and they’re a great illustration not too nice to take out on the
restoration noted, although of the trouble with top-level trail, which is where these rigs
wheels and locking hubs are PICKERING SAYS: restorations: Perfect paint and shine. That’s a fine line to walk,
both showing dirt, wear and The FJ was among the first 4x4 to spotless undercarriages don’t but it works here — particularly
scuff marks from use. Original serve much purpose on a dirt considering the mods done in the
take off in the collector car world, name of usability.
In terms of cost, the money
is market rate-plus for what
it is — a rig designed more
for experiences than it is
marketability — but of course,
the market for that continues to
boom.
c.1903 Knox Model C Runabout
THE BASICS: map. In any case, tinkering and was nicknamed “Old Porcupine” Value in Use
157-ci air-cooled single adjusting simple mechanics is due to its unique air-cooled
part of the fun with early cars, design, which makes for one less Lot 142, #2 condition
cylinder engine makes 10 hp. with events such as the London potential failure point. This one S/N: 202
2-speed manual planetary to Brighton Veteran Car Run and also has an added starter motor, Sold Price: $45,920
transmission, mechanical the Audrain Veteran Car Tour so hand cranking is not a must.
brakes on the rear wheels only. always driving interest. The original Stanhope 2+2 body that’s a limiting factor for value
Year figured by production is gone, and although what’s — but not use.
number and surviving records The Knox is a simple machine fitted is off another vintage car,
— wire-style wheels were among simple machines — it With only 500 or so built,
phased out by 1904. Simple and comps are thin, but Bonhams
well detailed throughout. Frame did sell another 1903 Model C
itself built of twin leaf springs. in 2012 for $69,000 — that one
Chain drive. Ford carburetor with its original body. If that’s
fitted but comes with Knox unit. the benchmark, this was priced
right.
PICKERING SAYS:
With calculated risk comes
excitement, right? Does that
apply to tiller steering, too?
Early cars such as this exude
both simplicity of design and
complexity of arrival: The
destination is not guaranteed,
unless your understanding
of “destination” skews more
toward feeling the weather on
your face than it does a dot on a
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1912 Stanley Special 30HP Roadster Tribute
THE BASICS: to recreate what another Stanley failure (which did in the Making the
A replica of a lost Special had done for the first time original), this was a great — if Grade
back in 1899 — and it was not challenging — proof of concept
originally built by the factory without some risk. Getting to the for an automotive technology Lot 140, #2 condition
for Raymond Stanley. Built by top requires a 4,600-ft climb with that is now mostly lost. S/N: 6700
Stanley collector and restorer grades in excess of 22%. Sold Price: $109,200
Brent Campbell — himself the This is a thin market,
grandson of a Stanley factory Torque is the name of the though — it takes a certain kind car in today’s world. That said,
employee — along with a handful game when it comes to steam of hands-on collector to both the current market has people
of craftsmen, using as many 1912- power — so barring mechanical appreciate and use any steam looking outside the box more
era parts as possible. The goal was than ever, and while “it’s worth
to recreate the car as Raymond whatever someone will pay” is
Stanley originally built it, prior the mantra for just about any
to his changing the fenders and replica, this was a good buy for
headlights after 1912. Good its original components and its
condition overall, minus some usability.
chipping spring paint.
PICKERING SAYS:
This car may be a replica, but
it’s done to a high level — and
it’s functional, as evidenced
by Jay Leno driving it up New
Hampshire’s Mt. Washington back
in 2017 as part of his CNBC show,
“Jay Leno’s Garage.” The idea was
1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadster
Opportunity dream, and the drive and
Cost expense it obviously took to get
it to this point.
Lot 145, #4 condition
S/N: DV33138 It’s ironic that it probably
cost more to build this than it
Sold Price: $106,400 would have cost to buy an XK
120 in the long run… but then
THE BASICS: are Cord 810. Original owner, to say the least — even in the again, DIYing a car for less was
322-ci DOHC inline 8 with Elwood Needy, died before era of custom restyling by the probably not the point. And
the car was complete, but it likes of the Barris Brothers, this most of the XK 120s you’ll see at
4 valves per cylinder. 3-speed was finished by his son. In was a bold attempt at creating Pebble today will be out among
manual transmission. 1950s need of complete restoration, something unique. We can the bus-serviced parking lots.
Custom inspired by an XK 120 but appears to be all there. argue about how successful
and built on a Full Classic Stutz Tentative acceptance for the styling was and is — that This sits in another intriguing
chassis. Coachwork is based on display at Pebble Beach noted. Perspex windscreen is pure corner of the market. It has both
a 1949 Cadillac Series 61, but 1950s boat — but there’s no Full Classic mechanical clout
with heavy modification into PICKERING SAYS: denying the amount of work and 1950s custom car styling,
roadster configuration. Nose This was an ambitious project that went into this triple-finned which is not a very common
is 1951 Studebaker, gauges mix. History and completeness
were key here, more so than
styling. Financially, this was an
opportunity for a risk taker with
a vision, with question marks
for the rest of us.
