From hot German station wagons to classic American luxury
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| © Motoring Research |
With the help of the experts at Bring a Trailer, we have picked out ten special cars sold so far during 2020. From roadsters to wagons, and even a steam-powered machine, this list is certainly eclectic.
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
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Starting our list is this immaculately restored Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. More than 25,000 examples were made between 1955 and 1963, acting as a more affordable version of the powerful 300 SL.
Unlike the expensive 300 SL and its space frame construction, the 190 SL made use of a normal sedan-based chassis. This was combined with a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual transmission. The level of performance on offer was more sedate than the looks may suggest.
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
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| © Motoring Research |
Inside, the interior was retrimmed in new Parchment leather, and saw an ivory steering wheel fitted. A new wiring harness was fitted, along with a modern battery in place of the vintage item.
A numbers-matching engine, demonstrated provenance, and the recent restoration helped contribute to the final selling price.
1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Westchester
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The troubled history of the Cord brand came to a climax in 1937, when its parent Auburn Automobile Company fell into bankruptcy. It meant the end of production for the futuristic Cord 812, with this being one of the last examples produced.
In fact, only 34 examples of the 812 Westchester sedan were made with the supercharged V-8 engine. This sent 170 horsepower to the front wheels, via a four-speed pre-selector transmission. Cord became the first manufacturer to fit hidden headlights with the 810/812 series, being cranked open by hand.
1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Westchester
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| © Motoring Research |
The restoration process had left no aspect untouched, with even the trunk fitted with new upholstery and an original tool kit. The lengthy rebuild was fully documented, with the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club certifying the car at the end.
Being a rare supercharged 812, and in restored condition, meant it had no trouble finding a new owner.
1963 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C Sport Zagato
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Sold as Lancia’s flagship model, the Flaminia appeared in various body types. These included sedans, coupes, and cabriolet models, along with a 335 "Presidenziale" limousine version.
Arguably the most desirable versions are the Sport and Super Sport coupe versions, featuring styling by Zagato. A pure two-seater with a shortened wheelbase, the Sport Zagato saw a total of 344 examples made.
1963 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C Sport Zagato
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| © Motoring Research |
Brought to the United States early in its life, this Flaminia spent many years as part of a collection in Arizona. It was the subject of a cover story in 2007 for Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine, and also appeared at the Arizona Concours d’Elegance.
The rare combination of 2.8-liter engine and Sport body made this a desirable Lancia for fans of the marque. Even with the seller noting that some areas of the car required attention, it still achieved a considerable $225,000 when the virtual hammer fell.
1968 BMW 1600 with Heinemann trailer
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| © Motoring Research |
Although many enthusiasts may focus on the BMW 2002Ti and Turbo variants, regular models from the 02 Series still hold appeal. Designed to be BMW’s entry-level executive car, almost 150,000 examples were made between 1966 and 1977.
The standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine only offered 84 horsepower. Being taken from the larger New Class Sedan BMW range, this engine was more than sufficient for the lighter 1600 model.
1968 BMW 1600 with Heinemann trailer
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| © Motoring Research |
Finishing the work was the addition of a period-correct Heinemann trailer on the outside, and a 2002Ti steering wheel inside. The attention to detail taken was enough to see this car win its class at the 2019 Legends of the Autobahn show.
This BMW 1600 proves that outright performance is not always the most important factor in producing a desirable classic vehicle. A cool accompanying trailer always helps, too.
1971 Datsun 240Z Series I
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Yes, you are reading the sale price correctly. This Datsun 240Z did legitimately sell for a final auction price of $310,000 on Bring a Trailer this year. The listing also saw more than 1,500 comments posted by members of the BaT community.
A dramatic bidding war pushed the price to more than 250% above the previous highest-selling 240Z on the website. So what exactly made people pay supercar money for a Datsun from the 1970s?
1971 Datsun 240Z Series I
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| © Motoring Research |
The Racing Green exterior paintwork, and tan vinyl upholstery, are in original condition. No restoration work has ever taken place, with the 2.4-liter six-cylinder engine said to have only needed the carburetors adjusting.
Such original condition, and limited ownership numbers, does go some way to explaining the final price paid.
