BY MARK J. McCOURT IMAGES COURTESY OF HEMMINGSAUCTIONS.COM HEMMINGS AUCTIONS IS OUR LIVE, ONLINE AUCTION SITE STAFFED BY
customer service professionals ready to help bidders and sellers with any questions. A wide variety of classic and specialty vehicles from all eras are up for bid. Auctions run for two weeks, and qualified bidders place their bids electronically. Once a vehicle is accepted into the auction,
the seller pays only a $99.95 listing fee. The winning bidder is responsible for a 5-percent fee on all completed auctions. The following are examples of auctions that transpired during the month leading up to press time. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, email Director of Auction Operations Terry Shea: terryshea@hemmings.com.
1959 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL Reserve: $175,000 Selling Price: $210,000
Recent Market Range: $170,230-$206,350
This beautiful 190 SL, restored by a noted specialist in Germany, turned out to be a big bell-ringer at auction. Showing a mere 25 miles on its odometer, the Mercedes-Benz was little used after its 2014 restoration and presented like new from every angle. Its paint, top, and leather-trimmed cabin looked showroom fresh, with period-fitted luggage adding an upscale touring touch. Per the seller, the sole interior demerit was a faulty fuel gauge. The rebuilt, factory-installed four-cylinder and four-speed manual looked as they should, and the undercarriage was spotless. Intense last-minute bidding on this baby SL caused six time extensions.
1977 FORD BRONCO Reserve: $43,000 Selling Price: $53,025
Recent Market Range: $47,120-$69,220
The reintroduction of the historic Ford nameplate on a vehicle that recalls the original in looks and spirit has sparked full-blown Bronco fever in America. This 4x4 dates from the last year of first-gen Bronco production and was said to retain its factoryapplied finishes and components, from the paint and Special Décor Group graphics to the interior vinyl and removable hard roof. The 302-cu.in. V-8 had 52,120 miles on it, and demerits included minor rust in the front fenders, a bit of failed seat foam and scuffed vinyl, and surface corrosion on underbody surfaces. The seller responded to bidder questions, and bidders prompted no fewer than 10 extensions of the auction action.
1932 MARMON 8-125 Reserve: $25,000 Selling Price: $53,025
Recent Market Range: $23,220-$36,250
Survivors of the low-production, high-end Marmon marque are few and far between, especially late examples like this 1932 8-125 convertible coupe, which its seller claimed was one of five known to remain. The car benefitted from ongoing refurbishment that included a fully rebuilt 125-hp straight-eight engine, restored instrumentation, and a replacement wiring harness. Its paint and interior appeared older, with good chrome but chipped lacquer, minor surface corrosion, tired carpeting, and split rumble-seat upholstery. This regal Marmon is prime fodder for a comprehensive restoration, and it sold after an impressive 56 bids, raking in more than double its reserve.
LEGEND
Reserve: Minimum price owner will accept Selling Price*: What the vehicle sold for, inclusive of buyer’s 5-percent fee (*sold as a Make Offer listing following the live auction)
Recent Market Range: The low-to-high value range for the vehicle based on published results of similar vehicles sold at auction over the previous 18 months