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1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
THE BASICS: original build sheet. Fitted with High Island sale in 2021, where it
364-ci V8, twin 4-bbl carbs, Autronic Eye, EZ Eye glass and Standards achieved $131,600. The full
signal-seeking AM radio. Seat engine rebuild came later, and
3-speed auto. One of 2,150 belts and parade boot added. Lot 112, #2+ condition it was likely not cheap — but
Biarritz convertibles built for S/N: 5662073179 also not all that surprising on
’56. In good condition overall, PICKERING SAYS: a car that’s wearing an older
with excellent chrome and trim These cars were the most High Bid: $90,000 restoration in the first place. Still,
work from older restoration. other than checking the basics,
Engine said to have had a recent expensive of the line in ’56, and special stainless, aluminum and it’s hard to know at auction (or
rebuild. Comes with copy of its restoration today is similarly chrome trim that’s part of the anywhere else for that matter)
expensive, thanks to all the package. Still, this one’s 20-plus what the internal condition of
year-old restoration still showed any engine might be. That’s a
remarkably well here, and the calculated risk that most buyers
engine rebuild suggested that it factor into the equation.
was ready for the road.
Here, the money wasn’t right
The last time we saw this car, it to let the car go — but I don’t
was sold at RM Sotheby’s Amelia think there was going to be
enough upside over the 2021
price to cover any of the costs
associated with the rebuild
anyway. That sort of investment
is generally repaid over years of
use versus quick turnaround at
auction.
1964 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Coupe
THE BASICS: right behind a 3.8? I’d argue that pricing, this car was offered and A Driver’s Jag
3.8-L inline 6 makes 265 longer legs offered by a modern unsold at Broad Arrow’s first
overdrive gear are a bonus, but Monterey auction in August 2022 Lot 126, #2- condition
hp with triple SU carbs. not everyone feels the same way — with a high bid of $190,000. It S/N: 889928
Finished in its original specs of especially at concours-level pricing. carried an estimate range of Sold Price: $142,800
Opalescent Golden Sand and But the changes here are reversible $200k to $250k at that time,
Beige Connolly leather, and with a little bit of work, so the point which was dear for what the An end user here paid smart
originally delivered to an owner is more or less moot — other than car was — and wasn’t. Here, the money for a car that looks right,
in Camden, TN via Jaguar Cars the money it takes to own it, that is. range was a more realistic $160k is geared for real-world use,
of New York. Subsequent history to $190k. and has amplified rort from the
unknown. 5-speed Tremec Speaking of concours-level rebuilt 3.8. It’s hard to go wrong
manual fitted during restoration with any of that. I’m sure the
by Jag specialist Predator Broad Arrow bid weighed heavy
Performance in Florida. Other on the seller’s decision to let it go
modifications from stock here, but that’s the risk we take
include spin-on oil filter, by holding out for a better offer.
oversize stainless steel exhaust
and a high-torque starter. The
original 4-speed gearbox comes
with the car. Rebuilt engine is
the matching-numbers unit.
PICKERING SAYS:
An FJ40 is one thing, an E-Type
something else entirely — but the
same argument about use and
modification noted on the FJ also
applies here. Does a bolt-action-
like, short-throw new Tremec feel
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1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster
THE BASICS: Scotia and back for a British “whiskers” and optional front Life Well Lived
2.5-L Hemi-head V8 engine car tour. bumper, which cleans up its
styling considerably. Lot 132, #3- condition
with twin SUs makes 142 hp. The SP250 has some S/N: 100929
4-speed manual transmission. polarizing styling, but it also The Dart was Daimler’s Sold Price: $31,360
One of around 1,200 LHD features a fiberglass body and final go before the company
versions built. Driver-level, but that fantastic Hemi-style engine, was sold by BSA to Jaguar, production continued through
with good paint and interior. which was good enough to which of course was building 1964 is testament to the SP250’s
Some sun fading to convertible push it to over 125 mph. This its world-beating E-Type at performance — and it also
top boot. Painted wire wheels one is without the front chrome the same time. The fact that explains why this one’s late
and brake calipers are rusty, owner liked driving it so much.
chrome knock-offs are pitted.
Door jambs show marking This was an average price
from passenger entry and exit. paid — good proof that the
Underhood dirty and fitted with reward of use can outweigh the
replacement engine. Original risk of wear.
unit comes with car.
PICKERING SAYS:
That rust and wear isn’t
neglect — in fact, it’s just the
opposite. This car was owned by
Newport local Rodger Martin
for over 15 years. He drove the
car often, both to car shows
and festivals but also on longer
excursions — the catalog notes
one trip all the way to Nova
1977 Porsche 930 3.0 Turbo Carrera
Turbo Thrills the throttle mid-corner and
enjoying snap oversteer — or
Lot 116, #2 condition by just not being ready for the
S/N: 9307700192 all-or-nothing boost that hit
Sold Price: $162,400 above 3,000 rpm. Corners made
that worse, too.
