Honda NSX, Ferrari 250 GT, Saleen Mustang + Results!
THIS WEEK’S CARS
– THIS WEEK’S CARS –
Image Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
2003 Honda NSX-R
(Broad Arrow Auctions, May 25,
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este)
Showing fewer than 16,000 kilometers at the time of cataloging, this exceptionally rare second-generation NSX-R stands as a highly original, low-mileage example with the rare distinction of European registration. Its remarkable quality garnered recognition at the 2023 Fuori Concorso, followed by a “Future Classic” class win at the 2024 Costa del Sol Concours d’Elegance in Marbella. As one of only 140 NA2 NSX-Rs produced, chassis 1400116 represents the first time in years that an example has been brought to public auction outside of Japan, making it an unrepeatable opportunity for collectors seeking the ultimate Japanese performance car of the era.
Estimate: $840,000-$1,070,000 (adjusted for exchange rate)
Prediction: These NA2 NSX examples are really starting to come into their own. Not a ton of changes between these and the first-generation cars, but this one is extra special. One of less than 140 second generation R examples built from 2002 to 2005, recently serviced and showing less than 16,000 km from new, this appears to be really excellent example of one of the ultimate driver’s cars from this era and as a result, it should garner solid interest. This said, I’m not sure that the rarity and exclusivity offered here will be worth the premium requested. Standard examples of NA2 NSXs, although admittedly far less special, trade for many times less than this. I do think R cars like this definitely will get here (probably sooner than later) and I do still think this car sells, but I don’t think it quite hits the low estimate.
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II
(RM Sotheby’s, May 22, Milan)
The 170th out of 200 examples built, this 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II retains its matching-numbers engine, rear axle, and coachwork and is fitted with a correct-type gearbox. Benefitting from a 2013 restoration performed by Toni Auto in Maranello ahead of the Ferrari specialist rebuilding the V-12 in 2019, it is refinished in its factory-correct color combination of Grigio Scuro over Blu Franzi leather as documented by its factory build record. Restoration invoices and photos, plus a history report by marque expert Marcel Massini are included with the sale.
Estimate: $1,125,000-$1,700,000 (adjusted for exchange rate)
Prediction: These are really nice cars that I don’t think get the credit they deserve a lot of the time. Reasonably rare, great to drive and certainly attractive, I think they kind of get lost in the mix a little bit considering what exists on either side of the fence from where they reside on Ferrari’s production timeline. This said, they seem to be really stable in the marketplace and kind of sit where they’re going to sit. The Enzo era market has certainly cooled on most things over the last few years, but this example is presented in attractive and interesting original colors with several unique options and a reasonably well sorted history, so I think this car definitely connects with somebody and it sells for right in the middle of the estimate range.
Image Courtesy of Bring-a-Trailer
1989 Ford Mustang Saleen
(Bring-a-Trailer, Online)
This 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen is #362 of 734 examples modified by Saleen Autosport for the model year and now shows 22k miles. It finished in black with over gray cloth upholstery and is powered by a 302ci High-Output V8 mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Equipment includes Saleen bodywork, 16″ wheels, revised suspension components, a MOMO steering wheel, Flo-Fit sport seats, air conditioning, cruise control, a Pioneer cassette stereo, a radar detector, and power windows and locks. This Saleen Mustang was acquired by the current owner in 2022 and is now offered on dealer consignment in Arizona with a build sheet, manufacturer’s literature, the removed factory wheels with a set of tires, spare parts, a clean Carfax report, and an Arizona title.
Estimate: Not Provided
Prediction: These are awesome cars and they’re definitely on the move. We’ve seen some pretty high numbers lately on some SSC models (which this isn’t), but a rising tide tends to lift all ships in this hobby and I suspect this will be no exception. Low mileage, great colors, presented beautifully (911r/Avant Garde obviously does everything right, basically all the time) and with a registry noted stripe delete that looks really good, this car checks a lot of boxes. I expect that it somewhat overperforms and gets somewhere in the $80,000 range with ease.
PLAY ALONG WITH US!
Last Week’s Score: 1/3
FEATURED RESULT
– FEATURED RESULT –
Image Courtesy of Bring-a-Trailer
1968 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds Holiday Coupe
(Bring-a-Trailer, Online)
SOLD $81,000
This 1968 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds Holiday Coupe is one of 515 examples produced for the model year, and it is powered by a 455ci V8 linked with a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The engine is equipped with D-specification heads, PerTronix ignition, and a rebuilt Rochester four-barrel carburetor, and the car rides on 14″ Super Stock II wheels that are mounted over power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes. The exterior is finished in Peruvian Silver and black, while the cabin is outfitted with a Hurst dual-gate shifter, a Deluxe steering wheel, walnut wood trim, an AM/FM radio, and black vinyl upholstery on the front bucket and rear bench seats. Over $13k in service was completed following the current owner’s 2022 acquisition. This Hurst/Olds Holiday Coupe is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with service records, spare parts, and a Washington state title in the name of the current owner.
Estimate: Not Provided
How We Did: This one blew past our expectations by quite a lot. Fact is, this was a well-documented, thoroughly presented example with its T’s crossed and its I’s dotted and this is a really good metaphor for the current muscle car market. The comments were screaming that this car was stolen at this price, but the reality is, we’ve seen this segment flatten quite a bit over the last few years and based on the fact that this car did sell and it had a reserve, shows that the seller knew this and had educated, realistic expectations. Despite all this, unique and exceptionally presented examples continue to pull reasonably solid money and I think that’s what happened here. The moral of the story is do the work to get your car in line before you bring it to sale. It pays dividends and this seller certainly learned that firsthand. I think everyone wins here.