The 18th of December in Dallas is going to be memorable, that’s certain. Thanks to one John Clay, an extraordinary collection of 40+ meticulously restored and highly sought-after vehicles will be up for auction at no reserve at the Manheim Auction. And thanks to the Gas Monkey Garage channel on YouTube, we get a peek at all the good stuff that’s about to be listed. If vintage Chevrolets, classic cars, rare collectibles, and limited-edition marvels are your thing, and you have a bit of change lying around, this auction might just be worth its weight in gold.
A Collector’s Dream
This isn’t your average auction inventory. Among the standout vehicles is VIN #5 of the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, making it one of the oldest Corvettes still in existence. With only two or three examples of this vintage model believed to survive, its rarity and pristine condition are sure to ignite a bidding war. Adding to its allure is the extensive documentation backing its provenance, ensuring confidence for potential buyers.
Manheim Auction Highlights
- VIN #5 of the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
- 1963 Chevrolet Z06 Corvette
- 1958 Pontiac Bonneville
Another gem in the collection is a 1963 Z06 Corvette, nicknamed the “big tank” car due to its rare oversized fuel tank, a feature designed for endurance racing. With just 63 examples built, this car is a must-see for serious Corvette aficionados. Its export papers, indicating it was originally shipped to Canada, add another layer of intrigue to its story.
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More Than Just Corvettes
While the Corvettes were understandably hogging the limelight, the collection was incredibly diverse. From a fuel-injected 1958 Pontiac Bonneville to a series of power wagons and even George Jones’ personal truck, there’s something for every taste. The Bonneville, with its factory air conditioning and painstakingly restored chrome accents, exemplifies the dedication to quality found throughout the collection. Restoring a vehicle like this can cost upwards of $400,000, making its availability at auction a rare opportunity.
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The collection also includes a trio of white-and-red roadsters bearing matching “243” VINs across three different Corvette generations. There’s no doubting that this curation was done thoughtfully, then. And as we mentioned earlier, most of the vehicles will be sold at no reserve. The potential of getting a bargain is exceptionally high here, clearly.