THE BASICS: over black leather and blacked- PICKERING SAYS:
3.0-L turbocharged and out chrome, with restoration Leave it to Porsche to build Like those customary 930
and maintenance receipts flares over a wide stance and
fuel-injected flat six makes reportedly totaling $80,000. something with bank-vault the whale tail wing? Both were
260 hp. 4-speed manual. Newer turbo and updated a/c quality that’s also dangerous efforts at keeping the car aimed
Documented ownership from compressor fitted. Paint shows in untrained hands. A lot of where the driver was trying to
new and said to have matching some orange peel near driver’s doctors took out mailboxes point it.
numbers. Restored in its headlight. by spinning these things off
original color of Minerva Blue the road, due to lifting off But keep yourself out of
trouble via practice on a track
and the miles will roll past in a
hurry. I’ve clicked Porsche doors
shut on cars pushing 250,000
miles.
The 930 has everything going
for it in terms of the market —
this was no risky buy at just over
the current average price for the
model, considering the work
done and the overall condition
of the car. The risk, it seems, lies
elsewhere.
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1994 Lamborghini Diablo VT
THE BASICS: fiber windshield wiper aero Know When to Hold appeal is pretty clear. There’s
5.7-L DOHC V12 makes pieces. Some bubbling under substance here.
paint above the windshield on Lot 136, #2- condition
492hp, funneled through a the driver’s side. S/N: ZA9DU07PXRLA12203 The bigger challenge is buying
5-speed manual and all four Sold Price: $246,400 something like this at its new car
wheels. Paint and interior PICKERING SAYS: peak and holding on through
look original, with edge wear Spotting trends ahead of the of the Countach among the inevitable depreciation. The
and light chipping noted. Youngtimer set, the writing cutting edge only stays sharp for
Delamination at corners of general market is a challenging was on the wall for the Diablo. so long, and the world has to
windshield and around carbon thing to do, but with the rise The specs are key: Analog V12. move a certain amount before
Manual transmission. All-wheel nostalgia then takes hold. The
drive. Toss those up against any risk at that point is in getting
of today’s drive-by-wire, hybrid, excited and paying too much, or
auto-shifted comps and the buying at the peak of throwback
exuberance.
This car sold at Barrett-
Jackson’s Palm Beach sale in
2013 for $89,100, and then
again at Barrett-Jackson’s
Las Vegas auction in 2014 for
$104,500. The price achieved
here is common these days. As
to whether or not this is a peak,
just look to the Countach. Those
are still $500k+, which should
tell you something.
1969 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3
THE BASICS: day — particularly so with cars consistently maintained by a Mercedes Muscle
Fitted with the 300-hp M100 built prior to 1970, which had knowledgeable Mercedes-Benz
slightly higher compression than specialist is key, and just how Lot 127, #3 condition
6.3-L V8. Tobacco Brown the later cars. OEM fresh it is at sale time S/N: 109018.12.002404
paint over Cognac leather does factor into value, at least Sold Price: $56,000
both show well, minus some These cars were expensive among the Mercedes faithful.
surface marks in the trunk lid. when new. Maintenance isn’t That’s important, as when it cars, those are your customers.
Bright trim has light surface cheap — and it’s ongoing. comes to big numbers on these This car had the look of an
pitting and scratching around Finding a car that’s been
windows. Claimed one owner example that had been used and
until 10 years ago and 55k miles maintained to less than concours
from new, along with a recent condition, but that’s no knock.
repaint, interior replacement This was a good price for what this
and injection pump rebuild. car was, with more maintenance
costs probably on the horizon.
PICKERING SAYS:
This is the top-level W109 — a
Mercedes muscle car — fitted
with the same M100 engine that
powered the W100 Grosser “600”
Mercedes sedans and limousines.
It also has self-leveling air
suspension and a bunch of
upgraded interior appointments
over the similar W108. Adding
in the M100 made this the
quickest production sedan of its
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ONLINE MADNESS 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe
What’s Sold Price: $28,088 entire engine — is a top-of-
Your Risk mind concern for Porsche 996
Tolerance? #4+ condition buyers.
Bring a Trailer, 10/17/2022
Every online car purchase is S/N: WP0AA2991XS620448 This car received the updated
a risk — but some are more IMS bearing, as well as a mass
exciting than others Is it telling that the first air flow sensor, air oil separator,
thing I searched for in my timing chain, guides, main
by NICK JAYNES web browser, after opening bearings, rod bearings, head
this auction, was “IMS”? For bolts, rod bolts, pistons, and
LIKE MOST THINGS, risk is obvious reasons, a faulty gaskets and seals when the
wholly subjective. My dad would intermediate shaft bearing — engine was rebuilt in 2012.
say any car purchase is a risk. which can fail and take out the
And, in some ways, he’s right; no Despite the engine being
purchase or investment is a slam refreshed a decade ago, “The
dunk. So, going by dad’s standard, seller notes intermittent noise
any car can be the embodiment and smoke on startup.” Hmm.
of risk.
