Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Followup: Auctioneer Kruse ordered to pay bank $1.3M, has jet repo'd]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/followup-auctioneer-kruse-ordered-to-pay-bank-1-3m-has-jet-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/followup-auctioneer-kruse-ordered-to-pay-bank-1-3m-has-jet-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/followup-auctioneer-kruse-ordered-to-pay-bank-1-3m-has-jet-re/#comments Filed under: ,

The walls are closing in on Dean Kruse, head of the Indiana-based Kruse International auction house. In September, a slew of lawsuits were filed against the company. Further opening the wound, a county court in Indiana has now ordered Kruse to pay more than $1.3 million to a bank in Warsaw -- just one of several debtors seeking money from the company -- for an overdue loan originally in the amount of $4.5 million. Two foreclosure lawsuits in DeKalb County, Indiana, are pending. One is for $6.5 million in unpaid loans. The other is for a loan in default for $7.8 million. Adding to his growing headache, and slowing down his travel, GE's financial arm has asked a federal court to repossess Kruse's million-dollar Cessna corporate jet.

While Kruse isn't talking to the media about his current events, he told The Journal Gazette last month that the recession has been hard on his sales. Compounding his troubles and drying up his cash flow, his longtime business practice of releasing cars to good customers before payment has come back to bite him. Understandably, he told the Gazette that he has since suspended that practice.

[Source: The Journal Gazette]

Followup: Auctioneer Kruse ordered to pay bank $1.3M, has jet repo'd originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auctionauction houseAuctionHouseBankruptbankruptcyCessna JetCessnaJetDean KruseDeanKruseKeKalb CountyKekalbCountykruse internationalKruseInternationallawsuitMillions Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:33:00 EST <![CDATA[Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rare-aston-martin-db4-gt-lightweight-going-to-highest-bidder-at/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rare-aston-martin-db4-gt-lightweight-going-to-highest-bidder-at/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rare-aston-martin-db4-gt-lightweight-going-to-highest-bidder-at/#comments Filed under: , , ,


1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With just 75 built between 1959 and 1963, the Aston Martin DB4 GT is a rare breed. Of those, a mere six are the coveted lightweight models that cut weight by using aluminum components (instead of steel) and delete items like the radio, speakers, and heater. It's not very often that one comes up for sale, but this January, RM Auctions will be offering a pristine example at their sale in Scottsdale.

The car going up for auction is chassis #0175/L, the last DB4 GT Lightweight built. It underwent a total restoration in the mid-Nineties where it received upgrades like Dunlop racing tires, Dayton wire wheels, and a four-point roll bar. The car wasn't competitively raced in the Sixties, but several owners have competed with the car in various vintage races at tracks like Lime Rock Park and Laguna Seca.

Sound like your kind of car? RM estimates you'll need anywhere from $950,000-$1,000,000 to take this ruby beauty home. If you don't have that kind of cash, then you'll have to settle for the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight


[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction

Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Aston MartinAston Martin DB4Aston Martin DB4 GTAston Martin DB4 GT LightweightAstonMartinAstonMartinDb4AstonMartinDb4GtAstonMartinDb4GtLightweightauctionsRM AuctionsRmAuctions Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST <![CDATA[Porsche family auctioning off watch collection]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/porsche-family-auctioning-off-watch-collection/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/porsche-family-auctioning-off-watch-collection/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/porsche-family-auctioning-off-watch-collection/#comments Filed under: ,

Porsche family watch collection - Click above for image gallery

Times are tough for the Porsche family. Amidst the merger with Volkswagen, their company just suffered a $6.6 billion loss. But we didn't think things were this bad for the descendants of Ferdinand Porsche until Bonhams announced they would be liquidating that family's watch collection to the highest bidder.

Okay, we're exaggerating just a bit. The Porsche family stands to make a lot of money out of the Volkswagen merger, and the collection is being auctioned off for charity. And while we have no idea what charity that is, we have to assume it's not the Porsche family themselves.

As it turns out, the family's interests extend beyond the automobile. Not only does their Porsche Design Group have its own range of watches, but some fourteen years ago they bought Eterna, one of the largest independent watchmakers in Switzerland. Eterna fabricates Porsche Design watches as well as their own brand, and several of the rarest examples will be included along with others among the 49 watches crossing the auction block on December 2 in London.

