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LOVE THOSE 300SL COUPES BUT WE'LL TAKE THE ROADSTER

If you're a Mercedes 300SL "purist" there is only one car for you and that's the Gullwing coupe. But if you prefer the wind-in-the-hair purity of open-air driving then the 300SL roadster is your car. It certainly is mine, or would be if I had the $850,000-$1,100,000 that this 1961 example is expected to bring at RM's Amelia Island auction on Saturday, March 10, 2012.

With almost any car a coupe is normally more practical, being weathertight and rigid, but the 300SL is an exception. The Gullwing was developed from a racing car, where such minor things as driver ergonomics are rarely considered. Hence, when the street version appeared, it retained the same high sills and unique door openings. And thus was so awkward to enter that the steering wheel had to be fitted with a hinge that allowed it to tilt forward to a near-horizontal position until the driver was seated.

Now I'm not suggesting this was the only reason why Mercedes eventually built a roadster but it certainly was important in the eyes of legendary importer Max Hoffman, who was eager to increase US sales of the 300SL. As well, Hoffman knew that Americans regarded convertibles as prestigious, even romantic, and more fun to drive than a closed car. Mercedes' engineers listened to his request and developed a roadster with the best attributes of the Gullwing—speed, handling prowess and solid build-quality. The spaceframe chassis was modified to provide deeper door openings for ease of entry and exit.

Slight styling changes included larger fenders, new headlights, a smaller grille opening and a chrome trim strip along the side sill. Despite a weight penalty due to the chassis strengthening and the larger door openings, performance was maintained by a horsepower upgrade. The roadster thus became one of the fastest (up to 155 mph) and most beautiful cars on the road. Of course the price tag was high and with so few made, examples today sell for the kind of money that only the very rich can afford.

This gorgeous machine has the additional advantage of restoration by the Mercedes experts of Rudi & Company in Victoria, BC. According to RM "every part is factory-correct, supplied from Mercedes-Benz Classic, and the completed car was tested for 300 miles and given an initial service with the head re-torqued, valves adjusted, all fluids changed and sorting done as required. Following the road test this 300SL was given a final wet sand, full polish and detailing. Mileage stands at approximately 85,350 miles."

Still prefer a Gullwing? Not me. I'm one of those crazies who'd rather drive with the top down, breathing the perfumed aroma of spring, listening to the tenor sax tones of that 240 hp, fuel-injected inline six. And my bid is.....

[Photos: RM]

AN INSIDER'S LOOK AT THE GREAT CAR COLLECTIONS

I'm delighted to help promote Keith Martin's new TV show "Million Dollar Collections." As publisher of Sports Car Market and American Car Collector, Martin knows the classics and will be taking viewers inside the car collections of personal museums, curators and owners to tell the tales of how and why they did it.

The series premiere on Monday, Feb 20, uncovers the magical Milhous Collection in Boca Raton, Florida - the result of 50 years of dedicated collecting by brothers Bob & Paul Milhous. Regarded as one of the world's finest private museums, the collection boasts an unprecedented series of rare automobiles, exquisite mechanical musical instruments and collectibles, including a custom carousel. All of which will be up for auction on Feb 24-25.

This allows me to boast a little of my own background with cars and broadcasting, which predates anything on the air today. If I hadn't been having so much fun I might even be jealous of Keith's new venture. Most of it took place in Canada, by the way, so when I say "first" it applies to my country but quite probably included the USA.

As a young radio announcer in the 50s I produced the first broadcast test drive, a Studebaker Starlight coupe that I tossed around the temporarily closed runways of Timmins Ontario's airport with the agreement of a fascinated airport manager. This led to hosting "Revving Up" for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the first weekly radio show about motorsport. And from that I became host of "Wheelspin," North America's first weekly automotive television show. One of Wheelspin's features was the interviewing of of classic collectors, but where Keith will be visiting the collections, the collectors came to us.

I was also the action announcer for the first live telecast of a motor race in Canada (from Mosport). I announced the Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport for the CBC, and did the first radio play-by-play of the Sebring 12-hours, also for the CBC. According to the station manager the race action outdrew an NHL hockey game, which is quite extraordinary for Canada. The CBC's Bob McGegor and I also covered the Indy 500 and the Shell 4000 (Trans Canada) Rally from Montreal to Vancouver.

There was more, including my own class-championship sedan racing, but before I could turn these efforts into a lifetime career I executed a four-wheel-drift as an ad agency copywriter, and later creative director, in New York, London, and Toronto. Years later I was back into radio with Tales of the Open Road, 60-second spots that were half automotive history and half dealer promos. And now I'm an Internet guy, happily producing Marque1.com. Behind that lies more than 50 years of automotive media history.