Not so long ago, even in the
That wouldn’t be any fun, glaring face of the IMS issue,
though, would it? When it comes I would not have ever pegged
to online auctions, you have to the 996 as a risk. As a Porsche
consider your own threshold mechanic told me five-or-so
for risk. I know I am probably years ago, “If the IMS hasn’t
stating the obvious here, but it’s blown up yet, it probably won’t.
a discussion I was forced to have
in my own head while curating Yet here we are. It’s arguably
this list. a weak example of the least-
desirable 911.
Is this risky? If so, how? If not,
why not? GOOD: It’s reasonably affordable
for a 911.
Here are five recent Bring a
Trailer listings that illustrate the BAD: “Might pop at any moment”
point. vibes.
168 Linkage 009 FINAL THOUGHT: If you can afford
to risk throwing $15,000 at a
$27,000 car, you bought well.
Breguet Clock for
Lamborghini Diablo
Sold Price: $11,025
#2- condition
Bring a Trailer, 10/18/2022
I don’t understand why the comments, there were at abode. You get to the study and What’s the opposite of “How
someone would pay $11,000 for least a few other kooks who proclaim, “This is a clock from a to Win Friends and Influence
a clock that used to be inside a lusted after this timepiece, Lamborghini Diablo!” People”? We’ve found it.
car, especially a Diablo. either for their own cars or for
their collections. No, I wager Your guests’ eyebrows will GOOD: Buyer paid less than the
This wasn’t even part of it’s a risk because, by owning furrow. They’ll ask you if it’s guy in 1991 did.
some famous person’s Diablo. this, you risk labeling yourself special or if it has unique
It was just a gold clock sold to as someone who would buy this provenance. Then you’ll have to BAD: It’s a $11k clock.
a guy who bought a Lambo in sort of thing for this sort of price. explain that, no, it’s just a clock
Vancouver, Canada in 1991. It from a car delivered in Canada FINAL THOUGHT: If your Diablo has a
was signed by Valentino Balboni Imagine you’re giving a in the 1990s to, you know, some hole in its dash, here’s the cost
this past June, for what it’s worth tour through your Palm Beach guy. to plug it.
— and Lamborghini charged
$14,600 for the option when the
car was new. But still, to me, this
has almost no value.
Is it a financial risk, per se?
No, probably not. Based upon
1979 BMW 320i Coupe In the midst of writing this I sold it in a moment of haste to buy back a car you regretted
article, I won an auction for a and regretted it ever since. selling. And they have a good
Sold Price: $8,453 1979 BMW E21 320i 4-speed on When I saw it was back on BaT, argument.
#3- condition Bring a Trailer — a car I owned almost seven years to the week
Bring a Trailer, 10/17/2022 seven years ago. I don’t mean after I sold it, I had to have it Will it be as good as I
S/N: 5447988 a similar example, no. I owned back. remember? Will it be a
this exact car. maintenance nightmare? Do I
Some find it foolish, or risky, even have space for it?
These are questions I will
have answered by the time
you read this article. Maybe
I’ll report back on my findings.
Regardless of the risks, I’m
excited. I know many who have
longed to regain a car they
regretted selling.
Am I a pioneer? Well, only if
you insist.
GOOD: The Recaro seats and the
brown paint job.
BAD: I’ve already owned it.
FINAL THOUGHT: I found this car on
Craigslist in 2015. I feel like I
discovered it. I can’t just let it go.
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ONLINE MADNESS
1975 Volvo C303 4x4
Sold Price: $31,033
#3- condition
Bring a Trailer, 10/16/2022
S/N: 6625
This truck is begging to be people to make these kinds Central America on some GOOD: An amazing truck with
driven on an around-the-world of purchases — they don’t cockamamie kumbaya mission. very cool features.
expedition. But just because know what they don’t know. Fast forward three months.
something looks like it could do The Volvo has broken down. BAD: It’ll attract some hipster
something doesn’t mean that it I fear some hippy couple They’ve been robbed. They’ve doofus who’ll go and get into
should. named Rainbow and Wren broken up. They don’t speak trouble in it.
are going to buy a rig like this the language. And now they’re
Outdoor vehicles, especially with the dream of living out stranded. FINAL THOUGHT: Stick to Subaru
wacky ones like this C303, are of it as they drive through Outbacks, hippies.
very popular right now. They’re
exceptionally popular with a
certain kind of buyer: People
who don’t know anything about
vehicle maintenance or repair.
A lack of knowledge about
how serious things can get
is exactly what leads these
1986 Owosso Pulse Autocycle
Sold Price: $34,635 Any project you pay more by the Owosso Motor Car wiper, an aftermarket stereo, etc.”
than $30,000 is probably a bit Company in Michigan and This is the anti-Porsche 911.