Among those pieces Bonhams is highlight are included a rare 18kt gold Porsche Design prototype and an Eterna presented to family scion Ferdinand Oliver Porsche on his 40th birthday, along with rare timepieces from Rolex and Omega as well as Panerai (which makes watches for arch-rival Ferrari), Jaeger LeCoultre (which partners with Aston Martin) and Breitling (in league with Bentley). Follow the jump for further details, and check out the images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Porsche Family Watch Collection


[Source: Bonhams]

Continue reading Porsche family auctioning off watch collection

Porsche family auctioning off watch collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bonhamseternaporscheporsche designporsche eternaporsche familyporsche family watch collectionPorscheDesignPorscheEternaPorscheFamilyPorscheFamilyWatchCollection Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

George Barris's 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X - clic above for high-res image gallery

If you've never seen Vincent Gallo's Buffalo 66, stop reading and watch it. Why? Because otherwise the next part of this post isn't going to make any sense to you. Anyhow, remember the scene when his Billy Brown character kidnaps/carjacks Christina Ricci's Layla and forces her to drive because he can't work a manual?
"Would you like to know why I can't drive this kinda car? I'm used to luxury cars. Have you ever heard of a luxury car? Ever heard of Cadillac, Cadillac Eldorado? That's what I drive. I drive cars that shift themselves. My cars shift themselves. The luxury cars, they shift themselves."
We quote this scene because we think this here particular Oldsmobile Toronado would appeal to Mr. Brown's predilection for luxury cars. We mean, just look at that back seat. Incredible, right? Wrap around leather benches are totally (and sadly) missing from our everyday automotive experience. And we're pretty sure you could use the fold-out cocaine shelf to write on, so it's practical, too. Curiously, we've seen a Barris Toro before - though that one was dubbed 67X - and although it was in much worse shape, it failed to meet its reserve at $7,701.

Now, this particular custom Toronado (the story goes that Barris built four of these for the 1967 Canadian Expo -- only two are known to survive) is much better shape, having undergone a "complete frame-up restoration at an astronomical cost." However, $7,701 won't even get you into that amazing drug den back seat. In fact, the starting bid is $227,770 and the reserve isn't met. Sure, that's a lot of scratch, but you can really put a price on luxury like this? We're saying no. Happy bidding!


Gallery: 1967 Oldsmobile Barris 70-X Toronado


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1967 Barris Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X1967 Oldsmobile Toronado1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X1967 Oldsmobile Toronado Barris 70-X1967BarrisOldsmobileToronado70-x1967OldsmobileToronado1967OldsmobileToronado70-x1967OldsmobileToronadoBarris70-xBarris Oldsmobile ToronadoBarrisOldsmobileToronadocGeare BarrisGeareBarrisLuxuryOlds Toronado 70-XOldsmobil Toronado 70-XOldsmobileOldsmobile Barris Toronado 70-XOldsmobile ToronadoOldsmobileBarrisToronado70-xOldsmobileToronadoOldsmobilToronado70-xOldsToronado70-xToronadoToronado 70-XToronado70-x Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/caveat-emptor-columbus-ohio-dealer-taking-deposits-on-volt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/caveat-emptor-columbus-ohio-dealer-taking-deposits-on-volt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/caveat-emptor-columbus-ohio-dealer-taking-deposits-on-volt/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fans of the Chevrolet Volt have been waiting patiently nearly three years now for the first extended-range electric vehicle to debut. One Columbus, Ohio area Chevrolet dealer is looking to take advantage of this eagerness by posting an auction on eBay Motors for its allocation of Volts. Jack Maxton Chevrolet is now taking deposits on the Volt a full year before the first production models are scheduled to roll off an assembly line in Detroit.

There are clearly problems with this. The current bid is at $1,525 but it's not clear from the listing just what the winning bidder will get. It could be the first position in line, if and when Maxton gets some Volts, but we can't say for sure.

Notice we said if Maxton gets the Volt. We checked with Volt spokesman David Darovitz at General Motors who told us that it's not certain that every Chevy dealer will get the Volt: "They must first go through a rigorous certification process" to ensure that they are ready to sell and service the electrically-driven compact and its battery. Darovitz also tells us, "Dealers have not been selected" at this time, and that includes Maxton Chevrolet. You might want to keep that in mind before placing your bid. Remember, patience is a virtue. Thanks to Nat for the tip!