My only regret is that Keith's Velocity show may not appear on our Vancouver cable outlet. Described as "an upscale male lifestyle network" Velocity is part of the Discovery group and while we do get the latter, its programming is selective. But I do recommend it to you and as for Keith Martin...  "congratulations, Keith, but I was there first." Though as my ex-wife used to remind me, "that and 25 cents won't get you a cup of coffee."

YOU WON'T MISTAKE IT FOR AN EDSEL BUT CHRYSLER'S AIRFLOW WAS EQUALLY FLAWED

Every car company has its Edsel, though for very different reasons. Whereas the Edsel was the offspring of ill-timed marketing decisions, Chrysler's Airflow was an engineering error. While the Edsel was over-styled, a mish-mash of chrome and exaggerated decor plus a grille that resembled either a horse collar or an Alfa-Romeo, depending how you saw it, the Airflow was designed by engineers who were influenced by aerodynamics ("streamlining" in those days) but lacked aesthetic tastes. Ford could survive the Edsel but the Airflow might have destroyed Chrysler had the company not backstopped itself with more conventional models. Like Ford, it was wise enough to quit while there was still time.

Today the Edsel, though definitely an important collector car, is still available in such numbers that values remain low. A Chrysler Airflow (and its DeSoto twin) is far rarer, especially in concours condition. The 1934 Airflow seen here is sheer perfection, and when it goes on the block at Auction America's Fort Lauderdale auction, March 16-18, it is expected to bring between $80,000 - $100,000. Some consider the styling to be beautiful, too far ahead ahead of its time, but I think that, when seen from the front, the Airflow was rather ugly. And that's the real reason why the public turned against it.

The engineering, however, was brilliant. A semi-unitary "truss bridge" chassis was based on aircraft construction principles. The eight-cylinder engine was placed over the front axle, which allowed the seats to be located entirely within the car’s wheelbase, resulting in a roomy and comfortable passenger compartment and a remarkably smooth ride. Needing superior handling dynamics, an innovative suspension system was designed. The engineering team then applied what they learned about aerodynamics to utilize monocoque construction. This would strengthen the body while reducing overall drag.

The windshield was composed of two sheets of glass that formed a raked 'vee' both side to side, and top to bottom instead of a flat panel of glass. While automakers like Ford, GM and even Chrysler continued to use wood structural framing members in their car bodies, the Airflow utilized a full steel body. Function dictated form but to the exclusion of style. If only they'd brought in one of the great designers of the day.

The car on auction had a complete restoration, finished in June, 2011 at a cost of nearly $200,000. Every nut and bolt was removed, cleaned or replaced. The engine, brakes, rear end and fuel tank were all rebuilt. This Airflow features an 8-cylinder inline engine, three speed transmission with overdrive and free-wheeling, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. It is one of only 7,226 produced and is said to be among the best restored Chrysler Airflows in existence. Strangely, the passing of decades have given it a beauty that didn't exist in the first place.

BEST REASON TO VISIT PALM SPRINGS: 2012 DESERT CONCOURS

It's early February of 2012 and there are a number of places I'd rather be than here in Sidney, BC. And that's because I love sunshine, warm temperatures, and beautiful scenery, especially when they're all in the same location. Add great classic cars to the list and one place leaps to the top. Palm Springs, California, home of the Rancho Mirage Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance.

Not long ago this was a two-day event. Now it encompasses ten days of excitement, beginning with the Desert Classic Vintage and Historic races, Friday through Sunday, Feb 17-19, at the Chuckawalla Valley Raceway in nearby Indio, California. Okay, it's not exactly ten days non-stop, for there is a break after the races until Friday, the 24th, when the Tour Classique begins. And that, to me, is a good thing as it allows visitors time to enjoy everything that Palm Springs offers. I'd recommend an early morning side trip to the Salton Sea area to participate in a hot air balloon ride, surely one of life's more inspirational experiences.

The Tour Classique on Saturday is where owners of selected concours cars have an opportunity to drive their vintage automobiles over interesting desert roads in the Coachella Valley, and where the public has a chance to see (and hear) them driven. As well, the event now includes a classic car auction, offering visitors a chance to buy their own piece of history. The Desert Classic Auction takes place on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, with previews on Friday, the 24th.

