Classic Auto Mall - #085 - Stewart Howden with Steve Saffier
About this episode
Stewart Howden and Steve Saffier dive into the bustling world of classic car consignments at Classic Auto Mall, discussing recent record-breaking days with 13 new cars arriving unexpectedly. They explore the nuances of selling classic cars through auctions versus consignment, emphasizing the importance of pricing and market trends. The episode also touches on unique inventory highlights, including a rare 1930 Franklin and a 1956 Austin Healey, while sharing anecdotes about car culture and personal experiences. Listeners will appreciate the blend of humor and insight into the classic car market.
Archive Show #085 airdate 04-21-23 Stewart and Steve talk all things automotive including higher mileage classic maintenance, business check fraud plus how people in the 1950's "had it made" and the battle over a car by Sinatra and Elvis.
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CONTENT NOTE: Contests, Prizes, Offers, Vehicles & other items may no longer be available or offered after each show's original broadcast or posting date.
Recorded in our Showcase Studio just inside the entrance of the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA, Host Stewart Howden, Classic Auto Mall President and Classic Car Specialist Steve Saffier talk about this unique and amazing place often with amazing guests.
YES...Classic Auto Mall is a REAL former shopping mall that covers almost EIGHT football fields with an average of nearly ONE THOUSAND classic vehicles under one, climate controlled roof and they're all FOR SALE!
Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to be informed of new episodes and SEE them on the Classic Auto Mall YouTube Channel. We also invite you to VISIT US IN PERSON at Classic Auto Mall, one hour west of Philadelphia at PA Turnpike Exit #298, VISIT us online at ClassicAutoMall.com or talk to real, live people about visiting, buying or selling your classic on consignment at 888-227-0914.
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no reserve auction
"I guess the quickest way is just to go to auction without reserve. Yeah, you can do that without reserve. And it's a risk."
In a no reserve auction, the item is sold to whoever bids the most, even if that amount is lower than what the seller hoped for. It's a way to ensure the item sells, but it can be risky for the seller.
A no reserve auction means that the item will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of the final bid amount. This type of auction can attract more bidders but also carries the risk of selling for less than expected.
Barrett Jackson
"for every car that you see sell at Barrett Jackson, no reserve."
Barrett Jackson is a famous auction house where people buy and sell classic cars. They hold big events where many unique cars are sold to the highest bidder.
Barrett Jackson is a well-known auction company that specializes in classic and collector cars. Their auctions often feature high-profile vehicles and attract a large audience of buyers and sellers.
Chevrolet Corvette
"... a home run and they get $700,000 for a Resto Mod Corvette. There's also the guy who goes, man, I sure thou..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's famous for being powerful and fun to drive, and some versions can be very valuable, especially if they've been customized.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and rich history dating back to 1953. It has become a symbol of American automotive engineering and is often discussed for its impressive capabilities and collectible value, especially in modified forms like Resto Mods.
restomod
"And it's a home run and they get $700,000 for a Resto Mod Corvette. There's also the guy who goes, man, I sure thought my car would have done better."
A restomod is an old car that has been fixed up and updated with new parts to make it better to drive. It keeps the classic look but has modern features.
A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern components for improved performance, comfort, and reliability. This often includes upgrades to the engine, suspension, and interior while maintaining the original aesthetic of the vehicle.
Formula One
"...especially, is just, when they just capture every set, or watch the Formula One cars going around a corner and they slow it down to, you know, one-one-hundredths of whatever."
Formula One is a type of car racing where specially designed cars race on tracks. It's famous for its speed and the skill of the drivers.
Formula One is a high-speed motorsport series featuring single-seater race cars that compete on various circuits around the world. Known for its advanced technology and engineering, it showcases some of the fastest cars and most skilled drivers in the world.
tires
"...Oh, and the tires. Yep, yep. The tires, when they just stand up."
Tires are the round rubber parts on cars that touch the road. They help the car grip the road and are important for driving safely and quickly.
Tires are the rubber components that provide traction and support for a vehicle. They are crucial for performance, handling, and safety, especially in motorsports where specific tire types are used for different conditions.
numbers matching
"Numbers matching 350 cubic inch, 200 horsepower V8."
