The seller is the 8th owner and tells us that the car was originally delivered in Germany to a Porsche engineer then made its way to California sometime in mid 70’s. Exterior paint is is of good quality, but it does have a few rock chips due to road use.  The Euro ride height is the perfect match for the Deep Six Fuchs wheels w/ hearts restored by Harvey Weidman. The gold PORSCHE script on decklid was removed during the last respray, but a replacement script will go with car.

The interior features the original un-cracked dash. The factory leather wrapped wheelpictured is included but the car currently has a MOMO installed. The stereo is aftermarket but not overly invasive, and the driver sport seat is a factory option as noted on the build sheet. The emphasis on the driver given to the differing seats is a cool touch that was possibly specified by the original owner.

The matching number 6-cylinder engine block has seen the same 280k miles as the chassis, with the most recent rebuild performed 175k miles ago. That sounds high, but a recent leakdown test showed 1.5 – 3% range, well within the acceptable range. The last rebuild included larger pistons and cylinders, but the previous owner was unclear on displacement details, saying it was at least a 2.4L. The seller believes that they used 2.7L Mahle pistons so it is probably more like a 2.5L. The engine doesn’t smoke and shows only minimal oil leakage. It currently wears K&N filters with rain hats but the factory air box is included.

Other options per the COA are the “S package” consisiting of sways front and rear and big brakes, as well as a rear wiper whose mechanism works but is missing the wiper arm. This Porsche is a proven, great looking driver that is nicely sorted yet true to its original build. It shows well and is ready for just about any mountain road. Check out the slide-show below for more pics and build details.

4/7/2007 Update: The eBay auction for this hauler ended without any bids.

From 4/1/2007:

This transport trailer was used by the Vasek Polak racing teams in IMSA and Trans-Am racing in the 70’s after being purchased from the Shelby American racing fleet. It needs restoration and is available from a private Porsche collector here on eBay for a starting bid of $8888.

Picture above shows the trailer in its heyday. The tractor is not included, and the trailer has not been registered since 1983, but it does retain its original black California plates and Vasek Polak license frame.

The interior of the trailer includes a workshop area and room to carry 2-5 race cars. The oak floor is in good condition and aluminum loading ramps are included.

Remnants of the original Porsche crest and lettering still remain, as do the signature VP striping. There is some rust at the bottom of the rear doors and in the roof supports.

This would be the ultimate paddock rig at any of the historic race events. With a straightforward restoration and paint job its value would be much higher to collectors. Below is a picture of the trailer at one of its last outings at the 1982 Monterey Historics where it had the privilege of hauling VP Racing’s 917 and 908.

More pictures are available here from the previous selling dealer in California, who claims that Moore owned the car for 40+ years, all the way until his passing in 1998. The car looks to be in the same condition as when it made the trip Eastward, with worn paint and well used interior. The dash full of Stewart Warner gauges and teal interior are classic Barris touches but might not be so well received by the Nash Healey crowd. The original grille and headlight rings are lovely items, and we would return those to the nose if this car if they could be sourced.

The Ford small-block V8 swap was likely done some time in the 1960’s as this engine design was not around when this car was built in 1953. A flathead V8 would have been an interesting period swap and might have better aesthetics. Nonetheless some real power could make this car an interesting driver in the right hands.

This may never again be an original type car, so we say embrace the hot rod effort but return it to more of a driver’s car with a earlier V8 and a manual transmission. Thankfully the beauty of the body lines were maintained and with details and drivetrain sorted out it could be a tasteful custom. Or just drive it as-is if you are a Barris or boxing fan. It will be interesting to see what this one goes for.

7/7/2008 Update: This Austin did not meet reserve at $14,201 with 6 bidders.

From 7/4/2008:

This 1949 Austin Atlantic lived its first 60 years in New Zealand, after which it was imported into Canada. It has a 4-cylinder engine with twin SU carbs similar to the early Healey 100-4’s. Find it here on eBay out of Victoria, British Columbia. Special thanks to BaT reader Bruce C. for this submission!

The styling is unique and reminds us of a cross between a Crosley and a BMW 502. These cars completed in a 7-day high speed endurance run at Indianapolis in 1949, and 348 were sold in the United States.

The right-hand-drive interior is in very good condition and reminds us of early Jaguars. Jag disk brakes have also been added in place of the factory drums.

The engine is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The engine compartment is clean and still wears the original Vanden Plas tag on the firewall.

This is an interesting example of a car rarely seen in North America. It is an early and odd shape, but would make an interesting period rally car from the very early days of saloon racing.

The car has covered 8k miles since its resto in 86 and it still looks great.  It wears one of the best looking color schemes, has our favorite factory wheels for the model, and retains the matching numbers 454ss engine, automatic transmission, and correct rear end. Other options include factory cruise, power steering, power brakes, air, power locks, and cowl induction. The window sticker, build sheet, and all receipts from restoration are included.

The interior was refreshed in 2007 with a replaced headliner, carpet and dash top. The radio was replaced with a two shaft digital tuner but the original unit comes with the sale.

The original carb was also changed out for greater reliability and valve covers were swapped to the GM chrome pieces, but the factory units are included in the sale. A 1972 temp tag and all internal cards and information that came with the car when new will go with it. It is very well documented, as shown in the slide-show below.

In the December reports the cars had been cataloged but the images showed them scattered around Utah in random facilities. They have now been photographed in a single location and are also available for preview. It is a wild mix of hot rods, muscle cars, kit cars, motorcycles, and odd JDM one-offs. Click here for the gallery of individual cars. The 1966 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S below is one of our favorite selections with its dark color and Torque Thrust alloys.

