Bernie's Top 40 Picks from Barrett Jackson: Palm Beach Part II

Two days ago I presented the first part of my Top 40 picks based off the Barrett Jackson: Palm Beach Car Docket List. If you didn't get the opportunity to read my first post, allow me to introduce the basis behind this post.

April 11-13 are the dates for the second Barrett Jackson auction of the year. The first one was held in their flagship city of Scottsdale, Arizona. The second one is being held in Palm Beach, Florida. Although this auction is only three days, please do not assume that the selection isn't as great as Scottsdale. Originally I selected 65 cars, but I was forced to reduce it to 40. Here's the last part of my selection.

Occupying Lot 323.1 is a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Beautifully restored classic with 51,300 original miles. Red with red interior, canvas top, boot cover and wide white wall tires.

Parked in Lot 339 is a 1952 Ford Crestline Custom 2 Door Coupe. Rare and only one of one prototype CurveMaster built by Arthur Vogel. This particular Ford came from the factory as a twin to an identically prepared car as the test subjects in a series of safety experiments.

A famous star has Lot 347 reserved just for them. Star of the 2005 Dukes of Hazzard movie, a fully documented General Lee (1969 Dodge Charger) that is signed by the TV Show cast with a fresh drivetrain.

At Lot 354, we have a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible. 454/450hp V8 engine. Black exterior with black interior. 4-speed automatic transmission, C4 brakes, original 1954 Corvette body with C4 Corvette suspension. Newly restored from top to bottom. One of a kind.

Number 5 on this list goes to a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible parked in Lot 360. One of a kind pro-built custom. Chopped top looks and fits great up or down. Drives like a sports car and cruises comfortably. 5.0 Liter TPI engine, 700R4 transmission, Jim Meyers front end, digital dash, and air conditioning.

Located in Lot 374, we have a 2005 Maybach 57. 12 cylinder gasoline turbo 5.5 Liter engine. Two tone paint and new tires. 88,377 actual miles.

Parked in the lot next to the Maybach, there is a 1960 Porsche 356B in Lot 375. Beautifully restored 1960 Porsche 356 Super sunroof coupe. Engine and transmission are matching numbers per COA from Porsche. Freshly restored in stunning Aetna Blue with red leatherette. Runs and drives beautifully.

Parked in Lot 402, we have a 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. This absolutely gorgeous and very desirable black on black Sput has a Strut grille and less than 19,000 actual miles. Powered by a twin turbo 6.0 liter V12 with 552hp, all wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Number 9 on this list goes to the occupant of Lot 408, a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. Rare, matching numbers, fully restored 1970 Challenger RT/SE 440 Six-Pack. One of only 296. Saddle tan leather interior, overhead console, center console, power windows, 6-way seat, power steering, power breaks and all RT/SE chrome badging present.

A 1969 Ford Talladega Fastback is located in Lot 415. This Talladega Fastback was restored from 2006-2008 with the engine transmission and rear end that was installed at the factory.

Parked in Lot 418, expect to find a 1932 Ford 3 Window Custom Coupe. All steel body. GM 454/450hp engine. Tangerine pearl with custom beige interior.

Located in Lot 451, there is a 2005 Ford GT. This car has been in a climate controlled garage since new and it only has 929 original miles.

A 1958 Volkswagen 23 Window Custom Bus is parked in Lot 458. Custom VW deluxe microbus 23 window with double cargo doors. Walk thru model with roll back top, safari windows, German square weave carpet, stay fast canvas rag top, luggage rack with vintage luggage and wide white tires on stock wheels.

Located in Lot 461, there is a 1957 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 up for auction. This Golden Rocket 88 has the J2 package. Light blue color with blue and white interior.

We only have 5 more to go, so at number 15, located in Lot 487, there is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird with total body-off restoration.

Next we have a 1912 Ford Model T Depot Hack, parked in Lot 528. This hard to find Ford Model T is in original shape and runs great.

The Dukes of Hazzard car isn't the only famous car up for auction. Located in Lot 3003, we have the 2013 Ford Mustang Fastback from the movie Need For Speed. Sold on Bill of Sale only, this car cannot be licensed for the street. All proceeds to benefit Henry Ford Health System.

Parked in Lot 662, we have a 2008 Cadillac XLR convertible. Conversion by Palazzi Motorcars. $85,610 MSRP plus an additional $79,000 and 4,000 hours of labor total.

Located in Lot 688 we have a 1958 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. Exterior color black over silver, interior color light grey leather. Excellent condition, no rust, Florida car. Last used as a limo for weddings. Great interior, air conditioning, power steering, AM/FM radio, 6 cylinder inline configuration.

And for my final pick, in Lot 726, there is a 1934 Chevrolet Surburban. Very nice solid car, original custom interior with oak floor, repainted and wire spoke wheels.