Of course the highlight is Sunday's Concours d'Elegance, featuring more than 250 exceptional classics from Europe and America. Many of these rarely seen cars are from private collections and museums, and they'll be competing for coveted "best of show" and class awards. A "celebration of the motorsports lifestyle," the concours includes fine food and wine, up-scale vendors, music, and displays of other collectible items such as such as jewelry, watches and art. As a bonus, car club members are invited to display their vehicles in the Car Club Corral, located adjacent to the concours area.

One thing I do find peculiar about the Desert Classic is the change of location, the third in its brief history. Initially held on the golf course at the city of Palm Springs, it moved to the La Quinta Resort and Club in 2010 and returned in 2011. Now the Desert Classic heads for the Rancho Mirage Country Club in Palm Desert. Not that the venue is any less attractive with its spectacular mountain views, but it does suggest that the organisers have had trouble finding a permanent home. Let's hope this one is in it for the long run.

[Photo of Cadillac Fleetwood at 2011 Concours: Gerry Maceda]

RARE FIND AT SCOTTSDALE: PEERLESS GT COUPE

In his search for the unusual at the Scottsdale auctions, Nigel Matthews was quite surprised to find a 1959 Peerless GT coupe about to be auctioned by Russo & Steele. Only 300 of these rare and technically interesting cars were made at Slough in Berkshire, England, and only a few left-hand-drive models found their way to North America. That any have survived may be due to the fact that the bodies are fiberglass and the engines were identical to those found in the Triumph TR4 and Standard Vanguard.

The Peerless was just one of several low volume UK sports cars built in the 50s and 60s using running gear from mass-produced sedans, but it was also one of the best. In 1958 a near-stock Peerless raced in the 24 Hours of LeMans and placed 1st in class and 16th overall, an impressive result. The basic structure was of tube construction, with an all-independent suspension featuring a DeDion rear. In stock form the 1991 c.c. 4-cylinder ohv engine produced 100 hp @ 5000 rpm, 117.5 ft lbs of torque @ 3000 rpm. Transmission was a 5-speed manual. With a weight of just 2401 lbs, that was enough for 110 mph and 0-60 acceleration of 12.4 seconds. Respectable performance, indeed, for the late 1950s.

Speaking of Triumphs, Nigel also spotted this TR3 at the Gooding auction. He remarked in his e-mail to me, "what has it come to when a Triumph TR3 sells for $55,000?" What indeed, in this weird world of collector cars? Still, it appears to be a ground-up restoration so perhaps the buyer went away happy. My late brother had one in Europe eons ago and I doubt he even paid $5000. By the way, Peerless was also the name for a prestige automobile made in America from 1900 to 1931. When the last customer Peerless left the assembly line on June 30, 1931 it was also the last production car ever to be made in Cleveland.

[Photos: Nigel Matthews, sales and marketing director for Hagerty Canada]

AUSTIN CAMBRIAN, A CAR WE KNEW WELL, A NAME WE DIDN'T

If there's one thing Nigel Matthews and I have in common it's an attraction to affordable family cars designed and built in England. Nigel because he was born and raised near Oxford and me because my initiation to motorsport was through the British Empire Motor Club. BEMC was a Canadian club but many of the members were ex-pats who drove English sedans and sports cars. So whenever Nigel attends a major auction or concours he looks for examples that we could afford if we were seeking a vintage auto. The 1957 Austin Cambrian, above, is just such a car.

Writing about it in his Vancouver Province article, Nigel confessed that he'd never heard of a Cambrian (nor had I), although it looked exactly like an Austin A55 Mk1, known as Cambridge in its home country. He subsequently learned that Cambrian was the name given to export models, apparently because Plymouth had already used the Cambridge name from 1951 to 1953. This beautifully preserved example had logged a mere 51,712 miles with just two owner-drivers, both of whom had maintained it well. It came with five boxes of manuals, magazines, and memorabilia as well as a British Heritage Certificate showing that it was originally delivered to a dealer in Maryland. The second owner took the car to Southern California, which helps explain why it has zero rust. A small book that came with it shows every fuel purchase since new, with the number of gallons and price of the fill-up noted in pencil.

There was, however, a third owner, a museum in Florida, and then a fourth, a car dealer in Oregon. In both cases the car was moved across the country in a transporter, thus avoiding additional wear and tear and helping to account for the low mileage. The dealer, by the way, had advertised the Cambrian on its website for $10,450 but the lucky buyer who purchased it at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale got his car for a mere $8,525.

Nigel reports that these cars are seldom seen in the United States and are even rare in England. They were quite popular with import buyers here in Canada and certainly drew my attention as a novice automobile journalist, but as I recall they were properly named Cambridge and not Cambrian. Plymouths were, of course, sold in Canada and were usually identical to US models but there were sometimes changes to suit the market and it is possible that the Plymouth Cambridge was not sold here. Whatever the name, it has my admiration and Nigel's too.

