Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas to hold its first-ever antique automobile auction

LAS VEGAS - March 24, 2015 - PRLog -- Morphy Auctions, one of the great success stories of the antiques auctions trade, is gearing up to host its first West Coast Automobile Auction at its Las Vegas showroom on April 25, with more than 40 fresh-to-the-market, classic vehicles up for bid, ranging from vintage gassers to the pinnacle of contemporary luxury.

“We believe this will be the most diverse automobile auction in Las Vegas history,” said Peter Sidlow, president of Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas.

During its first auto auction at Morphy’s Denver, Penn. showroom in October 2014, 40 highly collectible vehicles from the dawn of the auto age to the modern era were sold, including a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa that went for $85,800, a 1952 Jaguar XK120 that hammered for $88,000 and a 1955 Porsche Speedster that commanded $198,000.

The April Las Vegas auction will follow—and likely exceed—that success, with featured lots such as an extremely rare 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak “Woody” wagon, outfitted with nearly all available options for its model year (including a hydramatic transmission). With only 35,000 total miles since new, this museum-quality model retains its original canvas top, wood panels, interior details and floor mats, as well as original books and advertising brochures, and is expected to command $150,000-$175,000 at the auction.

Another standout in the auction is a blue 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1600 Speedster, with a 1964 Porsche 356C motor and vintage livery from its participation in the La Carrera Classic. Held by the same owner since 1975, this rare model has 40 years of maintenance records, rally history, and factory certificate of authenticity. It’s estimated to hammer for $250,000-$275,000.

Among the other vintage vehicles in the April auction are a silver-gray 1941 Willys Coupe from the golden age of drag racing, with a low-profile, fiberglass body, 572cu/620hp GM crate motor attached to a TCI TH 400 automatic transmission (collectively designed to handle up to 1,000hp), and rack-and-pinion steering, expected to sell for $60,000-$70,000, and a brown 1951 Chevy 3100 pick-up truck, fully restored to the highest standard with rare options, making this a highly collectible showpiece that’s projected to sell for $40,000-$50,000.

Muscle car enthusiasts will find choice models up for bid at the auction as well, including a gorgeous, rust-free, turquoise 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible, featuring factory-original white-and-aqua interiors and white top, expected to bring in $25,000-$35,000, and a fully documented, restored, yellow 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1, featuring such factory extras as a black hood stripe, FMX select shift transmission and sport deck rear seat, which could go for $35,000-$45,000 at auction.

The auction will also feature a number of unique motorcycles, including a custom-built, 2009 Big Bear Choppers Cris Angel “Believe” tribute motorcycle, powered by an S&S Cycle X-Wedge 114-CID engine, with a dramatic black-and-red-flame paint job and only 25 original miles, valued at $25,000-$30,000.

Other highlights in the April auction include an impeccably maintained, royal blue 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom Saloon, with Cornsilk interior and rare sunroof option, potentially worth $125,000-$150,000, an iconic, Rosso Corsa 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS with beige interior, a 3.2-liter V8 engine, and only 16,000 original miles, worth potentially $85,000-$110,000, and a stunning, white-on-red 1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 with original window sticker, books and delivery information, and only 712 original miles, projected to hammer at $35,000-$45,000.

The April 25 automobile auction will be held at Morphy’s Las Vegas gallery, located at 4520 Arville St. #1, with a live webcast available to view online via morphyauctions.com. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Start time is 12 p.m. Pacific. On-site previews are available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning April 1, with an extended preview on April 24 until 9 p.m., or on an appointment basis by calling 702-382-2466.

ABOUT MORPHY AUCTIONS, LAS VEGAS
Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas has spent the last 40 years building its reputation as the benchmark for American antique auction houses. Today, it is known for unquestioned integrity and for the quality of the items made available to collectors who visit its auctions in person, on-line and via telephone. Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas has sold more coin-operated devices than any other American auctioneer. Learn more at www.morphyauctions.com/lasvegas.