#2- condition of a risk. I am highlighting this features two primary wheels,
Bring a Trailer, 10/20/2022 one, though, because it’s so two outboard stabilizing It’s the best part of car-enthusiast
S/N: 17JTW12R2GM000199 delightfully weird. wheels and a sliding canopy. culture. Forget grabbing a beer
Equipment includes a with Rolex-wearing 993 owners.
Here’s a quick backgrounder Kawasaki-sourced 750cc I want to hang out with the
from the auction: “This 1986 inline-four, a six-speed manual Casio-wearing (I assume) owner
Pulse Autocycle is one of transmission, a windshield of this car.
approximately 326 produced
I suppose the real risk with
this car is that it appears to be a
death trap. Not only does it seem
to buck most conventional safety
designs, it’s small enough that
most full-size truck drivers won’t
be able to see the carnage as they
drive over you.
GOOD: So much fun.
BAD: It’s a project. And a weird one
at that.
FINAL THOUGHT: Defensive driving
courses are a must — after you
get it running.
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Young TiMers
Safety RISK IS ABOUT more than In typical rat rod fashion — It has classic VW bodylines
Third buying and selling, about apexing parts came from many places. but the modifications you’ve
corners perfectly or braking at It’s a Model A chassis, fitted made have an American hot
This Volksrod blends just the right time into a chicane. with the 350 Chevrolet V8, a rod hue, no doubt. What sort
worlds together, with Sometimes risk is inherant in the Turbo 400 trans and a Ford 8.8 of bets did you take in the
rusty steel, faded paint vehicle build itself — all the way rear end. I built the engine. The building process?
and V8 power down to the rust and faded paint, chassis was built by Rat Rod Jeff
all of which has been left behind Fabrications. There are always risks
by SARA RYAN on purpose. when building a car like this,
I found the body in Apple especially when it’s being built
When I came across car builder Valley, CA, partially buried in in my garage. Fire is a huge
Gerry Murphy’s Frankenstien the sand. risk with all the sparks from
of a VW, the theme of this issue construction. Personal injury is
clicked into place. Murph — as he a consideration when you’re an
likes to be known — is the kind independent entity. I once had
of guy who likes to create his own to get a sliver of metal drilled
reality, regardless of the costs out of my eyeball.
associated with it. Here’s what he
had to say about his car. I know a lot of car culture
tends to be sort of “purist.”
This car stands out in any Was there any social cost in
crowd. It looks dangerous and building a car like this one?
gnarly. What pushed you to
build a car like this? Definitely, especially
because I cut up a 1957 VW
I wanted to build something bug. I am a VW guy so I knew I
that would reflect my personality. had to have a VW body. The rest
I love Volkswagens but grew up just kind of got done around
with American hot rods. I blended whatever parts were available
both in this build. at the time.
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Most VW purists get their
feathers ruffled because I
did this to a classic Beetle.
I sometimes call myself the
Antipurist though. I love pissing
off the purists.
The Volkswagen community
tends to be pretty homogenous
— they’re Porsche’s cousin
after all, and we all know the
fits that people have when
you cut into a 911… How
dangerous is your franken-VW
to operate?
Although it is fully caged it
definitely isn’t the safest car to
drive.
I can’t help but wonder what
a collision would be like in
that thing. It’s street legal so
it’s a possibility I suppose. I
assume it was hard to register
it? Tell me a little more about
that.
I can’t really reveal what it
took to get it registered, but yes.
It was a little difficult.
One of the questions I get
most is “do you get pulled over
a lot?” I haven’t yet, but I think
that’s a big risk with something
like this. There are quite a few
legally questionable things
about it.
I hear that from the JDM
community all the time. You
hear about modified cars with
dark tints getting pulled over.
There’s a little more on the line
for you, right?
You own a business focused
on building cars. What
keeps you at it despite all the
potential hiccups?
The business is actually idle
at the moment due to some
life changes. It will resume
sometime in the future. The
toughest thing about the
business was that I also have a
full-time job. It makes for some
long days — but building cars is
my passion.
Cars have always been in my
family. It’s in my blood.
Linkage 009 173
BEHIND THE WHEEL
A Lifetime of Risk
and Disruption
Magnus Walker, artist, fashion icon, outlaw Porsche
guy and author, does what feels right
by STEPHEN SERIO
SOME PEOPLE ARE very Instead, I wanted to tap into MAGNUS Truth be told, my first cars. “Rockford Files,” “Kojak,”
satisfied — and perhaps even his risk mindset. We know from risk was taking the Trailways “Columbo.” They were cool
eager — to go through life observation that he possesses bus from Detroit to L.A. at 19 cops and they were centered
taking little or no risk. You a skill set that goes from years after my camp gig with no around cool cars.
know the folks, they who might modifying Porsches — which is connection in L.A., knowing no
consider eating an off-brand married to a grab-your-cojones, one. The bus wasn’t direct and STEPHEN I want to unravel your
Oreo as risky — or perhaps damn-the-torpedoes attitude, it was a three-or-four-day ride innate ability to just grab your
deciding that going out on a collect what you damn well — the local zigzag. It was what I balls and take risks that would
cloudy day without an umbrella fancy coupled and doubled could afford. incapacitate someone who is
is living on the edge. down on no need for outsider risk-adverse, those folks who
validation fortitude. The destination was the land can’t drink caffeine after 3 p.m.
