Bernie's Top 10 Cars from the 2015 New York International Auto Show

Now that New York had another successful auto show, I can finally give my top 10 vehicles from the 2015 New York International Auto Show.  Although McLaren had a successful debut with the 570s, Aston Martin brought the Vulcan, Porsche brought the new Boxster Spyder, and the Ford GT finally made its way to New York, don't expect to see these cars on my list. This isn't a list solely based on performance, economically and enviromentally vehicles (although nothing on this list falls in the economically and environmentally categories). It's just based on what caught my attention, what made my eyes twinkle and what I would purchase. So in no specific order....

The Cadillac ATS-V Coupe. I fell in love with the Cadillac CTS-V coupe quite some time ago, because of the design and the power. But the ATS is the sportier, slightly smaller, will give better gas mileage (although if you get the -V option, I don't think you'll be worried about gas mileage) sibling of the CTS. MSRP: $61,500.

My favorite body type of all time from the Mercedes Benz family, the CL/CLS class. Nothing more to be said, except if I were to purchase one, I might as well go all the way and get one with the AMG trim level. MSRP: $106,500 for the CLS63 AMG.

The Ford Shelby 350R.... Better than the Ford Shelby 350GT. MSRP: Who knows, but rumor has it, it can not beat a Koenigsegg.

The Mercedes Benz S-600 Maybach. The back seats are uber luxurious. After sitting in one, you too would add it to your top 10 list. MSRP: $190,000

Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition. I absolutely love black vehicles and manufacturers have been coming out with their own special edition vehicles. This particular Vanquish has carbon fiber trim (including the roof), top speed of 201 mph, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, gives off 558 horsepower and 465 lb ft @ 5,500 rpm. But another feature I love about it...

The gear shift are the four buttons under the air vents. It's all in the details. MSRP: $319,000

 

Not sure if General Motors has given the green light for production, but I was honestly surprised with the Buick Avenir. Buick isn't exactly the most sleek, stylish, modern division of General Motors, and I'm definitely not in their audience's demographic. But there's something about the Avenir. As surprised as I was that Buick would create something like this, I would be as equally as surprised if this received the green light.

Audi RS7. The RS7 happens to be the most powerful RS model ever offered in the U.S, and it's even as fast as the Ferrari 458. MSRP: $106,500

Move over Dodge Challenger, there's a new Hellcat in town. Dodge rolled out the new Charger Hellcat. 707 horsepower with a top speed of 204 mph. Need any further convincing? MSRP: $64,000.

My favorite BMW- X6M. Plenty of space for shopping bags and plenty of horsepower- topping out at 567 horsepower. MSRP:  $103,000

And rounding out the list is this Rolls Royce Wraith. Not only is the Wraith the most sleek in the Rolls Royce family, it provides the most horsepower, topping off at 624. MSRP: $294,000

"Why isn't Bentley on this list?" Glad you asked. Bentley opted out of The New York International Auto Show to put their complete focus on the Bentayga. And also, I must pay homage to my dream Prius...

 

I had a great time at the New York International Auto Show, and I will definitely return next year. For more coverage from this show, check out Bernie's 2015 New York International Auto Show gallery.

Bernie's Top 75 Picks of the 2015 Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Action: Part III

 

A few days ago, I recapped Part I and Part II of my favorite picks from the 2015 Barrett Jackson: Scottsdale Auction. In case if you missed it, here's the introduction...

In the automotive world, when there's a New Year, something else is also around the corner-- the first world's greatest auction of the year, Barrett Jackson. Held in their flagship city of Scottsdale on January 10th-18th, this year's docket will remind you why Barrett Jackson's auction isn't one to miss. There's some great looking vehicles waiting to be auctioned off and here's the final part to Bernie's Top 75 Picks. I've saved the best for last which is my dream car.

First up, in Lot 696 is a 1966 Goggomobil TS-250. Restored ultra-rare Glas Goggomobile TS 250 Coupe. Sold new in Germany, imported to California in 2001, restored in 2013. Full set of owner's books included with dealer service stamps and full records from 1990 to present day. Titled as a 1966 GLAS.

