A Champagne Edition VW, rare imported BMW Baur, and restomod Chevelle: Hemmings Auctions Weekly Round Up for July 10-16, 2022

Your clever clicking has landed you on this week’s Hemmings Auctions Round Up page, where we present a small selection from the broad range of  vehicles that recently crossed our virtual auction block. We saw 60 cars and trucks launch between Sunday, July 10 and Saturday the 16th. Of the 40 that sold last week, 11 were Make Offer listing sales, and the sell-through rate was 67 percent. Check out the latest consignments by subscribing to the daily Hemmings Auctions newsletter.

1977 Volkswagen Beetle

Reserve: $18,000

Selling Price: $26,305

Recent Market Range: $16,100-$24,400

The Champagne Edition was a 1977 Volkswagen promotion celebrating the building of the 1 millionth Rabbit/Golf, and it was offered on six VW models, including this Beetle Convertible, which was marked by its Alpine White paint with gold stripes, Cameo White seats, and Light Sand top (here replaced with a recent, white unit with matching boot). Fewer than 11,000 miles have been put on this car in 45 years, and its driveline is said to work correctly, leaving a few oil drops after storage. The paint and interior were called “excellent,” with light surface corrosion noted in certain spots inside and underneath. Recent tires mean the VW is roadworthy, and it handily beat the market range.

1969 Ford Cobra

Reserve: $88,250

Selling Price: $99,750

Recent Market Range: N/A

The Cobra hardtop coupe was all business in 1969, trading luxuries for go-fast goodies like the 428-cu.in. Cobra Jet Ram Air V-8 and Traction Lok differential. A Marti Works report showed this car was restored in its original Royal Maroon over black vinyl livery, both said to be in very good condition with only minor flaws. The numbers-matching V-8 and C6 column-shift automatic were rebuilt and promised proper operation, and the engine bay and undercarriage were detailed to a high degree. Correct-style bias-ply tires had been driven fewer than 100 miles. Included with the sale were the original build sheet and photos documenting the restoration. This car easily exceeded its reserve.

1985 BMW 323i Baur TC

Reserve: $7,500

Selling Price: $9,750

Recent Market Range: $6,150-$10,530

While factory-authorized Baur Top Cabriolet versions of BMW’s 3 Series weren’t sold here, some European-market cars have been privately imported through the years, including this 323i. It sported some federalization modifications and was well equipped with desirable M-Technic goodies like a body kit and sport seats. The 121,214 miles were corroborated with an included Carfax, and the 2.3-liter straight-six and Z4-sourced 5-speed manual were said to work as designed with no flaws. The cosmetics appeared good and the two-piece top operated fine; the interior presented well. Minor issues with warning lamps and the stereo were noted. Two time extensions led to a reasonably healthy sale.

1952 Chevrolet 3100

Reserve: $35,000

Selling Price: $37,275

Recent Market Range: $28,110-$42,450

Chevrolet’s postwar “Advanced Design” pickups are considered as stylish as they are functional, and this has led to many being turned into street rods blending classic looks with modern performance. That’s what happened to this 1952 Deluxe Cab Half-Ton, which received the custom treatment at an undisclosed time and fresh exterior paint within two years. Skulls, flames, and pinstripes set this Chevy apart, as did a unique three-tone interior with leather and cloth seating. A 454 V-8 and three-speed automatic powered the truck without issue, and a 1971 Camaro front subframe brought disc brakes and power steering. A notable eight time extensions took place before the virtual hammer fell.

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Reserve: $35,000

Selling Price: $36,750

Recent Market Range: $34,120-$48,550

Fewer than 28,000 miles were put on this SL55 AMG folding-hardtop convertible by its sole owner, and the luxury sports car ticked all the right boxes: nearly 500 horsepower from its supercharged V-8 engine, adjustable-tint panoramic glass in the roof, Multicontour seats, new tires, and full dealer-service records. Outside of two small paint chips, no cosmetic flaws were reported outside or in, and all of the Mercedes-Benz’s power features were promised to work properly. The driveline was clean and dry, and recent chassis servicing led to fresh components with a long warranty. The final selling bid represented a bargain when you consider how much bang for the buck this Benz offered.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle

Reserve: $77,000

Selling Price: $96,600

Recent Market Range: $72,120-$95,350

Much work went into creating the smooth appearance of this 1970 Chevelle restomod, which wore SS trimmings and featured a totally custom interior. The Deep Copper Metallic paint sported ghost stripes and hid side marker and CHMSL lamps that appear when lit. The four-place, leather-clad interior looked comfortable, and custom digital gauges offered stylish take on the original layout; the A/C was noted not to be working. Under the domed hood, a recently serviced fuel-injected LS1 V-8 offered clean looks and ample power sent to a Ford 9-inch rear through a four-speed automatic. Staggered 17- and 18-inch alloys fronted power disc brakes. A video and many photos showed it to a fine result.