'Numbers matching' means that the main parts of the car, like the engine, are the same ones that came with it when it was first made. This is important for collectors who want original cars.
The term 'numbers matching' refers to a vehicle where the engine, transmission, and other key components have their original factory numbers. This is important for collectors as it indicates authenticity and can enhance the car's value.
NCRS Top Flight
"NCRS Top Flight 96.1 point winner out of a hundred."
NCRS Top Flight is a special award for Corvettes that are really well restored and kept original. A score of 96.1 means it's in excellent condition.
NCRS Top Flight is an award given by the National Corvette Restorers Society to Corvettes that meet high standards of authenticity and quality. Scoring 96.1 out of 100 indicates a very well-preserved and restored vehicle.
cubic inch
"Numbers matching 350 cubic inch, 200 horsepower V8."
Cubic inch is a way to measure how big an engine is. A 350 cubic inch engine is a strong engine often found in powerful cars.
Cubic inch is a unit of measurement used to describe the engine displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. A 350 cubic inch engine is a common size for V8 engines, indicating a powerful performance.
Austin Healey 104 BN2 Roadster
"...a 1956 Austin Healey 104 BN2 Roadster, Reno Red Over Black, one of 4600 built, 2600 cc four cylinder, it's got the manuals and the British Heritage Certificate..."
The Austin Healey 104 BN2 Roadster is a classic car from 1956. It's a small, sporty vehicle with a four-cylinder engine, and only 4600 of them were made, making it quite special.
The Austin Healey 104 BN2 Roadster is a classic British sports car produced in 1956. Known for its lightweight design and spirited performance, it features a 2600 cc four-cylinder engine and is part of a limited production run of 4600 units.
heritage certificate
"So you might see a car that's black and you get its heritage certificate, whether it be British Heritage or Jaguar or whatever else. And you might see that it came originally in green."
A heritage certificate is a paper that proves what a classic car was like when it was first made, including its original color. It can help show that the car is genuine and can affect how much it's worth.
A heritage certificate is a document that verifies the original specifications and history of a classic car, including details like its original color and production information. This certificate can enhance the car's value and authenticity in the collector market.
Packard
"You know, what we see like it's funny, these the high high dollar stuff, the Duesenbergs and the 32 Packards and V12s and all this stuff, sometimes they'll have a color change and it seems to have no bearing at all on the value and what it's worth and change anything."
Packard was a company that made high-end cars in the past. Their cars are now considered classic and can be very valuable to collectors.
Packard was an American luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing high-quality cars from the early 1900s until the 1950s. The Model 320 is one of their notable models, recognized for its craftsmanship and performance, making it a desirable choice among classic car collectors.
Austin Healey
"So the Austin Healey is a great car, four speed manual with an overdrive, which is important because four speeds with three pedals is just not enough."
The Austin Healey is a well-known sports car from Britain. It usually has a manual transmission with four gears, which means you have to change gears yourself while driving.
The Austin Healey is a classic British sports car known for its performance and design. It typically features a four-speed manual transmission, which is a common characteristic of sports cars from its era.
automatic transmission
"I think my Mercedes has 11 speeds. It's an automatic."
An automatic transmission is a system in cars that changes gears automatically, so the driver doesn't have to do it manually. It's easier to drive, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually. It is designed for ease of use and convenience.
five speed manual
"...And then at five speed and boy, the five speed manual was like, oh, it just let it was there's so many cars that could benefit from a fifth gear, especially late sixties, early seventies..."
A five-speed manual is a type of car transmission that lets you choose from five different speeds. This helps the car perform better and can save fuel compared to older transmissions that only had three or four speeds.
A five-speed manual transmission allows the driver to select from five different gear ratios, providing better performance and fuel efficiency compared to earlier three or four-speed transmissions. It offers more flexibility in power delivery and can enhance the driving experience, especially in various driving conditions.
muscle cars
"muscle cars. They just get into that fourth gear and they need another gear."
