They don’t make ‘em like they used to.
As true for classic automobiles as it is for classic unmentionables.
But while your favorite gal probably wouldn’t be caught dead slipping into the latter, we like your chances of coaxing her into the former.
And this is where to find them: with a potent portfolio that already lives up its name, The Finest Automobile Auctions seeks to provide classic car collectors with “the thrill of the hunt,” “the joy of discovery” and a brigade of cherry steeds their grandfathers would’ve been proud to pilot.
The new auctioneer put its first 50 lots on the block in Hershey, PA, over the weekend, and some of the numbers that didn’t sell are still available via Finest’s online marketplace. Here’s a look at five of the best, in chronological order.
Age before beauty, after all.
1929 Bugatti 40A Roadster$425,000–$500,000
Originally owned by a Parisian aristocrat, this rare model made it stateside and was found in 1961 when a Chavez Ravine house was demolished during development for the LA Dodgers new ballpark. The 40A — which had its engine rebuilt in 2015 — has been owned by the same family ever since.
1932 Cadillac 452B Fleetwood Imperial Limousine
$195,000–$225,000
The 70th V16 Cadillac built for the 1932 model year, this seven-seater began its career as a show model at the Montreal Auto Show. The limo still boasts its original engine, transmission and drivetrain, and it only has 41,943 miles showing on the odometer. The only thing about this well-maintained classic that’s been retouched? The paint job.
1938 Mercedes-Benz Model: 540K
$950,000 – $1.3 million
With personalizations that include Marchal headlights and running lights as well as a hood ornament of Diana with her bow in the nude, this 540K is the only Mercedes model in existence with Norrmalm coachwork. It also has an oversized front seat its first owner had personalized to fit three passengers — two ladies and a gent, naturally.
1939 Bentley Model Mark V
$850,000 – $1.2 million
One of only seven Mark Vs still in existence, this convertible is the only of its kind to receive three-position drophead Saoutchik coachwork. The two-door Mark V has an independent front wishbone suspension and was the last pre-war Bentley to be produced at the Rolls-Royce Derby works.
1951 Mercury Woody Wagon
$45,000 – $55,000
A descendant of the two-door coupe version James Dean drove in Rebel Without a Cause, the Mercury Woody Wagon had a brush with fame of its own as the car the gang drove in The Mod Squad. This particular model — which has three rows of seats — has spent most of its life in the dry climate of Mexico, and is still in prime shape for a Family Vacation-style road trip.
This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Sign up now.
