The
Buddy Herin Collection
The
Buddy Herin Collection photoGRAPHY by JOHN HOLLANSWORTH JR.
Vehicles to be Offered at the Mecum Dallas 2013 Auction September 4-7 at Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas U.S.A.
262-275-5050 www.mecum.com
S120 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Fuelie Convertible 283/250 HP, Highly Optioned Multiple Award Winner In the 1950s fuel injection was perceived by the American car-buying public as the preserve of exotic European sports cars, but when Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus Duntov unleashed Rochester’s Ram Jet fuel injection system as a top feature in the 1957 Corvette, Chevrolet engineers also tapped it for the Division’s full-size passengercar models, allowing buyers who selected the new option to bask in Corvette’s newfound performance glow. This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible from the Buddy Herin Collection combines the “Fuelie” 283/250 HP V-8 with a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, power steering and brakes and a plethora of other desirable options. Professionally restored by the Car Connection of Waco, Texas, this splendid ‘57 is a consistent show and award winner that displays uncompromising craftsmanship. This is the ’57 Bel Air convertible at its well-dressed best: the original body panels exhibit
nearly perfect fit and finish beneath deep Onyx Black paint and beautiful chrome. A Gold front grille, Gold identity badges front and rear and on the brushed aluminum side trim panels add further elegance to this already stylish machine. Distinctive crossed-flag “Fuel Injection” callouts on the front fenders are a reminder of the Bel Air’s exhilarating performance, and full-sized 3-bar spinner wheel covers and wide Whitewall tires complete the presentation. Described as being all-date-code correct, the car combines its stunning exterior finish with a complementary Red and Silver interior featuring power windows, power front seat, a Wonderbar push button radio with dual rear mount antennas, an in-dash electric clock and controls for the poweroperated Black soft top.
S121 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Airbox 1 of 43 Airbox Corvettes Produced, Factory Black/Red with Well Known Ownership History Two years after introducing the all-new 265 CI small block V-8 engine to the American public, Chevrolet capitalized on its widespread popularity in 1957 by increasing its displacement to 283 CI. For Corvette, that meant an instant increase in baseline horsepower from 210 to 220, but that was just the beginning. Chevrolet added two optional dual 4-barrel packages to the 283, but engineers had also hurriedly developed a new fuel injection system presented in 250- and 283 HP configurations, reaching the mythical “one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch” threshold for the first time. Referred to as the “Airbox” option, Regular Production Option 579E specified the 283 CI V-8 with Rochester “Ram Jet” fuel injection, cold air induction, Borg Warner 4-speed manual transmission and a column-mounted 8,000 RPM tachometer. Only 43 Corvettes were built with this package and it is thought that only 17 or 18 exist today. Most combined RPO 684 Heavy Duty Racing Suspension and a Positraction rear end
with one of four available final drive ratios. The combination was met with accolades from the American motoring press, including Sports Car Graphic’s Kenneth Edwards, who purchased this Onyx Black “Airbox” convertible with almost every option available with the exception of power windows. Edwards raced the car at both the drag strip and road courses until selling it in 1962. It remained in the Midwest for most of its life and was put through a full frame-off restoration by collector Buddy Herin. Originally equipped with a 4.56 rear end, it now runs a 4.11 gearset in the 4.56 rear end housing. The car also sports a contrasting Red interior with power soft top and Wonderbar radio, with painted steel wheels and dog dish hub caps nailing down its factory-racer vibe. This rare factory Airbox Corvette is offered with owner history, title search, letters from previous owners and an extensive photographic record of it before the restoration.
