Images courtesy oldcarbrochures.com
I mentioned last week that the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette was little changed from the 1985 Corvette and thus not worth a full Class of 1986 post, considering we had already written the Corvette up for the Class of 1985. Upon further review, I'll have to reverse that decision. The 1986 model year was indeed noteworthy - and some might argue significant - for the Corvette, due to a couple non-mutually exclusive factors.
From the beltline down, there really wasn't much new to the 1986 Corvette. Still in its third generation, the coupe could still be had with a removable top. It was still powered by the L98 TPI 350-cu.in. small-block V-8 - backed with either the four-speed automatic transmission or 4+3 manual transmission - and still featured the same basic third-generation chassis and suspension, though Chevrolet did phase in new aluminum cylinder heads that year (raising the power rating of the L98 from 230 to 235 horsepower), add caster to the front suspension for better road feel, and introduce Bosch ABSII anti-lock brakes. Instead, the big news came as the result of the selection of the Corvette as the pace car for the 1986 Indianapolis 500, just the second time in the Corvette's history it was chosen for that honor, and General Chuck Yeager would be at the wheel.
Traditionally, the Indy 500 pace car is a convertible or otherwise open-topped car, and while that tradition has been set aside many times throughout the race's history - particularly during the late 1970s and early 1980s when convertibles disappeared from the American automotive landscape - it wouldn't be for 1986. True, there had been no drop-top Corvette since 1975, but Chevrolet reintroduced the Corvette convertible late in the model year, just in time for the Indy, making the convertibles identical to the pace car save for the light bar and the strobe lights fitted to the latter. Technically, all 7,315 1986 Corvette convertibles were designated as pace car replicas, though to avoid repeating the "instant collectible" scenario from 1978, Chevrolet decided to include the replica decals with the cars, but not install them at the factory and thus leave it up to the dealers and the customers to decide whether to install them. It appears that all of the convertibles also got the aluminum-head 235hp engines and could be had in one of 12 colors, not just the Yellow that the actual pace car was painted.
The Corvette has gone on to pace the Indy 500 another seven times since then, and the convertible has only left the Corvette lineup once, in 1997, with the introduction of the C5. But does that make the 1986 Corvette convertible collectible? Or is it simply another fourth-generation Corvette?
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1978 Aston Martin AM V8
Reserve: $80,000
Selling Price: $84,000
Recent Market Range: $45,000-$80,000
Aston Martin produced some version of its V8-powered saloon from 1969 through 1989, though we are more likely to refer to the body style as a coupe on this side of the Atlantic. A beefy 5.3-liter DOHC V8 with multiple carburetors and a stout Chrysler-sourced TorqueFlite automatic very much gave the models a muscle car vibe, albeit one made with fine leather upholstery and thick wool carpets. This silver on red 1978 Aston Martin AM V8 Series III saloon, which traded hands last year via online auction for $46,988, achieved one of the highest prices seen in recent years for a coupe equipped with a standard-specification engine, particularly outside the U.K., where values are typically stronger.
1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Reserve: $63,000
Selling Price: $68,775
Recent Market Range: $54,000-$75,000
Perhaps no other American vehicle has combined class and off-road capability quite like the original Grand Wagoneer, the trailblazing luxury SUV that was produced by Jeep for almost three decades. This 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was submitted with just 27,417 miles showing on the odometer and plenty of notes from the seller indicating the original condition of the vehicle and all of its major components. The undercarriage, interior and engine bay photos all appeared to show an exceptionally clean example, which is notable for a rust-prone vehicle that has been in the Northeast since new. The net sale price, achieved with the 39th bid, was in line with market expectations for this very collectible vehicle.
1997 Land Rover Defender 110
Asking Price: $150,000
Selling Price: $157,500
Recent Market Range: $80,000-$150,000
The Land Rover Defender market shows no signs of slowing down, particularly as more and more examples are allowed into the U.S. via the DOT’s 25-year rule for previously banned imports. Likewise, there is a burgeoning market for what can best be described as restomodded examples, like this 1997 Land Rover Defender 110, which was powered by a modern GM LS3 V8, the same powerplant found in later C6 Corvettes. The list of what was original to this SUV might be shorter than what was changed, given the comprehensive nature of the build. Achieved via a direct Make Offer listing, the net sale price of this Land Rover was at the very top end of recent market activity for such customized Defenders.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
Reserve: $54,000
Selling Price: $52,500
Recent Market Range: $46,000-$62,000
This 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge ticked all the right boxes: matching numbers with photos verification of the partial VIN stamping on the engine block of the original Ram Air III V8, Muncie four-speed manual transmission, PHS documentation, and that classic Carousel Red finish and Judge decals. It looked to be in excellent overall condition, but it also appeared to have been driven and enjoyed some in recent years, with some signs of wear. And the net sale price, achieved via post-auction Make Offer listing, reflected the condition and authenticity of the car. A concours-level example, or one with a rare Ram Air IV engine for example, would likely command a premium over this one.
1972 Jaguar E-type Series III Roadster
Reserve: $65,000
Selling Price: $69,825
Recent Market Range: $78,000-$115,000
The final iteration of the Jaguar XKE was a bit larger than the original and not as precisely focused on its sporting nature. Rather, with a big V12 under the hood, it was more of a GT car. This 1972 Jaguar E-type Series III Roadster appeared to have some minor wear and tear and signs of road use, but it made up for any shortcomings with what appeared to be an abundance of authenticity. The seller noted that the exterior finish, interior upholstery and engine were all original. Reflecting the low number of owners and the car’s years sitting in a museum, the odometer reading of just over 30,000 miles was also believed accurate. While the net sale price was below market expectations, it was not too far off.
1913 Ford Model T Runabout
Reserve: $25,00
Selling Price: $26,250
Recent Market Range: $22,000-$36,000
There has never been a shortage of early Fords at Hemmings, dating to the earliest days of our magazine. Like any other vehicle, the most desired examples in the best condition will always attract the bidders. This 1913 Ford Model T Runabout appeared to have been restored to high level and showed only minimal signs of use. It was also equipped with an electric starter. The maroon body, black fenders and white spoke wheels nicely complemented the button-tufted black vinyl seat. The undercarriage appeared to be exceptionally clean, indicating little use for the car that was said to come from a Model T collection. The next sale price was well within the going market rate for an open-top, two-seat, early Model T.
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