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: eBay Motors]

Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt depositsChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltDepositseBayebay Find of the DayEbayFindOfTheDayvoltvolt depositsVoltDeposits Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:53:00 EST <![CDATA[Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/bentley-craftsmen-create-works-of-art-for-charity-in-their-down/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/bentley-craftsmen-create-works-of-art-for-charity-in-their-down/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/bentley-craftsmen-create-works-of-art-for-charity-in-their-down/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Bentley Art Project - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's what we love about Bentley. While workers at other automakers sit around and scratch their butts in their growing downtime, at Crewe, they put their spare time to good use. Back in March, we brought you news that Bentley's craftsmen were crafting bespoke furniture while they waited for production to pick back up. Now the British automaker has put its designers to work creating works of art.

The pool of artists in Bentley's styling department were given a broad mandate to create artwork inspired by their workplace, and 22 transformed everything from canvas to plexiglass, bronze to leather into an impressive array of pieces, all of which you can view in our high-resolution gallery below.

The collection will be auctioned off by Bonhams on December 1 to benefit The Christie cancer research center in Manchester. Full detail in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Bentley: Design is our passion. This is our art.


[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time

Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> artauctionbenefit auctionBenefitAuctionbentleybentley art projectbentley designbentley design passionBentleyArtProjectBentleyDesignBentleyDesignPassionbonhamsthe christieTheChristie Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST <![CDATA[First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


2009 Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

And with this official decree, let it be known that one custom 2009 Dodge Challenger, painted in a very familiar and regal blue shall be offered for sale to the highest bidder in Arizona in the year of our lord, 2010. The vehicle in question shall serve as a rolling tribute to Richard the 43rd. Long live the King!

Richard Petty was one of the winningest drivers in stock car history. With a record seven Daytona 500 trophies, 127 poles, 200 overall wins (including a record 27 -- and ten-in-a-row -- races in 1967), and seven championships in his 34-year, 1,185-race career, it's no wonder he's called The King. His legendary Chryslers, Fords and Plymouths bearing the number 43 were mostly built at his race shop in Level Cross, NC. Now all the king's men are working to build on his legacy under the newly formed banner of Petty's Garage.

The company plans to work on "museum-quality" restorations of vintage race cars, custom cars and high performance street machines. To kick off the new business, Petty's Garage has built a 2009 Challenger that will be sold in a Petty Family Foundation charity auction at B-J in January.

Painted in the trademark Petty Blue, it features a 585-hp Hemi 426, Pedders suspension upgrades, Brembo Gran Turismo brakes, a new center exit Corsa exhaust system, plus a Petty's Garage body kit consisting of custom front fascia, rear bumper cover, custom rocker panels and a rear spoiler. The inside gets the royal touch as well, with Petty's Garage branded seats and door panels. We saw the car at SEMA and it's a looker. You can read more details in the press release we've pasted in after the jump and check out the gallery from SEMA as well.


Gallery: Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger

Continue reading First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson

First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auctionBarrett Jacksonbarrett-jacksonBarrettJacksoncharitycharity auctionCharityAuctiondodgeDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerLevel CrossLevelCrossPetty Family FoundationPettyFamilyFoundationPettys GaragePettysGarageRichard Pettyrichard petty dodge challengerRichardPettyRichardPettyDodgeChallenger Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-ebay-motors-to-offer-free-vehicle-history-reports-from-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-ebay-motors-to-offer-free-vehicle-history-reports-from-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-ebay-motors-to-offer-free-vehicle-history-reports-from-e/#comments Filed under: ,



Consumers wary of purchasing vehicles off eBay may take a bit of comfort in the online auction site's announcement that all vehicles built since 1981 will now include free vehicle history reports effective today. The "AutoCheck" information, supplied by Experian Automotive, will detail whether vehicles have been involved in major accidents, have salvage titles, have been stolen or repossessed, have had their odometers tampered with, or have seen special duty as a taxi or police vehicle. Of course, the service is only able to detail information which has been reported, a common complaint about vehicle history reports. Nicolas Franchet, senior director of U.S. vehicles at eBay Motors, says the free reports will help build the level of trust between the buyers and sellers. "We're interested in being the best place to buy and sell your car online," Franchet said.

Those familiar with eBay Motors will recall that the site has offered vehicle history reports from CarFax, Inc., when supplied by dealers. Those reports are still be available via a link, but the new AutoCheck data supplied without charge is now automatically displayed in a shaded area below the vehicle image in the body of the listing. For more details, check out the official press release after the jump or eBay Motors.

