The Hooked on Vettes Collection celebrates the history of the muscle car.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a muscle car that has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1953. During its lifetime, several special examples have become highly sought after. Acknowledging this, 13 pristine modern and classic models, quite in line with the eight cars that were sold at Kissimmee, will be going up for auction at Mecum Glendale which will take place in Arizona from March 16 to 19.
All models are owned by renowned Corvette collector, Michael Brown, who will also be putting up some retro neon light dealership signs that would make for a perfect display in anyone's garage. These cars and signs will be joining just about 1,500 other pieces at the event and will be offered without any reserve.
The first model that will be put up for auction is a rather unique 1954 Corvette Roadster with a 3.9-liter Blue Flame straight-six engine. This particular unit is just one of four examples that were painted in black with red interior leather upholstery, which is tastefully rounded off with a set of white-wall tires and enamel steering wheel, gear knob, and dashboard insert.
The 1957 example has a very similar color scheme and benefits from a body-off restoration which was done in 2006. What makes this unit special is it belongs to the first year of production cars that benefited from a Rochester fuel injection, quite similar to the one found in the Super Sport show car, and a four-speed manual gearbox.
The 1962 Corvette doesn't benefit from anything particularly unique but its appeal is still ensured thanks to the 340-horsepower V8 powertrain, which is connected to a Carter four-barrel carburetor and four-speed manual gearbox. This model is finished with the manufacturer's correct Sateen Silver paint and black leather upholstery. One rare piece of equipment found here is the factory-fitted power windows and a Wonderbar radio.
The 1963 Corvette is the first and only year that the C2 was offered with the split rear window design. This one is driven by the same powertrain found in the '62 model but it benefits from a Winters aluminum intake manifold. This example shows off a Sebring Silver paint with a black interior scheme.
The 1964 Corvette achieved the NCRS Chapter Top Flight award in 2006 thanks to its pristine and well-kept condition. This example sources 375 hp from GM’s fuel-injected 5.4-liter V8 which it sends to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. It’s finished in a chic Tuxedo black paint with red leather upholstery and also benefits from power brake discs and finned aluminum knock-off wheels.
With 16,479 original miles on the clock, the 1966 Corvette, which is the last of the midyear models from the collection, is basically a brand new car. That's quite a contrast to the 600,000-mile example that surfaced last year, This model is powered by the L72 7.0-liter V8 which sends 425 hp to the rears through a four-speed manual gearbox. Key features on this unit include a telescoping steering wheel, tinted glass, transistorized ignition, and a 4.11 Positraction differential.
The 1967 Corvette Convertible left the factory as a Marlboro Maroon model but when restored, it was given the Silver Pearl paint with a black stinger. The convertible top and interior have also been upholstered in black materials. Adding a sporty appeal to this example is its Tri-Power V8 engine, factory-fitted side exhausts, and rally wheels with redline tires.
It could be argued that the 1978 Chevrolet Pace Car Edition is the most iconic of the batch as it is just one of 6,502 produced. This particular model only boasts 19,863 original miles on its L82 V8 and four-speed manual gearbox. What makes it so iconic is its two-tone black and silver color scheme with red pinstripes and pace car branding.
Brown will also be letting go of three C6 Corvettes with no more than 3,000 miles on the odometer, each. The lowest of which is a 2012 ZR1 Centennial edition, which has only covered 1,494 miles. The most modern example of the lot is a 2022 C8 Coupe fitted with a Z51 pack and a matt black paint scheme with black alloy wheels.
The collection of 200 original and restored neon signs feature historic examples of iconic brands and locations. Bidder registration for these, together with the cars is available online on Mecum's site and at the auction. The $200 fee covers admission for two for all four auction days.
Keyword: 13 Awesome Corvettes Head To Auction