Imagine strolling through a world-class automotive display, where every vehicle tells a captivating story, not just of its own design, but of the passionate individuals who cherished it. This August, Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions will bring exactly that experience to life. It’s an incredible opportunity to see magnificent cars from truly notable collections. We are talking about selections from the revered Francis Ford Coppola Collection, alongside offerings from Mitchell Rasansky, Brian Pollock, and the distinguished Bethel Collection.
A Cinematic Visionary’s Garage
Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind masterpieces like The Godfather trilogy, possesses a deep affection for classic automobiles. His collection, while not massive, is curated with a keen eye for historical significance and personal memories. The centerpiece of his offerings is undoubtedly a car with a star presence itself: the 1948 Tucker 48.
The Tucker 48: A Hollywood Star
This 1948 Tucker 48, estimated at $1,500,000 to $2,000,000, is no ordinary car. It’s chassis number 14 of only 50 ever built. Moreover, it is one of just twelve originally finished in the stunning #200 Waltz Blue Metallic. Coppola featured this very car extensively in his 1988 film, Tucker: The Man and His Dream. That film raised global appreciation for this often-forgotten marque. The Tucker 48 is powered by a 334-cubic-inch, water-cooled flat-six engine. This engine, originally designed for helicopters, produces 166 horsepower. Since 1988, it has proudly been the centerpiece of Mr. Coppola’s collection. He occasionally drives it and displays it at Inglenook, his family’s famous Napa Valley winery.
More from Coppola’s Personal Collection
Mr. Coppola’s passion extends to other unique vehicles. His 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Westfalia, offered without reserve at an estimate of $30,000 to $40,000, served as his mobile writing retreat for decades. Purchased new, it comes fully equipped with a pop-up top, kitchenette, and sleeping quarters. It even boasts a custom Sony sound system and drop-down video monitor. Furthermore, additional no-reserve offerings include a charming 1913 Ford Model T Touring, estimated at $15,000 to $25,000. This early icon featured a 177 cubic inch (2.9 L) inline 4-cylinder engine producing 20 horsepower. Also on offer is a superb 1936 Cord 810 Cabriolet, estimated at $90,000 to $120,000, with its groundbreaking Gordon Buehrig design. The Cord 810 features a 289 cubic inch Lycoming L-Head V-8 engine. It delivers 125 horsepower at 3,500 RPM.
Mitchell Rasansky: A Lifetime of Enthusiasm
Mitchell Rasansky, a devoted enthusiast for over 70 years, shares a fascinating cache of 10 cars from his collection. As he approaches his 90th year, he offers these vehicles. They represent a broad range of budgets and performance genres. His collection includes two highly significant Bugattis.
Bugatti Masterpieces and Race Legends
Leading the Rasansky collection is the 1927 Bugatti Type 35B, estimated at $2,500,000 to $3,000,000. This historically significant Grand Prix car boasts period competition history across Europe, winning the 1928 Antibes Grand Prix with Louis Chiron. It retains its matching-numbers 2,262 CC SOHC inline 8-cylinder engine, equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, producing an estimated 130 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. Also available is a 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Supercharged Grand Prix, estimated at $625,000 to $850,000, which is ideal for vintage racing.
Prewar American racing cars are well represented. A historic 1927 Miller Model 91 Front Wheel Drive, estimated at $600,000 to $900,000, underwent an exacting restoration. It reconstructs the famed Gwenda Hawkes-Stewart car that set numerous speed records. The Miller 91 is powered by a DOHC inline-eight cylinder engine with a supercharger, capable of 250 bhp at 8,000 rpm. Another standout is a 1932 Ford ‘Mitchell Auto Co. Special’ Roadster, estimated at $250,000 to $350,000 without reserve. This car boasts period race history at Daytona and Bonneville. Its 221 cubic inch V8 engine produced 65 horsepower. A 1932 Ford Roadster, estimated at $50,000 to $70,000 without reserve, also features period-correct hot rod components. These typically include V8 engines such as the 331 cubic inch Hemi, producing around 180 horsepower.
Postwar Classics and Sprint Cars
The collection also features American and English offerings from the 1950s. These include a striking 1958 Jaguar XK150 S 3.4-Litre Roadster, in Black over Red, estimated at $175,000 to $225,000 without reserve. Its 3.4-liter engine, with triple SU carburetors, delivered 250 horsepower. This allowed for 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph. A wonderfully restored 1956 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster, estimated at $125,000 to $175,000 without reserve, also joins the group. Its 3.4-liter engine produced 210 horsepower. The 1950 Sprint Car ‘McNamara Special,’ estimated at $100,000 to $150,000 without reserve, is a true artifact of postwar American sprint car heritage. It was the 1952 National Championship-winning sprint car. Sprint cars from this era typically ran powerful V8 engines, often producing 700-900 horsepower.