[Source: Experian Automotive | Image: Sean Gallup/Getty]

Continue reading eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian

eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AutoCheckbuycar auctioncar salecar salesCarAuctionCarFaxCarSaleCarSalesDealere-bayeBayeBay MotorsEbayMotorsExperianhistory reportHistoryReportpurchaseSalessoldvehicle history reportvehicle saleVehicleHistoryReportVehicleSale Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Michael Schumacher's controversial crowning 1994 Benetton B194]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-schumachers-controversial-crownin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-schumachers-controversial-crownin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-schumachers-controversial-crownin/#comments Filed under: ,


Michael Schumacher's championship-winning Benetton B194 - Click above for image gallery

If you thought the Formula One World Championship was wrought with controversy these days, the scandals we've seen in recent years pale in comparison to the 1994 season. Historians will remember it as the year Ayrton Senna died (along with Roland Ratzenberger) at the San Marino Grand Prix. But tragic fatalities aside, the '94 championship was settled in one of the most controversial fashions the sport's ever seen.

After a hard-fought season, Michael Schumacher (Benetton) and Damon Hill (Williams) arrived in Adelaide for the final round separated by just one point. Both titles would be decided then and there, but on lap 35 the two front-runners collided, ending the race for both. Schumacher was crowned champion - the first of seven career F1 titles - and while many called foul play, Williams, still dealing with the aftermath of Senna's death, lodged no official protest. And this is the car it all happened in.

Up for grabs on everyone's favorite online auction site is the 1994 Benetton B194 in which Schumi won that controversial title. Although it's being sold from Germany, the car's actually located in Toronto. Fortunately it's been fully repaired since that pivotal crash, its Ford-Cosworth 3.5-liter V8 rebuilt by UK's Langford Performance Engineering. It comes with a truck full of spare parts, including a laptop loaded with the engine management software, two sets of wheels and spare wings aplenty. Bidding, at the time of writing, still has five days to go, but it's already topping 2.6 million euros (that's $3.9M USD). And for a piece of racing history like this one, you can bet it's going to reach higher than that before the digital hammer drops. Hat tip to just about everyone!


Gallery: Michael Schumacher's championship-winning Benetton B194


[Source: eBay Motors Germany]

eBay Find of the Day: Michael Schumacher's controversial crowning 1994 Benetton B194 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1994 f11994 formula one world championship1994F11994FormulaOneWorldChampionshipb194benettonbenetton b194benetton f1benetton-fordbenetton-ford b194Benetton-fordB194BenettonB194BenettonF1f1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherschumacherschumacher benettonSchumacherBenetton Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST <![CDATA[SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro looks cool, needs more stickers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2010 WD-40 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a 600-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 residing underhood, we'd happily spray ourselves into the seats of this WD-40 showcar. The legendary lubricant company actually contracted a slew of top-shelf builders to do the custom outfitting, they just sponsored it. Either way, this blue-and-yellow 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is for a good cause - it was built to support the SEMA Cares charity and will be auctioned off at the next installment of the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale. Proceeds will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang charities, among others.

The WD-40 Camaro also serves as a nice tribute to recently deceased company founder, John Barry. While the car was certainly well guarded, we wouldn't say we were that tempted to steal it. Don't get us wrong, it's not a bad looking Camaro. Although WD-40 had it parked in the darkest corner we found in all of SEMA, it still looked pretty striking in that bright yellow and deep blue combo. Our only complaint is that it didn't go far enough. The tiny WD-40 stickers on the fenders are way too small - this thing needs huge ones on the doors, hood and/or trunk too. And it seems almost blasphemous for them to have missed out on one of the most iconic features of the WD-40 cans, the bright red cap! Those wheels are just begging for them. Follow the jump for WD-40's full press release and check out our gallery below.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro looks cool, needs more stickers

SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro looks cool, needs more stickers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> barrett-jacksonchevroletChevrolet CamaroChevroletCamarochevyChevy CamaroChevyCamaroJohn BarryJohnBarrySEMAsema 2009SEMA CaresSema2009SemaCaresWD-40WD-40 CamaroWd-40Camaro Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/unique-porcelain-finish-ferrari-599-china-raises-1-77m-at-aucti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/unique-porcelain-finish-ferrari-599-china-raises-1-77m-at-aucti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/unique-porcelain-finish-ferrari-599-china-raises-1-77m-at-aucti/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Ferrari 599 China special in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao - Click above for high-res image gallery

A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an exceptional piece of automotive art. Even more exceptional is the latest model equipped with the Handling GT Evoluzione package. More exceptional still is the limited-edition 599 HGTE made exclusively for the Chinese market. But even in this rarified territory, there exists one 599 HGTE China special that stands apart. We reported on it about a month ago, and it's now been sold at auction.

