A group of more than 450 classic cars – the largest single collection to be auctioned from Canada – is set to cross the block at Auctions America's Auburn Spring, Indiana on 8-10 May.
The John Scotti Collection predominately comprise American muscle cars from the '60s and '70s, but also includes a number of iconic British, Japanese and German models, all of which are offered with no reserve.
Wearing the highest estimate is a 1970 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine, which is expected to fetch $130-160,000. The two-tone example has covered just 43,500 miles and is described by the vendor as being one of the the finest in the world. It features a powered window divider and burr walnut trim throughout.
At the other end of the price spectrum is a 1950 Chrysler New Yorker, which is expected to cost its new owner as little at $15,000. As American as apple pie and mispronouncing 'Leicester', it makes an understated alternative to the chrome and fins symptomatic of the decade, and looks to be superb value.
Again from our side of the pond is a 1980 MGB LE, one of the run-out models from the final year of production. It looks a bit salty with an upper estimate of $20,000 and may fall short on the day.
If you didn't just fall off your seat a moment ago then brace yourself; a 1981 MGB – a Canadian MIV edition – is expected to sell for $20-25,000. Smartly finished, it has covered just 16,000km from new.
True connoisseurs of style will be drawn to the 1971 Ford Ranchero Squire, especially because it is being sold with no estimate. More than half a million Rancheros were built until 1979, but only 2595 were Squire models – famed for their jazzy full-length exterior wood trim. Finished in Medium Yellow Gold, it's unlikely to be missed.
From Germany, a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL is a change of pace in the US-dominated lot list. Estimated at $18-25,000, it is one of just 2533 to be offered with a 4.5-litre V8 engine.
A pioneer of streamlined design is offered in a 1934 Chrysler Custom Imperial Airflow, which was built with the assistance of aviation legend Orville Wright. Despite cutting-edge aircraft technology reflected in its 'truss bridge' chassis and low drag coefficient, its futuristic appearance proved too advanced to achieve widespread popularity in the post-Depression years. Its $140,000 upper estimate suggests that fashions have changed since then.
Back on more familiar ground for the home crowd is a 1967 Plymouth Hemi GTX. Fitted with the top-of-the-range 426cu in Hemi engine, its history file includes a dyne readout quoting a power output of 588bhp – a claim backed up by the December 2000 issue of Mopar Muscle magazine. A well-appointed and rare muscle car, it is set to sell for more than $70,000.
A 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Lightweight Sport Coupe is also generating great interest, though is not part of the Scotti Collection. The former dragster is thought to be the most original Lightweight Impala in existence and has covered just 5500 miles, justifying its $140-160,000 estimate.
