Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron Von Zeppelin
The car I am most curious about what it brings is the Blue 68 GTO Ram2 car.
Have never seen a 68 Ram2 GTO bring what I felt they should in finished form.
Maybe I have missed a couple of their results though.
If Aegena Blue doesn't strike a big number at this event , it never will.
Its money should be just a little under a Ram4 Judge.
Higher than a Ram 4 GTO
Immensely rare from the word go, and with ultra ultra low survival ratio.
GrandDaddy of the RoundPorts
|
You may recall I own one of the RA II cars on your list. I have been very interested in seeing this car that Jim Mattison formerly owned. This car was sold at BJ auction in 2016 for $132k. Also at that same auction another RA II GTO sold for $110k. I shared posts on this site with another RA II owner who had a convertible. That car was also on your list. It sold maybe 2 years ago for over six figures but not quite what the Mattison car brought.
You rarely see these cars at auctions. It is hard to place a market value because there were so few made and a lot fewer survived. They have no badging, decals, wings, etc that lets you know they are nothing more than a standar GTO. They made a lot more Judges but they are more widely known. Like you said the RA II started the round port engine family. From RAII, RAIV, 455 HO to the 455 SD.
I spent a lot of time inspecting the Aegean Blue car. Took lots of detailed pictures to assist in my restoration. I will say I was dissapointed in how the car has been kept up. You will note that in the online pictures the car was driven through a mud puddle for picture taking. There are mud stains on the tires, mud in the fender wells, and mud on the frame. That mud is still on the car as it was displayed a few days ago. It is in the glass building with the Como cars and is part of the Lindley collection. The car is also leaking anti freeze from the thermostat housing and collecting on the lifter valley pan. Engine paint has been "washed" off where the antifreeze has seeped on the timing cover/water pump seal. The hidden headlights are not closing. Not sure if it is vacum leak or what. It never ceases to amaze me how many times I see cars displayed like this at the auction.
The overall finish and fit is as good as any of the Como cars. I found a couple of very slight imperfections in the paint but it is at least a 6 year old paint job. The car does wear RAIV manifolds (68 RA II are different design, part number, and was the last year to use the thermostatically controlled heat riser). I am by no means a RA II expert but have been researching these cars ever since I became interested in them. They are almost "mystical" as to why they even existed considering the time frame and the RAIV was ready to go for 69.
I will watch this car go across the stage on Thursday. It is going to be one of 3 round port GTOs that day. The others are a 71 455 HO and a 70 RAIV. The Como cars go across on Friday. Not sure if it would be better to go before or after the Como cars. My feelings are the car may not be "appreciated" for what it is. With all the hype on the Judges and RAIV cars it may get "lost". Only those who really know will understand what a RA II is. The color combo is good (very important at auctions) and the overall quality is very good. It is disappointing the car was not displayed in top form. Mecum has their estimate at $180k to $220k for the RA II. The Como collection 69 RAIV at $180k to $210k and $200k to $230k for the 70 RAIV. It is going to be very interesting to see these cars go across. I will be there.
However with that said this auction is bringing crazy money for GTOs. There are about two dozen Judges and almost a dozen RAIV GTOs. More than any auction has ever had. I guess if this car was going to bring high dollar this would be the right time and place. I just wish it was detailed properly.