S121.1 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible 396/375 HP, 4-Speed Chevrolet answered the phenomenal success of Ford’s Mustang with the 1967 Camaro. While it directly competed with the Mustang in the same ponycar segment, it differed significantly in its more streamlined styling and the use of a front subframe to isolate road noise and improve ride quality and handling performance. The Camaro concept was still being shaped when it was introduced in September 1966 as a 1967 model; a 283 CI small block was still part of the engine lineup, while the Z28 performance package and big block SS models would not be announced or made available until later in 1966. A Super Sport version was announced early on incorporating a 350 CI engine that was exclusive to the Camaro. Only later, in November 1966, was a big block SS added to the lineup. This late arrival on the scene contributed to low sales figures that first year; in 1967 production the L78 396/375 HP big block V-8 reached 1,138 Camaros, quadrupling to 4,575 in 1968. The L78 was pricey at $500.30, but
its contribution to the Camaro’s performance was worth every penny. The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 convertible offered here is the first-year Camaro at its most powerful and luxurious. It has been professionally restored and finished in the pleasing combination of Butternut Yellow with a Black “bumblebee” nose stripe, Black power-operated soft top and Black interior. Its 396/375 HP engine is backed by a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission and a traction bar-equipped rear end. Rolling on Rally wheels with Redline tires, this rare L78 4-speed convertible also boasts the instantly popular Rally Sport exterior trim package (distinguished by electrically operated headlight doors), the top-line Z87 Custom Interior complete with molded front armrests, accented bucket seats and Deluxe steering wheel; a center console with U17 Special Instruments, 7,000 RPM tachometer and an AM/FM radio.
S122 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible LS6 454/450 HP, M22 4-Speed, Factory Color Combination 1970 saw the birth of the Chevelle SS454 LS6, the largest-displacement and most powerful Chevrolet muscle car built to that time and the enduring champion of the muscle car wars. One of the handsomest cars of the era, the 1970 Chevelle and the LS6 engine, which the factory underrated at 450 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque, were a marriage made in muscle car heaven. The LS6 big block engine was packed with all the time-tested horsepower-producing technology, including a forged steel crank in beefy 4-bolt mains, forged steel connecting rods and aluminum pistons, a high lift, high duration solid lifter cam, an 800 CFM Holley 4-barrel on an aluminum dual plane intake manifold and gargantuan intake and exhaust valves in high flow heads. The authenticity of this 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6 convertible has been documented by collector Buddy Herin, who had the build sheet subjected to forensic analysis by
a document conservator; it has also been verified by Mark Meekins of the National Chevelle Owners Association. Professionally restored by Car Connection in Waco, Texas, it is correctly finished in beautiful Fathom Blue with White SS stripes, Ivory bucket seat interior and a power operated White soft top. The car was built at the Van Nuys assembly plant and equipped with a Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speed, 3.31 Positraction differential, power steering and front disc brakes, F41 special performance suspension, a cowl induction hood with hood pins, Soft Ray tinted glass, center console and Super Sport wheels with White letter Goodyear Polyglas tires; a tilt steering column and AM/M stereo were added during the car’s restoration. Documentation includes high definition photographs of the build sheet and photos taken during the car’s pre-restoration inspection.
