COMING OUT THE GATE STRONG: AMERICAN MUSCLE LEADS EARLY ENTRIES FOR AUCTIONS AMERICA'S 2016 SEASON OPENER

December 2, 2015 by Auctions America

• Auctions America's kicks off its 2016 calendar, April 1-3 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

• Regarded as South Florida's premier collector car auction, multi-day sale expected to feature diverse roster of nearly 500 automobiles

• Early highlights led by an all-original 1967 Shelby GT 500 Fastback and a recently restored 1968 Shelby GT 500KR Convertible

• Event information and a frequently updated list of entries available online at www.auctionsamerica.com

AUBURN, Indiana (December 2, 2015) – South Florida's premier collector car auction returns to the Sunshine State April 1-3, as Auctions America presents its 14th annual Fort Lauderdale sale. Marking the company's first event of the new collector car season, the April sale will see nearly 500 quality collector vehicles cross the auction stage, setting the tone for Auctions America's 2016 calendar.

Typical of the Fort Lauderdale sale, early highlights are led by a selection of high-performance vehicles, including an impressive pair of Shelby GT500's. From 1967, there is a well-documented and highly original Shelby GT 500 Fastback. Finished in the very desirable color combination of Lime Gold with Le Mans stripe delete, it sports fashionable cast aluminum 10-spoke wheels and boasts a number of the most desirable options available, including four-speed manual transmission, dual four-barrel carburetors, and a Detroit locker unit in the rear end. A highly original and pure car, it shows just over 58,000 miles from new (Est. $150,000 – $175,000). For those looking to enjoy the thrills of top-down driving, the '67 Shelby is joined by an equally-impressive 1968 Shelby GT 500KR Convertible. One of just 518 GT 500KR's built, this four-speed example is considered by many to be the ultimate 1968 Shelby due to its 'King of the Road' specification and drop-top. Also finished in Lime Gold, the most popular color that year, it benefits from a recent concours-quality restoration (Est. $140,000 - $160,000). The Fort Lauderdale sale will also feature more modern performance in the form of a one-owner 2005 Ford GT, one of very few produced in the extremely rare and desirable Black with stripe delete paint scheme (Est. $300,000 - $325,000).

'Each year, our Fort Lauderdale sale sets the tone for our season ahead,' says Megan Boyd, Car Specialist, Auctions America. 'The early addition of these two GT 500's is a testament to Fort Lauderdale's reputation as one of the leading sales for American performance vehicles, specifically Shelby Mustangs, which continue to bring a strong premium each year. Representing the best of both worlds - one original and the other restored - they are certainly among the finest examples of the model we've had the privilege of offering, and provide an exciting start to an ever-growing roster of vehicles for the April sale.'

As in past years, American muscle will be complemented by a terrific host of American classics at Auctions America's Fort Lauderdale venue. Notable early entries from this segment of the market include an immaculate, multiple award-winning 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible, one of less than 20 1956 Eldorado Convertibles built with factory air-conditioning (Est. $175,000 - $225,000, offered at no reserve); and a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster, number 214 of just 300 examples built. Fresh to the market following 35 years of single-ownership, the Vette is fitted with a factory-installed Wonderbar radio, a center-mounted tachometer and speedometer, side curtains and under dash heater. Estimated to bring between $180,000 - $220,000 when it goes under the gavel, its offering comes on the heels of a very strong result for a similar car at Auctions America's debut Hilton Head Island sale in October.

The Fort Lauderdale sale will also well cater to those with a penchant for European marques, with a large roster of foreign and exotic examples slated for the podium. Leading the pack is a trio of Mercedes-Benzes, including a very rare, limited-production 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S, displaying 60,000 original miles and fitted with a factory short wave radio and original fitted luggage (Est. $475,000 - $525,000). The group also includes a European-delivered 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 S 'Adenauer' featuring a rare sunroof option (Est. $50,000 - $65,000), and a highly-original 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE, presented in the desirable color combination of Cream over Cognac with Chocolate Brown German canvas roof ($80,000 - $100,000).

---

Trending News

• Trans Am SpeedTour Returns to Road America, June 28-30
• Barrett-Jackson Revs Up Excitement for 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction with Future Collector Car Show, Sunday, October 13
• Hyundai Wins Two Favorite Vehicle Awards From Midwest Automotive Media Association
• Wrap it Up! The All-new, All-Electric 2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S Launch Edition Takes Center Stage on Stellantis NA Headquarters in Michigan
• Dark Horse R drivers set for 2025 Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational

---

Auctions America's 14th annual Fort Lauderdale auction will be held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, April 1-3. Led by local South Florida collector car veteran, Donnie Gould, the 2016 event follows Auctions America's most successful performance at the venue to date in 2015, with more than $21.3 million in sales. Defined by its quality and diversity, the 2016 sale will present nearly 500 collector vehicles, spanning all segments of the market, from American classics to European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs.

To discuss consignment opportunities or to view a frequently updated list of entries, please call toll free 877-906-2437 (or +1 954 566 2209 outside North America) or visit www.auctionsamerica.com.

ABOUT AUCTIONS AMERICA

Formed in July 2010, Auctions America specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs. Headquartered at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, Auctions America boasts an expert team of full-time vehicle specialists, who offer over 180 years of combined experience buying, selling, racing and restoring collector vehicles, making them uniquely qualified to advise on all aspects of the hobby. The company's established roster of annual events are held in some of the country's leading automotive destinations including Auburn, Indiana; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Santa Monica, California and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. To learn more about Auctions America, visit auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.