Hello Friends and Family,

2023 Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, part 13

Link to this year's index by clicking here.

This custom 1929 Ford Model A is powered by a 351/385hp Sport Windsor engine with aluminum heads, a roller cam, and roller rockers. It includes custom-built aluminum valve covers with hidden fasteners and hand-built headers with a 3-inch exhaust. To back up the 385hp there is an upgraded C6 automatic transmission with a larger aluminum pan and a Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.50 gears and 31-spline custom axles.

The car is finished in four coats of Ruby Red base coat, four coats of tinted clear, and three coats of clear. In case, you wonder why go to so much trouble — it gives depth to the finish.


Interior features include a roll cage for added safety, a custom-sized dash visor, a wireless remote, power windows, power door latches, and a push-button start.

This beauty sold for $38,500.


Here is a 1962 Austin-Healey roadster — an example of British motoring restored to Concours standards. This bare-metal-restored 3000 MK II BT7 was featured on the front cover of the May 2008 edition of Hemmings magazine and was restored at Earnie's British Cars in Tucson, AZ. With ownership history in California, the speedster is powered by a refurbished 2,912cc 6-cylinder engine with new rings, pistons, bearings, and timing chain, in addition to a Petronix ignition.

Every detail has been thoroughly restored with new upholstery, convertible top, matching tonneau, carpet, door and kick panels, and Hardura mat in the truck. In addition, the gauges and dash have been meticulously updated with a year-specific wire loom, so it's ready for the next 50 years.


With six cylinders, three carbs, and overdrive-equipped transmission, it's a pure joy to drive with improved performance and a sporty driving experience over other Austin-Healey models. No expense was spared, and every detail was addressed during the restoration. All parts were painstakingly removed from the car and restored or replaced as necessary. Countless hours were spent on the bare-metal restoration, ensuring seamless bodywork that laid the foundation for an impeccable paint job. The current owner has kept the vehicle in pristine condition and has driven it less than 300 miles. The full restoration story has been printed and placed in the property room — available to the lucky buyer who won this treasure for the auction price of $91,300.


This fully restored original 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser convertible Indy 500 pace car re-creation was awarded the AACA Senior National First Prize in 2020. Selling for a hefty $4,103 each, only 1,265 Pace Car Convertible Cruisers were made, each having the Continental kit Dream Car Spare Tire Carrier and each painted Sun Glitter Yellow like the original pace car. This 1957 Mercury had been on display as part of the Hendricks Collection at the Gateway Auto Museum.


This pace car was selected to participate in the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 in 2011, along with pace cars from every year able to attend. After multiple requests from all pace car attendees, they were allowed to take a few laps, including this 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser pace car, which sold at auction for $36,300.


Here we see the hood ornament on a 1939 Cadillac Series 61, following in the tradition of the glass-winged Goddess, used in previous years.


The vehicle is powered by its original 346ci L-head 8-cylinder engine mated to a 3-on-the-tree manual transmission. The exterior paint is a two-tone scheme of a black body and metallic gray fenders and a base coat/clear coat.


The interior is finished in saddle and dark brown leather with detail work and matching trunk space. The dash is painted burlwood with garnish moldings. This Cadillac rides on BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires on steel wheels with Cadillac hubcaps.


This piece of automotive history sold for $27,500.


Ah, back to the wheels of my younger years — specifically, a Custom 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. It is powered by a 5.7-liter 350ci V8 engine with long-tube headers, mated to an automatic transmission.


It is finished in two-tone turquoise and white paint with a matching interior and is equipped with an upgraded gauge cluster with an automatic shift pattern. This sweetheart sold for $29,700.


To be continued...

Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com