GAA Classic Cars Preview
GAA Classic Cars will hold their April 2024 Auction starting Thursday April 25 through Saturday April 27. More than 500 vehicles are expected to cross the auction block over three days. We’ve looked at some of the vehicles set to be offered earlier this month but there are even more worth paying close attention to during the auction.
A car with a history that’s as dramatic as its styling, the DeLorean DMC-12 was conceived by John Z. DeLorean, a former General Motors executive. The car was meant to revolutionize the auto industry with its futuristic features. The first prototype appeared in 1976, but it wasn’t until January 21, 1981, that the first production model was ready to leave the factory. Known for its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body, its performance was somewhat underwhelming and production issues plagued the entire model run. Ultimately it failed to meet commercial expectations, and the DeLorean Motor Company faced financial difficulties, leading to its bankruptcy in 1982.
This example is believed to have just over 17,000 miles on it and benefits from long-term ownership of 30 years. It’s been maintained well through its life and the body looks as good as you’ll find on a DMC-12, no apparent issues with panel gap. Even with the less-than-desired performance from the engine shared with Renault, among other manufacturers, this does have the desirable manual transmission.
Considering the hype surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck and how it clearly tries to mimic the iconic styling of the DeLorean, odds are these will continue to see increased interest from collectors. It wouldn’t surprise us to see this sell for somewhere around $80,000.
The 1982 Datsun 280ZX Turbo holds a special place in automotive history, representing the zenith of the Z-car’s second generation. Introduced in 1981, the Turbo variant was a response to enthusiasts’ demands for more power, offering a significant boost with its 180 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque, a considerable increase from the naturally aspirated model’s 145 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. This model was not just about speed; it was a symbol of the era’s turbocharged craze, where the word “Turbo” became an emblem of performance and modernity.
The 280ZX Turbo was also a bridge between the classic sports car and the grand tourer, offering a more luxurious and heavier ride compared to its predecessors. It featured MacPherson struts and semi-trailing arm independent suspension, with disc brakes both front and rear, vented at the front for better cooling. The 280ZX Turbo was the last in the line of the original Z cars before the introduction of the 300ZX in 1984, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Nissan’s sports cars.
The example being offered by GAA Classic Cars features a T-Top configuration and spent its life in Texas. It’s equipped with power windows and air conditioning and shows roughly 70,000 miles on the odometer, which the seller believes to be accurate.
We expect this to sell around $30,000.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS stands as a quintessential American muscle car, emblematic of an era where power and design merged to create automobiles that were both visually stunning and performance-driven. Introduced as part of the first-generation Camaro lineup, the ’69 model showcased a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic, with squared-off wheel wells and a longer, lower profile compared to its predecessors. It was available in various trims and configurations, allowing for a high degree of customization. Under the hood, the SS model boasted powerful engine options, including the legendary big-block V8s, with the 396 cubic inch and the high-performance 427 cubic inch being among the most revered. These engines delivered formidable power, propelling the Camaro SS from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds and achieving top speeds that could exceed 130 mph.
The 1969 Camaro SS wasn’t just about straight-line speed; it also offered commendable handling, thanks to its balanced weight distribution and responsive steering. This model year holds a significant place in automotive history, marking the peak of the muscle car era and leaving a lasting legacy that continues to captivate car enthusiasts to this day.
The car being offered by GAA Classic Cars is equipped with the 350 cubic inch V8 that produces 300 horsepower and is paired with a factory-equipped four-speed manual transmission. It’s finished in the factory-correct Code 71 LeMans Blue and is equipped with power disc brakes along with the correct SS-spec wheels. Although it’s not documented on the title, the seller believes the odometer reading of 73,000 miles to be correct.
This should bring around $50,000 including fees.
The 1968 Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that represents a significant era in automotive history. Still part of the first-generation Mustangs, which Ford produced from 1964 to 1973, the 1968 model year had only minor changes from the previous year. It featured side reflectors that were newly mandated by federal law while the 289 cubic inch V8 from 1967 was replaced with the 302 cubic inch V8 which is what powers this example.
This particular Mustang has covered 85,000 miles since new, as is documented on its Virginia state title. It features an automatic transmission and power steering along with upgraded shocks and a custom exhaust. The car was won by Maureen Vaganek of Roanoke, VA from Amoco (American Oil Company) and the letter regarding her sweepstakes win is included with the car.
This should be expected to sell for somewhere around $30,000.
The 1971 Plymouth Cuda stands as an iconic symbol of the American muscle car era. This particular model year is renowned for its powerful engines and striking design. The third-generation Barracuda, which includes the ’71 Cuda, was based on the Chrysler E-body platform, shared with the Dodge Challenger, and was available in hardtop and convertible styles. The ’71 Cuda is particularly notable for its engine options, including the formidable 426 HEMI with 425 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Barracudas ever produced.
However, this year also marked the beginning of the end for the muscle car era, as the industry faced increasing emissions restrictions and a shift in consumer preferences. Despite this, the ’71 Cuda remains a highly sought-after collector’s item, embodying the peak of muscle car performance and style.
The example being offered by GAA Classic Cars is equipped with the 383 cubic inch V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. It features power front disc brakes and is a matching-numbers car. The appraisal shown on GAA’s site says the car is worth $148,000 as of February 2024, but that seems a bit strong to us. Having said that, we did see one sell in January for more than $170,000 so it may be entirely within reason for this to bring nearly $150,000 on the block.