Oh, heck no. Notice I said when the big-ticket stuff rolls across... There's some real deals at some of the auctions, especially at the low end, but at the top levels some of the prices are more Art pricing than Car pricing and it's not you and I who are bidding. At that level it seems like you have to just not care if you are investing wisely or not. At $1.9M, I bet we see that car at auction in a few years going for 400-450K rather than $2.2M. But you never know, and that's the attraction for some people. I know some folks who have been buying and selling at auctions since before they got so popular and the games and drama have always been part of the fun.
Not only designed, but built this car in a wheel chair ,if I remember correctly. A long ago article about Harry inspired me as a very young hot rodder.A True Man among men.
Just think Jim McNiel bought the car for $500 off a car lot in 59. According to a chart I found that's the same as $4800 today. That's not too shabby a profit
But they kept it for 63 years. And I`m sure had many chances to sell it. And for a lot more than $500 dollars.
Come to find out a little more the guy that owned it and had it restored wanted it red as that was the color of his ball team who ever that was, its changed hands twice since then, as you well know the auction companys don't do a search top see what they are selling.
I explain this to people, it is more than just owning a nice car. You are responsible for making sure that nothing happens to it as well. I have had more than 1 dreamer talk about buying a nice car, yet they don't even have a place to keep it.
Yeah, especially for a car I have no interest in.... For the money that was bid on it, I could have bought 14 very cool rides and still have plenty left over....
Actually built while Bradley lived in NJ. Custom work, bodywork and paint, by Sea Isle City craftsman, Herb Gary. Another custom genius, that practically no one's heard of. Chopped Mercs all look the same???? Really????? I say that of all 32 Fords and 57 Chevies! Because it's true!
Your Cash Ain't Nothin But Trash, was a 50's song by the Clovers vocal group around 1955. Steve Miller was a fan and stole the line for his song. It's the HAMB we gota be straight up straight here. JW
Spot on @bobss396. Well said, that’s we’re dreaming and reality meet. Buying it is just the beginning.
Jack Walker is a class act. He also cloned the Hirohata,and it was beautiful. He owned and became caretaker of many historic cars and some lesser known, like my Moonglow tribute. One of the most humble car guys that I’ve had a pleasure to meet.
So I’ll set some things straight as well. Google “wild mountain honey “ and then you’ll see my attempt at having some fun
For those who don't know the story of the Merc, but are interested, this is a great video. https://kustomrama.com/wiki/Hirohata_Merc:_Custom_Legend_-_Full_Documentary
Watching that video will bring a little moisture to your eyes. To see the love and passion for this car in the eyes and faces of all who have be involved leaves me speechless.
My feelings exactly. It's not all about the car, but the people involved, since Sam Barris, lit the torch all those years ago.
Absolutely. If you are lucky it may get to be more than the car itself. The Spiderman page just sold for 3.3 million last week. I think it must be the start of silly season. https://news.artnet.com/market/spid... sale of,quickly escalating into the millions.
Both painted by true artisans. Junior Conway & Larry Watson, respectively. The Hirohata Merc currently has a Junior's paint job on it. Of course the Merc is by far the most iconic custom. It's the little touches that you really have to look for that sets it apart from the others. Including the art work by Von Dutch on the glove box. The city striped within the pinstriping is art work in itself.
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