European Style With American Muscle In Monterey-Part 1

by Mike -

Cars with European styling and American power are of special interest to me. There are several cars in this unique category for auction in Monterey later this month. Here are my favorites.

1951 Allard K2 Roadster at RM Auctions.

Estimate: $100,000-$120,000 - OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

RM says:

160 bhp, 331 cid Cadillac OHV V-8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors, three-speed manual gearbox, Ballemy split-axle, semi-independent front suspension, de Dion rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

- One of 119 built; an original LHD example
- Well-equipped; tremendous performance and period racing cachet
- Regularly exercised by current owner

I love this green, this car looks very nice.

1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster at RM Auctions.

Chassis No. CSX 2485

Estimate: $450,000-$550,000

RM says:

Estimated 271 bhp, 289 cid V-8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, ladder-type steel tubing chassis with independent front and rear suspension via A-arms, transverse leaf springs and tubular shock absorbers, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

- Remarkably original condition and lovely patina

- Documented in Shelby American World Registry

It looks like it is in original condition in these pictures.

1963 Shelby 289 Cobra at RM Auctions.

Chassis No. CSX 2197

Estimate: $575,000-$675,000

RM says:

289 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, ladder-type steel tubing chassis with independent front and rear suspension with A-arms, transverse leaf springs and tube shock absorbers, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

- Early 289 Cobra with extensive history

- Documented restoration by Cobra expert Bill Kemper

- Under 10,000 miles from new, with Class “A” options; MSRP $5,195

Red and Cobra go together well.

1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster at RM Auctions.

Chassis No. CSX2451

Estimate: $800,000-$1,200,000

RM says:

289 cid V-8, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with transverse leaf springs, four-wheel disc brakes.

- Ownership by Lyon Family Collection since 1989

- Commissioned by the Copper Development Association from Virgil Exner’s designs in Esquire 

- The design vision of Virgil Exner and Virgil Exner, Jr.

- Modern interpretation of a Mercer Raceabout, built by Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano on Cobra chassis

- Numerous different finishes throughout to demonstrate the versatility of copper and brass

- Formerly in the collection of Joe Bortz

- Six-page spread in Automobile Quarterly (1964)

- Documented in Shelby American World Registry with chassis sold new through Shelby American

I have never heard of this car before - very unusual.

1974 Intermeccanica Indra at Gooding.

Estimate: $125,000-$150,000 without reserve.

Gooding says:

One of Only 127 Built

Only Known Example with a Ford V-8 Engine

Stunning Scaglione Design

Superbly Restored and Sorted

428 cid Cobra Jet V-8 Engine

Holley 4-Barrel Carburetor

335 bhp at 4,000 RPM

4-Speed Manual Transmission

4-Wheel Vented Disc Brakes

Independent Front Coil Spring, De Dion Rear Axle with Coil-Spring Suspension

I love the prancing bull on the grill.

Click on the images for a larger view.

If you like these cars you would like my book, European Style with American Muscle, available in paperback here and all eBook formats here.

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