Muscle cars are fast cars with big engines, usually American-made, that are built for speed and power. They became popular in the 1960s and 70s for their ability to go really fast in a straight line.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles that typically feature powerful engines and are designed for straight-line speed. They gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, known for their aggressive styling and performance.
five speeds
"And so then when we got five speeds and then six speeds and now seven speeds..."
Five speeds means the car has five different gears to choose from when driving. This helps the car perform better and save fuel depending on how fast you're going.
Five speeds refers to a five-speed transmission, which allows the driver to select from five different gear ratios. This setup provides a balance of performance and fuel efficiency across various driving conditions.
six speeds
"...and then six speeds and now seven speeds..."
Six speeds means the car has six different gears to use when driving. This can help the car go faster and use less fuel depending on how fast you're driving.
Six speeds refers to a six-speed transmission, which provides an additional gear ratio compared to a five-speed transmission. This allows for better acceleration and fuel efficiency at various speeds.
seven speeds
"...and now seven speeds and is there an eight speed manual now that we know?"
Seven speeds means the car has seven different gears to choose from when driving. This helps the car perform better and can save fuel depending on your speed.
Seven speeds refers to a seven-speed transmission, which offers even more gear ratios than a six-speed. This allows for improved performance, especially in terms of acceleration and fuel economy.
Franklin 145 series
"Also, we got in a 1930 Franklin 145 series, Victoria, Broome, Sudan. What a name."
The Franklin 145 series is a car model made by Franklin in 1930. It was known for being different because it had an air-cooled engine instead of the more common water-cooled engines.
The Franklin 145 series was a luxury car produced in 1930, known for its innovative engineering and distinctive design. It featured a unique air-cooled engine, which was quite rare for its time.
Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes
"A Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes, which I don't know what that means."
Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes are a type of brake system that uses fluid to help stop the car. They were considered advanced for cars made in the early 20th century.
Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes were an advanced braking system for their time, using hydraulic pressure to operate drum brakes, providing better stopping power and control compared to earlier systems.
Franklin
"We have a Franklin in our barn find collection."
Franklin was a car brand that made unique cars with special engines that didn't need water to cool down. They aren't made anymore, so you don't see them often.
Franklin was an American automobile manufacturer known for its air-cooled engines and innovative designs. They produced cars from the early 1900s until the late 1930s, making them quite rare today.
barn find
"That's going to leave here and go away to barn find collection heaven down in Oaks, PA. We've already taken 52 of the barn finds out of here."
A barn find is a car that someone finds in a barn or garage after it has been sitting there for a long time. These cars can be special because they might be rare or have interesting histories, but they usually need a lot of work to get them running again.
A barn find refers to a vehicle that has been discovered in a barn or similar storage location, often after being forgotten or neglected for many years. These vehicles can be valuable due to their rarity and the stories behind them, and they often require restoration to return them to roadworthy condition.
Model A Ford
"...take a Model A Ford from 1930 and it's hard to restore it without spending more money than it's worth."
The Model A Ford is a car made by Ford between 1927 and 1931. It was one of the first cars that many people could afford and is now considered a classic.
The Model A Ford is a classic car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931. It was the successor to the Model T and is known for its affordability and reliability, making it a popular choice among early automobile buyers.
Ford Model A Ford
"...o sell because they're older cars and you take a Model A Ford from 1930 and it's hard to restore it without sp..."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that regular people could buy, and it changed how cars were made. It's very old, so fixing one can be tricky, but it's a big part of car history.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, revolutionizing transportation and manufacturing with its assembly line production. Its significance lies in making car ownership accessible to the masses and shaping the automotive industry.
BMW Z3
"Z3, a 2003. It's in that dark blueish grayish with a tan interior."
The BMW Z3 is a small sports car that you can drive with the top down. It was made in the late 1990s and early 2000s and is loved for being fun to drive.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster that was produced from 1995 to 2002. It is known for its sporty handling and classic design, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Camaro
"Also in was a 69 Camaro Yenco tribute, hugger orange over black, well done tribute."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car that has been around since the late 1960s. The 1969 version is known for its powerful engines and stylish looks.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1966. The 1969 model is particularly sought after for its performance and iconic design.
crate motor
"However, it's got a ZZ502 crate motor in it."