1973 DeTomaso Pantera
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The DeTomaso Pantera may have been made in Italy, but it is still intrinsically linked to the United States. Using Ford’s 351-cubic inch Cleveland V-8, and being sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, engrained it into U.S. culture. Even Kenny Loggins would sing about a DeTomaso on his 1980 song ‘Mr Night’.
A combination of mid-engined Italian styling and Detroit muscle made the Pantera an intriguing sports car prospect. Production would continue until the 1990s, with more than 7,000 examples made between 1971 and 1992.
1973 DeTomaso Pantera
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| © Motoring Research |
This included a bare-metal respray during the 1990s, along with an updated interior also being fitted. An Edelbrock intake was fitted to the Cleveland V-8 engine, with bigger 17-inch wheels also installed. Coilover suspension, and other mechanical tweaks were also undertaken.
With the history of this Pantera documented extensively, some Bring a Trailer commenters regarded the final selling price as a bargain.
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320T AMG
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Mercedes-Benz station wagons are a staple of Bring a Trailer, but this represents a rather rare estate. With a strong reputation for build quality, the W124 model was built by Mercedes-Benz between 1985 and 1996. More than 2.5 million examples were sold worldwide in total.
Japanese enthusiasts developed a strong affection for the W124 model, leading to AMG-tuned versions being developed locally. AMG Japan would fit bespoke body kits and wheels, along with extra interior parts.
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320T AMG
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| © Motoring Research |
Heated black leather seats, wood veneer trim, and AMG-branded instrument dials were also fitted. An aftermarket Nakamichi stereo had been fitted by a later owner. Recent maintenance work had included oil and filter changes, plus a new battery.
Being a left-hand drive vehicle makes this AMG wagon better suited to life in the United States. It may not have been the most expensive car sold on BaT this year, but it will certainly be one of the rarest.
1994 Audi RS 2 Avant
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Another car imported from Japan to the United States, the RS 2 Avant started Audi’s reputation for producing rapid station wagons. Developed with Porsche, the RS 2 is powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter five-cylinder engine, producing 311 horsepower.
Audi’s trademark Quattro all-wheel drive system allows the RS 2 Avant to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Porsche was responsible for the unique front bumper, upgraded brakes, and the 17-inch ‘Cup’ alloy wheels fitted.
1994 Audi RS 2 Avant
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| © Motoring Research |
With relatively high mileage, this RS 2 Avant had certainly been used as intended. The seller included a range of upgraded items ready to be fitted. $55,000 for a car capable of out-accelerating a McLaren F1 from 0-30 mph seems a relative bargain.
2001 Audi RS 4 Avant
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| © Motoring Research |
Audi’s follow up to the RS 2 came in 1999, with the even more powerful RS 4 Avant. Not officially sold in the United States, the first-generation RS 4 came with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine. The output of 375 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque made for rapid performance.
Upgrades compared to the normal S4 model included a bespoke body kit, flared fenders, and being offered solely in estate form. Naturally, Quattro all-wheel drive was standard, along with a six-speed manual transmission.
2001 Audi RS 4 Avant
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| © Motoring Research |
The seller had fitted 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, plus Ohlins adjustable coilover suspension, and 14-inch Alcon brakes. Climate control, cruise control, and leather-clad sports seats are found inside.
With original RS 4 Avants not officially sold in the U.S., their numbers are low. The new owner of this example is unlikely to end up parked next to another at a local car meet.
Custom Steam-Powered Boat Tail Roadster
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| © Motoring Research |
Taking the prize for the craziest vehicle sold on Bring a Trailer so far during 2020 is this custom steam-powered roadster. Developed from a 1928 Ford Model A chassis, almost nothing is left of the original car.
The chassis itself has been narrowed, and has been converted to a six-wheeler setup. A marine-type steam engine is fed by a 3.5-gallon boiler, clad in completely bespoke bodywork.
Custom Steam-Powered Boat Tail Roadster
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| © Motoring Research |
Braking is undertaken by a single Ford Model A drum, and drivers also have to wait 45 minutes for the boiler to reach operating temperature. There is at least a brass bell and a steam whistle fitted.
It may not be the most expensive car sold by Bring a Trailer, but it is easily the most unique.