Parked in Lot 700.1 is a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. The only thing cooler than a modern Challenger is a Challenger with a supercharged HEMI. SRT 600 package from Hennessey, with a supercharged 6.1 Liter HEMI V8 good for 580hp and 610 ft/lbs of torque to the rear tires and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

A 1925 Dodge Paddy Wagon is waiting to pick up some prisioners in Lot 705. Rare and wonderful, this 1925 Dodge paddy wagon is in great running and driving condition. **Side note, just imagine all the things you can do with the interior of this wagon.

Stationed in Lot 707 is a 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury. Professional frame-off resoration. Optional high-performance 361cid Golden Commando engine with dual 4 barrel carburetors. Correct Sand Dune White with optional swivel seats. Very rare early Mopar performance muscle car.

I could never bypass Lot 770.2 which has a 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat located in it. Powered by the new 6.2 supercharged V8 producing 707hp with a 8-speed Auto HP90 transmission, Phantom Black Tri-Coat pearl with black and red interior, U-Connect 8.4 AM/FM/SXM/HD/BT/NAV and 275/40 ZR20 tires.

At Lot 793, we have a 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Ground-up restoration. Bronze and bronze E-Bird. Thunderbird wire wheels, new paint, new interior, and new chrome. 

A 1956 Mercedes Benz 190SL is residing in Lot 813. Fully restored with factory parts, all instruments checked or repaired. New tires, factory brakes, and brake power booster. Factory color white with navy blue interior, new factory softtop and upholstery.

In Lot 841, expect to find a 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible. The iconic tail fin car designed by Earl Harley in 1959. This Cadillac is stunning with a lack exterior and eye catching red interior. 

Lot 962 has a rare 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Wagon parked in it. Frame-off restoration, totally stock V8, automatic, power steering, power brakes, roof rack, passenger seat headrest and rare reclining. Was part of the '57 Heaven Collection.

From one rare car to another rare car, a 1981 Delorean DMC-1 located in Lot 967. Rare 5-speed with air conditioning. Originally sold new in Santa Monica, CA. Comes with original manual, dealer's invoice, copy of first California title and every repair invoice for the life of the car. A real time piece.

A gorgeous 2006 Bentley Continental GT is on the auction block in Lot 1042. This Mulliner Edition Continental is red with black wheels and black interior. Powered by a powerful twin-turbo W12 engine. 

Located in Lot 1062 is a 1967 Volkswagen 21 Window Microbus. Ground-up restored, show quality Samba bus. Finished in original colors of Turkis and Pearlweiss. Restored by KAO Autostyling. This bus has a fresh rebuilt 1600cc motor and a 4-speed Freeway Flyer transmission. 

We're at the halfway mark with this 1957 Chevrolet Corvette in Lot 1087. This '57 Corvette custom powered by a 480hp LS3 crate motor with a 6-speed manual transmission. Hand-sculpted frame. Award-winning two year build. Copies of a bound photo book of the build accompany the sale of this -no-expense-spared custom 'Vette.

Take a walk with me to Lot 1202 where we'll find a 1955 Pontiac Super Chief Catalina. This Catalina has its original 287cid Strato Streak engine. Beautiful turquoise and white exterior with matching interior. This car was ground-up  restored in 2002 and shows as if it was done yesterday.

A 2009 Bentley Continental GT Coupe is temporarily residing in Lot 1259.1. This Millinar Edition Bentley is Ghost White with black leather interior and black piano wood accents with Bentley logos on the seat.  

Lot 1265 is currently being occupied by a 2014 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Race Car. This V8 engine allows the Mustang Boss 302S reach a maximum speed of 186 mph and 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds. Not street legal, sold on Bill of Sale only. 

Next up for auction is a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Copo Race Car in Lot 1312. Brand new and never raced, this 2014 Copo Camaro is one of just 69 cars produced by Chevrolet to be NHRA legal for stock eliminator drag racing. Includes all documentation and owner delivery kit. Sold on Bill of Sale Only. 

Two lots away from the Copo Camaro is a 1967 Shelby GT500 in Lot 1313.1. This is an authentic 1967 Shelby Mustang listed in the Shelby Registry. Dash is signed by Carrol Shelby. 

