Barrett-Jackson’s first-ever auction in New Orleans will showcase a diverse range of vehicles, with a strong emphasis on American muscle cars. While iconic models like the Camaro and Mustang will certainly be present, there are also many other interesting vehicles to explore. Barrett-Jackson has a few surprises in store for attendees. Here are three examples to pique your interest. Don’t forget, you also have the opportunity to sell your own vehicle alongside the cars listed below and other vehicles on the docket. You can trust Barrett-Jackson to effectively market and sell your collector car, thanks to their extensive resources, experience, and reputation.
1. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass S W31
Currently, there are only two Oldsmobiles scheduled for auction, so let’s give some recognition to the cars from Lansing. One standout is a 1970 Cutlass S Holiday Coupe with the W31 package. Although it may resemble the more popular W-Machine, the 4-4-2 W30, the W31 is distinctly different. It features a 325-horsepower 350 engine with a radical cam, so power brakes were not permitted. Other package features include an aluminum manifold, striped W25 fiberglass hood with chrome locks, wide side stripes, Performance Axle Package, sport mirrors, FE2 heavy-duty suspension, manual front disc brakes, and a power-saving clutch fan. This particular model also comes with additional options, such as an M38 automatic transmission, console with W26 Hurst Dual-Gate shifter, AM/FM stereo with 8-track, Super Stock II mags, U21 Rocket Rally Pac, N34 Custom-Sport steering wheel, and W35 rear spoiler. Some argue that this car, based on its horsepower/cubic inch ratio, packs an even bigger punch than the W30.
2. 1966 Hemi Dodge Coronet 440
Two years after their triumphant win at Daytona in 1964, Chrysler Corporation introduced a street version of the 426 Hemi engine. Available in Dodge and Plymouth B-body cars like the Coronet, the 1966 Hemi cars may not have had the same image as the GTO, but they certainly had the horsepower to rival it. Racers favored the Coronet and Coronet Deluxe two-door sedans, while those seeking style gravitated towards the Coronet 500 with its standard bucket seats and console. As for the Coronet 440, it was the most affordable hardtop option in the Coronet series. The featured car is a 1966 Coronet 440 two-door hardtop with only 13,984 miles on the odometer. It is one of the 288 U.S.-spec “H-code” Hemi cars produced. Finished in light blue with a blue bench seat interior and column-shift TorqueFlite automatic transmission, this muscle car may appear unassuming compared to its later counterparts, but it still packs a punch.
3. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L71/L89
In the fall of 1967, the Corvette debuted with a radical body influenced by the Mako Shark II design, while retaining its existing chassis. The coupe now featured T-tops as a standard feature. Mechanically, there were few changes apart from the addition of the much-needed TH400 automatic transmission. Big-block engines still had their distinctive hood design, and the L88 had its own unique hood separate from other 427 models. In 1967, the rarest engine option was the L71 427 with L89 aluminum heads, producing 435 horsepower. However, production of this option took off in 1968, despite its hefty $800+ price tag, with 624 buyers opting for the engine combo. The showcased Corvette is a Silverstone Silver 1968 coupe, which underwent an authentic restoration over the past 3-4 years. It is equipped with the L71/L89 engine paired with an M21 four-speed manual transmission and 3.70 Positraction gears. Additional performance features include the K66 transistorized ignition, N11 special off-road exhaust, and 15-inch wheels. On the luxury front, it boasts a black leather interior, power windows, and other optional extras.