This is perfectly acceptable of sex, drugs and rock ’n roll for fear of losing sleep or those
behavior for some — but not But how did he land here? for me. You know — Guns & Type A personalities that are
for me and certainly not for Was it an adrenaline rush Roses and Motley Crue. L.A. uncomfortable or can’t function
Magnus Walker. addiction from his youth or was home to all the police if their tire pressure monitor
in utero? A constant need for TV shows I’d been watching. says one tire is down 3 psi on the
Magnus has matured through endorphin growth? The characters all had great
the ages, honing the fine art
of doing life his way, with a My two cents, it’s a marriage
coupon book of risk tickets of Sheffield-born DNA with
being expelled one by one. a touch of one-of-a-kind Los
Unless you’ve been living under Angeles/Hollywood fairy tale
a 16-ton Monty Python boulder, success.
you already know that the
author of “Urban Outlaw: Dirt STEPHEN Let’s talk about your
Don’t Slow You Down” is, has ability to take risks, big or little.
and always will be a car guy.
MAGNUS You caught me taking
He’s the bearded, chapeau- a risk right now at lunch on
wearing wonder featured whether I order fish and chips
in the film “Urban Outlaw,” or the steak frites. I’m not sure
which is now enjoying a this steak was the right choice
10th anniversary moment — we’ll see. The fish ‘n chips
culminating in a one-man place wasn’t the right noise
celebration at the Peterson level. (The steak was not bad,
Museum in Los Angeles. This is btw)
no small achievement — and a
first for that institution. STEPHEN Your first risk was
coming to America essentially
I want to get past the usual for a camp job and then
platitudes that have led to this deciding to venture west after
magical, 10-year run up of that stint?
automotive cornucopia and not
focus on his car collecting craft.
174 Linkage 009
right rear….You live and die by a earn and you have to bootstrap became Hotel California where in ungentrified (somewhat
solo decision process — you own everything. All you have is your everyone was visiting me. ropey and dangerous)
all of your decisions. ability to adapt and think on downtown L.A. one of your
your feet, and you’re doing it all STEPHEN Daily motivation can’t biggest risks?
MAGNUS It comes back to British solo. You’ve got you. just be about risk versus reward,
Bulldog mentality. I’ll travel what else drives you? MAGNUS It was my first big risk
back to when I was 9 or 10 MAGNUS Yes, I had the taste of because I didn’t want to pay
years old as a middle cross- freedom which was priceless MAGNUS Always creating stuff other people’s mortgages by
country runner. The thread that and being on my own. Failure — that is appealing — and renting space anymore. At 33
connects it all is that’s a solo was going back to England. being artistic. To me, that’s years old, I wanted to invest
sport, it’s not a team sport. In It was all organic from there the common bond. I had no in myself and have my own
running, I developed an inner on. My fashion business was background in any of this, property. It was a 100-year-old
self confidence and drive. Track organic, no business plan, no whether it’s the cars, fashion building, 26,000 square feet. I
and field was my first little bit borrowing money. It has to be or the movie location rental wasn’t asking other people’s
of personal success, beating the inspirational for me. As I’ve business. advice, and if I got some, I
other guy realizing I’m good at said, it’s risk versus reward. wasn’t listening. You know
this…I felt good doing it. Passion will take you further that SBA Loan was a first big
It all comes from not having than anything. monetary risk but my crystal
I never traveled as a kid — a safety net. For a while, my ball was spot on. I beat Spotify,
we were too poor to travel. The fear or risk wasn’t staying, it As it goes back to risk Warner Brothers and Soho
initial risk at 19 years old wasn’t was leaving America. For 14 versus reward, do you take House into the neighborhood.
being 3,000 or 6,000 miles from years I was in the system, but the opportunity? There’s no
home, it was the risk of failing I wasn’t in the system. I was studying it first, no five-year A quote from my own Ted
at being away and having to go paying taxes and doing the plan. I don’t over think it. Talk “was going with my gut
back. right thing, but I had to avoid Does it feel good? I don’t over feeling.” If it feels exciting and
deportation from staying too analyze. scary and it wakes you up into
STEPHEN You get to L.A., couch long. The risk of leaving wasn’t the middle of the night, then
surf, dream of staying, need to worth the reward in that case. I Are you gonna walk to the you should probably do it —
edge of the diving board and same goes for cars.
jump in — or just walk back in
front of everyone and be that STEPHEN You take risks buying
person who doesn’t jump? cars without having the world
Are you gonna be the woulda, bless them on a public forum
coulda, shoulda person? My or having a third party inspect
advice is jump. them first. You are the master
for going with your gut. You’ve
STEPHEN You’ve never experienced certainly never listened to my
analysis paralysis. You don’t unsolicited advice! Parting
suffer group think and you words?
certainly have never needed a
bunch of advice from friends MAGNUS My motivation to get out
or strangers to make any of bed is passion and nothing is
commitment large or small. too risky.