The one-off Fiorano was hand painted by Chinese artist Lu Hao with a pattern reminiscent of the sought-after Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. This unique example was sold on Tuesday to an anonymous collector from Shanghai, who paid the equivalent of $1.77 million for the privilege. The proceeds are earmarked towards helping aspiring Chinese automotive engineers to make it to Italy for further studies and an internship opportunity at Maranello. On hand for the auction event, held at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, were the artist, Ferrari executives, faculty members from the participating schools and none other than Michael Schumacher himself. Follow the jump for full details in the press release, and see more in our high-resolution image gallery below.


Gallery: Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao


[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction

Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari 599ferrari 599 gtbferrari 599 gtb fiorano hgteferrari 599 gtb hgteferrari 599 hgteferrari 599 hgte china limited editionFerrari599Ferrari599GtbFerrari599GtbFioranoHgteFerrari599GtbHgteFerrari599HgteFerrari599HgteChinaLimitedEditionge lilnGe Liln porcelainGeLilnGeLilnPorcelainlu haoLuHaoporcelainporcelain ferrariPorcelainFerrariRed Gate GalleryRedGateGallery Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: November Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , , ,



For many of us November means football, parades, turkey hangovers, and family dysfunctionality in the form of Thanksgiving, but we car people tend to be more thankful for SEMA, the Chase and the crowning of a new champion in Formula 1 (Well, the conclusion of another season at least, since Jenson Button already locked up his first drivers championship and Brawn likewise nabbed the constructors title in its maiden season.)

As the year begins drawing to a close, we still have a handful of Fall cruises, auctions, meets and concours going on, but the automotive calendar is otherwise looking pretty sparse as we enter the penultimate month of 2009.

Connecticut has its local auto show, the Petersen is hosting an auction and tribute to Trans-Am racing, the Best of France and Italy show hits Van Nuys, and the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals visit Rosemont, Illinois. Other than that, we can expect a lot of silly season musical chairs and a slew of new car sneak peeks ahead of the first major show of the 2010 season in Los Angeles at the beginning of December.

If none of those events appeal to you, check the Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: November Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: November Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog calendarAutoblog calendar of automotive eventsAutoblog calendar of eventsAutoblog event calendarAutoblogCalendarAutoblogCalendarOfAutomotiveEventsAutoblogCalendarOfEventsAutoblogEventCalendarbest of france and italyBestOfFranceAndItalyF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemuscle car and corvette nationalsMuscleCarAndCorvetteNationalsnascarpetersen automotive museumpetersen museumPetersenAutomotiveMuseumPetersenMuseumSEMAsema 2009Sema2009the chaseTheChase Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:25:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Northstar-powered 1998 Buick Riviera prototype]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-northstar-powered-1998-buick-riviera-proto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-northstar-powered-1998-buick-riviera-proto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-northstar-powered-1998-buick-riviera-proto/#comments Filed under: , ,


Northstar-powered 1998 Buick Riviera prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we approach the big SEMA show in Las Vegas next week, it's time to look back at a previous star of the show. Sometime back in the mid-80s the decision was made that Buick would abandon V8 engines and instead be the home of the V6. Even for top models like Riviera and Park Avenue, turbocharged and supercharged versions of the long-lived 3.8-liter V6 would serve propulsive duties. Needless to say, not everyone in the bowels of the Warren Tech Center agreed with this approach.

In 1998 a group of GM engineers felt the Riviera should be powered by no fewer than eight cylinders and knew full well it was possible. The Riv of that era shared its platform with other models like the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Aurora, which of course were powered by the still contemporary Northstar V8. A single Northstar Riviera example was built as concept and trotted out at the 1998 SEMA Show.

Upper management did not agree with the premise and only a year later the whole Riviera program was euthanized. Somehow, that one V8 powered Riv survived and managed to get sold outside of GM on a salvage title. If the styling of that last Riviera doesn't give you convulsions, the car only has 10,200 miles on it and the Buy It Now price is $20K. The current bid of $3,550 hasn't yet hit the reserve so it's anyone's guess what this will go for - if it goes at all.


Gallery: Northstar-powered 1998 Buick Riviera prototype


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Northstar-powered 1998 Buick Riviera prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Buickbuick rivierabuick riviera conceptbuick riviera v8 conceptBuickRivieraBuickRivieraConceptBuickRivieraV8ConcepteBayebay Find of the DayEbayFindOfTheDay Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:20:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Police auctioning off motorized La-Z-Boy used in DWI]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/police-auctioning-off-motorized-la-z-boy-used-in-dwi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/police-auctioning-off-motorized-la-z-boy-used-in-dwi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/police-auctioning-off-motorized-la-z-boy-used-in-dwi/#comments Filed under: , , ,

If you've ever had the urge to cruise your neighborhood in a self-propelled La-Z-Boy, your opportunity has arrived. Minnesota resident Dennis Anderson (no relation to the Gravedigger monster truck franchise - we think) has forfeited his notorious motorized, and over-the-top modified, recliner chair involved in his DWI incident and crash recently is going on the eBay auction block later this week.