Bernie's Top 40 Picks from Barrett Jackson- Palm Beach Part I

April 11-13 2014 are the dates for the second Barrett Jackson auction of the year. Held in Palm Beach, Florida, this auction will not disappoint. Originally I planned to give my top 30 picks, although I selected 65. From there, I was shockingly able to reduce it down to 40. Oh, and the descriptions and the photos are from Barrett Jackson.

We're going to start this list at Lot 27, with a 1955 Nash Metropolitan Convertible. 1955 marked the first year of the Series III production Metropolitan. Polished stainless steel sweep-spears on the body sides allowed a new two tone finish to be incorporated, which had the cosmetic effect of lowering, slimming and lengthening the car. The grille was also redesigned and the hood had its non-functional hood scoop removed.

At Lot 29, we have a 1929 Ford Model A. This beautiful classic has been restored to original condition with an off-frame restoration about 10 years ago. Added safety features include a second tail light, turn indicators and an onboard water temperature gauge. It drives comfortably at 40 to 50 mph and gets 20mpg with regular gasoline. Also included is a Model A mechanic's manual and a life size replica of Marilyn Monroe...

Parked in Lot 36.1, you will find a 1966 Ford Mustang. This Ford Mustang convertible that has the classic Mustang appeal. This car is powered by a peppy 200cid inline 6 backed by an automatic transmission. This Mustang runs and drives beautifully. This is an excellent looking and performing classic Mustang.

Located in Lot 39, a 1948 Willys Jeepster Convertible will be parked in it. It has a new red paint and new Ultraleather interior. Powered by a 6 cylinder engine and 3-speed transmission with overdrive.

Found in Lot 43, there's a 1967 Jaguar 420 4 Door Hardtop. It has a new interior, power steering, power brakes, factory air conditioning, left hand drive, fresh wood work, wire wheels, inboard mounted disc brakes, clean ride, chrome is good and has factory shop manual.

Parked right next to lot 43 in Lot 43.1 is a 1951 MG TD Convertible. This body-off restoration with less than 200 test miles. Finished in rare color of Clipper Blue with tan leather interior and tan canvas top and boot cover. Drives and handles great. Lucas fog lights, wind wings and badge bar. Car cover included.

I'm so jealous because one of my dream cars are up for auction. At Lot 45, there is a 1954 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible ready to be sold. This Pontiac is equipped with a Flathead 8 cylinder engine, automatic transmission, original 6-volt system, push-button radio, day/night rearview mirror, wide white walls, fender skirts, back-up lamps and front and rear bumper guards. I WANT THIS CAR!!!!

Give me a moment...

Okay, parked next door to my dream car in Lot 46, you will find a 1955 Oldsmobile Delta 88 2 door coupe. This Delta 88 has a 324cid Rocket V8, Hydromatic automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering. New two tone paint, new chrome, new interior done with correct fabrics and wide white wall tires. Full ground-up restoration.

The next vehicle up for auction is a 1955 Chrysler St. Regis 2 Door Coupe parked in Lot 47. Displaying a refined period style, this Chrysler New Yorker St Regis is powered by the legendary 331.1/250hp Fire Power Hemi V8 engine, which is mated to an automatic transmission.

Number 10 on the list is an 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Re-Creation parked in Lot 55. The original Benz Patent Motorwagen was built in 1886 and is regarded as the first automobile with an internal combustion engine. the patent was granted to Karl Benz in 1886. This is a hand crafted re-creation, and it's sold on Bill of Sale only.

Located in Lot 58, there is a 1963 Bentley S3 4 Door Hardtop. Restored to original condition with all original Bentley parts. Added air conditioning and beautiful dark green lacquer finish with gold pinstripes. Original manufacture white wall tires.

Parked in Lot 74, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 2 Door Coupe is up for auction. This Chevelle  has a big block 4-speed with rare Fathom Blue color and parchment interior. Comes with original build sheet. It was ordered new with every available option.

Located in Lot 101, a gorgeous 2008 Shelby GT500 can be found. This Shelby has proven 753rwhp with 677/lbs of torque. There are over $30,000 in custom upgrades on this car. This is a GT500 with Super Snake upgrades.

Parked in Lot 109, a 2000 Bentley Azure Convertible is up for grabs. It has an accident free Carfax report, 39,500 actual miles, white with tan leather and tan roof, touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth hands free phone, XM radio and back up camera. This car is in excellent condition.

Number 15 on the list goes to a 2010 Factory Five GTM 2 Door Coupe that's parked in Lot 111. This is a spectacular 2010 Viper Red Factory Five GTM2 super car with under 500 miles on build. LS1, Lingenfelter heads and moderate cam tuned to 400 RWHP with Vintage Air.

Parked next door in Lot 112, there is a 2004 Customized Nissan 350Z Fairlady up for grabs. Approximately $120,000 was invested in the build of this one-of-a-kind work of art. Built originally for Sony electronics this car became a star in movies, magazines and all over the internet.