Parked very closely to the Shelby GT in Lot 1315 is a 2014 BMW i8. 2014 BMW i8 coupe hybrid with twin power turbo 1.5 Liter, 3 cylinder petrol engine brings together the benefits of an electric motor and a petrol engine to produce an outstanding driving experience.

Fast forward to Lot 1568 is a 1958 Chevrolet Impala. This car is mostly stock. Looks and runs great. New power brake booster and master cylinder. Has 3" white wall tires, fender skirts, AM radio, 348cid 4 barrel engine, dual antennas and power steering.

A famous piece of TV history is parked in Lot 2005. Presenting the official truck from the classic TV Show Beverly Hillbillies. This vehicle was built, signed, and purchased from George Barris of Barris Kustom Industries. Documented by Mr. Barris as one of five vehicles built, it was filmed in the TV series as well as the Beverly Hillbillies movie. It is world famous for its unprecedented 12-year run on the original TV series. Sadly, it's sold on Bill of Sale only. 

Only four more left, and parked in Lot 3003 is a 2016 Cadillac CTS-V. The winning bidder will receive the first new retail production vehicle. Letter of Authenticity to be included. Launching in late summer with 640hp, 630ft/lbs of torque and a top speed of 200 mph. Proceeds to benefit College for Creative Studies.

Located in Lot 3008 is a 2016 Shelby GT350. Ford Motor Company will auction the first production car available to the public of the recently revealed Shelby GT350. All proceeds to benefit JDRF. 

A gorgeous 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing is located in Lot 5075. One of only three ever sold to Guatemala, this extraordinarily rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL gullwing is still powered by the original matching numbers engine and driveline. 

And the moment I've been waiting... my official dream car is for sale. Parked in Lot 2004 is a 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible. This isn't just any ol' Pontiac Star Chief, this is the exact car that was driven on my favorite TV show of all time I Love Lucy. As part of a product placement deal with General Motors, this Star Chief appeared in six episodes. Who ever purchases this car better take great care of it, because I will purchase it one day. 

That concludes Bernie's Top 75 Picks from the 2015 Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Auction.

Bernie's Top 75 Picks from the 2015 Barrett Jackson auction: Scottsdale Part II

On Monday, I recapped Part I of my top choices of cars that's on the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale auction.  In case you missed the introduction, here's it is...

In the automotive world, when there's a New Year, something else is also around the corner-- the first world's greatest auction of the year, Barrett Jackson. Held in their flagship city of Scottsdale on January 10-18th, this year's docket will remind you why Barrett Jackson's auction isn't one to miss. There's some great looking vehicles waiting to be auctioned off and here's Part II of Bernie's Top 75 Picks... Oh and my dream car will be a part of part III.

Kicking things off is this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback parked in Lot 273. Stunning Acapulco Blue 428cid, 4-speed Mach 1. Rare Q Code car with new seats, carpet and dash. Original Rally wheels on new Goodyear Polyglas tires. Rebuilt rear end, updated electric ignition, new carburetor, intake, water pump, and aluminum heads. 

Currently occupying Lot 274 is a 1967 Chevy Camaro. Resto-Mod featuring an LS1 engine with Keisler 5-speed transmission. White and black exterior with matching houndstooth interior. Black Rocket wheels. 4-piston Wilwood disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors, Bilstein shocks and tubular control arms.

Resting in Lot 309 is a 1960 Dodge Polara. Fully restored example of the iconic finned 1960 hardtop sedan. Styled with aircraft elements, this car was the epitome of America's space race dreams. Ram Fire wedge combustion chamber 383/330hp V8 engine with 4 barrel carburetor.

A 1962 Studebaker Gran Tourismo is parked in Lot 344. This Studebaker is a restored car finished in blue over black interior. 289cid V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission.

Waiting to be purchased in Lot 346.1 is a 1969 Buick Electra 225. This Duece and a quarter has a 430 V8 with automatic transmission, air conditioning, and all power options. Excellent Signal Red paint with equally nice black interior and top.

Located in Lot 354 is a 1954 Mercury Sun Valley. Overhead V8, low production with 9,761 units built in the U.S., nearly every conceivable option can be found in this Sun Valley.

A 1940 Packard 120 can be found in Lot 380.1. This is a great driving car with a smooth straight 8, excellent interior and an older paint job that still shows very well. Ready for cruises and tours. 