To recap, this masterpiece of motorized furniture isn't your average run-of-the-mill family room napper. This particular innovative and highly customized chair is fitted with a nitrous-boosted lawnmower engine good for a top speed in the neighborhood of 20 mph (it is fitted with a parachute... apparently in case you happen to drive off a cliff). Dual headlights help guide you home from the late nights at the bar, while an integrated stereo sound system will make you everyone's envy at the stop lights (maybe from the curb, as we don't think it is technically street legal).

While Mr. Anderson got off with two years of probation for his antics, his prized possession is sadly being liquidated - sans reserve price - thanks to a Minnesota law allowing police to auction vehicles seized in drunk-driving cases. So, what do you think it will go for?

[Source: Engadget]

REPORT: Police auctioning off motorized La-Z-Boy used in DWI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auctionchairDennis AndersonDennisAndersonDrunk drivingDrunkDrivingDUIDWIeBayfor saleForSaleLa-z-boylazy boyLazyBoyloungeMinnesotarecliner Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-c5-corvette-based-saleen-s7-repl/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-c5-corvette-based-saleen-s7-repl/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-c5-corvette-based-saleen-s7-repl/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica - click above image for hi-res gallery

Steve Saleen's Saleen S7 is a totally bespoke, hand built superduper hypercar that in twin-turbo, 750 horsepower, 700 pound-feet of torque form could go about 250 mph. And it was capable of generating enough downforce to (theoretically) drive upside down. In competition, the S7R has been one of the most dominant vehicles ever fielded, having been "raced in over 264 events, with 218 Top Tens, 166 Podiums, 105 Wins, 86 Poles, 78 Fastest Laps and 9 GT Championships." Price when new was about $600,000, give or take.

Which makes the above car all the more special. Sayeth the seller, "We thought long and hard as to what chassis we would use for our replica. First of all we knew the 80's [sic] Fiero was not an option. its [sic] too old, underpowered, and not a safe frame." Oh man - the replica world has really changed if a Pontiac Fiero chassis is not good enough. But the auctioneer does inadvertently raise a good point, as the S7 is in fact a mid-engined car, and you just got to have that if you're building a replica, don't you? Apparently not.

"So we went with a C5 Corvette chassis. It offers all the driving comforts, with great brakes, Power, and a super strong frame. and we could retail the car for a reasonable price." But not only is it Chevrolet Corvette based, they made it a roadster! See, all those boring old S7s were stuffy mid-engined hardtops - this is the world's first and only front-engined roadster S7. Replica. We've got to say we're a little amazed there are only two bids.

Oh wait, no - we said that wrong. What we meant is that we're a little amazed there are two bids. Currently, the "replica" is sitting at $20,100 and humorously oddly, the reserve has not been met. Did we mention that it's an automatic? Also, dude, your check engine light is on. Videos after the jump. Happy bidding!


Gallery: C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica


[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster

eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> C5C5 CorvetteC5CorvetteCorvetteexotic carExoticCarkit carKitCarreplicareplicarS7S7 ReplicaS7 Replica RoadsterS7 RoadsterS7RS7ReplicaS7ReplicaRoadsterS7RoadsterSaleenSaleen S7Saleen S7 ReplicaSaleen S7 Replica RoadsterSaleenS7SaleenS7ReplicaSaleenS7ReplicaRoadstersteve saleenSteveSaleensupercar Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1987 Ford RancheroStar]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/ebay-find-of-the-day-1987-ford-rancherostar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/ebay-find-of-the-day-1987-ford-rancherostar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/ebay-find-of-the-day-1987-ford-rancherostar/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

1987 Ford RancheroStar - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time that we spotted today's eBay find of the day, it was cruising along Woodward Ave in Birmingham, MI this past summer. The RancheroStar immediately caught our attention, but evidently the For Sale sign in the window didn't catch enough eyeballs from onlookers. Thus we now find it again.

