>
John Staluppi and Craig Jackson share a laugh at the Cars of Dreams Museum in Florida. Staluppi is bringing seven offerings from his collection to the 2021 Houston Auction, which will all be selling with No Reserve.
For fans of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, John Staluppi needs no introduction. The straightforward businessman, well-known in the car world and the yacht world, is a longtime fixture at Barrett-Jackson. For the inaugural Houston Auction, September 16-18 at the NRG Center, he will be bringing seven great cars from his renowned Cars of Dreams Museum.
This No Reserve offering reflects a diverse group of classic and custom automobiles that span the late 1930s to the 1970s.
1953 BUICK SKYLARK CONVERTIBLE
The centerpiece of Buick’s 50th Anniversary and a worthy centerpiece for any collector. Just 1,640 Skylark convertibles were sold in 1953. The Skylark came with standard equipment beyond anything previously offered by Buick and was more than a rival for the premiere Cadillacs of the time. This 1953 Skylark is truly a car of dreams and took First Prize honors at the AACA National in 1999. Beautifully restored, the white-over-red convertible is powered by the famed 322ci “Nailhead” V8 engine backed by an automatic transmission, making sure this rolling work of art has the performance to match its Motorama styling. The stunning convertible rides on beautiful Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke chrome wheels wrapped in whitewall tires.
1951 MERCURY CUSTOM COUPE
Affectionately known as “Bad Boy,” this 1951 Mercury was built on a GM A-body chassis and has been chopped, channeled and dropped, giving it that signature “Lead Sled” style. The ’51 Merc features a 1954 DeSoto grille as well as frenched headlamps and taillamps from a 1954 Mercury. The beautiful coupe is custom from top to bottom and mixes classic hot-rodding aesthetic with modern Resto-Mod performance and technology. Under the hood resides a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine paired to a 4L70E automatic transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end. Braking is easily handled by Wilwood four-wheel power disc brakes, and an oversized aluminum radiator takes care of the cooling chores. The air-bagged suspension sits on Bilstein front shocks and rear RideTech adjustable gas shocks. Spent gasses exit through a stainless-steel Borla exhaust system, which also includes a set of electric cutouts. The exterior is finished in a Red-Orange paint with Candy Apple flames, which are set off perfectly by Lake pipes, full wheel covers and wide whitewall tires. The schools of old and new continue to blend inside. The driver grips a custom two-spoke steering wheel and looks on to a set of Dakota Digital gauges. The cabin features air conditioning, a custom audio system, touchscreen with navigation and Bluetooth, and even a rear-view camera. The custom two-tone tuck-and-roll interior is Red-Orange and features contrasting off-white seat piping. The kick panels feature upholstered flames – a continuation of the exterior’s theme – and there is custom pinstriping throughout. A sight to behold, this Mercury is truly something special and is sure to delight its new owner as a dream car for many years to come.
1969 FORD BRONCO CUSTOM PICKUP
A Bronco ready for Texas, this factory half-cab custom 4×4 has undergone a comprehensive frame-off restoration. Power from Ford’s famed Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine is sent to the wheels via a 6R80 automatic transmission with a Dana transfer case and Ford 9-inch rear end with 4.56 gears, as well as a Dana 44 upgraded front end. Both front and rear differentials have ARB Air Locker setups, and the Bronco is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and Bilstein shocks. The interior features black leather seats with matching door panels and headliner and is loaded with modern amenities and creature comforts, including a Vintage Air system, LCD radio with backup camera and Bluetooth. It also features a custom center console, USB port and 12-volt power sources, and a 4×4 shifter integrated into the console. The exterior boasts modern amenities that include custom flush-mounted glass, windshield wipers with delay and washer fluid feature, Mickey Thompson beadlock wheels, LED lights and halo headlights, and a backup camera. This custom Bronco is sure to be a major head-turner.
1936 FORD PHAETON CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
As stunning to look at as it is to drive, this is, as Mr. Staluppi said, “the first car that got me into hot rods.” The 1936 Ford Phaeton 4-door convertible was destined to become a classic when it was introduced. This all-steel
—————-
By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: A Select Offering of Cars from John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Museum
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/cars-from-john-staluppi-cars-of-dreams-museum-for-sale-no-reserve-2021-houston-auction/
Published Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2021 22:34:22 +0000
Recent Comments