Is it fair to ask that buying a
substantial industrial building
Linkage 009 175
GIFTS and GADGETS
Celebrating to the flip-top rails of the
Tech mid-1970s. This was a fast-
moving time, with fresh ideas
Eliminating risk factors is important — and new engineering pushing
but so too is celebrating them the envelope to gain even
the slightest edge over stiff
by JIM PICKERING competition. Some of these
ideas worked, others didn’t
Keep Your Cool — and with quarter-mile ETs
deep into the eights, everything
CORROSION NEVER SLEEPS happened fast.
— particularly when there’s
water involved. When it comes This is a fun 192-page read
to your car’s cooling system, filled with vintage shots and
original water-based coolants behind-the-scenes stories. Get
can easily become a problem it at www.cartechbooks.com for
due to component degradation $42.95
from the inside out.
is something to seriously
Evans has just launched consider. A gallon of Collectors
a new line of waterless Choice is $54.95, and they
coolant that’s designed to also offer everything needed
be a permanent solution to for a successful conversion,
this issue. Collectors’ Choice including prep fluid and
waterless coolant is a glycol- more. Learn more at www.
based fluid that replaces the evanscoolant.com.
typical 50/50 antifreeze and
water mix in your car’s engine, Funny Car Evolution
and in so doing eliminates
the risk of corrosion and Risk and innovation have
electrolysis. It has a boiling always been at the heart of
point above 375 degrees and automotive performance.
protects to 40 below, and it’s CarTech’s new book, “Early
maintenance-free — a proper Funny Cars, 1964-1975,”
conversion will last the life of explores the evolution of
your car. straight-line dominance on the
drag strips of America, from
For owners with multiple the earliest A/FX and altered-
cars — particularly those wheelbase doorslammers
in a collection that may not
be used consistently — this
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AUTOMOBILIA
Marketing with
Mascots
Hood ornaments were once on almost every car,
and many of them advertised automotive products
by CARL BOMSTEAD
DURING THE MANY he was seeing by buying an iconic producer of pure wool their colorful advertisement
years before radiator caps appropriate hood ornament swim suits, swim stockings it becomes very interesting.
disappeared under the that was mounted on his car and wool caps was founded in BRICO, a British manufacturer
automobile hoods, thousands when he came courting. Portland, Oregon in 1910 and of piston rings had a unique
of different hood ornaments is still making swimsuits to advertising campaign that
or mascots adorned the Some of the most interesting this day. They offered about six featured their mascot “Miss
radiator cap. In 1896, the first mascots, however, represented different advertising mascots Brice.” For only two pounds
mascot, a bronze statuette of commercial enterprises. with the diving lady logo in her they would send one your way.
St. Christopher — the patron red swim suit ensemble. There
saint of travelers — appeared Companies such as Mobil was one that attached to the This just scratches the
on the dash of Lord Montagu Oil, Fisk Tires and Michelin top of a Motometer and they surface of the mascot world
of Beaulieu’s four-cylinder among others provided even offered one for the fender and most can be acquired for a
Daimler and any number have mascots to their employees of a bicycle. few hundred dollars, with the
followed. and customers — and they more elaborate costing a few
are extremely collectible The Kervoline Oil Company, thousand dollars.
The most ornate originated today. Bosch Equipment, the a French firm, offered a rather
in France, and they were often American ignition systems nondescript mascot in the These are fun collectibles
sculpted bronze. The United manufacturer, used their red 1920s, but when coupled with — with a seemingly endless
States and Britain produced devil logo for their mascot. It number to choose from.
many of lesser quality — often was actually a bust of Camille
in fragile pot metal. Mascots Jenatzy, who was the first man
quickly became very popular to exceed 60 mph! A British
and could be found in food company used a cute
accessory stores and even fine little logo character called Sir
jewelry stores. Automobile Creamy Knut.
manufacturers, however, did
not warm up to them until the Jantzen Knitting Mills, the
1920s. Rolls-Royce and Vulcan
were noted exceptions as the
“Spirt of Ecstasy” was first
offered in 1911 and the Vulcan
“Blacksmith” appeared as early
as 1902.