According to its eBay listing, the creator of this minivan-trucklet died before completing the project, although he apparently had some pretty serious plans for it going forward. The truncated 1987 Ford Aerostar currently has its stock front V6, rear-wheel drive (not front-wheel drive as in the listing) configuration, but the deceased creator had plans to eventually replace it with a mid-mounted 460 cubic-inch V8. Apparently, the bodywork as it stands today is all metal, with no fiberglass or dreaded Bondo. From what we saw briefly at Woodward, the vehicle seems to be well executed for as far as it got.

If you are interested in an oddball project to complete, this one might be worth checking out. At this point, there aren't any bids, so you might get a good deal. If you do pick it up and complete it or at least paint it, let us know and it could get an Autoblog follow-up. Thanks to Scott for the tip!


Gallery: Woodward 2009: The Weird and the Wonderful

wonderful---001wonderful---002wonderful---003wonderful---004wonderful---005

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 1987 Ford RancheroStar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1897 ford rancherostar1897FordRancherostar1987 ford aerostar1987FordAerostaraerostareBayebay Find of the DayEbayFindOfTheDayfordford aerostarFordAerostarrancherostarWoodwardwoodward 2009Woodward Dream CruiseWoodward2009WoodwardDreamCruise Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: George Barris' rockin' 289 Cobra-powered 1967 Voxmobile [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-rockin-289-cobra-powered-1/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-rockin-289-cobra-powered-1/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-rockin-289-cobra-powered-1/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


1967 Voxmobile by George Barris - Click above for image gallery

Feelin' Groovy? Do you like guitars, speed and attention? If so, check out eBay Motors item number 260492703795. It's the one-and-only George Barris-created Voxmobile! Powered by a Cobra 289, it's said to be the fastest promotional vehicle ever created with an estimated top speed of 175 mph. Not that we'd recommend it. Molded from wood, plastic, steel and fiberglass, the fully-functional, guitar-sided Voxmobile was designed for publicity and incorporated a bunch of Vox musical components.

Think of it as a super-quick parade float, or better yet, a '60s calliope, with 32 guitar inputs, a Vox Super Continental organ, three Vox Beatle amplifiers, and a dozen or so additional speakers. Most of it still works, but the seller says this original, unrestored, 40-year-old custom vehicle needs a bit of work to make it all hum.

The Voxmobile was once owned by the world's fastest guitarist, Jimmy Bryant, and was almost a Hollywood star, dropped from the final cut of the Jack Nicholsen flick, Psych-Out. It still made the promotional lobby cards though. And it can be yours for the low-low price of just $175,000. The seller will even help you source a correct bass and head unit to complete the package. This thing is a hoot, but the promotional video for it is stellar. You won't believe the level of talent that came out to reminisce about this Barris creation. Check out the groovy YouTube video after the jump and the full gallery of pics by clicking below.


Gallery: 1967 Barris Voxmobile


[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: George Barris' rockin' 289 Cobra-powered 1967 Voxmobile [w/VIDEO]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris' rockin' 289 Cobra-powered 1967 Voxmobile [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Barris VoxmobileBarrisVoxmobilecustom carcustom carsCustomCarCustomCarseBayeBay MotorsEbayMotorsgeorge barrisGeorge Barris VoxmobileGeorgeBarrisGeorgeBarrisVoxmobileGuitarguitar carGuitarCarguitarskustom carKustomCarvoxVoxmobile Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Auction find: <i>Duel</i> Peterbilt for beating up on Valiants]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/auction-find-duel-peterbilt-for-beating-up-on-valiants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/auction-find-duel-peterbilt-for-beating-up-on-valiants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/auction-find-duel-peterbilt-for-beating-up-on-valiants/#comments Filed under: , ,



One of the most sinister automotive movie characters ever, the tanker-hauling Peterbilt from the seminal Spielberg picture, Duel, is up for auction. Perhaps only a little less evil than the '58 Plymouth in John Carpenter's adaptation of Christine, nearly 40 years have done little to dull this truck's malevolent countenance. The MotoExotica and Manheim event in St. Louis started on Friday, and finishes up today, October 17th.

The 1960 Pete has an overhauled engine, and air and electrical lines on the chassis have been replaced, too, according to the seller. It appears that this truck is the second of three used in the filming of the movie. It's a 1960 Peterbilt 281 made up to look like the 1956 model that was used for most of the scenes. Since that '56 was on its last legs, this truck was its double, and has also appeared in other productions, like a David Lee Roth video. We can't find out if there's a reserve, but it did just come out of a restoration, so it'll likely be well above the $20,000 range that normal 281s seem to trade for. Add in its matching vintage trailer and the movie provenance, which is purportedly documented, and this truck could well go for more money.