[Photo: Nigel Matthews, sales and marketing director, Hagerty Canada]

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: A DELIGHTFUL '72 DATSUN

Every year there are cars at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction that make me wish I was there but because I stayed home I missed the opportunity. This is one, a 1972 Datsun 510 Wagon that sold for $8525. At that price it was a real bargain although if I'd been bidding the numbers might have gone higher. And yes, you are correct. If I'd paid more attention to the 2012 B-J catalog that I was recommending on this very site I'd have known about the Datsun and could have bid by phone. I might have even persuaded Marque1's Nigel Matthews, who was there, to check it out for me.

Ah well, hindsight, etc., and the world is full of "what ifs" and "I wish I had," along with too many "wait 'til next years." Put me in that latter category as I don't expect to be any wealthier then and nice cars at the bottom end of the price scale will still attract me.

The good folks at WindingRoad.com found the Datsun Wagon while they were perusing cars that humble folk like we auto journalists can actually afford. The writer said he tries to stay away from modified or unoriginal cars "but this one was too hard to pass up." Judging from the photo and the specs it appears that any modifications must have been minimal, for it still has a 1.6-liter engine in US specification plus its original rear-wheel drive. The wheels are not stock but I don't have any problem with that, nor with the green paint job. Or was the 510 available in that colour when new?

Nissan/Datsun enthusiasts, along with vintage race fans, will be well aware that the 510 was a fast, chuckable, and fun car that could easily be modified for competition. Paul Newman, the actor and race driver, drove a Datsun 510 when he began his racing career in 1972. Of course a wagon was not likely to be seen on a track, but as a street car the one featured in this blog would be a delightful combination of practicality with good times. Well, there's always next... no, no, I won't say it.

BEAUTIFUL BUICK BECOMES AN ANTIDOTE TO WINTER

I would very much like to be at the auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona, right now, instead of sitting at a desk in southwestern British Columbia. There are two reasons for this. First, because nowhere in the USA can one witness such an incredible display of collector cars, ranging from the affordable to the exotic. And second, because I'm looking out at a landscape covered in snow, with temperatures hovering around zero.

Now the latter may not seem surprising to those who have an image of Canada as a snow-covered nation, but the reality is quite different, especially in this part of the country. Here our winters are mild, with daytime temperatures normally around plus-5 celcius (40 degrees fahrenheit). And we often get through winter with only a day or two of heavy snowfalls. Or, if we're lucky, none at all. But three days ago we got dumped on, big-time, and although rain is scheduled to return this afternoon, meaning it will all be washed away soon, the mere sight of the white stuff has me depressed. (And that from one who took annual ski-bob vacations in the Alps!)

Fortunately I can go online and look at many of the cars being auctioned in and around Scottsdale, and then cheer myself up by admiring them and even dreaming of someday becoming a collector. In an effort to keep my dreams manageable I try to avoid the million-dollar exotics in favour of cars that I can actually visualise owning. Especially if they take me back to times when I was younger and such cars were a common sight on our roads and driveways. Like this beautiful 1953 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon.

It was America’s last wood-bodied station wagon, and with only 676 built was quite rare even when new. Restored to concours condition it features perfectly restored original wood with new rear posts and is equipped with a set of superb Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. The 322 c.i. V-8 engine sends its 188 bhp through a twin-turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission. 4-wheel power-assisted drum brakes bring it to a halt. It is being offered by Gooding for $75,000 - $95,000, with no reserve.

Suddenly my imagination was working overtime. Here was a car I could actually use, at least for trips to concours, auto museums, and Buick owner's club events. For a few minutes the luxurious Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon took my mind off that snowy scene outside the window and I hope the new owner, whoever that may be, treats this beauty with the respect it deserves.

FERRARI F40 ONCE OWNED BY LEE IACOCCA, ON STAGE AT SCOTTSDALE AUCTION

Having worked with a few, and met or known a few, I'm well aware that auto executives at the top don't always limit their garages to vehicles made by the company that employs them. That's especially true of designers (all of whom are enthusiasts) along with those rare execs who get off on cars as much as they do rising sales numbers. Lee Iacocca was one of those, both during his Mustang days at Ford and his later tenures at Chrysler. So we shouldn't be surprised to find a Ferrari F40 originally owned and loved by Iacocca, on the RM auction block this weekend.