A crate motor is a complete engine that you can buy and put into a car. It's like getting a ready-made engine instead of building one from scratch.
A crate motor is a pre-assembled engine sold as a complete unit, ready to be installed in a vehicle. They are often used for performance upgrades and restorations.
Shelby
"...It's like Shelby."
Shelby is a name associated with a famous car designer named Carroll Shelby, who made fast versions of Ford cars.
Shelby refers to Carroll Shelby, an iconic automotive designer and racer known for creating high-performance versions of Ford cars, especially the Shelby Mustang.
427
"...let him put 427s in them. And so they were the top dog of the drag strip."
The 427 is a type of engine size that means it has 427 cubic inches of space inside. This size is known for being very powerful, especially in muscle cars.
The 427 refers to a specific engine displacement of 427 cubic inches, commonly associated with high-performance engines in muscle cars, particularly from the 1960s and 1970s. It is known for its power and racing pedigree.
Nash Lafayette
"So also in 1936 Nash Lafayette business coupe, Burgundy black over black, built by the six..."
The Nash Lafayette is a car made by Nash in 1936. It's a type of coupe that was built for business use, meaning it had a larger interior for carrying things.
The Nash Lafayette was a car produced by Nash Motors in 1936, known for its unique styling and features. It was a business coupe variant, which typically had a more spacious interior and was designed for practicality.
BMW Z4
"...hat's funny. Why don't you try to get out of the Z4? Yeah."
The BMW Z4 is a fancy car that you can drive with the top down, making it feel like a sports car. It's designed to be fun to drive and looks really nice, which is why people talk about it.
The BMW Z4 is a luxury sports convertible that combines performance with everyday usability. Known for its sharp handling and elegant design, it appeals to driving enthusiasts and those looking for a stylish open-top experience.
Mini Cooper
"I just have the Mini Cooper today. Oh, the Cooper."
The Mini Cooper is a small car that is fun to drive and has a unique look. It's well-known and loved by many people.
The Mini Cooper is a compact car known for its distinctive design and agile handling. It has a rich history and is popular among car enthusiasts for its fun driving experience.
Alpina Z8
"...ore, it's just one you've always wanted, like the Z8 BMW. So that's one that is on my list."
The Alpina Z8 is a special, upgraded version of a BMW sports car that looks really cool and goes really fast. It's not very common, which makes it a car that many people dream of owning.
The Alpina Z8 is a high-performance version of the BMW Z8, modified by Alpina, a company known for enhancing BMW vehicles. With its unique styling and powerful engine, the Z8 is a rare and desirable collector's item that represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance.
BMW Z8 Bmw
"...ore, it's just one you've always wanted, like the Z8 BMW. So that's one that is on my list."
Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL
"...of antifreeze bottles. And then we passed on the 420 SEL Mercedes to them that didn't have a, the right re..."
The Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL is a really nice, high-end car that was made to be super comfortable and full of cool features. It's a car that people who like luxury often talk about.
The Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL is a luxury sedan from the 1990s known for its comfort, advanced technology, and strong performance. As part of the S-Class lineup, it represents the brand's commitment to quality and innovation in the luxury car segment.
Buick Le Sabre
"...t flipping the air cleaner on a 455. My mother's Buick Le Sabre, we flip over and then that was, that was the sou..."
The Buick LeSabre is a big, comfortable car that many families used to drive. It's known for being reliable and easy to ride in, which is why it comes up in conversations about older cars.
The Buick LeSabre is a full-size sedan that was popular in the U.S. for its spacious interior and smooth ride. Known for its reliability and comfort, it has been a staple in the Buick lineup for decades.
Honda That Honda
"...up there, dad would say, somehow we keep missing that Honda place and I know you want to stop there, but some..."
The Honda That's is a small car that was made mainly for Japan. It's designed to be easy to drive and park, making it a practical choice for city driving.
The Honda That's is a compact car produced primarily for the Japanese market, known for its unique design and practicality. It represents Honda's innovative approach to small vehicle design and efficiency.
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