S123 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible 1967 NHRA A/Sports Nationals Champion, Documented with Tank Sticker, 1 of 20 Produced Purchased new at Lyman Slack Chevrolet by Jim Elmer of Portland, OR, this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 convertible is one of twenty L88 Corvettes produced in 1967. Elmer bought the car to race; he made his first pass with the new car fresh out of the box at Puyallup Dragway in Puyallup, WA, running a scorching 11.47 with the sole additions of exhaust headers and 7-inch slicks. That set the tone for the car’s extensive drag racing career, which first made headlines when it captured the A/Sports class win at the 1967 Indy Nationals. Elmer ultimately ran a best of 11.12 at 127.45 MPH, but soon after his Indy win he damaged both the transmission and the rear end, only to have his warranty claim rejected when he showed up at the dealership with the car in full competition trim, including sponsorship decals and elapsed time stickers
on the windows! Unwilling to pay the costs of repair, Elmer sold the car to his friend and fellow racer Rob Robinson in February of 1968 for the princely sum of $5,000. In partnership with local GM parts man Clayton Cotardi, Robinson campaigned the car in NHRA A/Sports through 1968 and 1969, running all the popular West Coast venues - Irwindale, Half Moon Bay, Woodburn, Seattle, Puyallup and sometimes in Boise, ID. Described by Robinson as “totally impressive for its era” and “in a class of its own”, the car consistently ran between 11.1- and 11.3-second times at 125-130 MPH and placed among the top 4 or 5 in NHRA national points standings. In 1970 Robinson returned the L88 to street trim. It was later purchased by well-known Corvette restorer Tim Thorpe of O’Fallen, IL, who began restoring the car before selling it to Buddy and Nova
Herin in 1998. The Herins turned to the Nabers Brothers of Houston to complete the restoration in the factory color combination of Marlboro Maroon with Black stinger and soft top, adding Kelsey Hayes finned aluminum bolt-on wheels and non-DOT Redline tires. In the process, Buddy Herin found that the color sold as Marlboro Maroon did not match the hue he had seen on unpainted original cars, so he reached out to DuPont to produce a paint that correctly matched the original factory color; that formula has been adapted by the National Corvette Restorers Society in its restoration guidelines. Still retaining its mostly original interior, this L88 convertible is presented in its full glory, including the L88 427/430 HP engine, M22 “Rock Crusher� 4-speed manual transmission, 4.11 rear end, J56 heavy duty brakes and J50 power brakes,
factory side exhaust and F41 Special Suspension; it is also believed to be the only 1967 L88 convertible to retain its original body panels. Winner of a Regional NCRS Top Flight award in 1997, it was also a participant in the 2008 Bloomington Gold L88 Invasion. Documentation for this rare first-year L88 convertible includes the tank sticker, vintage racing photographs and time slips, including the first one issued after its maiden run at Puyallup Dragway.
S124 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z28 JL8 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Cross Ram Intake, Rare Factory Rear Sway Bar This fully restored 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 represents the legendary first generation Chevy pony car at the zenith of its development, with all the features that made it a stunner on the street and a champion in the SCCA Trans Am at the hands of Mark Donohue. A genuine X33 Rally Sport Z28 built at the Norwood assembly plant, it is one of only 206 1969 Camaros equipped with the famed JL8 4-wheel power disc brake option which, at $500.30, added more to the cost of a Camaro than the Z28 option package in its entirety. In an era when fast American cars were not exactly famous for their stopping power, a JL8 Camaro’s braking was a revelation to those experiencing it for the first time, especially when hauling down from the velocity induced by this example’s other great gift: Cross Ram induction. An original Winters aluminum Cross Ram intake manifold mounting dual original Holley 600 CFM 4-barrel
carburetors was the hot setup for 1969, the perfect complement to the DZ-code 302/290 HP small block that came complete with transistorized ignition, a 4-speed manual transmission and factory-supplied tube headers feeding its free-flowing exhaust system. Correctly finished in Tuxedo Black with White stripes, Black vinyl roof and a Black houndstooth interior, the car also incorporates the full load of exterior extras: front and rear spoilers; the hideaway headlights, bright body moldings and special badging that were part of the Rally Sport package; the Z21 Style Trim package, body-color front bumper and Rally wheels with Goodyear Wide Tread GT tires. Other exceptional features are the car’s factory supplied headers and rear sway bar, rarely seen on first generation Camaros. This jewel from the Buddy Herin Collection was the “ultimate” Z28 in 1969 and remains among the most desirable today.