Two Kurtis-Kraft midget racers complete the collection. A 1950 Kurtis-Kraft Midget Racer, estimated at $40,000 to $60,000 without reserve, is powered by the legendary Offenhauser racing engine. The 1939 Kurtis-Kraft Midget Racer, also estimated at $40,000 to $60,000 without reserve, was built by Frank Kurtis. This 1939 model is notably powered by a 136 cubic inch Flathead Ford V8/60 engine.
The Bethel Collection: Diverse and Desirable
The Pebble Beach Auctions will also feature seven selections from the Bethel Collection, offered entirely without reserve. This private collection from Dallas, Texas, presents iconic models across European, English, and American marques. It offers prospective buyers a chance to acquire motoring history at various price points.
Modern Supercars to Vintage Gems
Leading this collection is a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, estimated at $1,250,000 to $1,500,000 without reserve. Presented in classic GT Silver Metallic over Dark Grey leather, this example has just 7,652 miles. It’s one of only 644 Carrera GTs for the US market. The Carrera GT boasts a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. This engine produces a staggering 605 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is an impressive 205 mph.
Also offered is a 1964 Aston Martin DB5, estimated at $725,000 to $825,000 without reserve. This particular DB5 features a left-hand-drive conversion, a 4.2-liter engine upgrade, and a modern five-speed gearbox. The original 3,995 cc DOHC inline-six engine typically produced 282 horsepower. This car received a photo-documented, rotisserie restoration spanning over 2,600 hours. Additional cars include a Classiche-certified 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC, estimated at $500,000 to $600,000 without reserve. Finished in Argento over Nero leather, its 3,967 cc V12 engine delivers 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.
Unique American and European Offerings
A late-production, single-owner 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, estimated at $190,000 to $230,000 without reserve, comes in a rare AMG Imola Gray over two-tone Mystic Red and cream leather. Its 6.2-liter V8 engine produces 583 horsepower. A 1961 Porsche 356 B Super Roadster, estimated at $190,000 to $230,000 without reserve, crafted by Karosserie Drauz, also joins the sale. Its 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine delivers 75 horsepower. A 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, estimated at $120,000 to $150,000 without reserve, is finished in Grabber Orange over a Black Clarion knit and Corinthian vinyl interior. Its Boss 302 V8 engine produced 290 horsepower. Finally, an uncommon soft-top, medium-wheelbase 1980 Toyota FJ43 Land Cruiser, estimated at $70,000 to $90,000 without reserve, in beautiful John Deere Green, rounds out this impressive collection. The FJ43 typically featured robust inline-six engines, known for their durability and off-road capability.
The Brian Pollock Collection: A Judge’s Legacy
Gooding Christie’s proudly presents the collection of the late Brian Pollock, an engineer and a long-time class judge at Pebble Beach. Mr. Pollock meticulously maintained his cars in accurate and correct forms. Many of his vehicles were lifelong companions, truly reflecting his passion.
Ferrari, Bugatti, and Jaguar Icons
His 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT ‘L-Series,’ estimated at $500,000 to $700,000, holds special meaning. He purchased it on his honeymoon. This Dino features a 2.4-liter V6 engine equipped with triple Weber carburetors, producing around 195 horsepower. The rare James Young-bodied 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Drophead Coupe, estimated at $400,000 to $550,000, was acquired from its original owner’s family. The Bugatti Type 57 used a 3.3-liter DOHC inline 8-cylinder engine, producing 135 horsepower. A comprehensively restored 1937 Morgan Sports Two-Seater Barrelback, estimated at $60,000 to $80,000 without reserve, also reflects his dedication. These early Morgans often featured motorcycle engines, such as a 7hp Peugeot twin-cylinder.
Mr. Pollock’s ultimate-specification 1966 Jaguar Mk II 3.8, estimated at $35,000 to $50,000 without reserve, also goes to sale. This model, with its 9:1 compression, 3.8-liter engine, delivered 220 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 125 mph. These offerings, along with many others, await new custodians at the upcoming Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions.
The Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions will take place on Friday, August 15, at 4 p.m. PDT, and Saturday, August 16, at 11 a.m. PDT, at the Pebble Beach Parc du Concours. Public previews begin Wednesday, August 13.
Disclaimer: This article provides information on vehicles presented for sale. Estimates and specifications are based on available data and may vary upon inspection. All sales are subject to Gooding & Company’s terms and conditions.
Source: Gooding Christie (googdingco.com)