Built to celebrate Ferrari's fortieth anniversary, the F40 was the fastest street Ferrari when it was produced and the last one built under the guidance of founder Enzo Ferrari. It was originally meant for a production run of just 400 but popular demand led to over 1300 examples being made. Oddly, just 213 were built for the North American market, including Iacocca's car which, no doubt, received special attention before it left the factory. There were two subsequent owners but over twenty-one years the three owners managed to put just 480 kilometers on the odometer. One wonders what they actually did with the car. Was it just a toy to be possessed?

The F40 featured a 2,936 cc mid-mounted V-8 engine with dual overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, four valves per cylinder, Weber-Marelli engine management, port fuel injection, twin IHI turbochargers, and Behr air-to-air intercoolers. It delivered its 471 bhp through a five-speed manual gearbox in a rear transaxle. Suspension was independent all-round, using  unequal-length A-arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar. Four-wheel ventilated hydraulic disc brakes brought it to a very quick stop. An enduring supercar icon, Iacocca's F40 is expected to sell for $650,000-$750,000 US.

SCOTTSDALE AUCTION CATALOGS: 7 BEST FREEBIES ON THE NET

Quicker and (maybe) smarter than me, the folks at Sports Car Market added seven terrific links to its most recent newsletter and I'm here to say thanks while passing them on to you.

They all link to the catalogs of seven major companies appearing in the Scottsdale auction festival during mid-January. In past years such catalogs were available only in print and at a high price. Indeed, RM's catalogs were keepers, a combination of coffee table book and vehicle history. No doubt they were helpful to the well-heeled prospective buyers but not everyone was willing to lay out that kind of money and, let's face it, there are countless enthusiasts who simply like to admire the cars and, perhaps, learn a little. So we can all be thankful that the catalogs are now available for downloading, absolutely free. I might add that for the auctioneers it makes marketing sense to expand the appeal.

I'm not even going to attempt describing the contents. You can do that yourself, simply by perusing the catalogs. If you're an enthusiast without deep pockets, you'll have fun. If you're a person of means you may find the car (or cars) of your dreams and either head for Scottsdale or use your phone as a bidding tool. If it were me I'd head straight for the RM catalog and inform my banker that I'll be bidding on the 1959 BMW 507 up top. One of my all-time favorites and a candidate for most beautiful sports car.

On the other hand, with less money to spend and a nostalgia for art deco-inspired Fords, and wooden boats, too, I'd hop over to the Gooding catalog and get ready to bid on this 1939 Ford station wagon. With original wood paneling and expert restoration, plus a history that included musem display, I'd love to park it next to the docks at a classic boat show.

While clicking through the Russo & Steele catalog I was brought to an instant halt by this 1953 Corvette. It is one of the rare original examples and is totally unique in having served as the "model" for a US Postal Service 1953 Corvette stamp. The car belongs to Noland Adams, who has 55 + years of experience as an owner, restorer, and Corvette historian. This beauty was owned by him for 43 years.

For sheer volume and variety you can't beat the Barrett-Jackson "circus." It provides five days of entertainment, fun, a chance to see over a thousand collector cars all in one place, and an opportunity to buy some genuinely affordable wheels. That's why I was attracted to this 1969 Toyota Corolla hardtop; that and the fact that vintage Japanese cars are beginning to get some deserved attention. I'd be happy to drive this one home. Get the catalog here.

The Silver auction at Fort McDowell is smaller and more intimate than some of the others, but no less interesting. For example, Silver is offering this 1937 Dodge D5 convertible sedan, one of only 473 produced. With a restoration by a professional mechanic for his own use (same owner many years) it shows off a black lacquer exterior, tan leather interior, factory fender skirts, wide whitewalls, and comes with a heater; handy for those cool weather tours.

I must admit that I've never heard of the MotoExotica sale in Phoenix, which kicks off auction hysteria on January 14-15. But a glance through the online catalog made me realise I'd be missing an important event if I failed to attend. In fact, budget permitting, I might be bidding on a lovely 1947 Buick convertible. I fell in love with these beauties when I was a kid and my affection hasn't changed after all these years. With a wide variety of cars and a slide show accompanying every vehicle pictured, this catalog is one to enjoy.

And now, as they say, for something completely different. In addition to a selection of high end classics, the international auctioneer Bonhams, making its Scottsdale debut, is offering the complete auto library of the late David E. Davis, one of America's most revered automobile journalists. Like countless others I frequently read his work and enjoyed it. Met him once, when he put my 4-year-old on his shoulders for a better view of the Grand Prix at the Glen. This is a collection with a personal history that adds to the interest.

[Thanks again to Sports Car Market for these links]