S125 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bloomington Gold Certified, 1 of 3 Known Red/Red ZO6 Corvettes Produced After almost a decade of developing the Chevrolet Corvette into a dominant force in SCCA Production racing, the introduction of the revolutionary new 1963 Sting Ray gave Chief Engineer Zora Arkus Duntov the opportunity he had been waiting for: to take the production Corvette’s race-readiness to a whole new level. In the past, customers assembled various optional components to equip the car with the power and durability needed for competition. With the new Regular production Option Z06, it all came together in a single package. The only choice of engine in the Z06 was the mighty little L84 327/360 HP small block with Rochester fuel injection, the famous Duntov-spec solid lifter cam and forged rotating assembly, backed by a Muncie M20 4-speed and Positraction rear end. The Z06 also featured stiffer front and rear springs, heavy duty stabilizer bar and shock absorbers; special large drum brakes with vented
backing plates, finned brake drums, internal cooling fans and a dual-circuit master cylinder, and in early production models a long-distance 36-gallon fuel tank and finned aluminum knock-off wheels. Part of the Buddy Herin Collection since 1996, this 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Z06 coupe is one of only 199 built before Chevrolet’s official withdrawal from competition, and one of just three known examples produced in Riverside Red with a Red interior. Restored by the Naber Brothers of Houston in 1996, it went on to capture Bloomington Gold Certification that same year with an outstanding score of 98.6, and in 1999 it earned NCRS Regional Top Flight status. Also incorporating radio delete, power windows, J50 power brakes, J65 sintered metallic brake linings and rare P91 non-DOT 6.70-15 nylon racing tires, this most desirable of vintage Corvettes remains a stunning showcase of Zora’s talents and vision.
S126 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Big Brake Fuelie Bloomington Gold Certified, Purchased from Original Owner in 1992, Highly Documented This 1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible has enjoyed pride of place in the Buddy Herin Collection since 1992. Sold new at Dumas Milner Chevrolet in San Antonio, Texas, it was purchased by Mr. Herin from its original owner of 30 years and has been driven a mere 4,901 miles since it rolled off the assembly line. Significantly, it is one of only 246 Corvettes produced in 1962 with Regular Production Option 687, which endowed it with special front and rear shocks, front brake deflector/air scoops, rear brake air scoops, metallic linings, finned drums with internal cooling fans and quick steering adapter, all developed and proven in the heat of competition. Its engine was the top powerplant available in 1962, the RPO 582 327/360 HP small block V-8 with Rochester fuel injection; that and its Borg Warner 4-speed manual transmission were required when ordering RPO 687. Finished in Tuxedo Black with a Black vinyl interior and
matching soft top, it was factory equipped with a matching Black auxiliary hard top, Wonderbar push button radio and Blackwall tires on painted steel wheels with dog dish hub caps. It was restored to its original triple Black color combination by Naber Brothers of Houston, who preserved the original interior with the exception of new carpet and dash pad. It was subsequently awarded Bloomington Gold Certification in 1994, and in 1996 it was awarded NCRS National Top Flight honors and the highly coveted NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award, a highly coveted honor that requires that the car pass a demanding judging regime and rigorous performance testing without a single failure. This exceptionally high quality collector Corvette is well documented with the dealer invoice, owner protection plan and a file of supporting paperwork.
S127 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 #62 of 69, The Only Red/Red ZL1 Ever Produced, Very Highly Optioned Chevrolet built a total of 69 Camaros equipped with the COPO 9560 ZL1 engine option. The creation of Chevrolet’s legendary product manager Vince Piggins, the ZL1 had its origins in the fire-breathing L88 427 CI big block racing engine. Developed in the Can Am racing series by Jim Hall’s innovative Chaparral team, the ZL1 made extensive use of aluminum in the block, heads, intake and ancillary pieces, employing steel only for the forged crank, connecting rods, pushrods and camshaft. The result was the most exotic American production engine ever built to that time. The ZL1 weighed little more than a cast iron Chevy small block engine while generating approximately 550 HP, far exceeding its almost ludicrous factory rating of 430 horses. Already by definition one of the rarest of all Camaros, this is number 62 of the 69 built. It is one of only 12 incorporating a Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speed manual transmission and, perhaps more significantly, the only one finished at the factory in Garnet Red with a
matching Red interior. Records show the car was sold new at Colonial Chevrolet on July 10, 1969 to one Johnny Tripp on his birthday. The car came very well optioned for a machine originally conceived for drag racing; in addition to its 4.10 Positraction rear end, special cowl induction hood and heavy duty cooling system, it was fitted with transistorized ignition, F41 special front and rear suspension, power front disc brakes and 14-inch Rally wheels with White-letter Goodyear F70-14 Wide Tread GT tires. The Z21 style trim group added bright exterior moldings and Black body trim, while the Red interior boasts a rare pushbutton radio, in-dash tachometer and the woodgrain applique trim, passenger assist grip and bright pedal trim of the Z23 special interior package. This unique ZL1 Camaro comes with known ownership history and COPO Connection documentation.