Take a walk with me to Lot 385.1 where you will see a 1967 Fiat 500. This car was restored in a small town in Italy, where it lived for many years. Stunning in every aspect and shows better than when it was new.

In Lot 391, there is a 1971 Chevy El Camino SS up for auction. Restored in 2009 by professional restoration shop. Original SS car. Used as a show car since restoration.

At Lot 401.1, you will definitely find a 1961 Chevy Impala Bubble Top. This bubble top '61 Impala has a 350cid engine and manual transmission. New paint and new red interior. Ground-up restoration on a rust-free car. This car runs and drives great. 

Lot 434 belongs to a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454. This is a beautiful restoration of an iconic muscle car.

At Lot 471.1, we have a 1971 Dodge Charger R/T. It has matching numbers, Fender Tag, Build Sheet and very rare color combination. 

We are at the halfway mark with this 1960 Buick Electra 225 in Lot 490. Recent frame-off restoration. Excellent car to start with, the undercarriage detailed, all power options, last of the fin Buicks. 

Two lots from the Buick Electra 225, is a 2007 Shelby GT500 parked in Lot 491. Owned by a Barrett-Jackson executive, this is the 22nd 2007 GT500 ever built; a rare, pre-title car. Its owner took possession of the keys to this car in 2007 straight from the factory at Flat Rock from Carroll Shelby, who also autographed the dashboard. 

Up next on the auction block is a 1972 Chevy Camaro SS located in Lot 501. Real SS Camaro built with a stroked LS3 engine producing 485hp paired with a Tremec TKO 6-speed manual transmission. Custom PPG paint Titanium Silver with custom black stripes and custom two tone leather interior. 

Parked in Lot 508 is a 2004 Bentley Continental GT. Stunning and meticulously maintained Continental GT. This beautiful Beluga Gray metallic and Saddle leather luxury car has less than 56,000 original miles. Powered by a twin turbo 6.0 Liter W12 with 552hp, all-wheel drive and 6-speed automatic.

Stationed in Lot 518 is a 1958 Chevy Corvette. Single family owned since 1976. Correct fuel injection, 350cid engine, Edelbrock aluminum heads, Tremec 5-speed transmission, new 4.11 posi-traction, front disc brakes, new Dakota gauges and aluminum crossflow radiator. Also has a new convertible top. 

Guess what's parked in Lot 554? You guessed it.... a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Convertible. This early production Sunbeam Tiger has had only two owners from new. Recent ground-up restoration. The 260cid 4.3 Liter Ford V8 motor and 4-speed manual transmission are original to the car. 62,600 actual miles. Mileage not indicated on title. 

Parked in Lot 569 is a 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS. Checker Auto Stores poster car for advertising. New exterior paint in 2012, rebuilt date code 396cid engine with 375 heads. 

Stationed in Lot 633 there is a 1969 Chevy Nova SS. Beautiful restoration with a turbo 400 with posi-traction. 

A VERY desirable 1987 Buick Grand National is up for grabs in Lot 635. It has a turbo V6 engine, 29,000 original miles and rare Astro-Roof.

Only four more left and located in Lot 659 is a 1959 Chevy El Camino. Rare first-year model, frame-off restoration, 348cid 4 barrel engine, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, padded safety dash, autronic eye, speed minder, and faux exhaust vents. 

Parked in Lot 671 is a 1971 Dodge Challenger. This Challenger R/T re-creation with a 440 Six Pack V8 with three 2 barrel Holleys, Hooker Super Competition headers, TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission, Sure-Grip differential, rear spoiler, Rallye Wheels, front disc brakes, and power steering.

A 1949 Cadillac Coupe De Ville is waiting to be purchased in Lot 685.1. The Coupe De Ville presented here is a late production car. A full body-off restoration was performed in the 1990s, taking many years. Originally black, this Coupe De Ville was re-sprayed in an Eldorado color of Bahama Blue, very popular in the 1950s. 

And rounding out the selection is the current occupant of Lot 689, a 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III  BJ8 Roadster. This Austin-Healey was recently reconditioned, new paint, interior, convertible top with boot, new chrome knock-off wheels and radial tires. 

Part III is coming soon...