The final model of the 5.0L V8-powered Cobra, distinguished from the 96-98 models by the standard Mustang hood and horizontal bar tail lights. The signature SN95 Cobra hood would not be found on it until the DOHC 4.6L models the next model year. The 5.0L Cobra was good for 240hp and this particular model is equipped with the tremec five speed manual transmission. The combo is capable of 0-60 in 6.3 seconds and a quarter mile of 14.1 seconds. At the time performance was comparable to the Z28 and Formula offered by the General.
The Mustang however came with a much more robust aftermarket, easier accessibility to the engine for modifications and a serious upgrade in interior build quality. This all came at the cost of less aggressive looks in contrast either of the F-body twins or the boxy fox predecessor. With an asking price of $49,900 in the non-auction section of Barrett-Jackson this car has only 106 miles on the odometer.
In the mid-1930s, the Mercedes-Benz 500K was the cutting edge of automotive technology. These cars offered unparalleled performance, styling, and luxury. These were the undoubtedly the best cars available at the time, and were such incredible vehicles that they are still very expensive and desirable today. The 500K and similar Mercedes cars from the era are the benchmark, the standard for a generation of “neoclassic” automobiles that began to appear in the U.S. starting in the 1970 and 1980s. Continue reading →
The Ford GT was designed from day one to be a special car. The car was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ford Motor Company. It was a showcase of the company’s design and engineering muscle, a “halo car” showing what the brand was truly capable of. The mid-engine, supercharged car with a six-figure price tag joined a very short list of “American supercars.” Suffice to say, every one of the 4,038 Ford GTs produced between 2005 and 2006 is a special car. But within that group are some cars that I would say are “extra special.” In this post, I am going to highlight some of these special edition Ford GT cars.
2005 Ford GT VIN 003
This 2005 Ford GT is the third car completed by VIN (suffix 00003) and the lowest-production VIN ever offered to the public for sale. It was was consigned to auction at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2020 event. The car sold for $440,000 USD (including auction fees).
The lowest VIN ever offered to the public for sale is VIN 003, which sold at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2020 auction for $440,000. Photo by: Barrett-Jackson.com
From the auction listing:
Car #00003 was equipped with three of the four factory-available options, including BBS lightweight forged aluminum wheels, painted brake calipers and the audiophile-quality McIntosh stereo system; only the painted upper racing stripes were omitted. The car remained in Ford’s ownership until this very special Ford GT was acquired by renowned collector Ron Pratte prior to joining the Scott Thomas Collection in 2015.
Lexus has been teasing the idea of a new luxury coupe since 2012, when the LF-LC concept debuted at the North American auto show in Detroit. It took four years to go from concept to production, and the new Lexus LC convertible was unveiled in 2016 and deliveries commencing in mid-2017.
Then in late 2019, Lexus revealed the new 2021 LC 500 convertible at the LA Auto Show. The first-ever vehicle, VIN 100001, made its apperance at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction in January 2020.
The new LC 500 convertible is more than just the first car off the line – it is also one of just 100 vehicles that Lexus is calling the “Inspiration Series.” These cars will feature limited paint and interior options which befit a luxury flagship car. Things like L-Aniline leather interior, Alcantara door inserts, custom stainless-steel door-sill scuff plates, 21-inch split-five-spoke forged alloy wheels are little touches that will make the Inspiration Series a little extra special.
VIN 100001 is the absolute pinnacle of special, with even more custom treatment given to this 1 of 1 car. In case you had any doubts, the car has carbon-fiber scuff plates imprinted with “LC Inspiration Series Launch Exclusive 1 of 1” to remind you every time you get in or out. It also wears a gorgeous paint job called Structural Blue, with color-matched brake calipers instead of the Nori Green pearl exterior on the other Inspiration Series convertibles. The car even came with its own bottle of wine a 2017 Napa Cabernet by Pruett), custom Halliburton luggage set, and an “exclusive Lexus experience” of some kind.
The chance to own a 1 of 1 car is something that many collectors dream of. One lucky collector got to make that dream come true with a winning bid of $2,000,000 USD for the car. This was of course a charity auction, with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and to the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The car was auctioned around 4:30 PM on Friday, January 17, 2020. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this may be the highest price paid for any Lexus, ever.
If this sounds familiar, you may remember a very similar auction from the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. It was just a year ago that Barrett-Jackson auctioned the first 2020 Toyota Supra GR VIN 20201 for charity. The highly anticipated car, which sold for $2.1 million, benefited the American Heart Association and The Bob Woodruff Foundation. Like the LC 500 Convertible, the first production Supra was also a 1 of 1 car, with custom colors and materials and an engine cover signed by Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda.
Congratulations to Barrett-Jackson and to the bidders on their amazing contribution to these great charities.
This mid-year update to Ford’s turbocharged, four-cylinder Fox body brings the boost up to 15 psi, adds 35lbs injectors and an upgraded EEC among other modifications to bring the car from 175hp to 205hp. Equipped with a factory-installed Hurst shifter for the 5-speed manual model, ultimately multiplied by a 3.73:1 ring and pinion ratio. Paired with 16″ wheels over disc brakes at all four wheels, a Koni-designed suspension and comparatively lighter 2.3L inline four over the front K-member. That ensures this SVO isn’t just faster than the 5.0L model in a drag race, it also handles better in the turns.
The one you see here is painted in Medium Canyon Red Metallic and has only 23,000 miles. Showcased in the area of Barrett-Jackson that has cars for sale instead of at auction, it was priced at $24,900.
Driving home from work, I caught sight of a rather unusual car: a Toyota Paseo convertible. I couldn’t recall ever having seen one before.
As it turns out, the convertible model was introduced in the U.S. in August 1996 and the Paseo was discontinued in 1997. That means the Paseo Convertible was a one-year only car for the United States. According to Wikipedia, the convertible models were never offered in Britain or other markets. Continue reading →
The one you see here is painted in Medium Canyon Red Metallic and has only 23,000 miles. Showcased in the area of Barrett-Jackson that has cars for sale instead of at auction, it was priced at $24,900.