S128 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 1 of 3 Known Factory Black/Black Z16s Produced, Documented with Window Sticker and Protect-O-Plate Chevrolet was uncharacteristically late to the performance party that began with the Pontiac GTO and Oldsmobile’s 442. The 327-powered Chevelles were no match for their hyper-powered midsize Divisional counterparts, but Bowtie engineers had a trump card in the form of the new Z16. Based on the L78 396/425 HP big block V-8 slated for the 1965 Corvette, the Z16 used the high-performance engine and under rated it at just 375 horsepower in deference to the Corvette’s status as Chevrolet’s top performer. But the Z16’s power was no illusion; Chevrolet built this muscular new Chevelle on a sturdier platform, adding stronger front suspension components, front and rear anti-roll bars, larger brakes and quicker power-assisted steering. This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 coupe is one of 200 produced (a single convertible was also built) and
one of only three finished in Tuxedo Black with a Black interior. Sold new at Doane Chevrolet in Dundee, Illinois and listed in the General Motors Z16 Memo, the car was prepared for competition and drag raced by its first owner. It is now in full as-original configuration after a complete frame-off nut-and-bolt restoration by collector Buddy Herin. Like all Z16 Chevelles it is equipped with a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission and well-optioned with bucket seats and console, a 160 MPH speedometer and 6,000 RPM tachometer, a padded dash and dash-mounted clock and AM/FM multiplex stereo. Mag-style wheel covers and Goldline tires complete the classic appearance of this rare Z16, which is documented with the original window sticker and Protect-OPlate.
S129 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible Tri-Power 389 CI, Upgraded 5-Speed, PHS Documentation The first Pontiac GTO in 1964 was an instant hit that took even Pontiac management by surprise. Orders for the first year GTO finally tallied at 32,450, about six times the initial sales projections. That figure more than doubled the following year, when Pontiac sold over 75,000 more, including 11,311 convertibles. By then the muscle car die was cast, the two main components being a midsize platform and an abundance of cubic inches. The standard powerplant was Pontiac’s 389/335 HP V-8, but the real performer was the 360 horsepower Tri-Power 389 with three two-barrel carbs atop a cast iron intake, a popular option chosen by 20,547 buyers. Beyond that, anything was possible; the GTO could be configured to suit almost anyone’s tastes, from no-frills weekend warrior to powerful luxury cruiser overflowing with optional extras. This 1965 Pontiac GTO convertible is a gorgeous example of the latter that has been fully restored by muscle
car restoration specialist Tim Thorpe of O’Fallon, Illinois. The basic formula is there: a 389 CI engine with Tri Power carburetion feeding power to a 3.55 Positraction rear end, with the added benefit of a retrofitted 5-speed manual transmission for greater operating flexibility. It is highly optioned with power steering and brakes, Hurst aluminum wheels with Redline radial tires, bucket seats with console, wood-rimmed steering wheel, in-dash tachometer and console-mounted vacuum gauge. During the restoration it was also upgraded with a tilt steering column, power windows and factory-style air conditioning. Wrapped in beautiful Nightwatch Blue over original sheetmetal with a Parchment interior and matching soft top, this handsome GTO convertible is offered with Pontiac Historical Society documentation.
TO BE OFFERED AT
SEPTEMBER 4 -7, 2013
Dallas Convention Center - Dallas, Texas
Mecum.COM