For a work vehicle, it's likely pulled its last real load a long time ago. Movie appearances tend to make people all kooky about a vehicle having some sort of added value just because it exists on a few million frames of release print somewhere. Either way, we've found both the movie's trailer and the full feature (they're embedded after the jump), where you can see the Peterbilt in action. Thanks for the tip, Greg.

Gallery: Duel Peterbilt for Auction in St. Louis


[Source: MotoeXotica]

Continue reading Auction find: Duel Peterbilt for beating up on Valiants

Auction find: Duel Peterbilt for beating up on Valiants originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> duelduel peterbiltDuelPeterbiltfilm vehicleFilmVehicleMovie Carmovie carsmovie truckmovie vehicleMovieCarMovieCarsMovieTruckMovieVehiclepeterbiltpeterbilt 281Peterbilt281spielbergspielberg duelSpielbergDuel Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST <![CDATA[Hurst SEMA Scholarship Camaro eBay Auction underway]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/hurst-sema-scholarship-camaro-ebay-auction-underway/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/hurst-sema-scholarship-camaro-ebay-auction-underway/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/hurst-sema-scholarship-camaro-ebay-auction-underway/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Hurst/SEMA Camaro - Click above image for high-res gallery

SEMA, Chevy, eBay and Hurst have teemed up to auction off a Hurst-tuned Camaro with the proceeds going to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, "a program that fosters industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket."

Win the auction and in addition to an all-expense-paid trip to this November's SEMA show in Las Vegas, you'll be rolling in a thoroughly-modified 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, kitted out in red and silver graphics, 20-inch polished wheels, an Eibach suspension and a host of other mods. Make the jump to get the details,.and if you want to help a poor, struggling, underprivileged automotive engineer out, here's the link to the eBay auction. Opening bid is $10,000 -- happy bidding.


Gallery: Hurst/SEMA Camaro


[Source: Hurst]

Continue reading Hurst SEMA Scholarship Camaro eBay Auction underway

Hurst SEMA Scholarship Camaro eBay Auction underway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CamaroCamaro AuctionCamaroAuctionChevroletChevrolet CamacoChevroletCamacoChevyChevy CamaroChevyCamaroeBayHurstHurst CamaroHurstCamaroHurstSEMA CamaroHurstsemaCamaroSEMA CamaroSemaCamaro Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Shelby tops Iacocca at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/shelby-tops-iacocca-at-barrett-jackson-las-vegas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/shelby-tops-iacocca-at-barrett-jackson-las-vegas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/shelby-tops-iacocca-at-barrett-jackson-las-vegas/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like the top-shelf, one-off 550-hp engine upgrade for that new Iacocca Mustang is worth about $362,000, at least to one buyer. The fifth of just 45 2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs to be made crossed the block on Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas with a winning bid of $320,000. After fees, the car's final selling price was a whopping $352,000. That's well above the $89,950 MSRP of the other 44 limited-edition, coachbuilt specials. We just wrote about the Iacocca 'Stang and said that the car's exclusive dealer, Galpin Motors of California, would offer engine upgrades for an undisclosed premium. We seriously doubt that the actual surcharge will come anywhere close to the premium secured on the Barrett-Jackson car.

So what made this particular Iacocca attractive enough to bring such a lofty price? Well, for one, it had that upgraded, supercharged 550-horsepower engine. Another reason this one sold for a price nearly four times higher than the base model was that it was sold at auction, with the bidders getting whipped into a typical Barrett-Jackson feeding frenzy. Finally, it was in Las Vegas, a city where fiscal responsibility takes a backseat to, well, pretty much everything. While we love the custom composite coachwork on this special fastback Mustang, and acknowledge that this one is unique with its supercharged engine, that price just seems completely insane. The Iacocca topped many impressive other rides that were up for grabs; follow the jump to read more results. Apparently, everything that happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas.


Gallery: First Drive: Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Shelby tops Iacocca at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

Shelby tops Iacocca at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> barrett jackson auctionbarrett-jacksonBarrett-Jackson 2009Barrett-jackson2009BarrettJacksonAuctionford mustangFordMustangiacoccaIacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford MustangIacocca Edition Ford MustangIacocca MustangIacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford MustangIacocca45thAnniversaryEditionFordMustangIacoccaEditionFordMustangIacoccaMustangIacoccaSilver45thAnniversaryEditionFordMustangLee IacoccaLee Iacocca Ford MustangLeeIacoccaLeeIacoccaFordMustangMustang Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST