There are always cars with huge reserve prices at all the auctions during Monterey Car Week, but sometimes it’s more fun to see what doesn’t have a reserve and dream of getting that one-in-a-million deal when everyone else is at dinner or grabbing a drink at the bar. With that in mind, we’ve found five exciting cars with no reserve at Gooding & Co.
1. 1974 De Tomaso Pantera L
The first of our picks for the no-reserve cars at Gooding & Co is this 1974 De Tomaso Pantera L. Not only is this a North American Pantera Lusso, but it’s rocking barely 12,000 miles on the odometer from new. Arguably more impressive is the fact that this car, in a rare factory-painted green finish, is pretty much original. We’ve seen restored Panteras on the market, but with the exception of its steering wheel, this is as close as anyone will get to a “new” ’74 Pantera – complete with a tool kit, lots of documentation (did we say Marti Report?) and ever-desirable California “blue plates” this should have no problem hitting Gooding & Co’s estimate of $140,000 to $180,000. We expect the new owner will thoroughly enjoy this purchase!
2. 2008 Ferrari F430 Spider
There simply aren’t many Ferraris that come equipped with manual transmissions these days. While Ferrari have their reasons for moving to F1-inspired paddle shifters, there’s nothing like an Italian gated six-speed manual. And to have it in Rosso Corsa? Even better! To put that in perspective, its estimated that Ferrari only built 50 examples of the F430 Spider with a manual transmission in 2008, so opportunities to get your hands on one of them will be fewer and further apart as the years go on. Combine that with the low mileage and exceptional condition, we think the auction estimate of $200,000 to $250,000 is very reasonable. And who knows – get a couple people in the room with the right money who just “have to have” a six-speed F430 Spider and the sky’s the limit.
3. 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS
Honestly, is there a more recognizable and iconic Ferrari from the 1980s than the 308 GTS? Sure, maybe the 308 GTB, but the GTS can go topless! It’s certainly the right color combo with Rosso Corsa paint and a classic tan interior – don’t think anyone will be complaining that it looks too good! Coming with loads of documentation, this European-spec example has called the US home since for more than 30 years. Sure, a new engine was installed in ’82, but sometimes you’ve got to drive Ferrari as if it was… well, a Ferrari. At no reserve with an estimate of $80,000 to $100,000 this car should bring fair money, and might even offer someone an opportunity to say that it was “well bought.” We can’t wait to see the bids on this one at Gooding & Co!
4. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/340 Split-Window Coupe
First off, in case it wasn’t obvious, this is a split-window Corvette and ’63 is the only year they were produced. So that right there is reason enough for Corvette enthusiasts to be interested. Equipped with the L76 V8, coupled to a four-speed Muncie M20 gearbox, this is no slouch on the road. It was treated to a frame-off restoration back in ’05 before it landed in the collection of Neil Peart (we’ll never be able to play YYZ the way he did…). Considering the condition, rarity of the engine and the split-window factor, Gooding & Co’s estimate of $150,000 to $180,000 seems fair at first glance. But when you throw in the celebrity factor, this shouldn’t have any trouble reaching the auction estimate.
5. 1989 Porsche 930 Slantnose Cabriolet
Equipped with the desirable five-speed G50 transmission, this Slantnose should pique everyone’s interest – at least if you like Porsches! Sure, it’s no Carrera RS, but only 75 of these were built for the 1989 model year and this example, with roughly 34,000 original miles should be very exciting for the die-hard Porsche collectors. Coming from the final year of the 930, along with its factory-optioned Slantnose body style, Gooding & Co’s estimate of $150,000 to $200,000 may be right on the money. Although it doesn’t have the original engine, we’ve certainly seen stranger things happen at auctions than a rare, desirable 930 Slantnose Cabriolet sell in that range!