Fully restored 1959 Corvette convertible roars off for $82,600 (Canadian) in Miller & Miller auction

NEW HAMBURG, Ontario - June 29, 2022 - PRLog -- A powder blue, fully restored 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible sped off for $82,600 and a Canadian Red Indian Aviation Motor Oil sign from the 1930s changed hands for for $47,200 in Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.'s online-only Petroliana, Railroadiana & Advertising auction held on June 18^th. Overall, the auction grossed $628,674.

All prices in this report are in Canadian dollars and include an 18 percent buyer's premium.

The '59 Corvette was originally a New Mexico car, later purchased in Canada in 1979 by Joe Byway, whose collection headlined the auction. Joe stored the car until 1985 and then commissioned Dave Harrison with a restoration. It was a meticulously maintained, rust-free car. Not all numbers matched but the car boasted a correct 283 c.i. 230 hp V8 engine.

The Canadian Red Indian Aviation Motor Oil single sided porcelain sign from the 1930s was a seldom seen sign promoting Red Indian's Aviation brand of motor oil. The vibrant cobalt blue and blood red graphics popped against the white ground. The 26 inch by 72 inch sign retained the original flanged mounting ends and was graded 8.75 for condition.

The Joe Byway collection featured petroliana (gas station collectibles), railroadiana and advertising tins and signs. Some toys were also sold. "The top fifty lots met or exceeded our expectations, and the market for top-tier petroliana continues on an upward trajectory, said Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., adding, "All the vehicles sold at or above estimates."

The vehicles he refers to included a 1937 Ford Model 78 Deluxe convertible sedan, a rare open-air car with rear doors and the original paint (except for the front fenders). The restoration included new upholstery, carpet and convertible top. The car was powered by the correct flathead V8 engine and the odometer showed just 10,175 miles ($32,450).

Also sold was a 1972 GMC 1500 Custom pickup truck with 49,138 miles on the odometer. The rust-free truck featured a long box, three-speed manual transmission, the original interior and correct original 307ci V8 engine (undetailed). The restoration, by Ernie Droogers, included new paint, headliner and a re-chromed rear bumper ($30,680).

Miller & Miller Auctions has two online-only auctions planned for the fall. They are a Petroliana & Advertising auction (Sept. 10) and a Canadiana & Folk Art auction (Oct. 8). To learn more, visit www.millerandmillerauctions.com.