Accessory mascots of every
description were soon the
rage, as they could represent
the owner’s occupation,
interests and hobbies. The
gay blade of the era could
impress the tennis-playing lady
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Linkage 009 179
CONNECTIONS AUCTION COMPANIES CAR MANUFACTURERS AND RESTORERS
CAR MANUFACTURERS AND RESTORERS CAR PARTS & ACCESSORIES
180 Linkage 009
CAR PARTS & ACCESSORIES CLASSIC CAR DEALERS
CLASSIC CAR DEALERS
AUTOMOTIVE ART
Brian Murphy
1092 Eagle Nest Place
Danville, California 94506
Phone: (925) 736-3444
Fax: (925) 736-4375
email: [email protected]
www.blackhawkcollection.com
Linkage 009 181
CONNECTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
CAR STORAGE
RACE TRACKS VALUATION SERVICES
COLLECTOR CAR INSURANCE
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TAILLIGHTS
Taking Your Best Shot
WAY BACK WHEN I was in The exquisite risk calculated risk, but those TOP LEFT Jeff Goldstein
junior high school, I knew drivers work hard to reduce and his terrific 1932 Ford
what I wanted to do with my You’ve probably already the chance of a crash. And a Model 18 Roadster
life — seriously. noticed that this issue of quick trip to YouTube turns up
Linkage takes some deep dives dozens of videos of exhilarated TOP RIGHT The unveiling
I had just read a great Jack into the idea of risk. A lot of drivers at the finish of races. of Rover Trophy’s “Woody”
Smith column in the Los these deep dives put us on the 1991 Land Rover Defender
Angeles Times — it was the racetrack or in a race car. I watched videos of young 90, which has an electric
latest installment on how Smith kids doing some serious drivetrain
and his wife (Smith didn’t tell But we also explore the karting, and they were
readers his wife’s name for notion that risk is also about zipping around that track
decades) had somehow found performing a song, buying a with discipline and joy. Some
themselves building a house in car, selling a car or just putting of those kids will certainly
Mexico. yourself in a position to win or embrace big-time racing as a
build something really cool. career.
An incandescent man named
Mr. Gomez owned the building The great thing is that we are Many of those young drivers
site, which overlooked the all allowed to decide what risks are the same age I was when
Pacific Ocean. He was also we want to take in our lives. I realized what I wanted to do
the builder of the Smith’s new Some risks are pretty moderate, with my life.
home in Baja California. In the but others are huge.
column, Smith described going Rewards at the Audrain
down to check on the progress In the One Lap story, which Newport Concours
of the house, only to find that starts on page 82, race car
Mr. Gomez had started building drivers describe driving one lap I was lucky enough to
the house in the middle of the — at speed — on a track. Each attend the Audrain Newport
dirt road. driver’s story remains stuck Concours at the beginning of
in my brain, mostly because I October, and it was, as always,
“The view is better cannot imagine what it is like extraordinary.
from here,” Gomez told a to make a series of split-second
gobsmacked Jack Smith. decisions while driving as fast I ran into my friend, Jeff
as possible. Goldstein, who was showing his
I read Smith’s column every 1932 Ford Model 18 Roadster.
day, and his wry, seemingly Every move seems like a
effortless writing took me all
over Los Angeles. I knew Smith
was a prince of the city, and
now his column was taking
me to Mexico a couple times a
month.
At the moment, I couldn’t
imagine a better life than
exploring a city, a country, a
world — and then getting paid
to write about it.
That night, I told my parents
of my big life plans. I was
quickly told that the newspaper
business was really tough and
competitive — and I probably
couldn’t hack it.
I told my parents to just
watch me — and got sent to
bed early for my sass. I missed
dessert.
184 Linkage 009
Jeff is quite a car historian even on the radar. Now, it’s a to. Electric vehicles are here to and Mr. Gomez.” You can find it
— he is the creator and huge thing — mostly because stay. on eBay or Amazon.
owner of the Piston Palace some people love these rigs,
museum — and he told me and they wanted to make them My parents thought I was We’ll meet again in January
how Bill Peterson and Dee new again. Now, restoring — nutso back in 1973, but I’ve 2023 — thanks to all of you,
Westcott worked together to and even making them better been a journalist for my entire Linkage is growing to six issues
build that hot rod in time for than the factory version — is a career. Every risk that I took to a year in 2023. Our theme for
the first Portland Roadster huge deal. get from that dinner table in Linkage 010 is “Innovation,”
Show in 1956. The car won the 1973 to editing Linkage in 2022 and we’re brainstorming up a
show, and was a cover car for We watched Rover Trophy, was worthwhile to me. bunch of fun stories.
“Hot Rod” magazine back in a company from Connecticut,
September 1960. Big stuff for unveil their completely And I learned a lot — about I can’t wait to see what
Portland, Oregon! restored 1991 Land Rover D90 the world and myself. By happens next!
with “Woody” sides and electric the way, if you want to read
A few years ago, the idea of drivetrain. Crazy or perfect? It the whole story about Jack — CHESTER ALLEN, Executive Editor
restoring old 4X4 trucks wasn’t depends on who you’re talking and Denny Smith’s Mexico
adventures, get a copy of “God
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