Upcoming June 14th Cars and Bikes Event from Miller and Miller Auctions
Garage Style Magazine has long put the main character in the supporting role by showcasing not the motor vehicles, but rather the space in which they live among the collectibles they share bunk with. It’s an odd way to do a magazine when most everyone wants to see cars, trucks, and bikes. We love motor vehicles around here, but when we launched GSM we figured there were enough car magazines out there. Interestingly, GSM has about five stillborn siblings that all dealt with cars – but again, they were car magazines. But, GSM allowed us the flexibility to showcase so much more enthusiasm than just to the vehicles by presenting the garages – kind of like “Dwell” or “Architectural Digest” for car guys. But once in a while, we get a chance to play with cars, and this is that. Miller and Miller Auctions is hosting a sale of some really interesting, even iconic cars and bikes June 14. That same day will be the final day for their two-day Petroliana and Advertising sale too, interesting. Below are a few of the highlights coming on offer – check them out, make a bid – why not? Summer is here, perfect time to pick up a new main character for the cruise ins.
One of the most iconic cars of the muscle car era, and certainly of Ford and Mustang history, the BOSS Mustang series was highly unique in many ways. Two versions were built, the BOSS 302 and the BOSS 429, both serving very different tasks. The lighter 302 was used to compete in various road courses, especially in the SCCA Trans Am races against the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The 429 was made to entertain NASCAR and NHRA competition, in particular against the likes of anything with a Chrysler 426 Hemi. To accommodate the massive 429 CI V-8 engine, Ford turned to Kar Kraft to make various structural modifications, including the repositioning of the shock towers under the hood allowing enough width for the engine to fit between them. Building the BOSS 429 was a huge undertaking, adding greatly to the overall expense and hugely increasing the sticker price. For 1969, just over 800 BOSS 429s were made, and this one is presented in Royal Maroon with a black interior and looks every bit the part of a ‘60s muscle car. - LEARN MORE!
Lot 28 - 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Shelby name emblazoned the Ford Mustang first in 1965 with the GT350. Tuning the Hi-Po small block 289 CI V-8 from 271 HP to 306, Shelby further worked magic on the chassis, the entire exercise demonstrating succinctly how well the Mustang could be a serious competitor on street and track. By 1967, more firepower was needed, and the GT500 was introduced packing a modified 428 CI V-8 engine with 335 HP. A much more refined Mustang, the GT500 was a lovely blend of muscle and date night charm. It was something that could be raced all day Saturday, washed up and used to go to dinner Saturday night – with woodgain applique interior treatment, bucket seats, and more, it was not only a formidable performance car, but a comfortable one. For 1968 the GT500 only saw minor changes, and this one has a BOSS transmission upgrade with the original rear end and engine. - LEARN MORE!
Lot 42 - 2009 Ferrari F430
Introduced late in 2004, the Ferrari F430 had big shoes to fill replacing the 360. Most agree, it did very well. While it bore a strong resemblance to the 360, the 430 brought about modern details and a slightly enhanced aerodynamic profile. The 4.3L V-8 engine was brand new, breaking away from the original Dino architecture dating back to the 1950s, and delivering low-end torque easily and quickly. One of the quickest cars of the day, it would sprint from 0-60 in just 3.6-seconds. The chassis was greatly enhanced as well allowing the car to handle much more neutrally and predictably while losing weight in the process. It was also highly technical with various electronic assistance aids that helped the driver achieve the best driving results possible. Popular, by the time production ceased in late 2009, nearly 17,000 had been sold in all forms. This one is presented in Rosso Corsa over Beige and features the Scuderia badges on the front fenders. - LEARN MORE!
Lot 25 - Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
When Mercedes-Benz began offering production versions of its highly technical 300SL Gull Wing coupe to the public, the price was a bit staggering at over $7,000. The company knew it needed to offer something more affordable to enhance sales, and the answer was the 190SL roadster. Based on a more pedestrian sedan chassis, the 190SL was no price slouch at roughly $4,000, but that was considerably more affordable than the 300SL. Fitted with an inline 4-cylinder engine, it was only offered in a convertible body style and featured bucket seats and that build quality that helped put Mercedes-Benz on the map. This 1961 example is presented in silver-grey with a red interior, the inline-4 fitted with the 4-speed manual transmission and twin carburetors. - LEARN MORE!
Lot 33 - 1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible
By 1970, the Pontiac GTO had established itself very well as a respected and potent muscle car that was also very comfortable and presentable. This year would receive an all-new front end design and interior revisions further expemplifying its status of a gentleman’s hot rod. This particular example is presented in triple black and is complete with the Ram Air hood, hood tachometer and rear spoiler. Under the hood is a 455 CI V-8 engine producing 360 HP and 500 lb-ft. of torque. A Muncie 4-speed channels all the power to a GM 12-bolt heavy duty rear end. According to Miller and Miller, less than 160 GTO convertibles were finished in triple black and equipped with the 455/4-speed, making it a super rare opportunity. - LEARN MORE!
Lot 10 - 1969 Honda CB750 K0 Die-Cast
One of the very earliest of the superbikes, the Honda CB750 used a 67 HP inline 4-cylinder engine with a four-into-four exhaust system and a 5-speed manual transmission with a chassis that offered balance and just the right amount of weight to handle the 120 MPH top speed. An extraordinarily successful bike, it came with disc brakes and twin suspensions and largely gave the bikes of England something to worry about. Interesting bit of history, the first 7,414 CB750s were initially manufactured with an engine produced through sand casting while later versions used the die casting method to produce the engines. - LEARN MORE!
Lot 22 - 1969 Honda CB750 K0 Sand Cast
When Honda introduced the CB750, it absolutely shook the earth. Here was a bike with disc brakes, an inline 4-cylinder with 67 HP, and a 5-speed transmission capable of 120 MPH top speeds. It’s 0-60 sprints redefined “quick bike,” and the whole enchilada created the superbike market. The earliest CB750s used engines created through the sand casting method and hand assembly. Just 7,414 bikes were made with this engine, the company turning to die casting for the later editions. This is one of the sand cast bikes, hugely desirable for its early and rare status. - LEARN MORE!