The auction held the following day will be mostly American muscle cars, but also has a solid dose of hot rods and an extra Mercedes or Porsche sprinkled in. It is unclear how many bidders will show up on a Thursday/Friday in Utah on such short notice, so some of these cars might present good opportunities for bidders.

The Buick GS 455 below looks to be in pretty sweet shape and is parked in front of many of the other offerings.  Click here for the gallery of individual cars.

• 1958 Arnolt Bristol Roadster Project
• 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
• 1962 Daimler SP250

Arnolt Bristols have beautiful flowing lines thanks to headlights that were mounted inside the grille opening. Many were used as race cars when new, so digging into the history of this car would be time well spent. The seller lists the VIN of the Arnolt as “bs117k11220.” Even the roll bar below got the yellow treatment!

The proper tri-carb 6-cylinder engine is a good signal that this is likely a genuine car and not some sort of replica. We don’t know of any Bristol replicas being made as they are such a niche vehicle, but you never know and this one should be thoroughly verified before big dollars are shelled out. But we suppose at the meager $10k opening bid it doesn’t really matter either way!

We pass along our repects for whoever owned these cars and is no longer with us. We hope they go into good hands and that the Arnolt Bristol returns to the road. Maybe just not in yellow…

From 3/15/2010:

The seller of this 1965 Jaguar E-Type claims it is missing nothing and needs restoration. It is already on a trailer so it looks like it was just rescued from somewhere. The car does have the preferred covered headlights and high rear tail lights, and if rust is manageable the price seems pretty reasonable. Find it here on Craiglist in Spokane, Washington for $7500. Special thanks to the BaT Facebook fan who spotted this one!

All of the bumpers are intact including the chrome bows around the nose opening and rear license plate. The interior looks to be tan or brown and the 3-spoke wheel is in place.  Somebody local should go check this one out!

From 3/14/2010:

This 1960 Sunbeam Alpine is a black-plate California car that includes two aluminum factory hard tops. It was disrupted from everyday use about 10 years ago due to the last owner’s advanced age and inability to push the pedals and pass the driving test. It was shut off and never run again, being parked in a dry carport and put on a non-op registration status. It is very original and complete and is said to have never been hit. There is some rust in the lower panels as shown in the photo slide-show below. It is available in San Jose, California for $2100. Contact us at mail@bringatrailer.com if you are interested.

The car has what the seller calls “California rust” evident on pass side rear floor pan and drivers side front floor pan, as well as what is shown protruding from the outside of both L & R sills. The original factory red paint remains in the boot area and engine bay. Originality also shines through with details like both front & rear license plates, original jacking tools with crank, owners manual, workshop manual, key fob, hubcaps, date coded steel pressed wheels, boot trim, most cockpit trim, soft-top, soft-top hardware, light gray rubber mats, English made seat upholstery, spare wheel, and metal battery cover. A working front rotating hinged plate mount allows for cranking the engine as equipped from the factory.

The bumpers and badges are straight and complete, but the interior has seen better days as shown below. It is again very original but needs major attention. That steering wheel is also a nice factory piece.

Below is one of the two factory aluminum hardtops that is included. This one is missing one of the rear chrome trim fittings, and the other has a crack in the rear window. One complete one could be made from the pair, and the second is complete enough to sell off for some good money.

Additional spares include an extra 1961 1500 cc engine with the orig carbs, air cleaners, and intake manifold as well as an extra 1961 gearbox (cleaned & apart). A set of nice gauges, an extra factory jack and crank handle, and some miscellaneous early Sunbeam stuff in a cardboard box including a fuel pump, starter, generator, and dash trim pieces. We hope that the car does not get parted out, as there are obviously enough parts included to offset the sale price. Check out the photos below for more details!

From 10/19/2010:

This 1966 Ford Cortina race car project was stripped down by the current seller with plans of building an SCCA GT4 competitor but the project was never completed. A quality cage was installed along with a fuel cell, and the car now sits on a racing suspension and some cool 13″ Revolution alloy wheels. It needs full assembly but many interesting parts are included. It is available in Tsawwassen (not a typo), British Columbia for $8k USD obo. Contact us at mail@bringatrailer.com if you are interested.

The roll-cage was fabricated by Specialty Engineering West Coast who are well known for their past past Nasport championship. New AutoMeter gauges are also included. During the gutting of the interior the wiring harnesses, heater assembly, and some trim items were kept and are included with the sale. Extra doors, trunk lids, and turn signal switches are also there, but no upholstery. There is rust in the lower front fenders and channel supports as shown in the photos. The seller is up-front about this and these areas would need attention before the car became a racer.

The engine included with the sale is a Ford 1558 “L” Block with an EN20 Crankshaft and Kent mild race cam. It is disassembled and also includes a Pre-Crossflow Cylinder Head (Big Valve) and 2×45 mm DCOE Weber (new, never had fuel in them) as well as 2×50 mm DCOE (used) carbs. A Magard double throttle cable set-up, Single Rail Transmission, and Ford LSD 3.9 finish off the drivetrain. Pictured is the Leda Coil-over front struts w/external valving and there are Koni adjustable shocks out back. Also pictured is an ATL fuel cell (never seen fuel, bladder may have expired, 22 gallon approx) and a Tilton Super Starter. Tilton Master Cylinders are also included.

The seller also includes two trunk lids, two sets of glass, one set of compete doors, one set of door shells, and full headlight mounts. More parts are available but we suggest you contact the seller if you are seriously interested. There will obviously not be all the parts needed to make it a concours street car, but that is not the point with this one. It could likely be made streetable, but will be a modified hot rod of sorts. There are not enough Mk1 cars in North America and we hope this one makes it back to the road or track.