Although not particularly...
Although not particularly elegant-looking, it's certainly rare: The plastic bubble top on this '54 is one of about only 20 made at the order of Harley Earl. The car sold for a very reasonable $50,000.
In our estimation, the prices were right on given the state of the collector market these days, with many of the cars selling for arguably bargain prices. Some of the later-model cars sold for little more than their original sticker. Considering their milestone designation and brand-new condition, they should prove to be wise investments. In fact, the sale of so many low-mile, milestone vehicles may have had a depressing effect on the overall prices, as there were plenty of similar cars to pick from. Time will tell, as some of those vehicles will undoubtedly hit the market again soon—we saw the transporters and trailers from several well-known Corvette and collector-car dealers in the parking lot.
Interestingly, the sale last fall wasn't the first time McDorman has liquidated a collection of significant Chevys. He began collecting them pretty much the moment he bought his dealership, but in the late 1960s, a Chevrolet representative leaned on him to sell off the cars, arguing it wasn't good for his business. He did it, but soon starting amassing another collection. A similar discussion with another Chevy rep in the early '70s prompted another sale. After that, the suits in Detroit must have given up, because McDorman was left alone with his cars.
The collection was loaded...
The collection was loaded with as-new, never-titled models, including this '95 Indy Pace Car replica, which rolled across the block with only 5 original miles.
We couldn't help but ask if any rare muscle cars or Corvettes slipped away in those earlier sales.
"No," said McDorman. "No L88 Corvettes or Z16 Chevelles or anything like that."
It's different this time. Age and other responsibilities have made McDorman's decision to liquidate the latest collection all his, although he's keeping 9 or 10 favorite vehicles for his personal use.
"I've had my time with the cars and enjoyed it all very much," he says. "But it's time for others to get [some] use from them."
If the crowd on hand for the sale was an indicator, there are more than enough enthusiasts willing to take on that responsibility.
Nearly 90 Corvettes were sold...
Nearly 90 Corvettes were sold during the auction, and these were lined up under long tents for inspection by hundreds of collectors.
This '55 model carried serial...
This '55 model carried serial number 0002 for the year and is believed to be the first production Corvette built with a V-8 engine. It sold for $130,000.
This "new" '95 ZR-1 had never...
This "new" '95 ZR-1 had never been titled and had less than 100 original miles. Only 49 were painted Competition Yellow that year, too. Selling price was $61,000.
One of our favorite cars of...
One of our favorite cars of the event—and one of the best deals—was this Mille Miglia Red '72 LT1 coupe, one of 240 with factory air conditioning. It sold for $43,000, and its value will only appreciate.
Among the memorabilia on offer...
Among the memorabilia on offer was this original '78 Pace Car dealer billboard. It would make a great finishing touch to the garage of a pace-car collection.
The other factory show car...
The other factory show car in the sale was Bill Mitchell's '64 Experimental Sting Ray XX, which sold for $160,000. The engine is a 327, and the body carries a number of custom touches, including six taillights and unique fender vents.