Located in Lot 136, you will find a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Recreation. A magnificent Yenko recreation with body-off restoration. Big Block Cevy, 4-speed M22 Muncie, 12-bolt posi-traction rear end, 140 mph speedometer, nut and bolt ground up restoration.

A rare 1932 Bugatti Type 54 recreation is up for grabs in Lot 203. This Bugatti has been painted Khana Green with custom hand painted rivets and cleared with DuPont's highest quality clear coat. Engine was upgraded to a freshly built 1,641cc engine. Titled as a 1932 Bugatti Special Constructed.

When you arrive at Lot 3002, you will expect to find a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The winning bidder will receive the first 2015 retain production vehicle. All proceeds to benefit AARP Drive to End Hunger. Will be sold at approximately 5:30 PM on Friday, April 11, 2014.

The last car of Part I is parked in Lot 309.  This 1974 Maserati Merak was an Italian sports car introduced at the Paris Salon of 1972. This car features red exterior, black interior, 5-speed transmission and air conditioning.


Part II will be up on Friday

Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Bernie's Top 10 Picks from the AJC Auto Show

After going to the 2013 New York International Auto Show, my perception of auto shows has changed. I went from the enormous New York Auto Show to the cozy Atlanta Journal Constitution Auto Show. Yes, you noticed the adjectives I used- enormous and cozy. 

Last week I went to the 2014 AJC Auto Show. It took me awhile, but I was able to come up with my top 10 picks based off the selection at this particular auto show. This is in no particular order, except for the last vehicle, which will always be my number one vehicle.

10. An Audi A7. What I like most about this particular Audi is the body. Aside from the R8 and the uber tiny TT, it doesn't have the traditional Audi body. Specs: 3.0 L V-6 engine, 8 speed automatic transmission, 310 hp with 325 lb-ft of torque, MPG: 18/28, 0-60 mph: 6.19 seconds, and MSRP: $65,500

9. MINI Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works. What I like most about this Mini Cooper Countryman is (I know I'm about to sound girly, but...) that it's a cute, small car. It's a fun car that you would use for perfect weather locations, it's roomy, and it has a lot of options in it. Specs: 1.6 L I-4 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, 208 hp with 192-ft lbs of torque, MPG: 25/31, 0-60 mph: 7.83 sec and MSRP: $35,000

8. Maserati Ghibli Q4. For a entry level Maserati, the Q4 packs a punch... Specs: 3.0 L V-6 engine, 8 speed automatic transmission, 404 hp with 369 ft-lbs of torque, MPG: 15/25, 0-60 MPH: 5.45 seconds and MSRP: $76,900

7. Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. I've been in love with the body and the performance. I like the boomerang rear, and the amount of horsepower/torque isn't too shabby. Specs: 6.2L V-8 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, 556 hp with 551 ft-lbs of torque, MPG: 14/19, 0-60 MPH: 4.35 seconds, and MSRP: $63,600

6. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe. I like the performance, plain and simple. Specs: 7.0 L V-8 engine, 6 speed manual transmission, 505 hp and 481ft-lbs of torque, MPG: If you're worrying about this, this isn't the car for you, 0-60 mph: 4.50 seconds, and MSRP: $72,700

5. BMW M4 Coupe. Again, it's another performance pick, although I'm not a fan of the loud color. Specs:  3.0 L I-6 engine, 6 speed manual transmission, 425 hp and torque is not yet released, MPG: is not yet released, 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds, and MSRP: $65,125.

4. Nissan GTR Nismo. Somehow, Nismo found a way to improve the Nissan GTR, and raised the MSRP an extra $50,000. Specs: 3.8 L V-6 engine, 6 speed auto shift manual transmission, 600 hp and 481lbs-ft of torque, 0-60: 3.52 seconds, and MSRP $150,000. Notice how I didn't include the gas milage...

3. Dodge Challenger: This was definitely going to be my next car, but my insurance would have been through the roof. My insurance is expensive and I drive an Envoy. Specs: 6.4 L V-8 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 470 hp and 470 lbs-ft of torque, MPG: 14/23, 0-60: 4.75 seconds and the MSRP: $44,700

2. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Now this is a strong contender as my next vehicle. Drove it from Boston to Providence, RI and although I need a running board to help me get in and out the vehicle, I enjoyed driving it. Specs: 3.6L V-6 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 285 hp with 260 lbs-ft of torque, MPG: 16/21, 0-60: 7.06 seconds, and MSRP: $35,000

And the number one pick... the 2015 Ford Mustang. Basically, see this post highlighting the specs. But he looked great in person.

Trust me, I'll have an easier time picking my top picks from the 2014 New York International Auto Show. P.S. Notice how Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover wasn't in the lineup, that's because they didn't come.