Once again, the Raleigh Classic’s docket was filled with high-quality, original vehicles, many with low mileage.  The best example may have been a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition that was only 6 miles from new.  To maintain its low mileage, the current owners didn’t even want to drive the Trans Am up on the stage, so they pushed it backwards.  Whatever it takes to avoid any additional turns on the odometer!

Other highlights included a break-out sale of a Jeep CJ7 Laredo, some wonder Woodys, and a variety of highly collectable classics.  Here are some of the almost 300 vehicles that were showcased at the Capital Auto Auction facility in Youngstown, NC.

Top 10 Car Sales

Break out Sale – Jeep CJ7

The current market on classic recreation vehicles, such as 4 X 4 Jeeps, is really taking off.   So, the increased popularity and collectability of these vehicles, together with the provenance of this particular 1981 CJ7, had all the elements for a really exciting sale.

Roger Mears was originally given this Jeep for winning the Baja 1000.  Soon after receipt, he sent it to Tom Strong to customize.   Strong added a 401 ci V8 with Holley 4bbl, B&M ratchet shifter, aluminum wheels, tasteful lift kit, chrome rear bumper, fog lamps, and much more.

With all these customizations, there’s no doubt it is a very tricked-out Jeep.  However, it certainly caught everyone at the auction by surprise when bids reached the $70,000 reserve for this vehicle with no sign of stopping. As it turns out, there were two phone bidders who had to have this special Jeep. When the bid reached $90,000, one of the phone bidders crushed his rival with a $10,000 jump to $100,000. That finally ended the contest in what became the talk of the auction, and quite possibly a record price for this model Jeep. The below video captured the excitement towards the end of this bidding war.

Woodys

Woody wagons are always a crowd favorite, and the Spring Raleigh Classic offered six show-quality examples.   This included Ford, Mercury, and even a rare Dodge wagon ranging from 1931 to 1951.  And, in keeping with the Raleigh Classic tradition of low mileage, the 1936 Ford Wagon had less than 700 miles on the clock.

Other Eyecatching Cars

Pre-Auction Walkthru

Note: All prices given are hammer prices, and do not include buyer’s commission.