Broad Arrow Auctions at The Amelia - Attainable Cars
It’s expected to see big money cars at events like The Amelia and auctions that accompany them, but Broad Arrow Auctions threw some more attainable vehicles into the mix for this year. The auction is scheduled to take place on March 1-2, 2024 and will feature cars such as a 1967 Ford GT40 that’s estimated to be worth $4,000,000 – $5,000,000, but they will also offer an excellent assortment of collector cars at more attainable prices. We’ll check out more that Broad Arrow will offer at The Amelia as it approaches, but four cars that are both attainable and very appealing to the younger enthusiasts are worth highlighting.
The Integra Type R was first introduced in Japan in 1995, where it was available only in Championship White, a color that paid homage to Honda’s Formula One racing heritage. The car was also sold in Europe and Australia, where it came in other colors such as yellow, black, and silver. In 1997, the Integra Type R made its debut in North America as the Acura Integra Type R, where it was offered in either black or white. The North American version had some minor differences from the Japanese version, such as a slightly lower compression ratio, a different exhaust system, and different headlights.
The Integra Type R was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that used Honda’s VTEC technology to optimize cam timing for both fuel efficiency and power output. The engine produced 197 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines of its time. The engine was paired with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential that improved traction and cornering.
The Integra Type R also had a lighter and stiffer body than the regular Integra, thanks to the use of aluminum and carbon fiber components, as well as the removal of some sound insulation and luxury features. The suspension was tuned for better stability and responsiveness, and the brakes were upgraded with larger discs and calipers. The exterior of the Type R was distinguished by a front lip spoiler, a rear wing, side skirts, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The interior had Recaro bucket seats, a Momo steering wheel, and a titanium shift knob.
The one set to be offered by Broad Arrow Auctions is a very rare DB8 model, the sedan version of the Integra Type R. It’s one of only 292 built for that model year and shows 33,706 km since new. It’s a Japanese Domestic Model and was imported to the US in 2019. It’s equipped with air conditioning and power windows. It received a replacement timing belt and water pump recently and rides on new Yokohama tires.
This should have no issue selling at or above the pre-auction estimate of $40,000 – $60,000.
Somewhat under appreciated these days, the Porsche 928 was a grand touring car with a 2+2 seating layout that was produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It was the first Porsche with a front-mounted V8 engine and it was designed to replace the 911 as the company’s flagship model. However, the 911 remained in production due to its loyal fan base and the 928 became a niche product for customers who wanted a luxurious and powerful coupe.
The 928 was conceived in the early 1970s by Porsche’s management, who believed that the 911 had reached its potential and that the future of the company depended on more conventional and fuel-efficient cars. They ordered a clean-sheet design that would compete with other German luxury brands and appeal to the US market. The 928’s development involved testing various prototypes based on Mercedes-Benz, Opel and Audi models, until the final shape and drivetrain were finalized.
The 928’s engine was an all-aluminum 4.5-liter V8 with 16 valves, producing 240 hp in Europe and 219 hp in North America. It was paired with a transaxle that combined the transmission, axle and differential in one unit, giving the car a balanced weight distribution. The 928 also featured an advanced suspension system with double wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bars. The body was made of steel, except for the aluminum doors, hood and front fenders.
The 928’s design was futuristic and aerodynamic, with a low hood, pop-up headlights, integrated bumpers and a hatchback rear. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with leather seats, electric windows, air conditioning and a digital instrument cluster. The car also had innovative features such as a rear spoiler that extended at high speeds, a rear wiper that adjusted its speed according to the car’s speed, and a steering wheel that tilted with the instrument pod for better visibility.
The 1978 Porsche 928 that will be offered by Broad Arrow Auctions at The Amelia is a first-year example that is fortunately unmodified. It presents nicely in Grand Prix White with a green interior. Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and the optional limited-slip differential, it received a new water pump and timing belt in 2021, along with a refresh of its air conditioning system.
Unmodified examples of the 928 from 1978 are quite rare so the pre-auction estimate of $50,000 – $70,000 seems very reasonable.
Mitsubishi was riding a wave of success when the 3000GT VR-4 was introduced. The flagship model of the 3000GT lineup, the VR-4 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, active aerodynamics, and adaptive suspension. The VR-4 was also sold as the Dodge Stealth in North America, as part of a collaboration between Mitsubishi and Chrysler. On a personal note, the Dodge Stealth was criminally underrated in its day.
The 3000GT VR-4 was one of the most advanced and innovative cars of its time, competing with the likes of the Mazda RX-7, Nissan 300ZX, Honda NSX, and Toyota Supra. It offered impressive performance, handling, and comfort, as well as a distinctive and aggressive design. The VR-4 also had some unique features that set it apart from its rivals, such as a retractable hardtop variant that was available for the 1993 to 1995 model years. The Spyder, as it was called, was the first production car to have a fully automated hardtop since the 1959 Ford Skyliner.
Although the car to be offered by Broad Arrow Auctions is not a Spyder variant, it’s still quite rare being one of just 510 delivered to the US for the ’97 model year. Making it even rarer, it’s believed that only 71 of those were finished in the Panama Green Pearl this VR-4 wears. It remained with its original owner until 2020 and received a new timing belt and water pump as part of a service in early 2023. It shows less than 7,400 miles since new so the low-end of the pre-auction estimate of $60,000 – $80,000 should be in line with the market for this Mitsubishi.
The Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v dominated the World Rally Championship in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was based on the Lancia Delta, a four-door hatchback designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and launched in 1979 as an economy car. The Delta HF Integrale 16v was the third evolution of the Delta HF 4WD, which replaced the Delta S4 after the Group B formula was abolished in 1986.
The Delta HF Integrale 16v debuted at the 1989 San Remo Rally, which it won convincingly. It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 16-valve head that increased power to 200 hp and torque to 298 Nm. It also had permanent all-wheel drive, a new exhaust system, larger brakes, and revised suspension. The bodywork was modified to accommodate wider wheels and tires, and a raised hood to fit the bigger engine. The torque split of the all-wheel drive system was changed from 56/44 to 47/53 front/rear.
The Delta HF Integrale 16v continued the winning streak of its predecessor, the Delta HF Integrale 8v, which had won the WRC constructors’ and drivers’ titles in 1987 and 1988. The 16v version secured the same titles in 1989 and 1990, making Lancia the most successful manufacturer in WRC history and the Delta the most successful car.
The Lancia Integrale to be offered by Broad Arrow Auctions at The Amelia presents in a Martini Racing livery with a set of rally lights a Recaro leather seats. These have been more and more desirable to collectors lately so there should be no problem reaching the pre-auction estimate of $35,000 – $45,000.