Bonhams had a selection of cars that appeal to younger collectors at their Amelia Island auction and two in particular jump out as worth highlighting:
Produced from 1992 through 1993, the GMC Typhoon is a turbocharged all-wheel-drive evolution of the GMC Jimmy that was one of the earliest examples of the high-performance SUV that’s become so ubiquitous today.
The Typhoon’s engine was a 4.3-liter V6 with a Mitsubishi turbocharger and a Garrett intercooler, producing 280 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a BorgWarner transfer case that split the torque 35/65 front/rear. The Typhoon also had upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential, and a self-leveling rear suspension.
The Typhoon could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 95 mph, according to Car and Driver. It could also outperform many sports cars of its era, such as the Ferrari 348ts, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the Nissan 300ZX Turbo.
The Typhoon was built by Production Automotive Services in Troy, Michigan, which also built the GMC Syclone, a similar high-performance pickup truck. The Typhoon was offered in various color combinations, with black/black being the most common.
GMC built a total of 4,697 examples of the Typhoon, just 2,497 examples for the 1992 model year and the remaining 2,200 for 1993. Most of the Typhoons were finished in black but the example sold by Bonhams in Amelia Island is one of 101 that were finished in Apple Red. It’s had two owners since new and has been well-maintained throughout its life.
Selling for $22,400, this seems to be well-bought by the new owner considering these have approached $40,000 in the past.
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster was the result of a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive courtesy of their long-running collaboration in Formula 1. The roadster was introduced in 2007 and featured a top that could be retracted in 10 seconds. It also featured a stronger body than the coupe, constructed of carbon fiber to aid with the car’s handling.
The SLR McLaren Roadster was powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine that produced 617 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. The engine was mounted behind the front axle, giving the car a front mid-engine layout that improved weight distribution and handling. The transmission was a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a manual mode. The performance of the roadster was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of under four seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. The car also featured carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive suspension, and an active rear spoiler that could adjust its angle depending on speed and braking.
The SLR McLaren Roadster was produced from 2007 to 2009, with a total of 2,157 units built. The car had a hefty price tag of $495,000, making it one of the most expensive Mercedes models ever. The roadster also had some special editions, such as the 722 S, which had more power and sportier features, and the Stirling Moss, which had no roof or windshield and was limited to 75 units. The SLR McLaren Roadster was a remarkable car that combined the heritage of Mercedes-Benz with the expertise of McLaren. It was a rare and exclusive machine that offered an exhilarating driving experience and a stunning appearance.
The example sold by Bonhams in Amelia Island is one of 106 built in 2008 and shows just 12,000 miles since new. It was ordered with larger seats than most examples. It included accessories from the factory and service records. Selling for $387,250 it achieved a price that seems fair for both the seller and the new owner.