eBay Gems

Posted on Apr 30, 2015 in Antique | Comments Off on eBay Gems

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

I decided to take a break from the usual posts, and highlight some pretty amazing cars I found on eBay. I spend a lot of time browsing through the ads, looking at cars, and am always amazed at some of the little gems being offered.

Today was extra special, as I found my old Jaguar XJS being offered from her present owner, something I knew would happen eventually. There are people who buy cars, and you can instantly tell it is not a good fit. This guy is one of those people. When I sold the car to him, he didn’t ask a lot of questions, and once it was shipped from Massachusetts to Georgia, I didn’t hear a word from him. For two years he has had the car, and according to the listing, he drove it twice. What a waste. He doesn’t even bother to take decent photos of the car for the auction. Seeing the exact car for sale again brought back memories, and a fleeting desire to buy it back. I only hope the next owner appreciates how great a car the XJS is, and actually uses it.

My former car – 1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe “Sarah” $3,200.00

While browsing through the Cadillac section, I came across this 1961 model. I have never been to interested in this year, basically because of the front end. It looks old, and tired. But from the back, I was surprised to see the way the fins come up out of the body, and the stylish taillights, which seem to be influenced by the Pininfarina Eldorado of previous years.

1961 Cadillac Coupe Deville $24,900.00

This one was a real surprise for me. It is a 1930 Cord L29 Phaeton, something that obviously belongs in a museum. Believe it or not, but this is the entry level Cord, and the first to offer front wheel drive to the public. A unique feature of the car was that the engine, differential, transmission and front brakes were all part of the same “Unit Power Plant.” This is when cars were massive, and a pretty impressive offering for an eBay auction.

1930 Cord L29 Phaeton $169,900.00

This car just ended its auction, and I assume it is sold. When I saw it, I was struck by the fact it was completely original, and in amazing show condition. These are the cars I love to see for sale, just average motors that have been stored somewhere for decades and still as new as the day it was first sold.

1967 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible $29,000.00

There are always a stack of T-Birds for sale on eBay, and they seem to be pretty common cars. Two of them caught my eye this week; the first was a 1957 done in avocado green, a standard Ford color of the year. It is hideous, like the 1970’s kitchen appliance color, but still somehow fascinating. The other was this 1957 model in correct Thunderbird Bronze. It is an amazing example of a concourse frame off restoration.

1957 Ford Thunderbird $89,500.00

Here is another spectacular automobile, right out of a museum. This 1936 Lincoln Model K Special Bodied 7 Passenger Touring Model 323 Car. It is another big ticket item for the right buyer, and with a 12 cylinder engine and dual cowl, a magnificent motorcar. I would love to know what it was like to own this as your every day driver.

1936 Lincoln Model K Special Bodied 7 Pass Touring Model 323 Car. $198,985.00

Lincoln had a few gems this week, and they included a 1947 Lincoln Continental Coupe finished in a beautiful Fire Mist color, and this perfect example of a 1941 Lincoln Continental Convertible in Raven Black with a Burgundy leather interior. This is another stunning example of a very rare car.

1941 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible $45,100.00

Finally we have a small group of cars listed in the unfortunate “Other Makes” section. Grouped in among the collection of fiberglass kit cars and newer Fisker Karmas is a very rare group of automotive icons. The first car I noticed was a gorgeous Cherokee Red 1929 Stutz Model M Dual Cowl Phaeton. The vehicle was part of a collection in Vermont, and owned by a supposed miser with no heat or running water, who fancied wearing ragged clothes. He was still able to stash 1 million dollars in gold bullion and up to 50 rare cars in his decrepit barns. Needless to say, it has undergone a total restoration, and is a great example of a classic Stutz.

1929 Stutz Model M Dual Cowl Phaeton $249,000.00

Alongside the Stutz was another American icon, a 1932 Duesenberg Model J Derham bodied Tourster. Though not original, this car is an amazing example. It is actually a reproduction body that originated under a Willoughby Berline, along with the bell housing originally from a Duesenberg Murphy Convertible Sedan, and a firewall from a Rollston bodied Cabriolet. It is believed to be hand crafted in aluminum by Ted Billings, a restoration expert of rare cars.